Waterloo Road Page #5

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It's OK by me.

All right, Bill. Call back for us later.

I bought a couple as soon as war broke out.

There's going to be a big demand for taxis

before it's over.

WOMAN:
We're closed.

I said we're closed.

Quite startled me you did.

We don't often get gentlemen around here.

- Afraid we just closed.

- Time for a quick perm, haven't I?

- Ted Purvis been here?

- Ted Purvis? Who told you?

The barman at the Canterbury.

He said he usually drops in here about this time.

I see. Are you a friend of his?

- Yeah, that's right.

- Then you can get out and stop out.

Any pal of that dirty, double-crossing cheapskate

can do the same.

If he has the nerve to turn up here,

I'll tell him so to his face.

Not that his lordship would come here

these days.

Got something better to do, he has,

the lying snake.

I thought I told you to get out.

Just a minute. I'm no pal of his.

Come off it. You just told me.

I'm taking it back.

- What is all this?

- Never even met him. But I'm going to

- Oh, it's like that, is it?

- It's like that

What's he done? Sold you a pup,

fiddled your dough or pinched your girl?

I listened to that phoney Romeo myself once.

- What you gonna do? Sock him?

- Shouldn't be surprised.

With your bare hands? Seems a pity when the

government hasn't called in all the lead piping.

- Do you know where he is?

- Hasn't been here for some time. The rat.

I'd like to help you but I've got to get to the

tube shelter or somebody will pinch my place.

Look, give me a break, will you?

Tell me the places he goes to and I'll try them all.

OK. Now, let's see. Ted might have taken her

to the dogs, only there's no dogs today.

He might be at the pictures

picking up hints from Victor Mature,

or at the Alcazar jitterbugging.

That about covers his war effort.

- The Alcazar.

- Do you know it?

- Yeah.

- Well, I wish you luck. You'll need it.

If you're thinking of that medical certificate of his,

it's a phoney.

He bought it off a foreign doctor at the docks

for 20 smackers. Strong as a horse he is.

- You're cute. Have something before you go?

- Not now, thanks.

- I make you a cup of tea.

- Thanks. Can't wait. You're pretty cute too.

Oh, well, it was a beautiful friendship

while it lasted.

# Lively tune

Enjoying yourself?

I'd forgotten about places like this, almost.

The band and dancing,

seeing people enjoy themselves.

You ought to get around more.

This is your life. You're wasting it.

- I'm beginning to think you're right.

- Sure. All work and no play.

- Any more if you squeeze the pot?

- I think so.

Live with your in -laws, don't you?

Yes. Why?

Oh, nothing.

It's not the same, is it? It's not like being

your own boss, having a home of your own.

Ta.

We were going to have all that, Jim and me.

- I don't know.

- Tough.

You know, Till, you and me,

in a way, we're the same sort of people.

I'd never have thought that.

I started out when I was a kid

fighting six-round bill-openers,

five bob a time and glad of it.

You don't want to end up slap-happy

with tin ears.

You've got to scream out how good you are,

bu t o n a n act

But it's not the real one.

Maybe we want the same things, you know, Till.

You remind me of what I've missed.

What?

You'd laugh if I told you.

Nice little house, roses in the front garden.

Bit of grass, lettuces, tomatoes, home-grown.

It'd be great to have someone like you

waiting for me to come home.

- If you ever did come home.

- There you are. I knew you'd laugh.

See, Till, I've never had a home.

Not what you'd call a real one.

Or a house, a wife, kids maybe.

Hark at me. You must think I'm talking like a fool.

No, Ted, things like that aren't foolish.

Till, I've often wondered about you.

Sometimes I think you're not... happy.

- I'm all right.

- If I can help in any way?

Strictly as a pal, mind.

OK.

OK.

Dance?

Wotcher, Ted.

How's it going?

# Slow waltz

- Ted?

- Yeah.

Let's sit the rest of this out, shall we?

OK.

Come and have a drink.

By yourself, soldier?

- Yeah.

- Cheer up. You won't be for long.

Here you are.

I wish I didn't have to keep on reminding myself

you're a married woman.

Well, wish me many happy returns.

- Why?

- It's my birthday.

- Didn't I tell you?

- No.

- It's a fact.

- Well, happy birthday, then.

Thanks. It has been.

(Drum roll)

MAN:
Cops.

Sorry to break into the fun,

ladies and gentlemen.

We're here to check all identity cards

and leave passes.

No-one can leave until they're dealt with.

Round up the dodgers, I suppose.

Oh, I'm OK.

If all of you will form an orderly queue,

we'll soon get this business over.

Civilians line up on the left.

members of the forces on my right.

Over there, chum. Forces on the right.

Queue up early and avoid the rush.

That's the idea. Thank you, everybody.

Now we'll carry on.

All right?

You take the cloakroom.

It's all right, boys, it's only a military cop.

Can't touch us.

I wouldn't. Not with a bargepole.

OK, Sergeant.

Thanks, soldier. Come on.

OK.

All blinds down, please.

Draw all blinds. All blinds down, please.

Will all passengers please draw all blinds.

- Hello, Tom.

(Birds coo)

- Sending your birds off, then?

- On the nine o'clock. See them off, will you?

- OK, Tom.

- Guard them with your life, cock.

You leave it to me.

- Hello, Ruby.

- Fred. Come on early, haven't you?

I've got a lovely surprise for you.

Just been up to get my rota shifted.

I go on days on Monday instead of nights.

So now you and me...

- Fred.

- What's up?

I've done the same. They put me on nights.

Oh.

I never thought you'd move.

You'd have to go and muck it up.

Puts us back where we started.

- That's right.

- Better be getting on duty.

Yes, you had.

- If you ask me, Fred's a bit done.

- I'm not asking you.

I never knew such a pair of ears.

- What are you doing here?

- Mum said I was to go with you to the shelter.

What's up at home, Ruby?

- Why?

- When I asked Mum, she nearly flew at me.

"You mind your own business, big ears,"

she said.

I'm sick of hearing about my ears.

If a bomb sent me stone deaf,

I suppose you'd be happy.

OK, boys. Relax and have a cigarette.

- How are you, Matt?

- Well! You old son of a gun!

- Haven't seen you in weeks.

- Where are you fellas going?

Recalled from leave.

- Ceremonial drill?

- Looks like the real thing this time.

- They don't drag us back from leave for nothing.

- Maybe a raid on jerry, eh?

This is what I've been waiting for.

When do you go?

A couple of minutes.

- Hold it, fellas, I'll be right back.

- OK.

- Private Duggan reporting for duty, Corporal.

- What? Duggan?!

So you finally came to your senses, huh?

- OK, come along with me.

- Where are we going?

I've gotta go back on that train.

Without an escort? Don't make me laugh.

Escort? Say, you can't do this to me.

I've given myself up. I'll miss the show.

Come on. Will the sergeant be glad I...

(Train roars by)

(Scuffling)

- Tilly come back?

- No.

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