"Saturday Night and Sunday Morning" Screenplay

"Saturday Night and Sunday Morning" Screenplay

Text / [UK] Ai Silito

Translation / Yu Hang

This is the workshop of a huge manufacturing plant in Nottingham - the machine shop, where various small parts for bicycles are being made on various lathes - crankshaft machines, drill presses, hand presses and polishers. Men in overalls and women in headscarves are working by the machines. Some are sitting, some are standing. Some machines are powered by belts and pulleys that go around overhead. The noise is enough to make people dizzy. The camera moves with Roboi, the foreman who is handing out salary bags. As he walked away, we saw Arthur Seton busy at his lathe. He had short hair and was a stern young man.

The camera shoots his hands pushing the control switches, his hands turning the handles; his hands holding a piece of metal in place on the machine, cutting it to shape; Arthur taking the part and putting it in a box.

Arthur: Nine hundred and fifty-four...

He repeated all the movements on the lathe. Again we see his hands finishing another part and putting it in the box.

Arthur: Nine hundred fifty and another damn five...

At this time Roboi approached Arthur who was working.

Arthur: Do a few more and it'll be all on Friday.

He takes the salary bag from Roboi, who leaves the screen.

Arthur: Fourteen pounds, three shillings and twopence a week for a thousand parts in a car. No wonder my back hurts all the time—good thing I'm done with work in no time. I'm about to smoke...

The camera looks down on Arthur pressing the controls.

Arthur: Why use every minute God gives us to work?

The machine is running.

Arthur and other male workers in front of lathes and various machines. He lit a cigarette and went to work again.

Arthur: If I'm rough, I'll do it in half the time, but then they'll give me a pay cut, so they'll get...

Now, Arthur washes his hands in the factory. He wiped his hands dry.

Arthur: ...hold on! Don't let the bastards torture you. This is something to remember.

He glanced at his friend Jack, who was still busy at the machine. All the other male workers have finished their work and are leaving.

Arthur: Jack is a man who has never learned a lesson. He wants to live a good life.

A cleaner started to clean the floor of the factory. Roboi came in and talked to Jack.

Arthur: Yes, Mr. Roboi, no, Mr. Roboi, I'll do it as soon as possible, Mr. Roboi. See what's stumped Roboi... sullen and sad.

Roboi walked away as Arthur looked around at the male workers in the factory. Arthur saw Fred standing by the machine, and a black man was loading the machine.

Arthur: Fred is okay. He knows how to spend money - like me. Knowing to have fun... (He catches a glimpse of three older male workers standing by the machine, working mechanically) There's no way those poor beggars could understand that. They had been tortured before the war and never recovered from it. I'd like to see someone who can torture me down. That will be victory. All I seek is happiness. The rest is just propaganda.

When he heard the factory whistle sound, he put down the towel and walked out.

The camera overlooks the factory yard, and the male workers pour out of the buildings around the yard and walk toward the camera. Subtitles appear, superimposed over images of workers rushing to bicycles and streaming out of the factory. The bike left the road outside the factory, with Arthur running ahead. Jack rode his motorcycle out of the factory and down the street. Children are playing in the street.

Now, Jack has returned home. He left the motorcycle in the yard. As he walked towards the back door, two little boys ran to meet him. At the same time his wife, Brenda, a plump, good-natured, optimistic woman in her mid-thirties, came out and emptied the contents of a plate into the bin. She followed Jack into the house.

Arthur's bicycle passed the children playing in the street, then turned into an alley, and brushed past Mrs. Bull, who was standing at the end of the alley, staring at his back.

Arthur's mother and father sat in the small Sidon home, their eyes fixed on the television. When Arthur came in, Mrs. Seton got up and went to the kitchen. He sat down at the table.

Arthur: Hello, Mom, do you need money, Mom?

Mrs. Seton: All right.

On the TV screen, we hear a commercial sing: "A Bristol is a modern cigarette! Bristol is a modern cigarette."

Arthur (points the money in his pay bag, then puts two pounds on the table): Here you go.

Mrs. Seton came in from the kitchen, took the money, and went back to the kitchen.

Arthur: Is everything going well at work, Dad?

Mr. Seaton (without turning, still staring at the TV): Of course, all went well.

Arthur: Did you hear about the accident at that speedster parts store today, Dad?

Mr. Seaton (voice-over): No, never heard of it. Another cup of tea, my dear!

Mrs. Seton came in and put a plate in front of Arthur.

Mrs. Seton: I got you something tasty because it's Friday night.

Arthur (starts eating): Of course! This guy's hands are gripped by the clamps. He didn't even look at what he was doing. Of course, he only has one eye, and he watches TV endlessly, ruining the other eye.

MR. SEATON (continuing to stare at the TV): Ahhh!

Mrs Seton handed him a cup of tea. He took the teacup without looking away from the TV.

Mr. Seton: Thank you, dear!

She walked away, and Arthur continued to eat. He heard another commercial song. "Silly Wicklin for fine hair!" He glared at his father.

The camera captures Arthur's bedroom at night. He has been groomed and changed. He walked towards the closet, took off the paper covering his jacket, stepped forward, put on his jacket, straightened his tie towards the mirror, and walked towards the door. He left the room and closed the door.

Down the alley, Mrs. Bull and Mrs. McClay were chatting outside the back garden of a row of houses with balconies. Arthur crashed into them and walked away without apologizing. Mrs Bull stared behind him.

Mrs. Bull: Don't mess around, okay? Arthur Seton is going to be beaten sooner or later.

Then Arthur ran along the pavement of the main road to catch a bus that had just left the station. He jumped into the car and the car drove down the hill.

In a tavern with a sonic boom: The weekend has begun. There was a lot of noise in the room. There are two customers in the foreground. A big sloppy woman and a small, unattractive man were sitting at the bar, and the bartender brought their drinks.

Sloppy Woman: Pretty quiet tonight, isn't it?

Bartender: But you didn't look at the group next door. Drinking at the game. Well, that young boy, he's already downed eight pints.

Sloppy Woman: Eight pints. He's having a good time drinking, isn't he?

Brenda sat at the table by the window in the adjoining tavern, watching Arthur slowly drink his ninth pint. Also drinking was a sailor who was fighting Arthur. People crowded around him noisily. Arthur finished his drink and put the big glass on the table.

Arthur: Two more pints, hello, George.

In the bar, the bartender turned and handed the waiter two more pints.

Bartender: Would you like to help bring it over?

Waiter: I'll speak if I need to. In my opinion, they are almost drinking too.

The waiter went back to the next room, put another pint in front of the sailor, and walked towards Arthur. From the other side of the tavern came the sound of music and applause. The room was smoky and the noise increased.

Arthur: Thanks, George. Come and have a drink yourself.

The waiter put Arthur's wine on the table.

The camera is on a hard drummer and a loud singer in the bistro band.

Singer (singing): If you don't need money, what do you need? If you don't need gold, what do you need? Tell me what you need and I'll give it to you, sweetheart! I wish you were my love, baby. (He points outside the picture, and the camera returns to Brenda and Arthur with wine)

Arthur: So, please, cheers! I can't figure out how much alcohol I drink now.

Singer (outside, singing): If you don't need pearls, then what do you need...

The sailor was half drunk and staring at the pints of beer ahead of him. People were walking up and down in front of this group of drinkers and the singer.

Sailor: Well, there is time.

Singer (singing): ...Tell me what you need, and I'll give it to you, sweetheart! I wish you were my love, baby.

The sailor began to drink his sprinkling slowly. Arthur mocked him.

Arthur: You drink up. They'll be closing in a while. Then you can't drink until twelve o'clock tomorrow.

Singer (off-screen, singing): Because I gave my heart to you, and you rejected me, ah, good guy...

Sailor: Don't worry, I'll drink it.

Singer (off-screen, singing): ...you're fooling me.

When the sailor picked up the wine and began to drink again, a woman put on her coat and went out.

Singer (off-screen, singing): One day you will need me, lover, one day you will need me too...

Brenda (laughing next to Arthur): Ouch, Arthur...

Singer (off-screen, singing): Don't change your mind, because I feel lonely without you...

Sailors drink in the halls of this raucous tavern.

Singer (outside, singing): I wish you were my love, baby, if you don't need money, then what do you need, if you don't need money, then what do you need...

The sailor put down his glass and lay down on the table. Arthur and Brenda smiled at him.

Singer (singing): Tell me what you need, and I'll give it to you, sweetheart! I wish you were my love, baby.

The sailor got up and went out, walking like a ram and turning his face to look away. Brenda and Arthur laughed at the sailor.

Brenda: I don't understand how he does it, I really don't understand. There is nothing to brag about.

Arthur: Work on the machine all week and get drunk. I'm going out... (he gets up)

Brenda: Well, then hurry up, baby, it'll be closed in a few minutes.

Singer (off-screen, singing): ...one day you will need my kiss, one day you will need me too...

Arthur squeezed through the crowd and walked towards a group of singing people, the barman standing in the bar.

Everyone (singing): She's my mistress... She's a girl worth sitting down and thinking about...

Arthur: A pint, please.

Bartender (leaning to Arthur): Hello, any more?

Arthur: For a pint.

Crowd (singing): I know she likes me, I know she likes me because she said so...

Bartender: Now is the time, ladies and gentlemen, please. (hands a beer to Arthur who is turning away)

Crowd (singing): She is the lily of my lagoon...

Arthur squeezed his way through the crowd and made his way to the scruffy woman and the little man sitting at the dining table. He staggered and spilled some beer on the man, who immediately jumped up.

Sloppy Woman: Ahhh!

Arthur looked around drunkenly.

Little Man: Believe it or not, this is my best outfit.

Sloppy Woman: He's a shameless idiot, right? Not even a word of apology. (She gets up and turns to Arthur) Go and apologize...

Arthur shook and spilled some more beer on her skirt. She was outraged. The little man was still sitting there motionless.

Sloppy Woman: Ah!

Arthur left, and people gathered around and talked a lot.

Scruffy Woman (losing her temper at the little man): Come on, don't just sit here. Always have to reciprocate.

Arthur was now standing on top of the hotel platform, near the stairs.

Bartender: The time has come. Ladies and gentlemen, please.

Arthur was rocking back and forth a lot, and the chatter and singing in the hotel grew louder around him. He shook so badly that he fell off the top of the stairs. Arthur lay at the bottom of the stairs, unconscious. He opened his eyes and smirked.

Now we see Arthur at Jack and Brenda's house. The pantry was dark, and Arthur lowered his head to wash his face in the sink. He stood up straight and started wiping his face with the towel. At this moment Brenda walked past the window of the pantry, and after a moment of hesitation, the door opened and she walked in.

Brenda: Did you come in from the washroom window? (She walks towards the window and draws the curtains)

Arthur: Yes!

Brenda: You never think about anything, do you! You'll get all the neighbors talking, you know. (she takes off her coat)

Arthur: I'm leaving the pub in a hurry, or I'll be waiting for you!

Brenda: Yes, I know all about it!

He walked from the pantry into the kitchen and she was standing by the gas stove.

Brenda: Fell down the stairs and spilled beer on the woman.

Arthur: It's not my fault. Someone pushed me from behind. I knocked on the handrail of the stairs and fell.

Brenda (steps up, turns on the light): I trust you, but no one else will. (She goes back to the pantry washing room)

Arthur: I'm not going to go to that tavern again until they've reinforced the railing.

She bolted the windows and the back door, and he turned to watch.

Arthur: Hey, come here!

Brenda: What?

She walked over and he grabbed her. Brenda laughed happily.

Brenda: You shouldn't be drinking that much beer with that brag.

Arthur: You drink it too, you can smell it from afar.

Brenda: Look what you're saying. I drank two beers and two orange juice. You can't always think of it as pub addiction. (they kiss)

Brenda: Arthur, honey, let's not stay here forever. Let's go to sleep, eh? (they kiss again, then turn and walk away)

Brenda: Come on! (they go to the door)

Arthur: I wish Jack went to Skigate to pick up your son every week.

Brenda: I guess that's what you think. (they go up the stairs)

Brenda: He won't be home until tomorrow, so let's make the most of it.

Arthur: Don't worry.

Brenda let out a shriek of joy.

It was early in the morning, and the streets outside were empty. Arthur was lying on Brenda's bed. He looked up to see his trousers towering over the back of the chair. He scanned the room, from the dresser to the chest of drawers with Jack's picture. Arthur's jacket hangs on the wall. He was content, smiling and turning to look down at Brenda. She was still asleep. He leaned sideways against her and blew her face and she moved.

Arthur: Come on, Brenda, wake up, darling.

She smiled at him and pressed her face against his chest.

Arthur: Ah, how pleasant.

Brenda: What time is it, honey?

Arthur: 11:10.

Brenda sat up: what!

Arthur burst out laughing.

Brenda: You lied to me again! I've never met a big liar like you.

Arthur: I've always been a liar. A funny liar.

Brenda: Liars don't do anything. (She lies on top of him and they kiss. The bell rings)

Arthur: It's only ten o'clock.

Brenda (kissing him): Great! Arthur?

Arthur: What's the matter?

Brenda: We had a great time last night!

Arthur: It seems like years have passed. Ah, you are so cute. Brenda.

She kissed him and he pushed her back on the bed.

It was in the living room now, and Arthur was sitting at the dining table, eating hungry. Brenda came in from the pantry.

Arthur: Pour us some more tea, honey. Falling down the stairs is a thirsty thing.

Brenda laughed, poured him some tea, and put in the sugar cube.

Brenda: Two dollars, right?

Arthur: Mmmm! Thanks!

She took the used dishes from the table and went into the pantry. The radio was turned up.

Voice of the announcer: Please let a soldier live a happy life...

Arthur: You've been nice to me, Brenda dear. Don't think I don't appreciate it.

She came out of the pantry and walked towards the window behind him.

Brenda: If you don't eat quickly, this will be the last time you'll have breakfast in this room. (She stares anxiously through the window) Jack will be home soon. (She goes back to Arthur.) If he sees you, he will never kiss and hug again.

Arthur: When will we see you again?

Brenda: Not anytime soon. We don't want to let Jack get the hang of it right now, do we? (She picks up the teapot and goes into the pantry washing room)

Arthur: How about at Recreation, can we find a chance to meet there? Tell him that you serve in the darts game and he will believe you. Gotta work again next week. I don't get it, I have to work my ass off and get sweaty on that lathe. If you don't relax, life will be hard.

Brenda (coming over and kissing his forehead): There is no peace for the sinner. Oh, go, darling, go now! So that I can pack up.

Jack drove home on a motorcycle on the highway with his son in the back seat. He drove into the trail.

Arthur was still sitting at the dining table eating while Brenda was watching from the window.

Brenda: Hey, I guess he came on a motorcycle.

Arthur drank the cup of tea and stood up.

Brenda: Arthur, hurry up, darling.

Arthur (kissing her) Goodbye!

Brenda: Ah, baby!

Arthur: I want to see you!

Brenda: Excuse me!

Jack came down the alley behind the house on a motorcycle. He braked the car and the boy jumped out of the back seat. Arthur walked to the living room door, opened it, and looked back. Outside the back of the house, Jack and his son stood by the motorcycle. The boy ran over and went into the house. Inside, Arthur walked from the door into the hall. As he walked towards the main entrance, he knocked over the boy's bicycle, but he caught it without falling to the ground.

Boy (off-screen): Hello, Mom!

Brenda walked into the empty living room, the boy following. She extinguished the cigarette and turned to face him.

Brenda: Come on, let's take your clothes off.

As she and the boy walked away and sat down to help him undress, Jack came in.

Brenda: Give that to me! How is my little one at the beach, eh!

In the hallway, Arthur slowly and quietly straightened the boy's bicycle.

Brenda (off-screen): Did you have a good time?

Boy (off-screen): Have fun!

JACK (VO): We're having a good time, haven't we, Tommy!

Boy (off-screen): That's great!

Brenda (voice-over): Didn't expect you guys to come back so quickly.

Jake (voice-over): Ah, it's a no-brainer all the way from Lincolnshire.

Arthur walked quietly to the front door, Jack sat further back, and Brenda continued to worry about the boy. She took off the boy's coat. There was noise from outside the room.

Jack: Ah, who's there?

Brenda: I don't see anyone, maybe the cat came in. (She puts her son in her arms)

The camera goes back to the small hotel, where the atmosphere is quiet, and the bar is almost deserted on a Sunday morning. Arthur's aunt Ida is drinking beer. She opened her fur coat, and inside was a cheap cotton dress. She spoke loudly, and she was one of those rare people not ruined by the thirties, with her unmarried son Bert; he was a young man with an expression of despair. He had been in a juvenile penitentiary and a juvenile reformatory, so he was more restrained than his cousin Arthur.

Burt: Hey, he wasn't idle either, Mom, do you remember?

Ada: But he ended her. He also threatened to throw her under Trent Bridge.

Bert: Well, I forgot about that.

Ada: She thinks it's better to have sex for one pound a week than a nice shower.

They both laughed out loud.

Burt: There's been no news since then?

Ada: No!

Burt looked up to see Arthur entering through the inn door.

Burt: Hello, Arthur, you didn't stop by, did you?

Arthur: Hello, Auntie.

Ada: Hello, Arthur.

Arthur (coming to his relatives): Your two boys are eating ice cream outside.

Ada: No wonder they never eat properly.

Arthur: Did you go out last night?

Ada: Hey, we've been to "The Bat"... omg! I drank so much gin I thought I would never get home.

Arthur: That's what, just have a good time. (to the barmaid) A beer, ma'am, a strong stout! What would you like to drink, aunt?

Burt: Beer!

Ada: I'll have a strong stout too, Arthur dear! If only you were with us.

Arthur put a pound note on the bar counter. He noticed a teenage girl named Doreen and her family.

Ada: Our Isaiah fell in love at first sight with a man who bought wine for all of us...the bunch of us.

Burt: He must have spent a whole five pounds . . . the unmanly son of a bitch. He has a car though, so I think he can afford it.

Ada: He thought he was hooking up with our Isaiah. You should really see the way he drooped down when she came home with us and didn't go with him.

The three of them laughed.

Arthur: If only I were there.

He looked at Doreen carefully. She was about twenty years old, and she was very moving when she spoke and laughed. She was a graceful and articulate female worker. She was sitting down drinking with her friend Betty and their mother.

Ada: Yeah, won't you have some fun, Arthur?

Arthur continued to stare intently at Doreen.

Ada: How is your mother these days, Arthur?

Arthur: Ah, she's fine. But she has a lot of work to do. (He lifts his beer mug) How is Johnny doing in Australia?

Ada: You know what, Arthur, I reckon Johnny's doing much better there. He never got his way in this country, did he?

Arthur: He's always been a good worker, I know that.

Ada: He had to, poor starter. He had a hard time when he was a kid, that's true. Your mother and I worked so hard to pull you up. Arthur, those bad days.

She took a sip of wine.

Arthur: I'm sure it won't happen again.

Burt: I was talking to a guy in the mine the other day. You know, he's always saying "never the good old days". So I said to him with my pickaxe, "Tell me something else, don't keep talking about the good old days, or I'll blow your stupid head away." (laughs) I would do that too!

Arthur and Ada laughed too. She turned to look at Doreen's group.

Ada: Look at him. I can't take my eyes off the girl over there.

Arthur: Not about me. I'm already looking for a woman. I'm looking at the calendar.

Ada: I trust you.

The door of the inn was opened, and a boy looked around inside.

boy: Mom!

Ada turned to look at her child.

BOY (VO): Come on, Mom?

Ada: All right, I'll come. (to Arthur and Burt) I have to go now. Are you coming, Bert? Or stay with Arthur for a while? (she stands up) If I don't go home, they'll come to pick me up for fear of being hungry.

BERT (standing up) Ah, I'm hungry myself, Mom! Hi, how about going fishing in the canal for a while this afternoon?

Arthur: All right! Let's go by bike.

Bert: OK.

Arthur: I'll meet you at Trowell Bridge.

Burt and Ada left together.

ADA (V.O.): Goodbye, Arthur.

Arthur: Goodbye, Auntie!

BERT (V.O.): See you later.

Arthur: Hey, Burt.

ADA (V.O.): Say hello to your mom.

Arthur: Alright!

When Arthur started chatting with the barmaid, Doreen left her gang and went to the bar.

Arthur: Pretty quiet today.

Waitress: No way. (she wipes the counter) You should have come to see it two weeks ago. Almost had our business license revoked. Haven't you heard of it? Great fight! It took us two days to clean just because there weren't that many guys. (to Doreen) Hey, my darling, what do you want?

Doreen: Two bags of fried potato chips, please.

Arthur: Are you sure you can afford it? (Arthur knows he can get along with her because she doesn't know enough to deal with) What are you drinking?

Doreen (takes the crisps, pays): Strong, aren't you?

Arthur: Does anyone have a birthday?

Doreen: Want to know, it's Mom's anniversary.

Arthur: Why didn't I see your father?

Doreen: That's because he's not here.

Arthur: Is he coming?

Doreen: I don't think so. He left her fifteen years ago today, and she was about to have a drink about it.

Arthur found this remark interesting.

Doreen: Well, I like when someone thinks it's funny.

Arthur: Then, while you're here, have a drink.

Doreen: Okay, I'll have a small glass of sandy (note 1).

Arthur: A small glass of sandy, please.

Doreen: What's that black stuff you drink? It looks like syrup.

Arthur: Beer, the darkest beer. Try it!

Doreen: No, thank you. I remember trying it once, but it was horrible.

Arthur: I'm not an alcoholic either, but I'm going fishing in the afternoon and I like to have a drink before fishing.

Doreen: I'll give this to Mom in a minute.

She picked up the fried potato chips and walked towards her group sitting at the table. Arthur stayed at the bar for a beer. Doreen's mother was at the dinner table, watching her daughter, who came back with bags of fried potato chips.

Doreen's mother: You're in no hurry.

Arthur finished his glass of wine and sat down on a bar stool.

Doreen (outside, loudly): I've been waiting to buy you crisps.

Arthur (to the barmaid): Another stout, ma'am.

Doreen's mother (off-screen): Ah, you've been waiting, right?

DORENE (trying to get away from her mother so she can get back to Arthur, loudly): I'll be there in a minute. I'll just say a few words to this guy I know. (She walks back to Arthur who is staying by the bar)

Arthur: Your mother's ears are a bit back, right?

Doreen: Yes, kind of. (Arthur hands her a cigarette) No thanks, I don't smoke.

Arthur: What's your name, baby?

Doreen: Doreen! Hateful name, isn't it?

Arthur: What's with the name, my name is Arthur. Neither name is great, but it's not our fault, right? (He lights a cigarette) Where do you work, Doreen?

Doreen: Me! Harris' hairnet factory. It's been there since I left school. All right, I want a cigarette.

Arthur (hands her a cigarette): I'm mechanical.

Doreen (then the cigarette): Thank you!

Arthur: Come on, cheers! Have another glass of sandy. Today is your mom's anniversary.

Doreen: No, thank you.

Arthur (leaning forward, lighting her cigarette): What do you usually do, Doreen? do you watch movies?

Doreen (suspiciously): Only on Wednesdays. what's wrong?

Arthur: Interesting. I go on Wednesday. Go to other days. Which movie theater do you go to?

Doreen: Usually at the Gran Bay.

Arthur: Then next Wednesday at seven o'clock, see you.

Doreen: Move fast enough! Well, but not the front seat.

Arthur: I can't see without sitting in the back. A little further ahead, the film becomes very blurry.

Doreen: So you need to wear glasses.

Arthur: Yes! I'll get one in a few days. But glasses make me look like a cross-eyed rent collector.

Doreen (laughing): I think so. Such a thing.

Arthur: So, see you on Wednesday.

Doreen: Okay.

Arthur: Well, don't be too late.

Doreen: No, but if it's late, you'll have to wait for me, okay? (She turns back to her mother's anniversary reception)

Arthur watched her go away. Behind him, a game of flying began. The flying dart threw the puck behind his head.

The camera captures Arthur and Bert as they ride their bikes and tackle down the road. They turned toward the canal and cycled along the shore. Afterwards, they sat on the bank of the canal and fished unhurriedly. Burt took a sip from a bottle and Arthur sat beside him. The view is peaceful and pleasant.

Burt: I noticed the girl this morning. Is a very good girl. But don't expect her to deal with someone as crazy as you are.

Arthur: People want to have a good time, bet it.

Burt: That's your idea. This man looks unusual. After the first kiss, she'll be looking forward to the engagement ring.

Arthur picked up the bottle and drank. Then he put the bottle behind his back.

Arthur: I take a cue from the fish - unless the bait is of the highest quality, never take the bait. I will never get married unless I am ready.

Burt: You have to get married someday, don't you?

Arthur: Then why don't you try it?

Burt: So far, I haven't found a woman willing to marry me.

He got up and shifted the line into a better patch of water.

Arthur: Marriage is too expensive. You need to spend a lot of money at once, and then you have to pay your weekly salary for the rest of your life.

Burt: That's what most people work for, right?

Arthur put the bait on the hook and sat on the grass on the bank of the canal with a grim expression.

Arthur: But I do it for something else. I was already working for the factory, for income tax and insurance premiums. It sucks. They hunt you around, in and out. After stripping you to the bare bones, you'll be drafted into the army and shot to death.

Burt: Left is just that, Arthur. It's no use being mad. (He sits on the grass) Just pick up the work and hope that someday it will work.

Arthur: Maybe, but you have to be as cunning as those bastards. Take some inspiration from the fish. After all, they all have to get caught, don't they? They still have to be hooked. But the girl was not ugly, and she was very clever. (He throws the hook, bait and line into the canal)

Bert: Ah! You're still hanging out with that married woman, right? It would be nice when you got married. Then her poor husband would have some peace.

Arthur: Who made him so dull, he deserves it. She should like to sleep with him. Then she wouldn't mess with a guy like me. (He lights a cigarette)

Burt: In a few days, you're going to be beaten in the face.

Arthur: Don't worry, I'll take care of myself.

Bert: Be careful, then, and use your brains.

Arthur: I'll pay attention. I don't know how to plan for the future. (He lies comfortably on his back on the grass near the water)

Bert: Yes, me too.

The camera now captures the smoky industrial city in the early morning hours. It doesn't even have the charm of a barren area. The houses are all the same, and the streets are empty. The factory whistle sounded.

From above the backyard fence, we could see Arthur walking out of the Seaton house, his father following. He saw Mrs Bull standing at the end of the alley between the houses and turned her face away when she saw Arthur. The father closed the back door and walked over to his son. Both are dressed for work.

Arthur: Old mother Bull got half a penny right here.

Mr. Seton: Ah, she has nothing else to do, this nosy man.

Arthur (unchains the bike): She's spreading my gossip about me hanging out with some wives who have husbands and drinking together. This is complete nonsense.

Mr. Seton: But you've got to figure out how to prove it's nonsense.

While Arthur pushed his bicycle into the alley, Mr. Seton went to work. Arthur pushed his bicycle past Mrs Bull and gave her a glaring look. Then I got on my bike and went to work along the road.

In the cutting shop, people work on their own machines. Arthur worked on the lathe. The whistle went off, and he stopped the machine and wiped his hands. A woman pours tea for workers from a kettle on a tea cart. Arthur wiped his hands, then looked down at his feet. Yo, a cat on the floor killed a rat. Arthur bent down and stroked the cat, taking the dead mouse from the cat. Then he got up, looked around, and tucked the rat in his shirt. He walked to the wall where the clothes were hung, took the lunch bag from a nail, and turned to the woman working on the machine. They stopped working when he watched them. He waited for the female workers to pass by, then stepped forward and threw the dead rat into one of the female workers' machines. In the tea cart, Jack took a cup of tea from the woman who smiled at him.

Jack: Thanks, dear!

Arthur (closes up to him) Is there a place for sluts, Jack? You'll be hooked when you see it.

The woman pushed the tea cart away. Meanwhile Arthur and Jack sat down.

Arthur: If you're not being honest, I'll tell Brenda.

Jack: She never trusts you, she trusts me.

Arthur (opens the lunch sandwich): Will she?

He turned around and looked back at the women workers at the machines, while the men were still sitting and reading the newspapers during their snack time. He laughed to himself. The woman screamed when she found the dead rat on the machine. Arthur couldn't help but look away when Jack looked at the screaming woman. The woman ran away screaming, and several workers came up to her machine. Arthur turned back with a smile, watching Jack who was drinking tea.

Arthur: Drinking that stuff will make your bowels rot - it's poison. There was a guy in the component workshop who had been lying down for six weeks because he drank the tea from the factory, and his stomach got sick. You should bring your own bottle. (He sits with Jack, drinking from his own bottle, and having a sandwich)

Jack: If others can drink it, I can drink it too.

Arthur: Come on, Jack. Think for yourself. It's no good for everyone to come together.

Jack: But if you win all your bets, you don't think that way, do you?

Arthur: I won't? I don't care unless I want to see the whole family going well. Like most people do, if I get a bunch of loan letters like a lot of people do, guess what I'm going to do with them?

Roboi, the foreman, came over and stood above the seated pair.

Jack: What?

Arthur: Burn it and play.

Roboi: Hey! Did you just put the rat on the woman's workbench?

Arthur: I don't understand what you're talking about.

Roboi: I bet it's you, you little rascal.

Arthur: Me, Mr. Roboi? I have so much work to do without my lathe. I didn't go around torturing women. You know it.

Roboi: I don't know. Someone did this, I guess it was you. As I say, you're a little red, that's what you are.

Arthur: That's slander. I have to get a lawyer for this. I already have a witness, right here.

Jack don't look away, he doesn't want to get involved in this.

Roboi: I don't know, but I'll catch the guy who did it. (He walks away angrily)

Arthur: I have to suffer for everything.

Jack: He came to me the other day and said he wanted me to work the night shift in the component workshop.

Arthur: What?

Jack: To work the night shift in the component workshop.

Arthur: Ah, I don't like to do it.

Both Jack and Arthur are drinking tea.

Jack: I don't care, it's always a change.

Arthur: But it's not the first time that bastard says I'm red. It's not that I don't want to vote for the Communist Party at the thought that I might be able to get rid of a guy like him. I voted for them in the last election. Did I tell you?

Jack looked horrified, but Arthur was laughing.

Arthur: I shouldn't have voted at all because I'm under twenty-one, but I used my dad's vote because he fell ill with a terrible backache. Tell them my name is Arold Spencer Seaton as if it were the real thing. I didn't even believe it until I was done.

Jack: If they catch you, you'll get ten years in prison for it. You are lucky.

Arthur: I told you I was lucky. Those stupid laws were made for people like us to use illegally.

Jack: One day you will be captured.

The signal rang. The work break is over.

Jack: Once you're home, maybe it won't be so rambunctious.

Arthur: I'm not getting married yet.

Jack: There's nothing wrong with married life. I'll tell you this, I'm married, and I'm voluntarily committed to this life. If you both like each other and you are not too domineering, then married life is good.

Arthur: Then I trust you. Most people won't believe it. (He goes back to his lathe)

Brenda is applying lipstick in the room. She straightened up in front of the mirror, and we saw Jack sitting behind her, reading the paper. He looked up.

Jack: Are you going out again?

Brenda (powdering her face): Hmm! I'll drop by Vinny's, she's having a baby next week.

Jack: You go to see her a lot these days. Working the night shift is not very fun, we don't seem to go out together these days.

Brenda: Ah, how long will it take? You've only been doing this for two weeks.

Jack: I know. Maybe another six months.

Brenda: You don't care about doing that, do you?

Jack: Oh, it means taking more money, money is useful. We can even buy a TV, and you don't have to run out all the time.

Brenda: Yeah, you don't have to run out all the time, right? I haven't been out for long, my dear! Peggy is here to take care of Tommy right away. (She rushes out the door)

Jack: You are absolutely right. (He puts down the newspaper and stares intently at her shadow)

The camera shoots a wood next to the clubhouse, and as Brenda follows Arthur through the woods, a motorcycle swoops past nearby.

Brenda: Sounds like Jack's motorcycle.

Arthur: Impossible. Jack hasn't been to the club for weeks.

Arthur (stops and waits for Brenda to catch up with him): You feel comfortable!

Brenda: Comfortable! You've got all your lipstick on, darling! Look, wipe it off for you!

Arthur: It's alright! (they keep walking)

Brenda: Really! I suspect Jack seems to know something.

Arthur: Of course he doesn't know.

Brenda: It's interesting, isn't it? I've always told him that.

Arthur: Tell what?

Brenda: Tell him I'm going to the club to play throwing. He said that if I was really playing, he would come and have a look in a few days. (she laughs)

Arthur: He'd totally believe it.

Brenda: But he didn't come. I'm sure he didn't suspect anything. Do you think he's suspicious?

Arthur: No, we're too cunning.

Brenda (laughs): If he did find out, I don't know what he'd say.

Arthur: We can always get married anytime.

Brenda: Ah, can't imagine getting married. No matter what, he will never get divorced. I know Jack. As long as we continue to love each other, it doesn't matter if we get married or not, right?

They stopped for a while and he kissed her. She was startled as they walked forward.

Brenda: That's Jack's motorcycle, isn't it?

Arthur: What? Where?

They came to the club where cars and motorcycles were parked. Brenda looked closely at a motorcycle.

Brenda: That's it, you recognize it. (She walks away uneasily, Arthur looks at the motorcycle) What shall we do, Arthur?

Arthur: Well, what you told him was that you went to your sister's house. You'd better go up there.

Brenda: But are you going back to town with me?

Arthur: No, no, I'm going to show my face there and he won't suspect anything. Okay, dear, 㗑㗑. (he kisses her)

Brenda: Goodbye, dear. (she walks away)

Arthur: When will we meet again?

Brenda (stops): I don't know. Better to wait a while, right, honey?

Arthur: I'll be calling you around the corner in a night or two.

Brenda: Okay! baby!

Arthur: Goodbye...

She slipped away. Arthur watched her, then walked towards the club. He walked into the club and people were drinking and playing pitching. He said hello to two of them: Albert and the union organizer Tom.

Arthur: Hi, Albert!

Albert: Hello, Arthur.

Arthur walked to the bar and bought a beer from Charlie the bartender.

Arthur: Hello, Tom. Come on, Charlie, give us a pint.

Jack sat alone at a table.

Arthur: Hello, Jack.

Jack: Hello, Arthur.

Arthur: What would you like to drink?

Jack: Ah, thanks, I'd like to have a light wine.

Arthur: A glass of light wine. Excuse me, Charlie, and another glass of wine. So when's the next strike, Tom?

Charlie pours Arthur two beers.

Tom: There's no reason to strike yet, lad. Anyway, I think you're too busy hanging out with young women.

Arthur: No, I didn't. I just hang out with some horse betting people. (He picks up two glasses of beer and walks towards Jack's table)

Tom: I take your word for it!

Arthur: How are you, Jack? How is Brenda these days?

Jack: Good! Nothing to complain about.

Arthur and Jack sit and drink beer together.

Arthur: The beer tasted like it was pumped straight out of Trent.

Jack: Mine is okay.

He seems to have agreed to drink with Arthur against his will.

Arthur: I think you don't come out so much, and now you're working the night shift... As I say, it's not an easy life.

Jack: I don't think so. I'm going out this weekend. My brother is going home from Lesette on vacation.

Arthur: He's still in the military overtime, right?

The tone of voice on both sides is a bit unfriendly

Jack: Ah, no, he's a regular. In the Royal Praetorian Guards, he was a stout young man with a body as strong as that of a cow. You wouldn't think we're brothers. His good friend is coming too. We want to spend the night outside somewhere.

Arthur: It's a good thing to go out for a walk. I also go fishing from time to time. How long will your brother stay here?

Jack: Two weeks!

Arthur raised his glass to hide his expression.

Jack: But there's one more thing about him, you know, he's always going to help me if I'm in any trouble. If someone offends me, I can always count on him. I once punched a guy with him and his best friend...I don't want to treat anyone like that anymore.

Arthur: Hey, but people like this should be careful. They might hit the wrong person. I've seen a fight like that...

Jack faced the challenge with a blank look at Arthur.

Arthur: There are a total of two soldiers on the side of this fight. They pounce on a guy who beats them both to pieces. The fight was so terrifying, there was blood everywhere. I had to turn my head away.

Jack said nothing, just stared at Arthur standing up.

Arthur: Ah, it's dead and boring here.

Jack: Would you like another drink?

Arthur: I have an appointment. You're leaving right now, right?

Jack: Yes!

Arthur: Goodbye! goodbye!

Jack: Bye!

Arthur turned and walked towards the door of the club, waving to the people at the bar as he walked.

Arthur: Goodbye.

Tom: Goodbye!

night. The camera now captures Doreen and Arthur walking down the steps and into the foyer of the Gran Bay Cinemas.

Doreen: The movie wasn't bad, but I knew it was going to end that way.

Arthur: I knew this ending a long time ago. (They stop) I always feel thirsty after watching a movie. Like a drink?

Doreen: No, let's just go home so you can see Mommy. She will prepare dinner for us.

Arthur: Does she care if you take me home?

Doreen: Never mind, she likes guests.

Arthur: That's good.

He took her arm and walked towards the revolving door of the cinema, then onto the street.

The camera captures Doreen's porch, where she stands next to Arthur, but not too close.

Doreen's mother (voice-over): Don't be there too long, Doreen.

Doreen (loudly): I won't, Mom.

Arthur: How about tomorrow?

Doreen: As you please.

Arthur: We can go to the White Horse Tavern for a drink.

Doreen: I don't like drinking that much.

Arthur: Well, I'll ask someone else to go there tomorrow.

Doreen: I don't care.

Arthur (towards her): Come on, honey.

Doreen's mother: Come in and close the door.

Doreen (loud): I'll be there in a minute, Mom.

Arthur: Then see you next Wednesday.

Doreen: All right. See you next Wednesday.

She went into the house and closed the door in his presence. He turned and walked away, then stopped to listen to Doreen in the room.

Doreen's mother (off-screen): I thought you'd never come in again.

Doreen (off-screen): It's alright, Mom.

Arthur picked up a litter box lid and slammed it down. Echoes resounded through the streets at night.

The camera returns to the factory floor, with people working by machines. Arthur was at the lathe, and Roboi came forward with his pay bag. Arthur ignored him and worked hard.

Roboi: Hey, are you willing to spare a while, and I'll pay you.

Arthur: I can't say no, Mr. Roboi.

Roboi: You're still the first.

Arthur: How much is this week?

Roboi: Fourteen pounds. That's way more money than a tool assembler. When I started working there, I brought home only seven shillings a week.

Arthur: Well, but seven shillings were worth those days. Two pennies can buy a pack of cigarettes. You have experienced those years of starvation and inexorability. But this week they withheld almost three pounds of my income tax.

Roboi: Well, you can't blame the factory for that. You shouldn't be fishing that much.

Arthur: I didn't catch it, every penny was my hard earned one.

Roboi: I'm not saying you don't work hard. But I don't like that someone here knows how much you're taking home. All the people are going to choke me for asking for a salary increase. (He walks away dissatisfied)

Arthur: Oh, then you can fire them. Just now you told me what you did in the good old days, and you did it the way you did it. (He goes back to the lathe)

Later that day, the camera returns to the Seton family. Ada, Arthur, and Mr. Seton sat around drinking tea. Mrs. Seton was in the kitchen while Arthur ordered the money.

Arthur: Here's to you, Ma, I've made six shillings more for my board this week. Go buy something yourself!

Mrs. Seton came from the kitchen, took the money, and left.

Mrs. Seton: Thank you, Arthur, my dear.

Ada: He's a good boy for you.

MRS. SEATON (V.O.) Yes, to whomever.

Ada: Working like his dad worked as hard as he did.

Arthur looked up when he heard a little boy running in.

Arthur: Hey, you come here!

Ada turned to see her young son rushing in. Mr. Seton looked back at his wife.

Mr. Seaton: Would you like another bad tea, dear?

Arthur (grabbing the boy): Come here!

Mrs. Seton went to the kitchen. Arthur and the boy were boxing.

Arthur: You're that little meat dumpling.

Ada: Don't be so rough with him, Arthur.

Arthur (bouncing the boy up and down in mid-air): He's good. Hey, what are you feeding him, he's like a cannonball. (He lifts the boy upside down)

Ada: Ah, he eats a lot. Our Bert didn't want to eat last night, but it's better to let the little beggar clean up.

The boy reached for Arthur's money.

Arthur: Don't take it... let go! Your hand is inseparable from money. You'd better put away your bobby pin or he'll use it to pry the gas meter for money.

Ada: Shut up. You fool, you put these thoughts into his head.

Arthur held up a five-pound note, and the boy jumped around him, trying to grab it.

Arthur: Go to the store and buy yourself a five-pound doll drink.

MRS. SEATON (from the kitchen) Don't torture him, Arthur.

Arthur: Hey, jump up, he can... Hey, come back here!

The boy snatched the money and slipped away, Arthur following closely.

Mr. Seaton: This is Mali, uh!

Arthur came out of the house to chase the boy and ran down the alley. They strode out onto the road, past the children who were playing. They scattered the two women, and several dogs barked at them.

Arthur: Give me back that five-pound note, or I'll beat you up. Come here. (He grabs the boy and they pretend to fight) Hit here, here! what! Come on.

He took the bill back and dragged the boy toward a candy store on the corner. In the confectionary, Mrs. Roy, the proprietor, was greeting Mrs. Bull.

Mrs. Bull: Take it on your account, will you, Mrs. Roy? (She looks around) Oh, I want to buy something else, but I can't remember what.

The clerk wrote down the ledger of Mrs. Bull's purchases. The door opened and Arthur and the boy entered.

Arthur: If you're obedient, I'll buy you some candy bars.

Arthur didn't pay attention and bumped into Mrs Bull.

Mrs Bull: Oh! Look where you are going.

Arthur: I'm sorry, I didn't see you. (to the clerk) Please give me a sixpence candy bar.

Mrs. Bull: What do you think it's your own land, you little liar.

Arthur: Who, me? what are you talking about? you fool.

Mrs. Bull: I'm not stupid enough to know your tricks. I see you walking around with people you shouldn't be taking. And it's not the first time.

Arthur: Oh, you saw that, didn't you?

Mrs. Bull: Yes, I saw it.

Arthur: Yes, I know your number. You haven't done anything shady yourself, have you?

Mrs Bull was insulted.

Arthur: I bet your old man doesn't understand that.

MRS. BULL (raises her hand and slaps Arthur): Watching you talk nonsense...

Arthur: Yes, stop talking nonsense! Run, let's get out of here, we're not safe. (Arthur leads the boy out of the store)

Mrs. Bull: Sooner or later I'm going to beat you up hard.

Arthur: Goodbye, idiot!

He closed the door casually. Mrs. Bull stepped up to the counter, muttering under her breath.

The camera captures the interior of Doreen's living room at night. Everything in the interior is neat and decent. Burt was there, looking at Doreen's friend Betty, who worked at the hotel. Arthur sat behind them. Music is playing on the radio.

Burt: Why are you so busy?

Betty (going forward): I'm the head cook!

Burt stopped her as she passed him, and Doreen went over to join Arthur.

Doreen: Will you help me get some tea right now, Betty? (she turns and dances with Arthur)

Betty: As long as no one stops me, I'll bring it.

Bert: Come on, what are you afraid of...(he blocks her way)...a kiss doesn't get in the way.

Betty: Who do you take me for? I don't know you at all!

Burt: Let's kiss and you'll know me.

Betty (pushing him away): No, dodge! Men are all the same.

Burt: I'm different.

Betty: I can't see it.

Burt: But I'm different. I think you are a little firecracker.

Betty felt joy, but she still beat him and squeezed past him. He caught her. Arthur and Doreen are dancing. Doreen's mother came in suddenly through the door.

Doreen's mother: Yo, looks like you're throwing a birthday party or something. I don't know. Look at the mess in the house. I thought you would clean for me today. (She hangs her coat in the hallway)

Doreen: I was supposed to clean, Mom. I just brought my friends in for a while. You know Arthur, my lover, don't you?

Arthur seemed to be taken aback, and rejoiced at being called her lover. He managed to make a good impression on a shrew-like mother like Doreen.

Arthur (smiling): Hello, Mrs. Grayton?

Doreen's mother: I don't know. You should always help me, Doreen.

She turned off the music on the radio, and Betty and Burt came up to her.

Doreen: I was just about to clean.

Burt: Hello, Mrs Grayton.

Betty: Hello, Mrs Grayton.

Doreen's mother (simultaneously): I think you'll clean up. Someone is coming for dinner or something.

She walked towards the pantry washroom. Arthur motioned to Bert to go.

Arthur: It's a way of reprimanding you for being your own family. Let's go. Bert, is it right for you?

Doreen: I apologize to you on behalf of mom.

Burt: If you have guests coming, we'd better go.

Arthur walked towards the door leading to the hall.

Arthur: Whenever you pass by my neighborhood, drop by and have a seat, you'll be welcomed there.

Doreen (following Arthur outside): It wasn't my fault. You know what kind of person she is.

BERT (to Betty) Goodbye, baby.

When the two lads left, Doreen's mother walked from the pantry into the living room.

Arthur (voice-over): Say goodnight to your mother for me.

Doreen went back to the room.

Doreen's mother: Since when did he become your lover?

Doreen: Not long ago.

DOREEN'S MOTHER (cleaning the table): He seems a bit of a jerk, as I say.

Betty (about to leave): Ah, he's nice.

Doreen: You don't know him yet, do you?

Doreen's mother: I don't know him like you do, and I don't want to. (She picks up the plate on the table and walks away)

Doreen: I like him anyway.

Arthur and Burt walk towards the camera on the street.

Burt: Did you catch anything?

Arthur: No, how about you?

Burt: No. That Betty was a little silly. She actually refused to let me near her. Let me tell you, if you don't marry them these days, don't try to get them.

Arthur: If you're married, you can.

Later, the camera shoots the road at night, with a bus passing by. Arthur just came over to meet Brenda, and they came out of the light and went down a few steps. Brenda was impatient and nervous.

Arthur: What's the matter with you?

Brenda: Shut up! You are making too much fuss.

Arthur: What's the matter with you tonight?

Brenda: Tell you what happened to me, Arthur. I'm pregnant. This time it was true and it was your fault.

Arthur: Ouch, must it be my fault?

Brenda: I told you to be careful, but you didn't care. I always say something like this will happen one day.

Arthur: Good Friday night. How did you know that?

Brenda: You don't believe in anything, do you? I think you won't believe me until you see this little guy. Twelve days have passed. That is to say, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.

Arthur: There is nothing absolutely wrong.

Brenda: There's absolutely nothing wrong with that.

Arthur: All right.

Brenda: Ah, no.

They listened by a dark wall.

Arthur: How do you know it's mine?

Brenda: Why don't you want to take the blame? You are now running away from responsibility.

Arthur: What's wrong? I have nothing to blame. I just want to know if it's mine. It doesn't have to be mine.

Brenda: It must be your son, yes. I haven't done that with Jack in over two months. I don't want it, now I can make it clear to you.

Arthur: Okay, have you tried anything? I mean have you taken any medicine?

Brenda: Tried. I tried pills, but they didn't work. It cost me thirty shillings. Throw it all away.

Arthur: Almighty God!

Brenda: God can't help you. You listen to me, you have to do something, understand.

Arthur: Don't you want this child?

Brenda: Sounds like you want me to have a baby for you?

Arthur: It's okay to have another child.

Brenda: Don't be silly. Do you know what it means to have children? You'll be sick for nine months, take nine months of medicine, wear ill-fitting clothes, and no one will look at you - then you'll be screaming in pain, and you'll have a baby. Although that's not too bad. But you have to take care of him for the rest of your life. Someday you try what it's like.

Arthur: Well, if that's what you think...

Brenda: What else can you expect me to think?

Arthur: Look, I'm going to find Aunt Ida, she'll have a good idea. She has fourteen children of her own, and I'm sure she's knocked out no less than that.

Brenda: Then I hope she can do something, and if she can't, she'll be in trouble, I dare say that's it.

Arthur: Don't worry, dear Brenda! In a week or two you'll be completely fine. Let's go find her for this tomorrow.

Brenda (crying, her anger dissipates): All right. (Arthur puts his arms around Brenda comforting her) Arthur...

Arthur: What's the matter?

She kisses him.

The camera now captures Arthur and Brenda walking towards the audience on another street in the city. They walked to the door of Ada's house. Arthur looked around, then knocked on the door. He walked in and Brenda stayed outside waiting.

Ada is sitting in the living room reading a book. The door opened and she turned to see who it was.

Arthur (enter

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