Efa2015 45-Years Fs Eng

45 YEARS
by
Andrew Haigh
Based on IN ANOTHER COUNTRY by David Constantine.
SHOOTING SCRIPT
WITH YELLOW AMENDMENTS
30TH APRIL 2014
Developed in association with Film4 and the BFI

© Channel 4 Television Corporation and The British Film Institute
2012
1 INT. BEDROOM - EARLY MORNING 1
The sun has barely risen as KATE MERCER buttons up her

shirt and takes a warm sweater from the chest of drawers.
She opens one side of the curtains to let some light in

and checks the weather outside - it’s a nice day, clear
and calm over the flat fields.
Leaving the curtain open, Kate walks over to the bed

where GEOFF MERCER is stirring but not fully awake. She
sits on the side of the bed and picks up her watch from
the table, putting it on. Their tone with each other is
comfortable and warm.
KATE
Morning.
Geoff’s words are barely audible, his vocal cords as

sleepy as him.
GEOFF
Hello.
KATE
Do you want tea up here this
morning? You could sleep a little
longer.
GEOFF
Downstairs is good.
And with that he drifts off again. Kate doesn’t mind.

This is their routine and she leaves the room to get on
with the day.
45 YEARS
2 INT. KITCHEN - MORNING 2
The kettle is on. An old Alsatian called MAX gobbles

food from a bowl. And Kate sits at the kitchen table
writing a list for the day.
The water whistles to a boil, steam rising to the

ceiling. Kate gets up and takes an old chipped mug from
the rack next to the sink and pops in a tea-bag. She
pours over hot water.
Kate squeezes the tea-bag with a spoon and throws it in

the bin. She puts the mug on the kitchen table and goes
to the fridge to get some milk. She calls out to her
husband upstairs.
KATE
Tea’s on the table.
(CONTINUED)
2.
2 CONTINUED: 2
But there is no answer. Kate pours a little milk into

the mug and returns it to the fridge. She is about to
leave the room when she remembers something. She adds a
note to the list as Max barks from the hall.
KATE (CONT’D)
Okay Max. It’s a quick one today.
I’ve got a million things to do.
3 INT. FRONT DOOR HALLWAY - MORNING 3
Kate pulls a GUARDIAN from the letter-box and reads the

headlines before resting it on the side-table. She puts
on her woolly hat and warm jacket.
She can hear Geoff up above. He is trying to flush the

toilet -- once, twice, still the chain doesn’t work -
third time lucky. Kate shakes her head to Max in mock
disappointment.
KATE
He’s never going to fix it is he?
Max barks as Kate grabs her Wellington boots which are

next to the radiator.
4 EXT. NORFOLK COUNTRYSIDE - MORNING 4
Kate strides up the side of a sugar beet field - her

house behind her, the sky huge above.
She takes a turn at the end of the field and joins a

pathway lined with trees, spring blossom finally
appearing on the bare branches.
5 EXT. NORFOLK COUNTRYSIDE - A LITTLE LATER 5
Kate walks down the middle of a winding single-lane road

but there are no cars. Max weaves from side to side
searching and smelling the hedgerow.
Under the gentle wind Kate starts to whistle. It is the

song SMOKE GETS IN YOUR EYES by THE PLATTERS.
Kate stops whistling when she hears an approaching

vehicle. She calls for Max and holds on to her collar as
a POST OFFICE VAN comes around the corner. Kate waves at
the driver and he waves back.
Once the van has past, Kate checks her watch.
(CONTINUED)
3.
5 CONTINUED: 5
KATE
(to Max)
Five more minutes and then we head
back.
6 EXT. HOUSE - DAY 6
Kate walks up her driveway when she hears a voice behind -

it is the POSTMAN. His name is CHRIS, a kind looking man
somewhere in his early thirties. He looks exhausted.
CHRIS
Morning Mrs. Mercer.
KATE
Oh hi Chris. You’re early today.
CHRIS
I got the twins waking me at the
crack of dawn so...
KATE
Oh my God! I completely forgot.
Congratulations.
CHRIS
Cheers.
KATE
How are you both coping?
CHRIS
It’s a lot of work that’s for
sure.
KATE
I don’t doubt it for a second. But
you’ll be fine. You were always a
very capable young man.
Chris smiles as he sorts through mail in his bag, finding

the post for Kate and Geoff.
CHRIS
You must be getting excited.
Saturday isn’t it?
KATE
Don’t remind me. There’s still so
much to do but yes - it should be
very nice.
He hands Kate a small pile of letters.
CHRIS
Here you go.
(CONTINUED)
4.
6 CONTINUED: 6
KATE
Thank you and I’m over the moon
for the pair of you. Really, I am.
CHRIS
Thank you, Mrs. Mercer.
KATE
Honestly -- call me Kate please.
We’re not at school anymore.
CHRIS
Will do.
Chris smiles and walks away. Kate heads towards the

house, flicking through the letters.
7 INT. HALLWAY - DAY 7
Kate closes the front door and takes off her jacket,
hanging it on a hook.
KATE
(calling out)
I saw Chris outside. It’s funny to
think of him even old enough to
have kids.
There is no answer from Geoff. Kate rests the post on a

side table and takes off her boots, leaving them back by
the radiator. Radio 4 can be heard from the kitchen next
door.
KATE (CONT’D)
I still can’t quite believe he
married Colin and Diane’s
daughter. I bet they hate he’s a
postman.
GEOFF (O.S.)
Who?
KATE
Colin and Diane. I wish we hadn’t
invited them to the party, they’re
such bloody snobs.
Kate takes her hat off and looks at her reflection in a

mirror above the side-table. She runs her fingers
through her hair but makes no judgement about her
appearance.
KATE (CONT’D)
Oh and I had an idea too. What do
you think of that Platters song?
5.
8 INT. KITCHEN - MOMENTS LATER 8
Kate heads into the kitchen where Geoff sits reading the
paper. His face is unshaven and his hair a mess.
GEOFF
How is it out there?
KATE
It’s nice. A little cold.
She puts the letters on the table and heads to the sink
to get water.
KATE (CONT’D)
I was thinking - what about that
Platters song?
GEOFF
What for?
KATE
The first dance.
GEOFF
Oh that’s a good idea.
KATE
You don’t think it’s a bit naff
having the same song we had at our
wedding?
GEOFF
No, I think it’s a good idea.
Geoff starts singing. Kate joins in. She returns to the

table and sits down, writing something on her list.
KATE
One less thing to think about.
She sorts through the mail and gives a letter to Geoff.

She then opens her own - nothing but bills. Geoff opens
his letter.
After a few moments he makes a strange sound, like a

clearing of his throat. Kate looks up, knowing something
is wrong.
KATE (CONT’D)
What is it?
Geoff doesn’t say anything.
KATE (CONT’D)
Geoff?
(CONTINUED)
6-7.
8 CONTINUED: 8
GEOFF
It’s a letter.
KATE
I can see that. Who’s it from?
She takes it.
KATE (CONT’D)
It’s in German.
He takes it back from her and reads on for a moment.
KATE (CONT’D)
What does it say?
GEOFF
I can’t remember the verbs so
well, only the nouns but -- do you
remember Katya?
KATE
Who?
GEOFF
Katya. You remember.
KATE
Oh, yes. Of course. I mean it was
a long time ago but -- what’s
happened?
GEOFF
You’re not going to believe it but
they’ve found her.
He is more incredulous than shocked.
KATE
What do you mean?
GEOFF
I mean they’ve found her.
KATE
Her body?
GEOFF
Exactly. In the mountains. After --
Christ, it must be fifty years.
He goes back to the letter.
GEOFF (CONT’D)
I think I might need a dictionary.
8.
9 EXT. GARAGE - DAY 9
Kate stands outside watching GEOFF in the garage. Max

has joined them too, barking. The wind is picking up and
it’s cold.
GEOFF (O.S.)
Where do you think it might be?
There’s so much rubbish in here.
KATE
Check the plastic boxes. That’s
where the old books are.
Kate looks at her watch.
KATE (CONT’D)
Maybe I should cancel Mr. Watkins.
Kate watches him a moment longer before deciding to go

help. She walks inside and joins the search. She seems
to know precisely where to look. Geoff wears a coat over
his dressing gown and rifles through a box on the floor.
GEOFF
Why do we have so many books on
DIY?
KATE
Is this what you want?
Kate finds a CASSELL’S GERMAN DICTIONARY with a faded red

cover.
GEOFF
Yes. That’s it. Well done.
Kate hands it to Geoff who holds it tight in his hands.

He looks up at Kate, as if a little afraid.
10 INT. KITCHEN - DAY 10
Kate makes two more mugs of tea. Geoff is at the table

with the dictionary open in front of him. The radio
plays quietly in the background.
GEOFF
Turn that off, will you?
Kate turns the radio off. The silence brings an added

tension to the room. Just the gentle ticking of the
clock.
(CONTINUED)
9.
10 CONTINUED: 10
KATE
I could make some scrambled eggs.
GEOFF
I’m not hungry.
KATE
Perhaps some toast then.
Kate pops some sliced wholemeal bread in the toaster.
GEOFF
It’s odd how it comes back to you.
The language.
He searches for a word in the dictionary as Kate gets a

pot of pills from the cupboard, shaking two into her
hand.
GEOFF (CONT’D)
I see. Right.
KATE
What do you see?
GEOFF
I bet it’s global warming.
KATE
What is?
GEOFF
What’s happened is the snow has
completely melted and all that’s
left is the ice. And that’s how
they found her.
KATE
What do you mean?
GEOFF
She’s still there.
KATE
In the ice?
GEOFF
Yeah. A way down I’m sure but the
water is very pure up there, it
must be, so they can see her.
Kate comes to join him. She puts two pills in front of

Geoff. She forgets about the tea back on the counter.
KATE
But they’ve taken her out?
(CONTINUED)
10.
10 CONTINUED: (2) 10
GEOFF
Not yet.
KATE
Why not?
GEOFF
Because she’s in a glacier up in
the Swiss mountains. It’s not that
easy I bet. There aren’t roads up
there.
They are silent a moment. Kate looks behind her at the

tea but then turns back to Geoff.
KATE
So how do they know it’s her?
Maybe it’s not her at all.
GEOFF
They have made an assumption I
suppose, from where they found
her. Maybe they can tell from what
she’s wearing.
KATE
From what she’s wearing?
GEOFF
Why not? You remember those airmen
in Iceland. They were perfectly
preserved.
KATE
I don’t remember that.
GEOFF
I saw a documentary on it. They
looked the same as when they died
because of how quickly they froze.
KATE
And you think that’s what’s
happened?
GEOFF
I don’t know but can you imagine?
KATE
I’m not sure it works like that.
Not after all this time.
GEOFF
How strange would that be. She’ll
look like she did in 1962 and I
look like this. Fuck me.
(CONTINUED)
11.
Kate is not sure how to respond and for a moment they

fall into silence. Geoff reads some more of the letter
before looking up at Kate.
KATE
What is it?
GEOFF
Don’t be angry with me but I’m
gonna have a smoke.
The toast pops up.
At the kitchen counter, Kate spreads jam on the toast.

She watches Geoff through the window outside near the
back door. He has a wax jacket over his dressing gown
and wears a pair of Wellington boots. He exhales deeply,
staring into the middle distance, smoke merging with the
cold air. He coughs.
12 EXT. BACK GARDEN - DAY 12
Kate joins him with the plate of toast, the pills on the
side and a glass of water.
KATE
Are you alright?
GEOFF
Oh, I’m fine.
KATE
Please eat this. And take your
pills.
GEOFF
I will.
He takes the plate and the glass. In return Kate takes

the cigarette. She holds it, letting it burn down in the
wind.
GEOFF (CONT’D)
They’ve asked if I want to go to
Switzerland.
KATE
Why would they ask that?
GEOFF
To see the body.
(CONTINUED)
12.
12 CONTINUED: 12
KATE
When?
GEOFF
Soon, I suppose.
KATE
You aren’t thinking about going?
GEOFF
I don’t know.
KATE
All the way to Switzerland?
GEOFF
It’s not that far. I bet they have
flights from Stansted.
KATE
It’s far enough.
GEOFF
So you don’t think I should?
He looks to his wife for help. Her tone is clear but

sympathetic.
KATE
Honestly, no. I don’t see the
point, plus we’ve got the party on
Saturday and...
GEOFF
I wasn’t thinking about going now.
Of course I wouldn’t go now.
KATE
Oh, okay, good. But still. I don’t
like the thought of you climbing a
big bloody mountain.
GEOFF
I don’t think it would involve
that.
KATE
I mean you don’t even like going
for a walk with me around the
broad and that’s as flat as a
pancake.
GEOFF
Like I said, I don’t think it
would involve that.
(CONTINUED)
13.
KATE
I know, but still.
Kate stubs the cigarette out on the wall. They are both
silent a moment.
GEOFF
Don’t you have to go into town?
KATE
I can re-arrange.
GEOFF
You should go.
He smiles at Kate, reassuringly.
GEOFF (CONT’D)
I’m fine. It’s just a bit of a
shock but I’m fine.
KATE
As long as you’re sure.
GEOFF
I’m sure.
They both stand still a while longer, the toast in

Geoff’s hand getting as cold as them. Finally he picks
up a piece and takes a halfhearted bite.
13 INT/EXT. CAR - DAY 13
The landscape is flat and serene. Kate drives with care

down the single lane road as THE SHANGRI LA’S ‘REMEMBER’
plays on the radio.
Half way through the song Kate turns it off throwing the
car into silence. A warning light comes on, flickering
and clicking. The car is low on petrol.
14 EXT. PETROL STATION - DAY 14
An ugly place and busy, loud traffic passing. In the

time it takes for Kate to fill the tank her fears bubble
briefly to the surface, revealing themselves on her face.
But when the tank is full, Kate jumps into action,
forcing those concerns back under the surface.
15 EXT. NORWICH ASSEMBLY ROOMS - DAY 15
Kate pulls up in the parking lot at the back of the

building. It doesn’t look much with it’s rubbish bins
lined up in a long row.
14.
16 INT. NORWICH ASSEMBLY ROOMS MAIN HALL - DAY 16
Kate is guided around by a dour and pompous official

called MR WATKINS. It is a suitably grand room, if
provincial, but it’s full of character with large
paintings on the wall and a chandelier.
MR WATKINS
This is where the tables are
usually placed - the top one here,
so that everyone can see you.
KATE
We won’t be having a top table but
thank you.
MR WATKINS
Really? A top table is so lovely
at an event like this. The two of
you as a focal point of the room.
KATE
But we’re not trying to re-create
the wedding. It’s just a party.
MR WATKINS
Yes, well - it’s your choice of
course. I will say though it’s a
wonderful place location-wise for
an anniversary. It’s your 40th
isn’t it?
KATE
45th.
MR WATKINS
That’s an unusual one to
celebrate.
KATE
My husband was taken ill on our
40th so we re-arranged.
MR WATKINS
Well I must try and make this one
super special then, mustn’t I?
Kate smiles, weakly.
MR WATKINS (CONT’D)
And this really is a great venue
for such an event. So full of
history you see. Like a good
marriage. Did you know that the
‘Trafalgar Ball’ was held here?
(CONTINUED)
15.
16 CONTINUED: 16
KATE
Yes, your assistant told me last
week.
MR WATKINS
It was in 1805. Can you imagine
how incredible that must have
been? Everyone here, dressed in
their finest, celebrating such an
achievement?
KATE
Wasn’t Nelson killed?
MR WATKINS
Yes, yes, of course but the war
was won wasn’t it? We were
victorious.
Kate has stopped listening and continues to walk around

the room.
KATE
We did have a top table at our
wedding though and we didn’t like
it at all. My husband thought it a
horribly bourgeois tradition. And
I just felt like we were being
lined up for the firing squad.
She laughs a little but Mr Watkins is not sure how to

respond. Kate senses the awkwardness in the air and
changes the subject.
KATE (CONT’D)
Shall we look at the canapes list?
MR WATKINS
Yes indeed. I’ll be right back.
KATE
No rush.
Mr Watkins leaves and Kate is left alone. She

immediately stops walking around the room and stays
still. She notices a LARGE PAINTING of an ALPINE SCENE.
KATE (CONT’D)
Well that has to go.
17 EXT. NORWICH TOWN CENTRE - DAY 17
Kate walks down the busy street past Boots and The Gap,
overtaking a OLDER WOMAN with a stick. She stops outside
a large JEWELERS on the corner.
(CONTINUED)
16.
17 CONTINUED: 17
There is a BUSKER close by but he sounds terrible, like

the ramblings of an insane person.
Kate looks through the window at the MEN’S WATCHES. They

are expensive and classy. She then shifts her gaze to
her own slightly distorted reflection and re-arranges her
hair.
Turning away from the window, she takes her mobile phone
out of her pocket and speed dials a number. She lets it
ring but there is no answer. She listens to her own
voice message and then hangs up.
18 INT. PRET A MANGER - DAY 18
Despite it being a little cold, Kate sits in the outside

area at the front of the shop eating a sandwich. She
watches people go about their day, their life -
pensioners, families, kids.
19 INT. HALLWAY / FRONT ROOM - DAY. 19
Kate arrives home, two carrier bags of food in her hand.

Max is there to greet her, barking. She can hear music
playing from the lounge - LEE HAZLEWOOD: MY AUTUMN’S DONE
COME. She hangs up her coat.
She walks into the front room to find Geoff sitting in

the corner listening to the music. The french doors that
lead to the garden are open ajar and a cold breeze blows
in.
KATE
You haven’t listened to this for a
while.
GEOFF
Sorry love, I didn’t hear you.
KATE
How are you’re feeling?
GEOFF
I’m okay.
Kate notices he has a plaster on his finger. Her tone is

sympathetic.
KATE
What did you do to your finger?
GEOFF
I was trying to mend the toilet
and - yeah, I cut my finger.
(CONTINUED)
17.
19 CONTINUED: 19
KATE
Oh dear. Did you manage to fix it?
GEOFF
It needs a new ballcock I think.
KATE
I tried calling earlier.
GEOFF
Did you leave a message?
KATE
No, but I just wanted to check you
were alright.
GEOFF
I’m okay.
KATE
Good. That’s good.
They listen to the music for a moment.
KATE (CONT’D)
What are you reading?
Geoff lifts up an old copy of Kierkegaard’s ‘Either/Or’.
KATE (CONT’D)
Gracious. You giving that a go
again?
GEOFF
I just got it off the shelf,
that’s all.
KATE
You know we’ve got about three
different copies of that book and
I’m not sure either of us has got
past chapter 2.
Kate turns towards the open door and shuts it, locking
the breeze out. She turns back towards Geoff as he gets
up and puts the book back on the shelf.
Kate opens the freezer and starts to unpack some of the

food. Geoff turns the music off next door and comes into
the kitchen to join her.
GEOFF
How was your day?
(CONTINUED)
18.
20 CONTINUED: 20
KATE
Mr Watkins is a pompous git and he
knows bugger all about history. He
wanted us to have a top table.
GEOFF
Really?
KATE
Don’t worry. I said it was a
horribly bourgeois idea.
Geoff smiles.
GEOFF
That’s good.
Kate shuts the freezer door and turns towards him.
KATE
Look, about this morning...
GEOFF
I’m sorry about this morning.
KATE
No. I’m sorry. I don’t think I was
very -- sympathetic. I felt like a
wife on American TV.
GEOFF
Don’t be silly.
Kate gets back to unpacking the rest of the food into the
larder and onto the kitchen counter.
KATE
It must have been a real shock.
Just horrible to drag all this up
again. But if you do want to talk
about it, then please --
GEOFF
Thank you.
KATE
Because that’s what I signed up
for okay?
GEOFF
Okay.
KATE
Now let me look at that bloody
finger, you big klutz.
(CONTINUED)
19.
She takes his hand and looks at it. He looks very deeply
into her eyes and then kisses her. He misses her lips
first time but Kate re-adjusts her position and he gets
it second time.
KATE (CONT’D)
What’s that for?
GEOFF
Nothing.
21 INT. BATHROOM - DUSK 21
The sun is setting. Geoff sits on the toilet seat, Kate

on the edge of the bath. She applies Germoline to his
finger before putting on a plaster.
GEOFF
It has been an odd day.
KATE
I’m sure.
GEOFF
I just stayed in the house for a
long time grappling with the
ballcock but you were right, I
hardly go walking anymore and it
was a nice day so...
He trails off.
KATE
Where did you go?
GEOFF
Just to the village.
KATE
To buy cigarettes?
She isn’t angry.
GEOFF
(sheepish)
No.
KATE
I haven’t lost my sense of smell
you know - I just don’t want you
and then me smoking again.
GEOFF
I know. I won’t.
(CONTINUED)
20.
21 CONTINUED: 21
KATE
Sorry. You were saying.
GEOFF
So I was in the village and I
don’t really know what happened
but that racist bitch from the
community centre --
KATE
Sandra Wilkins?
GEOFF
Yes, her. She just came up to me,
right up to my face and she kept
asking if I was alright and she
wouldn’t believe me when I said I
was.
Geoff is getting a little angry. Kate is silent. It is

obvious that she is concerned but doesn’t want to say
anything.
GEOFF (CONT’D)
And really I wasn’t doing
anything. Nothing. I was just
minding my own business, sitting
on the bench near the postbox,
getting some damn air.
Kate gets the plaster on his finger.
KATE
All done.
GEOFF
That’s all I was doing, I promise.
KATE
I believe you. Just ignore her.
She’s a dreadful woman anyway. No-
one listens to a word she says.
Kate smiles tenderly, hiding her worry. Geoff is

obviously upset about what has happened.
KATE (CONT’D)
Why don’t I make some fish pie
tonight?
Geoff smiles. That makes things a little better.

21.
22 INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT 22
Kate and Geoff eat silently for a while. The small

television plays in the background so the silence doesn’t
feel as awkward as it could. Neither seem particularly
hungry though. Geoff’s fork scrapes the bottom of the
bowl.
KATE
Is it alright?
GEOFF
It’s good.
He takes a bite and then finishes off his red wine.
GEOFF (CONT’D)
Drop more?
KATE
Yes. Thanks.
Geoff gets up and heads to the larder while Kate

continues to eat but slower, mulling something over. He
comes back with a new bottle of red and opens it at the
counter behind Kate.
KATE (CONT’D)
I’ve been thinking.
GEOFF
About what?
KATE
I wanted to ask you something that
I don’t quite understand.
GEOFF
Yes?
KATE
Why did they write to you?
The cork comes out with a pop.
KATE (CONT’D)
I mean I know she was your
girlfriend but I don’t get why
they wrote to you.
Geoff returns to the table with the wine and pours some
into Kate’s glass. He doesn’t answer her question.
KATE (CONT’D)
After all these years. I mean how
did they even have our address?
(CONTINUED)
22.
22 CONTINUED: 22
GEOFF
I think I must have given it to
them when we moved here, back when
we moved here.
KATE
Given it to who?
GEOFF
The Swiss authorities. I must have
given it to them, or my parents
address anyway, after it happened
and I came home. I guess I just
updated it after that.
KATE
Every time we moved?
GEOFF
Twice. We’ve only moved twice.
KATE
And you didn’t think to tell me?
Geoff is defensive.
GEOFF
It wasn’t that important. I would
have just done it alongside
everything else I suppose - the
bank, the electric, the car
insurance.
Kate can’t help but laugh.
GEOFF (CONT’D)
What?
KATE
It’s hardly the same thing as the
car insurance, you have to know
that.
GEOFF
I’m just saying it wasn’t that
important. I just did it.
Geoff goes back to his food but he looks guilty and Kate
can see it. She decides not to push it right now.
23 INT. LOUNGE - NIGHT 23
The NEWS AT TEN is on. Geoff watches with a large glass

of whisky over ice. Kate is reading a book on the sofa -
JERUSALEM by Simon Sebag Montefiore. Geoff turns and
looks at Kate, long enough for her to notice.
(CONTINUED)
23.
23 CONTINUED: 23
KATE
What?
GEOFF
There’s something I want to tell
you.
KATE
Okay.
Kate puts the book down.
KATE (CONT’D)
What is it?
GEOFF
I’m pretty sure I told you before
but you’re right - it was a long
time ago so I could be wrong.
Kate takes off her reading glasses. Geoff gets up from

the chair and joins her on the sofa.
KATE
Yes...
GEOFF
I was her next of kin.
KATE
What do you mean?
GEOFF
Officially -- I was her next of
kin.
Kate takes a moment to process it.
GEOFF (CONT’D)
I’m sure I told you before but --
KATE
(remaining calm)
I think I would’ve remembered my
husband being another woman’s next
of kin. Why?
GEOFF
Why what?
KATE
Why were you her next of kin?
GEOFF
Because they thought we were
married.
(CONTINUED)
24.
KATE
Who did?
GEOFF
The authorities. People.
KATE
And why did they think that?
GEOFF
Well, I suppose because we told
them we were.
KATE
But you weren’t though, were you?
GEOFF
Married? Hell! Of course not! We
just had to pretend so people
would let us stay in their homes.
It was different in those days and
then after the accident...
KATE
You’re not lying to me? I don’t
want to find out I’ve been a
bigamist all these years.
GEOFF
How could you be a bigamist? She
was dead. And we weren’t. She just
wore a ring on her finger, just a
small wooden one, like a curtain
ring but it wasn’t real. It was
made from oak.
KATE
Oak?
GEOFF
But it wasn’t real.
KATE
Okay. Well -- you should have just
told me. You should have, Geoff.
GEOFF
Yes. I know. I mean I thought I
had but if I hadn’t it was just
because we had got together and
it’s not something you tell your
beautiful new girlfriend is it?
KATE
I suppose not.
Kate looks over at the carriage clock on the mantelpiece.
(CONTINUED)
25.
KATE (CONT’D)
What’s wrong with your clock?
GEOFF
What do you mean?
Kate gets up and walks over to it, picking it up and

turning it around, even though her mind is elsewhere.
GEOFF (CONT’D)
I took the batteries out. I’ll put
them back tomorrow.
KATE
Why did you take them out?
GEOFF
Because it was annoying me. The
tick has always been too loud but
I’ll put them back tomorrow - the
batteries.
Kate is quiet a moment. She puts the clock back on the

mantelpiece and turns around. She sits back down on the
sofa but on the other side of Geoff this time.
KATE
Look, I think I might take a bath
before bed. I’ve a lot to do
tomorrow.
GEOFF
Are you sure you’re alright?
KATE
Yes. I am. Really. And well - I
can hardly be cross with you about
something that happened before we
existed can I?
GEOFF
Not really.
KATE
Still...
GEOFF
I know. Again, I’m sorry. Go have
your bath and I’ll follow you up
in a sec.
She smiles.
GEOFF (CONT’D)
I just want to catch the end of
the news.
26.
Kate gets herself a glass of water before heading up the

stairs. She stops for a second. She can see Geoff in
the front room, his mind miles away, a glass of whisky in
his hand topped up.
25 INT. BATHROOM - NIGHT 25
Kate lies in the bath. She listens to the drip of the

tap and then the whirl of the extractor fan, then the
wind outside, like the wind in the mountains perhaps, icy
and cold.
26 INT. BATHROOM - LATER. 26
Kate rubs the condensation off the mirror and looks at

her reflection, no make-up, her hair wet.
As she rubs in some face-cream, Kate notices some flecks

of dried blood on the side of basin. She rubs them away
with her finger.
27 INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT 27
The bedside light is on. Geoff lies on his back facing

Kate. They are in the middle of a conversation.
GEOFF
It doesn’t even feel like it was
me that was there. It’s like I
don’t see it through my own eyes
anymore. Do you know what I mean?
KATE
How long had you been up there?
GEOFF
Six or seven weeks I suppose but
it felt a lot longer. We had a map
to start with, I’ve still got it
somewhere but it was so bloody
unreliable. We were getting higher
into the mountains and I decided
it was best to find someone, you
know, to help us get to the
Italian border.
KATE
A guide?
(CONTINUED)
27.
27 CONTINUED: 27
GEOFF
Yes but he wasn’t really a guide,
he was just a swarthy little
bastard who thought he was Jack
Kerouac.
KATE
You always did hate Kerouac.
GEOFF
That’s true.
KATE
Maybe you were jealous.
GEOFF
Of Jack Kerouac?
KATE
Of the guide.
GEOFF
Oh.
KATE
Did he flirt with her?
GEOFF
Well they did have the language
and my German wasn’t great and
what with his accent. They laughed
a lot. He would make all these
jokes that I didn’t get.
KATE
Oh God. I bet you didn’t like
that.
Geoff lies on his back and orders the past in his head.
Kate pulls up the duvet a little as if the room is
getting cold.
GEOFF
They were walking up ahead, more
than they needed to perhaps or
maybe I let them, I don’t know. We
were on a track around this rock
and the glacier was on the right
below us. Way down. A beautiful
thing it was, you would love the
landscape out there, really you
would.
KATE
I’m sure.
(CONTINUED)
28.
GEOFF
They were out of sight, around the
corner and the last sound but one
that I heard was her laughter and
Christ did it annoy me - but then
there was her scream.
Geoff thinks about this a moment before continuing.
GEOFF (CONT’D)
It wasn’t a loud scream neither.
More like an outpouring of air
from her lungs, from the shock I
suppose. It was low and guttural
not like her voice which was soft
and higher-pitched.
Geoff is then silent.
KATE
That’s -- horrible. Just horrible.
GEOFF
Yes.
KATE
And then what?
GEOFF
That was it really. When I got
there she was gone and Jack
Kerouac was looking down this
hole, a fissure really, like a
narrow crack in the ground. Do you
remember that one we saw in
Scotland?
KATE
Yes.
GEOFF
It was like that, only this was
much deeper. And he was just
standing there. His face, oddly,
seemed almost yellow.
KATE
Was she blonde?
GEOFF
What?
KATE
Did she have blonde hair?
GEOFF
She had dark hair.
(CONTINUED)
29.
KATE
Like me then. I mean not now.
GEOFF
Yes.
KATE
And how old was she?
GEOFF
Two years or so older than me and
this was ‘62 so what’s that --
KATE
About 27.
GEOFF
Yes.
A beat.
KATE
You know my mum died that year
too.
GEOFF
She did?
KATE
I don’t know why that’s funny but
it is.
GEOFF
Funny?
KATE
Well, we didn’t know each other
then but we were both going
through something very unpleasant
and yet we’ve never really talked
about it. In the all years we’ve
been together.
GEOFF
No. I suppose we never did.
They are both quiet. Kate turns and lies on her back.
GEOFF (CONT’D)
I’m tired.
KATE
Shall I turn the light off?
GEOFF
Okay.
(CONTINUED)
30.
KATE
I’m pretty tired too.
Kate switches off the light and the room is thrown into
darkness.
They don’t say anymore but neither do they shut their

eyes, too many thoughts to fall asleep just yet.
28 EXT. HOUSE - MORNING 28
It is misty with barely a breath of wind. From outside

we watch Kate inside the house as she tries to open the
kitchen blind. It keeps getting stuck and she wiggles
and shakes the mechanism until it stays put. She then
fills the kettle with water.
29 INT. KITCHEN - MORNING. 29
As before, there is a mug of tea on the table. We can

hear Kate in the hall, getting ready for the morning
walk, Max barking excitedly.
30 EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - MORNING. 30
Kate takes a longer walk this morning. It is beautiful

but the sense of isolation is palpable. The sky daunting
above.
Kate stops for a moment, deep in thought, breathing

heavily from the exertion of the walk. TWO FIGHTER JETS
roar in unison up above, heard but not seen.
31 INT. KITCHEN - DAY. 31
The radio is on again when Kate returns but to her

surprise Geoff is already dressed, in cords and a cable
knit sweater. He is also clean shaven. He is at the sink
washing his plate and mug.
KATE
Morning.
GEOFF
Thought I might come to town with
you, if you don’t mind.
KATE
Of course I don’t mind.
GEOFF
I wanted to go to Thorns and pick
up a new ballcock.
(CONTINUED)
31.
31 CONTINUED: 31
KATE
Oh good.
GEOFF
Do you want some water?
KATE
Sure.
Kate grabs a glass from the shelf and gives it to Geoff

who fills it with water.
GEOFF
Do you think my library card is
still valid?
KATE
I can’t see why not.
GEOFF
I might pop in there if there’s
time. Have a browse.
KATE
We could grab lunch if you wanted.
GEOFF
Sure.
Kate takes the water and takes a sip.
GEOFF (CONT’D)
Right. I’m gonna go do what I have
to do but give me a shout when
you’re ready.
KATE
I’ve some calls to make. I need to
speak to the florist and then I’m
done.
GEOFF
Great.
Geoff heads upstairs. Kate seems happy to see this

change in him.
32 INT. CAR - DAY 32
The road is traffic-free but the narrow lanes make the

going slow. Geoff watches the flat fields pass out of
the window as the radio plays. Kate has something on her
mind and she cannot help herself from bringing it up.
(CONTINUED)
32.
32 CONTINUED: 32
KATE
You know what I was thinking about
this morning?
GEOFF
What?
KATE
When I picture her, I can’t help
but think of Jean Seberg or Jeanne
Moreau or one of those other
French actresses.
GEOFF
Katya was German.
KATE
No, I know, of course. But like
one of those girls - sitting on
the Left Bank, smoking a Gauloise,
drinking Cafe au Lait.
Geoff looks at her.
GEOFF
Cafe au Lait?
KATE
You know what I mean. Was she an
intellectual?
GEOFF
I suppose.
KATE
In what way?
GEOFF
She was a Marxist. She read a lot.
KATE
A real one?
GEOFF
Yes. But this 1962. Lots of people
were Marxists before they turned
into Socialists.
KATE
Not in Harrogate.
GEOFF
This was on the continent. It was
different.
A brief silence. The radio plays. A car is close behind

them.
(CONTINUED)
33.
KATE
Do you think that’s where you got
it from?
GEOFF
Got it from?
KATE
Just that a person becomes
influenced when they spend a lot
of time with someone. I certainly
did when I met you.
Geoff opens the window a little, letting the cold air in.
He doesn’t answer.
KATE (CONT’D)
Don’t get me wrong - I liked it
when you were a Socialist.
GEOFF
I still am.
KATE
You’d always bring up the class
struggle when we went to my
Father’s for dinner. It made him
crazy.
GEOFF
I don’t remember you liking it
much at the time.
KATE
Well, maybe that’s true but deep
down - I don’t know. The idealism
of youth can be very attractive.
Isn’t that what drew you to her?
GEOFF
It was a long time ago.
They are both silent again. Geoff doesn’t want to engage

further with this conversation.
KATE
Do you mind closing the window?
Geoff closes the window.
33 EXT. NORWICH TOWN CENTRE - DAY 33
Kate and Geoff walk down the hill, past JARROLDS the
department store.
(CONTINUED)
34.
33 CONTINUED: 33
KATE
Are there different types of ball-
cocks?
GEOFF
What?
KATE
Or are they all the same size?
GEOFF
What time are we meeting for
lunch?
KATE
One o’clock okay? King of Hearts?
GEOFF
Okay.
KATE
And if you make it to the library
do you fancy getting me something?
GEOFF
Like what?
KATE
I don’t know. You choose. But
nothing trashy.
They reach the HARDWARE STORE, it’s windows crammed with

everything you could ever need and a lot more besides.
GEOFF
Right. I’ll see you in a bit then.
KATE
Will do.
Geoff leans in and kisses Kate before crossing the street

and heading inside.
She waits, watches him, as if expecting him to re-appear.

After a few moments she turns and heads down a cobbled
street.
34 INT. JEWELLERS SHOP - DAY 34
Two watches lie on the counter in front of Kate. She

lifts one up to the SALES MANAGER, a conservative looking
man in his late twenties.
SALES MANAGER
Is he a watch person?
(CONTINUED)
35.
34 CONTINUED: 34
KATE
What do you mean?
SHOP MANAGER
Does he like watches?
KATE
He used to have a watch. Does that
make him a watch person?
SHOP MANAGER
Was it gold or silver?
KATE
Silver I think.
SHOP MANAGER
Then maybe this one.
Kate picks up the silver one.
KATE
How much is it?
SHOP MANAGER
Three hundred and twenty pounds.
KATE
That’s expensive.
SHOP MANAGER
Well it is a special watch for a
special occasion so --
KATE
Still it’s a lot of money for
something that just tells the
time. Does it have a guarantee?
SHOP MANAGER
It will last a lifetime I promise,
it will never slow down and it
will never stop.
KATE
If only.
SHOP MANAGER
Sorry?
Kate decides not to explain but rather holds the watch

against her own wrist. A small smile creeps over her
face which then fades.
KATE
Can I think about it?
(CONTINUED)
36.
SHOP MANAGER
Of course. And when you come back
you should think of what you would
like to have engraved.
KATE
Engraved?
SHOP MANAGER
Yes, you can have a message on,
something special perhaps,
something that will sum up your
feelings.
35 INT/ EXT. KING OF HEARTS CAFE - DAY. 35
The cafe is busy. Kate reads the menu as she waits for
her husband. He is clearly late. Finally he arrives,
carrying an opaque CARRIER BAG. He makes his way over to
the table.
GEOFF
Sorry I’m late.
KATE
Don’t worry.
Geoff sits down and picks up the menu. He puts the

carrier bag down by his feet.
KATE (CONT’D)
Did you get the thing?
GEOFF
What thing?
KATE
The ball-cock?
GEOFF
They have to order it. I can pick
it up in a few days.
Kate is not sure she believes Geoff but is distracted

when the WAITRESS comes over - young, pretty and bored.
WAITRESS
Sorry for the wait. We are crazy
busy today. What can I get you
both?
GEOFF
The soup of the day please.
(CONTINUED)
37.
35 CONTINUED: 35
WAITRESS
It’s spring leak and jersey
potato.
GEOFF
That will do.
WAITRESS
And for you?
KATE
Oh Christ, I can’t remember what I
wanted.
She picks up the menu but she isn’t particularly angry.
KATE (CONT’D)
I’ll have a ciabatta with the
crayfish and spicy tomato sauce.
WAITRESS
That’s a great choice. Anything to
drink?
GEOFF
A coffee but just a black one.
KATE
And I’ll have a latte please, but
after the food.
WAITRESS
Sure.
The Waitress leaves and Geoff looks at Kate, trying to

make her smile.
GEOFF
A latte? Fancy!
KATE
(she isn’t angry)
Oh piss off.
She points at the bag.
KATE (CONT’D)
So did you get me something from
the library.
GEOFF
Oh shit. I completely forgot.
KATE
Geoff. Honestly.
(CONTINUED)
38.
GEOFF
I’m sorry.
Kate shakes her head. Geoff seem genuinely sorry.
KATE
So, what did you get?
36 INT. KING OF HEARTS CAFE - LATER 36
Geoff has hardly touched his soup and they have moved
onto their coffees, Kate’s latte is in a tall fancy
glass.
A book on CLIMATE CHANGE is open in front of them with an

intricate map covered in complex arrows and lines. Geoff
seems oddly animated, excited even.
KATE
We recycle. That’s something.
GEOFF
Do we?
KATE
Most of the time. I try to,
anyway.
GEOFF
Well we should.
KATE
You’re more than welcome to start
cleaning out the dog food cans and
putting them in the right bin.
He looks back at the book as Kate adds a little sugar to

her latte.
GEOFF
Because these glaciers are melting
faster than anyone imagined and
the water’s just not coming down.
KATE
It has to come down somewhere.
GEOFF
That’s the point. It’s saturating
the rock beneath and building up
and up.
KATE
Like a dam.
(CONTINUED)
39.
36 CONTINUED: 36
GEOFF
Yes. It’s as if it’s waiting,
waiting, waiting and then SWOOSH!
Geoff knocks his cup gesturing the swoosh. It splashes a

little coffee onto the table which instinctively Kate
starts to clean up.
GEOFF (CONT’D)
And there won’t be any warning. It
will just come down like a
Tsunami, wiping out everything in
its path...
As Geoff continues, his tone becoming more excited,

Kate’s mobile phone rings in her bag. She roots around
to find it.
GEOFF (CONT’D)
...schools, churches, people in
cafes drinking their coffee, old
men in their shops tinkering with
their cuckoo clocks.
He says ‘cuckoo-clocks’ like Orson Welles in The Third

Man. Kate finally finds her phone but it stops ringing.
Kate looks at Geoff, confused at where this conversation

is going. Geoff suddenly looks down at the map, putting
his finger tip on a certain point.
KATE
What is it?
GEOFF
And if they hadn’t found her,
that’s when she’d have come down,
with all that rock and debris. But
we’d have been long dead then I
suppose. We’ll be nothing but
ashes.
Kate tries to find the words to respond when she spots

her friend LENA (67) through the window, waving from the
other side of the street. GEORGE (69), her husband and
SALLY (39), their daughter, are with her.
KATE
Christ, it’s Lena. And - oh good,
Sally too.
But Geoff is miles away. Kate waves back at Lena as they

cross the street to the entrance of the cafe.
KATE (CONT’D)
Do you mind putting that away?
(CONTINUED)
40.
He doesn’t react.
KATE (CONT’D)
Geoffrey. Please.
She gently closes the book and Geoff puts it away in the
carrier bag as the door opens. Lena, George and Sally
enter with shopping bags.
LENA
You screening my calls, Kate?
KATE
Why didn’t you tell me Sally was
in town?
LENA
If you’d answered your phone.
Kate seems genuinely happy to see Sally and get’s up to

give her an enormous hug.
SALLY
So nice to see you.
KATE
It’s so nice to see you! It’s been
ages.
SALLY
I know! You look fantastic.
KATE
Oh, you’re too sweet.
SALLY
It’s bloody true.
KATE
And where’s little Charley? I’m
desperate to meet him.
SALLY
Jake’s bringing him up on
Thursday. He’ll just love you, I
know it.
Kate can’t help but feel a little teary and Kate hugs her
again.
KATE
Such a nice surprise.
41.
37 INT. KING OF HEARTS CAFE - MOMENTS LATER 37
They all sit together around a larger table having

ordered more teas and coffee. Lena, Kate and Sally on
one side and Geoff and George on the other. Lena shows
Kate photos of Sally’s Charley.
SALLY
Oh Mum, that’s enough. No-one
likes seeing pictures of people’s
kids, they only pretend.
LENA
I can’t help it if I’m proud of my
grandson.
KATE
They’re lovely photos.
LENA
Aren’t they? Sally is learning to
be a photographer.
KATE
I’m doing an evening course. It’s
nothing grand.
LENA
Yes, but it could be the start of
something couldn’t it?
KATE
Well they are lovely and Charley
is very cute.
Kate shows one of the photos to Geoff who is listening to

George.
KATE (CONT’D)
Geoff. Isn’t this a lovely photo?
He glances at it but George is bending his ear.
GEORGE
I took it up three months ago and
it’s a good instrument to learn.
And you can play all kinds of
things on the Ukulele. It’s not
just Fornby which is good because,
as you know, I always hated him.
Geoff watches George talk, watches his face but he isn’t

really listening.
Something then crosses his mind and he reaches down under

the chair to check the book is still there. He picks up
the carrier bag and puts it on his lap.
(CONTINUED)
42.
37 CONTINUED: 37
Kate watches him as Lena and Sally continue to chat about

her possible career.
LENA
Everyone has to start somewhere.
SALLY
It’s a hobby mum, not a career
change.
38 EXT. NORWICH TOWN CENTRE - DAY. 38
Kate looks over her shoulder as George and Geoff walk

away from them. She, Sally and Lena head in the other
direction. Sally and Kate link arms as they walk.
KATE
I’m not sure Geoff wanted to go
for a drink.
LENA
It’s either that or he goes
shopping with us.
KATE
Maybe we should all go to the pub.
You know what he’s like with
daytime drinking.
LENA
He’ll be alright. Anyway it gives
him time to vent.
KATE
About what?
LENA
About you.
SALLY
Mum!
LENA
Okay well not you as such, but
about the party?
SALLY
(to Kate)
Kate - ignore her.
LENA
I can’t even begin to think about
how awful George was before our
40th. I was this close to
divorcing him.
(CONTINUED)
43.
38 CONTINUED: 38
She makes a sign with her fingers. Sally and Kate look
at each other. Sally makes a face and shakes her head.
Kate smiles.
LENA (CONT’D)
Now you too - no ganging up on me.
39 INT. JARROLDS DEPARTMENT STORE - DAY 39
Sally shops in the background leaving Kate and Lena

alone. They peruse the clothes, picking up dresses and
hanging them back, feeling the material as they pass.
After a few moments...
KATE
Was George really that bad? You
never said anything.
LENA
He was pretty vile.
Kate picks up a dress and looks at it, puts it back.
KATE
Why do you think that was?
LENA
I thought about it a lot at the
time. First I thought it was
because of me, then I thought
maybe it was him and he just
didn’t love me anymore.
KATE
Oh, don’t say that - I’m sure that
was never in doubt.
LENA
But in the end I decided it was
just because he had a penis.
Kate forces a smile. Lena finds a dress and she lifts it

up to show Kate. Kate grimaces and Lena puts it back.
LENA (CONT’D)
Men have very clear expectations.
KATE
Of what?
LENA
Oh I don’t know - of what they
should achieve, I suppose. Then
along come these milestones and it
just reminds them doesn’t it?
(CONTINUED)
44.
39 CONTINUED: 39
KATE
That they never got there.
LENA
Exactly. That they didn’t climb
Everest or invent anything. They
didn’t turn out to be Clint
Eastwood.
KATE
I don’t think Geoff even likes
Clint Eastwood.
LENA
And the irony is of course that
Clint isn’t even Clint, not when
he’s at home with his wife
watching Coronation Street and
eating chicken pie.
This makes Kate smile.
LENA (CONT’D)
But I do genuinely think that men
care about their obituaries more
than we do. Maybe it’s something
in their biology or their genes.
KATE
I’d say it’s more cultural than
anything else.
LENA
Either way. We’re just more
pragmatic a sex. Aren’t we?
KATE
Perhaps.
Lena picks up a dress and shows it to Kate who pulls a

face.
LENA
What? I think it’s gorgeous.
KATE
Let’s keep looking.
40 INT. JARROLDS DEPARTMENT STORE - LATER 40
They are in a different section but there is little that

Kate likes.
KATE
So are you saying I shouldn’t be
having the party?
(CONTINUED)
45.
40 CONTINUED: 40
LENA
Of course not.
KATE
But maybe you’re right. It’s a lot
of pressure and I hate parties at
the best of time. I never even
celebrate my birthday.
LENA
No, you have to.
KATE
Why?
LENA
Because that is the strange thing.
George was awful but then do you
remember him at the actual party?
Kate shrugs.
LENA (CONT’D)
How much he cried? And not only
during the speeches.
KATE
Oh yes. He was very sweet.
LENA
And I think that’s why these
things are important.
KATE
To make our husbands cry?
LENA
Not just husbands but all men.
It’s always them that break at
these things - at Sally’s wedding,
at Charley’s christening. We hold
it together because we already
know how important these things
are.
KATE
Geoff isn’t much of a crier.
LENA
I bet he cried at your wedding.
KATE
I don’t remember.
(CONTINUED)
46.
LENA
If it is some weird twist of
evolution that needs men to be
obsessed about their obituaries
then maybe it’s ours to nudge our
delusional pig-minded husbands
into realizing what’s really
important before they kill
themselves, you know, from the
misery.
KATE
This isn’t cheering me up much.
LENA
Why do you need cheering up?
KATE
I don’t. I’m fine.
Kate looks around unsure whether she can bear to be here

any longer. Lena picks up a dress from one of the racks.
LENA
This is completely beautiful. I
couldn’t wear it in a million
years but you have to try it on.
41 INT. CHANGING ROOM - DAY 41
The light is harsh and bright. Kate is in her underwear,

looking at herself critically in the mirror.
She pulls the dress over her shoulders and zips it up at

the back. She looks fantastic but is not convinced.
LENA
(from outside)
Are you done? Come show us. I’ve
prepared myself for my intense
jealously.
SALLY
Come on Kate.
KATE
I’ve already taken it off.
SALLY
And?
KATE
It’s not for me.
47.
Geoff is quiet and a little drunk as Kate drives out of

Norwich via the ugly Anglia Square roundabout.
KATE
Are you alright?
GEOFF
Yep.
KATE
How was George?
Geoff makes a grunt.
KATE (CONT’D)
What does that mean?
GEOFF
I had to get through it with
drink. I don’t know what’s
happened to him. I mean how can a
person talk for so long about a
ukulele.
That makes Kate laugh a little.
KATE
He’s always been a little boring.
GEOFF
That’s true.
KATE
And he’s always been into his
hobbies. There was the stargazing
stage, a stone polishing stage --
GEOFF
A pickling stage.
KATE
We’ve still got some of his
gherkins in the garage.
This makes them both laugh.
GEOFF
I don’t think I’m a fan of
hobbies. Every time a quiz show
host asks a guest about his
hobbies it always makes me mad.
Who gives a fuck? Why not ask them
about their politics or their
religion?
(CONTINUED)
48.
42 CONTINUED: 42
A beat.
GEOFF (CONT’D)
And you wouldn’t believe it but
George has decided that he likes
the coalition now. I told him I
thought Cameron was a fat-faced
posh little cunt.
KATE
Geoff! Honestly.
But it makes her smile a little.
GEOFF
I’m sorry. I know you hate that
word but he is.
KATE
I know but still...
They fall into silence. Kate looks serious for a moment.
KATE (CONT’D)
Did you say anything to him?
GEOFF
About what?
KATE
About her.
GEOFF
Of course not and I’m not going to
either. Did you tell Lena?
KATE
No.
GEOFF
Good. This is nothing to do with
anyone but us.
Kate seems happy to her that. Geoff lets out a sigh.
GEOFF (CONT’D)
I’m going to shut my eyes for a
bit. I’m worse for the drink.
The TV is on, quietly as Kate sits and watches Geoff,

asleep on the chair beside her. Suddenly he wakes up as
if from a dream.
(CONTINUED)
49.
43 CONTINUED: 43
KATE
Morning.
GEOFF
Sorry I drifted off again.
He watches the TV for a few moments, reorientating

himself to be awake again. After a few moments...
KATE
What did you think of Sally’s
photos?
GEOFF
What?
KATE
Her photos. She’s got a good eye.
God knows why she ended up in
education.
GEOFF
You ended up in education.
KATE
Sometimes I think it’s a shame we
don’t have more photos around the
house.
GEOFF
We can put some up.
KATE
But we don’t have any? Not really,
not like Lena does with her
display wall.
GEOFF
Less said about that the better.
KATE
I suppose it’s because they’ve got
children and now grand-children. I
guess we didn’t see the point of
just taking pictures of ourselves.
It seemed a bit vain.
Geoff begins to engage more in the conversation. He

knows that Kate is trying to get at something.
GEOFF
You used to say that everyone
talking photos all the time ruined
anyone having any fun.
(CONTINUED)
50.
KATE
Did I? That sounds like something
I’d say. You used to have that
camera too.
GEOFF
A Yashica.
KATE
Was it?
GEOFF
I’ve still got it. It’s in the --
loft.
Something flickers in Geoff. Kate sees it but ignores it.
KATE
Now we’re older though I think
it’s a shame.
GEOFF
What would you want photos of?
KATE
I don’t know. Max as a pup or
Tessa before her or when we
decorated Clitheroe and you
hammered that nail into your hand.
GEOFF
You want a photograph of that?
KATE
You know what I mean - it was our
first house together.
GEOFF
Yes. It was.
KATE
It was my first house away from my
parents, from my father’s.
A brief beat.
KATE (CONT’D)
I suppose at the time you don’t
think those memories are that
important. But they’re the things
aren’t they?
He smiles at her gently, looking at her face.
(CONTINUED)
51.
GEOFF
I’d want a picture of you at the
Leeds Mecca on Rock’n’Roll
Wednesdays.
That makes Kate smile.
GEOFF (CONT’D)
You were a bloody knock out.
KATE
That’s where we met.
GEOFF
I know.
KATE
It’s weird to even think about us
back then. I wasn’t even twenty
and you seemed so cool. That
cigarette hanging out of your
mouth.
GEOFF
Tell you what.
Geoff gets up and holds out his hand.
KATE
What are you doing?
GEOFF
Why don’t we move the coffee
table?
KATE
Oh bugger off.
GEOFF
Why not?
KATE
I’m not prancing around the living
room at this time of night.
44 INT. LOUNGE - MOMENTS LATER 44
A CD is on. LLOYD PRICE - STAGGER LEE. It starts off

slow.
“The night was clear and the moon was yellow and the
leaves came tumbling down...”
Then it kicks in. Kate is expert Rock ‘n’ Roll dancer but
Geoff is pretty rubbish.
(CONTINUED)
52.
44 CONTINUED: 44
They move around the room, laughing. A sweet beautiful

moment that brings them back to a time when they first
fell in love, a time when their future lay ahead, bright
and full.
As the song comes to the end, they are both out of

breath, a little dizzy.
In the silence before the next song Kate leans in and

kisses Geoff tenderly.
KATE
Let’s go upstairs.
45 INT. HALLWAY - NIGHT 45
Kate walks down the corridor in her nightie. She stops

and watches Geoff in the bathroom as he brushes his
teeth. He is in his underwear and looks his age. On his
chest there is a LARGE SCAR down to his belly button.
Kate walks inside as he rinses his mouth with water. She

kisses him and as she does she gently feels his scar with
her hand.
KATE
Go get in bed. I’ll be there in a
sec.
Geoff leaves Kate alone. She looks at herself briefly in

the mirror before she bends down and opens the cabinet
under the sink.
She searches past pills and lotions until she finds what
she is looking for - a TUBE OF LUBRICANT, probably past
it’s sell by date.
46 INT. BEDROOM - LATER 46
Kate and Geoff are in bed, kissing. Kate pulls off her
nightie and Geoff tenderly caresses her.
Geoff is now top of Kate. His arm quivering from the

strain. He kisses her again, his eyes closed.
They continue for a while as Geoff tries to penetrate

her. He moves his position, catching Kate with his knee.
GEOFF
Sorry.
KATE
Why don’t you let me go on top?
(CONTINUED)
53.
46 CONTINUED: 46
GEOFF
No, I’m nearly there.
Kate re-positions herself, she exhales deeply.
KATE
That’s it.
Geoff, his eyes tightly closed, is inside her and they

start to find a rhythm.
KATE (CONT’D)
(whispering)
Open your eyes.
He opens them and they stare at each other but Geoff

can’t keep eye contact. It is awkward. Geoff’s anxiety
levels seem to be rising, his arm moves from a quiver to
a shake.
He looks down between their bodies and tries to re-

arrange himself but things start to go wrong.
KATE (CONT’D)
It’s alright.
Geoff tries to get back inside but he can’t - his

erection failing him.
KATE (CONT’D)
What can I do?
GEOFF
You’re doing fine.
KATE
Are you sure you don’t want me to
go on top?
GEOFF
No.
KATE
You always liked me on top.
Geoff gets off and lies on his back, both of them

breathing deeply.
KATE (CONT’D)
Geoff?
GEOFF
What?
KATE
It’s fine. It doesn’t matter.
(CONTINUED)
54.
GEOFF
I know it doesn’t.
KATE
It’s been a while that’s all. I
wouldn’t worry about it.
GEOFF
Can we just go to sleep.
KATE
Of course.
Kate turns the light off. The room is suddenly very

dark. Slowly Kate’s eyes adjust.
She can see Geoff staring at the ceiling. He looks

afraid, as if his world has started to crumble. Kate is
afraid too.
47 INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT. 47
Kate wakes up, disorientated. At first the room is

silent but then comes a creaking from above. There is a
slit of light from under the bedroom door, from the hall.
Kate turns on the bedside lamp. She is alone. Kate

listens for a while to the creaking. Geoff is up there,
moving around, moving things around, looking for
something.
48 INT. UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - NIGHT. 48
Kate opens her bedroom door. She can see the attic
ladder is down. She walks towards it, barefoot and looks
up into the darkness.
KATE
What are you doing?
There is no answer.
KATE (CONT’D)
Geoff?
Still nothing.
KATE (CONT’D)
If you break your neck I am not
coming up there to get you.
GEOFF (V.O.)
Go back to bed.
His voice is strained.
(CONTINUED)
55.
48 CONTINUED: 48
KATE
No.
Finally he appears in the small hole in the ceiling, his

eyes red, his face pale, something clutched in his hand.
KATE (CONT’D)
Jesus Christ Geoff. You look
terrible. You need to come down,
this is ridiculous.
GEOFF
I’m okay.
KATE
What’s in your hand?
GEOFF
Nothing.
A beat.
KATE
Is it her?
GEOFF
I found it.
KATE
You didn’t find it. You went
looking for it in the middle of
the night and that’s not the same
thing at all -- let me see.
GEOFF
No.
KATE
Please. I want to see it.
GEOFF
Please, Kate. Just go back to bed.
KATE
Show me the bloody picture.
Geoff finally drops the PHOTOGRAPH. It falls slowly to

the ground like a leaf from a tree.
Kate picks it up but we don’t see it - only her reaction

to the image.
She stares at it for a few moments before resting it on

the ladder step.
KATE (CONT’D)
Thank you.
56.
Back in bed and with the light still on, Kate listens as
Geoff climbs down the ladder. She expects him to come
back into the bedroom but he doesn’t.
He stops for a moment and then, with the photograph no

doubt in hand, he climbs back up into the rafters.
Switching off the light, the room is thrown into pitch

black darkness. But Kate can still hear the creaking up
above.
50 INT. BEDROOM - MORNING. 50
Kate is already dressed. She pulls back the curtains

throwing light onto the bed. Geoff slowly wakes up.
Kate waits to speak until his eyes open.
KATE
I’ve taken Max for his walk but
you’ll have to make your own tea
I’m afraid.
Geoff struggles to focus, bleary eyed.
KATE (CONT’D)
I need you to call the DJ if
that’s alright. I’ve left a list
of songs but you should add
anything you want.
GEOFF
(exhausted)
Kate?
KATE
Can you ring Val too? I don’t know
why they haven’t replied but I
need to finalise the table plans.
And you brother too. I want to
know if the kids are definitely
coming.
GEOFF *
I’m sorry about last night. It *
won’t happen again. *
Kate looks at him. *
GEOFF (CONT’D) *
I promise. *
Kate smiles gently *
(CONTINUED)
57.
50 CONTINUED: 50
KATE *
Okay. *
GEOFF *
Where are you going? *
KATE *
It’s Wednesday. *
GEOFF *
Oh yes. *
51 EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - DAY 51
Kate’s car cuts through the flat landscape.
Kate drives Lena who puts lip-balm on using the flip-down

mirror as her guide. GO NOW by the MOODY BLUES plays
quietly on the radio.
LENA
Are you going to get someone to do
your make up on Saturday?
KATE
I wasn’t going to.
LENA
Because I know a girl. She keeps
it very subtle so you don’t need
to worry about looking like a
hooker.
Lena flips up the mirror and looks at Kate.
(CONTINUED)
58.
52 CONTINUED: 52
LENA (CONT’D)
Sally has this amazing roll on
thing that zaps away those dark
circles. I’m sure you could borrow
it.
KATE
If you think I’m looking tired,
you can just tell me.
LENA
You look tired.
Kate flips down her mirror and looks at herself. She

flips it back up again.
KATE
I look fine.
53 INT. CAR - LATER 53
The traffic is busier. TELL IT LIKE IT IS by AARON

NEVILLE plays on the radio. Kate and Lena are in the
middle of a strained conversation.
LENA
I’m just telling you what George
said. I’m not trying to upset you,
really I’m not.
KATE
I’m not upset but you’re not
telling me anything. You’re just
saying that Geoff was in a strange
mood.
LENA
Well that’s what George said.
KATE
Did Geoff say something?
LENA
Like what?
KATE
That’s what I’m asking you.
LENA
About the party?
KATE
No, not about the party.
LENA
They were talking about politics.
(CONTINUED)
59.
53 CONTINUED: 53
KATE
That’s it? Geoff told me that
already.
LENA
Did he tell you how aggressive he
got? That’s what George said.
KATE
I’m sure George can stand up for
himself.
LENA
He said he was acting like he used
to.
Kate glances at her.
KATE
Meaning?
LENA
Like that time he kept calling me
a fascist in front of everyone at
my birthday barbecue just because
I dared to say Thatcher wasn’t
doing such a bad job. I mean I
hadn’t even voted for her --
Kate can’t help but chuckle.
LENA (CONT’D)
It wasn’t funny, Kate.
KATE
No.
LENA
It was very upsetting. He kept
doing the Nazi salute.
But the memory of that makes even Lena laugh.
LENA (CONT’D)
Okay, it was a little bit funny.
KATE
Look, I think we should just stop
this conversation and you were
right, I am tired today so I’m
sorry.
LENA
No, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have
brought it up.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
60.
LENA (CONT'D)
I know you’re under a lot of
pressure and I just wondered if
Geoff was alright that’s all, you
know after our talk.
KATE
He’s fine. Geoff is Geoff and
sometimes he gets over passionate.
LENA
I suppose that’s what you fell in
love with?
KATE
Yes.
She does not sound convinced. The DJ announces a new

song: YOUNG GIRL by GARY PUCKETT. The opening lines are -
- ‘Young Girl, get out of my mind, my love for you is way
out of line..’
KATE (CONT’D)
You’re bloody kidding me.
Kate turns the radio off, throwing the car into silence.
Lena looks at her, baffled.
54 EXT. NORFOLK BROADS AT HORNING - DAY 54
Kate pulls into the car park adjacent to the broad - a

wide stretch of water bordered with small pleasure boats.
She switches off the engine and they stare at the calm
water ahead.
LENA
And let’s not tell them about our
conversation. I don’t want Geoff
to think that George has been
talking to me and George told me
not to say anything to you so --
KATE
I won’t say anything.
LENA
But just one final thing.
KATE
Yes?
LENA
He also said he wasn’t sure he
wanted to go to Crawley’s
tomorrow.
This takes Kate off guard.
(CONTINUED)
61.
54 CONTINUED: 54
KATE
Geoff said that?
LENA
Yes. And it’s been organized for
so long. George was looking
forward to getting the old gang
together but if --
KATE
Did he say why?
LENA
I don’t think so.
KATE
I’ll speak to him.
LENA
I mean perhaps it doesn’t matter.
KATE
I’ll speak to him.
A MOBILITY BUS pulls up, obscuring the view of the water.
KATE (CONT’D)
I could really do without this
today.
55 EXT. NORFOLK BROADS AT HORNING - DAY 55
Kate and Lena herd about twenty OLD AGE PENSIONERS, all
ladies and two of them in wheelchairs to the water’s
edge. The SOUTHERN COMFORT - a Mississippi style paddle
cruiser - waits for them.
56 OMITTED 56
57 INT. SOUTHERN COMFORT - DAY 57
The cruise is underway. Kate hands out biscuits to the

women as they talk to each other about everything from
Coronation Street to the death of their husbands. The
Captain comes on the Tannoy again.
CAPTAIN (V.O.)
So a little history lesson -
people think these broads have
always been here but it’s not
true.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
62.
57 CONTINUED: 57
CAPTAIN (V.O.) (CONT'D)
The Romans excavated the peat bogs
for fuel and this was a tradition
that was handed down through the
years to the monks in medieval
times.
Kate sits at the end of a row of ladies and next to a

ELDERLY WOMAN who is silent, staring out at the tranquil
reed-beds that drift by.
CAPTAIN (V.O.)
It was around this time that the
water levels started to rise and
the whole area flooded. After
that, the merchants used these
newly created waterways for
transport and new channels were
cut and made deeper and wider,
making the broads as we know it
today. Then came the tourists and
the tours and now - here we all
are.
KATE
(under her breath)
And here we all are.
58 EXT. SOUTHERN COMFORT. DAY 58
Kate escapes up the steps to the top deck and the open
air. She is alone. She holds onto the railing as the
boat passes a derelict church rising from the reeds.
59 EXT. SOUTHERN COMFORT - MOMENTS LATER 59
Kate sits down on a bench by the back of a boat and takes

a deep breath. A SMALL DAY-CRUISER passes with a family
onboard, the children staring out of the window, bored to
shit.
Lena comes up the stairs, breaking the peace.
LENA
I wondered where you’d got to.
KATE
The smell of gasoline was making
me nauseous.
She sits beside her.
LENA
They seem to be enjoying
themselves.
(CONTINUED)
63.
59 CONTINUED: 59
KATE
I really want a cigarette.
LENA
Really?
KATE
I always liked smoking in this
kind of weather.
LENA
Are you going to tell me what’s
wrong?
Kate looks at Lena. She wants to tell her but can’t.
KATE
I just feel a little strange
today, that’s all.
LENA
Strange how?
KATE
Did you hear what the Captain was
saying?
LENA
About what?
KATE
About the broads. About how the
only reason we’re here at all is
that the Romans needed peat for
fuel.
LENA
What on earth are you talking
about?
KATE
So imagine if they’d found their
fuel in say Chelmsford or Lincoln.
These broads wouldn’t be here and
we’d be none the wiser. We’d be on
the pier in Great Yarmouth, having
possibly a much nicer time.
LENA
Great Yarmouth is not somewhere
you could ever have a nice time.
KATE
Lena, it’s a metaphor. I’m using
it as a metaphor.
(CONTINUED)
64.
LENA
Oh.
Kate is about to say something further when one of the

PENSIONERS shouts up from downstairs.
PENSIONER
Lena? Are you up there?
LENA
What is it?
PENSIONER
Margaret’s had an accident.
LENA
What sort of accident?
PENSIONER
In the toilet.
LENA
Christ.
(to Kate)
KATE
Of course I am. I’m always
alright.
60 INT. CAR - DUSK 60
Lena searches in her handbag for mints as they drive into

the village. Turning a corner, Kate spots Geoff sitting
on the bench, smoking. He looks bedraggled and dazed.
At first Kate pretends she hasn’t seen him - hoping Lena

won’t spot him, but no such luck.
LENA
What’s he doing? Is he smoking
again?
Kate pulls up beyond him. Geoff seems oblivious to their

presence. Lena rolls down the window and calls out.
LENA (CONT’D)
Geoffrey! Stub that out and get in
car!
61 INT. CAR - MOMENTS LATER 61
Geoff stares out of the window. Kate looks directly

ahead. Lena senses the awkwardness.
(CONTINUED)
65.
61 CONTINUED: 61
LENA
You can drop me off on the corner
and I can walk home.
KATE
Don’t worry. I’ll drop you off.
Lena glances at Geoff in the rear-view mirror.
LENA
I hope you’ve got your speech
prepared. I want to hear nice
things about Kate on Saturday.
Geoff doesn’t really respond. He just smiles before

looking out of the window again. Now it’s Kate’s turn to
look at him in the rear-view mirror.
62 INT. HALLWAY - DUSK 62
After hanging up his jacket, Geoff immediately goes

upstairs.
GEOFF
I’ll be down in a minute.
Kate presses play on the answering machine. The first

message is from the band requesting the song list that
Geoff was meant to give. The second from the caterer
with a question about endive salad.
But Kate is more interested in her husband up on the

landing. She can hear the ladder clattering upwards -
the attic door closing shut.
63 INT. KITCHEN - DUSK 63
Kate clunks a bag of FROZEN CASSEROLE onto a plate as

Geoff comes down the stairs and into the kitchen. He
seems sheepish.
KATE
I didn’t have time to get anything
fresh.
GEOFF
That’s okay.
KATE
Did you call the DJ?
She holds the plate of frozen meat in her hand as she

turns around.
(CONTINUED)
66.
63 CONTINUED: 63
GEOFF
Do you want me to call now?
KATE
I’ll do it tomorrow.
GEOFF
Val rang though.
KATE
Why didn’t you tell me?
GEOFF
They can’t make it.
KATE
Why not?
GEOFF
I didn’t ask.
KATE
Has his cancer come back?
GEOFF
I don’t know.
KATE
So they’re just not coming?
GEOFF
I don’t know why you care. He’s a
boring bloody bastard.
KATE
(furious)
Because we’ve traipsed over to
Birmingham God knows how many
times. We even went to their son’s
wedding in Dundee of all places
and he was divorced within the
year.
GEOFF
So?
KATE
It’s just plain bloody rudeness.
GEOFF
I don’t think they planned on
getting divorced.
KATE
Not not that, Geoff. Christ.
(CONTINUED)
67.
Making a grunt of frustration, Kate turns around and puts

the plate into the microwave. She sets the timer and
switches it on.
It’s an old system and it makes a loud noise as the meat

starts to revolve under the yellow light.
They both watch it for a while.
Kate and Geoff eat the casserole. The local news is on

the TV in the background. They both try to resist eye-
contact.
KATE
So I hear you don’t want to go to
the Crawley’s lunch?
KATE (CONT’D)
If you don’t want to go it’s fine
but I wondered why.
GEOFF
I just don’t.
Kate looks at him. She tries not to seem confrontational

but it’s hard.
KATE
I thought you were looking forward
to seeing everyone again. You told
me you were. You’ve been talking
about it for weeks.
He shrugs.
KATE (CONT’D)
What does that mean?
GEOFF
I have my reasons.
KATE
Which are?
GEOFF
Why does it matter to you if I go?
KATE
It doesn’t but it’s been arranged.
GEOFF
So?
(CONTINUED)
68.
64 CONTINUED: 64
KATE
So you can’t just back out of
things simply because you don’t
feel like it. If you have a reason
then that’s a different thing.
KATE (CONT’D)
I just think George is going to be
upset if you don’t go. He’s spent
a lot of time organizing it and
he’s your friend.
GEOFF
Fine.
KATE
So you’ll go?
GEOFF
That’s what I said didn’t I?
They both go back to their food but neither are very

hungry.
The lights are off but Kate and Geoff are not asleep. He
seems unable to get comfortable, his limbs restless.
KATE
Is it your legs?
GEOFF
Yes.
KATE
Take some deep breaths.
GEOFF
I don’t think that will help.
KATE
Do you want one of my old sleeping
pills?
Geoff tries to stay still but finally he breaks, throwing

his legs to the floor.
KATE (CONT’D)
Geoff?
GEOFF
Fuck it.
69.
66 INT. HALLWAY - MOMENTS LATER. 66
Kate walks down the hallway and pushes open the bathroom
door. Geoff stares at himself in the mirror, his skin
pale under the fluorescent light. Kate cannot help but
soften.
GEOFF
Maybe I do want the pills.
Kate goes to the cabinet and finds the pills. She checks
the label.
KATE
They should still work but maybe
take two.
She hands them to the him and Geoff swallows them down
with a little water. He then looks at himself in the
mirror.
GEOFF
Whatever it is that’s inside us.
Geoff taps his forehead and then his chest.
GEOFF (CONT’D)
It doesn’t get older does it? Not
properly, not like the rest of us.
And I know this is what I look
like now, of course I do, but at
the same time I don’t. Not at all.
KATE
Let’s get some sleep.
Geoff looks at Kate as if about to speak.
KATE (CONT’D)
C’mon, bed.
The bedside light is off but the moon is full and the
night clear. Kate and Geoff are back in bed, under the
covers. Geoff becomes increasingly sleepy as the
conversation progresses.
GEOFF
Some days we forgot all about
getting to Italy and just stayed
put. We were being - heedless. I
think’s that the word I’m looking
for.
(CONTINUED)
70.
67 CONTINUED: 67
KATE
Heedless?
GEOFF
Yes. Heedless. Back in her Berlin
the wall was going up and in
America, the Bay of Pigs had just
happened but up there we stopped
thinking about all of that,
stopped thinking about the future.
Geoff is silent a moment - remembering, a flash of

something. He continues.
GEOFF (CONT’D)
But at the same time we weren’t
heedless at all. How can you be
when you know what your purpose
is? And everyday seemed to have
it’s own point - finding somewhere
to stay, finding food. And those
days when we didn’t go anywhere,
they felt just as purposeful as
when we set off with complete
seriousness at four in the
morning.
The pills taking affect, his voice slurring a little.
GEOFF (CONT’D)
I think maybe that’s the worst
thing about getting decrepid,
loosing that purposefulness.
Kate doesn’t say anything.
GEOFF (CONT’D)
And I was remembering today how we
used to see these flowers, they
were a sort of violet. They would
find a patch of grass, the ice
thawing around it -- and they
would just spring up. And I know
they were only flowers but they
seemed so determined, brave even.
And that’s how I see Katya and me -
wandering around, turning our back
on civilization.
KATE
Brave?
GEOFF
In a way.
Kate is quiet.
(CONTINUED)
71.
GEOFF (CONT’D)
Don’t you think?
KATE
Not really.
GEOFF
Why not?
KATE
I mean what were you actually
doing? It’s not as if you were
revolutionaries or anything.
GEOFF
I’m not saying what we did was out
of bravery but --
KATE
I think you were just chasing a
girl who wanted to be chased.
Geoff turns towards her, a little taken back by her tone.
GEOFF
It wasn’t like that. You didn’t
know her.
KATE
No. I didn’t know her.
He turns back again.
GEOFF
I’m tired.
KATE
I want to ask you something before
we go to sleep.
GEOFF
What?
KATE
If she hadn’t died, if you had got
to Italy - would you have married
her for real?
GEOFF
But we didn’t get to Italy did we?
And she did die.
KATE
But if you had.
(CONTINUED)
72.
GEOFF
I thought you hated theoretical
questions?
KATE
Just answer me.
GEOFF
Yes.
KATE
Yes - you would have married her?
GEOFF
Yes. We would have married each
other.
KATE
Thank you for being honest.
Kate turns over, away from Geoff.
KATE (CONT’D)
I don’t think I can talk about her
anymore. I know I said I could but
I can’t.
Geoff doesn’t respond and Kate doesn’t say anymore. She

lies in the darkness for a while before finally shutting
her eyes.
68 EXT. HOUSE - MORNING 68
Across the field, the house looks small against the huge
sky.
69 INT. KITCHEN - MORNING 69
Something has shifted in Kate. She just stands by the

sink looking out at the fields, the morning sun bright
and warm on her face.
She ignores the kettle boiling. She ignores Max barking

in the hall. She listens to a unseen plane rumble in the
sky above, circling but not passing.
70 INT/EXT. CAR - DAY 70
Kate drives the narrow lanes with less care than usual.
Geoff is with her, staring out of the window at the
passing countryside. He’s dressed in a jacket and tie
and he’s shaved. He has a small piece of toilet roll
stuck to his face where he’s nipped himself.
73.
71 EXT. CRAWLEY’S FACTORY - DAY 71
Kate pulls in through the gate. It’s a huge, ugly place

right on the edge of a broad. It’s noisy too with trucks
and vans coming and going. The billowing smoke from the
tower is grey against the sky.
72 INT. CAR - MOMENTS LATER. 72
Kate parks up and turns off the engine. It’s clear Geoff
would rather be anywhere but here.
KATE
Okay then - I’ll see you later.
GEOFF
Yes.
Geoff is about to get out when --
KATE
Hold on.
Kate plucks the toilet roll off of this face. She can’t
help herself.
GEOFF
Thanks.
KATE
Just try and enjoy it today.
GEOFF
I will.
Geoff gets out, shuts the door gently behind him and
walks towards the entrance. YOUNGER WORKERS pass him,
not knowing who he is.
Kate watches for a while before starting the engine and

pulling away.
73 EXT. GARDEN - DAY 73
Back home it is quiet. Kate stands outside where they

both stood on Monday morning but this time it is Kate who
smokes. She holds her notebook in her other hand.
At first she relishes the taste but after a few drags it

starts to make her nauseous. She stubs the cigarette out
on the wall.
She looks back at the house and up to the roof where the
attic would be. She looks away, back to the fields. She
then opens her notebook but can’t concentrate.
74.
74 INT. LOUNGE - DAY 74
Lee Hazlewood is back on the stereo as Kate takes a copy

of Kierkegaard from the shelf and flicks through it. She
reads a few passages before putting it back.
She then walks over to the mantelpiece and picks up the

carriage clock. The batteries have not been replaced.
On the front there is a small brass plaque that reads‘
FOR TWENTY FIVE YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE’.
Kate puts the clock back and Kate turns to look at

Geoff’s chair, his jumper draped over the arm. On the
floor beside it is the LARGE ATLAS.
She sits down and picks it up. She finds the page for
Switzerland. She also discovers a postcard inside, faded
and unwritten. On it is an illustration of a MOUNTAIN
GLACIER, a river of ice surging down the valley.
75 INT. STUDY - DAY 75
Kate is at the computer. Geoff’s desk is a mess of

papers and stationery supplies. She considers what she
is doing as if trying to resist but she can’t. She opens
the internet browser and scans through the history.
She clicks on page. It’s a news article in the LA TIMES.

It’s headline reads “RESCUERS REACH AIRMEN’S BODIES
FROZEN IN TIME”. She clicks on a PICTURE to see them
mummified by the ice.
Kate is transfixed for a brief moment before she closes

the page and shuts down the computer. When she turns
around she sees that Max is watching her.
76 INT. LANDING - DAY. 76
Kate stands below the closed attic door and lifts her
hand up to feel the faint draft from above. Max ambles
up the stairs to join her.
77 INT. LANDING - MOMENTS LATER. 77
Max barks loudly as Kate attempts to unlock the attic

door with a stick, as if trying to hook a rubber duck at
a fair. Finally she gets it and the ladder comes down
with a gentle rattle.
75.
78 INT. ATTIC - DAY 78
Kate starts to climb, the ladder shaking under foot. She

pauses half way up as Max’s barks becomes increasingly
frenzied below.
KATE
Max. Shut the hell up.
Kate looks into the darkness and climbs the final steps.
Kate switches on the light. It is small and cramped,

drafty and damp, but this is where the past is stored;
its bulk and minutiae, in boxes and bags all over the
floor.
KATE
Good God.
79A INT. ATTIC - DAY 79A
The first thing Kate finds is her own past. A box filled
with mementos from her childhood. She finds a picture of
HERSELF AND HER MOTHER. Kate is no older than 15. It
makes her smile until she turns over the photo to see the
date - it reads 1961.
In the corner there is an old wicker stool which Kate

sits on. Next to it on the floor there is a LEATHER
SUITCASE. Next to that are some TISSUES, used and dry
with yellowish semen.
Kate picks one of the tissues up by it’s corner. She

looks at it for a moment, unsure how it makes her feel.
She returns it to the same spot and then picks up the
suitcase. But it is locked. She considers her options
before trying a number. It works first time, opening
with a click --
KATE
Bloody idiot.
She pauses for a moment. Does she really want to see

what’s inside? She opens the case. Inside there are old
maps and travel guides, some documents in German, more
postcards from the Bernese Oberland.
There is the PHOTOGRAPH OF KATYA. Still we don’t see it

only Kate’s reaction. Kate holds it for a few moments
before putting it carefully back in the case.
(CONTINUED)
76.
80 CONTINUED: 80
Finally there is a JOURNAL. As Kate warily opens it a

DRIED FLOWER drops out, once violet, now brown. It falls
onto her lap. She picks it up and holds it between her
fingers until it begins to crumble. She lets it crumble.
Kate then begins to read the journal and while we cannot

see what it says it is clearly unpleasant for her. After
a few moments she decides not read on. She closes the
journal and locks it back in the suitcase.
Then she notices a small old PROJECTOR. It is set up and

pointing to a space on the wall.
81 INT. ATTIC - MOMENTS LATER. 81
The motor whirs to life and KODACHROME SLIDES are

suddenly blown bright on the dark wall.
CLICK - It is Geoff; young and attractive. Despite

herself Kate can’t help but smile.
CLICK - Geoff and Katya, out of focus, the mountains

sharp behind, looming large. Kate’s smile soon fades.
CLICK - Katya walking; her back to the camera.
CLICK - Katya standing by the fire; naked, staring into

the camera’s lens. Kate finds it hard to move on.
CLICK - A more innocent picture of them standing in an

Alpine meadow, a purple violet in Katya’s hair.
It is very silent up in this space. Nothing by the faint

sound of the wind and the gentle whir of the projector.
Kate is about to move onto the next slide when she
notices something about the picture.
Geoff has one arm around Katya but he looks not at the
camera, not at her face but down at her stomach.
His hand on her belly, touching her tenderly, protecting

something, protecting a bump.
And then it hits Kate -- Katya was pregnant.
Her first reaction, the one from her gut -- is to laugh.

She cannot help herself. But once that is out, then her
face drops. Her whole body drops.
82 INT. UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - DAY 82
Kate climbs down, the ladder shaking underfoot. Max

waits below oddly calm, no longer barking.
(CONTINUED)
77.
82 CONTINUED: 82
Kate jumps as the phone suddenly rings from the bedroom.

She waits for a moment before heading in. She picks up
the portable handset, her voice tight and strained.
KATE
Yes? -- Yes it is -- No, I’m
sorry, I meant to call you but...
Still on the phone, Kate walks back out on to the landing

and looks up at the attic door.
KATE (CONT’D)
‘Happy Together’ by The Turtles,
‘For What It’s Worth’ by Buffalo
Springfield, ‘Your Precious Love’
by Marvin Gaye, ‘Higher and
Higher’ by - I can’t remember who
it’s by -- Jackie Wilson? No - no
Elton John please.
As Kate’s voice starts to return to normal, as the

emotion is forced down, she pushes the ladder back into
the attic.
KATE (CONT’D)
What else? Sorry, I don’t have my
list on me. Moody Blues? That’s
fine. No, you can choose something
more modern. I don’t know who that
is but it’s fine. My husband was
going to add some as well but he
hasn’t so that will have to do.
What?
The door to the attic is now shut.
KATE (CONT’D)
We were thinking ‘Smoke Gets In
Your Eyes’ by the Platters. Good.
Thank you - yes, I’m looking
forward to it too.
Kate hangs up. She stands still, the pole and the hook
in her hand. She rests it against the wall. She looks
at her watch.
82A INT/EXT. CRAWLEY'S FACTORY - DAY 82A
Kate sits in the car and waits for Geoff. Finally he

ambles out of the building towards her. He is drunk.
She watches him, unable to process fully how she feels.
78.
The sun is low in the sky. The light strobes through the
trees. Kate has to put the visor down to see. Geoff is
in the passenger seat, drunk, in a foul mood.
GEOFF
You wouldn’t fucking believe what
they’ve done to the place. They’ve
streamlined everything. My first
job on the floor doesn’t even
exist anymore. If I was still in
management I would not have let
that happen. You would think the
Unions would have something to say
but they don’t give a shit or
maybe they do but no-one bothers
to listen.
Geoff rolls down the window and lights a cigarette.
KATE
Can you not smoke in here?
He ignores her and starts smoking, the cigarette making

him dizzy as he talks.
GEOFF
And how the lads have all
collapsed into old age. It’s not
pretty. George was boring
everyone about his fucking ukulele
and the worst thing was people
were actually interested. And Len
kept going on about his villa in
the Algarve. The Algarve? Can you
believe that? You remember Red
Len? We used to call him Lenin and
now he’s playing golf in the Al-
fucking-garve with his banker
Grandson. And he’s not even
embarrassed that he’s got a banker
for a grandson.
They are both silent a moment, thinking about grandsons

perhaps.
KATE
Can you please throw that out of
the window?
He throws it out.
KATE (CONT’D)
And let’s just be quiet. I just
want some quiet.
(CONTINUED)
79.
83 CONTINUED: 83
GEOFF
Fine.
He puts his head back and closes his eyes for a few
moments. Kate glances at him, taking her eyes off the
road as they go around a corner. Geoff suddenly opens
his eyes and groans.
KATE
What’s the matter?
GEOFF
I’m not feeling well. You’re
driving too fast.
Geoff winds down the window again.
GEOFF (CONT’D)
Can you stop the car?
KATE
Are you kidding me?
GEOFF
Just stop the fucking car?
KATE
You’re not going to be sick,
Geoff. Honestly, tell me you’re
not? This is ridiculous.
GEOFF
Please. Just stop the car.
Kate pulls over to the side of the road.
84 EXT. NORFOLK COUNTRYSIDE - MOMENTS LATER. 84
Kate stays inside the car as Geoff, crouched over, pukes

up by the road. She watches him in the wing-mirror. She
can’t help but feel for him.
When he is done, Geoff stands up and wipes his mouth. He

angrily bashes the boot of the car with his fist as
another car passes.
Kate is alone eating her dinner on her lap rather than in

the kitchen. Upstairs she hears the bedroom door open
and Geoff’s footsteps as he walks into the bathroom. She
can hear him urinate.
Suddenly the phone rings. Kate leaves it for the answer-

phone to catch. It’s Sally.
(CONTINUED)
80.
85 CONTINUED: 85
She can hear Lena, George and Jake all talking in the
background in a house full of noise.
SALLY (V.O.)
Kate it’s me. I wanna see you
before the big day! We could meet
in town or something or I could
just pop round for a tea. Jake and
Charley have arrived so everyone
is here which means chaos of
course but lots of love and speak
soon. Hope everything is going
great. Exciting!!!
She hangs up. It is quiet again. Upstairs Geoff tries

to flush the chain. It takes three attempts.
86 INT. BATHROOM - NIGHT 86
Kate brushes her teeth and consciously ignores her

reflection. She then opens the cabinet above the sink
and takes out the old sleeping pills. She takes two and
swallows them without water.
She then notices that the blind is open. She turns to

close it, catching her reflection in the black glass, the
night outside. She looks at herself, closely.
Kate and Geoff lie in bed with their backs facing each
other. After a few moments Geoff sits up quietly and
leaves the room.
Kate opens her eyes but she is sleepy, the pills taking
effect. She listens to her husband walk into the hall
and pull down the ladder.
88 INT. BEDROOM - DAY 88
Kate wakes up late. Much later than normal in fact. The

clock says nearly half past ten. She is blearily eyed
and exhausted but clearly angry with herself for
oversleeping. She is also alone in bed.
Kate comes down the stairs in her dressing gown and

slippers. Everything is very quiet.
KATE
Geoff?
(CONTINUED)
81.
89 CONTINUED: 89
There is no answer. But there is a note. It is

scribbled on her note-pad in capital letters.
I’VE TAKEN THE BUS INTO TOWN. I’M SORRY.
Kate sits down at the table and tears out the page. She
gently screws it up in her hand. She looks at the clock
on the wall, gently ticking.
Kate drives down the narrow lanes. She forces another

car to pull in as she passes.
91 OMITTED 91
92 EXT. NORWICH CITY CENTRE - DAY 92
Kate looks for Geoff as she walks through town.
She passes the CHARITY FUND-RAISERS outside of Primark

who are looking for donation but she ignores their
requests.
She passes an EASTERN EUROPEAN BUSKING BAND standing on

the edge of the market. They are playing upbeat folk
very enthusiastically to a small crowd. She doesn’t stop
to listen.
93 EXT. NORWICH CITY CENTRE - DAY 93
Kate has already given up the search for Geoff. She sits
on a bench near the JEWELLERS STORE. A BUSKER tries to
entertain people on the corner but no-one is watching.
Kate gets up and wanders to the window. She looks

through the glass at the watches inside. Suddenly
something crosses her mind. She looks down the cobbled
side street towards more shops.
94 INT. TRAVEL AGENT - DAY 94
Kate pushes open the door. It is a small place with

posters everywhere advertising cruises and adventure
holidays. There is an ELDERLY COUPLE being dealt with
but another TRAVEL AGENT is free, a young woman who wears
too much make-up.
TRAVEL AGENT
Can I help you?
Kate sits down and speaks quietly and calmly.
(CONTINUED)
82.
94 CONTINUED: 94
KATE
I don’t know.
TRAVEL AGENT
Is there somewhere you have in
mind? We have some great deals to
the Balearics.
KATE
I don’t care about the Balearics.
I want to know if a man has been
in here?
TRAVEL AGENT
Excuse me?
KATE
We have used you a few times
before and I wondered if he has
been in.
TRAVEL AGENT
We have a lot of people that come
in here, Madam. We are very
competitive with prices even with
the internet.
KATE
I’m sure you are but I just want
to know if he’s been in here
today.
TRAVEL AGENT
Erm --
KATE
I’m his wife. And he’s not well.
He has dementia and I have to
check on him.
TRAVEL AGENT
Oh, I’m sorry to hear that...
KATE
His name is Geoff Mercer.
The Travel Agent looks at her colleague who nods

indicating that it is fine to speak. The Elderly Couple
stare.
TRAVEL AGENT
Do you want to sit down?
Kate sits down.
(CONTINUED)
83.
TRAVEL AGENT (CONT’D)

Well, we did have a gentleman in
at lunch enquiring about a flight
but he...
KATE
He what?
TRAVEL AGENT
He got rather upset actually. I
suppose it makes sense now. Had
you been there a long time ago? I
know that my grandfather could
always remember the old stuff
right up to the end.
KATE
Go where?
TRAVEL AGENT
Oh sorry. Zurich.
KATE
Was he wanting just one ticket?
TRAVEL AGENT
Erm, yes. I think so.
KATE
For when?
TRAVEL AGENT
This coming Monday, I think or
Tuesday.
KATE
Did he book it?
TRAVEL AGENT
No. Like I said, he seemed to get
a little upset and he said he
would call when he’s --
KATE
Thank you.
Kate considers this for a moment, the weight of her

discoveries heavy on her shoulders.
TRAVEL AGENT
It’s no problem and good luck
Madame.
KATE
For what?
(CONTINUED)
84.
TRAVEL AGENT
Just with your husband. I know my
Gran found it very hard.
95 EXT. TRAVEL AGENT - DAY 95
Kate comes out of the shop trying to keep her emotions at

bay when she hears a voice behind her. It is Sally.
SALLY
Kate!
Kate turns around. Charley is with her, in a push-chair.
KATE
Oh -- Sally. Hi.
SALLY
Where are you going?
KATE
Just to Jarrolds maybe. I need --
SALLY
No. I mean...
She points at the travel agent.
KATE
Oh. Nowhere.
SALLY
Are you alright?
Kate does not look alright. Her voice is strained.
KATE
So this is little Charley.
Kate doesn’t fool Sally for a minute.
SALLY
Yes. Say hello Charley. Say hello
to Auntie Kate.
KATE
He looks just like Jake.
SALLY
You think? Mum says he looks more
like me, poor thing.
KATE
Well he’s very -- cute.
But Kate’s mind is elsewhere.
(CONTINUED)
85.
95 CONTINUED: 95
SALLY
Kate’s voice cracks.
KATE
Not really, no. I suppose I’m not.
SALLY
Okay. You’re coming with me.
KATE
Oh no Sally. I’ve a million things
to do and I still need to buy a
dress and --
Kate looks like she may burst into tears.
SALLY
Come on.
96 INT. CAFE - DAY. 96
Kate and Sally sit at table. Charley is in the push chair

beside them. They both have tea and cake but Kate isn’t
hungry or thirsty.
KATE
I think what I need is to feel
some kind of pride, however
ridiculous that sounds. Does that
make sense?
SALLY
Pride in what?
KATE
Let me ask you - do you think your
Jake is the one?
SALLY
(trying to make a joke)
Certainly not at the moment.
KATE
I’m being serious.
SALLY
Oh. Okay...
KATE
Do you believe in that as a
concept? In the mythical ‘one’?
(CONTINUED)
86.
96 CONTINUED: 96
SALLY
No. I don’t think so.
KATE
Neither do I. But at the same time
I do need to believe that it’s
been meaningful. That we’ve built
something worthwhile. That we made
the right decision to be together
in the first place.
SALLY
Why would you even think that?
You’re a wonderful couple.
Everyone says so.
KATE
You see we made a decision to live
a different type of life. And we
made it together. Both of us. And
I tell you Sally - there was
something thrilling about that.
About proclaiming to the world
that it would be just us. The two
of us, alone.
SALLY
That’s so incredibly romantic.
KATE
But now he wants to be back there,
with her. In a time before me.
Without me. Picking violets in the
fucking mountains.
SALLY
With who? Who are you taking
about?
KATE
And this thing. This baby.
Sally is now completely lost.
KATE (CONT’D)
If you can even call it that. It’s
still there you see. And it’s
always been there. Just waiting
and waiting. And waiting.
SALLY
You have to stop. You have to tell
me what’s happened.
Charley is starting to get agitated in the push chair.
(CONTINUED)
87.
KATE
Tell you what? Nothing has
actually happened, that’s what’s
so weird. Not really.
And I can’t blame him, I wish I
could. What would I blame him for?
Sally takes her hand.
KATE (CONT’D)
I think if you’re not careful you
can end up regretting everything.
Especially the things you didn’t
do and I’m not prepared to do
that.
SALLY
I’m so sorry. I’m so --
Kate pulls her hand away.
KATE
Don’t be sorry for me, Sally. I
won’t have that. This is not about
me not having children, you have
to know that. It’s not. It can’t
be. Not now.
SALLY
Have you spoken to my mum?
KATE
No. And don’t say a word.
SALLY
I won’t if you don’t want me to,
but --
KATE
Not a bloody word. Do you
understand?
SALLY
I promise. I promise you.
KATE
This is just between us.
SALLY
Okay.
Charley starts to cry and Sally tries to quieten him

down.
(CONTINUED)
88-93.
KATE
We should go. I need to go. I have
a dress to buy.
97 INT. CAR - LATE AFTERNOON. 97
Kate drives home. The roads are quiet. Suddenly she

pulls over and stops the car.
She stays very still for a moment, deep in thought. After

a few moments, she pulls back out onto the road.
94.
98 INT. HALLWAY - DUSK 98
Kate waits in the hall. She can hear footsteps walking

up the drive. Geoff enters looking dreadful, disheveled
and pale. He has a large carrier bag with him.
GEOFF
Hello.
KATE
You’ve been a long time.
GEOFF
I know. Sorry. I picked up the
ballcock though. And I got you a
book from the library, two in fact
because I didn’t know what...
He tries to get the books from the bag but drops them on
the floor. He kneels down to pick them up.
KATE
I went into the travel agent
today.
Geoff doesn’t hear her, or chooses not to. He is on the

floor picking up the books. Kate is louder this time,
more forceful.
KATE (CONT’D)
The travel agent.
Geoff looks up, guilty.
KATE (CONT’D)
You need to tell me if you are
going to go to Switzerland?
GEOFF
No. I’m not.
Geoff is adamant.
KATE
Why?
GEOFF
Why? Because I can’t even walk to
the village without sitting down.
I can’t go into town without
getting lost. How am I going to
get up a fucking mountain?
Kate finds it hard to control her anger.
KATE
That’s your reason?
(CONTINUED)
94A.
98 CONTINUED: 98
GEOFF
No, that’s not my reason. Of
course it’s not my bloody --
KATE
Because you know that if you do go
and you do find her --
GEOFF
Christ! Kate. This isn’t about
Katya.
KATE
Stop saying her name. I can’t bear
it. And of course it is. It’s like
I’ve discovered what the smell
around the house is and it’s her
perfume and it’s gotten into the
bloody cushions and the damn
carpets.
GEOFF
Don’t do this. Please.
KATE
Like she’s been standing in the
corner of the room all our lives,
behind my back. And it’s tainted
everything.
Kate points at Max. Geoff is confused.
KATE (CONT’D)
All our decisions. Where we went
on holiday, what dog you wanted,
where we moved, what music we
liked, what books you read and
then handed on to me. And the big
things too. Especially the big
things.
Geoff becomes very serious. They both know what those big
things are.
GEOFF
She has nothing to do with any of
that. Especially not that.
KATE
I would like to tell you
everything I’m thinking and
everything I know but I can’t. Do
you understand?
GEOFF
Yes. I understand completely.
(CONTINUED)
94B.
Kate tries desperately to contain her emotions.
KATE
And all I want right now is for
you to come to the party tomorrow.
GEOFF
Of course I’m going to come.
KATE
And I really need you to want to
be there.
GEORGE
But I do.
KATE
Because it’s one thing me knowing
I haven’t been enough for you.
It’s another thing altogether that
everyone else might see that too.
GEOFF
Christ. You really think you
weren’t enough for me?
KATE
No. I think I probably was enough
for you. I’m just not sure that
you do.
Geoff is silent again. For the first time it really hits

him what this week has done to Kate. Kate has said all
she can. She wants to move on. She has to move on.
KATE (CONT’D)
Have you taken your pills today?
Geoff shakes his head.
KATE (CONT’D)
Then I’m going to get them for
you. And then we are going to eat
dinner. And then are going to go
to bed. And then we are going to
get up and try and start again.
Kate and Geoff lie in bed. It is very dark in the room

and the wind blows gently against the windows.
(CONTINUED)
94C.
99 CONTINUED: 99
GEOFF
I know you think it’s about her
but it isn’t. You have to know
that.
Kate doesn’t answer.
GEOFF (CONT’D)
When I was in the travel agent
today, I got it.
KATE
Got what?
Geoff rolls over to face Kate.
GEOFF
That I’m just like everyone else.
KATE
What do you mean?
GEOFF
I don’t know why I hadn’t seen it
before or why it’s such a surprise
but the truth is there was never
anything in me to suggest I’d
amount to anything special. Or
substantial.
He is quiet a moment. Kate doesn’t fill the silence but

she clearly takes in his words.
GEOFF (CONT’D)
They should teach you that in
school. It would be very useful.
After a few moments of silence and without asking, Geoff

puts his arms around Kate.
And she lets him.
100 INT. BEDROOM - MORNING 100
Geoff opens the curtains, waking Kate up. He sits on the

edge of the bed and puts a cup of tea on the bedside
table.
GEOFF
Morning.
KATE
What time is it?
(CONTINUED)
94D.
100 CONTINUED: 100
GEOFF
Half nine-ish. I made you some
tea.
KATE
Thank you.
GEOFF
And I finally fixed it. The
lavatory. It’s all done.
KATE
I can’t believe it’s so late.
GEOFF
I was thinking of making some eggs
and then we could go for a walk
with Max. What do you think?
KATE
Okay.
GEOFF
Great.
And with that he leaves, leaving Kate to sip her tea in

bed. She takes a deep breath. It feels like a new start.
101 EXT. NORFOLK BROADS - MORNING. 101
Kate and Geoff walk together. Max is with them too.

They don’t talk much but everything seems a little
better. They down a long wooden path surrounded by reeds
until it opens out to a wide desolate broad.
GEOFF
It’s a nice view from here.
KATE
Yes.
She doesn’t sound convinced.
GEOFF
Don’t you think?
KATE
It’s all rather flat. It’s nothing
but horizon. I miss the Dales.
GEOFF
You miss Yorkshire?
KATE
I don’t know about that.
(CONTINUED)
94E.
101 CONTINUED: 101
A beat of silence.
KATE (CONT’D)
I did dream about my mother last
night though. For the first time
in a long time. I dreamt I went
home, to my old house, only to
find that she hadn’t died at all.
She’d been hiding with the
neighbours all this time. Ever
since I was 15.
Geoff looks at her.
KATE (CONT’D)
And I wasn’t even angry. Or sad.
It was just how it was.
Geoff takes Kate’s hand and she accepts it.
KATE (CONT’D)
C’mon. We should go.
GEOFF
I’m sorry I’ve been no help
organizing.
KATE
It’s okay. It’s all done now.
102 INT. DRESSING ROOM - DAY. 102
Kate is at the small dressing table. Her hair has been

blow dried and she wears a dressing gown. She opens her
JEWELRY BOX, crammed with old rings and bracelets rarely
worn.
There is something else inside, wrapped in PURPLE TISSUE

PAPER. Kate unwraps it to find a NECKLACE, simple but
beautiful; a silver chain with a small sapphire.
She puts it around her neck, cradling the jewel in

between her fingers.
95.
103 INT. TAXI - DUSK 103
Kate and Geoff are driven into town by a surly TAXI

DRIVER. Geoff looks smart, dressed in a dinner jacket.
Kate looks lovely in her new dress that she tried on
earlier and the necklace.
KATE
Again, I’m sorry I didn’t get you
anything. This is beautiful.
GEOFF
Don’t be silly.
KATE
I was going to get you a watch. It
was really very nice too. I was
going to get it engraved as well
but then wasn’t sure what to
write.
GEOFF
Don’t worry about. I’ve never been
much of a watch person.
Kate smiles. She finds that a little funny.
KATE
Are you nervous?
Geoff takes her hand.
GEOFF
No.
She looks out of the window as they go around the Anglia

Square roundabout near the ring-road.
104 EXT. ASSEMBLY ROOMS - NIGHT 104
The TAXI pulls in through the front gates, past an ornate

fountain and towards the door. Geoff gets out first and
opens the door for Kate.
GEOFF
Are you ready?
KATE
Yes.
105 INT. ASSEMBLY ROOMS LOBBY - NIGHT. 105
Kate and Geoff walk into the entrance hall to a round of

applause from the waiting crowd. They throw confetti and
cheer. Lena hugs Kate fondly, noticing her necklace.
(CONTINUED)
96.
105 CONTINUED: 105
She goes crazy for it. Sally smiles at Kate with concern
but indicates their conversation is safe and secure.
106 INT. ASSEMBLY ROOMS LOBBY MONTAGE - NIGHT 106
Kate and Geoff move around the room meeting their guests,
glasses permanently being refilled by attentive waiters.
We hear overheard conversations, snippets of stories
being told.
A SONG FROM THE FIFTIES play as Geoff talks to some very

OLD FRIENDS about their wayward youth.
A SONG FROM THE SIXTIES plays as we hear about Geoff talk

to WORK FRIENDS about their battles with the unions.
A SONG FROM THE SEVENTIES plays as we hear of holidays

camping in the South of France.
A SONG FROM THE EIGHTIES plays as we hear Kate talking to

some old TEACHER FRIENDS about whether anyone they taught
has made it big. Kate mentions Chris the Postman and his
twins.
A SONG from the NINETIES plays as we hear Sally’s

husband, JAKE, tell Kate about his plans to move away
from London. Kate tries to persuade him otherwise. The
suburbs can be rather boring.
Geoff seems to grow in confidence, enjoying the attention

but for Kate something is not right. She smiles for
sure, her facade believable, but we can see flashes of
something else, burning bright beneath.
107 INT. ASSEMBLY ROOMS MAIN HALL - NIGHT 107
George and Lena drag Kate and Geoff into the main room.
It looks beautiful. Flowers everywhere, drapes hanging
from the ceiling, tables all set up for the dinner to
come.
GEOFF
It looks amazing in here.
In the corner there is a LARGE DISPLAY on a plinth.
KATE
What’s that?
LENA
Just come see.
They walk towards it to find that it is covered in

PHOTOGRAPHS. The past laid out for all to see, photos of
Kate and Geoff over the years;
(CONTINUED)
97.
107 CONTINUED: 107
parties, weddings, camping trips, an array of old cars,

old fashions, old ideas, faded with time.
KATE
Oh my Goodness.
GEOFF
Where on earth did you get...?
LENA
We did a ring around and well, to
be honest a lot of them are mine.
I always did like to take photos.
GEOFF
Is that Tessa? As a pup.
KATE
I think so.
GEOFF
Look at us there! Oh Christ, look
at me. Look at my hair. It’s not
even a little bit grey.
Geoff is genuinely touched. Lena whispers in Kate’s ear.
LENA
Just wait for those tears.
GEOFF
Kate, look at this. Where is that?
KATE
I think it’s Filey.
GEOFF
God, you’re right. It is. You won
that fake Faberge egg in the
bingo.
KATE
I did yes - it’s the only thing I
ever won.
Kate tries her hardest to feel Geoff’s excitement but she

just can’t and it’s worrying her. Lena notices.
LENA
You don’t like it, Kate?
KATE
Oh, yes of course I do. Thank you,
really. It’s wonderful.
(CONTINUED)
98.
GEOFF
It’s bloody incredible, Lena.
Thank you.
LENA
Not bad for a fascist, hey?
GEOFF
Not bad at all.
Geoff kisses Lena.
LENA
I hope you have your speech ready.
GEOFF
It’s all in here.
Geoff pats his head.
GEORGE
We’re all in trouble then.
Everyone laughs. Geoff puts his arm around Kate’s

shoulder. It feels uncomfortable to her.
KATE
I’m just popping to the loo.
GEOFF
Okay, love.
KATE
Lena, thank you. Honestly.
108 INT. ASSEMBLY ROOMS TOILET - NIGHT 108
Kate stands in front of the mirror, looking at herself.

She puts on more lipstick when the door opens.
SALLY
Hello.
KATE
Oh, hi.
SALLY
You really do look beautiful.
KATE
That’s sweet.
SALLY
The dress is perfect
(CONTINUED)
99.
108 CONTINUED: 108
KATE
Thank you.
A beat.
SALLY
I just wanted to check that
everything is alright. I was going
to call but then --
KATE
I’m fine. Honestly. I’ve spoken to
Geoff and it’s all put to bed. We
are just going to enjoy the day.
SALLY
Good. I’m glad.
Kate looks back at her reflection.
KATE
I just wished I’d borrowed that
thing for my eyes.
109 INT. MAIN ASSEMBLY HALL - NIGHT 109
The meal is finished. Kate and Geoff sit at a round

table with George, Lena, Sally, Jake and some other close
friends.
George clinks his glass with his knife. Geoff gets to

his feet to a symphony of cheers and applause. Kate is
nervous, as is Lena, Sally too. Geoff is handed a
MICROPHONE, a quiver in his voice.
GEOFF
I want to thank you all for coming
today. I know my bypass ruined it
a bit last time so...
A few laughs.
GEOFF (CONT’D)
We do have St. Johns Ambulance on
stand-by although I hear all they
have are extra strong mints so
fingers crossed all I get is bad
breath from all this champagne.
More laughs as he takes a sip of his drink, formulating

his thoughts.
(CONTINUED)
100.
109 CONTINUED: 109
GEOFF (CONT’D)
Now I’m not used to giving this
type of speech, not about this
kind of thing but I’ll give it my
best shot.
He clears his throat. Kate is unable to look at him and

smiles to cover her nerves.
GEOFF (CONT’D)
As we get older we seem to stop
making choices, big ones anyway.
Perhaps we only get a limited
amount and if we use them up then
they’re gone. Or maybe it’s just
because our brains get as stiff
and arthritic as George’s joints
but either way...
A few laughs. Geoff pauses a minute to take another gulp

of his wine.
GEOFF (CONT’D)
I suppose the upshot is that the
ones you make when you’re young
become pretty bloody important.
Like the one me and Kate made
forty five years ago today.
Some cheers from the crowd as Geoff clears his throat

again, as if it’s tightening with emotion.
GEOFF (CONT’D)
Now things haven’t always been
perfect and like all couples we’ve
had our downs and ups. We all wish
some things could have been
different, wish we hadn’t made
certain mistakes but...
He looks at Kate, his voice cracking, breaking. She has

waited a long time for this speech. She has imagined
what he will say and here it is.
GEOFF (CONT’D)
But I don’t regret that decision
for one single second. Persuading
you to marry me - which took some
time I can tell you - but
persuading you to marry me was the
best thing I ever did. And I’m
sorry, truly I am, if you don’t
always know that because -- well
this is it Kate, this is what
makes it worthwhile, you and me --
us.
(CONTINUED)
101.
He can’t hold it in any longer and the tears start to

come. It is heartbreaking to watch.
GEOFF (CONT’D)
And that’s about all I got apart
from I love you. I love you very -
very much and thank you for
standing by me and for putting up
with all my crap for so many years
and long may it continue.
Geoff kisses Kate tenderly as tears streaming down his

cheeks. Or he tries anyway but their positioning makes
it difficult. Lena, also crying, starts to clap,
prompting everyone else to follow. George gets up.
GEORGE
To Geoff and Kate!
Geoff takes Kate’s hand and holds it tight.
EVERYONE
To Geoff and Kate!
This is what Kate had wanted. This is what she needed to

hear and for that she is grateful - but it hasn’t made
her feel how she thought.
She does not cry, not one single tear and that scares
her.
She looks over at Sally and they lock eyes for a second,
both a little afraid.
110 INT. ASSEMBLY ROOMS MAIN HALL - LATER 110
George is on the microphone, drunk, his tie undone.
GEORGE
Now, will the two love birds
please take to the floor for the
first dance. And for those that
don’t know, or weren’t alive, this
is the very same song played forty
five years ago today!
Everyone applauds as Geoff and Kate head to the floor,

all their friends forming a large circle around them.
GEOFF
(quietly to Kate)
You spoke to them then?
KATE
Yes.
(CONTINUED)
102.
110 CONTINUED: 110
GEOFF
It’s the perfect choice.
GEORGE
Mr and Mrs Mercer!
111 INT. ASSEMBLY ROOMS - MOMENTS LATER. 111
The music starts. THE PLATTERS - SMOKE GETS IN YOUR

EYES.
Geoff holds out his hand and she takes it.
GEOFF
Mrs Mercer? Would you like to
dance?
“They asked me how I knew. My true love was true. Oh, I

of course replied. Something here inside cannot be
denied...”
They start to dance in the centre of the room, slowly,

gracefully, past the painting of the ALPINE SCENE that
Kate forgot to get taken down.
CLOSER --
“They said someday you'll find. All who love are blind.
Oh, when your heart's on fire. You must realize. Smoke
gets in your eyes
As they glide across the floor, as she spots the

painting, as thoughts bubble to the surface - Kate looks
at Geoff, deep into his eyes but she has to look away.
CLOSER STILL --
“So I chaffed them and I gaily laughed. To think they

could doubt my love”.
She tries to suppress her feelings and gestures for the

guests to come join them on the floor but it’s as if the
ice is cracking beneath her.
“Yet today my love has flown away. I am without my love“
Friends slowly surround them, dancing with their

partners, Lena and George, Jake and Sally, all of them
unaware of the emotions building in Kate.
CLOSER STILL --
“Now laughing friends deride. Tears I can not hide. Oh,

so I smile and say. When a lovely flame dies ”
(CONTINUED)
103.
111 CONTINUED: 111
As they circle, those thoughts and regrets, the

disappointment and the things unsaid, the secrets and the
heartbreak - they come back revealing themselves on her
face. She looks into Geoff’s eyes again, tears building
in Kate.
‘Smoke gets in your eyes’
CLOSER STILL --
As everyone applauds and as Geoff throws his arms into

the air for the crescendo of the song, Kate pulls away
from him.
She stands in the middle of the dance-floor staring at

him, unable and unwilling to stop her tears that gently
fall.
CUT TO BLACK
‘GO NOW’ BY ‘THE MOODY BLUES’ REPRISES OVER THE CREDITS

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45 YEARS

Based on IN ANOTHER COUNTRY by David Constantine.

WITH YELLOW AMENDMENTS

30TH APRIL 2014

Developed in association with Film4 and the BFI

The sun has barely risen as KATE MERCER buttons up her

She opens one side of the curtains to let some light in

Leaving the curtain open, Kate walks over to the bed

Geoff’s words are barely audible, his vocal cords as

And with that he drifts off again. Kate doesn’t mind.

2 INT. KITCHEN - MORNING 2

The kettle is on. An old Alsatian called MAX gobbles

The water whistles to a boil, steam rising to the

Kate squeezes the tea-bag with a spoon and throws it in

But there is no answer. Kate pours a little milk into

3 INT. FRONT DOOR HALLWAY - MORNING 3

Kate pulls a GUARDIAN from the letter-box and reads the

She can hear Geoff up above. He is trying to flush the

Max barks as Kate grabs her Wellington boots which are

4 EXT. NORFOLK COUNTRYSIDE - MORNING 4

Kate strides up the side of a sugar beet field - her

She takes a turn at the end of the field and joins a

5 EXT. NORFOLK COUNTRYSIDE - A LITTLE LATER 5

Kate walks down the middle of a winding single-lane road

Under the gentle wind Kate starts to whistle. It is the

Kate stops whistling when she hears an approaching

Once the van has past, Kate checks her watch.

6 EXT. HOUSE - DAY 6

Kate walks up her driveway when she hears a voice behind -

Chris smiles as he sorts through mail in his bag, finding

He hands Kate a small pile of letters.

Chris smiles and walks away. Kate heads towards the

7 INT. HALLWAY - DAY 7

There is no answer from Geoff. Kate rests the post on a

Kate takes her hat off and looks at her reflection in a

8 INT. KITCHEN - MOMENTS LATER 8

Geoff starts singing. Kate joins in. She returns to the

She sorts through the mail and gives a letter to Geoff.

After a few moments he makes a strange sound, like a

Geoff doesn’t say anything.

She takes it.

He takes it back from her and reads on for a moment.

He is more incredulous than shocked.

He goes back to the letter.

9 EXT. GARAGE - DAY 9

Kate stands outside watching GEOFF in the garage. Max

Kate looks at her watch.

Kate watches him a moment longer before deciding to go

Kate finds a CASSELL’S GERMAN DICTIONARY with a faded red

Kate hands it to Geoff who holds it tight in his hands.

10 INT. KITCHEN - DAY 10

Kate makes two more mugs of tea. Geoff is at the table

Kate turns the radio off. The silence brings an added

Kate pops some sliced wholemeal bread in the toaster.

He searches for a word in the dictionary as Kate gets a

Kate comes to join him. She puts two pills in front of

They are silent a moment. Kate looks behind her at the

Kate is not sure how to respond and for a moment they

The toast pops up.

11 INT. KITCHEN - DAY 11

At the kitchen counter, Kate spreads jam on the toast.

12 EXT. BACK GARDEN - DAY 12

He takes the plate and the glass. In return Kate takes

He looks to his wife for help. Her tone is clear but