Part 1 of 2 of the period crime drama from 1994. Based on a true story from 1922, this tells the tale of Herbert Armstrong, a unhappily married solicitor who is also having an affair. Then one day when buying poison for the dandelions on his lawn he is struck with a sinister idea - what better way to get rid of a dominating wife than by poison...
Starring Michael Kitchen, Sarah Miles, David Thewlis, Lesley Sharp, Peter Vaughan, Diana Quick, Bernard Hepton, Don Henderson, Robert Stephens, Chloe Tucker, Alexandra Milman, Joseph Steel, Lucy Jenkins and Roger Lloyd Pack. This was originally broadcast on February 6th 1994, and this video is from an old DVD I had of the drama. Part 2 of this first episode will follow, but will likely be uploaded later today as internet is slow (again!)
Starring Michael Kitchen, Sarah Miles, David Thewlis, Lesley Sharp, Peter Vaughan, Diana Quick, Bernard Hepton, Don Henderson, Robert Stephens, Chloe Tucker, Alexandra Milman, Joseph Steel, Lucy Jenkins and Roger Lloyd Pack. This was originally broadcast on February 6th 1994, and this video is from an old DVD I had of the drama. Part 2 of this first episode will follow, but will likely be uploaded later today as internet is slow (again!)
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TVTranscript
00:00You
00:30I
01:00I
01:30Oh
01:52Yes, dear they're in a moment
02:00I
02:12Father always used to say yes, my dear
02:16One can hardly expect punctuality from the servants if one fails to observe it oneself
02:22I'll get you fresh pot of tea. Mr. Armstrong. Thank you it is
02:25What are you doing anyway?
02:27Out in the garden at this hour. Oh just trying Davis's new recipe what for the dandelions?
02:35Don't you think it's becoming rather absurd this obsession of yours?
02:39Well, they ruin the lawn my dear. Oh, we can't let them do that. Can't let them win. Can we?
02:47Herbert yes
02:56Oh
02:57Yes, dear you haven't forgotten about this evening
03:01No, no. No, of course. I'm what are we having a fresh salmon from Belcher's Oh jolly good. Jolly good and
03:09How many will be here only Griffiths Griffith Griffiths, of course. Yes
03:15You forgot to invite him didn't you? No, of course not
03:19Course, it's coming at eight o'clock and possibly forget anything so important
03:25Don't lie to me Herbert. You're pathetic. Oh
03:30Good heavens look at the time over tea
03:56Oh
03:58Oh
04:23Morning major Armstrong. Good morning Phillips
04:28Good chap again, mr. Griffiths on the telephone
04:44Yes
04:46Telephone for you, mr. Griffiths
04:57I'm strong. What can I do for you? Just wanted to make sure you knew what time to come this evening this evening
05:07I'm sorry, I'm strong. I don't know what you're talking about. Hey, you see I knew you forget old chap
05:13That I'd invited you to dinner when
05:16No, no, when did you invite me?
05:19last week in in court after the drunken disorderly
05:23Well, I suppose
05:26Excellent eight o'clock sharp then, you know what a stickler for punctuality mrs. Armstrong is indeed
05:42Oh
05:45Good god slips don't creep about like a
05:48Mr. Williams to see you major Williams, which Williams are more Williams around there Phillips are our miracles in the Old Testament
05:54Mr. Williams from none class major. Oh, well wouldn't tell what's he want?
06:01Inquiring about the progress on his lease. Oh, yes. Yes. Yes
06:05And
06:08What progress is it I don't know major I put the papers on your desk last week. Oh
06:14Good god, man
06:17What why didn't you remind me?
06:19major Armstrong
06:23When I last had occasion to to speak to you major you did promise to try to
06:29Attempt to what that's what
06:31Minimize the references to the Almighty in your speech major and be taken there in of his name in vain
06:38well
06:40Blasphemy major
06:43Yes, I'm terribly sorry
06:47Endeavor not to offend your sensibilities in future. I'm pleased to send Williams in which yes major
06:59I
07:12Things
07:17I'll just go straight back again. Yes. I know so much better
07:21Hmm
07:26Other sign rather frantic, isn't it? Yeah, she'd be like that all day. Thank heavens. We don't do this sort of thing too often
07:34It seems to me that mr
07:36David Lloyd George has at last been proved not only a philandering reprobate but also a veritable wolf in sheep's clothing a
07:44Bolshevik lurking behind the respectable cloak of liberalism
07:47I
07:49Think that's going a bit far Griffiths. He did win the war for us. It's my opinion. I believe you're absolutely right
07:55Mr. Griffiths furthermore his financial policies have been an unmitigated
08:00Disaster he alone is responsible for the slump in trade, which is afflicting us all
08:07You know what his problem is Armstrong wine and women
08:11Since you have a cold
08:23I'll leave you men to your talk coffee will be served in the drawing room in 20 minutes
08:38Formidable woman your good wife
08:41Indeed
08:46So
08:49Had time to reflect on the proposal I have makes financial sense wouldn't you in many ways a
08:56Separate practices. We're both slowly bleeding to death and as one we'd flourish
09:01You sound very certain
09:02No
09:03we're with one office and one set of staff our costs would be halved and you could retire with a hefty lump sum and a
09:09Share of the profits which I think would be considerable you make it sound very attractive good
09:15Well, I'm sure you've made the right, but I've decided to turn your proposal down
09:20but
09:22I'm not going to throw in the towel just yet
09:26I've nursed this practice for 43 years, and if anybody's going to the wall. It's not going to be Robert Griffiths
09:32No, Armstrong. I'm going to fight
09:36I
09:38Mean you're not well, man. You had a stroke last winter. I know that's only too well
09:43Somebody else will be doing the fighting for me. You see
09:47I've taken on a new man
10:05Oh
10:32Martin yeah
10:36I
10:42Sound strong the mustache
10:46What's he like he's amiable enough full of bonhomie and hail fellow well met
10:55He's well liked which is why his practice has survived
10:59His affability covers a multitude of sins Oh
11:04the laziest professional man I've ever had dealings with
11:08It wasn't always so but since the war I see
11:12he has a
11:14rather hangdog
11:17You wait till you meet his wife
11:22Means to ruin us
11:28Into a bankrupt
11:41Less of a day that here the word of God and keep it
11:45And when people were gathered thick together he said to them this is an evil generation
11:50No, man, when they have lighted a candle put it in a secret place
11:54neither under a bushel
11:56but on a candlestick
11:58They come in may see the light
12:02The life of the body is the eye therefore when thine eye is single thy whole body is full of light
12:08But when thine eye is evil thy body is full of darkness
12:14Ah
12:24You must be um, yes, I do Armstrong Herbert Oswald mine, please
12:34Settling in yes, thank you. Thank you logic a temperance hotel. Oh the temperance
12:44I
12:46Suppose you've had much chance to meet the locals. Oh, yeah. No pleasure yet to come. Yeah. Well, that's the doctor
12:51Oh, it's our good. Dr
12:53Hink spends one day a week caring for the sick and dying the rest of it shooting riding and fishing
12:58And that's the that's the Davis family. He's the chemist see
13:02though he rather likes to be called the farm racist due to the fact that purveyors of French letters and
13:08Quack medicines like himself don't have the same sort of professional standing as you me and Hinks
13:12You seem to have a rather jaundiced view of the community you serve. Mr. Armstrong
13:16Do you think sir?
13:20Martin this is my eldest my fair lady Eleanor
13:28Something you wanted
13:32She is a bit anxious to go home
13:35Oh, is she ah
13:37very good
13:38Roast beef must be burning. I suppose. Well, Johnny nice to meet you. Mr. Martin
13:51So you met our friend then yes
13:55What do you make of him
13:59Amusing in some ways appalling and others
14:02Weak little man quite weak
14:05Let's go up under the bluff after lunch. I'm with Margaret in person by the cobwebs. We should we
14:10Good idea
14:15There's so much about flowers we should have been a botanist not a boy. Yes. Yes, I should have liked that
14:22Your grandfather however
14:25another ideas
14:28No, but I do love plants, it's true except for dandelions
14:33Except for Turks Arkham of the scenario
14:57Where's that over there for us?
15:00Wales
15:02Beautiful
15:04It's like the quilts on mother's bed
15:09Yes, I love it here feels like standing on the edge of the world
15:28I
15:30Know major
15:32These these quality figures they can't be right. I thought you said you check them. I did major more than once
15:39according to this the practice is net income for the last quarter was
15:45104 pounds five shilling them four pens. Yes major
15:50That's appalling
15:52Can't be right. Come here, right
15:55I
15:57Had the papers for the malice estate major. I put them on your desk
16:05Much wonderful
16:07Mr. Hancock telephoned major about the sale. He said he was putting the martyr into the hands of another solicitor
16:16He asked me to send the papers to him him
16:20Mr. Martin major
16:24I see
16:54I
16:56I
16:58I
17:23See why
17:25Generation Christmas is a comedy the geese is getting fat
17:29Not just me is it when you owe everybody but it's just not right point is
17:35Still spending it like there was no tomorrow. You go away. You're fighting country come back four years later
17:40What do you find a land fit for heroes my ass?
17:43Land fit for bank managers moneylenders and solicitors
17:48No, I don't
17:51Strong you're a pal always have been
17:55We had some good times during the show didn't we
18:01You especially
18:03In the camp of Bournemouth if I remember rightly now thought you swore never to mention
18:08I'd I sure you don't be the soul of disgraced. Yes. I know you
18:15Not many good times around now other
18:18No, I
18:21I
18:23Know what has to be done
18:26It's not gonna be easy for me I can tell you
18:30I've lived all my life. Yeah, yes
18:34I'll tell you what
18:36If I do decide so
18:40Could you see your way to letting me have another couple of hundred couple of hundred?
18:44I haven't got a couple of you would lay your hands on it, then you'll handle the sale of course
18:51I
18:54Don't know why I do it good man
19:00I'll get an auctioneer up make a valuation
19:03Did you know about the duck who went to David's shop and asked for a French letter?
19:09David said sadly sir will you pay for it in cash or should I put it on your bill?
19:21Dr. Hanks Oh
19:26Martin Griffiths his man I
19:32Knock but there was no answer. Oh, sorry just getting ready for my rounds
19:39Shall I come back no no come in and I'll have a look at you
19:45You
19:47Had more than one operation yes
19:52One for reconnaissance and three to rearrange the landscape
19:56Wow
19:58Looks jolly good. I know for a while what it looks like
20:02And
20:05You feeling all right in yourself
20:09If that's medical code for am I still suffering from shell shock no
20:15I
20:23Sometimes I've difficulty sleeping well and do something about that at least
20:29Which hospital the Royal Masonic ah good
20:36Make your prescription one tablet before you go to bed. Thank you
20:44Why don't you pay us a visit
20:48It's quite a sociable little Lodge ah yes
20:55Well
21:02Good afternoon afternoon mr. Martin's nose right how can I help you would you?
21:10Prepare this for me, please certainly
21:14Keep your moment
21:35What are you doing girl nothing
21:40I'll take those through but
21:45I
21:47Love it
21:50The doctor told you when to take them yes, yes he has
21:57Do you want them then oh, sorry
22:02Do you know what comes next
22:05What you pay for them sorry?
22:15I
22:19Goodbye then mr.. Martin. Sorry goodbye
22:25Sweet dreams
22:40Brother Warden there is an alarm
22:45Who is there a brother who seeks admission a brother seeks admission
23:08What are you laughing at father some planks on his feet
23:13Thanks yes
23:16In the snow oh
23:19He wasn't the most elegant of skiers
23:22No
23:241906
23:25Was the year we got married
23:32Come on child time for bed
23:43I
23:46Didn't know you were one of us Martin you're rather an unlikely brother yourself. I'm strong well
23:50This is a small town can't afford to be otherwise as I'm sure you know
23:55Why don't you join us for tea one day sure mrs.. Armstrong would like to meet you most kind of you
24:00I
24:11Wasn't really very tired
24:15You haven't drawn the cut leave them
24:19Sometimes I like to see the night good
24:24How was your lunch meeting oh as ever good man of hay yes, well the
24:30good men of a
24:33Lot content
24:35And what is the cause of their discontent?
24:38Well the increasing slackness of business of course it was so much better when the war was on a member dying like flies
24:45Well, I'm sorry to say you're not far wrong
24:49Always profit to be found in misery a Herbert
24:53It's a little harsh my dear
24:55Always was one of my failings
25:01Oh well no just been looking at this Eleanor
25:15Happy days long time ago
25:27Catherine
25:30Please have it not now. Oh, but just what does that have a little talk what about
25:40About how you brought those happy days to an end
25:47Rich it I see
25:52Sometimes I feel I should go on no longer Catherine, please please
26:01I'm
26:04Sorry I but I
26:09Have to be up early the chimney sweep is coming. What time would you like in this to wake you?
26:15Catherine please you listen to me just five minutes. No good
26:30You
27:00I
27:24Don't know why you have to invite him well simply trying to be civil my dear
27:29He's only trying to put it out of business
27:32Oh
27:34Oh
27:57Martin
27:59Sorry to catch you waiting no matter your daughter looked after me. Oh well, and I yes. She's such a good girl isn't she?
28:07Yes, she's waiting for me to play tennis, it's a club tournament next week indeed I
28:12Play a little myself. Oh, do you really how do you manage with your room with my leg?
28:17It's not such a great disability. I don't need to run around much. Oh, I see well won't you sit down?
28:24Catherine oh mrs. Armstrong will be along presently
28:32Yes
28:34It's to be the truth my wife hasn't been at all well lately
28:38Our Catherine there you are I don't think you've met mr.. Martin Martin. This is mrs. Armstrong good afternoon
28:46Good afternoon
28:48How about may I speak to you for a moment?
28:53I
29:03Have never seen anything like it in my life
29:05What how dare he come into my house and insult me in such a way?
29:11Sorry oh
29:12Surely you must have noticed
29:15The man is improper dressed
29:17He's wearing flannels and a sports jacket. Oh Catherine. I don't think he's I will not show hospitality to such a man
29:25He knows can serve the team
29:30Catherine
29:39Where where did you serve oh at the front near Rouen
29:45For a short time in
29:47in 18
29:49Yes, India the rest of the war back here. I was a staff officer
29:54Adjutant moving around from camp to camp in Dorset in Wiltshire
29:58yes, we
30:02Had some famous times
30:04Probably the best of my life. Hmm. I say
30:08Started the captain finished a major and you I
30:12I went through the whole lot of private a
30:15Prominent whoa well why didn't you um because I came to the conclusion very early on that only cretins got commissioned
30:28It's not rather a sweeping generalization. It was the half-brained decision of one of the breed that got me this
30:36three months before the thing finished
30:38Yeah, well in my experience your experience is obviously very different from mine
30:45What do you mean by that?
30:48Simply that not all of us spent the war in Bournemouth playing cricket with our brother officers
30:58Tell your major David this is targets in 10 seconds forget your head down man
31:09Oh
31:19Very good
31:26One back gets free drinks at the dinner come on babies don't want the men to think you're not up to it
31:34Gentlemen
31:37Thank you
31:47I'll take the biggest fun. You've got
32:06That's where
32:36Oh
33:06Oh
33:16Herbert I was waiting for you wait. Yes. I I'd like to speak to you oh
33:25Please please sir, but not now sit down. I there's something I have to say
33:32Yesterday I was going
33:35Please
33:42Don't be such a no fuss
33:56No no
34:04I
34:14Have been drinking yes, I've been drinking yes
34:20Whiskey
34:22port
34:23wine in smoking to
34:26fine Havana's look
34:29I
34:31Not in the house Herbert, you know I cannot bear it
34:36I've had such a bloody good time Catherine God. I've laughed and you know I have laughed Catherine
34:47Because the smutty stories of the territorial's mess is the only gratification I'm ever likely to get
34:55You
34:58Disgust me and if there was ever an unnecessary statement Catherine that was it
35:09What I wanted to say was yesterday I
35:13Was going through the accounts, and I found a payment of 200 pounds to that man born
35:17I simply cannot understand why you've lent him more money
35:22Can't you you've got to get it back?
35:26It's my business Catherine. I'm afraid it is not would you mind telling me why because you know damn well that money belongs to me
35:35Your endless failures are eating up my income
35:40You can't run away from that
35:55I
36:26I'm sorry
36:38Morning Wilkes morning major. How's it looking? Oh?
36:43Supporters are coming on like nobody's business
36:46And the petunias are getting away nice
36:49Davis's mixture hasn't had a great deal of effect on these wretched dandelions is it no
36:54Never reckoned it would sir you should have let me have a go
37:00My old dad used to swear by arsenic
37:03Well make a hole right down to the roots put a pinch or two of the powder onto them
37:09That'll do the trick right enough
37:11Austin
37:15Was your arms good after mine
37:23I
37:28Did you say to her your precious daughter, what did you say to her?
37:35She's wicked
37:38Dirty minded and wicked just like you
37:53Better
37:59Going to tell me now
38:02Can't
38:06Think I can guess anyway I
38:10Need to know things happening to me frightened. I need to know
38:17course you
38:24Now look double the time never started when they
38:34Your mother she you mothers
38:38She's in she's changed she's changed so much is it because of me
38:53Mr.
39:07Martin leads five games to one second set and by one set to love game to mr.
39:23I
39:25I
39:50Think I'm Victoria
39:55Martin Armstrong, how you getting on not too bad Johnny good. Yeah. Oh, yeah
40:05Well see one call yeah, yes
40:2615 love
40:39Yes cook says dinner's ready mrs. Armstrong
40:55Game and first set to mr. Martin six games to two
41:25Oh
41:27Oh
41:29Oh
41:53To mr. Armstrong by six games to three one set off
42:00I
42:02But
42:05Catherine the dinner is ready
42:09Yes
42:11It was actually ready half an hour ago and
42:16Furthermore, it's Saturday and Saturday as you well know, it's your bath night
42:22The
42:26Water's piping hot
42:31Shall we go
42:37Yes, come on
42:44Your matter yes
42:51I
43:21I
43:51You
44:21And
44:28How can I help you
44:29Yes, I'd like to buy some
44:31arsenic
44:33Arsenic for the dandelions, you know whoops put me on to it
44:36Did he have a lot of success with your with your mixture? I'm afraid not much at all. Oh
44:40Oh
44:44Well two ounces mr. Fisher, oh, yes that that should
44:49Do the job and I'll collect it on my way home
44:52I'll have to put it in the poisons book, you know
44:55wonder
44:58Put it on my bill
45:10I
45:40I
46:10I
46:40I
47:10Oh
47:15It's matter did not feeling well
47:18Just tired
47:21Very tired
47:25Right, is it bad?
47:28Well, you should turn you should see Hicks
47:30I
47:36Think I'll go and get my cocoa
47:39Got to bed
47:41I'll do it dear
47:43Yes, sir. I'll make it and I'll bring it on up to you
47:51Thank you, so I'm not be a moment
48:00I
48:30I
49:00I
49:30Will
49:51Come on his time
49:53I
50:23You
50:36Took a long time
50:44Watching the catalyst
50:47I
50:48Some digestives for you. I couldn't not with my stomach
50:56Well, I'll say good night
51:06Good night ever
51:10To get money back from that man born yet
51:13No, I bet
51:16She'll be up very early in the morning. I'm off to London on business remember
51:46I
51:59Be with you in a moment
52:08Poor wandering one
52:12Oh
52:17Take heart of grace
52:29Poor one
52:33It's such for lovers. Oh, I'm mr. Martin. I'm sorry to have kept you waiting
52:41I was I
52:43Was listening to singing Oh
52:47You have a very pleasant voice
52:50pleasant
52:51Well pretty. Oh, why thank you. I do like it. Don't you? Yeah
52:58Sorry, like what Gilbert and Sullivan, of course
53:02Sorry, it's alright. Do you?
53:06What like Gilbert and Sullivan
53:09Oh
53:10Well not I mean, yes, I suppose you'd be going to see the Pirates of Penzance then
53:15But at the little theater the hay players are putting it on next week. Ah
53:21Well, I might I'm going I yes next Wednesday well perhaps
53:30Yes, we could go together that would be pleasant
53:39Good
53:42I'll see you there then and I'll see you. Oh, and by the way, um, did you want anything?
53:51No
53:53Not really
54:08I
54:14I'm so sorry. The train was delayed. I was getting there. You wouldn't come. I was terribly anxious that you wouldn't wait
54:19Well, of course I'd wait I'd always wait for you. Oh
54:27Well, how are you? Oh fine just fine and your mother about the same
54:33a little irritable
54:36Well, let's have some lunch
55:03Rather like it
55:05I think perhaps I'm rather a malicious person
55:09And life in a small town doesn't suit me
55:12treats of menace it
55:14just a
55:15lively sense of humor, that's
55:18And there's nothing small about Bournemouth my dear. In fact in comparison to Hayes a friend of all New York. You enjoyed your time
55:26Yes, I did what did you enjoy Oh
55:29the sea
55:31Concerts high tea at the ground happy days at Ford Cottage one or two blissfully happy nights
55:44Mary
55:47Remember our agreement, please. There's no point we can never be together
56:02No, no, it's all right, don't you see
56:08Happy days gone and can never come again. I think so
56:23Clock my train. Well, perhaps you could catch a later one. Oh, I'm sorry Herbert. I must go now
56:31Well, I'd really like to see you again. Would you it doesn't seem to make you very happy
56:36Oh, no, but oh, I'm sorry. I'm so enjoyed. No, please
56:41It's for the best. I shouldn't be able to bear it
56:44easier for me
56:46Perhaps we could meet up again from time to time
56:51Wet afternoons in dingy hotels in Bloomsbury
56:56Oh, it's no good for me and no good for you, I'm sorry
57:02Goodbye
57:07Marianne
57:25I
57:55Would have been home by now it's time you're in your bed
57:59Can't stay up see him. I'm sure he won't be long goodness sake Eleanor
58:04Do as I say?
58:05The father won't want to be bothered
58:25I
58:55I
59:25You
59:50You
59:55You