Series 6 - Episode 1 - The Frog's Legacy STUDIO. INT. NIGHT. NAG'S HEAD. Del and Rodney are at the counter. Albert is seated at a table nearby. Trigger is chatting to him. Del (Calls) Michael - Mike. Mike, bored with Del's efforts to sell him something - anything, approaches Del. Mike What is it now? Del This is your lucky night. Del produces a brochure of a Rajah computer. Del (Cont'd) What about that for a portable computer, eh, Mike? It's got 64K, UHF output, a megabite disc-drive, it's got ROM, it's got RAM, it's got them, red and green lights, everything! Mike What do I want with a computer? Del What does he want with a computer? Everyone's got a computer these days! Mike Have you got one? Del Have I got one? Rodney He's got twenty five! Del Yes, thank you, Rodney! Michael, this particular model retails at three hundred and ninety nine pounds of the realm. I'm giving it to you for one hundred and fifty, I'll even chuck a joystick in. See? You can process all your data. Mike And what exactly does that mean? Del Well it means you can... you can... tell him what it means, Rodney. (To Mike) He's taken a course in this, he came top of his class. Rodney Well, in 'layman's' terms it means you can, em, well, you er, you can record all your business deals. Mike I spend half my life trying to hide my business deals. So the last thing I want is to have 'em all recorded on a floppy bloody disc! I'm not interested. Ask Trigger. Rodney Trigger? With a computer? Do me a favour, he's still struggling with light switches. Trigger sips his beer (a full pint) and reacts to its weakness. Trigger Try that, Albert. Albert (Sipping the beer) Last time I tasted something like that was when I was in Egypt. Trigger Yeah? What was it a local brew? Albert No, I fell in the Nile. Trigger Here, Mike, I ordered beer! Mike Don’t try'n be funny with me, Trigger. I'll tell you this much, I've had certificates for my beer. Trigger Yeah, I've had a few days off work with it as well! Del and Rodney move towards a table. Del Bloody computers. I bought thirty of the things, I've only sold five. Trigger Well that's not too bad, Del. Del Not too bad? I've had 'em a year and a half! Rodney Our sales campaign suffered badly when the local office of fair trading announced to the press that they don't work. Del They do work, Rodney! You've just gotta fiddle around with 'em a bit. Rodney They don't work properly! Trigger You know about this sort of thing, Dave? Rodney As it happens I do. Recently I took a computer course and the adult education centre. Albert And failed! Rodney I didn't fail! Trigger What, you passed? Rodney No, I didn't actual pass either. The man in charge said - in not so many words - that I should concentrate more on the theoretical side than the actual keyboard area. Del What he actually said was, 'Keep your bloody hands off my machine!' Rodney Thanks for being so encourag- ing, Del! If I could pass that course and get my diploma I might be able to get a real job, working as a real company employee, instead of hanging round with the deadly duo, you and that suitcase! (To Albert and Trigger) D'you know what he's had me doing today? Rodney produces one of the inframax massagers. Rodney (Cont'd) This in an infra-red massager, cures rheumatics and all that. He's had me hobbling through the market like I've got bad lumbago. Then 'Healing Hands Trotter' spots me and cures with his ray-gun in front of all the punters. He used to be a cowboy now he's a medicine man! Del Oh shut up you tart! You're just narked 'cos you had a hole in your vest! (Checks his watch) Anyway I can't hang around. You know that chop-suey house down by the station? The one we decorated? (Standing up) They've gone bust and they're auctioning all their gear tonight, so I'll see you later. Del moves towards the entrance, as he does so we see Mr Jahan enter. He wears a blazer and old school tie. He scans the bar, obviously looking for someone. Del (Spotting Mr Jahan) Oh my God! Del turns and starts to walk in the opposite direction. Mr Jahan (Calls) Mr Trotter! Del (Delighted) Mr Jahan! What a pleasant surprise. What brings you in? Mr Jahan That computer you sold me last month is still not work- ing. We see Mike react. Del tries to quieten Mr Jahan. Del No, no, I'm sure there must be a simple explanation. Del leads Mr Jahan over to a table. They sit down. Del (Cont'd) Let's discuss it over a drink. What can I get you, Mr Jahan? Mr Jahan Something non-alcoholic. Del (Calls to Mike) Pint of your best bitter, please, Mike. Mr Jahan I have a business to run, Mr Trotter. I bought the computer, at your suggestion, in order to streamline my business. So far your computer has managed to destroy my accounts, wipe out my entire annual stock records and set fire to my curtains. Del You must be pressing the wrong button. You see Mr Jahan, it's as important for the computer to get used to you as for you to get used to the computer. Mr Jahan Are you suggesting there is a personality clash? Del No, no. What I mean is we are talking outer-limits hi-tech. That computer was used in the American space shuttle. Mr Jahan But it blew up! Del I don't mean it was the same computer. Although that would explain why it's not working too well! Trust me, Mr Jahan. Give it a bit of time and I guarantee you that one of these days you'll wonder how you ever managed without it. Mr Jahan I'll give it one week then I'll be back to see you. Del That's the spirit, you know it makes sense. Mike arrives at the table with drinks. Del (Cont'd) Thank you Michael. Anyway, I thought that young fella who works for you was a computer bofin. Mr Jahan Oh he has resigned. Said the work did not agree with him. Del They don't know they're born half of 'em, do they? Mr Jahan I have placed ads in the local paper and at the job centre, but all to no avail. It's not a difficult job and I pay good wages. Del turns and looks in Rodney's direction. Del Yeah, it's not gonna be easy, Mr Jahan. I mean you're looking for a young man with plenty of drive and enthus- iasm. Mr Jahan Not really. Del A couple of GCEs wouldn't go amiss though, would they? Mr Jahan It is not a necessity. Basically I a looking for someone who can walk. Del That's what I mean, you're talking top-notch. Most people of that calibre have gone off with the brain- drain No, it's gonna be difficult... Pot pourri, pot pourri! This is your lucky night, Mr Jahan. I may have the perfect person for you. Mr Jahan Really? Who? Del My very own younger brother. Enthusiastic, and he's got GCEs in maths and art. Since he left Cambridge he's spent most of his time wheeling and dealing in the commodities market. All the headhunters have been after him from the Bank of England to ICI but he fancies something a bit more local. Mr Jahan Can he walk? Del motions with his hands as if dodging round tables. Del Dashes about all over the place. Mr Jahan Would he like to discuss it with me? Del No, no, I'll do that for him. How much you offering? Mr Jahan A hundred. We cut to the table of Rodney, Albert and Trigger. Mike has now arrived at Rodney's table. Mike Del Boy's got something going over there. Rodney That means someone's gonna suffer. Rodney smiles at the fate of this anonymous person. Trigger Talking of suffering, my niece is getting married next Saturday. (To Rodney) You remember little Lisa, don't you? She came up last year. She was the one who arranged for Del Boy to have a go on the hang- glider. Rodney Oh yeah, I liked her. Trigger Well she's invited you all down to Hampshire for the wedding. Mike Well that's very nice of her, Trigger. Tell her I'd be delighted. Trigger (To Albert and Rodney) You two are coming, Del's accepted for you. Rodney He's accep... He's something else ain't he... Hold on, I thought Lisa was getting married last year? Trigger (Slightly embarrassed) Yeah, she was. Then she found she wasn't. Mike and Albert catch on after a tiny pause. Mike and Albert Oh! Rodney Wasn't what? Albert You got a pencil and a bit of paper, Mike? Rodney now catches on and performs a pregnant gesture. Rodney Oh! Trigger Yeah. Well now she's found he is again. Should be good though. A day down by the coast, nice little drink afterwards. Talking of drinks, I'll get these in. Trigger moves to the bar. We se Mr Jahan leaving. Del arrives at Rodney's table. Del Rodders, this is your lucky night! I've only been and got you a job. Rodney (Without hesitation) I don't want it! Albert What d'you mean you don't want it? You only just said that you'd like to get a job. Rodney Yes, but not from him! I've had some of his little 'jobs' in the past and I am here to tell you that he's no Brook Street Bureau! Del That's charming innit? After all my time and effort that's the thanks I get! This wasn't just a job, Rodney, it was a career move! Rodney But I haven't got a career. Del But you could have had one! And it'd been moving! And it would have been some wages coming into the flat. We are brassic at the moment. Rodney Yeah, some of your novel, money-saving devices are in evidence - again! So what's the job? Del Well you're not interested, Rodney, so it's purely epidemic innit? Albert What sort of job was it, Del Del He would have been a trainee computer programmer! Event- ually. It was mentioned that the successful candidate would - with endeavor - attain executive status. Rodney Well... I thought, sort of, well I thought I'd be humping boxes round and all that. I didn't know it was trainee executive. Del He mentioned your CV. How bad's that eh? Nice little Citroen. Rodney No, I think he might have been referring to my curriculum vitae. Albert Well that's no problem, there's no heavy lifting involved. Del Well, he'd have to start at the bottom of course. Rodney Of course. Doing hat? Del Well, em, basically it's kind of... em, kind of delivering! Only to begin with though! And it's ninety pound a week in your hand, no tax, no nonsense! Rodney But if I'm working for cash in hand I'm not really an employee! Del It's only for a trial period! So what do you say? Rodney Where will I be working? Del D'you know that new office block in Wilmot Road, the one with all the smoked glass and lairy cars? Rodney Where all them young birds come out of at lunchtime? Del That's the one. Rodney's head is filled with the idea of leather chairs and mini skirts. Rodney Yeah, I know it! Del Well, right opposite it there's an alley. Rodney (The balloon deflating) An alley? Del Between the undertakers and the Light of Nepal restau- rant. Well, at the bottom of the alley there's a yard. Pop your head in there Monday morning and ask for Mr Jahan and he'll give you your duties and uniform. Is that the time? Gotta get down the Chinkies before the auction finishes. See you in the morning. Del exits. Rodney Why would a trainee computer programmer need a uniform? Albert Dunno, son... Albert starts laughing at Rodney. One of those slow burn laughs. Rodney I don't know what you're laughing at, Unc. Don't you see what this means? You've just been promoted to the bloke in the market with the bad back! Albert's laugh die. INT. SAY. FOYER OF RECEPTION HALL. A set of open doors lead through to the main hall. All we can see of the main hall is the end of the dining table with a waitress putting the final touches to flowers, glasses, etc. (This is purely background to suggest where the wedding breakfast will be held). Coming off the foyer is a corridor leading to an entrance or some kind of cloak area where a semi- private conversation could be held. We also have a set of French windows overlooking the open countryside. (We must emphasize we are in the country) We have two tables joined together and bearing a pile of presents. Two presents are placed apart from the rest. The first present is very neatly wrapped in tasteful and expensive wrapping paper and complemented by a large silk bow. (This is the Boyces' present) The second present is wrapped in a rather cheap paper and is very untidy, as if a heavy handed man has wrapped it. (This is the Trotter' present) Andy, the groom, and his male relatives are wearing morning suits. Lisa's male relatives are wearing Burtons' suits. As we come up on scene Lisa (in wedding dress) and Andy are receiving their guests who are in a queue. Most of the guests have been received and are standing around sipping sherry and awaiting permission to enter the main hall. We see Albert staring out of the window. The vicar goes to greet Andy and Lisa. Vicar Congratulations, Lisa, and you too Andrew. My very best wishes for your future happiness. Lisa Oh, thank you Reverend. Andy Yes, thank you very much, sir. It was a lovely service. Vicar Why, thank you. And who knows, in a year or two from now we could all be back in church celebrating the christening of your first born. Lisa and Andy look at each other. Lisa (Quietly to Vicar) Actually, my Mother wants to talk to you about that. Vicar (Reacts) Oh... Oh yes... I see. Andy and Lisa wander away. We see Del exiting from main hall eating a piece of brown bread and butter he has just taken from one of the tables. Del calls, as if he's addressing a life-long mate. Del Vicar! The vicar reacts alarmed at the sound of Del's voice. He would have liked to have avoided him. Vicar Ah, Mr Trotter, how nice. Thank you once again for the lift. Del Oh bain-marie, bain-marie, it's the least I could do. I'm sorry it was a bit bumpy, but, there again, we didn't have far to go. By the way, that computer I was talking to you about earlier. I left it in your vestry. The Vicar reacts. He doesn't want the computer. Vicar You left it in my vestry? Del Oh, please, it was no problem! I mean I had to clear it out the back of the van to make room for you! Now remember, in case the Bishop asks, they retail at three ninety nine, it's yours for one an' a half and a score off for cash. I can't say fairer. Vicar But I'm not sure I have a need of a computer! Del You can have it on two weeks approval. I mean, if I can't trust you then who can I trust? Ask and it shall be given, that's my motto. (To someone out of vision) Hello there, turned out nice, didn't it? Del moves out of shot leaving a bewildered vicar. We cut to Albert at a window. Rodney joins him and hands him a sherry. It's been a nice day and Rodney is feeling particularly benevolent and there is a nice 'family' atmosphere between him and Albert. Albert (Taking the sherry) Thanks, Rodney. Rodney What are you doing over here on your own? Albert Just reminiscing. (Gesturing to countryside) This used to be my old stamp- ing ground. Portsmouth's only a couple of miles up the road there. Rodney Bet you had some laughs round here, eh? Albert Not half! The warning used to go out, 'Lock up your daughters, Trotters back in port!' We cut away to the bride, groom and queue. Trigger and Mike are chatting to the happy couple. Trigger (To Lisa) You remember Mike, don't you? He's the water-diviner from the Nag's Head. Lisa (Kisses Mike) Of course I do. Hello, Mike, it's lovely to see you again. This is Andy, my husband. Mike (To Andy) Congratulations, son. You will never regret what you did today. I should know, I've been married eighteen years. Andy Thanks a lot. Is your wife here? Mike No, we broke up in '73. Anyway, well done. Cut back to Rodney and Albert. Albert Finally the skipper said, 'I know, we'll try and hide in one of the fjords.' So... Rodney (Cutting in) Albert, I think I might have heard this story. Did you sink? Albert Yeah. Rodney I've heard it! Rodney walks away. Del is standing a couple of yards away next to the table bearing presents. He has heard the tag-end of Albert's story and is chuckling at Rodney. Del Why do you listen to him? Rodney I don't know - a moment of weakness I suppose. Boycie and Marlene approach. Marlene (Referring to reception) It's a bit up-market, innit, Del? Boycie Mmmh, I was surprised to see you here. Del I am at home in all walks of life, Boycie. (To Marlene) Anyway, how are you, sweet- heart? (Touching Marlene up) Woh! Del and Marlene laugh. Boycie I don't believe it! Will you behave yourselves! This is only an hyphen or two off a society wedding and you're acting like you're on a charabang trip to the lights. Marlene Oh shut up you snobby git! Boycie I am merely trying to conduct myself with a bit of decorum! Boycie does a double-take on the Trotters' present. Boycie (Cont'd) I assume that 'bundle' is from you? Rodney (Offended by his tone) Yeah, that's our present. Boycie God, it looks like the bomb squad have had a go at it! And what have you bought the unlucky couple? Del It's a thirteen piece dinner service! Marlene is now worried about a clash of presents. Marlene But we've bought 'em a dinner service as well! Boycie I shouldn't worry, Marlene, they'll be no comparison. (Touching or patting their present) We got ours from Royal Doulton, they most probably got theirs from Dalton's Weekly. Del (To Rodney) He's something else, ain't he? He's got more front than Southend. Marlene No, but it is a lovely dinner service, Del. It's got a hand -painted pattern depicting the changing seasons of the English countryside. Boycie He's most probably given 'em that old crockery he bought at the Chinese auction. Del and Rodney react deeply offended. Rodney's express- ion now changes as he remembers the strong oriental influence of the crockery. Del (To Boycie) How dare you! What sort of bloke d'you think I am? Boycie Well I wouldn't put it past you. Shall we circulate, Marlene? As they walk away we hear Marlene in background. Marlene Bloody 'ell, Boycie, we've been round more times than a break dancer! Rodney Did our dinner service come from the bankrupt Chinkies? Del No it didn't! I swear to you on my life! Rodney Well those plates had an awful lot of Pandas and Pagodas on em! Del Alright, they did come from the Chinese take-away. Look, we've been a bit strapped for money recently! Anyway, they're very nice Pagodas. Rodney No they're not, they look more like prisoner-of-war camps! I mean how is it gonna make us look? Boycie and Marlene's service depicts the changing seasons and ours contains scenes from Tenko! Del Yeah, I suppose you've got a point... Hang on a minute. Del now removes his carnation and deliberately drops it to the floor. He bends down to pick t up and is now at eye-level with the two presents. Taped to the front of both presents are small envelopes containing congratulations cards. Del removes the two cards and swaps them. He now stands and surveys the room making sure nobody has seen. Rodney has witnessed it and is terrified that they might have been seen. Del nudges him. Del (Quietly) He who dares wins, Rodders. Del wanders off into a room saying hello to a few total strangers. INT. NIGHT. THE FOYER OF RECEPTION HALL. The doors to main hall are still open but the dining tables have gone and been replaced by dancing guests and the sounds and lights of a disco. The wedding presents have disappeared and been replaced by a couple of long trellis tables which act as a bar complete with optics stand. Mike is behind the bar serving. Rodney, Trigger and Boycie are standing around bar chatting. Trigger's Aunt Reen appears from corridor or wherever. She is about 60 and a cockney. Jovial, good natured, good hearted and went through the entire blitz without spilling a drop of gin. Trigger (Calling her) Aunt Reen. D'you wanna drink. Reen I'll have a port and lemon. Better make it a small one, I've had my orders from young Lisa, I mustn't get Oliver Twist in front of 'his' family. I don't know who she thinks they are, big hats and no drawers most of 'em! Albert exits from the main hall. Trigger (To Reen referring to Albert) Here's a face from the past. Albert recognises her immediately and smiles. Reen squints at him before recognition. Reen Albert Trotter? I don't believe it! Albert Hello, Reeny girl, how you going? Reen I thought you went down with the Lusitania! Rodney (Quietly to Mike) Fiver says he did! Albert No, they tried but they couldn't get me. How long you been living out this way? Reen I moved from Peckham in 1965. I couldn't stand that estate anymore. It's nice and peaceful out here and I don't have to save up to get to the seaside. You must be retired now. Albert Yeah. I'm living back with the family, Joannie's kids. Reen reacts as if it is too much to ask for. Reen Del Boy's not here is he? Albert Yeah, he's in there having a dance. He'll be out soon, he ain't had a drink for four minutes. And little Rodney's here as well! Rodney (With a dread) Oh no! Reen Rodney's here? Oh the little love! Albert indicates the group at the bar. Albert He's over there. Reen walks towards the group at the bar. Reen The last time I saw you you were still in your pram. She now kisses an unsuspecting Boycie on the cheek, accompanied by a big hug. Boycie Who the bloody hell is this woman? Rodney (To Reen) No, no. I'm Rodney. Reen You're little Rodney? Ain't you got big? (Giving Rodney a big kiss) You don't remember me, do you, darling? Rodney No. Albert This is Trigger's Aunt Reeny. She used to be your mum's best friend. Reen Oh yeah, me and Joannie, the terrible twins. D'you remember when your mum had that cleaning job at the town hall? Rodney No. Reen I used to look after you while she was at work - bath you and everything. Rodney is cringing with embarrassment. Mike is enjoying Rodney's discomfort. Reen D'you remember when I took you shopping that day in Woolworths? Rodney No. Reen As I was pushing you round you were picking things up off the counters and I didn't know! When I got home and took you out the pram I found three bottles of scent, a packet of Weights and a Helen Shapiro record! (Laughing) So the next day I took you up Selfridges! She now laughs even louder. As her laughter fades she begins to study Rodney critically. Reen quietly turns to Albert and is referring to Rodney. Reen I reckon the rumours were true, don't you Albert? Joannie was never a hundred percent sure, but you can see the likeness, can't you? Rodney is puzzled by this. Albert is embarrassed. Albert D'you fancy a dance, Reen? I can still cut a rug with the best of 'em. Reen You keep your hands to your- self though. (To Rodney) See you later, love. Albert and Reen move to the main hall. Rodney (To Mike) What was that all about? Mike Gawd knows. Boycie I remember her from years ago, she's never been the full ten bob. Rodney closes his eyes in embarrassment for Trigger. Trigger Oi, she's my Auntie! Mike It must be a family trait then! As Albert and Reen reach the doors to main hall so they virtually bump into Del as he exits. Del is jacketless and sweating from dancing. He is tucking his shirt flap back into his trousers. Del Be careful in there, Albert. Marlene is pulling all the blokes' shirt flaps out. We see Boycie's reaction to this news. Del now spots Reen. Del (Cont'd) No... No, it's not! Reeny Turpin! They embrace. Reen Remember me, do you? Del Remember you, I'm still having nightmares about you! How are you, sweetheart? You keeping well? Reen I'm smashing, Del. Reen has now seen Del's rings and chains. Reen (Cont'd) I must say you're looking very prosperous. Del Well, life has been good to us, innit, Rodney? Rodney Oh yeah, a non-stop Mardi Gras. Del Let's have a sit down, eh? I'm feeling a bit cream- crackered after that dancing. Del and Reen move to chairs. Albert (To Rodney) She sed to be a right little raver in her younger days. Rodney (Smiling at this) Yeah? Trigger is a couple of feet behind Rodney. Albert They reckon during the war she had more yanks than Eisenhower. Rodney and Albert laugh. Upon hearing the laughter Trigger turns and smiles as if he wants to be in on the joke. Albert is now looking in Reen's direction and so not spotting Trigger. Albert I heard the Normandy landings started from her scullery. Rodney and Albert laugh again. Trigger is at Rodney's shoulder and is laughing. Trigger Who you talking about? Rodney Trigger's Aunt. Rodney and Trigger react. We cut away to Del and Reen. Del So how long is it since I last saw you? Reen I moved from Peckham in '65, so that's nearly twenty three years! You said you'd pop down and see me. Del It's been a bit tied-up, Reen, you know how it is, business and what have you. Reen He seems a nice kid, little Rodney. Del That boy has got a diamond where other people have got hearts. Clever kid an all, GCEs the lot. Reen But he's had you in there to guide him, Del. He wouldn't be in the position he's in today if it hadn't been for you. Del (Modestly) Well, you know, I've done my best by him. Kept my promise to mum. Reen She would have been so proud of you two. I think that's why I moved down here. The old place changed after your mum went. I lost the best friend I ever had. Del Yeah, she was a lovely lady. Reen If things had worked out a bit better you and Rodney could have been millionaires by now. I remember visiting your mum in hospital and her saying to me, 'If only I knew where he'd hidden it, Reen. My boys could be set for life!' Del nods in agreement. He now reacts. Del Hidden? Hidden what? Reen appears now quieter, assuming Del knows. Reen You know, the gold! Del What gold? Reen 'His' gold! Del Who's 'he'? Reen Freddy the Frog! Del Freddy the Frog? Who's Freddy the Frog? Reen reacts as she realises Del knew nothing. Reen You mean your mum never told you? Oh my Gawd, me and my mouth! Forget I said any- thing Del. Del How can I forget it? You might as well tell me, Reen, otherwise I'll get it out of someone else. Reen It all happened a long time ago. She met him in about 1959. Del Met who? Reen Freddy Robdul. The vicar is collecting his coat. Upon hearing the name Robdul he turns as if recognising the name. He then exits. Del Who's Freddy Robdul? Reen That was Freddy the Frog's real name. He was a villain from Rotherhyde, he wasn't a nasty-type though, no guns or violence. He was a gentleman thief. Bit of a dandy was Freddy, loved French wine and paintings and what have you. He had a little holiday chalet down this way. They reckon when the police broke in the walls were covered with Monets and other originals. Del Yeah, yeah, but what's this got to do with my mum? Reen Well, she, sort of... (Choosing her words carefully) 'befriended' him. Del Yeah, well, she was a friendly lady, weren't she? Help anyone out. Reen Yeah. Well, she used to help Freddy the Frog out. Anyway, one day in August 1963 Freddy and a little gang broke into the vaults of a bank in the city. They got away with over a quarter of a million pound in gold bullion The rest of the gang got caught but Freddy - and the gold - got away. Well, a short time afterwards, while still on the run, he was tragically killed in a freak accident. When they opened his will he'd left every- thing he owned to your mum. Del What, including the Monets and originals? Reen Oh no, they had to be return- ed to their rightful owners. The same went for the gold except no-one knew where Freddy had hidden it. Then your mum left all her worldly possessions to you and Rodney - including the lost gold. Del If it was valued at a quarter of a million in 1963 it's gotta be worth at least a million now! Maybe two! And it's mine! Reen Yours and Rodney's. Del Same thing! I'm a millionaire. Reen Yeah. Bloody shame no one knows where it is, innit? Del Yeah, it's a bit of a choker. (Taking Reen's glass) I'll get us a re-fill. As he moves to the bar he passes Rodney. Del (Cont'd) Rodders, I know you may find this hard to believe and it may come as a bit of a shock to you, but - you and me are millionaires! Rodney Oh good, perhaps we can take the magnet off the electric meter now. He now nods his head as he realises that nothing has changed, they are still skint. EXT. DAY. THE MARKET We are at (or give the impression of being at) the far end of the market where the road joins a T-junction. Del is on the corner of Market Road and the more residential road. He has the trellis table open with the suitcase on top. He is trying to flog infra-red, hand-held massagers. Del is spieling to a small crowd, indicating his back. Del Now in the past if the old Cilla Black was playing you up you'd have to stagger down to the quack's to pay a two pound fifty prescription for a three bob tube of Algipan. But those days are over thanks to this revolutionary device - The inframax deep -penetration massager. We hear a few giggles form a group of girls in the crowd. Del (Cont'd) No, no, you're miles off. This is an osteopeadic machine which emits soothing infra-red rays right into the muscles and warms your pains away. Now if you tried to buy one of these up Harley Street they'd nip you for seventy to eighty pounds, but thanks to free- enterprise, bulk buying and a mate of mine who does a bit of smuggling, I can offer it to you good people for a mere fifteen quid. There is little reaction from the crowd. Del (Cont'd) Come along now, I can't be any fairer. You be glad you sprained your ankle with one of these. At this point Albert appears from around a corner as part of the act. He is stooped with mock back pains as he hobbles through the crowd. Del (Cont'd) Alright, fourteen quid, that's what I paid for 'em, snatch it off me. (To Albert) Excuse me sir, could you hurry along please, I'm tryna do some business. Albert Sorry, son. Del (To crowd and ignoring Albert) I don't care if you've got back-ache, neck-ache, ear- ache or any other ache, this little thing will cure it. A woman in the crowd calls out to Del. Her tone is not accusing or suspicious but jovial and all part of the fun and interplay that builds between a good market spieler and his audience. Woman (Referring to Albert) Try it on him then. Del Eh? Man in Crowd Try it on the old fella. Del No, no, I don't wanna do the batteries up. We now hear light-hearted jeering form the crowd. 'Go away' and 'Get off home' etc. Del (Cont'd) (Referring to Albert) That might not be backache. For all you know it could be body-language. Albert No, it's rheumatics, son. Suffered with it for years. Woman Try your massager on him. Del (Defiantly) Alright, I will. Albert is now indicating the massager machine. Albert That soppy little thing won't do me no good. My back's been under experts! Confounded the medical world, my back has. Del Well, at least let me try, sir. It can't do any harm. Let's get your coat off. Nice and easy. Del gently removes Albert's duffle coat. Albert flinches a few times in pain. Del (Cont'd) (Referring to Albert's medals) I see you're a naval war hero. Albert Forty years before the mast fighting for King and country. Albert snaps to attention and salutes. Del (Quietly to himself) He ain't real! (Whispers to Albert) Groan, you daft old git! Albert Eh? Oh yeah. Albert groans loudly and clutches the small of his back. Albert (Cont'd) Oh Gawd, my back! Del No sudden movements, sir. Not until I have applied the healing rays of the Inframax deep-penetration massager. Del switches the machine on. Displays the machine to the crowd like a magician starting a trick. He now begins to rub the machine gently over Albert's back. Del Can you feel the relaxing warmth soothing the tension and pain from your lumbar region? Albert Yeah, that's very thera- putic that is. I've never had this done to me before. Del Coming from an old sailor that's saying something, innit? Albert is now referring to the warming rays on his back. Albert Oh, that's lovely. My back feels better already. (Now begins to straighten up) Look at that, I can stand up straight! I haven't been able to stand up straight for years! To emphasise his new found mobility, Albert goes right over the top and does a little tap-dance routine. Del turns away in disbelief. Del I don't believe him! What is he doing to me? The crowd is now laughing and dispersing. Man in crowd (To him mate and referring to Albert) He's just a stooge! Woman He's part of the act! Del No he ain't! We've never met before, have we, sir? Albert Never, Del. Del hurls the massage machine to the ground in anger. The crowd disperses and drifts away. Albert steadily approaches the fuming Del. Albert You told me to 'get better' in front of the crowd. Del Yes, but I didn't ask you to do the third act of 'Singing in the Rain'! You came round that corner looking like Old Father Time. One rub of me massager and you turned into Wayne Sleep! Albert Well, I'm not used to all this market spieling. Why didn't you get Rodney to do it? Del Because Rodney started his new job this morning. He can't be in two places at once. (Indicating suitcase, tables, etc) Right, clear this all up will you? Albert is reluctant and is now mumbling to himself. Albert Innit bloody fair, eh? I fought a war for the younger generation. Del Yeah, but whose side was you on? Albert begins closing the suitcase, folding table, etc. We see Trigger and his dust cart appear in background, he is sweeping round the corner of the T-junction. Trigger Del Boy, Albert. Del Wotchyer, Trigger. Trigger Good wedding weren't it? Del Yeah, mustard. Trigger Lisa and Andy were double pleased with that dinner service you bought 'em. Must have cost a fortune? Del It was nothing Trigger. Any- thing to help the young couple. We hear the bip of a car horn. We see Boycie pulling up in his Mercedes. He wears dark glasses and has a large cigar between his fingers (really flash). He stops the car in the centre of the more residential road and prepares to reverse into a space on the corner of the T-junction. Del Here comes Money! Trigger (Referring to Boycie) D'you see the crappy present he bought 'em? Del No, no I didn't catch that, Trigger. Trigger Load of cheap old plates. Kind of thing you'd get in a bad Chinese restaurant. Del Well, that's how he got rich, through being tight. Trigger Yeah, he's always been tight, ain't he? Del He's the kind of bloke who'd buy a tin of baked beans on Tuesday 'cos he fancied a bubble bath Wednesday. Trigger nods in agreement. Boycie reverses into space and alights. Boycie Good morning, gentlemen. Another fine day in Gotham City. The wedding seemed to go well, Trigger, all things considered. Trigger Yeah it was alright, weren't it? Boycie Did Lisa and what'shisname find time to look at my present? Trigger Yeah they looked at it - not for long though. Boycie is bemused by Trigger's last remark. Boycie (Referring to Del) And what about 'his' little gift? Trigger They put Del's present straight in their display cabinet. Boycie (Horrified) Peasants! Del Talking of the wedding, there's something I wanted to ask you two. Think back to the early sixties. Do either of you remember - Freddy the Frog? Trigger Freddy the Frog? No, don't ring a bell. I remember Torchy the Battery Boy. Boycie Yeah, and what about Twizzle? Boycie does the stretching, growing motions of Twizzle. Del This is something else! They're from another planet! Trigger now spots something n the distance. Trigger (Respectful tone) Hold up lads, hats off. Del and Trigger remove their hats. We cut to see a hearse carrying a flower covered coffin moving slowly along the road. We are at an angle where- by we cannot see the driver of the hearse, or front seat passenger, at this point. Boycie Albert, your mini-cab's arrived. Albert gives him a sneer. We cut to see the funeral cortege. Behind the hearse (we still cannot see the driver or passenger) comes one official funeral car, behind this comes an old Renault and then a Cortina, both containing mourners. We cut back to see Del, Albert, Trigger and Boycie (and a few other locals who have stopped to show their last respects). Trigger now zeros in on something at the very front of the cortege. Trigger (To Del) Is that Dave? Del (Sheepishly) Yeah. We cut to see Rodney walking slowly and mournfully in front of the hearse wearing the long-tailed coat and uniform of the official chief mourner (he carries his black top hat in hand); he is obviously feeling very self-conscious. We now cut to the hearse where we see a white driver and Mr Jahan sitting next to him. They are both dressed in smart black undertakers' suits. We cut back to Rodney who does a quick double-take as he spies Del in the crowd. Rodney is seething and loathing. He tries to hiss the word under his breath but his anger is so powerful he cannot contain it. Rodney You git! You rotten git!! Del holds a finger to his lips and indicates the cortege - reminding Rodney of his duties. Rodney (Cont'd) (To Del from across street) You didn't tell me my new job was a chief mourner! Del Have some respect, Rodney. Cut to interior of hearse. Mr Jahan (Referring to Rodney) (To Driver) What's he doing? The driver shakes his head. Cut back to street. Rodney is walking on in the middle of the road but is looking in Del's direction. Rodney I'll get you for this, you bloody well see if I don't! Del Behave yourself, Rodney. You're in a responsible position now! Rodney You just wait, Del! You just wait! Rodney turns to the front and walks on a few paces. He now stops as he realises he has led the cortege into a no-entry street. He holds his hand out for the cortege to stop. We see all the cars pull to an abrupt halt, not actually crashing into each other but getting too close for comfort. We hear a couple of tiny screeches of tyres. Mr Jahan opens the passenger window of the hearse. Mr Jahan (Calling to Rodney) Why are you taking us down there, Rodney? It's a no-entry! Rodney Yes, sorry, Mr Jahan, I was talking to my brother and I... Sorry! Rodney calls out to a car at the back of the cortege. Rodney (Cont'd) If you could back up a little bit, please. We cut to Del. The last car in the cortege (the Cortina) has stalled and as the driver tries to re-start the engine we can hear the battery running down. Rodney is running up towards the car. Rodney Would you mind backing up a bit, please? (To Driver) What's the trouble? Del I can't stand it any more. What a plonker! Del turns and disappears into the crowd. Boycie Yes, I'm finding this very upsetting as well. Trigger D'you know the bloke in the hearse then? Boycie No, but I know the bloke in the Cortina, I sold it to him last week. We cut to cortege. Rodney is now calling to the occupants of the official mourners' car and the old Renault. Rodney Would you mind giving us a push please? It won't take a moment. (Calling down towards hearse) Sorry, Mr Jahan! STUDIO. INT. NIGHT. THE TROTTERS' LOUNGE. Albert is alone in the lounge and reading the newspaper. From the bedroom area we can hear Del and Rodney arguing. Rodney (OOV) You're a liar, Del! Del (OOV) Rodney, I swear to you I didn't know what your duties would be, Mr Jahan never told me! Rodney (OOV) Didn’t know, my arse! You just set me up for that job so that I could bring some money into the flat. Del enters. Del Well every little helps, Rodders. Anyway that black suit looks really good on you. Rodney enters. Rodney No it doesn't! I saw my reflection in a shop window and I looked like a wand! You said I'd be a trainee computer programmer! Del And are you not programming his computer? Rodney Oh yeah, I'm programming the computer. I'm also an apprentice pall-bearer, a fully-fledged chief mourner and I have to go and get the sandwiches! Albert Long as you've got job-satis- faction, that's the main thing. Rodney No, I have not got job-satis- faction! To be honest, I'm thinking of resigning! Del Well, I'd hurry up before he sacks you! Rodney That big traffic jam was not my fault! Alright, name one person who blamed me! Del Mr Jahad did. Albert The grieving relatives did. Del The Flying Eye did. Rodney I can't help it if the differential on that Cortina seized up! I had to call the RAC, and they had to call for a tow truck which couldn't get through. Albert Why? Rodney 'Cos of the big traffic jam. Anyway it all went off alright in the end. Del Yeah, and you could have set a trend. Floodlit funerals could be all the rage! Anyway, I don't want to talk about it anymore, I've got far more important things on my mind. Rodney Oh, we're not going back to Freddy the bleedin' Frog again, are we? Del Yes, we are Rodney. There's a million quids worth of gold bullion out there, and it's ours! Rodney You're something else, you are. Some drunken old woman spins you a cock 'n' bull story and you fall for it. Del Reeny might have been a good time girl who likes the occasional Tizer, but she was never a liar. Besides, I've been and seen a few faces this afternoon and they've confirmed it. The robbery - the gold never being found - the lot. Rodney But how can you be certain it hasn't been found? I mean at some time or another, every policeman and underworld figure in the country must have been searching for that gold. Del And what would they have done with it? They'd either have put it through a fence, which meant it became public knowledge within the month, or they'd have to smelt it down and sell it themselves, and that amount of bullion coming on the market causes ripples, the kind of ripples that'd be remembered for a long time! Albert And what if the police found it? Del I'm talking about the police! The chaps haven't found it either. I had a chat with the Driscoll brothers. Rodney (With a chill down his spine) You went and saw the Driscoll brothers? Albert Why what they like? Rodney Smashing blokes, Unc. It's like bumping into the two Ronnies - Biggs and Kray! They didn't catch on why you were asking questions? Del No. You know what they're like. A couple of years back some Guru said the world would end in a month. Danny Driscoll bet a grand it would. And he's the brains of the outfit. Trouble was I had to keep referring to him as Freddy the Frog, I couldn't remember his surname. It was Robson or something. Albert Robdul. Del That's it, Robdul! I've been tryna think of that all day to... Did you know him? Albert Vaguely! Del Why didn't you say? Albert Well, the first time I met him he was just a kid - eighteen, nineteen, a different age group from me. Then over the years I'd bump into him every so often, usually in one of the pubs near the docks. He was a likeable fella, always knew the latest jokes, and a generous bloke. He was very tall and handsome. Everyone liked him, specially the women. Used to fall over them- selves for Freddy. Del Yes, yes, yes, but what about the gold bullion? Albert Well they robbed a bank in the city... Del