Sir Wilfred Grafton is Chairman of the board of his own company, on that board sits his own son Toby, who's attempting to remove his father. Toby introduces Karen, his Fiancee to Sir Wilfred, she's the image of his dead wife, Wilfred believes it's being done to bring about his downfall.
—Paul Evans
Source: IMDB
—Paul Evans
Source: IMDB
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
01:00It's too risky.
01:01If the stock went into this country, we'd all be dead.
01:02We'd all be dead.
01:03We'd all be dead.
01:04We'd all be dead.
01:05We'd all be dead.
01:06We'd all be dead.
01:07We'd all be dead.
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01:11We'd all be dead.
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01:13We'd all be dead.
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01:18We'd all be dead.
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01:26We'd all be dead.
01:30We'd all be dead.
01:31We'd all be dead.
01:32We'd all be dead.
01:33We'd all be dead.
01:34We'd all be dead.
01:35We'd all be dead.
01:36We'd all be dead.
01:37We'd all be dead.
01:38We'd all be dead.
01:39We'd all be dead.
01:40We'd all be dead.
01:41We'd all be dead.
01:42We'd all be dead.
01:43We'd all be dead.
01:44We'd all be dead.
01:45We'd all be dead.
01:46We'd all be dead.
01:47We'd all be dead.
01:48We'd all be dead.
01:49We'd all be dead.
01:50We'd all be dead.
01:51We'd all be dead.
01:52We'd all be dead.
01:53We'd all be dead.
01:54We'd all be dead.
01:55We'd all be dead.
01:56We'd all be dead.
01:57We're not conservative.
01:58We're covered with cobwebs.
01:59For the last five years, we've done nothing but sit on our assets so much as being eroded
02:02by inflation.
02:03If we'd invested in some of the harebrained schemes you recommended, we wouldn't have
02:06any assets.
02:07On the contrary.
02:08Instead of just treading water, we'd have a stake in tomorrow.
02:12Well as a matter of interest, let's just see where we'd be if we'd followed your advice.
02:17Arnold.
02:18Sir Wilfred asked me to prepare a hypothetical statement based on the assumption that we
02:26had invested in all these speculative projects suggested by Toby since he joined the board.
02:34As you will see, it shows a loss of 46%.
02:37Of course it shows a loss.
02:39You can't expect new companies like these to make a profit after only three years.
02:43They're long-term investments.
02:45From which we'd have been lucky to get our stake back.
02:48May I remind the chairman that this is a merchant bank.
02:51It's our business to invest in risk companies.
02:53Your great-grandfather didn't make Graftons one of the most respected names in the city
02:57by taking unnecessary risks.
02:59What about Empire Chemicals?
03:00If the American bid had failed, Graftons would have been finished.
03:03He was lucky.
03:04And he had far less to lose.
03:05We have an established reputation.
03:06There's no need to stick our necks out.
03:07There's no need for us to do anything.
03:13We can just sit here and twiddle our thumbs for the rest of our lives.
03:16But we wouldn't be fulfilling our function.
03:18Well I am sure we are all very grateful to you, Toby, for the benefit of your vast experience.
03:23But so long as I am occupying this chair, I shall be the judge of whether we are fulfilling
03:27our function or not.
03:29And in my opinion, we should have nothing to do with this new flotation.
03:33Then you're prepared to leave the field free for our competitors.
03:36I am.
03:38Well I'm not.
03:39Unfortunately, there's nothing you can do about it.
03:42I could propose a vote of no confidence in the chairman.
03:46Oh Toby, that would be very foolish.
03:50Since all the members of this board are my appointees.
03:52I'm well aware of that.
03:54But I already have six votes pledged to me.
03:57And it's no good trying to find out which they are because they're also pledged to secrecy.
04:03You're in for an uncomfortable week.
04:08You'll never make a poker player, Toby.
04:10You haven't got the nerve.
04:11It's no good, Father.
04:12You're out of date.
04:13You're a dodo in an ivory tower.
04:15It's time you were put out to grass.
04:20The meeting is closed, gentlemen.
04:43I don't believe it.
05:06You are Sir Wilfrid?
05:09Yeah.
05:10I'm Karen, Toby's fiancée.
05:13I had no idea.
05:19What?
05:21How much he hated me.
05:25May I talk to you in private?
05:28Well?
05:31You and Toby.
05:33I was wondering if I could help with a reconciliation.
05:38Has Toby put you up to this?
05:39No.
05:40As a matter of fact, he told me not to come here.
05:44I take it you don't intend to love, honour and obey?
05:47Women do occasionally have minds of their own, Sir Wilfrid.
05:51I wouldn't know.
05:53I've been without one for so long.
05:56I just think this quarrel of yours is stupid.
05:59Oh, Toby refuses to talk about it.
06:02He broods so much, it frightens me.
06:06I don't understand hatred.
06:08There are a lot of things you don't understand.
06:11How long have you known him?
06:12Three months.
06:13How did you meet?
06:17In a cafe.
06:18Do you love him?
06:22Very much.
06:24Then you have my sympathy.
06:28Is that all you have to say?
06:29Do you know what he called me just now?
06:32A dodo in an ivory tower.
06:33Yes, I couldn't help overhearing.
06:36Well, this dodo isn't quite extinct yet.
06:39And it's liable to seek revenge.
06:43There's nothing I can do, then.
06:48There's no reason why we should hate each other, is there?
06:53None whatever.
06:58Karen.
07:03I'm giving a dinner party tomorrow night.
07:06If you can persuade him to come, you'll be welcome to join us.
07:12Evening dress.
07:14Which in your case means pale blue.
07:19Why?
07:22Because I think it would suit you.
07:30No?
07:31What do you mean, no?
07:38You're not wearing that dress.
07:39You can't.
07:40Don't be silly, darling.
07:41It cost a fortune.
07:43You went out and bought it.
07:44Just to please father.
07:45It happens to be my favorite color, too, and I needed a new dress.
07:49Wear it for me, then.
07:51On our honeymoon.
07:52Why not for him?
07:53Because...
07:54He's a dangerous man.
08:01Sounds deliciously mysterious.
08:02All you've done is intrigue me.
08:04You refuse to change?
08:06If you refuse to elaborate.
08:07Please yourself.
08:08Where are you going?
08:09To dinner.
08:10On your own?
08:11I think you're being childish, Toby.
08:12You've let this ridiculous feud go much too far.
08:13All I'm trying to do is end it.
08:23Don't meddle.
08:24There are things you don't understand.
08:25What things?
08:26I can't tell you.
08:28Not yet.
08:29I'll ask your father, then.
08:32No.
08:33If this is a preview of coming attractions, I can't say I'm very impressed.
08:36And I can't say I'm impressed by your lack of trust.
08:38I told you not to come to the bank.
08:40To stay away from father, yet not only did you go to see him, but you accepted his invitation
08:44without consulting me.
08:45Well, I think it's petty, just because your father's turned on by girls in blue dress.
08:49Not every girl.
08:51You mean I'm special?
08:54Very special.
08:55As I'm afraid you're about to find out.
09:02Thank you so much.
09:14Why is everyone staring at me?
09:21You're a very beautiful girl, Karen.
09:28All the women are jealous of you.
09:29I'm sorry?
09:30All the men are jealous of me.
09:31You mean of Toby.
09:32No, I don't mean of Toby.
09:33Come with me.
09:35Come with me.
09:41There's somebody I want you to meet.
09:48She's a knockout, Toby!
09:49I don't know why you kept her under wraps for so long.
09:52Long?
09:53They've only known her three months.
09:55Clem, I've got a little surprise for you.
09:58Clem Laidlaw, Karen Oldfield.
10:00Is this some sort of joke?
10:03Karen is Toby's fiancée.
10:06seems you've got a lot of trouble.
10:08trouble? what trouble?
10:10you mean you don't know?
10:14may I ask how old you are?
10:1626.
10:18why?
10:20isn't it about time you told her Wilfred?
10:22yes. come with me Karen.
10:26congratulations Toby.
10:28I shouldn't leave her alone in there with your father for too long.
10:31you think she's his type?
10:33I'd take a bet.
10:35he can be very persuasive.
10:37as I know to my cost.
10:39what is it you haven't told me?
10:43why? Toby has no intention of marrying you.
10:48does he usually buy diamonds like that?
10:52does he usually buy diamonds like this for girls he has no intention of marrying?
10:58why did you tell me you met in a cafe?
11:00because we did.
11:02you met through mate line.
11:04a computer dating service.
11:07I have a very efficient intelligence network Karen so please don't lie to me again.
11:11it wasn't a lie. it just wasn't the whole truth.
11:14what was there to be ashamed of?
11:16I don't know.
11:18it's a confession of failure isn't it?
11:20Toby didn't seem to think so.
11:22no.
11:24didn't you ask yourself why an attractive successful young man should need the services of mate line?
11:30I not only asked myself I asked him.
11:32and what did he say?
11:34he said he'd joined the bank straight from Eton.
11:37out of one all-male preserve and into another so his choice was somewhat limited.
11:43and you believed him?
11:45why shouldn't I? I went to mate line for the same reasons.
11:48I find it hard to believe that your choice was limited.
11:51oh it wasn't when I first came to London.
11:54but I'd come straight from a convent. an all-female preserve.
11:58I was terribly shy and virginal.
12:01men soon lost interest.
12:03so when you stopped being terribly shy and virginal
12:07what made you turn to a computer?
12:10I didn't seem to meet eligible bachelors anymore.
12:13the only men I knew were the ones who worked with me at the art gallery.
12:17they were all married.
12:20no social life?
12:22I'd cried wolf too often literally.
12:24so I thought if I was seriously looking for a mate I might as well do it scientifically.
12:29did you think that that was what Toby was doing? seriously looking for a mate?
12:33what else should he be looking for?
12:36he asked you to marry him for one reason only.
12:39to destroy me.
12:41destroy you?
12:43but don't worry Karen.
12:45when he discards you as he inevitably will
12:49I'll be there.
12:51he's right. you are a dangerous man.
12:54dangerous? no my dear.
12:56believe me I have your welfare very much at heart.
13:01I think I better go.
13:07do you want proof Karen?
13:16oh
13:22who on earth is that?
13:25my wife Gwen.
13:27Toby's mother.
13:29she died 21 years ago.
13:32at the age of 26.
13:36extraordinary. the resemblance? yes.
13:39now why do you think Toby fed his mother's physical characteristics into a computer?
13:45an Oedipus complex?
13:47mm-hmm but Oedipus didn't only marry his mother.
13:50he killed his father.
13:52you mean you think Toby's trying to kill you?
13:55in his own way yes. no!
13:57I meant what I said Karen. when Toby breaks off this engagement come to me.
14:00no!
14:03you've been in there long enough.
14:05Toby!
14:10you're making an exhibition of yourself father.
14:15I suggest you take a cold shower.
14:35I hope you'll make allowances Miss Oakfield.
14:37when Gwen died Wilfred thought his life was over.
14:40now
14:42all these years later you turn up.
14:45yes.
14:47you must admit the resemblance is uncanny.
14:50how long were they married?
14:53five years.
14:55he must have loved her very much.
14:57he did.
14:59ask Clem Laidlaw.
15:01why?
15:03he was in love with her too.
15:05Wilfred took her away from him.
15:07pistols at dawn was it?
15:09hardly. Clem's the family solicitor.
15:11solicitors have to take their defeats philosophically.
15:21ladies and gentlemen
15:24I think it's about time I introduced you to the
15:27beautiful apparition
15:29sitting at the other end of the table.
15:31some of you may probably be wondering whether like Frankenstein
15:34I manufactured her in some secret laboratory.
15:38but I can assure you that if she had been my creation
15:42I would never have allowed Toby to get his hands on her.
15:46no she's a real woman.
15:48unfortunately
15:50real women don't always know where their best interests lie.
15:54for example just before dinner
15:56I was trying to explain to Karen
15:59that her
16:01extraordinary resemblance to my late wife
16:05was not a coincidence.
16:07she wouldn't believe me.
16:09she persists in believing that Toby loves her.
16:13careful father.
16:15so I must make my warning more explicit.
16:17this engagement is a callous and vindictive exploitation of an innocent girl.
16:21father that's enough!
16:22you see my dear son Toby doesn't like girls very much.
16:27his tastes lie
16:29how shall I put it?
16:31closer to home.
16:33of course in the old days one didn't talk about this kind of thing.
16:37but now consenting adults have much more freedom.
16:40but when adults do consent
16:42I think that they should know what they're consenting to don't you?
16:45it's not fair for one party to keep the other in the dark.
16:48so I must warn you again Karen.
16:51Toby has no intention of fulfilling his conjugal obligations.
16:55you may think that there is no longer any such thing
16:59as a fate worse than death but there is.
17:02marriage to a homosexual.
17:05come on Karen.
17:12you're pathetic father.
17:14pathetic and contemptible.
17:21Karen
17:24isn't it about time you looked at me?
17:28why didn't you tell me I was an exact replica of your mother?
17:32well?
17:34it doesn't matter now.
17:35what do you mean it doesn't matter?
17:37how do you think I feel suddenly discovering you'd picked me out just to spite your father?
17:41do you think I go to all that trouble just to spite him?
17:44I don't know Toby. I'm not sure of anything anymore.
17:48the three months we've known each other we've done so much together.
17:52I thought I knew all about you. now suddenly you're a stranger.
17:57sit down darling.
17:59now listen to me.
18:01it's true.
18:03I was searching for a girl who looked like mother.
18:06I was going to use her cynically and ruthlessly for an idea I had.
18:11but I decided not to go through with it.
18:14when?
18:15when I fell in love with you.
18:19your father said you had no intention of marrying me.
18:21you believe him?
18:23I don't know what to believe.
18:25you don't know whether to believe his accusation or not.
18:27I couldn't care less about that. you were right. it was contemptible.
18:30come on Karen. be honest with me.
18:32did it cross your mind that it might be true?
18:35cross my mind?
18:36I see.
18:37part of it was true.
18:38which part?
18:39the bit about not sleeping together.
18:41I told you.
18:43I'm old-fashioned about that sort of thing.
18:47dodo.
18:49just like your father.
18:50thanks a lot.
18:52darling let's think of the future.
18:54I am thinking of the future.
18:56you can't spend the rest of your life with father's charming little speech ringing in your ears.
19:00every time I brought a colleague back to dinner
19:02you'd think he was a rival.
19:04nonsense.
19:05you wait. father's a cunning bastard. he knew the poison would spread.
19:09you can always prove him wrong.
19:11how?
19:12by letting me spend the night.
19:14so you want proof do you?
19:17well I'm bloody well not going to give it to you.
19:19when we sleep together it'll be a consummation of our love.
19:22not because you want me to prove father wrong.
19:24all my life he's dictated every move I made.
19:27well this is one move I'm gonna make in my own time.
19:29I'm sorry darling I didn't mean it.
19:31yes yes you did.
19:33you wanted to be sure before committing yourself.
19:35why it's only natural.
19:37I've already committed myself.
19:39I didn't say that. don't put words into my mouth.
19:43it won't work Karen.
19:46what won't work?
19:47you and me. don't you see?
19:49he's won.
19:51nonsense.
19:53there's only one thing you can do.
19:55break off the engagement.
19:58what?
19:59you'll never be sure now. whatever happens in bed
20:02you'll always have doubts.
20:04I won't. oh Toby please give me a chance to...
20:06no.
20:07it's hopeless.
20:09but why?
20:12I know you love me.
20:14and I love you.
20:17oh God how I love you.
20:22prove it.
20:26how?
20:28by giving me back the ring.
20:30without a proof I didn't love you.
20:32no it's the only way our love can survive.
20:35I don't understand.
20:37you don't have to. either you trust me or you don't.
20:51I love you.
20:57thanks.
21:02that's it then?
21:04not quite.
21:06there's something else I want you to do.
21:09so you believed Sir Wilfred's accusation?
21:14yes.
21:15why?
21:17father knows his own son.
21:19and that was the only reason you broke off your engagement?
21:22there was nothing else that could have caused you to take such a drastic step?
21:26no.
21:27we were very happy.
21:29till last night.
21:32if I were a judge miss Oldfield I'd been trying to say that your love must have been of a rather
21:36superficial nature.
21:38if a few malicious words were capable of destroying it overnight.
21:42there were so many witnesses.
21:44the story will be all around London by now.
21:46just don't think I'd be able to bear the scandal.
21:49I see.
21:52there's one thing I have to be sure about Toby.
21:55if your father's defense is that his accusation is true
21:59could he produce any evidence to support it?
22:01of course not.
22:02you're sure? quite sure.
22:04you deny the allegation?
22:06categorically.
22:08but you will not accept his denial miss Oldfield.
22:12I'm sorry.
22:14very well.
22:16you have to swear your affidavit before a commission of oaths.
22:19I'll let you know when I've made an appointment.
22:29I hope you're satisfied Toby.
22:32I hope you realize I'm only doing this because I love you.
22:36but your father was right wasn't he?
22:38he never had any intention of marrying me.
22:44oh
22:49we've got to get rid of him.
22:51won't be easy.
22:53Toby may be a nuisance but he's provided a much-needed dynamic on the board.
22:57I doubt if we'd been asked to float this new issue if it hadn't been for Toby.
23:01you're not one of his supporters are you by any chance?
23:04no of course not.
23:05but I wish you'd patch up your differences.
23:07if not for your sake then for the sake of the bank.
23:10go in.
23:12good morning.
23:14it's all right. come in. sit down.
23:18you can wash the dirty linen in front of Arnold.
23:21very well.
23:26this is a difficult situation for me.
23:28I can't act for both of you.
23:30so if there is to be litigation
23:32one of you will have to find another solicitor.
23:34I will if necessary.
23:36I was hoping it wouldn't be that we keep it in the family as it were.
23:39keep what in the family?
23:41tell him.
23:43as a result of Wilfred's unfortunate allegation last night
23:48Toby's taking out a writ for slander.
23:50he's claiming substantial damages.
23:52how much?
23:53a hundred thousand pounds.
23:55a hundred thousand?
23:57that's absurd. it's not as if he suffered any material loss.
24:01I'm afraid he has.
24:03miss Oldfield has broken off her engagement.
24:07oh dear.
24:10if I let it go to court what are my chances?
24:13nil.
24:14you can take counsel's opinion if you wish.
24:16but there are too many witnesses.
24:18my advice is to settle.
24:21how much can I get away with?
24:23I believe Toby will be satisfied with a sum in the region of thirty thousand.
24:28thirty thousand?
24:30I should think he bloody well would be satisfied.
24:34well let him take me to court then.
24:36I'm damned if I get a hand over thirty thousand without a fight.
24:38but Wilfred think of the bank.
24:40the unfavorable publicity.
24:42thirty thousand pounds!
24:44it's out of all proportion.
24:46who's to say what's in proportion Wilfred?
24:49some women as I'm sure you will agree
24:53are beyond price.
24:56pair of eights to bet.
24:58two quid.
24:59I see you're two quid.
25:01you're two and five.
25:03bold.
25:05you're five and thirty thousand.
25:09Toby!
25:11so the old man paid up.
25:13without a murmur. he knew I got him by the short and curlies.
25:15if he walked on back at the bank he's probably planning the night of the long knives.
25:19he can plan all he likes.
25:21we'll fix him at the next board meeting.
25:23and Karen?
25:24what about her?
25:25could she be tempted back by your change of circumstances?
25:28who says I want her back?
25:30aren't you being a little hard Toby?
25:32after all it must come as a bit of a shock to hear your prospective father-in-law
25:36announce in public that your fiance is gay.
25:38if she really loved me she wouldn't have believed it.
25:40oh yeah.
25:42oh did you invite anyone else?
25:44no.
25:58hello father. hello Toby.
26:00we heard you were playing poker.
26:02you got a spare seat?
26:04Wilfred please you're making a fool of yourself.
26:06wouldn't be the first time. well Toby.
26:08why?
26:10I want to play cards.
26:14our stakes are much too small for you.
26:16oh well stakes can always be raised.
26:18it wouldn't be fair on the others.
26:20well let's ask them shall we?
26:22Wilfred come on can't you see we're not welcome?
26:24good evening gentlemen.
26:26ah Phil. have you got room for one more?
26:28of course sir Wilfred.
26:30well that is if Toby... good.
26:32how very kind of you. thank you.
26:34well Toby your friends don't seem to object.
26:36how about you?
26:38are you prepared to let me have a go at winning some of my money back?
26:40so that's it.
26:42the 30,000.
26:44it really hurts doesn't it?
26:46of course it hurts.
26:48but I haven't come here to cry.
26:50I've accepted my defeat like a sportsman.
26:52question is
26:54how much of a sportsman
26:56are you?
27:26how many?
27:30an honest three.
27:34dealer takes two.
27:36an honest two.
27:38you'll have to pay to find out.
27:44hundred.
27:46your hundred.
27:48and up.
27:50two.
27:56thousand.
28:06your thousand.
28:08and another.
28:10two.
28:20make it five.
28:26seal.
28:32three sevens.
28:38three jacks.
28:40your deal father.
28:46pleased with yourself?
28:48naturally. I like winning.
28:50how much am I down?
28:52ten thousand.
28:54oh that's enough Wilfred.
28:56it's obviously not your lucky night.
28:58lucky?
29:00a good poker player depends on skill not luck.
29:02isn't that so Toby?
29:04quite.
29:06one more hand then.
29:08with table limits.
29:10what's that mean?
29:12it means that either player can bet
29:14up to the table.
29:16I'll bet up to the table.
29:18it means that either player can bet up
29:20to as much as the other player has left in front of him.
29:22oh.
29:24how much do you suggest?
29:26well
29:28ten thousand.
29:30you've got forty thousand
29:32of my money.
29:36I think I put up another forty thousand.
29:40double or quits.
29:44all right.
29:48cut
29:56cut
30:18five thousand.
30:26five thousand.
30:28kibitzes should be seen but not heard Phil.
30:38I
30:40owe you.
30:48cards
30:52one
30:54two pair
31:02deal it takes
31:04one
31:08you to bet
31:10ten
31:18five thousand
31:28your five thousand
31:32and
31:36ten
31:38that's twenty thousand. Wilfred you're mad.
31:42my son will tell you
31:44that I never invest
31:46in speculative ventures.
31:48there's no such
31:50thing as a safe investment anymore.
31:56see you
32:04flush
32:08king high
32:18full house
32:20that's another
32:22thirty thousand you owe me father.
32:24I hope you brought your checkbook.
32:32Toby
32:34Karen's here.
32:36where? she said she wanted to see you alone.
32:38I put her in the ballroom.
32:48hello darling
32:55what are you doing here?
32:57you never answer your phone.
32:59I had to talk to you.
33:01why?
33:03I've been working things out.
33:06I couldn't understand it.
33:08I knew you loved me yet you made me break off the engagement.
33:10there had to be a reason.
33:12true.
33:14I just think you might have let me in on it.
33:16I
33:18wasn't sure
33:20you cooperate.
33:22oh thou of little faith.
33:24I perjured myself for you
33:26remember?
33:28and that was before I realized what you were up to.
33:32can you ever forgive me?
33:34for thirty thousand pounds darling I can forgive almost anything.
33:36that is if you intend to share it with me.
33:38do you?
33:40of course.
33:42I love you darling.
33:44that's something I've never deceived you about.
33:46when were you going to call me?
33:48in a few months after the dastard settled.
33:50the break had to seem as genuine as possible.
33:52have I spoiled it by coming here?
33:54father didn't see you.
33:56good but you better get out of here.
33:58we'll continue this conversation tonight.
34:00at the flat?
34:02recommendation?
34:04it's a sound investment.
34:06help protect our original stake in the company.
34:08all right.
34:10anything else?
34:12yes.
34:14there's a rumor
34:16that you lost thirty thousand pounds at poker last night.
34:18well?
34:20what you do with your money
34:22is of course your own affair.
34:24but coming on top of the slander suit
34:26it's bound to call your judgment into question.
34:32and if there's no confidence in you
34:34there'll be no confidence in the bank.
34:36don't worry Arnold.
34:38won't happen again.
34:46I'm afraid the damage has been done Wilfred.
34:52it will probably have persuaded a few more members of the board
34:56to vote with Toby.
35:02oh
35:08how long do we have to wait?
35:10a year perhaps.
35:12I'll have to ask Clem Laidlaw when we're free from an illegal comeback.
35:14won't he guess that the break was a put-up job?
35:16probably.
35:18can you trust him to keep his mouth shut?
35:20yes. you see he doesn't really like father.
35:22in fact... go on.
35:24that idea I told you about. the one I needed someone like you for.
35:26he was in on it.
35:28can you tell me about it now?
35:30it was crazy.
35:32but it might have worked.
35:34I was
35:36trying to find a girl
35:38I thought father might fall for.
35:42you see
35:44he has six months to live.
35:46a year at the most.
35:48oh I'm sorry.
35:50the only thing I'm sorry about is I'm not included in the will.
35:52he's leaving you nothing?
35:54not a penny. even this flat's in his name.
35:56when he dies it'll have to be sold.
35:58how would I have come in?
36:00suppose he left a widow.
36:02a girl who was
36:04really in love with me.
36:06after his death we'd be able to enjoy the whole of his estate
36:08and live happily ever after.
36:10I see.
36:12yes I like it.
36:14so did I. the trouble is I
36:16fell into my own trap.
36:18discovered there were more important things than money.
36:20little old me.
36:22little old you.
36:25still
36:27I did bring you 30,000.
36:2960,000. I won another 30,000 from him at poker.
36:31can he afford it?
36:33afford it? darling he's a sterling millionaire.
36:3560,000 is chicken feed to him.
36:37how much is he worth? two million. three.
36:39I'm not sure exactly.
36:41and the plan was for me to marry him
36:43inherit the money
36:45and then marry you.
36:47that's right.
36:50are you sure
36:52he only has a short time to live?
36:54he has terminal cancer.
36:56ask Clem. he's the only person father confides in.
36:58even I'm not supposed to know.
37:00you say Clem was in on it. he had to be.
37:02I needed someone who knew mother well.
37:04someone who could provide all the little
37:06personal details for the computer
37:08to copy.
37:10I promised him a small percentage if I was successful.
37:12laughs
37:15laughs
37:17he's really rather dishy you know.
37:19you're fine.
37:21you're not by any chance thinking of going through with it.
37:23what's the matter? jealous? of course I'm jealous.
37:25I didn't realize he was that rich.
37:27perhaps I shouldn't have given him the brush off.
37:29Karen.
37:31listen darling. if we've got to wait a year anyway
37:33why don't we use the time to feather our nest?
37:35we've got 60,000.
37:37you don't think it's feathered enough?
37:39after the way he treated you I think it is chicken feed.
37:41darling I love you.
37:43I couldn't possibly let you do it.
37:47you asked me to break off the engagement.
37:49well that was different. why?
37:51you didn't have to behave like a prostitute.
37:55we all behave like prostitutes
37:57when the price is high enough.
38:00I might lose you.
38:02how do I know you wouldn't run off with someone else
38:04after father's death?
38:06you asked me to prove my love by returning your ring.
38:08I didn't hesitate did I?
38:11true.
38:15that's what Gwen used to do.
38:17what? put the cream in first.
38:19I've always done that.
38:21don't know why.
38:25thank you.
38:29Karen I want to ask you something.
38:32if you choose not to answer I shall understand.
38:36but if you do answer
38:38I would appreciate complete frankness.
38:40what is it?
38:44when I made that
38:46clumsy approach to you in the study
38:48and you quite correctly
38:50put me in my place
38:52did you do that because of Toby?
38:54of course.
38:56and not because you found me
38:58unattractive?
39:00no.
39:03in other circumstances perhaps
39:05yes?
39:07perhaps I wouldn't have reacted
39:09so violently.
39:12and neither there are
39:14other circumstances.
39:17I think I've said enough.
39:24Karen I haven't got very much longer to live.
39:26now please don't say anything.
39:28this is a prepared speech.
39:30when the doctor told me the news
39:32I accepted it philosophically because
39:34well my wife is dead
39:36my son
39:38estranged. I had nothing to live for.
39:40rage rage
39:42against the dying of the light.
39:44ah
39:46yes well
39:48unlike Dylan Thomas I had no resources
39:50to fall back on.
39:52so I resigned myself
39:54to my fate
39:56and then
39:58you appeared.
40:03may I continue?
40:05of course.
40:07I know next to nothing about you
40:09but you looked
40:11so like Gwen that when you came into the boardroom
40:13that day I said to myself
40:15no Toby is not going to have this girl
40:17she's mine. the feminist
40:19wouldn't care for that Wilfred.
40:21I have only ever loved one woman
40:23all my life
40:25and she was taken away from me 21
40:27years ago
40:29and now suddenly here she was
40:31again reincarnated
40:35can you imagine how I felt?
40:37yes
40:40so I made a fool of myself
40:42I can't imagine what I hoped to achieve by it
40:44hoped I'd leave Toby
40:46which I did
40:48yes I also hoped
40:50that you would turn to me
40:53but my behavior was hardly calculated
40:55to make you do that
40:57no
41:00no
41:03no doubt
41:05you told your parents you couldn't possibly
41:07marry into such an appalling family
41:09I haven't any parents. they died
41:11when I was a baby. that's why I was sent to a convent
41:14so
41:16so you're all alone in the world too
41:20yes
41:22quite alone
41:24in the light of what I've just
41:26told you
41:28do you think you could bring yourself to
41:31marry me
41:34why?
41:36because I remind you of Gwen
41:38you remind me of a time when I was happy
41:41when I die
41:43when I die
41:45you will still be young enough to find
41:47a husband of your own age and
41:49you will be a very rich woman
41:52but you don't love me
41:54does it matter?
41:56I'm lonely. you're hurt
41:58perhaps in the little time that I have left we can
42:08perhaps you'd like some time to think about it
42:12but please
42:14don't take too long
42:24I can give you my answer now Wilfred
42:28congratulations Toby
42:30I never thought you'd pull it off
42:32when are you going to draw up the new will?
42:34oh it's ready now
42:36I'll get him to sign it as soon as he gets back from his honeymoon
42:38you know
42:40it's curious
42:42I'm really rather jealous
42:44of Wilfred? yes
42:46Karen's a very desirable young lady
42:48I've grown quite fond of her
42:50patience Toby
42:52by the end of the year the princess will be yours
42:54with all her kingdom
42:56ha ha
42:58yes of course
43:00I take it you and Karen will continue to see each other
43:02mustn't let our love wither from neglect must we
43:04we shall meet as often as
43:06propriety will allow
43:08and you have sixty thousand
43:10to be going on with
43:12a tidy sum even in these inflationary times
43:14yes I should be able to manage on that
43:18I'm grateful Clem
43:20very grateful
43:22how nice
43:24I haven't been helping you for five percent of your gratitude
43:50now supposing you go into the study
43:52and I go and ask masters to bring some champagne
43:58Toby
44:00sorry I couldn't be there darling
44:02I'd love to have seen it all signed and sealed
44:04but I had to be conspicuous by my absence
44:06what are you doing here?
44:08you'll ruin everything
44:10father would expect his only begotten son to offer his congratulations
44:12quick before he comes back
44:14incidentally it was a bit stupid
44:16telling him that we didn't see each other after you broke off
44:18the engagement
44:20you're lying
44:22he didn't he's no idea we got together again
44:24on the contrary Karen
44:26I know exactly what you and Toby are up to
44:28you're after my money
44:34but don't worry
44:38you have my blessing
44:40you mean you want me to marry Toby
44:42if you don't
44:44I shall come back and haunt you
44:46both of you
44:48champagne
44:54what is all this?
44:56thank you masters I'll do it
45:00what exactly are we celebrating?
45:02the marriage or something else?
45:04we are celebrating the successful completion
45:06of a little plan Karen
45:08a scheme devised by Toby
45:10Kemp Laidlaw and myself
45:12you and Toby
45:14you've just been pretending to hate each other
45:16it was a necessary part
45:18of the charade
45:20but why have you both been
45:22lying to me all the time
45:24before we could tell you what it was about
45:26we had to set you
45:28a little test
45:34I had to prove I wasn't a gold digger
45:36exactly
45:40now then
45:42tell me what you know
45:44about something called capital transfer tax
45:46I know it's very high
45:48it is
45:50iniquitously high
45:52for someone of my means about 65%
45:54so that when I die
45:56if I were to leave Toby a million pounds
45:58the inland revenue would take at least
46:00six hundred thousand of it
46:02but
46:04if I were to leave it to my wife
46:06and my widow
46:08were then to marry my son
46:10there'd be no tax at all
46:12there'd be no tax at all
46:14I see
46:16I wonder if you do see Karen
46:18I wonder if you realise how quickly our present tax system
46:20is killing the goose that lays the golden egg
46:22that sounds like a party political broadcast
46:24I believe in private enterprise
46:26I believe in a man's right to provide security
46:28for his children
46:30I also believe that Toby
46:32will use my money far more wisely
46:34than any government
46:36but if nobody paid any taxes the country would grind to a halt
46:38I have paid taxes all my life
46:40I've been assessed for income tax
46:42and surtax on every penny I've ever earned
46:44I've helped to build schools
46:46for other people's children
46:48motorways for other people's motorcars
46:50leisure centres for other people to play in
46:52I have watched my money being used
46:54to subsidise laziness
46:56perpetuate inefficiency
46:58and finance Marxist students
47:00so that they may plot
47:02the downfall of capitalism
47:04so I reckon I've paid my debt to society
47:06so I reckon I've paid my debt to society
47:08and I'm damned
47:10if I'm going to pay it again
47:12after I'm dead
47:14it's true then, you are going to
47:16to die? oh yes
47:18that's why
47:20there was no time to lose
47:24but the poker game
47:26the slander suit
47:28both tax avoidance schemes devised by Clem
47:30to give Toby a little more pocket money
47:32if the system
47:34penalises those who save
47:36and encourage those who gamble
47:40then so be it
47:42but we had to convince the rest of the world
47:44so we built up this public feud
47:46there's just one thing, Toby
47:48how do I know you're not a gold digger?
47:50I didn't want to go through with it, darling
47:52it was your idea, remember?
47:54yes
47:56so, what shall we drink to?
47:58salud
48:00amor
48:02y pesetas
48:04health, love
48:06and money? yes
48:08after all
48:10what else is there?
48:18good morning
48:20Mr Laidlaw
48:22Lady Grafton
48:24this is an unexpected honour
48:26I came for two reasons
48:28one to tell you that my husband and Stepson
48:30are pleased with the way you have conducted their affairs
48:32how gratifying
48:34may I also hope to have the honour of serving you in the future?
48:36tell me first
48:38what do you think of my outfit?
48:40extremely fetchy
48:42also extremely expensive
48:44ah
48:48do you want to know how much it cost?
48:50if you wish to tell me
48:52five thousand pounds
48:54and this bracelet?
48:56diamonds and sapphires
48:58three thousand perhaps?
49:00another five
49:02indeed
49:04so if it must value you
49:06very highly Lady Grafton
49:08oh he does Mr Laidlaw, he does
49:10and the second reason for your visit?
49:12to bring you this
49:14I thought you might like it
49:16for your album
49:20ah
49:22the same register office where he married the first Lady Grafton
49:24I still have the photograph
49:28where?
49:34hasn't changed much has he?
49:36neither has his wife
49:38no
49:40she's still as beautiful as ever
49:42thank you
49:44who would have thought that we would come full circle
49:48and that you would be able to step into your mother's shoes
49:50thanks to you
49:52and the great god computer
49:54oh computers like a woman
49:56feed her with the right propaganda
49:58and she'll come up with the right answers
50:00clever old thing
50:02but you had to wait a long time for your revenge didn't you
50:04better late than never
50:06I still find it incredible
50:08that mother never told Wilfred about me
50:10she didn't want to spoil her chances
50:12she'd always had her eye on him
50:14that's why she refused to marry me
50:16though I didn't realize it at the time
50:18yet she was prepared to have your baby
50:20she was quite unprepared as a matter of fact
50:22I'm afraid you were an accident
50:24how embarrassing
50:26it wasn't that she didn't love you
50:28it was simply that she loved Wilfred more
50:30and how did you feel
50:32about giving me away
50:34to protect your family solicitor image
50:36well I used to lie awake at night
50:38wondering how I could make it up to you
50:40and now you have
50:42I hereby absolve you of your guilt
50:48Karen
50:50are you sure you can cope with all this
50:52I've done alright so far haven't I
50:54you've done splendidly but
50:56wouldn't you rather I handled Toby after Wilfred's death
50:58no thanks daddy
51:00I want to see the look on his face
51:02when I remind him it's illegal to marry
51:04your half sister
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