Monk Dawson

This programme contains some strong language.

-RADIO:

-BBC Radio News. The headlines this morning.

The United Nations Secretary, Senor Prez de Cullar, has admitted

that military action is the only action left if Saddam Hussein is to be removed from Kuwait.

-NARRATOR:

-I don't think he ever forgave me for what happened.

I don't see how he could.

I realise now that we were always going to be different.

He lived in the hope of making things better.

I lived for myself.

CHURCH BELL RINGS

-You're a long way from the action, Mr Winterman.

-Yes.

And this is not a professional visit.

No, Father. It's personal.

-You do realise he's taken a vow of silence.

-Yes.

I can grant a dispensation.

But it is not to be given lightly.

-You're not family, are you?

-No.

But I have known him for quite some time.

BELL RINGS

You'll find your friend in here. Try not to be too long.

Hello, Eddie.

I was just passing. I thought I'd...

..you know...

TRAIN WHISTLE

You a new boy?

Take your trunk and join the line over there.

-Good evening.

-BOYS:

-Good evening, sir.

-Welcome, Mr and Mrs...

-Dawson.

I'm Mrs Dawson, this is Dr Dawson and this is our son Eddie.

-I think it should be Edward, dear.

-No, he's ALWAYS been Eddie.

It doesn't matter. Here he will be known as Dawson

Our friendship was sealed on that first awful day.

And though I soon had others, I always thought of Dawson as my best friend.

But a friend somehow too precious for everyday use.

In our second summer at the school, Eddie's father died.

At the time, none of us were aware that Dr Dawson committed suicide.

I'm sure it was this mortal sin that gave the monks their early hold over Eddie.

-I take it you'll be able to afford the new fee.

-I should be able to.

-Sally will have to go to the local school but...

-Your son should come first.

Yes. I'm so glad you can keep him on.

The school became his home and the monks became his family.

Come on, keep going. Move it.

Come on, keep going! Don't flag now!

That's right. Come on, Winterman. What's the matter with you?

Left, right, left, right, left, right...

Bloody ridiculous. We almost got incinerated last week over some island in the Caribbean

and here we are playing at soldiers as if nothing happened.

Eyes up, left!

Bloody ridiculous.

Eyes up!

Dawson, Eddie. Sir House's turn to take high mass on Sunday.

Can you arrange some servers? And impress upon them that this is not a lark.

I do not want us to look as foolish as St Aidan's did last Sunday.

Clear? Good.

JAZZY FRENCH LOVE SONG

ORGAN PLAYS

THEY SING A HYMN

And it is with this spiritual dimension in mind

that many young men think of a vocation to the priesthood or to a monastery such as this one.

It is sad nowadays how many young men should feel that the priesthood is not a place for them.

You are all doubly blessed.

You have both a circum education and the one true faith.

These blessings bring with them responsibility.

You must exercise this responsibility well.

God has given you a gift.

Do not squander it.

Stand.

SAYS LATIN PRAYER

'Eddie loved to serve at the altar on Sundays,

'and we could all see how the monks treated indifferently.

'They trusted him and gave him responsibility over the juniors.'

Winterman, are you awake?

No.

I'm worried that, if I go to sleep, I'll get a vocation,

end up stuck here for the rest of my life.

Surely it's something to welcome rather than fear.

I'm damn sure I don't want to find out.

You must be mad if you think...

KNOCKING SOUND

Furness , did you lamp-post Steele's bed?

Yes.

Why?

Well, because he's fat and he's smelly.

MUFFLED GIGGLING

Dawson! Dawson! Quickly, Dawson!

It's Furness - he can't swim!

COUGHING AND SPLUTTERING

Everyone's in, sir.

Thank you, Dawson.

Something the matter?

Have you got a moment, sir?

How long have you had these feelings for this boy?

I don't know, sir.

Eddie, there are some things you may not quite understand.

This friendship for Furness, it is not, cannot be, a good thing.

Do you understand?

Yes, sir.

Feelings such as these are often a by-product of growing up.

That's not to say they are not wrong.

This is a serious matter, Eddie, and it must be nipped in the bud.

Six strokes of the cane, I think, will sort you out.

Understand, don't you, Eddie?

Surely this vocation thing will pass.

You've got to get out into the real world,

outside this valley, give yourself some experience.

There are plenty of ways to help people outside.

Surely the best way to serve others is to serve God.

'I could never understand how my friend's affection for Ferness

'led him to believe that he was destined to serve God.

'But it was no surprise to me that, when I fled the valley,

'Dawson stayed on.'

Most Reverend Father, Holy Mother Church asks you to ordain this man,

our brother, for service as a priest.

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit...

I'm so proud, Eddie.

You really ought to call me John now, Mother.

You know I'll never get used to that, dear.

So, what's the form here, then?

Normally I'd be expecting to kiss the bride.

Thanks for coming, Bobby. You remember my mother?

And this is my sister, Sally.

-Hello.

-Hello.

Bobby's been rather successful, Mother.

I'm only a journalist, Eddie.

Journalist! That does sound exciting. Just think, Eddie.

Sorry I have to rush away.

You're always in my prayers, Bobby. I hope you don't mind.

God! I mean good Lord, no. They seem to be working.

Well, goodbye.

Goodbye, Father John.

'I've been to numerous weddings, though never my own.

'And I have yet to see a bright look as happy as Dawson did that day.

'As I drove away, I was convinced that my friend

'had truly found his home.'

'Man was utterly corrupt, utterly fallen, could only perpetually sin.

BELL RINGS

OK, gentlemen.

You're free now, aren't you, John?

Yes.

Tell me, John, are you happy teaching?

Father Abbot, I am disappointed.

I only seem to be helping the sons of the rich.

Our order have always been servants to the community.

Try not to think of us as serving one particular class.

Our job is to try and turn out young men who will lead

good Christian lives. We're not a missionary order, John.

If that's what you want you should have been a Jesuit.

Well, it won't come to that, Father(!)

A sense of humour will always keep you afloat.

The problem is you're too young for a parish proper.

However, Father Bonaventura's not well, the village needs a priest.

I think you might be just the man.

Christ isn't asking us to go from wealth to poverty

to gain entry into his kingdom.

All that he asks is that we are aware of the sufferings of our fellow humans.

That we do not pass them by without thought or sympathy.

But that, like the Samaritan in today's gospel,

we must instead look into our hearts and acknowledge our responsibilities.

Let us stand and profess our faith.

ALL: We believe in one God, the father of the Almighty...

-Goodbye.

-Bye.

I would be most grateful, Father.

-It's very kind, Lady Toynton but...

-I won't bite, Father,

and I promise you'll be back in the monastery in time for your office.

At 3 o'clock, then.

It is important, Father.

-Father?

-Hello.

-Um, I want you to do my daughter.

-I'm sorry?

-Baptise her.

-Oh, yes, of course.

If you'd like to come inside, we can arrange a time.

-It's Mrs...?

-Mollie. My name's Mollie.

Mollie.

HE COUGHS

Sugar, or honey for your throat?

Excuse me. Sugar. One, please.

That's a Kirkham boy.

I should think so.

Come now, Father,

you know there's always been a certain amount of 'loi du seigneur'.

My husband was at Kirkham.

Just before he died...

Charlie shrugged off all his reserve.

What I'm about to tell you, Father,

should remain as secret as a confessional.

-More so, in fact.

-Yes.

Yes, of course.

When Charlie was in the sixth form, he had a tumble, a roll in the hay,

whatever euphemism you prefer, with a kitchen maid.

The result was a baby boy.

I see.

-What happened to the boy?

-I've no idea.

But, believe me, I see my husband's face

in every 40-year-old man on the estate and in church.

You see, we never had a child.

20 minutes with a kitchen maid gave him what 30 years with me could not.

Oh, I am sorry.

Which brings us to the reason I asked you here, Father Dawson.

Mollie Jolliffe. Have you spoken to Father Bonaventure about her?

No, not yet.

You see, Mollie's daughter's illegitimate.

Father Bonaventure feels he cannot baptise her.

I'm not sure that I agree.

The abbot might say that Mollie's situation is best left to social services.

-I have a spiritual responsibility, Lady Toynton.

-Some would say you have no responsibility, Father.

-Who is the father of the child?

-No-one really knows.

Fred Jolliffe disappeared the moment she became pregnant.

Then surely she needs the help of the Church more than anyone?

Leave well alone, Father.

You might find yourself sitting next to the father of that child tonight.

BOY WHIMPERS

Shut up!

Hey!

What's going on here?

-Hands in his pockets, Sir.

-I was getting my hanky out, Sir.

-That's what they all say, Sir.

-I don't care what they all say.

I saw you kick this boy, and it was vicious and spiteful.

What house are you in?

-What house are you in?

-St Peter's, sir.

Right, I want you two to report to Father Timothy.

We'll let him decide whether this boy is to be kicked, shall we?

MONASTIC SINGING

I will not tolerate this. Go to the common room now.

The head of house is to give you six strokes each.

-Thank you, Timothy.

-You should not have interfered, John.

It wasn't a question of interfering.

There seemed a real danger of injury to the boy.

John, every time I rule in favour of a first-year boy

over a sixth former, the entire discipline system in this house is put under strain.

You above all people should know that.

That boy was being beaten for no reason.

My dear John, we are training boys for the real world,

not some Utopia.

Putting up with a little injustice

is one of the most important lessons we can teach them.

WHIP CRACKS

BUGLE SOUNDS

Mollie Jolliffe is not our affair, John.

We can't just baptise children born out of wedlock willy-nilly.

But surely we have a responsibility to all our parishioners?

Of course we have. But we can't condone living in sin.

-So we're damning the child?

-It is not a question of damnation, John.

0h, excellent, they seem to have picked up a line.

Let the matter be, John.

-Is that understood?

-Yes, Father.

-Good.

Mary Jolliffe, I baptise you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy spirit.

God, the father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

has freed you from sin,

giving you a new birth by water and Holy spirit,

as Christ was anointed priest, prophet and king.

So may you live always as a member of his body,

sharing everlasting life.

Amen.

THUNDER CRASHES

The life of Oliver Plunkett, chapter the third, continued.

The new Bishop of Armagh, the Catholic Primate of Ireland,

found himself forced to go underground in his new bishopric.

This cloak and dagger lifestyle did not entirely suit Oliver Plunkett,

but he adapted his best into it...

INDISTINCT SPEECH

BABY CRIES

Ssh, ssh.

Mollie?

Mollie, here's the...

food.

I'll just leave it here.

I, um...

I have to go.

MONASTIC CHANTING

Molly.

You should not have gone behind my back, John.

It seems to me that your personal aims and zeal

extend beyond the boundaries of monastic life.

Father Abbot, I was only doing what my conscience dictated.

Your conscience is dictated by stubborn pride.

Pride has no place in our community, let alone in our school environment.

I only wanted to help Molly and her child.

Have you any idea of the damage you've done to Kirkham's reputation?

-No!

->

You're still young, John. I don't want this to blight your career.

Until such time as you're ready to live under the rule again,

I'm arranging for you to join the secular clergy at Westminster.

My baby! My baby!

Molly!

Where are you taking her?

Somewhere they're both properly cared for.

If you take them to social services, she'll never see that child again.

Get your hands off me!

They're coming home with me. You have a good heart, Father John.

Make sure your head gets a say sometimes, too.

I came up here the first time.

When you lost your faith?

Came up the hill with it

and down the hill without it.

And let us always keep in mind Pope John's reiteration

of Christ's message.

It is no longer enough that we keep the poor in our prayers

or in the recesses of our consciences.

As Catholics and as Christians, we must actively join the debate

started by Pope John

and discuss how social equality can best be promoted.

Don't worry, I won't tell, promise.

-Don't suppose you're Catholic any more, are you?

-No.

All that abstention was becoming rather difficult.

How about you? Do you still have the same ambitions you had at school?

-What were they?

-You wanted to help people.

Yes. It's rather more complicated than I thought it would be.

I'm preaching to the converted.

So many of the people who really need help are not even Catholic.

How about preaching to these unconverted then?

-What, on a park corner?

-No, through a newspaper.

-The Catholic Herald?

-I think that's the converted again.

-I was hoping that you might write a series of articles for us.

-Me?

I've never written anything.

If you can write a sermon, you can write an article.

A lot of people are interested in religion and they need solace,

guidance even.

Once a fortnight or so, you might save a thousand souls.

One would be enough.

Exactly.

-I'd have to get permission.

-Would that be a problem?

No.

-I'm sorry, your Grace, I didn't mean to sound ungrateful.

-Well?

It's just that I had hoped for a parish

in a slightly more deprived area.

I'm well aware of your zeal. Your abbot sent glowing reports of it.

The truth is, Cheyne Walk urgently needs a young parish priest,

someone with your vigour.

Now, the work here would not be of a charitable kind

as in poorer areas, but the people here, too, need guidance.

Yes, your Grace.

Remember how difficult it is for a rich man to enter

the gates of heaven.

To a certain extent, the poor are blessed anyway in that respect.

Walk before you run, Father John.

About these articles. You're not going to rock the boat, are you?

Can I help you at all?

I'm Father John, Father John Dawson.

Good God! You're not, are you? You're so young.

Well, you'd better follow me. And don't drag your cases on my floor.

Oh, do you like corned beef?

You look fine, Father.

Of course, most of your congregation are either blind or deaf

so they won't care how you look or what you say.

Still...

He broke the bread, gave it to his disciples

and said, "Take this, all of you, and eat it.

"This is my body which will be given up for you."

The body of Christ.

The body of Christ.

Bloody hell, I've forgotten the words.

It's been two weeks since my last confession.

I haven't been to confession since Easter.

Say two, no, three decades of the rosary for now.

The last priest was so traditional, you know, confess thy sins.

Two to three decades of the rosary.

# Take me in and forget

# Hold me...

I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father,

the Son of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Go in peace.

Thank you, Father.

-Father, I wonder if I could ask your advice.

-Certainly.

-It is not about my sins. It is to do with my daughter.

-Yes.

I just wonder if you could talk to her, perhaps come to the house.

-I'm not sure that I...

-I would be very grateful, Father.

-Well, I...

Thank you. We'll expect you for tea on Thursday.

I do selfish things.

Mummy, can we go now?

Not now, darling. Mummy's busy.

I do things I shouldn't.

I am married, not happily.

I am unfaithful. But I don't think my husband's ever been faithful to me.

But you have children?

The reason we married, I'm afraid.

So, when you do these selfish things,

-you're not hurting your husband?

-No.

-But you are hurting yourself?

-Yes.

Very English, isn't it?

Very Catholic.

I'd better go, Father. I've taken up too much of your time.

Father John Dawson, to see Mrs Carter.

Really, I have despaired since the nuns expelled her.

-Boarding can be so confusing at that age.

-Yes, I know.

I'd really like it if she could have some Catholic influence in her life

that is not to do with me.

And you're very different. From other priests, I mean.

-I could certainly try and talk to her.

-Are you sure you have the time?

I feel so guilty taking you away from the slums but after all,

we have souls to be saved, too.

Absolutely.

Theresa thinks I am so stupid, so old.

But I feel she would respect you and your views.

Your article was very stirring.

I try to provoke discussion, Mrs Carter.

Rich people and heaven.

But of course, you're not referring to people like me. Theresa, dear, is that you?

-I can't stay long.

-Theresa, this is Father Dawson.

-Honestly, Mum, I don't need it.

-Now, darling, you promised.

Father Dawson has very kindly given us his time.

It's not kindness, it's my job really.

But we know how busy you are.

Well, I won't take up too much of your time.

Can I go now?

Hi.

Come on then. You never answered my question.

Oh, yes, sex.

Well, do you miss it?

You can't miss something you've never had.

But don't you even wonder what it would be like?

Most of the boys I know can't manage without it.

Yes, I imagine that that's the line they'd take.

I'm not a virgin, you know? It's not some dirty thing.

If you love someone, then you sleep with them. It's taken for granted.

Not in my line of work it isn't.

You haven't moved since the Reformation, have you?

It's the '70s now. No one gives a shit about religion any more.

What I mean is it would go against my conscience not to sleep with a boy if I loved him.

If you love him, perhaps there isn't a problem.

You don't see it, do you?

It's the people who are repressed about sex

who cause the most trouble. Like my mother.

-Why her?

-She's hardly slept with Dad since I was conceived.

Do you know, she even used to get out of bed after sex

to say her prayers. It's true.

Dad told me and when I asked Mum, she admitted it.

She must be frigid or something. No wonder Dad's got a mistress.

I'm here to see Father Dawson.

Mother of God.

Is there a problem with it?

No, not from our point of view, I just wanted whether you might want to change it at all?

No, I believe in what I've written.

I don't doubt it,

it's just that I'm not too sure your superiors will see it in quite those terms.

God, that's Jenny Stanten, isn't it?

-She one of yours?

-Mm-hmm.

You old dog.

She's here to discuss her husband's funeral.

Matthew Stanten's croaked?

-How?

-Car crash.

-Bloody hell.

So, Jenny's single again, is she?

Christ, sorry.

Lust in a church, very bad.

Will you publish, no changes?

What? Oh, yes.

-You're sure you know what you're doing?

-Absolutely.

-OK.

Bye.

-Hello!

-Hi!

Didn't think you were coming.

Everyone, this is Theresa.

-ALL:

-Hi.

How's your arthritis?

Where did you find those people?

I've never seen anyone under 90 in church.

They're children of parishioners.

How did you get them to help?

Most people want to help. They'd rather do that than come to church.

Anyway, most Catholics are born with guilt. Rich Catholics are even worse.

God, you're devious!

Back in a minute.

Mollie!

Can be, darling, if that's what you want?

Oh, I'm sorry, I thought you were someone else.

I can be anything you want me to be, sweetheart.

-Oi!

-Oh...

-What you up to?

-Sorry, I thought this lady...

-You're freakin' out the punters! Piss off!

I said I'm sorry, I didn't realise...

If you ain't paying for what you're letchin' at, why don't you just piss off, all right?

-I didn't mean to interfere.

-I don't care what you fucking meant. Piss off!

Jesus, Baz!

-He's a priest!

-He can be a fucking high priest for all I care.

CAR HORN BEEPS

-Sorry.

-Oi! Come on, tits, get in the car.

Let's go.

Are you all right?

Let's have a look.

HE WINCES

You can't save everyone, you know.

I know.

You can't treat everything like a crusade.

I'd better go.

I'm sorry, John, I shouldn't have...

No, don't worry.

These are doctrinal matters, Father John.

If you don't agree, you keep it to yourself

and you keep your mouth shut.

Is that understood?

I understand that, Your Eminence, but I have parishioners stuck in unhappy marriages...

I don't care! This is for the Pope to decide, not some crusading parish priest in Chelsea.

-What if the Pope is wrong?

-As far as your article is concerned, the Pope is never wrong!

If he were to ask us to dance through the Eucharist,

we should do it!

We are not a democracy.

I have withdrawn permission for your articles,

and I'm going to send you on a little holiday.

You're obviously tired and in need of some rest.

You're also in need of some time to contemplate your future.

Pack your bags, Father Dawson.

You leave on Monday.

PHONE RINGS

Hello?

Father, it's that Carter woman again.

-Hello?

-Father?

-Yes.

-Please, come quickly.

-My husband has had an attack.

-Yes. Yes, of course.

I'll be right there.

Oh, Father, thank God you have come!

Can you hold the mask, Padre?

I'm still not getting anything. We'll need the adrenalin.

Father, quickly, please.

Was he... Is he Catholic?

Yes. Quickly, please, before he goes!

Through this holy anointing, may the Lord in his love and mercy

help you with the grace of the Holy spirit, Amen.

-May the Lord who frees you from sin...

-Let's get him out of here.

-..raise you up, Amen.

In the name of the Holy spirit who has poured upon you,

may your home be with God in Zion with Mary, the virgin mother of God,

with Joseph and all the angels and saints, Amen.

Thank you, Father.

SIREN WAILS

Would you like a brandy?

He never was Catholic.

You shouldn't have.

It helped your mother.

It's all helping her, isn't it?

Being nice to me is just a way of helping her?

Theresa, that isn't true. I couldn't refuse.

I'm sorry.

I didn't mean to...

Will you hold me again?

Theresa, no.

'Ladies and gentlemen, the train will shortly be arriving at York.

'Change here for Malton, Scarborough, Kirkham and Harrogate.

'The next station is York.'

I hope you'll stay a bit this time, Eddie.

-Mother, I can't stay very long.

-It's so good to see you again, dear.

Sally has been so looking forward to it, too.

Now, go and talk to your sister.

You must think it's the end of the bloody world up here, eh?

Well, we don't get any of your glamour industries up in Yorkshire.

-Leave it, Alan.

-No, but I'll tell you summat.

More work gets done up here than down there, I'll tell you that for nothing.

Oh, aye, but you wouldn't know owt about that, would you, eh?

With your posh accent.

Right.

Pub.

Are you coming?

I'll be down later.

I want to talk to Eddie.

Oh, right, fair enough.

Well, I'll see you later, Father, eh?

HE BELCHES

I'm sorry, Eddie.

He gets a head full of steam.

Don't worry.

How are you, Sally?

It's hard, you know?

I know.

You are looking after her, though?

It's not now that worries me.

Still...

Where will they be sending you?

Holy Island.

There's a bloody end of the world.

BELL TOLLS

We have quite a strict routine. Most of it will be quite familiar.

St Benedict, without the reforms.

We sing the opus dei for six hours a day,

and the rest of the time we do farm work.

You can join in when and where you want.

-Are you vegetarian?

-No.

You should tell the cook.

I can't promise steak and chips,

but we shall do our best to get you some proper food.

We've made up a cell for you.

The Archbishop wants you to relax, doesn't he?

And contemplate.

Contemplation I can promise.

Relaxation might be better suited to the south of France.

HE LAUGHS

What made you laugh?

It all seemed so absurd.

I'd outgrown everything.

All that nonsense we were taught at Kirkham.

I just...didn't believe anymore.

I think that disappointed you more than it did me.

Yeah. I don't know why, though.

I just got used to you in your clerical robes, I suppose.

Doesn't make much sense, does it?

No.

Emotions rarely do, though.

But you're back here now?

Yes.

Yes, I am.

Excuse me, sir.

A Mr Dawson to see you, sir.

-So, it's Eddie again, is it?

-Yes.

I feel about 16 again.

To all intents and purposes, you are.

What are you going to do?

I don't know.

I have very little experience of anything.

You've done a bit of journalism. Maybe I could help?

Haven't I lost my novelty value?

No, I think you've probably just gained, actually.

Bobby, um...

there's something I wanted to ask you.

You're the only person I can ask, really.

Sex?

Well...

Women in general.

HE LAUGHS

Well, I can only tell you what works for me.

Begging's usually quite good!

If not that, then a drink.

It makes me bolder and them less fussy.

And if the worst comes to the worst, I have a secret weapon.

-Really?

-I fire blanks.

-What do you mean?

-I can't father children.

My sperm don't swim too well.

Oh, I am sorry. Can't you get something done about it?

-I give them as much practise as I can.

-I didn't mean to pry.

Don't worry about it. It's a hell of a chat-up line.

Wilson's about to resign. Finish your drink, call me tomorrow.

Oh, and Eddie... Get yourself some new clothes. You look like a refugee, mate.

Come on, just be a second.

Excuse me?

I thought it was you! I almost didn't recognise you in your disguise.

Yes. Yes, sorry.

Listen, I just wanted to say thank you, and to let you know my troubles are over.

Oh, yes.

Good, good. I am glad.

Look, we're in the phone book. Why don't you give us a call sometime?

Yes.

Yes, I'll do that.

-Bye.

-Bye.

Oh, hello. I'm Eddie Dawson.

Jenny...the monk's here.

THEY LAUGH

-OK, well, what kind of car

-have

-you got?

-Mercedes Benz.

-I rest my case.

Look, I was always told that it wasn't the size of the ship,

but the motion of the ocean.

-That's a rumour put about by men with tiny penises.

-That's nonsense, Cilla.

-David, help me out here.

-BMW?

I'm the exception that proves the rule. Sorry, Henry.

And what about you, Eddie? Do you drive?

-I haven't got a car.

-God, you must be hung like a horse!

THEY LAUGH

Eddie, what are you going to do now?

I'm hoping to get into journalism.

David should be able to help you there.

An old school friend's got me an interview with a local paper.

-Really? Where?

-Beaconsfield Gazette.

-What the hell's that?!

Where's Beaconsfield, for God's sake?

-Obviously going to Kirkham doesn't count for much these days.

-Why journalism?

Eddie wrote a couple of articles what he was a priest.

Oh, yes. Monk Dawson, the turbulent priest.

Henry, didn't you go to a convent school?

No, darling, that's for girls.

-That's my point, Cilla! I mean, it just isn't healthy!

-I turned out OK!

You know, I thought I knew the name.

-Good column. Shifted a lot of papers.

-Look, anyway, I went to the other place.

David, you can do better than Beaconsfield?

Eddie, come up and see me. I'll see what I can do.

I heard something deliciously perverted the other day.

Harry and Roddy were strolling through Hyde Park...

What, you can't be in the park having sex?

INDISTINCT CHAT CONTINUES

Not too impressed with my friends, are you?

I'm sorry.

I don't mean to seem stand-offish.

Don't worry. You're the only person who made any sense all evening.

Can I help?

Good God, no. Nanny'll do it in the morning.

I'm sure you don't realise how shallow most people can be.

Well, I have heard their confessions.

Why do you see those people?

I've got to see somebody. I'm not a nun.

Yes, but aren't you in love with anyone?

It's not as easy as you may think.

I say, David, something for your gossip column up here.

RAISED VOICES FROM NEXT ROOM

-<

-Do you understand what I'm saying?

-<

-Any more of that and you're off!

-Mr Dawson?

-Yes?

Eddie, mate. Come in.

Sit down, mate.

Well, our readers aren't too bright.

They're either thick and inbred like Henry Poll,

or think they know everything like that stupid mid-Atlantic cow the other night.

However, they do have money, money and influence.

See, I see you as giving them a new kind of moral dimension.

I'd be writing features?

Yeah, you know, comment on moral issues, religious affairs,

nothing too frightening.

Would you change much?

No, just sub it, take out a few big words here and there.

That'd be all. So what do you think?

Sounds fine.

Good, welcome aboard.

Hello, Henrietta.

Mummy said if you wait in the drawing room, she'll be down in a minute.

Thank you.

So what about you?

Have you ever been in love?

No.

What? Not even with Theresa Carter?

No. How did you know about that?

I know all about that.

-You look nervous.

-I am nervous.

Would you like something to eat?

Erm...that wouldn't help.

What would help?

I'm not sure... this is all a bit new to me.

Would you like to go to the bedroom?

Jenny...I don't think I can do this.

You always tell the truth don't you?

I'm not in a position to lie.

Ah, Hugh.

-My dearest, dearest child!

-Sweety darling!

Oh, ho-ho! And this must be Edward? Hugh Stanton.

Great pleasure!

Come on, there we go!

In we go, everybody in!

You can say what you like about the great schools of this country,

these days it's rather fashionable to be denigratory about them.

But chaps, you see, they had to keep warm!

Oh, yes, in my day nobody cared very much about what went on after lights out.

A dormitory can be a damn cold place, mine was like a bloody igloo.

Oh, yes, the port, superb.

You know, you're the first chap that Jenny's brought down here

since Matthew died.

I loved Matthew dearly, you know.

Brother's son and all that.

He was a bad 'un, no doubt about it. Oh, yes.

In my day he'd have been called a blaggard or maybe something even worse.

I always thought Jenny deserved something better.

So...you take care of her old boy.

Yes. yes, I'll.

Oh-ho! Oh, my dear.

And how are the little sleeping beauties?

Sleeping beautifully, Uncle.

-CHOKES:

-Where are my pills? Patterson?

My pills, man.

You already took them, sir.

No, my God help me.

Regrettably so, sir, regrettably so.

You know, I sometimes wonder who's master here.

I'll leave it young Matthew and sack him as soon he inherits.

After the first time it just got easier and easier.

Matthew was never faithful to me, I know that.

I even fell in love a couple of times.

Why didn't you leave him?

Money, the children, not sure.

I was never in love long enough for it to matter.

So, was it a relief when he died?

Yes, he was still treating me like a penitant.

I'm sorry.

You little rascal!

One day all of this is going to belong to little Matthew.

So this would've gone to your husband?

Yes, it's ironic really.

Why's that?

I was seeing someone, I'm not quite sure.

-So, your son's going to inherit all this?

-I know.

Don't you think...?

I think people would be happier if things were left as they are.

You do love me, don't you, Eddie?

Of course.

Then say it.

I love you.

-You've changed me, Eddie, I'm not like that anymore.

-I know.

'I never realised how much Dawson cared for Jenny.

'He was in love for the first time, and it seemed that nothing in the world could separate them.'

ELIZABETHAN MUSIC PLAYS

GASPS

LAUGHTER

Jenny! Come and have a dance.

Come on, Bobby's got to see you.

Zillah, I don't believe a word of it.

-It's true.

-Ah!

Oh, look, the friar has got some holy wine.

Unholy port, I'm afraid.

Can't you bless it, make it holy?

I can say mass, if you like.

Excellent. Black or white?

Black, please! I've already been two a white one.

Black it is then, friar. What do you need?

Eddie's going to see a black mass. Come on, what do you need.

Come on, bread.

Well, we need a naked woman,

and, er... Preferably a virgin.

I can't.

Does not getting any for a while count?

It has to be a woman, Henry.

-Is that all you need?

-Yeah.

And then you'll do it?

Of course not. It's a joke.

Why? Would it upset you?

No.

Then why don't we do it?

Because we still need a naked woman.

Well, if that's all you need, Eddie...

For God's sake, Jenny.

It was your bloody idea.

Bobby, don't you want to see me naked?

I'm here!

LAUGHTER

Oh, my God, he's really going to do it.

Don't do this, Eddie.

-UNDER HER BREATH:

-Jesus!

Well, our vicar's never done that.

Is that it?

Good God!

BACKGROUND LAUGHTER

What the fuck were you thinking, Eddie?

Bobby...

My only friend. The only one...

And you won't have me around for much longer.

What you mean?

I'm going to Rome. Vatican City correspondent.

LAUGHTER

The Vatican?

Congratulations.

I thought it was you. Don't you recognise me?

Theresa.

Theresa.

Get out of this, Eddie.

Come on, let's go.

Jenny...

I love you. Let's get married, have children.

Eddie, you need to do it when we're having this much fun.

QUIET SOBBING

I'm sorry, Eddie.

I'm so sorry.

It's fine. Yeah.

Do you have any ideas about other articles?

A few, yes.

It's just that there is something I know our readers want to know.

What's it like?

You know, what's it like to be celibate?

And then what's it like, er - how can I put this? -

discovering the sins of the flesh?

-Well, I... I... I'm not sure that I...

-Come on, Eddie, you know what I mean.

You're living with Jenny Stanten, for Christ's sake!

You don't get up a skirt like that when your tool's been doing a Rip Van Winkle.

What exactly do you want to know, David?

Our readers want to know what it's like.

You used to be celibate,

and now you're living with one of the most desirable women in London.

I mean, excuse me, but there has to be a difference.

Well?

Jenny?

Jenny?

PHONE RINGS

-'Hello?'

-Jenny?

Eddie?

-'Jenny, where are you?'

-At the airport.

-Are you going somewhere?

-What?

Where are you going?

Rome, darling.

-I never....

-PHONE BEEPS

Listen, I've got to go now. I've got to go.

Oh, God!

Rome...

'The pain caused by my affair with Jenny was to run deeper than

'any of us could have imagined.'

Did you love her?

Yes.

Yes, I'm sure I did.

Were you happy?

For a while, yes.

Did you love her?

Yes, I did.

And did it make you happy?

No.

Licence.

I apologise if the way we live shocks you.

The state of emergency was your Government's decision, not ours.

What's you role at the newspaper?

I'm supposed to give it a moral dimension.

If you print half of what he says I'll be surprised.

DOG BARKS

You'll have to excuse my nephew, Mr Dawson.

You used to be a priest, didn't you?

-Yes.

-What happened?

I lost my faith.

That's not what I heard.

I heard you were too radical and the Church lost you.

If that's what you heard, why did you ask?

I like to hear both sides.

You're a journalist, you ought to understand that.

There was more to it than my radicalism, Father Moran.

Was there?

I'm a bit confused, Mr Dawson. Your articles are like sermons.

A little more worldly, perhaps, but sermons still.

You're trying to solve people's problems.

-And what about you, Father? Are you frustrated at being a priest?

-Maybe I am.

And that's why you speak out? Liberation theology?

I've no problem with that. If more priests spoke out in politics

maybe there would be less injustice. The mess in Ireland

wasn't caused by us, it was caused by you.

You can't ignore us politically.

-Do you condone the bombings?

-Course he does.

->

It's the only time you Brits take any notice of us.

No, no, Fergal, the man's got a point. I'm not condemning and I'm not condoning.

I speak out when I see injustice.

To you, the nationalist community is just a big security matter.

All I ask is for you to talk to us. That's all.

Are you going to print that?

Yes.

-I'll believe that when I see it.

-OK.

Tell me what you want us Brits to hear?

I hope you find what you want.

I'm doing what I want.

I don't think you are.

Goodbye, Mr Dawson.

I look forward to your article.

You come back and see us, Mr Dawson.

Brits like you are always welcome, so you are.

-NEWSREADER:

-'Condemnation of Mr Nieve's assassination was almost universal.

'Only the prison rights campaigner Father Brendan Moran

'was equivocal on the subject.'

The election is seen as an irrelevance

by the Republican community.

We are actually disenfranchised. We have no say over our own affairs.

Terrorism is the natural result of this.

'But do you condone the bombing in London, Father?

What you must understand is that the community here

see the situation as war, not just some troubles.

The British government has got to talk, to listen to us.

You promised me you'd change nothing, David.

You're being very naive here, Eddie. I've got a newspaper to run.

Thousands of people depend on me for their jobs and security.

A newspaper like ours has to be responsible.

-Your article wasn't in anyone's best interest.

-So you just rewrote it?

-Would you have changed it?

-That's not the point.

-It IS the point.

You had no right to do that.

I had every right!

If you were a professional

instead of some upper-class dilettante playing at this, then you'd understand.

I am not having this newspaper run for the benefit

of crackpot ideologies and republican scum.

Now get out of my office!

CAT WAILS

MUFFLED MUSIC AND SHOUTING

'London was a lonely place for someone like Dawson.

'By betraying him, Jenny and I had robbed him

'of two of the people he'd cared for most.

'It was then that my world began to turn on him.'

PHONE RINGS

-ANSWER MACHINE:

-'We can't come to the phone right now

'so please leave a message after the tone and we'll call you back.'

Leave it.

'Eddie, its Bobby. Long time no see and all that.

'Look, we're having an election-night party,

'next Thursday, obviously.

'And we'd like you both to come, so, please, if you can. Bye.

ANSWER MACHINE BEEPS

You know, our sex would be a lot better

if you weren't thinking of someone else.

SEAGULLS CRY

So, did you ever love her, Eddie?

Maybe.

But for all the wrong reasons.

So why did you marry her so soon?

Because I needed her.

What are you offering the voters in Leeds, Mr Kelly?

CLAMOUR OF QUESTIONS

This election gives us a stark choice.

If this country votes in a Tory government

we'll be left with rampant capitalism.

The wealth of this country will be taken away from the people

and handed over to the Tories' fat-cat friends

in the city of London. That's all I've got to say.

CLAMOUR OF QUESTIONS

'.. the Tories' fat-cat friends in the City of London.

'Stop, close inverted commas.'

Mr Kelly is persuasive, charismatic, even. Stop.

He raises a pertinent question, colon:

could the election split this country?

Stop. End there. Got that? OK. See you in London.

Eddie, I probably won't see you tonight if you're working late,

-but I'll be at Ben's if you need to get in touch.

-Mm.

Eddie?

Sorry?

For God's sake!

Fucking Allenby!

What the hell do you think you're doing, David?

Eddie, mate, there's a meeting going on here.

-But you've changed the whole thing, David. How could you do that?

-Go on.

Sit down, Eddie.

I can do what the hell I like.

You read your contract. We've been through this whole thing before.

But you've changed the whole slant. You can't just expect me to go out

and do your dirty work for you.

No, you're right, I can't.

In fact, I won't any more.

I've put up with your moralistic bollocks for too long.

-Now, you can clear out your desk.

-What about the election?

The election's over for you, mate.

You're fired.

DOOR SLAMS

RUNNING WATER

SHE GURGLES

SHE CHUCKLES

SOBBING

SHE GASPS

Jesus, Eddie, you scared the life out of me!

What are you doing here?

I'm not working tonight.

You've got yourself fired, haven't you? How could you be so stubborn?

Great, Eddie, drink yourself out of the problem, why don't you?

Why don't you ever think about anyone else?

Why don't you ever think about me? What about us?

-Why did you even marry me, Eddie?

-Because I love you.

You don't. You never did really, did you? You just took pity on me.

Theresa...

..that isn't true.

I'm going out.

I can't love you, Eddie.

Not when you hate yourself.

-Oh, look who it isn't.

-Brother Eddie.

Wouldn't have thought you've got much to celebrate tonight.

-Hello, Bobby.

-Eddie, glad you could make it.

-Hey, how you doing?

-Hello.

Let me get you a drink.

REGGAE MUSIC PLAYS

Hi, how are you? Good to see you.

-Thank you.

-Where's Theresa?

She phoned early to say she wasn't coming.

-How is she?

-Fine, she's...she's fine.

I thought you were on election duties, old boy?

-TV:

-'Conservative, 20,317.

'Mrs Thatcher will be delighted to hear that.'

PARTY-GOERS: All right!

-I think she's marvellous.

-I agree.

Of course, 200 years ago, they would've burned her at the stake.

But I voted for her, of course.

I give you tomorrow's front page.

CHEERING

Well done, David. Good news.

Phwoar, Jenny's looking tasty tonight. Very...seduceable.

Wouldn't you agree, Eddie?

Eddie and I had a little falling out earlier today.

Excuse me. ..Eddie, wait.

-What's wrong?

-I shouldn't have come tonight, Jenny.

Come here.

DISCO MUSIC PLAYS

You look as unhappy as I feel.

Eddie, I know you can never forgive me but Bobby is your best friend.

DISCO MUSIC PLAYS

Is Bobby happy?

Ignorance is bliss.

Oh, God, what a mess.

Very English.

Very Catholic.

No, don't, don't...

CHEERING

SHE SOBS

Eddie. You leaving so soon? The party's just beginning.

Er... Where's Jenny?

Come on!

I'm back.

It's Father John.

CHORAL SINGING

Father John...Dawson.

Father John Dawson.

Father John Dawson, Cheyne Walk, Chelsea.

HE SOBS

BELL CHIMES

FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING

Good God, you can get out of here for a start.

This is God's house, not a doss house...

My good Lord, Father.

-TV:

-'And here comes the new Prime Minister.

'She's just come directly from her audience with Her Majesty the Queen

'at Buckingham Palace and is arriving at Number 10 Downing Street.

'We're going to try and get a word with Mrs Thatcher.'

Theresa?

-THATCHER:

-'The words of St Francis of Assisi which I think are really'

just particularly apt at the moment.

Where there is discord, may we bring harmony.

Where there is error, may we bring truth.

Where there is doubt, may we bring faith.

Theresa?

Theresa? Oh, Jesus Christ.

Theresa?

Oh, fuck! Oh, shit!

Come on.

Theresa! Oh, no, Theresa!

Oh, Theresa-aa-aa!

-Does God forgive Theresa, then?

-Why shouldn't he?

It was suicide, wasn't it?

The sinning was mine.

If God can forgive me for what I did to Theresa,

then he must be able to forgive her.

And what about me?

I don't want...God's forgiveness.

I want yours, Eddie.

You have it. You know you have it.

I set myself... I set US very high standards, didn't I?

-Perhaps too high.

-I know that now.

Don't you get frustrated sometimes here, though? I mean...

you could be doing more on the outside, surely?

You can't measure my prayers on any outside scale.

-Eddie...

-I've found my God here.

I don't need anything more.

BELL CHIMES

You'd better go.

How is he?

A bit thinner, perhaps. But well.

Is he happy?

Did you tell him?

He was calm. Contented.

I couldn't tell him, Jenny.

ENGINE STARTS

'I don't think I'll ever see him again.

'To him, faith was something bigger than the world.

'To me, it was just an obstacle.

'I've thought about Dawson a lot since that day.

'Perhaps he was ruined by my world. He was always too good for it.'

MUSIC SOARS

Mrs Stanten?

I just wanted to offer my congratulations,

you must be very proud of Eddie.

I am. Thank you.

Of course, there was a time when theology at Oxford meant only one possible career.

Well, he won't be going down that path.

Not if I have anything to do with it.

This is Eddie's godfather, Bobby.

-Winterman. So you've got over your distaste for returning?

-Not entirely.

Well, if you'll excuse me. Again, my congratulations.

His father would be very proud.

Yeah.

Yes, he would.

# I'm gonna find a way

# To achieve

# A life with no more want

# And no more need

# To this great, wide world

# We can bring compassion

# With a helping hand

# Work for love everlasting

# I've got to find a way

# To believe

# Repair a broken heart, a love reprieved

# Every thought's a thrill

# I can sense this vision

# Growing clear with every... #

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd