Persuasion Script - Dialogue Transcript

Voila! Finally, the Persuasion script is here for all you quotes spouting fans of the 1995 Jane Austen movie  This script is a transcript that was painstakingly transcribed using the screenplay and/or viewings of Persuasion. I know, I know, I still need to get the cast names in there and I'll be eternally tweaking it, so if you have any corrections, feel free to drop me a line. You won't hurt my feelings. Honest.

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Persuasion Script


 

                   

Come on.



 

                   

(Bosun's whistle)



 

                   

- Mr Shepherd.

- yes.



 

                   

- When are we to be paid?

- In due course.



 

                   

The bills are outstanding!



 

                   

I'm aware they're outstanding.



 

                   

Mr Shepherd, these bills go back

for months and months.



 

                   

Look! February, March, April...



 

                   

Gentlemen, the war is over.



  

                   

Bonaparte?



  

                   

Bonaparte has abdicated.



  

                   

He is confined

to the island of Elba.



  

                   

We're going home.



  

                   

Gentlemen, the Admiral.



  

                   

(Officers) The Admiral.



  

                   

I will not have

a sailor in my house.



  

                   

I strongly object to the Navy.



  

                   

It brings persons of obscure

birth into undue distinction.



  

                   

And it cuts up a man's

youth and vigour most horribly.



  

                   

(Chuckles)



  

                   

One day last spring, in town,



  

                   

I was in company

with a certain Admiral Baldwin,



  

                   

the most deplorable-looking

person you can imagine.



  

                   

His face like mahogany,

all lines and wrinkles,



  

                   

nine grey hairs and only

a dab of powder on top.



  

                   

"In heaven's name," said I

to Sir Basil, who was near,



  

                   

"Who is that old fellow?"



  

                   

"Old fellow?!" cried Sir Basil,



  

                   

"Why, that is Admiral Baldwin,

who is forty and no more."



  

                   

(Laughs)

And they're all the same.



  

                   

Have mercy on the men,

Sir Walter.



  

                   

We were not all born

to be handsome.



  

                   

you will not have a naval man

as a tenant?



  

                   

No, I will not, Shepherd. No.



  

                   

Then there is

but one course open to you.



  

                   

- you must retrench.

- Retrench?



  

                   

Retrench!



  

                   

How may I retrench?



  

                   

A baronet must be seen

to live like a baronet.



  

                   

Sir Walter, I have been

your neighbour for many years



  

                   

and am as solicitous for your

family as anybody could be.



  

                   

But your debts



  

                   

are extreme.



  

                   

you must retrench.



  

                   

I have therefore

taken the liberty



  

                   

of drawing up some plans

of economy for your family.



  

                   

I have, er...



  

                   

made exact calculations



  

                   

and I have consulted Anne

on some points of detail.



  

                   

Anne, why?



  

                   

(Keys jingle)



  

                   

What?



  

                   

Journeys, servants...!



  

                   

I'd as soon

quit Kellynch Hall at once



  

                   

than remain on it

on such disgraceful terms!



  

                   

Bath is but    mile

from Kellynch.



  

                   

And, if I may say,

an altogether safer location



  

                   

for a gentleman

in your predicament.



  

                   

In Bath you may be important

at comparatively little expense.



  

                   

Sorbet in September...



  

                   

how delightful!



  

                   

Enjoy it,



  

                   

there'll be no more ice

until the winter.



  

                   

Bath is most congenial.



  

                   

The Assembly Rooms are splendid

and have concerts every week.



  

                   

(Sighs) I am for...



  

                   

for Bath.



  

                   

I have always said,

Bath is incomparable.



  

                   

Who is this Admiral Croft?



  

                   

I met with him at

the quarter sessions in Taunton.



  

                   

He's a native of Somersetshire



  

                   

who acquired a fortune in the

war and wishes to return here.



  

                   

But who is he?



  

                   

He is rear admiral of the white.



  

                   

He was in the Trafalgar action



  

                   

and has been

in the East Indies since.



  

                   

Stationed there,

I believe, several years.



  

                   

Then, his face has the colour

and texture of this macaroon.



  

                   

The Admiral is weather-beaten,

but not much.



  

                   

He is a married man,

but without children.



  

                   

A house is never

taken care of without a lady.



  

                   

And a lady with no children



  

                   

is the best preserver

of furniture in the world.



  

                   

Moreover, Mrs Croft is herself



  

                   

not unconnected in this country.



  

                   

Oh? With whom is she connected?



  

                   

She's the sister of a gentleman

who lived here.



  

                   

What was his name? Monkton?

Brother of Mrs Croft.



  

                   

Bless me, what was his name?

Anne, you'll recall?.



  

                   

It was Wentworth.



  

                   

Wentworth.



  

                   

- Wentworth?

- That's right! Wentworth.



  

                   

The curate of Monkford.

you'll remember him, I'm sure.



  

                   

Oh, Wentworth the curate.



  

                   

you misled me, Shepherd,

by the term gentleman.



  

                   

Wentworth the curate is nobody,



  

                   

quite unconnected! Nothing to do

with the Strafford family!



  

                   

Said I something amiss?



  

                   

you remember, Father...

the curate's brother.



   

                   

- The sailor!

- Let us not pursue it.



   

                   

please excuse me. The fire...



   

                   

I became over-heated,

that's all.



   

                   

I am satisfied. I empower you

to proceed with the treaty.



   

                   

They may take possession

at Michaelmas.



   

                   

And Shepherd, with your consent,



   

                   

I wish to engage dear Mrs Clay



   

                   

to reside with us in Bath.



   

                   

She will be a companion

for Elizabeth.



   

                   

I can think of no higher

privilege for my daughter, sir,



   

                   

than to accompany

Miss Elliot in society.



   

                   

What about Anne? Is Anne

not companion enough for you?



   

                   

Oh, Anne won't be coming,

Lady Russell.



   

                   

I had a letter this morning from

sister Mary who's indisposed



   

                   

and requires Anne's company

in Uppercross...



   

                   

until her health improves.



   

                   

And since no one

will want you in Bath,



   

                   

I'm sure you'd better stay here.



   

                   

(Sir Walter)

Information and entertainment



   

                   

awaits you on these shelves,

Admiral.



   

                   

I confess, I have not fully

mastered it myself.



   

                   

(Admiral Croft) Only the most

comfortable room, Sir Walter.



   

                   

And thus we proceed

to the dining room, Admiral.



   

                   

The second best silver will

be at your disposal, Mrs Croft.



   

                   

Instruct the servants to be

civil to Admiral Croft, Anne.



   

                   

I declare, he's the best-looking

sailor I ever met.



   

                   

Indeed, if my own man



   

                   

might be allowed

the arranging of his hair,



   

                   

I should not be ashamed

of being seen with him anywhere.



   

                   

..and then we're going

to buy you a hat.



   

                   

Then we are going to buy

boxes and boxes of marzipan.



   

                   

I haven't spoken

to the gardeners.



   

                   

So here is the list of plants

for Lady Russell.



   

                   

And these books of music

must be sent on to Bath.



   

                   

And you'd better catalogue

all the pictures



   

                   

and clear your rubbish

out of the store room.



   

                   

And someone ought to visit

every house in the parish



   

                   

as a take leave.



   

                   

It's the Elliot way.



   

                   

If only I'd had a son.



   

                   

All this might one day

have been his.



   

                   

Be what use you can

to your sister Mary.



   

                   

yes, Father.



   

                   

I really must fetch you

up to Bath after Christmas.



   

                   

Walk on.



   

                   

(Lady Russell) For eight years



   

                   

you've been too little

from home, too little seen.



   

                   

And your spirits

have never been high since...



   

                   

your disappointment.



   

                   

A larger society

would improve them.



   

                   

But I so dislike Bath.



   

                   

Because you associate it with

the passing of your dear mother.



   

                   

When my mother was alive,

Lady Russell,



   

                   

there was moderation

and economy in our home.



   

                   

And no need of moving out.



   

                   

Hmm.



   

                   

Do you travel directly

to Uppercross?



   

                   

yes.



   

                   

yes, I prefer to be gone

when his sis...



   

                   

When Admiral

and Mrs Croft arrive.



   

                   

I hope that they are as little

familiar with the business



   

                   

as my own people seem to be.



   

                   

I have no desire to meet the new

tenants of Kellynch Hall.



   

                   

I feel this break-up

of your family exceedingly.



   

                   

Indeed, it angers me.



   

                   

I have done my best to...



   

                   

stand in your mother's place



   

                   

and offer the advice

she would have given.



   

                   

And now...



   

                   

(Sighs)



   

                   

Lady Russell,



   

                   

I have never said this...



   

                   

Do not talk of it.

you shall not talk of it.



   

                   

I do not blame you.



   

                   

Nor do I blame myself

for having been guided by you.



   

                   

But I am now persuaded



   

                   

that in spite

of the disapproval at home



   

                   

and the anxiety

attending his prospects



   

                   

that I...



   

                   

I should have been happier,

had I...



   

                   

you were nineteen, Anne.



   

                   

Nineteen - to involve yourself



   

                   

with a man who had nothing

but himself to recommend him.



   

                   

The spirit of brilliance,

to be sure,



   

                   

but no fortune, no connections.



   

                   

It was entirely prudent of you

to reject him.



   

                   

Now, here are the new poems

I was telling you of.



   

                   

Altogether, I care little

for these romantics, do you?



   

                   

Whoa!



   

                   

So...you've come at last!



   

                   

I began to think

I should never see you.



   

                   

I am so ill,



   

                   

I can hardly speak.



   

                   

I haven't seen a creature

the whole morning.



   

                   

Suppose I were to be seized



   

                   

in some dreadful way,



   

                   

and not able to ring the bell?.



   

                   

Lady Russell, I notice,

would not come in person.



   

                   

She's not been in this house

three times this summer.



   

                   

Lady Russell cordially asked



   

                   

to be remembered to yourself

and Charles.



   

                   

Charles has been out shooting

since   o'clock.



   

                   

He said he wouldn't stay long,

but he hasn't come back.



   

                   

I do believe,

if Charles saw me dying,



   

                   

he wouldn't believe there was

anything the matter with me.



   

                   

Well, I always cure you

when I come to Uppercross.



   

                   

So, how is everyone

at the great house?



   

                   

I couldn't say. Not one of them

has been near me.



   

                   

(Sniffs) It doesn't happen

to suit the Miss Musgroves



   

                   

to visit the sick.



   

                   

perhaps you will see them

before the morning is gone.



   

                   

I do not want them.



   

                   

My sisters-in-law

talk and laugh too much



   

                   

for one in my condition.



   

                   

And Henrietta goes on and on



   

                   

about that wretched curate

from Winthrop.



   

                   

(Sighs deeply) Oh, Anne.



   

                   

Why could you not have come

earlier?



   

                   

Well, it is so unkind.



   

                   

I really have had so much to do.



   

                   

What can you possibly have had?



   

                   

A great many things, in fact.



   

                   

Oh.



   

                   

Well...



   

                   

Dear me...



   

                   

you haven't asked me about our

dinner at the pooles' yesterday.



   

                   

I thought you must have

given up the engagement.



   

                   

Oh! No, I...



   

                   

I was very well...yesterday...



   

                   

It's... It's just today.



   

                   

I...



   

                   

I feel like death.



   

                   

(Sighs)



   

                   

(Anne) Had you a pleasant party?



   

                   

Nothing remarkable.



   

                   

One always knows beforehand,



   

                   

what the dinner will be

and who will be there.



   

                   

And it is so uncomfortable, not

having a carriage of one's own.



   

                   

Charles' parents took me.

It was so crowded.



   

                   

They take up so much room.



   

                   

I was crushed into the back seat

with Henrietta and Louisa.



   

                   

I think it most likely



   

                   

that my illness today

may be owing to it.



   

                   

you know, Anne...



   

                   

I'm feeling somewhat improved.



   

                   

Assuming I do not relapse,



   

                   

shall we walk after luncheon

to the great house?



   

                   

Oh, I'd like that.



   

                   

Theyought to have called

on you first.



   

                   

Theyought to know what is due

to you as my sister.



   

                   

But I wouldn't dream

of standing on ceremony



   

                   

with people I know so well

as the Musgroves.



   

                   

So, Sir Walter and your sister

are gone.



   

                   

What part of Bath

will they settle in?



   

                   

(Harp is strummed)



   

                   

Must that thing go

exactly there, Henrietta?



   

                   

Isn't it splendid, Mama?



   

                   

It will sound well

with the pianoforte,



   

                   

don't you think, Anne?



   

                   

What was wrong

with my old spinet,



   

                   

that it must make way

for this great noisy article?



   

                   

Anne, will you play

when we give a dance?



   

                   

you play better than either of

us, and we are wild for dancing.



   

                   

Oh, yes, please, Miss Anne.



   

                   

Oh, Lord bless me, how those

fingers of hers can fly about!



   

                   

I will play too, if you wish.

I am as accomplished as Anne.



   

                   

Why...thank you, Mary.



   

                   

B...But we enjoy

to watch you dancing, Mary.



   

                   

you're so light on your feet.



   

                   

And, as you know,

Anne does not care to dance.



   

                   

No.



   

                   

- I sent them round the back.

- Ah, we'll do it.



   

                   

There, now!



   

                   

(Chuckles) Ah, Miss Anne.



   

                   

What a great delight.



   

                   

Mr Musgrove.



   

                   

The delight is all mine



   

                   

to return once more

to Uppercross.



   

                   

you're most welcome here.



   

                   

Thank you. you look well,

Charles. Very well.



   

                   

I got a pheasant

and Father hit a squirrel



   

                   

- but the dog couldn't find.

- Oh, no.



   

                   

I feel pretty well, Anne.

Thank you. yes.



   

                   

you were missed at luncheon,

Charles.



   

                   

y...your father is in good

health, I trust, Miss Anne?



   

                   

They've gone to Bath, papa.

Do you not remember me saying?



   

                   

Oh, yes. Bath.



   

                   

I hope we'll be

in Bath this winter.



   

                   

perhaps we may.



   

                   

But we must be

in a good situation.



   

                   

Somewhere

near the circus, papa.



   

                   

Well, it's a big place, Bath.



   

                   

Aye, it's a great big place.



   

                   

So I believe.



   

                   

Upon my word,

I shall be well off,



   

                   

when you are all gone away

to be happy at Bath.



   

                   

Anne, come and sit by the fire.



   

                   

My dear, I never interfere in

my daughter-in-law's concerns.



   

                   

But I have to tell you,



   

                   

I have no very good opinion of

the way Mary curbs her children.



   

                   

Oh, they are fine, healthy boys.



   

                   

But, Lord bless me,

how troublesome they can be!



   

                   

Mrs Musgrove's forever

advising me on the care



   

                   

of little Charles and Walter.



   

                   

y et she feeds them sweet things

and they come home sick.



   

                   

Moreover, how can I

keep them in order



   

                   

when their father

spoils them so much?



   

                   

I could manage the boys, were it

not for Mary's interference.



   

                   

I wish you could persuade her

not to always fancy herself ill.



   

                   

It is a very bad thing,

to be visited by children



   

                   

whom one can only keep

in tolerable order



   

                   

by more cake than is good

for them.



   

                   

Could you, whilst you are here,



   

                   

give Mary a hint

not to be so very tenacious



   

                   

about taking precedence

over Mama.



   

                   

Nobody doubts her right

to take precedence over Mama,



   

                   

it's not becoming of her

always to insist on it.



   

                   

Mama doesn't care

about etiquette,



   

                   

it's the cake she cares about.



   

                   

Most people are apt to forget

whose daughter I am.



   

                   

When you have a moment,

speak to Charles,



   

                   

and persuade him

that I am very, very ill.



   

                   

Oh, Anne.



   

                   

When will the Admiral

take possession?



   

                   

At Michaelmas.



   

                   

Let us hope they are not tardy

about paying their respects.



   

                   

My husband is riding to hounds

this morning, Admiral,



   

                   

or he should have been here.



   

                   

Naturally, I am disappointed,

Mrs Musgrove.



   

                   

So too will he be.



   

                   

He has been curious to meet

his father-in-law's tenant.



   

                   

(Commotion outside)



   

                   

- Back here!

- I want to see the Admiral.



   

                   

No, no. Let them be.



   

                   

So, come up on my knee.

There you go.



   

                   

The Admiral loves children.



   

                   

you want to sail the sea?



   

                   

First, you must learn how to

go up and down with the swell.



   

                   

Like this.



   

                   

(Admiral) Oh, I can hear

your timbers creaking.



   

                   

It was you

and not your sister, I find,



   

                   

whom my brother was acquainted

with in this country.



   

                   

perhaps you have not heard.



   

                   

He is married.



   

                   

Oh...



   

                   

That is... That is excellent

news, Mrs Croft.



   

                   

I wish him every happiness.



   

                   

With your permission, I shall

tell him so in my next letter.



   

                   

Oh, please do.



   

                   

And he has a new curacy too...



   

                   

at last.



   

                   

They are settled in a parish

in Shropshire.



   

                   

Have you seen a boat

made out of paper?



   

                   

- No.

- Come, I'll show you.



   

                   

Here, over by the desk.



   

                   

There we go.



   

                   

Watch very closely.



   

                   

I was just telling your sister



   

                   

about my brother Edward's

good fortune in Shropshire.



   

                   

He's a curate.



   

                   

A curate.



   

                   

How interesting.



   

                   

Oh, we are expecting soon,

another brother of my wife's.



   

                   

A seafaring brother

whom you won't have met.



   

                   

But we do know him.

Do we not, Anne?



   

                   

He visited when I was a girl



   

                   

and called at Kellynch Hall

once or twice.



   

                   

yes.



   

                   

I did not know you were

acquainted with Frederick also.



   

                   

yes.



   

                   

I...I believe you to have been

in the Indies at that time.



   

                   

There! (Chuckles)



   

                   

Hip-hip, hurrah!



   

                   

Hip-hip, hurrah!



   

                   

Hip-hip, hurrah!



   

                   

- Good morning, Anne.

- Oh, good morning.



   

                   

papa has met Captain Wentworth.



   

                   

- Indeed, has he?

- yes.



   

                   

He and Mama drove over

to Kellynch and he was there!



   

                   

He is just returned

to England...



   

                   

or paid off...

or something, and...



   

                   

Are you coming in, or isn't

my cottage grand enough for you?



   

                   

Oh. I may not stay. Thank you.

I'm here solely to invite you



   

                   

to the great house this evening,



   

                   

to meet Captain

Frederick Wentworth.



   

                   

By all accounts, a most charming

and agreeable gentleman.



   

                   

And he is to call on us tonight.



   

                   

We shall be present, Henrietta.

Have no fear.



   

                   

(Child calls) Mama.



   

                   

Mama! Mama!



   

                   

(Dog barks)



   

                   

Mama!



   

                   

(Cries of alarm)



   

                   

(Mary screams) Anne! Anne!



   

                   

Anne! Down, quickly!



   

                   

(Mary sobs)



   

                   

I've reset the collar bone.



   

                   

And the spine?



   

                   

Time will tell.



   

                   

- Should I take him to bed?

- No.



   

                   

Leave him where he is.



   

                   

And what may I give him?



   

                   

Water.



   

                   

What happened?



   

                   

He fell from a tree.



   

                   

Oh, Charles.



   

                   

How can you contemplate

such a thing?



   

                   

How can you abandon

your son and heir for a dinner?



   

                   

The child is doing well.



   

                   

The apothecary is content,

what more can a father do?



   

                   

I need my gloves.



   

                   

Nursing does not

belong to a man, Mary.



   

                   

It is not his province.



   

                   

I am as fond of my child

as any mother,



   

                   

but I have not the nerves

for the sick room.



   

                   

(Sighs) This is always my luck!



   

                   

If anything disagreeable's going

on, men will get out of it.



   

                   

Could you spend the evening

away from little Charles?



   

                   

If his father can,

why shouldn't I?



   

                   

Then go to the great house.



   

                   

Leave the boy to my care.



   

                   

Dear me...



   

                   

that's a very good thought.



   

                   

you don't mind?



   

                   

I do wish to meet

Captain Wentworth,



   

                   

and you, Anne, are by far

the properest person



   

                   

to sit with the boy.



   

                   

you haven't a mother's

feelings, have you?



   

                   

He did enquire

after you slightly,



   

                   

as might suit

a slight acquaintance.



   

                   

He was very attentive

to me, however.



   

                   

Charles and he are

to shoot together this morning.



   

                   

- But they will not call here?

- No. On account of the child.



   

                   

Oh, on account of the child.



   

                   

- I've come for the dogs.

- What?



   

                   

I've come for the dogs.

We're just setting off.



   

                   

Captain Wentworth follows

with Henrietta and Louisa.



   

                   

- Mary, may he call on you?

- Why, certainly.



   

                   

(Knock on door)

Here he comes now.



   

                   

The Miss Musgroves, ma'am,

and Captain Wentworth.



   

                   

Morning, Mary. Morning, Anne.



   

                   

Mrs Musgrove.



   

                   

It's most pleasant to see you

again so soon, Captain.



   

                   

How's your boy?



   

                   

Much better, thank you. I...

He's taken some broth.



   

                   

I believe you are acquainted

with my elder sister?



   

                   

We have met once.



   

                   

Captain Wentworth.



   

                   

I wish young Charles a very

speedy recovery, Mrs Musgrove.



   

                   

Henrietta and Louisa swear

he's quite a character.



   

                   

(polite laughter)



   

                   

your husband, I hear,

is a very decent shot.



   

                   

I mustn't let him grab

the best position.



   

                   

I see I've intruded

on your breakfast, forgive me.



   

                   

Good day.



   

                   

- Shall we walk with them?

- Oh, yes.



   

                   

And so shall I.



   

                   

(Women applaud)



   

                   

Do women often

come shooting, Charles?



   

                   

Not that often, Frederick, no.



   

                   

Had you good hunting, Mary?



   

                   

Upon my word, yes!

We bagged...



   

                   

oh, ever so many birds.

But that Captain Wentworth...



   

                   

he's not very gallant

towards you, Anne.



   

                   

When Henrietta

asked him about you,



   

                   

he said you were so altered, he

would not have known you again.



   

                   

(Laughter)



   

                   

Do you suppose we live on board

without anything to eat,



   

                   

nor any cooks, any servants,

nor any knife and fork to use.



   

                   

We ain't savages! (Laughter)



   

                   

Let me tell you about the Asp,

my first command.



   

                   

We sailed away in the Asp

in the year     .



   

                   

We have a navy list.



   

                   

We shall look her up.



   

                   

They made me send for it,

Captain, from plymouth.



   

                   

you won't find it in the new

list - she's been scrapped.



   

                   

I was the last man

to command her, eight years ago,



   

                   

and she wasn't fit

for service then.



   

                   

Nearly sank

on several occasions, the Asp.



   

                   

Then I should only have been

a gallant Captain Wentworth



   

                   

in a small newspaper paragraph

and you'd not have heard of me.



   

                   

y et still you took her out?



   

                   

Well, the Admiralty likes to

entertain itself now and then,



   

                   

by sending men to sea on a ship

hardly fit to be employed.



   

                   

Well said.



   

                   

Lucky fellow to get her

or anything so soon!



   

                   

I felt my luck, I assure you.



   

                   

Well, I was well satisfied

with the position.



   

                   

I was extremely keen

at the time,



   

                   

the year six, to be at sea.



   

                   

I was extremely keen.



   

                   

Badly wanted

to be doing something.



   

                   

(Admiral Croft)

Naturally, you did.



   

                   

What should a young fellow do

ashore for half a year together?



   

                   

When a man has no wife,

he wants to be afloat again.



   

                   

Well, I had no wife

in the year six.



   

                   

And then, Captain Wentworth,

what came next?



   

                   

- The Laconia.

- Find the Laconia.



   

                   

Those were great days.



   

                   

Here she is! HMS Laconia,

    gun frigate, second class.



   

                   

A friend and I cruised

off the West Indies



   

                   

taking enough privateers

to make it very entertaining,



   

                   

and, er...make us quite rich.



   

                   

Do you remember

Captain Harville, Admiral?.



   

                   

- Harville?

- yes. Excellent fellow.



   

                   

I wonder what's become of him?



   

                   

Did not you bring Mrs Harville

and her children



   

                   

round from portsmouth

to plymouth last spring?



   

                   

- yes, why?

- Ah!



   

                   

I'd bring anything of Harville's



   

                   

from the world's end

if he asked me to.



   

                   

And this from the man

famous for declaring



   

                   

he will never

have a woman on his ship.



   

                   

- What, never?

- Except for a ball, of course.



   

                   

It's from no lack of gallantry

towards women, Mrs Musgrove.



   

                   

Rather the reverse.



   

                   

Accommodation onboard

is not suitable for ladies.



   

                   

Frederick, I have lived on five!



   

                   

But, Sophy, you were

with your husband,



   

                   

and were

the only woman on board.



   

                   

I hate you talking about all

women as irrational creatures.



   

                   

None of us want to be

in calm waters all our lives.



   

                   

When he has a wife, Sophy,

he will sing a different tune.



   

                   

Then, if we have the luck

to live to another war,



   

                   

we shall see him grateful to

anybody who brings him his wife.



   

                   

Oh, no, no. I have done. When

married people attack me with



   

                   

"you shall think differently

when you are married."



   

                   

I say, "No, I shan't."

And they'll say again,



   

                   

"Oh, yes, you shall,

and there's an end of it."



   

                   

(Laughter)



   

                   

Mrs Musgrove.



   

                   

you must have been

a great traveller, ma'am.



   

                   

I have crossed

the Atlantic four times



   

                   

and I have been once

to the East Indies,



   

                   

and to different places

around home.



   

                   

Cork



   

                   

and Lisbon



   

                   

and Gibraltar.



   

                   

But not the West Indies.



   

                   

We don't call Bermuda or Bahama

the West Indies, as you know.



   

                   

I don't think Mama's called

them anything in her whole life!



   

                   

But, did you never suffer

any sickness, Mrs Croft?



   

                   

No.



   

                   

The only time that I ever

imagined myself unwell,



   

                   

or had any ideas of danger,



   

                   

was the winter

that I passed on my own



   

                   

at Deal.



   

                   

When the Admiral,



   

                   

Captain Croft then,



   

                   

was away on the north seas.



   

                   

That, I did not like.



   

                   

But as long as

we could be together,



   

                   

nothing ever ailed me.



   

                   

Not a thing.



   

                   

(One-fingered tune on piano)



   

                   

Oh, I beg your pardon.



   

                   

- This is your seat.

- Not at all, I...



   

                   

(piano music playing)



   

                   

(Laughter and happy chatter)



   

                   

(Mary) No, never.

She has quite given up dancing.



   

                   

Whoa.



   

                   

(piano stops)



   

                   

(Anne) Henrietta, it's Henry.



   

                   

(Charles) Henry!



   

                   

Captain Wentworth,



   

                   

this is our cousin

from Winthrop, Henry Hayter.



   

                   

Sir.



   

                   

£     .



   

                   

He told me he's made

£      in the war.



   

                   

He'd be a capital match

for either of my sisters.



   

                   

Which do you think

might marry the Captain?



   

                   

Mary gives it for Henrietta,

I'm for Louisa.



   

                   

Mmm.



   

                   

I do not think Henrietta

has the right



   

                   

to throw herself away

on Henry Hayter.



   

                   

She must think of her family.



   

                   

It's inconvenient of any woman

to give bad connections



   

                   

to those unused to them.



   

                   

Henry's a good-natured fellow,



   

                   

and he will inherit very pretty

property at Winthrop.



   

                   

Henrietta might do far worse.



   

                   

If she has him,



   

                   

and Louisa can get the Captain,

I shall be well satisfied.



   

                   

What say you, Anne?



   

                   

Which one is the Captain

in love with?



   

                   

(Distant voices)



   

                   

- Why should I shift my ground?

- There's Mama and papa.



   

                   

Henry Hayter's a man

they both admire.



   

                   

Do come to your senses!



   

                   

Good morning.



   

                   

Good morning!



   

                   

Won't you come in

and sit with us a little?



   

                   

Thank you, but we're to go

for a long walk.



   

                   

- I am fond of walking.

- It's a very long walk.



   

                   

Why's everybody always supposing

I'm not a good walker?



   

                   

I should like to join you very

much. Let's fetch our wraps.



   

                   

Mary, we have

our puzzle to fi...



   

                   

- Good morning.

- Good morning.



   

                   

Louisa, Henrietta, Mary.



   

                   

We're going on a long walk.



   

                   

- Are you tired, Charles?

- No.



   

                   

- Shall we join them?

- Of course.



   

                   

- May we?

- Oh, that would be a pleasure.



   

                   

I wonder where the gig



   

                   

- will overturn today?

- Do not be cruel.



   

                   

It always happens. He's a

sailor - on land, unfortunately,



   

                   

my sister may be tossed

into the ditch!



   

                   

If I loved a man as she loves

the admiral, I'd do the same.



   

                   

Nothing would ever separate us.



   

                   

I would rather be

overturned by him



   

                   

than driven safely

by somebody else.



   

                   

Fine words, Louisa.



   

                   

(Sisters squabble)



   

                   

Bless my soul, that's Winthrop!



   

                   

I see Henry's finished

the new barn.



   

                   

We'd better turn back.

I am feeling tired.



   

                   

Come along, Henrietta.



   

                   

Now you've come this far,



   

                   

I ought to call on Aunt Hayter.



   

                   

- Mary, you will accompany me.

- Certainly not.



   

                   

you might rest in her kitchen.



   

                   

No, indeed. Walking back uphill

will do more harm



   

                   

than sitting in her kitchen

will do good.



   

                   

I'll rest here, then go home.



   

                   

Henrietta may rest with me.



   

                   

She doesn't want to go down

there either, do you, dear?



   

                   

I will do my duty

to my aunt.



   

                   

Louisa!



   

                   

It's most unpleasant,

having such connections.



   

                   

But I've hardly been

in that house in my life.



   

                   

Shall we try and glean some nuts

from the hedgerow?



   

                   

Indeed, yes.



   

                   

My seat is damp.



   

                   

I am sure Louisa

has found a better.



   

                   

Oh, leave her be, Mary.



   

                   

No. I will not be damp.



   

                   

(Louisa)

I will not be turned back



   

                   

from a thing

I had determined to do



   

                   

by the airs and interference

of such a person.



   

                   

I am not so easily persuaded.



   

                   

Would she have turned back,

then, but for you?



   

                   

I am ashamed to say

that she would.



   

                   

Henrietta's very lucky

to have you for a sister.



   

                   

Stick always to your purpose,

Louisa, be firm,



   

                   

I shall like you the more.



   

                   

Mary has a great deal

too much of the Elliot pride.



   

                   

We all wish that Charles

had married Anne instead.



   

                   

Did Charles want to marry Anne?



   

                   

- Did you not know?

- She refused him?



   

                   

- yes.

- When was that?



   

                   

About three years

before he married Mary.



   

                   

If only Anne had accepted him.



   

                   

We should have all have

liked her a great deal better.



   

                   

My parents think

it was Lady Russell's doing.



   

                   

My brother wasn't philosophical

enough for her taste.



   

                   

She persuaded Anne

to refuse him.



   

                   

I had better sit your side,

Anne, if you've had your rest.



   

                   

Mary.



   

                   

Anne.



   

                   

Captain Wentworth, I don't

believe you know Mr Hayter.



   

                   

Captain Wentworth, Henry.



   

                   

Good day, sir.



   

                   

Good day, sir.



   

                   

Good day, Admiral! (Greetings)



   

                   

- Sophy.

- Good day.



   

                   

The ladies must be exhausted!



   

                   

There is a seat for one.

you'll save full a mile.



   

                   

(Whispers)

Take Anne, she's very tired.



   

                   

Anne, you must be tired.



   

                   

Do give us the pleasure

of taking you home.



   

                   

B-but there is not room,

Mrs Croft.



   

                   

Nonsense! Sophy and I

will squash up.



   

                   

Were we all as slim as you,

there'd be room for four.



   

                   

- But I...

- please.



   

                   

Right.



   

                   

Walk on.



   

                   

(Henrietta and Louisa) Goodbye.



   

                   

I wish Frederick would spread

a little more canvas



   

                   

and bring one of those nice

young ladies to Kellynch.



   

                   

This hesitation's due to peace -

if it were war,



   

                   

he'd have settled it long ago.



   

                   

Do you not think your brother

is ready to fall in love?



   

                   

I think he is ready to make

a foolish match, George.



   

                   

Anybody between    and   

may have him for the asking.



   

                   

A little beauty,



   

                   

a few smiles,

a few compliments of the Navy



   

                   

and he's a lost man.



   

                   

Is it a love letter, Frederick?



   

                   

No, it's from

my old friend Harville.



   

                   

He's settled in Lyme.

How far away is that?



   

                   

It's about    miles.



   

                   

I'll ride there tomorrow.



   

                   

- you're fond of this Harville.

- Indeed I am.



   

                   

We've had some great sport in

the far corners of the world.



   

                   

Unfortunately, he's not healthy:

a leg wound from the war.



   

                   

But if you met him,

you'd love him as I do.



   

                   

Well, why don't we make a visit?



   

                   

All together.



   

                   

I've long had a wish

to see Lyme.



   

                   

- Oh, yes, Charles.

- Let us go, please. please.



   

                   

- And Anne, too?

- Of course.



   

                   

Let it be Anne's treat.

Soon she must leave us for Bath.



   

                   

We're to go to Lyme, Mary.



   

                   

I do not like the sea.



   

                   

Before we enter

Harville's house,



   

                   

I must warn you that lodging

there is a Captain Benwick,



   

                   

who was my first lieutenant

on the Laconia.



   

                   

He was devoted

to Harville's sister,



   

                   

and was set to marry her

on our return.



   

                   

But phoebe died

while we were still at sea.



   

                   

I believe this is it.



   

                   

(Captain Wentworth) Harville!



   

                   

(Men laughing)



   

                   

Damn my eyes,

it does me good to see you!



   

                   

Any friends of yours

are welcome in my house.



   

                   

Charles! May I introduce...



   

                   

Ahem... Forgive me, ladies.





 

                   

May I introduce

Captain Harville,



 

                   

Mrs Harville

and Captain Benwick.



 

                   

- Good day.

- How do you do?



 

                   

How do you do?



 

                   

I'm very pleased

to meet you all.



 

                   

you've certainly cheered us up.

Our home is your home.



 

                   

you must stay to supper.

Have we food?



 

                   

Remember what we ate in Minorca?



 

                   

- Octopus!

- Octopus?



  

                   

I do admire the Navy!



  

                   

These sailors have more worth

than any men in England.



  

                   

And what do you occupy yourself

with in Lyme, Captain Benwick?



  

                   

I read.



  

                   

And what do you read,

Captain Benwick?



  

                   

poetry.



  

                   

We are living through

a great age for poetry, I think.



  

                   

- you read it too, Miss Elliot?

- Mmm.



  

                   

Tell me, do you prefer Marmion

or The Lady Of The Lake?



  

                   

Like the dew on the mountain,



  

                   

Like the foam on the river,



  

                   

Like the bubble on the fountain,

Thou art gone and forever.



  

                   

(Laughter and conversation)



  

                   

Fare thee well, thus disunited,



  

                   

Torn from every nearer tie.



  

                   

Seared in heart

and lone and blighted,



  

                   

More than this I scarce can die.



  

                   

I do not know that one.



  

                   

- Byron.

- Ah.



  

                   

you...you ought,

perhaps, to include



  

                   

a larger allowance of prose

in your daily study.



  

                   

Too much poetry may be...unsafe.



  

                   

Thank you for your kindness,



  

                   

but you cannot know

the depth of my despair.



  

                   

phoebe would have married me

before I went to sea,



  

                   

but I told her...



  

                   

I told her

we should wait for money.



  

                   

Money!



  

                   

Come, now, Captain Benwick.



  

                   

Come, now. you will rally again.



  

                   

you must.



  

                   

you have no conception

of what I have lost.



  

                   

yes, I have.



  

                   

- Good morning, Anne.

- Good morning.



  

                   

We were just returning

for breakfast.



  

                   

We shall join you.



  

                   

Oh, madam. I do apologise.



  

                   

It is nothing, sir.



  

                   

Look, kippers for breakfast!



  

                   

Fetch me some toast and jam.



  

                   

Toast?!



  

                   

Whose carriage is that,

landlord? It looks pretty fine.



  

                   

A gentleman of means, sir.



  

                   

He come in on his way

to Bath, a Mr Elliot.



  

                   

Mr Elliot?



  

                   

Mr Elliot?



  

                   

Oh, it's the man

we passed on the beach.



  

                   

Bless me, it must be our cousin!



  

                   

Did his servant say

if he was a Kellynch?



  

                   

No, ma'am. Though he do say

he'll be a baronet.



  

                   

There, it's him! Mr Elliot,

the heir to Kellynch Hall.



  

                   

Did you notice

the Elliot countenance?



  

                   

I was looking at the horses,



  

                   

but I think he had

some Elliot countenance.



  

                   

Do not you, Anne?



  

                   

How very extraordinary.



  

                   

What a pity we didn't

introduce ourselves.



  

                   

Mary, Father and Mr Elliot have

not spoken for several years.



  

                   

They would not wish us

to introduce ourselves.



  

                   

Quite lucky

you didn't bump into him.



  

                   

Where's my toast?



  

                   

I have enjoyed our debates.



  

                   

I too.



  

                   

- I wonder if I might...

- Mmm?



  

                   

That is...



  

                   

yes.



  

                   

(Voices approach)



  

                   

Oh, I don't like it.



  

                   

Catch me!



  

                   

Louisa, be careful.



  

                   

There!



  

                   

Louisa. Louisa, stop it!



  

                   

Louisa, it's too high!



  

                   

I am determined, Captain.



  

                   

Do not be so foolish!



  

                   

- Louisa's dead!

- Oh, God!



  

                   

No, she breathes!



  

                   

- What shall I do?

- Rub her hands.



  

                   

Louisa. Louisa.



  

                   

Oh, God!



  

                   

Fetch a surgeon.



  

                   

No! Benwick will know

where to go.



  

                   

yes, of course.



  

                   

[Mary]

Carry her to the Harvilles'.



  

                   

[Mary] Gently!



  

                   

(Weeping)



  

                   

A message should be sent

to Uppercross directly.



  

                   

And Henrietta should be taken

home to her mother.



  

                   

Either you or I must go,

Charles.



  

                   

I cannot leave my sister.



   

                   

Lay her in my bed.



   

                   

Well, I think it should be Anne.



   

                   

No one's so capable as Anne.



   

                   

you will stay, won't you?



   

                   

Stay and nurse her.



   

                   

Why should I go instead of Anne?



   

                   

Anne is nothing to Louisa,

I am family.



   

                   

- Really, it is too unkind!

- (Charles) please, Mary.



   

                   

No. Let Anne take Henrietta.



   

                   

If only I... If only...



   

                   

yes.



   

                   

Anne?



   

                   

I regret that...



   

                   

Damned foolish!



   

                   

Damned foolish! Get up!



   

                   

[Screams] Oh, my Louisa.



   

                   

Go to the stable

and prepare the chaise.



   

                   

you, y...you, saddle the grey.



   

                   

Thomas. Thomas!



   

                   

Thomas, come and take this cart.



   

                   

(Agitated animal cries)



   

                   

- Ma'am.

- Barnaby.



   

                   

(Simple piano melody)



   

                   

(Galloping horse approaches)



   

                   

Mama!



   

                   

She'll live.



   

                   

Mama.



   

                   

Mama, she's conscious!



   

                   

(Charles) Mama, she'll live!



   

                   

It always rains in Bath.



   

                   

I'm pleased to have you

here with us, Anne.



   

                   

Thank you, Father.



   

                   

you'll make a fourth at dinner.



   

                   

That must be deemed

an advantage.



   

                   

you may observe

that one handsome face



   

                   

will be followed

by thirty frights.



   

                   

Once, when I was standing

in a shop in Bond Street,



   

                   

I counted eighty-seven women

go by,



   

                   

without there being

a tolerable face among them.



   

                   

But then, it was

a frosty morning,



   

                   

which scarcely one woman in a

thousand can stand the test of.



   

                   

As for the men,

they are infinitely worse.



   

                   

The streets are

full of scarecrows.



   

                   

Mr Elliot is hardly a scarecrow.



   

                   

Mr Elliot is not

ill-looking at all.



   

                   

Mr Elliot? Our cousin?



   

                   

Mr Elliot's been most attentive

during my time in Bath.



   

                   

He's come to call on us

every day.



   

                   

He's a most engaging friend,

Colonel Wallis.



   

                   

- But I thought...

- We may see him this afternoon,



   

                   

and then you shall perceive

what a gentleman he is.



   

                   

And such fine manners.



   

                   

I saw him, in fact, in Lyme.



   

                   

(Astonished laugh)



   

                   

- Saw whom?

- Mr Elliot.



   

                   

We met by chance at Lyme.



   

                   

- perhaps it was Mr Elliot(!)

- It was.



   

                   

Well, I don't know!

It might have been...perhaps.



   

                   

What's the news, Sir Walter?



   

                   

A concert in the Assembly Room.



   

                   

- To be given in Italian.

- Hmm.



   

                   

A display of fireworks.



   

                   

But here is news indeed.

Most vital news!



   

                   

Father?



   

                   

The Dowager Lady Dalrymple



   

                   

and the Honourable Miss Carteret

are arrived in Laura place.



   

                   

- Our cousins.

- Will they receive us?



   

                   

They would not snub us, surely?



   

                   

please, God,

let them not snub us!



   

                   

-(Footman) Mr Elliot.

- Sir Walter, ladies.



   

                   

- Mr Elliot.

- I was passing by.



   

                   

- Come in, come in.

- Mr Elliot.



   

                   

you do not know

my younger daughter, Anne.



   

                   

Oh, but we have had a glimpse

of each other, Sir Walter.



   

                   

On the seashore at Lyme.



   

                   

I heard of the accident

after I left.



   

                   

- Is the young lady...?

- She's making a good recovery.



   

                   

Thank you, Mr Elliot.



   

                   

But slowly.



   

                   

Good. I'm glad.



   

                   

It must have been distressing.



   

                   

yes.



   

                   

Which young lady?



   

                   

One of the Musgroves.



   

                   

Louisa.



   

                   

Oh... Farmer's daughter.



   

                   

Mr Elliot, a guest

at Catherine place. Mr Elliot?



   

                   

Mmm. He paid his respects

after luncheon



   

                   

and was received

with great cordiality.



   

                   

But they have not spoken since

his most inappropriate marriage.



   

                   

But he is now a widower

and desires reconciliation.



   

                   

(Harp music)



   

                   

He holds my father

in high esteem.



   

                   

It's natural that

now he's older,



   

                   

Mr Elliot should appreciate

the value of blood connection.



   

                   

- Good morning, Lady Russell.

- Good morning.



   

                   

Has he manners?



   

                   

Very good manners

and correct opinions,



   

                   

and a wide knowledge

of the world.



   

                   

This is all most agreeable.



   

                   

The heir presumptive reformed



   

                   

and on good terms

with the head of his family.



   

                   

Most agreeable.



   

                   

I suspect Mr Elliot also wishes

to be on good terms



   

                   

with my sister, Elizabeth.



   

                   

Elizabeth?!



   

                   

Elizabeth is many hours

at her dressing table



   

                   

when Mr Elliot is expected.



   

                   

Lady Willoughby,

Sir Henry, good morning.



   

                   

Did you attend

the philosophical Society?



   

                   

- yes.

- Was the resolution carried?



   

                   

It was. The atheists

were thoroughly routed.



   

                   

- Did dear Sir William speak?

- He did...



   

                   

Oh, I am pleased to see you!



   

                   

Miss Anne!



   

                   

We are here to improve

the Admiral's health.



   

                   

- What is the problem?

- Dry land, my dear!



   

                   

It doesn't agree with my legs.



   

                   

Oh, dear. Well, come

and take some of this water.



   

                   

Now that she is settled here,

I cannot suppose myself wanted.



   

                   

- perhaps I should go home.

- There is no need.



   

                   

She's nothing to me

compared to you.



   

                   

My dear madam, as yet

you've seen nothing of Bath.



   

                   

Do not run away now.



   

                   

Ah.



   

                   

- Good morning.

- Good morning.



   

                   

We wait this morning

upon our cousins, Anne.



   

                   

Lady Dalrymple and the

Honourable Miss Carteret.



   

                   

- you will accompany us, I hope.

- If you wish.



   

                   

A Viscountess!

She is a Viscountess!



   

                   

And family.



   

                   

Family connections

are always worth preserving.



   

                   

We shall call and be presented.



   

                   

your looks are

greatly improved, Anne.



   

                   

you're less thin in your person,



   

                   

and your cheeks and complexion

is fresher. What are you using?



   

                   

Nothing.



   

                   

I recommend using

Gowland's Lotion during spring.



   

                   

Mrs Clay uses it and see

what it's done for her!



   

                   

It's carried away her freckles.



   

                   

Sir Walter Elliot,

late of Kellynch Hall.



   

                   

Lady Russell.



   

                   

Miss Elizabeth Elliot.



   

                   

Miss Anne Elliot.



   

                   

And Mrs Clay.



   

                   

And Mrs Clay.



   

                   

(Anne chuckles)



   

                   

My father declared it

a notable success.



   

                   

But I discern no superiority

of manner, accomplishment,



   

                   

or understanding

in the Dalrymples.



   

                   

And that is all there is to it.



   

                   

Good company is always

worth seeking.



   

                   

Though nothing in themselves,



   

                   

they collect good company

around them.



   

                   

My idea of good company,

Mr Elliot, is the fellowship



   

                   

of clever, well-informed people



   

                   

who have conversation

and a liberality of ideas.



   

                   

That's what I call good company.



   

                   

That is not good company.



   

                   

That is the best.



   

                   

Good company requires only

birth, education and manners.



   

                   

And with regard to education,

it is not very particular.



   

                   

My dear cousin, the Dalrymples

move in the first set,



   

                   

and as rank is rank, your being

related will be advantageous.



   

                   

I perceive your value for rank

to be greater than mine.



   

                   

you're too proud to admit it.



   

                   

Am I?



   

                   

- yes. We're very alike.

- Are we?



   

                   

In what respect?



   

                   

In one respect I am certain.



   

                   

We both feel that

every opportunity



   

                   

for your father to mix

in the best society



   

                   

may help divert his attentions

from those who are beneath him.



   

                   

(Genteel conversation)



   

                   

you presume to know me

very well, Mr Elliot.



   

                   

In my heart, I know you...

intimately.



   

                   

Westgate Buildings?



   

                   

Who is this invalid you visit

in Westgate Buildings?



   

                   

- Mrs Smith.

- Mrs Smith!



   

                   

- A widow.

- A widow Mrs Smith!



   

                   

Is her attraction

that she's sickly?



   

                   

Upon my word, Miss Anne Elliot,

you have extraordinary taste.



   

                   

What revolts other people

is inviting to you.



   

                   

She is a former school fellow,



   

                   

and I am spending

this afternoon with her.



   

                   

Lady Dalrymple's invitation

is most pressing.



   

                   

Could you not put her off

till tomorrow?



   

                   

It is the only afternoon

which suits both her and myself.



   

                   

So, you would snub

Lady Dalrymple



   

                   

for a Mrs Smith,

lodging in Westgate Buildings.



   

                   

That you'd prefer

an everyday Mrs Smith



   

                   

to your family connections



   

                   

among the nobility?



   

                   

Mrs Smith - such a name!

Once and for all,



   

                   

will you accompany us to

a tea party at the Dalrymples?



   

                   

No, sir. I will not!



   

                   

I have a prior engagement

with Mrs Smith,



   

                   

who is not the only widow in

Bath with no surname of dignity!



   

                   

Do you not

suffer from melancholy?



   

                   

How could I be melancholy,

when you are come to visit?



   

                   

- Can you walk at all?.

- No.



   

                   

But I will not allow sickness

to ruin my spirits.



   

                   

Did your husband

leave you any money?



   

                   

Very little. His affairs

had utterly collapsed.



   

                   

And it's all spent

on Nurse Rooke.



   

                   

Who, besides carrying me

into the hot bath,



   

                   

brings me my one

source of consolation,



   

                   

delicious gossip

from the world outside.



   

                   

So you are a spy, Nurse Rooke.



   

                   

I keep my ears open, that's all.



   

                   

What have you heard

of my friend here?



   

                   

I know her cousin, Mr Elliot,

thinks terribly highly of her.



   

                   

How on earth do you know that?



   

                   

I attend

on Colonel Wallis's wife,



   

                   

who's indisposed with a baby.



   

                   

And she says



   

                   

that Colonel Wallis says

that Mr Elliot...



   

                   

That's quite enough!



   

                   

you see, Anne.

There are no secrets in Bath.



   

                   

you remember my brother-in-law,



   

                   

- Frederick.

- yes?



   

                   

We thought he was

to marry Louisa Musgrove.



   

                   

How do you do?



   

                   

He courted her week after week.



   

                   

yes.



   

                   

The only wonder was

what were they waiting for?



   

                   

Until the business

at Lyme happened.



   

                   

When it was clear they must wait

till her brain was set to right.



   

                   

Now the matter has taken

the strangest turn of all.



   

                   

Frederick has removed

to Shropshire.



   

                   

- Morning.

- How d'you do?



   

                   

And the young lady,

instead of marrying him,



   

                   

is to marry James Benwick!



   

                   

you know James Benwick.



   

                   

I...am a little acquainted

with Captain Benwick. yes.



   

                   

She is to marry him.



   

                   

I confess, I am amazed.



   

                   

Certainly, it's unforeseen,

but it's true.



   

                   

We have it in a letter

from Frederick himself.



   

                   

But their minds

are so dissimilar!



   

                   

yes, but they were thrown

together several weeks, and...



   

                   

Louisa, just recovering

from illness,



   

                   

was in an interesting state.



   

                   

No doubt Louisa will become an

enthusiast for Scott and Byron.



   

                   

Aye. That's learned already.



   

                   

Of course!



   

                   

Of course, they fell

in love over poetry!



   

                   

So, Frederick is

unshackled and free.



   

                   

And, erm...is he bitter?



   

                   

Oh, not at all. Not at all!



   

                   

The letter is sanguine.



   

                   

There's barely an oath in it

from beginning to end.



   

                   

you would not think

from his way of writing



   

                   

that he'd ever thought about

this young... What's her name?



   

                   

Louisa.



   

                   

yes, Louisa, for himself at all.



   

                   

(Admiral) So, poor Frederick

will have to begin again



   

                   

with somebody else.



   

                   

(Rain falls)



   

                   

Oh, that's better.



   

                   

Oh, this rain.



   

                   

I'm sure Mr Elliot

will return in a moment.



   

                   

I believe

that Molland's marzipan



   

                   

is as fine as any in Bath.



   

                   

Do not you, penelope?



   

                   

Oh...yes.



   

                   

It is...it is quite...



   

                   

I've found

Lady Dalrymple's carriage.



   

                   

She's pleased

to convey you home.



   

                   

She has, alas,

room only for two.



   

                   

It's no trouble to me to walk.



   

                   

Nonsense, you have a cold!

Anne can walk.



   

                   

No, really. you might show me

that parasol you mentioned?



   

                   

you'll ruin your shoes.



   

                   

Anne has thick boots on.



   

                   

Mr Elliot, would you be so kind?



   

                   

I should be delighted

to escort Miss Anne.



   

                   

Then that's settled.



   

                   

please tell the coachman

that we are ready.



   

                   

Miss Anne?



   

                   

A...are you unwell?.



   

                   

I will just...I will just

get some water.



   

                   

Excuse me.



   

                   

Good morning, Captain Wentworth.



   

                   

Miss Elliot.



   

                   

So, you are come to Bath.



   

                   

Well, yes I...I am.



   

                   

Do you like it?



   

                   

- Bath?

- Mmm.



   

                   

I have yet to see it.



   

                   

your family?



   

                   

- yes?

- Are they in health?



   

                   

They are. They are, thank you.



   

                   

And you? Are you i-in health?



   

                   

I am very well,

thank you, Captain.



   

                   

Lady Dalrymple's carriage

for the Miss Elliots.



   

                   

(Elizabeth) That's us.



   

                   

you are not going too?



   

                   

There is no room. I shall walk.



   

                   

- It's raining.

- Very little.



   

                   

Nothing that I regard.



   

                   

I-I like to walk.



   

                   

Though I only came yesterday,

I'm armed for Bath.



   

                   

please, take it.



   

                   

Oh, thank you.



   

                   

I'm sorry

to have kept you waiting.



   

                   

Shall we set off,

the rain has eased?



   

                   

Good morning, Captain.



   

                   

(Buzz of conversation)



   

                   

How do you do, Captain?



   

                   

Well, thank you, Miss Elliot.



   

                   

you have come for the concert?



   

                   

No, a lecture on navigation.

Am I in the wrong place?



   

                   

I have hardly seen you since

that wretched day at Lyme.



   

                   

I'm afraid you must have

suffered from the shock.



   

                   

The more so for not

overpowering you at the time.



   

                   

I was not in danger

from suffering



   

                   

from not being overpowered,

thank you, Captain.



   

                   

When you sent Captain Benwick

for a surgeon,



   

                   

I'll bet you had little idea

of the consequences.



   

                   

No, I had none.



   

                   

But I hope it will be

a very happy match.



   

                   

Indeed, I wish them well.



   

                   

They have no difficulties

at home.



   

                   

No opposition,



   

                   

no caprice,



   

                   

no delays.



   

                   

And yet...



   

                   

Louisa Musgrove is a very

amiable, sweet-tempered girl,



   

                   

and not unintelligent, but...



   

                   

Benwick is more... He's

a clever man, a reading man,



   

                   

and I do view...



   

                   

suddenly attaching himself

to her like that...



   

                   

a man in his situation,

with a broken heart...



   

                   

phoebe Harville was a wonderful

woman and he was devoted to her.



   

                   

A man does not recover from

such a devotion to such a woman.



   

                   

He ought not...he does not.



   

                   

Did you stay long at Lyme?



   

                   

A fortnight.



   

                   

Until we were assured

of Louisa's recovery.



   

                   

The country is very fine.

I walked and rode a great deal.



   

                   

- I should like to see it again.

- I would have thought...



   

                   

I mean, the distress...

too painful.



   

                   

But when the pain is over...



   

                   

I have travelled so little,

every new place interests me.



   

                   

One day, I should very much

like to see it again.



   

                   

It was my doing. Solely mine.



   

                   

Louisa would not

have been obstinate,



   

                   

if I had not been weak.



   

                   

Anne,



   

                   

I have never...



   

                   

(Footman) Lady Dalrymple.



   

                   

Lady Dalrymple.



   

                   

May I have the pleasure?



   

                   

(Italian aria)



   

                   

"..and after they

have done this,



   

                   

"their two hearts will...



   

                   

"combine in eternal union."



   

                   

That's the literal meaning

of the words,



   

                   

to give the sense

would not be proper.



   

                   

Besides, I am a poor

Italian scholar.



   

                   

yes. I see you are(!)



   

                   

you have only enough

of the language



   

                   

to translate it at sight into

clear, comprehensible English.



   

                   

We'll say no more of your

ignorance, here's the proof(!)



   

                   

I'd hate to be examined

by a real proficient, Mr Elliot.



   

                   

you are too modest.



   

                   

The world is not aware of half

of your accomplishments.



   

                   

This is too much flattery.



   

                   

I couldn't ever

flatter you enough.



   

                   

(Sir Walter)

yes, a very well-looking man.



   

                   

More air than one

often sees in Bath.



   

                   

- Irish, I dare say.

- Captain Wentworth of the Navy.



   

                   

An acquaintance. His sister's

married to a tenant of mine.



   

                   

Do you take my meaning, Anne,

or must I translate for you?



   

                   

please excuse me one moment.



   

                   

Oh, Captain.



   

                   

Are you leaving already?



   

                   

yes.



   

                   

But the music is good,

is it not?



   

                   

I neither know nor care.



   

                   

- But will you not...

- What?



   

                   

- This is too sudden.

- Is it?



   

                   

- But what's the matter?

- Nothing. Nothing at all.



   

                   

Miss Elliot, you must come back

to explain the Italian again.



   

                   

Miss Carteret's keen

to know what she's to hear.



   

                   

Good night.



   

                   

But the next song

is very beautiful.



   

                   

It's a very beautiful love song.



   

                   

Is that not worth staying for?



   

                   

No, there's nothing

worth my staying for.



   

                   

(Italian aria)



   

                   

Anne, it is beginning.



   

                   

- Morning.

- Good morning, sir.



   

                   

- Thank you.

- Good morning, madam.



   

                   

Oh, I say, Charles!

Isn't it delightful?.



   

                   

- Where are you staying?

- At the White Hart



   

                   

with Mrs Musgrove, Henrietta

and Captain Harville from Lyme.



   

                   

- Come and see upstairs.

- Oh, yes!



   

                   

What brings

Mrs Musgrove to Bath?



   

                   

She's after wedding clothes

for Henrietta and Louisa.



   

                   

It's so exciting I feel giddy.

A double wedding!



   

                   

What do you think

for Louisa's hair, Anne?



   

                   

This one or this one?



   

                   

Louisa has become so severe,



   

                   

I wonder she wants a ribbon

in her hair at all!



   

                   

Give her a book of verse

to hold it instead.



   

                   

Look who I found, Mama.



   

                   

- Captain Wentworth!

- Good day.



   

                   

(Greetings)



   

                   

I have been to the theatre and I

have secured a box for tomorrow.



   

                   

Oh, yes!



   

                   

Anne, you will

accompany us, I hope.



   

                   

I am obliged to you,

Mrs Musgrove, but I cannot.



   

                   

There's a party at Camden place,



   

                   

to which you'll all be invited.



   

                   

An evening party!



   

                   

If it depended

only on me, Charles,



   

                   

I should prefer the theatre.



   

                   

But I have an obligation

to my family.



   

                   

Then we shall go another time,

when you are free to join us.



   

                   

- Thank you.

- Captain Harville, sit with me.



   

                   

I desperately need

a fresh opinion.



   

                   

I doubt if I could be much help.



   

                   

perhaps you have not

been in Bath long enough



   

                   

to learn to enjoy

these parties they give.



   

                   

They mean nothing to me.



   

                   

Those who hold them



   

                   

believe the theatre to be

beneath their dignity.



   

                   

But I am no card player.



   

                   

No.



   

                   

you never were, were you?



   

                   

Anne, there is Mrs Clay,



   

                   

standing under the colonnade,

and a gentleman with her.



   

                   

- Bless me, it's Mr Elliot!

- It cannot be him.



   

                   

He has gone out of Bath to stay

with his friends in Combe park.



   

                   

Upon my word,

I know my own cousin. Look!



   

                   

Is it not Mr Elliot?



   

                   

But it is an apt match.



   

                   

To step into your mother's shoes

as mistress of Kellynch.



   

                   

Anybody capable of thought

must approve it.



   

                   

He's charming,

but my instinct tells me...



   

                   

Instinct! It's no time

for instinct. Look at the facts.



   

                   

The present Mr Elliot is

the most eligible gentleman...



   

                   

Why has his character altered

so I know him so little?



   

                   

you do not know him?



   

                   

He is charming and clever,



   

                   

but I have never seen

any burst of feeling,



   

                   

any warmth, fury, or delight.



   

                   

- you'll come to know him.

- That's not what I want.



   

                   

Miss Elliot?



   

                   

A gentleman of the Navy wishes

to meet privately with you.



   

                   

Concerning Kellynch Hall

in Somerset, he says.



   

                   

It must be the Admiral.

please excuse me.



   

                   

I have a commission

from my admiral,



   

                   

and I must discharge it.



   

                   

you may think me impertinent,

but remember, I speak for him.



   

                   

The Admiral is aware...

that everything is settled



   

                   

for a union between Mr Elliot

and yourself.



   

                   

It occurs to the Admiral



   

                   

that once married, you may wish

to return to Kellynch Hall.



   

                   

I have been charged to tell you

that, if this is what you wish,



   

                   

the Admiral will cancel his

lease and find another place.



   

                   

There. I have done my duty.



   

                   

Do you wish it? Say yes or no



   

                   

and we are both released.



   

                   

The Admiral is too kind.



   

                   

Just say it. yes or no.



   

                   

Why is everyone assuming that...



   

                   

(Lady Russell)

Captain Wentworth.



   

                   

Lady Russell.



   

                   

you have

an extraordinary ability



   

                   

to discompose my friend, sir.



   

                   

you have an extraordinary

ability to influence her, ma'am,



   

                   

which I find hard to forgive.



   

                   

Why does the whole town

believe I shall marry him?



   

                   

- Oh. Shan't you?

- No!



   

                   

I have to say

I am relieved to hear it.



   

                   

Why?



   

                   

Because...

Did you never wonder why a man



   

                   

who held the honour

of your family like dirt,



   

                   

who showed no interest

in the Kellynch estate,



   

                   

should suddenly

show such interest?



   

                   

What do you know?



   

                   

I was at Colonel Wallis's

yesterday



   

                   

and I chanced to hear him

complain to his wife



   

                   

that Mr Elliot

required another loan.



   

                   

- But he is rich.

- He was rich. He has lost it.



   

                   

His lifestyle is a sham.

He lives on borrowed money.



   

                   

Are you saying he pays

his attentions to me because...



   

                   

He wants the title and the land.



   

                   

He heard of your sister's

friend, Mrs Clay...



   

                   

Who hopes to become

the next Lady Elliot.



   

                   

And to provide

Sir Walter with a son.



   

                   

- An heir?

- By marrying you,



   

                   

he gains some footing

in the family,



   

                   

exerts his influence

on your father...



   

                   

..and keeps his inheritance.



   

                   

Why didn't you say this before?



   

                   

We've just learnt it.



   

                   

How despicable!



   

                   

Mr Musgrove and my brother,

Hayter, met again...



   

                   

Good morning, Mrs Musgrove.

Good morning, Mrs Croft.



   

                   

Oh! They are all shopping, Anne.



   

                   

But Henrietta has told me to

keep you here till they return.



   

                   

- please sit with us.

- Thank you.



   

                   

So, all things considered,



   

                   

as Henry Hayter was wild about

it and my daughter as bad,



   

                   

we thought let them marry

now and make the best of it.



   

                   

At any rate, said I to papa,



   

                   

it's better

than a long engagement.



   

                   

Nothing's so abominable

as a long engagement.



   

                   

Do you know who this is?



   

                   

- That's Captain Benwick.

- yes.



   

                   

It was not done

for Louisa Musgrove.



   

                   

This was drawn at the Cape

for my poor sister.



   

                   

And now I have the charge

of getting it set for another.



   

                   

It's too much for me, I confess.

So he undertakes it.



   

                   

He's writing instructions

to the frame-makers now.



   

                   

poor phoebe.



   

                   

She would not have forgotten

him so soon.



   

                   

It was not in her nature.



   

                   

It's not for any woman

who truly loved.



   

                   

Do you claim that for your sex?



   

                   

We do not forget you

as soon as you forget us.



   

                   

We cannot help ourselves.



   

                   

We live at home...



   

                   

quiet...confined...



   

                   

and our feelings prey upon us.



   

                   

you always have business

to take you back into the world.



   

                   

It's no more man's nature

than women's to be inconstant,



   

                   

or to forget those they love

or have loved.



   

                   

I believe the reverse.



   

                   

I believe...



   

                   

Are you finished your letter?



   

                   

Er, not quite. A few lines yet.



   

                   

Let me just observe that all

histories are against you.



   

                   

All stories, prose and verse.



   

                   

I don't think I ever

opened a book



   

                   

which did not have something

to say on women's fickleness.



   

                   

But they were written by men.



   

                   

I suppose so.



   

                   

If you only understood

what a man suffers



   

                   

when he takes a last look

at his wife and children.



   

                   

And watches their boat

while it's in sight



   

                   

and says, "God knows whether

we will ever meet again."



   

                   

If I could only show you...

the glow of his soul



   

                   

when he does see them once more.



   

                   

When, coming back

after twelve months



   

                   

and obliged to put

into another port,



   

                   

he calculates how soon

he can get them there.



   

                   

pretending to deceive himself



   

                   

and saying, "They cannot

be here until such a day."



   

                   

But still hoping for them

twelve hours sooner.



   

                   

And seeing them arrive at last,



   

                   

as if heaven

had given them wings.



   

                   

I believe you capable

of everything great and good.



   

                   

So long as...



   

                   

if I may...



   

                   

So long as the woman you love

lives...and lives for you.



   

                   

All the privilege I claim

for my own sex -



   

                   

and it is not very enviable,

you need not covet it -



   

                   

is that of loving longest

when all hope is gone.



   

                   

(Bell chimes)



   

                   

Dear Frederick, you and I

must part company, I believe.



   

                   

One moment, Sophy.



   

                   

But we shall all meet again

this evening at your party.



   

                   

Harville. If you're ready,

I'm at your service.



   

                   

Good morning, Miss Elliot,

and God bless.



   

                   

- Good morning.

- Good morning.



   

                   

Now where on earth have

Henrietta and Mary got to?



   

                   

Forgive me, Mrs Musgrove.

I left my umbrella.



   

                   

- Ma'am.

- Good day, Captain Wentworth.



   

                   

(Captain Wentworth) 'I can

listen no longer in silence.



   

                   

'I must speak to you by such

means as are within my reach.



   

                   

'you pierce my soul.

I am half agony, half hope.



   

                   

'Tell me not that I am too late,



   

                   

'that such precious feelings

are gone forever.



   

                   

'I offer myself to you

with a heart even more your own,



   

                   

'than when you broke it

eight years and a half ago.'



   

                   

(Anne) 'Dare not say that man

forgets sooner than woman,



   

                   

'that his love

has an earlier death.



   

                   

'I have loved none but you.



   

                   

(Wentworth)

'Unjust I may have been,



   

                   

'weak and resentful I have been,

but never inconstant.



   

                   

'you alone have brought me

to Bath.



   

                   

'For you alone,

I think and plan.



   

                   

'Have you not seen this?



   

                   

'Can you fail

to have understood my wishes?



   

                   

'Had I not waited

even these ten days,



   

                   

'could I have read

your feelings?



   

                   

'I must go, uncertain

of my fate, but I shall return



   

                   

'or follow your party

as soon as possible.



   

                   

'A word, a look will be enough



   

                   

'to decide whether I enter your

father's house this evening...



   

                   

'or never.'



   

                   

(Excitable chatter)



   

                   

Anne?



   

                   

Anne, is something the matter?



   

                   

Anne, look at you!



   

                   

Oh, I-I feel

a little faint, Mrs Musgrove.



   

                   

Erm... I will go home, if I may.



   

                   

By all means, my dear.



   

                   

Go home directly

and take care of yourself,



   

                   

so you may be fit

for this evening.



   

                   

Charles, go and call a chair.



   

                   

No. I assure you, Mrs Musgrove,



   

                   

I am...I am well able to walk.



   

                   

Erm... Good morning.



   

                   

Go on.



   

                   

Charles,



   

                   

please assure Captain Wentworth

and Captain Harville



   

                   

that we hope

to see them tonight.



   

                   

- That was understood.

- No, I don't think so.



   

                   

They must come, do you hear?



   

                   

you'll see them again.

promise me you'll mention it.



   

                   

Mention it yourself. Frederick,

which way are you going?



   

                   

I hardly know.



   

                   

Are you going near Camden place?



   

                   

If you are,

take Anne to her father's door.



   

                   

She's done for this morning

and I'm eager to see a gun,



   

                   

like that double-barrel of mine

you once shot with.



   

                   

I shall have time

to take her, Charles.



   

                   

Thank you.



   

                   

(Distant circus music)



   

                   

I tried to forget you.



   

                   

I thought I had.



   

                   

(Hubbub of Italian performers)



   

                   

(Music and crowd fade)



   

                   

(Hushed conversations)



   

                   

When Captain Wentworth arrives

you must not monopolise him.



   

                   

It's a very bad habit of yours.



   

                   

(Sneezes)



   

                   

Aye. Bonaparte has got off Elba



   

                   

and raised an army in France.



   

                   

It seems there's

to be another war.



   

                   

So, you will be leaving

us again, Admiral Croft?



   

                   

When you make a decision, Anne,

you must stick with it.



   

                   

There's no going back.



   

                   

At your age, I found out

what I wanted.



   

                   

I decided to marry.



   

                   

And I am married...



   

                   

until I die.



   

                   

I hope one day

to see you do the same.



   

                   

I hope so too.



   

                   

Miss Elliot,

may we speak a moment?



   

                   

Have you thought any further

about my offer?



   

                   

But what offer was that,

Mr Elliot?



   

                   

My offer to flatter and adore

you all the days of your life.



   

                   

I haven't had a moment,

Mr Elliot,



   

                   

to turn my mind to it.



   

                   

(Footman) Captain Wentworth

and Captain Harville.



   

                   

Captain Wentworth, come in!

What will you play? Whist?



   

                   

I have come on business,

Sir Walter.



   

                   

Business?



   

                   

My proposal of marriage to your

daughter Anne has been accepted.



   

                   

And I respectfully request

permission to fix a date.



   

                   

Anne?



   

                   

you want to marry Anne?



   

                   

Whatever for?



   

                   

(Romantic Italian aria)







 

  

  

 
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