The Prodigals Return The Indian Doctor

MUSIC: "Purple Haze" by Jimi Hendrix

-Kamini, I'm only going to look at it.

-I know. If it's too much money...

-Which it probably will be.

-..Mummy's promised to help.

-Oh, that's nice.

I'll be back for the interviews.

"Dear Mummy, I am sorry I have taken so long to reply to you.

"I hope you didn't worry. Everything here is fine.

"We think we might have found a bigger surgery -

"it's part of a big house.

"Prem is finally going to see it today.

"Life here is still busy.

"Sian is getting used to living on her own since Gina and the baby

"left for London.

-"She's back to her normal self."

-Oi! Get out of here!

You...! Oh!

"Megan and Emlyn have settled well into married life.

"They seem very much in love.

"Dan's doing very well in school.

"He's such a clever boy."

CAR HORN BEEPS

Let's go follow it.

"I really want to try to get a job

"but Prem still needs plenty of looking after."

"And, no, there's still no news on the baby front,

"but I'm going to try what you suggested.

"As you always say, "Anything is possible to a willing heart."

CAR HORN BEEPS

Dan!

What are you doing here?

CAR APPROACHES

Good morning. I wasn't sure I got the time right.

You were expecting me.

Yes, to show me around the house.

To show you the house?

Estate agent, no?

I see!

No. No. We're the owners. I'm Basil Thomas.

This is my brother Robert.

-Dr Prem Sharma.

-Hello.

What a coincidence, my brother here's a doctor also.

Very pleased to meet you, Dr Sharma.

The local GP, I presume.

I'm sure you two will get along famously.

Well, look, we're very sorry to have wasted your time

but I'm afraid we've decided to take the house off the market.

I do hope you're not too disappointed.

Not at all.

My wife will be, though.

We were looking for larger premises

and she had her eye on this place, but...

pretty sure we couldn't have afforded it.

Again, sorry to have wasted your time.

No. No.

Actually, it's a relief.

Good day.

-Good day.

-Good day.

It's as much of a dump as I remember.

Why did you have to tell him I'm a doctor?

It's always good to introduce yourself

to the competition early on.

Hello, Father.

We're home.

Come on, baby brother, chin up.

Remember why we're here.

A new start.

A new project for us both.

It's what Daddy would have wanted.

And aren't we just thrilled about it(?)

Do you want to be stuck in this village all your life?

I don't care. I like here. Do you think it was a Mustang?

Whatever it was, the person driving it went to school.

-He didn't go to my school.

-How do you know? School is school.

Anyway, you will never get a car like that

-unless you finish your education.

-I can do it.

I can leave in the summer anyway.

All the more reason to work hard now. Off you go.

I'll be checking with your teacher you were there.

KETTLE WHISTLES

My mam used to swear by this for these summer colds.

You go and sit down, and I'll bring it in to you.

Shouldn't you be in work?

My work is to look after the people of Trefelin...

and that includes my wife.

I hope you're not thinking of going to work today.

No.

I'm sure Annie can cope for one more day.

Maybe you should pop by and see the doctor.

And tell him I'm tired? Don't be silly.

-Emlyn.

-Is that enough?

Are you warm enough?

-Maybe you should go back to bed.

-Emlyn, I'm fine.

Would you like me to stay with you, perhaps?

And have the crime rates shoot up just because of me?

No.

You go.

Right-oh.

We've got to smash the system, Daf.

Do we have to do it today, Al?

Yes, comrade. Every day is a new beginning, a new dawn.

Have you got the banner?

Banner!

Come on.

If you can just take a seat.

Well?

It looks like it's going to be a busy morning.

Tell me.

-The house.

-It's been taken off the market.

Never mind, there will be others.

Anyway, we're happy here. Send the first one in.

Of course.

-Ah, Mrs Sharma.

-Surgery doesn't open till later.

-No, it's you I want to see. Could you be my next of kin?

-Sorry?

They need my telephone number and the telephone number of my next of kin,

and I haven't got a telephone number and I haven't got a next of kin.

Ceri, I'm sorry - I have no idea what you're talking about. As you can see, we're very busy.

Mrs Williams, the doctor's ready for you now. Thank you.

KNOCK ON DOOR Come in.

Mrs Williams.

Please, sit down.

I didn't know that you were interested in becoming

-a receptionist.

-Oh, I'm not.

-Ah, well, today I am interviewing...

-I'm here about my Aled.

He spends all day sitting around the place with that layabout Daf,

talking a load of old rubbish about politics.

He's got pictures all over his wall of that foreign gentleman,

you know, the one with the beard. What's his name?

Oh, you know... I'm so worried about him.

-Abraham Lincoln?

-No, Aled.

-Yes, of course, Mrs Williams.

-Mr Che something...

-Guevara.

-He doesn't even get out of bed until midday.

-Che Guevara?

-No. No. Aled.

Mrs Williams...

a healthy interest in politics

-is hardly a medical matter.

-Well, it will be.

My nerves can't take much more of this.

He needs to stop messing and get a proper job.

Could you talk to him?

-Please, Dr...

-I'll see what I can do.

Thank you, Dr Sharma.

All the...best.

BELL DINGS

You look lovely today, Sian.

Oh, go on with you. I'm too busy for idle chat.

Even busy you look lovely.

I need to ask you something.

-I need you as a wife.

-What?

Well, I need someone to agree to be my next of kin and...

And I need someone with a phone number.

-But...

-CAR HORN BLARES

Who on Earth...?

That road hog nearly ran me off the road this morning.

And why do you think you would make a good receptionist?

Because I know all about germs.

Germs.

Did you know they're everywhere?

Yes, but you can leave the medical side of things to me.

Your job would include answering the phone...

My last employer was very happy with my telephone manner.

-May I?

-Of course.

Bring, bring!

Bring, bring!

Bring, bring!

Bring, bring!

Bring, bring!

Who was your last employer?

Petra Sewage Works. Blockage or seepage?

That's very...very good.

Oh, look at you,

just like film stars.

Wilfred Thomas' boys.

I can still remember baby-sitting for you like it was yesterday.

Such lovely little cherubs, you were.

I used to kiss their fat little bottoms.

And how long are you staying?

As long as you'll have us.

Won't you find this a bit dull after the bright lights of London?

You were missing our Welsh cooking.

And we missed the fresh air of home, didn't we?

And the wonderful simplicity of the people.

So... Look, we'd like to invite you to attend a party we're throwing

tomorrow in the village hall. Will you come?

We'll be honoured to attend, won't we?

Honoured, aye.

Excellent.

Until tomorrow, then.

Until tomorrow.

Oh, you look like your father.

Ta-ta, now.

What on Earth am I going to wear?

Myn uffarn i.

Mind the shop.

Guess what? The Thomas boys are back.

Oh, look at their car.

She was hanging on to the cliff edge with her fingernails.

He said, "Bet you're sorry you had that manicure now!"

MEN LAUGHING

It isn't. It is!

It's Basil and Robert Thomas.

Griffiths. Owen Griffiths.

Haha! Good God!

-How you doing?

-Well, well.

Bit smart for the likes of us now, aren't you?

Not at all. Not at all.

Beva Brendon and Winston Pew.

Well, what are you all drinking? First round's on me.

CHEERING

Guess what? Basil and Robert Thomas are back!

LAUGHTER

So, what makes you think that you would be suitable for this job?

-I'd be good at keeping the patients amused.

-Oh.

Why do bees hum?

-I'm sorry?

-Cos they don't know the words. Haha!

SHE SINGS HIGH NOTES

Thank you for coming in, Mrs Roberts. I was wondering,

what is it that you think you can bring to the role of...?

..receptionist.

Any short hand?

SHE SINGS HIGH PITCHED

Why did the chicken cross the road?

I'll be in touch.

-Last one.

-(Thank God.)

Mrs Daniels.

Mrs Daniels, thank you so much for coming in.

I was really very sorry to hear about your father.

Wonderful man.

Did so much for our community.

Thank you.

To Wilfred Thomas.

Father.

Afternoon, Mr Graham.

-Pint of dark, please.

-Here, I'll get that.

I wouldn't bother if I was you, Mr Thomas.

NCB Inspection Team.

He's sniffing around to see if he can close us down.

Your father wouldn't have stood for that.

Oh, well, we're all friends here.

And I was a doctor's receptionist before the war.

He's certainly given you a glowing reference.

"Reorganised all medical files, cross referenced against

"surname, age, blood group, gender." Very impressive.

Why did you stop working, Mrs Daniels?

Well, I felt like it, dear.

Oh. You reduced waiting times by 50%,

revolutionised the appointment system...

If I offered you the job, when could you start?

-Oh, I'm not sure that I want it yet, dear.

-I'm sorry?

Well, it's a big step, isn't it?

Yes, I suppose...

Thank you for coming in. I'll let you know.

Whose is it?

Somebody who thinks they're above the law, I'd say.

-How fast do you think it goes?

-Too fast.

Must belong to someone really rich.

They can afford to pay that then, can't they?

-Well, how did it go?

-Total waste of a morning.

-Well, there is one candidate you haven't considered.

-Really?

She's a university graduate, she can type,

very hard working and very efficient.

-She sounds ideal. Who?

-Me.

You're too good for this job, Kamini.

Anyway, you're too busy with the housework.

Emlyn.

Dr Sharma. Kamini.

Any chance of a quick word, Dr?

Ah, come.

Well, Mummy, time to put your plan into action.

It's just that I'm really worried about Megan.

She's tired, very up and down, very snappy.

It's as if she's always angry...

with me.

I know they do say women can get a touch of depression after

they get married.

Life changes can cause some depression

but I'm sure it's nothing to worry about.

Listen, don't tell her that I came to see you, will you?

But...

Could you come up with some excuse to go by and see her?

Er... Of course, Emlyn.

-I'll drop in tomorrow.

-Thank you, Prem.

-There you go, lads.

-Thanks.

Can we take drinks off a capitalist?

Think of it as wealth redistribution.

Whatever happened to Megan? Megan Howells.

She works here usually. She married Emlyn Dawkins.

Who? Fatty?

He's done very well for himself.

He's the village copper.

My overriding memory of Fatty is his red face after rugby.

Blood, mud, tears and snot.

Oh, Mrs Sharma.

Hello, Owen.

Mrs Sharma has taken a shine to my boy Dan.

Dan won't be home for dinner.

I'm taking him to the library for a school project - it's about cars.

Mrs Sharma. Basil Thomas. This is my brother Robert.

-Hello.

-I believe we met your husband earlier.

-Oh, really?

Yes, he said you'd be disappointed, the house no longer being for sale.

It's a beautiful house, Mr Thomas.

-If it was mine, I wouldn't sell it either.

-Thank you.

My brother and I are hosting a social event in the village

hall tomorrow evening.

We'd be honoured if you could attend - your husband, too.

We'd love to. Thank you very much.

Come on, Dan.

Shoo!

I'll be telling your mothers!

Wait till I see you, Ceri Joseph!

MAN ON RADIO: West Bromwich Albion - nil.

Leicester City - four. Tottenham Hotspur - three.

Sheffield United - two. Stoke City - two.

Everton - one. West Ham United - one.

Emlyn Dawkins, it's been years.

Robert Thomas.

Who'd have thought, back in school, that you'd be giving me

-a parking ticket one day?

-Ah.

Revenge for all those rugby tackles, huh?

Listen, must dash, but I wanted to let you know my brother

and I are having a homecoming party tomorrow evening - do come.

Oh, thank you very much. I'll certainly bear it in mind.

And make sure to bring that beautiful wife of yours.

Congratulations, by the way.

If she's anything like the woman I remember, you are a lucky man.

-What a day.

-Really?

Oh, dear.

I met Basil Thomas today - he seems like a charming man.

Charming, really?

Have you met his brother? He's also a GP.

-Apparently, they're back to stay.

-Really?

Maybe that's why he said the house wasn't on the market any more.

Well, we couldn't have afforded it anyway.

-Old places like that need a lot of work.

-I wouldn't have minded.

It would have given me something to do between all this housework.

It's a pity you didn't go and see that place weeks ago.

Then maybe we could have bought it while it was still on the market.

Systematically, two Ms, two Ls?

Maybe you should see the doctor.

I slept most of the day. I'll be fine tomorrow.

How was your day?

Nothing out of the ordinary.

Do you think he'll be disappointed if he saw us now?

Probably.

Stuck in the 19th century as he was.

He never understood...you must move with the times.

Not for me.

Fatty's face was priceless when he realised it was me

he was giving the parking ticket to.

Careful, that's my future patients you're laughing about.

So...

what do you think of our Indian doctor's wife, huh?

Maybe worth getting to know better.

Man alive.

What on Earth did Father want with this?

Maybe there was a dark side to him after all.

Maybe he skulked around at night...

murdering the natives.

I can't believe Megan married Emlyn Dawkins.

Forget Megan. She'll be fat and 40 now.

You always were a coward.

# Too many teardrops for one heart to be crying... #

Are you coming in? Could you reschedule Mr Bowen's appointment?

Sorry. I'm very busy. Housewife duties.

Recipes to plan.

-Morning.

-Morning.

You left my shop unattended yesterday.

We could all have been murdered in our beds.

-We weren't in our beds.

-Figure of speech.

When a cow needs milking, she needs milking.

Anyway, I was trying to ask you something yesterday.

I'm doing the pools...

-Gambling, work of the Devil.

-No, Sian, listen...

Megan...

It went out in the night.

-You should have let me do that.

-It's done now.

Are you feeling...any better?

A bit.

Have a good day.

Yes. You, too.

KNOCK ON DOOR

Oh!

-Robert Thomas.

-Can I come in?

If you're part of a pools syndicate, then you're gambling.

Whatever you call it, they need my next of kin

and they need a telephone number. And if I win...

-You won't. The pools are a con, everyone knows that.

-But if I do...

I'll take you out.

I hope you're not harbouring indecent thoughts.

Of course not.

You carry on like that and you'll get a good clip around the ear.

-Hi, Dr Sharma.

-Oh, can I help you, Dr Sharma?

-Well, these oranges look nice.

-Ooh.

-I'll take six, please.

-Ooh.

Three, four, five and six.

Oh.

Are you moving back for good?

That depends on whether I get any patients.

I might be taking over Dr Morgan's old practice

-if you're looking for a doctor.

-No. We're with Dr Sharma now.

I was in private practice in London but I wanted to come home.

You know, give something back to the community.

Thank you.

Is that enough milk?

Personally, I like it stronger but some people like it like that.

It's perfect.

I didn't know you got married again.

Yes.

After my first husband died, I suppose I didn't like to be alone.

But Emlyn, he's very...

Sorry.

You must think that I collect husbands like football cards.

-I bumped into Emlyn yesterday.

-Did you?

He didn't say.

Did you ever marry?

Is that how you spell orange? It doesn't look right.

Oh, doctor, a word.

Where are they from?

Oh, just shoo!

You'll lose me customers!

South African oranges are evil.

Why don't you sell Welsh oranges?

I'll tell you what, boys, I'll get some, shall I(?)

On the orange grove on my Welsh hillside(!)

Daft, the pair of you.

I think an interest in world politics is admirable...

but I think your mother would really like you to get a job.

My job...

is bringing about the fall of the imperialist and capitalist system.

I made a mistake, now shoo!

Is there anything wrong with Spanish oranges?

They had a civil war there.

- Er, it's over. Who won?

- They did.

-So, will you be my next of kin?

-Yes!

Hoo-hoo!

I'll see you soon.

Prem, that's a nice surprise.

Dr Sharma.

Hello again.

Robert, isn't it?

Robert's a GP, too.

Yes, I know.

Megan's an old friend.

I'm not visiting in a professional context, yet.

Although, I do need patients.

I've been asked to take over Dr Morgan's old practice in Treherbert.

-Really?

-See you soon, Megan.

Good day, Dr Sharma.

You coming in?

Erm, no, no. I wasn't going to stop.

Haven't seen you in a while,

-so I thought I'd drop in and give you these.

-Oh.

And see how you were.

Just a bit tired, really.

Nothing that a good rest and some oranges can't cure.

Good. You know you can drop in and see me any time.

-My door is always open to you.

-I know.

See you soon.

-Hope you feel better.

-Thank you.

-What do you think they're doing?

-Don't know.

Must be for the party.

Loads of booze.

-We should infiltrate.

-Definitely.

Excuse me. Excuse me.

I've been waiting...

Well, I'm sorry...

What on Earth...? Why are you here?

Your filing system is in a terrible mess.

-Whose are these?

-Ooh, his and hers.

But they're not labelled. How do I know whose is whose?

Well, he came in first, so the colder one will be his.

Mrs Daniels...

I'm sorry, I can't do anything

until I've sorted out this shambles.

I've never seen anything like it.

How on Earth have you been managing?

Kamini, what's she doing here?

-Did you offer her a job?

-Of course not. I thought you did.

I did. Did I?

I'm...sure I didn't.

-Anyway, please, could you help?

-I'd love to, I'm just so busy.

Megan? Megan!

I brought you these.

-Prem brought those.

-Oh!

He's been to see you. Did he say anything about, er...

He just said I was a bit run down.

Right.

Well, if you're up to it, we've been invited to a party tonight.

I know. Robert told me.

I heard you saw him.

I forgot to say.

Right.

So the party?

I don't feel up to it.

You can go if you like.

Sian, you look radiant.

Thank you so much for coming.

Thank you so much for asking us.

Please. Please.

Ooh, doesn't he look smart?

He looks like a ponce to me.

How do you do? Oh, lads, are you coming in as well?

Only...wouldn't have thought this was your kind of thing.

Still, all welcome.

All welcome.

How do you do?

Hey, you look nice. Any special reason?

I told you, it's the Thomases' homecoming party.

How was Mrs Daniels?

Oh, filing all day and now I can't find a thing.

Poor you.

Could you tie that for me, please?

-Do we really have to go out?

-Why?

Did you have something else in mind?

KNOCK ON DOOR

Yes...

to find out who's at the door.

KNOCKING CONTINUES

-Emlyn, come in.

-Thank you, Prem.

-How are you?

-Fine. Fine.

Fine, thank you. Never better.

Just thought I'd pop by to say hello.

-Good. Good. Well, come up.

-Thank you.

-You on your way to the...?

-The village hall, yes.

Only Megan's not feeling too clever,

but I thought I should go and show my face.

-Hello, Emlyn.

-Kamini.

Actually, we were going to give it a miss.

Oh, well that settles it. If you're not going, then neither am I.

Funny thing for you now.

Megan and Dr Robert used to court...

-way back, you know.

-Really?

And now she has you.

Come on, let's go for half an hour.

You can wear the etchkan Mummy sent for you.

I think you should tell Mummy to stop sending expensive things

that I'm never ever going to wear.

Don't be grumpy.

Prem is cross because he doesn't like his new receptionist.

-I didn't say that.

-I offered to do it.

Right. If we're going to go, then let's go

and get it over and done with.

SOUL MUSIC PLAYS

CHATTER

Ladies and gentlemen.

Ladies and gentlemen,

I'd like to thank you all very much for coming along this evening.

I have a confession to make.

This isn't just a party.

This is a chance to change your lives.

This is a decade of progress.

All over the country, things are changing.

And as my late father, God rest his soul, used to say,

"You must move with the times."

So, imagine if you will,

what it would be like

if you didn't have to carry that heavy coal bucket around any more.

Imagine if you could have a hot bath any time you wanted it.

Imagine a warm house, hot water and clean clothes,

and all at the touch...of a button.

CROWD EXCLAIM

Well, imagine no longer.

What I'm describing is already a reality over most of the country

and I believe that, together, we can make it a reality...

right here.

Ladies and gentlemen, may I present...

..New Trefelin.

CROWD GASP

New Trefelin,

a bigger and better new town to be built right here,

right where we're standing, in place of the old.

A new shopping centre, pubs, cafes, even a new

and expanded medical centre,

attractive the very best Welsh doctors,

people like my own brother here Robert Thomas.

And...

And if you agree to my plan,

one of these beautiful new homes,

complete with hot water, central heating

and a washing machine...

WOMEN GASP

..could be yours.

These are working people, Mr Thomas, they can't afford new houses.

That's where you're wrong.

That's where you're wrong because, in return for your loyalty

and the deeds to your old home,

I can promise each and every current resident

a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to

own a brand-new home at the heart of this new development.

A new home that will, in time I'm sure,

prove to be the shrewdest investment you will ever make.

-And what's in it for you?

-Shut up!

No, no. He has a point -

a fair point.

Now, obviously, new Trefelin will bring with it many challenges

and opportunities.

Let me be honest, profit,

and I intend to be around to enjoy it all.

But tonight, ladies and gentlemen, friends, I want you to join with me

and share in this dream.

So, please, have another drink, have a good look at the plans.

I'll be happy to answer any questions

you may have and individually, if you so wish. Thank you.

Thank you very much.

That sounds very interesting. No police station, though.

It's all very interesting.

Nice to see you again, Dr Sharma.

Dr Thomas.

Emlyn, on your own?

Megan...my wife, is busy.

What a shame. Please, help yourself to drinks.

I think I will, you know.

So, what do you think?

It's very interesting.

Is it based on the development at Milton Keynes?

There are similarities, yes.

Towns like this, Dr Sharma, bear the future of pedestrianised

town centres and purpose-built car parks.

Where does the mine fit in? I don't see the mine anywhere.

Well, we are in discussion with the Coal Board about that

and I'm confident we will reach a mutually profitable agreement...

-What is mutually...?

-Excuse me.

I'm so pleased you could come.

Thank you so much for inviting us, Mr Thomas.

-Oh, first names, please. Call me Basil.

-Kamini.

Do you work, Kamini?

No, not at the moment. I studied English at university -

I was hoping to do something with that.

But, when we moved to Trefelin, other things took priority.

Well, we should talk. You're exactly the kind of educated person

I'm going to need to get this new town built. Excuse me.

An American-style supermarket, ladies and gentleman,

just like the latest ones in London.

A supermarket, fancy that?

Well, I'll buy you one when I win the pools, girl.

Nonsense. You'll spend it all on your chickens.

Nobody expected this, did they?

Or this new health centre.

You know, maybe we should have stayed in India.

-Or maybe I should have taken that job in London after all.

-Maybe.

Maybe. Maybe.

Maybe we need a new receptionist, but maybe you couldn't choose one.

Maybe you'll go to see the new house and then leave it

until it gets taken off the market.

-So, ladies...

-I'm not getting into this now.

..thank you for allowing me to share in my vision.

Maybe you'll move to a new practice.

Maybe you'll apply for a job.

It's not always up to me, you know.

Everything's maybe with you.

You're so busy saying it, nothing ever changes.

Nothing ever happens.

And now, will you all join me in a rendition of our glorious National Anthem?

THEY SING WELSH NATIONAL ANTHEM

You make sure they shut that mine.

Just make sure it happens.

That's where they keep the explosives. Got 'em.

Oi! What are you doing?!

I know what's wrong with me. I don't need any examination.

I just need some time to think it through.

This new town - it's an absolute gold mine.

By the time the outside world gets to hear,

we'll be sitting on a small fortune.

We'd really appreciate your opinion on the plans for the health centre.

Yes, of course.

And I don't want to jump the gun, but I will be looking for a new partner.

Subtitles By Red Bee Media Ltd