Episode 1 The Indian Doctor

REPORTER: Northern India, where doctors are battling a deadly foe -

smallpox.

A new and perilous epidemic has already infected many thousands.

Vast areas of the country remain under threat,

and fresh vaccination supplies are being rushed to the scene.

Meanwhile, at home, the Ministry of Health has ordered

that in future all visitors from India will require

proof of vaccination before being allowed into the country

until this lethal disease is brought under control.

Any minute now.

Don't do that.

Sorry.

Just try to look happy.

TRAIN WHISTLES

That sounds like her.

What's the matter, why are you pulling that bizarre face?

You said, "Try to look happy." Happy, not demented.

What sort of face should I pull? Don't pull any face.

She thinks the world of you, you know that.

Mummy! Kamini!

It's been so long! I'm so excited!

And Prem, hello.

Maji, welcome to Wales.

GUARD: Bloody hell! Oi! That one, as well.

You want to be a boss, the way you're talking.

Don't lose any, I've counted them.

You must be exhausted - let's get home. It's been so tiring.

Such a long journey.

Sorry about that. It's you I feel sorry for, but...!

GUARD'S WHISTLE

ENGINE STARTS

Prem's practice is doing so well.

You know how the patients were at first, but they're fine now.

I can't believe it's been a year since we came.

It took a while for us to fit in.

It's all been a big success, hasn't it, Prem?

It has.

Excellent.

LAUGHTER AND SHOUTING

This is the mine morning shift just finishing.

They work around the clock. Gosh, they look like minstrels!

That's what they used to say about us.

Let's be in the bath before you!

That's the new preacher, Reverend Todd.

He's just arrived from Kenya - he was a missionary there. How exotic!

He's only been here a month. He wants to save the village.

Quite the evangelist.

He's very pious, I'm sure you'll get on well with him.

CAR HORN

MUSIC PLAYS ON THE RADIO

REVEREND TODD: Verity?

Verity, where are you?!

What are you doing? Reading.

You're not spending the summer holidays lying on that bed

listening to pop music - there's work to be done.

OK.

You have to understand that I'm here to work.

This village needs our help.

And what do you want me to do?

For goodness sake. The floor of the hall needs cleaning before tonight.

I'll do it now. Please do. I'll see you later.

Oh, I was thinking I might call Mummy.

Your mother left this family to start a new life elsewhere.

It would be best for you to accept that.

And to pray for her lost soul.

Please have the floor cleaned by lunchtime.

Right.

Thank you.

So, Mummy, this is home.

Tu kaha ray?

Come in, come in.

So, this is the surgery.

May I take that for you? This way.

Would you like a cuppa?

A what?

A cup of tea. Oh, yes.

Hello, Prem.

Megan.

How are you?

Well. I can see that.

You look really well.

Thank you. I've been in London.

I've missed you.

My mother-in-law's just arrived from India.

I'd better leave you to it then.

SHE GASPS Prem, come here a minute.

Look at this, isn't it wonderful?

Yes, it is.

Er, ladies, excuse me, I think I heard my first patients arriving.

I'll see you later, Maji. Of course.

I can't wait to wear it.

So, tell me about Loli's husband. Nice, no looks.

I heard he was a bit...

Does he have a moustache?

Big ears.

Oh, Mummy, poor girl.

Doctor, I'm in a hurry, so could I...?

I've got a verruca the size of Vesuvius!

And I've got a bunion the size of the Rock of Gibraltar.

BABY CRIES

One moment, please.

Gina, where have you been?

I'm sorry, my mum couldn't take Nye.

You can't keep bringing your baby into work.

The patients can take turns with him. They're here because they're sick.

Do you want Nye to get ill?

It's totally unacceptable. I'm sorry. It just can't go on.

Please don't cry.

I'm so sorry, it's all my fault.

Well, yes.

Please don't sack me, I really need this job.

I'm not going to sack you, but you really must stop crying.

I can't. I'm at the end of my tether, it's hopeless.

No-one understands. Reverend Todd won't baptise Nye,

I mean, what if he died?

Stop talking nonsense.

Or I will sack you.

And I'll hire Nye instead.

That's better. Now, dry your tears and send in the first patient.

Doctor, would you speak to Reverend Todd about Nye?

It would mean so much to my nan. I'll see what I can do.

Give him to me.

MUSIC PLAYS ON THE RADIO

Thank you, Verity. I'll see you later.

Ah, ladies.

Please do come, it'll be a most interesting evening, I promise you.

At 85 he's opened a new school for underprivileged kids. Excuse me.

Could you look after the baby, please? Yes. This is news to me.

Prem's receptionist, this is her baby.

He's just adorable.

Every home needs children.

Yes, adorable. Um, excuse me.

Why isn't this girl's family looking after the baby?

It is all a bit of a mess. The boy's father's abandoned her.

He's gone off to London to be a pop star.

The boy's family have done nothing?

It doesn't work like that here, Mummy. I see.

Reverend! How lovely to see you.

And you, Mrs Davies.

I do hope you'll be coming to my talk this evening? Oh, yes.

I'm sure it will be fascinating.

Can I just say, I think you were so brave going out there

and working with the pygmies?

I hear there's going to be a slideshow.

Yes, lots of slides. Oh, well, definitely don't want to miss that.

You will put the word round for me, won't you?

I'm hoping for a full house. I'll do my best, Reverend,

but I'm afraid the only full house you get round here is at the bingo.

Good.

Look at your face.

Look at your beautiful little face.

You need a change, don't you, Nye?

Excuse me for a minute.

Come on.

Who are you? Dan, who are you?

That's none of your business.

Are you the houseboy? Yeah, I suppose so.

Is there anything to eat? I'm starving.

Get your feet off this minute or I'll have you thrown out!

No-one's allowed to hurt me, that's the rules here.

You stay right here.

Kamini?

Kamini, the houseboy just walked into the living room

and put his feet up as though he owned the place.

Oh, no, that's Dan, Owen Griffiths' boy.

He stays here from time to time. What?

His father drinks.

He's an alcoholic? Dan comes to us when things are bad.

I'm teaching him to write, he's really very clever.

This isn't a family, it's a menagerie.

I'm going to go say my prayers. Good idea.

There, that's better, isn't it?

Mr Griffiths. Reverend Todd.

Making an early start, I see.

Each to his own, eh, Reverend?

I'm doing a little talk in the hall tonight

about my experiences in Kenya - perhaps you'd like to come?

Let me see now...

There are two main reasons why I won't be going.

Firstly, because I turned my back on religion, oh, 40 years ago,

on account of it being a load of old mumbo jumbo.

The opiate of the people.

The second -

I reckon the Africans were better off before the white man

arrived and stole their lands.

Tell me, how is Dan?

Fine.

I gather he's been staying with the Sharmas again.

What's that got to do with you?

Your drinking -

he's the one who's paying the price.

That, Mr Todd, is none of your business.

KNOCK AT THE DOOR

Last patient.

It's Emlyn Dawkins again.

Emlyn, come in. Take a seat.

What can I do for you...today?

I've lost a bit of weight. Yes, I can see that.

And I'm all out of sorts again.

I thought maybe you could give me some of them...

pet pills.

Well, let's not turn to drugs just yet.

Will you watch this baby for me for a minute?

Yeah, all right.

You like chewing your thumb, don't you, Nye?

You really know how to make him smile, don't you?

HE COUGHS

Dan, don't cough all over that baby.

Who coughed all over you? ..Have you got a cold?

Nah, I'm all right.

Oooh, who coughed all over you?

Why don't you go to your room and read for a while, huh?

Who coughed all over you?

Emlyn, it's always lovely to see you,

but what's really going on?

It's just my life.

It's so boring, Doctor.

I mean, if it was like Z cars, now - criminals, cheeses, robberies -

I'd be fine.

But the most exciting thing that happened to me last week

was a missing sheep. What Bobby wouldn't be depressed?

Emlyn, you have a good life.

You live in a nice community, you're well respected,

you have your health.

Contentment is about appreciating the things you HAVE got.

Yeah, I think I understand.

Maybe I should get myself a hobby.

Exactly. Something you're passionate about.

I've got this mate who goes potholing. Good idea.

But I get terrible claustrophobic. Oh.

And then, my brother's very keen on climbing, I could try that. You could, you could.

But I get terrible vertigo.

Well, then it's probably not the thing for you.

Sometimes you just have to seek the beauty in the world around you.

Seek the beauty around you.

Righto, I'll give it a go.

Good luck.

Megan? Is that you?

Hello, Emlyn. Welcome home.

I hardly recognised you, you look so different -

that dress, and your hair.

You'll have me blushing in a minute, now stop it.

It's very sweet of you, Emlyn.

You've made my day.

I'll see you around. Yes, you will.

Gina!

Gina! Shh, Prem!

I just managed to get the baby off to sleep.

I'm sorry, I thought I was in my own surgery.

Sorry, the door was open, not interrupting, I hope. Not at all, Reverend Todd.

Mrs Sharma, am I right in thinking your mother's arrived?

Yes, she's making herself at home.

Ah, Dan, will you be coming to Bible class tomorrow night?

Ah, sorry, can't stop, I've got an appointment.

Dan, you should be resting. Dan!

He shouldn't be out, he has a cold. Do come up. Thank you.

Dr Sharma...

Here.

That's four and nine, please.

Thank you so much. Goodbye now.

And what can I do for you, Dan?

Have you got any corned beef? Mrs Sharma sent me out for some.

I thought Hindus worshipped cows.

What's she doing eating corned beef?

I don't know, but her mum's a beggar for it.

You've only got luncheon meat on the shelf,

have you got some in the back?

Might have, somewhere.

Here we are, half a crown.

Oh, no, she asked for Fray Bentos.

Corned beef is corned beef.

I know, but the old lady's really fussy. Thanks, anyway.

Right.

And I believe Ganesha is the elephant-headed god

who rides a rat to represent his subjugation of the demon vanity.

In a manner of speaking.

And I'm most drawn to the idea of Shiva's neck turning blue

because he drank poison as an act of self-sacrifice.

Much like Christ carrying away the sins of the world on the cross.

Exactly.

You certainly know your Hindu deities, Reverend.

Tell me, what denomination are you?

I think of myself as a nonconformist-nonconformist.

What does that mean, exactly?

Well, my philosophy's quite simple - actions speak louder than words. They do.

In fact, I wondered if we might collaborate on a project, Doctor.

What might that be?

Dan's father, Owen - I saw him this morning outside the pub already drunk.

He's making himself ill, isn't he?

I'm sorry, I can't discuss a patient.

What if we get him to sign the pledge?

What is that?

We have a long tradition of temperance in this country.

By signing the pledge, a man - or indeed a woman -

makes an undertaking before God never to drink alcohol again.

Good luck with that.

Could I not count on your support?

Well, of course, it would be a good idea if Owen stopped drinking,

but, as a doctor... You see, that's the problem with scientists,

they think the body and spirit are separate.

Well, it seems I have an ally in this house, Mrs Bakshi.

Please, call me Pushpa. You must call me Herbert.

Don't you dare mess up my floor, you horrid little urchin.

Sorry.

My friends are on holiday somewhere exotic

and I'm stuck here in this filthy, dull little place,

mopping a floor and talking to you.

What do you mean? Trefelin's got it all.

That's true - there are no coalmines on the Kings Road.

What do you want?

I want to see the treasures, same as last time.

And do you have what I asked for?

Ah, you beauty.

The treasures?

Well, you must be exhausted after your long journey.

I'll leave you all in peace.

Thank you.

Oh, will I see you all this evening? We'll be there.

Good, you can meet my daughter, Verity.

She's home from boarding school for the summer.

I'm sure she'll benefit from some quiet contemplation away from the distraction of the city.

Trefelin must seem so dull to her.

Will we be meeting Mrs Todd?

No, she's, er...she's away.

Well, thank you so much for the tea.

Until this evening. Thank you.

Dr Sharma...

Reverend, I believe you know my receptionist, Gina.

Yes, of course, hello, Gina. Hello.

Gina was rather hoping to talk to you about Nye.

How can I help?

It was about the baptism.

Well, once you and the boy's father are married,

it will give me great pleasure to baptise the child.

But that might not ever happen, that's not Nye's fault.

What if he died and then he wasn't baptised?

He would go to hell, wouldn't he? That's not fair!

As I said, once you're wed we can discuss the baptism.

Thank you again for the tea.

Dr Sharma!

Reverend! A moment, please. Yes, of course.

Gina - it would mean so much to her if you would do the baptism.

I understand, and I would like to help,

but as I'm sure you will agree, if I were to baptise that child,

it would be seen as an endorsement of her behaviour.

She's been through such a lot. There is a wave of permissiveness sweeping across this country

and it's young girls like Gina who are paying the price. I agree.

The best solution would be for the father of the child to return

and take up his responsibility.

Yes, if... There's only one thing that will bring him back,

and that's shame.

There's more than enough shame in her life as it is.

What she needs is compassion and forgiveness -

that is Christ's message, is it not?

I see you find my attitude unyielding, Doctor. But believe me,

I have the girl's best interests at heart, and those of her baby.

I look forward to seeing you this evening.

Don't you try pulling the wool over my eyes, Mr Joseph, you cannot park that tractor there.

There's only the one, sergeant. Rubbish!

I've seen you park it there a dozen times before. You're nicked.

BELL JINGLES

Fine-looking woman.

Eh?

Play your cards right, and you could be in there.

It's got nothing to do with you. I'm only saying. Well, don't!

Right you are.

You park that tractor there again

and I will have you up in front of a magistrate.

You disgusting little boy, use a handkerchief, not that.

Are these from Africa?

You do know you can go to hell for that?

I really don't know why you're so interested, it's just old junk.

It's witchcraft, isn't it?

I just love the embroidery. I knew you would.

I had it done by Rukhsana. Do you remember her? Yes.

She used to embroider all your frocks when you were little.

It's beautiful, Mummy.

Thank you.

Ah, you're back. What have you been up to all day? Oh, this and that.

I can imagine.

Are you all right? I feel hot. You are.

Bit swollen, too. How long have you been feeling unwell? All day.

Right, go to bed. I'll get some aspirin.

Drink lots and lots of water.

He's unwell. I noticed that. Is he all right? Yes, I just sent to bed.

You'd better hurry up and get dressed, we're leaving soon.

Do I really need to go? You must, it would be rude not to.

And besides, it's an opportunity to introduce Mummy to a few people.

Dan is unwell. Maji, you look splendid. Thank you.

Why aren't you ready? We are about to leave. Sadly, I can't come.

The boy is unwell. My duties come first.

What a pity, I was so looking forward to it. But have a lovely evening.

See you later. Come on, Mummy.

# I put a spell on you... #

Don't fidget, Verity.

We have to be presentable.

# Because you're mine... #

Good day.

# Stop the things you do... #

So glad you could make it.

# I ain't lying... #

Mrs Davies, welcome. I wouldn't have missed this for the world.

I've made you some Welsh cakes. Perfect for after the show.

Don't seem to be many here. Oh, I'm sure there'll be a late surge.

Good evening, Verity.

I'm sure you're looking forward to your father's film show.

Very much so. These are for later.

# Because you're mi-i-i-ine. #

Emlyn. Not disturbing you, am I?

No, no. Not at all.

Mrs Sharma, Pushpa. I'm so glad you could make it.

We're not late, I hope.

No, just about to dim the lights. Excellent.

If you'd like to take a seat...

Mummy, this is Mrs Davies who runs the local shop.

It's Pushpa, isn't it? How do you do? Very well, thank you.

You've picked quite the day to arrive - everything is happening.

We should sit down.

I ordered you in some corned beef, one of the posh brands,

I know it's your favourite. Corned beef?

But we are Hindus. Your secret is safe with me.

REVEREND: Ladies and gentlemen, good evening and welcome.

Verity, if we could have the lights, please.

You're in love?!

You said seek the beauty in the world around you -

I was walking down the high street and there she appeared,

right in front of my eyes, like a dream.

Er, good! May I know the name of this goddess?

No, no, no, no. I don't want to jinx it. That's fair enough.

Well, I think my work here is done. Good luck with it.

That's the problem, you see, Doctor.

When it comes to courting women, I get all tongue tied.

Well, just be yourself. But I'm not confident at being myself.

In a professional capacity you are very confident. Be bold, be brave!

A woman likes a man who knows how to give orders.

I got the impression in this house it was your wife wearing the trousers.

That's just... what I want her to think.

Very good, very clever, Doctor.

Now, here we see some Masai tribeswomen.

You will notice their elaborate decoration.

Harmless enough, you may think.

But if we put too much thought into the predilection

of our self image, there is a risk that we, like the Pharisees,

will become oblivious to the feelings and needs of others.

This is an eternal truth we would do well to observe.

Now, it's the turn of the men.

This is a group of males grooming each other's hair.

Try this exercise. Say to yourself,

"I am in command.

"I am decisive.

"I am confident." Say it.

I am in command.

I am...

decisive. No, no, no, no. With conviction. Believe it!

I am confident. Yes, again.

I am confident. Yes.

I am in command. You are.

And you, woman, are going to do what I say or there'll be trouble!

Maybe not quite that confident.

Sorry, Doctor.

Well, I think you're ready. Go for it, tiger!

Thanks again, Doctor. Not at all.

Doctor...will you come with me?

Again, they are focused on outward appearance.

Throughout my ministry, I have sought to guide man away from the poverty of

outward appearance to the bountiful and rich terrain of our inner lives.

The treasures of the spirit where true joy and harmony can flourish.

Now, here is a remarkable fellow.

His name is Lessang Guiny Guiny, and there he is with his wife and child.

They were the first of many natives I was able to bring under my wing.

How was this achieved, you may ask?

Well, I began by telling them of the Hebrews,

who, as I'm sure you'll remember, were promised land,

but had to take it by force one town at a time.

In the same way, we are promised the gift of self-control,

and yet we also must take it by force. I need the boys' room.

Self-control is the first step towards freeing our hearts

and spirits.

We must pursue this goal with vigour and avoid distractions.

All right?

You shouldn't be smoking. It's bad for you.

Give us a drag.

What happened to your eye?

Captain of the rugby team. We had a game last weekend.

Rough, was it?

We won easy.

Got this in the pub after.

What's it like down a mine?

All right. Did you get scared?

I've been down that pit for 14 years. You get used to it.

I bet it's filthy.

Aye, and hotter than hell.

Some seams, they get so hot,

you can't touch the walls,

they're that boiling,

and the air...

gets so wet, feels like you're drowning.

You must sweat a lot.

Like pigs.

Sounds revolting.

# The night we met I knew I needed you so

# And if I had the chance, I'd never let you go... #

You are confident. You are in command. Evening, Emlyn.

What will it be, bitter or stout? Yes, please.

Bitter or stout? Oh, no, thank you. I don't want a drink.

This is a pub, Emlyn. Drinking is what people do here.

Are you all right?

I am brave, I am bold.

That's good to hear.

This is very important.

What is?

I've got something I want to say.

What?

You let me know, love. All right, Emlyn? Found that missing sheep yet?

He's been with her all weekend!

LAUGHTER

Dan? You should be in the bed.

I'm too hot.

The pills will start working in a minute. Here, let's get this off.

There we go.

Here, jump in.

Lie down.

Stay there.

KNOCK AT THE DOOR

Try to get some sleep.

"Good evening, Doctor. Hello, sergeant, won't you come in?"(!)

What happened? It's my nerves.

Worse than ever.

I stood there like a flaming idiot, talking nonsense.

I'm sorry, I shouldn't have pushed you. It's not your fault, Doctor.

It's me. I'm a fool.

You're not a fool, you're a decent man.

And any woman would be lucky to have you.

Maybe it would be an idea to put your feelings down on paper?

No, I'm no poet.

It doesn't have to be poetry. Just as long as it comes from the heart.

Will you help me?

This is the chapel on the day of its dedication just six months later.

By this time, our congregation numbered several hundred.

What a proud day that was for us all. (Where you been? Having a smoke.)

Here I am with four loyal elders

of my congregation.

Sadly, since the photograph of this happy occasion was taken,

these dear friends have crossed over.

Doubtless to their reward in heaven.

I think that was in fact the last slide.

Verity, if we could have the lights, please.

HE SIGHS

Right. Starting again.

When you saw her, how did it make you feel?

As if I had come alive. Well, why not talk about that?

How she fills you with 1,000 sunrises and sunsets.

How each dawn brings the hope that you might catch a glimpse of her.

Even for a few seconds.

And that when she smiles at you,

1,000 love songs could never do that moment justice.

You've got a way with words, Doctor. That was lovely.

Yes, well, it really should be in your own words.

I have to look in on Dan, he's not feeling very well.

Of course. Thank you, Doctor.

Thanks again, Doc. Night.

DAN COUGHS

Here, drink some water.

I feel terrible. My mouth's all swollen. OK. Let's take a look.

Close your eyes. Say "ah". Ah.

"Ah". Ah.

I'll be right back.

Corn beef? What was the boy playing at? A tight slap is what he needs.

Leave it to me, Mummy.

Give the boy a hiding and send him back to his father.

OK, Mummy, I'll deal with it.

Dan, you are in serious trouble.

We know what happened at the shop, now explain yourself.

Answer me, Dan. I'm sorry, please, I'm sorry.

You're soaking. Stay there.

Prem?

Dan has a terrible fever. Yes, yes.

So, what is it? I'm not sure. He has small red spots on his tongue.

We have to keep him cool. I'll get cold water and towels.

Dan? What did the boy have to say for himself? Dan is very ill.

He's gone. What? I can't find him. No, I told him he was in trouble.

The front door was open. Kamini, what on earth is happening?

It's Dan, he's run away. You stay here,

we'll be back as soon as we can.

Evening, Doctor. Mrs Sharma. Megan, have you seen Dan? He's run away.

No. What about Owen? I threw him out about an hour ago.

He was drunk as hell. Thank you.

He used to have a den at the old mine.

He hasn't mentioned it in months. We could try there.

Let's do that. It's really important we find him tonight. What is it?

I think he's got smallpox.

Stay right back!

I don't think I can do this. You must.

It'll be like losing Rani all over again.

Where did he get it from?

That's the question, isn't it?

I'm sorry, Mrs Davies,

I've got orders to close this shop with immediate effect.

You can't do that! Yes, I can.

KLAXON BLASTS That's the hooter.

What are they doing clocking off now?

Don't go! I'm on the rescue team.

There are only seven doses.

We're going to have to choose. Just seven people?

You have to isolate the village, set up roadblocks. People will panic.

If we don't contain this disease, people will die.

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd

Continuing on BBC Two, it's... Wow! That looks complicated.

Whoa! How did they...?

It's... Oh, I don't... What...?

That's chocolate? I...