1 00:01:03,105 --> 00:01:07,777 THIS IS A TRUE STORY 2 00:01:07,860 --> 00:01:09,904 The artist Louis Wain 3 00:01:09,987 --> 00:01:11,864 made the cat his own. 4 00:01:12,656 --> 00:01:14,825 He invented a cat style, 5 00:01:15,576 --> 00:01:17,661 a cat society, 6 00:01:17,745 --> 00:01:20,790 a whole cat world. 7 00:01:20,873 --> 00:01:24,460 Cats that do not look and live like Louis Wain cats 8 00:01:24,543 --> 00:01:27,463 are ashamed of themselves. 9 00:01:27,546 --> 00:01:30,841 But that is not what is important. 10 00:01:30,925 --> 00:01:34,303 What is important is that Louis Wain devoted his life 11 00:01:34,386 --> 00:01:37,223 to making all our lives happier, 12 00:01:38,098 --> 00:01:39,600 and cattier. 13 00:01:41,477 --> 00:01:46,774 In doing so, he undoubtedly raised up the cat in society 14 00:01:46,857 --> 00:01:49,944 and he changed our world for the better. 15 00:02:08,170 --> 00:02:11,090 Aside from its bizarre social prejudices 16 00:02:11,173 --> 00:02:13,759 and the fact that everything stank of shit, 17 00:02:13,843 --> 00:02:16,804 Victorian England was also a land of innovation 18 00:02:16,887 --> 00:02:19,181 and scientific discovery. 19 00:02:19,265 --> 00:02:21,934 Many of the world’s finest minds 20 00:02:22,017 --> 00:02:25,437 were digging deep into the nature of electricity, 21 00:02:25,521 --> 00:02:28,357 to harness its power for practical use. 22 00:02:32,736 --> 00:02:37,658 But for the young Louis Wain, electricity was something else, 23 00:02:37,741 --> 00:02:40,661 something so extraordinary and strange 24 00:02:40,744 --> 00:02:44,832 that the human mind was barely able even to comprehend it. 25 00:02:44,915 --> 00:02:49,169 A mysterious, elemental force that on occasion, 26 00:02:49,253 --> 00:02:52,131 he could feel shimmering in the ether, 27 00:02:52,214 --> 00:02:55,259 and the key to all of life’s most profound 28 00:02:55,342 --> 00:02:57,219 and alarming secrets. 29 00:03:32,546 --> 00:03:39,511 THE ELECTRICAL LIFE OF LOUIS WAIN 30 00:03:47,853 --> 00:03:50,731 1881 31 00:03:51,690 --> 00:03:53,901 ANDOVER ANNUAL COUNTRY SHOW 32 00:03:53,984 --> 00:03:56,987 Please keep your animals under control. 33 00:03:57,071 --> 00:03:59,365 Sorry. Uh, thank... thank you. 34 00:04:06,205 --> 00:04:07,790 Thank you. 35 00:04:12,503 --> 00:04:15,089 Ooh. Are you an illustrator? 36 00:04:16,173 --> 00:04:18,592 Yes, I do illustrations for money. 37 00:04:18,676 --> 00:04:21,345 I’m also working on several patents at the moment. 38 00:04:25,683 --> 00:04:27,977 You’ve just come from the country show, I take it? 39 00:04:28,060 --> 00:04:29,061 Mmm. 40 00:04:31,230 --> 00:04:34,483 You’re very muddy. Did you get into a fight or something? 41 00:04:34,566 --> 00:04:37,277 Uh, no, I was attacked by a one-and-a-half-ton bull. 42 00:04:37,361 --> 00:04:39,196 Oh. That was you, was it? 43 00:04:39,279 --> 00:04:41,323 Yes, I heard about that. 44 00:04:43,909 --> 00:04:47,037 How much would you charge for a drawing of Cleopatra? 45 00:04:47,121 --> 00:04:49,331 Oh, I... I don’t really draw people. 46 00:04:50,249 --> 00:04:52,209 Oh, no, sorry. Cleopatra. 47 00:04:52,292 --> 00:04:54,378 Mmm, mmm, mmm, mmm, mmm. 48 00:04:55,713 --> 00:04:58,716 Ah. Well, that you can have for free. 49 00:04:58,799 --> 00:05:00,592 That’s awfully kind. 50 00:05:00,676 --> 00:05:03,387 My sister usually takes her, but she’s unwell, 51 00:05:03,470 --> 00:05:05,389 so it’s up to me today. 52 00:05:05,472 --> 00:05:07,391 Thought it might cheer her up. 53 00:05:08,434 --> 00:05:10,352 Dan Rider, by the way. 54 00:05:10,436 --> 00:05:11,437 Hello. 55 00:05:14,481 --> 00:05:16,900 Yes. Good. 56 00:05:21,697 --> 00:05:25,117 Find his weak spot, but just don’t show him yours. 57 00:05:25,200 --> 00:05:27,619 Move. Think. 58 00:05:30,581 --> 00:05:32,583 All right, Wain, that’s enough. 59 00:05:32,666 --> 00:05:34,585 You’ll be late for your meetings, you daft apeth. 60 00:05:34,668 --> 00:05:36,754 Just allow me to have one more crack at him, sir. 61 00:05:38,589 --> 00:05:41,175 The Bendigo Shuffle. Come on. Here we are. 62 00:05:41,258 --> 00:05:43,677 Left to right, or right to left. Ha, ha, ha, ha. 63 00:05:45,179 --> 00:05:47,806 I’m so sorry. Sorry. 64 00:05:47,890 --> 00:05:50,225 I received word of your foolish antics 65 00:05:50,309 --> 00:05:51,935 at the country show. 66 00:05:52,019 --> 00:05:54,354 A whole raft of complaints 67 00:05:54,438 --> 00:05:56,482 about an odd fellow being dangerous, 68 00:05:56,565 --> 00:06:00,027 climbing nonchalantly into the Longhorn’s pen 69 00:06:00,110 --> 00:06:01,653 and standing not three yards 70 00:06:01,737 --> 00:06:03,572 from the largest and most ferocious animal 71 00:06:03,655 --> 00:06:05,157 on the entire site. 72 00:06:05,240 --> 00:06:07,326 I wanted to get a closer look at him, 73 00:06:07,409 --> 00:06:09,620 and, well, he didn’t have a very good sense of humour, 74 00:06:09,703 --> 00:06:11,413 -put it that way. -Thank you. 75 00:06:11,497 --> 00:06:13,082 Not renowned for their sense of humour, 76 00:06:13,165 --> 00:06:15,959 -are they, really, bulls? -Aren’t they? 77 00:06:16,043 --> 00:06:19,254 Every time I commission you to illustrate a story for us, 78 00:06:19,338 --> 00:06:22,299 you manage to create some kind of ridiculous chaos. 79 00:06:23,884 --> 00:06:26,929 Why were you throwing peanuts at a bull? 80 00:06:27,012 --> 00:06:29,389 I heard they like peanuts and that it calms them down, 81 00:06:29,473 --> 00:06:30,474 but it didn’t work. 82 00:06:31,683 --> 00:06:33,560 The trouble with these show cows, huge egos. 83 00:06:33,644 --> 00:06:36,188 It’s a good job you can draw, Mr Wain, 84 00:06:36,271 --> 00:06:38,774 or we would have parted ways some time ago. 85 00:06:38,857 --> 00:06:40,317 And don’t think I haven’t noticed 86 00:06:40,400 --> 00:06:42,194 the state of your visage. 87 00:06:42,277 --> 00:06:44,363 Oh, this wasn’t from the bull, Sir William. 88 00:06:44,446 --> 00:06:47,574 I’ve just come from a boxing class with the great Jem Mace. 89 00:06:49,326 --> 00:06:50,577 -Boxing? -Mmm. 90 00:06:51,745 --> 00:06:53,872 So when did you draw this? 91 00:06:53,956 --> 00:06:55,999 On the train. From memory. 92 00:06:56,083 --> 00:06:58,335 -All of them? -Mm-hmm. 93 00:06:58,418 --> 00:07:00,671 So, how fast do you work exactly? 94 00:07:00,754 --> 00:07:04,007 Oh. I’ll just show you... 95 00:07:04,967 --> 00:07:05,968 Hmm. 96 00:07:09,012 --> 00:07:11,431 I’ll be frank with you, Mr Wain. 97 00:07:11,515 --> 00:07:15,227 One of our speediest and most prolific staff illustrators 98 00:07:15,310 --> 00:07:18,021 has been poached by a rival publication. 99 00:07:18,105 --> 00:07:19,690 Do you think you’d be up to it? 100 00:07:19,773 --> 00:07:21,650 Well, yes, obviously. I mean... 101 00:07:21,733 --> 00:07:25,821 Well, I don’t find this work, um, very taxing, Sir William. 102 00:07:25,904 --> 00:07:27,322 I do it to pay the bills 103 00:07:27,406 --> 00:07:28,866 and to provide for the five hungry 104 00:07:28,949 --> 00:07:30,534 and precocious sisters that I live with. 105 00:07:30,617 --> 00:07:31,952 Until they get married, of course. 106 00:07:32,661 --> 00:07:34,163 As a matter of fact, 107 00:07:34,246 --> 00:07:36,415 I find the whole thing rather inconvenient. 108 00:07:39,042 --> 00:07:41,378 I don’t think you quite understand me. 109 00:07:41,461 --> 00:07:44,840 On the basis of the speed and quality of your work, 110 00:07:44,923 --> 00:07:47,092 and with the proviso that you can curb 111 00:07:47,176 --> 00:07:49,094 your more imbecilic behaviour, 112 00:07:49,178 --> 00:07:52,347 I am offering you a permanent position 113 00:07:52,431 --> 00:07:55,434 on the staff of the Illustrated London News. 114 00:07:55,517 --> 00:07:57,186 That’s very kind of you, but I can’t. 115 00:07:57,269 --> 00:07:59,313 I have several electric patents to finish 116 00:07:59,396 --> 00:08:01,273 and, in fact, I’m rather late 117 00:08:01,356 --> 00:08:04,610 for a meeting with Henry Wood, the celebrated composer. 118 00:08:04,693 --> 00:08:07,112 -Henry Wood? -I’ve written an opera. 119 00:08:07,196 --> 00:08:10,199 This is not an opera, Mr Wain. 120 00:08:10,282 --> 00:08:13,285 By conventional standards, it barely qualifies as music. 121 00:08:13,368 --> 00:08:16,622 And this is not a plot. 122 00:08:18,123 --> 00:08:21,043 It’s just some of your thoughts. 123 00:08:21,126 --> 00:08:22,794 I applaud your enthusiasm, 124 00:08:22,878 --> 00:08:24,963 but you have to master the basics of harmony first. 125 00:08:25,047 --> 00:08:27,132 I-- I’ve invented my own harmonies. 126 00:08:27,216 --> 00:08:30,802 Yes, and that could be part of the problem. 127 00:08:30,886 --> 00:08:32,387 If it’s any consolation, 128 00:08:32,471 --> 00:08:34,723 I thought the little drawing you did on the cover sheet 129 00:08:34,806 --> 00:08:36,433 was rather charming. 130 00:08:38,852 --> 00:08:42,606 In the 18 months since his father had died, 131 00:08:42,689 --> 00:08:45,817 Louis had nominally become the head of the household. 132 00:08:46,985 --> 00:08:48,820 He was entirely unfit 133 00:08:48,904 --> 00:08:51,406 to shoulder these new worldly responsibilities, 134 00:08:51,490 --> 00:08:55,202 but as the oldest and malest of the six Wain siblings, 135 00:08:55,285 --> 00:08:58,497 it had unfortunately become his duty. 136 00:08:58,580 --> 00:09:00,332 Evening, Louis. -Yes, good evening. 137 00:09:00,415 --> 00:09:01,792 Evening! - Louis! 138 00:09:01,875 --> 00:09:03,919 Yes, hello. How are you? 139 00:09:04,002 --> 00:09:06,964 Ooh, are you back? -Yes, I’m back, Josephine. 140 00:09:07,047 --> 00:09:08,715 Of course I’m back. What do you mean? 141 00:09:08,799 --> 00:09:10,550 Louis, did you meet an eligible 142 00:09:10,634 --> 00:09:12,594 young lady of means in Hampshire? 143 00:09:12,678 --> 00:09:15,305 No, I did not, but I did meet some goats, some geese 144 00:09:15,389 --> 00:09:16,765 and a rather cantankerous bull. 145 00:09:16,848 --> 00:09:18,100 That’s no use. 146 00:09:18,183 --> 00:09:19,685 You can’t marry a goat, can you? 147 00:09:19,768 --> 00:09:21,436 Far better suited 148 00:09:21,520 --> 00:09:23,939 would have been his beloved sister Caroline, 149 00:09:24,022 --> 00:09:26,441 who had become frustrated by their rather whimsical 150 00:09:26,525 --> 00:09:28,151 and bohemian mother 151 00:09:28,235 --> 00:09:30,320 and stepped up at a young age 152 00:09:30,404 --> 00:09:32,781 to take charge as the family’s matriarch. 153 00:09:32,864 --> 00:09:34,574 Have you been boxing again? 154 00:09:34,658 --> 00:09:36,618 I told you, Caroline, he barely charges me 155 00:09:36,702 --> 00:09:38,495 because I gave him that drawing of Bendigo. 156 00:09:38,578 --> 00:09:41,039 Louis, will you practise quadrilles with me after supper? 157 00:09:41,123 --> 00:09:43,083 Ah, you’ve come to murder me at last. 158 00:09:43,166 --> 00:09:44,835 -Felicie, defend me, quick. -En garde! 159 00:09:44,918 --> 00:09:47,337 Don’t! We have to talk about finances. 160 00:09:47,421 --> 00:09:49,715 How was your meeting with Sir William? Is he satisfied? 161 00:09:49,798 --> 00:09:51,591 Sir William is, if anything, overly satisfied. 162 00:09:51,675 --> 00:09:53,760 He has offered me the position of staff illustrator. 163 00:09:53,844 --> 00:09:55,721 Now, I really do need to get to my room. 164 00:09:55,804 --> 00:09:59,224 Oh, my goodness! Did you say staff illustrator? 165 00:09:59,308 --> 00:10:01,852 Yes, staff illustrator, but I did not accept it. 166 00:10:01,935 --> 00:10:04,730 I beg your very pardon? Why? 167 00:10:04,813 --> 00:10:07,399 We already have twice as many outgoings as you have wages 168 00:10:07,482 --> 00:10:10,068 and we’ve just hired a governess. 169 00:10:10,152 --> 00:10:12,779 I told you to keep that room for my secondary projects. 170 00:10:12,863 --> 00:10:15,115 Besides, I can teach them. I’m perfectly qualified 171 00:10:15,198 --> 00:10:17,034 in all the relevant subjects. 172 00:10:17,117 --> 00:10:19,077 No, you can’t! You need to be out there working! 173 00:10:19,161 --> 00:10:22,039 Quite right. You need to be out there working, Louis. 174 00:10:22,122 --> 00:10:23,999 Governess! I’m afraid we do not require 175 00:10:24,082 --> 00:10:26,126 -your services at present. -Louis! 176 00:10:26,209 --> 00:10:28,420 Sorry for any inconvenience. 177 00:10:28,503 --> 00:10:31,256 Governess? Governess? 178 00:10:31,340 --> 00:10:34,926 Do not go into that woman’s room. 179 00:10:35,010 --> 00:10:36,136 Governess? 180 00:10:39,139 --> 00:10:40,557 Where are you? 181 00:10:40,640 --> 00:10:41,975 Is she not in there? 182 00:10:42,059 --> 00:10:43,435 Where... Where are you? 183 00:10:43,518 --> 00:10:45,145 Shh. 184 00:10:45,228 --> 00:10:47,522 Governess? Is that you in there? 185 00:10:47,606 --> 00:10:49,441 Miss Richardson, if you are in the wardrobe, 186 00:10:49,524 --> 00:10:50,859 we shall be most displeased. 187 00:10:50,942 --> 00:10:52,444 There’s no need to be frightened, 188 00:10:52,527 --> 00:10:54,196 but I am going to have to open the door. 189 00:10:54,279 --> 00:10:55,489 Oh, for fuck’s sake. 190 00:10:55,572 --> 00:10:57,074 After a count of three. 191 00:10:57,157 --> 00:10:58,700 Three, two, one. 192 00:11:03,080 --> 00:11:05,290 Right, yes. No, I can see how... 193 00:11:05,374 --> 00:11:07,751 I mean, as first impressions go... 194 00:11:07,834 --> 00:11:09,169 How do you do, Mr Wain? 195 00:11:09,252 --> 00:11:11,004 Miss Richardson, get out of the wardrobe. 196 00:11:11,088 --> 00:11:13,799 Yes, of course. Would you like to know my name, Mr Wain? 197 00:11:13,882 --> 00:11:16,009 So you don’t have to keep shouting "governess." 198 00:11:16,093 --> 00:11:18,470 I believe your mother’s napping. Not very thoughtful, is it? 199 00:11:18,553 --> 00:11:20,472 Miss Richardson, why were you in the wardrobe? 200 00:11:20,555 --> 00:11:24,017 It helps me to concentrate to be in a confined space. 201 00:11:24,101 --> 00:11:26,478 And with Shakespeare, I know it inside out already, 202 00:11:26,561 --> 00:11:28,814 so I block out the world and play it through in my head. 203 00:11:28,897 --> 00:11:31,358 That’s all very nice, but the thing is I was just saying, 204 00:11:31,441 --> 00:11:33,735 I am perfectly well versed in mathematics and chemistry... 205 00:11:33,819 --> 00:11:35,529 You shan’t be needing my services, then. 206 00:11:35,612 --> 00:11:37,364 -I’ll be on my way. -No. 207 00:11:37,447 --> 00:11:39,366 Miss Richardson, he’s just being an ass. 208 00:11:39,449 --> 00:11:41,284 I’m actually relieved not to have to get up 209 00:11:41,368 --> 00:11:43,578 at 4:30 every morning to prepare lessons. 210 00:11:43,662 --> 00:11:45,622 And I was a bit worried about the ancient Greek. 211 00:11:45,705 --> 00:11:47,082 Homer’s use of the metrical ictus 212 00:11:47,165 --> 00:11:48,417 does make it rather hard. 213 00:11:48,500 --> 00:11:50,001 All those feminine caesuras. 214 00:11:50,085 --> 00:11:51,795 I have no doubt they’ll be much better off 215 00:11:51,878 --> 00:11:53,505 in your accomplished hands. 216 00:11:53,588 --> 00:11:56,633 I was just thinking, I promised myself to submit 217 00:11:56,716 --> 00:11:58,927 my steady cycle patent before the end of the month, 218 00:11:59,010 --> 00:12:00,971 if I’m teaching my sisters the feminine senoras... 219 00:12:01,054 --> 00:12:02,472 -Caesuras. -Exactly that. 220 00:12:02,556 --> 00:12:04,433 I won’t have time. 221 00:12:05,809 --> 00:12:07,018 So you’d like me to stay? 222 00:12:09,604 --> 00:12:11,523 My poor husband William was thrown out 223 00:12:11,606 --> 00:12:13,567 by his family in Staffordshire. 224 00:12:13,650 --> 00:12:16,319 -They were all Protestant. -Leek. 225 00:12:16,403 --> 00:12:18,655 The town’s called Leek, Miss Richardson. 226 00:12:18,738 --> 00:12:20,323 -Isn’t that funny? -That’s hilarious. 227 00:12:20,407 --> 00:12:22,159 They talk like this up there. 228 00:12:22,242 --> 00:12:23,994 He wanted to be a Catholic, 229 00:12:24,077 --> 00:12:26,455 but his father wouldn’t let him, and so he just ran away. 230 00:12:26,538 --> 00:12:28,707 -He was a Cathoholic. -Shush, Marie. 231 00:12:28,790 --> 00:12:30,750 -How did you meet him? -I thought it was funny. 232 00:12:30,834 --> 00:12:32,127 Through the church. 233 00:12:32,210 --> 00:12:34,713 I designed tapestries for the... 234 00:12:34,796 --> 00:12:37,340 Ooh. You’re getting heavy. ...for the church 235 00:12:37,424 --> 00:12:39,593 and he came from a silk family. 236 00:12:39,676 --> 00:12:41,303 He was a draper. 237 00:12:41,386 --> 00:12:43,805 And my own father... 238 00:12:43,889 --> 00:12:46,308 -I’m French, you see. - 239 00:12:46,391 --> 00:12:48,018 ...smuggled himself to England 240 00:12:48,101 --> 00:12:49,769 by disguising himself as a woman. 241 00:12:50,979 --> 00:12:52,689 We’re a family of mischief-makers, 242 00:12:52,772 --> 00:12:53,940 Miss Richardson. 243 00:12:54,024 --> 00:12:56,693 We may as well have been called the Shenanigans. 244 00:12:56,776 --> 00:13:00,071 You’ll have your hands full with these three. 245 00:13:00,155 --> 00:13:02,574 And as for you two, high time you found 246 00:13:02,657 --> 00:13:04,868 some nice husbands of your own, don’t you think? 247 00:13:04,951 --> 00:13:06,661 We will, Mother, in time. 248 00:13:06,745 --> 00:13:10,457 Well, I was given quite the look 249 00:13:10,540 --> 00:13:13,460 from a hatted man with a moustache on the bus. 250 00:13:13,543 --> 00:13:16,296 Absolutely enormous moustache 251 00:13:16,379 --> 00:13:18,590 and a very prominent brow. 252 00:13:18,673 --> 00:13:20,133 Yes, it was very prominent. 253 00:13:20,217 --> 00:13:22,552 It was like a dome. But, um, it... 254 00:13:22,636 --> 00:13:25,472 Well, it was quite the glance. 255 00:13:25,555 --> 00:13:27,015 It was embarrassing. 256 00:13:27,098 --> 00:13:30,393 -Did he seem wealthy, Josephine? -Mother. 257 00:13:30,477 --> 00:13:32,229 Josephine’s going to marry a man 258 00:13:32,312 --> 00:13:34,272 -with a big moustache. - 259 00:13:34,356 --> 00:13:36,483 Caroline, he might have a brother. 260 00:14:17,190 --> 00:14:18,358 Miss Caroline. 261 00:14:21,319 --> 00:14:24,114 Is everything to your satisfaction, Miss Richardson? 262 00:14:24,197 --> 00:14:25,198 Very much so. 263 00:14:27,409 --> 00:14:28,702 Why do you ask? 264 00:14:28,785 --> 00:14:30,620 Oh, no. Just, I was going to say, 265 00:14:30,704 --> 00:14:32,330 if the room wasn’t to your liking, 266 00:14:32,414 --> 00:14:35,625 I would be perfectly happy for you to swap with me. 267 00:14:35,709 --> 00:14:38,712 That won’t be necessary. I’m very comfortable. 268 00:14:38,795 --> 00:14:43,842 Of course, but I wouldn’t want you to feel... ill at ease. 269 00:14:44,718 --> 00:14:46,094 Sharing the floor... 270 00:14:48,263 --> 00:14:49,472 with a man. 271 00:14:52,392 --> 00:14:54,311 Why would that make me feel ill at ease? 272 00:14:57,063 --> 00:14:58,565 Very well. 273 00:14:58,648 --> 00:15:01,026 Please keep all of your belongings in order. 274 00:15:01,109 --> 00:15:03,069 You are here as an example to my sisters. 275 00:15:03,153 --> 00:15:06,948 Of course. You’re very good with them, by the way. 276 00:15:07,032 --> 00:15:09,826 It must be exhausting, having to be the grown-up. 277 00:15:09,909 --> 00:15:12,579 Well, I am a grown-up, so it’s not exhausting. 278 00:15:18,418 --> 00:15:20,420 Why are you holding a rock? 279 00:15:20,503 --> 00:15:22,130 I travel a lot, 280 00:15:22,213 --> 00:15:24,549 so I like to bring a few rocks with me from Shrewsbury, 281 00:15:24,633 --> 00:15:26,968 where I grew up. Helps me to feel at home. 282 00:15:27,052 --> 00:15:28,678 Why don’t you have this one? 283 00:15:38,605 --> 00:15:39,898 Sleep well... 284 00:15:41,608 --> 00:15:42,817 Miss Richardson. 285 00:15:54,496 --> 00:15:56,081 -Morning. -Morning. 286 00:16:00,585 --> 00:16:03,463 Louis had learnt to control the chaos in his mind 287 00:16:03,546 --> 00:16:05,298 by always moving 288 00:16:05,382 --> 00:16:07,759 and for many years had been quite content 289 00:16:07,842 --> 00:16:09,761 frantically pursuing his various interests, 290 00:16:09,844 --> 00:16:13,098 as failed art teacher, failed musician, 291 00:16:13,181 --> 00:16:16,601 aspiring inventor, enthusiastic polyhobbyist, 292 00:16:16,685 --> 00:16:18,645 and, of course, part-time illustrator. 293 00:16:20,313 --> 00:16:22,649 But the one thing he had never considered, 294 00:16:22,732 --> 00:16:25,777 in spite of constant pressure to find an eligible young spouse, 295 00:16:25,860 --> 00:16:27,612 was the possibility 296 00:16:27,696 --> 00:16:30,365 of ever leading any kind of romantic life. 297 00:16:31,991 --> 00:16:35,995 And so, as a strange, tingly feeling crackled in his breast 298 00:16:36,079 --> 00:16:38,123 and sparkled through this loins, 299 00:16:38,206 --> 00:16:41,167 I think it would be fair to say that the innocent Mr Wain 300 00:16:41,251 --> 00:16:43,837 didn’t really know what the hell was going on. 301 00:16:47,048 --> 00:16:50,301 He had an inkling, of course. But how could he be sure 302 00:16:50,385 --> 00:16:53,638 that these feelings would be reciprocated? 303 00:16:53,722 --> 00:16:55,348 What of the unsightly harelip 304 00:16:55,432 --> 00:16:59,018 that he so sproutily disguised with his careful moustache? 305 00:16:59,102 --> 00:17:00,645 Upon closer scrutiny, 306 00:17:00,729 --> 00:17:03,440 she would surely notice this unfortunate deformity 307 00:17:03,523 --> 00:17:04,691 and run a mile. 308 00:17:06,401 --> 00:17:09,696 Or perhaps, she would not be so impressed to discover 309 00:17:09,779 --> 00:17:12,657 that in spite of the rather playful exterior, 310 00:17:12,741 --> 00:17:15,410 his mind was a dark, screaming hurricane 311 00:17:15,493 --> 00:17:18,747 of crippling anxieties and recurring nightmares. 312 00:17:22,876 --> 00:17:25,712 Not to mention, of course, the gossiping neighbours 313 00:17:25,795 --> 00:17:28,715 who would all consider it ghastly for a lowly governess 314 00:17:28,798 --> 00:17:32,552 to be engaging in these bourgeois games of courtship. 315 00:17:32,635 --> 00:17:35,305 Emily Richardson’s slightly unconventional attitude 316 00:17:35,388 --> 00:17:36,723 to her employer’s privacy 317 00:17:36,806 --> 00:17:38,349 had already caught the eye 318 00:17:38,433 --> 00:17:40,435 of nosy-posy Mrs Du Frayne, 319 00:17:40,518 --> 00:17:42,145 who was, by all accounts, 320 00:17:42,228 --> 00:17:45,398 the blabberiest mouth this side of the River Thames. 321 00:17:48,067 --> 00:17:49,569 Suffice it to say, 322 00:17:49,652 --> 00:17:51,404 there were a great many obstacles 323 00:17:51,488 --> 00:17:54,616 that stood in the way of Louis and Emily. 324 00:17:54,699 --> 00:17:57,368 And in a different world, he might well have decided 325 00:17:57,452 --> 00:18:00,413 not to disturb Sir William Ingram’s daily splosh 326 00:18:00,497 --> 00:18:02,540 at the Turkish baths in Islington. 327 00:18:02,624 --> 00:18:04,834 Ah. Good morning, Mr Wain. 328 00:18:04,918 --> 00:18:06,795 Good morning, Sir William. 329 00:18:06,878 --> 00:18:08,797 Don’t often see you in here. 330 00:18:10,048 --> 00:18:12,759 I’ve come to speak to you. 331 00:18:14,177 --> 00:18:17,305 -Have you got a moment? -Yes, of course, Louis. 332 00:18:17,388 --> 00:18:19,682 Just let me finish my morning exercises. 333 00:18:19,766 --> 00:18:21,184 Yes, of course. 334 00:18:27,565 --> 00:18:30,401 Actually, I might do some laps myself now that I’m here. 335 00:18:32,278 --> 00:18:35,114 Careful! Careful, Louis. 336 00:18:41,663 --> 00:18:43,790 Oh! Louis? 337 00:18:46,000 --> 00:18:48,336 So you’ve come to your senses, young man. 338 00:18:49,838 --> 00:18:51,881 Why the sudden change of heart? 339 00:18:51,965 --> 00:18:56,135 Well, we’ve hired a governess to teach my younger sisters. 340 00:18:56,219 --> 00:18:57,720 -A governess? -Mmm. 341 00:18:57,804 --> 00:19:01,015 Ah, and you don’t want her dashing off to some other family 342 00:19:01,099 --> 00:19:02,600 because you can’t pay her. 343 00:19:02,684 --> 00:19:04,561 Something like that, yes. 344 00:19:04,644 --> 00:19:06,688 Well, I’ll start you off on poverty wages, 345 00:19:06,771 --> 00:19:10,483 as is standard, but they will be regular. 346 00:19:10,567 --> 00:19:15,113 And I’m afraid we can’t pay you for holidays 347 00:19:15,196 --> 00:19:17,031 or expenses at the moment. 348 00:19:17,115 --> 00:19:21,286 Will those terms be to your satisfaction, Mr Wain? 349 00:19:22,328 --> 00:19:23,580 Good. 350 00:19:23,663 --> 00:19:25,874 Tap, tap. Advance. 351 00:19:25,957 --> 00:19:27,375 -Advance. -Tap, tap. 352 00:19:27,458 --> 00:19:29,168 -Tap, tap. Advance. -Advance. Okay. 353 00:19:29,252 --> 00:19:30,503 En garde! 354 00:19:30,587 --> 00:19:32,171 -En garde! -En garde! 355 00:19:32,255 --> 00:19:34,465 Caroline, can I show you how I do fencing? 356 00:19:34,549 --> 00:19:36,217 Not right now. 357 00:19:36,301 --> 00:19:39,095 -En garde. -Please be civilised, girls. 358 00:19:39,178 --> 00:19:41,472 Mrs Wain, would you accompany us on the piano? 359 00:19:41,556 --> 00:19:43,892 I would love to accompany you on the piano. 360 00:19:43,975 --> 00:19:46,227 Let’s show them what we’ve been practising. 361 00:19:46,311 --> 00:19:48,688 Every penny-counting rogue in London knows that trick. 362 00:19:48,771 --> 00:19:51,149 -You’re not supposed to say yes. -Did you not bargain with him? 363 00:19:51,232 --> 00:19:53,026 -Have I taught you nothing? -I’m happy with it, Herb. 364 00:19:53,109 --> 00:19:54,819 Actually, I really ought to be getting back. 365 00:19:54,903 --> 00:19:56,779 I have to start work on my steady cycle patent. 366 00:19:56,863 --> 00:19:58,781 Forget that. Nobody understands what it is. 367 00:19:58,865 --> 00:20:02,201 Don’t be such a fucking drip. If you’re happy, you’re happy. 368 00:20:02,285 --> 00:20:05,246 I mean, you’ve been swindled, so I don’t understand that. 369 00:20:05,330 --> 00:20:07,832 Let’s have some fun. I haven’t seen you for three weeks. 370 00:20:07,916 --> 00:20:10,460 You’ve been spending too much time with your weird sisters. 371 00:20:10,543 --> 00:20:13,129 You are staff illustrator for the top newspaper in London. 372 00:20:13,212 --> 00:20:14,756 All you need now is the loving touch 373 00:20:14,839 --> 00:20:16,549 of a well-bosomed aristocrat. 374 00:20:16,633 --> 00:20:18,885 That’s the thing about Phil May, the saucy fiend. 375 00:20:18,968 --> 00:20:21,971 Always hosting a skulk of wealthy young vixens. 376 00:20:22,055 --> 00:20:24,682 We can’t celebrate your success without you. 377 00:20:24,766 --> 00:20:26,684 There’ll be dancing later, perhaps? 378 00:20:26,768 --> 00:20:29,103 There will be if you’re here, I know that much. 379 00:20:30,271 --> 00:20:31,564 -I’m in. -Come on. 380 00:21:24,867 --> 00:21:27,161 -Shh! - 381 00:21:29,288 --> 00:21:30,873 Be quiet. 382 00:21:30,957 --> 00:21:33,501 Oh. I was so quiet. 383 00:21:33,584 --> 00:21:35,378 Marie is having a nightmare. 384 00:21:35,461 --> 00:21:36,754 Oh. 385 00:21:38,381 --> 00:21:39,924 You’re drunk. 386 00:21:41,092 --> 00:21:44,178 Perhaps a little. I’ve been celebrating. 387 00:21:45,513 --> 00:21:47,265 I accepted the job... 388 00:21:47,348 --> 00:21:48,975 with Sir William. 389 00:21:49,058 --> 00:21:50,059 Good. 390 00:21:50,977 --> 00:21:52,353 Now go to bed. 391 00:21:52,437 --> 00:21:54,522 Caroline. I can feel prickles. 392 00:21:54,605 --> 00:21:56,149 -It’s okay. -I’m scared. 393 00:21:56,232 --> 00:21:59,277 -I’m here. I’m here. -I’m scared, Caroline. 394 00:21:59,360 --> 00:22:01,779 It’s all right. It’s just our silly brother 395 00:22:01,863 --> 00:22:03,990 trampling up the stairs. 396 00:22:04,073 --> 00:22:06,534 -Shh. - 397 00:22:06,617 --> 00:22:10,496 Try to think of a meadow or a breeze. 398 00:22:10,580 --> 00:22:13,374 Keep calm, Marie, keep calm. 399 00:22:13,458 --> 00:22:14,959 Breathe. 400 00:22:18,296 --> 00:22:19,922 Uh, good evening. 401 00:22:20,006 --> 00:22:22,133 -No. -What? 402 00:22:22,216 --> 00:22:24,635 -Go away. Go away. -Yes. What? Why? 403 00:22:24,719 --> 00:22:26,345 -What do you mean, why? -I don’t... 404 00:22:26,429 --> 00:22:28,139 Yes, of course. Yes, sorry. 405 00:22:29,348 --> 00:22:31,267 What are you doing, Mr Wain? 406 00:22:31,350 --> 00:22:32,935 -I don’t understand. -Get out! 407 00:22:33,019 --> 00:22:35,354 Right, yes, of course. Sorry. I apologise. 408 00:22:35,438 --> 00:22:38,024 I am under your employ, Mr Wain, but I do not expect 409 00:22:38,107 --> 00:22:40,276 to have to tolerate you barging in here after hours 410 00:22:40,359 --> 00:22:42,236 while I’m... 411 00:22:42,320 --> 00:22:44,447 Well, it doesn’t matter what I was doing, does it? 412 00:22:44,530 --> 00:22:46,032 Yes. Sorry. Of course. 413 00:22:46,115 --> 00:22:47,700 It’s just I have so many sisters 414 00:22:47,784 --> 00:22:49,577 that sometimes I forget that it’s... 415 00:22:49,660 --> 00:22:50,995 Were you painting something? 416 00:22:51,079 --> 00:22:52,830 That’s none of your business, Mr Wain. 417 00:22:54,165 --> 00:22:56,292 But, yes, if you must know. 418 00:22:57,919 --> 00:23:00,463 I’ve got a drawing lesson with the girls tomorrow, 419 00:23:00,546 --> 00:23:02,632 and all you Wains are such accomplished artists 420 00:23:02,715 --> 00:23:05,259 that I rather thought I could do with a bit of preparation. 421 00:23:05,343 --> 00:23:06,469 I see. 422 00:23:08,137 --> 00:23:10,139 Well, I was, um... 423 00:23:10,223 --> 00:23:12,517 Well, I just wanted to invite you to the theatre. 424 00:23:12,600 --> 00:23:13,726 THE TEMPEST 425 00:23:13,810 --> 00:23:15,645 As an educational trip, 426 00:23:15,728 --> 00:23:17,772 with Felicie, Claire and Marie. 427 00:23:19,398 --> 00:23:21,692 I’m so sorry again, Miss Richardson. I do apologise. 428 00:23:21,776 --> 00:23:23,486 I’m terribly embarrassed. 429 00:23:23,569 --> 00:23:26,114 It’s just I was excited to share the idea with you 430 00:23:26,197 --> 00:23:28,658 and I just don’t want you to think you have to be cooped up 431 00:23:28,741 --> 00:23:31,744 in this house all the time, that’s all. 432 00:23:41,212 --> 00:23:43,464 I think it sounds like a rather splendid idea. 433 00:23:46,551 --> 00:23:48,970 Please just knock the next time that you wish to see me. 434 00:23:49,053 --> 00:23:50,179 Of course. 435 00:23:58,855 --> 00:24:00,815 -Is something funny, Mr Wain? -Not at all. 436 00:24:01,816 --> 00:24:02,984 Not at all. 437 00:24:06,779 --> 00:24:07,822 Good night, Emily. 438 00:24:09,073 --> 00:24:10,283 Good night, Mr Wain. 439 00:24:17,665 --> 00:24:18,791 Miss Richardson? 440 00:24:22,128 --> 00:24:23,588 Yes? 441 00:24:23,671 --> 00:24:26,299 When it comes to drawing, 442 00:24:26,382 --> 00:24:28,968 there’s only really one rule you ever need to teach. 443 00:24:30,761 --> 00:24:32,263 It’s to look. 444 00:25:19,810 --> 00:25:22,438 Mummy! Daddy! Help me! 445 00:25:22,521 --> 00:25:24,899 I’m drowning! I’m drowning! 446 00:25:46,796 --> 00:25:49,882 You’re so ugly! Ugly! 447 00:25:49,966 --> 00:25:52,802 You don’t belong here! You don’t belong anywhere! 448 00:26:02,895 --> 00:26:05,064 It’s magic. 449 00:26:05,147 --> 00:26:07,441 What a clever bugger Mr Newton was. 450 00:26:07,525 --> 00:26:09,485 Uh, language, please, Felicie. 451 00:26:09,568 --> 00:26:12,738 A clever sausage? -Sausage I will accept, 452 00:26:12,822 --> 00:26:14,782 although I fear it rather fails to capture 453 00:26:14,865 --> 00:26:16,492 the spirit of Newton’s genius. 454 00:26:16,575 --> 00:26:18,619 I’m a genius. 455 00:26:18,703 --> 00:26:21,247 If you work hard and continue with your studies, Marie, 456 00:26:21,330 --> 00:26:23,374 perhaps one day, you will be. 457 00:26:23,457 --> 00:26:25,084 Thank you, Miss Richardson. 458 00:26:25,167 --> 00:26:27,253 You’re very welcome. Thank you. 459 00:26:27,336 --> 00:26:29,463 Quiet on the stairs, please, girls. 460 00:26:30,840 --> 00:26:34,176 Crumpets, biscuits, cake! 461 00:26:50,860 --> 00:26:52,028 Ooh. Come in. 462 00:26:53,904 --> 00:26:55,197 Good morning. 463 00:26:55,865 --> 00:26:56,949 Morning. 464 00:26:58,743 --> 00:27:00,202 How was your lesson? 465 00:27:01,078 --> 00:27:02,830 It was very good, thank you. 466 00:27:02,913 --> 00:27:05,374 Turns out that your sisters don’t need my help with drawing, 467 00:27:05,458 --> 00:27:07,168 so we tried something else instead. 468 00:27:07,251 --> 00:27:08,586 Good. That’s good. 469 00:27:12,173 --> 00:27:13,883 I hereby atone for my drunken imposition 470 00:27:13,966 --> 00:27:15,718 by presenting myself to you naked. 471 00:27:15,801 --> 00:27:17,887 Please don’t present yourself to me naked, Mr Wain. 472 00:27:17,970 --> 00:27:19,972 I might consider that to be a secondary imposition, 473 00:27:20,056 --> 00:27:21,474 arguably greater than the first. 474 00:27:22,558 --> 00:27:24,977 But you cannot have failed to observe 475 00:27:25,061 --> 00:27:27,563 that I have quite a profound harelip. 476 00:27:28,939 --> 00:27:32,026 Yes. What of it, Mr Wain? 477 00:27:35,154 --> 00:27:36,697 Sorry. Have I made a mistake? 478 00:27:37,907 --> 00:27:39,450 No, I think you look very handsome. 479 00:27:42,453 --> 00:27:43,704 So, uh... 480 00:27:44,705 --> 00:27:46,082 Well, am I forgiven? 481 00:27:47,208 --> 00:27:49,335 Why do you need me to forgive you, Mr Wain? 482 00:27:57,051 --> 00:28:01,514 When do you think we might make our trip to the theatre? 483 00:28:02,848 --> 00:28:06,268 For the, uh, for the education of the girls, of course. 484 00:28:06,352 --> 00:28:07,395 Of course. 485 00:28:09,188 --> 00:28:11,607 Well, I’ll just consult my diary. 486 00:28:11,690 --> 00:28:13,734 Excellent. Well, I shall look forward to it. 487 00:28:16,362 --> 00:28:17,822 Thank you. 488 00:28:20,408 --> 00:28:22,159 I appreciate the gesture. 489 00:28:28,457 --> 00:28:31,001 But, Mother, we have not yet settled our accounts 490 00:28:31,085 --> 00:28:32,628 with the coal merchant and the butcher. 491 00:28:32,711 --> 00:28:34,046 He should have consulted me first. 492 00:28:35,756 --> 00:28:38,134 We cannot let him out looking like this. 493 00:28:38,217 --> 00:28:40,970 Why you’ve committed this most wanton 494 00:28:41,053 --> 00:28:44,265 and violent act of self-harm, I do not know. 495 00:28:44,348 --> 00:28:46,392 How will he ever meet a woman of fortune? 496 00:28:46,475 --> 00:28:49,437 Caroline, he’s had a shave, that’s all. 497 00:28:49,520 --> 00:28:52,106 Marie, darling, where have you gone? 498 00:28:52,189 --> 00:28:54,275 Well, I think we should all go. 499 00:28:54,358 --> 00:28:55,943 Make an evening of it. 500 00:28:56,026 --> 00:28:57,736 Josephine, we at least must stay. 501 00:28:57,820 --> 00:28:59,947 -Marie? - 502 00:29:01,240 --> 00:29:02,450 Don’t come in. 503 00:29:03,409 --> 00:29:05,244 Marie, what’s happened? 504 00:29:10,833 --> 00:29:13,377 Oh, it’s all right. 505 00:29:13,461 --> 00:29:16,839 It’s all right. It’s perfectly natural. 506 00:29:19,800 --> 00:29:23,762 If anything, it’s a good thing. It means you’re a woman. 507 00:29:23,846 --> 00:29:27,266 Well, I should like to go not so much for the play 508 00:29:27,349 --> 00:29:29,602 but for the handsome young bachelors in the crowd. 509 00:29:29,685 --> 00:29:31,145 We can practise our flirtations. 510 00:29:31,228 --> 00:29:33,355 I should like to go because I should like to go. 511 00:29:33,439 --> 00:29:34,982 If you change your mind, Caroline, 512 00:29:35,065 --> 00:29:36,650 you’re more than welcome to join us. 513 00:29:36,734 --> 00:29:38,527 I think it fair to say that Miss Richardson 514 00:29:38,611 --> 00:29:40,279 has had a positive effect on this family 515 00:29:40,362 --> 00:29:41,697 and we should show our gratitude. 516 00:29:41,780 --> 00:29:43,157 I’m a woman! 517 00:29:43,240 --> 00:29:44,575 Hurray! 518 00:29:45,784 --> 00:29:47,369 Sorry, everyone. Bit of a situation, 519 00:29:47,453 --> 00:29:49,622 but everything’s under control. 520 00:29:54,668 --> 00:29:55,794 Oh. 521 00:30:12,478 --> 00:30:14,480 That’s the governess I was telling you about. 522 00:30:14,563 --> 00:30:17,233 -Oh. -For the Wains. 523 00:30:17,316 --> 00:30:20,653 -Uh, you look very... -No, thank you. So do you. 524 00:30:20,736 --> 00:30:22,321 -Thank you. -Thank you. Shall we... 525 00:30:22,404 --> 00:30:25,574 -Yes, let’s... -Yes, let’s sit down. Good. 526 00:30:26,700 --> 00:30:28,452 Is this... Is this your first time? 527 00:30:28,536 --> 00:30:30,329 -Yes, it is, it is. -Okay. 528 00:30:30,412 --> 00:30:33,332 -It’s exciting. -Good. 529 00:30:35,668 --> 00:30:36,669 Ooh. 530 00:30:37,545 --> 00:30:39,797 -Here. -Thank you. 531 00:30:43,592 --> 00:30:46,303 - 532 00:30:49,431 --> 00:30:51,350 Boatswain! 533 00:30:52,726 --> 00:30:55,479 Here, master! What cheer? 534 00:30:55,563 --> 00:30:58,357 Good, speak to the mariners. 535 00:30:58,440 --> 00:31:02,820 Fall to’t, yarely, or we run ourselves aground: 536 00:31:02,903 --> 00:31:06,740 bestir, bestir. 537 00:31:08,826 --> 00:31:10,869 Heigh, my hearts! 538 00:31:10,953 --> 00:31:14,456 Cheerly, cheerly, my hearts! 539 00:31:14,540 --> 00:31:16,166 Yare, yare! 540 00:31:16,250 --> 00:31:17,501 Take in the topsail. 541 00:31:17,585 --> 00:31:19,545 Topsail! 542 00:31:19,628 --> 00:31:21,880 Tend to the master’s whistle. 543 00:31:23,090 --> 00:31:25,342 Mummy! Daddy! Help me! 544 00:31:25,426 --> 00:31:28,721 I’m drowning! I’m drowning! 545 00:31:28,804 --> 00:31:32,766 Help me! I’m drowning! Please! 546 00:31:32,850 --> 00:31:35,519 Help me! I’m drowning! 547 00:31:44,361 --> 00:31:47,990 Um... this is the gentlemen’s toilet. 548 00:31:48,073 --> 00:31:49,742 Yes. Sorry. 549 00:31:51,243 --> 00:31:52,244 I... 550 00:31:53,996 --> 00:31:58,000 I was worried that you might be distressed about something. 551 00:31:58,083 --> 00:32:00,878 No, no. Just a funny turn, that’s all. 552 00:32:01,670 --> 00:32:03,047 Right, yes. 553 00:32:03,130 --> 00:32:06,383 No, I thought it might have, um, 554 00:32:06,467 --> 00:32:08,469 might have reminded you of something. 555 00:32:12,348 --> 00:32:15,684 Something you found frightening as a child, perhaps, 556 00:32:15,768 --> 00:32:17,478 like a recurring nightmare. 557 00:32:17,561 --> 00:32:20,689 Like "The Sea Full Of Big Ships." 558 00:32:20,773 --> 00:32:24,401 I might have accidentally looked in your journal. 559 00:32:26,362 --> 00:32:27,946 Well, that... that was nosy. 560 00:32:28,030 --> 00:32:29,531 I’m afraid it’s one of my many flaws. 561 00:32:29,615 --> 00:32:31,784 -Nosiness? -I’m very nosy, yes. 562 00:32:31,867 --> 00:32:34,370 It’s partly why I chose to become a governess. 563 00:32:34,453 --> 00:32:36,538 Did you find it horrifying? 564 00:32:36,622 --> 00:32:40,125 All those dark and disturbing visions? 565 00:32:40,209 --> 00:32:44,046 No. I found it quite reassuring, to be honest. 566 00:32:45,756 --> 00:32:47,508 I tend to have nightmares about 567 00:32:47,591 --> 00:32:49,760 not being able to get out of places. 568 00:32:49,843 --> 00:32:51,428 I once spent an entire dream 569 00:32:51,512 --> 00:32:53,013 stuck in a very complicated barn. 570 00:32:54,556 --> 00:32:56,850 Well, thank God you didn’t get stuck in that wardrobe. 571 00:32:57,893 --> 00:32:59,019 Yeah, thank God. 572 00:33:03,148 --> 00:33:05,275 Thank God I had you to let me out of it. 573 00:33:58,912 --> 00:34:00,289 Good God! 574 00:34:00,372 --> 00:34:02,291 It definitely did happen in the toilet. 575 00:34:03,375 --> 00:34:05,127 Oh, hello. - Hello. 576 00:34:05,210 --> 00:34:07,546 Well, if it isn’t my favourite family, 577 00:34:07,629 --> 00:34:10,716 the Wains. Hello, girls. How are you, Louis? 578 00:34:10,799 --> 00:34:14,261 Very well, thank you, Mrs Du Frayne. Um, how are you? 579 00:34:14,344 --> 00:34:17,765 Quite well. Terrific eulogy at your father’s funeral. 580 00:34:17,848 --> 00:34:20,267 Thank you. You say that every time I see you. 581 00:34:20,350 --> 00:34:23,312 And you must be the famous Emily Richardson. 582 00:34:23,395 --> 00:34:25,522 -Nice to meet you. -We were just remarking 583 00:34:25,606 --> 00:34:27,816 that we don’t often see governesses at the theatre. 584 00:34:27,900 --> 00:34:29,485 Was it your first time? 585 00:34:30,652 --> 00:34:33,405 I hear you got a little bit confused... 586 00:34:34,406 --> 00:34:36,575 about the lavatories. 587 00:34:42,706 --> 00:34:44,541 Yes, confused. 588 00:34:45,709 --> 00:34:47,127 Quite charming. 589 00:34:58,806 --> 00:35:01,058 You are clearly an intelligent woman, 590 00:35:01,141 --> 00:35:02,935 Miss Richardson, 591 00:35:03,018 --> 00:35:05,938 and we’ve been impressed by your teaching. 592 00:35:06,021 --> 00:35:08,857 But there are certain aspects of your behaviour, 593 00:35:10,108 --> 00:35:12,110 and certain aspects 594 00:35:12,194 --> 00:35:14,196 of the behaviour that you encourage 595 00:35:14,279 --> 00:35:16,365 in my ridiculous brother 596 00:35:18,033 --> 00:35:21,870 that we simply cannot tolerate. 597 00:35:21,954 --> 00:35:24,748 This evening was intended to be an educational event. 598 00:35:24,832 --> 00:35:26,667 Yet now, thanks to you, 599 00:35:26,750 --> 00:35:28,710 this family is the talk of the town. 600 00:35:28,794 --> 00:35:30,295 And not in a good way. 601 00:35:33,131 --> 00:35:35,968 You have three days to get your affairs in order. 602 00:35:55,112 --> 00:35:57,197 I just wanted to thank you, Mr Wain, 603 00:35:58,740 --> 00:36:00,576 for a very pleasant evening. 604 00:36:00,659 --> 00:36:02,160 I had a very nice time. 605 00:36:05,956 --> 00:36:07,624 I’ve taught of countless adventures 606 00:36:07,708 --> 00:36:09,459 from the safety of a schoolroom. 607 00:36:11,336 --> 00:36:15,674 But it was exciting to be taken on one for once. 608 00:36:28,979 --> 00:36:31,231 I... I like your shawl, by the way. 609 00:36:33,483 --> 00:36:35,861 Thank you. It was my mother’s. 610 00:36:39,823 --> 00:36:41,033 It’s blue. 611 00:36:43,076 --> 00:36:45,162 Yep. It’s blue. 612 00:36:52,252 --> 00:36:53,545 Goodbye, Louis. 613 00:37:09,561 --> 00:37:12,397 I don’t care, I don’t care, I don’t care what people think. 614 00:37:19,988 --> 00:37:21,156 Nor do I. 615 00:37:23,492 --> 00:37:24,993 -Mmm! Close the door. -What? 616 00:37:25,077 --> 00:37:27,788 Close the door. Ooh. Ooh. 617 00:37:29,623 --> 00:37:31,500 What happened? -I fell over my dress. 618 00:37:31,583 --> 00:37:33,168 I’m sorry. -It’s not your fault. 619 00:37:33,251 --> 00:37:34,461 Sit down. 620 00:37:38,840 --> 00:37:40,926 As this peculiar romance 621 00:37:41,009 --> 00:37:43,011 blossomed clumsily into flower, 622 00:37:43,095 --> 00:37:45,055 the discrepancy in their social standing 623 00:37:45,138 --> 00:37:47,683 became the cause of great controversy. 624 00:37:47,766 --> 00:37:50,268 One neighbour, it was widely rumoured, 625 00:37:50,352 --> 00:37:54,106 vomited immediately upon hearing news of their courtship. 626 00:37:54,189 --> 00:37:57,442 For the coupling of a gentleman with a lady of the servile class 627 00:37:57,526 --> 00:37:59,861 was considered nothing short of revolting. 628 00:37:59,945 --> 00:38:01,655 Not to mention 629 00:38:01,738 --> 00:38:03,991 that the undeniably charming Miss Richardson 630 00:38:04,074 --> 00:38:06,618 was, by the standards of the day, 631 00:38:06,702 --> 00:38:08,745 positively geriatric. 632 00:38:13,667 --> 00:38:16,920 But Louis cared little for these foolish preconceptions, 633 00:38:17,004 --> 00:38:20,132 and in January of the year 1884, 634 00:38:20,215 --> 00:38:23,135 he asked Emily for her hand in marriage. 635 00:38:26,596 --> 00:38:30,684 1884 636 00:38:33,270 --> 00:38:35,188 Trim the bottom. Trim the bottom. 637 00:38:46,033 --> 00:38:48,577 It’s dusty. -It’s a bit dusty. 638 00:38:48,660 --> 00:38:52,789 MRS W WAIN ONE POUND, TEN SHILLINGS 639 00:38:56,126 --> 00:38:58,295 The weeks turned to months, 640 00:38:58,378 --> 00:39:00,505 and in spite of the newly fractious relationship 641 00:39:00,589 --> 00:39:02,299 with his sisters, 642 00:39:02,382 --> 00:39:04,217 Louis quietly continued in his endeavours 643 00:39:04,301 --> 00:39:05,927 to support them. 644 00:39:06,011 --> 00:39:08,263 Every week, he would post a modest cheque 645 00:39:08,346 --> 00:39:09,765 to his dear mother, 646 00:39:09,848 --> 00:39:12,184 and even began to take on private commissions 647 00:39:12,267 --> 00:39:14,144 as a dog portraitist, 648 00:39:14,227 --> 00:39:17,397 visiting dukes and duchesses, lords and ladies, 649 00:39:17,481 --> 00:39:20,192 and their pampered canine friends. 650 00:39:20,275 --> 00:39:23,987 At the same time, he continued with his work 651 00:39:24,071 --> 00:39:27,032 covering general news and various agricultural shows 652 00:39:27,115 --> 00:39:28,784 for Sir William. 653 00:39:28,867 --> 00:39:32,162 And thus for six precious months, 654 00:39:32,245 --> 00:39:35,332 Louis and Emily lived a perfectly normal, 655 00:39:35,415 --> 00:39:39,044 if societally unconscionable married life. 656 00:40:05,862 --> 00:40:08,824 I gather you’re an educated woman, Mrs Wain. 657 00:40:10,659 --> 00:40:12,786 Yes, Doctor. I was a governess. 658 00:40:14,913 --> 00:40:16,915 I... I see. 659 00:40:17,666 --> 00:40:19,167 Well, in that case, 660 00:40:19,251 --> 00:40:21,253 I trust you will understand me when I say... 661 00:40:23,004 --> 00:40:25,006 you have terminal cancer of the breast. 662 00:40:30,595 --> 00:40:31,805 Yes, Doctor. 663 00:40:48,905 --> 00:40:50,991 Just when I was starting to enjoy it. 664 00:41:05,463 --> 00:41:06,756 What was that? 665 00:41:07,340 --> 00:41:08,675 Strange. 666 00:41:23,481 --> 00:41:25,400 Oh, Louis, look. 667 00:41:26,776 --> 00:41:28,320 Hello there, little thing. 668 00:41:29,905 --> 00:41:32,073 -Hello. -Hello there, cat. 669 00:41:32,157 --> 00:41:37,078 You’re soaking wet. You poor little thing. 670 00:41:37,162 --> 00:41:39,623 Why don’t you come in the warm with us? 671 00:41:39,706 --> 00:41:42,042 Yeah? Hello. 672 00:41:42,125 --> 00:41:44,419 We’ll take care of you. Won’t we, Louis? 673 00:41:45,128 --> 00:41:47,005 Yes, we will. 674 00:41:47,088 --> 00:41:50,050 Hello. Hello. 675 00:41:50,759 --> 00:41:52,093 Ooh. 676 00:41:55,096 --> 00:41:58,058 It’s all right. It’s all right. 677 00:41:59,184 --> 00:42:01,770 Rain. It’s just raining. 678 00:42:12,239 --> 00:42:14,115 Who’s that? - 679 00:42:14,199 --> 00:42:15,367 It’s Louis. 680 00:42:16,701 --> 00:42:18,620 Got another little towel for you. 681 00:42:20,413 --> 00:42:23,041 -That’s better, isn’t it? -See? 682 00:42:23,124 --> 00:42:24,334 That’s better. 683 00:42:26,002 --> 00:42:28,171 -That’s better. - 684 00:42:28,255 --> 00:42:30,465 -Hello. -Hello. 685 00:42:30,548 --> 00:42:32,175 -Hello. -Hello. 686 00:42:35,053 --> 00:42:36,513 Hello. 687 00:42:36,596 --> 00:42:38,348 Where do you think you’re going? 688 00:42:39,683 --> 00:42:41,851 What would you like to be called? 689 00:42:41,935 --> 00:42:43,520 Percy? 690 00:42:43,603 --> 00:42:46,106 -I quite like Percy. -Paul? 691 00:42:46,189 --> 00:42:47,482 Not Paul. 692 00:42:48,275 --> 00:42:49,359 Peter? 693 00:42:49,901 --> 00:42:50,944 Peter. 694 00:42:52,112 --> 00:42:53,530 -Peter. -Peter. 695 00:43:07,627 --> 00:43:10,964 It’s sure to be a quick kerfuffle when Bendigo’s here 696 00:43:11,047 --> 00:43:13,216 with the Bendigo Shuffle! 697 00:43:15,051 --> 00:43:16,386 Curious little fellow, isn’t he? 698 00:43:16,469 --> 00:43:17,929 Yes, but he’s electric, Herb. 699 00:43:18,013 --> 00:43:20,265 Look how his fancy all adore him. 700 00:43:20,348 --> 00:43:21,725 Half his opponent’s size, 701 00:43:21,808 --> 00:43:25,103 yet he knows how to harness the electricity of the crowd. 702 00:43:25,186 --> 00:43:27,022 Are you talking about the photographers? 703 00:43:27,105 --> 00:43:30,275 Look properly, Herb. The electricity. 704 00:43:30,358 --> 00:43:32,110 Finally, I’m starting to understand it. 705 00:43:32,193 --> 00:43:34,821 Is everything all right at home? 706 00:43:34,904 --> 00:43:37,574 -With Emily, I mean? -Oh, yes, of course. 707 00:43:37,657 --> 00:43:39,534 We have a new friend. He’s called Peter. 708 00:43:39,617 --> 00:43:42,078 -Peter? -He’s a cat. We have a cat now. 709 00:43:42,162 --> 00:43:44,873 -For mousing, you mean? -No, Herb, as a pet. 710 00:43:44,956 --> 00:43:46,624 Okay, Louis, I’m worried about you. 711 00:43:46,708 --> 00:43:49,836 -Why? -You have a cat as a pet. 712 00:43:51,171 --> 00:43:52,922 Do you know the true meaning of the phrase, 713 00:43:53,006 --> 00:43:56,092 "There’s no time like the present," Herb? 714 00:43:56,176 --> 00:43:59,179 It’s that there isn’t. It’s too fleeting. 715 00:43:59,262 --> 00:44:01,181 In fact, I have a hypothesis 716 00:44:01,264 --> 00:44:03,308 that electricity is what pushes us through time. 717 00:44:03,391 --> 00:44:05,352 We turn the past into the future 718 00:44:05,435 --> 00:44:07,437 with the power of our electricity. 719 00:44:07,520 --> 00:44:09,856 But that process is entirely reversible. 720 00:44:09,939 --> 00:44:12,108 Remembering the past is no different 721 00:44:12,192 --> 00:44:13,693 from imagining the future. 722 00:44:13,777 --> 00:44:16,363 And neither is different to life itself. 723 00:44:16,446 --> 00:44:18,573 I can remember Emily in the future 724 00:44:18,656 --> 00:44:20,116 and she will be there. 725 00:44:21,201 --> 00:44:23,036 Do you see what I’m saying, Herb? 726 00:44:24,537 --> 00:44:26,373 Do you see what I’m saying? 727 00:44:33,254 --> 00:44:38,051 Bendigo! Bendigo! Bendigo! Bendigo! 728 00:44:38,134 --> 00:44:42,347 Bendigo! Bendigo! Bendigo! 729 00:44:42,430 --> 00:44:44,641 But these don’t capture the spirit of the fight, 730 00:44:44,724 --> 00:44:45,975 Sir William. 731 00:44:46,059 --> 00:44:48,186 Yes, they do. 732 00:44:48,269 --> 00:44:50,688 That’s why they’re in vogue. 733 00:44:50,772 --> 00:44:55,318 They’re fast, they’re cheap and they’re 100% accurate. 734 00:44:55,402 --> 00:44:57,237 But where is the electricity? 735 00:45:02,575 --> 00:45:05,954 Louis, I hear your wife is very sick. 736 00:45:07,414 --> 00:45:11,167 I know that you continue to support your mother and sisters, 737 00:45:11,251 --> 00:45:13,586 which is admirable, Louis, so I’m... 738 00:45:13,670 --> 00:45:15,797 I’m sorry to have to say this. 739 00:45:15,880 --> 00:45:17,799 But it may be that I cannot use you 740 00:45:17,882 --> 00:45:20,510 quite as much as I would like for the time being. 741 00:45:20,593 --> 00:45:22,679 I have to get our finances in order, 742 00:45:22,762 --> 00:45:26,474 and that means making difficult, practical decisions. 743 00:45:26,558 --> 00:45:30,562 But my advice to you is this: 744 00:45:32,063 --> 00:45:35,442 Spend the time that you gain with your wife, 745 00:45:36,401 --> 00:45:38,611 because when she is gone... 746 00:45:44,617 --> 00:45:45,910 it will hurt. 747 00:45:51,374 --> 00:45:53,126 These are precious weeks, Louis. 748 00:45:54,669 --> 00:45:56,004 Do you understand? 749 00:46:20,778 --> 00:46:22,780 Come on, Peter. - Come on, Peter. 750 00:46:22,864 --> 00:46:24,824 Up the stairs. Come on. 751 00:46:24,908 --> 00:46:26,659 I think he’s coming. - Peter. 752 00:46:26,743 --> 00:46:28,453 -Peter? - 753 00:46:29,287 --> 00:46:31,080 Good boy. 754 00:46:31,956 --> 00:46:33,500 Good boy. 755 00:46:35,293 --> 00:46:36,836 Good boy. 756 00:46:38,796 --> 00:46:40,340 Well done, Peter. 757 00:46:40,423 --> 00:46:42,800 -Well done, Peter. -Well done. 758 00:47:10,370 --> 00:47:13,164 Let’s go for a walk. Yes. 759 00:47:23,800 --> 00:47:25,552 -After you. -Thank you. 760 00:47:32,892 --> 00:47:35,645 I think Peter likes the oak trees. 761 00:47:35,728 --> 00:47:37,438 Mm-hmm. 762 00:47:37,522 --> 00:47:40,900 -They’re amazing, aren’t they? - Mmm. 763 00:47:40,984 --> 00:47:43,194 They live for a thousand years. 764 00:47:44,654 --> 00:47:46,155 Three hundred years to grow. 765 00:47:47,031 --> 00:47:48,616 Three hundred years to live. 766 00:47:49,450 --> 00:47:51,160 Three hundred years to die. 767 00:47:53,496 --> 00:47:55,248 Oh, that’ll do. - 768 00:47:55,331 --> 00:47:58,334 It looks lovely. Peter likes it now. 769 00:47:59,294 --> 00:48:01,796 -Don’t you, Peter? - 770 00:48:24,777 --> 00:48:26,279 Electricity. 771 00:48:28,197 --> 00:48:30,658 I feel electricity. 772 00:48:33,494 --> 00:48:34,829 Can you feel it? 773 00:48:45,465 --> 00:48:46,966 This is our place. 774 00:48:49,677 --> 00:48:51,429 This is where I’ll be, Louis. 775 00:48:52,639 --> 00:48:54,265 When you need me. 776 00:49:13,951 --> 00:49:15,953 Stuffed mouse for lunch, 777 00:49:16,037 --> 00:49:17,497 Mrs Wain? 778 00:49:19,499 --> 00:49:21,584 No, thank you, Peter. 779 00:49:21,668 --> 00:49:24,420 I’m not partial to mouse, personally. 780 00:49:25,254 --> 00:49:27,882 Sparrow pie? 781 00:49:29,550 --> 00:49:31,844 I don’t care for sparrow either, truth be told. 782 00:49:31,928 --> 00:49:34,555 -It’s a bit gristly. -Oh. 783 00:49:34,639 --> 00:49:37,892 -Perhaps a slice of... -Oh, could you stop it, please? 784 00:49:39,852 --> 00:49:42,480 I don’t have an appetite today. I’m a bit tired. 785 00:49:44,565 --> 00:49:45,608 What’s the matter? 786 00:49:48,111 --> 00:49:49,862 I have cancer, Louis. 787 00:49:51,406 --> 00:49:53,074 I’m in quite a lot of pain. 788 00:49:59,956 --> 00:50:01,249 Ready? 789 00:50:01,332 --> 00:50:03,584 That depends on what you’re about to show me. 790 00:50:03,668 --> 00:50:05,002 Ta-da! 791 00:50:10,842 --> 00:50:13,761 When did you do all this? Has Sir William seen these? 792 00:50:13,845 --> 00:50:16,180 Sir William hasn’t seen these. These are for you, Emily. 793 00:50:16,264 --> 00:50:18,015 -Well, you must show him. -Why? 794 00:50:18,099 --> 00:50:20,852 Sir William doesn’t care for Peter, does he, now? 795 00:50:20,935 --> 00:50:23,104 And besides, I shall be... 796 00:50:24,689 --> 00:50:29,068 I shall be spending more time with you while you’re still... 797 00:50:29,152 --> 00:50:30,862 I’m the one who’s ill, Louis. 798 00:50:32,071 --> 00:50:33,906 Don’t you start wallowing in it too. 799 00:50:39,537 --> 00:50:40,955 Sir William! 800 00:50:44,333 --> 00:50:46,919 Sir William! Whoo-oo! 801 00:50:51,090 --> 00:50:52,383 Sir William! 802 00:50:55,970 --> 00:50:58,181 Whoo-oo! Sir William! 803 00:51:01,142 --> 00:51:03,311 Whoo-oo! Sir William! 804 00:51:03,394 --> 00:51:04,520 Excuse me. 805 00:51:06,063 --> 00:51:07,440 Excuse me, sir. 806 00:51:07,523 --> 00:51:08,775 -Oi! -Whoo! 807 00:51:08,858 --> 00:51:11,360 Oi! Stop! 808 00:51:13,029 --> 00:51:14,530 -Oi! - 809 00:51:14,614 --> 00:51:17,033 This club’s for gentlemen only! 810 00:51:22,580 --> 00:51:26,083 I’m sorry she wasn’t allowed in, old boy. I did try. 811 00:51:27,585 --> 00:51:30,838 It wasn’t a very convincing disguise, was it? 812 00:51:33,925 --> 00:51:36,177 She should be at home resting. 813 00:51:40,890 --> 00:51:42,391 It was her idea. 814 00:51:47,063 --> 00:51:48,523 CATTY MEWS 815 00:51:48,606 --> 00:51:49,732 Hmm. 816 00:51:49,816 --> 00:51:50,817 MILK 817 00:51:53,569 --> 00:51:56,531 Very sorry if we’ve wasted your time, Sir William. 818 00:52:01,577 --> 00:52:02,787 Yes. 819 00:52:07,708 --> 00:52:12,088 I have two pages earmarked in the Christmas edition. 820 00:52:12,171 --> 00:52:14,799 Reserved for a bit of festive frivolity. 821 00:52:14,882 --> 00:52:17,301 Something to raise the spirits of our readers. 822 00:52:18,553 --> 00:52:21,764 I’d like you to fill them with cats. 823 00:52:22,765 --> 00:52:25,726 With... cats? 824 00:52:27,562 --> 00:52:30,398 Yes. With cats. 825 00:52:32,400 --> 00:52:34,443 Don’t you think perhaps a spread of silly dogs 826 00:52:34,527 --> 00:52:36,279 would be more appealing for your readership? 827 00:52:36,362 --> 00:52:37,947 I’ve seen dogs before. 828 00:52:38,030 --> 00:52:43,160 And you capture something of the cat, Louis. 829 00:52:43,244 --> 00:52:46,372 Perhaps because you yourself are a bit of a renegade. 830 00:52:46,455 --> 00:52:48,916 An outcast, dare I say. 831 00:52:51,335 --> 00:52:57,091 How you’ve managed to conjure images of such delight 832 00:52:57,842 --> 00:53:00,011 at such a dark time... 833 00:53:01,846 --> 00:53:03,347 I don’t know. 834 00:53:19,280 --> 00:53:20,448 Merry Christmas. 835 00:53:25,244 --> 00:53:27,496 Illustrated London News! 836 00:53:28,956 --> 00:53:31,167 Illustrated London News! 837 00:53:53,105 --> 00:53:54,732 Throughout history, 838 00:53:54,815 --> 00:53:57,944 cats have been worshipped as mystical gods 839 00:53:59,570 --> 00:54:03,324 and maligned as the evil allies of witchery and sin. 840 00:54:05,618 --> 00:54:08,871 But I think you’re the first person ever to see 841 00:54:08,955 --> 00:54:11,624 that they are in fact ridiculous. 842 00:54:14,001 --> 00:54:16,337 They’re silly and cuddly. 843 00:54:18,130 --> 00:54:19,382 And lonely. 844 00:54:20,716 --> 00:54:22,385 And frightened and brave. 845 00:54:24,261 --> 00:54:25,513 Like us. 846 00:54:30,351 --> 00:54:32,478 One day, I don’t think it’ll be so peculiar 847 00:54:32,561 --> 00:54:34,772 to have a cat in the house as a little pet. 848 00:54:45,116 --> 00:54:47,743 What’s going on in that funny little head of yours? 849 00:55:00,214 --> 00:55:01,507 Sometimes... 850 00:55:06,137 --> 00:55:08,431 I think about the day you won’t be here... 851 00:55:11,517 --> 00:55:12,685 and... 852 00:55:16,480 --> 00:55:18,065 I have to say, Emily, 853 00:55:18,149 --> 00:55:20,234 I find it intolerably difficult to imagine. 854 00:55:26,157 --> 00:55:27,992 I will be so very alone. 855 00:55:31,078 --> 00:55:32,830 You’ll be all right, Louis. 856 00:55:34,498 --> 00:55:35,833 You’ll have Peter. 857 00:55:43,007 --> 00:55:46,635 This time with you, Emily... 858 00:55:51,515 --> 00:55:54,643 playing with Peter in the evening, sitting by the fire... 859 00:55:58,564 --> 00:56:01,150 these have been the best days of my entire life. 860 00:56:05,613 --> 00:56:08,157 I don’t know why it is that I find it so very difficult 861 00:56:08,240 --> 00:56:12,078 just being here on this earth, but... 862 00:56:13,913 --> 00:56:15,915 I can say with absolute certainty 863 00:56:15,998 --> 00:56:20,169 that you have made it much, much better. 864 00:56:25,091 --> 00:56:27,051 You make the world beautiful... 865 00:56:30,387 --> 00:56:32,890 and warm and kind. 866 00:56:38,187 --> 00:56:41,440 I just wanted to say thank you for that before it’s too late. 867 00:56:47,029 --> 00:56:49,532 I don’t make the world beautiful, Louis. 868 00:56:52,535 --> 00:56:54,161 The world is beautiful. 869 00:56:56,872 --> 00:56:58,958 And you’ve helped me to see that too. 870 00:57:03,754 --> 00:57:05,089 Just remember... 871 00:57:07,591 --> 00:57:10,511 hmm, however hard things get... 872 00:57:13,180 --> 00:57:15,599 however much you feel like you’re struggling... 873 00:57:18,894 --> 00:57:21,021 the world is full of beauty. 874 00:57:24,608 --> 00:57:26,902 And it’s up to you to capture it, Louis. 875 00:57:28,904 --> 00:57:30,072 To look. 876 00:57:33,075 --> 00:57:35,786 And to share it with as many people as you can. 877 00:57:41,125 --> 00:57:42,626 You are a prism. 878 00:57:44,920 --> 00:57:47,506 Through which that beam of life refracts. 879 01:00:01,223 --> 01:00:03,183 Here we are. 880 01:00:03,267 --> 01:00:07,646 A special New Year’s breakfast for you today, Mrs Wain. 881 01:00:07,730 --> 01:00:09,523 Don’t worry, Peter. 882 01:00:09,606 --> 01:00:11,483 Yes, I haven’t forgotten about your eggs. 883 01:01:37,444 --> 01:01:38,612 Thank you. 884 01:02:06,390 --> 01:02:08,225 1891 885 01:02:08,308 --> 01:02:12,187 Louis Wain special in the Illustrated London News! 886 01:02:12,271 --> 01:02:15,816 Come and get it! Illustrated London News! 887 01:02:15,899 --> 01:02:17,776 In the years following, 888 01:02:17,860 --> 01:02:20,070 Louis buried the pain of his grief 889 01:02:20,154 --> 01:02:23,323 under a quite extraordinary quantity of cat pictures. 890 01:02:25,742 --> 01:02:27,744 Almost without realising, 891 01:02:27,828 --> 01:02:30,247 he had achieved an alarming degree of success 892 01:02:30,330 --> 01:02:32,624 and completely altered the public’s attitude 893 01:02:32,708 --> 01:02:34,293 towards the humble cat. 894 01:02:34,376 --> 01:02:36,879 Look! There he is! Louis Wain! 895 01:02:42,801 --> 01:02:45,929 Your cats have won you many fans, Wain. 896 01:02:46,013 --> 01:02:47,639 Congratulations. 897 01:02:47,723 --> 01:02:50,517 He says thank you, but go easy on the sherry. 898 01:02:50,601 --> 01:02:53,187 You don’t mind if I work for other people, do you? 899 01:02:53,270 --> 01:02:55,147 That’s the cheek 900 01:02:55,230 --> 01:02:57,608 that’s catapulted you to fame, my boy. 901 01:02:57,691 --> 01:03:00,319 Oh, we’ve had a telegram from Miss Judith Shenton 902 01:03:00,402 --> 01:03:02,070 of the National Cat Club. 903 01:03:02,154 --> 01:03:03,906 They’re having a kind of cat competition 904 01:03:03,989 --> 01:03:05,532 and would like you to judge it. 905 01:03:05,616 --> 01:03:07,326 It’s so wonderful to meet 906 01:03:07,409 --> 01:03:09,161 a kindred spirit, Mr Wain. 907 01:03:09,244 --> 01:03:12,498 I’ve heard even gentry are keeping cats as pets now. 908 01:03:12,581 --> 01:03:14,791 -Hmm. -And so handsome too. 909 01:03:14,875 --> 01:03:17,878 I’m just astonished at your level of knowledge, I really am. 910 01:03:17,961 --> 01:03:21,215 Although I must admit, I don’t fully understand your theory 911 01:03:21,298 --> 01:03:23,217 about cats preferring to face north. 912 01:03:23,300 --> 01:03:25,594 Cats will always prefer to face and walk north, 913 01:03:25,677 --> 01:03:27,304 especially along a wall, you will notice. 914 01:03:27,387 --> 01:03:29,014 Their whiskers act as antennae, 915 01:03:29,097 --> 01:03:31,225 attracted to the positive poles of the earth. 916 01:03:31,308 --> 01:03:32,809 The tabby’s markings are defined 917 01:03:32,893 --> 01:03:34,811 by the electricity of their feline heritage. 918 01:03:34,895 --> 01:03:36,522 This particular animal might have had 919 01:03:36,605 --> 01:03:39,024 a great-grandmother that was struck by lightning, 920 01:03:39,107 --> 01:03:41,318 so defined are the markings by the jaggedy lines. 921 01:03:41,401 --> 01:03:44,530 -Fascinating. -Electricity. From the head. 922 01:03:44,613 --> 01:03:47,115 Right down the body to the tail. 923 01:03:47,199 --> 01:03:49,159 Cats are excellent conductors of electricity. 924 01:03:49,243 --> 01:03:50,702 Their features are already changing 925 01:03:50,786 --> 01:03:52,663 as they become more domesticated and intelligent. 926 01:03:52,746 --> 01:03:54,331 Their eyes will become larger, their heads bigger 927 01:03:54,414 --> 01:03:55,791 as their brains grow in size. 928 01:03:55,874 --> 01:03:57,209 They will turn blue. 929 01:03:57,292 --> 01:03:59,294 Eventually, they will stand on their own hind legs 930 01:03:59,378 --> 01:04:01,004 and communicate to us in our own language. 931 01:04:01,088 --> 01:04:03,840 Gosh. I’d no idea it was so complicated. 932 01:04:03,924 --> 01:04:05,634 Did you say that they would turn blue? 933 01:04:05,717 --> 01:04:08,470 -Yes. Of course. -Wow. 934 01:04:08,554 --> 01:04:11,056 Well, Mr Wain, thanks to you, 935 01:04:11,139 --> 01:04:13,267 us cat people are out of the shadows 936 01:04:13,350 --> 01:04:15,769 and finally able to celebrate in the open 937 01:04:15,852 --> 01:04:17,604 with our feline children. 938 01:04:17,688 --> 01:04:19,022 I’d like to thank you. 939 01:04:19,106 --> 01:04:20,482 Oh, sorry. 940 01:04:20,566 --> 01:04:22,150 Yep. Arm in. 941 01:04:23,777 --> 01:04:26,780 The new president of the National Cat Club. 942 01:04:26,863 --> 01:04:28,198 Is that what it says? 943 01:04:29,241 --> 01:04:32,995 NATIONAL CAT CLUB DEPTFORD LONDON 944 01:04:47,384 --> 01:04:49,678 I assumed you’d been spending it all on frivolous luxuries. 945 01:04:49,761 --> 01:04:51,179 ’Cause you’ve forgotten about your family. 946 01:04:51,263 --> 01:04:53,432 Yet here you are living in squalor and chaos! 947 01:04:53,515 --> 01:04:56,101 -Don’t shout, Caroline! -I am not shouting, Claire! 948 01:04:56,184 --> 01:04:57,894 I’m explaining to him with force. 949 01:04:57,978 --> 01:05:00,772 There’s a cadaver now. It’s eating a hawk. 950 01:05:00,856 --> 01:05:02,357 Where has it all gone? 951 01:05:02,441 --> 01:05:04,860 We’re in huge amounts of debt. 952 01:05:04,943 --> 01:05:06,820 It’s really starting to affect Mother’s health. 953 01:05:06,903 --> 01:05:09,573 -Where has it all gone? -I didn’t copyright the images. 954 01:05:10,574 --> 01:05:11,992 Oh, my God. 955 01:05:14,036 --> 01:05:16,246 -Oh, my God, help us, please. -What does that mean? 956 01:05:16,330 --> 01:05:18,540 It means people have been reprinting his pictures 957 01:05:18,624 --> 01:05:20,667 all over the country and he hasn’t seen a penny. 958 01:05:20,751 --> 01:05:23,045 Which explains why he is living rather like a pig. 959 01:05:23,128 --> 01:05:24,880 The stench is quite unbearable. 960 01:05:24,963 --> 01:05:27,132 Some of the originals I have exchanged in place of money. 961 01:05:27,215 --> 01:05:28,925 So, in fact, they’ve become 962 01:05:29,009 --> 01:05:30,802 a sort of currency in themselves. 963 01:05:30,886 --> 01:05:33,680 I gave the barber, well, a handful of dancing cats, 964 01:05:33,764 --> 01:05:35,932 and now I have free haircuts for the rest of my life. 965 01:05:36,016 --> 01:05:37,601 You’re not a child, Louis! 966 01:05:38,810 --> 01:05:40,312 You’re the man. 967 01:05:43,023 --> 01:05:44,316 You’re a man. 968 01:05:46,401 --> 01:05:48,487 Our parents worked hard for our reputation. 969 01:05:48,570 --> 01:05:50,864 They worked hard to build a fortune for their children, 970 01:05:50,947 --> 01:05:55,452 and you have squandered it on wretched cats! 971 01:05:55,535 --> 01:05:58,830 And on a wilful, doomed, tainted romance. 972 01:05:58,914 --> 01:06:01,458 You’ve destroyed our family with your selfishness 973 01:06:01,541 --> 01:06:03,960 and you continue with your childish delusions 974 01:06:04,044 --> 01:06:05,796 which conspire to keep us all in penury. 975 01:06:05,879 --> 01:06:08,632 The indignity that we’ve suffered at your hands, Louis. 976 01:06:08,715 --> 01:06:11,134 -I didn’t do it on purpose. -You didn’t do what on purpose? 977 01:06:11,218 --> 01:06:13,053 You didn’t get married on purpose? 978 01:06:25,273 --> 01:06:27,609 No one told me I needed to copyright the images. 979 01:06:27,693 --> 01:06:29,778 What about Sir William? He should have advised you. 980 01:06:29,861 --> 01:06:31,822 I haven’t seen Sir William for some time now. 981 01:06:31,905 --> 01:06:34,533 -I am working for other people. -We don’t have any money, Louis. 982 01:06:34,616 --> 01:06:36,326 And poor Marie... 983 01:06:41,665 --> 01:06:42,749 What? 984 01:06:44,084 --> 01:06:45,085 What? 985 01:06:45,877 --> 01:06:47,170 Just tell him. 986 01:06:49,923 --> 01:06:51,299 What has happened? 987 01:06:56,138 --> 01:06:57,889 They hate me, Louis. 988 01:06:57,973 --> 01:06:59,850 They’re plotting. They’re going to murder me. 989 01:06:59,933 --> 01:07:02,394 -We’re not going to murder you. -Liar! 990 01:07:02,477 --> 01:07:05,480 They’re going to throw me out because I had relations. 991 01:07:05,564 --> 01:07:07,774 I had relations in the graveyard. 992 01:07:08,734 --> 01:07:10,110 And we laughed. 993 01:07:12,028 --> 01:07:15,031 They’re just jealous because I saw heaven. 994 01:07:15,115 --> 01:07:17,826 And that’s why I’ve got the leprosy as punishment. 995 01:07:18,744 --> 01:07:20,370 They’re all spinsters. 996 01:07:20,454 --> 01:07:23,957 They say it’s your fault. Because of Miss Richardson. 997 01:07:25,208 --> 01:07:27,252 But it’s because they’re ugly 998 01:07:27,335 --> 01:07:29,671 and they lie and plot and scheme. 999 01:07:29,755 --> 01:07:32,674 Marie, why don’t you come and stay with me? 1000 01:07:32,758 --> 01:07:36,136 -And you can play with the cats. -No, no, no, no, not cats. 1001 01:07:36,219 --> 01:07:38,305 They’re poisonous and they’ve got diseases. 1002 01:07:38,388 --> 01:07:40,515 And I’ve already got leprosy. 1003 01:07:40,599 --> 01:07:43,185 Get it off me, Louis! Get it off me! 1004 01:07:43,268 --> 01:07:47,147 Get it off me! Get it off me! 1005 01:07:47,230 --> 01:07:49,483 It’s going to be okay. We’re all here for you. 1006 01:07:49,566 --> 01:07:52,027 After a local doctor’s tentative diagnosis 1007 01:07:52,110 --> 01:07:53,820 of schizophrenia, 1008 01:07:53,904 --> 01:07:56,281 the Wain family had done everything they could 1009 01:07:56,364 --> 01:07:58,074 for poor Marie. 1010 01:07:58,158 --> 01:08:00,410 But Louis was at a loss, 1011 01:08:00,494 --> 01:08:03,121 and so he went to an old friend for advice. 1012 01:08:03,205 --> 01:08:05,665 THE ILLUSTRATED LONDON NEWS 1013 01:08:05,749 --> 01:08:07,667 I have a series of properties 1014 01:08:07,751 --> 01:08:09,711 in the village of Westgate-on-Sea. 1015 01:08:09,795 --> 01:08:11,379 They’re quite habitable 1016 01:08:11,463 --> 01:08:13,799 and you’re welcome to stay there for as long as you like, 1017 01:08:13,882 --> 01:08:16,301 at a reduced rate, on one condition. 1018 01:08:17,803 --> 01:08:21,681 -You take your family with you. -I... 1019 01:08:21,765 --> 01:08:23,475 I couldn’t possibly, Sir William. 1020 01:08:24,893 --> 01:08:27,103 Especially after I’ve been so callously unloyal. 1021 01:08:29,815 --> 01:08:33,151 I have plenty of illustrators on my books, Mr Wain. 1022 01:08:33,235 --> 01:08:36,863 -Don’t flatter yourself. -Why, then, Sir William? 1023 01:08:40,075 --> 01:08:43,995 Because in spite of your rather irregular temperament 1024 01:08:44,079 --> 01:08:47,666 and nigglingly peculiar foibles, 1025 01:08:47,749 --> 01:08:50,085 in this occasionally bleak world, 1026 01:08:50,168 --> 01:08:53,004 you have shown a resilience that I admire. 1027 01:08:53,088 --> 01:08:54,965 And if you must know, 1028 01:08:55,048 --> 01:08:57,634 you’ve brought me rather a lot of cheer with your pictures. 1029 01:08:57,717 --> 01:08:59,010 Of cats? 1030 01:08:59,970 --> 01:09:01,304 Mmm. 1031 01:09:01,388 --> 01:09:03,306 But they’re not just cats, are they? 1032 01:09:05,016 --> 01:09:07,102 You are a brave soul, Louis, 1033 01:09:07,185 --> 01:09:09,062 but you can’t do all this on your own. 1034 01:09:09,145 --> 01:09:12,774 It sounds to me like Marie needs a change of scenery. 1035 01:09:12,858 --> 01:09:16,236 Fresh clothes, proper food, brisk walks. 1036 01:09:22,367 --> 01:09:24,744 -Thank you. Just in there. -Yes, sir. 1037 01:09:24,828 --> 01:09:27,539 Louis! -Hello! Hello! Hello! 1038 01:09:27,622 --> 01:09:31,084 -It’s wonderful, Louis. -Welcome to Bendigo Lodge. 1039 01:09:31,167 --> 01:09:32,586 BENDIGO LODGE 1040 01:09:35,255 --> 01:09:37,132 Caroline, welcome. 1041 01:09:37,215 --> 01:09:38,758 Louis, it’s lovely. 1042 01:09:40,510 --> 01:09:42,888 Welcome to Bendigo Lodge, Mother. 1043 01:09:42,971 --> 01:09:44,639 Ooh, Bendigo. - Bendigo. 1044 01:09:44,723 --> 01:09:45,974 It’s perfect. 1045 01:10:02,824 --> 01:10:06,786 Bless us, oh, Lord, for these, thy gifts, 1046 01:10:06,870 --> 01:10:09,831 which we are about to receive from thy bounty... 1047 01:10:09,915 --> 01:10:12,667 Well done, Peter. You show them how to eat. 1048 01:10:12,751 --> 01:10:15,587 Very good manners. Nina, try and slow down a little bit. 1049 01:10:15,670 --> 01:10:17,839 You’re terribly tiny to be eating that much so quickly. 1050 01:10:17,923 --> 01:10:19,341 Pass me your plate. 1051 01:10:22,177 --> 01:10:23,637 Felicie, plate. 1052 01:10:24,471 --> 01:10:27,223 That’s it. Well done. 1053 01:10:29,309 --> 01:10:31,144 We could go and walk tomorrow, 1054 01:10:31,227 --> 01:10:33,813 wear our nice clothes and smile at men. 1055 01:10:33,897 --> 01:10:35,941 They’ll run away. - Run away? 1056 01:10:36,024 --> 01:10:38,068 I don’t want to run away. We just got here. 1057 01:10:38,151 --> 01:10:40,403 So what are we looking for, then? 1058 01:10:40,487 --> 01:10:42,405 A writer. - Oh, no. 1059 01:10:42,489 --> 01:10:44,532 Who writes for the newspaper. 1060 01:10:44,616 --> 01:10:46,493 No. A doctor. 1061 01:10:46,576 --> 01:10:48,578 I would like dark hair. 1062 01:10:48,662 --> 01:10:50,246 Dark hair. - Blond. 1063 01:10:50,330 --> 01:10:52,499 Oh, no. Untrustworthy. 1064 01:10:57,128 --> 01:11:00,757 Give me the pillow, Josephine! 1065 01:11:05,345 --> 01:11:08,181 I think for you still it’s better beside your legs. 1066 01:11:08,264 --> 01:11:09,516 That was good. 1067 01:11:09,599 --> 01:11:11,643 Triumph. I get another go. 1068 01:11:12,852 --> 01:11:14,688 Shall we shell? - 1069 01:11:18,149 --> 01:11:19,859 -Some plates. -Bravo. 1070 01:11:19,943 --> 01:11:22,028 -They’re a little fancy. -Ooh. 1071 01:11:22,112 --> 01:11:24,239 Yes, don’t drop them, please. 1072 01:11:24,322 --> 01:11:26,616 Felicie, did you see a better knife than this? 1073 01:11:26,700 --> 01:11:29,369 Why? -’Cause this one’s dreadful. 1074 01:11:29,452 --> 01:11:31,246 All right. 1075 01:11:31,329 --> 01:11:32,914 Or a sharpener. 1076 01:11:34,416 --> 01:11:36,334 I’ll go and get the pie. 1077 01:12:13,329 --> 01:12:16,207 IN NURSERYLAND WITH LOUIS WAIN 1078 01:12:16,291 --> 01:12:18,293 THE LOUIS WAIN NURSERY BOOK 1079 01:12:19,836 --> 01:12:21,921 DADDY CAT LOUIS WAIN 1080 01:12:45,028 --> 01:12:46,529 Louis? 1081 01:12:50,658 --> 01:12:53,328 It’s all right. Not long now, Peter. 1082 01:12:55,330 --> 01:12:58,041 Where are we going? 1083 01:13:05,715 --> 01:13:07,801 Where are we going? 1084 01:13:09,719 --> 01:13:11,596 I think we should stop quite soon. 1085 01:13:11,679 --> 01:13:14,224 Are you tired? - I’m quite tired. 1086 01:13:21,272 --> 01:13:22,899 Louis? 1087 01:13:22,982 --> 01:13:24,150 -Lunch. -Come. 1088 01:13:24,234 --> 01:13:25,819 -Come and eat. -Come. 1089 01:13:27,946 --> 01:13:30,824 I think he’s trying to divert the electricity. 1090 01:13:30,907 --> 01:13:33,118 Oh, that again. 1091 01:13:48,007 --> 01:13:49,676 I’m scared, Louis. 1092 01:13:54,264 --> 01:13:55,515 Me too. 1093 01:14:02,689 --> 01:14:04,774 1900 1094 01:14:04,858 --> 01:14:07,819 Get off me! Get off me! 1095 01:14:07,902 --> 01:14:09,737 No, I said, get off! 1096 01:14:10,655 --> 01:14:12,365 Let go of me! 1097 01:14:12,448 --> 01:14:14,534 His sisters went several years more 1098 01:14:14,617 --> 01:14:17,245 without finding a single suitor, 1099 01:14:17,328 --> 01:14:20,206 and in spite of Sir William’s cheery prognosis, 1100 01:14:20,290 --> 01:14:22,834 Marie’s condition did not improve. 1101 01:14:22,917 --> 01:14:24,919 -Dr Elphick. -Miss Wain. 1102 01:14:28,173 --> 01:14:31,509 After the catastrophic marriage of their only son, 1103 01:14:31,593 --> 01:14:33,678 the fact that one of their number 1104 01:14:33,761 --> 01:14:36,556 was now officially a raving lunatic 1105 01:14:36,639 --> 01:14:40,018 did nothing to help the family’s social status. 1106 01:14:40,101 --> 01:14:42,228 -Thank you, Doctor. -All the best. 1107 01:14:47,609 --> 01:14:52,447 And then, his great teacher and best friend, 1108 01:14:52,530 --> 01:14:55,950 his dear old Peter, passed away. 1109 01:15:07,503 --> 01:15:10,423 Like a frenzied bat in a burning oven, 1110 01:15:10,506 --> 01:15:14,010 Louis’ heart was a screaming, flapping mess. 1111 01:15:14,093 --> 01:15:16,930 He wept without ceasing for several years, 1112 01:15:17,013 --> 01:15:18,932 but at the same time, 1113 01:15:19,015 --> 01:15:22,518 he was overtaken by an extraordinary new discovery, 1114 01:15:23,770 --> 01:15:25,939 that the more intensely he suffered, 1115 01:15:26,022 --> 01:15:28,775 the more beautiful his work became. 1116 01:15:28,858 --> 01:15:31,152 He realised that the memories he still held 1117 01:15:31,236 --> 01:15:34,155 of his dear wife, Emily, and darling Peter 1118 01:15:34,239 --> 01:15:36,074 had become powerful conductors 1119 01:15:36,157 --> 01:15:39,661 of that mysterious electricity in the atmosphere 1120 01:15:39,744 --> 01:15:42,538 that he had so far been unable to harness. 1121 01:16:46,811 --> 01:16:48,438 -Mr Wain? - Hmm? 1122 01:16:48,521 --> 01:16:50,606 Are you aware of the reason I’ve been summoned? 1123 01:16:50,690 --> 01:16:52,150 I assume it’s to inform us 1124 01:16:52,233 --> 01:16:54,068 on how Marie is doing in the asylum. 1125 01:16:54,152 --> 01:16:56,779 That or to conduct a study on the neural evolution of my cats. 1126 01:16:56,863 --> 01:16:59,907 Bridget’s already halfway to talking. Aren’t you, Bridget? 1127 01:16:59,991 --> 01:17:03,453 I’m afraid not, Mr Wain. Although since you ask, 1128 01:17:03,536 --> 01:17:05,580 Marie seems to be coping much better of late. 1129 01:17:05,663 --> 01:17:07,206 I’m very glad to hear it. 1130 01:17:07,290 --> 01:17:09,042 I have been working on a psychiatric patent 1131 01:17:09,125 --> 01:17:10,752 that I meant to show you. 1132 01:17:10,835 --> 01:17:13,212 -It’s for an electric suit. -An electric suit? 1133 01:17:13,296 --> 01:17:15,298 Full body suit. Made of copper and silken steel. 1134 01:17:15,381 --> 01:17:17,300 Attached to a large mechanical motor 1135 01:17:17,383 --> 01:17:18,968 that transmits a positive current 1136 01:17:19,052 --> 01:17:20,970 through the nervous system and into the brain, 1137 01:17:21,054 --> 01:17:22,680 thus curing the patient of all harmful thoughts 1138 01:17:22,764 --> 01:17:24,349 and eradicating their lunacies entirely. 1139 01:17:24,432 --> 01:17:26,100 Would you care to take a look at it? 1140 01:17:26,184 --> 01:17:28,686 -No, thank you, Mr Wain. -That’s a shame. 1141 01:17:28,770 --> 01:17:30,396 I think there’s a very high chance 1142 01:17:30,480 --> 01:17:32,690 that it could cure Marie entirely of her sickness. 1143 01:17:34,817 --> 01:17:36,778 I’ve been called here, Mr Wain, 1144 01:17:36,861 --> 01:17:39,822 because your sister Caroline is concerned for your health. 1145 01:17:39,906 --> 01:17:42,367 My health? Why would she be concerned about my health? 1146 01:17:42,450 --> 01:17:44,702 It’s not just Caroline who is concerned, Louis. 1147 01:17:44,786 --> 01:17:46,579 I understand you’re planning a trip, Mr Wain? 1148 01:17:46,662 --> 01:17:48,331 Indeed. I have sent 1149 01:17:48,414 --> 01:17:50,416 some colourful missives to several publications, 1150 01:17:50,500 --> 01:17:51,918 including some new examples. 1151 01:17:52,001 --> 01:17:54,128 More electrically influenced samplings. 1152 01:17:54,212 --> 01:17:57,173 I’m happy to say the great William Hearst 1153 01:17:57,256 --> 01:17:59,884 of the New York American has offered me a full-time post 1154 01:17:59,967 --> 01:18:01,886 as their cartoonist at a considerable fee. 1155 01:18:01,969 --> 01:18:04,722 Why do you have to go to New York? It’s too far. 1156 01:18:04,806 --> 01:18:06,349 Over 3,000 miles. 1157 01:18:06,432 --> 01:18:08,351 Because, as you are all so keen to remind me, 1158 01:18:08,434 --> 01:18:09,977 we are lacking in funds at the minute. 1159 01:18:10,061 --> 01:18:12,438 This is not our house. We are in debt. 1160 01:18:12,522 --> 01:18:14,065 And for a variety of reasons 1161 01:18:14,148 --> 01:18:15,817 that we are very well acquainted with, 1162 01:18:15,900 --> 01:18:19,320 my work is currently of little value on these shores. 1163 01:18:19,404 --> 01:18:21,364 What’s more, the people of America 1164 01:18:21,447 --> 01:18:23,825 are light years behind in their attitude towards cats. 1165 01:18:23,908 --> 01:18:25,535 I assume you’ve been reading about Roosevelt 1166 01:18:25,618 --> 01:18:27,703 and his Gentlemen’s Agreement with the people of Japan. 1167 01:18:27,787 --> 01:18:29,080 Japanese children will now be taught 1168 01:18:29,163 --> 01:18:31,040 in the same school as their American compatriots 1169 01:18:31,124 --> 01:18:32,750 and their immigrant parents can freely roam 1170 01:18:32,834 --> 01:18:34,877 in the streets of America, but can their cats? 1171 01:18:34,961 --> 01:18:37,213 I have helped this country a great deal in this regard. 1172 01:18:37,296 --> 01:18:39,006 Now I must help the cats of America. 1173 01:18:39,090 --> 01:18:41,217 For better or worse, Dr Elphick, I am a prism 1174 01:18:41,300 --> 01:18:43,386 and a transformative funnel for negative electricity. 1175 01:18:43,469 --> 01:18:44,720 In these tumultuous times, 1176 01:18:44,804 --> 01:18:46,431 I want to make the people of America smile. 1177 01:18:46,514 --> 01:18:48,057 I’ve never seen an American smile in my life. 1178 01:18:48,141 --> 01:18:49,475 You have never seen an American. 1179 01:18:49,559 --> 01:18:50,768 It’s time to change that. 1180 01:18:50,852 --> 01:18:52,186 The only reason that you are here 1181 01:18:52,270 --> 01:18:53,688 is my sister has summoned you 1182 01:18:53,771 --> 01:18:55,189 because she is extremely jealous 1183 01:18:55,273 --> 01:18:56,941 and has been since I was 12 years old 1184 01:18:57,024 --> 01:18:59,610 and will do anything to prevent me reaching my full potential. 1185 01:19:01,404 --> 01:19:05,283 Mr Wain, there is no question that you are delusional. 1186 01:19:05,366 --> 01:19:07,034 But mere delusions of grandeur 1187 01:19:07,118 --> 01:19:09,412 are not sufficient reason to commit you to hospital. 1188 01:19:09,495 --> 01:19:12,957 I would quite strongly advise against your trip to New York. 1189 01:19:13,040 --> 01:19:14,834 I’d suggest you stay here to rest, 1190 01:19:14,917 --> 01:19:16,586 gain a little perspective 1191 01:19:16,669 --> 01:19:19,130 before you proceed to the next chapter of your life. 1192 01:19:19,213 --> 01:19:20,840 But ultimately, the choice is yours. 1193 01:19:37,231 --> 01:19:40,234 You can run away from your family, Louis. 1194 01:19:42,069 --> 01:19:44,322 You cannot run away from your grief. 1195 01:19:47,158 --> 01:19:48,951 It trails you. 1196 01:19:50,369 --> 01:19:52,705 Like a violent shadow. 1197 01:20:01,255 --> 01:20:05,843 1907 1198 01:20:16,479 --> 01:20:18,397 You, sir, you seem like the kind of man 1199 01:20:18,481 --> 01:20:20,107 who wants to keep up with the times. 1200 01:20:20,191 --> 01:20:21,817 The New York Times. 1201 01:20:49,512 --> 01:20:51,055 Chateau Guiraud. Hurry up. 1202 01:20:51,138 --> 01:20:52,223 Yes, sir, yes. 1203 01:20:52,306 --> 01:20:54,225 Upon arriving in New York, 1204 01:20:54,308 --> 01:20:56,894 Louis was immediately struck by a palpable difference 1205 01:20:56,978 --> 01:20:59,647 in the material content of the atmosphere. 1206 01:20:59,730 --> 01:21:02,233 It was clear that this was a city 1207 01:21:02,316 --> 01:21:04,860 with an enormous surfeit of electrical energy. 1208 01:21:04,944 --> 01:21:06,612 Get those drinks to table nine now. 1209 01:21:06,696 --> 01:21:07,697 Yes, sir. 1210 01:21:08,990 --> 01:21:11,450 Every cat fancier knows puss loves nothing more 1211 01:21:11,534 --> 01:21:13,411 than to sit on a piece of brown paper. 1212 01:21:13,494 --> 01:21:16,497 Cats are aware of the dangers of electrical rheumatism, 1213 01:21:16,581 --> 01:21:18,916 and of course if you ever need to punish a cat, 1214 01:21:19,000 --> 01:21:21,627 you could just crumple the paper to make the sound of thunder. 1215 01:21:21,711 --> 01:21:24,255 -Do cats get rheumatism? -Yes, of course, Miss Simmonds. 1216 01:21:24,338 --> 01:21:28,759 Mr Wain, we have been showing your cat pictures to our staff. 1217 01:21:28,843 --> 01:21:31,220 They’ve been laughing. They’ve been smiling. 1218 01:21:31,304 --> 01:21:33,222 Tell him, Alicia. Tell him I’m not lying. 1219 01:21:33,306 --> 01:21:36,225 One of our typists, she took some your pictures to her kids 1220 01:21:36,309 --> 01:21:38,561 and she said that they were running about 1221 01:21:38,644 --> 01:21:41,188 on their hands and knees, pretending to be cats. 1222 01:21:41,272 --> 01:21:43,941 Pretending to be cats! How cute! 1223 01:21:44,025 --> 01:21:47,028 And asking to have cats for their birthday. 1224 01:21:47,111 --> 01:21:49,488 We’re gonna get you out there. You’re a personality. 1225 01:21:49,572 --> 01:21:53,618 Wouldn’t you say, Alicia, honey? You’re Mr Cat. 1226 01:21:53,701 --> 01:21:55,411 -You’re Cat Man. - Cat Man. 1227 01:21:55,494 --> 01:21:57,830 -He’s Cat Man. -Cat Man. 1228 01:21:57,913 --> 01:22:00,291 I think that has a certain ring to it. 1229 01:22:01,667 --> 01:22:04,128 But I like Louis Wain. 1230 01:22:05,212 --> 01:22:07,340 I think that has a certain ring to it too. 1231 01:22:10,176 --> 01:22:12,094 Can I ask you a question, Mr Wain? 1232 01:22:13,137 --> 01:22:14,597 Why cats? 1233 01:22:32,448 --> 01:22:34,533 Just remember, 1234 01:22:34,617 --> 01:22:36,452 however hard things get, 1235 01:22:36,535 --> 01:22:39,163 however much you feel like you’re struggling... 1236 01:22:40,289 --> 01:22:42,625 the world is full of beauty. 1237 01:22:44,210 --> 01:22:46,462 And it’s up to you to capture it, Louis. 1238 01:22:47,755 --> 01:22:49,632 To look. 1239 01:22:49,715 --> 01:22:52,635 And to share it with as many people as you can. 1240 01:23:06,649 --> 01:23:08,192 You all right, Mr Wain? 1241 01:23:09,610 --> 01:23:12,196 Her whispers come in the leafy tickle of the wind, 1242 01:23:12,279 --> 01:23:16,409 or the wet crackle of the electric rain. 1243 01:23:16,492 --> 01:23:18,661 And at night, I turn the dial of the wireless, 1244 01:23:18,744 --> 01:23:21,330 hoping to catch clues in the atmospheric electricity 1245 01:23:21,414 --> 01:23:23,165 that comes from the afterlife. 1246 01:23:23,249 --> 01:23:26,127 How to continue with this crusade? 1247 01:23:26,210 --> 01:23:29,171 For it was Emily who first taught me 1248 01:23:29,255 --> 01:23:31,048 the true nature of cats. 1249 01:23:32,174 --> 01:23:33,801 The true value of cats. 1250 01:23:33,884 --> 01:23:35,469 It is only through understanding cats, 1251 01:23:35,553 --> 01:23:37,304 how they are misunderstood and mistreated, 1252 01:23:37,388 --> 01:23:39,473 for no other reason than simple blind prejudice, 1253 01:23:39,557 --> 01:23:42,309 that I came to understand human beings. 1254 01:23:43,644 --> 01:23:46,856 How we are all corrupted by a foul form of electricity. 1255 01:23:46,939 --> 01:23:48,899 And it is only through the work 1256 01:23:48,983 --> 01:23:51,026 of those who have the transformative gift 1257 01:23:51,110 --> 01:23:53,654 that we can defeat it. 1258 01:23:53,738 --> 01:23:57,324 Without change, we are a fallen species with no future, 1259 01:23:57,408 --> 01:24:00,745 an animal whose only instinct is to destroy! 1260 01:24:01,871 --> 01:24:03,622 Dear Louis. 1261 01:24:03,706 --> 01:24:07,710 After a long and valiant struggle with the influenza, 1262 01:24:07,793 --> 01:24:11,005 our mother passed away at 11:36 this morning. 1263 01:24:13,507 --> 01:24:17,219 Even in her dying weeks, she lived at her own rhythm, 1264 01:24:17,303 --> 01:24:19,764 and regaled us with stories about our father 1265 01:24:19,847 --> 01:24:22,308 and their time together as young lovers in London. 1266 01:24:23,642 --> 01:24:27,271 She spoke of how dearly she had missed you 1267 01:24:27,354 --> 01:24:29,815 but understood that you had gone on your trip 1268 01:24:29,899 --> 01:24:32,485 for the good of the family. 1269 01:24:32,568 --> 01:24:35,404 I hadn’t shared with her the truth about our finances. 1270 01:24:37,281 --> 01:24:40,326 But, Louis, I’m writing to you now 1271 01:24:40,409 --> 01:24:42,703 because I want you to come home. 1272 01:24:44,330 --> 01:24:46,290 I know we’ve had our differences, 1273 01:24:46,373 --> 01:24:48,000 but we’re getting old. 1274 01:24:50,002 --> 01:24:53,547 And you’ve been too far away for too long. 1275 01:24:53,631 --> 01:24:55,299 Meow. Ha, ha, ha. 1276 01:24:55,382 --> 01:24:57,718 Your sister, Caroline. 1277 01:24:57,802 --> 01:24:59,303 It’s funny. It’s funny. 1278 01:25:26,038 --> 01:25:28,082 Hello? 1279 01:25:28,165 --> 01:25:30,626 Let me out! 1280 01:25:30,709 --> 01:25:32,878 It’s not safe! 1281 01:25:49,019 --> 01:25:51,939 Help! We’re... We’re sinking! We’re sinking! 1282 01:25:52,022 --> 01:25:54,149 Help me, please! 1283 01:25:54,233 --> 01:25:59,238 Please, help me! Help me! Help me! 1284 01:25:59,321 --> 01:26:01,448 Please! Please! 1285 01:26:01,532 --> 01:26:03,617 Mummy! Daddy! 1286 01:26:03,701 --> 01:26:07,997 Help me! Help me! Help me! 1287 01:26:08,080 --> 01:26:10,082 Help me! 1288 01:26:22,511 --> 01:26:23,596 Just remember... 1289 01:26:38,444 --> 01:26:40,112 Just remember... 1290 01:26:41,113 --> 01:26:42,740 Mummy! 1291 01:26:44,241 --> 01:26:45,659 Daddy! 1292 01:26:48,454 --> 01:26:52,499 Help me! Please! 1293 01:26:54,168 --> 01:26:57,713 I’m drowning! 1294 01:27:08,641 --> 01:27:13,729 1914 1295 01:27:43,175 --> 01:27:45,260 You would be excused for hoping 1296 01:27:45,344 --> 01:27:49,223 that this is where Mr Wain’s fortunes would change. 1297 01:27:49,306 --> 01:27:53,268 But, alas, a few years after the death of his mother, 1298 01:27:53,352 --> 01:27:57,189 poor Marie was also taken by the dreaded influenza. 1299 01:27:59,066 --> 01:28:01,694 While the creaking heart of his friend and mentor, 1300 01:28:01,777 --> 01:28:03,904 the generous Sir William Ingram, 1301 01:28:03,988 --> 01:28:06,448 finally gave in to his gout. 1302 01:28:07,658 --> 01:28:09,535 Louis had continued to display 1303 01:28:09,618 --> 01:28:11,829 a woeful lack of financial acumen, 1304 01:28:11,912 --> 01:28:13,872 and the family sank ever deeper 1305 01:28:13,956 --> 01:28:15,916 in the quicksand of their debts. 1306 01:28:20,838 --> 01:28:23,257 And then, when attempting one day 1307 01:28:23,340 --> 01:28:25,300 to dismount from a moving omnibus, 1308 01:28:25,384 --> 01:28:28,637 he fell head first into a profound coma 1309 01:28:28,721 --> 01:28:32,307 and saw a vision of the year 1999. 1310 01:28:47,531 --> 01:28:50,534 To everyone’s surprise, his lucky futurist cats 1311 01:28:50,617 --> 01:28:52,369 were a great success 1312 01:28:52,453 --> 01:28:55,581 and orders were made all across Europe. 1313 01:28:55,664 --> 01:28:57,166 But, at the same time, 1314 01:28:57,249 --> 01:28:59,460 negative electricity around the globe 1315 01:28:59,543 --> 01:29:01,587 had risen to a critical level 1316 01:29:01,670 --> 01:29:04,506 and military tensions blistered into a state of war. 1317 01:29:08,093 --> 01:29:10,763 He had worked tirelessly for several months, 1318 01:29:10,846 --> 01:29:13,265 but almost all of his cargo was destroyed 1319 01:29:13,348 --> 01:29:16,143 by a German U-boat in the North Sea. 1320 01:29:16,226 --> 01:29:18,145 A number of British cargo ships 1321 01:29:18,228 --> 01:29:20,147 have been sunk by German submarines, 1322 01:29:20,230 --> 01:29:22,191 leaving thousands of pounds worth of merchandise 1323 01:29:22,274 --> 01:29:24,818 to rest at the bottom of the North Sea. 1324 01:29:24,902 --> 01:29:26,945 Initial reports imply that these vessels 1325 01:29:27,029 --> 01:29:28,864 were caught in a crossfire... 1326 01:30:01,605 --> 01:30:02,689 Louis? 1327 01:30:06,860 --> 01:30:08,904 Caroline would like to see you. 1328 01:30:16,537 --> 01:30:19,373 Louis, sit down. 1329 01:30:39,101 --> 01:30:40,811 I want you to know that... 1330 01:30:49,153 --> 01:30:51,738 I want you to know that I’m very proud of you. 1331 01:31:10,674 --> 01:31:12,968 Shh. Shh. 1332 01:31:17,014 --> 01:31:19,349 Enough! Louis, enough! 1333 01:31:22,477 --> 01:31:23,604 Louis! 1334 01:31:28,483 --> 01:31:30,402 Stop it, Louis, please! Calm down! 1335 01:31:30,485 --> 01:31:33,614 Louis! Louis! Louis! Stop it! 1336 01:31:36,658 --> 01:31:40,037 Cats have been worshipped as mystical gods 1337 01:31:41,788 --> 01:31:45,375 and maligned as the evil allies of witchery and sin. 1338 01:31:47,794 --> 01:31:51,048 But I think you’re the first person ever to see 1339 01:31:51,131 --> 01:31:53,717 that they are in fact ridiculous. 1340 01:31:55,969 --> 01:31:58,722 They’re silly and cuddly. 1341 01:32:00,140 --> 01:32:01,433 And lonely. 1342 01:32:02,643 --> 01:32:04,728 Frightened and brave. 1343 01:32:06,146 --> 01:32:07,731 Like us. 1344 01:32:15,447 --> 01:32:18,200 What’s going on in that funny little head of yours? 1345 01:33:28,854 --> 01:33:30,355 Much better. 1346 01:33:31,898 --> 01:33:33,984 You make the world beautiful. 1347 01:33:35,569 --> 01:33:38,071 And warm. And kind. 1348 01:33:39,740 --> 01:33:42,909 I just wanted to say thank you for that before it’s too late. 1349 01:33:45,620 --> 01:33:48,415 I don’t make the world beautiful, Louis. 1350 01:33:51,251 --> 01:33:52,836 The world is beautiful. 1351 01:33:55,589 --> 01:33:57,716 And you’ve helped me to see that too. 1352 01:34:04,181 --> 01:34:09,061 I’ll take you to what we call the paupers’ ward. 1353 01:34:09,144 --> 01:34:13,065 For, um... Well, for obvious reasons. 1354 01:34:13,148 --> 01:34:16,068 I assure you, the patients are taken care of 1355 01:34:16,151 --> 01:34:18,153 in a perfectly professional manner. 1356 01:34:18,236 --> 01:34:19,738 1925 1357 01:34:19,821 --> 01:34:23,033 I hope you will report favourably 1358 01:34:23,116 --> 01:34:25,327 back to the committee you volunteer for? 1359 01:34:25,410 --> 01:34:28,538 I’m here to assess the welfare of your patients, Dr Cooke, 1360 01:34:28,622 --> 01:34:30,290 and the running of your hospital. 1361 01:34:30,374 --> 01:34:32,834 Not just on behalf of my fellow committee members 1362 01:34:32,918 --> 01:34:34,836 but on behalf of the government. 1363 01:34:34,920 --> 01:34:37,672 So I shall report back 1364 01:34:37,756 --> 01:34:41,009 -according to what I find. -Indeed. 1365 01:34:41,093 --> 01:34:44,054 What is the average length of stay here at Springfield? 1366 01:34:44,137 --> 01:34:48,183 Have you had much success with turning patients out? 1367 01:34:48,266 --> 01:34:50,310 We have had some successes. 1368 01:34:50,394 --> 01:34:52,687 But it depends partly on the patient’s willingness 1369 01:34:52,771 --> 01:34:54,398 to cooperate. 1370 01:34:54,481 --> 01:34:56,900 And as you can imagine, Mr Rider, 1371 01:34:56,983 --> 01:34:59,778 that varies widely from person to person. 1372 01:35:01,488 --> 01:35:03,156 Louis Wain. 1373 01:35:03,240 --> 01:35:07,911 Yes. This is Mr Louis Wain. 1374 01:35:09,287 --> 01:35:12,582 You might remember his rather charming cat pictures 1375 01:35:12,666 --> 01:35:15,502 from all those years ago. 1376 01:35:18,171 --> 01:35:19,923 How are you, Mr Wain? 1377 01:35:24,177 --> 01:35:26,972 It’s, uh... It’s me. 1378 01:35:29,099 --> 01:35:32,602 Dan Rider. We met on the train back from Andover. 1379 01:35:32,686 --> 01:35:36,982 I had my... my sister’s Pomeranian with me. 1380 01:35:38,150 --> 01:35:39,443 Cleopatra. 1381 01:35:41,945 --> 01:35:43,321 Cleopatra? 1382 01:35:43,405 --> 01:35:44,489 Yes. 1383 01:35:52,998 --> 01:35:55,167 I’d no idea you were a patient here, Mr Wain. 1384 01:35:55,250 --> 01:35:57,586 He is, I’m afraid, quite insane. 1385 01:35:57,669 --> 01:36:00,464 Uh, but we do our best to look after him. 1386 01:36:01,715 --> 01:36:05,051 Very sad, isn’t it, Mr Rider? 1387 01:36:05,135 --> 01:36:07,137 He seems almost entirely 1388 01:36:07,220 --> 01:36:09,222 to have lost a handle on his craft. 1389 01:36:16,354 --> 01:36:18,190 Do you like it here, Mr Wain? 1390 01:36:21,693 --> 01:36:23,361 There are no cats. 1391 01:36:25,780 --> 01:36:29,409 I cannot see... outside. 1392 01:36:32,454 --> 01:36:35,290 Oh. That must be rather difficult 1393 01:36:35,373 --> 01:36:38,168 for someone like you, Mr Wain, 1394 01:36:38,251 --> 01:36:41,463 who’s spent his entire life examining the world, 1395 01:36:41,546 --> 01:36:45,300 suddenly not to see it. 1396 01:37:10,742 --> 01:37:12,911 I have failed. 1397 01:37:16,331 --> 01:37:17,499 I’ve... 1398 01:37:19,751 --> 01:37:24,589 I have failed her, Mr Rider. 1399 01:37:26,132 --> 01:37:28,343 I don’t think you have failed, Mr Wain... 1400 01:37:29,302 --> 01:37:31,054 from what you have been saying. 1401 01:37:36,226 --> 01:37:38,979 Why do you think Emily wanted you 1402 01:37:39,062 --> 01:37:41,356 to keep painting pictures, Mr Wain? 1403 01:37:44,150 --> 01:37:46,152 To help people. 1404 01:37:48,738 --> 01:37:50,240 To show them. 1405 01:37:51,032 --> 01:37:52,993 Perhaps. 1406 01:37:53,076 --> 01:37:55,287 And there’s no doubt that you’ve done that. 1407 01:37:56,538 --> 01:37:59,374 But I have a rather different theory. 1408 01:38:04,504 --> 01:38:08,341 I think she wanted you to keep painting 1409 01:38:11,011 --> 01:38:12,846 so you would not be alone. 1410 01:38:22,564 --> 01:38:27,569 When you paint, Mr Wain, you connect with other people 1411 01:38:27,652 --> 01:38:30,322 and you give them a piece of yourself, 1412 01:38:30,405 --> 01:38:35,702 but... they are also connecting with you. 1413 01:38:38,288 --> 01:38:42,250 And that electricity that you describe... 1414 01:38:45,420 --> 01:38:47,714 that you felt in the presence of Emily, 1415 01:38:49,341 --> 01:38:51,509 I’d call that love, Mr Wain. 1416 01:38:57,140 --> 01:38:58,850 And that is still here. 1417 01:39:16,076 --> 01:39:18,286 With the help of the Wain sisters, 1418 01:39:18,370 --> 01:39:21,081 the plucky Mr Rider decided to start a fund 1419 01:39:21,164 --> 01:39:22,791 in support of Louis 1420 01:39:22,874 --> 01:39:24,834 and to raise enough money to move him 1421 01:39:24,918 --> 01:39:27,504 to a much more comfortable hospital in the countryside, 1422 01:39:27,587 --> 01:39:29,339 where they allowed their patients 1423 01:39:29,422 --> 01:39:31,132 to keep cats for comfort. 1424 01:39:32,300 --> 01:39:34,302 They were joined by Wain enthusiasts 1425 01:39:34,386 --> 01:39:35,845 up and down the country 1426 01:39:35,929 --> 01:39:37,639 and even received the help 1427 01:39:37,722 --> 01:39:39,724 of some more influential fans, 1428 01:39:39,808 --> 01:39:42,519 like the renowned author HG Wells, 1429 01:39:42,602 --> 01:39:44,437 who made a national plea 1430 01:39:44,521 --> 01:39:46,856 on behalf of the Louis Wain fund. 1431 01:39:46,940 --> 01:39:51,111 The artist Louis Wain made the cat his own. 1432 01:39:51,194 --> 01:39:54,030 He invented a cat style. 1433 01:39:54,114 --> 01:39:56,074 A cat society. 1434 01:39:56,157 --> 01:39:59,452 A whole cat world. 1435 01:39:59,536 --> 01:40:03,123 Cats that do not look and live like Louis Wain cats 1436 01:40:03,206 --> 01:40:05,542 are ashamed of themselves. 1437 01:40:05,625 --> 01:40:07,168 But now, 1438 01:40:08,628 --> 01:40:12,132 as he approaches the end of his own life, 1439 01:40:12,215 --> 01:40:16,052 Mr Wain and his sisters desperately require 1440 01:40:16,136 --> 01:40:18,638 the most generous help of cat lovers 1441 01:40:18,722 --> 01:40:21,683 and right-thinking people everywhere. 1442 01:40:21,766 --> 01:40:26,187 CONTRIBUTE TO THE LOUIS WAIN FUND 1443 01:40:27,147 --> 01:40:29,107 For Louis Wain, 1444 01:40:29,190 --> 01:40:31,735 electricity was not just something that we use 1445 01:40:31,818 --> 01:40:35,405 to make toast or to power a bulb in the bathroom. 1446 01:40:35,488 --> 01:40:37,323 It was something bigger, 1447 01:40:37,407 --> 01:40:39,826 something so extraordinary and strange 1448 01:40:39,909 --> 01:40:43,329 that the human mind was barely able even to comprehend it. 1449 01:40:44,664 --> 01:40:48,293 A mysterious elemental force that on occasion, 1450 01:40:48,376 --> 01:40:51,379 he could feel shimmering in the ether, 1451 01:40:51,463 --> 01:40:54,174 and the key to all of life’s most profound 1452 01:40:54,257 --> 01:40:56,259 and alarming secrets. 1453 01:44:11,037 --> 01:44:12,372 Look.