Brideshead Revisited

AIR-RAID SIREN WAILS

MURMUR OF VOICES

'If you asked me now who I am,...

..the only answer I could give with any certainty would be my name.'

'Charles Ryder.'

'For the rest,... my loves, my hates,...

down even to my deepest desires,

I can no longer say whether these emotions are my own

or stolen from those I once so desperately wished to be.'

'On second thoughts,...

one emotion remains my own,

alone among the borrowed and the second-hand,...

as pure as that faith from which I am still in flight.'

'Guilt.'

Been away, sir? Anywhere interesting?

-Jungle.

-Ah! Jungle!

-Explorer, are we?

-Painter.

Painter! So, bye bye, beardie. Hello, smooth.

RAUCOUS LAUGHTER / BABBLE OF VOICES

"Famous for his impressive architectural portraits,

British artist Charles Ryder has taken New York by storm

with a series of gripping jungle studies."

"To own a Ryder is the dream of every East Coast millionaire."

You must be so proud of him.

-Was he away long?

-Two years.

-And it doesn't feel like a day.

-You must feel positively bridal.

Can't paint to save my life. Can't even hold a buggering brush.

But... I know what I like.

Lots of colour. Nice and bright.

I see the jungle in your work as a metaphor,

not least a metaphysical statement of chaos...

-BABBLE OF VOICES CONTINUES

-Make an effort, Charles.

You're not in South America now. You're amongst civilised people.

ALL CHATTER AND LAUGH

SIGHS

-Ah! Mr Ryder...

-Excuse me, please.

-Can I just have a word...

-ALL CHATTER

BAND PLAYS LIVELY RUMBA-STYLE MUSIC

FEMALE VOCALIST SINGS, INDISTINCT

Hello, Charles.

-You're wearing a coat!

-Yes, Father. I am.

-Why?

-I'm going up to Oxford.

Ah, yes. Hmm...

Remind me. What are you taking?

-History.

-And what allowance have I given you?

-A hundred pounds.

-Oh, how very indulgent of me!

Mind you, it all comes out of capital.

Oh, I suppose this is the time I should give you advice.

Your mother was always so good at that.

-Who's meeting you?

-Cousin Jasper offered to show me around.

-Cousin Jasper?

-LAUGHS CREAKILY

Most entertaining.

BICYCLE BELL RINGS

Ah, there you are, Charles!

This way, please.

Come along!

As an only child, you will, of course, have much to learn.

Though I'm only your cousin, you must look upon my as a brother -

older, wiser, but a brother nevertheless.

It is no secret that our families are not rich in material wealth.

Keep off the grass! But I like to think that we Ryders are, all of us,

rich in the striving of minds. Now, then... Not that way!

Clothes. Dress as you do in a country house.

Never wear a tweed coat and flannel trousers.

Always a suit. And go to a London tailor. You'll get a better cut.

Protocol - first and foremost, behaving with restraint.

Nine adulteries, 12 liaisons,

64 fornications, and something approaching a rape

rest nightly upon the soul of our d-delicate friend, Florialis,

and yet the man is so quiet and reserved in demeanour

that he passes for both bloodless and sexless!

-ALL LAUGH

-Well done, my man!

Sodomites, all of them. Steer well clear.

Treat all dons as you would the local vicar, with indifference.

Oh, dear, oh, dear, this won't do at all...

You must change your rooms.

I've seen many a man ruined through having ground-floor rooms

in the front quad. People start dropping in.

They leave their gowns here and come and collect them before hall.

-You start giving them sherry, and -

-DRUNKEN SHOUTING

-ALL SHOUT IN AMUSEMENT

-Ah. Sebastian, come along.

Look at the state of you... Come on. Let's get some Chateau...

GRUNTS DISGUSTEDLY

Oh, no, no, no, sir. Stop!

-You don't clear up after yourself. That's my job.

-Sorry, Lunt.

-What's all this?

-From the gentleman last night, sir.

He just called. Left a note for you.

"I am very contrite. Please come to luncheon today. Sebastian Flyte."

The lord Sebastian Flyte, don't you know.

I'm sure it's quite a pleasure to clear up after him.

I take it you'll be out to lunch today, then, sir.

Yes, Lunt. I think I shall be.

STYLISH LIGHT-JAZZ MUSIC PLAYS

I've just counted them. There's five each,

and two over, so I'm having the two.

I'm unaccountably hungry today. I've put myself in the hands

of Dolbear and Goodall, and feel so drugged

I've begun to believe the whole of yesterday evening was a dream.

Please don't wake me.

-Do try one.

-Thank you.

-What are they?

-Plover's eggs.

The first this year.

Mummy sends them from Brideshead. They always lay early for her.

You would, too, if you knew my mother.

-Are you terribly angry with me about last night?

-No.

Not at all. Thank you for the flowers.

Aloysius, you can't go there.

Do sit down.

Tell me about you.

Me? I'm, um,... in my first year, reading history.

But really what I most want to be is a painter.

Would you like to paint me?

Why,... yes. Yes, if you like.

It's so clever of you, knowing what you want.

I've no idea what I want - except to be happy,...

..if I can. Let's have some champagne.

A glass each, before the rowdies arrive.

You don't want to join the Old Boys. They're all bloody drugged bogs

or collegers. Top me up, will you, old man?

-I don't remember you from Eton.

-I didn't go to Eton.

Oh, really? Where, then? Harrow or Winchester?

-ALL LAUGH

-Rugby?

-Well, not Charterhouse, I hope.

-ALL LAUGH

-You wouldn't have heard of it.

-Oh!

-There are other schools, Boy.

-Yes. I suppose there must be.

ALL BUT SEBASTIAN SNIGGER

-My dears!

-Hello, Blanche.

-Hello, Blanche.

I couldn't get away before. I was lunching

with my pr-preposterous tutor. I told him I had to change

-f-for f-f-f-footer!

-ALL LAUGH

Mmm...

Anthony, you remember Charles.

From last night. Charles is reading history,

-but he wants to be an artist.

-No!

-Why ever not?

-Either you are an artist, or you are not.

Hear, hear.

-Then, I am.

-Interesting!

You have about you a distinct hint of the pragmatic.

What do you wanna be an artist for?! I mean, what's the point of it?

Why don't you just buy a bloody camera and take a bloody photograph,

-and stop giving yourself airs?

-Go it, Boy.

-I don't give myself airs.

-Er, yes, you do.

And anyway, you haven't answered my question. Come on! Answer!

(ALL CHANT) Answer! Answer! Answer!

ALL CONTINUE TO CHANT

Because...

a camera is a mechanical device

which records a moment in time,

but... not what that moment means,

or the emotions that it evokes,

whereas a painting,...

however imperfect it may be,

is an expression of... feeling.

An expression of love.

Not... just a copy of something.

ALL SNIGGER ANTHONY APPLAUDS

-Who on earth do you think cares about your feelings?

-I do.

Boy, you're an oaf. Behave yourself.

To art,...

and love.

(ALL) To art and love.

We'd just arrived in his rooms,

then, without even a by-your-leave,

the Lord Flyte pokes his head through the window and vomits.

Ground-floor rooms, you see! Poor Charles may never recover.

-Morning, Jasper!

-Morning...

LAUGHS

Charles! You're to come away at once.

I've got a basket of strawberries and a bottle of Chateau Peyraguey,

which isn't a wine you've ever tasted, so don't pretend.

It's heaven with strawberries.

Just the place to bury a crock of gold.

I should like to bury something precious

in every place where I've been happy.

And then, when I was old and ugly and miserable,...

..I could come back and dig it up,...

..and remember.

Come along, Charles. There's someone I want you to meet.

-Is this where you live?

-It's where my family live.

-Don't worry. You won't have to meet them.

-But I should like to.

You can't. They're away.

Everything's shut up. We'd better go this way.

Keep up!

-Charles!

-Oh!

-(LAUGHS) Charles...

TAPS ON DOOR

-Well,... this

-is

-a surprise!

Oh, how lovely to see you! Oh...

Meet my new chum, Charles.

Charles, this is Nanny Hawkins. This is who I wanted you to meet.

-I don't think I know you, do I?

-How do you do?

Your friend has charming manners. What family are you from, Charles?

-No family. I mean, no-one important.

-Charles is an artist.

-He's going to paint me.

-GASPS

How jolly! Oh...

You've come at just the right time. Lady Marchmain's on her way.

It's the Conservative Women's tea. They always turn out for Brideshead.

I'm afraid we may have to miss them, Nanny.

Your mother will be disappointed. I'm sure she'd want to meet -

Can't be done, I'm afraid. Got to get back, or we'll be gated.

I pray for my dear Sebastian every day.

-Charles!

-It was very nice to meet you.

-Come along.

-Couldn't we just have a quick look?

-We've seen who we came for.

-Just a little look?

RIPPLING ORCHESTRAL THEME MUSIC

Don't be such a tourist, Charles. If you're that keen,

you can see it for a shilling on Queen Alexandra's Day.

God, I loathe that painting!

I could show you the chapel, I suppose. If we're quick.

What did you do that for?

You're not... Catholic, are you?

No.

I was just... trying to fit in.

Well, don't!

-Come on, come on!

-Sorry. I don't have the knack.

What are you doing?

-ENGINE COUGHS AND CATCHES

-Car. Now.

Who's that in the car with your mother?

-My sister.

-What's she like?

-For goodness sake!

I don't keep asking you about your family.

-But I've never asked you anything before!

-You're so inquisitive.

-You're so mysterious about them.

-I'd hoped I was mysterious

about everything.

Why don't you want me to meet them? Are you ashamed of them or me?

Don't be so vulgar, Charles.

I'm not having you mixed up with my family.

You're my friend.

I don't have a family.

You have me.

Sebastian and Charles contra mundum.

Contra mundum!

Father?

Father?

-Back already?

-Term's over.

So soon!

KNOCK AT DOOR

-Father, I have to leave at once.

-Oh, yes?

-A great friend has had a terrible accident. I must go to him.

-May I?

"Gravely injured. Come at once. Sebastian."

Oh, I'm sorry you're upset. Reading this message,

I would say that the accident was not as serious

as you seem to suggest, or... it would not have been signed

by the victim himself.

Still, of course, he may be fully conscious

but horribly paralysed. Remind me -

why is your presence necessary?

I told you. He's a great friend.

Well, I shall miss you, my boy.

But... don't hurry back on my account.

TRAIN WHISTLES

Take your bag, sir?

Excuse me!

Are you Charles Ryder?

Yes. Sorry! Hello.

I'm Julia, Sebastian's sister. I've been sent to pick you up.

Hop in, Mr Ryder.

Case in the back.

-How's Sebastian?

-He's fine.

-Fine?

-Did he tell you he was dying?

Well, I thought... His message said...

-I expect he thought you wouldn't come, if you knew.

-He's not hurt?

He cracked a bone in his foot so small it hasn't even got a name.

-How did it happen?

-Playing croquet.

I must admit, I did think it was a little queer,

-you travelling all this way for a croquet injury.

-I don't mind.

-It's wonderful to be here again.

-Is it? Why?

Well, it's such a beautiful house, for one thing.

I can't stand the place.

Be an angel and light me one.

There you are! At last!

-I thought you were dying.

-I thought I was, too.

The pain was excruciating.

Julia, ask Wilcox to fetch us some champagne.

-I hate champagne.

-For our guest!

Well, take your coat off. You'll boil!

Come along, Charles.

PHONOGRAPH PLAYS LIGHT JAZZ

-I thought you hated champagne.

-I do.

I suppose Sebastian's told you all about us.

-No. Nothing at all, as a matter of fact.

-Nor should I.

-What?

-I take it you're not one of us.

-Don't answer.

-I don't live like this, if that's what you mean.

-She means you're not a Catholic.

-Sorry. No.

-Nothing at all.

-You mean you're an atheist?

Well, yes, I suppose. Strictly speaking we're C of E,

but Father only ever goes at Christmas.

And funerals. He likes those.

What about your mother?

She's dead. I was very young.

She died working for the Red Cross, which, given her devotion to good,

does rather point up the arbitrariness of it all.

I see! So you're here arbitrarily.

He's here... as my friend!

Given Mr Ryder's staunch position on religion,

don't you think he ought to know what he's getting into?

-Leave Charles out of it.

-Tell me.

-Oh, God...

Mummy takes her faith very seriously indeed -

so seriously, in fact, that our fat little priest, Father McKay,

called her a living saint. Mind you, he drinks.

Sebastian and I are a couple of heathens.

I'm not a heathen. I'm a sinner, cast out from God's love.

As for you, you're not a heathen at all. Not really.

Why do we always end up talking about family?

It's time for my bath.

Good evening, Mr Ryder. Look after my brother.

I don't think your sister likes me very much.

I don't think she cares for anyone much.

I love her.

She's like me.

Drink! In remembrance of me.

CHUCKLES

Hang on!

-Oh!

-Argh! (LAUGHS)

I know, but that's... checkmate.

BOTH LAUGH Come here.

(LAUGHS) Oh...

If only it could be like this always.

Always summer.

'Always alone.'

Fruit always ripe.

Cheers.

PHONOGRAPH PLAYS LIGHT JAZZ

-Now...

-Mmm?

Try this.

-No?

-Mm. It's a shy little wine.

Like a gazelle.

-Like a leprechaun.

-Dappled in a tapestry meadow.

-BOTH LAUGH

-A flute by still water.

-Mmm.

This... This is a wise old wine.

Mm-hm?

A prophet in a cave.

And this...

is a string of pearls on a white neck.

BOTH LAUGH

A swan.

The last unicorn.

LAUGHS

BOTH LAUGH

Who's that?

-Is that your brother?

-Yes. That's Bridey.

He seems all right to me.

Wait till you meet him.

Mother!

-Hello, there.

-Go away! We're not decent!

-Mummy's here.

-We know!

She's invited Charles to dinner.

WOMAN SPEAKS QUIETLY AND REPROACHFULLY

It's no use crying, darling. That's just childish.

-SEBASTIAN SOBS

-It's not going to help, is it?

You see, darling, whatever yesterday's sins,

we must all pray for God's forgiveness.

REPLIES, INDISTINCT

Try. Try again, hmm?

Be a good boy - for God, and for Mummy.

-Hmm?

-SOBS SOFTLY

Put your jacket on now.

Dining room's this way.

Is Sebastian all right? He seemed... upset.

Oh,... he and Mummy often have these talks.

Flannels for dinner! Very bold, Mr Ryder.

-Will your mother mind?

-Yes. She'll be appalled.

No. Don't worry. She'll be understanding.

Do you often do that?

What?

-Say one thing and mean another.

-Yes.

And no.

Thank you.

RECITES GRACE IN LATIN

-Amen.

-(ALL) Amen.

Welcome to Brideshead, Mr Ryder. I've been hearing all about you.

I hope you didn't let Sebastian call you away in too much of a rush.

I didn't have time to pack the right things.

Sebastian must lend you some clothes while you're here.

Or perhaps Bridey's a better fit. Are you a Bridey or a Sebastian?

He can't borrow Bridey's clothes. Bridey dresses like a bank clerk.

Don't be vulgar, Cordelia. Vulgar is not the same as funny.

I hope you've been looked after properly, Ryder.

Has Sebastian been seeing to the wine?

Yes. Sebastian's been seeing to the wine.

Delighted to hear it.

You're... fond of wine?

-Yes, very.

-I wish I were.

It's such a bond with other men.

At Christchurch I tried to get drunk, but I didn't enjoy it.

-What

-do

-you enjoy, Bridey?

Hunting.

Shooting.

Fishing.

-And what form do your pleasures take, Mr Ryder?

-Sorry. Pleasures?

Your hobbies. What do you do to relax?

-He drinks.

-Drinking is not a hobby, Sebastian.

You live in London. Is that correct?

-Yes.

-Whereabouts?

-Paddington.

You live in a railway station?

No, no. (CLEARS THROAT) Sorry. I, um...

-I live nearby.

-Oh, I see.

And has this led to an interest in trains?

-No.

-So,...

are you close with Sebastian's crowd?

-Not really.

-Anthony Blanche?

We're... acquainted.

Charles is a painter, Mummy.

How charming! We must get you to paint something for us.

-Would you do that?

-I'd be delighted.

I think Brideshead's the most beautiful house I've ever seen.

-It's utterly magical.

-How kind you are!

Summer at Brideshead...

Mr Ryder must stay with us for the rest of the vacation.

As a matter of fact, I've just heard from Papa.

-He wants me to go and see him in Venice. And Julia.

-I see.

-And do you intend to accept this invitation?

-Yes. Why not?

-Julia, will you be going?

-I'd like to.

Wouldn't you rather stay at Brideshead?

Well,... yes, if you want me to.

You must not neglect your duty.

No, Mother.

I think we might spend a little time in the chapel after dinner.

Would you join us, Mr Ryder?

-Thank you.

-You do know Charles is an atheist?

An agnostic, surely.

Actually, no.

But you'll join us anyway,...

..out of curiosity.

Thank you.

-No Sebastian?

-No, Mummy.

Charles, are you really an atheist?

Yes.

-I am.

-How awful for you!

I'll put you on my prayer list. I have a long list to pray for,

including six Black Cordelias in Africa. It's a new thing.

You send five bob to some nuns, and they christen a baby after you.

Right.

(ALL EXCEPT CHARLES) ..Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us,

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil. Amen.

# Salve Regina

(ALL) # Mater misericordiae

# Vita dulcedo

# Et spes nostra salve

# Ad te clamavus

# Exsules filii Hevae

# Ad te suspiramus

# Gementes et flentes

# In hac lacrimarum valle... #

Have you ever been to Venice, Mr Ryder?

-No. No, I haven't.

-Oh, every ambitious young man

should visit Venice. It makes one sound more complete.

I was thinking,...

if Sebastian were to go,

it might be a good thing if you were to accompany him.

He needs someone plausible by his side.

I gather last time he was there he was befriending some...

very odd types. If it's youthful high spirits, I understand.

But in the end,... we must all accept God's limits,...

..atheist or no.

I know I can rely on you.

You seem to be a very reliable young man.

CHURCH BELLS RING

-San Giovanni e Paolo!

-Oh, dear.

I can see you're going to be impossibly curious.

By the way, I should warn you. Our lovely father is rather a scoundrel.

He lives in one of the palazzos with Cara.

-Who's Cara?

-His mistress.

Poor Papa is rather shunned by society.

Not the Italians, of course. They adore him.

-Santa Maria dei Miracoli.

-I know! I've seen the postcard.

-My dear boy!

-Darling Papa!

-You look so young!

-Do you think so? I've been playing tennis at the Lido

with a professional. Cara thinks I'm getting far too fat.

-Julia, come here.

-Father!

My child! I wasn't sure if you'd come.

-Mummy gave me her blessing.

-Blessed by your mother!

What a saint that woman is! I used to try everything to please her. I -

-Julia, this is your friend Mr Ryder?

-Charles is my friend, Papa.

-I see.

-Delighted.

-How do you do, sir?

-Welcome to Venice!

-There's Cara! Now we can eat.

Come along, now. This way.

CHURCH BELLS RING BABBLE OF ITALIAN VOICES

Don't look so greedy! It won't go away.

Sorry.

I wasn't sure you'd come to Venice.

Your father seemed pleased to see you.

I'm not sure Father cares much if I come.

He'd be just as happy with Sebastian. They adore each other.

They're alike in so many ways.

-Who are you like?

-Me?

Oh...

Nobody.

I'm the family shadow.

-BELL RINGS

-Drinks.

LAUGHS

-Julia!

-Cara...

Mr Ryder, Sebastian tells me you are a painter.

-Charles is an artist.

-Good!

I will show you all the great art of Canaletto and Veronese.

He never goes anywhere. Such a philistine!

I don't mind the art. It's religion I can't stand.

The Italians seem unable to paint anything half decent

without putting Christ dying in it. Your mother loved Italy -

-a pieta on every street corner.

-Don't be cruel.

She'd be flattered. God was always her first love.

-Mummy loves all of us equally.

-Julia...

-You were the one who left!

What must you think of us, Mr Ryder?!

A family of monsters, are we not?

No, not at all. I lost my mother when I was young.

Tell me, Mr Ryder,... as an artist,...

-what did you make of Brideshead?

-I thought it was magnificent.

You think that? Really?

And now here you are in Venice.

What a lot of temptations!

BOTH CHATTER AND LAUGH

He walks for two hours every day. He wants to be immortal.

But he's quite fragile, you know? Inside.

That woman nearly suffocated him.

She's been very kind to me.

Oh, yes. I'm sure!

But you will see.

Just look at her children! Even when they were tiny,

in the nursery, they must do what she want them to do,

be what she want them to be. Only then would she love them.

It's not Lady Marchmain's fault. Her god has done that to her.

-But surely you're Catholic, too.

-(CHUCKLES) Yes, but...

a different sort. It's different in Italy.

Not so much guilt.

We do what the heart tell us, and...

then we go to confession.

Sebastian loves you very much, I think.

They're very good, these romantic English friendships,...

if they don't go on too long.

For you, it's just... How do you say? A phase.

But I think it's more than that for poor Sebastian.

Tread carefully, Mr Ryder.

-Come on.

-BOTH LAUGH

No... No!

ALL LAUGH

-Can't sleep.

-Try pyjamas.

I enjoyed the beach today. I hope I wasn't too rough.

You were very sweet.

Charles?

There you are!

Oh...

Oh! (LAUGHS) Sorry.

Lots to drink.

-I'm so glad you're here.

-Mm-hm?

-I'm glad you're here.

-I'm glad I came.

-Did I say I'm glad you're here?

You're really glad I'm here? BOTH LAUGH

SHOUTING / CHEERING

-Let's get plastered!

-If you want.

Oh, yes, I do. I want! (LAUGHS) I want!

BABBLE OF EXCITED VOICES

LAUGHTER FIREWORKS CRACKLE

Oh, there's a wonderful chapel near here.

-You will see a masterpiece.

-DRUM BOOMS

PANDEMONIUM

The devil's got his eye on you.

-LAUGHS EVILLY

-Then, you must protect me.

LAUGHTER RISING MUSIC

ALL CHATTER AND SHOUT

Julia!

ALL PLAY VIGOROUS TATTOO

ALL SHOUT AND LAUGH

Julia!

I got lost. All those people...

What are you doing?

What's the matter?

Funny old religion, isn't it?

Sebastian...

What happened just now...

I never meant you to...

If I'd known it was going to happen,...

I'd never have...

I don't know what I'm supposed to...

LAUGHS CREAKILY

Check... mate.

I'm boring you!

Perhaps it is dull for you here. You've been enjoying yourself?

-I've been in Venice.

-Ah, yes... I suppose so.

The friend you were so much concerned about...

Did he die?

-No!

-Oh, I'm very thankful.

You should have written to tell me. I worried about him so much.

BUZZ OF CONVERSATION

-Oh, watch out, Flyte!

-Sebastian!

-Sebastian!

-Leave me alone!

-Where is he... bastard?

-Who?

-Mr Samgrass.

-Who's Mr Samgrass?

One of Mummy's gang. Fat little Catholic from All Souls.

Bastard's been set up to follow me. I wouldn't mind

if he wasn't so infernally ugly. God, I feel a hundred years old!

Why haven't you called round? I was beginning to think

they hadn't sent you up.

-Since Venice?

-Yes.

-Damn! There he is again.

-Who? What are you talking about?

Mr Samgrass! There! Mummy's hired him to watch me.

-What does he want?

-My head on a plate.

Look,... if he's bothering you, I can stop him.

LAUGHS

Dear Charles!

Always so certain.

I'm not certain of anything.

Aren't you?

Oh, by the way,...

Mummy's here.

She has to talk to you.

Probably wants you to spy on me, as well.

Don't be like that.

Why don't I come round to your rooms later?

I'm not sure I want to see you any more.

I'm so sorry!

So, Charles,...

..how was Venice?

Venice was fine.

Strange way to put it.

-It was beautiful.

-Speaking as an artist or a man?

I want a word with you about Sebastian.

I'm concerned about him.

-Tea?

-No, thank you. Why? Should I be?

He's drinking too much. You must have noticed.

After all, I sent you to look after him.

-I suppose we both drink too much.

-No. You drink to get drunk.

Sebastian drinks to escape the claims of his conscience.

I do wish I could understand why he's so upset. Ever since Venice,

he's been unreachable.

Did something happen there?

No.

-You all had a good time?

-Yes.

I wonder what it could have been.

I hope you didn't let Julia mislead you.

I don't understand.

Oh, I think you do.

Please understand, I would not want you to make yourself look foolish.

Her future is not a question of choice.

It is a matter of faith.

Were it simply a difference in... upbringing,

this I might overlook.

But you are a self-proclaimed atheist,

and my daughter is destined to marry a Catholic.

God commands, and we obey.

However, we're here to talk about your friendship with my son.

I'm not sure Sebastian wants to be my friend any more.

Because of Julia?

That is all cleared up now.

We're giving a ball for Julia's 21st.

I'd like you to keep Sebastian company.

You came to Brideshead as my son's friend.

If you have... unaccountably offended him,

is it too much to ask that you revisit your responsibilities?

-To him or to you?

-To the family.

And, of course, Brideshead does look particularly beautiful

at this time of year.

Tell me,... I'm curious.

Since, as you claim, you have no religion,...

..what do you imagine you are doing on this earth?

Living my life, the same as you.

But without faith, what could your purpose possibly be?

I want to look back and say that I was...

alive.

That I didn't turn my back. That I tried.

-That I was happy.

-Happiness in this life

is irrelevant. All that matters -

the only thing of consequence -

is the life hereafter.

Funny, isn't it? It's my little present to the family.

-Rex Mottram. How do you do?

-Charles Ryder.

Good to meet you, Charles. Heard all about you.

We should, er,... compare notes sometime.

-Going on the hunt?

-I don't think so.

-Wise man.

Load of English bluebloods on horseback...

Got to fit in, though!

TAPS ON DOOR

-Who is it?

-JAZZ MUSIC PLAYS

-It's me.

-You could have knocked.

-I nearly spilled my drink.

-I did!

Sit down.

If only it could be like this always.

-Always summer...

-Ancient history.

Pass me the towel.

Where's that damn shirt?

You're shaking.

What is it? What's the matter?

Don't you know, Charles?

Why this is hell, nor am I out of it?

-If I've ever done anything...

-It's not you.

It's me.

For God's sake,...

do stop mooning at me like a great big cow.

I'm fine.

I'm fine, so long as I've got plenty of this.

I want you to know that, whatever happened in Venice,

I'm not in your mother's gang, if that's what you think.

I'm on your side.

Contra mundum.

Dear Charles!

You're not in anybody's gang.

That's always been your problem.

Why are you going on the hunt? I thought you detested hunting.

I do.

I'm going to leave Bridey at the first covert,

hack over to the nearest pub and spend the whole day drinking.

They treat me like a dipsomaniac. They can bloody well have one.

-Well, they can't stop you.

-They can, as a matter of fact.

By not giving me any money. They've stopped my bank account!

I pawned my watch and cigarette case.

That lasted for a bit, but...

..that's all gone now.

So,...

-regretfully...

-Sebastian, I can't do that.

I thought you were on my side.

-I am!

-Well, then...

Why don't I come with you? It's miserable drinking alone.

We can get drunk together, like we used to.

No.

I'm past all that.

Thanks for the offer.

Well,...

are you with me or against me?

A bit further up on the shoulder.

Look.

Up here.

ALL APPLAUD

Ladies and gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure

to announce, on top of the birthday festivities,

to announce the engagement of my eldest daughter, Lady Julia Flyte,

to Mr Rex Mottram.

ALL GASP / APPLAUD

LIVELY CHARLESTON MUSIC STRIKES UP

-Thank you, Charles. I'd love to dance.

-Cordelia...

-Cordelia, I'm really...

-Come along!

Charles, I hope you don't mind me asking,

but... modern art,

-it is all bosh, isn't it?

-Yes. It's all bosh.

Good. Thought so.

Oh, get a grip, Charles. Rex?

Rex, I need a better dancer.

Yours for five minutes and no more.

-Come on!

-OK.

Why didn't you tell me?

It's not Sebastian. I don't believe that.

Charles, I can't do this.

-When we kissed...

-Please, stop!

Why?

It was wonderful.

I know.

I think about it all the time.

I have no choice.

Oh, Sebastian!

Never mind.

-Oh, Charles...

-Don't! GLASS BREAKS

-Come along, old boy.

-I don't want your help.

-You're in tweed. This is a ball.

-Bugger off, Bridey.

You're worse than wet.

You see, what it is,...

I hate you all so very much!

-Sebastian...

-Get off me! You don't care about me.

-All you ever wanted was to sleep with my sister.

-That's enough.

All right. I'm going.

BAND STRIKES UP LIVELY DANCE MUSIC AGAIN

Charles...

Did you give Sebastian money today?

Yes, I did.

Knowing how he was likely to spend it?

Yes.

I don't understand.

How could you be so nice in so many ways,

and then do something so wantonly cruel?

We all liked you so much.

I just don't understand how we deserved it.

Do you think it's better...

to make him feel like a criminal?

Having him watched every second of the day?

You deliberately helped him to drink.

You're the reason he drinks,...

..not me.

All I did was...

-try to give him a little freedom.

-No. You just wanted him to like you.

You're so desperate to be liked. I think you should leave now, Charles.

Hello, there. Would you like me to hold the ladder?

Yes. Thanks.

I'm Celia Mulcaster, by the way.

Charles Ryder.

I saw your paintings in the brochure.

I thought how charming they looked.

No need to look so gloomy.

If I had half your talent, I'd be delirious.

You can thank me if you want.

Thank you.

Would you like me to buy something now?

..silent as the grave, and, pop! The mouse is dead.

-Charles.

-Lady Marchmain.

Thank you, Father.

I'm so glad your son didn't die of his injuries.

Please, sit down.

I'm fine. Thank you.

-How did you know where I lived?

-My driver found you.

The Ryders of Paddington are limited in number.

I hear you have your first exhibition at the Royal Academy.

-Congratulations.

-I'm sure you're not here to ask me how I am.

No. The last time we saw each other, I spoke rather harshly.

I'm not here to apologise. What I said, I meant.

I took you into my confidence and you betrayed me.

I do hope you're not asking me to agree with you.

-I act only as God directs.

-Rubbish!

God's your best invention. Whatever you want, he does.

-I am not here to argue with you.

-Good. I'm glad to hear it.

The reason I called was to ask you a favour.

A favour?

Sebastian's gone missing. He's in a house in Morocco.

I'm worried about him. I need you to bring him back.

You banish me from your house,

you poison my friendship with both your children,

and now you expect me to go begging on your behalf?

-There's no-one else I can ask.

-Even if I were to agree,

what makes you think Sebastian would take any notice of me?

Because he cared for you more than he ever cared for anyone else.

All I ever wanted was to see them safe.

And all they do is hate me.

I'll be at Brideshead. You may send word to me there.

Driver!

-Driver!

-COUGHS

BABBLE OF VOICES

ALL SHOUT AND ARGUE

HEN CLUCKS

Bonjour, monsieur.

POIGNANT JAZZ MUSIC PLAYS

COUGHING

I'm looking for Sebastian Flyte.

This is... his house.

-Who are you?

-I'm his friend.

In the local hospital.

When you see him,... tell him I'm still here.

Your friend has got the gripe.

One of his lungs is full of fluid.

He will recover.

But travel with you? Not a chance.

He's very weak. No resistance.

What do you expect? He is an alcoholic.

Excusez-moi.

Here is your friend.

-What the hell are you doing here?

-Your mother asked me to come.

She wants me to... bring you back home,

but the doctor said it's out of the question for you to travel.

I wouldn't, even if I could.

I think...

I think she's dying.

Walk with me. I'm meant to exercise.

Did you go to my house?

Did you meet Kurt?

Yes.

He wanted you to know he was waiting for you.

It's rather a pleasant change,...

..when, all your life, you've had people looking after you,

to have someone to look after yourself.

-I thought you'd want to go back to Brideshead one day.

-Brideshead?!

Are you mad?

The place would still be full of her.

I wouldn't go within a hundred miles of the place.

I need to sit.

I'm sorry.

Whatever for?

Everything.

It's all right.

Truly.

I asked too much of you.

I knew it all along, really.

Only God can give you that sort of love.

Come home, Sebastian.

When you're well enough.

Don't finish it like this.

This is my life now.

I'm happy here.

I miss you.

How sweet of you to say that!

Dear Charles.

It was my fault for bringing you to Brideshead.

Run away.

Run far away, and don't ever look back.

I'm sorry.

You must be so proud of him!

-Was he away long?

-Er, two years.

And it doesn't feel like a day!

Hello, Charles.

Did you know I was on the boat?

If I said no, you wouldn't believe me.

You're married now.

Yes.

You haven't changed at all.

Neither have you.

-How ridiculous!

-Yes, isn't it?

Tell me this is fate.

-What?

-Nothing.

Tell me.

I was thinking about Sebastian.

Mummy died without ever seeing him again.

I know.

-Let's go up on deck.

-Are you sure?

They're all asleep! Come on.

LAUGHS

Come on!

(LAUGHS) Ssh!

Sorry!

-So, where's Rex?

-I drowned him!

Forgive me, Rex!

-Lady Julia! Fancy meeting you here.

-Mr Ryder.

-Could I possibly get you a drink?

-Dry martini, please.

One dry martini, one whisky with water. Please, allow me.

Hmm... BOTH CHUCKLE

-So, why did you marry Rex?

-Oh, I don't know.

-Because he wasn't you.

-Because he was rich.

Because he was Catholic. Because Mummy approved,

God rest her soul.

-I thought he was my painted savage.

-Hmm!

It turns out he was thoroughly up to date.

-Thank you.

-No more talk about Rex. He's in England.

Do you have children?

No.

No.

-What will you tell your wife?

-Wait until London.

I have a viewing to arrange. I'll sort it out. It'll be fine.

-Where shall we go?

-Somewhere abroad, like Daddy.

-What about Italy? Capri?

-Antibes.

-Seville.

-Verona.

-Paris.

-Brideshead.

-(LAUGHS) No!

Why not? It's the loveliest place on earth.

I can't go back there, not after this.

-Nonsense. We've nothing to apologise for.

-No!

-Rex is there.

-Leave it to me. I'll settle things with Rex.

I'll settle everything.

-Trust me.

-(LAUGHS) I do!

-And stop worrying.

-I will.

Mr and Mrs Ryder?

Look! That's the Duke and Duchess of Clarence.

-They want to buy one.

-How very gracious of them!

Make an effort, Charles. I've got you the cream of Mayfair.

Charles!

How charming you look!

Anthony!

I heard, quite by chance, that you were having an exhibition,

so I dashed impetuously to the shrine to pay homage.

Where are the pictures?

Let me explain them to you.

MURMUR OF POLITE CONVERSATION

This is simply charm - simple English creamy charm,

playing tigers.

But enough of art. They tell me you're happy in love,

and that is everything, isn't it? Or... nearly everything.

Everyone's talking about it. So, it's Julia now.

And it used to be Sebastian.

Do you think I should warn her?

Warn her about what?

How apropos that you should have chosen j-j-jungles for your canvas.

I always thought you the lamb to be slaughtered,

when, all along, it is they who are to be hunted.

There really is no end to your hunger,

is there, Charles?

-Why do I feel so nervous?

-Don't be.

Who are all these people?

Politicians. Money men. Rex thinks there's a war coming with Hitler.

He wants to do well out of it. It's all he talks about.

-Hello, Julia.

-Hello, Rex.

-Good evening, Rex.

-Mr Ryder! Welcome back to Brideshead.

-I hear you're making quite a name for yourself.

-Could we talk?

Later. I have guests.

It's cold.

Not here!

-Sorry.

-Let's go back to London.

-Let me settle everything with Rex.

-And then we'll leave.

Yes?

-Charles!

-Yes.

If that's what you want.

LAUGHS

-Hello, Bridey!

-Oh, hello, Julia.

-Just up from London?

-Yes.

Welcome back to Brideshead, Charles. How's your family?

Fine, thank you.

-Rex still entertaining?

-He's got business.

Ah! I'm sorry he's not here. I have a little announcement to make.

-Well, come on. Out with it!

-I'm engaged to be married.

-Congratulations, Bridey!

-Wh-... Who is she?

-Oh, no-one you know.

-Is she pretty?

I don't think you could exactly call her pretty.

"Comely" is the word I think of in her connection.

-She is a big woman.

-Fat?

No, big. She's called Mrs Muspratt. Her Christian name is Beryl.

-But, Bridey, where did you find her?

-Her late husband, Admiral Muspratt,

-collected matchboxes.

-You're not marrying her for her matchboxes?!

-CHUCKLES QUIETLY

-No, no.

The matchboxes were left to the library. I'm just holding them.

-Why are you laughing?

-I hope you'll be very happy.

Thank you. I think I'm very fortunate.

You sly old thing! When are we going to meet her?

-You must bring her here.

-I couldn't.

-Why not?

Beryl is a woman of strict Catholic principle,

fortified by the prejudices of the middle classes.

-I couldn't possibly bring her here.

-I don't understand.

It may be a matter of indifference to you that you live in sin,

but on no account would Beryl consent to be your guest.

How dare you talk to her like that?

Bloody offensive thing to say!

There was nothing she could object to. I was merely stating a fact

well known to her.

Take no notice of him, my darling.

So! Got you.

Sorry about the delay.

I'll be outside.

The door? Door's made from all the works of Dickens.

-I had it installed especially. Want one?

-No, thank you.

I know what you're thinking.

How vulgar can I get? You wanna know a secret?

I do it on purpose! It amuses me to offend their delicate sensibilities.

So, you wanna take my wife off me...

You know she can't marry a divorcee, right?

-Against the rules.

-At least she'll be free of you.

-She'll never be free.

-Don't pretend you've been faithful.

Who said I had? I bet you'd love to get your hands on the house, though.

All those pretty paintings, all those pretty views...

Let her go, Rex. You never loved her.

The only thing you ever had in common was religion.

I wasn't a Catholic. I converted before the wedding.

-Bet she didn't tell you that.

-I guessed.

Oh, yeah?

You're the type.

You people...

You never learn.

You could have had it all, if you'd been a little more flexible.

They wanted a Catholic. I converted. It's a great religion.

You sin all you want, then you confess. Problem solved.

You've got to woo these people. This family don't live in the real world.

-They're mortgaged up to the hilt.

-Get to the point.

You want my wife? Make me an offer.

-I'm not just giving her away.

-Don't do this. It's demeaning.

Try a little harder.

You're a rich man. You've already got what you want.

You can never have enough of what you want.

Nah, you're right.

You're taking her off my hands. That's a favour.

I'll tell you what I'll do.

You give me a couple of your jungle pics,

and I'll give you an annulment. I hear you're worth collecting.

Come on, Charlie-boy. Say yes. You know you want to.

You don't have to speak.

Just nod.

My driver will take me to London. He'll pick up the paintings.

You know she's mad? Can't even give you children.

Lost the only one we had.

RETREATING FOOTSTEPS

Julia?

I'm so sorry. I didn't know.

-It's just a shock.

-Ssh.

Ssh. Don't.

I've always known, ever since nursery.

I tried to be good. I really did. I married Rex.

All through the backgammon and cigars, I tried.

But it's not enough.

It's never enough.

God had to punish me.

So he took my little stillborn... My child. My girl.

With you, I thought I could really and truly be free.

But coming back here, it's like a thread,

an invisible thread, drawing you back, inch by inch,

until, all of a sudden, you're a child again,

and that voice inside your head, the one that Mummy planted

all those years ago, every night in the nursery,

filling your head with it, and the voice is whispering,

"Wicked little Julia! Bad little girl, living in sin!"

-And here I am again with you, living in sin!

-Ssh...

It's over. It's over now. SOBS

SOBS

-Everything set?

-That's everything, sir.

-Thank you, Wilcox.

-Best of luck, sir.

Who's that?

Go back! Turn around. I have to go back.

-Staff, immediately.

-Yes, sir.

Come on, quickly, now!

Hurry, hurry!

-The sedan chair!

-Very gently, very gently.

-Argh!

-Hurry, hurry!

-Get a move on!

-Come along, come along!

-Have you got the wrap?

-Hup!

-Gently...

Can I have the medical bag?

-Father!

-Oh, dear Julia!

Come on, please. Come on!

I'm sorry. I was to call, but we've been travelling without stop.

-It was Cordelia. She was visiting us in Venice...

-What happened?

His heart. Some long word... at the heart.

He's dying. He has come home to die.

-That's it. Chop-chop.

-(WILCOX)

-Come along!

We must get Lord Marchmain to the great dining room.

He's sleeping.

-Should we let Sebastian know?

-We could, but I doubt he'd come.

The last I heard of him, he's still struggling rather.

The monks have him as a porter in the hospital in Morocco.

He seems to like it. They've taken him under their wing,

dear old thing. Still,...

..salvation of a sort.

Bridey, you need to call for a priest.

I'll ask Father McKay to drop in this evening.

Julia, your father doesn't want a priest.

What he wants is to die in his old home.

Our father's soul,... all sinners' souls... face mortal danger.

It is our duty, as Catholics,

to do all in our power to save those we love from themselves.

Hateful woman!

She wants me dead.

What about you? Do you want me dead?

No.

You know the family are sending for a priest?

They seem determined to drag God into it.

Why should you care?

You don't believe in God.

You said so yourself.

Have you suddenly become my conscience?

I've already seen Sebastian ruined by God.

I don't see why I should watch it happen again

with your daughter.

How very caring of you!

You forget I was there.

I watched that woman crucify my son,

little by little,

and I was silent.

What does that say about me?

You're not responsible for what she did.

But are we not also our brother's keeper?

You, Charles,

and me?

I let Sebastian down.

I let everyone down.

MURMUR OF CONVERSATION

BREATHES RAGGEDLY THROUGH VENTILATOR

Oh, dear, no. That's too many. Your father needs to rest.

-Get him away.

-It's Father McKay.

-Get him away!

-GET HIM AWAY! (COUGHS)

-Everybody out!

Out, out, out!

-I'm so sorry, Father.

-Oh, not at all.

Give him time. I've known worse cases make beautiful deaths.

What were you talking to my father about?

He doesn't want a priest.

Please, Charles.

-Please don't interfere with matters that don't concern you.

-Julia!

Let's get out of here. We'll go to Italy.

-Capri.

-I can't leave now.

My father's dying.

When this is over, I can make you happy.

-Why should I believe you?

-Believe me.

You just bought me from Rex.

What are you talking about?

According to you, I'm worth two pictures.

I thought I'd fetch at least three.

Don't be ridiculous.

-That was Rex.

-You agreed to it, Charles.

-I had no choice.

-You agreed!

I was doing what you wanted.

No! You thought you were getting me and the house together.

-Is that really what you think?

-You tell me. Please.

What does Charles Ryder really want?

Can you imagine what it was like for me,

to be invited into Brideshead?

Me,

Charles Ryder.

A painter from Paddington, as your mother so sweetly put it.

There was no humiliation I would not have endured

just to be part of that dream.

And your mother...

That woman is more alive now than she ever was.

She's in every brick, every stone,

every slate.

Sebastian was right.

We should run away.

-Why did you bring me here?

-We can still leave.

THUNDER RUMBLES

GASPS / WHEEZES

AGONISED BREATHING

WHEEZES / CHOKES

BREATHES RAGGEDLY

-Bridey...

-Don't interfere, Charles.

Now, try and remember your sins, and tell God you're sorry.

I'm going to give you absolution now, and while I'm giving it,

I want you to tell God you're sorry you offended Him,

and then I want you to make a sign, if you can.

Misereatur tui omnipotens Deus,

et dimissis peccatis tuis,

perducat te ad vitam aeternam. Amen.

-Amen.

-Amen.

CONTINUES TO READ ABSOLUTION IN LATIN

In nomine Patris,

et Filiis et Spiritu Sancti.

Amen.

SOBS

(Please, God, please...)

(Forgive him.)

(Forgive me. Oh, God, forgive me. Let him have a sign.)