Not too night and tidy. Pile them up. I want Treasure Island in here.
Aladdin's Cave. Very good. Very good.
Great work, Henri. You're a genius.
Well done, ladies. We are making history here.
Mr Selfridge, if these figures... Not now, Crabb.
We have a store to open. All well in accessories, Miss Mardle?
We are missing half the ribbon consignment.
Improvise. I know I can rely on you and your excellent assistants.
Can't we, ladies? ALL: Yes, Mr Selfridge.
That is the spirit. I'm proud of you all.
Well, get on with your work.
Miss Bunting, all going to plan here in the fashion department?
Yes, Mr Selfridge. We are going to dazzle the world.
Yes, Mr Selfridge.
What do you think, Grove? Your honest opinion.
Honesty, Chief? Do you really think London is ready for all this?
Ready for it? London is crying out for it.
We're giving them style, glamour, razzmatazz.
Once they see what we have done here,
there'll be no turning back.
Hmmm. I don't know.
Those are the very finest kids, sir. I'm sure they are.
I'd like to see some more. What would you like to see, sir?
Well maybe I don't know until I see it.
Why don't we get a whole lot of 'em on the counter
and then we can see what we like.
That's not how it's done here, sir. Come on.
Let's have a little bit of fun.
No, please, sir. You'll get me into trouble.
You only live once.
All right.
That is more like it.
Which pair would you choose out of the whole lot?
These. Why is that?
I love the colour and the softness of the leather.
It's finest Nappa from Florence.
Try 'em on.
Go on. Don't be scared.
What a great choice. What's your name?
Agnus Towler, sir. Agnus Towler.
Might I be of any assistance, sir?
Oh, no, thank you. This young lady is doing just fine.
May I enquire if sir actually intends making a purchase?
What if I said I was just looking? This is a shop not an exhibition!
I've had my eye on you for a while.
I suggest that you hop it.
Thank you for your time, Miss Towler. It's been a pleasure.
Ah. Miss Towler.
You can collect your cards. You're dismissed.
But I didn't do anything. We don't need your sort here.
And don't expect any references.
Agnes, I'm glad I caught you. Someone left this for you.
(BRASS BAND MUSIC)
(INHALES AND EXHALES DEEPLY)
This Selfridge seems to have a high opinion of himself.
Well, he's American. That's what they're like.
Gentlemen, welcome to Selfridge and Waring.
You know, you're standing on the very spot
where the biggest and best department store in the whole world
is shortly going to rise up out of the rubble.
With respect, sir, we're standing in a hole in the ground
at the dead end of Oxford Street.
This is no ordinary hole.
This is a million dollar hole.
And in less than one year...
Yes. ONE year. ..this will be the live end of Oxford Street.
Gentlemen, this is the best site in London.
Ah, here's my partner. Mr Waring.
Better late than never. Come join the party. Stop!
Now!
A word with you in private, Selfridge.
It's over. I'm pulling out.
What the hell are you talking about?
You've ignored all our agreements.
This ridiculous band. To entertain the construction workers.
Hiring staff when your store isn't even built yet.
Your reckless advertising policy. The whole thing is madness.
We shook on this. You gave me your word as an English gentleman.
I'm sorry. These things happen. I will ask just one thing.
What's that? Don't breathe a word to anyone until we're up and running.
You swear to that. All right. Then I consider myself released.
Goodbye, Mr Waring.
(BREATHES RAGGEDLY)
Gentlemen, my assistants will give you all the literature you need
about my new store.
Now, if you have any questions, my door is always open to you.
Mr Selfridge, how's the partnership with old Waring holding up?
Who wants to know? Frank Edwards. London Evening News.
I know who you are even if our paths haven't crossed.
People tell me that you are one of the best connected men in London.
I know it from top to bottom, sir.
The press will always be friends of mine in my store.
We're gonna be making news, Mr Edwards.
And I can put you ahead of the pack.
I put aside a huge advertising budget for the right sort of papers.
But I need to be talked about by the right people.
It would be a pleasure to show you the town.
Woman, lovely woman. What a sex you are.
_ I haven't been out of school long
_ And I haven't really found my way
That is the one and only Ellen Love.
_ ..won't be too long
She's perfect. I won't ask what for.
_ I've studied up on Pitman's Shorthand
_ My typing's really very neat
_ I know he thinks I'm quite efficient
_ But I hope he thinks I'm also rather sweet
_ He's everything I ever dreamed of
_ He's got me in a giddy sort of whirl
Can we go round to see her afterwards?
_ And when he gives dictation
_ I get this tingling sensation
_ I'm so happy to be his
_ New girl
_ New girl _
Is that you, Miss Towler? Yes, Mrs Payne.
Payday today, I believe. Yes, Mrs Payne.
So you'll be down with the rent later? Yes, Mrs Payne.
She's been on about that rent all day.
You'd better go down and give it to her.
I haven't got it, George. What?
It wasn't my fault. There was this customer. Monday, it was.
I've been looking for another place all week. What are you telling me?
I've been dismissed.
Christ!
It's all right. It's going to be all right. I will get another job.
How we gonna pay the rent now? Why does it always have to be me?
Why can't you get a job? Do you not think I've been trying?!
I've been everywhere. I've tried everything!
Let go, George.
I'm sorry, Agnes.
Christ. If I thought you were gonna turn out like him. I'm not.
I didn't mean it, Agnes.
Agnes, what are we gonna do?
I daresay I could find my way blindfold backstage
in any theatre in London. Here we are.
Ah, yes.
(KNOCKS ON DOOR) Who is it?
An old friend. And a new one.
Frank Edwards. Come on in, then.
I haven't seen you in a long while.
Now I see you I can't think why I stayed away.
Allow me to introduce my good friend Harry Gordon Selfridge.
Delighted to meet you. Do make yourselves comfortable.
Champagne? None for me, thanks.
Mr Selfridge.
THE Mr Selfridge? I guess I must be.
Well...
I was knocked out with your performance this evening, Miss Love.
So he was. He couldn't keep his eyes off you. No more could I, of course.
Well, that's the compliments dealt with. What do you boys want?
If it's my company for the evening, I have to disappoint you.
I'm already spoken for. That is a bitter blow.
In fact, I must get dressed. If you will excuse me.
Of course. Forgive the intrusion. Oh, no.
I didn't mean you had to leave.
I'll pop behind the screen. Quite decent you see.
So, Mr Selfridge,
you're the man who knows what women really want, are you?
Gives one a funny feeling to think that here's a man
who knows us inside out.
(SIGHS)
I was rather hoping you might come to see me in the office sometime.
I have a proposition that I might want to put to you.
A proposition? Well, I am very busy but I am intrigued.
I'm sure I could try and fit you in.
Wonderful.
Here's my card. Miss Love.
Thank you...
Mr Selfridge.
Pa? Hey, Pa!
We missed you.
Oh, Mom. Well, son, it's a long way from Battle Creek. That it is.
Hello, my love. Hello.
Mwah!
Come on. I'll show you around.
Watch your step. Get out of the rain.
Take a look, kids. Go on.
VIOLETTE: Come on.
Thank you.
Who wants to see upstairs? ALL: Me!
Gordon, you're straight ahead.
And girls, I thought you'd all like to share.
Oh, Harry. I had it shipped in from Paris.
Box sprung.
I have missed you so much.
You won't get a moment's peace from me.
Just like it was in Chicago? Just like.
Morning, Mr Selfridge. Hiya, Mr Crabb. Everything hunky dory?
I wouldn't exactly say that, Mr Selfridge. Why not?
I'm concerned that Mr Waring's money is not in yet.
Oh, don't worry, Crabb. Everything is gonna be fine.
I hope you made it clear there's an element of urgency.
We've already spend #20,000 on advertising.
There's a demand in for ground rent of #10,000.
The builders are refusing to move forward without bill payment.
I said, "Don't worry." It's my job to worry, Mr Selfridge.
Well, do it somewhere else. There's a good fellow.
Sir, the new heads of department are here.
New heads of department? Gonna get ahead of the game.
Crabb, meet your new colleagues. All well, Miss Blenkinsop?
Oh, yes, Mr Selfridge.
Good morning to you all. ALL: Good morning, Mr Selfridge.
Well, don't you all look fine and dandy.
First off, I'd like to say congratulations.
You are in at the beginning of something amazing.
The other business houses may have started from lowly beginnings
but, with your help, Selfridges will be born great.
I know you don't know each other yet but let me just tell you
you have been picked out because you are the cream of the crop.
The best that London has to offer.
You're all wondering why I have employed you without a store to put you in.
I am giving you the opportunity of a lifetime.
12 months to scour the world for the finest merchandise.
WE are going to show the world how to make shopping thrilling.
Any questions? Mr Selfridge, when you say, "No expense spared"
how literally are we to take that? Absolutely literally.
I want product range and I want product quality.
I want merchandise that people will desire.
Merchandise people don't even know they will desire
until they see it right in front of their eyes.
Now, I expect great things from you.
Pack your bags, ladies and gentlemen. Go and bring the world to Selfridges!
(BELL RINGS)
It does all seem awfully ambitious. Too good to be true.
I know.
I left Debenham and Freebody rather in the lurch.
I'm sure they wouldn't take me back.
I don't know how I'd manage if it didn't come off.
I mean, the store's not even built yet.
I've heard whispers that he hasn't got the money together yet.
These things are most likely spread about by jealous rivals.
Yes. Of course. Of course.
All the same.
Mr Crabb!
We can rely on our salary until the store opens, can't we?
I have an invalid wife at home. Absolutely, Mr Grove.
All is in order.
Ice cream, I guess. Ice cream.
We'll have a whole department for ice cream.
Make sure it's real American ice cream. Of course.
Gordon. Toys and guns.
Toys and guns. Make a list of the best kind.
Beatrice. Can't we have a special place for children to play?
While the moms are shopping? That is a great idea, B.
Good morning. Good morning. Listen to this.
(READS) Mr Selfridge's ideas are grandiose
and his confidence boundless.
We shall await with interest to see whether that confidence is misplaced.
(STONY SILENCE)
And this fellow here accuses me of tempting people to dishonesty
by proposing to put the goods out on open display!
Out into the garden, children.
What is it with the press over here?
It seems as if they WANT us to fail.
LOIS: It's a beautiful morning.
There's always prejudice against something that's new.
But can't they give a fellow a chance? They will.
Once they see the store for real.
The garden is so beautiful this morning.
Why don't we join the children? Hm? I'm late. I'm sorry.
But I will see you later. Oh. All right.
(BRISTLES SCRATCH A TILED FLOOR)
Come on, girl. Those floors aren't going to scrub themselves.
Good morning, sir. Morning. Good morning, Mr Selfridge. Morning.
Good morning. ALL: Morning, Mr Selfridge.
Have you seen the papers? Yeah. Not so good.
They'll change their tune once they see how much we're gonna put into advertising.
And when their wives tell 'em what a great place we are to shop at.
You clearly haven't seen this. What?
Waring's pulling out. What?
He promised me. I have to say, I did warn you, Mr Selfridge.
He swore he'd keep it out of the papers.
Mr Selfridge? Mr Selfridge! Yes!
Am I to understand that you knew about this already?
He did say something last week. So much for English gentleman's agreements.
And you thought it proper not to inform me, as Head of Finance,
while you authorised all sorts of expenditure
without the capital to back it up?
Mr Crabb, this is business. It happens all the time.
You realise it's going to be difficult to find a backer at this late stage?
And in the event you do find someone,
they'll know we're in a poor position with building about to start.
I hate to think what rate of interest they'll make us pay!
Well, you're just a little ray of sunshine, ain't you, Mr Crabb (!)
Mr Selfridge, I left a very good position to join you
but I have to say that the reckless way that you conduct your business,
dismays and yes... frightens me.
It frightens me too sometimes, Mr Crabb.
Hold your nerve. Keep your head down.
Let me handle the rest. I think we should redouble the advertising.
(PHONE)
Ye-ah.
Frank Edwards. Just the man.
Lady Mae is a wondrous woman.
Really she's Lady Loxley but everyone calls her Lady Mae.
Used to be a good-time girl before she snaffled Lord L.
Knows everyone who is anyone in London.
She could get you an investor at the drop of a hat.
Lady Mae, may I introduce my good friend Harry Selfridge.
Surely not the Selfridge we've been hearing and reading about?
The very same. Well, we are honoured.
The honour is all mine, Lady Mae.
Is Lord Loxley in town? No, Frank. Lord Loxley is in the country.
Lord Loxley is generally in the country and I'm generally in town.
There are so many different ways to run a marriage, don't you think?
And to never see each other. That's one of the very best.
I second that.
Excuse me.
Come and sit down with me, Mr Selfridge.
So, you've been creating quite a stir, haven't you?
I certainly hope so. And yet, London don't seem to care for you.
Oh? How do you make that out?
London doesn't like being shown how to do things.
Especially by outsiders. Is that how you feel too?
Not necessarily.
I rather like being shown how to do new things.
Especially by a man who knows what he's about.
But...people like us aren't used to going shopping.
It's not considered smart. A gentleman will visit his tailor.
A lady will send for her dressmaker and so on.
We are going to have to change the fashion.
We? Hm.
Oh, yes. Of course.
That's why you're here.
Oh, no. I would never... I do read the papers, Mr Selfridge.
You need a new backer and you need him fast
or your visit to our island will be cut rather short.
What you read in the papers ain't necessarily so, ma'am.
But I am flattered that you take such an interest.
We do like to give our ex-colonials a helping hand when they need it.
Who says that I need a helping hand? Everyone, Mr Selfridge.
(SNIGGERING)
Tony. Oh. You're a disgrace.
I know. I know. Don't be a bore.
Try not to make an exhibition of yourself, darling.
How did the audience go? She's quite a woman.
Is that her son she's with? Son?
Good job you didn't say that to her!
No, that's young Tony Travers. He's her lover. Is that so?
That's Lady Mae for you.
Good evening, sir. May I take your coat, sir?
Oh, very good of you to wait up for me, Fraser but there's no need.
I like to ensure everybody is safely home before I bolt the door, sir.
Ah. I guess you do.
Everything all right, sir?
Everything is fine, Fraser. Absolutely fine.
I'm glad to hear it, sir.
Good night, sir.
Hey, Pa. You should be asleep.
Pa, what's a huckster?
He's a man who buys and sells things.
Oh.
Why do you ask?
Well, it's just one of the kids at school said
"Your guv'nor is nothing but a common huckster."
What did you say? Well, it sounded insulting so I knocked him down.
Well, he probably did mean for it to be insulting
but there's nothing wrong with being a huckster.
You tell him one day you're gonna run the firm
and he's gonna be asking you for a job. OK? Yes, Pa.
All right. Get some sleep.
Good night, Pa. Good night.
Hey.
I fell asleep.
You smell so good.
Did you have a good time?
I had an interesting time.
But I'm so glad to be back here with you.
Flatterer! It's the God's honest truth, Rose.
There's no-one in the world I'd rather be with than you.
Are you doing all right, son?
Maybe we shouldn't have come, Ma.
You're in trouble, right?
I'm in over my head.
You've been in over your head before and come out of it fine.
Anyway, what's the worst that could happen?
Bankruptcy. My family out on the street.
We came from nothing. We're not going back there.
There must be something you can do.
There is someone who can help me find an investor
but I do not wanna be beholden.
Is that your pride talking? No, it's my gut.
This person could be very dangerous.
So? Outsmart them.
To sup with the devil you need a long spoon.
You taught me that.
You know, Harry...
..if your father could see you now, he'd be so proud. No!
What? Just don't talk to me about him.
What do you mean? Your father was a hero.
You remember him any way you please but as I remember it,
it was always just you and me.
Lady Mae.
I'm surprised and flattered you're here again so soon, Mr Selfridge.
I wanted to introduce you to my friend, Lady Mae. Henri Leclair.
Just arrived from America.
Are you an artist, Monsieur Leclair? You have the look of one.
Actually, Henri is the best window display man in the world.
And here we all are.
How delightful.
What can I offer you gentlemen? Champagne?
None for me, thanks. I don't drink.
I would be delighted. We'll have champagne, please, Pimble.
And coffee.
Monsieur Leclair, tell me what it is that you do.
Oh...erm...
I don't dress women like fashion designers do.
I dress space.
Each Selfridges window will be like a painting.
And the people looking in imagine themselves
in the story we are telling.
Maybe in the window there is handsome young man
and his beautiful lady and he's looking at her with passion.
Maybe they are going motoring.
You'd put a motor car in the window?
Yeah. Why not?
How fabulously extravagant. Who's driving?
The lady or the gentleman?
That's a good question.
I must say, Mr Selfridge, yours does seem a thrilling enterprise.
One I would love to share with my friends.
And we must be the best of friends, mustn't we, Harry.
Of course, a lady in my position occasionally needs a favour.
I may call on you from time to time in that regard.
Mightn't I?
One good turn always deserves another.
Then we understand each other.
Are you fond of shooting?
S-Shooting?
I think you might enjoy it.
Come down to the country on Friday.
There's someone I'd like you to meet.
Monsieur Leclair, as you are a man of taste,
will you make sure that Mr Selfridge arrives in the latest knickerbockers?
Knickerbockers?
I do so enjoy a shapely calf.
I'm going to be straight with you, Selfridge.
I choose my business ventures as I choose my horses.
With the horses, I look them straight in the eye
as I'm looking at you now and I take a view.
I'm generally right but if I'm not.
Well, don't waste time. It's straight off to the knacker's yard.
I happen to think you're all right. If it turns out I'm wrong...
All right?
All right, Mr Musker.
Make sure you have your references ready.
No interview without a reference.
Mr Selfridge doesn't like haughty and he doesn't like obsequious.
Friendly and respectful. That's the watchword.
The Chief wants men and women who are ambitious
and wish to better themselves.
No flirting. No love affairs if they want to keep their jobs.
And female assistants who marry will have to leave.
Make sure they know that.
There are five applicants for every position.
So we can afford to pick the very best.
Look at their shoes, their fingernails.
And above all, look deep into their eyes
and see if you can't fathom their souls.
Yes, miss?
If you please, sir. I've come to see the master.
Mr Selfridge.
I've come about a position.
Here? In the house?
No. In his shop. I'm a shop girl.
But don't you know this is Mr Selfridge's private residence?
Well, this is the address he gave me.
Look. He gave me his card.
Please. I've come ever such a long way.
Come in, Miss.
Would you wait over there, please, miss?
I'll go and see if Mr Selfridge is at home.
(DOUBLE DOORS SLAM OPEN)
Now, what's all this about?
If you please, sir. I was...erm...
I was hoping there might be a position for me. I hardly think...
I served you on the glove counter at Gamages...
..l-last year.
Agnes Towler.
And you were so kind as to buy these for me.
Oh, of course. I remember.
I was very demanding. You were very patient.
The floorwalker was very tall.
So, you want to leave Gamages and come work for me, is that right?
I was dismissed, sir.
Really? Why was that?
Erm...conduct unbecoming, sir.
It was... It was that same day.
He said I shouldn't have let you behind the counter
and get the stock out.
I'm so sorry.
It's all right. I never liked it there, sir.
I'd much rather come and work for you.
All the... All the girls are talking about Selfridges.
You have no idea what it's like to work for me, though.
I won't tell a lie, sir. Work's been...
It's been very hard to get any work these past months.
And without a reference, you see...
I got you into this mess. The least I can do is give you a chance now.
Come tomorrow morning. 9am sharp. And ask for the Chief of Staff.
Y-Yes, Mr Selfridge. Thank you, Mr Selfridge.
Fraser. Yes, sir.
Get Miss Towler a cab home and pay for the driver.
Certainly, sir. This way, Miss.
Sorry. Too tall. Next.
Thank you. Move along, please.
Thank you. Next.
Thank you. Move along.
I'm sorry, sir. All right. Move along.
Next. Thank you. Move along, please.
Thank you. This side, Miss.
Thank you. Next.
Thank you. Would you wait there, please?
This is a game, isn't it?
I hope I remembered to wish behind my ears.
Nervous? A bit.
Bet you'll be fine. Miss Towler.
Oh, that's me. Good luck.
GROVE: Thank you. Could you wait there, please?
Hands.
Previous experience? I worked on the glove counter at Gamages.
References?
I haven't got any. I'm sorry, Miss Towler. Next.
But I explained to Mr Selfridge.
YOU explained to Mr Selfridge?
Yes. And he said to speak to the Chief of Staff.
Did he indeed? Well, we shall see about that.
Mr Grove! Yes, Miss Mardle.
I have a Miss Towler. Miss Towler.
Yes. I have a note about Miss Towler.
It's very irregular. Well, who are we to reason why.
Straight from the Chief himself.
Well, it would seem, Miss Towler, that you are a special case.
You will be starting as a senior assistant in Accessories.
And I must tell you that Accessories is my department.
Which means you will be reporting to me.
Mr Colleano.
Mr Conway.
I don't see anything special about her. No. Nor me.
Ah, ladies. Please follow me.
Mr Selfridge himself wants to have a look at you.
Good morning, ladies. ALL: Good morning, Mr Selfridge.
Like the uniforms? Oh, yes, Mr Selfridge.
Glad to hear it because I designed them myself.
Learnt your scripts? Yes, Mr Selfridge. Give me the first floor.
First floor for menswear, luggage and hairdressing.
Please stand clear of the closing doors.
Thank you, ladies. Good as poetry.
Come on, ladies. Get to work.
We open in a week.
Miss Towler.
We have three girls in this department but four in Accessories.
So, if Miss Towler doesn't work out, I'd like to know about it.
Thank you, Miss Mardle.
A place for everything
and everything in its place, Miss Towler.
And memorise as you go.
To work in Accessories is to work in the most exacting department.
Ignorant people think we deal in little trifling things.
But the accomplished Accessories Assistant has at her fingertips
over 6,000 separate items of merchandise
and I shall expect you to know them all and locate each one
at a moment's notice. Is that understood?
Yes, Miss Mardle.
I can't imagine what they were thinking of.
Appointing someone so young as a senior assistant.
But still. I can see you make a good effort at presenting yourself.
I just hope you won't let it go to your head.
I won't, Miss Mardle.
I should hope not.
I shall be watching you very closely, Miss Towler.
And you two. Have you nothing to do but stare?!
Get on with your work. Not long till we open.
Every second counts.
Horrid old cat.
And little Miss Towler.
Our colleague. Senior assistant, if you please.
She's a bit of gutter slush if ever I saw one.
It's Ellen Love!
It's not! It is! It's never!
Please, Miss Love.
Will you sign your photograph for me, please?
Of course I will, dear.
And now could one of you kindly direct me to Mr Selfridge's office?
Oh, of course, Miss Love. Should you like to take the stairs or lift?
Oh, the lift I should think, don't you?
This way, please.
Mr Selfridge's office, please. Certainly, Miss.
Haven't I seen you before, dear?
Yes, Miss Love. We were both in the chorus of Frilly Dolls at the Gaiety.
Mabel.
That's right. What larks, eh?
I haven't given up, you know. Nor should you.
(LIFT PINGS) Fourth floor, Director's Offices.
Lovely diction, dear. Thank you.
So, what's Mr Selfridge like as an employer?
He's very particular, Miss but he's very kind as well.
Very particular and very kind.
I shall tell him you said that. Oh, no, miss. Please don't.
Why not? I don't think he would like to think he was talked about.
I think he'd love it.
(Most men do.)
Miss Love to see Mr Selfridge.
If you'd like to follow me.
Miss Love.
(CLEARS THIS THROAT)
Well, here we are.
Here we are.
No chair.
I don't like people hanging around, present company excepted.
I'll just sit here, then.
(HALF LAUGHS)
I need people to understand the essence of Selfridges.
Beauty, elegance, quality.
I want your face and your figure on all our posters.
You already embody the spirit of the age.
Women want to be like you and men want to...
Well, let's just say they want you to be their sweetheart.
To put it delicately.
So...
..what do you think?
I'm not going to give up the stage, you know.
I don't want you to. One will enhance the other.
And a little money will change hands?
Of course. It's a very important role and you'll be handsomely recompensed.
Well... I must say it does seem like fun.
Though it's not the proposition I thought you'd have in mind.
Oh. You're disappointed.
I'm honoured by your proposition.
And delighted to accept.
Well, you know where to find me.
Every night barring Sundays.
So what was she like, Aggie?
Very nice.
You don't mind being Aggie.
I always think of it as a sort of scullery maid's name.
Oh. Not that I'm casting any aspersions.
Oh, dear. The things that come out of my mouth.
No offence taken I hope. None at all, Kitty.
We used to have a cat at home called Kitty. (SNIGGERS)
Oh, Miss Mardle, isn't it? Yes.
And this is your little treasure house. Yes. Ladies.
How can I help you Mr Leclair?
I'm looking for something. I don't know what it is yet. Maybe me.
I need one detail for a window that is almost complete.
In this particular window, I am creating a...
..a picture.
Like a scene from a play. You understand?
A play in a theatre. A play in the theatre. I understand perfectly.
Good. So, we have two young ladies in a garden.
One of them is turning. Looking out like this.
Her hand shading her eyes as if she is waiting for someone.
The other is seated. Looking down at something in her lap.
And that something, that je ne sais quoi,
is the focus of the whole picture.
So you want us to suggest what she might be holding.
This girl in the window. Exactly.
That little something that will complete the picture.
I have it all except that one thing so...
Well, really, Mr Leclair, you cannot expect us to do your job for you.
Oh, no. No. No. No. Of course.
And you're very busy here. Forgive me. Please carry on.
Mr Leclair. Sir.
Erm...I thought, maybe, something like this?
A silk flower. Hm-mm.
Well, it wouldn't fade, would it?
It's very practical.
And you think this colour?
To stand out. Against the green.
Well, it would do that.
People might think that she was given it as...
As what?
Well, as a token of love, as it were.
A token of love?
Very good. I will think about it.
Miss Towler. Coming, Miss Mardle.
(CLEARS HIS THROAT)
What time would you like to dine tonight, Ma'am?
Mr Selfridge telephoned to say he wouldn't be in this evening.
He telephoned, you say? Yes, Ma'am.
We will dine at 7:30 as usual. Thank you, Fraser.
Very good, Ma'am.
(SIGHS)
That's three nights this week.
It's nice to have a little time together.
Not much chance of getting a word in edgeways when he's around.
Indeed.
_ I haven't been out of school long
_ And I haven't really found my way
Hello, there. You got the job, then.
Yes. In Accessories.
And you? I'm a waiter in the Palm Court Restaurant.
Oh, it's supposed to be beautiful.
Do you want to come and see?
I couldn't. What if we were caught? Come on. Just a quick peek.
In a couple of days, this place will be heaving with customers.
Why not? You only live once.
_ He's everything I ever dreamed of _
Oh, it's magical.
Do you like working here? It's all right.
Of course we haven't had any customers. We've been practising.
I could practise on you if you like.
Will this table suit, Miss?
Come on. No-one's gonna come.
All right, then.
Thank you.
Now, what can I get you, Miss?
Oh, I don't know. I've never been to a place like this.
Well, might I suggest a glass of sherry, Miss?
Erm... All right, then.
Just a small one.
Actually, I feel bad about this. What if someone catches us?
They won't but if they did, I'll say it's all part of my training.
I'm so keen, I even carry on after hours.
There you are, Miss Towler.
One small sherry.
Well, aren't you going to have one?
Drinking with the customer, Miss? Strictly against the rules.
But if you'll insist...
..I'll have a sip of yours.
(SNIFFS)
Delicioso.
I'm gonna own a place like this one day.
Are you? Definitely.
How about you? Head Buyer in Accessories.
Oh, I don't know.
We've only just got here, haven't we? Nothing wrong with ambition.
Nothing wrong with having dreams.
Selfridge himself started out delivering newspapers.
Well, I... I'd love to learn about window dressing.
Well, there you are, then. A bit of an artist on the quiet, are you?
I think you've got hidden depths. No, I haven't.
No. I've got a nose for these sort of things.
I think you are a bit special, Agnus Towler.
I should go. Well, hang on a bit.
Look. Have you seen the telephones we got here?
You can phone anybody you like on the house.
I don't know anybody with a telephone.
(LAUGHS) Come on, then.
Let's have a dance instead. No, I really have got to go.
There's someone waiting for me. Come on. Really.
All right. Of course, Miss.
Where were you? You're late! Who's this?
Victor Colleano. Pleased to meet you. Take your hands off her!
George, don't take on. Take on? I'll give you take on!
You need to learn some manners my friend. I said, "Get off her!"
George!
Leave him. You can do better than that. He's my brother.
George. Calm down. What is it?
He's found us, Agnes. He's tracked us down.
Come on.
Oh, no!
We didn't think there was an actual fire, Chief but it's hard to tell.
It is a very sophisticated system. Sophisticated?!
It has soaked every window in this entire store
for no reason whatsoever.
Mr Selfridge. We have never installed something so advanced.
There are bound to be some teething problems. No.
No teething problems. Henri. Mr Selfridge.
Not now.
Can it be fixed?
Impossible.
But we've done the impossible before.
Mr Selfridge, if the sprinklers go off inside the store,
the insurance company say they won't cover us.
They say the system's untested.
It's all these innovations, Mr Selfridge.
I don't see how we can proceed.
Miss Blenkinsop.
Gather the staff. I want everyone down here in 15 minutes.
Apart from you, Crabb.
Who will be on the telephone with the insurance company
doing your job.
This store IS opening tomorrow.
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen.
STAFF: Good morning, Mr Selfridge.
They said we couldn't do it.
Some are still saying we won't.
Can't be done, they say.
But we are going to prove them wrong.
(APPLAUSE)
I want to tell you that I am proud of each and every one of you,
the way that you have risen to this challenge.
And today will be no exception.
We may be here until midnight working in a common cause,
to create the finest house of business
that London, that the world has ever seen!
(APPLAUSE)
We are going to open on the day, and on the dot of nine.
So don't worry about whether the fellow next to you is ready -
make sure that you are!
Ladies and gentlemen, we are in this together.
To work is elevating, to accomplish is superb.
(APPLAUSE)
All set? Yes, Mr Selfridge.
(CHUCKLING) Very good. I like this.
All set? Yes, Mr Selfridge. Nice.
All set for tomorrow? Yes, Mr Selfridge.
Very good, very good. This display is just a little bit too neat and tidy.
We don't want them to be afraid to touch the goods.
If I just pull one out like this, you see?
It's more of an invitation.
Once they've got one of these in their hands,
they won't want to let 'em go. Yes, Mr Selfridge.
But otherwise, well done, Miss Towler, well done. I have high hopes for you.
All set for tomorrow? I think so, Mr Selfridge.
You think so? Any doubt? No, Mr Selfridge. All set here.
That's what I like to hear.
All set for tomorrow? Good. Very good.
All set? All set?
MISS BUNTING: Come on, Doris, you should've finished that by now!
The waist's too big! I shouldn't be doing fashion anyway. I'm Accessories.
You need to stitch the back. I'll run down to haberdashery.
All set for tomorrow?
Yes, sir. All done sir.
Good work. Thank you, Mr Selfridge. Thank you, sir.
ELLEN: Do stop, Nancy, you're shaking the floorboards!
(KNOCK AT DOOR)
(SQUEALS WITH EXCITEMENT)
Oh, Nancy!
Ellen!
This, my dear, is my ticket out of here.
(SQUEALS AND GIGGLES)
(SIGHS)
Night, Mr Selfridge.
(PIANO PLAYS)
What's so fascinating out there?
Would you believe it's starting to snow!
It looks like it's settling too, of all the damn things!
People won't let a little bad weather put them off.
Just when you think you've covered every loophole.
I dare say it'll all be gone by the morning.
Well, let's pray it is.
NEWSPAPER SELLER: Selfridges store opens today! Read all about it!
(COMMOTION)
(TICKS)
(PLAYS FANFARE)
It's just wonderful, Harry. Ain't it just?
Congratulations, Harry! Absolutely top-notch, the whole caboodle!
Mr Selfridge!
Musker and I are so pleased with what you've done with our store.
We've brought all our friends to see just how clever you are.
Why thank you, Lady Mae.
Do encourage them to purchase before they go.
Mrs Selfridge? I'm Ellen Love.
I expect Harry's told you I'm the Spirit of Selfridge's!
Congratulations.
That must be quite a responsibility for you, Miss Love.
Well, who knew a shop could be this glamorous?
Is there no end to your husband's talents? Ellen?
Frank! How good to see you.
Isn't this wonderful?
Great day, Crabb. Great day.
As a spectacle, Mr Selfridge. As a spectacle.
Good night, Mr Crabb.