Ripped By mstoll
The Lanvins from Paris.
Gold-embroidered Chantilly lace with a black silk taffeta bodice.
Do not touch.
I only want to learn the right way to handle 'em.
Madame Lanvin's Creative Director will be here in the morning.
I haven't time to train new staff.
The dresses will speak for themselves.
They don't need fancy tricks or Miss Towler's avant-garde distractions.
- Has anyone seen the Chief? - You'd think he would be here.
- Where is Mr Selfridge, anyway? - I don't know.
Miss Webb.
We need to talk.
I've been informed that Lord Meadows has pulled out of your building project.
All that work gone to waste.
I'm sorry if I sound bitter, I know it's not your fault.
I've been thinking long and hard since you stormed into my office.
These are houses that my late wife built for charity.
You must miss her terribly.
I do.
But I know that Rose would approve of a project like yours.
Sorry... So what are you saying?
The field goes to auction in less than a week, and I am going to bid.
Are you taking over the project?
Let's start with the field, and we'll take it from there.
I've had a survey done. I can have that to you
and all the rest of the paperwork by tomorrow.
Good.
This is the sort of endeavour I've been looking for.
- Spare a copper for an ex-soldier? - Wanna buy some fags?
- Good morning, sir. - Good morning, Bill...
I could get the police to move them along, Mr Selfridge.
To where exactly? Let them be.
- Are you all right. - Yeah, thanks, Charlie.
I need you to summon a board meeting as soon as possible.
But what's buying a field and building houses got to do with the board?
I'm going to ask the board for an interest-free loan, to set up a new company.
Another company? Mr Selfridge, this is not our area of expertise.
Last week there was talk of an aerodrome...
A passing rumour only. I have my heart set on this.
- Mr Selfridge... - I have the tightest timeframe
to raise the money. Get on this straightaway.
Thank you, Mr Crabb.
Rosalie! Welcome home, darling.
- Venice seems to have agreed with you. - Good to be back, sir.
What the heck is that?
It's called a samovar, Pa.
- How Russians make tea, apparently. - Huh. Must drink a lot of tea.
- It's a wedding gift from Princess Marie. - It's the ugliest thing I've ever seen.
Grandma thinks so, too.
I'm sure we'll get used to it.
Tea, Gordon? Working a samovar, my life's ambition.
Mr LeClair is here, as you requested.
Henri! How was your time in Scotland?
We had a lovely time. What can I do for you?
I hate to ask, but could you both return to work early?
I will make it up to you. Madame Lanvin has chosen Selfridge's
to show her first London collection. And we could secure an exclusive contract.
How can I help?
It would be good if you and Agnes could be there tomorrow evening to oversee
- Gordon and Mr Thackeray. - Yes... Of course, Harry.
We will be there.
- Ow! - Keep it down, please...
No. Good, I'm glad you like it...
You have to look your best tomorrow, Connie.
This Lanvin event is your opportunity to shine.
All I want is a chance.
I've found my thing in fashion, Kitty. Like you did with beauty.
The sisters of Selfridge's!
If this fashion event is successful,
I'm going to propose my own cosmetics promotion.
So keep trying!
I got my book deal!
Life at Home After War. What it's like for our soldiers, now they're home.
That's fantastic news, Frank!
I was so looking forward to a bit more time, just the two of us.
I can go back, tell Harry no, if you want...
Of course not. We can't let Mr Selfridge down.
We make a good team.
Do we really need this George?
I need him.
But we've been managing just fine, the two of us...
Look, Elsa, we have fun now and then.
But I run this club.
George starts today, and that's final.
Madame Lanvin designed these dresses especially for Selfridge's.
She agrees to attend your event, expects massive press exposure,
and this is your response?
So traditional. So passé.
You're not seeing my vision properly.
I cannot subject Madame Lanvin to this insult.
I'm withdrawing the dresses, and we will not attend this evening.
- Please, Mr Longchamp... - I've been on leave. We will fix this.
- Isn't that right, Mrs Leclair? - Absolutely.
I'll give you one last chance.
We chose Selfridge's because of your legendary displays.
You have until this afternoon.
Always the same with you, Thackeray.
You see the dresses as art. Women want to see themselves in them.
How dare you swan back here and criticise me?
- Our big war hero. - Let's just concentrate on fixing this.
Nothing to fix, as far as I'm concerned.
That Longchamp is just another French idiot.
He's set his heart on building houses now?
Whatever next?
I fear his heart is ruling his head these days.
- Mr Grove. - Miss Blenkinsop.
- The Information Bureau... - Damn, and blast!
...is a new service. Customers come from all over to ask us questions
on any subject whatsoever.
How can I provide answers when the untrained staff
don't know where to look?
I understand your difficulties, Miss Blenkinsop.
We shall be a laughing stock if we continue like this.
I'm up to my neck. Extra female staff all around the store.
Additional training required. Unhappy heads of department.
Roger, I could really do with your support in getting through to the Chief.
I'm sorry Arthur. My advice is, "Put your head down and weather the storm".
Mr Crabb.
What's happening with the board meeting, Mr Crabb?
This evening was the only time they could convene, unfortunately.
- Fine. What time? - I haven't booked anything.
You're hosting Madam Lanvin this evening.
Mr Thackeray is quite able to hold the fort.
- Book it, Crabb! - Father!
We have a serious problem.
At last, Mr Selfridge.
These are the displays.
Was he very disappointed?
- I'm afraid so. - Mr Selfridge...
- I've put weeks of work into this. - It's not good enough.
Mr Gordon gave me his full approval.
Gordon?
Mrs Leclair was on leave.
We did our best.
- You've both let me down. - And what about you letting us down?
What's that supposed to mean?
You've shown little interest in the store's biggest-ever event.
- Our reputation rests on it... - Not your reputation, my reputation.
And this is my department, and I will not be told what to do by this man,
- drafted in at the last minute! - Don't speak to me like that.
It's time things were said! You foist unskilled staff on us.
You are not here when we need you!
- Thackeray... - I am not one of your yes-men!
I don't employ yes-men. I employ men I expect to get it right.
- What about you? - Thackeray, stop now!
You haven't been getting it right since Mrs Selfridge died.
Get out. Get out!
Get out of my store and don't ever come back.
- Mr Thackeray's been sacked! - That can't be true!
I heard it with my very own ears! The Chief told him to get out
- and never come back! - What's going on?
- Mr Thackeray's been given the heave-ho! - Idle gossip!
Gossip?
Well, I'm sorry you all had to witness that unpleasant encounter.
Mr and Mrs LeClair, can you solve this disaster?
We have very little time, but of course we'll do our best.
It will be fine. Don't worry.
- Tell me how I can help? - Leave this to the experts, Gordon.
- But... - In this crisis, you certainly
- don't want to summon the board now. - Yes, we do.
Sergeant, what're you doing here?
I'd like to know where all my men are.
Aren't you going to ask us in, Lance Corporal?
You won't be staying long. I've a business to run.
That's we're here. I says to Silas,
"If any man wants cut-price smokes to sell, it'll be Victor Colleano."
I trust you had a good journey, Lord Loxley?
I've come a very long way. I expect to be impressed, Mr De Bolotoff!
Please.
You drive a hard bargain. I thought you'd be a pushover.
I'm not a pushover for anyone.
And seeing as the smokes probably came off the back of a Dover lorry,
you're quids in anyway.
Charlie Copperstone was bad news in the regiment.
- You shouldn't have let them in. - Stop worrying.
- They'll be on their way soon enough. - Look at you.
Done well for yourself.
Look, you can't let us go without offering us a drink.
I can.
It will carry six passengers. Now there is little point building one.
Spread the costs, build five or six. Then you have an air taxi service.
I can see it's a real passion of yours. Did you get that from your father?
No. I don't remember him.
Well, I'm sure your father-in-law must be champing at the bit to invest.
He's refused to invest in the aerodrome,
and I don't think he's too interested my plane.
- Why is that? - I pushed too hard.
It can be a fault of mine.
I've always admired determination in a smart, young man.
If Selfridge isn't interested in you and your ideas.
I am.
Really?
Young men like you are the future.
And then you turn this...
And something is supposed to happen. Oh, you'll figure it out, Fraser.
- Thank you, Ma'am. - Darling...
I hate to see you apart from Serge so soon after your return.
He had to be at the hangar, I understand that.
But it's so very far away.
Your father will never get to know him better while he's there.
And you hardly get to see him, darling.
I was wondering,
your mother's old painting studio, it would make a wonderful office for him.
He could do his design work there.
I would like to see more of Serge.
Shall we take a look?
I'd have to approach the subject very delicately with Violette.
Of course.
Thank you...
Is she ever going to spend any time in her own apartment?
She's not in her apartment, Ma'am.
And, uh, a huge hotel bill for her has come in, made out to Mr Selfridge.
Keep this to ourselves for now.
How about this?
And if we move it to the fashion floor,
the whole thing will have a more modern, airy feel.
But will it be enough?
All we can do with the time we've got left.
It's going to be a tough first day back.
Arthur? It's Victoria sponge. Your favourite.
I don't have the stomach for it.
It's not your fault that Mr Selfridge sacked Mr Thackeray.
Am I a yes-man, Mildred?
- What do you mean? - Would you say I had backbone?
You're the bravest man I know.
Mr Selfridge has always been able to count on my loyalty.
But I'm torn, Mildred.
He's about to embark on a charity project, but it's risky,
and I'm not sure I can endorse it to the board in all conscience.
Then you must follow your conscience, Arthur.
Yes...
People say it gets easier.
I'm not sure I believe them.
Pa thinks his brave face fools us.
I'm glad you're staying here Rosalie.
Wonderful, darlings! We're in agreement, then?
- Agreement about what? - It was just a suggestion, Violette,
that maybe, in time, Serge might use this studio for an office.
I can't believe you'd even think of such a thing!
Rosalie is running this house now, Violette.
Pa will never agree! And I'm going to make sure he doesn't.
This is all we have left of her.
Can I help with anything, Mr Crabb?
No, no, everything's fine.
Violette...
Princess Wiswas, whatever her name is, wants to take over Ma's studio.
- For what? - An office for her precious son.
Well, he does live with us, so we all have to try to get along.
I'm going insane at home. Gordon's here,
Rosalie has the house to run, and I have nothing!
Let's talk about this later.
- Give me something to do, Pa, please. - Like what, sweetheart?
Get me out of that house. Give me a job here.
I'm sorry Violette. That's out of the question.
We have more than enough female staff as it is.
- Please, Pa. - Look...
Why don't you do some travelling?
- Get rid of me, you mean. - No.
Go to Chicago and visit some of Ma's family. I know how much you love it there.
And hope that I meet some rich Yank to marry?
- That's not what I mean... - That's exactly what you meant!
- Honey... - A Vanderbilt? An Astor, maybe?
You already have a princess in the bag.
- Violette. - Thanks for nothing, Pa.
- Where are you going? - Shopping. All I'm good for, apparently.
You got your month's money. What d'you want?
To give you your money's worth by tipping you the wink.
If those were nicked, keep 'em out of sight.
Our boys are out looking for stolen fags around town.
Consider me tipped.
Seeing as you bought that lot,
I know people, could put you in the way of other stuff.
A one-off. Thanks, but no thanks.
You can't stay clean forever, Colleano. Not in this business.
It's not about staying clean. It's about staying in charge.
Same way out as you came in.
So we position the plinths around here.
Yeah, we'll need spotlights.
Monsieur Longchamp will be downstairs any minute.
We're nowhere near getting this right.
It's the best we can do with so little time.
Can I make a suggestion?
By all means.
What do you think?
I love it.
But will Monsieur Longchamp? He's a tricky customer.
How do you mean?
Leave this to me.
Monsieur Longchamp? Violette Selfridge.
I hear you're a difficult man to please.
My father always says this is much more than a store.
We have a remit to entertain customers, too.
What do you like to do for entertainment?
Are you flirting with me Monsieur Longchamp?
Would that be so very terrible?
No. As long as you like my idea for tonight.
It's not me you have to please.
Let's do this your way then. Will your boss be pleased?
Can you type these up for me, Miss Plunkett?
I'll need them for tonight's board meeting.
Mr Selfridge, I absolutely need to speak with you.
- Later, Crabb. - I need to speak with you
- before the board meeting. - Sorry, I just don't have the time.
- I must insist. - Don't badger me, Mr Crabb!
It's not the day for it.
Please inform Mr Selfridge that Mr Crabb intends to badger
until he gets a result.
Thank you, Miss Plunkett.
- Well done, my darling! - Lf I play my cards right, he might back me.
Well, of course he's keen. You forget how impressive you are.
Shame my father-in-law doesn't think so.
Go back to Harry. Give him one last chance.
Tell him you have another investor.
Why would I do that?
Because you live in his house. You're part of his family now.
You wouldn't know it. Serge, you have to trust me on how
- a gentleman should conduct himself. - Fine.
We'll do it your way.
He's so beautiful, Doris. He's just like you.
The only one to get my blonde hair.
Little Ernest, sweeter than a violet cream.
If anyone told me I'd have five children by now...
I'm glad I'm not still working in the store, though.
We're well out of it, Miss Mardle.
- Oh? What do you mean? - Pressure, day in, day out,
people demanding things at a moment's notice, dealing with difficult customers,
not to mention staff goings-on and the like.
Every single thing I just said, you're missing horribly, aren't you?
When Florian died, I had to think about
what I was going to do for the rest of my life.
I am a company woman, Doris. I like structure.
But I'm also a changed woman, and I can't go backwards.
We've all been changed by the war.
I'm glad you came today, Miss Mardle.
Old friends should stick together.
I think it's about time you called me Josie.
Mr De Bolotoff to see you, Mr Selfridge.
Serge. What can I do for you?
I'm here to tell you that I have a financier is interested in my plane.
Good. I'm happy for you.
I thought it only proper that I give you
a last chance to invest, seeing as we're family.
- Even if I wanted to, my hands are tied. - How so?
I'm about to bid for that field in West London.
For a non-profit housing project.
I found that field.
I know, so maybe you could help me with this housing project?
I'm not interested in houses! It is a perfect site for an aerodrome.
And as I've told you before,
first you work on the plane, then you worry about the aerodrome.
I'm sure that your financier will agree. Who is it?
Lord Loxley, and I wouldn't bet on it.
Loxley?
- You know him? - Stay away from him.
That man is dangerous. Cut off all contact with him immediately.
- I'll make my own decisions, thanks. - I mean it! Serge...
That is not a request.
And I mean it, too. This is just business, Harry.
You of all people should appreciate that.
Don't, Mr Crabb. For both our sakes, don't!
So be it.
Directors are starting to arrive.
Arthur?
Are you quite all right? You look unwell.
I'll join you in the boardroom shortly, Mr Grove.
Madame Lanvin...
We're honoured by your presence.
Monsieur LeClair. Such a handsome young man
when we last met in Paris. What happened?
That's the survey result. And personal references for my past work.
Very thorough. That should impress the board.
Wish me luck, Miss Webb.
I hope I see you downstairs afterwards for the fashion event?
Of course.
I thought Princess Marie would be here. She does enjoy a party.
She's devastated to miss this evening, but she's entertaining some Russian friends.
- At her apartment? - I assume so.
Psst.
Ah, good evening, Miss Calthorpe.
Accessories is looking very attractive under your direction.
Well, I've done my best, Miss Mardle. But I'm sure you'll find improvements
- when you return. - I am here to see Mr Grove.
I won't be coming back to accessories, Miss Calthorpe. You keep up the good work.
Madame Lanvin and Mr LeClair, together please.
Madame Lanvin, are you aware your countryman survived the horrors of Verdun?
- A war hero! - Please, this evening is not about me.
It's about the wonderful Madame Lanvin and her...
No, we must applaud our war hero, Monsieur LeClair!
Mr LeClair, is there a problem?
I am sorry.
Henri, why is he asking you about Verdun?
- What happened? Talk to me... - I can't. I can't.
Ladies and gentlemen,
if you could make your way through to the fashion department.
The land goes to auction next week, so time is short.
With a loan from Selfridge's, the government will match our investment,
which means that we'll be able to sell the houses at cost.
The project will enhance Selfridge's legacy in the long run, which increases share value.
I assume you're all with me? So...
- Mr Crabb? - I...
I have something to say...
The document I've prepared shows the scope of our expansion.
- Expansion is healthy. - Yes, and so is prudence.
Gentlemen, the cost of war is still with us.
Surplus female staff are currently adding 16.4% to our payroll.
All this whilst pursuing an ambitious expansion programme.
We now have 12 new stores. More in our sightlines.
- Mr Crabb... - We have also gambled on costly innovations
like the Information Bureau, which we are hoping will be successful.
Whereas our mail order service has proved to be a significant financial liability.
Gentlemen, if you look at this next document,
you will see the impact of our expansion programme in relation
to our annual share projections.
Violette Selfridge!
You will see that cosmetics, beauty and fashion are our biggest growth areas.
It is my opinion that we should focus on what we do best.
We are a retailer.
Construction of housing, no matter how well-intentioned,
is outside our area of expertise.
And crucially, it is an endeavour that will reap no tangible profit,
which will affect you gentlemen, as majority shareholders.
Profit must be at the heart of our business strategy.
Another time, this project might be viable.
Now is not that time.
I think that we all value Mr Crabb's opinion.
I certainly do. But it is one man's opinion.
Let's have a show of hands, so we can proceed with this venture.
I see. Well, that concludes our business here.
Thank you, and good night, gentlemen.
You'll be all over the papers tomorrow, Miss Selfridge.
Every girl will want to wear what you're wearing.
Evening, Mr LeClair.
- What can we get for you? - Whisky. A large one, please.
Firstly, let's deal with the surplus women.
We'll give them a month's wages.
Mr Grove will be relieved.
And what of Mr Thackeray?
He crossed the line. I played my part in that.
There's no going back.
I understand.
I'll spare you from dismissing me. My resignation, Mr Selfridge.
I won't accept it!
But I will raise that money. One way or another.
It's my job to protect the company. Even if that means from you.
So...
Where does that leave us?
Changed, I fear, Mr Selfridge. Changed.
Bravo! Wonderful!
- Why don't we celebrate? - Yes, why not?
It's Duchesse satin with gold thread embroidery. It's a work of art, Madam.
- Looks like you're a natural. - I love this department!
Yes...
You should've seen him, Josie. I am so worried about him.
I doubt very much you're the only wife feeling like that.
The men who went to war aren't the same men who came back.
I'm his wife now. Aren't we supposed to share everything?
Maybe there are some things he can't share, Agnes.
Miss Mardle,
- I believe you were looking for me? - Yes, indeed, Mr Grove.
Fashion? But I came here to formalise my resignation!
Selfridge's is in need of some stability right now.
You were one of the first people the Chief hired.
I'm not qualified to take over this department.
Even if on a temporary basis. We need people of your calibre.
- Don't make me beg. - You could have anybody.
You don't need me.
The store needs you.
I need you.
Begging is a charming quality in dogs, Mr Grove. I don't recommend it for you.
Did it work?
When do I start?
Please, excuse my late arrival.
You're a busy man. Besides, we've had your wonderful daughter, Mr Selfridge.
How clever of you to employ her talents here.
She took part in the live modelling of the dresses
with true Selfridge panache and flair.
She's always had an eye for the spotlight, our Violette.
So, have I earned something a little more permanent here?
If it was any other day, but thank you so much for helping out.
Where were you?
Verdun.
You know, your lot holding out probably turned the war.
You?
Mostly the Somme.
It's over.
It's never over.
He's had enough.
I know a man looking for oblivion when I see one.
- How did it go? - Not well I'm afraid.
It'll be a long time before a field like that comes up again.
I know. That's why I will find another way. I promise.
Your projections and plans were admired. I...
I was the stumbling block I'm afraid...
Please, let me at least gift you this suit.
I wouldn't hear of it. Sell your suits to your customers, Mr Selfridge.
Miss Webb, I've probably done everything wrong that is possible to do today.
Let me do one good thing. Please.
- This one occasion. Only. - Thank you.
You have an excellent eye...
- You been here before? - Once.
There's Victor himself. He used to work for my father.
- Do you want some drinks? Have a seat. - Yes. Sure.
All right.
We need drinks. You've got Miss Selfridge in the house.
Send someone over, please.
Some people, eh?
Thank you, my dear.
Serge! Delighted to see you again.
I feel I should tell you. I went back to my father-in-law
- to give him a last chance to invest. - Oh.
- Am I surplus to requirements then? - He refused me again.
In fact, we had a bit of a falling out.
He warned me to keep away from you. Was he right?
The man holds a grudge.
As far as I'm concerned, it's all water under the bridge.
What I need to know is, does it affect your offer to me?
Not at all. In fact, I'm very glad to see you've got a mind of your own.
Let's pick up where we left off today, shall we?
Can you gather the family in the drawing room, please, Fraser?
Certainly, Mr Selfridge.
Don't you think you have had enough?
Elsa...
- What is he doing? Let me go. - I'll deal with this.
We asked for drinks. Can we have some service please, Mr Colleano?
I don't work for Selfridge's any more. And my guests address me as Victor.
I'll get to you soon as I'm ready... Violette.
What's he talking to Victor about?
Come on, pull yourself together.
Hello, Victor.
Hello, Agnes.
Your wife's here.
Henri? Please, let's go home. Please?
Where on earth has Serge got to this evening?
My friends were looking forward to meeting him earlier.
I thought he was with you?
Oh... They can meet them another time.
- Marie! - Darling.
Are you back in your apartment now?
A rather large hotel bill arrived here, charged to my son.
I think I mentioned something to Harry about it.
My apartment is being decorated. In any case I'm sure he would not
begrudge his new family the comforts of home.
Gordon...
I have some news I want to share with the family.
- I am glad you are here for this, Marie. - What is it, Pa?
I intend to bid for a field in West London.
- For Serge's aerodrome? - Something far more important.
A lasting tribute to your mother's memory...
To build houses for heroes returning from war.
Rose would approve entirely, son.
Does Serge know about this?
He does. I want you all to know I intend on pursuing this venture, come what may.
- Isn't that Selfridge's son-in-law? - Yes.
I have taken him under my wing.
I've got a very interesting piece of information.
Selfridge is thinking of investing in a charitable housing project,
and he is going to bid for some land in Acton.
Nothing in that for you.
On the contrary.
I'm going to help him dig his own grave.
Ripped By mstoll