(LIFT BELL RINGS)
I hope you're wrong, Mr Grove.
Miss Bunting, a moment.
Miss Mardle, your assistance, please.
Is something wrong, Mr Grove? Mr Selfridge?
Miss Mardle, the hem of Miss Bunting's skirts, please.
(GASPS)
Please say it isn't true.
Miss Bunting, this is our best lace and silk.
I'm so sorry, Mr Selfridge.
Consider that sorry and fired.
I-I-I was going to pay for everything, just as soon as my -
You were one of the first people that I hired.
You don't steal from your work family.
It's a betrayal of everything that we stand for.
Don't you see that? Don't you see that? Yes.
I...
Increase random checks of all departments, starting tomorrow.
I hate this. I hate it!
I-I'm all on my own with an invalid mother, Mr Grove.
How am I to get another position, without a reference?
Mr Selfridge takes theft very personally, Miss Bunting.
He also takes staff problems very personally.
Why on earth didn't you come to us?
I was too ashamed, Mr Grove.
Collect your things.
(SOBS)
If you could get back to me... Yes, that would be kind.
Yes, indeed.
Another hand-delivered card from Miss Love, sir.
Make some time for Mr Grove to see me, tomorrow.
We need to see about a replacement for Miss Bunting.
Miss Bunting's being replaced? Anyone can be replaced.
Good night, Miss Blenkinsop.
Smells nice. Yeah, it looks nice.
Could you butter me a little bit of bread? Yeah.
(DOOR RATTLES)
REG: Aggie?
Mrs Payne must have left the front door open. Agnes, come on, girl.
Well, he can't get in, can he? The locks have been changed.
Hello?
(RATTLING CONTINUES)
Agnes, you can't do this. We're a family.
I'm out on the streets.
I don't have two brass farthings.
Hey, eat it up, George, while it's hot. Agnes?
I need to talk to you.
(HAMMERING) Agnes, open the door!
(RATTLING)
George, are you in there? George, it's all right.
Agnes, I'm warning you.
(THUDDING) Open the door!
This mutton's lovely.
(KNOCKING) And the dumplings turned out well.
(THUDDING) Agnes!
See that the car is waiting for us, Fraser, thank you.
(GIGGLES)
Pa! Where are we going, anyway? What's the big secret?
_ SAINT-SAENS: The Carnival Of Animals
Pavlova so close I could touch her.
Thank you, Harry. A true gift.
Bravo. Bravo. Bravo.
Bravo.
(CHEERING)
Woo!
(WHISTLING)
Oh, Frank.
Her performance was so beautiful.
She was so enchanting.
I did cry. Did you? Yes.
Beatrice would have loved this. I wish she could've been here.
How beautiful you look tonight, my dear.
Thank you, Lady Loxley.
I've never seen Rosalie at such a loss for words. (LAUGHS)
Rosalie. Pa!
I like the young - fresh and untainted,
before the world gets hold of them.
But I suspect Rosalie will be safe from that corruption,
you'll see to that.
Mr Selfridge, have we won you over to the charms of the ballet?
The look on my wife's face would've won me over to anything.
I've never seen you so enchanted.
What struck you so?
I don't know. Well, it was like a moment of perfect beauty,
where everything just came together.
I just wish everyone could enjoy this.
You are an idealist, my dear Mrs Selfridge. (LAUGHS)
Only the very select can enjoy such a gift. No, I disagree.
I think every woman should have a Pavlova moment, like this.
Ladies and gentlemen, Madame Pavlova.
There she is.
My dear...
Bravo, Miss Pavlova, you were truly amazing.
We Americans like to show our enthusiasm, freely.
Stunning, beyond words. You are too kind.
Thank you for coming so swiftly, Frank.
A girl likes to know that she can still summon a gentleman
at the click of her fingers.
Not even a click, Miss Love, not even that.
So...do you have plans after the show? Huh?
I thought, perhaps, you and I...
I want you to find out what's going on with Harry. Oh.
What do you mean?
He doesn't come near me.
He won't take my telephone calls.
He doesn't respond to my notes.
Is there anything I need to know, Frank?
Not that I'm aware of, Ellen, dear.
You know Harry, he's his own man.
He's my man.
Look.
Look at the things he's given me.
Anything. 'Anything I want,' that's what he said.
Well, he's a very generous chap.
(GIGGLES) Generous? Are you blind?
Have you seen my apartment?
The best of everything.
That's not generosity, that's - that's a man putting down roots.
Roots?
Ellen, I hope you're not...
Surely you don't think...
Why not? (LAUGHS)
Lady Loxley was a Gaiety girl.
She nabbed Lord Loxley.
I'm sure that Harry has the same intentions for me.
He...just needs reminding, that's all.
That's all.
Just reminding.
Mm.
Look. Oh, my dear girl.
You didn't slide down, you fell right off the horse.
Actually, it was more of a pony, a small pony.
You're such a liar, Violette. It was huge. I didn't fall.
I thrashed you - Gordon, Violette, enough!
Beatrice, please, poppet. Just a little more egg.
Rosalie isn't telling enough.
You do know I'm going to be a ballerina, don't you?
I thought you were going to be in variety shows, like Ellen Love?
Couldn't I do both? You could do anything you set your mind to.
Come on, she's a girl. Who beat you at arm wrestling the last 10 times?
You two! Can I please eat my breakfast?
Good morning. Mama!
Mama, was she beautiful?
Did you cry? Yes and yes.
Rosalie, didn't you tell your sister all about Pavlova?
How do you explain female perfection to an over-eager puppy?
Well, all puppies have to learn, I suppose.
Best they don't pick up bad habits from the beginning, though,
hey, Rosalie?
I should die if I could meet Anna Pavlova.
I might have to cancel a certain arrangement, then. What a shame.
You don't mean - I could mean something. I could mean nothing.
Oh, Papa, 40 kisses every day for a week.
20 in the morning, and 20 before bed.
Impressive arithmetic.
I tell you what, you make it 50 kisses and you've got a deal.
Good morning, everyone. Morning. Good morning.
She'll be coming to the store tomorrow
and you'll all get a chance to meet her. (GASPS)
You, dear Rose, will have afternoon tea with her.
Oh, my! Who loves me?
Who the heck in this room loves me?
(CHEERING) We do.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
Neaten the brooches.
I'd like to see your best inset collars, please.
Finest gauze with a pearl motif, preferably.
We're not open yet, madam.
I'm not a client, or I wouldn't be here before doors opening.
White and a silvery grey, if you please.
What do you want them for, madam?
For the decolletage on the mannequins, of course.
You have to check with Miss Mardle, Head of Accessories.
I will, send her to me. Now, collars, please.
Did you see that, Doris?
Her skirts are around her ankles.
(INDISTINCT WHISPERING)
(WHISTLES)
That motor van you're loading...
I don't see the Selfridges livery on the side.
How often does it come? Mornings, sometimes.
It'll be back around three, today.
It's always you that loads it? I do what Alf and Sam tell me.
What are you getting out of it? Eh?
My wage, of course.
What else should I be getting?
Miss Irene Ravillious.
London-trained at the House of Lucile, no less.
Our new visionary Head of Fashion.
Liberty's loss is very much our gain.
She'll breathe new life into our fashion department.
Isn't that right, Miss Ravillious? Well -
In fact, she's so confident,
that women's fashion might even surpass accessories one day.
Are you asking me, or telling me, Mr Selfridge?
A little bit of both, I guess. That would be acceptable.
So I'd even go so far as to predict that, within my lifetime certainly,
it won't just be the men who can purchase ready-made for purpose,
but also the ladies.
What do you mean?
A lady shall enter our store, see a costume, say, 'I want that,'
and purchase the very day.
No fittings, no seamstress, no waiting about.
All well and good, Miss Ravillious, but surely ladies tend to...
..tend to...
Tend to what, Mr Crabb?
Shapes and sizes, Mr Selfridge. (CHUCKLES)
Precisely the point, Mr Crabb.
We shall stock all shapes and sizes.
Fashion will be big one day.
Mark my words, it's just a matter of time.
Meanwhile, I have a great event planned.
Anna Pavlova, any of you heard of her?
Indeed. Yes.
She will be on our shop floor.
Surely not? Yes, Miss Mardle.
The beautiful and unique Pavlova will be on our store floor,
for all to share - from a Duchess to a lady's maid.
An experience they'll always remember.
She'll mingle, Mr Selfridge? You bet she'll mingle.
I'm gonna pay her handsomely, I might add.
Every woman should have a Pavlova moment.
Meeting adjourned. Back to your posts with vim and vigour.
Thank you all.
I can't help but notice that your skirt is shorter than the usual.
Is this the coming fashion?
My skirts are shorter because I'm a champion of the Rational Dress Movement. The what?
I believe clothes can serve a purpose other than mere drapery.
I use my bicycle to get about,
consequently my skirts hang an inch or two above the norm.
And I don't bother with whalebone corseting - too restricting.
Vigorous exercise is sufficient to keep my figure intact.
You are entitled to your ways, of course, Miss Ravillious,
but may I advise you on our way in the store,
with regard to taking stock from one department for another -
Thank you, but I use my initiative, as the staff manual decrees.
(TELEPHONE RINGS)
Day's not ripe, don't mind if I do.
I'm an upside-down creature, Frank.
Day's my night, night's my day.
You're a delectable, upside-down creature. Cheers.
I take it you've spoken to Harry?
Is he coming to see me, today?
I shouldn't think today.
(SNIFFS)
He's gonna be very busy.
Oh, no, red stuff's my poison. Thanks all the same.
Why today in particular, Frank?
Who is she?
Who? Who, Frank? I'm sure it's just business.
That's why we press...
Anna Pavlova is visiting Selfridges, today.
THE Anna Pavlova?
I see.
My dear, you know what men like Selfridge are like.
He's always in hot pursuit of the next big thing.
Take my advice and leave well alone.
She'll be gone like a puff of air and I'm sure he'll be -
I am the Spirit of Selfridges, Frank. Ellen -
How can I not be there to welcome Pavlova?
I have to be there. Oh!
Just go, Frank!
How much longer?
I'm about to drop off.
Just hold the pose, just another while.
(LAUGHS)
(GIGGLES)
I get the message.
I'm being greedy. That's enough for today. (SIGHS)
You know, it's such a rare quality,
a woman so comfortable in her own skin.
I'm American, maybe that's it.
No.
No, that's not it.
So when I can see - Ah-ah-ah!
When it's ready for showing at the Chelsea Arts Club.
I was hoping to buy it as a gift for my husband.
Come with me to the club, Rose. You'd love it there.
There are some amazing paintings. Now? No, no, I can't.
Some amazing paintings - No, really, I can't.
We'll take our entrance from here.
We will have a great deal of press in this area.
Have as many people gathered here,
just beyond a roped off area, right here.
All set for Pavlova's arrival? ALL: Yes, Mr Selfridge.
Miss Ravillious? Yes, Mr Selfridge?
We must make the most of her presence. Sales-wise, you mean?
So it's not just about giving women a moment to remember?
Business is about giving people what they want.
That's what keeps over 2,000 staff employed.
The more people purchase, the more memories. Simple commerce.
I am open to all of your suggestions.
Please feel free to use your imaginations
and both departments working together.
I welcome all of your ideas as soon as possible.
Thank you very much.
Don't give Miss Ravillious anything from accessories, unless I say so.
Is that understood? Yes, Miss Mardle. Sorry, Miss Mardle.
Now, you heard Mr Selfridge, any ideas, ladies,
before Miss Ravillious gets in there first and shows us up...
Great idea, Miss Ravillious.
All we have to do is add the white braiding to our existing capes.
See? How quickly can this be done?
I'll get the seamstresses to do what they can today
then, if they sell, we can put them on shifts through the night
to be ready for tomorrow. Excellent.
Good idea. Have my wife's initials sewn into the cape.
I cannot wait to see her face. (CHUCKLES)
Come.
I got them, Roger, those tickets for Drury Lane.
Oh.
Josie, I'm so sorry.
Oh, no. Please don't say you can't come.
Hettie's nurse asked for the night off. I completely forgot.
Let me pay for them. Take a friend instead.
It was my treat.
Another time, perhaps.
Oh, and while I'm here,
Miss Ravillious needs to know she can't pinch from other departments.
You may find that
she is looking for white braiding from accessories.
An idea she's putting to Mr Selfridge as we speak.
From my department? And she didn't ask me to go and see him with her?
It even goes with that, I think. Mm-hm.
Victor?
Your George - you might wanna ask him about the vans he loads.
Well, how do you mean? Well, just that.
Just check he knows what he's doing, is all.
What do we think, Miss Towler?
Which ribbon for rose buds? Hm?
White, Mr Leclair. I agree.
Thank you, girls. You're welcome, Mr Leclair.
Can we make a start?
Yes, Mr Leclair. Good.
(LIFT BELL RINGS)
Miss Mardle, with your permission,
I'd like to move Miss Towler to the fashion department for today.
By all means, Mr Leclair. Move all of accessories, why don't you?
It's the way things are heading, as far as I can see.
Only Miss Towler. Thank you.
Why not one of us?
She's no better than you or me. Hm.
Sometimes, I think I'll turn into a boring chicken.
Cluck-cluck.
Wouldn't that be amusing, Mr Colleano?
Let me add some flavour, Lady Loxley.
Something original.
Of course, Lady Loxley.
Ah, Lady Mae, always a pleasure to see you.
Quite a coup you've pulled off, Mr Selfridge.
Pavlova in a shop.
This shop.
Actually, she's having tea with Rose at 3:30, if you wanna join them.
I certainly would.
Your wife's company grows on me with each encounter.
Me too.
(LAUGHTER)
How dare you speak about my beloved Rossetti like that.
His paintings make me swoon.
Because they're overblown, sentimental tosh. Here, here.
Do I get a kiss every time you disagree with me?
Come on, Cora, kiss him.
Mrs Buckingham, is your husband a patron of the arts also?
In a manner of speaking, yes.
Buckingham? Buckingham? (MUTTERING)
I can't say I know any other American involved in that circle.
Anyone else?
The Buckinghams, they're relatively new to London.
I'm so sorry, I really am running rather late.
Oh!
But thank you so much. I'm sorry, but I'm so late -
Tell us everything.
Has your husband commissioned paintings of you before? Tell us.
Victor, what do you think you're playing at?
Satisfying the lady, Mr Perez.
Gentleman's relish and a typical Italian touch.
Chopped olives and capers. Mm.
You have an inspired touch, Mr Colleano.
I look forward to tasting more from you.
Any time you say, Lady Loxley.
I say in a couple of hours, Mr Colleano.
Do let me know when Mrs Selfridge arrives, I'm taking tea with her...
..which sadly means I shall have to reserve my appetite
for any more of your creative touches.
Still, the pleasure is in the anticipation.
Don't you think? I can't rightly say, Lady Loxley.
I like to eat when I'm hungry.
Welcome.
(CHUCKLES)
Beautiful. Good to see you. Thank you, Mr Selfridge.
Gentlemen...
(BELL RINGS)
Such beautiful emeralds.
The finest, madam, from Columbia,
mounted on white gold and fashioned by our designers in Hatton Garden.
Ooh!
A child in a confectionery store is what you make of me, Mr Selfridge.
I like to spoil ladies, Miss Pavlova.
Your presence and pleasure suit the image we want to convey.
So how shall we transport all these perfumes, lotions and petticoats?
Do we have enough items of luggage?
(SPEAKS RUSSIAN)
Spasibo.
Oh!
Ladies fashion, perhaps?
Oh, yes, please.
(APPLAUSE)
Where would you like us? Just there, please.
I love her dress.
Oh, she's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen in my life.
Don't you think, Kitty? Second only to those jewels round her neck.
Wherever could your mother be?
Well, if Ma's not going, I'm not either.
Maybe Ma's waiting for us there.
I'm surprised she hasn't telephoned.
You are coming to. Right, then. Off we go.
Goodbye.
Thank you for a wonderful afternoon.
Mrs Buckingham, you simply cannot miss what we are going to see.
It's history in the making. She's right.
I can't, I really can't. Help me, everybody.
We're going to have manhandle Mrs Buckingham all the way there.
No, no, no. Tell her, Roddy. Tell her.
Very well.
We're going to see Pavlova in the flesh.
See? I told you you'd thank me.
Kidnap the lady, my friends.
No. No, Roddy! Roddy, a word.
Go ahead. Go ahead, we'll catch up.
Is everything OK?
What is it?
Why wouldn't you want to come to the biggest event in town?
Because I'm supposed to be there already.
I'm Mrs Selfridge.
_ TCHAIKOVSKY: Swan Lake
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
(HORN HONKS)
They're not here for very long, so get 'em while you can.
Follow me, Miss Pavlova.
Oh, my family's here. Excuse me.
There they are.
Hi, Mom.
Where's Rose? I thought she'd be here.
No.
Come meet Miss Pavlova.
Miss Pavlova, this is my mother, Madam Selfridge.
How do you do? Anna Pavlova...
I say, she's every bit as perfect as the chief said.
Some night this week, Roger, yes?
Depends, my dear. Some of the nurses do require supervision.
It is really about the nurses though, isn't it? It's not me.
Of course not.
We can't talk now, Josie, you know that. Yes.
It was wrong, I should've just told you the truth.
Yes, you should've.
It's just...everybody know the Selfridge name and I just...
I guess, I just wanted to have something that was, well, my own.
Do you know, my father's right?
I am an idiot. Oh, don't say that.
No, I am. You're so kind and talented. Kind and talented?
I love our time together. Please, say we can still be friends.
Friends? Yes.
It's no match for the famous Mr Selfridge though, is it?
You knew I was falling in love with you.
What was it? What? Was it revenge for Ellen Love? Was that it?
Half of London knows, don't tell me you don't.
Harry and I have our bond.
How could he risk losing you?
It's in his nature, he risks the things that he loves.
And it's my nature to remain in love with me.
I should go.
Rose, please.
Ellen Love, I didn't...
Please, forgive me.
I was tempted, Roddy.
I owe you that much honesty, at least.
Gentlemen, it's Miss Love.
Miss Love, this way. Miss Love.
Over here, Miss Love, and a nice, big smile.
Over here, please, Miss Love.
Now, are you sure this is a good idea?
Don't be silly, Frank.
Mr Selfridge.
Miss Pavlova, I had to come and see you.
Ellen Love, the Spirit of Selfridges.
I don't think I...
(WHISPERS) Do you dance, Miss Love?
Oh, I surely do. What fun.
Another dancer, Mr Selfridge.
Miss Love is of a contemporary variety. (Doris. Doris, look.)
I'm fascinated by this new dance movement in Europe.
I visited the Isadora Duncan School in Paris. (UMBRELLA THUDS)
It was quite extraordinary.
Or do you favour this more modern, Bohemian style?
Miss Love sings as well as dances.
Don't you, Miss Love? Yes.
It's so very kind of you to welcome Miss Pavlova,
but we can't keep you any longer, Miss Love, please.
Oh, no. No!
Not at all. I have to a photograph with Miss Pavlova.
(GIGGLES) Miss Pavlova.
Good publicity. (So sorry about this, Harry.)
Coo-ee, boys! Over here!
Dad... A little Champagne?
I'm a customer. Please, Dad.
I've come in to do some shopping. Dad, people are...
(GIGGLES)
You boys do make me smile.
(CHUCKLES) Beauty and elegance, that's what the store is all about.
Please - You're a shop girl!
(SQUEALS)
Get that drunk out of our store. Yes, sir.
You bitch! You should be ashamed of yourself.
I'm your father, anyhow.
You little bitch.
Happy now?
(CHUCKLES NERVOUSLY)
Thank you, boys. That's enough.
(SNIFFS)
Ellen, with me, now, please.
Mother, will you take the children to the restaurant?
Come along, children. Go ahead, we'll see you soon.
(GRUNTS) Aggie!
Aggie! Agnes, you call this urchin off me, or you'll be sorry, girl.
Will you please just go?
Lost your job, have you?
See, you're no better than me, my girl.
You and that stupid, little chump.
You're right. You've ruined everything.
You've done your damage, now what more do you want?
I want...
I want some respect from my own flesh and blood.
I will never respect you.
I hate you.
(GRUNTS)
(COUGHS)
Now get out of here.
(COUGHS)
(GASPS)
(COUGHS)
Your Pa is the reason you didn't want me coming round your place.
I thought it was me.
It'll be all right, Agnes.
No, it won't, Victor.
He'll keep coming back.
Miss Bunting got sacked for a lot less.
Go to him. Explain.
Mr Selfridge'll understand.
How could he understand what it's like to have a father like that?
He'll think I'm scum.
Hey.
No-one would ever think that about you.
I'll look after you, Agnes.
Honest, I will.
You've got your own family to look after, Victor...
..but thank you.
Oi! Walk your sister upstairs is what you need to do -
But I have to - ..or there'll be two of you looking for a job.
And to show you the extent of our gratitude to Miss Pavlova,
we have one more gift to bestow.
What could it be, Sonya? I can't imagine, Madame.
You were saying about a new sable...
You shall have a new sable too.
And there is more? Ah, yes.
The most prestigious gift our store could offer.
Your very own window.
I think a photo is in order.
ELLEN: You've given her a window? Keep your voice down.
Please - But, Harry - Let's get you out of here, Ellen, right now.
Will you call on me, this evening?
Listen, your contract with Selfridges is over.
All right? Come on. Harry.
Harry, why would you say that? You've crossed the line.
My family is here. I don't see your wife anywhere.
My wife is not your concern. The point is, your reckless nature.
Please, Harry. Please don't leave me. Please, Harry.
You can keep the flat and whatever you want. Goodbye, Ellen.
I'm sorry. No. Frank, take her home, please. Please.
I'm sorry.
Come on, Ellen.
Come on, dear.
(WEEPS)
(CLEARS THROAT)
Henri? Would you excuse me?
I wanna talk to you about Miss Pavlova's window.
Indeed, Mr Selfridge.
I know exactly what I want and I'm gonna work on it with you myself.
I want it to be the talk of London and I need it on display -
Let me guess, this evening?
Exactly.
Now, if anyone could tell me where the hell Rose is...
I'm sure you will love it.
(DOOR OPENS)
(LAUGHTER)
Mom? Where's Mom?
Thank you, Fraser.
Mom!
I danced with Anna Pavlova.
Lady Mae clapped her hands off.
I brought you a Pavlova cape with your initials on it.
Where were you, Ma? Have you any idea what you've missed? I do.
I'm sorry, everyone, I wasn't feeling very well.
Right, everyone get ready for dinner, please.
Better now, Mama? I'm much better.
Thank you.
Come on, dear.
Should I be worried? No, no, I'm feeling... I'm much better.
You must have been feeling very bad to miss tea with Pavlova.
I appreciate your arranging that for me, Harry...
..but I couldn't make it.
(SIGHS)
(DOOR OPENS)
From the shop you love, on Marylebone Street.
Violet creams. Your favourite. Yeah. (SNIFFS)
And I've arranged to stay the night, after all.
I'll get fat.
(CHUCKLES)
You're lovely.
Very lovely.
(SPEAKS RUSSIAN) The window.
It's beautiful, Madame.
All in.
(Are you sure, Harry, old chap?)