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turning to page one
In the KITCHEN: Joan’s MOTHER hands her a TEA TRAY. The two share a look.
As Joan’s Mother and Father pretend to putter in the kitchen, listening in on the conversation in the next room, Joan takes the tray to the LIVING ROOM, where she begins to serve tea.
ALAN TURING
... Why aren’t you at Bletchley?
JOAN CLARKE
(”My parents can hear us”)
So kind of you to visit, Mr.
Turing. Was your trip pleasant?
ALAN TURING
Gather your things and let’s go.
JOAN CLARKE
I’m sorry. I am unable to accept
your offer.
ALAN TURING
And why not?
JOAN CLARKE
As my father told you, it is felt —
well we feel — that such a position
would hardly be appropriate.
ALAN TURING
You earned a double-first in
mathematics.
JOAN CLARKE
But sadly was not granted the
opportunity to become a Fellow.
ALAN TURING
You belong at Bletchley.
JOAN CLARKE
I’m sorry, but for someone in my
position to work - to live -
amongst all of your men, so far
from home... It would be
indecorous.
ALAN TURING
What in the world does that even —
JOAN CLARKE
(”I told you they’re listening!”)
— One lump or two?
ON ALAN: Are you fucking serious?
ON JOAN: Yes. I’m fucking serious.
ON ALAN: He tries to think of a solution...
ALAN TURING
... We have a group of young women
who tend to our clerical tasks.
Assistants, translators. They live
together in town. Would that be a
more suitable environment?
ON JOAN’S PARENTS: This sounds more promising.
JOAN CLARKE
So I would be working amongst these
women?
ALAN TURING
(”Not actually”)
Yes.
ON JOAN: “Go on.”
ALAN TURING (CONT’D)
... Wonderful ladies, they even
organize social events at St
Martin’s church, down the road. The
whole thing is really quite...
Decorous.
ON JOAN’S PARENTS: That’s much better.
JOAN CLARKE
(”Good job.”)
Well. I will have to talk this over
with my family.
As Joan’s parents enter, we
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