Don't be, offended.
That lately we've been on my mind.
And one day we might wake and find
a hopeless situation.
No hurt intended,
but I have to make a move before
we find we're running out of more
than time and conversation.
Mind the bend, Darling.
I've driven you to the station everyday, for the last fifteen years.
You don't have to tell me.
Careful, there's another one coming up.
Oh Darling!
I know this road like the back of my hand.
Caroline! Keep your eyes on the road.
Good Lord!
What?
I don't believe it.
What?
It's unbelievable.
What is? You are so irritating this morning.
There's been a big shake up at Belmont.
Tony Lloyd's been made MD.
Do you know him?
Tony Lloyd previously spent three years
at Ginsberg Publishing, where he worked under
Sales and Marketing Director, Donald Fairchild.
He was my Home Sales Director
I told him he was out of his mind, to leave Ginsberg for Belmont,
because he was in line for my job.
Now he's a Managing Director, and I'm still there.
It's not your fault, Darling.
You know, Herman Ginsburg should have stepped down years ago.
I know. You know. Herman knows.
He said he'd retire when he was sixty five.
Well, he can't go on for ever, can he?
He's seventy four next week.
I must be mad to have stayed with Herman.
Tony Lloyd, MD of Belmont.
You just hang in there, Darling. It's only a matter of time.
I know, I've got another fifteen years before I retire.
(car acceleration)
Here we are.
Ohhh, roll on Friday.
Darling, its only Monday.
Oh, don't forget.
We've promised to take Jonathon to lunch today,
before he gets his train for Oxford.
Are you sure you've kept it free?
Don't worry, it's in the diary.
It's not everyday a member of our family goes to University.
I'm looking forward to it.
So is Jonathon. So am I.
It's yonks since you took me out to lunch during the week.
I know. Herman is so mean these days
it's hard enough to claim the genuine business lunches.
Ah, Donald. I've been thinking.
I thought I might look for a job.
I'm going to have a lot of time on my hands.
Well you've still got me to look after.
Yes of course, but... I thought I'd like something,
more challenging. More fulfilling.
I've spent the last twenty odd years looking after you and the children.
I want a job.
But, that is your job.
I want something more, Donald.
I want to go back to work.
Well, a good idea.
What about that new flower shop in Amersham?
They're always looking for part time staff.
No, that's not quite what I had in mind.
Why not? You're a jolly good flower arranger.
I bet you could get a job there.
Donald! I want to pick up my career. I want to go back into publishing.
Darling, you are quaint.
I must go or I'll miss it.
Don't forget to pick up my suit from the cleaners.
Oh and some shaving cream...Lather. You got foam last time.
Donald!
Donald, may I remind you.
I had a very successful career in publishing
before I bore your children.
Our children.
And it was a promising career.
Alright. Promising.
I was earning more than you.
And it would have been successful
if you hadn't got me pregnant, every two minutes.
Caroline, I have to travel with these people.
Well, just you remember Donald Fairchild,
that I'm the one who had to give up my career.
I'm the one who had to compromise.
I'm the one who had to deal with all the dirty nappies.
And I'm the one who wants to pick up my career.
You haven't done any dirty nappies for years.
I'm talking metaphorically.
What was the alternative?
That I should have given up my career?
Well, I was a good editor. I found the Dartington Trilogy.
Which still sells very nicely, thank you very much.
So don't patronise me.
Darling, I wasn't patronising you.
Yes, you were. You called me quaint.
Nobody likes being called quaint. It's patronising.
I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that. It was wrong.
Naive, would have been a better word.
Ugh!
(door slam)
What?
You are being naive, if you think you can
go back into publishing, just like that.
You've had no contact for over twenty years.
I shouldn't think you'd even get as far as an interview.
Really?
No.
These days, they want young people. Not middle aged Mums.
Why do you think I'm having such a struggle at Ginsberg?
Why do you think we haven't had a title in the best seller list for five years?
Because, I've got a geriatric chairman, who won't spend any money.
And a puritanical editorial director,
who won't allow so much as a bare bosom on a cover.
And a patronising and pompous
Sales and Marketing Director,
who is a male chauvinist pig.
(car wheels screech)
(postman whistling)
Morning. Post.
(whistling)
(phone exchange buzzes)
Ginsberg Publishers.
I'll see if Mr Ginsberg is free.
I should have been consulted.
My sales force are going to have a hell of a job selling a book with this cover.
I don't know how you can say that, Donald.
That is a beautiful still life, by Van Gogh.
It's beautiful, but it's a waste of money.
It won't help Gordon Campion's book.
Ya?
Beatrice, ask him to call me later.
I'm in a meeting with Mr Fairchild and Mr McCormack.
The book is about an artist. I think its a most apposite cover.
It's about a randy young art student. It's a very funny book.
Herman.
No thank you, Herman.
Look...with the right marketing.
I can get 'Pasture's New' into the best seller list.
I've already done a marvellous deal with Smiths'.
Donald.
What have you got in mind?
Well.
A naked girl, for start.
Oh!
I know Alistair. I know.
But, a pair of boobs can sell an extra two hundred thousand copies.
No!
No no.
I've always been a responsible editor.
I'm not going to demean myself or Ginsberg.
How about in profile? One boob.
And settle for an extra hundred thousand.
I'm sorry Herman.
I have no wish to appear puritanical.
But, I refuse to be associated with anything lewd.
Herman, he's gotta go.
We've gotta get someone young.
Who can help me change our image
and get this Publishing House into the 80s.
Hopefully, before we're into the 90s.
Don't worry Donald. You'll give yourself a coronary.
Gawd, when I think I got you, Jeffery Archer
and you rejected him.
Archer. Smarcher.
We're not doing too badly.
Herman, we can't survive on our list of dead authors, forever.
The Ginsberg Dickens.
The Ginsberg Shakespeare.
Herman Ginsberg's complete works of Lewis Caroll.
I might as well be doing the marketing for a firm of undertakers.
Donald...you know my philosophy.
A good author, is a dead author.
Especially, if he's been dead fifty years and I don't have to pay him royalties.
Herman.
Don't worry Donald.
Alastair is leaving.
Alright?
Listen... I'm seventy four next week.
You know that.
Yes. Of course.
Well, tomorrow morning I'm going to make a big announcement.
Herman. Are you announcing your retirement?
I don't want to say anymore now.
Alright?
No. Certainly.
Ha! Right.
Donald.
I've been looking at some of
your expenses lately.
Two bottles of Jouet Champagne, ah?
for lunch
last Wednesday.
I was negotiating
for a big Autumn wine book.
What were we supposed
to drink?
Half a bottle of
the house plonk?
And did you get
the wine book?
No.
Then the answer is yes.
Right.
Good morning.
Can I help you?
Yes. I've got an interview
with Peter Stuart.
And your name is?
Miss Caroline Fielding.
Right. Well, if you'd
like to take a seat
over there.
I'll phone and let Mr Stuart
know that you're here.
Thankyou.
Hello, yes. I've got a Miss...
Fielding.
A Miss Fielding, in reception
for Peter.
Yep, okay.
Mr Stuart isn't in his office
at the moment.
But his secretary
will phone down
when he's back.
Well, thank you.
I'll wait.
Nicky, can you get a courier
to whiz this over to Heathrow?
I'd like it in New York,
by tomorrow morning.
Right.
Caroline?
Caroline Fielding!
Anthea. Anthea Duxbury.
Good Lord!
It must be over fifteen years.
More like twenty.
You look marvellous.
So do you.
Well what on earth
are you doing here?
Oh, I've got an interview
with a Mr Stuart.
Peter Stuart?
My God,
we need someone like you here.
One just can't find
anyone with experience these days.
Really?
Oh, you've no idea.
All we get are graduates.
Hot out of Redwicks'.
Stepped in Malcom Bradbury
and David Lodge.
But, they haven't the
faintest idea what's
commercial in the marketplace.
Really?
They've no horse sense.
Couldn't spot a
Harold Robbins
if they slept with it.
Really?
But what about you Caroline?
What have you been up to?
This and that.
Freelancing, mostly.
Oh, Peter.
How clever of you
to find Caroline Fielding.
Peter Stuart.
Oh how do you do?
Do you two know each other?
I used to be her secretary.
Don't ask me how many years ago.
Caroline was responsible
for Dartington Trilogy.
Really?
My God,
we need someone like you here.
All we get are graduates
steeped in Malcolm Bradbury
and David Lodge.
Yes, I know.
Would you like to
come and meet some
of our people?
Yes, is Mr Frankland in?
When could you start?
Are you free for lunch?
The royalties from the
Dartington Trilogy
are still rolling in.
Especially from the States.
Yes, especially from the States.
Really?
So, he's retiring at last?
I'll be in control.
I'm really gonna turn
that company around.
Bring in some new blood.
I'm so pleased for you Dad.
You deserve it.
Thanks.
I can't think where
you're Mother has got to.
I'm dying to tell her the news.
Well as I told you.
When I got up
there was a note
saying she'd see us here.
I think you might have
had your haircut, Jonathon.
If you're fortunate enough
to get a place at Oxford,
the least you can do
is arrive with hair
at a reasonable length.
I don't think the place
was conditional on
the length of my hair.
Excuse me, Senor Fairchild.
Yes?
A message from Mrs Fairchild.
She is unavoidably delayed.
She will see you at
Paddington Station.
Oh, thank you Ramana.
Oh.
Well.
You can just see
his handkerchief,
third from the end.
I'm sorry, Darling.
Where the hell
have you been?
You missed lunch.
Your youngest child
leaves home and
you weren't there
to see him off.
Our youngest child.
And you were there.
Oh, Donald.
Don't be so dramatic.
We're going to see him
at the weekend.
Well, where on earth have you been?
I've got some very exciting news
I'd wanted to tell you over lunch.
Now you've spoiled it.
And I've got some exciting news
to tell you.
I went for an interview
for a job,
and the most amazing thing
happened.
They want me to start tomorrow.
I think the Flowerpot in Amersham
could have waited.
Don't you feel
it's more important
to be here,
to see your son off?
As it happens,
it's something rather better
than that.
Oh, well nevermind
I want to tell you my good news.
Hermann's announcing his retirement
tomorrow.
Don't you want to know
what it is?
What?
My job.
The one I went for
this morning.
Don't you want to know
what it is?
O yes. Alright.
What is it?
I'm on the hardware counter
at Woolies.
I wish you every success, Donald.
Thankyou Alastair.
I'm sure we are going to do
great things together.
Yes.
Right.
Ah, can I have your
attention please?
Quiet, please.
Thankyou.
Now kinder,
some of you may know
why I've called you here
this morning.
And some of you
maybe not.
But knowing how well secrets
are kept at Ginsberg Publishing,
I'm sure you all know.
I founded this
Publishing House
when I bought this building
in 1939.
It has been my life.
But, as one or two of you
may know.
Next week
I celebrate my
seventy fourth birthday.
Thankyou.
But, we best not be
premature.
I ain't got there yet.
But it does not take
mathematical genius
to work out
that I have been
selling and publishing books
for more than
forty five years.
That's a lot of books
and a lot of years.
And I have to admit
that these days
I sometimes get a bit
tired.
In other words
there comes a time
to step down.
To pass the business over.
That time has come.
I do not feel unhappy.
Because I know that Ginsberg Publishing
is going to be
in safe hands.
It is going to be taken over
by a man, who will bring
the company into the 80s.
Hopefully before we are in the 90s.
A dynamic man.
For whom, I am proud to step down.
I am delighted
to introduce to you,
The President of Oasis Publishing.
Edgar Frankland, the third.
Thankyou Herman.
Thankyou.
And may I say
how delighted I am
to have this opportunity
of meeting you all.
And in due course,
I will be meeting
each and every
one of you individually,
to explain the
various ramifications
of this take over bid.
And what it will
mean to you financially.
I don't know how
you can be so callous.
You gave no indication
that we were subject to
a take over bid.
Donald, I told you yesterday
I was going to make a big
announcement.
Yes. To tell us
you were retiring.
I am retiring.
I know Herman.
What about me?
Am I supposed to retire?
Or shall we use the real phrase?
Be made redundant.
Mr Fairchild.
Donald.
No one's been made
redundant.
At least not at
board level.
Especially not you.
I want you at Oasis.
I beg your pardon?
I need you.
I'm over here
merely to cover
this transition period.
We're gonna need someone
to succeed me.
And I think you
could be that someone.
But.
Herman's told me
all about you.
And one of the
two main conditions
of this take over.
Is that you join us
at Oasis, with
the usual stock options.
Ah.
Well, I hope you'll
at least
consider it.
Yes, sure, I...
I'll consider it.
What was the other
main condition?
That I got
three million
for the property.
Well, that's the reception.
We change our display
periodically.
Mostly it's our titles
from the Bestseller Lists.
Of which
I am delighted to say,
there are many.
Number one,
'Sixteen Weeks'.
Nicky is responsible
for the display.
Nicky, this is
Mr Fairchild,
who will be joining
our Senior Executive.
Hello.
Good Afternoon, Mr Fairchild.
Don, come on through
and let me introduce you
to some of the key
personnel who will
be working under you.
Thankyou.
ha ha ha (with mouth closed).
Very impressive, Edgar.
I knew you'd like it.
Ah. Peter.
Meet our new
Sales and Marketing Director.
Donald Fairchild,
who comes to us
from Ginsberg Publishing.
Peter Stuart, Personnel.
Delighted you are joining us.
We need
someone like you here.
Thankyou.
And Anthea Duxbury,
your Export Sales Director.
How do you do?
Mr Fairchild.
I'm so glad
you're joining us.
So am I.
And someone
you are going to
be working
very closely with.
Your Editorial Director...
See you later.
Caroline Fielding.
Miss Fielding
only joined us yesterday.
How do you do?
Mr Um?
Fairchild.
Donald Fairchild.
We are damn lucky
to have her.
Do you know
Fielding is responsible
for one of our big sellers
in the States.
The Dartington Trilogy.
Is that so?
Yes.
Well, I'm sure you two
are going to get along
famously.
Yeah, I'm sure we shall.
Don't be offended,
that lately we've
been on my mind.
And one day
we might wake and find
a hopeless situation.
Nothing has ended.
I'll still be here
or here abouts.
And you won't suffer
any doubts
or lack communication.
All the ? are forever
All the best
that is yet to come.
Merely
suspended.
So you'll remember
why we fell
in love.