Episode 7

She's in a bad way.

If you could just see it fit to give her a reference... FRANK: Why don't you try your hand at something else?

Like what?

Serious acting.

I gave you my childbearing years.

You understand that, don't you, Roger?

HARRY: I'd be lost without you.

TEMPLE: Don't stifle your true self.

This may be your last chance.

No.

"Dear Kitty, sweets for a sweetheart."

I always wanted a mystery admirer!

You!

I don't know what came over me!

LINNEY: Starring Jeremy Piven, Captioning sponsored by VIEWERS LIKE YOU ♫♫ I want everything perfect for this evening, Fraser.

Of course, sir.

And all the staff understands that?

They do indeed, Mr. Selfridge.

Mr. Woolworth is an American gentleman, I believe?

Yes, yes, and I told you he likes his mutton very well done?

You did indeed, sir.

(engine idling) HARRY: And I don't want any fuss, everything natural.

Of course, sir, everything natural.

(doorbell rings) JENNIE WOOLWORTH: Hello, Rose!

ROSE: Jennie, welcome!

So glad you could come.

You look so well.

Frank, so nice to see you.

Welcome!

Come in.

Frank.

Nice place you got here, Harry.

Rented?

Well, I could have bought it, of course, but... Sure you could.

Just didn't want to tie up all my capital in real estate.

Don't have to explain to me, Harry, you're a big boy now.

Bed!

Well, my heart was in my mouth, as you can imagine.

My first soiree!

But Lady Mae was wonderful.

She introduced me to so many people I lost count.

FRANK WOOLWORTH: Our Edna is getting married to a New York City stockbroker.

One of the wealthiest and most influential fellows.

Oh, Frank... Stop it.

Nothing wrong with a little bragging.

Harry and I both came up the hard way.

Children are our legacy.

Here's to them.

You seem to have settled in just fine, Rose.

We have.

Although I miss family and friends.

Well, we may be here a great deal more.

Really?

FW's store did so well in Liverpool, he's planning to open them all over England.

But you don't want him to?

FW doesn't stop.

I don't think he knows how to.

Harry has the same problem.

I hope not.

Jennie, are you quite well?

You know...

I think I liked it better when we were just starting up.

It was hard, but we were together.

And happy.

So when does the Brixton store open up?

Couple of weeks.

And then?

I'm taking one step at a time.

(chuckling) I heard you were thinking about Central London.

Oxford Street, to be exact.

Is that true?

Wouldn't it be kind of neighborly?

Two old Yankees cozying up together?

It could be kind of painful.

Your prices undercutting mine.

Our stores don't attract the same customers.

Yours is for the wealthy, mine is for the thrifty.

Selfridges is for anyone and everyone.

Anybody who can afford your stiff prices.

When you and I were growing up, we couldn't even go into a place like Selfridges, let alone buy anything there.

Face it, Harry, you cater to the carriage trade these days.

I'm still a five-and-dime guy.

I reckon the West End's big enough to hold us both.

What do you say, Harry?

Good night.

Thanks again!

Good morning, Miss Ravillious.

Look to it, Miss Towler.

Mr. Selfridge is on the floor.

Good morning, ladies.

Good morning, Mr. Selfridge.

Good morning, Mr. Selfridge.

I have a challenge for you.

What can I buy with this?

Well, nothing, Mr. Selfridge.

If it were a sixpence, we have some rather pleasant handkerchiefs-- girls?

I don't have a sixpence, I have a thruppenny bit.

Well... Miss Ravillious, Miss Towler, what can you offer me?

A thrupenny bit wouldn't buy you half a button on any of our fashion pieces, Mr. Selfridge.

Does anyone have anything that they can sell me for this?

(gasps) Yes?

You can buy a bag of bull's eyes for a penny in confectionery, Mr. Selfridge.

LADY MAE: Freddie Squires.

He's the eldest son of Lord Squires.

They have a large estate in Northumberland.

It's too far, and cold.

We should stick to the Home Counties.

There's Robin Brackenbury, he's a viscount.

He's terribly stupid, but that can be a benefit.

I'm sorry, what are you talking about?

The next step.

A suitable young man.

(sighs) When Rosalie eventually marries, she will marry for love, not for money or a title.

How lucky she is.

Most mothers use their children to make their mark on the world.

That's what I would have done.

You know, Rosalie is very fortunate that you've taken such an interest in her.

But you now feel that that interest should come to an end.

No, not at all!

Maybe you're right.

Why not introduce her to some eligible young men?

There can't be any harm in it.

You are coming to my soiree tomorrow evening?

I am.

Well then, do bring the dear girl along.

The decision as to who will become senior assistant will be made this week.

I will interview you both over the next two days.

Thank you, Mr. Grove.

How often does Mrs. Crabb shop here?

Mrs. Crabb keeps a tight rein on the household economy, Mr. Selfridge.

No luxury items.

She generally confines her purchases to household goods.

Mm-hmm.

But we have household goods here.

Um... We don't price 'em keenly enough, is that what you're saying?

She is a very thrifty woman, Mr. Selfridge.

But she will be shopping here.

She did mention paying a visit, yes.

So the old man's stealing a march on me.

We'll see about that.

I would like to try discounting certain items all around the store.

Just as an experiment.

But is that the image of the store we want to project?

Selfridges is for anyone and everyone.

Umbrellas, Miss Mardle!

Umbrellas, Mr. Selfridge?

Yes, it's raining cats and dogs outside.

Drop the prices 50%.

50%, Mr. Selfridge?

Why not?

It's not just about pushing products; it's about encouraging people through the doors.

Perhaps if this goes well, we could make a big event of it?

Hold a mid-season sale, not just at New Year.

Miss Mardle, I love it.

That's a great idea.

If we do it, it must look beautiful.

Simple items displayed well.

Windows?

Of course.

Sort through your stock and figure out which items to discount.

Good luck to you all!

Mr. Selfridge, I have to talk with you on a rather delicate matter.

Miss Bunting, late of Fashion.

I know who Miss Bunting is.

It seems she has fallen on rather hard times.

If we could only write her a reference of some sort...

I don't write references for people who are dishonest.

There you have it.

I'm sorry.

We've got trouble.

Put them somewhere discreet.

Very good to see you at the Palm Court again, Miss Love.

Thank you, Mr. Colleano.

If you'll come this way, I'll get you seated.

I'd like my old table, in the middle.

This is where Mr. Selfridge usually sits.

(sighs) He's not there now, is he?

But he will be soon, miss.

It's his morning rounds.

Well, you can move me when he arrives, can't you?

How did it go?

Oh, he's a pet.

He was ever so nice to me.

I thought he was going to offer me the job there and then.

Best of luck.

(door opens) Miss Miller.

In you come.

So... What do you think you would bring to the role of senior assistant?

Well, I'm good with customers.

They like me.

And so do other staff.

That's important, isn't it?

It is indeed.

And where do you see your career going?

Going?

Would you like to become head of department, for example?

I used to think I would, but I don't know anymore.

I don't want to end up like Miss Bunting.

No husband, no children, no one to look after her.

Miss Bunting's situation is quite unusual.

I want family.

Is that so very wrong?

No.

No, it isn't.

I've just talked myself out of a job, haven't I?

Not necessarily.

I do appreciate your honesty.

Now I have to be honest with you.

I am afraid Mr. Selfridge has refused to give Miss Bunting a reference.

I did try.

I'm sure you did your best.

Thank you, Miss Miller.

We need to discuss the menus for the duration of the sale, Mr. Perez.

I hadn't envisaged them changing, Mr. Selfridge.

Well, I have.

There'll be people with less money in their pocket.

What can we offer them?

MR. PEREZ: The Palm Court is already busy without accommodating... well, less salubrious customers.

We need special offers in every department.

If Woolworth's do it, so can we.

We could think about a new set menu, Mr. Perez.

The menu is not your concern, Mr. Colleano.

I want to make food accessible to everyone who walks through those doors.

Now, is my table ready?

ELLEN: Harry!

Why, Mr. Selfridge.

Miss Love.

Travers.

Selfridge.

Tony's brought me shopping.

Although I'm no longer the Spirit of the store, I hope I'm still welcome.

Of course you are, and how have you been since... Well, I heard... that you'd left the Gaiety.

The Gaiety, yes.

That seems like a very long time ago now.

Another life.

Before Tony.

Miss Love is taking a principal role in my new play.

She's absolutely brilliant.

Oh, darling...

It's true.

We open in a few weeks.

You should come along.

You might enjoy it.

I'm sure that I would.

It was good seeing you both.

Next time they come in, let me know.

I don't want to bump into them again, you understand?

Very good, Mr. Selfridge.

Mmm...

Very good.

But when would I serve them?

Wait until the guests are getting hot and running out of things to say to each other.

Bring them in on trays.

Make them an event.

Yes, I suppose that would work.

And say the best confectionery chef in town's made them.

Might find a backer for our new restaurant.

There's a place come up in Windmill Street.

I'd like to show it to you.

You're not expecting me to go to Soho, are you?

If we don't move fast, it'll go!

Victor.

Don't rush me, dear heart.

You know I hate to be rushed.

Instruct the kitchen about the ice cream.

Oh, and then let yourself out the back way.

We don't want you bumping into the guests, do we?

(clattering) Oh, let me help you.

No, it's done.

Come take a seat.

Supper was lovely.

Thank you.

You're being polite.

I am a very bad cook.

(opera singing begins) Cigarette?

No, thank you.

It's beautiful.

What is it?

It's an opera called La Bohème.

What's it about?

Two students.

Very poor, very much in love.

You see everything like a story or a play, don't you?

Design needs story.

And creativity, it is play.

One day, I want to have a job like yours.

You are using me, Miss Towler.

You pretend to like me because you want my job.

You've found me out.

(laughs) (opera record continues) Much better.

You're quite beautiful, you know that?

You want this?

You're sure?

Yes, I do.

What if I make an idiot of myself, out with you and Pa?

Then we'll go home and laugh about it.

But you won't.

Ready?

(women laughing with delight) Here you are.

How lovely.

Rosalie, I have some young people who are dying to meet you.

Robin Brackenbury and his younger brother Richard.

This is Rosalie Selfridge.

Can I get you a glass of champagne, Miss Selfridge?

No, let me.

(whispering): A glass of champagne.

(chuckling) Now, who do you both know?

WOOLWORTH: And that's a true story!

LADY MAE: Ah, but of course.

Your old friend from across the water.

FW's here.

LADY MAE: He told me he's building a skyscraper in New York.

It will be the tallest in the whole city.

Can you imagine?

He isn't short of a dime or two.

LADY MAE: He's vying for your crown, isn't he, Harry?

London can accept one American king of commerce, but two?

Oh, it's de trop.

(chuckling) (people chatting) Well, Harry.

Are you coming to the big opening?

I'll try my best to be there.

I might be busy.

Our sale opens the day before.

A sale at Selfridges?

(laughing) That I gotta see!

Is that so very surprising?

Well, it doesn't seem like that sort of establishment.

It doesn't ring any registers, if you know what I mean.

Well, that's a matter of opinion.

How do you cut your prices to the bone?

Buy in bulk.

Squeeze your suppliers to the lowest price, pile 'em high and sell 'em cheap.

Big turnover, small profit margin.

It's not magic, but it takes experience to do it right.

Oh, and forget the fancy service.

Let your customer help himself.

Well, at Selfridges, shopping has to be about quality service.

Then you'll never get your prices low enough.

Take my advice: stick with your duchesses, Harry.

Leave the regular folk to me.

(laughing) Looking lovely this evening, Rose.

Thank you, Frank.

I'm so sorry that Jennie couldn't make it this evening.

She's isn't feelingtip-top.

In fact, I should get back to her pretty soon.

I wonder how our girl is doing?

I should go and check on her, make sure she's all right.

Thank you.

ROSALIE: I try to practice at home, but I'm not very good.

You do?

(giggling) Rosalie?

Oh, Mother!

This is Roderick Temple.

Hello.

Uh...

I thought you were in Paris.

I got back last week.

ROSALIE: Of course, you know each other already.

Roddy did that lovely painting of you.

(door opening) RICHARD:Rosalie?

It was lovely meeting you.

You too.

(door closes) I heard your paintings were well received.

You know I came here hoping to see you.

What are you doing?

I'm a married woman.

Nothing happened.

Nothing's going to happen.

I am so very happy for your success.

Now, if you would please excuse me.

You have a very lovely daughter, Mrs. Selfridge.

Where have you been hiding her?

Come along, or we'll be late.

Do you have your prayer book, Beatrice?

Yes.

Gordon?

Yes.

Where's Rosalie?

She has a headache.

She's asked to be excused from church.

Quickly, then!

(doorbell ringing) Josie!

I was just sorting through some of Hettie's things.

Perhaps I could help you?

All the years we've known each other, I've never been inside your house.

Well, here it is.

My little retreat.

Rather chaotic, I'm afraid.

I'm sorting through some of her clothes.

I was going to send these away to charity, but I have a relative in need.

I am trying to see what's suitable.

You're always so thoughtful.

No, it just... Well, it seems a waste to throw it all away.

(sobbing) I miss her so much.

(sighs) So this is Spitfield?

Spitalfields!

I'm amazed you've never been here.

I thought you might get some inspiration.

This is where real people do their shopping.

And I am not a real person, that's what you're saying?

You?

No, you're a fairy prince from a storybook.

Well, I'll take that as a compliment.

Didn't you ever go to the markets when you were a little kid?

I bet they've got some good ones in France.

Oh yes, they have.

But mine was not that sort of childhood.

In your enchanted palace.

It was a chateau, yes.

And there was no enchantment there, believe me.

Look.

They cram every square inch with stuff, don't they?

Thank you.

Hello, Victor!

Blimey, you come into some money or something?

All those flowers?

Oh, they were going cheap at the market.

So what are you doing here?

Just thought I'd look you up.

Well, Mrs. Payne's at her sister's, so do you want to come in for a cup of coffee?

Yeah, lovely.

It looks nice in here.

I've cheered it up a bit.

Now, this isn't Italian or anything like that, not like you're used to.

(chuckling) It's good.

Thanks.

Just what the doctorordered.

Are you all right, Victor?

Me?

I'm fine.

Never better.

So how's your restaurant plan going?

Still got your mysterious investor on board?

Ah, that.

I don't think she was ever serious.

Oh, I am sorry.

Not as sorry as me.

What a fool I've been.

"Come here, Victor.

"Good boy.

"Sit up and beg.

Roll over and I'll give you a biscuit."

So I sit up, I beg, I roll over, and you know what?

No biscuit.

(laughing) Oh, that's so mean!

So what are you going to do now, then?

I'm going to get that restaurant in the end.

And when I do, it'll be the best place in town!

They can't keep Victor Colleano down, can they?

Too right they can't.

I have missed our Tuesday evenings.

What is it?

Roger?

This is all wrong.

Hettie's hardly in her grave, and here I am with you in her house.

Amongst her things.

You're feeling guilty, but you shouldn't.

I broke my marriage vows for 12 years.

You looked after her for 12 years.

If I'd thought, ever, that you actually loved her...

I don't know anymore.

Perhaps we shouldn't see each other for a while.

It may become clearer how we feel.

I know how I feel.

I'm sorry, truly I am.

You must be patient with me, Josie.

Yes.

Yes, of course.

(door opens) (sobbing) (faint laughter) (faint conversation) (Rosalie laughing) Bring it down to the stem.

Here?

Right there.

You have to make sure that it's lighter on one side...

Mother!

You're back early.

You were excused from church because I thought you were feeling poorly.

It appears you've made a remarkable recovery.

Mr. Temple very kindly offered to give me a drawing lesson.

On a Sunday, when everybody's out of the house?

He's very busy.

I'm putting on an exhibition at the Cavanagh Gallery.

I was going to ask you if I could show your portrait.

I suggest we discuss that another time.

Mr. Selfridge will be home soon.

I think he might question the propriety of this so-called "drawing lesson."

I'll see you out.

I hope to see you again, Miss Selfridge.

Your drawing shows great promise.

(door slams) What do you think you're doing?!

Rosalie asked me to come.

She's very sweet.

Don't you use her to get close to me.

I meet a charming girl at a soiree and she asks me to give her drawing lessons.

Is there anything wrong with that?

Not if that were the whole truth, but you know that it isn't.

Right.

So do I have your permission to call on her again?

Certainly not.

You must never come here again.

Do you understand?

If that's the way you feel.

Now, for my window, Miss Ravillious... Are you proposing putting ladies' underwear in the window, Mr. Leclair?

Nothing would delight me more.

What a vision I could create!

No, sadly, convention decrees otherwise.

What a pity.

So what do you suggest?

Men's shoes, I need 100 pairs.

Why?

A friend took me to the East End markets.

It was inspiring.

I see.

Well, who are we to stand in your way?

Miss Towler, go to the men's department and ask for 100 pairs of shoes for Mr. Leclair.

Yes, Miss Ravillious.

Thank you, Miss Towler.

Thank you, Miss Ravillious.

HARRY: The point about this sale, Gordon, isn't just to sell goods cheaply.

It's more than that.

I want hardworking, everyday people to come in; I want everyone in London to feel welcome here.

Good morning, Miss Blenkinsop.

Good Morning, Mr. Selfridge.

Mr. Colleano from the Palm Court is here to see you.

He doesn't have an appointment.

Well, I have a very busy morning, so I'll give you three minutes.

It's about ice cream.

Ice cream!

Sounds good, Pa. Maybe I'll give you five.

Excuse me, Miss Mardle.

I need 1,000 handkerchiefs for my window, please.

All white.

You heard him, ladies.

1,000 handkerchiefs.

What's got her?

She's grumpy as a suet pud.

Miss Miller.

These are the clothes for that charity we discussed.

Thank you, Mr. Grove.

Mr. Grove, have you decided on the senior assistant job yet?

I have.

Would you ask Miss Mardle to please come to my office?

I will give her my decision.

VICTOR: Mr. Perez is right.

The Palm Court's going to be packed out during the sale.

So I thought, "Why don't we bring the food to the customers?"

We could sell it on trays all round the store, just like in the World Fairs.

Candied fruit, ice cream cornets, all for a penny.

Pa, it's a great idea.

We should have hamburgers.

Why not?

Why the blazes not?

Mr. Colleano, I love it.

You do whatever you need to do to make it work.

You tell Mr. Perez,from me, this is your show.

(sighs with relief) Thank you, Mr. Selfridge.

Miss Mardle, thank you for being so swift.

I just thought we should resolve the matter of the senior assistant.

I interviewed both girls.

I consider Doris Miller to be the best girl for the job.

Oh?

Well, I must disagree with you entirely.

Miss Miller is a very nice young girl, but she has no drive, no ambition.

Kitty Hawkins should have the post.

May I ask why?

She's sharper... harder.

Which means she won't be taken advantage of.

Josie, please... May I ask you if you've come to any decision regarding the matter we spoke of on Sunday?

No, it's too soon, I'm afraid.

I'm sorry.

Then please allow me to make this decision.

I think I know my staff better than you do.

And if I may say so, I think I know my own mind rather better than you know yours.

You may be right.

It was very close and you are both extremely able young ladies.

I have, however, decided... Miss Hawkins is to become senior assistant to Miss Mardle.

Thank you, Mr. Grove, Miss Mardle.

I won't let you down!

I'm going to be the best senior assistant this store has ever seen.

Very good.

"Something for everyone!

The thrifty housewife's dream!"

What do you say to that as a strap line?

Would Mrs. Crabb bite?

She's already very excited about the sale, Mr. Selfridge.

Excellent, that's exactly what I want to hear.

Double our advertising space.

Let the whole of London know there's something for everyone at our mid-season sale.

Excuse me...

Excuse me, thank you.

Excuse me, sir, thanks ever so much.

Oh!

I hope they fit.

I'm sure they will.

You are a very kind girl, Doris, thank you.

And did Mr. Grove get a chance to talk to Mr. Selfridge about my reference?

I'm sorry, Miss Bunting, but Mr. Selfridge said no.

I see.

Of course he would.

Nothing else he could say, I suppose.

I've got to go.

Keep in touch, won't you?

Yes.

Well, this is it.

Selfridges' first mid-season sale!

Thank you all for your hard work.

This sale has come from your ideas and your initiative.

I have one question before we open those doors.

Does anyone have anything they can sell me for this?

Ladies, please, an orderly line!

I saw this first!

I did!

Ladies, we have other camisoles just as beautiful.

100% silk, made in France.

(cash register rings) I don't know.

I just don't know.

KITTY: Oh, it suits you, madam.

I don't normally wear such big hats.

Perhaps you should.

Surprise your husband.

And it's only four and eleven pence.

Go on.

I would.

(register rings) (cash registers ringing) Mr. Selfridge, I wanted to introduce you to Mrs. Crabb.

Mrs. Crabb!

Well, I'm so glad you could come today.

Are you enjoying yourself?

Oh yes, Mr. Selfridge!

Found anything to buy?

From nearly every department.

(laughing) Items that I wouldn't normally consider to be quite "us."

I'm afraid Mr. Crabb's going to get a shock.

Your sale's made me feel quite adventurous.

That's the idea.

It is good to shop, isn't it?

Mrs. Crabb, it's very good.

Excuse me.

FW!

You made it.

What do you think?

I have to say, Harry, this is swell.

Let's hope all the ladies have enough money in their purses for your opening tomorrow.

We're putting the opening back.

I need to take Jennie away.

Nerves.

You know how she gets.

I'm so sorry.

I should have noticed earlier.

I've been caught up with business.

We're buying a new site in Croydon.

That's good.

Nothing's good if Jennie's unhappy.

(sighs) Listen, if there's anything that Rose and I can do...

Thank you, old friend.

I just looked in to say goodbye.

Harry... All this, you know, it's wonderful.

But it's not what life's all about, not really.

Without your family, none of it means a thing.

(knocking) I just wanted to give you the figures for the day's takings, Mr. Selfridge.

Truly exceptional.

Every department doubled its output.

We may have cut our prices, but we sold at huge quantity.

We'll run the sale for two weeks, and then do surprise discounts on certain items.

I'll get these figures put in the ledger.

No, no, no, we should both go home.

You can see what surprises Mrs. Crabb has in store for you.

She was talking about an automatic nutcracker.

Well done, Mr. Crabb.

Good night.

Good night.

(laughing) Such an interesting exhibition.

I'm so glad you persuaded me to go.

Thank you, Fraser.

(children laughing) The children seem to be having fun.

I think they find the young gentleman very entertaining, madam.

What young gentleman?

Mr. Temple, madam.

You think it's this one?

Yeah.

You think it's this one?

(laughing) Ma!

Mr. Temple, could I have a word with you in private?

I can't believe that you would show yourself here again!

I can't seem to help myself, can I?

Your younger children are quite charming, by the way.

You're not welcome here.

If I were to tell my husband...

But you won't, will you?

Because you have so much more to lose than I do.

Look, come to my studio, then.

Then I won't have to come here.

You're insufferable.

Rosalie doesn't think so.

(Fraser clearing his throat) Mr. Temple?

Think it over.

Well, I must tear myself away.

Thank you, Fraser.

Good evening, Mrs. Selfridge.

(door closes) Beautiful evening, sir.

You're right, it is.

LINNEY: Stay tuned for more about Masterpiece.

But first... Next time... Half of London will want to see how we pay tribute to Sir Ernest Shackleton.

I'm not an easy man to impress, Harry.

There's staff missing from every department.

Where's our staff?

MISS RAVILLIOUS: Are you in love with Mr. Leclair?

Agnes Towler.

Valerie Maurel.

ROSE: It's Roddy Temple.

I'll handle Mr. Temple.

LADY MAE: Someone rather special wants to visit Selfridges.

I'm not very keen on granting special favors.

You might change your mind when you find out who my friend is.

LINNEY: Starring Jeremy Piven, "Mr. Selfridge,"next time on Masterpiece Classic.

Visit us at pbs.org/masterpiece to watch video and explore features, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

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Captioned by Media Access Group at WGBH access.wgbh.org