(INDISTINCT YELLING) WOMAN: Oh look!

Common gulls, do you think?

Yes, I would think...

I don't know.

Maybe.

(GIRL GIGGLING) You're made for each other, you and Merrilegs.

You're a little beauty, aren't you?

Where did you meet him?

In the pub, not surprisingly.

Eyes front, Dolly.

You've got your clothes on now.

Do stop shivering.

No, not AJ.

Your husband.

Oh, him.

In Nottingham.

I was 14.

Fourteen!

Harold was 17.

And he taught me everything I know about painting.

Oh, Harold.

GILBERT: Well, what about the outbuildings?

Ruins, aren't they?

They could be converted into studios.

There are enough artists on my land already, aren't there?

I think we should be proud of the artists, sir.

They're a great bunch.

What's all this I hear about this Munnings chap?

Not sure what you mean, Colonel.

What do they call him?

Is it AJ?

Nothing a bit off with the fella, is there?

No, he's great fun.

Where is he from?

Suffolk-Norfolk way, I think.

Well, he's upset some people in Penzance.

I don't want a cad living on my land, Evans.

Not a cad, is he?

They tell me he's a genius, sir.

Oh, Lord.

Not another one.

(THUNDER RUMBLING) Gilbert?

AJ.

Give me a hand here, will you sir?

(HORSE WHINNIES) AJ: Quick, grab the bridle.

Grab the bridle.

I got it.

Calm down, calm down, shh... Come on.

Keep turning him.

AJ: There you go.

There we are.

Mind you give him a good rub down there, eh?

GILBERT: Yes, sir.

Who's coming to the party?

Why everyone in Lamorna, of course.

No half measures, then.

(FOLK MUSIC PLAYS) (CLAMORING) AJ: Laura?

Laura?

Get Gilbert a drink, will you?

LAURA: Coming up, sir!

And put one down your husband's neck while you're at it.

Leave Harold alone.

He's all right, aren't you, Knighty?

AJ: Joey!

Joey, logs, man, logs.

But there may be regimental business in March is all I'm saying.

Well, I hope that's not the case.

I do.

You're going to stay down here, Gilbert, aren't you?

You're not leaving?

Well, it depends rather.

Depends on the regiment.

But we couldn't get on without you.

That's very sweet of you, Laura... (MAN LAUGHING) I knew that was you.

Not in my house.

Get off her.

Get off her.

(LAUGHS) You been busy, Dolly, have you?

I've never been busier, AJ.

Mmm, me next, then, is it?

Why don't you join the queue and take your chances?

Join the queue...

I'm sorry, Dolly.

Go on.

Go on what?

Do what you promised.

What did I promise?

You know what I'm talking about.

Oh, no, not now.

Right, everyone, quiet, please!

Oh, no.

Shh!

I want to hear this piece of lemon... Hiss... (CHUCKLES) Sorry.

When I put it on the fire.

(HISSING) (ALL GIGGLING) (THUNDER RUMBLING) "Once upon a midnight dreary, "while I pondered weak and weary.

"Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore.

"While I nodded nearly napping.

"suddenly there came a tapping, "as of someone gently rapping, "rapping at my chamber door..." (KNOCK AT DOOR) (ALL GASPING) (NERVOUS LAUGHTER) JOEY: Florence, my God.

Joey.

What are you doing here?

I asked at the pub.

They said you'd be here.

Everybody, this is my sister Florence!

ALL: Hello, Florence!

This is one of your parties?

One of AJ's and he does love a party.

That's Alfred Munnings?

Yes, this is Laura, Laura Knight.

She's a very famous painter.

Oh, yes, very famous.

(CHUCKLES) This is her husband Harold.

How do you do?

Lovely to meet you.

This is Dolly.

Now, Dolly, she models for us painters.

Oh, if they ask nicely.

Hello.

And this is my dearest friend, Captain Gilbert Evans.

How do you do, Miss Carter Wood.

How do you do, Captain Evans?

Gilbert, please.

Come and get warm.

Please, can I take your cloak?

Yes, thank you.

It's very free down here, Flo.

We do what we like.

We say what we like.

So you're a soldier?

Some of the time, yes.

And the rest of time you do what you like and say what you like.

No, the rest of the time, he keeps us all in line.

And you're down here in Cornwall to paint as well?

Yes, I'm joining Joey at his class in Newlyn.

Ah!

I'll just hang this up and get you a drink.

FLORENCE: Thank you.

Ah, AJ!

AJ: If I may continue... (CLEARS THROAT) Shh.

I'll start again, shall I?

"Once upon a midnight dreary, "whilst I pondered weak and weary.

"Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore.

"While I nodded, nearly napping, "suddenly there came a tapping, "As of someone gently rapping, "rapping at my chamber door..." GILBERT: Horribly wet.

Studio party.

Stayed late.

Met Miss Florence Carter Wood.

AJ rather stole the show.

FLORENCE: Oh, Joey, it's perfect.

I can't wait to see the view.

And you know AJ Munnings!

So do you now.

Everybody's talking about him in town.

He has an exhibition coming up.

And that poem was amazing, wasn't it?

You thought so?

Oh, yes, didn't you?

Well, was it really worth all the effort of committing it to memory like that?

Seemed quite strange.

He we are.

I still can't get over it.

You seem fully recovered.

Did Father let you come?

What?

(SIGHS) No, I just left.

You just left?

I told him what I thought of his Julian.

Ah.

He told me that I was a fool.

I wouldn't do better.

Any girl would be fortunate to marry his precious Julian and I told him that I wanted to come down here, as far away as possible.

What happened with Julian?

Nothing.

Nothing?

Julian does not exist.

Did you break it off?

Not now, Joey, I'm tired.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

I am so glad you came.

You're going to love it here.

Good night.

Good night.

(SIGHS) AJ: What do you make of her, then?

GILBERT: Of whom?

Oh, come on.

You know who I'm talking about, the new girl.

I hardly had a chance to speak to her.

I could have sworn I saw you gazing at her.

Nonsense.

Very paintable.

Ah, so it's over to you, then.

There'll be a stalking party.

Oh, I'm sure.

Might be a gent she's after.

Remember, whatever I say or do, I'm your friend, even when I'm a silly bugger.

All right, come on, Gilbert.

I'll beat you this time.

(CHUCKLES) JOEY: I've been in the rock pools again and I'm just bringing them in, putting them in the big tank and the little devil stung me.

Gilbert.

Florence.

What a pleasure.

How are you?

JOEY: Here he is.

Look, Gilbert.

This one here.

That's extraordinary.

Yeah.

Beautiful, aren't they?

When is your first class?

Tomorrow at Newlyn.

Joey's going to take me, aren't you?

JOEY: Yes, of course.

If Father thinks we're wasting his money, it's straight back to London.

And none of us would want that.

That's exactly what Mr. Munnings said, isn't it?

Oh, AJ's been around already?

Yeah.

You just missed him.

He came to see some of Florence's paintings.

I see, of course.

And very impressed he was.

I'm sure.

He was just being polite.

Oh, when's AJ polite?

(BOTH LAUGHING) So Joey tells me you fought in the South African war.

Florence!

What?

You did.

Did I say something wrong?

No, not at all.

Do forgive me.

Joey assured me you all spoke about everything here.

That's what made this place so special, that sense of frank discussion.

Absolutely.

(LAUGHS NERVOUSLY) Yeah.

Well, drink in the Wink?

What, now?

AJ said he was going.

Well, the Wink it is, then.

Dolly, you'll like this one.

Try me.

"When Titian mixed his rose madder, "his model he placed on a ladder.

"Her position to Titian suggested coition, "so he mounted the ladder... "And had her!"

(LAUGHING) Same again, Dolly?

AJ, you're a gent and it's a gin.

Joey?

MEN: To Omar Khayyam!

WALTER: If everyone could write like Omar Khayyam.

Who's this Omar Khayyam?

Weren't you educated at all?

No.

Not much.

WALTER: He does make lots of references to... AJ... Who's this Omar, then?

Arab horse thief?

(CHUCKLES) Er, "Rubaiyat" of Omar Khayyam.

It's a poem, translated from the Persian.

Which Persian?

(MEN SNIGGERING) So it's a poem.

Let's hear a bit, then.

I like a bit of poetry.

Alfred!

No, stay out of this, Laura.

Well, come on.

Do you... A couplet.

A line?

A word?

So you like this Omar, but you don't know a bloody word of his?

Right, Jory?

Yes, AJ?

Get me a drink, will you, and I'll give this lot a bit of poetry.

A bit of bloody "Hiawatha".

"Never stoops the soaring vulture "On his quarry in the desert, "On the sick or wounded bison, but another vulture, watching "From his high aerial lookout..." Florence, I would very much like to paint you.

I was wondering whether you would sit for me.

And when I'm with you, I could pick your brains, because I came here to learn from you.

I want to learn from all of you.

Well, if you wish... Would you excuse me.

Mightn't it be easier if you asked Dolly?

Dolly?

Yes.

No, Dolly's game enough, but she has nothing to hide.

Oh, Harold, I'm sorry.

I can't.

I've just remembered.

I promised to sit for Mr. Munnings.

Oh!

On a horse.

On a horse?

Yes.

Well, that's what he does, doesn't he?

Horses.

AJ doesn't do women.

Excuse me.

AJ: "Felt the cold breath of the night air, "And for the moment saw the starlight, "But he could see the ghosts no longer, "Saw no more the wandering spirits "From the kingdom of Ponemah, "From the land of the Hereafter."

And that was by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and he is not a #*#*#*#*#*#*#* Persian.

(ALL LAUGHING) Well done, AJ.

Well done.

FRANK: I must say that is quite a feat.

Jory, get these gentlemen a drink.

And a slice of humble pie!

Well, now, AJ, I was wondering if we could have a little settle up.

Excuse me.

I've been doing a bit of totting up here.

And um...

There we are... Oh, I see.

Well, I can do better than this, Mr. Jory.

Can you now?

Yes, I can.

I'll give you something priceless.

Oh.

Oh, dear Lord.

Is that us?

Yes.

It's us, (ALL LAUGHING) Well, I suppose I'd better add it to my collection.

(ALL LAUGHING) I can tell you like it here.

(CHUCKLES) A man, was it?

I'm sorry?

Are you escaping from a man?

I was.

Thought as much.

Wait, don't move.

It was my father.

Worries about you, does he?

And I can see why.

What can you see?

A talented girl who wants what she wants.

And that's worrying, is it?

Hmm.

For some men.

Not for me.

(GUNSHOT) (WHINNIES) AJ: God sake!

It's all right!

Come on.

Whoa, whoa, whoa.

Calm down!

Whoa, calm down, now.

(WHINNIES) Calm down, calm down, calm down.

That's it.

You're such a good girl.

Let's get back to work, eh?

Good girl.

Gilbert.

(CHUCKLES) Gilbert.

Come on.

No, that's not it.

Lighter, man.

Blast.

Bloody Gilbert.

Would you like me to help you?

Help me?

I could make you better.

What's Joey been saying to you?

He's been talking about me, hasn't he?

Make you a better painter.

Oh, I see.

Lighter, lighter!

Blast.

What on earth?

Wait, you can't leave now.

Oh, for God's sake, get back on the horse, woman.

I have pins and needles and I have my own work to do.

I can't be on both sides of the easel at once, can I?

Come back tomorrow.

Will you?

But I'm on the edge!

What is that?

It's a rabbit.

What's it doing there?

It brings the trout up.

How?

Maggots breed inside it, drop down into the stream.

It attracts the bigger fish.

That's all.

What's the matter?

You're shivering.

Is something wrong?

Here, take this.

Thank you.

Better?

Yes.

Will you stay for a bit?

Only if you go on fishing.

All right.

That is, if you...

If you don't mind me watching.

There's nothing I'd like more.

FLORENCE: What a wonderful walk.

GILBERT: Let's do it again.

FLORENCE: I'd love to.

GILBERT: Tomorrow morning, then.

FLORENCE: I'm meeting AJ for a lesson.

Ah, lucky man.

You're very loyal to him, aren't you?

I like him.

Whatever he does?

His bark's worse than his bite.

(DOLLY GIGGLES) JOEY: Come on, Doll.

It's not too bad!

Joey!

(DOLLY LAUGHS) I'm going now!

Then get it on you!

Come on!

Here!

(DOLLY SQUEALS) FLORENCE: I need a place of my own.

You're not going away?

No.

No, a... A studio.

However small, somewhere I can work and be alone.

I'll keep my eye open.

Would you?

Of course.

DOLLY: Come on in, it's lovely!

JOEY: Come on, Gilbert!

Oh, that boy.

Wait here.

Joey!

Dolly!

Joey!

Come in at once!

(DOLLY LAUGHS) The tide will drag you out to sea!

Come in, both of you!

Dolly!

DOLLY: Whoo!

JOEY: Come on, Dolls.

Let's go.

JOEY: Caught red-handed.

DOLLY: Nice out here, isn't it, Captain?

Dolly, the tide is especially dangerous here.

Oh, you a prefect at school, were you?

Of course I was.

(DOLLY GIGGLES) JOEY: Oh, hurry up, Dolls.

It's freezing.

Come on, get your clothes on.

All right, then.

(KNOCKING ON DOOR) (KNOCKING CONTINUES) (SIGHS) (BREATHES HEAVILY) #*#*#*#*!

FLORENCE: AJ!

AJ!

Where were you?

I thought I was sitting for you this morning.

I can't paint, Florence.

Everybody has off days.

Don't talk to me about off days.

I paint.

That's what I do.

Nothing else matters.

I see it and I paint it.

I thought you understood that.

Where are you going?

As far away as I can!

(POSTMAN WHISTLING) Here we are, ma'am.

Thank you.

Anything interesting?

It's from Father.

Father?

What does it say?

(SIGHS) He's coming down.

What on earth is he coming down for?

To spoil the fun.

That's what he does.

(SIGHS) He'll miss the main show.

There's no AJ.

(SIGHS) Can you imagine how the two of them would get along?

I've got it.

We get Gilbert over.

That's perfect.

Gilbert won't let the side down, will he?

We'll ask him now.

I promised I'd sit for Harold.

All right, in demand, are we?

Joey, whatever happens when Father comes, you mustn't lose your nerve.

Right.

We're not going home.

(CHILDREN YELLING) WOMAN: Come on, kids, clear off now.

And leave his painting.

Don't touch those paints.

Don't touch the paint!

(VIOLIN PLAYING) Beautiful.

Get!

Hey, give me that.

Bugger off, you little rats.

(CHILDREN YELL) (DOG BARKING) CARTER WOOD: Well, how are you both getting on?

JOEY: Oh, we're having great fun, Father.

I meant the art classes.

Well, they're going very well.

They're costing me a fortune.

Anything to show for it?

More cake, Father?

Er... (SIGHS) Just a slither, if I may, Florence, thank you.

More cake, Captain Evans?

If I may.

So, Captain Evans, you're with the Monmouthshire Militia?

Yes, Colonel Paynter's regiment, sir.

But he also keeps an eye on all the wayward artists.

Don't you, Captain Evans?

Never lets us out of his sight.

But you're called back regularly for training?

When required, yes, every few months or so.

Very good, very good.

And where were you at school?

I was at Rugby, sir.

Rugby?

Very good, so, er... Who's going to show me round?

Joey said he'd like to.

Gilbert's already asked me for a walk to Mousehole along the cliffs.

Yes, marvelous views along there.

Good, excellent.

Do you ever come up to town, Captain Evans?

The colonel can't spare him, I'm afraid.

Occasionally, yes, sir.

Do call in on us, er, if you do.

Thank you very much.

FLORENCE: You were wonderful at tea.

Thank you.

And you were naughty.

Was I?

Very naughty.

Yet I've never felt so good.

And you've never looked so good.

Haven't I?

Will you come with me to the races on Saturday?

I'd love to.

And Father will be gone!

(GILBERT CHUCKLES) MAN: Keep them in line.

Move them up.

That's it.

Steady, now.

Altogether, keep them in line.

Good to see you again.

Good to be back.

I'll see you later.

Yes.

Have you already put money on one of them?

AJ: Have you missed me, then?

Oh, have you been away?

(LAUGHING) Have you got it?

I have.

Sovereign to win.

And is he a winner, do you think?

Undoubtedly.

Are you ready, gentlemen?

JOCKEY: Go on, boy!

(ALL CHEERING) Look, he's leading!

Joey, time for a pint.

Absolutely.

Be a dear... Dolly?

I don't want to miss the finish.

Don't be silly.

There's plenty of time.

(SIGHS IN CONTENT) What do you think?

There's no one like him.

Really?

No one?

No one.

He's a genius.

(CHEERING) Come on, Charley.

Come on!

(CHEERING) You bloody beauty!

He was doing so well.

AJ: Give that to him.

Give that here.

Well done, love.

Thank you very much.

Tell me something.

What's that?

Is Laura in love with AJ?

With AJ?

No.

No?

No, she...

Loves his work, but... deep down she's devoted to Harold.

Deep down.

It's a lovely phrase.

Do you know who you are deep down?

Yes, I think so.

FLORENCE: I wish I did.

And I know what I want.

♪ That's why I'm lonely ♪ No home at all ♪ I broke her heart, pet ♪ After the ball ♪ After the ball is over ♪ After the break of morn Morn!

Morn!

♪ After the dancers leaving ♪ After the stars are gone ♪ Many a heart is aching ♪ If you could read them all ♪ Many of the hopes that have vanished ♪ After the ball ♪ HAROLD: Oh, very good.

Oh, I wish I could play.

So do I. I... That was fantastic.

Where did you learn to sing?

It's so beautiful down here, isn't it?

Yes, it is.

It's the most beautiful place I've ever been to.

Florence.

Yes.

I've something I want to ask you.

Yes.

What on earth are you doing mooning about out here?

We're dancing inside and only yesterday you said how much you loved dancing.

And I am the best dancer in Lamorna.

Eh, Gilbert?

Come on.

(SIGHS) Florence!

Florence!

I need you this afternoon.

I'm sorry, I can't.

I'm busy.

Busy doing what?

Sketching.

In your bedroom?

Hey.

Well, bring it with you.

Well, come on.

What are you waiting for?

Give me ten minutes and I'll be down.

I'll give you five.

What have you been up to?

Me?

Mmm.

Oh, you're not interested.

No, don't stand up.

I am going to draw you now.

No, you're bloody not.

You have told me a number of times that you'd help me.

Yes and I will, once this is finished.

You... you storm off.

You don't tell me where you're going.

You come back and you use me.

It's all you, isn't it?

Well, now it's my turn.

Sit down, please.

(SIGHS) Right.

Knees together.

This is not easy for me.

It's not easy for me either.

I feel like a bloody fool.

Oh, poor you.

Laura says that you are going to be the most famous artist in England.

(CHUCKLES) No, she'll be the famous one.

Energy of six.

But she's a woman.

Is she?

(GIGGLES) That's very rude.

You shouldn't have laughed, then.

I think I saw your father the other day in the lane.

Not easy to miss, is he, Mr. Carter Wood?

(GIGGLES) Nor are you.

Yes, a different breed, though.

Different stable.

Quite a different class.

Does that matter?

Does it to you?

No.

No, it doesn't.

Oh, come on, are you feeling brave yet?

I'm not sure what I'm feeling.

(SIGHS) Yes, all right, you may look.

And here is Mr. AJ Munnings.

It's a rabbit.

So it is.

There's more to you than meets the eye.

Is there?

Look, take this section here.

Just here.

Come on.

Come on, girl.

A little bit more.

That's it.

Good girl.

Good.

Dodger.

Here.

(SIGHS) Come on, come on, come on.

(SIGHS) May I have a look?

Of course.

Thank you, Mr. Munnings.

MUNNINGS: You have to be daring and bold!

Layer the paints how you feel they should be layered.

Just do as you feel, just as long as you feel it!

Paint like that or... Or like this.

Like Laura?

No.

Like you?

Yes!

And do not, under any circumstances, paint like this.

(HUMMING) Because that is Piss-casso, that is.

That is piss!

And we don't want that, would we?

No, we would not want that.

So be bold, be... Be brave!

Dive into the deep end.

That's art.

Come here.

Look at me.

Stay there.

Look at me.

(SKETCHING) Because I will bring you alive.

And I will capture you, forever.

So years from now they'll look at you, and they'll know exactly what I was thinking.

You and I are getting on rather nicely.

You think so?

Yes.

Very nicely.

Does that surprise you?

You civilize me.

Is that what you want, Mr. Munnings?

To be civilized?

Yes, Miss Carter Wood.

Is that all you want?

No.

So I'm going to ask you something.

Are you?

Just once.

You are?

Will you marry me?

(INHALES SHARPLY) Yes.

Yes, I will.

(LAUGHING) I knew you would!

I knew you would!

Yes!

Yes!

Yes!

Yes!

Yes!

Oh!

Laura.

Gilbert!

You won't believe what I have to tell you.

What is it?

So, you haven't heard.

AJ has just called round.

Really?

What's he up to now?

They're engaged.

Who?

Who... Who's engaged?

Florence and AJ.

Right.

Well, thank you for telling me.

I'm so sorry.

We both are.

You'll come and see us, won't you?

Yes, I expect so.

(DOORBELL RINGING) Mr. Munnings.

(CHUCKLING) Yes.

That's me.

Well, where is the old boy?

Mr. Carter Wood is in the drawing room, sir.

Very good.

MR. CARTER WOOD: Ah!

Good afternoon!

How do you do?

How do you do?

A long old journey for you.

No, no.

I like to be on the move.

Plenty to catch the eye.

(MUMBLING SARCASTICALLY) Do sit down.

Missed you, it seems, when I was down in Lamorna.

AJ: Yes.

Out and about.

Doing what I do.

(CHUCKLES SOFTLY) Some tea, I thought.

Oh, I thought maybe we could have...

Yes, tea, I think.

MR. CARTER WOOD: In my experience, I have to say, artists are an irresponsible bunch who often fail to provide a proper home for themselves, let alone a wife and family.

Yes, that does sound like us.

My daughter has not been short of suitors, Mr. Munnings.

I should think not.

And as for you, as a token of your intent, and before we can discuss any serious arrangements, I would expect you to earn 1,000 guineas a year.

Done.

I do already.

Do you?

Oh, Of course.

But you know, the most important thing is that you make her happy.

Hmm?

Of course.

Cheerio.

(DOOR OPENING) AJ: You happy?

FLORENCE: Very.

AJ: I should think so.

Have you seen Gilbert lately?

Only from the distance.

He's stopped coming to the pub.

Perhaps he has a lot to do.

He did write me the most lovely letter, congratulating us.

Always the gent is our Gilbert.

Oh, come on, that's enough of that!

Let's have a look.

(LIVELY TUNE PLAYING) (HUMMING) To the most beautiful girl in the whole world!

(ALL CHEERING) Second.

Second most beautiful.

To the lovebirds.

What do you think he sees in her?

What do you see in him?

He's fun, Harold.

Fun?

You'll be saying he's a force of nature next.

LAURA: Perhaps she thinks she'll change him.

HAROLD: Fat chance.

Some girls are like that.

Before they're married.

(AJ MUMBLING DRUNKENLY) Knighty!

Evening.

Have you seen Florence's new work?

I have.

Harold has been very encouraging.

You like it?

I do.

I do.

Bolder!

More striking.

Yes.

As long as she takes her time.

No, no, no, Knighty!

Strike while the iron's hot, Harold.

That's what Florence and I do, isn't it?

Hmm?

Ah, the old boy!

Gilbert, old boy.

Haven't seen you in a while.

Terribly busy spell.

You know how the colonel is.

(INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS) I've been up to London.

Oh, yes?

Yes.

Another exhibition, is it?

No, I wish it was.

Old Carter Wood.

Prospects, all that nonsense.

How did you find him?

I found him a silly old bugger.

(CHUCKLING) (MELLOW TUNE PLAYING ON VIOLIN) (FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING) (SKETCHING) I'm only resting my eyes.

(LAUGHS) Please, do carry on.

(SIGHS) May I ask you something?

Of course.

When you're painting, you often hit the canvas quite hard.

It's so different to Laura and Harold, and the technique that they use to apply paint.

I...

It often looks quite... What?

Clumsy?

No, not clumsy at all.

I was just wondering... Just wondering.

Just wondering, were you?

Well, you better just take a bloody good look.

Look at my right eye.

Do you see?

Look at my right eye.

Look!

I'm looking.

And the reason for this, my dear Florence, the reason for this "clumsiness", my dear Miss Carter Wood, is that I am completely blind in my right eye.

Blinded as a boy, by a blackthorn, chasing a bloody silly dog, and that is why this bumps into that!

(BREATHING SHAKILY) Flo, come on.

Hey.

(SNIFFLES) It's a big change ahead of you.

(STAMMERING) And it's a big step.

But he's a great man, AJ.

And he's going to be famous.

Yes.

You're right.

Of course you're right.

Yes?

Hey.

All right.

Any luck?

Not yet.

I don't suppose there is any news on my hut?

Surely, once you're married, you'll have everything you need?

No.

I still need a place of my own.

Do you?

Yes.

Somewhere that I can be away from everybody else.

I'll have a word with the colonel when I get back.

Back?

From where?

I'm wanted for a training exercise.

You won't miss the wedding though, will you?

When is it exactly?

Two weeks from Saturday.

Two weeks Saturday?

You'll be there, won't you?

Please.

(WHIMPERING) (DOOR OPENING) Fancy a drink?

Now?

Can I come in, or was I... No, no.

Please do.

Bit of a strange request, to tell you the truth.

Sit down.

(SIGHS) I have got to go up to London early, few things to do, this and that.

Well, one way or another I won't be back before the wedding.

And it's soon, I hear.

The point is, Florence and I would like you to accompany her to London.

Me?

What about Joey?

No, It has to be you.

I think she needs you with her.

You mean a great deal to me, Gilbert.

You mean a great deal to the both of us.

You know that?

You do realize what you're asking me?

Yes, of course I do.

We need your help.

(SIGHS) All right.

Top man.

MAN: Good morning.

Florence?

I know what you're thinking.

I know what you're going to say, but please... Don't.

Come on!

Come on, not this mooning about.

Plenty to see in here.

Plenty to see.

One thing in particular.

What would Constable make of this lot, eh?

I cannot believe that I've dreaded rejection from this bunch of pansies.

FLORENCE: I rather like this one.

Huh?

It has something.

You do, do you?

Yes.

The blues and the reds.

I think they work.

I'd leave the art to the artists if I were you, my love.

I've seen better work in a Cornish urinal.

And this is why you're here.

May I present Morning Ride.

(BREATHES DEEPLY) FLORENCE: What do you think?

Is it me?

GILBERT: Well, it's a picture of you.

And what about the other one?

GILBERT: Yes, he has caught them, hasn't he?

No, I mean the gypsy woman.

Oh, I hadn't noticed her.

FLORENCE: Well, have a good look.

Because she... Because that is one of his as well.

And Dolly.

Dolly?

FLORENCE: You didn't know?

You're his friend and you didn't know?

No, not Dolly.

I doubt they... Because now, the whole world knows about AJ and his women.

Of whom I am one.

Then why?

Why?

Why am I happy one day and bored the next?

I can't begin to account for it, can you?

It's all so... Unaccountable.

But it's a strange feeling, having given oneself away so lightly.

Lightly?

But then, AJ is a genius, and there is no one else in the world like him.

And he loves me.

I'll ask him to take that down.

And he will.

Excuse me.

A quick word.

I'm not going to do it.

Tomorrow.

Oh, you're not?

No.

But you will be there.

I don't know.

Oh.

Well, I'm sure Joey will step in.

Up to you.

People at the back, little bit in.

Thank you very much.

AJ, if you love me then take it down!

Take what down?

AJ, I meant what I said.

Take it down.

If you love me, take it down!

My portrait?

(SCOFFS) My portrait of you?

Are you mad?

No, I am not.

Leave your other women up there, but take me down.

AJ: Well, friends, my Suffolk friends.

(ALL CHEERING) Sons of the soil.

And my Cornish friends... Whoo!

AJ: My Cornish family, in a manner of speaking, who see the world as I do, who capture the world as it passes, who see the sparkle of the sea, or the shimmering coat of a horse, the light of a beauty on a lovely day.

ALL: Hear, hear!

And what a beauty she is!

ALL: Hear, hear!

AJ: And I'm truly a very lucky man because I get to see this wonderful woman for the rest of my life.

But if you want to see Florence, you don't have to go to Florence.

(ALL LAUGHING) You don't even have to go to Paris!

If you want to see this beautiful woman captured for all time, all you need do is go to the Royal Academy.

(ALL GASPING) AJ: Yes!

Go directly to Room 9.

The rest is a load of old nonsense in my opinion.

(ALL LAUGHING) And go and see my beautiful wife.

I'd like to raise a glass, and toast Mrs. AJ Munnings.

GUESTS: To Florence!

WOMAN: To Mrs. Munnings.

(INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS) (CHUCKLING) (BREATHING DEEPLY) (CORK POPS) To you, Gilbert.

Cheers.

(EXCLAIMS) I say... (BREATHING HEAVILY) I hope I'm not interrupting anything?

Florence.

Florence!

(PEOPLE MURMURING) Call a doctor!

GILBERT: Florence?

JOEY: Did she fall?

GILBERT: Where and when she got the poison, I do not know.

They took her to the London hospital and, thank God, saved her life.

Now they're coming back to Lamorna, and staying here, at the hotel.

Gilbert.

Gilbert.

(SIGHS) Good to see you, old boy.

What's for dinner, hmm?

Come on.

You've heard Joey's staying in London?

Yes.

Very sudden, wasn't it?

No appeal, I'm afraid.

Father was adamant.

He preferred life to art, didn't he, our Joey?

What exactly do you mean?

He preferred life to art.

Nothing wrong with that.

Preferred Dolly to daubing.

(LAUGHS) So what's he up to now?

AJ: At it hammer and tongs I imagine.

You can hardly blame him, Dolly.

Time for a drink I think.

Gilbert?

Yes, thought as much.

(SIGHS) Mrs. Jory?

He insisted on coming back straightaway.

I'm sorry?

He seems to be on top form when you're near.

He wanted you to come back here?

Yes.

And... And you had no choice?

I had a choice.

As my father would say, I've made my bed.

And now it seems as though I must lie on it.

And in it.

So you still want that studio then?

More than anything in the world.

It's good to see him though.

Very.

Good old Gilbert.

It feels better being here?

Yes, I think it will be better.

For both of us.

Yes, I thought it would, uh...

Please you.

It does.

You could always talk to Laura.

About things.

You know, woman to woman and all.

(BREATHES DEEPLY) (THUNDER RUMBLING) It's perfect!

There's still a few things need doing... No, it's perfect.

Somebody else has moved into the cottage.

Thank you so much.

I'm glad you like it.

I'm going to go and fetch my things.

Will you wait here?

What, now?

Yes.

Will you wait for me?

Of course.

(CHUCKLES) MAN: Morning, AJ.

AJ: Morning.

(DOOR OPENING) AJ!

You're looking well.

Roses in your cheeks.

Yes.

You are looking well.

Am I?

Suits you.

You should get out more.

I am.

I'm...

I'm going now, in fact.

Going where?

Don't... Come on.

Let's be seeing you.

All of you.

AJ, not now.

So when is now?

Not in the day, not in the night, not this week, not next week, not sometimes, not ever.

Just not now.

Yes, now!

(GRUNTS) Go on.

Try that again.

Try that again!

(SCREAMS) Why don't you do what you bloody well should do?

(YELLS) (GRUNTING) (SCREAMS) Don't you dare!

I am not your gypsy!

No.

And I am not Dolly!

You're damn right you're not!

(BREATHING HEAVILY) (PANTING) Florence?

What is it?

No, don't touch me!

(SOBBING) It's all right.

It's all right.

(DOOR OPENING) (DOOR CLOSING) I just wanted to say...

I just wanted to say that she's told me.

Told you?

Told you what?

About the hut.

Wherever it is.

Oh, it's nothing.

Happy to do it.

For her.

For you.

For both of you.

It's been made crystal clear to me that it's out of bounds.

Come to think of it, to tell you the truth, quite a bit is out of bounds.

Sit down, AJ.

I don't want to sit down.

It used to be so easy, didn't it?

Paint, have a drink, ride.

Everything at full tilt.

But this.

God, this beats me.

(SIGHS) The whole #*#*#*#*#*#*#* business.

(SIGHS) (BREATHING DEEPLY) (HORSE WHINNYING) Dodger!

(HORN HONKING) (BARKS) Morning, ladies.

Morning, AJ.

(BARKS) Thank you.

Morning.

Good morning.

(SIGHS) Just seen old Harold in his car.

Exciting, isn't it?

Is it?

The stink of petrol!

Is the stink of petrol exciting?

All I meant was that, uh...

The hunt is exciting.

The smell of a horse, that's exciting.

Besides, he never goes anywhere, does he?

Runs around after Laura.

Perhaps that is because he loves her.

Is that what you want, is it?

Errand boy.

Lap dog.

I have applied for a position in Africa.

Surveying.

I'll be hearing within the month.

Not back to South Africa?

You're not going back there?

It's West Africa.

Nigeria, in fact... Nigeria.

For how long?

I might not get it.

How long, she asked.

Three years.

AJ: Jumping off to the jungle.

#*#*#*#*, Africa!

I need you here.

She needs you here.

Some bloody friend you are!

And talking of a friend, I'd like to offer you a little bit advice because I have seen something of life... Oh, whereas I haven't?

Well, you've seen a little bit, but you don't really know what you're talking about... AJ, do you know what we had to do in South Africa, when we were starving?

No breakfasts like this, no breakfasts at all, no lunch, no dinner, no food... Do you know what we did?

You like horses, AJ, don't you?

You love them.

We both do.

Well, we killed them.

We beheaded them, we skinned them and we boiled them into soup.

Horse soup!

Horse soup!

So do not talk to me about what you have seen, do not talk to me about petrol.

And above all, do not talk to me about art and life!

(BREATHING HEAVILY) Stay where you are.

Don't move.

Stay exactly as you are forever.

(BREATHING HEAVILY) You've already had the letter, haven't you?

(WHISPERS) Yes.

And you're going to accept?

I must.

Hmm.

Harold says that there may be another war.

What will you do then?

I'll join my regiment.

I have to.

(KNOCKING) There's no drink here, AJ.

You know.

He called in.

Yes.

Joey gone, Dolly gone, Gilbert... (SIGHS) Going, going... (SIGHS) Gone.

Yes.

All gone.

You'd better sit down for a moment.

"Friends, "one sees how it ends.

"A woman looks, "or a man lies, "and the pleasant brooks, "and the quiet skies, "ruined with brawling, and caterwauling, "enchant no more "as they did before, "and so it ends "with friends."

Thank you.

Life goes on, AJ.

Yes, it certainly does.

And you have a wife now.

She's no wife.

What on earth do you mean?

She's with him.

That's what I mean.

Did you know, that we are sitting on 264 million years of rock?

Really?

I'm going to paint you now.

Close your eyes.

Does AJ know?

He knows.

What on earth... (LAUGHING) I'm painting!

I'm painting you.

Give in.

Stop it.

Just give in.

(LAUGHING) Stop.

And, Captain Evans, did you know... Did you know that they've put a telegraph cable all the way under the sea?

All the way to America.

Imagine all of that cable and all those voices saying, "I love you", echoing along it.

Will you write to me every day?

Where shall I write?

The hotel.

Are you're sure you'll still be here?

You're so beautiful.

My beautiful soldier.

My captain.

Why can't there a telegraph cable to Nigeria?

There will be.

It's like a summer's day, isn't it?

Hmm.

Summer in February.

Which train is it?

The first one in the morning.

(WHISPERS) Come back for me.

I will.

Tell me again.

(WHISPERS) I love you.

I love you.

(RATTLING) (ENGINE STARTING) (BREATHES DEEPLY) Afternoon, madam.

Hello.

Florence?

I was just wondering how your work is coming along?

It's gone.

I can't.

Yes, you can.

Only if he comes back.

(DOOR OPENING) Some tea, I think.

Are you going to come to the party?

Oh, uh...

I expect so.

We always do.

(LAUGHS) Fancy dress wouldn't be the same without you.

Does he know?

What?

Oh, come on, Florence.

I can't tell him.

You'll have to.

Fairly soon.

It's not his.

Are you sure?

It can't be his.

(LIVELY MUSIC PLAYING) (INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS) (INAUDIBLE) AJ's coming over.

What are you up to, Laura?

Painting some fishermen over at Newlyn.

No, no, no.

Not that.

With her.

What were you up to just now?

We were just talking.

Just talking?

Just talking.

Look at her.

(SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY) (RECORD SCRATCHES) (SHATTERS) (ALL EXCLAIM) Go on.

Off you go.

You whore!

(ALL EXCLAIMING) (PEOPLE MURMURING INDISTINCTLY) Florence, my dear, are you all right?

(BREATHING SHAKILY) (THUNDER RUMBLING) (LIGHTNING CRACKING) (INAUDIBLE) (THUNDER RUMBLING) (GLASS SHATTERING) (EXCLAIMS) (LIGHTNING CRACKING) (BREATHES DEEPLY) (CORK POPS) (GASPS) (BIRDS CHIRPING) MAN: How do?

Captain Evans.

Gilbert!

Harold.

Good to see you.

Very good.

So you don't want me to come with you?

No, thank you.

Do give my love to Laura, won't you?

Hmm.

I will.

I will.

One moment.

One moment.

There's a...

There's this for you.

Thank you, Harold.

(CLEARS THROAT) AJ: Dear Gilbert, one day you will come back to Lamorna, I know you will, and, when you do, I hope that you will accept this from your old friend, AJ.

(INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PLAYING)