Login Required

This content is restricted to University of Auckland staff and students. Log in with your username to view.

Log in

More about logging in

August 1920. Two social revolutions arrive at Downton Abbey: the Irish civil war and the fight for women's suffrage. A mysterious conspiracy keeps Anna and Bates apart.

A chronicle of the lives of the British aristocratic Crawley family and their servants in the early twentieth century.

Primary Title
  • Downton Abbey
Date Broadcast
  • Friday 15 October 2021
Start Time
  • 12 : 00
Finish Time
  • 13 : 00
Duration
  • 60:00
Series
  • 3
Episode
  • 4
Channel
  • TVNZ 2
Broadcaster
  • Television New Zealand
Programme Description
  • A chronicle of the lives of the British aristocratic Crawley family and their servants in the early twentieth century.
Episode Description
  • August 1920. Two social revolutions arrive at Downton Abbey: the Irish civil war and the fight for women's suffrage. A mysterious conspiracy keeps Anna and Bates apart.
Classification
  • PGR
Owning Collection
  • Chapman Archive
Broadcast Platform
  • Television
Languages
  • English
Captioning Languages
  • English
Captions
Live Broadcast
  • No
Rights Statement
  • Made for the University of Auckland's educational use as permitted by the Screenrights Licensing Agreement.
Genres
  • Drama
  • Historical drama
(BELL RINGS) Captions were made with the support of NZ On Air. www.able.co.nz Able 2021 Well, she's gone now. Oh, that's a shame. Nothing for me, Mr Carson? No, Anna. Once again, I'm afraid, there's nothing for you. Come on. I've enough on my plate without going into details. You're co-owner of this estate. You have to get into detail. Not to challenge Robert, surely? No, but you have to pull your weight. That's all I'm saying. How is Bates? I've not seen him for a while, sir. Oh? Why's that? I'm not quite sure, sir. They've stopped his visitors. Has he given you a reason? He's not written in quite some time now. And you don't know why? No, but I'm certain I will before too long. (KNOCK ON DOOR) Mrs Crawley, how may I help? I'm sorry to push in on you again. I didn't have time to come down before dinner and now we're on our way home. Oh. Mrs Hughes, you know I went to see Ethel Parks? I do, ma'am. She wouldn't speak to me then but she has since sought me out and asked me to deliver this letter to you. (SIGHS) When we last spoke of her, you seemed to think she'd fallen into bad ways. I'm afraid that's the case. She's been working as a prostitute. My, my. That's not a word you hear in this house every day. No. But I think it also shows the measure of her misery. Ethel has been driven into this, of that I have no doubt. If only she would allow me to help her, but she won't. If this letter can give a clue as to how I may help, please let me know. I will, ma'am. Your sentiments do you credit, but I suspect she will be too ashamed to face how far she's fallen. Good night. Good night, Mrs Crawley. So, am I to answer to you both? Of course not. What Lord Grantham means is that I've made an investment in the estate. That is all. Otherwise, nothing has changed. Very good. Can we bring the staff back up to snuff? I believe we can. Mrs Hughes is short of a house maid, Mrs Patmore wants a kitchen maid and I need a new footman. Do you really? I sometimes feel the world is different than it was before the War. I would like to return to my duties as a butler, sir, but if you prefer I continue to do the work of a second footman in addition... Mr Crawley does not mean that, do you? Certainly not. That is good news. It's too late to get into shape before the dinner for the Archbishop of York, but it'll be the last time you'll have to fudge it. I'll do my best with an added spring in my step. Why don't you have breakfast in bed? Because I'm not married. Yes, but now that... The others are, what difference would it make? You know what I mean. I prefer to be up and about. Tennessee is going to ratify the 19th Amendment. Meaning? All US women will have the vote. Which is more than here. They almost do. I don't have the vote. I'm not over 30 and I'm not a householder. It's ridiculous. You should write to the Times. Maybe I will. Ask your mother if she needs any help with tonight's dinner. There's nothing so toffee-nosed as a prince of the Church. Put him next to your grandmother. She'll handle him. (SIGHS) Oh, Anna. You'll be happy to hear as soon as we take on a new house maid you'll be a lady's maid to Lady Mary at last. That's nice, Mr Carson. Thank you. I thought you'd be more pleased. No, I am pleased, really I am. I've just got a lot on my mind. Sorry. I've also advertised for a new footman. He'll be second footman, won't he? As to that, I will not pronounce at this stage. Try to find a man with something about him. I want the house to be properly represented. Is that aimed at me? If the cap fits, wear it. You're very quiet. You'll never guess what. I've had a letter from Ethel. She wants to meet me, but she won't come here. What for? And why not? She'd be uncomfortable. Why, particularly? Never you mind. I think I'll ask Mrs Crawley if we can meet there. Heaven knows what Ethel wants of us this time. Cora said you were looking for me. I've stolen the nursery as a sitting room. This is the paper, unless you hate it. Oh. Is that all? Why? What did you think it was? Cora said you'd been to the doctor earlier. I wondered why. To find something for my hay fever. What will we use for a day nursery should the need arise? I think we can worry about that a little further down the line. Oh, thank you, my dear, that's very kind. How much do I owe you? A guinea. A guinea? For a bottle of scent? Did he have a mask and a gun? (CHUCKLES) How are you? All right, I suppose. I worry about you. That sort of thing is so horrid. Being jilted at the altar? Yes, it is horrid, multiplied by about ten thousand million. Well... You must keep busy. What with? There's nothing to do at the house, except when we entertain. There must be something you can put your mind to. Like what? Gardening? No, you can't be as desperate as that. Then what? Edith, dear, you're a woman with a brain and reasonable ability. Stop whining and find something to do. * (SIGHS) I'm going out, Anna. I've told Mrs Patmore. I think everything's under control for tonight. What's the matter? Nothing. Except... I haven't had a letter from Mr Bates in weeks. I worry... I worry that he's being gallant and trying to set me free, that he wants me to make a new life without him. I doubt it very much. Then why would he be silent like this and stop me visiting? Obviously, I don't know why, but I do know there'd be a good reason. Do you really think so? I'd swear to it. They know you tricked them. Who knows what? Mr Durrant's a dealer on the outside. What's that to do with me? He's working for your cellmate. You punched Craig so they set you up, but you hid the stuff, turned the tables on them. Now they're angry. And what can they do? Tell you what they can start doing. Durrant reported you to the governor for violence. You're officially a dangerous prisoner. The governor won't fall for that. When's the last time your wife came? How many letters have you received lately? Thank God. What a relief. I thought she'd given up on me. Don't thank God till you know what else is in store. Stop talking! Go on, then. Tea spoon, egg spoon, melon spoon, grapefruit spoon, jam spoon,... Shall I tell you? All right. The bouillon spoon. I thought soup spoons were the same as table spoons? So they are, but not for bouillon, which is drunk from a smaller dish. Off you go now, I must get on. You're taking a lot of trouble with Alfred. I feel quite jealous. I don't know why. He asked for help. You never did. It's very hard to begin. Well, find a way, we all have lives to lead. Could you write to the Bryants to say I want them to have Charlie? We've already been down this path to no avail. I know. and I know I said a mother's love was worth more than they had to give, but I said it for me, not for him. My dear, you mustn't do anything until you're absolutely sure. Mrs Hughes said we all have lives to lead, but that isn't true. I've got no life. I exist, but barely. We know the route you've taken. It's good of you to have me here. I work with others like you to rebuild their lives. Can't we work together to find a way for you to keep your son? With his grandparents, Charlie can build a life that is whatever he wishes it to be. You and I working together could never offer him that. You want me to write to them again. But leave it vague. Say Ethel would like them to keep in contact with their grandson. I won't change my mind. Nevertheless, that's what I'll do then there'll be no disappointment. If you'll forgive me, we've a big dinner tonight. Good day, ma'am. Ethel. Ethel has had a very hard time of it since she left us. She's had great difficulty making ends meet. We know how she solved that problem. Give my regards to Mr Molesley. Until we meet again, my dear. I had a coat. It's there. You will help Miss Parks. Please, Mrs Bird. Some manners wouldn't go amiss. I do not believe it's part of my duties to wait on the likes of her. I'm sorry, but that's what I feel. I don't want to sound anti-Catholic. Why not? I am. Not in any real way, I'm sure. I don't want thumb screws or the rack but there's something of Johnny Foreigner about them. I've no time to talk but tell them I'm all right. I'm out of the flat, they haven't stopped me. Who hasn't stopped you? Sybil? 'Hello?' What's wrong? I've just had the most peculiar conversation with Sybil. She kept on about being out of the flat and nobody had stopped her and... Stopped her from doing what? I don't know. She suddenly put down the telephone. Dinner is served, My Lady. Do you find the War has driven the people back into the churches or further away than ever? (BANGING ON DOOR) Behold, I stand at the door and knock. Someone sounds very angry. Or very wet. Or both. (BANGING ON DOOR) Do you any have luggage, sir? I barely have the clothes I stand in. Where are they? They're in the... Tom! What's happened? Where's Sybil? I had to get away, leave her to follow. I made arrangements. She'll be on her way now. Why are you here? Why must she follow you alone? I can explain. There's a dinner going on but I'll tell them you're here. No, don't. No-one must know. I'll tell you it all when they're gone. What's the matter? Tom! Get some dry clothes of Matthew's. I'll come when the coast is clear. Would you ask Mrs Hughes to sort some food out for him? Yes, My Lady. Would you ask Mrs Hughes to sort some food out for him? Yes, My Lady. * An idiotic man delivering a village pamphlet. Can you imagine, in this weather, at this time of night? It's Branson. He wouldn't come in. Why not? Is Sybil with him? What's going on? She's not here but apparently she's coming soon. He'll explain when our guest has gone. Something to look forward to. Other men have normal sons-in-law who farm or preach or serve their country. No family is ever what it seems. Do you think he's on the run from the police? Don't be daft. He hadn't the money for a taxi from the station. Maybe he fancied the walk. Yes, he probably loves a night walk in the pouring rain. What room is he in? I'll take that, thank you. So there'll be no more gossip on that subject tonight. They turned everyone out of the castle, Lord and Lady Drungore, their sons and servants, and then they set fire to it. What a tragedy. Well, yes and no. That house was hideous, but of course, that is no excuse. No, it is not. What was your involvement? Who says I was involved? You know a lot about it if you weren't. Why are you running away? And what's Sybil's part in this? She's not involved. They think I was part of it, one of the instigators. The police are looking for you? I couldn't go home. If they took me, I wouldn't get a fair hearing. You gave them Sybil while you saved yourself? I don't think they'll hold her, but if they do, I'm ready to go back and face the consequences. You'd better be. You must see the Home Secretary. And say what? The police say he was there, he says he wasn't. I didn't say I wasn't there. Why were you? For the fun of seeing private property destroyed? Those places are different for me. I don't see charm and gracious living. I see something horrible. It's a jungle castle, I rather agree. Mama, you are not helping. But when I saw them standing there with their children, all of them in tears watching their home burn, I was sorry. I admit it. I don't want their type to govern Ireland, I want a free state, but I was sorry. Never mind that. What's happened to Sybil? We agreed that I should leave at once and that she'd close the flat and follow. I got the last boat so she won't be here before tomorrow. Good God! You abandon a pregnant woman in a land that's not her own while you run for it?! You have to go to London, for Sybil's sake. You have to see Mr Short. I don't have to do anything! I... Go to bed! I'll give you my answer in the morning. (CRIES) Of course, she married beneath her. Says the Habsburg Archduke! What if he has to go to prison? What then? That's enough of that, thank you, Miss O'Brien. Bedtime, I think. (KNOCK ON DOOR) I'm going up. Good night. I'll try to keep them quiet, but to be honest, I knew it would happen. I knew he'd bring shame on this house. It sounds as if he's on the run from the police and that Lady Sybil is languishing in a dungeon in Dublin. Let's wait and see what the morning brings. What in God's name is it? An electric toaster. I've given it to myself as a treat. If it's any good, I'll suggest one for the upstairs breakfasts. Is it not enough that we're sheltering a dangerous revolutionary? Could you not have spared me that? You've always had that. (SPOON DROPS) Hello. Can we help you? I'm here to see Mr Carson. Who's this? Jimmy Kent, at your service. I'm Mr Barrow, His Lordship's valet. I'm hoping to be His Lordship's footman, which is why I'm looking for Mr Carson. What's the matter? Have you all been turned into pillars of salt? May I help? I've come for the interview. I see. Well, if you'll wait there. I want to make it clear that whatever I do, it's for Sybil and not you. I find your actions despicable, whatever your beliefs. You speak of Ireland suffering, and I don't contradict you, but Ireland cannot prosper until this savagery is put away. Yes, but you must keep Tom out of prison. I'll go to London today. I'll arrange an interview. I won't come home till I've seen Short. Thank you. I know it's right. For him. And for Sybil and this family. I suppose so. Let me know if Sybil gets in touch. She won't. She won't give them anything to trace her by. What a harsh world you live in. We all live in a harsh world, but at least I know I do. I see you've been working for the Dowager, Lady Anstruther. Yes, but she's closed up the house and gone to live in France. She begged me to go with her but I didn't fancy it. I didn't think I'd like the food. She begged you, did she? You know what women can be like. Not, I suspect, as well as you do. (MUMBLES) Is it safe? Right, Charlie, let's put your hat on. Make you look nice and smart. Be a good boy for Mummy, yeah? Yeah. Come on. Thank you for letting us come. Why have we come? To hear more guff about a mother's love? Mr Bryant, that's not fair. Isn't it? We know what you are now, Ethel. We know how far you've fallen. I didn't want Mrs Bryant to be in the same room as you. He means... How do you know? It's not hard to find out about a woman like you. I could give you a list of your clients. You've had me followed? Didn't you think we'd keep a check on our grandson? We're not judging you. I'm judging her. I judge her and I find her wanting. Ethel, we've decided to offer you some money, to make things easier so you won't have to... Unless you don't want to give it up. Well, that's very generous, isn't it, Ethel? It throws a different light on things. (FOOTSTEPS IN HALL) Oh, there's Mrs Bird with the tea. Would you like to help me, Ethel? Look what I've got for you. A teddy. That's right. Should I not take it in, then? I can do that. I'm sure I don't need your help. Thank you, Mrs Bird. Ethel, you don't have to do this. You have a choice. You mean I should take money from that man? It won't be much. Enough to keep us from starving. Even if Charlie doesn't go to a famous school or university, you'll be there to give him love. Yeah. I suppose Mr Crawley went to a famous school and university. I see. Thank you, Mrs Crawley. (BOY CHUCKLES) * When do you want it to happen? Tomorrow night. Want Mr Durrant? No. Not him. Tell Turner, he's straight. Don't tell him till the afternoon. Why are you doing this? Why are you helping me? I can't stand Craig. You do that very neatly, my dear. I was trained by Mrs Hughes. She was a good worker, even though things haven't gone so well lately. I hope that you can accept our offer, Ethel, and that we can be friends. We both wish you well, don't we? I don't wish you ill. I'll say that. I can't accept your offer. And we won't be friends. What? Not even for Charlie's sake? I think you love my son, Mr Bryant. I don't think you're a nice or kind man, but I believe you love my boy. So you'll be pleased by what I've come here to say. Any news while I was out? No. Perhaps the Home Secretary won't see him. Papa will pull some strings until he does. A-ha, you've started on the Augean task. How are you getting on? Not badly. I'm beginning to get a sense of how it works. It's probably best you tackle it by yourself. Ah, Carson. May we please have some tea? Oh, of course, My Lady. Anna said you're interviewing footmen today. That is correct. Have you chosen the lucky winner? Not yet. There were two candidates when it came down to it. One was steady but not much else, but the ladies downstairs want the other one. Why is that? I don't know precisely, unless it's because he's more handsome. Of course it's because he's more handsome. Do pick him and cheer us all up a bit. Alfred's nice, but he looks like a puppy rescued from a puddle. This new one seems very sure of himself. You can manage that, can't you? I suppose I could, sir. It's settled, then. Tell the maids they can buy their valentines. So be it, My Lady. But Alfred is very good, you know. He's very willing, even if he is Miss O'Brien's nephew. (BOTH CHUCKLE) Clearly, nothing worse could be said of any man. (CHUCKLES) He'll want to say goodbye. I give you my blessings for your whole life long, my darling boy. You won't remember that, or me, but they'll stay with you all the same. Let's not make a meal of it. Mummy... I'll write to you. I'll never see my son again. Never is a long time, Ethel, but you were right, he does love Charlie, and not just for his father's sake. I must be going. I'll say goodbye. (CAR DOORS CLOSE) (CRIES) You've done a hard thing today, Ethel, the hardest thing of all. You don't agree, do you? I don't want to make you doubt now that it's happened. You've done the right thing for the boy, Ethel, whatever Mrs Crawley may say, begging your pardon, ma'am. Perhaps you're right. I am, until we live in a very different world from this one. Well, then, I should be away. What chance is there for a woman like her? She's taken the road to ruin. There's no way back. Stand up! Against the wall, the pair of you. What you looking for? Just keep quiet. Mr Turner. Well, well. A very mysterious package, I don't think. Craig, what do you call this? I don't know. I've done nothing. You'd better come with us, Craig. You'll be sorry. (KEY TURNS IN LOCK) Oh, thank God! (SNIFFLES) I'm so sorry. It's all right. They didn't try to stop me. It doesn't mean they won't come after us, unless Papa can persuade them otherwise. How could you have left her to fend for herself? It wasn't like that. We thought this might happen and decided what to do. The question is what now? You must not travel before the baby's born. Tom wants it to be born in Dublin. He won't hold you to that now. Won't this be the first place they look? How could you be part of it? The Drungores are like us. She came out with me, she was Laura Dunsaney then. How could you dance round her burning house? It's horrible. He didn't and isn't dancing now. (KNOCK AT DOOR) Come in. Telegram for you, My Lady. Your father's coming home. He's seen Mr Short. What happened? He doesn't say, only that neither of you is to leave Downton. You're back. I am. Anything happened here? There's a new footman. Came today. How was London? Quite fun as a matter of fact. Has the firebrand been saved? That's not for me to say, is it, Mr Molesley? I'd better take these upstairs. You got the job, then? I'm on my way, Mr Barrow. They say you were a footman once. That's right. Can I come to you if there's anything I need to know? Certainly. Why not? Never go back to Ireland? Impossible. You'll be put in prison. It's the best I could manage. Surely they need proof to ban a man from his own country. They have more proof than Tom will concede. Is that fair? He's admitted to being there. He's told you. But he didn't tell me he attended meetings where attacks on the Anglo-Irish were planned. I was always against any personal violence, I swear it. So at least we can sleep in our beds. Maybe, but you weren't against the destruction of property. That was worse than I expected. What was the deal you made with the Home Secretary? They don't want to make a martyr of him. With Sybil they think they could have another Maud Gonne or Lady Gregory. Lady Gregory. Countess Markievicz. Why are the Irish rebels so well born? Whatever the reason, I don't want Sybil to join their ranks. Mercifully, nor do the Irish authorities. If Tom can stay away, they'll leave him alone. I can't be kept away from Ireland. You'll be arrested the moment you touch dry land. You'll be arrested the moment you touch dry land. Now, then, do what Mr Carson tells you. I know what I'm about. Are you all right, Alfred? Yes. Shouldn't I be carrying the pork and you the veg? I'm first footman. Never mind that, go. Isn't Alfred first footman? That's for Mr Carson to decide. By heck, it's nice to think we're running at full strength again. Really? I'm running at full strength with no-one to help. All in good time, Daisy. All in good time. What do you mean you wrote to a newspaper? No lady writes to a newspaper. What about Lady Sarah Wilson? She's the daughter of a duke. She's a Churchill. The Churchills are different. Have we no Churchill blood? Granny's right. Can somebody write that down? It's good to have strong views but notoriety is never helpful. I've sent it now. It won't be published. Thank you for the vote of confidence. This is our new footman, Mama. What do we call you? Jimmy. James, Your Ladyship. This is James. Welcome to Downton, James. Thank you, My Lord. (CLEARS THROAT) Well done, Carson. That must've cheered up the maids. He looks like a footman in a musical review. Poor Alfred. We mustn't allow him to be overshadowed. Quite right, My Lady. Hard work and diligence weigh more than beauty in the real world. If only that were true. I've never been James in my life. I was Jimmy to Lady Anstruther. I don't care if you were Father Christmas. You're James now and will stay James while you're at Downton. He thinks he's the big cheese, make no mistake. That's because he is. He's nice, that new bloke, isn't he? Why do you say that? Oh, only an impression, that's all. If you'll excuse me, I'm going to bed. Can you tell the others? Tomorrow, we'll make some plans. I don't know how. You've lived out of Ireland before, surely you can again. Ireland's coming of age, I need to be part of that, but I know what you've done for me, kept me free, and I am grateful, truly. Poor chap, I'm sure he is grateful. No, he's not. He says it to keep the peace with Sybil. But I only rescued him for her sake so we're even. Did you get a chance to look through the books they brought in? As a matter of fact, I did. Could you make them out? I think so. I was waiting for a good moment to discuss them. Oh? Yes. There were some aspects of the way things have been done I wasn't quite sure about. You sound like Murray. Do I? He's always going on about how we should overhaul this or that. Nothing's ever right for him. Well, I hesitate to say it... We should let them get in here. We can talk about it another time. (KEY TURNS IN LOCK) These came for you, Bates. When? When did they come? They came when you were out of favour. Now you're in favour again. Why? What have I done? Just watch out for Mr Durrant. You're not a favourite with him. (KEY TURNS IN LOCK) (SNIFFS) What... Are you going to tip that over me? I was just making myself some toast. You have to set the number on the dial and I set it too high but I've got the hang of it now. Would you like a piece? I thought Mr Branson might try to burn the house down but I didn't think you would. No? You should never take anything for granted, Mr Carson. No, no, no. Not now. (CHUCKLES) You never told me you went to those meetings. I never told you I didn't. What else haven't you told me? All I know is I can't stay here, not for long. You must, and so must I. And you must let the baby be born here. You're very free with your musts. I will not be free with our child's chances. We need peace and safety. Downton can offer us both. God in heaven! "Earl's daughter speaks out for women's rights"! What? "In a letter to this newspaper today Lady Edith Crawley, daughter of the Earl of Grantham, condemns the limitations of the women's suffrage Bill and denounces the Government's aims to return women to their pre-war existence." You said they wouldn't print it. That's most impressive. Don't say you support her? Of course I do, and so do you, when you've had a chance to think about it. So I should hope. What do you think, Carson? I'd rather not say. Anna... Yes? There's quite a packet of letters arrived for you earlier. Are they all from Mr Bates? It looks like it. Why so many at once? I neither know nor care, just as long as I've got them. Thanks for sticking up for me last night. It won't make any difference. No, but it's good to know you're on my side. I am on your side, Alfred. In fact, there's something I've wanted to say. You've got my attention. Well... Here we are, Daisy. I'd like to introduce Miss Ivy Stuart, the new kitchen maid. And this is Daisy, my assistant cook. My, aren't you a sight for sore eyes, Miss Stuart! That's enough of that. Alfred's a footman, so don't listen to him. Shoo! Tell me if you need any help. Sorry, Daisy, what were you saying? Nothing. Don't matter now. I hope we're going to get on. We don't have to get on, we have to work together. A situation has arisen and I'm not quite sure which way to turn. Obviously, if you've turned to me. Robert won't discuss the matter and Mary is affronted by the very mention of it, but given that I've sunk my own fortune alongside everyone else's into... Into Downton. ..I feel a duty, apart from anything else, to do what I can. About? Downton is being mismanaged, cousin Violet, and something must be done. The thing is, how do I do it without putting people's noses out of joint? Oh, my dear. Oh, I doubt there's a way to achieve that. You must do what needs to be done, of course, but... I think I can safely say a great many noses will be out of joint. (SNIFFLES) (CHUCKLES) (SIGHS) (LAUGHS) itfc subtitles Captions were made with the support of NZ On Air. www.able.co.nz Able 2021