The Remains of the Day

The Remains of the Day
(1993)
Author: Kazuo Ishiguro
Director: James Ivory
Dear Mr. Stevens:
You will be surprised to hear from me after all this time.
You've been in my thoughts since I heard Lord Darlington
had died.
We read that his heirs put Darlington Hall up for sale...
as they no longer wished to maintain it.
As no one would buy such a large house, the new earl decided
to demolish it and sell the stone to a local builder for 5000
pounds.
We also saw some rubbish in the Daily Mail which made my blood
boil: "Traitor's nest to be pulled down."
INT. AUCTION - DAY
AUCTIONEER:
One hundred and eighty guineas?
One hundred and eighty? Are we done?
Next, ladies and gentlemen, a great highlight of
the sale: Lot 414, the fine Elizabethan portrait
of 'A Portly Gentleman.' I'll start the bidding
at 2000 guineas.
2000 guineas, thank you.
2200. 2400. 2600. 2800. 3000. 3200. 3400.
3600. 3800. 4000 guineas. Four and a half
thousand. 5000. And a half. 6000. And a half.
7000. And a half. 8000. And a half. 9000.
And a half. 10,000 guineas is bid. And a half.
11,000. And a half.
Against you, sir, at eleven and a half thousand
guineas to the centre. All done at eleven and a
half thousand guineas.
LETTER (cont'd)
I was very relieved to read later on how an American
millionaire named Lewis had saved Darlington Hall...
and that you were not to be turned out of your home
after all. Could it possibly be the same Congressman
Lewis... who attended His Lordship's conference in

1936?
Oh, Mr. Stevens, I so often think of the good old
days... when I was the housekeeper at Darlington
Hall. It was certainly hard work... and I have
certainly known butlers easier to please than our
Mr. Stevens... but I remember those years with you
as among the happiest of my life.
You must have a completely different staff now.
Not many of the old faces are likely to be around
any more. I don't suppose there's much need for
the small army of footmen and under-butlers ...
that Lord Darlington employed.
My own news is not very cheerful. In the 7 years
since I last wrote to you, I have again left my
husband... and, sad to say, my marriage seems to
be finally over. I am staying with a friend in
her boarding house in Clevedon.
I don't know what my future is. Since Catherine,
my daughter, got married last year, my life has been
empty. The years stretch before me, and if only I
knew how to fill them! But I would like to be useful
again.
INT. DARLINGTON HALL - DAY
(Stevens brings a breakfast tray for Lewis)
LEWIS:
STEVENS:
LEWIS:
STEVENS:
Burned again?
Yes, I'm sorry, sir, the, erm... the rule in the
kitchen has always been that cook cooks the cooked
breakfast while her assistant toasts the toast.
Well, why don't we just get her a pop-up toaster?
Yes, sir, well, we need not a new gadget, but a
revised staff plan, sir.
LEWIS: A staff plan, huh? Gee, I didn't know we had one.
STEVENS:
LEWIS:
STEVENS:
LEWIS:
STEVENS:
LEWIS:
STEVENS:
Yes, sir. A faulty one, unfortunately, sir.
Uh, huh.
Er, sir, quite recently, erm, sir, you were kind
enough to suggest that I, er, go on a little holiday,
take a trip around the country.
Mm. Absolutely. Certainly, take a break.
See the world.
Thank you, sir.
When did you, uh, last see the world, Stevens?
Tell me.
Eh? Well, in the past, sir, the world always used
to come to this house, in a manner of speaking, if
I may say so, sir.

LEWIS: You may say so.
Well, why don't you take off when I'm in London
next week? I tell you what. You can take the car.
Take the Daimler.
STEVENS:
LEWIS:
STEVENS:
LEWIS:
STEVENS:
LEWIS:
STEVENS:
LEWIS:
STEVENS:
LEWIS:
STEVENS:
Good Lord, sir, I couldn't possibly...
Now, you and that Daimler belong together, Stevens.
You were made for each other.
Well, that's most kind of you, I must say, sir.
Most kind.
Well, I had intended to travel in the West, where
I understand we have some splendid scenery, and I
might incidentally be able to solve our staff problems
while I'm in that part of the world. A former
housekeeper, at present living in Clevedon, has
indicated to me, sir, that she might be prepared
to return to service.
What's this, your girlfriend? Or you mean a, uh,
former attachment?
Oh, no, sir, no, sir... No, a very able housekeeper,
sir. Most able housekeeper.
I, um, I was just kidding, Stevens.
Yes, sir.
Sorry... uh... You know what I like best about
your papers over here? These obituaries. Every
son-of-a-gun gets this stately funeral oration.
It's not an art we have in the United States.
Indeed, sir.
Thank you, Stevens.
Mr. Lewis.
EXT. TRAVEL - DAY
Dear Mrs. Benn,
I propose to reach Clevedon on Tuursday the 3rd of October
around 4 p.m. Would be grateful for a line from you to reach
me care of the post office of Collingbourne-Douces, near
Hungerford... where I am planning to stop.
Mrs. Benn, I always said you possess an amazing memory. My
new employer is indeed Congressman Lewis... though he's now
retired from political life in the United States. He's already
taken up residence at Darlington Hall, and will soon be joined
by his family. But I regret to say we are woefully understaffed
for a house this size.
Mrs. Benn, will you permit me once again to sing your praises?
Let me state that when you left us to get married... no
housekeeper ever managed to reach your high standard in any
department. I well remember your first arrival at Darlington
Hall. You came somewhat unexpectedly... one might even say
impulsively... while we were dead in the middle of the

Charlgrove Meet. That day is marked in my memory in another
way as well. It was the last time His Lordship seemed happy
to welcome his neighbours, as in the old days. Of course,
it had been years since any of them had coaxed him to hunt.
It was never a sport His Lordship enjoyed or approved of.
FLASHBACK
(many people get together for hunting)
DARLINGTON:
AYRES:
STEVENS:
Ah, good morning, Ayres.
Milord, nice to see you.
Excuse me, sir.
LETTER (cont'd)
I fear I may have been a little unwelcoming,
even a little short. You presented the best
references that I've ever seen, which proved
to be well-deserved indeed, although I confess
I did have my doubts on account of your youth.
FLASHBACK
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
(interviews a woman for a job)
Well, no gentleman callers allowed,
of course. You will forgive my mentioning
it, but we have had problems of that sort
before, from inside the house, too. The
previous housekeeper took it into her head
to... run off with the under-butler.
Now, if two staff members of staff happen
to fall in love and decide to get married,
there is nothing one can say. But what I
do find a major irritation... are those
persons who are simply going from post to
post looking for romance.
Now, housekeepers are particularly guilty
here. No offense intended, of course.
None taken. I know from my own experience
how a house is at sixes and sevens... once
the staff start marrying each other.
Yes, indeed.
STEVENS:
DARLINGTON:
STEVENS:
DARLINGTON:
STEVENS:
Might I have a word, sir?
Of course.
My lord, it's, er, regarding the under-butler
and the housekeeper who ran off together
last month.
Ah... bad business. How are you managing?
I believe I've found two first-rate
replacements, sir. Miss Kenton, a young

woman with excellent references, very
pleasing demeanour, appears to be very able.
And a man with considerable experience of
butlering, sir... now of a certain age and
happy to take on the post of under-butler.
DARLINGTON:
STEVENS:
DARLINGTON:
STEVENS:
DARLINGTON:
STEVENS:
DARLINGTON:
STEVENS:
DARLINGTON:
STEVENS:
DARLINGTON:
STEVENS:
DARLINGTON:
STEVENS:
DARLINGTON:
STEVENS:
DARLINGTON:
STEVENS:
DARLINGTON:
STEVENS:
Name?
Stevens, sir.
Stevens?
Yes, sir.
That's your name.
It's my father, sir.
Really?
Well, couldn't do betterm I'm sure.
I'd like to see him sometime.
He's outside the door, sir.
Good. Well, bring him in.
Thank you, Milord.
(to the door) Father.
Mr. Stevens, how do you do?
My lord.
Very good man here, your son.
He does the house great service.
I don't know what we'd do without him.
Proud of him, are you?
Very proud, Milord.
Quite right, too.
Yes... well, very glad to have you with us.
Thank you, Milord.
Oh, Stevens... what are we at dinner tonight?
Er, 14? 16?
Twelve, sir.
Right.
Thank you... thank you, Milord.
INT. DARLINGTON HALL - DAY
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
Oh, Mr. Stevens.
Yes.
This pitcher seems quite out of place here.
Dining room. Well spotted, Miss Kenton.

STEVENS: (watching Miss Kenton go outside)
KENTON:
WILLIAM:
Hello, William, how are you?
Fine, thank you.
Good day, Miss Kenton.
(Miss Kenton is picking some flowers)
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
(in answer to a knock) Hello.
Mr. Stevens, I thought these might brighten your
parlour a little.
Beg your pardon?
I thought they might cheer things up for you.
Oh, that's very kind of you. Erm...
If you like, Mr. Stevens, I could bring in some
more cuttings for you.
Thank you, Miss Kenton, but I regard this room as
my private place of work, and I... I prefer to
keep distractions to a minimum.
Would you call flowers a distraction, then, Mr.
Stevens?
I appreciate your kindness, Miss Kenton, but, er,
I prefer to keep things as they are.
Oh, and since you are here, er, there is a matter
I wanted to mention to you, just a small matter.
I happened to be, er, walking past the kitchen
yesterday morning... and I heard you calling to
someone named William. May I ask who it was you
were addressing by that name?
Why, Mr. Stevens, I should think I was addressing
your father.
Oh.
There are no other Williams in this house, I take
it?
True.
May I ask you in future, Miss Kenton, to address
my father as Mr. Stevens? Or if you are speaking
of him to a third party, you may wish to call him
'Mr. Stevens senior' to distinguish him from myself.
If so I would be most grateful to you, Miss Kenton.
I don't quite understand what you're getting at,
Mr. Stevens. I am the housekeeper in this house,
and your father is the under-butler. In other houses
I was accustomed to address the under-servants by
their Christian names.

STEVENS: Mm... Miss Kenton, if you would stop to think for a
moment, you would realize that... how inappropriate
it is for one such as yourself to address as 'William'
... someone such as my father.
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
Well, I'm sure, Mr. Stevens, it must have been very
galling for your father to be called William... by
one such as myself.
Miss Kenton, all I'm saying is that my father is a
person from whom... if you'd observe him more, you
may learn many things.
I'm most grateful for your advice, Mr. Stevens,
but do, please, tell me just what marvellous things
might I learn from your father?
I might point out that you're still often unsure
of what goes where and which item is which.
I'm sure Mr. Stevens Sr. is very good at his job...
but I can assure you, Mr. Stevens, that I'm very
good at mine.
Oh, of course.
Thank you.
And er, now if you will please excuse me...
(leaves)
STEVENS: Miss... Kenton... (slam) Oh, well.
INT. SUPPER - NIGHT
MAID:
MARY:
STEVENS:
(cont'd)
CHARLES:
STEVENS:
GEORGE:
STEVENS:
CHARLES:
Shall I put it on there?
Thank you. Just on the counter, please.
My compliments to Cook, if you would, Mary, please?
Oh, what a lovely piece of crackling!
I'm sure you said something witty, Charles, which
you might like to share with the rest of us who
were not, er, fortunate enough to hear you.
I said how the, how the sprouts is done just the
way I like 'em, Mr. Stevens. Crisp-like, not
mushy.
Sprouts 'are' done, Charles, not 'is' done.
Isn't that right, George?
Yes, Mr. Stevens.
Forgive the, er, correction, I'm sure, Charles,
as I would have done... at your age for the sake
of my education. As I'm sure even you, Charles,
have, er, ambitions to rise in your profession.
Oh, yes, Mr. Stevens. Mm. I want to be a butler,
to be called 'Mr.' and not 'Charles,' and sit in
my own pantry by my own fire, smoking my cigar.

STEVENS: I wonder if you realize what it really takes to
be a great butler?
STEVENS SR.: Takes dignity, that's what it takes.
STEVENS:
Thank you, Mr. Stevens.
Dignity, that's right. Dignity.
This is the official definition as given in our
'Portrait of the Gentlemen's Gentleman':
A great butler must be possessed of a dignity...'
STEVENS SR.: 'In keeping with his position.'
There was this English butler in India.
One day, he goes in the dining room, and what's
he see under the table? A tiger. Not turning
a hair, he goes straught to the drawing room.
"Excuse me, Milord," and whispering, so as not
to upset the ladies: "I'm very sorry, Milord,
there appears to be a tiger in the dining room.
Perhaps His Lordship will permit use of the 12-
bores?"
They go on drinking their tea, and then, there's
three gunshots. Well, they don't think nothing of
it, this being, eh, in India, where they're used
to anything.
And when the butler is back, er, 'to refresh the
teapots,' he says, cool as a cucumber:
"Dinner will be served at the usual time, Milord.
And I am pleased to say there will be no discernible
traces left... of the recent occurrence by that
time." I repeat, sir, "There will be no discernible
traces left... of the recent occurrence by that
time."
MEN:
STEVENS:
Wonderful story, Mr. Stevens.
Thank you, Mr. Stevens.
Wonderful story. That's the ideal, Charles, that
we should all aim for. Dignity.
(the bell rings in another room)
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
It's for you, Mr. Stevens.
Thank you.
It's for Mr. Stevens senior, Mr. Stevens.
STEVENS SR.: Thank you, Miss Kenton.
KENTON:
MARY:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
Mary, would you put Mr. Stevens' senior plate with
Cook to keep it warm?
Yes, Miss Kenton.
Thank you, Miss Kenton.
Not at all, Mr. Stevens.
INT. DARLINGTON HALL - DAY

(William Stevens is cleaning the staircase, but
leaving a broom there, enters a room)
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
Mr. Stevens.
Yes.
If you're searching for your dustpan, it is outside
on the landing.
My dustpan?
Your dustpan. You've left it on the landing.
I haven't used a dustpan, Miss Kenton.
Oh, really? It must have been somebody else.
I don't follow you.
My mistake, no doubt. One of many.
(Stevens goes to the landing to collect the dustpan)
DARLINGTON:
STEVENS:
Stevens.
Morning, sir.
INT. GUEST ROOM - DAY
DARLINGTON:
GUEST:
DARLINGTON:
GUEST:
DARLINGTON:
GUEST #2:
REGINALD:
DARLINGTON:
I've invited Giscard Dupont D'Ivry to join us
as the French delegate.
Dupont D'Ivry? He'll never come!
Well, I'm glad to say that I've just had word of
his acceptance.
But Dupont is fanatically anti-German! I remember
a speech he gave in Geneva in '33 that made me
ashamed to be seen as an ally of the French. I
mean to say, it's not the English way of carrying
on.
No, it is not. And it is precisely the purpose of
our conference to discuss these matters informally
far from the to-do of an international conference
here in the friendly and relaxed... atmosphere of
one's home. We may have a chance to bring round
others like the French to our point of view.
And that of the Germans.
I'm sorry, sir, I'm so sorry to interrupt, but I
just don't see how we can associate ourselves now
with the Germans, you know, with the Nazi party.
They have actually torn up and trampled on every
single treaty... and seem to be a worse threat than
ever to the whole of Europe, er, not to mention
their brutal dictatorship at home.
My dear boy, when I was in Berlin, I saw at last

a happy German people with jobs, and bread, pride
in their country and love of their leader.
REGINALD:
And, er, what about the Jews?
INT. BILLIARDS ROOM - DAY
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
(cont'd)
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
Was it His Lordship's wish that the Chinaman from
the cabinet room should be exchanged with the one
outside the door?
Chinaman?
Yes. The Chinaman from the cabinet room is now
outside this door. Come and see for yourself.
I'm busy at the moment.
All you have to do is pop your head outside this
door and see for yourself. It won't take a moment.
I will look into the matter in due course, Miss
Kenton.
You think it might be a fantasy?
A fantasy on my part due to my inexperience?
I'm busy in this room, Miss Kenton.
I shall wait. Outside.
Look at it!
Is that or is it not the wrong Chinaman?
Miss Kenton, I am very busy.
I am surprised that you have nothing better to do
than stand around all day.
Mr. Stevens, look at that Chinaman, and tell me
the truth.
Miss Kenton, I would ask you to keep your voice
down. What would the other servants think to hear
us shouting at the top of voice about Chinaman?
And I would ask you, Mr. Stevens, to turn around
and look at the Chinaman!
It is a small mistake. A trivial mistake.
Your father is entrusted with more than a man of
his age can cope with. I'm concerned for him.
Please let me pass.
Mr. Stevens. Mr. Stevens. It was your father who
left the dustpan in the middle of the floor. It
is he who leaving polish on the cutlery. It is he
who has confused the Chinaman. You must recognize
this before he commits a major error!
I'm afraid you can't talk to me like this, Miss
Kenton.

KENTON: I'm afraid I must, Mr. Stevens. I'm giving you
serious advice! Your father should be relieved of
a number of his duties for his own good! Whatever
your father once was, he no longer has the same
ability or strength!
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
I thank you for your advice, Miss Kenton. Noe
perhaps you'll allow me to go about my business?
Oh, I never meant to keep you from your business,
Mr. Stevens.
Thank you.
EXT. GARDEN - DAY
GUEST:
DARLINGTON:
GUEST #2:
DARLINGTON:
GUEST #2:
GUEST:
DARLINGTON:
It's vital that we've agreed a common policy
before the arrival of, erm, your Frenchman.
What's his name again?
Er, Giscard Dupont D'Ivry.
We are also expecting the American delegate...
Congressman Lewis, to arrive on the same day.
Who is he, this American?
Well, he's rather an unknown quantity. A young
congressman from Pennsylvania. Sits on some sort
of powerful foreign affairs committee, and is, I
believe, heir to one of those American fortunes.
Meat-packing? Trolley cars? Or dry goods?
What are 'dry goods'?
Evidently something that Americans make a lot of
money in.
No, no, I think, er, Mr. Lewis's fortune comes from
cosmetics, actually.
(Willam Stwvens with a tray on the ground)
DARLINGTON:
GUEST:
Good Lord! It's old Mr. Stevens!
Get, get a cushion, quickly. A blanket!
Here you are.
STEVENS SR.: Silver... the silver...
DARLINGTON:
There, there, man...
STEVENS SR.: Oh, Milord...
DARLINGTON:
There, there.
STEVENS SR.: I'm sorry!
DARLINGTON:
You'll be all right.
STEVENS SR.: I'm sorry!
STEVENS:
Thank you, sir. I'm sorry.

What happened?
DARLINGTON:
STEVENS:
DARLINGTON:
He tripped over with the tray.
Yes, I saw it, sir, from the window.
This has never happened before, sir.
May I, er, telephone the doctor?
Yes, do. Yes.
STEVENS SR.: I'm sorry!
DARLINGTON:
Don't worry.
STEVENS SR.: I'm sorry, Milord.
INT. DARLINTON'S STUDY - DAY
DARLINGTON:
STEVENS:
DARLINGTON:
STEVENS:
DARLINGTON:
STEVENS:
DARLINGTON:
STEVENS:
DARLINGTON:
STEVENS:
DARLINGTON:
(cont'd)
(cont'd)
Oh, Stevens.
Yes, Milord?
Your father feeling better?
Yes, he's made a full recovery. I'm happy to
say, sir.
Good. But, er, none of us wish to see anything
of that sort ever happen again, do we?
I mean, your father collapsing and all that.
Indeed not, Milord.
And it, it could happen anywhere... at any time.
Look here, Stevens, the first of the foreign delegates
will be arriving here in less than a fortnight.
Yes, we are well prepared, Milord.
Well, I'm sure you are.
And what happens within this house during the
conference could have, er, considerable repercussions
on the whole course that Europe is taking.
Yes, Milord.
Yes, it means a great deal. And I may as well tell
you, Stevens, it means a great deal to me personally.
I had a German friend, Karl-Heinz Bremann. We
fought on opposite sides in the war. We always
said when this wretched business is over, we'll
sit down and have a drink together, like gentlemen.
The Versailles Treaty made a liar of me. Yes,
a liar, Stevens. Because the terms that we, the
victor, imposed were so harsh that Germany was
simply finished. Well, one doesn't do that to a
defeated foe. No, once you've got your man on the
canvas, that ought to be the end of it.
My friend Bremann was, er, ruined by inflation.
Couldn't get a job in post-war Germany. Killed
himself. Shot himself in a railway carriage

etween Hamburg and Berlin.
Well, ever since that time, I've felt it my duty,
my job, Stevens, to hold out a helping hand to
Germany, to give her a fair chance. So you see,
Stevens, this conference is crucial and we really
can't run the risk of any accidents.
Look here, your... there's no question of your
father leaving us. You're simply being asked to
reconsider his duties.
STEVENS:
DARLINGTON:
STEVENS:
Of course, Milord. I understand fully.
Good. Well, I'll leave you to think about it,
then, Stevens.
Thank you, sir.
INT. DARLINGTON HALL - MORNING
STEVENS:
HUGH:
STEVENS:
HUGH:
STEVENS:
Hugh.
Sir?
Look, I'm short-handed in the dining room tonight.
I can use you in the servery. All right?
Thank you, Mr. Stevens, sir.
Well, smarten up. Look sharp.
STEVENS:
STEVENS SR:
STEVENS:
STEVENS SR:
STEVENS:
STEVENS SR:
STEVENS:
STEVENS SR:
STEVENS:
STEVENS SR:
STEVENS:
(knocks at the door) Good morning.
Good morning.
I might have known you'd be up and ready for
the day.
Oh, I've been up for two hours.
That's not much sleep. It's all the sleep I need.
Yes. I've, er, I've come to talk to you about
something.
Well, talk, then. I haven't got all morning.
I'll come straight to the point.
Do, and be done with it.
Some of us have got work to be getting on with.
Yes.
There's to be a very important international
conference in this house next week. People of
great stature will be His Lordship's guests.
We must all put our best foot forward. And
because of Father's recent accident, it has been
suggested that you no longer wait at table.

STEVENS SR: I've... I've waited at table every day for the
last 54 years.
STEVENS:
STEVENS SR:
STEVENS:
STEVENS SR:
STEVENS:
It has also been decided that you should no longer
carry heavy trays. Now, here's a revised list
of your duties.
Well, I fell... because of those paving stones.
They're crooked! Why don't you get them put right
before someone else does the same thing?
You will read the revised list of your duties.
Father.
Get those stones put right.
You don't want those gentlemen of stature tripping
up and breaking their necks, do you.
No, indeed, I don't.
(William is stamping the paving stones flat)
KENTON:
STEVENS:
Mr. Stevens.
What is it?
(looks at his father walking on the pavement)
STEVENS:
STEVENS SR:
STEVENS:
STEVENS SR:
STEVENS:
STEVENS:
STEVENS:
STEVENS SR:
STEVENS:
STEVENS SR:
STEVENS:
(to his father) Now, you have what we can call
a roving commission. In other words, you can
exercise your own judgment... but within certain
limits, of course. Now, here are the mops, and,
erm, here...
Are these me mops?
Right. Your brushes.
And me brushes?
Yes.
And me mops.
That's right.
What, er, what do you want me to do with 'em?
Well, I think you know well enough what to do with
them, Father. Look for dust and dirt.
And if I find any dust or dirt, I give 'em a good
going over them with this mop.
That's right.
Yes... now, what I suggest you start off with, erm,
are the brasses on the doors. Er, there's that door
there, then the door that's open, and then there's
this door here... this one here.
(William goes across the room to the door)
STEVENS:
Yes, Mr. Stevens.
There we are. Here's your polish and your duster.

STEVENS: (to all the servants)
History could well be made under this roof over
the next few days. You can, each and every one of
you... take great pride in the role you will play
on this momentous occasion.
(cont'd)
Imagine yourself the head of a battalion, even if
it is only filling the hot-water bottles. Each
one of you has his own particular duty... or her
particular duty, as the cap fits.
Polished brass, brilliant silver, mahogany shining
like a mirror. That is the welcome we will show
these foreign visitors, to let them know they are
in England... where order and tradition still
prevail.
EXT./INT. DARLINGTON HALL - DAY
LEWIS:
STEVENS:
DARLINGTON:
STEVENS:
DARLINGTON:
STEVENS:
DARLINGTON:
STEVENS:
DARLINGTON:
STEVENS:
DARLINGTON:
(to the rdiver) Thank you, Brian.
Milord. Mr. Lewis, the American gentleman, has
arrived, sir.
He wasn't expected till tomorrow! What have you
done with him?
Mr. Lewis has been shown upstairs, Milord.
Thank you.
Oh, Stevens. Er, my godson Cardinal tells me
he's shortly to become engaged to be married.
Oh, Indeed, sir? I offer my congratulations.
Thank you, Stevens.
I feel very responsible for the boy. Not only
is he my godson, and his father, Sir David, was
my closest friend, as you know. And now that he's
gone, well... I, er, feel in place of a father to
the boy. I've appointed him as my secretary of
the conference, as I've said. And so far he's
been jolly thorough in helping me to prepare.
Stevens, I, er, realize this is a somewhat irregular
thing to ask you to do.
I should be very glad to be of any assistance,
Milord.
Sorry to bring up a thing like this, but I, er,
just can't see how on earth to make it go away.
You are familiar, I take it, with the facts of
life?
Milord?
The facts of life, Stevens. Birds, bees. I mean.
You are familiar, aren't you?

STEVENS: I'm afraid I don't quite follow you, sir.
DARLINGTON:
STEVENS:
DARLINGTON:
Well, let me put my cards on the table, Stevens.
I'm so frightfully busy with this conference.
Of course, you are very busy, too... but someone
has to tell him. In a way, it would be easier for
you. Less awkward. I mean, I'd... I find the task
rather daunting, I'm afraid. I might not get round
to it before Reginald's wedding day. Of course,
this goes far beyond the call of duty, Stevens.
Well, I... I shall do my best, Milord.
Be grateful if you'd even try, Stevens. It'd be
an awful lot off my mind. Look here, there's no
need to make a song and dance of it. Just convey
the basic facts and be done with it.
EXT. GARDEN - DAY
(Stevens comes up to Reginald from behind)
REGINALD:
STEVENS:
REGINALD:
STEVENS:
REGINALD:
STEVENS:
REGINALD:
STEVENS:
REGINALD:
STEVENS:
REGINALD:
STEVENS:
REGINALD:
Oh! God! Stevens! Oh!
Yes, I, er... most sorry, sir... but I do have
something to convey to you rather urgently, sir,
and if I may be permitted, I'll come straight to
the point. Erm, perhaps you will have noticed
this morning, sir, the ducks and the geese by the
pond?
Ducks and geese? No, I don't think so, Stevens.
Well, perhaps the, the birds and the flowers, then,
or the, erm, er, shrubs, and the bees?
No, I've not seen any bees.
Yes... well, this is, in fact, not the best time
of the year to see them in their full glory, sir.
What, the bees?
Er, no, sir. What I'm trying to say, sir, is that
with the arrival of spring, we shall see a most
remarkable and profound change in the surroundings,
sir.
Yeag... yeah, I'm sure that's right. I'm sure that
the grounds are not at their best just now.
No, sir.
But, erm, I have to say, I wasn't really paying
much attention to the, er, old glories of nature,
because it's all rather worrying, you know, erm,
Dupont D'Ivry has just arrived in the foulest mood
imaginable, which is, is the last thing that anyone
wants.
Oh, Monsieur Dupont D'Ivry has arrived, sir?
Yeah, half an hour ago, in a really foul mood.

STEVENS: Oh, in that case, erm, please excuse me. I, I'd,
I'd better go and attend to him, sir.
REGINALD:
STEVENS:
REGINALD:
STEVENS:
REGINALD:
STEVENS:
Right you are, Stevens. Oh yes, and... kind of
you to talk to me.
Not at all, sir. Erm, in fact, I do have one or
two words more to convey to you on the topic of,
erm, well, as you've, er, put it most admirably,
sir, er, 'the glories of nature,' but, but it
will have to wait for another occasion, sir.
Thank you.
Well, I, I'll look forward to that, then, Stevens.
But I'm more of a fish man myself.
Fish, sir?
Yes, I know all about fish. Freshwater and salt.
Ah. Well, all living creatures would be relevant
to our discussion, sir. If you will excuse me,
I had no idea that Monsieur Dupont D'Ivry had
arrived. Thank you.
INT. DARLINGTON HALL - DAY
STEVENS:
DUPONT:
STEVENS:
DUPONT:
May I be of assistance, sir?
Oh, the butler. Um, I have sore feet, so I need
a basin with uh, warm water and salts, please.
Yes, Monsieur. I'll arrange that with our
housekeeper straight away, sir.
Yes, warm water and salts as soon as possible.
(Lewis enters)
LEWIS:
DUPONT:
LEWIS:
DUPONT:
LEWIS:
DUPONT:
Monsieur Dupont?
Oui. Ah, how do you do? But I speak English.
Oh, good. That's lucky for me.
I'm Jack Lewis, the U.S. Delegate, and... I wonder
if we could speak privately as soon as possible?
Yes, of course, but for the moment I have blisters
due to some infernal sight-seeing they made me do
in London. You know, I had already seen the Tower
of London. Uh-huh.
Sir, I arrived here a day early and I've discovered
that things are not moving in a direction that I
think you would entirely approve of.
Oh?
EXT. CONFERENCE - DAY

CHAIRMAN: German rearmament is an accomplished fact to be
accepted. It's in our own interest to have a free
and strong Germany, instead of the prostrate nation
upon whom an unfair peace treaty was imposed 16
years ago. Those of you who've been in Germany
recently can only thrill, as I have, to the signs
of rebirth encountered everywhere. It is the genius
and greatness to assist Germany in her virile
struggle for economic recovery, including support
for her fair demand for equality of armaments...
and universal military service for German youth.
If we in postwar Europe, and I may add...
DUPONT:
STEVENS:
LEWIS:
DUPONT:
LEWIS:
STEVENS:
LEWIS:
DUPONT:
LEWIS:
STEVENS:
DUPONT:
DUPONT:
STEVENS:
DUPONT:
LEWIS:
CHARLES:
STEVENS:
DUPONT:
(to Stevens) I need more water, and a basin to
bathe my feet.
Would you follow me, sir.
Excuse me... Monsieur Dupont?
Oui.
We have to talk... we have to talk, sir.
Er, this way, sir.
(follows Dupont) Monsieur Dupont.
My friend, I, I am in agony. Too tight shoes.
I blame myself. Vanity.
Sir, you and I are going to have to do some pretty
fast maneuvering back there if we want to restrain
the Germans.
Would you please come this way, gentlemen?
Yes.
(moves to the billiards room)
Oh, Butler, please, could you help me with the
feet, uh, shoe?
Ah, yes, of course, sir.
Take it off.
Now, you heard all that in there about equality
of armaments for Germany, and universal military
service...
Mr. Stevens.
Yes?
(to Dupont) Sorry, sir.
I'll manage, thank you.
STEVENS:
CHARLES:
(to Charles) What is it?
I'm sorry, Mr. Stevens. Your father's been
taken ill, sir.

STEVENS: Where?
CHARLES:
Outside the Chinese bedroom, sir.
DUPONT:
LEWIS:
DUPONT:
Germany wants peace as much as we do. She needs
peace, you see... agh!
Here, let me, let me help you with that.
Thank you.
(Stevens and Charles move to the Chinese bedroom)
STEVENS:
CHARLES:
STEVENS:
Erm, thank you, Charles. Erm, I want you to take
a basin of hot water and salts... to Mr. Dupont
D'Ivry in the billiards room. Is that understood?
Yes, Mr. Stevens.
Good. Do it.
STEVENS:
Father? Father.
(they carry Stevens' father into his room)
KENTON:
STEVENS:
I have more time than you at the moment. I'll
look after him. I've called the doctor.
Thank you, Miss Kenton. Thank you.
STEVENS:
DOCTOR:
DOCTOR:
STEVENS:
Doctor.
Ah, yes, hello, Stevens.
Er... your father's not so good, I'm afraid.
(George hands the doctor his overcoat and hat)
Thank you.
If he deteriorates, call me, will you?
Yes, sir. Thank you.
DOCTOR: How old is he? 70, 72?
STEVENS:
DOCTOR:
STEVENS:
75, sir.
I see. Well, as I say, if he deteriorates, let
me know.
Thank you, I will, sir. Thank you, doctor.
INT. KITCHEN - DAY

WOMAN: Move aside, boy.
More haste, less speed. Right.
INT. DINING ROOM - NIGHT
(Stevens and George are checking the dinner table)
STEVENS:
CHARLES:
STEVENS:
Er, there's something missing. What is it?
The spoon from the cruet set, sir.
Good. Well observed.
Now, never touch the lip of the glass.
Good.
Glass first, and then...
INT. WILLIAM'S ROOM - NIGHT
(William is now lying in bed)
STEVENS SR:
STEVENS:
STEVENS SR:
STEVENS:
STEVENS SR:
STEVENS:
STEVENS SR:
STEVENS:
Is everything in hand downstairs?
Oh, yes. We're preparing the dinner. It's the
last dinner of the conference, so you can imagine
the atmosphere in the kitchen.
But is everything in hand?
Yes, yes, I think we're up to scratch.
How are you feeling better? Are you feeling any
better?
There's something I have to tell you.
I have so much to do, Father. Why don't we talk
in the morning?
Jim... I fell out of love with your mother.
I loved her once. The love went out of me when
I found her carrying on. A good son. Proud of
you. I hope I've been a good father to you.
I tried me best.
You'd better get down there, or heaven only knows
what they'll be up to.
Yeah, go on. Go on!
We'll talk in the morning.
INT. DINNER - NIGHT
GERMAN FEMALE DELEGATE:
On the last day of our conference permit me to
say how impressed I have been with the spirit of
goodwill that has prevailed. Goodwill for Germany,
and with tears in my eyes, I see that everyone
here has recognized our right to be once again
a strong nation. With my hand on my heart, I

declare that Germany needs peace and desires
only peace. Peace with England... and peace
with France. Thank you very much.
(clapping)
DUPONT:
GUESTS:
DUPONT:
GUESTS:
LEWIS:
GUESTS:
LEWIS:
(cont'd)
I, uh, too, have been impressed... yes, deeply
impressed by the genuine desire for peace manifested
at this conference. Unlike our American colleague,
we in Europe know the horrors of war. And whether
we are French or English or Italian or German...
our one desire is to never have to experience them
again.
Indeed.
Impressed, uh, oh, I, I may say touched by the words
of goodwill and friendship I have heard. I promise
you that I shall do my utmost to change my country's
policy towards that nation which was once our foe,
but is now, I may venture to say, our friend.
Indeed.
Sir, that's exactly the sort of thing I hoped
you'd say.
Ladies and gentlemen, the United States doesn't
want war any more than you do. On the other hand,
neither would we care for peace at any price,
because some prices, you may find, are too
outrageously high to pay. But let's not get
into that now. We may all have to soon enough.
For the moment, let us simply raise our glasses
to Lord Darlington in gratitude for his magnificent
hospitality.
(rising) To Lord Darlington!
To Lord Darlington!
Lord Darlington is a classic English gentleman
of the old school. Decent and honorable and
well-meaning. So are all of you here, all decent,
honorable and well-meaning gentlemen. It's been
a pleasure and a privilege for me to visit with
you here.
But... now, excuse me, I must say this... you are,
all of you, amateurs. And international affairs
should never be run by gentlemen amateurs. Do you
have any idea of what sort of a place the world
is becoming all around you? The days when you
could act out of your noble instincts are over.
Europe has become the arena of 'Realpolitik,'
the politics of reality.
If you like, 'real politics.' And what you need
is not gentlemen politicians, but real ones. You
need professionals to run your affairs, or you're
headed for disaster. So I propose a toast,
gentlemen, to the professionals.
CHARLES:
(whispers) Mr. Stevens.
DARLINGTON:
Well, I've no wish to enter into a quarrel on this

our last evening together, but let me say this.
What you describe as 'amateurism' is what I think
most of us here still prefer to call 'honour.'
CHARLES:
DARLINGTON:
(o Stevens) Miss Kenton would like to see you
outside immediately, sir. Concerning your father.
And I suggest that your professionalism means
greed and power, rather than to see justice and
goodness prevail in the world. I've never concealed
from myself that what we were asking of Germany...
is a complete break from the tradition of this
country. Thank you.
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
Miss, Kenton.
Yes. Mr. Stevens, I'm very sorry.
Your father passed away four minutes ago.
Oh, I see.
I'm so very sorry, I, I wish there was something
I could say...
Yes.
Will you come up and see him?
Well, I'm very busy at the moment, Miss Kenton.
In a little while, perhaps.
In that case, will you permit me to close his eyes?
I would be most grateful, Miss Kenton.
Thank you. Thank you.
... Miss Kenton.
Yes?
My father would wish me to carry on with my work.
I can't let him down.
No. Of course.
Thank you.
Of course.
INT. AFTER DINNER - NIGHT
(in front of the guests the female delegate of Germany
is singing)
REGINALD:
STEVENS:
REGINALD:
STEVENS:
Stevens!
Hello, sir.
I'd really like to continue our little chat sometime.
Yes, sir?

REGINALD: About nature.
STEVENS:
REGINALD:
STEVENS:
REGINALD:
STEVENS:
REGINALD:
STEVENS:
REGINALD:
STEVENS:
Ah.
I think you're right. I think I should come back
in the spring when everything's burgeoning.
Yes, sir. Indeed.
Now, as I said before, my main interest has always
been in fish. When I was small, I, I kept a lot
of tropical fish in a tank.
Indeed, sir?
Harboured quite a passion for them, actually.
I'll have another drop of that, if you don't mind.
You all right?
Yes, sir, perfectly all right. Thank you.
Not feeling unwell?
No, sir. A little tired, perhaps.
(the female delegate finishes singing)
DARLINGTON:
GERMAN:
LEWIS:
DARLINGTON:
LEWIS:
DARLINGTON:
LEWIS:
Wonderful!
What a beautiful example of German culture you've
brought to this house!
Thank you.
Very nice.
(to DARLINGTON) I just wanted to say I hope
there's no hard feelings.
Oh, my dear good chap. I like a good, clean fight.
Yes... giving as good as one gets, what?
I want you do know I have the greatest respect
for the English, sir. I love it over here.
In fact, my family used to bring us here as kids,
so I've always felt right at home.
Ah.
Anyway, thank you. Excuse me.
DARLINGTON:
STEVENS:
DARLINGTON:
STEVENS:
DARLINGTON:
STEVENS:
DARLINGTON:
STEVENS:
You all right, Stevens?
Yes, perfect, Milord. Er, thank you, sir.
You, er, coming down with a cold or something?
Yes, it's, er, been a long day.
It's been a hard day for both of us.
Yes, sir.
Well done.
Thank you, sir.

GENTLEMAN: Darlington!
DARLINGTON: Greymond... (goes to him)
DUPONT:
Oh, I need a basin with, uh, water...
STEVENS:
KENTON:
DOCTOR:
STEVENS:
DOCTOR:
STEVENS:
DOCTOR:
STEVENS:
DOCTOR:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
Miss Kenton.
Mr. Stevens.
My condolences, Stevens.
It was a stroke. A severe stroke.
He wouldn't have suffered much pain.
Thank you for telling me.
Er, Doctor, er, there's a distinguished foreign
gentleman in the billiard room... in need of
attention.
Urgent?
His feet.
Feet?
Yes. Er, I'll take you to him.
If it's urgent.
Yes, it is urgent. The gentleman is in pain.
Mr. Stevens.
Yes.
My condolences.
Thank you, Miss Kenton. It is most kind of you.
(turning around)
Miss Kenton. Thank you.
EXT. ON THE ROAD - DAY
(Stevens, stopping the car, enters a shop)
STEVENS:
SHOPKEEPER:
STEVENS:
KEEPER:
STEVENS:
KEEPER:
Good afternoon.
Afternoon, sir.
Er, my name is Stevens. I'm hoping there's a
letter for me.
Stevens, Stevens, I'll just check for you, sir.
James Stevens.
Ah, I'd like two apples, please.
There weu are, Mr. Stevens.

STEVENS: Thank you.
KEEPER:
STEVENS:
KEEPER:
You are touring in these parts?
Yes, I'm on my way to Clevedon.
How much is that?
That'll be thrupence, please.
(taking the money) Thank you.
KEEPER: And er, you'd be coming from... ?
STEVENS:
KEEPER:
STEVENS:
KEEPER:
STEVENS:
KEEPER:
STEVENS:
KEEPER:
STEVENS:
KEEPER:
Oxfordshire.
(looking at the letter)
Oh, whereabouts in Oxfordshire?
Hm. Sorry?
Whereabouts in Oxfordshire?
Darlington.
That rings a bell... wasn't there a Lord Darlington,
some sort of Nazi? Got us in the war, they say?
I'm the butler of Darlingto Hall, and my employer...
is Mr. Lewis, an American gentleman.
Oh, yeah?
I had no acquaintance with the former owner.
Here's your change.
(Stevens going back to the car, reads the letter)
KENTON (V.O.):
I should be glad to meet you at the Sea View Hotel,
situated opposite the pier. We'll have such a lot
to talk about, and I shall have many questions to
ask you.
Except for you, I seem to have lost touch with all
our friends at Darlington Hall, but that's no wonder.
It was a long time ago, and a lot has happened in
between. Who could ever keep track of all the
people His Lordship once employed?
FLASHBACK
KENTON:
DARLINTON:
KENTON:
DARLINTON:
KENTON:
DARLINTON:
Milord, you rang?
I hear the young ladies from Germany have arrived?
Yes, Milord, they're just outside.
I'd like to say hello to them, practise my German.
They do speak excellent English, Milord.
Good, good. Well, ask them to come in.
(Kenton shows two girls into the room)

KENTON: This is Elsa, and this is Irma.
DARLINTON:
ELSA:
DARLINTON:
ELSA:
DARLINTON:
KENTON:
DARLINTON:
GIRLS:
KENTON:
DARLINTON:
(in German) I'm just asking them if they had a
good journey.
It was long, Milord.
(in German) I'm just asking them what they think
of the weather.
We are very grateful to you, Milord, for letting
us come here. Our parents are very grateful.
No, not at all, not at all.
Miss Kenton will look after you, won't you.
Oh, indeed, Milord.
Welcome to Darlington Hall.
Thank you, Milord.
Thank you, Milord. Thank you.
Will there be anything else, Milord?
No, no.
EXT. DARLINGTON HALL - DAY
(guests in several cars arrive at the Hall)
DARLINTON:
STEVENS:
BENN:
Sir Geoffrey. Good to see you.
How do you do?
Well, come in.
Mr. Benn.
Mr. Stevens.
(turning around) Well, gentlemen, if you'd like
to wait here for a while.
INT. HALL - DAY
KENTON:
BENN:
KENTON:
BENN:
KENTON:
BENN:
KENTON:
BENN:
Why, Mr. Benn!
Miss, Kenton!
Oh, I thought you were still at Stanton Lacey.
No, no. I've been with Sir Geoffrey for some
time now.
Ah.
Er, you haven't changed one bit, Miss Kenton.
Thank you. I'll let you get on.
Perhaps we could meet and later we'll have tea.
I hope so.

INT. DINNER - NIGHT
GEOFFREY:
GUEST:
GEOFFREY:
STEVENS:
GEOFFREY:
STEVENS:
GEOFFREY:
GUEST #2:
GUEST #3:
STEVENS:
So gentlemen, you speak of Jews and Gypsies,
Negroes, so on and so forth. But one has to
regard the racial laws of the Fascists... as a
sanitary measure, much overdue, in my opinion.
But surely, I mean, imagine trying to enforce
such a rule in this country!
Milord, Milord, you cannot run a country without
a penal system. Now, here we call them prisons.
Over there, they call them concentration camps.
What's the difference? ... Er, Stevens.
Sir?
Is there any meat of any kind in this soup?
Er, no, sir... I think it's mushroom stock, sir.
Er, mushroom ends and skins, onion and celery,
erm, no meat at all. Er, cold water, and then
Cook adds sherry. Thank you.
Er, I hear you have one of those Labour fellows
standing from your constituency.
Over there, correct me if I'm wrong, Sir Geoffrey,
they've got rid of all that trade-union rubbish.
Believe me, no workers strike in Germany. And
everyone's kept in line.
It's no wonder this country is going down the
drain. It is internally diseased.
Er, Stevens, the 'croutons.' I think there may
be some butter here. Do you know?
I'm, I'm afraid there may be, sir.
INT. STEVENS'S ROOM - NIGHT
(there is some good music on the record)
BENN:
STEVENS:
BENN:
Well, you've made yourself a cozy little nest here.
Seems to me, Mr. Stevens, you must be a well-contented
man.
Mm. In my philosophy, Mr. Benn, a man cannot call
himself well-contented... until he has done all he
can to be of service to his employer. Of course,
this assumes that one's employer... is a superior
person not only in rank or wealth but in moral
stature.
And in your opinion, what's going on up there has
"moral stature," does it? I wish I could be so
sure. But I'm not. I've heard some very fishy
things, Mr. Stevens, very fishy.

STEVENS: I hear nothing, Mr. Benn.
Ah... listen... that's so touching, isn't it?
Yes, to listen to the gentlemen's conversations
would distract me from my work.
BENN:
KENTON:
BENN:
KENTON:
BENN:
STEVENS:
BENN:
STEVENS:
Ah... Miss Kenton.
Here's fresh soda.
Would you be joining us for a drink?
Oh, thank you very much, but it's very late, and
I have an early start.
Good night... Good night, Mr. Stevens.
Good night, Miss Kenton.
Good-looking woman.
Mm?
Miss Kenton.
It was never the same after she left Stanton Lacey.
I handed in my own notice six months later.
I'd be lost without her. A first-rate housekeeper
is essential in a house like this, where great
affairs are decided between these walls.
INT. LIBRARY - DAY
DARLINGTON:
MAID:
DARLINGTON:
Good morning.
Milord, sir.
(begins to read a book)
"We certainly do the Jews no injustice when we say
that the revelation of Christ is simply something
incomprehensible and hateful to them. Although He
apparently sprang from their midst, He embodies
nevertheless the negation of their whole nature,
a matter in which the Jews are far more sensitive
than we are. This clear demonstration of the deep
cleft that separates us Europeans from the Jew...
is by no means given in order to let religious
prejudice with its dangerous bias, settle the matter,
but because I think that the perception of two so
fundamentally different natures reveals a real
gulf...."
(two maids, after cleaning the room, leave)
DARLINGTON:
STEVENS:
DARLINGTON:
STEVENS:
DARLINGTON:
Stevens.
Yes, Milord.
We have some refugee girls on the staff at the
moment, I believe.
We do, Milord. Two housemaids, Elsa and Irma.
You'll have to let them go, I'm afraid.

STEVENS: Let them go, Milord?
DARLINGTON:
STEVENS:
DARLINGTON:
DARLINGTON:
It's regrettable, Stevens, but we, we have no
choice. You, you've got to see the whole thing
in context. I have the well-being of my guests
to consider.
Milord... May I say... they work extremely well.
They're intelligent, polite and very clean.
I'm sorry, Stevens, but I've looked into this matter
very carefully. There are larger issues at stake.
I'm sorry, but there it is. They're Jews.
Yes, Milord. Thank you.
INT. STEVENS' ROOM - NIGHT
KENTON:
STEVENS:
STEVENS:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
I'm amazed you can stand there as if you were just
discussing orders for the larder! I simply can't
believe it! You're saying that Elsa and Irma are
to be dismissed because they're Jewish!
His Lordship has made his decision. There's nothing
for you and I to discuss.
Do you realize that if those girls have no work,
they could be sent back to Germany!
It is out of our hands.
I'm telling you, Mr. Stevens, if you dismiss my
girls tomorrow, it will be wrong! A sin, as any
sin ever was one!
Miss Kenton, there are many things you and I don't
understand in this world of today, whereas His
Lordship understands fully and has studied the
larger issues at stake concerning, say, the, erm,
the nature of Jewry.
Mr. Stevens, I warn you... if those girls go, I
shall leave this house.
Oh, Miss Kenton... please...
INT. DARLINGTON HALL - DAY
STEVENS:
WOMAN:
STEVENS:
WOMAN:
KENTON:
These references, I have to tell you, are quite
reserved. Why exactly did you leave your last
employment?
They didn't want me any more.
Well, why not?
I don't know. They just didn't want me any more.
They say she works well.

STEVENS: Would you please wait outside?
(the woman goes out of the room)
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
She's unsuitable. Not at all.
Eh? I want her. She'll be under my supervision.
She's not suitable.
She'll do well. I'll see to it.
Well, then, it is entirely, er, your responsibility,
Miss Kenton. Didn't you say you were leaving?
Because of the German girls?
I'm not leaving.
Oh.
I've nowhere to go. I have no family.
I'm a coward.
No, no...
Yes. I am a coward.
I'm frightened of leaving, and that's the truth.
All I see out in the world is loneliness, and it
frightens me. That's all my high principles
are worth, Mr. Stevens. I'm ashamed of myself.
Miss Kenton, you mean a great deal to this house.
You're extremely important to this house, Miss
Kenton.
KENTON: Am I?
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
HULL:
STEVENS:
HULL:
KENTON:
Yes! Yes. Now, look here, erm, if you're really
sure about this young woman, you'd better call her
back in.
Miss Hull.
Miss Hull, we would like you to start next week.
You will be directly responsible to Miss Kenton.
She will explain the rules of the house to you.
Number one: No gentlemen callers, or other such.
Yes, sir.
Good. Well, welcome.
Thank you, sir.
Thank you, Miss Kenton.
Well done. I'll show you to your room.
EXT. ON THE ROAD - EVENING
(Stevens's car, running out of gas, stalls, and
a man takes Stevens to a pub in his car)
STEVENS:
I'd forgotten how much petrol the old Daimler uses.

I daresay it's quite an impractical motor to be
going about the country in, Mister., erm...
MAN:
STEVENS:
MAN #2:
WOMAN:
STEVENS:
SMITH:
TAYLOR:
SMITH:
MAN #2:
STEVENS:
WOMAN:
STEVENS:
SMITH:
MAN #2:
SMITH:
MAN #2:
SMITH:
Smith's my name, sir. Harry Smith.
Very glad you could stop. It's a privilege to have
you here in Moscombe.
Thank you, thank you. It's a privilege to be here.
Your health, sir.
Oh, Dr. Carlisle usually drops in around this time
of night. He'll be very pleased to meet you. He's
a gentleman like yourself.
Yes.
I don't know what you call a 'gentleman'.
Seems to me it's a name that every man in this
country has a right to.
There's Harry Smith, now, sir, giving you an earful
of his, er, 'philosophy.'
It's one of the advantages and privileges of being
born English... that you can express your opinion
freely. And vote in your Member of Parliament, or
vote him out. That's what we fought Hitler for,
and won.
Er, have you had much to do with politics yourself,
then, sir?
Erm, not directly as such. No, erm, particularly
in these days. Erm, perhaps more so, er, in the
early 1930s and just before the war. My concern
was more, er, international affairs, or, erm,
foreign policy, so to speak. Er, not that I ever
held high office, mind you. Erm, no, any influence
I exerted was, er, in an unofficial capacity.
Excuse me, sir, erm, but have you ever met Mr.
Churchill?
Yes, er, he came to the house occasionally, erm,
back again in the early 1930s.
Churchill? Bloody warmonger!
Honestly, Harry! We wouldn't have won the war
without him.
He wasn't content, hey, he wasn't content to fight
Germans, was he? He sent the troops in against the
miners!
What would we've done without him in the war, eh,
Harry?
Oh, yes, all right, all right, we, he did a good
job in the war, but he should've stepped down.
And Mr. Eden?
He made a right bugger of Suez, didn't he!

STEVENS: Er, yes, I met Mr. Eden. Yes, occasionally.
CARLISLE:
STEVENS:
CARLISLE:
STEVENS:
TAYLOR:
CARLISLE:
STEVENS:
WOMAN:
MAN:
CARLISLE:
STEVENS:
TAYLOR:
STEVENS:
CARLISLE:
STEVENS:
CARLISLE:
STEVENS:
CARLISLE:
TAYLOR:
(cont'd)
STEVENS:
How do you do? Richard Carlisle.
How do you do?
Rotten bit of luck about your motor-car, but,
er, nice to have you with us.
Everyone has been most kind.
This gentleman was just telling us he, er, knows
a lot about foreign affairs.
Ah, is that so, indeed?
Yes, in an unofficial capacity.
He knows Mr. Churchill.
And Mr. Eden.
Really?
Yes, well, it, it was my good fortune to have, erm,
consorted with many men of influence from Europe
and er, from America. And, erm...
Er, well, er, Mr. Taylor, I, I really feel I ought
to retire now, because I'm, I'm feeling rather, er,
tired.
Well, no wonder, sir. running out of petrol... then
having to hear Smith's political opinions.
If you'd just step this way, sir.
Thank you.
I have a visit to make in Stanbury first thing in
the morning. I'd happy to give you a lift, er,
save you the walk.
Well, er...
And we could pick up a can of petrol on the way.
That would be most kind of you. I'd hate to
inconvenience you...
Oh, not at all. Would, er, 7:30 suit you?
(going upstairs)
You'll enjoy talking to Dr. Carlisle, sir.
Of, er, watch this step.
Er, you'll excuse Harry Smith, sir.
He will go on about his politics! I'm not saying
he's not right, sir. Democracy is what we fought
Hitler for, and there's quite a few lads we lost
in this village, fighting in the war, including
our son here. Dunkirk.
I'll get you a blanket, sir. Erm, I left a razor
and some soap on the basin.
Thank you.
(looking around the room, Stevens recollects)

FLASHBACK
INT. DARLINGTON HALL - DAY
SPENCER:
I may say that you cannot go wrong if you listen
to the opinions of your ordinary man in the street.
They've got perfectly entitled to, to, to give a...
Such an old-fashioned view!
... give an opinion on, on, on politics or on
whatever questions!
They have no qualifications whatsoever!
Of course they have!
No!
DARLINGTON:
STEVENS:
DARLINGTON:
STEVENS:
SPENCER.
STEVENS:
SPENCER:
Stevens.
Yes?
Mr. Spencer would like a word with you.
Sir.
My good man, I have a question for you.
Do you suppose the debt situation regarding America...
is a significant factor in the present low levels
of trade? Or do you suppose this is a red herring,
and that the abandonment of the Gold standard is
at the root of the problem?
I'm sorry, sir, but I am unable to be of assistance
in this matter.
Oh, dear. What a pity.
Well, perhaps you can help us on another matter...
Oh, no!
SPENCER:
STEVENS:
DARLINGTON:
SPENCER:
Do you think that the currency problem in Europe
would be alleviated by an arms agreement between
the French and the Bolsheviks?
I'm sorry, sir, but I'm unable to be of assistance
in this matter.
Very well, Stevens, that'll be all.
Er, one moment, Darlington, I have another question
to put to our good man here.
Oh, no!
SPENCER:
STEVENS:
My good fellow, do you share our opinion... that
Monsieur Daladier's recent speech on the situation
in North Africa was simply a ruse to scupper the
nationalist fringe of his own domestic party?
I'm sorry, sir. I am unable to be of assistance

in any of these matters.
SPENCER:
DARLINGTON:
STEVENS:
You see, gentlemen? Our good man here is unable
to assist us in these matters, and yet we still
go along with the notion that this nation's
decisions be left in the hands of our good man
here, and a few millions like him.
You may as well ask a committee of the Mothers'
Union to organize a war campaign.
Thank you, Stevens.
Thank you, Milord.
(to Spencer) Thank you, sir.
Well, you certainly proved your point, Spencer.
SPENCER:
Q.E.D., I think.
No, not at all!
Oh, yes, he has!
EXT. ON THE ROAD - DAY
CARRLISLE:
STEVENS:
CARRLISLE:
STEVENS:
CARRLISLE:
STEVENS:
CARRLISLE:
STEVENS:
CARRLISLE:
STEVENS:
What did you make of the citizens of Moscombe?
Not such a bad bunch, are they.
Oh, no, sir. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor were extremely
kind.
I say, I hope you don't think me very rude, but,
erm, you aren't a manservant of some sort, are you?
Erm, yes, sir, I am, indeed. In fact, I'm the
butler of Darlington Hall, near Oxford. It wasn't
my intention to deceive anyone, sir.
No need to explain. I can quite see how it
happened. Darlington. Wasn't there a Lord
Darlington involved in all that appeasement
business that got us into the war?
I'm sorry, sir, I never knew that Lord Darlington.
My employer is an American gentleman, Mr. Lewis.
Yes... Lord Darlington was among those who tried
to make a deal with Hitler. And then there was a
case after the war where he sued a newspaper for
libel. The Express, was it? News Chronicle?
I couldn't say, sir.
Anyway, he lost. He was lucky, really, not to have
been tried for treason.
There it is, just ahead.
(the two put gasolin into Stevens's car)
STEVENS:
Sir, I must confess... that I failed to tell you
the truth. I did know Lord Darlington, and I can
declare that he was a truly good man. A gentleman

through and through... to whom I'm proud to have
given my best years of service.
CARRLISLE:
STEVENS:
CARRLISLE:
STEVENS:
CARRLISLE:
STEVENS:
CARRLISLE:
STEVENS:
CARRLISLE:
STEVENS:
CARRLISLE:
(cont'd)
STEVENS:
CARRLISLE:
STEVENS:
CARRLISLE:
Well, that should get you to the next petrol
station.
Well, thank you very much, sir.
I'm most grateful.
But did you... share his opinions?
Who?
Lord Darlington.
Er, I was his butler. I was there to serve him,
not to agree or disagree.
You trusted him?
Yes, I did. Completely.
But at the end of his life, His Lordship himself
admitted that he'd been... mistaken. That he'd
been too gullible, and he had let himself be
taken in.
I see.
Yes.
Well, thank you, sir. You've been most kind.
Thank you.
Just keep going straight up here, and turn left
at the first crossroads.
I say, I don't want to be a bore, but I'm intrigued.
I mean, where do you stand on all that? If a
mistake was to be made, wouldn't you rather have
made your own? Do forgive me for being so
inquisitive.
No, not at all, sir.
You see, in a very small way, I did make my own
mistake. But I might still have a chance to set
mine right. In fact, I'm on my way to try and
do so now. Yes...
Try the ignition.
Well, thank you, sir. I'm most grateful for
your help.
Good luck. It's been interesting talking to you.
INT. DARLINGTON HALL - DAY
DARLINGTON:
STEVENS:
DARLINGTON:
Oh, Stevens...
Ah, good morning, sir.
Lord Halifax was very impressed with the silver.
Told him it was all your doing. He sends his
compliments. Well done.

STEVENS: Thank you, sir.
DARLINGTON:
STEVENS:
DARLINGTON:
STEVENS:
DARLINGTON:
Thank you... oh, Stevens. I, I've been meaning
to ask you... That business last year about the
Jewish maids, erm, I suppose there's no way of
tracing them, is there?
Well, that would be difficult, sir. I tried to
obtain a position for them in a house in Surrey,
but there was room only for one, and the girls
didn't want to be separated, sir.
Oh. Well, try anyway, Stevens. One would like
to do something for them.
Yes, sir.
It was wrong, what occurred. I'm sorry about it.
Very sorry.
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
Good morning.
Good morning. Mr. Stevens.
Erm... yes. His Lordship asked about the Jewish
girls.
Elsa and Irma?
Yes, he wondered where they were. He said it was
wrong to dismiss them. I thought you'd like to
know, because I remember you were as distressed as
I was about it.
As you were?
As I recall, you thought it was only right and
proper that they should be sent packing.
Now, really, Miss Kenton, that is most unfair.
Of course I was upset. Very much so. I don't
like to see that sort of thing happening in this
house.
Well, I wish you'd told me so ay the time. It
would've helped me a great deal if I'd known you
felt the same way as I did.
Why... Why, Mr. Stevens? Why do you always have
to hide what you feel?
Miss--
(suddenly a woman enters)
KENTON:
LIZZIE:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
LIZZIE:
Lizzie. Have you finished the lavender bags?
Yes, Miss Kenton.
Good.
All right.
Thank you, sir.

STEVENS: Yes, I take my hat off to you, Miss Kenton.
That girl has come along very well. You were
right about her and I was wrong.
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
Look at that smile on your face.
Hm? What smile?
That tells an interesting story in itself.
Wouldn't you say so, Mr. Stevens?
What are you talking about? What story's that?
Well, she's a very pretty girl. Don't you think?
Is she?
Mm. You don't like to have pretty girls on the
staff. I've noticed. Might it be that our Mr.
Stevens fears distraction? Can it be that our
Mr. Stevens is flesh and blood after all, and
cannot trust himself? Mm?
You know what I'm doing, Miss Kenton?
I'm placing my thoughts elsewhere while you
chatter away.
Then why is that guilty smile still on your face?
Oh, it's not a guilty smile. Simply amused by the
sheer nonsense you sometimes talk.
It is a guilty smile! You can hardly bear to
look at her. That's why you didn't want to take
her on. She was too pretty.
Well, you must be right, Miss Kenton.
You always are.
(laughs)
EXT. GARDEN. DARLINGTON HALL - DAY
CHARLES:
LIZZIE:
Come here.
Charlie!
(Charles and Lizzie kiss each other)
CHARLES:
Go on!
(Kenton comes up to them)
KENTON:
Lizzie, aren't you supposed to be turning down
the beds? Well, you'd better get on with it,
then, hadn't you.
(Kenton walks away)
CHARLES:
Have you told her yet? Well, you'd better get
on with it, then. hadn't you.

LIZZIE: Charlie, what can I say to her? She'd never
understand about us.
CHARLES:
Why wouldn't she?
LIZZIE: Well, she's old. I mean, she must be at least 30!
CHARLES:
Well, perhaps she doesn't feel all that old.
For instance, who do you think those pretty flowers
are for she's been picking? Come here. Give us
a kiss.
INT. STEVENS'S ROOM - NIGHT
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
Flowers.
Hm?
Flowers. You're reading.
Yes.
It's very dim in here. Can you see?
Yes, thank you.
What are you reading?
A book.
Yes, but what sort of book?
It's a book, Miss Kenton. A book.
What's... What's the book?
Are you shy about your book?
No.
What is it? Is it racy?
Racy?
Are you reading a racy book?
Do you think racy books are to be found in His
Lordship's shelves?
How would I know? What is it?
Let me see it. Let me see your book.
Please leave me alone, Miss Kenton.
Why won't you show me your book?
This is my private time. You're invading it.
Oh, is that so?
Yes.
KENTON: I'm invading your private time, am I?

STEVENS: Yes.
KENTON:
What's in that book? Come on, let me see.
Or are you protecting me? Is that what you're
doing? Would I be shocked? Would it ruin my
character? Let me see it.
(forcibly takes his book away)
KENTON;
STEVENS:
What? ... Oh, dear.
It's not scandalous at all. It's just a sentimental
old love story.
Yes. I read these books, any books... to develop
my command and knowledge of the English language.
I read to further my education, Miss Kenton. I
really must ask you, please... not to disturb the
few moments I have to myself.
(Charles and Lizzie knock at the door)
KENTON:
Come in.
(Only Lizzie goes in)
KENTON:
LIZZIE:
KENTON:
LIZZIE:
KENTON:
LIZZIE:
KENTON:
LIZZIE:
KENTON:
LIZZIE:
KENTON:
LIZZIE:
KENTON:
LIZZIE:
KENTON:
What is it?
I'm wanting to give in my notice, Miss Kenton,
please.
Oh, Why?
Charlie and me, we're getting married.
Oh, Lizzie. Have you thought about this carefully?
Yes, Miss Kenton, I have.
You've been getting on very well here, and I
think you have a fine career before you if you
stick to it.
Charlie and me's getting married.
Charlie and I.
Lizzie, I wish I knew what to say to you.
See, I, I've seen this happen so many times before.
A young girl rushing into marriage, only to be
disappointed in the end. And what about money?
We don't have any. But who cares?
You'll find it's not easy to live poor.
We have each other.
That's all anyone can ever need.
Very well, Lizzy. If you're so sure.
Yes, Miss Kenton. Thank you.
Good luck.

(Lizzie, leaving the room, embraces Charlie
around the neck)
INT. STEVENS' ROOM - NIGHT
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
We did all we could for them.
I told him, er, I had my eye on him, as a possible
under-butler in a year or so, but, erm, no, Mr.
Charlie knows best.
She's sure to be let down.
Mm. Well, it's no use crying over spilt milk.
Besides, we have far more important matters to
discuss. Next week's meeting. Now, you know
His Lordship is planning an invitation ...
Do we have discuss it tonight?
Sorry?
I'm, I'm tired, Mr. Stevens.
I've had a very busy day. Don't you realize that?
I'm very tired. I'm very, very tired. Don't you
understand?
Miss Kenton, I owe you an apology. I thought
these quiet evening discussions were useful to us
in our work, but now I see that they're a burden
to you.
Well, I was only saying I was tired tonight.
No, no. You're right. Our meetings are a burden
after a long day's work. Perhaps we'd better
discontinue them.
No, really, they're very useful.
It was only tonight.
I thank you for the cocoa.
In future, we shall communicate only during the
course of the day. If necessary, by written
message. I wish you a very good night, Miss
Kenton.
Mr. Stevens, I shall be taking my day off
tomorrow. I'll be back in the house by 9:30.
Certainly. Certainly. Good night.
INT. PUB - NIGHT
MAN:
MAN #2:
BENN:
How're you going?
Hello, Alf.
(to Kenton)
Well, I'm glad to be out of it, I can tell you.
There was something about Sir Geoffrey and his

Black Shirts... gave me the creeps.
KENTON:
BENN:
KENTON:
BENN:
KENTON:
BENN:
KENTON:
BENN:
KENTON:
BENN:
Mr. Stevens always says it's up to us to run the
house... and leave the rest where it belongs.
You don't agree, Mr. Benn?
No... hm...
Nor do I, really.
Look, if I don't like something, I want to be in
a position to say "stuff it", erm, if you'll pardon
the expression, Miss Kenton. But then, I suppose
I'm not a real professional, like Mr. Stevens.
It's Mr. Stevens' whole life.
Well, it's not mine.
And to tell you the truth, I don't want to go back
in service.
What would you do instead, Mr. Benn?
Tom's the name.
Tom. What employment would you take up?
Well, I'd really like to be on my own.
Start a little shop somewhere, newspapers and
tobacco. Or a boarding house down in the West
Country, where I come from. Clevedon. It's a
good place for a boarding house. By the sea.
Er, would I get you another shandy, Miss Kenton?
KENTON: Well, it's almost 9:30...
BENN:
KENTON:
BENN:
Go on! It's your day off, isn't it?
You're not in the army that you've got to be
back in the barracks!
All right, then.
Good.
Can I have half a shandy, please?
(Kenton and Benn leave the pub)
BENN:
KENTON:
BENN:
KENTON:
BENN:
KENTON:
What about yourself, then, Sarah?
That's a serious sort of a name, Sarah...
They used to call me Sally. That's while my mum
was still alive.
Sally? That's nice... whoop!
Is it your intention to remain in service?
Well, it's a good profession, once you get to a
responsible position. Mr. Stevens says we're
very fortunate...
Well, we're not talking about Mr. Stevens.
We're talking about you. Supposing someone was
to ask you... if you'd like to come in on a small
boarding house by the sea? What would you say?
Well, I don't know.

It's a theoretical question, so I haven't given it
any thought... Mr. Benn.
BENN:
KENTON:
BENN:
KENTON:
Tom.
Supposing it wasn't theoretical... Sally.
It's been years since anyone's called me that.
It feels funny.
Nice, though?
Yes.
(Benn kisses Kenton)
KENTON;
It's very late.
INT.
DARLINGTON'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
(Stevens brings a pitcher for Darlington)
STEVENS:
DARLINGTON:
STEVENS:
Will there be anything else, Milord?
What? Oh, Stevens... no, no.
Thank you, Stevens. Good night.
Good night, Milord.
INT.
WILLIAM:
REGINALD:
WILLIAM:
REGINALD:
WILLIAM:
STEVENS:
REGINALD:
STEVENS:
REGINALD:
STEVENS:
REGINALD:
STEVENS:
REGINALD:
Mr. Cardinal, good evening.
William. How are you?
Very well, thank you, sir.
Good. Delighted. And your wife?
Very well too, sir.
Good evening, sir.
How are you?
Very well, sir.
Now then, erm, I've gone and got myself into a bit
of a mess with arrangements.
Do you think His Lordship would put me up for the
night?
I'll tell him you're here, sir.
Thanks. You're looking very smart. I hope there's
nothing special on tonight.
His Lordship is expecting some gentlemen to call
after dinner, sir.
Oh, I see. Well, I'd better kepp my head down,

then. I've got to write my column, anyway.
STEVENS:
REGINALD:
STEVENS:
REGINALD:
STEVENS:
REGINALD:
STEVENS:
REGINALD:
STEVENS:
You're in good time to join him for dinner, if you
like, sir.
Splendid. I hoped I would be.
And er, how is my godfather? Fit?
He's very well, sir.
Would you like some refreshment?
Thank you very much. Yes, some whisky would be
lovely. Good. Who's he expecting tonight?
I am unable to help you there, sir.
What, no idea?
No idea at all, sir.
Mm. Well, I'd better keep my head down all the same,
don't you think?
I think it's a good idea, sir.
INT. NIGHT
(Knocking at the door)
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
Come in.
Ah, Miss Kenton, Mr. Cardinal has just arrived,
out of the blue. He'll be expecting his usual room
tonight.
I shall see to it before I leave.
Oh, you're going out this evening?
I am indeed. It's Thursday.
Of course. I'd forgotten. Sorry.
Is something the matter?
No, no... er, some visitors are expexted to arrive,
but it, it doesn't involve you, really.
We agreed that Thursday is my day off... but of
course if you should need me urgently, it'd...
No, it's perfectly all right, thank you. Thank you.
Mr. Stevens.
Yes?
I have something to tell you.
My friend...the man I'm going to meet tonight, you
know him, Mr. Benn...
Oh, yes, Mr. Benn, of course, yes...

KENTON: He has asked me to marry him.
I am thinking about it.
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
I see.
He's moving back to the West Country next month.
Hm.
I'm still thinking about it. I thought you should
be informed of the situation.
Yes, er, thank you. That is most kind of you, Miss
Kenton.
Well, I trust you'll have a most pleasant evening,
Miss Kenton. Thank you.
INT. THE SAME NIGHT
REGINALD:
DARLINGTON:
REGINALD:
DARLINGTON:
REGINALD:
DARLINGTON:
REGINALD:
DARLINGTON:
REGINALD:
DARLINGTON:
REGINALD:
Is there something special tonight, sir?
Eh?
Er, your visitors, are they special?
Can't tell you, my boy. Strictly confidential.
So I can't sit in on it, then.
Sit in on what?
Well, you know, whatever it is that's going to take
place tonight.
Absolutely not. Can't have someone like you sticking
your nose in, a journalist... What do you call it?
"Newshound"?
No, it wouldn't do at all.
No, once you've had your food, you'd better make
yourself scarce.
Well, that sounds pretty special to me.
(watching several cars arriving at Darlington Hall)
INT. DARLINGTON HALL - NIGHT
(Reginald watches out of the window several cars
arriving at Darlington Hall)
DARLINGTON:
MINISTER:
DARLINGTON:
HALIFAX:
Ah... good evening, Prime Minister. How are you?
Sorry. We've been rather delayed.
Quite understand, sir.
Lord Halifax.
Very nice to see you.

This is Mr. Fraser.
DARLINGTON:
How do you do, Mr. Fraser.
STEVNS:
AMBASSADOR:
STEVENS:
AMBASSADOR:
Good evening, Your Excellency.
Good evening.
Please wait here, Your Excellency.
I'll inform His Lordship.
Thank you.
(the guests, looking at the paintings, praise them
in German)
DARLINGTON:
AMBASSADOR:
DARLINGTON:
AMBASSADOR:
DARLINGTON:
Herr Ambassador.
Lord Darlington.
My Legation, Franz.
How do you do.
Herr Schmidt, Herr Heinrich.
How do you do.
We don't intend to involve the whole British Empire
in a war simply because of a quarrel in a faraway
country, between people of whom we know nothing.
To my mind, the whole of Czechoslovakia is hardly
worth the bones of a single one of our own young men.
Unfortunately, we have a small, noisy and corrupt
war group here who don't realize that you Germans
are, after all, only marching into your own back
garden.
AMBASSADOR:
The Fuhrer is a man of peace to the depths of his
soul, but he will not allow a small, second-rate
country to thumb its nose at the 1,000-year German
Reich.
STEVENS:
(to a servant) Buttons.
(to another) Come on, wake up! Stay awake!
INT. NIGHT
POLICEMAN:
STEVENS:
POLICEMAN:
KENTON:
POLICEMAN:
Could you confirm that this lady is on the staff
here, sir?
Yes, of course. She's the housekeeper, Miss Kenton.
Thank you, sir.
May I....?
Of course. Sorry to have alarmed you.

Just security, Miss.
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
Thank you.
I trust you've had a pleasant evening.
Well? Did you have a pleasant evening?
Yes. Thank you.
Good.
Would you like to know what took place?
I have to return upstairs.
There are events of the utmost importance taking
place in this house tonight.
Ah. When are there not?
(to him from behind) I accepted his proposal.
(turning around) Miss, Kenton.
I accepted Mr. Benn's proposal of marriage.
My congratulations.
I am prepared to serve out my notice, but if you
were able to release me earlier, I would be grateful.
Mr. Benn is planning to leave for the West Country
in two weeks' time.
I'll do my best. Now, please excuse me.
Mr. Stevens.
Yes, Miss Kenton?
Am I to take it that after all the years I have
been in this house, you have nothing else to say
to me?
You have my warmest congratulations.
Did you know you have been a very important figure
for Mr. Benn and me?
Oh? In what way?
I tell him all sorts of things about you. I tell
him stories about you, about your habits. About
your mannerisms. He finds it very funny, especially
when I show him how you pinch your nose when you
put pepper on your food. That always has us in
stitches.
Does it indeed?
Well, please... excuse me, Miss Kenton.
Good night.
INT. REGINALD'S ROOM - NIGHT
(Reginald is typewriting, where Stevens brings whisky)

REGINALD: Ah! Thanks.
... You know, we've been friends a long time,
haven't we?
STEVENS:
REGINALD:
STEVENS:
REGINALD:
STEVENS:
REGINALD:
STEVENS:
REGINALD:
STEVENS:
REGINALD:
STEVENS:
Yes, sir.
I always look forward to a little chat when I come
down here.
Oh, thank you, sir.
You wouldn't, erm, care to join me in a little drink,
would you?
It's most kind of you, sir, but no, thank you.
You all right?
I'm perfectly all right.
Not feeling unwell, are you?
No, no. A little tired, perhaps.
I bet you are tired. What is it? About 1 o'clock?
Look... Now, come on, come on, Stevens.
I want you to sit down.
Well, sir, I really... erm...
(Reginald fetches a chair for Stevens)
REGINALD:
STEVENS:
REGINALD:
STEVENS:
REGINALD:
STEVENS:
REGINALD:
STEVENS:
REGINALD:
STEVENS:
Look, erm... I didn't come here tonight by accident.
You know that.
Sir?
I had a tip-off, you see... about, erm, what's
going on now in the library.
Oh, I do wish you'd sit down. Stevens, I mean,
I'm trying to talk to you as a friend... and
you're holding there holding that blasted tray...
as though you're about to wander off any second!
Now, come on. Sit down, damn it!
Thank you, sir.
That's better.
Now, look, erm, tell me.
I don't suppose the Prime Minister is in the library,
is he?
Prime Minister, sir?
Mm. Over in the library, that's all right, you
don't have to confirm it... are our Prime Minister,
our Foreign Secretary and the German ambassador.
Any idea what they're talking about in there?
I'm afraid not, er...
Tell me, Stevens, er, don't you care at all? I
mean, aren't you, aren't you in the least-bit
curious?
It's not my place to be curious about such matters.

REGINALD: Not your place?
And supposing, supposing I told you that, er, His
Lordship is presently trying to persuade the Prime
Minister... to enter into a pact with that bunch
of criminals in Berlin?
STEVENS:
REGINALD:
STEVENS:
REGINALD:
STEVENS:
REGINALD:
STEVENS:
I'm certain His Lordship is acting from the highest
and noblest motives, sir.
But don't you see? That's exactly what makes it
so abominable! That they should take these high
and noble motives, and twist them to their own
foul ends! You do, please, realize that His
Lordship's been the most valuable pawn that the
Nazis have in this country over the last few years,
p-precisely because he is good and honourable!
I wish I weren't so drunk. I could make you
understand!
Sir, I do understand. His Lordship is working to
ensure peace in our time.
Yeah, peace in our time on their beastly terms,
Stevens! You remember that American here at the
conference? Called Lord Darlington an amateur?
Out of his depth? Well, he was right. He was
dead right, Stevens. I mean, look, I, you know,
I hardly have to tell you what, how I feel towards
His Lordship, I, I care about him deeply, and I
know you do, too.
Yes, I do indeed.
Well, in that case, aren't you as desperate as I
am to see him make this terrible mistake? He's
being tricked, Stevens! Don't you see what's
going on here? Or are you as deluded as he is?
Oh, dear, now I've probably really offended you.
No. Not at all, sir. Not at all.
Well, sir, you must excuse me. Other gentlemen
are calling me, sir. Thank you.
INT. IN FRONT OF STEVENS' ROOM - NIGHT
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
Mr. Stevens.
Yes?
You mustn't take anything I said to heart.
I was very foolish a little while ago.
Miss Kenton, I haven't taken anything you said
to heart. In fact, I can hardly recall anything
you did say.
I was just being very foolish.
I simply haven't time to stand here with you,
engaging in idle talk, Miss Kenton. I suggest
you go to bed now. You must be very tired.
Good night, Miss Kenton.

(Stevens goes down to the wine cellar, but going
up the stairs, he drops the bottle)
STEVENS:
Oh, damn it! Blast!
(coming back to his room, he hears a cry in Kenton's
room)
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
Miss Kenton.
Yes, Mr. Stevens?
Miss Kenton, I, I'd been wanting to tell you.
It's the small alcove outside the breakfast room.
It's the new girl, of course... but I find it has
not been dusted in some time.
I'll see to it, Mr. Stevens.
Thank you. I knew you would have wanted to be
informed. Miss Kenton.
EXT. CLEVEDON - DAY
(Stevens arrives at Clevedon)
BENN:
KENTON:
BENN:
KENTON:
BENN:
KENTON:
BENN:
KENTON:
Hello, Sally.
Hi, Tom.
You all right, then?
Yes. How are you?
I'm, I'm good.
Could we, er, could we talk for a moment, please?
Not, no, j-just for a moment.
Well, we'll have to be quick because I'm going out.
It won't take long.
All right, then.
We'll have to go into the lounge.
BENN:
MAN:
BENN:
KENTON:
BENN:
KENTON:
Afternoon.
Hello.
Nice little place, this, isn't it?
The sort of quiet little boarding house I had in
mind for us. Well, like other things, erm, it
didn't work out.
What did you want to say, Tom?
Well... I saw Catherine yesterday. She had some
interesting news. She's expecting.
Oh, my goodness!

BENN: She wants us both over for tea on Sunday.
Well, er, I could come and get you. We could go
together on the bus.
KENTON:
BENN:
KENTON:
BENN:
Yes, well, we'll see about that.
House is that empty without you, Sal.
Can't tell you.
You cut yourself shaving.
Oh, yeah. Can't seem to do anything right
these days.
INT. THE SEA VIEW HOTEL - DAY
(Stevens, reading the letter from Kenton, is
waiting for her)
"Oh, Mr. Stevens, I so often think of the good
old days... when I was housekeeper at Darlington
Hall. I remember those years with you as among
the happiest of my life."
WAITRESS:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
WAITRESS:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
Would you like some more tea, sir?
Erm, yes, please. Thank you.
(rising) Ah, Miss, er, Kenton, I'm sorry,
Mrs. Benn.
Mr. Stevens! I'm sorry. I, I was delayed.
Oh, that's all right.
Please sit down.
Thank you.
So... erm, I've ordered some fresh tea.
Oh, lovely.
Would you like some cake?
No. thanks... oh...
Sure?
Yes, all right, then, since it's a special
occasion.
Good. Er, Waitress?
Er, could we have some cake?
Yes, of course, sir.
Ah... it has been a long time.
Yes, indeed.
You haven't changed at all.
(laughing) Well...

STEVENS: A little, perhaps.
We've all changed, I think.
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
I'd've known you anywhere. Mr. Stevens.
Oh... well... Yes, how long has it been now?
It must be 20 years.
Yes, just over, I think.
(irritating) Well, the tea should be along.
(and some couples are dancin to the gmusic)
Music:
"Blue moon
"You saw me standing alone
"Without a dream in my heart...
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
(cont'd)
KENTON:
STEVENS:
WAITRESS:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
We read about the suit for libel. It was a shame.
Yes.
Calling His Lordship a traitor!
Those papers will print anything. They should've
lost the case.
Yes... you see, when His Lordship went to court,
he sincerely expected he, he would get justice,
and er, instead the newspaper increased its
circulation, and His Lordship's good name was
destroyed forever. And, erm, afterwards, in his
last years, well, quite honestly, Mrs. Benn, he,
his heart was broken.
I'd take him tea in the library, and he'd be,
erm, sitting there, and, er, sometimes he wouldn't
even see me, because he was so deep in his own
thoughts. And his, er, he'd be talking to himself,
his lips moving as though he was arguing with
someone. And there was no one, of course, erm,
because no one came to see him any more, you see.
What about his godson, young Mr. Cardinal?
Our Mr. Cardinal was killed in the war.
Er, waitress. May I have my bill, please?
Yes, certainly, sir.
Thank you.
I'm very sorry.
Yes. I know you remember Darlington Hall in its
best days and, er, that's how His Lordship deserves
to be remembered, of course, but, erm, and perhaps
the good days are atarting again, now that Mr. Lewis
has taken up residence, and er, Mrs. Lewis is expected
to arrive from America shortly.
Very fortunate to have you there to run the house
for them.
Well, we still have problems, Miss Kenton, I'm sorry,

Mrs. Benn. Er, if you'll forgive me, but we still
have staff problems.
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
Yes, yes, you mentioned it in your letter.
You see, er...
And, erm, I'll tell you frankly, Mr. Stevens. I had
been thinking of going back in service.
Good...
But, erm, now the situation has changed for me,
because if I take up any work, it will have to be...
here in the West Country, because, you see, Catherine,
our daughter, is expecting a baby, and so of course
I would like to be near her.
Of course.
And to be near our grandchild as he grows up...
Naturally.
Or her, if it's a little girl.
Yes.
EXT. BUS STOP - DAY
KENTON:
(cont'd)
STEVENS:
When I first left Darlington Hall, all those years
ago, I never realized I was really, truly leaving.
I believe I thought of it as simply another ruse,
Mr. Stevens, to annoy you. It was a shock to come
out here and find myself actually married.
For a long time, I was very unhappy. But then
Catherine was born, the years went by, and one day
I realized I loved my husband. You see, there is
no one, Mr. Stevens, no one in the world who needs
me as much as he does. But still, there are times
when I think whay a terrible mistake I've made with
my life.
Yes. Well, I'm sure we all have these thoughts
from time to time.
(the two sits on a bench)
(clapping)
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
People always cheer when they turn the lights on
in the evening, every time.
I wonder why.
They do say that for a great many people, the
evening's the best part of the day, the part they
most look forward to.
Ah, is that so?
What do you most look forward to, Mr. Stevens?

STEVENS: Oh, er, getting back to Darlington Hall, principally
and, er, straightening out our staff problems.
KENTON:
STEVENS:
Well, you were always able to do that, Mr. Stevens.
And you had quite a few to straighten out, as I
remember.
Yes, er... always was work, work and more work...
and will continue to be so, I have no doubt.
(it begins to rain)
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
STEVENS:
KENTON:
Mr. Stevens, don't you wait. That bus is always
late. Come in out of the wet!
You must take good care of yourself, Mrs. Benn.
You, too, Mr. Stevens. Promise me that.
Oh, yes, I promise.
You must try to do all you can to make these years
happy ones for yourself and your husband. We may
never meet again, Mrs. Benn. That is why I'm
permitting myself to be so personal, if you will
forgive me.
Thank you, Mr. Stevens.
Oh, here it comes! It's on time, for once.
(getting on the bus)
Thank you, Mr. Stevens, and thank you so very much
for coming. It was so very kind of you. It was
so nice to see you again.
STEVENS:
It was a pleasure to see you again, Mrs. Benn.
Good-bye. Take care!
(taking off his hat) Good-bye!
(goes back to his car)
INT. DARLINTON HALL - DAY
LEWIS:
STEVENS:
LEWIS:
STEVENS:
LEWIS:
STEVENS:
LEWIS:
STEVENS:
Oh, Stevens.
You scared me. Where'd you come from?
Good morning, sir.
You like the suit?
Very good, sir.
Thank you.
Good. Watch the chandelier there... OK.
My Lord, Stevens! You're really getting things
going here. This is wonderful!
Thank you, sir.
Erm, I've had to ask another three girls from the
village to come up, sir. And I think I can promise
you that the house will be ready and in splendid
shape by the time Mrs. Lewis arrives.

LEWIS: That sounds good. Thank you.
STEVENS:
LEWIS:
STEVENS:
LEWIS:
STEVENS:
LEWIS:
STEVENS:
Thank you, sir.
Also, I'm expecting a possible new housekeeper
this afternoon. A Mrs. Ruth Muspratt. She has
excellent references. She was matron at a boys'
preparatory school in Sussex, sir.
A matron, huh?
Yes, sir.
Hm... well, it sounds like she'll know how to keep
us from misbehaving, huh?
Oh, I certainly hope so, sir.
Good. Good, Stevens. Very good.
Now, this is where we had that banquet back in '35,
remember? We all stood up and delivered ourselves
of our principles. God knows what I said. Sure
got worked up about it, though. What did I say,
anyway, Stevens?
I'm sorry, sir, I was too busy serving to listen
to the speeches.
(a dove flies into the room)
LEWIS:
STEVENS:
LEWIS:
STEVENS:
LEWIS:
STEVENS:
LEWIS:
STEVENS:
LEWIS:
STEVENS:
STEVENS:
We got a visitor here.
You have to be very careful, sir.
Come on, come on.
Move gently, sir.
That's it, boy, come on...
Oh, oh, oh, oh, hey, hey...
Ok, easy does it...
(clapping his hands) Come on!
Let's just be quiet, sir...
Come on!
We don't want to startle it. It'll come down.
Ah, I think if we leave the window open...
Come on.
(the dove flies to the window)
LEWIS:
STEVENS:
LEWIS:
STEVENS:
Good.
Very still.
Yes.
Go on. Out! Come on! Out!
(catches the dove, and sets it free) Well done.
Well done, sir.

THE END