♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ JENNIFER (VOICEOVER): I didn't want to go.

I wasn't afraid, even with the bombs falling all around.

It was the summer holidays, and I was eager to forget about school and take my place in the world of grown ups.

To my mother, I was still a child.

She wanted to keep me safe.

How odd that word sounds now.

She was sending me out of London for the summer to stay with her sister, Ella, my aunt in the country.

Your uncle Philip's brother, Daniel, will be in the station to meet you.

How will I know him?

He'll know you, darling.

No, he won't.

I was only six in auntie Ella's wedding.

Yes, but you met them all.

You remember Philip, Ella's husband and his brother, Daniel, and Mrs. Thorne, their mother?

Just remember, Uncle Daniel and Mrs. Thorne.

It'll be all right.

Bye, darling.

♪ ♪ Uncle Daniel?

Uncle Daniel?

That'll be me.

♪ ♪ All right, boy.

I know it's your seat, but we've got a visitor.

He usually sits there.

Don't you, Ned?

Is all this your farm?

I wish it was, girl.

I'd be a very rich man.

This is called Hampshire.

That's what this is.

Look, isn't that scarecrow funny?

Can't say as I'd noticed.

Who's that man?

He waved at us.

Nearly there.

♪ ♪ Well, young Jennifer, springing up fast.

So you don't remember me, do you?

You must be Uncle Philip and Uncle Daniel's mother.

That's right.

I'm Mrs. Thorne.

You won't be seeing your Uncle Philip.

He's away in the forces.

I bet you remember your Auntie Ella well enough.

It's been a while.

Phil and Ella's wedding was the only time we met.

Ella's family, wasn't it, Mother?

You mustn't mind your auntie.

She worries about things.

Come inside.

Go on in, girl.

It's all right.

You should be homesick for a few days, but you'll soon settle in.

This is the parlor.

Now, your Auntie Ella does the farm accounts at that desk, so no touching anything.

Where did Auntie Ella go?

She can be a bit distant at times.

With Philip being so far away, it's to be expected.

Is she lonely?

She won't be now you're here, will she?

Well, this is the room we keep for visitors, so don't leave anything about.

We eat in there.

We keep proper times for meals.

Don't drop crumbs on the floor.

We don't want to encourage mice.

Well, it's all aired.

There's a spare blanket if you get cold.

It's so pretty.

I was sleeping in an air raid shelter in London.

Who's in the room across the landing with a big tree outside?

That's your Uncle Philip and Auntie Ella's room.

Philip's been in that room ever since he was a boy.

I bet he used to climb in that tree.

No he didn't.

He was far too well-behaved.

Where is he now?

He's in Africa with his regiment.

I'd like to go to Africa one day and go on safari and ride on an elephant and see lions and tigers.

He's not there for fun and games.

He's fighting for our freedom.

I'd rather he was home.

We all would, especially your Auntie Ella.

Just hang these in the wardrobe.

Let me know if you want any more.

Come on down when you're ready, and don't be shy.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ We get up early in the country.

Best part of the day is over by breakfast time.

Let her sleep in.

She looked done in last night.

Well, this is Tom, who helps with the farm.

How long are you staying for then?

Just the summer.

Goes back to school in September.

War might be over by then.

Oh, I pray it is, Tom.

Oh, I do.

Night and day.

I pray.

Thank you, Mother.

Mrs. Thorne.

Would you like a duck egg for breakfast?

I've never had one of those.

Oh, well, you're in for a treat, then.

Come on, sit down.

Where's Auntie Ella?

She'll be around somewhere.

What are you going to do with yourself all day then?

I haven't thought.

Explore?

She wants to go to Africa and ride elephants.

Oh, you might bump into our Mr. Philip out there.

Philip isn't sightseeing, Tom.

He's fighting a war.

I told her.

Well, maybe she can help on the farm once she's settled.

What do you think, Mr. Thorne?

Yeah, simple things.

Gathering eggs, milking the cows and such.

I'd like that.

As long as Daniel is there to see what's what, and no wandering off.

We don't want anything untoward happening.

Oh, I'm used to going places on my own.

I've even been to Hampton Court on the bus.

You'll do as you're told while you're here, my girl.

What happens to all these cherries?

They get harvested.

Those the blasted birds don't have, and don't try eating them until they're properly ripe.

You'll get a bellyache.

Come on, Ned.

Oh!

You're like a spring lamb, you are.

Go on, show us another.

What happened with your leg?

I was cleaning an old gun.

Caught a bullet in the foot.

That's all.

It was an accident.

Tom, you best get on with your work.

Yes, Mrs. Thorne.

♪ ♪ That village store has been closed twice now on Mondays and Tuesdays, without so much as a, do you mind?

I couldn't even get a bar of toilet soap last week.

Nothing wrong with carbolic.

They don't get the revisions they used to.

They should let folks know when they will be open and when they won't.

I walked two miles to no avail.

You ought to get yourself a bicycle, Emily.

I could see me on a bicycle.

- Oh.

It's Dennis Clifton.

He said he'd drop by if he had time.

I Expect he's got nothing but time, for a man all on his own.

Still, he's on the mend.

That's the main thing.

He'll be back in the Air Force as soon as he's fit.

Can't wait.

What are you staring at?

Nothing.

He looks like Leslie Howard in Gone With the Wind.

Don't you think so?

- Don't be silly.

He's nothing like.

I'd best be getting on.

Oh, stay and have some cake.

Of course he will.

I've got no time to listen to heroics.

I've work to do.

One piece won't hurt.

Everything all right?

Young Jennifer here thinks you look like Leslie Howard.

I wish I was that good looking.

This is my niece.

She's up from London for the summer.

Good idea.

Get away from those bombs.

Mr. Clifton was wounded in the Battle of Britain.

It was a miracle he survived.

Dogfight over Kent.

Got one of theirs before I was shot down, though.

A Yonkers 87.

One of our lads got this off the pilot's body for me.

Oh, that's really creepy.

Don't you think so?

No, of course not.

No good to him any more, was it?

I expect you can't wait to get back to the action, Dennis.

That's right, Mrs. Lieberman.

Time we got them sorted out.

Any news of Philip?

Nothing lately.

We think he's involved in the relief of Tobruk.

He'll be all right.

A tough lot, those boys.

So, young Jenny, are you enjoying the countryside?

Um-- well, I-- We'll answer, for pity's sake.

It's you they've come to visit.

I'm going to make some fresh tea.

This lot's stewed.

Get yourself back in there with that tea.

REPORTER (ON RADIO): The raids, which lasted for several hours, were scattered over many parts of the country.

Call me if there's any news from abroad.

REPORTER (ON RADIO): --towns on the South Coast, the west of England, the North Midlands and the Northwest, as well as over the London area.

The casualties, however, appeared to be few.

You ought to be in bed.

At your age, I was asleep at 8 o'clock.

That wireless, I was listening.

What if my mother's hurt?

Don't be silly.

Of course, she's not.

What's that you're reading?

His ears are too big.

Is he your heartthrob?

No.

Oh, yes, I forgot.

You like Leslie Howard, don't you?

We could go to the pictures, if you like.

Have to be a matinée, of course.

Mrs. Thorne doesn't like us to be out after teatime.

Well, I thought you might approve.

Not as timid as you pretend, are you?

Off you go to bed, then.

♪ ♪ REPORTER (ON RECORDING): It is the World News in pictures, and this is Pathé Gazette screening it.

♪ When the army of the Nile stuck their thorn in the side of Musso's bosses by recapturing Tobruk, they knew they had-- Will I see Uncle Philip on this?

REPORTER (ON RECORDING): --enemy attack.

Don't be silly.

There's thousands out there.

REPORTER (ON RECORDING): Jerry's attacking a British merchantman in the harbor.

Why didn't Uncle Daniel go too?

Because he's needed to run the farm.

REPORTER (ON RECORDING): It's a real war, with the Nazi eggs falling too near for comfort.

♪ Now, that was a close one.

Is it real fun being so far apart?

REPORTER (ON RECORDING): The Nazis shall pay the price, and here's how they do it.

Everything they've got, they chuck into the air.

I've got a headache.

I'm going outside for a minute.

Don't worry.

I won't desert you.

REPORTER (ON RECORDING): Oh, miss, before you can say H for hell or Hitler, the attacker is just another of those things which clutter up the countryside.

And among the defensive posts on the perimeter, within easy reach of enemy guns, is a group of men forming a unique gun crew.

I'm sorry.

You weren't terribly worried, were you?

You missed it all.

Everything.

I know.

I had such a bad migraine, but come on.

We'll be late for supper.

Squirrel pie again, I expect.

Ugh.

You'll get used to it.

REPORTER (ON RADIO): A renewed push in North Africa has put our troops at the forefront of the action with Operation Battleaxe well underway at Tobruk.

The war office has reported some casualties, but most are to the enemy's side.

About 200 prisoners were captured, as well as left material including 23-inch mortars.

In the northern sector of the front, a vigorous attack was repulsed.

News agency correspondents say the enemy suffered heavy losses.

She gets nervy about nothing, really.

I'd better go to bed.

Jenny, about what happened at the pictures today, it's our little secret, all right.

I wouldn't want to worry anyone.

You see what they're like.

Is that why Uncle Daniel follows you around?

Whatever made you think that?

He does no such thing.

You've imagined it.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ It's too big.

Man's bicycle.

Do yourself a damage.

I've come to no harm.

Oh, it's got a crossbar.

It's not dignified.

What would your mother say?

I think she'd say yes.

Ha, townies.

No.

You can go for little walks.

You can help Daniel on the farm if he says it's all right.

No riding men's bicycles.

Are you at a loss?

You can help me finish this, rabbit.

Go on while I put the pot on.

Townies.

It's horrible here.

They're all so miserable, and they treat me like a child.

I hate it.

Ned!

Come on, boy.

Go away.

Come on.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ I'll lower the saddle, if you like.

You scared me.

Come on.

You can take it out for a spin.

I'm not allowed.

Why not?

You're big enough, once the saddle is down.

Whose is it?

Dunno.

Philip Thorne's, I reckon.

He won't be needing it for a while.

Wanna have a go on it?

I'll fetch the spanner.

Don't you get saddle sore, mind.

The accident with your foot, is that why you're not at the war?

I'm not a coward, if that's what you think.

No, I didn't think that.

It was an accident, that's all.

I don't think you're a coward, honestly.

A lot of people in the village do.

They treat me like I'm dirt.

That's awful.

It's how times are.

Mr. Thorne's been good to me, though.

Treats me like I'm a proper man.

But you are a proper man.

Proper enough for a kiss?

I don't know why I said that.

I'm sorry.

Just friendly, that's all.

Best to get this saddle fixed before Mrs. Thorne finds us here.

Are you all right?

What a silly question.

Of course, you're not.

I'm surprised the Thornes sent you out on that old bicycle.

It's much too big.

Here, spit on this.

Go on.

You don't want any of my germs, do you?

That's it.

Doesn't look terribly serious.

Hurt anywhere else?

Good.

We've got to get you home.

With sheer affections and warm, youthful blood, she'd be in swift in motion as a ball.

My love would bandy her to my sweet love-- What's all this then?

Talking to yourself?

It's for the school play next term.

Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare.

I never liked that stuff much.

You need healing up, all right.

You had me worried.

Yes, thank you, and you needn't worry.

Tom, would you risk everything for the woman you loved?

Don't know.

I never loved yet.

You never loved anybody?

Well, I thought I did at one time, but it wasn't love.

What was it then?

Jenny, come inside.

I want to talk to you.

Sounds like you're in trouble again.

Oh, come on, it's not the end of the world.

At least nobody was killed.

That's a blessing.

I want to see my mother.

She's all right.

Hardly a scratch.

They were both in the shelter.

Look, just be grateful.

The house is finished, though, so you have to stay on here until they find another place.

Well, my things will be gone-- my clothes and books.

No one's hurt.

That's all that matters.

Look, everybody is having a hard time, not just you.

Bloody war!

How long does it go on?

I've never seen you smoking before.

Mrs. Thorne doesn't think it's proper for a woman.

This place'd drive anyone to distraction.

You better go and do your blubbering upstairs.

Wouldn't want to embarrass anybody.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ What are you doing down here?

I needed to use the sink.

Oh.

You should have asked me for dressings.

Don't be so embarrassed next time.

This horse looks very handsome, Tom.

Past her best.

Probably her last show this year.

Last show for some time, the way this war is going.

It seems wrong, us enjoying ourselves when men like our Philip are away fighting.

You know what Winston Churchill says?

We've got to keep our spirits up.

Come on, let's have a look 'round.

There's Dennis.

Mr. Clifton to you, miss.

You know, I think he does look a little like Leslie Howard-- Psh.

--from a distance.

All right, then, my girl, have a nice piece of cheese and a few eggs.

Lovely day, isn't it?

Would you like a piece of bread?

Yes.

Delicious walnut cake, Mrs. Thorne.

Well, Jenny helped me make it.

ELLEN: I thought it was a bit dry, actually.

Not at all.

Just right.

ELLEN: Put your things in here.

EMILY: Here is yours.

Best so far, if you ask me.

I think you're biased, Emily.

While I remember it, Mrs. Letham, I've got that Martha Treadwell novel I promised you.

Dennis, you're a gem.

I've read practically everything in the county twice.

I'm desperate for something new.

It's in the car.

I'll go and get it.

Any news from Philip?

Well, Ella got a letter this morning.

They said they're moving his regiment back to Egypt, so he might be due for home leave soon.

EMILY: Why didn't you say so?

This is cause for celebration.

Oh, nothing certain.

We didn't want to get Ella's hopes up.

Jenny, take this rug back to the car.

There's a good girl.

You must be thrilled.

What are we going to do?

He's coming home.

Not a lot we can't do Dennis, I can't face him.

I just can't.

Look, there's a war on.

Anything could happen.

We could all be dead next week.

Just-- just try to keep calm.

They're watching my every move.

How am I supposed to keep calm?

You have to.

Come on, show me that smile.

That's better.

Chin up.

I'll see you tonight, usual time.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ JENNIFER (VOICEOVER): The Orchard walls are high and hard to climb, and the place death, considering who thou art, if any of my kinsmen find me here.

Their stony limits cannot hold love out.

And what love can do, therefore thy kinsmen are now stopped-- ugh.

♪ - Well, what is it?

- It's Dennis.

Mr. Clifton.

He's dead.

He's been shot.

There's blood.

What?

What you on about, girl?

He's in the big tree outside Ella's window, stuck in the branches.

In the branches.

Oh, no.

Let's see.

Let's see this dead body.

Haven't you ever seen a scarecrow before?

Scarecrows are in the fields.

Round here, we put them in the trees as well.

The orchard's full of them.

We did it this morning, like we always do this time of year, keep the birds off.

I thought it looked like Dennis.

I thought I saw Mr. Clifton outside Ella's window.

What on Earth are you doing there?

Picking cherries, I shouldn't wonder.

Get back to your breakfast, Tom.

How dare you insult your auntie in front of Tom with such a shameful suggestion that Mr. Clifton would be near her room?

Such thoughts at your age.

You go back where you belong and the sooner the better.

All right, mother, let's forget it now.

I will not forget it.

To besmirch my Phillip's wife with such disgust.

I said let it pass.

You'd best go inside.

Least said, soonest mended.

Isn't that what you always say, mother?

I heard tell Dennis Clifton's gone back to the war.

MRS. THORNE: Will he be posted anywhere near Philip?

I doubt that, mother, if he wanted to fly Spitfire again.

Where did you hear this?

Down a village this afternoon.

He'll be happy as Larry now.

He could hardly wait to get back to his squadron.

Don't waste good bread.

I'll have it if you don't want it.

Auntie Ella, about the other day, the scarecrow-- You ought to be in bed at this hour.

I didn't mean anything bad.

I know, just shut up about it now, all right?

Is it why Mr. Clifton didn't visit us before he left?

I don't know why he didn't visit.

He was probably too busy.

Just go to bed.

If there's anything I can do-- I said go to bloody bed!

You stupid child!

Auntie Ella.

It's me, Jenny I'm sorry, I was just-- Auntie Ella, about the other day, what I said, it was really stupid.

I know that now.

It's all right.

I'm sorry I snapped at you too.

If there's anything, I can get you, a cup of tea?

No.

It should be no trouble, and I'd clear up afterwards.

No, we wouldn't want to wake anyone.

I'm just feeling a bit down, that's all, with the war and everything.

I cry sometimes.

They say it's good to.

I cried when our house was bombed.

I wasn't very nice to you then, was I?

I've had a lot on my mind.

You mustn't think it's because I didn't care.

It's hard to lose something you care about or to think that no one cares about you.

11 o'clock.

Yes.

You'd better go get some sleep.

Cherry picking tomorrow.

Yes.

Sleep well, Auntie Ella.

Cherries have grown like Belial this year.

It's the heat.

I think I'll die of exhaustion if this weather doesn't break soon.

Plenty of char and a bigger hat, that's what you need, Mrs. Leatherman.

Tom, keep your eye on those youngsters.

I think they're eating more than they're picking.

All right.

You haven't been eating too many cherries, have you, young Jennifer?

We don't want you getting sick.

I haven't been sick at get all.

It was Auntie Ella.

That child invents things.

If I'd known, I'd never have had her here.

You trying to set the place on fire?

Grass is like tinder.

Is Ella unwell then, Daniel?

Ella?

Sound as a bell, far as I know, especially with the news about our Philip.

♪ Well, go on.

Get up the ladder and have a go.

No, you do it.

You couldn't wait to climb this tree, a few weeks back.

What's the matter?

I'd rather go back to the other trees.

You know, Mrs. Thorne won't have strangers looking in through our windows.

We've got to pick these ourselves.

Come on.

Hold this basket.

I'll go.

Are you ready with that basket?

♪ ♪ Heatstroke.

I warned them.

Two or three passed out by the end.

You weren't the only one.

Ella has hardly been seen all day.

Look here now, haddock and potato soup.

That'll soon put you right.

Is it true Dennis Clifton's gone away to the war?

Oh, he's gone all right.

Daniel says he could hardly wait.

He was so eager to get back to the fray.

Young men, that's what they're like.

Good news about Philip, though.

Why?

Well, he's coming home on leave.

It's definite.

Isn't that exciting?

Your auntie Ella hasn't seen him for over a year.

You rest well now.

Oh, and eat that soup up while it's hot.

♪ Want to grab a handful before they get sent away?

No.

You still a bit fragile after yesterday?

You should have worn a hat like we told you.

Auntie Elena never wears a hat.

Wagon's here to pick up the fruit, Mr. Thorne.

Best hurry up, Tom, before the weather breaks.

I'll wash up.

Be with you in a minute.

Thank you.

Auntie Ella?

Where are you, Auntie Ella?

Where are you?

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

I hear tell Dennis Clifton's gone back to the war.

(ECHOES) Auntie Ella?

Auntie Ella?

♪ ♪ I've brought you some tea.

Mrs. Thorne's gone down to the police station with Daniel.

What?

They're going to contact your mother in London.

It's true then, about Ella?

It's true, all right.

I can hardly believe it.

It's all my fault.

Don't be so daft.

I wanted to be Ella.

I dreamed I was.

I wanted to be with Dennis, out in the woods, leaning against the tree.

Dennis Clifton?

But Philip's coming home and she doesn't love him.

What are you talking about?

She loves Denis.

You've had a bad shock.

That's all.

I thought it would be better if she died, like Juliet in the play, and now she has.

With a knitting needle.

That's what the police report said.

She did it to herself with a knitting needle.

Stop it.

It's terrible.

It won't go away.

Not this time.

Well, I hope you're not blaming me for what she did to herself.

What was I to do?

I didn't know she was pregnant.

You didn't want to know!

Like the first time when she had to marry our Phil.

She lost that one naturally.

So we thought.

They should never have married.

It wasn't right.

They had to.

It would have been a disgrace.

The shame of it.

Oh, there's plenty shame to be getting on with now, isn't there?

She brought it on herself.

It's got nothing to do with us.

It was Dennis Clifton left her in the lurch, not us.

It's never anything to do with you, is it?

Face it, mother, you crushed the life out of her with your jealousy and your infernal properness.

Don't you speak to me like that.

It's not surprising she fell for the likes of Dennis.

I didn't bring you up to be disrespectful, either of you.

Oh, mother, I'm nearly 40 years old.

You think we're still your little boys.

Philip always needed me more than you did.

Your precious Philip will have to know now, won't he?

He'll have to know how his wife bled to death trying to rid herself of another man's child.

It's you he should have wed, not her.

She looks so peaceful, as though she's asleep.

She was beautiful.

She looked so like you at your age, so full of adventure.

I can't believe it.

I can't believe my little sister's dead.

"In the midst of life, we are in death.

Of whom may we seek for succor but of Thee?"

Oh my goodness!

That's a Jerry.

It's bombing.

We're being bombed.

He must have lost his way.

That's our place he's dropped on.

Has to be.

We always envied her, living out here in the countryside, safe.

Thank you.

Much damage from the bombs, Tom?

Missed ours.

They came down next door, just beyond our top field.

Shrapnel spilled onto our land, though, killed one of our cows.

Where's Daniel?

He's away checking the boundary fences, making sure there's no serious damage done.

I'll make you some fresh tea, Tom.

Thanks, Mrs. Thorne.

Look what I found, came up with all the shrapnel, blasted out of the ground, I reckon.

Not much use to anyone now.

I'm going home today.

You've come back to where your auntie died.

Tom found Dennis Clifton's watch in the field.

Did he?

Yes, he did.

You knew about Dennis, didn't you, and Ella?

He wouldn't leave her alone.

He wouldn't leave her be.

We're in love.

She wants me to take her away.

I've told her I'll think about it.

My brother's coming home from the war.

My brother's coming home to his wife.

He hadn't seen her for over a year.

You just leave her be.

For you to take care of her?

You'd like that, wouldn't you?

Be honest.

You'd like her for yourself.

I'm warning you.

Oh, yes.

Your brother, I bet he's had a few whores while he's been away.

Gives you a taste for it, war, but you wouldn't know, would you?

You're like that farmhand of yours.

No guts.

He wouldn't leave her be.

You don't know what I'm talking about, do you?

Our Phil will be home in a few days.

Philip, back on his home soil.

You'll just miss him.

Isn't that a crying shame?

JENNIFER (VOICEOVER): I wonder if Philip Thorne learned the truth about Ella.

Perhaps they told him a lie like they told me.

I don't suppose I'll ever find out.

What's this?

JENNIFER (VOICEOVER): I expect one day I'll forget, but Uncle Daniel and Dennis, I don't think I'll ever tell, just in case I imagined it.

Anyway, children should be seen and not heard.

That's what Mrs. Thorne would say.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪