Ripped By mstoll
Delay them!
Gentlemen, how are we this morning?
- Loxley. - Good to see you.
Any word from Selfridge?
- Lord Loxley? - Loxley?
Ah.
Mrs Edwards.
You've recovered well, I see.
Yes.
Where's Mr Crabb?
Well?
This week's profits are up by 6.4%.
Not as much as we'd hoped.
Have you been in contact with the board members
who seem to be supporting Lord Loxley?
Mr Barratt and Mr Lowe haven't returned my calls,
and we can't be sure that Loxley hasn't won round the others.
They're coming, chief.
So, Selfridge.
Finally you find the time to see us.
Well, I'm here now.
What can I help you with?
You made a promise to your shareholders
to raise profits by 10%,
but when I ask to see the figures, you and
your man withheld them.
And then you didn't turn up for the board meeting.
Let me stop your right there.
We have prepared figures and they're right in front of you, please.
You will see from the tabled figures that profits are now rising steadily.
They're up 6.4%.
6.4% is not what you promised.
You are not going to be able to raise profits by 10% in time for the dividend.
Dividends don't go in till the end of October.
Now, September, traditionally, has been a very good month for us.
- We introduce our autumn stock... - And that raises profits.
Furthermore, we intend to keep the sales running at the same time.
I have prepared some forecast figures.
Thank you.
Are we supposed to believe these?
You're gambling again, Selfridge.
You run this business in a dangerously autocratic fashion.
You won't allow anyone to question your judgment.
Which is why this board would like to propose
a vote of no confidence in you as chairman.
All the materials will be on site by the end of tomorrow.
And the advance to pay my boys?
Money will be in your account the evening before we start.
Sounds good to me.
I'm glad you're here, Mr Gerrard.
Obviously, the ground is waterlogged.
I wonder, it doesn't seem to be in the plans...
Uh, where do you want me to dig the sump well?
I thought we agreed here.
In the end? Did we not?
Good, then, good.
This is bloody ridiculous.
- I don't know what I'm talking about. - Well, I do.
I've been up half the night, every night,
- reading up on all this. - You can't make this work.
Yes, I can. We agreed.
I'm going to build these houses and get married to Harry.
And you're going to America.
We're going to prison.
That's where this is going to end.
No, it's not. Not if we hold our nerve.
Gentlemen, before you vote,
I've prepared a financial statement.
They show you how you've all profited from buying into this company.
I am a risk taker. And I'm proud of it.
Business is all about assessed risk.
This is the past. What about the future?
You could lose it all tomorrow.
The next role of the dice.
Stay firm, gentlemen.
Let's say you vote me out.
How do you propose to move on?
We bring a new chairman in.
You haven't thought this through.
This isn't business, it's personal.
- You're a profiteer. - I'm a changed man.
Oh.
I've established a charitable foundation for war veterans.
Your charity supported a man who assaulted a member of our staff.
She put herself in harm's way.
Working late at night, slathered in makeup.
So, it's her fault, is it?
She should have been more careful.
That kind of talk...
No wonder Lady Mae left you.
That woman is a liar and a whore.
Her new husband doesn't think so.
She wouldn't have a new husband if you hadn't paid for a divorce.
- She's a friend of mine... - She was mine!
And you took her from me.
And now you're going to know how it feels, Selfridge, to lose what's yours.
And he says it wasn't personal.
Lord Loxley, we're at a business meeting.
Sit down, sir.
Gentlemen.
Just remember what's at stake.
What's at stake is that Lord Loxley has been manipulating all of you for his own ends.
Let us proceed with the vote.
Mr Selfridge?
Good. I'll come down to the workshop tomorrow.
They're starting on the aeroplane.
That's wonderful, darling.
What's the matter?
I know that look, Mama.
The architect for the Selfridge Estate...
I don't think he's right.
He's meant to work there. I went...
It was boarded up.
Hmm. Could be an old card.
I made inquiries.
Nobody knows of him.
Who recommended him?
Miss Webb.
Ah.
Don't cause trouble, Mama.
It's the first time it's actually working between us and the Selfridge's.
And if Harry thinks you're snooping, it will ruin everything.
Leave well alone!
The vote is defeated.
Seven votes to two.
I gave you all a chance.
But you were too wet to take it.
Your shares will fall in value.
This man will lose you money.
Mark my words.
If anyone else is unhappy with the way I run this company,
I suggest you leave this table now.
Thank you for your faith, gentlemen.
I shall repay it.
I've got some gossip for you.
Prince Carol of Romania is in town.
He's with two girls, stage stars.
They're visiting clubs looking for games, and he's losing thousands.
And so are the girls, on his credit.
Isn't baccarat his thing?
Mmm-hmm.
We could run a private evening.
Your friends get word to him?
I'll ask them.
This could be the big one.
Finally get Regan off our backs.
They're giving you trouble?
I just want him to leave us alone.
So do I.
We are hearing how you sent Lord Loxley and Mr Lowe packing.
Well, the question is who will they sell their shares to.
We don't need to worry about that, we have more to celebrate.
We begin work on the Selfridge Estate in two days.
- Superb. - Ma would be so proud.
Wouldn't she be?
Your mother was a special, unique woman.
And after she died, I never thought I'd find love again.
But I've been lucky. I found Nancy.
Pa, what are you saying?
Are you marrying Nancy?
Yes, I am.
- Pa, that's great news. - Thank you. Thank you.
Is there something you know that you're not telling me?
I could be wrong.
If you're not sure about her, trust your instincts.
I'm sure you'll both be very happy.
- Make sure you type these up for Mr Fields. - Yes, of course.
- Thank you so much. - These are done.
Violette didn't seem to happy with my news last night.
She'll come round.
Now, I thought she liked Nancy.
Honestly, I think your sister's going to send us to an early grave.
Uh, I'm seeing someone, too.
- You are? - It's serious.
The Maxwell-Taylor girl, the younger one.
- I always thought you liked her. - No, no. It's nothing...
- The older one! Flora! - Well, well actually...
Mr Selfridge.
Miss Webb and Mr Edwards are ready for you.
Coming along now.
You're a dark horse, Gordon.
We'll talk later.
When do they actually start digging?
In two days time.
I want you down at the site, Harry, spade in hand.
First piece of earth to be turned for the Selfridge Estate.
Miss Webb, I need details about you for the press release.
- Details? - A short biography.
Mmm!
Mr Selfridge, the bank's on the line.
It's about the estate.
Shall I tell them to call back later?
No. Uh, put them through to here.
Uh, I need a biography for the architect as well.
- What's his name? - Uh, Mr Tom Gerrard.
I'd like to talk to him as well.
Make sure he's happy with the excavation.
Can you bring him into the store?
Mmm-hmm.
Hello?
I see. Thank you very much.
£15,000 into the Selfridge Estate bank account, we got our full budget.
- That's such wonderful news. - I'm so happy.
You and Miss Webb have a good working relationship.
We do.
Harry, is something going on?
This isn't for print, but...
You might as well know, we're getting married.
Ah!
Princess Marie Wiazemsky. Good afternoon.
I wonder if you could help me.
I want to make an inquiry about an architect
who is registered here with the institute.
His name is a Mr Thomas Gerrard.
- I'll check. - Thank you so much.
Come.
Miss Mardle.
I'm handing in my notice.
Is this...
Have you entirely thought this through?
I find it impossible to work with you.
I know it's been difficult to work alongside each other recently, but...
You treat me as if I'm some sort of pariah. Well, I'm not.
I won't put up with it any more.
I don't need to.
Josie.
Please.
Reconsider.
Please inform Mr Selfridge.
I got it from the horse's mouth.
Well, I think that's wonderful.
Mr Selfridge deserves his happiness.
Keep your eyes peeled this week, ladies.
I've had a tip-off.
There's a gang of shoplifters working Oxford Street.
At least you're here. Makes us all feel much safer.
All right, Jessie, back to work.
- You've got a proper fan club. - It's funny.
None of the girls at the club were that interested in me.
Nice girls are your sort, that's why.
Oh, excuse me.
- Good morning, Miss Webb. - Good morning.
I just wanted to say
congratulations.
And if you need somebody to make you up for your big day,
you know who to come to.
Yes, we haven't finalised any of the details yet.
- So, please... - Oh, don't worry, I'll keep it to myself.
But I must warn you,
news does travel fast around here.
Jessie.
Is Mr Selfridge in?
I'm afraid he's left early today.
Do you know where I can find him? It is very important that I see him.
He'll be with Miss Webb, I should think.
I presume you know.
Oh, yes.
Wonderful news.
It reminds one, how...
Love can blossom in later life.
It's very urgent that I see him. Perhaps you have Miss Webb's address?
I'm not at liberties to divulge that sort of information.
I suggest you come back in the morning.
Do you love me, Harry?
Would I be here if I didn't?
- Hmm. - How do you love me?
When you walked into my office with those plans,
I felt that I knew you.
A connection.
I didn't think I'd feel that again.
Then there you were.
Like daylight through a window.
- Harry... - What is it?
I'm not sure I can do this.
What do you mean?
I'm not what you think I am.
Darling, what is it?
I...
I've lived on my own too long.
I'm selfish, and...
Difficult.
None of that matters.
As long as you feel the same about me as I do about you.
Do you?
You've never said it.
I love you,
Harry Selfridge.
More than anything.
I love you.
- Mr Selfridge. - Mr Selfridge.
- Good morning, Mrs Edwards. - Good morning.
- Good morning, Mr Selfridge. - Morning.
- Miss Calthorpe. - Good morning.
Good morning, gentlemen.
- Hello, chief. - Morning, sir.
What's the matter with everyone?
News has travelled. A certain engagement?
We're all thrilled to bits, chief!
- Hip hip! - Hooray!
Thank you, thank you all.
Right, right. Back to work now, please.
Back to work.
Princess Marie is in your office.
She's very keen to see you.
The heads of department meeting has been moved forward by one hour.
And uh, I'd like to say...
- Congratulations! - Ah, thank you.
So much for my secret engagement, the whole store seems to know.
What's this?
It's a list of Mr Thomas Gerrard's previous engagements.
According to this, he trained 20 years ago, he's done dozens of jobs, but...
It's not possible.
He's too young.
I saw him at a jeweller's shop.
They called him by a different name.
It was very strange, so,
I went to the Royal Institute of British Architects.
I did tell Miss Webb.
You spoke with Nancy?
She seemed confident in Mr Gerrard, but I...
I wasn't quite sure.
Why, I suppose it's possible she didn't check his references.
But she has a lot to be getting on with.
Of course she does.
I hope I did the right thing, Harry,
bringing this to you.
I'm looking for something classy, but distinctive.
How about beaded?
I like that.
Victor. What do you think?
Prince Carol's not going to know what's hit him.
One of our mannequins could model it for you, madame.
Yes, thank you.
'Scuse me.
Security! Those women, they're thieving!
Quick, go!
Hey! Stop!
Stop those women!
Get them!
Stop!
Stop them!
But why?
She's the heart of this store.
The best head of department we've ever had.
The finest manag...
This is your doing.
Arthur!
I tried to dissuade her, but...
She just wouldn't listen.
Honestly!
Sometimes I could knock your head against a wall!
I would if I thought it would bring you to your senses!
You've behaved horribly to Josie in the last few months.
I'm fully aware that my behaviour has been less than exemplary.
There are things you don't know.
I know what happened with Doris.
I know Doris was unfaithful to you.
I don't want to think about it.
I can't bear to.
Well, you have to.
Because you're taking your anger out on the wrong person.
And unless you do something about it,
you're going to lose your greatest friend.
And you'll regret it, Roger.
You'll regret it for the rest of your life.
They looked so proper.
I didn't think for one minute they were wrong 'uns,
but she had half the store under her cape.
Now I understand why you don't want to come back to the club, George.
It's all go here.
You should get that seen to.
Nah, it's nothing.
He's had much worse.
Listen George, it's been good to see ya.
We got to go.
But drop into the club whenever you want.
All right?
And bring Miss Hawkins with ya.
Night out on me.
Cheers, Victor.
Take care, George.
Well...
The famous Mr Colleano.
I suppose you want to go to his club now.
No.
It's not my kind of place, George.
I wouldn't feel comfortable.
What is your kind of place?
Uh, the Palais de Danse at Hammersmith.
Would you fancy going there tonight?
You any good at dancing?
Let me take you. You'll find out.
Uh, Pa, can I... Can I talk to you?
Just the person I needed.
There's going to be press at the Selfridge Estate site, and I need you there.
I think your sister should be there as well.
- Miss Plunkett. Could... - I'm sorry.
I need to tell you something.
I'm courting Grace Calthorpe.
You're what?
I've been trying to tell you for ages...
Gordon, no.
You said Ma made you the person you are.
Well, that's how I feel about Grace.
She's my friend.
But it's more than friendship, I love her.
You can't have a relationship with Miss Calthorpe.
You are her employer.
- Pa, hear me out, I don't care if she's staff. - Other people will.
- Times have changed. - No, they haven't.
Believe me.
If you want to be a leader, you have to hold yourself apart from those you lead.
I started in the loading bay.
I've never held myself apart. The staff still do as I ask.
I blame myself for this.
I've been distracted, I haven't given you the guidance you need.
This isn't about you.
This is about me, and how I feel for Grace.
You are deputy manager of this store.
You have to put your feelings aside.
I am sorry, son. I really am.
But if you want to keep your position, you have to break it off with her.
Why is it OK for Pa to marry any old person, and not me?
- Pa loves her. - I loved Victor.
It seemed like you were using him as some kind of rebellion against us all.
In the beginning, maybe it was like that.
I knew Pa would disapprove, and it made it more exciting.
But then...
Well, I did fall in love.
I gave myself to him.
All of myself.
- You... - It wasn't just a romance.
If I've learned anything from marriage,
you have to fight for the person you love.
Why's the house up for sale?
Come in.
I've made my decision.
I'm not just leaving Selfridge's, I'm also leaving London.
But you mustn't.
I mean, not because of me.
I behaved very badly.
I took all my misery about Doris out on you.
None of it was your fault.
- You were just... - A convenient target.
Well, I... Wouldn't put it quite like that.
I would.
That's all I've ever been for you.
Someone to rely on. To moan to.
- Someone to sleep with. - Josie...
I put up with it for all these years, stupidly.
Look, it's possible that a part of me always believed that you would be there,
and so, perhaps, yes, perhaps I might've taken advantage of that.
If so, I'm sorry.
You are a petty, selfish little man.
You know nothing of friendship, loyalty...
Love.
I don't need you any more.
Go away, Roger.
- Josie... - I mean it, please, leave me alone.
But I can't, not like this, I might never see you again.
Very probably.
Well, at least...
Say we part friends.
Well if I did, it would be a lie.
- What will I do without you? - Oh, I don't know!
Muddle through, I suppose. I don't care any more.
Please leave my house.
Shut the door on your way out.
This is ridiculous.
It's impossible.
I will not leave until we part friends.
I will not.
It's going to be an awfully long night.
So, Mr Gerrard, you've been to the site.
I have, sir.
And you're happy with the excavation plans.
I am.
The ground's damp, but we made provision for that.
Well, you have some experience on waterlogged ground,
you worked on the Fortescue Estate.
There's a lake there, I believe.
And what were you designing for Lord Fortescue?
Oh, I, uh...
I can't remember.
Well, you must remember, it was only last year.
Let me think.
What was it?
That's it. A palm house.
You built a ballroom.
Mr Tom Gerrard did, anyway.
I was just speaking to him on the telephone.
Look, I was desperate.
Nobody would give me a job.
People's lives are at stake here.
Servicemen who want to start again, and for what?
An architect's fee?
You're a despicable liar.
My friends will help me!
You think you're clever, Selfridge!
It's not just me!
- I can't believe it, I'm so sorry! - No, you weren't to know.
He tricked us both.
God, I can't stand a cheat.
I think this chap's real name might be Augustus Paynton.
He's been linked to quite a few frauds.
Had people's money up and down the country.
The thing is, they're not sure.
He usually works with his sister.
The two of them do jobs together.
His sister?
Pretty girl, the police say.
Reckon she's the brains.
He didn't introduce you to a young lady, did he?
- No. - Well then, it might not be him.
If I hear anything else, you'll be the first to know, sir.
Thank you, Mr Towler.
I'll leave you to your affairs.
You want to withdraw the whole amount, Miss Webb?
Are you sure?
My contractors have been extremely patient,
but I owe them all money.
And the building materials are on hold, and...
I'm beginning to have sleepless nights.
We wouldn't want that, would we?
Very well. I'll arrange it.
Oh, thank you so much.
Nancy!
Taxi!
I'm going to bed now.
I'll still be here in the morning.
You think you can wear me down?
Well, you can't.
I know I'm a fool.
But I won't give up on our friendship.
If you forgive me now, I will try to be to you what you have always been to me.
My better half.
The most important person in my life.
My soul's mate.
Don't let this be the end, please.
Roger, you really are the most obstinate, ridiculous...
Glory of a man.
Dearest Josie.
My heart's love.
I don't deserve you.
Not even the smallest bit of you.
No, you really don't.
Hello, Victor.
Can we talk?
Lads.
I haven't been able to stop thinking of you since the other night.
I've missed you so much.
And when I saw you again, I realised it.
We're too different.
All this...
It's not a world you could ever belong to.
I could try.
Beautiful hands.
Never seen a day's work.
You think I'm spoilt.
And it's true.
I've been given so much.
Just not the things I've always wanted.
But I can change.
I can become a better person.
For you, I can.
Please, Victor. Give me this chance.
Sorry, Violette.
No.
Is that your last word on it?
I hate who I am!
Don't say that. You're wonderful.
And some man is going to be very lucky to have you.
Grace, can we talk?
Please?
I knew he wouldn't accept it. I do understand, it's just...
It's hard, that's all.
It's not.
Because I've made my decision.
I'm leaving the store.
- No, you can't. - I can do what I like.
I'm fed up with living in my father's shadow.
It's time he understood I'm my own person.
I make my own choices.
I choose you.
Tell me this isn't true. Tell me this isn't happening.
I didn't take it.
But you were going to. You were gonna run.
When Gus was arrested, I panicked, yes, but...
I couldn't leave you. I just couldn't.
I thought that we were right for each other.
I thought that I knew you, and that you knew me.
- Was any of it real? - Of course it was.
I've broken all of my own rules.
I've risked everything to come here.
You've changed me.
I can't go back to the woman I was.
Who was she?
Tell me, you owe me that.
My real name is Emily Paynton.
My brother and I ran away from my parents when I was 13.
We had nothing, we had to live on our wits, so we became...
Grifters.
And I have always hated it. I hated it.
I wanted it to stop.
And then when we saw the publicity for the government housing...
- It was just an opportunity... - To lead some idiot by the nose.
It was never meant to be you. It was meant to be Lord Meadows.
And was he meant to fall in love with you too?
- Because I fell. So hard. - None of that was part of the plan.
You have to believe me.
Harry, you said last night, that we have...
Something special between us, there's a connection.
Neither of us can deny that.
We can still build the estate.
We can do it together.
You hate to be alone.
- You need a wife. - Wife?
I'm still the same person, underneath.
I can't believe I ever thought I could replace Rose.
Harry, just give me one more chance.
I swear, I won't let you down.
I don't care about you any more.
Do you understand?
You're not who I thought you were.
You're a cheat.
You're a liar.
You're a stranger.
I'm not gonna call the police.
But I never want to see you again.
Crawl back under your stone.
But I love you.
You don't know what the word means.
I didn't before, but I do now.
Please, don't do this, Harry.
Get out! Get out of my store.
Before I throw you out myself.
You're vulnerable to women.
And you always will be.
You're lucky it was me.
If your client buys all our shares, then they'll have a 15% stake in the company.
Harry Selfridge and his family will still have the majority.
The family are loyal now, but the cracks are showing.
And Selfridge himself has his weaknesses.
Your client wants control of their company. All he need do is wait.
Hmm. Well done, Loxley.
It would be funny if it wasn't so tragic.
We're a pathetic bunch.
We can't get anyone to love us.
Violette.
I'm still in love with Victor Colleano.
I don't think I'll ever get over him.
Well, if you feel so much for him, go to him.
I've tried.
He doesn't want me.
Jacques de Sibour though, he's keen to snap me up.
So, I'm going to Paris to await his proposal.
But you don't even know him.
I can't stay in London.
- I don't want to see Victor ever again. - Oh, honey, shhh.
Listen. Let's go away together.
Just the two of us, around the world if you'd like.
We'll get over this together.
We'll have adventures.
Oh, Pa.
It would've been fun, but it's too late for that.
I've decided.
I'm going to marry Jacques.
He's a nice man. I could grow to like him. Even love him.
And most importantly, he's my sort.
Violette, don't go.
I've made up my mind. I leave for Paris tonight.
Don't do this.
Goodbye, Pa.
I'm in again. 2,000. And for the ladies as well.
Darling, you're too generous.
Happy?
Keep up the good work, Mr Colleano.
Mr Selfridge, what can I do for you?
I wanna play cards. Who's here tonight?
Prince Carol of Romania.
And the two women?
The Dolly Sisters. Musical cabaret stars.
Your Highness, ladies, gentlemen, may I join you?
Who are you?
I'm Harry Selfridge.
Well, Harry Selfridge, are you ready to take us on?
Ripped By mstoll