Episode 3

♪ ♪ Ready when you are.

(people chatting) Ladies and gentlemen of the press, we've been shopping.

(flash bulb pops) All of these wonderful stores have now been added to the Selfridge "provincial" family, making it the largest retail group in Europe.

And that's not all.

Because of the unparalleled success of the Selfridge Trust we now can invest like never before.

These are the best of times and they will never end.

Mr. Grove.

Good morning, Mr. Grove.

Good to see you back at work, Mr. Grove.

It's good to be back, Mr. Selfridge.

♪ ♪ (bell rings) (crowd laughing) REPORTER: That's all well and good, Mr. Selfridge, but why are we here?

What do you mean?

The stores are British.

You could have made this announcement in London just as lavishly.

I hope this isn't an attempt to curry favor?

You good people are beyond reproach.

(laughter) Yes?

Could I just ask why your son Gordon isn't here?

First things first.

Why are we here?

Good question.

Simple answer: Why not?

(laughter and applause) Apologies.

I did wonder if we were meeting today.

I thought you may have accompanied your father to France?

I, uh...

I'm more use on the ground.

Besides, young Ralph wanted to attend the reading tomorrow.

It's a treat to hear A.A. Milne read Winnie the Pooh.

I'm sure I'll see my father then.

Would you like to have been there?

I...

I prefer to leave my mark through hard work rather than manipulation of public opinion.

That's a rather hard reading of the situation, if I may say so.

Well, you did ask, Mr. Crabb.

Shall we get to work?

REPORTER: The showman himself will point to the highly fashionable nature of Biarritz as reason enough for this announcement, semicolon, but others will wonder if Mr. Selfridge has gotten out of town in order to escape the familial heat these acquisitions are rumored to have generated, full stop.

Sign it off, Molly, let Harold sub it.

What's this, Edwards?

Open it.

(chuckling) We're at the flea pit in Anglet.

Not anymore, Flic.

The chief brought you over here.

It's only right you enjoy the scenery.

Oh, a small tab has been placed on your room too.

Drinks at 6:00 in the Empress Bar.

Should be a night to remember.

Another puff piece.

Does he think we're stupid?

He can't control us.

Don't be so dull.

I'm just saying there are better Selfridge stories out there.

I know you have a good one.

It's a peach, but I've been warned off.

Orders from Wynnstay himself, apparently.

Since when do gossip columnists listen to orders?

The rooms were an inspired idea.

Never seen hacks so happy.

It's going to cost you, though.

It's worth it.

Keep 'em well oiled up tonight.

See what you can pick up.

Always good to be one step ahead.

Right-o.

(to himself): No night off for me, then.

Bonjour.

Bonjour, monsieur.

What on earth are you doing here?

Mucking in while the chief's away.

I see Mrs. de Bolotoff is organizing an event for the orphans of fallen servicemen.

Lord Wynnstay's charity.

Who'd have thought?

Don't look at me with pity, Arthur.

What about your diagnosis?

What I told you was uttered in haste.

No one else need know about it.

I am well!

I am able.

Look at me.

Look!

You cannot ignore what's happening.

I'll be on my rounds.

Sorry, Freddy, it's... Eeyore's house.

It's not supposed to be so... sturdy.

What, so just make it more slapdash?

I can't do that.

I trained at The Slade!

Uh, excuse me... A little bit more respect for Mrs. de Bolotoff, please, Freddy.

It's always me that has to accommodate.

You know your A.A. Milne.

Tatiana's been captivated.

I wanted to share the magic with children who aren't read to as much as they might have been.

Aw, well, it's a great cause.

You've thrown this together really quickly.

My mother-- and especially my grandmother-- instilled a sense of practicality.

I guess this is in honor of them as well.

Well, my favorite's Piglet.

Me too.

Mrs. Towler nabbed me on the way in; said she's coming down to "have a chat."

I know I messed things up.

But I didn't mean to.

It wasn't all my fault.

Let Mrs. Towler be in charge.

You can be quite... quite quick to speak.

Rude, do you mean?

Oh...!

Look, when she comes, just... be respectful.

Practice.

It will help.

(laughing): Now you're just pulling a silly face.

I'm not!

Ah!

Miss Grove.

And how are you today?

Very well, thank you, Mrs. Towler.

Mmm...

It's nice and neat.

Well done.

I hope whilst you've been down here you've had time to reflect on your place in the store.

Yes, Mrs. Towler.

Good.

Well, gather your things.

Report to Fashion when you're ready.

(laughing) CROUPIER: Faites vos jeux.

Excuse me... What a wonderful sight.

Pitch in, Harry!

We're in awful trouble.

The Whiteleys aren't playing fair.

Heard you were in, Selfridge.

A grand party for such modest shops.

Pratts: The behemoth of Streatham!

You play, ladies.

I have some things to take care of.

Our credit's up.

William's taken the bank and has licked us clean.

(quietly): Add a thousand francs to my bill.

Thank you, Harry.

Drinks on us if we win.

Mae!

What are you doing here?

Bonjour, Harry.

Well, I had a little business in Toulouse and then Jimmy called, said that you were having lots of fun, so I thought I'd crash the party.

You don't mind, do you?

Not at all.

Harry, you were wonderful in there.

They were eating out of the palm of your hand.

None of it would be possible without your stroke of genius.

Oh, I didn't realize this was a meeting of the Harry/Jimmy mutual appreciation society.

Well, I feel like something of a lemon now.

Dry as a bone.

That's why I like her.

The bar is open.

Let's have some fun!

FRANK: Hey George, how are you?

Good to see you.

Oh!

Hello.

Sorry.

No harm done, old chap.

Can't take the heat, Edwards?

Felicity... on full alert as ever.

That's my job.

Any scraps?

How are Rosalie and Serge de Bolotoff?

Can't we have a night off?

Of course.

I'll have a French 75.

Soixante-quinze and a whisky, merci.

MAE: ...in a state of undress.

I was speechless for once.

But Harry, to be fair, ever the perfect gentleman, just cast his eyes skyward and said, "Oh, what lovely corbels!"

Corbels!

Where did that come from?

I had to say something.

How'd it go?

Not so great, huh?

Right, I'll order some more champagne.

Yes, please.

Don't let us get too tight tonight, Harry.

We have a movie audition tomorrow.

Yes, you do.

Who for?

Oswald Stone, Stone Pictures.

The Red Stockings, The Nymph of the Glen?

You've been out of the country too long, Mae.

I know Mr. Stone from the club.

Maybe I'll come and watch.

Where's the audition?

Beaconsfield.

The glamour!

Oh, that's better.

This is quite the seduction Harry's organized.

What's it like being on the other side?

Are we off the record?

It's hard.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy working for Harry and he's a dear friend.

But on occasions like this you meet old pals... cub reporters when I started out.

Now they're feature writers, finance editors, books galore... Lost opportunities?

One drink and I'm already maudlin.

Perhaps you just need another one.

Could I get two bottles of champagne, yeah?

Care for a drink, Mr. Dillon?

We've had an awfully good night.

Mmm... no, no, no, thank you.

I suppose it's all Harry's money in the end.

What do you care from which hand it comes?

Everything okay?

We were just congratulating Mr. Dillon on his financial acumen.

The magician of the Square Mile.

He is a great asset.

Evening, gentlemen.

That's it, Jimmy.

Do as your owner tells you.

Keep walking, it's fine, it's fine.

They're just looking for sport.

(laughing) Everything all right?

Everything's fine.

Just fine.

Mr. D'Ancona.

What can I do for you?

You know how I deal with outstanding debts?

First I ask with a smile.

Then I ask without.

Do I owe you something?

You don't owe me anything.

But we have a mutual friend.

I'm trying to be tolerant but my good nature is being tested.

Who are you talking about?

Harry owes you money?

(loud chatter, cabaret music) So the magician...

The magician...

Opened up the orange, pulled out his signature.

Harry, they're beautiful.

Thank you!

JENNY: We've won the man lottery.

It's amazing.

You are the most amazing man I have ever met.

Oh, well, there we are.

(cheers and whistles) (music continues) (men yelling and whistling) (laughing) (applause) Rosie!

You're not getting away with this.

Don't you dare touch my stuff.

Jenny, what do you think you are doing?

Ladies, please, I'll get you both matching necklaces.

Well, that's rather taken the sheen off things hasn't it?

They really can't behave, can they?

I think Harry rather enjoys the spectacle.

Harry loves a spectacle.

Mae, how are you this evening?

I'm sorry, do I know you?

Lord Loxley was a member of our club.

How marvelous for you.

Not sure he would have approved of your choice of... companion.

But then you are on holiday.

An "exotic" holiday.

I hear that's the thing to do this season.

(laughing) Why don't you two call it a night?

Why don't you fetch me a daiquiri?

Jimmy.

Oh, and while you're at it, polish these.

MAE: Frank!

FRANK: Oh, no, come on, come on, boys, no, look, come on, listen... Oh, Jesus!

(grunting) Get out!

Come on!

Come on, Jimmy.

(moaning) (chuckling): Are you okay?

Oh boy, that was exciting.

(bellowing) Enough!

Stop that!

What's got into you?!

You get somewhere, you achieve something and there's always, always someone ready to push you down!

But they're playboys.

They're vacuous, desperate playboys.

Oh God, let's have a drink and forget about it.

People say things to you, don't they?

Is it "the thing to do"?

An "exotic holiday"?

You really saying that to me?

Am I wrong?

(shouting): Am I wrong?!

People talk.

People say things, of course they do.

I don't care about any of that.

It's this.

Your temper.

This is what I don't like.

Mae, I'm sorry.

Get some sleep, Jimmy.

(laughing drunkenly) Shh!

FRANK: Where are we?

Shh... shh... Come in quickly.

You know what we forgot to do tonight?

Eat.

I know a place.

I'll take you there.

All right.

MAE: I hand it to you, Harry: you do know all the best spots.

It's not bad, is it?

Merci beaucoup.

Sweet couple.

I wonder how long they've been together.

He looks like her third husband and she has worn him out.

Pierre looks exhausted.

It's just so calm, isn't it, so still.

No shrieking, no glasses clinking.

It makes you realize how fast everything else is going.

I think we could walk back to the hotel.

It's a mile or so along the beach.

Mile-a-minute Harry.

Got to live up to the name.

So...

I told you that I-I came for the party.

Actually I wanted to see you.

Why?

Well, I understand that things haven't been especially cordial between you and Gordon.

No-- no, they are fine.

He's not here and it's been noticed.

Did you invite him?

Of course I did.

He declined.

That must hurt.

(sighs) If he wants to miss out on all the fun, that's his decision.

Oh, last night wasn't fun, Harry, it was ugly.

Don't sit in judgment on me.

I'm not.

I get enough of that from my family.

Ask anyone that's there today if they had fun.

They'll say they did.

Because you insisted.

Because you control every single moment.

Could we get a check, please?

L'addition, s'il vous plait.

What, now I've upset you.

Merci.

Merci beaucoup.

A beautiful place.

Wonderful.

Oh, Harry.

Pardon.

Harry!

Harry!

Harry, stop!

Stop!

(sighs) I keep moving... because that... that's all I can do.

I know that.

We're cut from the same cloth, you and I.

Noise and color and sex and laughter, it drowns out an awful lot; but in the end it all goes and what will you be left with?

Friendship, yes?

Family.

Make it up with Gordon.

He's your son.

I'm sorry if I upset you.

I'm sorry.

Don't ever apologize again.

I'll fix it.

(sighs) I'm thankful that you're here.

So we don't have to pay anything?

No.

No.

The chief's got it all under control.

Thanks very much.

See you in London.

Any chance I could bunk aboard your plane?

We're full.

So, we have to schlep back on the boat-train?

You'll all be home in three hours.

The party's over, Flic.

From hero to coward, eh, Frank?

Didn't last night mean anything?

I was drunk and I regret it bitterly.

Morning, Frank.

Morning.

Morning, Harry.

I do hope you enjoy the column I'm going to write.

I'm sure I will.

Where have you been?

The plane leaves in an hour, I've been banging on your door.

We went for a walk.

Are you okay?

Hangover?

Yeah... no, it's half champagne, half elbow.

(Mae laughs) Harry, I must apologize for my atrocious behavior last night.

Mae tells me it was self-defense.

No harm done.

Try telling that to my head.

My apologies, Frank.

Immense fun last night, Harry.

We can't stop, Beaconsfield awaits!

Oh, yes-- oh, good luck.

Are you going to wear the feathers or the fruit?

I was going to wear my necklace but it's ruined.

I'll have it fixed.

No, Harry.

Rosie will pay.

I was a little lonesome last night.

I didn't want to cause any more difficulties.

Where did you go last night?

A little walk and talk, some breakfast.

Excuse me.

All that remains is the bill.

And are you feeling better?

Well, I don't know if I should be ashamed or proud, but apparently this is the largest bill that they've ever issued.

I knew you could drink, but come on!

(laughter) I've invited prominent families to attend today.

They'll bring their children and they'll make friends with the children from the church.

That way, perhaps lasting friendships can be built and donations may be more regular.

You sound more and more like your father.

"Fairness and spirit stand us all in good stead."

Ah, Mr. Milne, I'm Rosalie de Bolotoff, Mr. Selfridge's eldest daughter.

He's assured me he'll be back in time to hear you read.

You write a very persuasive letter, Mrs. de Bolotoff.

And Lord Wynnstay, is it true you have a softer side?

My secret is out.

Christopher?

What do you think?

I like it, Father.

It's very fine.

Roger, do you have a moment?

Yes, of course.

Hello, Roger.

I'll leave you to it.

Oh, this was you, was it?

Called her.

Interfered.

I had to do something.

It's unforgivable, Arthur.

I don't know what Arthur told you, but whatever it was, he crossed a line.

He had to.

He's your friend.

Why didn't you contact me?

And say what?

Is there anything that can be done?

Have you seen other doctors?

Josie...

I know you.

You'll take the word of the first official at face value.

You could see a specialist.

Mr. Selfridge could find you one?

This is not the chief's concern.

There could be a treatment, a procedure... Josie.

Please.

Does he even know?

Oh... And what about the children?

You haven't told them, have you?

I appreciate your visit, really I do.

Now if you'll forgive me, I must get back to work.

(elevator bell dings) Miss Mardle.

Meryl!

My goodness.

How you've grown.

Nineteen.

Working in Fashion.

Well, congratulations.

I'm surprised your father allowed you.

He was always rather against the idea of you working here.

I've proved myself capable, Miss Mardle.

Things are well at home?

Wonderful.

The children are thriving, happy at school, lots of friends... We have a system.

We all muck in together.

We're very close.

Had to be.

Are you here on business?

Yes.

Of a sort.

Staying long?

I don't know at the moment, Meryl.

Well, I won't keep you if you need to get on.

Welcome, welcome, children.

Take a seat.

Don't run!

Take your time, take your time, please.

Welcome.

We were expecting the Dolly Sisters, not the Dolly Sister.

Well, we were expecting a car.

We usually get a car for auditions.

I'm sure they send golden chariots for your casino shows.

But this is the movies.

Opportunities come; and then they go.

Well, they're the same.

I mean, what Rosie does, Jenny does.

Where is she?

(whispers): I don't know.

She said she was going home to get changed.

This is so humiliating.

Do you mind?

This isn't going to work.

At least let her try.

(whispering): Good luck.

Thank you.

(Charleston music begins) (snaps fingers) (elevator bell dings) Miss Mardle?

Kitty!

What a lovely surprise.

What are you doing here?

Business.

But I couldn't resist a quick inspection of the old neighborhood.

Aw, the "old neighborhood."

Listen to you!

Have you got time for a cup of tea?

Yes.

What's it like over there?

Do you think I'd like it?

Oh, New York was made for you, Kitty.

Really?

They have a certain way over there.

People know where they want to go in their life and they seek it out with all their heart.

They don't feel shame, they don't feel embarrassed.

People respect that.

They call it moxie.

(chuckles softly) What a funny word.

Have you seen Mr. Grove?

Briefly, yes.

Still sore?

They still talk about you in the store.

New girls on their first days learn about the legendary Miss Mardle.

If anyone's got moxie, it's you.

That's very kind of you.

But if life's taught me anything it's that work is not the be all and end all.

Wish I'd learned that earlier.

Well, there's always time to change one's priorities, don't you think?

"It just shows what can be done by taking a little trouble," said Eeyore.

"Do you see, Pooh?

"Do you see, Piglet?

"Brains first, then Hard Work.

"Look at it!

That's the way to build a house," said Eeyore proudly.

So they left him in it.

And Christopher Robin went back to lunch with his friends Pooh and Piglet, and on the way, they told him of the Awful Mistake they had made.

And when he had finished laughing, they all sang the Outdoor Song for Snowy Weather the rest of the way home.

Piglet, who was still not quite sure of his voice, putting in the tiddely-poms again.

"And I know it seems easy," said Piglet to himself, "but it isn't everyone who could do it."

Mr. Milne, thank you.

Your stories remind us of our innocence.

Thank you, Mr. Selfridge.

Come on.

Gordon.

How have things been going?

As you would expect.

GRACE: I hear France was a success, Mr. Selfridge.

You're always magnificent at those events.

Well, I'm sorry that Gordon couldn't make it.

We'll always remember today, won't we, Ralph?

That's what matters.

We'll be having supper at the Criterion before heading home.

You're welcome to join us.

I...

I should return home myself.

It's been a long couple of days.

Of course.

Come on then, bye-bye.

I got something for you.

Mmm.

The New Yorker.

Elizabeth reads it.

I don't get all the jokes, but she thinks it's a scream.

I've heard good things.

I'll give it a read tomorrow.

Thank you.

Oh!

That was a long couple of days.

I missed you.

I missed you too.

I used to enjoy getting away, seeing things, but...

This time, there was an emptiness to it.

It made me realize that true joy lies in hearth and home.

You mean the world to me, Kitty.

It sounds like you've been doing some thinking.

I have, yes.

Perhaps we were a little hasty dismissing the idea of children.

What?

(laughing) You were dead against it before.

I just...

I feel we've been running around the whole time, looking for something, and maybe we've already got it.

Maybe we could make it even stronger.

You have a visitor, sir.

Mrs. de Bolotoff left him in the living room.

Thank you, Fraser.

Mr. D'Ancona came to see me.

Wanted me to remind you of certain outstanding matters.

Are you in his employ now?

Certainly not.

Then I suggest you keep your nose out of my business.

You'd be a fool to ignore him.

It's in hand.

I've been to the bank, I have a draft.

He'd take a check.

Unless there weren't the funds to honor it.

I'm one of the wealthiest men in London.

Do you really think that I can't afford to pay a gambling debt?

Mr. Selfridge.

Harry.

I'm just passing on a message.

Mr. D'Ancona, Harry Selfridge.

I have something for you.

Meet me at my club at, say, 11:00?

Thank you.

Can you read it now?

Wash and change first.

Go on.

(knock at door) All right, Mrs. Green, I've got it.

Things have changed in here.

Time can't stand still.

Sometimes I wish it had.

You know, I find it almost amusing that the prospect of death has made the heart grow fonder.

Oh, Roger.

You always knew how to go for the jugular.

What did you imagine was going to happen?

That you wander back in here with your magic wand and make everything better?

No.

I just want to help.

Well, you can't.

It's too late.

You left.

You walked away from me.

Do you really think railing against me changes what's happening to you?

I have no desire to go over old ground.

I'm tired.

Well, I'm stubborn.

And I will not leave you again.

Josie, can't you understand?

I don't want you to see me diminish.

(tearfully): You'll never diminish in my eyes.

I will.

I will.

I'll wither and I'll die.

MERYL: What are you talking about?

I'll be at the King's Hotel.

(crying): It's not true... is it?

I'm afraid it is.

I have cancer, Meryl.

It's in my lungs and my liver and there isn't anything that can be done.

(sobbing) You're lying!

It isn't true!

I'm so sorry.

I don't know what else I can say.

No!

(doorbell rings) Who's calling at this hour?

I'll see to it, Mrs. de Bolotoff.

WYNNSTAY: I need to talk to Mrs. de Bolotoff.

Who is it, Fraser?

Lord Wynnstay.

What are you doing here?

Is everything okay?

I've been to the presses.

I tried to stop them.

It's too late.

What is it?

Please, please do not think that I sanctioned this.

Please leave.

I can stay and speak to Harry.

Please... just go.

Why so glum, chum?

Congratulations on the movie.

Couldn't have done it without you.

I don't know...

There's something "forever" about the pictures, isn't there?

You never grow old on the silver screen.

I'll be right back.

You've got her all excited.

They won't let you down.

One of our investors has pulled out and... it looks like it won't be happening.

I'm sorry to hear that.

Yes.

It was going to be quite a picture.

We were going to approach you to shoot some scenes in the store.

Well, I'll let Rosie know in the morning.

No point ruining her night.

Oswald?

What type of figure are we talking about for this movie?

In the region of 50,000.

A telephone call, Mr. Selfridge.

Thank you.

My God... are you serious?

She earned her shot.

Let her have it.

(stammering) Thank you.

Thank you.

Hello?

Rosalie.

Slow... slow down, honey!

A hotel filled with journalists and you didn't hear about this?!

What are you talking about?

The Herald has printed a column of despicable lies.

This is tittle-tattle.

This'll blow over.

My family means everything to me and I will not have their names smeared.

Tomorrow in the office, I want you to cancel every single ad in this paper.

Oh, but Harry, sleep on it.

That's an overreaction.

I'm supposed to take advice from you?

What does that mean?

You know, you may own dozens of stores, but you don't own the press, and neither do I.

If you want the adulation, you have to take the jeers.

This could have been controlled.

You took your eye off the ball.

I worked my fingers to the bone in France and what did I get?

An elbow on the head and...?

You got a lot more than that, Frank.

You were with the woman that wrote this that night and the next morning-- did you sleep with her?

Is this her revenge?

Get out!

Get out!

We'll talk about it in the light of day.

(door closes) You must be mistaken.

He called.

I'm sorry, sir.

Show me to his table.

♪ ♪ Next tim Go to our website, listen to our new podcast, watch video, and more.

"Mr. Selfridge" season four is available on Blu-ray and DVD.

The companion book is also available.

To order, visit shopPBS.org or call us at 1-800-PLAY-PBS.

Captioned by Media Access Group at WGBH access.wgbh.org