These are the best of times, and they will never end.

Jeremy Piven returns as Harry Selfridge.

There's some concern about Mr. Selfridge's lavish spending.

There's been concern about that for 20 years.

He should know better at his age.

Cut!

We should wait until you can make a considered decision.

This is great for the store and it is great for us.

Get on board.

I can't live like that anymore, Harry.

Return to Selfridges for the final season, Return to Selfridges for the final season, beginning tonight on Ma♪ ♪rpi (applause) Thank you.

Mesdames, Messieurs.

Faites vos jeux, s'il vous plaît.

Et vous, Mr. Selfridge?

All on black.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ REPORTER: Here he is!

Mr. Selfridge, rumor has it you've incurred heavy losses.

Where's your actress friend Miss Mathews?

How much did you lose?

How is being rich, Mr. Selfridge?

I hear you broke records at roulette.

I know you have a better story than that, gentlemen.

Go on, how much was it?

Thank you.

Come on, boys, give the man a night off.

There's a rumor about you and Elsie Lane!

Ah, Mr. Selfridge, how lovely to see you.

Good to see you.

Lovely to see you!

Good to see you too.

♪ ♪ (applause) VICTOR: Ladies and gentlemen, princes and paupers and the Earl of Oxford Street himself.

(applause) We've got a show for you tonight.

First up, all the way from America, Miss Alberta Hunter!

(applause) (slow music begins) ♪ Once, I lived the life of a millionaire ♪ ♪ Spending all my money... ♪ Harry.

Victor.

It's busy tonight.

Cabaret.

People can't get enough of it.

And the gambling.

What gambling?

(laughing) Oi!

Calm down.

Harry Selfridge.

Don't you know who I am?

The Whiteley brothers.

Father had a store, just like you.

Now that he's gone, you're running it into the ground.

At least he got himself killed once he was past it.

(laughing) He had an instinct for business that you'll never have.

I don't care how rich you are.

Any trouble, you're out.

I mean it.

(laughing) What would their father think?

New generation.

All money, no brains.

Excuse me.

MAN: We'll keep an eye on them, Mr. Edwards.

♪ Oh, it's strange to say, without a doubt ♪ ♪ Nobody knows you when you're down and out... ♪ ♪ I mean, when you're down and out.

♪ (cork pops) Hey, Harry!

Join us.

Get that down here.

Please.

You're paying.

I'm gonna get you!

You think I won't find you, but I will!

ROSALIE: Grandma, what are you doing?

Quick, upstairs!

Why aren't you in bed?

It's after 10:00!

I am nine years old.

Sweetheart, good night.

Good night.

I'll be up in a moment.

Were there many people at the launch?

Oh, plenty, all gossiping about Pa and his affairs.

He should know better at his age.

I just wish he could find someone who was a real match for him.

Come on, Mommy!

Can't you say something?

GEORGE: When are you going to tell her?

When I find the right moment.

It has to be Kitty first or we'll never hear the end of it!

Well, it's hard pinning her down.

She's had a lot on with the house move!

Oh, I know, I've heard.

So should we have a formal dinner, or cocktails and dancing?

Frank?

Up to you.

It's our housewarming!

I want an opinion.

Cocktails.

But if we don't have dinner, no one will see the new Wedgwood.

Dinner, then.

Have a good time last night?

I was working.

Like I'm trying to now.

Selfridges' Queen of Time will be the most striking monument on Oxford Street.

We need something bold-- an abstract exploration of time!

I know this is not my specialty.

You're the new head of Design.

But surely, the function of a shop window is to exhibit goods?

Or entice the customer with an artistic display.

Of goods.

(sighs) Come on, Mr. Crabb.

We're going to be late for Mr. Grove.

"The hours pass by and are reckoned to our account."

Yes, very good.

These are the best of times.

What better way to mark it than with the Queen of Time?

GROVE: A landmark on Oxford Street that will be here long after we're gone.

That day is long off, Mr. Grove.

We're none of us as young as we used to be.

(knocking) Sorry to interrupt, Chief.

Mr. Grove?

ALL: Happy birthday!

(laughing): I say!

Oh, look at that!

I haven't told them how old you are.

Best not.

But it is 20 years since you joined Selfridges.

And I hope to be here for many years more.

Thank you.

Shall I?

Make a wish!

(laughing) You and Frank all settled in?

So much to do.

So many rooms!

And the furniture from the old flat looks tiny in there.

So, when do we get to see it, then?

Dinner, Saturday?

Everything's topsy-turvy, but if it's just you two, it won't matter.

Uh!

You're family.

Yes, yes, we are.

Good, well, it'll be nice for us to catch up.

Saturday.

Can't wait.

Weather looks good for the weekend.

Mrs. Crabb will be very disappointed if I don't bring home a trout or two.

Miss Mardle.

Always remembers.

Still in New York?

She wrote at Christmas.

Sounded very busy.

She's a talented woman.

Made a new life for herself.

She's sorely missed.

Happy birthday, Roger.

Thank you, Arthur.

Well, I never!

Mr. Gordon!

Here to see your father?

I'm a bit early.

Mr. Gordon, how lovely to see you.

Mrs. Edwards.

How are the provincial stores?

Ticking over.

The Chief's lucky you keep such a close eye on them.

That's the job he gave me.

Well, blow me if it isn't Mr. Gordon.

Good to see you.

You too, Mr. Towler.

You miss the store.

I'm sure I'll be back one day.

FRANK: Colleano's is in the papers.

There's been all this hoo-ha about the black boxer.

The American champion.

Wanted to fight the British champ, can't because of the color bar.

It seems Victor's doing it as an exhibition match.

I hope we get an invite.

Mr. Selfridge, you have a visitor.

Yes?

Hello, Harry.

Mae?

(Harry laughing) What are you doing back in London?

MAE: Well, one of my ventures hasn't gone so well.

So I need to sell my shares in Selfridges.

Oh, Mae...

It was such a pleasure buying them from Loxley.

I really don't want to let them go, but the truth is... Well, I need the money.

See, according to my husband, I'm getting a divorce.

I'm so sorry.

I had no idea.

WOMAN: How dare you speak to me like that!

Who do you think you are?

I'm sorry, Mr. Grove, but I can't work in this house a minute longer!

Well... She told me she was in charge!

Meryl called her an interfering old bat.

MERYL: She told me I should watch what I say!

Be quiet.

Ernest.

Meryl.

MERYL: She treated me like a child.

GROVE: Because you behave like one.

You have been a thorn in the side of every nanny, mother's help, and universal aunt that has ever had the misfortune to work here.

Now that you've finished school, you have even more time to devote to your histrionics.

It can't go on.

Are you going to be in a bad mood all evening?

It's your birthday.

We've made cake.

Don't spoil things.

Oh no, I knew he was having an affair.

I didn't mind.

We're both adults.

He's French.

And she wasn't the first.

But this one is not content to play the mistress, oh, no.

I'm sorry.

He knows I can't go to court.

That would mean every sordid detail dragged up in public.

So I have to go quietly.

And I won't get a penny from him.

I earn pin money from my fashion house in Paris.

It's just a rich woman's hobby.

But I have my shares, and if I sell them, then I can afford to live.

I'm sorry, Harry.

Do you remember when I first came to London?

You opened doors for me when everyone was slamming them shut.

So it's my turn now, Mae.

Let me help you.

You know you can count on me.

Good afternoon, sir.

Afternoon.

Oh, I'm afraid Mr. Gordon has already left.

Oh, I forgot.

And there's a Mr.

Keen to see you.

From the London Civic Building Society.

Mr. Selfridge.

As the London Civic is Selfridges' major shareholder, I felt I should introduce myself.

And may I say how delighted I am to meet you.

You're replacing Mr. Eavis.

One of our original board members.

I was wondering if you might find time for a meeting?

Oh, I'm a little busy.

I'm sure Mr. Crabb can help.

Shall we?

Daddy!

Hello, boys.

Come here.

Oh my goodness, you're getting big.

Have they been good boys?

Yes!

Sort of.

Well, seeing as Mommy seems to believe you've been very well behaved, guess what I've got for you?

What do you say?

Thank you!

How was your father?

Well, he missed the meeting.

I waited for two hours.

It must have been something important.

Every so often, he likes to remind me who's in charge.

Promise me you won't fall out with our boys.

Come on.

Family means everything to me.

HARRY: It's Violette's flat.

She's in Paris.

I know it's not what you're used to.

No, it's a roof over my head.

Thank you.

She's 18 years old.

The new Madame Rennard.

She has big blue eyes and cherry lips.

She sounds awful.

(laughs) She's playing him like a violin, and I should know.

Turns out the older you get, the harder it is to play.

You're not old.

Well, you're at the top of your game, Harry, so you probably don't feel it, but I did not expect to be starting all over again.

Not at my age.

You're not starting over again.

Tomorrow, I want you to come into the store, look around Fashion with Mrs. Towler, and pick out whatever you like.

Oh, Harry, I won't... Something beautiful.

Then you and I will go out.

Like we used to.

Get your mind off things.

And perhaps I can persuade you to stay.

(muffled): Where is everyone?

Come on!

We're late enough as it is!

Bag?

Alice, you have my hat.

Why would I have your hat?

Bag.

Plimsolls.

Well?

"The Millingford Girls School are happy to offer you a teaching position."

Well done, Meryl!

Well done, Meryl.

Well, come on, you lot, off you go.

Can't be late for registration.

Finish that toast before you get there.

Have a good day!

Bye, Father.

They want me to start in September.

I might have found something else by then.

Teaching is a responsible, respectable job.

You might find it more rewarding than you think.

How would you know?

Meryl... Have a good day.

And please clean up from breakfast.

Our haute couture range is extensive.

We have Vionnet and Patou here, all the latest fashion from Paris.

What's this?

This is ready-to-wear.

We make them in store.

Inexpensive materials in three sizes.

For secretaries and usherettes... Rather them than me.

Well, it's a step up from making your own.

I'm used to Paris.

French women have style in their bones.

Oh.

Don't they have ready-to-wear?

No, they have something much better.

MAE: It's luxury ready-to-wear.

Designed with taste and flair.

They cut them in the machine room, but then they hand-finish them.

They're beautiful.

Something you'd be proud to have on your fashion floor.

But who would buy them?

Well, women who can't afford couture, but they don't have to buy ready-to-wear.

I really think you need something in the middle here, Harry.

We'd be the first store in London to offer it.

Yes.

Why don't you help me?

What?

You have a fashion house.

You know what women want.

You've just told me.

Goodness.

Oh, Harry, my life's in pieces.

I don't even know what I'm doing next.

I don't even know if I'll stay in London.

Please.

Would you think about it?

All right.

In the meantime, I want you to see something.

The Queen of Time.

She's getting a grand unveiling right here at the store.

Oh, lucky her.

Will you stay for that, at least?

All right!

All right.

So are your newspapers ready for the Reform Act, Lord Wynnstay?

"Women's rights."

Some of your readers are women.

And they don't give two hoots for politics.

They like knitting, recipes, babies, and gossip.

So you'll be ignoring their emancipation?

Not quite.

One good thing: girls are easily led.

If they get the vote at 21-- and I hope they don't-- they'll vote the way my papers tell them.

Now, what have you got for me?

The Queen of Time.

A grand new monument for Oxford Street.

Harry Selfridge wants free advertising.

In return for VIP press access.

He can always go somewhere else.

Really?

He's got a colorful family, Harry.

That Russian son-in-law.

He's one for the ladies.

You've got a story?

Mmm.

Some dirty linen Harry wouldn't want aired in public.

Just let him know.

Here we go.

Ah, nicely done.

It's rather beautiful.

Lovely.

Have you found a new nanny yet?

Yes.

Let's hope she lasts longer than the previous one.

You do a terrific job, Roger.

I just worry they suffer without a maternal influence.

You and Josie never regretted parting?

Stepmother to five children, that's a huge undertaking.

Even had Meryl been a more tractable child.

We agreed.

Clean break, the only way.

(laughing) REPORTER: It's the Dolly sisters!

Jenny, Rosie!

It's good to have you back in London.

Mr. Dillon!

Oh!

Mae.

I heard you were back in London.

REPORTER: Jenny, Rosie, over here!

Oh, here comes trouble-- the Dolly sisters.

Who are they with?

VICTOR: Jimmy Dillon.

This was all his idea.

HARRY: Who is he?

VICTOR: Promoter, investor, fixer.

He did a few deals in theatre, then went into clubs.

And boxing.

I get the door receipts, Jimmy's running the bank.

Some deep pockets here tonight.

My, oh my, Harry Selfridge!

Harry?

Ah, Jenny, Rosie!

Haven't seen you in years, where have you been?

We've been in America.

Touring forever.

We keep saying we'll stop.

Singing and dancing's all we can do.

Oh, that's not quite true.

Showgirls always know how to have a good time, right?

We've heard all about your French adventures!

You haven't changed a bit.

Neither have you.

Oh, we have.

Yes, we're frightfully, delightfully, rich!

Rich.

Jimmy Dillon.

Harry Selfridge.

The Earl of Oxford Street.

And Madame Rennard.

So, Victor tells me this is all because of you.

I'm just giving people what they want.

Excuse me.

GROVE (reading) "Washerwoman, indeed!

", he shouted recklessly.

"Ho, ho!

"I am the Toad, the motor-car snatcher, "the prison-breaker, the Toad who always escapes!

"Sit still, and you shall know what driving really is, "for you are in the hands of the famous, the skillful, the entirely fearless Toad!"

(laughing) There we are.

Can we get a car?

Certainly not, they're very expensive.

Night, night.

Night.

Vroom!

Boop boop!

Now, ladies and gentlemen, for the highlight of the evening!

First up, fighting from the United States of America, Joe Langford!

HARRY: Let's go, Joe!

(mixed cheering and jeering) All right, Joe.

Attaboy, Joe, give him hell.

And now, ladies and gentlemen, would you please put your hands together and make some noise for our very own British champion, Tommy Butler!

(cheering) (whistling) Boo!

Best of luck, chaps!

Have a good fight, have a good fight.

Get him down, Joe, come on, you got this.

Who's your money on?

Britain or America?

MAN: 14 pounds on the Brit!

100 on the Negro.

Two hundred.

Same here.

Five hundred.

Ted, take these bets.

If the American wins, you'll be cleaned out.

If he wins.

FRANK: What are you drinking?

Champagne!

Champagne.

Allow me.

Round one!

(bell rings) Fight!

Let's go, Joe!

Come on, Joe!

Dig in!

Oh, it's beautiful!

A proper mansion, just like home.

You can't swing a cat in ours.

Well, you should move.

You're earning well.

Both career women, us Hawkins girls.

It's a shame Frank couldn't be here.

Well, he's Harry's right-hand man.

That's the price of success.

Duty calls, day or night.

(laughing) ROSIE: Come on, Joe!

That's it, Joe.

Come on, Tommy, sit up!

He's got him.

That's it, Joe.

Get him against the ropes!

ROSIE: He's got him!

REFEREE: Break, break, break!

(bell rings) Corners, gents, corners.

Well done, Joe!

(laughs) So what are you doing here in London?

Parties.

Cocktails.

BOTH: Baccarat.

We'll need looking after.

I could lose my shirt!

If you're lucky.

(laughs) And we want to get into movies.

Talkies.

That's the future.

Well, I know a few producers and they would love to meet you.

You're an angel.

Thank you.

They don't take prisoners, do they?

I think they're great fun.

ROSIE: To our future, Harry.

REFEREE: Seconds away!

Round three!

(bell rings) Let's go, Joe!

He's looking tired!

We nearly got him!

You can go now.

Let's wind the gramophone up.

There was something we wanted to tell you.

We're expecting a baby.

(laughing) A baby?

Yeah, we've been trying for a while.

We thought we'd keep it quiet until we had some news.

I had no idea.

We wanted you to be the first to know.

Yeah.

Congratulations!

You're going to be a mother!

Auntie Kitty.

HARRY: That's it!

Come on, Joe!

Looking good!

Come on!

(laughs) Don't let him off the hook!

Let him have it, that's it!

Keep an eye on it.

Looks like a win for America.

That's it, Joe, keep it up!

There you go!

Get up, Joe!

Come on, Joe!

Get up!

Four, five, six... ...nine, ten!

Out!

(cheering) ROSIE: What's the matter?

She's just lost 500 pounds.

I guess we'll win it back.

I guess we'll have to.

What a good fight.

Not for me.

I'll pay.

Harry, you can't.

No, no, no, no need.

Forget it.

500 pounds?

Yeah, you've made me five times that tonight.

Once you put all that on the Yank, people followed suit.

You're my shining knight!

Just keep it quiet.

Come and have a drink.

I'm glad we made you money.

I mean it!

♪ ♪ JIMMY: Madame Rennard.

It's been an absolute pleasure to meet you.

I'm sure we'll see a lot more of each other.

Will we?

You're beautiful, I've got money.

I'd say it's almost inevitable.

I'd say you're making a lot of assumptions.

Then tell me I'm wrong.

Everything all right?

Marvelous.

I was talking to Mae.

Oh, I see.

You two are... No, no, we're not together.

Then she's not your concern.

That's none of your business.

She is quite capable of speaking for herself, thank you.

So, Mr. Dillon, you've made a fortune tonight.

And a British victory.

These colored chaps put on a good show, but they never last the course.

Good night.

HARRY: What a charming man.

So, where are we going now?

Well, I'm going home.

Mae, wait.

No, I'll see you next week, Harry.

Mae.

Can we all fit in your car?

(chuckling) (knocking lightly) Father?

Shouldn't you be in bed?

Could I find a Saturday job?

I could do it as well as teach.

Doing what?

Working at Selfridges.

No.

Those shop girls are exposed to all kinds of influences and individuals.

I want to work in Selfridges, not an opium den.

I've had enough.

A school environment is best.

And you will do as I say.

If mother were here, she'd understand.

LOIS: What time do you call this?

Back in Jackson, you used to take your shoes off before you crept in late.

And you still heard me.

I hear everything.

Oh, you're cold.

And you're not a young man anymore.

Where were you?

The club.

Gambling?

Not as much as some.

I took Mae out.

I thought it would distract her.

Why don't you ask her round to dinner?

We'd be very happy to see her.

She could be good for you, if you let her.

(conversing softly) (whispering): Harry.

Excuse me.

Hello.

I want to say thank you.

But I can't do it.

The fashion line?

Well, no, any of it.

I can't live in your flat and wear the dresses that you bought me.

When we were at Colleano's, I realized how everyone sees me: a woman with a rich man to take care of her.

Who cares what people think?

I can't live like that anymore, Harry.

I've got to learn to stand on my own two feet.

So I have to sell my shares.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

You know what I realized?

I need a friend.

You have lots of friends.

Someone who really knows me.

I need you.

Harry.

The press list-- the Queen of Time unveiling.

You are coming?

Well, that's why I'm here.

Colleano's was a riot, wasn't it?

What did you think of Jimmy Dillon?

Victor tells me he's the son of a Maharajah.

He grew up in a mansion in the country.

His mother was English, one of the county set.

They had this affair, quite the scandal.

So that's how he got his money-- his father?

No, the Maharajah died, leaving Jimmy and his mother with nothing.

He made it all himself.

Somehow.

Do you mind if we go through the press list?

Oh, no, please do.

See you later, Harry.

Mae...

Think about the job.

Please.

I don't want you to go.

I'm gonna catch you, Ernest!

Or can you catch me?

Alice, will you please control your younger brother?

Chief!

They've all come to see the unveiling of the new clock.

This is Ernest.

Alice, Eleanor.

This is Meryl.

And Arthur's away at school.

You must be the eldest.

Mr. Selfridge.

I remember when you were born.

How old are you now?

Nineteen.

Nineteen?

You look so much like your mother.

I've promised Ernest a turn around the toy department, didn't I?

Why don't you take the girls to Fashion?

My treat.

Thank you, Chief.

Well, come on, come on.

Mr. Selfridge, could you sign this?

Ah, Ernest, Eleanor, I don't want you choosing anything too expensive.

No sequins or anything like that.

Very kind of the Chief to offer.

Meryl, come on.

Meryl?

Mr. Selfridge?

Yes?

May I ask you something?

Of course.

My mother was about my age when she started working at Selfridges.

I'd love a job here.

Have you asked your father?

I've tried.

My daughter Violette asked me for a job here, and I said no.

I was wrong.

We may need some extra help in Fashion.

I love Fashion.

I read all the magazines.

You'll need your father's permission.

I just had to ask him.

Please don't be angry.

You are my eldest child.

First to talk and walk.

And answer back.

First to do everything.

I just want what's best for you.

I haven't anyone else to ask.

Maybe I know what's best.

And if I don't, I'll learn.

You know, your mother had such fond memories of this place.

She'd be so happy to see you here now.

All grown up.

Lord Wynnstay.

You've got quite a crowd outside.

And some press, you'll be glad to know.

Can I get you anything?

No, we're fine, thank you.

Frank tells me you have a story.

About my family.

Your son-in-law Serge.

He has had an affair with a countess.

Her husband's been in South Africa for more than a year.

They must have thought no one was looking.

So it's gossip piece?

Serge has fallen out with the countess, but she's very happy to talk.

Pa!

Rosalie.

Lord Wynnstay.

The newspaper magnate.

How do you do.

Rosalie is married to Serge.

Harry, those interviewers are in your office, I need you.

Thank you.

Excuse me.

Do you know Serge?

I've heard of him.

Oh, he knows so many people.

I'm going to see him soon in Paris.

Such a beautiful city.

Have you been?

Once.

It was full of Frenchmen.

(laughs) Our daughter's excited.

She's nine, loves traveling.

Do you have children?

No.

My mother had four.

Still, one is a blessing.

I'm sure.

Shall we go find a good spot outside?

Please.

Let's see what spectacle your Pa has for us.

Mr. Grove!

I need to talk to you about a personal matter.

Mr. Towler and I are expecting a baby.

Oh, congratulations!

Yes, but I want to work as long as I can.

Give you time to find a new Head of Fashion.

Well, we shall miss you.

Oh!

But I have no doubt you and George will make wonderful parents.

Thank you.

Mr. Gordon.

Mr.

Keen?

From the London Civic.

How do you do?

Very well, thank you.

I just wanted to introduce myself.

Before you go any further, you do realize I don't have anything to do with the board.

I don't work at the store.

But you're managing director of the provincial stores.

On my father's behalf.

Of course.

And that makes you very influential.

So I just wanted to put a face to a name.

You are, after all, Mr. Selfridge.

(knocking) (door opens) Madame Rennard.

I wasn't sure if you'd come.

Harry, I know you want a friend.

I've just got to protect myself.

I feel like this might be my last chance to start again.

Then let me help.

But we've never worked together before.

This would be a whole new territory for us.

I'm not offering you charity.

It'll be on your terms.

You've always liked the high life.

The women, and... ...the gambling.

I'm in control, Mae.

Are you?

I won't let you down.

I promise.

The press are waiting!

Mae, will you join me?

(trumpet and trombone playing) Can we stop the traffic, please?

Thank you.

REPORTER: Come on, Mr. Selfridge, you can tell us.

What's the big surprise?

All in good time.

FRANK: I think the best shot is about here!

Indeed it is.

Good afternoon.

FRANK: Thank you!

(applause) Thank you all for coming!

In 1909, Selfridges opened its doors for the first time.

Since then, we have gone from strength to strength.

It is with great pride that I give to you the Queen of Time!

(applause) (bulbs popping) (crowd gasping) (crows calling) (bell tolling) Hey!

Hey, wait!

I'm alive!

I'm alive!

Can you hear me?

I'm alive!

(groans) I'm alive.

(seagulls calling) I'll raise you.

Your turn.

I'm out.

Grandpa!

Would you ask Mother for some tea, Tatiana?

Thank you, darling.

Of course, Grandma.

It's so quiet here.

I never noticed before.

You never sat still long enough to listen.

You will get better.

But it'll take some time.

You got another chance, Harry.

Make the most of it.

Mr. Selfridge?

London Herald.

How is your father?

On the mend, thank you.

It was a terrible fall.

When will he be back?

Well, the Selfridge business is in safe hands.

I've been a managing director for a few years now.

Well, of course, you're son and heir.

So you're looking after the store now?

It's all being taken care of.

Madame Rennard, you have a budget.

GROVE: You want six machinists, quality materials, two new sales staff and a designer.

Who's very expensive.

He's French.

I wish Harry was here.

The Chief would say this is a business.

We have to make a profit.

Right.

Well, I shall just design it myself then.

My line.

My ideas.

We would save money.

But I'll need the right team behind me.

I want carte blanche to hire whoever I need.

Within the budget.

Oh, very well.

Gentlemen.

You're looking tired.

I'm exhausted.

You're doing two jobs.

Chief of staff and deputy manager.

No one knows when the Chief will be back.

Still, at least Meryl's started working.

One less thing to worry about.

There's a customer wants a dress fitting.

You need training first.

You've been saying that all week.

Connie Hawkins!

Sarah Ellis!

It's Connie Towler now.

You and George?

What you doing here?

I've got an interview.

Head of the sewing machine room.

Oh, well.

Good luck.

Morning.

Morning.

As you were, ladies, do carry on.

(whispering): What is she doing?

I have no idea.

(dog barking) Gordon.

Pa. Grace.

You're looking better.

Thank you for coming.

We haven't sat down as a family for a long time.

Ah, Violette.

She flew in from Paris.

In her own plane.

Pa. Gordon, congratulations.

"Young Gordon Selfridge "is poised to take the reins from his ailing father.

"Harry Selfridge was lucky to survive the fall, but his health is understood to be fragile."

Someone could have told me.

Well... it's nonsense.

"Fresh blood may be what's needed "to invigorate the Selfridge empire.

"Harry Selfridge is a phenomenon, but are his best days behind him?"

I never said that.

What did you say?

Just... just that... that it was all being taken care of.

What's all this about then?

It's guesswork.

It's just what people might be thinking.

That I'm past it?

No, that... ...some people when they get older take a step back.

It's a family business.

I'm your son...

I'm not taking a step back!

The store needs me at the helm and I will not be pushed aside.

Harry, please.

Gordon thinks the world of you.

He'd never do anything you didn't want him to.

I'm going to talk to Wynnstay about his press coverage.

I should call the store.

I'll do it.

No, I'll do it!

You're supposed to be resting.

Don't tell me what to do!

I can manage.

I was just trying to help.

Grace, come on, we're leaving.

Gordon, don't... GRACE: Gordon, please...

It's good to keep family tradition going.

I've been here long enough.

Tomorrow I'm going back to London to sort all this out.

Mr. Selfridge, how are you?

Good.

What about your plans to retire?

You've been running Selfridges for 20 years.

REPORTER: Are you going to stay head of the store?

I plan to go on and on and on.

Thank you.

(clears his throat) Hello.

Harry!

Oh...!

(Harry groans) Oh sorry, sorry.

How are you?

Never better.

Now I've got lots of plans for your fashion launch.

Yes.

The Dolly sisters.

They could model for you.

No, Harry, they're much too wild.

No, they're beautiful.

The press love them.

I'll call them today.

No, we need English Rose; she'd be perfect.

Trust me.

This will be... (sighs) Great.

Selfridges!

Next stop, Bond Street.

Hold tight, please!

Can I help you?

I've got an interview.

For the position of machinist.

Then you should have gone to the staff entrance.

Back onto Oxford Street and round the corner.

Thank you.

May I help you?

Oh... please.

Yellow suits a more youthful complexion.

And the shape is very modern.

You'll want something with a lot more... support.

I beg your pardon!

I just meant... you want to be comfortable.

At your age.

You're so rude!

Lord Wynnstay.

Ah, he lives!

Exactly-- I'm not retiring.

Not nearly.

I don't want to see that story again.

Well, try not to fall off anything else.

If you must, let me know in advance.

I'll hold the front page.

Now, did you just come here to tell me off?

You didn't say what you're going to be doing about that Serge story.

No, I didn't.

I'd say it's not worth it.

I want five full-page ads in all your papers.

We're advertising a major new launch.

I'd say that's worth more than a bit of gossip.

What are you up to?

Wait and see.

You won't be able to write me off again.

(women conversing quietly) Next?

Take a seat.

Matilda Brockless.

Currently employed at Furleys, in Commercial Road.

They're a ladies' tailors.

I take in work, too.

Machine and hand sewing.

What did you do before that?

You've only been there two years.

I worked at Corleys.

Also as a machinist.

References?

I thought I only needed current employer.

Character references.

Can you get them?

All right.

Thank you.

MAE: Did you make that dress yourself?

Yes.

Where did you find the pattern?

I didn't.

I saw the dress in a magazine.

Ah... was it Chanel?

Yes.

I had to make the skirt longer.

Change the neckline, and longer sleeves... Mmm, yes, it's very good.

I think Miss Brockless has got it.

Can you start next week, yes?

Our sincere apologies.

It won't happen again.

I hope not.

Thank you... Come on.

The dress wouldn't have suited her.

She said you called her old and fat.

You said you were going to train me.

Not in common sense!

Go down to the stock room.

You're just going to have to stay off the shop floor until I've got time for you.

Mr. Lyons, I know design is not my area of expertise.

But whereas customers used to enjoy a free passage from Beauty to Stationery... Oh!

Mmm.

I'm pretty sure they'll just walk round it.

I don't see the point.

It's... it's in the way.

If they have to stop, they have to look, and if they have to look, they might see something they like.

That's a great idea.

I'm going to use that.

We'll speak later, Mr. Lyons.

But... Mrs. Edwards has a routine meeting scheduled.

I'm sorry, can we... can we do this another time?

Miss Plunkett, I need to set up a meeting tonight for a new department, something I've been working on.

New department?

On the ground floor, next to Cosmetics.

Mrs. Edwards.

Mrs. Edwards, what wonderful news!

Your sister's baby.

I wonder what it'll be.

And your parents... their first grandchild, Connie says.

They've had quite a wait.

My dear, it's always a little painful when we have none of our own.

Actually, I don't want children.

Never have.

Oh, but you've been married a while.

I assumed you... We're very happy as we are.

Mr. Edwards has his work, and I run the most successful department in Selfridges.

Yes, but to have children is to be fulfilled... as a woman.

You haven't got any.

I'm not married.

Well, then don't talk about things that you don't understand.

HARRY: The technology department will start here.

Center stage, on the ground floor.

Yes, we can pull them in with a big display, mixing the familiar with the new.

What will it sell?

Radios, telephones...

They sell very well where they are.

LYONS: So they could help to sell other things.

Like experimental products.

Things we'll being using in everyday life in the future.

Like the televisor.

LYONS: If they aren't being made in the next few years, I will eat my hat.

Ha.

So, they're not being made now?

We will take orders.

(Plunkett clears her throat) May I say, there are some very exciting domestic products-- electric washing machines, vacuum cleaners... "Tomorrow's house."

You're a genius, Miss Plunkett.

What about the Tea Emporium?

People like tea.

We must look to the future.

If we don't, someone else will.

All right, love?

Mind your toes, sweetheart.

Mr. Lyons.

It's like a building site in here.

Can't they work nights?

Chief wants it done pronto.

It's exciting, isn't it?

(loud crash) These dresses are designed to be simple and elegant, and most importantly, they must fit.

ELLIS: It's all in the cutting.

Each of these sections must be copied exactly.

And in three different sizes.

Three.

You see, there's my problem.

Three just seems so few.

Women come in so many different shapes.

Any thoughts on that?

(indistinct chatter) Miss Brockless?

(chatter stops) If we cut these panels on the bias... here... ...and here, well, the fabric will fall much more softly.

(snorts) (women snickering) More flattering.

More forgiving shape.

We could get more sizes.

It would take longer.

Would it work?

Then that's what we'll do.

Well done, Miss Brockless.

Right, my ladies, back to work and this time with gusto.

WOMAN: Right, girls, let's get these panels made.

Well done.

Do you think the Chief's all right?

We'll be selling things that don't exist.

Excuse me, sir.

I could have done with a quiet few weeks.

You're entitled to time off.

Even with the store like an ant's nest.

Thank you.

(knock at door) Come in.

(door opens) Full-page adverts in four papers.

That's how you get people's attention.

The new department will blaze a trail, Mr. Grove.

Yes.

Look, I know there's never a good time to ask such a thing.

Could I...?

Chief?

Are you all right?

Yeah, just a little lightheaded.

You've only just recovered.

I'm pacing myself, I'm sorry.

What... what were you asking?

It can wait.

Excellent advertisements.

Ma.

You shouldn't be up this late.

Neither should you.

I've been at the store.

I thought your fall would be a warning.

To take things a little easier.

And spend more time with your family.

Have you seen Gordon yet?

(sighs) I still can't believe he talked to the papers.

Gordon never said those things.

How come we can all see it, but you can't?

I think that article hit a nerve in you.

But whatever it is you're scared of, it has nothing to do with Gordon.

He's loyal, and respectful, and you owe him an apology.

I'll talk to him when things are a little calmer.

Make sure you do, son.

One day there will come a time for you to leave.

And when that happens, you're really going to need him.

HARRY: Welcome, welcome.

We have a very special array of events for you today.

We bring you the very latest in fashion with the help of the world-famous Dolly sisters.

(applause) And introducing a brand new department: Technology.

(applause) Everything you could want for the house of the future.

And if you turn on your wireless sets, at 3:00 p.m. we have a real Selfridges treat for you.

(radio static) HARRY: In classic Selfridges style we bring you a live broadcast from the Palm Court with a very special guest.

(applause) (sighs) You look wonderful.

Oh well, that's the whole idea.

Hello.

Hello.

Everyone is very excited about the Dolly sisters.

Actually, where are they?

That is a very good question.

They should have been here... oh, half an hour ago.

MAN: Madame Rennard?

Thank you.

Who are they from?

Harry.

Don't look at me.

"The beautiful Mae.

"Good luck with the launch.

"Hope to see you at my own launch at the Queensway Theatre.

Jimmy Dillon."

Yes, well, never mind Jimmy.

If those Dollies aren't here soon, we're in trouble, Harry.

They'll be here.

Come meet the press.

(honking) (honking) (giggling) REPORTER: It's a bit early in the day for you two.

Oh, don't worry, we've been up all night.

REPORTER: Jenny, Rosie, how long will you be staying in London?

As long as you'll have us.

What are you going to be up to?

Now that would be telling.

Are you pleased to be modeling for Madame Rennard's new line?

We'd do anything for Harry Selfridge.

Anything at all.

(sisters laughing) Harry!

Oh, Jenny, Rosie.

Hi, Harry.

Miss Plunkett, these are the famous Dolly sisters.

Ladies, my personal secretary.

Hey.

We brought champagne.

It's a bit early for me, ladies.

Ah, Mr. Crabb, please escort these ladies to the fashion show?

I have to take a phone call with your friend Jimmy Dillon.

I'll be five minutes.

Of course.

Fashion.

Do you want a drink?

CRABB: No, thank you.

I must say, ladies... Oh, come on!

You can have one.

Fashion, please.

You shouldn't have said we'd been up all night.

Why not?

We were.

It looks unprofessional.

It could have been worse.

I could have told them I'd gone to bed.

And who with.

(snorts) Oh...

Here, maybe it's better if you do it.

What a darling.

Thank you.

Up the stairs.

Goodbye, handsome.

BLENKINSOP: Mr. Crabb!

(applause) Thank you, ladies.

Thank you very much.

And now, please welcome onto stage the wondrous Dolly sisters.

(applause) ♪ ♪ MAE: Wearing Debori cocktail dresses in Apple Green and Aztec Gold.

These are two of my favorite pieces from the collection.

Beautifully cut garments arranged and designed in a variety of colors.

♪ ♪ The fastening is very cleverly concealed in the seam.

So very easy to put on and take off.

(applause) Well, thank you very much for being with us.

How easy is it to take off these clothes?

Shall we see?

(giggles) Come on.

(playing up-tempo music) We are so lucky to have the Dolly sisters here with us today.

Such... lively girls.

Today's busy modern woman doesn't have time for bespoke tailoring.

She wants beautiful clothes that can be admired, tried on and purchased in her lunch hour.

(sisters giggling) Ready?

(giggling) (applause) Please don't go away.

We have another stage star performing here shortly in a special radio broadcast.

Stay with us.

(applause) Bravo.

Let's hope they can keep their clothes on.

She only got the job because it's Mr. Grove's daughter.

Well, she's down in the stock room now.

There's girls that'd kill for that job.

It should go to someone who deserves it.

Mind you, there's a lot of that around here.

ELLIS: Looks like it's going well.

You get this lot done, I'll take you all out for tea at the Lyons' corner house.

Brilliant!

Joyce, race you!

Come, on then, you got to go faster than that.

MAN: Broadcasting, we're ready.

This is London LW calling.

London LW.

It is my pleasure this afternoon to introduce Mr. Harry Selfridge.

(applause) Good afternoon and welcome to our broadcast live from Selfridges, in London's Oxford Street.

HARRY (on radio): To celebrate the crossing of new frontiers... Grandpa!

...with the launch of our technology department, I'm delighted to bring you a performance by a star of the future, all the way from America, Miss Alberta Hunter.

(applause) (band music starts) ♪ Mmm... ♪ ♪ Up on Lennox Avenue ♪ ♪ It is calm the whole day through ♪ ♪ But Harlem's really jumpin' after dusk ♪ ♪ Yeah... ♪ ♪ Midtown's for the workin' day ♪ ♪ It won't blow your blues away ♪ ♪ But Harlem's really jumpin' after dusk ♪ ♪ Duke is at the Cotton Club... ♪ Tilly!

We're out of beads.

♪ ...and Fat's at the Savoy ♪ ♪ Lindy hoppers hit the track ♪ ♪ And dance 'til dawn, oh boy ♪ ♪ Hungry now at 4:00 a.m. ♪ ♪ Breakfast at the Radium ♪ ♪ Harlem's really jumpin' after dusk.

♪ Play it for me now, boys.

♪ ♪ Excuse me.

Beads?

See you got the job, then?

I'm normally in Fashion, but I'm just helping down here for a bit.

Are you Mr. Grove's daughter?

He was at my interview.

He must have liked you.

I think Madame Rennard liked me.

Lucky you.

I love her dresses.

I'd better get back.

Miss Alice will be waiting for these.

Thank you, Miss Grove.

You've been very kind.

Meryl.

Tilly.

♪ Hungry now at 4:00 a.m. ♪ ♪ Breakfast at the Radium ♪ ♪ But Harlem's really jumpin' after dusk.

♪ ♪ ♪ Now you can find me if you're ever in New York.

(applause) I will be.

(applause) ANNOUNCER (on radio): And that concludes our special broadcast live from Selfridges.

WOMAN: And that is why every woman needs a Hoover.

(applause) Miss Plunkett.

Mrs. Edwards, may I have a moment, please?

I wanted to apologize.

It's none of my business if you have children or not.

Miss Blenkinsop and I had no right to pry.

I was engaged when I was young.

My fiancé died in South Africa.

The Boer War?

There was never anyone after him.

Then there comes a time when you realize you'll never have those little clothes drying in front of the fire.

I'm sorry.

People make all kinds of assumptions.

I should've known better.

Thank you.

I'm sorry I blamed you for that article.

I was wrong.

Yes, you were.

I'd taken a fall and I wasn't thinking straight.

(chuckles briefly) You didn't believe me because you don't trust me.

That's not true.

You haven't trusted me since I married Grace.

It was the first thing I've ever done for myself.

And you took it as a personal insult.

Who I marry is up to me.

As far as the business goes, all I've ever tried to do is follow in your footsteps.

You can't.

You're your own man.

(knock at door) Mr. Dillon is waiting for you in the Palm Court.

You don't want to be tied to my side at the store.

I understand.

I do trust you.

Thank you.

HARRY: So sorry to have kept you waiting.

Mr. Selfridge.

Harry.

Jimmy.

Thank you for coming.

I think we got off on the wrong foot the other night at Victor's.

I'm curious about your business.

I hear you're making quite a name for yourself.

Something about a big theater deal?

Why didn't you ask me to your club?

(laughs) I like to meet people here.

Would they let me in?

Or would they say, "Mr. Selfridge, sir, not here, not one of them."

They would let you in if you were with me.

When I first came here to London, I was an outsider.

An American upstart and they called me a shopkeeper.

It wasn't a compliment.

I know what it's like to have doors not open for you.

You have to fight.

But sometimes you can pick the wrong fight.

(laughs) When I first came to London, I came here.

To Selfridges.

I was six years old.

My mother came here to buy me a toy to cheer me up.

We'd moved here from the country.

I'd never been to London before.

This building was like a palace.

I asked her who lived here.

I'd heard so many stories about my father's palace in India.

She laughed and said, "No one lives here.

It's a store."

I said, "Then who is Selfridge?"

She said, "It's his store."

And I thought...

I thought, but he must be a prince.

To own something so magnificent.

What did she buy you?

A clockwork train.

One of our best sellers.

Still very popular.

(both chuckling) You're doing market research?

Never stops.

How did you do it?

How did you do it?

I was going to ask you the same question.

You first.

(chuckling) Can't that wait?

Papers need them first thing.

I know we said when we got married that... neither of us wanted children.

Ah.

This is Connie's baby, isn't it?

Well, it seems to be what most people want.

Most women.

Do you want a baby?

No.

Do you?

No!

I mean, I never thought we were that sort of couple.

(sighs) Me neither.

(sighs) Is that all right?

I suppose it's all right if we want it to be.

I love my work.

I love being out in the world.

Earning money.

Hmm.

If we had children, I'd have to give all that up.

You're ambitious.

There's nothing wrong with that.

So I told you this job had to be on my terms.

Have you seen what the papers are saying after you dropped the Dolly sisters on me?

You've had some great publicity.

No, no, they have and you have.

But this is my line.

Harry, I'm so grateful for everything you've done.

You... you know I think the world of you.

But if you compromise me or my work again, it's over.

He's all yours.

Where's my wonderful Harry?

Rosie.

Where's Jenny?

Out.

I thought we might join her.

There's a floating party later at this hotel.

Baccarat.

(chuckles) Don't you ever sleep?

Plenty of time for that when we're dead.

I almost died a few weeks back.

It makes you think.

Terrible habit.

(chuckles) You don't worry about tomorrow?

(whispering): Ask me in the morning.

The night is young.

(giggles) (doorbell rings) (door opens) MAE: Is Mr. Dillon in?

MAN: Certainly, Madame, please do come in.

Madame Rennard.

I got your flowers and your message.

Can I get you a drink?

I started out as a show girl.

I've had two husbands, I've no interest in a third.

I'm not Harry Selfridge's "plus one."

And I don't need looking after.

So what do you want?

(gramophone needle scratching) (needle scratching) Ma, let's get you up to bed.

Ma?

Ma... Ma... Let's... (voice breaking): Ma.

Ma, Ma.

Next time on Masterpiece.

Never been attempted on that scale before.

Are you interested?

GORDON: We could lose control of the stores.

5,000 staff.

It's their livelihoods we'd be gambling with.

It doesn't fit.

It's not possible to change it now.

Never settle for anything less than perfection.

I don't need my children telling me how I should behave.

"Mr. Selfridge," next time on Masterpiece.

Go to our website, listen to our new podcast, watch video and more.

"Mr. Selfridge, Season 4," is available on Blu-ray and DVD.

The companion book is also available.

To order, visit shopPBS.org, or call us at 1-800-play-PBS.

Captioned by Media Access Group at WGBH access.wgbh.org