The Rocking Horse Winner

- Are you looking for me?

- You're Basset, aren't you?

Suppose I am?

I know all about you. You're a handyman.

You're going to work for us.

You used to work for Uncle Oscar,

and you hurt your leg in the war.

- Can I come in?

- Come in.

I say, what's a batman?

Come in, come in.

I'm Paul. How do you do?

Please to meet you, Master Paul.

So you want to know all about me?

I'll tell you.

A batman is an Army officer's

personal servant.

During the war, I was your

Uncle Oscar's batman.

He was a fine man.

But you already know about me.

It's what I heard Mother telling Nanny.

She prayed to heaven you were alright.

It's great having someone new.

What's that?

- Is that you?

- It is.

- Did you win?

- I did.

Smashing!

The horse's name was Inky Boy.

He made me a champion.

I loved that horse.

- Did you win the Derby?

- Who me?

No. not me. I was just a stable boy.

I didn't ride in the races often.

But I had a fine time when I did.

I had trouble with my weight.

I grew too tall and ate too much.

I should have been your size, but

I couldn't resist plum duff.

- Do you like plum duff?

- I've never had it.

You've missed a great treat.

Well, with not being able to keep my

weight down

and the war starting, I had to give

up my racing plans.

And here I am now.

What did you call me?

Handyman and part-time gardener?

I'm thankful to have the job.

Are you interested in horses,

Master Paul?

I've been looking for you Paul.

Hello, Bassett, I hope he's not been

a nuisance.

Come, darling. You should already be

in bed.

I hope you will be comfortable here,

Bassett.

Are you sure you don't want to be in

the house? It's cold out here.

I'll get a fire going. I'll be warm.

If you're sure you prefer it...

- I wouldn't like it. Would you Paul?

- Yes!

- Goodnight, Bassett.

- Goodnight, ma'am and Master Paul.

So nice you could come before Christmas.

You've made it cozy. I hope you know

your way to the kitchen.

- Thank you, Mrs. Grahame.

- Goodnight, Bassett.

- Merry Christmas!

- Merry Christmas to you,children!

You look the most responsible.

Better have that.

- Oh. thank you sir.

- Good night all.

- I like Bassett, Mommy.

- Good.

Richard, shut the door. There's a

terrible draft.

How long have you been home?

Only about 5 minutes.

Where's Nanny?

I gave her the afternoon off.

She won't be back until late.

- Did you have any luck?

- About the job?

- Yes and no.

- Tell me. I want to know.

- Are we dressing?

- You can be infuriating. Of course we are.

If only we could afford the things that

usually go along with dressing up.

Wasn't my idea. They always

dress up.

Better hurry and put the children

to bed. We haven't much time.

Richard,

will you tell me how things went at the

office today?

When you come down, yes.

Come along. Get in bed and say

your prayers.

I'll brush my teeth.

Come along, Susie. You too.

Concentrate.

Gentle Jesus...

Tale off your dress.

Good night, darling.

Good night, Mommy.

Mother, please leave the door open so

I can see the fire in the nursery.

Do you still need a nightlight, Paul?

At your age?

I believe you really want to see

Father Christmas.

Well, that's done.

They're really no trouble.

Not with me, anyway.

I don't see what Nanny complains about.

She's gone.

- What are you looking for, Paul?

- To see if Bassett's light is still on.

- Who's Bassett?

- A friend of mine.

We're overdrawn at the bank again.

Badly.

It's Christmas time.

The manager was unpleasant.

How unseasonable of him.

What are we going to do?

Nothing. Nothing we can do.

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