The Inn of the Sixth Happiness

My name is Gladys aylward.

I've written to the head of the missionary society.

His reply stated that he'd see me if I ever came to London.

- If he's busy, I can wait. - Just one moment, please.

Sit down, won't you?

Dr. Robinson will see you now, miss aylward.

- How nice of you to drop in so soon. - Thank you.

I decided to come after I'd received your letter.

I couldn't wait any longer.

You've severed your connections in liverpool?

There wasn't much to sever. I brought everything I own with me.

I see.

Well, sit down, please.

Well, you are going to use me. Aren't you?

You are going to send me to China.

It's quite impossible.

Look, I'm terribly sorry about this.

I blame myself for not having been more clear in my letter, but...

But why can't you use me?

To be a missionary in China today is frightfully difficult.

I'm not speaking from hearsay.

I spend three years there for every year I spend here at home.

You don't know what you'd be facing.

The... the filth, the squalor, the hardships in the remote areas.

That doesn't frighten me. I'm strong.

I'm used to hard work.

My dear girl, don't you understand?

You're just not qualified.

We send to China only those of our people

who have very special education and experience.

I know. I've had a very ordinary schooling.

And since then I've been a servant, but...

But I've read. I've studied by myself.

I've worked at the liverpool mission on my days off.

I understood that from your letters.

And I do understand

the strong call you feel for China, but...

But it isn't enough?

Thank you anyway.

Have you any plans?

No.

Well, forgive me

but are you all right for money?

Oh, I'll get a job.

That may be difficult. There's so much unemployment now.

I'll manage.

No, wait, please.

I may be able to help you.

People sometimes contact us when they have positions.

Old China hands, clergymen, and so on.

I suppose they feel confidence in anyone we recommend.

Yes, here's one.

Sir Francis Jameson, the explorer

and a good friend to China missions.

I'd be very happy to approach him for you.

That is, if you've had experience as a second maid.

Yes. Yes, I have.

For that, I'm qualified.

Good morning.

Good morning.

What is the fare to China, please?

China? But where in China, miss?

Well, wherever I can get to the quickest.

Exactly £90 by boat.

Is that the cheapest way?

No, that's not the cheapest way.

The cheapest way is overland, the trans-siberian railroad.

That is only £41.

It's a lot, but it's better.

Unfortunately, it's quite impossible.

Look, uh, will you come over here?

I'll explain.

Look. This is the route.

You go from england to Holland

across Germany, Poland, Russia, Siberia, China.

At best, it's a very long, dangerous, and difficult trip.

But over and above that, at the moment

there's a situation on the Russian-Chinese border

to which both parties have sent troops.

There's been considerable disturbance.

Oh, that doesn't matter.

But, miss, there's been shooting.

This may turn into a war.

Why would anyone bother me?

Miss, milfields undertakes to deliver its clients to their destinations,

usually in good health, but always alive.

We cannot guarantee your deliverance to China alive,

not by the overland route.

I'm on my way to Chelsea, a mile away.

Who can guarantee I'll get there alive?

Will you book me a passage, please?

Very well then. For what date?

I don't know yet. I haven't got £41.

But I'll pay something on account

and come back every week and add to it.

I'm very reliable.

I don't doubt it.

But we don't sell tickets that way.

Look. Couldn't you save it up

and then bring it in?

I might get discouraged.

If I know I own a small part of a ticket

it'll be easier.

I'll take the pennies and leave you the rest.

There is £1 and 5 shillings.

Is that all you have?

Isn't it enough for the first payment?

You can't leave yourself with just four pennies.

I'm on my way to a new job.

But supposing you don't like the new job

or it just doesn't work?

I'll make it work.

Will you spell your name for me please?

Last name first.

Well, the mission don't send flighty ones, and that's a blessing.

Come in.

You're Gladys aylward?

I'm miss Thompson, the housekeeper.

I expected you an hour ago.

- Oh, I... - No excuses, please.

Are you an experienced second maid?

Yes, miss Thompson. I've worked for...

We'll soon see. The wages are 19 shillings a week.

Thursday and every second Sunday off from 10:00 till 10:00.

- That'll be fine. Thank you. - I should think so.

Remember, there are 50 girls for everyjob in London.

I'll take you to your room.

Short of breath, are you?

Oh, it's just the suitcase.

The room's small, but it's clean.

Oh, it's fine. Thank you.

Good.

Now, Gladys, stop it.

Why make work for yourself on your day off?

It was streaked.

With people coming in for tea

you would have bitten my head off.

Good morning, sir Francis.

Good morning, sir Francis.

Good morning. (Coughs)

Was he annoyed at your being there?

No, I don't think so.

He said what he always says, "good morning." (Coughs)

I daresay you want your money.

And I daresay it will be spent by tonight.

Every penny. Every single penny.

With that,

I make the grand total

£24, 9 shillings.

That's more than half your ticket.

At this moment, I'm entering the western end of Siberia.

Well, not quite. Tomorrow, perhaps.

Tomorrow I'll be halfway through it.

I'm cleaning a lazy woman's kitchen this afternoon

and serving at a birthday party this evening.

That's at least another 10 shillings.

And much too much work.

You haven't had a holiday for three months.

I don't need one.

You'll be exhausted by the time you get there.

No, I'll have lots of energy left.

Lots left to use. Good-bye.

Birthday cake, bessie, with half a yellow Rose.

Oh, glad, whatever have you done?

What is it?

Take off your coat and put on your apron.

Sir Francis is waiting in the library.

Those gentlemen came to tea.

There was an argument about a book.

Walled cities of China.

Sir Francis went to the shelf, and it was gone.

He rang for me.

"Perhaps it's been borrowed," I said.

"I didn't lend it," he shouted. "Search the house!"

There it was under your pillow,

a book worth £50.

I'm afraid this is the end, Gladys.

Sir Francis: Come in.

Since you were recommended by the missionary society

I assume you know the difference between right and wrong.

What have you to say for yourself?

I... i'm... I'm sorry that you were worried

but I didn't damage the book.

I've been very careful with all of them.

All of them? You've done this before?

Yes, sir.

I... I have read a whole shelf on China

and I'm in the middle of another.

Did it ever occur to you

that you might ask if you could borrow the books?

I was afraid you'd say no.

I had to read them. I'm going to China.

I have to learn all I can about it.

Oh, sir Francis, only half of my ticket is paid for.

If I can keep this job a little longer...

Stop fussing, girl. Sit down.

Now, what's all this about your going to China?

Is the mission sending you?

No. No, no, they don't think I'd be any good.

I'm going on my own.