Which ones, roses or daisies?
TRAIN WHISTLE BLOWS
That's enough, Betty. Yes, thank you.
Lovely colour.
THEY LAUGH
Wow! Look how beautiful it is over there!
LIVELY CHATTER
CHURCH BELL TOLLS, CHATTER CONTINUES
TRAIN WHISTLE BLOWS
Do be careful not to get smuts on your dress, Rose.
Attenzione, prego!
Scusi.
Hotel Portofino? Good. Our luggage.
Nostri bagagli. We have eight cases. Otto?
Mrs Drummond-Ward? Si, Signora.
Marvellous. Let's try not to lose any of them, shall we?
Come along, Rose.
Do try and keep up, darling.
They're one of the oldest families in the county.
I've known Cecil since I was a girl. And what about Mrs Ainsworth?
Oh, she's quite a different sort. A different sort?
Don't be dim, Rose. You know exactly what I mean.
Not sure I do, Mama. Well...
she is the sort of woman who thinks nothing of opening an hotel,
for one thing. God knows what poor Cecil must make of it all.
Grazie. Prego.
Andiamo.
Betty, I have come to see how you're getting on.
I'm making do, Mrs Mays-Smith. Making do.
Well, this is not like any cut of meat I've ever cooked before.
It's beef. Yes, it's beef all right.
Italian beef.
And is there a problem with the Italian beef, Betty?
Well, there's not much fat in it, ma'am.
Means I won't have any dripping for me puddings. Or the potatoes.
Oh, yes, potatoes. These waxy little bullet-type things
that are not like proper spuds at all.
Well, you'll just have to manage. I'll do my best, ma'am.
Please make sure you do. My mother is very keen
we make a good first impression on the new arrivals.
To make everything feel like a... CLATTER
..a home from home.
BELL DINGS
They could arrive any time, Billy. Yes, Mrs Ainsworth.
Remember... first impressions.
First impressions. Yes, ma'am.
Nuovi arrivi?
Una fresca consegna di rose Inglese.
Billy, go get the suitcases.
Grazie.
Mrs Drummond-Ward, Rose. Welcome.
Mrs... Ainsworth?
Yes, but please call me Bella. I do hope I can call you Julia.
How was your journey?
Long. And exceedingly tiresome.
Well, we must do our best to make it all seem worth your while.
Welcome to the Hotel Portofino. How utterly charming.
Lucian, I do hope you looked after our guests
on the way from the train station. Darling?
Lucian... You're Lucian?
Why didn't you say something?
Well, the moment never seemed to arise.
How very irregular.
Oh, darling! What?
What are you doing? It was a joke!
CHATTER BELOW
Melissa?
Melissa!
Yes, Aunt. What's that dreadful racket?
I believe some guests are arriving.
Oh, I knew we should have rented a villa.
I very much doubt it would have been as comfortable as this.
A lot more private, perhaps. How are you feeling, Aunt?
Simply ghastly.
Shall I let them know that you won't be down for dinner?
Goodness, no. One has to keep one's strength up.
BUSY MARKET CHATTER
Look at how dear and delightful everything is.
Do you think Mrs Ainsworth does it all herself?
I'm sure she enjoys getting her hands dirty.
Let's take a look at you.
Well, I suppose you'll have to do.
Remember, Rose, first impressions.
Hello. Oh, Champagne. How lovely.
It's Prosecco. Lighter and fruitier than Champagne.
From a local vineyard. How did you find your room?
Somewhat smaller than we're used to.
But so exquisitely decorated.
We were wondering if you did it all yourself.
Thank you. Weren't we, Mama?
Well, I do hope that all of our guests are as observant
and sweet as you, Rose. Are we amongst your first?
We've been open since Easter,
but it's only in the last month or so that we've got busy.
How many times do I have to tell you? I don't drink alcohol.
I am very sorry, Lady Latchmere. It won't happen again.
It's deeply irritating.
Is there anything else I can get you? No.
Buonasera.
And that is...?
Oh, Count Albani and his son, Roberto.
I shall introduce you.
I understood that all the guests were to be English.
Your advertisement was quite specific.
"A very English Hotel on the Italian Riviera."
Yes, quite. English or... English speaking.
Count Albani is an Oxford man.
And what about that gentleman? Ah, Mr Sengupta.
Yes, he's a dear friend of my son's.
Afternoon. It's evening.
Speak of the devil. Lucian, perhaps you'd like to redeem yourself
to Mrs Drummond-Ward and to Rose.
You could tell them all about Portofino.
Hmm? Erm... Ooh, I hardly know where to start.
Will you excuse me?
Well, then... start from the beginning.
How does an English family come to be here in the first place?
Oh, well, that one's easy.
Mother really rather fell in love with the place
when she was on her honeymoon with Father.
But what made her decide to move here?
I think she thought we would all benefit from... a fresh start.
A new adventure. After the war.
For Alice, for Lottie, for myself. Even for Father.
And will Cecil be gracing us with his presence this evening?
Erm, I'm afraid my father sends his most sincere apologies.
He has been unavoidably delayed.
'Creole Clarinet' by Keith Nichols
LIVELY CHATTER
Grazie.
LAUGHTER AND CHATTER CONTINUE
The main course. Thank you.
CHATTER CONTINUES
May I have some salt, please? That's enough.
Billy, when you have a moment, can we have another?
Oh, Billy. Thank you so much.
Well done.
Take it off. It's sweltering.
I'm ready. Come on! See you out there.
Come on! Get in! The water is beautiful!
Darling, you were an absolute trooper tonight, thank you so much.
Oh, botheration! What is it?
Another stain. Don't worry, I can fix that.
I think it went about as well as can be expected.
Dinner? No, the introduction to Rose.
Oh. She's very pretty, isn't she?
Not that it matters. No, no. Of course, of course not.
It's character that counts, but...
Her father's 6,000 acres of prime arable land is what counts.
Don't be so cynical! You know it's true.
She could look like the back end of an omnibus
and Father would still be keen for Lucian to marry her.
Alice!
You know, I don't think Father would spend
one tenth of the amount of time trying to find me a new husband.
And you know I'm right.
Take it off, it's soaking. So?
I'm not going to catch a cold. Don't be such a baby!
I've seen it before, hundreds of times.
Lucian, I'm serious, take it off. I'd like to see how it's healing.
YELLING, PANTING
What's the prognosis? Just a scratch.
Does it ever bother you?
Hardly at all. It has been eight years.
Italy suits you.
Betty, you are still here.
I were just going, Mrs Ainsworth.
Can I get you something, ma'am? Perhaps I'll have a fresh mint tea.
Oh, no, no, no. I can manage, honestly.
And thank you for dinner.
Oh, Count Albani sends his compliments.
Oh! Did he just?
Particularly for the potatoes.
Oh! Well, I never!
I told you, this is such marvellous stuff.
Olive oil.
I've been greasing the pans with it, ma'am.
Waste not, want not. THEY CHUCKLE
Night-night. Night.
Oh, olive oil! Whatever next?
So, what do you think? What do I think about what?
Of the girl, you ass.
First impressions? She's a bit of a peach.
Do you really think so? Absolutely.
Although it was hard to tell from five yards away
and with you drooling all over her.
THEY LAUGH
I'm sure you'll be very happy.
Mm.
Well...
..nothing's decided yet.
KNOCKING
Posso aiutarvi? It's Constance March, ma'am.
The new nanny. Oh! Come in, come in!
How on earth did you get here?
I walked, ma'am. I got a lift on a cart for the last mile or so.
Oh, for goodness sake. Why didn't you telegram, dear child?
Let us know you were coming.
I didn't want to waste the money, Mrs Ainsworth.
We would've reimbursed you. Are... Are you hungry?
I can manage until breakfast, ma'am. Very well.
Let's get you to bed, then.
And we can acquaint ourselves properly in the morning.
Let me help you, I'll show you your room.
It's slightly makeshift at the moment,
but hopefully it will suffice.
I'll, erm... I'll say good night here.
Aren't you coming up?
No, I'm going to take a turn around the garden.
Do you want me to come with you? No, you go ahead.
KNOCKING
"My darling Bella, how your last letter thrilled me.
"I do so wish I could be with you,
"to experience all that Italy can bring.
"The beauty of that blessed country
"is surpassed only by your loveliness.
"I yearn to see..." KNOCKING
You're late. The train was delayed.
Ah. How was Genoa?
You know, Genoa was Genoa.
Mm-hm.
So... How was it?
Ah... I think Julia was rather disappointed
you weren't here to greet her. And Alice's nose is out of joint.
But apart from that, I think it went rather well.
And the girl? Rose is charming.
Yes, yes, yes, but is she pretty? Will he go for her?
She's beautiful, but as you know, looks are only a part of it.
But they, er... they help sugar the pill.
Come along. Let's get you to bed, you're drunk.
MUFFLED SHOUTING
MOANING
Oh, the agony!
Oh, Nish. Mrs Ainsworth?
I'm sorry to disturb you. Not at all. How may I assist you?
Lady Latchmere's been taken ill. And I was rather hoping...
Ah. I'm a little out of practice, I'm afraid,
and somewhat ill-equipped. LATCHMERE MOANS
Please, Nish. It's just if anything should happen to Her Ladyship...
Give me a moment.
Oh, thank you. I'm so sorry to ask. It's all right.
Hello. Mr Sengupta has agreed to attend to Her Ladyship.
Someone help me! Bella...
LATCHMERE GASPS He's medically trained.
Are you sure? Yes, she's in very good hands.
Would you like a cup of tea? Or something a little stronger?
Yes, please. Come along.
Have you been in there all night?
I told Miss De Vere I'd make myself comfortable
in case her aunt took ill again.
Do you think I should call a local doctor?
I think not. I've relieved her immediate symptoms,
although you might... um...
serve prunes for breakfast.
Ah. And may I suggest a digestif
for Her Ladyship, after every meal. Did you have anything in mind?
Perhaps a little of that excellent Limoncello you served last night.
You do know Lady Latchmere doesn't drink alcohol.
Then tell her it's Italian lemonade. Right.
Nish...
How... How do you find Lucian?
Like he's finally starting to heal.
Physically, at least.
And otherwise?
What he went through... it will always cast its shadow.
Yes, yes, of course.
It's just... he used to be so full of plans
and schemes and... a sense of purpose, and now...
He will be again.
Give him time.
Thank you.
Constance? Mrs Scanlon.
Oh, let me look at you!
What a sight for sore eyes!
I can't quite believe I'm here. When did you get in?
A little after midnight. And you're up at the crack of dawn.
I could barely sleep. It can have that effect on you.
Though if you ask me, Whitby's just as handsome. In its own way.
Oh, these are for you. Oh, bless you!
Marmalade. And proper English mustard.
And... this is from my mam. Ah. Bless you, love.
Who'd have thought it...
When me and Fanny Gray were girls in service together,
that I'd be standing here, nearly 30 years later,
with her daughter.
In Italy, of all places!
Oh, come here. Come, come here.
Hello. Hello.
Who's Henry Bowater Esquire?
He's one of my father's accountants.
Not from the textile factory?
From his private estate. Oh.
I'm writing to him about our cash flow.
Ah. Mm.
Well, I thought I might saunter into town later.
Do you want me to post anything? I'll find you when I've finished.
Good, good. Cecil.
Hmm?
I know what you did.
Then you're one up on me.
It's bad enough that you took the money,
but please don't lie to me as well.
HE SIGHS
I was going to tell you. Really? When?
When I had the means to pay you back!
But you do. What about the money from your family trust?
I've spent every last sou, I'm afraid.
What?! Cecil, I cannot run this hotel on credit!
I need all the ready money I can get!
Me too, sweetheart. Me too.
CHILDREN LAUGHING Lucian!
Why... me? Hmm? Hmm?
Of course, Lottie will be your priority,
but there will be other duties as well, I'm afraid.
I understand, ma'am. Helping Betty in the kitchen.
A little bit of cleaning, if needed. We'll need you to muck in.
I'll be happy to turn my hand to anything, Mrs Ainsworth.
Oh, that makes me very happy to hear.
Perhaps you could start by taking these to the dining room.
And be sure to answer any questions the guests might have.
Oh. You can read and write, child?
I get by, ma'am.
Yes. We'll have to do a bit better than get by. Um...
Alice! Mother.
This is Constance March. The new nanny.
This is Mrs Mays-Smith, my daughter and Lottie's mother.
Might now be a good moment for her to meet Lottie?
No time like the present.
Marvellous. Come along.
Paola! Signora.
Faresti una commissione per me?
Certamente. Grazie.
Dove vai? Vado a imbucare una lettera.
Dammi.
Good morning. Good morning.
Have you breakfasted? We're just on our way.
And how did you sleep? Adequately. It was hot.
And the room was somewhat cramped, I'm afraid.
Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that. Well, I slept like a baby.
It was much more like a wonderful country house than a hotel.
Do you know, that's exactly what it was before we converted it.
Oh. Has it taken you long? Three years in September.
In addition to the other three that it took
to persuade my husband to come here in the first place.
I was wondering if you had something more spacious.
And on the first floor. Ah.
Unfortunately, we're fully booked.
Maybe I should speak with Cecil about it.
Well, perhaps I could move one of the other guests.
Marvellous.
Come along, Rose.
TALKING QUIETLY
I hope it'll make you feel much better.
I'm still feeling frightful.
Do you want some more? Yes! Very nice.
Thank you so much.
There you are. Here I am.
Well, what a pretty view.
I thought perhaps that we might take a trip down to the beach.
It's much cooler in the afternoon.
Or if you prefer, we could have a boat trip.
You do know how to swim?
I'm not sure I do.
Well, in that case, it'll be my pleasure to teach you.
I should see what Mama says.
They make a fine couple. As much as we did at their age.
HE CHUCKLES
Have you been avoiding me? As if I could.
Or would.
Has he been making himself agreeable?
Let's just say we didn't get off to the best of starts.
Yeah.
You know, there really are so many wonderful things to do here, Rose.
Pisa and Florence are only a day away.
And Genoa's just up the coast.
Yes, we came through it on the train.
And there's an awful lot closer to home.
Every church seems to house some treasure or other.
It's like living in a museum.
I do hope it's not too stuffy.
Sorry? What's that noise?
CICADAS THRUM What noise?
That... awful throbbing hum.
They are cicadas. They're insects, like a sort of grasshopper.
Why don't I see if I can find one for you?
They're always hanging around. Oh, no. Lucian, don't.
Honestly... No, really.
I simply can't abide bugs.
Uh-oh. Trouble in paradise.
Well, what about the girl? Will she go along with it?
Rose is entirely biddable. She'll do whatever she's told.
Your Ladyship. Oh, Mrs Ainsworth. Good day.
CHUCKLING Thank you for the fun.
CAR HORN HONKS
Gosh! What a splendid entrance!
Jack Turner at your service. Benvenuti!
Che bella! Thank you.
Prego.
Billy. Please stop gawping.
Oh, it's beautiful. Thank you. I'm glad you like it.
Come, let me register you.
If you'd like to sign for yourself and... Mrs Turner?
Thank you. Of course.
So wonderful. Perfect.
Ah, oh. Look at this. We can get you some tea.
A little later, perhaps?
Ladies.
We're all the way at the top. Oh!
Billy shall bring your suitcases.
How was your journey? It was long, but beautiful.
BUSY CHATTER
Ah. Where is everybody?
Well, asleep if they've got any sense.
Did you not fancy a siesta?
You were up rather late last night.
You know that I can't sleep during the day.
Did you want something?
No, really, I'm just trying to stay out of Father's way.
Oh, Luc. What?
He's always chivvying away at me for some reason or other.
Can't you just tell him that he doesn't need to worry?
It's me that's worried. Mm-hm.
About this blasted wedding.
No. About you.
Well, you needn't be.
You haven't been yourself lately.
What exactly is that supposed to mean?
It means you've been frittering your time away
in the most unproductive fashion.
Nice. You sound just like Father. Go home, get a job, get married.
I don't give a fig what you do.
I just can't bear to see you failing to use the most of your talents,
when there are so many who will never get a chance
to show what they might have been capable of.
Well, Father says that painting is a waste of time.
No act of creativity is ever wasted.
Mm-hm. And yet I can't remember the last time
I saw you with a paintbrush in your hands.
Ah, but that's because now I have a different canvas.
That's enough to fulfil you, is it? That and motherhood.
And... marriage to Father?
Yes, of course.
Of course.
Can one find one's purpose in loving someone?
If you truly love them. Yes, I think so.
What if you don't?
What are you two skulking around out here for?
Talking about creativity. And love.
Dear God.
Oh, dear.
Not bad, are they? Oh.
They're a lot better than "not bad." Cecil Ainsworth.
I imagine you've already met my wife.
Indeed I have. Jack Turner. Is it a local artist?
You could say that. It's my son, Lucian.
Really? Well, he has some talent.
Yes, but... keep it to yourself, old boy.
The last thing I want him thinking
is he can make his living as a painter.
CHUCKLING Hmm. Are they for sale?
They might be. Are you a collector?
No, not really. But I know a few.
Baby!
This is Mr Ainsworth. Enchanted.
Are you sure you won't join me? No. No, I'm gonna stroll into town.
Well, this is much the best time of day.
Yes, quite.
Aunt!
Calm down, dear. Don't flap.
But you have to see this!
Good heavens!
Oh! I feel quite unsteady. Shall I fetch Mr Sengupta?
No, no. That won't be necessary.
Perhaps I'll have a glass of that Italian lemonade
I had for breakfast. Yes, Aunt. Thank you, Aunt.
Run along.
Ah. I think you might be wise to start with something
a little less ambitious than Homer. Wouldn't you say?
I've been told that you need some assistance with your letters.
Well, I couldn't read the menu, that's all. It was written funny.
My mother was quite keen that I give you a hand, so...
I don't want to be here any more than you do.
So I think we ought to just make the best of it, don't you?
Please.
Good. I thought we might start with the alphabet.
Aspetta. Aspetta un attimo.
Buongiorno. Buongiorno.
Sono Vincenzo Danioni. Piacere.
Siete un membro del partito?
No. No?
Ma sto pensando di unirmi a voi.
Una straniera.
Che altro potrebbe essere?
Siete all'hotel Inglese anche voi, vero?
Mm-hm.
Spero vi guardiate alle spalle.
Mio padre adora gli Inglesi. Oh!
Sono degli infidi bastardi, eh?
THEY CHUCKLE
SHE CLEARS HER THROAT
Are you finished? I have to go.
Steady on. Let's have a look. Are we doing the same time tomorrow?
Let me talk to Mrs Mays-Smith.
'Norma: Casta Diva'
Mind if I join?
Oh. No.
Please, be my guest.
Cigar? Oh, no. I...
Don't worry, they're imported.
There are certain things you don't rely on the Italians for.
Ah-ha.
Thank you.
You were, er...
You were telling me about your connections in the art world.
Was I? Yes.
I can tell you have an eye for it. Is it your line of work?
Well. I buy and sell a bit.
Oh, you have a gallery. Private clients.
And, er...
And do you think they might be interested in purchasing
some of Lucian's work?
Oh, no. No, no. My interest was entirely personal.
Oh.
There's really not much money to be made
from anything painted this century.
Unless you're Matisse, of course. Quite.
Now, the Renaissance, that, my friend...
Whole other ball game.
Really? Yeah. That's what paid for the Mercedes.
The Old Masters? Mm-hm.
They're selling like hot cakes back in the States.
Museums. Old money. Wall Street bankers. Just...
can't get enough of them. How fascinating.
Of course, the smart money is in authentication.
If you're gonna spend a hundred grand on a Tintoretto,
you're gonna want to make sure you got what you've paid for.
And they pay for your seal of approval?
Oh, no. No, no, no. Not mine, buddy, but...
Well, I have the best guy in the business.
I don't mind telling you... I wept buckets while I were reading it.
Bless your kind heart. When your mam wrote me,
and asked me to find you a place here...
I never dreamt the reason.
You weren't to know.
You've had a terrible time of it. Poor little petal.
No wonder you jumped at the chance to come here.
For a fresh start, hey? Somewhere far away.
So that's just what we're going to give you.
A new beginning. A chance to put all your troubles behind you.
Time heals everything, sweetheart.
Time, hard work.
And good food.
Yeah.
HE WHISTLES
BUSY CHATTER
Yes, I would like to send a telegram.
Si. You understand English?
Si. Jolly good.
Proposition for you. Stop.
Make us both rich. Stop.
Telephone 27th. Stop.
Cecil. Stop.
The king had a forbidding scowl, which nearly made the tiger...
Growl.
But T, without a trace of awe, said, "Give His Majesty a..."
"..paw." He added with...
Oh, buongiorno. Madam.
Buongiorno. Sono il Signor Danioni del Consiglio comunale.
Ah! Molto piacere di conoscervi.
Benvenuto. Grazie. Parlate Italiano?
Un pochino.
Eccellente. E molto bello, eh!
Grazie.
C'e un posto dove possiamo parlare in privato?
Mio marito non e qui, temo. Tornera piu tardi.
I see.
Let me make this clear for you... it isn't your husband I wanna speak to.
It is you, Mrs Ainsworth.
Very good.
Lottie, I'll be back in a minute.
Constance, will you carry on rehearsing our play?
My office is just this way.
Hello, little one.
Please. Do come in.
Prego. Grazie.
Your daughter? Oh, my granddaughter.
And her nanny. Ha! The great British nanny, huh?
The rock on which an empire is built.
Signore, how can I help you?
Well, it is a... delicate matter.
Let's see, how to start this...
I believe this belongs to you.
Who gave that to you?
You have to know nothing happens here without me knowing about it.
But this is a private letter!
I know, full of private sentiments
and it will be "una grande disgrazia."
I mean, it would be a disaster if this...
How do you say? Fall into the wrong hands?
Yes. You're quite right.
Well, then, I must thank you for returning it, Signore.
Please... Sure.
Let's hope the many letters you wrote
have reached their destination. Hmm?
Signore... What exactly is it that you want?
What we all want, Signora Ainsworth.
Soldi.