NARRATOR: Victoria has gone abroad.
And Crane has realized that he has simply
always been in love with Jo.
In order to save Douglas Motors from the threat
of Japanese competition, Crane has entered into a suicidal bet
with Jo's father, Franklyn.
[music playing]
MAN: It's like a will, this.
STEPHEN CRANE: Kind of.
He won't take it.
Who knows?
MAN: Not with that name on it.
[coughing]
THOMAS FRANKLYN: Perhaps I should take up smoking.
JOANNA FRANKLYN: I want you to promise me you'll see a doctor.
THOMAS FRANKLYN: Not today.
Today I play games with Stephen.
You're not taking that ridiculous suggestion
seriously?
One cannot play games any other way.
You were both drunk.
Stephen embarrassed you in public--
Joanna, drunkenness is drunkenness.
But a bet is a bet.
This bet then, right?
From noon, 24 hours without Franklyn spending any money,
or anybody spending it on his behalf?
Yeah.
And then you, 24 hours living by the rules of chance.
[inaudible]
What are the stakes?
He loses, he swears to support Douglas Motors
for the rest of his life.
FRIEND: You're joking.
I lose, I swear to work for Franklyn for the rest of mine.
Son of a--
bloody hell.
It's tipped in your favor or what?
That's debatable.
What do you mean, you soft git?
Working for Franklyn?
Talk about gravy trains, that's got to be the Orient Express.
Possibly, or I give myself up.
Hello, officer, my name's Derek Love.
Lucky, ain't I?
I get a choice.
[music playing]
Why are you doing this?
It's a challenge.
Parking your car is a challenge, Dad.
Answer the question.
All day, Joanna, I sit at that desk making money.
There's no endeavour, only words,
words and numbers, no combat.
I see, so you stand to get some exercise.
I stand to get Crane.
What does that mean?
[humming]
It's not very adult, Stevie, tickling other men's bottoms.
Anything you can tell me about what's happening
today, or coming up soon?
Anything at all.
Are you asking me to help you cheat, Stevie?
Yeah.
Good.
I'll tell you, but solidarity.
What are you doing here?
Attempting, myself, to persuade my father out
of this idiotic competition.
He's ill.
Whose side are you on?
Mine, all the way from now on.
I'm fed up with the lot of you.
Could I just say something that's
going to embarrass both of us?
No.
Losing you was the stupidest thing I ever did.
No, Stephen, this was the stupidest thing you ever did.
This is a game.
With my father, nothing is ever a game.
If you really mean what you just said, go in there
and tell him that the bet is off.
OK?
That's not fair, Jo.
Can't you see?
I'm trying to protect you.
What's happened?
The Japanese are calling for unconditional surrender?
I've sold my shares.
What?
Not all of them, this much.
Don't get too excited, Gavin, please.
Sorry, I-- I-- um, I'm just overwhelmed.
Is it enough?
Will Nicholas let you in with that?
Yeah.
I mean, yes.
Shit, Rob's going to go bananas.
Probably.
Look, this job, Penny, I--
I-- I know what it means to you.
I-- I don't want you to throw it away just--
Gavin, do you want to live in that house
for the rest of your life?
Exactly.
So we've got to make something happen, agreed?
Something for us.
57% of capital.
Other investors were priced per share.
262?
Pathetic, Christian.
I sack someone every day, Stephen.
Stephen, it's ambition to the staff.
[phone rings]
At last, oh, this interim dividend is good.
Can you imagine that I failed to notice the time?
Cease trading.
That's what I said.
The game begins.
Sorry, sir, but, uh, New York's been trying
to get through for 10 minutes.
What do they want?
EMPLOYEE: [inaudible] slipped from 334 to 296.
It's falling fast.
They require your authorization to get rid of it.
Yes, yes, of course, deal with it.
For a little while I can't buy, Stephen.
But I can still sell, yes?
Now, I am yours for the day.
I don't think you're going to be very good
at this game, Mr. Franklyn.
Broker's fees, shizer.
Hang up. - Excuse me?
Hang up.
Not only broker's fees, all telephone calls is money.
The point is, everybody gets a bit of a holiday today.
You are the Franklyn corporation.
You can't have little far flung bits of you making
money without me knowing.
So be it.
[whistles]
STEPHEN CRANE: Expensive decision.
By 1 o'clock, that will cost you more than the value
of Douglas Motors, more than the stakes of the bet.
More than my stakes, Stephen, not yours.
So now?
I thought you might fancy a little drive in the country.
It's time for the game.
Tell me about Lech Walesa.
He's a Polish politician.
What does he like to eat?
Uh, jaffa cakes?
Gefilte fish?
I have no idea.
You know, I thought you'd take the trouble
to find these things out.
I mean, the poor bloke's coming all
the way from Warsaw to have a chat
with you about fundraisers.
Who told you this?
And you don't even know what he likes in the way of nibbles.
I'm worried.
What are you talking about?
I mean, this photo opportunity is going to go
a bit flat if you're not--
how should I put it--
there.
Gibberish!
Walesa's coming next week.
He's coming in one hour and 16 minutes.
I asked if the appointment could possibly be changed.
Everybody was terribly accommodating.
They must think very highly of you.
Liar!
No, they'd confirm any alterations with me personally.
My secretary would have reminded me this morning.
It's a lie.
I'm sure you're right.
So it was good?
It was better than good.
Where's Markus by the way?
Still in Germany, walking the flat six
around the Black Forrest.
We need new markets, Daddy.
This lot up the road, the Japanese,
they go into production in six months.
It's going to be bloody tough for us.
Yes, I know.
So where's Stephen?
Oh, God knows.
If he was ever here when I needed him, I think I'd faint.
Mm-hmm, apropos of, uh, bugger all, I've got someone
dropping around tonight.
I hope that's all right.
Did I tell you I met another famous boozer?
On your card, yes, Phil.
Will he eat?
There's plenty.
Um, oh, yeah, yeah, good idea.
God, what would I do without you, hey?
[music playing]
Yes?
I just had Coley in here.
That's nice for you, huh?
He made me head of department.
Oh, Piers, that's fantastic.
Oh, you must be so pleased.
Well done.
Thank you.
You're my boss.
Better not be late for work then, had you?
Isn't that weird?
Not so much weird, I hope, just sexually compelling.
[inaudible] Marry me.
I've got childbearing hips, everything.
Please, Piers.
Think about it.
Mm-hmm, I have been thinking about it.
I love you.
I know you do.
Is there a problem?
The card's out today, and I'm 50p short.
Look, you couldn't, uh--
No, I couldn't.
Come on, I only need 50p until I get to a cash point.
I mean, I did pick you up.
For God's sake.
Look, we've both got places to get to, right?
It's 50p.
Be reasonable.
Ingenious, yes.
But I also am not stupid.
What?
Tell that to Crane.
Close one.
You're wasting my time.
I have an appointment.
No, you don't.
That was that game.
This is another one.
Come on.
[coughs]
Penny and I've been thinking about moving out.
We were wondering how you'd feel about that?
[doorbell rings]
Really?
What about jobs and money?
Penny sold some shares, enough to persuade Nicholas Tolpert
to let me in as a partner.
Does this situation remind you of anything, Gavin?
Standing in the greenhouse in the rain,
asking your permission to marry Penny.
Please trust me, Robert.
I've learnt a great deal in the last few months.
Yes I've learned a great deal too.
If you trust, you're a fool.
And if you don't trust, you start to die.
Here's to foolishness.
Gavin, this is Phil, Daddy's friend.
My husband.
Hello, Gavin.
Welcome to Montrose, Phillipa.
Darling.
THOMAS FRANKLYN: [inaudible].
Certainly [inaudible].
You'd think it would be cosy, but it was colder than hell.
[coughs]
We talked about Stockholm.
We [inaudible].
[coughs]
Oh, I'm so cold.
[coughs]
[music playing]
Come on, I'll buy you a drink.
Stop droning on about your [inaudible] childhood,
and get some brandy.
[chatter]
Have another one.
Excuse me, everybody.
It's my grandfather's birthday.
He'd like to buy you all a drink.
[inaudible] You, of course, have the money to pay.
Nope.
Oh, [inaudible].
Yep.
Cognac, the proper measure.
[inaudible] they want to know [inaudible]..
Yes, yes, of course, whatever they want.
I'm not hanging around for you.
Well, they have to catch me.
Oi, cheers, mate.
I think he's talking to you, grandpa.
I don't speak to people who call me mate.
Yeah, well, perhaps you should make this a first.
Shit.
Well they obviously fancy the pants off each other.
Gross, isn't it?
I quite fancy you.
I can't.
I'm being domestic.
I can't believe it.
What?
We're free.
Yes, I am drunk.
But in the morning I'll be sober,
and you'll still smell like shit.
[inaudible] this hideous, old [inaudible] bollocks.
Franklyn, look at me.
These people have got nothing to do with me.
They are real.
This is not a game.
[inaudible], Stephen.
Smelly and I am not convinced.
How can I make you understand?
This is chance.
This is something I have not planned.
You apologize.
If you've got money, you pay for these drinks.
The bet is off.
I have no money.
Neither do I. I don't.
Oh, uh, gen-- gentlemen, there's been an embarrassing
misunderstanding.
When I said this young man smelled like shit,
I sincerely did not mean to offend anybody.
You all smell like shit.
[MUSIC - DAVE NEWMAN, "THE LION SLEEPS TONIGHT"]
[sirens]
(SINGING) In the jungle, the mighty jungle, the lion
A night in a police station, Stephen.
What about it?
I don't think it's possible to spend any money here.
Get off.
[door closes]
[screaming]
[gun fire]
What's happening?
Are you in pain?
I have to be outside.
Stephen, this place is too small for me.
You must get them to open the door.
STEPHEN CRANE: They won't open the door.
We're in custody.
[inaudible] I have to go.
I'm dying in this room!
All right, all right, [inaudible]..
Yes, yes, do that.
Take [inaudible], please.
Stephen, take [inaudible],, please.
I beg of you.
He's fine.
He's pretending it never happened.
STEPHEN CRANE (ON PHONE): He's not pretending [inaudible]..
I mean, it was a nightmare, Jo.
But you know, your father lost.
JOANNA FRANKLYN (ON PHONE): He knows that, Stephen.
And he hates it.
He hates it so much he won't [inaudible] wake
up [inaudible].
How do you feel when you wake up?
Contrary to public opinion, I don't
feel trapped by my father, no.
Bollocks.
What's going on, Stephen?
Now listen, if you've got yourself involved
with the Japanese mafia or something
because of what's going on down the road,
you get out of it now.
Nothing in business is worth jeopardizing--
Robert, listen, it's possible that I will do a number
of strange things today.
Huh?
Why?
Well, that's one of them already.
I can't tell you why.
I see.
Anything I can do?
Yeah, back me up.
Anything I say or do, back me up.
Trust me.
OK.
12 o'clock, my game.
[beep]
THOMAS FRANKLYN (ON ANSWERING MACHINE):
Joanna, this is your father speaking.
I have to say that, professionally,
your answer phone message does you no services.
You will change it, please.
[beep]
PIERS GARFIELD WARD (ON ANSWERING MACHINE):
Jo, it's Piers.
Look, I called two minutes ago and you were engaged.
So could you pick up the phone now, please?
I want to talk to you.
This is so childish, Jo.
[beep]
Me again.
I'm sorry, I didn't--
look, call me you feel like it, OK?
[beep]
THOMAS FRANKLYN (ON ANSWERING MACHINE):
Joanna, I called some time ago with a suggestion.
Nothing, I mean was done.
Ring me immediately, please.
[bleep]
PIERS GARFIELD WARD (ON ANSWERING MACHINE):
Look, you won't call me back.
I don't know where you are.
You're not at work.
I booked us Friday, Saturday, Sunday at [inaudible]..
I confirmed it by credit card.
So I hope that's all right.
Oh.
JOANNA FRANKLYN: I won't hold you up, Piers.
I just popped in to resign.
What?
I'm resigning, Piers, for Kleber's, and I'm
resigning from you.
Come on, Jo.
You're being hysterical.
I'm being decisive.
First you want to be Stephen, then you want to be my father.
You keep trying to guess what I want you to be.
Rubbish.
When all I ever wanted you to be was you.
I mean, that's what I never get.
I don't know who you are, Piers.
That's preposterous.
Please, Jo, I just don't understand what's going on.
I thought--
You thought what?
I thought we loved each other.
We did.
We do.
Then what's the problem?
There's something missing, isn't there?
There's a fundamental connection that hasn't been made.
We keep missing each other.
It's not working for me, Piers.
Please let me go.
I won't make you happy.
Brilliant.
[inaudible]
We're not supposed to ask that yet.
Why not take us?
If we can't run green, the Germans won't have it.
Same story all over Europe.
Warton failed to sell a top of the range model.
Not where he's from.
A failure, nonetheless.
How terrible it would be if you had to sack him.
It's never occurred to me to do so.
It occurs to you now.
We will toss for Warton's career.
He's my best friend.
Heads or tails.
Let us be clear about the rules of this game as we agreed them.
All decisions made today are binding.
If you sack Warton, he can never be reinstated,
you can never explain why this happened.
You cannot simply refuse to play, Stephen.
If you do, the bet is off, and I am committed to nothing.
Chance was good to you yesterday, Stephen.
Let's see how she fares today.
Tails never fails.
I'll get you another job.
Has this got something to do with him?
STEPHEN CRANE: Now, Markus, please just go now.
MARKUS WARTON: Stephen, what's happening, man?
STEPHEN CRANE: Just get your things.
I'll make it up to you, please.
What for?
What am I being sacked for?
Markus, go, will you?
A man in your position should not be allowed
to sacrifice their careers.
[inaudible] friend, in order to win a bet?
I think such behaviour is irresponsible, unforgivably so.
I think such a man should consider resignation.
Tails.
Never fails.
Oh, for God's sake, what's going on?
What's Franklyn doing here?
I don't know.
Who the hell does Crane think he is?
What I do know is, that if Stephen has dismissed Markus
he must have a very good reason for doing so.
And I therefore support his decision.
Oh, well, thanks a bunch, Robert.
I don't believe this.
Robert, I'd like to offer you my resignation.
Will you accept it?
Yes.
Thank you.
What now, Franklyn?
I've got two hands, surely I don't need them both.
Let's toss for an amputation.
Stephen, Stephen, don't be absurd.
Besides, time to give the coin a rest.
Let's give chance to [inaudible] manifestation.
The company, of course, cannot run
without a management director.
You must find one.
Let's say the next person to enter this office would be
offered the post, and they shall be
persuaded by whatever incentive to take it, whoever it may be.
Irresponsible, your word.
You wouldn't risk having somebody
incapable run this place.
Stephen, Stephen, when will you understand?
It's the challenge.
Lorraine, ask Robert to come in here, will you?
Uh, not chance, I think.
LORRAINE (ON PHONE): Sorry?
Nothing, forget it.
[music playing]
You bastard.
And another bloody thing, next time you get [inaudible],,
just take a short walk up a tall building.
Don't come whining to me about it.
Right!
Markus, all you've gotta do is say yes.
Will you accept the position of managing
director of this company?
Piss off, Stephen.
I shall ensure that he takes that post.
Have no fear.
Joanna, such a surprise.
He told you to come here, didn't he?
He did not.
THOMAS FRANKLYN: Chance, Stephen, what can I say.
Jo, get out of here, please.
I came back from London to talk to you.
I'm not going anywhere until I've done that.
Well, in that case, I shall withdraw.
No, stay here and listen to this.
It concerns you as much as him.
Mm, good.
Jo.
Do you want me?
Please don't do this.
If you still want me, you can have me.
I love you.
It's just there, just hanging in there.
I've given up Kleber's.
I've given up Piers.
I'm giving up him.
But there's still just a little bit
in here that belongs to you.
I was going to throw it out with the rest,
but I thought I'd better check with you first
in case you wanted to claim it.
But there are conditions.
I want you here with me all the time.
I want commitment, OK?
THOMAS FRANKLYN: Stephen, before you answer this,
I think we should have a talk.
Stephen.
STEPHEN CRANE: I can't even believe you'd consider this.
THOMAS FRANKLYN: One last time, Stephen.
STEPHEN CRANE: What do you mean?
A choice, contrived by chance to be
resolved by chance, a fitting challenge on which to finish,
no?
I've wasted enough time already.
Let the coin decide this matter, and I waive the rest of my day.
Refuse it, and you lose.
She's your daughter.
Douglas Motors or her, or both, the odds
are in your favor, Stephen.
Tails have failed you twice.
Surely this hand must be kind to you.
Heads.
You should have lost.
[chuckles]
No!
THOMAS FRANKLYN: My daughter might need a little convincing.
Now, wait a minute will you?
Wait, stop.
Ah, Stephen has won a wager on your behalf, Mr. Douglas.
Here's a little something, a down payment.
Good God.
Now, the boy, Warton, is where?
[music playing]
Christ, Stevie!
I lost you.
At the end of this, this is probably
just a case of sitting down and talking to Jo, you know?
[inaudible]
Uh, Stevie!
I'm such a fool, Joanna.
Forgive me.
Here, Robert, have this.
Did you know what was going on here today?
Stephen had a bet with Franklyn.
That's why he was here.
Stephen had to do everything Franklyn
asked him to do for one day, or something, you know?
He had to sack Markus, resign.
He tried to tell me about it.
It wasn't worth it, Stephen.
It wasn't worth it.
Daddy.
Somebody better tell his father.
Have you got the number?
He tossed the coin for me.
That's something I can never forgive him for, ever.
There's no way that Stephen would just--
How can I know that?
I'll tell you something that he said, Jo, about you.
He said that you were the only thing that was real,
and that one day, when he was sure
that you both hated each other, he was going to win you back.
Taurus.
Sorry?
Never give up.
And it's the first time--
What's the first time?
--he hadn't made me feel guilty.
He's never made me feel guilty about anything ever.
I just can't believe he isn't there.
Oh, Jo.
He was always there, somewhere.
Now he isn't anywhere.
Anything we can do, Mr. D?
[inaudible]
STEPHEN CRANE: You go them then, did you?
I was wondering.
[inaudible]
STEPHEN CRANE: I just made a bet with a bloke called Franklyn.
[inaudible] told me.
STEPHEN CRANE: There's a check in there somewhere.
Don't lose it.
You're so ashamed of me, aren't you?
You can't even look at me.
That's OK.
[sobbing]
JOHN LOVE: I'm not ashamed of you.
What?
I'm not ashamed of you.
I'll make it better, Dad.
I'll make it better.
I promise.
Hello, Stephen.
Seeing you like this makes me think.
You're dead, Stephen.
Am I?
Prove it.
Your decomposing body will be found at the mouth of the river
three months hence.
Your jaw was destroyed in the accident.
Dental records are useless.
It is only possible to identify you
by means of your moldering personal effects.
Distressing, of course, for all concerned, but conclusive.
Do you follow me?
Who would decompose on my behalf?
THOMAS FRANKLYN: Don't feign naivety.
This is serious.
Stephen Crane is dead.
Derek Love is dead.
Choose his successor.
Leave it all behind, the threat of justice,
the chaos of your personal relationships, friends, lovers,
family.
You could be anybody you wanted to be
now, anybody with my help.
What a wonderful game that would be, huh?
Tonight I have a dinner guest.
As chance would have it, a friend of yours.
I was explaining to Stephen that he's dead.
A jolly useful thing to be, dear boy, on occasion,
if only for tax purposes.
Listen to me.
Every chain that shackles you to the past and to the future
is broken.
You're a free man.
You're as I was when I first arrived in this country,
stateless, penniless, friendless, nothing
to look forward to, nothing here to cling to.
And I tell you now, that is the strongest way to be,
to have nothing.
Because this is the time, my friend, when you discover
that you have an appetite.
Such an appetite that you could eat the world.
Work with me Stephen, I have no heir, no son to travel
with me on my journey.
Can I make a telephone call?
STEPHEN CRANE (ON PHONE): Robert.
Stephen!
Where are you?
Are you all right?
My God, we though you were dead.
STEPHEN CRANE (ON PHONE): I'm fine.
I'm safe.
I'm amongst friends.
I'm sorry if I worried you.
Listen, time's running out for me.
I have to tell you two things.
One, cash that check that Franklyn gave you.
The company's safe, OK.
It can take everything the Japanese can throw at it.
If you ever need money, you just ask Franklyn.
Two, I'm going to turn Derek Love over to the police.
He'll probably go to prison.
So you might not see him for a bit.
[music playing]
Stephen, wait a minute. Prison?
STEPHEN CRANE (ON PHONE): I have to pay the rent.
Are you sure?
STEPHEN CRANE (ON PHONE): Yeah, I'm sure.
Listen--
STEPHEN CRANE (ON PHONE): Sorry, Robert.
I've got to go. - Stevie!
All organs of the body are distressed by sudden movement,
particularly the brain.
Decisions like wine should never be flung about.
Take what you want, then pay for it, reasonable?
JAMES XAVIER BLAKE: All philosophy is reasonable.
I took Stephen Crane, used him up, burnt him out.
Now I have to pay for it.
But you don't have to pay.
This is madness.
You won your bet.
Surrendering yourself as Love is crass stupidity.
It achieves nothing.
You want to go to jail to clean your conscience?
Sentimental shit.
With money you can buy a new conscience again, and again,
and again.
Appetite, Stephen.
Take my hand.
Together, we can beat the world.
Will you excuse me a minute?
[music playing]
[door closes]
[theme music]