None But the Lonely Heart

Oi, what's this? What's this tonight?

Memorial services.

Armistice Day tomorrow, you know.

Stay there, Nipper.

It might be my son.

Might.

Might be my old man.

Might.

Good night.

Night.

'When Ernie Mott,

'humble citizen of the city of London,

'saw for the first time

'the tomb of the unknown warrior,

'he little realised that he, Ernie Mott,

'might someday soon become the unknown warrior

'of a second world war.

'Yes, someday soon,

'he might become a glowing legend

'for happy boys and girls,

'living a life he merely dreamed about.

'High destiny for quiet Ernie Mott,

'who quarrelled, hungered, loved, and was loved.

'For this is his story -

'the story of Ernie Mott,

'who searched for a free, a beautiful, and noble life

'in the second quarter of the 20th century.'

DOOR BELL JINGLES

Ernie, grub's ready.

Don't be all year,

or you'll fight the birds for it.

Won't be but a minute, Ma.

Yes, yes, yes.

Here.

Don't you think pork sausage

is too good for the beast?

Stay. Come on.

Nothing too good for that dog, Ma.

Part of myself, he is.

Don't like him, do you?

Where you been?

Oh, knocking about a bit up north...

All over the shop.

What's up?

Why?

You're standing there looking as if I'd jabbed you

with your hatpin or something.

What did you come back home for, son?

Miss me?

Can't say I did, Ma.

You know me, Ducky, tramp of the universe.

Anything in the shop needs mending, Ma?

Nothing that needs your help, Ernie, sweets.

Besides, it's Sunday.

Painting, polishing, doing a spot of gardening?

Mean to do my best by you, Ma, love.

Happy couple, aren't we?

A bit of proper respect is what's needed.

I get no more from you

than I got from that father of yours.

And that's that.

That's that.

So you got your choice.

What choice?

Stay or get out.

Take hold here and do a man's job,

or don't come back.

Stay put so I don't keep fretting my fat about you.

What call have you to wander around the country

like a breath of homeless wind?

Don't I treat you right, or what?

Okey-doke.

I'll be off in the morning.

CLOCK CHIMES

DOOR BELL JINGLES

DOOR CLOSES

CHILDREN YELLING

How is it, Ernie boy? Home for a time?

How'd you know I was back, Ma?

I live so close, I can hear you change your mind.

Nice music on the old wireless.

Don't know what I'd do without it.

The piano needs tuning, too.

I'll stop in and look at it around teatime.

Thanks, Ernie.

Hello, Dad.

When are you mending that window?

Catch me mucking around with a window, Ern, boy.

Life's too short.

You're a man after my own heart, Dad.

Ern. >

See you.

TRAIN WHISTLE BLOWS

Been home long?

Bring yourself in for a cup of tea.

Me basket's full of breakfast.

Come in anyway, Ern.

DOOR CLOSES

Practicing?

It's a living. It pays to keep your tools sharp.

Good to be back.

Nicest drawing room in the neighbourhood, this, Aggie.

It's yours whenever you want it.

Have to take you, too, Aggie?

You want me to move out?

# He's the boy for me

# I'm the girl for him

# He's my lump of toffee, cake, and pudding... #

You're the biggest fool I ever met, Aggie.

Why?

Black as the ace, I am. Don't you know it yet?

Matter of fact, Ma give me the ultimatum today.

Stay put or stay out.

What are you going to do about it?

Something.

What?

Something.

CLOCK CHIMES

You're a little flat there, Aggie.

What's the music called?

None But The Lonely Heart.

Italian?

No. Russian.

Nice.

Oh, well.

See you tonight?

Tonight?

About 9.00?

All alike, you women.

I don't go on timetables like a train.

I'm Ernie Mott. I don't stay put.

I understand.

Do you?

Of course.

Well, then maybe I'll see you tonight.

Nipper.

Maybe I will...

or maybe I won't.

Who give you that dimple in your chin?

Present from me pa. Bye, Aggie.

Bye, Ernie boy.

Watch her, Peggy.

Hello.

Hi, Elsie.

Hello.

What's coming off?

Sunday or ain't it?

Nobody home. Nobody home.

It's me, Dad. Ernie Mott.

Oh, you, is it?

Ain't seen you in three months, have I?

You're blocking the door, Dad.

Miss me, did you?

Had your postcard from up north.

No grass grows under your feet.

How do we get some smokes? I'm so broke, I'm two halves.

What, again?

You think it grows on trees?

You're not giving me the boot? What cigars you got?

May we feed the fishes?

No!

The way those kids carry on...

Cigars, Dad.

Oh, cigars.

Well, I've got

a very doubtful stock of them, Ern.

Can't make out what happens to things lately.

I got an old Burma cheroot somewhere.

I got more respect for me guts, I have.

Give us a large Rigby's.

Can't sell cigarettes on Sunday,

you know, Ern.

Who said anything about selling?

A large Rigby's it is.

Proper lovely to be alive

and have friends like you.

I'm remembering you in my will.

You don't think I'll live? How's your Ma?

Like an engine. Tower of London isn't better.

Bye, Dad.

Drop in again.

Here you are, folks. Learn how to do it...

Three for a penny. Come along.

GUNSHOTS

Here is the best shot of the day...

Here you are. Go on.

Hold me dog, please, mate.

Show them how it's done.

Oi, stand back.

Let the man see the rabbit.

Now, gents, watch the fur fly.

Quiet, please, while the shots is took.

Ha ha ha!

There we are!

Eight shots, and all where they should be -

right in the Black Hole Of Calcutta.

I told you who he was, and this is him.

Governor, here are your fags,

and good luck to you.

Thanks for holding me dog.

Oh, hello. Haven't I seen you before?

Here's a present for you.

Here you are.

MUSIC ON

HE TURNS MUSIC OFF

Don't like music?

Out of tune.

I'm Mordinoy. Jim Mordinoy.

Am I supposed to know you?

Thought as how you might.

Ever fight your pup?

Never. What about the piano?

What about it?

Should I tune it? Cost you half a bar.

Life's easier than that. Take a quid and leave the piano undisturbed.

Why would I take your quid?

Just to be a pal.

What's that I smell on you? Hair oil?

I can't understand why a man of your talents

wears them rags.

Clothes are a lot of blinking excitement about nothing,

and my rags are the uniform of my independence.

Clothed in your perfect pitch.

Now you understand me, Mr Mordinoy.

Life's a piece of meat when you know how.

Most people here are victims.

Hurry, worry, and scurry to make a bit of brass.

What's your kind, Mr Mordinoy? Willful and deceitful.

Take what you want, right?

That's what it's about. Be a victim or a thug.

But suppose you don't want to be neither, like me?

Then what?

Then what? >

Who's talking to you?

Hey...

Who's the piece of pastry in the jersey?

Ada Brantlin.

Fair blinds you with science, don't she?

She don't like the rough stuff.

Have to box clever there.

Yes, I suppose you would.

Change, please, miss.

You're new here, aren't you?

Who's this Mordinoy? Run the place now, does he?

Wouldn't dirty his hands on it.

Then what's he doing here?

The gentlemen come in to converse with me.

Now kindly move on.

How do I get in your good books, Ada?

There we are.

Lovely fingernails.

What's up?

Don't you know when your health is good?

Wished I was a painter.

And you'd do what?

Well, what does a painter do?

In this book,

a painter does some very strange things.

Calls it art, too, he does.

You an artist?

Me? Tune pianos, that's me.

Play the piano by ear, polish furniture,

shoot rodents with a rifle.

Bugs in your house? Send for Ernie Mott.

Know how to medicate animals.

Excellent at repairing delicate machinery.

I invent inventions.

What you invent?

Well...

I see.

I happen to be working on my greatest invention -

a human animal which don't look for a master.

Ain't easy.

Listen. Come closer.

I like that kind of talk.

You do?

It sounds barmy as the muffin man, but I like it.

That brings up one question, Ada.

What?

What time do you get off?

6.30. Around the back.

Thank you.

Change, miss.

Oi.

Catch.

Thank you, sir.

Charitable sort, you are.

Oh, that?

Friend of mine. Knew him when.

When what?

When he was a man.

Ike Webber, a friend of my ma's, told me this.

"As I was out walking,

"I saw in the distance what seemed an animal.

"Come up closer and see it was a man.

"Come still closer and see it was my brother."

Tired?

Mm-hmm.

Quiet as mice, ain't we?

What you looking at?

Tell us.

Tired, ain't you?

Always tired.

My feet's just about wore off.

Let's go. Nice strong cup of tea for two.

What's the dog doing here?

I don't go out with dogs, you know.

All right. I'll drop him off on the way.

Come on.

Kissing you like that - the first meeting.

I never done a thing like that before

in my life.

Lucky me.

Lucky you.

Well, now.

Five red beetles on the end of your fingers.

G sharp - the pitch of that.

Perfect pitch, that's me. G sharp.

Not one in a million has that.

Very unusual person, didn't you know?

Are you?

Yes, and all I want to do is hold you

and murder anyone who'd say a word to you.

Interesting program, but what's it get me?

Only trouble.

Why don't you put that hat on?

I don't want to spoil me hair.

Meeting someone?

It's late, later than I thought.

Time is not of the essence with me.

No place to go and going there tomorrow.

I don't pretend to know what that means.

Fight like cats with Ma.

Told her off today, so it's the end.

She don't know they milk the cow that stands still.

Wants me in that silly business of hers,

squeezing pennies out of paupers.

No, thank you.

You mean you're leaving London in the morning?

Can't think of any reason not to, can you?

Inviting me in?

No. My aunt and uncle's asleep in the back.

I'd like to smash you one with this.

Why?

I feel like I know you a whole lifetime.

Do you want to see me cry?

No.

Then say goodbye and go.

No sense in this. You're leaving in the morning.

Just wasting our time, that's all.

You're a stranger. We meet.

Suddenly... Have you ever been in love?

You make me feel 12-years-old again.

I don't know why.

You're the only man I've met in years

who gives me any feeling.

Say goodbye. That's the end.

I'll drop by the funfair tomorrow.

Don't.

Good night, Ada.

Goodbye, Ern.

In the end, you wouldn't give me what I need.

Confidence - that's what a woman needs.

Confidence?

Yes.

Good thing then you won't see me again.

No future in me for anyone like you.

No confidence.

Good night, Ada.

Good night.

CLOCK CHIMING

No question, Mrs Mott.

It's worth every penny you ask, irregardless.

I'll send Mr Lesser for it this afternoon.

It goes in my private collection.

I couldn't find the heart to sell it.

Good enough, Ike.

If you can afford it.

Would your son like to clean the mechanism?

He's got talent for such things.

I see your mind is somewhere else today.

Still the same old trouble?

He won't stay home.

Proud as a queen's carriage he is,

and independent.

He's leaving home for good today.

Excuse me for mentioning it,

but why don't I talk to him?

You've got to help me, Ike.

Of course. Irregardless.

I'm ill.

What your wife up and died of.

Oh.

It might happen sooner than I think.

Thinking out loud,

it would be very fine

if you had him with you for...

for the next few months.

You need sleep

and special considerations.

That's impossible with him

walking around the country.

Why don't you tell him?

No, but, Mrs Mott,

isn't it possible that maybe

you exaggerate his feelings?

DOOR BELL JINGLES

I brought Joey round again.

What are them pills for?

Yeast tablets.

Don't think they do you any good, do you?

At least as much as you do.

See, that's what I mean.

Never an hour of peace between us.

Reckon the stork brought you

the wrong sort of son.

Wouldn't be surprised.

You'll never get me to stay and run this shop.

I won't sweat pennies out of devils poorer than meself,

not if I had both legs cut off.

I'd crawl out in the street.

Someday you'll know I'm your only friend.

Less said, the better.

Eat your breakfast.

Goodbye.

..Nipper.

I'll drop you a postcard from the seaside.

Where you off to?

Rehearsals. Had your breakfast?

I'm going up to Tate's.

Tate's!

I'm sick of this street.

I've smelled it for almost five times seven years.

Quick, let a wind come and blow it all to pieces.

Well, I'm leaving for good now.

Miss me, will you?

It's nothing to do with me

if you quarrel with your ma.

Yes, I'll miss you.

Marry you quick if I had the chance.

What about money?

Money talks, they say.

The only thing it ever told me was goodbye.

Support me, would you?

If you wanted me to.

Think you could handle me, Aggie?

I know how to handle you -

not handle you at all,

leave you be.

I've never been so tempted in all me born days.

Think about it.

You know the address.

Oh, I'm late.

I've got to hurry.

Goodbye, Ernie.

# The gray dawn is breaking... #

Bye, Aggie.

# The horn of the hunter is heard... #

Nipper, you stay there.

A big fourpenny, and two of chips.

Looking very prosperous there, Len,

new fixtures and all.

Yes, I got mine.

Looks as if it's all in your teeth.

Ain't it time you stayed home

and settled down in business for yourself, son?

Me?

If that's what you happen to want.

It's safe, that's what it is.

Safe.

Well, if it isn't Ike Webber.

What brings you here?

And how is Mr Mott today?

What an honour, Mr Mott.

Come down for some of Tate's famous chips?

Mm-hmm. Everything with a kiss.

I'm glad I ran into you.

Are you?

I need two pounds' worth of clock repairs.

I'm on me way to Liverpool.

Oh.

Don't they use money in Liverpool any more?

A gent!

Ah, ancient history.

"To Edward from Mary, with love."

You know, Ike,

give me good old quiet machinery anytime.

She wants a quid on this - an old lady.

Give it to her, an old lady, Mr Lesser.

Everything with a kiss.

Clocks. Clocks. Tick tock.

Tick tock. Tick tock.

Did you ever realise

your mother was, once upon a time,

maybe the most beautiful woman

in the East End of London?

In the old days, I mean.

What about it?

Excuse me if I put a flea in your ear.

Your mother is a very sick woman.

You owe me two pounds, Ike.

Pay it. I'll be on my way.

Does she have a pain for her no-good son?

Your mother is not a superficial woman, Mr Mott.

When she gets ill, she gets ill.

What is it?

Cancer.

I recommend you not to say a word to her.

Everything with a kiss.

What are you laughing about, son?

Are you laughing?

Huh?

Thought I heard you laughing.

Seems like I saw you before.

Wasn't it the other night in Westminster?

What's your name, son?

Ernie Mott.

As the bacon said to the egg -

so pleased to meet you.

Henry Twite's my name.

Ernest Verdun Mott.

That's mine, if you want it all.

How did you come by a rare title like that?

Me father -

he rolled up there at Verdun in the last war.

A friend of mine put something in my ear,

and I can't get it out.

Buzz, buzz, buzz.

Been drinking, have you?

Lor lummey, you got it bad.

I know all about trouble, I do.

Son of my bosom, that's what you are.

Son of your nothing.

I'm a lone wolf, barking in a corner,

plain disgusted with a world I never made

and don't want none of.

There's the river, boy. Help yourself.

Don't like water neither, I see.

Ah, that's different, that is.

Sweating like that on a night like this,

you'll catch your death of double ammonia.

Come along with me

to a place where it's warm and dry.

PIANO PLAYING

Here we are, Dad.

HIS VOICE ECHOES

Echo! Echo! Echo!

I'll see you soon again.

Echo!

What for, Dad?

Maybe help you to get

more adjusted to your environment.

Now, wait.

Why not help my environment

get more adjusted to me?

Follow that?

Buzz, buzz, buzz.

Verdun, you're drunk.

You are.

Oh, I am that, Dad.

Echo! Echo! Echo!

# Oh, starry night... #

WHISTLING

# Oh, starry night

# Dee dee dee dee

# Deedle-dee di... #

Oh, well. Say good night.

See you soon.

And me feet killing me.

Good night, Dad.

Night, Verdun.

Echo, echo, echo.

Buzz, buzz, buzz.

DOOR BELL JINGLE

Changed my mind.

Home to stay.

Less said, the better.

WHISTLING

Knock off that piping.

Get up to Ma Tate's and get some grub.

Spirit of the morning, Ma.

Here's you and here's me, in working order.

Ta-ra chin!

Ain't I lovely?

Proper dream, you are.

All blistered from weeks of work.

I'm going to need some more green paint.

Pick it up at Pa Prettyjohn's.

Where are you off to?

I'm off to the Whitechapel Road

to do business.

Don't know how long I'll be.

Take charge of the shop.

See how you go.

Makes me proud you think I can do that.

Slosh you one.

Ain't so long since I was washing out

your baby napkins.

..Come on, Nipper.

Are you taking Nipper?

Why not? Cradled him, didn't I?

Here, put that in your pocket.

See how you like it.

Right.

Slosh you one.

Oh, hello, Ma.

How's your poor old feet, Ma?

Old.

I think I'll hang her up in my room.

What for?

Reminds me of a person.

Reminds me of a Christmas goose.

Here, take this with you.

Hop it now, up to your room.

What is it, Ma?

Sausage and mash for supper.

Don't be late coming down.

Ma.

Makes me give at the knees.

Glad you like it, son.

Supper's nearly ready.

Sit down and have your supper, son.

Wish you'd walk past Fish And Chips,

let that Mrs Tate see you,

not to mention dear Ma Fadden

and the plaster-haired Alf.

Surprise them all, won't I?

Surprises me most.

You look just like your father did...

on his best days, that is.

Did you love my old man?

Love's not for the poor, son.

No time for it.

Expect you to do something for me tonight.

What?

Stroll around with me.

We'll see a film - the two and fourpenny seats.

Don't you try any of them larks on me.

I'm old enough to be your mother.

Ha ha!

Ha ha ha!

Come on, Ma. Do it.

Couldn't do it, son.

Why not?

Too rich for my blood.

Besides, sleep's a blessed thing.

What's wrong, Ma? Something hurt you?

No. What gave you that idea?

Got a funny story right on the tip of me tongue

about a little man in the park.

Isn't them yeast tablets up on the mantelpiece?

Tummy ache.

What about that funny story, son?

Oh, yeah.

This little man is in the park, see?

That's peculiar.

It slipped my mind now.

Ache all gone?

Nothing to it.

Sausage ain't right for delicate appetites.

Go on.

You cook them a treat, Ma.

Worst cook in London town.

Don't try buttering me up.

If it's a pound you want,

you'll find it up there under the vase.

That's it, Ma.

Seen right through me, you did.

Off you go then. Tomorrow's Sunday.

It don't matter how late you come back.

Don't wake me.

Well, er...

Well, I'm off, Ma.

Have a good time, boy.

Thanks, Ma.

Hey, hey.

Your hat's on crooked.

Quiet as a little mouse.

Listen, Ernie.

I'm sorry you've come back.

Ow!

Rolled an ice-cold pickle jar

down my back, you did.

You mean that, Ada?

You're not serious.

I'm not an apple to take a bite of and throw away.

I thought for five weeks

whether to see you again.

What are you looking at, Ada?

See a parade going by?

Yes, maybe a whole bloomin' parade of troubles.

You can't fight it out out here.

There's places for such things.

Best find one.

DOOR BELL JINGLES

Who's that?

Me, Mrs Mott. Millie Wilson.

Alone, are you?

You drunk?

No. Give it up, I did.

Give it up.

Ma Snowden sent me.

She got herself half a dozen feather pillows,

soft enough for aristocracy.

Never slept on, neither.

Where'd they come from?

Usual place?

Yes.

You know I don't handle stolen goods, Millie.

She'd sell them cheap, she would.

No. >

Three or four fine woollen blankets, too.

No.

GROWLING

Quiet.

Sorry, Mrs Mott.

CLOCK CHIMES

Now, be a good boy, Ernie, and say good night.

What a way you have of making simple things difficult.

Think so?

Suppose a certain party

doesn't happen to like me seeing you?

Who would that be?

Jim Mordinoy.

Mordinoy? The flash boy?

How has he crept into your life?

Didn't say he had, did I?

There's about 20 good kisses left in me,

but he'll never get one.

Told him so?

More than once.

Then that's that.

According to whose book?

Ernie Mott's.

I'd blind him out of two eyes

quick as see him.

Here's hoping you don't try.

Now, say good night, Ernie,

and let's forget it all.

We all right for next Wednesday night?

Take me dancing?

Anything you like, Ada.

Here's five beetles on it.

Give over, boy.

You'll mash me to a pulp.

Wednesday, 9.30, then.

That's it.

Okey-doke, Aggie. It's a friend.

Oh. What are you doing out

this late at night?

Bit of fresh air.

Tall tonight.

The high-heeled shoes.

I've just finished playing at a club dinner.

You know what they're like -

a lot of men smoking cigars

and getting tight and showing off.

I get sick of it.

I thought you'd forgotten me.

No, not at all.

Want some coffee?

No, thanks, Aggie.

Are you a fortune-teller, Aggie?

Somewhat.

I'm on the fringes of a great romance.

What'll I do?

Have it.

But it's not you, Aggie.

That's no news, is it?

I know you like it honest.

Don't often meet a cavalier this late at night.

It ain't fair to you, these meetings.

Oh, really, Ern. You're a fool.

Moody, you're clever, you're human,

but you're a fool.

You love another girl, right?

I know why you're staying.

No, that isn't why, Aggie.

Well, then why?

Me ma is ill.

Last card in the pack, it looks.

Oh.

All roads lead to Ma this year.

What'd we start talking about?

Nothing that won't keep.

I'd better make a move.

I get an idea she don't sleep every night.

Mind the step.

Wait a minute, Ernie.

Don't worry for me.

I'm here if you need me.

If I love you, it's something I can't help

and something that I need.

People are what they are

and love what they love,

and I don't see any sense

in trying to be something else.

I wouldn't trade it for a box at the opera,

the thing I feel for you.

You can't take it away from me.

There you are, Mr Jack-in-the-box.

Now, cross over and sleep well.

Hmm.

You don't think it's worth more, Ike?

To my mind, no, Mrs Mott.

All right.

Hmm. Hmm.

It adds up just under £200,

the piano not included.

That's very disappointing.

You expected it to be more?

That's nothing.

Go through his generous hands in a year.

Look at him out there.

Never know it was the same boy, would you?

There's such things as prayers being answered.

Yes, the places of the world are empty,

and the human heart is everything.

Oh, that's a speech.

Well, I'll go.

Thank you, Ike.

You're a sport.

Anytime, Mrs Mott.

A pleasure to serve you, irregardless.

Whoa!

Ah, me Verdun boy!

How are you?

Fine.

How's your Ma?

What have you got there?

Selling fruit round the pubs.

Doing a rare old trade and all.

That your Ma playing peek-a-boo in there?

Call her out.

A person of me own generation.

Ma, want you to meet a friend of mine.

Henry Twite.

Asked how I was, did you?

Been better, been worse.

All right with you, me old china?

Ain't bad, Mr Twite. Could be better.

This is from your hopeful heir.

Sent by a dutiful son who's looking after his Ma

while she's still here to be looked after.

You buy these for me, son?

Er...

Looks like you made a hit there, son.

Yeah, looks like I did. Thanks.

Box of doll's eyes.

Found them in a shipment.

Where are you off to?

Stay for tea.

No. Meet me any night at Tiger's place.

Give me a leg up.

Can't dally with friendship

when making a living's in the air.

Come on.

Lovely man, that.

Oh, I should say so.

Never had anything like that give me.

Some people don't even tune a piano for me

when it's promised.

Anyone so thoughtless

ought to have their bottom spanked.

I'll be over in a minute.

Nice man, that Twite.

Best of the best.

Had a quiet sniff, did you?

Change the subject or I'll howl, I will.

Promised to tune Ma Chalmers piano.

DOOR BELL JINGLES

Someone in the shop.

Ha ha!

Ha ha!

What did do you with my Millie Wilson?

Your Millie Wilson?

You set the dog on her.

You're as daft as she is.

Come here, Millie.

Didn't she set the dog on you?

Yes, she did. The white one.

Wish I had, that's what.

That's your trouble, Mother Mott.

Don't you "Mother Mott" me, Jane Snowden.

I'll put you in the gutter

if you raise your voice.

I can see you don't realise what's involved.

Not three or four, but £500.

and just for selling stolen goods.

What's the income of your shop

compared with that?

Shoplifting, that's plain.

Save your breath.

We do the lifting. You just do the selling.

That's just like walking through an orchard

picking apples.

No bid. No bid, Mrs Snowden.

You tire me out, you do.

I have nothing more to say.

I shan't waste me time.

"There's Ma Mott," I says.

"Let her make enough

"to live out her life in peace,

"maybe leave a bit for her boy.

"Good old Mother Mott," I says.

There's the gratitude, Millie - called a thief.

Something for the book, that's what it is.

I've got nothing more to say.

But if you happen to change your mind,

you know where I'll be.

£500, I says.

Not less.

PIANO BEING TUNED

Like me, Ernie?

A bit.

There are three reasons why I dislike dancing.

One, I don't dance good enough.

Two, it's too hot.

And three, what's Mordinoy doing here?

He owns this place.

What makes that tie the lamb's tail?

Want to stop?

Suits me.

Don't you think I know three's a crowd?

He invited himself.

It's not important.

I can hardly keep my hands off him.

20 boys here would carve you up

if he just said the word.

Don't be so romantic, Ernie.

Save it for me. The evening's young.

Sit down now, shall we?

How about me, Ada?

Am I next?

Let me rest. What do you think I'm made of?

I'll find out.

Kids himself something cruel.

I love the way those saxes come out.

Sort of in kid gloves,

just loud enough to be heard.

I wish I could live out my time like this.

MORDINOY: Perfect pitch don't hear a word you're saying.

What's this stuff called?

Ha ha!

Ha ha ha!

What's funny?

I thought everybody over 16 knew what champagne was.

I'll be 16 in March.

You're well developed for a boy.

No quarrels here.

Quarrels? Mott likes me, don't you, Mott?

Why should I like you?

Half a spoonful of lemonade and he's bandy-legged.

I like your attitude, Mott.

It'll kill you or make you.

By the way, Ada, I bought the funfair today.

Ada. >

I've been waiting years for this.

How about a turn or two?

I'm sorry, Mr Mordinoy.

Mr Mordinoy don't mind, Sid.

How's your Ma doing in that shop of hers?

Who told you about that?

Oh, it interested me to find out.

Why?

You're a cut above the usual article that floats around.

Only a cut?

There's that attitude again.

Ada is interested in you, it seems.

Nothing special.

And I'm interested in Ada, very special.

I'm going to do something for you, Mott.

Like to stuff your pockets?

You know where Ermington Street is? Tattamy's Garage?

I'm there any morning.

You've got talents and imagination.

Work hard for me,

and you'll start at £50 a week.

Breaking whose neck?

Don't you think you're being rude?

I've been after Ada too long to lose her.

She knows it.

Now you know it.

She won't wear you, seems like.

Ada was always a bit giddy.

I recall a couple of weekends at Brighton.

We shared adjoining rooms.

Now, look here.

What's the matter? What are you interrupting me for?

I remember it used to give me

a special sort of pleasure to choose her clothes.

Wait a minute!

You're young and excitable, Mott.

Sit down.

Ada is Mrs Mordinoy.

Ernie.

Ernie!

Wait a minute.

­ Ha ha ha!

Ha ha ha!

Mrs Mordinoy.

Used to be me name.

What do you want? Me life history in the flesh?

It's a family quarrel.

It isn't.

Be two years next month we're divorced.

Won't wash, Ada, ducks.

What won't wash?

Less said, the better.

Quick's the word, then.

There's the door.

Morning, Ma.

Morning, son.

What happened to you last night?

Hit by a train. Head-on collision.

Oh, my, sheep's heart again?

Are we that poor to be eating the insides of sheep

day in, day out?

Millions worse off, son.

Poor putrid millions.

< What's the price of this one?

Percy Floom and Flo looking over wedding stuff

on his day off.

DOOR BELL JINGLES

Make a lovely match, they will.

Yes. To start a fire.

Proper case, ain't she?

Nice sensible head on her, for all that.

He'll have a happy life.

Blinking idiots, the pair of them.

Getting married.

I'd like to see a nipper or two of yours

before I get took off.

Shan't be here always, you know.

You'll have this shop for your own.

You're all fixed up for a home.

Why don't you look around?

Had too many looks around.

What an ugly, insanitary life it is.

Needn't be.

But it is.

Lots of love in you, Ernie.

Wants an object, something to lavish it on.

What's wrong with you, Ma?

You're an object.

For Keat, please.

Which book, nipper?

Boot club.

Boot club?

BIRD CHIRPS

Boots, boots, boots.

Saving for boots?

Yes, sir, Mr Mott.

That makes two and thruppence so far, right?

How long's it take to save for the boots?

27 weeks, sir.

Your ma goes three and a tenner on him!

I can't pay you more than what the book says.

Take it or leave it!

Sorry.

Throwing me out, are you?

No. I can't give you more than half a crown.

Well, I'll take it.

I'll tell your ma on you. You wait.

No matter to you what we has to go through, does it?

Here's your money.

Joey?

Joey?

Hey, lovey?

Speak to your mum. Speak to her, boy.

Here. You reckon he's all right, do you, Ern?

SHE CRIES

Here.

Here, old girl. Here, old girl.

Take half a crown.

Here's Joey.

What's up now? Pinched something, has she?

Peace! That's what I'm looking for!

I want peace with happy hearts and straight bones

without dirt and distress.

Surprises you, don't it?

Peace! That's what us millions want,

without having to snatch it

from the smaller dogs.

Peace to be not a hound and not a hare,

but peace with pride,

to have a decent human life...

with all the trimmings.

Won't find nothing like that in this world,

not in our time, son.

No way to beat it.

There's a way.

Travel with the hounds.

Where are you off to?

A walk around.

Nipper.

Leave Nipper here.

Right.

DOOR BELL JINGLES

Open it.

I don't want no more trouble in my life.

I've had a big packet of it in my time.

No more, Ern. Not from you and not from Jim.

I'm leaving there as soon as I find another job.

I was feeling

as if I'd just started living.

Were you?

I ought to hate you, didn't I?

But I don't.

Want to come in half a minute?

Want me to?

There's something I'd like you to see.

Very mysterious, the room of the girl you love.

Yours?

Yes. That's my kiddy.

That's the little girl of all my dreams.

What a wallop you give me, Ada.

Put your face up half a mo.

Put your arms around me.

Aren't you happy to see me?

Yes. You make me very happy,

but I have to tell you

I'm thinking of going in with Mordinoy.

I want money. I don't know how to get it sooner.

Really, I'm sorry.

I'm sorry I ever see you.

You'll do time.

He'll see you will, Jim will.

I'm sorry I ever see you.

My eye, what a girl.

Don't she ever get tired of saying goodbye?

MUSIC BOX PLAYS

That's right. Wake my kiddy.

Sorry.

MUSIC STOPS

You got any sense in you?

I could murder you myself.

What would you want me for?

Be your girl, your wife,

and next week be poking you bananas through the bars?

I see your point. I'll never let you go.

You don't touch me ever again!

Ada, don't die on me.

What can I lose if I do a job for him?

Me. Do you hear that?

Me.

The world I want can be as small as this room,

but I have to know it's here tomorrow, too.

Yes. I'm as old fashioned as sealing wax.

I believe every girl should be married,

but it wants a solid base,

not policemen and being slashed about.

Tile baths, silks, and jewels -

that's why I left him.

I'll only start crying, so give over now.

Say goodbye.

I'll say good night.

Good night, Ada.

MUSIC BOX PLAYING

Where you going, happy face?

Here to see Mr Mordinoy.

Oh.

..Oh, Jim, a customer here!

This is the lad I was telling you about.

Ernie, this is Slush Yatley.

How's she go, Ernie boy?

Cosh Simmons.

He never shakes hands.

Is Ernie a buyer, Jim,

or joining the riding academy?

Joining the academy.

He'll learn from you, I hope,

or maybe teach you something.

You can never tell with Mott.

Then 7.00 tomorrow morning, Ernie boy.

We don't keep gentlemen's hours here.

Okey-doke.

Come on and see what's going on here.

How's Ada?

Don't see her too often, Mr Mordinoy.

< This way, Mott.

But nothing won't never take the place of ice.

I would say the same, Ma.

Well, I've never >

seen nothing to beat this.

Never on land or sea.

Makes its own ice. Why, that's magic.

Money belongs in the bank.

In the bank, that's where you want it.

Sticking it on the wall won't get you nowhere.

You'll catch it, my lad,

if you go buying me any presents.

Ha! Come on, son.

Good evening, Mrs Mott.

Ha! Jealous.

She's jealous.

Clara Tate's a copyrighted nuisance.

Just the smell of her is a meal.

Ha ha ha! Ha ha ha!

How's my daughter?

Splitting headache.

Go out and sit with Ike.

I'll bring you a glass of stout. Where's Nipper?

Put upstairs for the night.

MUSIC PLAYS

Happy, Ma?

Where'd the money come from bought all this?

Money?

Where does money come from, Ma?

You earn it, steal it, find it.

Find yours under a tree?

That's it, Ma.

Hope you won't find any more, son.

CLOCK CHIMES

Working for Jim now, ain't you?

You were down at the club last night...

doing what?

Can I trust you now?

Do you want me to shout?

Oh, bash me one. Get it over with.

Bash me proper so I don't never wake up again.

I don't know what we're in for, you and me.

Don't you see I love you?

You can't eat your cake and have it, too.

Me or him. If it's me, we go away.

Why go away?

He watched me from the balcony office all afternoon.

Called me in at suppertime,

yelling like 1.00.

I never seen him like that before - jealous.

I owe your kiddy a toy.

What about him?

He eats a few raisins

and has us done away with.

Oh, Ada, quiet down. You talk so wild.

I won't be wild far away.

The sooner we went, the better.

I'd have my kiddy. You'd have me.

Ada girl, Rome wasn't built in a day.

It's yes or no, Ernie Mott.

No two ways about it.

What worries you? My kiddy?

I can leave her with my aunt.

No. It's not your kiddy, Ada.

It's my ma. She's been took queer.

She's very ill. I couldn't leave her.

That's the end, then.

No. Give me time to use my brain!

What's the use?

Ada...look. It's my birthday tonight.

Just give me a bit of time for a gift.

See me home, then.

I'm freezing here.

All right.

Just give me time to think.

Don't be afraid.

Don't be afraid.

He'll want three cars, Cosh boy.

Done.

Where's Mott, Jim?

Where is Mott?

Did I miss anything?

Buy yourself an alarm clock.

Cosh likes everything in order.

Punctuality is the essence of our business.

It's skins tonight.

Selnic's Fur Shop in the Brompton Road.

Meet me here at 6.00.

Okey-doke.

Stroll up and have a look in daylight.

Okey-doke.

ENGINE STARTS

ENGINE REVS

Something in your eye, Mott?

What?

Something you wanted to say?

Me? No, not a thing, at the moment.

Oh, cigarette?

Never smoke in the afternoon. Thank you.

Present from me ma.

Platinum.

Silver, she said.

Platinum.

Your ma knows what's what.

As a matter of fact,

something I did want to say.

A friend of mine's in trouble.

Copper?

Girl.

He loves a girl, and she loves him.

All happy, then.

No. That's the trouble.

A third party there, acting like a dog in the manger.

The girl don't like him, but he's a big boy.

He's promised to make enough trouble

for my friend to start a business.

What's your friend's name?

Name of Ernie.

Oh, like you.

What's the big boy's name?

Name of Jim, like you.

If your friend's as good-looking as you,

what's he want to get married for?

Waste of time, ain't it?

Jim. >

What's up, Taz?

I pawned a ruby ring. The police took it.

Why?

Stolen property, they said.

And is it?

My married sister give it to me.

The old lark. It's been worked before.

Warm up a car. Get Cosh.

Thanks. That's grand.

Can't treat the family like that.

We'll have to go there and show them.

Don't figure you want me to go along?

Ain't you one of the family any more?

DING

Now then, what's the matter?

What's your game, you slimy stink?

What did I do?

Where's my friend's ruby ring?