Major Pettigrew's Last Stand

The Major goes golfing with his friend Alec Shaw at their club, which has a restricted membership and a resident sheep named Dame Eunice. The Major and Alec discuss how Alec’s wife Alma is helping to plan the annual club dance. The Major dislikes that the planning committee seeks dramatic themes when he believes that black-tie attire, a steak menu, and a good band should be sufficient. The men remain superficial in their talk about family matters, touching upon a medical emergency concerning Alec’s granddaughter and the recent issue of Bertie’s death.

Daisy, Grace, and Alma are discussing themes for the dance along with Gertrude, the niece to Lord Dagenham, whom the Major finds to be rather frumpy. The ladies propose a theme featuring the Mughal Court. Alec jokes that the Major is Indian because he was born in Lahore while his father was serving. Alma suggests that they consult Mrs. Ali and try to find props like Hindu statues. When the Major reminds them that the Mughals were Muslim rulers, he and Grace find themselves tasked with approaching Mrs. Ali about the prospect of helping to plan the event.

The Major and Alec go to the bar for a drink and meet Lord Dagenham, who offers the Major his condolences and introduces him to Frank Ferguson from New Jersey, who deals in real estate.