Episode 9

Is that company in hand?

HARRY: Jimmy killed Victor.

So it's true.

You knew?

And I thought I knew you, I thought I knew Jimmy.

I don't know who to trust.

Tonight, the final episode of "Mr.

Selfridge."

That's my name on that store.

They have a different way of doing things.

The balance sheet is king-- people are easily replaced.

I don't trust myself.

I trust you.

"Mr. Selfridge," toni ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ GRACE: "Murder suspect Jimmy Dillon may also have been facing "financial ruin.

"There are rumors the store Whiteley's is in serious trouble."

"Mr. Dillon invested heavily in the purchase of Whiteley's, guided by business partner Harry Selfridge."

Will he be at work today?

He can't leave you to deal with everything.

He'll be back when he's ready.

ROSALIE: Pa?

Pa?

Will you be going to the store later?

Not today.

It's been a week now.

Today's papers are here...

I think we've seen enough.

No.

Everyone else will see them.

Surely there's nothing left to say?

Pa, what ever happened, Jimmy's death is not your fault!

Mae called again.

She wants to talk to you.

(indistinct whispering) Excuse me.

(whispering): She's coming.

Can I help you ladies?

No, thank you.

(indistinct whispering) I'll look after things here if you'd like to take a break.

Oh, thank you.

I'll be in the sewing room.

PRUE: No, look.

It says she was going with Victor Colleano and Jimmy Dillon at the same time.

ROYCE: And that's why Jimmy did him in.

"Twice divorced," I'm not surprised.

(laughs) We're here to work, not gossip.

Excuse me!

MAE: Quite right, Miss Brockless.

(sewing machines whirring) (music playing) (baby cooing) I made you some tea.

You don't have to wait on me hand and foot, George.

Work'll be missing you.

I've told them I'll be in later.

(sighs) The Chief's still off.

There's a lot of gossip.

Like what?

He's got money troubles.

Mr. Selfridge?

No...

There's something new in the paper every day.

I still can't believe Jimmy Dillon killed Victor.

And I nearly lost my job, helping him move that stock.

George, you didn't know.

Just don't like seeing Victor's name mixed up in it all.

He was my friend.

That's not how I want to remember him.

It's a good job we've got him to take your mind off things.

Come here.

(chuckles) I can't go back to work until you've got a name.

(giggles) There's people want to know.

You know, what about Victor?

Victor George Towler.

That's a better way to remember him.

Yeah.

Eh?

Your behavior-- concealing the movement of stock-- has been hugely unprofessional.

If it were up to the Civic, up to me, you would be fired.

I regret my involvement in the events that have led us here.

Meanwhile, the papers are full of scandalous stories about Mr. Dillon.

And I gather Mr. Selfridge is nowhere to be seen.

Mr. Gordon is holding the fort.

The Civic need to be reassured that matters are in hand.

I would like to see Mr. Selfridge's personal accounts.

Why?

Openness and accountability.

I trust everything is in order.

Of course.

(door closes) It's not working, not working, not working.

(indistinct chatter) (exclamations, applause) Aha.

(applause) What are you doing?

No, no, no, no, no.

Come with me.

(giggles) Tada!

Three days to go until the 20th anniversary celebrations.

And it'll change every day, counting down.

You're very clever.

(giggles) Yes, I am.

(knock at door) (door opens) Mr.

Keen to see you, sir.

Mr.

Keen.

Publicity for our 20th anniversary.

What does Mr. Selfridge think?

I'm sure he'll be very happy.

He's not in, then?

I am managing things in my father's absence.

Everything's under control.

PLUNKETT (outside): Excuse me, sir, you may not just come in!

(door opens) Mr. Hardcastle.

Not a man to be made a fool of!

Perhaps we could discuss this a little more... Whiteley's employs a lot of people.

Did you really think no one would notice you moving stock from Selfridge's to Whiteley's?

That shouldn't have happened.

I went to my members-- in good faith-- to end the embargo on Whiteley's.

Your father promised he would make good the debts there in time, and I trusted him!

Whiteley's and Selfridge's are under embargo until our debts are paid, in full.

Mr. Hardcastle, that could close us down.

No more newspapers.

Definitely no press, only family.

Certainly, Mrs. de Bolotoff.

(doorbell rings) (phone ringing) Hello?

Rosalie, I need to speak to Harry.

Mae, I'm so sorry.

I just need to talk to him, Rosalie, please.

Mae, excuse me one moment.

Oh, Gordon... Is he in there?

Yes, but he doesn't want to see... Mae, I...

I don't know what to say.

I've told Pa you want to speak to him.

Tell him I'm here.

(sighs) Pa. Why aren't you at the store?

I told Rosalie I didn't want to see anyone.

I'm not "anyone."

I need to talk to you.

There's a trade embargo on Selfridge's.

Hardcastle found out about the stock switch.

Which means no one will supply Selfridge's until we pay their debts at Whiteley's.

I know Jimmy's death has been a shock.

But because of what he did, we're in terrible trouble.

I put too much trust in him.

We were all dazzled.

You know...

I think you saw yourself in him.

More than you did in me.

I dragged you into all this.

I'm sorry.

What's done is done.

Now we need you back at the store.

I can't do it.

You were a success long before any of us heard of Jimmy Dillon.

And you can be again.

I don't trust myself.

I trust you.

You're still Harry Selfridge, Pa. You can come back or you can leave it all up to me.

But you need to decide.

Fast.

Good morning.

Pa?

The 20th anniversary is next week.

So we need to break the embargo before then.

I want every department to do a stock check today.

I need to know exactly how much we have.

Or how little.

Yes, Chief.

Welcome back.

CRABB: Jimmy Dillon was the joint owner of Whiteley's.

He didn't leave a will.

So his share passes automatically to you and the Chief.

Which shall take months.

So selling Whiteley's is out of the question.

If we can't pay the suppliers' debts we're going to have to offer them something else.

Relations with suppliers have been badly damaged.

Whatever it is, I think it'd be a hard sell.

That's exactly what I'm good at.

Draw up a list of suppliers.

Let's see what I can sell them.

I'll call them.

A personal invitation.

CRABB: Mr. Gordon?

There was something else.

Mr.

Keen has asked me to show him our internal accounts.

Specifically, anything involving the Chief.

Pa's been profligate in the past, but that's all under control now, isn't it?

Personal and business accounts are entirely separate.

However, the Chief does owe rather a lot to the Chairman's account.

(sighing): He was going to repay this.

Funds were diverted to the Whiteley's purchase by your father.

The Civic might not take a kind view of this.

If Pa breaks the embargo, the Civic won't care one jot about the Chairman's account.

With our support, Mr. Crabb, my father will pull this off.

Let's hope he does.

(door opens) So, you're back.

Mae.

How have you been?

Oh I've been here, Harry, every day.

Trying to do my job while you've been hiding away at home.

And I've been stared at, gossiped about.

Don't you read the papers anymore?

I read them all.

I owe you an apology.

Yes, you do.

I blamed you for not telling me about Jimmy.

I didn't tell you because...

I just wanted to protect you.

I'm sorry, let me get on top of things here.

I promise you I will make it up to you.

You can't just shut me out when you feel like it and then expect to pick me back up again like nothing's happened.

Mae, wait... (door slams) FREDDY: A Palm Court reception?

I've got my hands pretty full with this anniversary.

It's important.

Chief's orders.

It will go ahead, won't it?

The uh... the celebration.

There are rumors among the staff.

The store is in trouble.

Of course it will.

Oxford Street's biggest party.

For me?

Thank you.

Wait.

It's good to have you back, Mrs. Grove.

It's good to be back, Mr. Selfridge.

It's been rather a challenging time.

Mrs. Grove.

Please.

I want you to be Deputy Manager.

The job Mr. Grove did so well.

You're right, times are tough.

We need to build a new team to take us forward.

People look up to you.

And you know better than anyone how this place works.

I...

I...

I couldn't.

Mr. Grove held you in the highest regard.

And this would be your office.

If you accept.

Thank you.

I accept.

I'll let Miss Plunkett know.

You returned my flowers.

I take it my apology wasn't accepted.

You already apologized.

Let me... Let me take you to dinner.

We should spend some time together.

I'm leaving, Harry.

I'm selling my shares and I'm going back to Paris.

Wait.

We... we have to talk.

Let me just settle this crisis at the store and...

Yes, and then what?

There'll always be something.

That's not fair.

You know how much trouble we're in right now.

I do, I'm sorry.

It isn't that.

When Jimmy died...

I needed you.

But you didn't need me.

No... And I can't live like that.

Mae... Mae.

I love you.

Mae, please.

Goodbye, Harry.

Good morning, Miss Adams.

Good morning, Miss Mardle.

You're doing terrifically well.

I'm a little nervous.

It doesn't show.

Rather a baptism of fire.

Starting the job with an embargo.

Yes, well, I'm afraid that's not all.

Late last night I received a phone call.

Madame Rennard is leaving us.

Personal reasons.

The Chief?

I had rather hoped she'd be a permanent fixture.

(footsteps approaching) This supplier's reception is this evening?

So you'll be late back.

Probably.

When everything's settled down, maybe... we can have some family time.

See more of Mae.

She's going back to Paris.

Why?

Did something happen?

Can't you talk to her?

I tried.

When is she leaving?

Tonight.

I have to go.

TILLY: Madame Rennard has left?

Selfridge's will still produce an in-house range.

Perhaps for the slightly younger customer.

So you'll still need machinists.

Absolutely.

And I'd very much like you to be in charge.

Me?

Yes, Head Machinist.

Running the sewing room.

I thought you were giving me notice.

No.

I don't think the other girls would work to me.

Well, it won't be in their interests not to.

With the right support, nothing is insurmountable.

Tell Mr. Lyons I need to meet him before lunch.

Mr. Selfridge, I'd like you to meet our new head of the sewing room, Miss Brockless.

Madame Rennard had nothing but praise for her.

Then I'm glad to have you on board.

Thank you.

For this opportunity.

It means a lot to me.

You'll find the best rise to the top here.

GORDON: Pretty much everyone's coming.

Mr. Hardcastle?

Took a bit of persuading.

But he finally accepted the invitation.

It's a terrific idea of yours, Pa.

I'm glad you're here.

By my side.

That's what this store has always been about.

There've been times when I've forgotten that, and I wouldn't have blamed you if you'd walked away.

Selfridge's means just as much to me as it does to you.

Of course.

Let's go.

♪ ♪ (indistinct chatter) Gentlemen.

Great that you could make it.

Good evening.

Thank you for coming.

MISS MARDLE (whispering): The Chief's pulled out all the stops.

Let's hope he can win them over.

(whispering): He's the one we need to persuade.

Mr. Hardcastle.

Chairman of the Wholesalers' Association.

GORDON: Mr. Hardcastle.

Champagne?

I wouldn't have thought you had much to celebrate.

On the contrary.

We're marking a long and fruitful relationship with our suppliers.

Despite current circumstances.

HARRY: Nearly 20 years ago, Selfridge's opened its doors for the very first time.

And we revolutionized the world of shopping.

(indistinct chatter) Our anniversary celebrations will be Oxford Street's biggest party.

Customers will pour in and they will buy your products.

If they're here.

(indistinct chatter) Now, I know I broke your trust.

Let me make amends.

I'm going to offer you something that no other retailer can.

The chance to supply both Selfridge's and Whiteley's with three-year fixed contracts.

(indistinct chatter) This deal heralds the dawn of a new era, gentlemen.

It's an opportunity like no other and will benefit all of us for years to come.

(indistinct chatter) HARDCASTLE: Our bills from Whiteley's remain unpaid.

HARRY: Gentlemen, I know.

I will honor every unpaid bill in time, but you have to understand I can't pay them right now.

(indistinct chatter) That is why I am offering you this exceptional deal.

HARDCASTLE: Can't pay them?

How much did all this cost?

Well, we wanted to show you how valued you all are.

HARDCASTLE: But you won't pay us?

Listen to me, Mr. Hardcastle.

Did you hope to dazzle us and make us forget?

We are not your customers, Mr. Selfridge.

We are tradesmen, businessmen.

Like you, we have a workforce to pay, premises to run, unions to contend with.

Our debts must be paid.

HARRY: I give you my word.

There will be no deal.

The embargo stays.

(indistinct chatter) So it's true.

You're leaving.

Things have been very tough for Pa recently.

And I wanted to be there with him.

More than anything.

Do you remember when he had that fall?

Yes, of course.

Gosh, he nearly died.

And he wouldn't see me then, either.

He just shuts himself away.

He can't let anyone see him hurt.

I'm not "anyone."

I know.

And I've been so glad to have you back in our lives.

You're part of this family and I know Pa feels that, too.

But still he wouldn't let me help.

Maybe he thought you wouldn't want him if you saw him like that.

He's in real trouble, Mae.

Whatever he's told you, he doesn't want to be alone.

GORDON: What now?

We need to pay their debts so...

So... we need a loan.

The banks won't touch us.

Then what do you suggest?

(sighs) What about the Civic?

They're our major shareholder.

Shareholders.

This is my store, my problem.

Just give me... give me time to think.

There isn't any time.

Don't you trust me?

I've trusted you all my life.

But you can't do this on your own.

Please let someone help before it's too late.

You didn't fight for Mae.

You need to fight for the store.

Pa?

(door opens and closes) Mae?

Mae?

Are you here?

Mae?

It's very late.

I'm sorry.

Mr. Gordon.

What can I do for you?

ROSALIE: Yes.

Yes, I'll tell him.

(hangs up phone) That was the London Civic.

They want you in for a meeting.

10:00.

Excuse me.

I'm here for a meeting.

Of course.

Mister...?

Selfridge.

Harry Selfridge.

The board are waiting for you.

Chief?

Mr. Gordon called me, said I'd be needed.

(clears throat) Please follow me.

DONOGHUE: Mr. Crabb.

(door closes) DONOGHUE: We understand your appeal to the suppliers was unsuccessful.

The embargo on Selfridge's remains in place.

The Civic must now take steps to protect their interests.

We will pay the suppliers' debts at Whiteley's.

This will mean considerable cost to ourselves.

But Selfridge's must continue trading.

May I ask what the terms of this loan are?

It's not a loan.

DONOGHUE: When Mr. Dillon's estate is settled, you and Gordon Selfridge will be the sole owners of Whiteley's.

The Civic will make you an offer for it in the understanding that it will be accepted.

You'll pay the debts in return for Whiteley's?

It seems I have no choice.

There is a condition attached.

You will surrender all your shareholdings in Selfridge's to the Civic.

And resign as director and chairman.

The London Civic will work with Gordon Selfridge to ensure the future success of the store.

No!

No, no, no.

You can't fire me.

KEEN: Mr. Selfridge.

The Civic have made every attempt to work with you.

Despite your extravagance and your recklessness.

There are strict controls over my expenses.

Mr. Crabb can confirm this.

Your personal life has always attracted attention.

Indeed, you have courted publicity.

However, your recent associations have bordered on the scandalous.

If you're referring to the Dolly Sisters, that's over now.

KEEN: Your excessive gambling is notorious.

I no longer gamble.

Your debts led to a direct attack on the store.

Mr. Selfridge, you have dragged down the very name of Selfridge's.

You cannot be allowed to continue.

That's enough!

CRABB: Mr. Selfridge has answered all personal criticisms.

From a purely business perspective.

Selfridge's has always made a healthy profit with the Chief in charge.

Surely that is what matters?

KEEN: Mr. Crabb.

Is Mr. Selfridge's financial conduct to the store beyond reproach?

I asked Mr. Crabb for some internal accounts, which were all in order.

Apart from the Chairman's account.

Omitted by you.

Thoughtfully provided by Mr. Gordon.

The Chairman's account, to which Mr. Selfridge owes £118,000.

Perhaps if Mr. Selfridge could repay the sum?

I can't pay it.

You know that.

Everything I had was in Whiteley's.

DONOGHUE: The Board will offer you a pension of £6,000 a year.

You may use the title of President, if you wish.

There will be no accountability.

I built Selfridge's from nothing.

That's my name!

My name on that store!

Our name.

I'm sorry, Mr. Selfridge.

But your time in charge is over.

This way, Mr. Selfridge.

(bell dings) Mr. Selfridge, I...

I just heard.

(door shuts) How could they?

Because they're grasping, deceitful, timid, conniving cowards.

After everything he's done here.

What is Selfridge's without the Chief?

I think they had him in their sights long before the embargo.

Why, though?

They have a different way of doing things.

The balance sheet is king.

People are easily replaced.

I know Mr. Selfridge has made mistakes, but what he's done here is extraordinary.

None of them will ever be half the man he is.

HARRY: This is no ordinary hole.

This is a million-dollar hole.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ GORDON: Pa. Pa.

I had to save the store.

Will they let you run it?

Things'll be different.

You did everything you could.

So did I.

(knock at door) (door opens) Mr. Gordon, Chief.

I thought you'd like to know.

Stock is arriving now and will be all through the night.

The 20th anniversary celebrations will go ahead as planned.

What will you do now, Mr. Crabb?

I think my time is over, too.

And I find myself... strangely happy.

If you'll excuse me, I have one last thing to attend to.

Walk with me.

When I go.

Staff need to see that we're united.

Thank you.

Let me know when you're ready.

MAN: Tomorrow's front page, sir.

"Harry Selfridge Ousted."

Well, well.

"The Earl of Oxford Street Bows Out."

(knock at door) (door opens) Mr. Towler is here.

Can you send Mr. Gordon in?

I'm very sorry to hear the news, Chief.

I come to see if there's anything I can do to help.

You've always been very kind to me, Mr. Selfridge.

It's been a pleasure.

How's your son?

Victor.

(chuckles) He's the best thing that's ever happened to me.

Of course he is.

Let's go.

The staff wanted to say goodbye.

I and my family owe you so much, Mr. Selfridge.

Thank you.

I know the store will be safe in your hands.

I'll carry them, Mr. Selfridge.

I'll be right behind you.

(all saying goodbyes) (applause) It looks wonderful.

Selfridge's 20th anniversary.

(applause and cheers) Thank you.

You've all worked so hard to get us here.

Thank you.

Looking around, I see those who have made this journey with us from the start, 20 years ago.

Familiar faces... ...new faces.

One generation following another.

(Victor crying) (chuckles) I'm proud of you all.

So proud.

I am just sorry that I won't be here (voice breaking): to share this with you.

But I want you to keep the flag flying.

Thank you.

(applause) (whispering): Look after it.

(applause continues) ♪ ♪ MAE: Harry.

I thought you had gone.

Here I am.

I'm so sorry.

The store was my life.

I wish it hadn't ended this way, but you are so much more than this.

I've lost... everything.

No, you're still Harry Selfridge.

And I love you.

So...

I have some plans.

Paris, Rome... Well, anywhere really.

If you'll come with me.

I don't deserve you.

Oh.

Well, then call it luck.

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

"Mr. Selfridge" season four is available on Blu-ray and DVD.

The companion book is also available.

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

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