Christmas Special

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0:00:27 > 0:00:30MUSIC: "It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas"

0:00:30 > 0:00:31Can I have a go?

0:00:33 > 0:00:35Chestnuts, chestnuts!

0:00:39 > 0:00:40All right, boys?

0:00:44 > 0:00:45You all right?

0:00:45 > 0:00:50'At Christmas we like to see things in their proper place.

0:00:50 > 0:00:54'We unwrap the ancient legends and the oldest truths.

0:00:54 > 0:00:58'We like our angels unchanged and our rituals familiar.'

0:01:00 > 0:01:01Chestnuts!

0:01:01 > 0:01:04'We like the right faces around the table,

0:01:04 > 0:01:06'the right carols to be sung,

0:01:06 > 0:01:09'the promise that this is how it is and will always be.'

0:01:09 > 0:01:12Happy Christmas, Nurse! Hello!

0:01:15 > 0:01:17Mistletoe! Hello, Fred.

0:01:17 > 0:01:20Merry Christmas to you. Season's cheer and a ho-ho-ho!

0:01:20 > 0:01:22'Because that is Christmas.

0:01:22 > 0:01:26'The one still point in a world forever turning.'

0:01:26 > 0:01:29Hello, Nurse Lee. Hello, Shirley. Merry Christmas.

0:01:29 > 0:01:32Boys. Your antlers are very big, aren't they?

0:01:32 > 0:01:36Buy yourself some mistletoe!

0:01:36 > 0:01:39Christmas cheer and a ho-ho-ho!

0:01:39 > 0:01:41Buy yourself some mistletoe...

0:01:43 > 0:01:45You got a hawker's licence for that, Fred?

0:01:45 > 0:01:47Don't want the costermongers kicking off.

0:01:47 > 0:01:50I can't just give it away. I've been all round Epping Forest!

0:01:50 > 0:01:53Proper countryside, that is. I need danger money.

0:01:53 > 0:01:54It's a shilling a bunch.

0:01:56 > 0:01:57Sixpence. And a blind eye.

0:02:06 > 0:02:08Christmas cheer and a ho-ho-ho!

0:02:31 > 0:02:33Oh, sorry, Sister Evangelina, I nearly forgot.

0:02:33 > 0:02:36Half a pound of dolly mixtures, as requested.

0:02:36 > 0:02:39I requested barley sugar twists. But it's Christmas.

0:02:39 > 0:02:42I thought dolly mixtures might be a bit more festive.

0:02:42 > 0:02:44Oh, yes, very festive for the child who's had his jab,

0:02:44 > 0:02:46dithering over which one to take!

0:02:46 > 0:02:49Meanwhile, the child behind works himself into the heebie-jeebies,

0:02:49 > 0:02:52and won't roll his sleeve up for the needle! Sorry, Sister.

0:02:52 > 0:02:53Afternoon. Ready for the off?

0:02:53 > 0:02:57Make yourself useful. Take all the jujubes out of there.

0:02:57 > 0:03:00They're everyone's favourite, and we don't want a riot on our hands.

0:03:00 > 0:03:02After which you can give them to Dr Turner, as a thank you

0:03:02 > 0:03:05for setting all this up on the day the kiddies have their concerts!

0:03:05 > 0:03:07I hadn't much choice.

0:03:07 > 0:03:09The national programme's been rolling out too slowly,

0:03:09 > 0:03:13and we've had half a dozen cases in the district since November.

0:03:13 > 0:03:17I've got the eights-to-elevens booked for first thing in the New Year.

0:03:17 > 0:03:19Hopefully we can avert an epidemic.

0:03:22 > 0:03:24I can't believe he's getting married in three days.

0:03:24 > 0:03:28And to Sister Bernadette! He really does look happy.

0:03:28 > 0:03:32Men generally do when they've got everything they want.

0:03:33 > 0:03:36CHILDREN CHEER

0:03:36 > 0:03:38That's right, get it all out your system!

0:03:38 > 0:03:41Now. Who wants to go first, Dasher or Dancer or Donner or Blitzen?

0:03:41 > 0:03:43I want to go first! Me!

0:04:03 > 0:04:05BABY GURGLES

0:04:05 > 0:04:09Yes. Father Christmas will come and see Freddie. Yes, he will.

0:04:11 > 0:04:14I can't tell you how glad I am to see you!

0:04:14 > 0:04:17I've been followed around all day by the smell of young sir's vomit,

0:04:17 > 0:04:20and I've just found out it's in the turn-up of my trousers.

0:04:23 > 0:04:25Guess what I've got behind my back?

0:04:25 > 0:04:26Not the smallest idea,

0:04:26 > 0:04:29but if it's a steak and kidney pie, I shall love you forever.

0:04:30 > 0:04:32Sorry.

0:04:32 > 0:04:33Never mind.

0:04:33 > 0:04:35Same sentiment applies.

0:04:40 > 0:04:42Hello! Whose turn is it now?

0:04:45 > 0:04:48HAIRDRYER HUMS

0:04:51 > 0:04:53Petticoat tails?

0:04:53 > 0:04:56Another Yuletide gesture from a grateful patient.

0:04:56 > 0:04:58I thought you were doing the polio vaccinations.

0:04:58 > 0:05:01Finished. I need some addresses for my house calls.

0:05:08 > 0:05:10What are you doing?

0:05:10 > 0:05:11I'm trying to bring on the hyacinth

0:05:11 > 0:05:13in Sister Monica Joan's table decoration.

0:05:13 > 0:05:16It's going to be all hands to the pump on this one.

0:05:16 > 0:05:19I told her they'd be too cold on that sideboard. And damp.

0:05:19 > 0:05:23The Christmas serviettes were absolutely green with mould.

0:05:23 > 0:05:27And have you seen the mushrooms growing in the cloisters? Yes,

0:05:27 > 0:05:29but don't tell Sister Monica Joan.

0:05:29 > 0:05:32She'll be sprucing them up with tinsel and some glitter.

0:05:32 > 0:05:35Alec thinks we could be here for another 18 months.

0:05:35 > 0:05:38They're behind on the rebuilding programme.

0:05:38 > 0:05:41Until they catch up, they won't knock Nonnatus down. Really?

0:05:41 > 0:05:46We'd be none the wiser if your new squeeze wasn't a council surveyor.

0:05:46 > 0:05:48Oh, speaking of which...

0:05:48 > 0:05:50He called and left a message.

0:05:53 > 0:05:55PHONE RINGS

0:05:55 > 0:05:59Nonnatus House, midwife speaking. Oh. Hello, Sergeant.

0:06:01 > 0:06:03Dare one ask if you had any luck with the estate agent?

0:06:03 > 0:06:07Camilla, there are no family homes to rent anywhere. I know.

0:06:08 > 0:06:10But one mustn't give up hope!

0:06:10 > 0:06:12KNOCK AT THE DOOR

0:06:12 > 0:06:12Yes?

0:06:14 > 0:06:15The station called.

0:06:15 > 0:06:18There's been an incident at the building site on Rake Street.

0:06:20 > 0:06:23HE SIGHS

0:06:23 > 0:06:25At least it's only round the corner.

0:06:34 > 0:06:37Ah, Nurse Lee! Our usual teatime appointment.

0:06:59 > 0:07:01BICYCLE BELL RINGS

0:07:02 > 0:07:05My dear Shelagh! Hello, Sister Julienne.

0:07:05 > 0:07:08It's so very good to see you. The bride to be!

0:07:08 > 0:07:12I was on my way to sit with Timothy while he does his homework.

0:07:12 > 0:07:15Dr Turner's out on call, and my lodgings aren't far away.

0:07:17 > 0:07:20Is there something very special in that box?

0:07:21 > 0:07:23My wedding dress.

0:07:23 > 0:07:27I've just been to collect it. It's knee length. Really quite simple.

0:07:29 > 0:07:32And for that very reason, you'll look exquisite in it.

0:07:32 > 0:07:35Christmas Eve is a beautiful day to be married.

0:07:36 > 0:07:39It'll be a quiet ceremony.

0:07:39 > 0:07:41Timothy will come with us, of course.

0:07:41 > 0:07:46I understand. Nevertheless, we'd hoped we'd see you more often.

0:07:46 > 0:07:47I don't like to trouble you.

0:07:47 > 0:07:50Nonnatus House is such a busy place.

0:07:50 > 0:07:53We aren't too busy to include you in our prayers.

0:07:55 > 0:07:59That means a very great deal to me, Sister. And I thank you for it.

0:08:08 > 0:08:12Six days overdue. If it hasn't come by Christmas,

0:08:12 > 0:08:15I'll be skipping the sherry and swigging castor oil.

0:08:15 > 0:08:19Baby's head's well down and nicely engaged.

0:08:19 > 0:08:20It won't be long now.

0:08:23 > 0:08:25Alan! You can come in.

0:08:27 > 0:08:29Everything all right, Nurse?

0:08:29 > 0:08:31Couldn't be better.

0:08:31 > 0:08:33What about you? Are you ill in bed?

0:08:33 > 0:08:36Oh, had a bout of malaria. It flares up every now and then.

0:08:36 > 0:08:38Did you pick it up during National Service?

0:08:38 > 0:08:41Yeah, Korea. Makes me sweat like I don't know what,

0:08:41 > 0:08:43but the doctor gives me quinine pills.

0:08:43 > 0:08:45I'll be fine in a day or two.

0:08:45 > 0:08:48She's the one who wants looking after.

0:08:48 > 0:08:51Yvonne? She's in fine fettle.

0:08:51 > 0:08:53She can potter about as normal. Just stay close to home.

0:08:53 > 0:08:55What if Yvonne has it on Christmas Day?

0:08:55 > 0:08:58What if there's no-one there to help? It gives me nightmares.

0:08:58 > 0:09:01Alan, Nurse doesn't want to hear about your nightmares.

0:09:01 > 0:09:03Just telephone Nonnatus House.

0:09:03 > 0:09:05We're like the Windmill Girls - we never close!

0:09:16 > 0:09:19# While shepherds washed their socks by night

0:09:19 > 0:09:23# All seated round the tub... #

0:09:24 > 0:09:26You blasphemous lot!

0:09:26 > 0:09:29The nuns'll have us all thrown out onto the street!

0:09:29 > 0:09:30THEY GIGGLE

0:09:30 > 0:09:33I doubt it. We just sidled past the parlour

0:09:33 > 0:09:36with these innocuous little bottles of Babycham under our cardies

0:09:36 > 0:09:39and they were all drinking whisky sours and playing poker.

0:09:39 > 0:09:43They're getting themselves in the mood for carol singing!

0:09:43 > 0:09:46We've got exactly ten minutes to have a quick brightener ourselves.

0:09:46 > 0:09:48Gosh. Do you suppose you ought to be

0:09:48 > 0:09:52traipsing round hospitals and clinics smelling of strong drink?

0:09:52 > 0:09:55Babycham isn't a strong drink, Chummy. It's made of pears.

0:09:55 > 0:09:57There's no limit to her sophistication

0:09:57 > 0:09:58now she's got a boyfriend!

0:10:00 > 0:10:02Are you sure you won't come with us?

0:10:02 > 0:10:05No, I've hung up my carol singer's lantern.

0:10:05 > 0:10:07Some things are worth staying in for.

0:10:07 > 0:10:09BABY MURMURS

0:10:09 > 0:10:10Cheers!

0:10:15 > 0:10:16What do you think?

0:10:17 > 0:10:19Why are you asking me?

0:10:19 > 0:10:22I'm not a woman. I'm not even a girl.

0:10:22 > 0:10:24I needed a second opinion.

0:10:24 > 0:10:28And I can't ask your father. He's the groom, so it's unlucky.

0:10:28 > 0:10:30Why isn't it white?

0:10:30 > 0:10:32It's nearly white.

0:10:32 > 0:10:33It's grey.

0:10:35 > 0:10:38I wanted something...understated.

0:10:38 > 0:10:41Oh. I heard a woman in the sweetshop

0:10:41 > 0:10:43saying you were doing it all hole and corner

0:10:43 > 0:10:45because you'd been married before.

0:10:45 > 0:10:48To Jesus. She said you were like a divorced person.

0:10:51 > 0:10:53You're doing that in quite a cross way.

0:10:53 > 0:10:55I am cross.

0:10:56 > 0:10:57But not with you.

0:11:02 > 0:11:04It's all right, Maggie.

0:11:04 > 0:11:05Just breathe deeply.

0:11:05 > 0:11:08Doctor has everything in hand.

0:11:08 > 0:11:10DISTANT CHORAL SINGING

0:11:10 > 0:11:12Blade's in position.

0:11:12 > 0:11:14Can I hear singing?

0:11:14 > 0:11:15Yes.

0:11:15 > 0:11:19That'll be something to tell baby, won't it, in the years to come?

0:11:19 > 0:11:22Now, here we go, now, breathe!

0:11:22 > 0:11:25That's it, Maggie, now, there we go! Push!

0:11:25 > 0:11:27MAGGIE GRUNTS

0:11:27 > 0:11:31Push, there we go. Good girl!

0:11:32 > 0:11:35ALL: # May we do

0:11:35 > 0:11:39# And ever morn and day... #

0:11:39 > 0:11:41BABY CRIES

0:11:41 > 0:11:48# For thy parting neither say nor sing... #

0:11:50 > 0:11:51A little girl, Maggie.

0:12:01 > 0:12:05Aren't you just the best thing anyone ever got for Christmas?

0:12:13 > 0:12:16Textbook forceps, if I say so myself!

0:12:16 > 0:12:17What was the problem?

0:12:17 > 0:12:19Deep transverse arrest. Oh, dear!

0:12:19 > 0:12:21We were all done and dusted

0:12:21 > 0:12:24by the time the nuns got onto Away In A Manger.

0:12:24 > 0:12:27It's the first year I haven't joined in the carol singing.

0:12:27 > 0:12:29You've other things to think about.

0:12:31 > 0:12:33I know.

0:12:33 > 0:12:35I ordered your bouquet today.

0:12:35 > 0:12:37White roses and carnations.

0:12:37 > 0:12:39And freesias,

0:12:39 > 0:12:43because the shop lady said a bride should carry scented flowers.

0:12:43 > 0:12:46Patrick, that's terribly extravagant!

0:12:46 > 0:12:49In the convent, we only had roses on St Raymond's Feast Day.

0:12:52 > 0:12:54Shelagh...

0:12:54 > 0:12:57The Sisters ask after you every day.

0:12:57 > 0:13:01It's not too late to invite them to the wedding. Yes, it is.

0:13:01 > 0:13:04I know I saw them all at Freddie's christening.

0:13:04 > 0:13:07But I just felt so...awkward.

0:13:07 > 0:13:11They wouldn't want you to feel like that.

0:13:11 > 0:13:13They love you.

0:13:13 > 0:13:15And I wish they didn't.

0:13:15 > 0:13:18Because I left them for something I loved more.

0:13:20 > 0:13:23I can't get over the sense that I've rejected them.

0:13:23 > 0:13:25You'll feel better than this.

0:13:27 > 0:13:29We'll find a way, I promise you.

0:13:33 > 0:13:35There were rules in the religious life.

0:13:37 > 0:13:40But no-one ever told me what the rules were afterwards.

0:13:42 > 0:13:45I think perhaps I have to write my own.

0:14:00 > 0:14:02Oh, no...

0:14:02 > 0:14:04BANGING ON DOOR

0:14:04 > 0:14:05Oh, no!

0:14:05 > 0:14:07BANGING CONTINUES

0:14:07 > 0:14:08No!

0:14:08 > 0:14:10I'm on my way!

0:14:12 > 0:14:14Peter! Where's your key?

0:14:14 > 0:14:17I'm here on official business. Has the electricity gone off?

0:14:17 > 0:14:21I'm sorry. I think a fuse blew in Trixie's hairdryer!

0:14:21 > 0:14:23That's the least of our worries.

0:14:27 > 0:14:29KNOCKING

0:14:29 > 0:14:30Hello?

0:14:30 > 0:14:34Jenny, get up and get dressed! We've got to evacuate the building!

0:14:34 > 0:14:36Why? What's the matter?

0:14:36 > 0:14:38They've found an unexploded bomb.

0:14:38 > 0:14:40What? Trixie?

0:14:40 > 0:14:42It's right next to an old warehouse.

0:14:42 > 0:14:45They found it when they were underpinning the foundations.

0:14:45 > 0:14:47It took hours for the experts to arrive,

0:14:47 > 0:14:49and now half the bloomin' Army's on its way.

0:14:49 > 0:14:51Why isn't there any electricity?

0:14:51 > 0:14:53Oh. Precautionary measure.

0:14:53 > 0:14:56There were exposed wires in the immediate vicinity.

0:14:56 > 0:14:57Peter, spare me the police jargon,

0:14:57 > 0:15:00and shine your torch on something useful.

0:15:00 > 0:15:02On what? The baby?

0:15:02 > 0:15:04Bedside table.

0:15:04 > 0:15:07Then I could find my glasses, which would be a start!

0:15:07 > 0:15:09Thank you.

0:15:12 > 0:15:15POLICEMAN: Evacuate the building! Evacuate the building, please!

0:15:15 > 0:15:17I think the leccie's off.

0:15:17 > 0:15:19BABY CRIES

0:15:19 > 0:15:22There's an unexploded bomb in the next street!

0:15:22 > 0:15:23A bomb?

0:15:23 > 0:15:26Wakey, wakey! We have to evacuate the building!

0:15:26 > 0:15:29All right! All right! Keep your hair on! Come on, now.

0:15:29 > 0:15:31You're sweating, Al.

0:15:31 > 0:15:33It's... It's the malaria.

0:15:33 > 0:15:36It's not. I know it's not.

0:15:36 > 0:15:37Evacuate the building!

0:15:42 > 0:15:45Keep it moving. Come along, now.

0:15:51 > 0:15:53I have to say I feel rather like Mary,

0:15:53 > 0:15:55when Herod decreed the cull of the first born

0:15:55 > 0:15:59and she had to flee to Egypt with the infant Jesus.

0:15:59 > 0:16:01Where's Sister Monica Joan?

0:16:01 > 0:16:04Oh, I reckon I heard her in the kitchen.

0:16:04 > 0:16:05Unless the rats are back.

0:16:05 > 0:16:08With hindsight, I wish I'd sent her to the Mother House

0:16:08 > 0:16:09with the choir sisters for Christmas.

0:16:09 > 0:16:12She'll find it so distressing being uprooted!

0:16:12 > 0:16:14Out of the night that covers me

0:16:14 > 0:16:17Black as the pit from pole to pole,

0:16:17 > 0:16:19I thank whatever gods there be

0:16:19 > 0:16:22For my unconquerable soul!

0:16:25 > 0:16:28I hope that's a cake tin underneath your scapula.

0:16:28 > 0:16:31No, it is the hyacinths.

0:16:32 > 0:16:35Which I did not care to see abandoned!

0:16:35 > 0:16:37POLICE WHISTLE BLOWS

0:16:37 > 0:16:38That's it.

0:16:42 > 0:16:46Make your way to the Leopold Institute!

0:16:46 > 0:16:48Keep moving, please.

0:16:48 > 0:16:50Ladies and gentlemen, turn left

0:16:50 > 0:16:53and make your way to the Leopold Institute!

0:16:53 > 0:16:57The Leopold Institute is your designated rescue centre.

0:16:57 > 0:17:00Er, stick together, young madams. Where are the Sisters?

0:17:00 > 0:17:03Sister Evangelina's gone on ahead. The others are behind us.

0:17:03 > 0:17:05More to the point, what are you up to?

0:17:05 > 0:17:07You're quite the dark horse, Fred!

0:17:07 > 0:17:10I am, in fact - it seems to have escaped your notice -

0:17:10 > 0:17:15a Civil Defence Volunteer. Observe, if you would, the uniform.

0:17:15 > 0:17:17It's terribly smart.

0:17:17 > 0:17:18Thank you, Nurse Miller.

0:17:18 > 0:17:20THEY GIGGLE

0:17:20 > 0:17:22Ladies and gentlemen, turn left and make your way...

0:17:22 > 0:17:25Do you suppose the lights will be on when we get there?

0:17:25 > 0:17:28I hope not. I've still got my pin curls in.

0:17:28 > 0:17:32The Leopold Institute is your designated rescue centre.

0:17:35 > 0:17:37Ladies and gentlemen,

0:17:37 > 0:17:41turn left and make your way to the Leopold Institute!

0:17:41 > 0:17:43The Leopold Institute...

0:17:46 > 0:17:48Good evening, ladies and gentlemen!

0:17:48 > 0:17:52Then again, as it's 3am, maybe I should say, "Good morning".

0:17:52 > 0:17:56Now, I want this hall properly organised.

0:17:56 > 0:17:58Is that the fastest you can move?

0:17:58 > 0:18:01Or is there a switch for emergency mode? This ain't the Blitz.

0:18:01 > 0:18:02Never mind the technicalities.

0:18:02 > 0:18:05Dozens of families are homeless,

0:18:05 > 0:18:07and there'll be children crying for their beds.

0:18:10 > 0:18:13Now then, don't go putting any Bourbons out.

0:18:13 > 0:18:16They create expectations we'll struggle to fulfil.

0:18:20 > 0:18:21KNOCKING

0:18:24 > 0:18:26Shelagh?

0:18:26 > 0:18:28I'm sorry to wake you, Patrick.

0:18:29 > 0:18:31Any room at the inn?

0:18:31 > 0:18:36EVERYONE TALKS AT ONCE

0:18:41 > 0:18:43Right...

0:18:43 > 0:18:44Right!

0:18:44 > 0:18:46A word of warning!

0:18:46 > 0:18:50This is a civic emergency, and not a football match.

0:18:50 > 0:18:54Anyone that doesn't walk into the Rescue Centre in an orderly manner

0:18:54 > 0:18:58and behave with courtesy and consideration will be disciplined.

0:18:58 > 0:18:59By me.

0:18:59 > 0:19:01Is that a threat or a promise?

0:19:01 > 0:19:02LAUGHTER

0:19:02 > 0:19:04Right! Come along.

0:19:04 > 0:19:06CHEERING

0:19:10 > 0:19:16Do come in! It's warm and there are beds available.

0:19:19 > 0:19:20Yvonne!

0:19:23 > 0:19:25We won't sleep. I can't.

0:19:25 > 0:19:27And I've been keeping him awake,

0:19:27 > 0:19:29pacing up and down, tidying and folding.

0:19:29 > 0:19:30She needs to be at home.

0:19:30 > 0:19:33CAR ENGINE BACKFIRES

0:19:35 > 0:19:38This'll have to be your home for now. It's not for long.

0:19:41 > 0:19:43I'd so much rather you had my bed.

0:19:43 > 0:19:45I can easily bunk down on here.

0:19:45 > 0:19:47You'd not get a wink of sleep.

0:19:47 > 0:19:50Your feet would be hanging right over the end!

0:19:50 > 0:19:52And it's only for the night.

0:19:52 > 0:19:55Will we still be able to get to the church if there's a bomb?

0:19:55 > 0:19:57I hadn't thought of that!

0:19:57 > 0:20:00The Parish Hall is cordoned off, but the church is safe.

0:20:00 > 0:20:03It was the first thing I asked the policeman I saw.

0:20:03 > 0:20:06Now nothing will stand in the way of this wedding.

0:20:06 > 0:20:08I won't allow it. How many days to the wedding?

0:20:08 > 0:20:10BOTH: Two!

0:20:17 > 0:20:18Spot on.

0:20:23 > 0:20:28It's worth checking, after a stressful experience like this.

0:20:28 > 0:20:31The most important thing now is you get as much rest as you can.

0:20:31 > 0:20:34They still do Scottish dancing on a Thursday night.

0:20:34 > 0:20:37A kiddie's class, like we did? Yeah.

0:20:37 > 0:20:39You should have brought your kilt.

0:20:39 > 0:20:41My maiden name was McKenzie.

0:20:41 > 0:20:45This is where we met when we were seven. I was eight.

0:20:47 > 0:20:51I'd suggest you go into the hall now, and get yourselves settled.

0:20:51 > 0:20:52Do we have to?

0:20:52 > 0:20:55Well, there are still a few camp beds available.

0:20:55 > 0:20:58I can make sure you two get a cosy corner somewhere.

0:20:59 > 0:21:01We'd get more sleep in here.

0:21:01 > 0:21:05And it's nearer the lav, which suits me, obviously.

0:21:05 > 0:21:09If we get bored, we can do a bit of Scottish dancing. Can't we, Al?

0:21:12 > 0:21:15All right, I'll get a couple of camp beds sent in.

0:21:34 > 0:21:35BABY GURGLES

0:21:35 > 0:21:36Ssh.

0:21:43 > 0:21:46I see the Lone Ranger's come looking for Trigger.

0:21:47 > 0:21:50Peter? She's in the far corner.

0:21:50 > 0:21:52Thank you.

0:21:58 > 0:22:01Look who's here. Hey.

0:22:01 > 0:22:03BABY CRIES

0:22:03 > 0:22:05Ssh.

0:22:05 > 0:22:08Ssh. He must wonder what on earth's going on.

0:22:08 > 0:22:10Poor little soldier.

0:22:10 > 0:22:13You wouldn't look in the holdall, see if I brought the gripe water?

0:22:21 > 0:22:25One had all manner of fantasies about young sir's first Christmas.

0:22:25 > 0:22:28None of them seem to have quite come true.

0:22:28 > 0:22:29Never mind.

0:22:29 > 0:22:33I don't. Just having him in my arms is miracle enough.

0:22:33 > 0:22:35No gripe water,

0:22:35 > 0:22:38but you've packed your Akela hat and whistle.

0:22:38 > 0:22:40Well, the Scouting motto is "Be prepared".

0:22:43 > 0:22:44Ssh.

0:22:51 > 0:22:55MUFFLED GUNFIRE AND SHOUTING

0:22:57 > 0:22:59No...

0:22:59 > 0:23:03No... No.

0:23:03 > 0:23:05Fixed bayonet. Fixed!

0:23:05 > 0:23:06It's all right.

0:23:06 > 0:23:08Alan!

0:23:08 > 0:23:10It's all right.

0:23:17 > 0:23:19Damp.

0:23:19 > 0:23:20At least it makes me feel at home.

0:23:22 > 0:23:26Now then, let us say Lauds, Sister. It will prepare us for the day.

0:23:28 > 0:23:29I do not care to.

0:23:31 > 0:23:34Since Sister Bernadette departed,

0:23:34 > 0:23:37when we sing, there is silence at the heart of every note.

0:23:39 > 0:23:43Our prayers falter, like a wing with a feather gone.

0:23:43 > 0:23:48We take flight, but we do not soar.

0:23:49 > 0:23:52Music is the vehicle, Sister, not the journey.

0:23:53 > 0:23:56Our destination does not change.

0:23:56 > 0:23:59Sister Bernadette veered very far from course.

0:24:00 > 0:24:05She forswore the succour of the spirit

0:24:05 > 0:24:09for the slaking of the flesh,

0:24:09 > 0:24:14and I am haunted by the thought that she confused her appetites.

0:24:16 > 0:24:19The only appetites we need to concern ourselves with

0:24:19 > 0:24:22are those of the people in the hall out there.

0:24:22 > 0:24:25They will be hollering for their breakfast any minute!

0:24:27 > 0:24:29But you have said what we all feel.

0:24:29 > 0:24:31Which is that we miss our Sister.

0:24:36 > 0:24:38KETTLE WHISTLES

0:24:41 > 0:24:46WIRELESS: # Hark, now hear the angels sing

0:24:46 > 0:24:49# A new king born today

0:24:51 > 0:24:54# And man will live... # Would you like some toast, Timothy?

0:24:54 > 0:24:56Yes. That would be smashing!

0:25:15 > 0:25:18The damage to this area in the Blitz was colossal.

0:25:18 > 0:25:21The next street was flattened by a direct hit.

0:25:21 > 0:25:26This bomb only caused limited damage, but it was overlooked.

0:25:26 > 0:25:29How? Didn't somebody count them, keep track?

0:25:29 > 0:25:32Well, they tried, but there was just so many.

0:25:32 > 0:25:36In the chaos afterwards, the original crater was just patched over.

0:25:36 > 0:25:40I said no unauthorised personnel!

0:25:40 > 0:25:42Mr Jesmonde's from the council, sir.

0:25:42 > 0:25:45Oh. Sorry.

0:25:45 > 0:25:48Saw the Hush Puppies, thought you were a journalist.

0:25:48 > 0:25:50No, sir. No, the only report I'm filing

0:25:50 > 0:25:52is for the Council Architects' department.

0:25:52 > 0:25:55Be keeping your lot busy if this goes pop.

0:25:55 > 0:25:58You'll be rebuilding the whole ruddy street from scratch.

0:26:22 > 0:26:24Iced buns!

0:26:26 > 0:26:27Iced buns!

0:26:29 > 0:26:33Iced buns donated by a kindly baker. Tuck in. Working men get first pick!

0:26:33 > 0:26:36Never mind working men. What about growing boys?

0:26:36 > 0:26:39Oh, the kindly baker sent some dry bread.

0:26:39 > 0:26:40I can't eat dry bread!

0:26:40 > 0:26:43I'll make you eat it, if you don't behave.

0:26:46 > 0:26:49And I don't want you or anyone else being profligate with the milk!

0:26:49 > 0:26:52That crate should've lasted the duration.

0:26:52 > 0:26:54The children keep asking for it, Sister Evangelina.

0:26:54 > 0:26:57They're not going to get rickets if they go without for half a day!

0:26:57 > 0:27:00We've got mothers in here with nerves like cat meat.

0:27:00 > 0:27:05Two hours' sleep, can't fetch a clean nappy, can't rinse out a wet one.

0:27:05 > 0:27:07That milk is for their tea.

0:27:08 > 0:27:11WHISTLE BLOWS

0:27:11 > 0:27:13Pack, pack, pack!

0:27:13 > 0:27:17I want all members of the 5th Poplar Cubs to come here immediately

0:27:17 > 0:27:18and form a line.

0:27:28 > 0:27:32Now, I want you all to put one of these scarves on.

0:27:32 > 0:27:36I've decided that as we find ourselves in rather peculiar circumstances,

0:27:36 > 0:27:39we're going to treat it all as a terrific challenge.

0:27:39 > 0:27:41Like camping, or cycling proficiency.

0:27:41 > 0:27:45And everyone who conducts themselves according to the rules of scouting

0:27:45 > 0:27:49and thinks of others before himself will be awarded a Star Badge.

0:27:49 > 0:27:52What about the Christmas party? It was meant to be tomorrow.

0:27:54 > 0:27:56Yes, I know that. it will have to be postponed

0:27:56 > 0:27:59because we can't get into the Parish Hall. Can't we have it here?

0:27:59 > 0:28:02Jack, I don't think worrying about the Christmas party

0:28:02 > 0:28:04counts as thinking of others before ourselves!

0:28:04 > 0:28:06Nurse Miller is quite right.

0:28:07 > 0:28:09Now, before we start, what sort of Cubs are we?

0:28:11 > 0:28:14We're Wolf Cubs, not Reindeer Cubs.

0:28:14 > 0:28:16Reindeers don't have cubs, they have calves.

0:28:16 > 0:28:20So, antlers off, please, Nigel, or you won't get a hockey stick.

0:28:32 > 0:28:34Have there been any new developments, sir?

0:28:34 > 0:28:36Sorry. I'm under orders not to give details.

0:28:36 > 0:28:39Will people be able to go home for Christmas? Excuse me.

0:28:39 > 0:28:42You are impeding Officers of the Law from going about their duty

0:28:42 > 0:28:44during a civic emergency!

0:28:44 > 0:28:47Get back to your camping stool. We'll alert you when you're wanted.

0:28:50 > 0:28:53Captain Goodacre asked for you to report directly to him

0:28:53 > 0:28:55at the crater, Constable. Thanks, Fred.

0:29:12 > 0:29:16Superintendent sends his compliments. What's the problem, sir?

0:29:16 > 0:29:19Looks like Santa left a surprise in our stocking!

0:29:19 > 0:29:22And I don't mean two walnuts and a tangerine.

0:29:23 > 0:29:26This one's a double-fuser.

0:29:26 > 0:29:29One ill-timed tap and the whole ruddy thing will go sky-high.

0:29:29 > 0:29:33I'm not going near it. The best man for the job is semi-retired

0:29:33 > 0:29:35and in the Scottish Borders.

0:29:35 > 0:29:37The soonest he can get here is tomorrow.

0:29:40 > 0:29:42ANGRY SHOUTING

0:29:42 > 0:29:46The authorities are aware that you want to get home,

0:29:46 > 0:29:52but the bomb has to be treated as live until proven otherwise!

0:29:53 > 0:29:55The rescue centre will remain open,

0:29:55 > 0:30:00and the WVS and the Sisters of St Raymond Nonnatus... Trixie.

0:30:00 > 0:30:03..will be providing refreshments for another night!

0:30:05 > 0:30:06SHOUTING CONTINUES

0:30:08 > 0:30:12Good grief, Yvonne, you don't look at all comfortable!

0:30:12 > 0:30:15It's like there's a hand inside the bottom of my back,

0:30:15 > 0:30:19and every so often it just gives a really hard squeeze.

0:30:19 > 0:30:23It might well be the beginnings of labour. And about time, too.

0:30:23 > 0:30:26Perhaps you'd like to pop outside for a bit.

0:30:26 > 0:30:29There's tea, and I think I spied some Custard Creams.

0:30:29 > 0:30:31Can't I stay here?

0:30:34 > 0:30:36We don't have any secrets, nurse.

0:30:36 > 0:30:37He'll look away.

0:30:38 > 0:30:39Won't ya?

0:30:41 > 0:30:44WHISTLE BLOWS

0:30:44 > 0:30:49No! No, please. I told you the rules. You're meant to hit the ball!

0:30:53 > 0:30:56THUMPS OF HOCKEY STICKS FROM OUTSIDE

0:30:56 > 0:30:58CHILDREN SHOUT

0:31:03 > 0:31:05That wasn't very nice!

0:31:05 > 0:31:08THUMPS OF HOCKEY STICKS

0:31:12 > 0:31:15Well, if full-blown labour is a blizzard,

0:31:15 > 0:31:18I think those twinges are just the first few snowflakes.

0:31:18 > 0:31:19I reckon I'm relieved.

0:31:19 > 0:31:22I want to have it in my own bed.

0:31:22 > 0:31:23Course you do.

0:31:23 > 0:31:26None of us know when we'll see our own beds again, that's the trouble.

0:31:26 > 0:31:29For two pins, I'd detonate that wretched bomb myself!

0:31:29 > 0:31:30One quick blast...

0:31:30 > 0:31:33GLASS SMASHES, HE SCREAMS

0:32:02 > 0:32:03Mr Bridges?

0:32:22 > 0:32:23Mr Bridges?

0:32:24 > 0:32:28We need to make sure you don't need medical attention.

0:32:28 > 0:32:30(Jenny. Speak softly.)

0:32:32 > 0:32:33HE SOBS

0:32:33 > 0:32:35(What's his name?) (Alan.)

0:32:38 > 0:32:40Alan?

0:32:40 > 0:32:41You can come out now.

0:32:42 > 0:32:44It's safe.

0:32:44 > 0:32:48HE SOBS

0:32:48 > 0:32:50Alan, it's safe, I promise.

0:32:50 > 0:32:54HE CONTINUES SOBBING

0:33:00 > 0:33:01(Alan, it's all right.)

0:33:07 > 0:33:10I think you'll get away without having to have stitches.

0:33:10 > 0:33:13Beastly old red stuff's not oozing quite so fast.

0:33:13 > 0:33:15HE SIGHS AND SNIFFS

0:33:15 > 0:33:17Blood on my hands, eh?

0:33:24 > 0:33:27My father fought in Mesopotamia.

0:33:33 > 0:33:35When I was told where I was being posted...

0:33:37 > 0:33:39..we didn't even know where Korea was.

0:33:41 > 0:33:44We had to go to the library and look in an atlas.

0:33:52 > 0:33:54Never thought I'd have to kill a man.

0:33:56 > 0:33:59I was Reemy, I-I fixed spark plugs.

0:34:00 > 0:34:02But the Chinese...

0:34:03 > 0:34:05They never stopped coming.

0:34:06 > 0:34:09We needed all the fire power we could raise.

0:34:10 > 0:34:11Then they came at night.

0:34:13 > 0:34:15They came so close,

0:34:15 > 0:34:16we had to use our bayonets.

0:34:17 > 0:34:19It was like...

0:34:19 > 0:34:21carving meat...

0:34:21 > 0:34:22in the dark.

0:34:25 > 0:34:27Blood dries on khaki. You can't get it out.

0:34:31 > 0:34:34And when you sweat, it smells like...liver in a butcher's.

0:34:38 > 0:34:40Can you smell it now, Alan?

0:34:42 > 0:34:44I can always smell it...

0:34:44 > 0:34:46when my nerves are bad.

0:34:46 > 0:34:50Alan. No-one wants to hear about your nerves.

0:34:51 > 0:34:53Sorry.

0:34:53 > 0:34:55I ought to have more self-control.

0:34:55 > 0:34:58I don't ever want to hear you say that again!

0:35:02 > 0:35:05Never seen such a young man so broken.

0:35:05 > 0:35:07Nor a couple so close and so distressed.

0:35:07 > 0:35:11They've been together since they were children and this should be the sweetest chapter of their lives!

0:35:11 > 0:35:13Alan needs psychiatric treatment.

0:35:13 > 0:35:16We should talk to Dr Turner after Christmas and arrange for him to get assessed.

0:35:16 > 0:35:19After Christmas? After Christmas is a week away.

0:35:19 > 0:35:21He can't sleep for more than hour at a time

0:35:21 > 0:35:23and he smells blood every moment he's awake!

0:35:23 > 0:35:25Now, listen here, old thing.

0:35:25 > 0:35:29Sister Evangelina turned her back on the milk crate just for long enough

0:35:29 > 0:35:32for me to smuggle a pint away, under the cover of my cardigan.

0:35:32 > 0:35:34I'm going to make us all a mug of Horlicks.

0:35:34 > 0:35:36For pity's sake, Chummy!

0:35:36 > 0:35:40You may have given up nursing but surely you don't believe Horlicks can cure everything?!

0:35:50 > 0:35:51Horlicks.

0:35:52 > 0:35:55They're getting out the burns kit in case you throw it at me.

0:36:19 > 0:36:21People called it shell shock in the Great War.

0:36:22 > 0:36:25Battle fatigue, in the war after that.

0:36:26 > 0:36:28My mother just called it the horrors.

0:36:30 > 0:36:32My father didn't speak of it at all.

0:36:33 > 0:36:36At home...he didn't have to.

0:36:37 > 0:36:38Outside...

0:36:40 > 0:36:41..nobody did.

0:36:42 > 0:36:45You didn't tell me that. Exactly.

0:36:48 > 0:36:50My father had appalling nightmares all his life.

0:36:52 > 0:36:55One of my earliest memories was of waking in the dark to hear him

0:36:55 > 0:36:57screaming in his sleep.

0:36:57 > 0:36:59I wasn't supposed to know.

0:37:00 > 0:37:02Mother looked after him at night.

0:37:03 > 0:37:05And in the daytime, it was my turn.

0:37:05 > 0:37:06When you were a child?

0:37:06 > 0:37:08BECAUSE I was a child!

0:37:09 > 0:37:12I used to be able to crank up my "dimples and sunshine" routine

0:37:12 > 0:37:16and be extra-specially funny and enchanting

0:37:16 > 0:37:19for exactly as long as it took to make him smile.

0:37:23 > 0:37:24I'm sorry, Trixie.

0:37:26 > 0:37:31That's an intolerable burden to place on someone so young.

0:37:31 > 0:37:32Yes.

0:37:33 > 0:37:35Yet...

0:37:35 > 0:37:38one way or another - roll of drums...

0:37:40 > 0:37:42..it made me the person I am today.

0:37:44 > 0:37:46And it helped HIM.

0:37:50 > 0:37:53How can it help Alan, do you suppose?

0:37:56 > 0:37:58We have to give him hope.

0:38:00 > 0:38:03We have to show him something bigger than the horrors...

0:38:04 > 0:38:06Something that can wash away the blood.

0:38:14 > 0:38:16Doctor is out on a house call, Nurse Noakes.

0:38:16 > 0:38:18Do you want to step into the sitting room and wait?

0:38:18 > 0:38:21I was actually hoping to see you.

0:38:21 > 0:38:25And I'm no more "Nurse Noakes" these days than you're Sister Bernadette.

0:38:25 > 0:38:27I suppose not.

0:38:27 > 0:38:29I don't suppose you're up for doing an old pal

0:38:29 > 0:38:32and a lot of small boys a favour?

0:38:32 > 0:38:36MUSIC: "Rocking Around The Christmas Tree" by Peggy Lee

0:38:36 > 0:38:40No skulking around the chairs, Gary, waiting for your chance!

0:38:41 > 0:38:44Be careful with the baby, Jack. He'll bring his milk up.

0:38:44 > 0:38:48I want everyone dancing all around the room!

0:38:59 > 0:39:00MUSIC STOPS

0:39:00 > 0:39:03CHILDREN SHOUT

0:39:03 > 0:39:05THEY JEER

0:39:07 > 0:39:08It's only me, Mrs Goldman!

0:39:08 > 0:39:12Remember to lock the door, Alec. (All right...)

0:39:13 > 0:39:14Up you get.

0:39:18 > 0:39:20SHE GIGGLES

0:39:24 > 0:39:27This way, she only hears one set of footsteps.

0:39:30 > 0:39:33Do you think any less of me because I'm petrified of my landlady?

0:39:33 > 0:39:38No. I'm in awe of your daring and bravado.

0:39:38 > 0:39:43And, frankly, grateful for a cup of Nescafe. There's only tea at the rescue centre.

0:39:43 > 0:39:46Can I tempt you to a Garibaldi? One of our special biscuits?

0:39:48 > 0:39:49I could eat the whole packet!

0:39:57 > 0:39:59SHE SIGHS

0:40:01 > 0:40:04Oh, I can't tell you how much I'm loving this quiet.

0:40:05 > 0:40:09And smelling your cologne, instead of stale bodies and old plimsolls.

0:40:09 > 0:40:12What time do you have to go back? In about an hour or so.

0:40:12 > 0:40:16Sooner, if Mrs Goldman stages a raid on your room.

0:40:16 > 0:40:18The perils of living in digs, eh?

0:40:18 > 0:40:21I live in a convent, Alec. You'll get no sympathy from me!

0:40:23 > 0:40:26Are you looking forward to coming for Christmas dinner? Absolutely.

0:40:26 > 0:40:30The Sisters couldn't invite you fast enough when I told them your parents live in Ceylon.

0:40:30 > 0:40:33I've bought a new bow tie and a bottle of Tio Pepe.

0:40:33 > 0:40:35Ha-ha! I'll have to warn them in advance.

0:40:35 > 0:40:38They can dust off the sherry glasses!

0:40:40 > 0:40:42Are you sure you don't want to come here with the girls?

0:40:42 > 0:40:46If I stay in Mrs Goldman's good books she might let me put a capon in her oven...

0:40:46 > 0:40:48No, Alec! The nuns'll be heartbroken.

0:40:48 > 0:40:51And besides, I've already washed and ironed all the Christmas

0:40:51 > 0:40:55serviettes, so I want you to appreciate my handiwork. Understood.

0:40:55 > 0:40:58Nonnatus House is your home now, isn't it? Yes.

0:40:58 > 0:41:01We might not get another Christmas there if it's demolished.

0:41:02 > 0:41:03Sorry.

0:41:07 > 0:41:08I'll forgive you.

0:41:09 > 0:41:11If you pass me a Garibaldi.

0:41:15 > 0:41:17Pack, pack, pack!

0:41:17 > 0:41:20Now it's time to get back to the rescue centre!

0:41:20 > 0:41:25You heard Akela! I'm sure nobody wants a pillowcase full of cinders!

0:41:25 > 0:41:26Come on, lads!

0:41:26 > 0:41:31One sweet each and then everyone is to follow me, and if you all behave

0:41:31 > 0:41:35we will take a detour past the cordon so you can see the bombsite.

0:41:35 > 0:41:38THEY ALL CHEER

0:41:38 > 0:41:40Merry Christmas. Come on, boys.

0:41:42 > 0:41:44Chop chop, Jack. 'Tis the season to be jolly!

0:41:45 > 0:41:48The party gave me a headache.

0:41:53 > 0:41:55What are you doing, Timothy?

0:41:55 > 0:41:58I'm looking at my tongue. The cherryade turned it red.

0:42:09 > 0:42:10Yvonne?

0:42:10 > 0:42:12It's all right. There's nothing happening.

0:42:12 > 0:42:14Just couldn't sleep.

0:42:15 > 0:42:17Well, that's quite normal at this stage.

0:42:17 > 0:42:20It's usually Alan tossing and turning.

0:42:21 > 0:42:22How is he?

0:42:22 > 0:42:24Exhausted, I reckon.

0:42:25 > 0:42:27Gets him like this once in a while.

0:42:28 > 0:42:29Malaria brings it on.

0:42:30 > 0:42:32Or bad things happening.

0:42:32 > 0:42:34We manage.

0:42:36 > 0:42:38You really understand him, don't you?

0:42:38 > 0:42:40He understands me.

0:42:41 > 0:42:43We do most things together.

0:42:43 > 0:42:45Always did.

0:42:45 > 0:42:47Ever since Scottish dancing.

0:42:48 > 0:42:49Except when he went to Korea.

0:42:52 > 0:42:57I always think...if I could've gone, if it had been me, too...

0:42:58 > 0:43:01I wish I could've shared the things that hurt him.

0:43:01 > 0:43:04Cos then I could share the things that hurt him now.

0:43:05 > 0:43:07And the pain would be halved.

0:43:08 > 0:43:10Cos that's what sharing does.

0:43:11 > 0:43:13That's what love does.

0:43:15 > 0:43:16Yes.

0:44:41 > 0:44:43Here we go, chaps. Sir. Sir.

0:44:48 > 0:44:49Major Fawcett.

0:44:49 > 0:44:51Looking very good, sir, if I may say.

0:44:51 > 0:44:55Couldn't quite do all the buttons up. Rather too much pipe and slippers, I'm afraid.

0:44:55 > 0:44:58Comes to us all. Yes. If we're lucky.

0:45:02 > 0:45:05A man? In a delivery room?

0:45:05 > 0:45:09A man present at the birth of his child. SISTER EVANGELINA SIGHS

0:45:09 > 0:45:11Alan and Yvonne have shared everything that matters

0:45:11 > 0:45:13since they were tiny children,

0:45:13 > 0:45:17so why shouldn't they share the most profound and precious thing of all?

0:45:17 > 0:45:20Nurse Lee, quite apart from any other concerns,

0:45:20 > 0:45:22Alan Bridges is emotionally unwell.

0:45:22 > 0:45:24But by seeing his baby being born

0:45:24 > 0:45:27and supporting Yvonne, it could really help him.

0:45:27 > 0:45:29Your concern does you credit,

0:45:29 > 0:45:33but he will be helped in due course, and in the proper way.

0:45:33 > 0:45:34I'm sorry, Sister, I really am,

0:45:34 > 0:45:38but in the modern world, who's to say what's the proper way?

0:45:38 > 0:45:41Well, it's not dragging a man in where he doesn't belong!

0:45:41 > 0:45:43We think he does belong there.

0:45:43 > 0:45:47He's weak, and ashamed, and he needs to know

0:45:47 > 0:45:50he has the strength to support his wife, and protect his child.

0:45:50 > 0:45:53And what about the mother, Nurse? What about your patient?

0:45:53 > 0:45:56I think, deep down, she needs to know that too!

0:45:56 > 0:45:58Oh, you do, do...

0:45:58 > 0:46:00Nurse Lee, and Nurse Franklin.

0:46:00 > 0:46:02I suggest you both go and look at the log book.

0:46:02 > 0:46:05However upside down the world seems to be,

0:46:05 > 0:46:08we still have calls to make and patients to look after.

0:46:24 > 0:46:26HE GULPS

0:46:28 > 0:46:33# O little town of Bethlehem

0:46:33 > 0:46:36# How still we see thee lie... #

0:46:36 > 0:46:39Sing out, Jack! Show the little ones how it's done.

0:46:39 > 0:46:42# Above thy deep and dreamless sleep... #

0:46:42 > 0:46:44HEAVING AND SPLATTERING

0:46:44 > 0:46:45CHILDREN GASP AND GROAN

0:46:45 > 0:46:47Urgh!

0:46:47 > 0:46:48Oh, dear.

0:46:49 > 0:46:52One last quick visit to the surgery,

0:46:52 > 0:46:54then it's the barber's for us two.

0:46:54 > 0:46:57Meanwhile, Auntie Shelagh's gone up west.

0:46:57 > 0:47:00Something to do with her outfit for the wedding.

0:47:00 > 0:47:01Women.

0:47:01 > 0:47:02PHONE RINGS

0:47:02 > 0:47:05Eat up and get dressed, son.

0:47:05 > 0:47:07PHONE CONTINUES TO RING

0:47:07 > 0:47:09Hello. Turner speaking.

0:47:10 > 0:47:11I see...

0:47:11 > 0:47:14SPEECH MUFFLED

0:47:19 > 0:47:21I have to go to the rescue centre.

0:47:21 > 0:47:23I'll be back as soon as I can.

0:47:23 > 0:47:27But what about the barber's? You said we were going to go together.

0:47:27 > 0:47:28And you said I could have Brylcreem.

0:47:28 > 0:47:31We'll go tomorrow, first thing in the morning.

0:47:32 > 0:47:37And tonight I will take you for a fry-up, at Capriani's caff.

0:47:37 > 0:47:39It can be our stag do.

0:47:39 > 0:47:41Stag do?

0:47:41 > 0:47:43Well, you are going to be my best man, aren't you?

0:47:43 > 0:47:45Really?

0:47:45 > 0:47:47I need somebody to keep me in order.

0:47:47 > 0:47:51Shiny shoes, ironed shirt, best bib and tucker.

0:47:51 > 0:47:52I wouldn't have anyone else.

0:48:13 > 0:48:15Once upon a time,

0:48:15 > 0:48:19we thought the 17 Type fuse had a maximum life of 80 hours.

0:48:19 > 0:48:22What we didn't realise was that the clocks were often faulty.

0:48:22 > 0:48:25If they jammed, and the bomb was preserved in the cold,

0:48:25 > 0:48:29the electrical charge wouldn't last for hours, but years.

0:48:32 > 0:48:39I once saw one go off so viciously and with so little warning

0:48:39 > 0:48:43that we found my sergeant's tunic button embedded in a door two streets away.

0:48:46 > 0:48:47Nothing else was left.

0:48:54 > 0:48:57It's all right, Jack.

0:48:57 > 0:48:59Doctor will be finished in a moment.

0:49:02 > 0:49:04Can you wiggle your toes for me?

0:49:06 > 0:49:08You were right to send for me.

0:49:08 > 0:49:11Keep him isolated, while I arrange an ambulance.

0:49:45 > 0:49:47Just so you know, we do part exchange,

0:49:47 > 0:49:52if you want to push the boat out and go for something fancier.

0:49:52 > 0:49:54Have you considered ballerina length?

0:49:54 > 0:49:55You've got a lovely pair of ankles.

0:49:55 > 0:50:00You really ought to be showing them off, maybe with a satin stiletto?

0:50:00 > 0:50:02I'm not sure.

0:50:04 > 0:50:08Is it usual, for a bride to go off her dress?

0:50:08 > 0:50:10It happens.

0:50:10 > 0:50:12But once you do a bit of prodding, you usually find that

0:50:12 > 0:50:15what's really going on is that they've gone off the groom.

0:50:20 > 0:50:23Would you put the original dress back in its box, please?

0:50:24 > 0:50:27There's plenty of stock you haven't looked at yet.

0:50:27 > 0:50:31We've got three designs inspired by Princess Grace of Monaco,

0:50:31 > 0:50:35though we normally only recommend those for the, er, taller bride.

0:50:35 > 0:50:36No. Thank you.

0:50:36 > 0:50:38As you wish.

0:50:40 > 0:50:42Polio?

0:50:42 > 0:50:44We won't know for sure until after the lumbar puncture.

0:50:44 > 0:50:47But half the children still aren't vaccinated, and in overcrowded

0:50:47 > 0:50:50conditions like these, the virus could spread quickly.

0:50:50 > 0:50:52It could spread like wildfire.

0:50:52 > 0:50:54I'm calling the Chief Medical Officer to say we want them

0:50:54 > 0:50:57all back in their own homes, and the vaccinations expedited.

0:51:00 > 0:51:04I wonder if you're dithering because you came in on your own.

0:51:04 > 0:51:05Most people bring their mothers.

0:51:06 > 0:51:08My mother died when I was a child.

0:51:09 > 0:51:11That's a shame.

0:51:11 > 0:51:12Brides need mothers.

0:51:12 > 0:51:15How else are you going to get your veil on straight?

0:51:15 > 0:51:17I'm wearing a hat, not a veil.

0:51:17 > 0:51:18Oh.

0:51:20 > 0:51:21Have you got any sisters?

0:51:23 > 0:51:24No.

0:51:24 > 0:51:26Oh.

0:51:26 > 0:51:28I'm sorry, this is urgent.

0:51:28 > 0:51:31I'm trying to avert a potential epidemic.

0:51:31 > 0:51:34'Would you like to hold?' No. I would like to be connected, please.

0:51:35 > 0:51:36HE SIGHS

0:51:40 > 0:51:41Hello?

0:51:48 > 0:51:49Timothy?

0:51:51 > 0:51:52Timothy!

0:51:53 > 0:51:54Timothy?

0:51:54 > 0:51:55Wake up.

0:51:57 > 0:51:59Timothy, dearest.

0:51:59 > 0:52:00Can you sit up for me?

0:52:00 > 0:52:03Timothy. I need you to sit up.

0:52:03 > 0:52:06Come on. Stir your stumps.

0:52:06 > 0:52:08WEAKLY: Can't.

0:52:08 > 0:52:11Timothy, can you wiggle your toes?

0:52:23 > 0:52:24Stand back, please, Mother.

0:52:24 > 0:52:27Please. I'm a trained nurse.

0:52:27 > 0:52:29I've seen polio before.

0:52:29 > 0:52:33Let's leave the diagnosis to the doctors, shall we?

0:52:33 > 0:52:36I keep thinking of all the things I should've done.

0:52:36 > 0:52:37Or shouldn't have done.

0:52:37 > 0:52:40The things I should have spotted but I didn't.

0:52:40 > 0:52:43Your immunities protected him throughout infancy

0:52:43 > 0:52:44and early childhood.

0:52:44 > 0:52:47He carried them with him, like a shield, for years.

0:52:48 > 0:52:52But immunity wears off. And you are not to blame.

0:52:54 > 0:52:56But I'm not his mother.

0:52:56 > 0:52:59I should have taken greater care, not less.

0:52:59 > 0:53:03If you are not immediate family, I'm afraid you shouldn't be in here.

0:53:03 > 0:53:06There are rules, and as a nurse, you should know that.

0:53:10 > 0:53:12I'll be a footstep away. That's all.

0:53:12 > 0:53:15HE WHEEZES He can't clear his throat!

0:53:15 > 0:53:17You must leave.

0:53:24 > 0:53:28Shelagh! I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry.

0:53:37 > 0:53:40MACHINE WHIRS AND PUMPS AIR

0:53:47 > 0:53:49Are you the father?

0:53:49 > 0:53:51Yes.

0:53:51 > 0:53:53The machine is breathing for him.

0:53:53 > 0:53:55He's not currently able to do that on his own.

0:53:55 > 0:53:59I understand. I'm his GP, too.

0:53:59 > 0:54:03Of course. You sent in the other young lad.

0:54:03 > 0:54:04Jack Smith?

0:54:04 > 0:54:07Polio. Mild dose. He's out of bed and giving cheek.

0:54:14 > 0:54:15Timothy?

0:54:18 > 0:54:19Timothy?

0:54:19 > 0:54:22I suggest we take it one hour at a time.

0:54:22 > 0:54:24He may recover the ability to breathe.

0:54:24 > 0:54:26Respiration is not always permanently impaired.

0:54:26 > 0:54:28I know that.

0:54:29 > 0:54:31I know all the facts, but...

0:54:33 > 0:54:35Just now, they're no help to me at all.

0:54:39 > 0:54:43# In Thee, O Lord, do I put my trust

0:54:43 > 0:54:45SHE SOBS QUIETLY

0:54:45 > 0:54:48# Let me never be ashamed

0:54:51 > 0:54:56# Deliver me in Thy righteousness

0:54:57 > 0:55:02# Into Thy hands I commend my spirit

0:55:04 > 0:55:10# Thou hast redeemed me O Lord God of truth.

0:55:11 > 0:55:17# Bow down Thine ear to me Deliver me speedily

0:55:19 > 0:55:26# Be Thou my strong rock For an house of defence to save me

0:55:27 > 0:55:32# For Thou art my rock and my fortress

0:55:32 > 0:55:35# O most loving God

0:55:36 > 0:55:39SHE JOINS SINGING: # Therefore, for Thy name's sake

0:55:39 > 0:55:43# Lead me and guide me

0:55:44 > 0:55:51# Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me

0:55:52 > 0:55:56# For Thou art my strength

0:55:57 > 0:56:01# Make Thine face to shine upon me

0:56:02 > 0:56:06# In my hour of need. #

0:56:08 > 0:56:10You're to stay here tonight.

0:56:10 > 0:56:13In the morning, I will telephone the vicar and tell him

0:56:13 > 0:56:16that your wedding has been postponed for several weeks, and why.

0:56:16 > 0:56:20What about the witnesses? And the flowers? Patrick ordered roses.

0:56:20 > 0:56:22I will deal with all of that, too.

0:56:23 > 0:56:26It will be no trouble. Your plans were so simple.

0:56:28 > 0:56:30I kept everything as small and quiet as I could.

0:56:32 > 0:56:34Is that what you really wanted?

0:56:34 > 0:56:36I don't know.

0:56:36 > 0:56:38SHE SOBS

0:56:38 > 0:56:41I know I couldn't quite face the fact that it was happening.

0:56:44 > 0:56:46And now it isn't, and I think my heart is breaking.

0:56:48 > 0:56:52Your marriage will take place. It is meant to.

0:56:54 > 0:56:57We will pray for your new family in the meanwhile,

0:56:57 > 0:56:59especially for Timothy.

0:57:04 > 0:57:07I'm so very glad that you came to us.

0:57:07 > 0:57:09Are you?

0:57:09 > 0:57:12Did you believe for one moment that we wouldn't want you here tonight?

0:57:12 > 0:57:16That we wouldn't welcome you with open arms?

0:57:16 > 0:57:19I turned my back on you, Sister.

0:57:19 > 0:57:21I walked away.

0:57:21 > 0:57:22I became someone else.

0:57:22 > 0:57:24No, you didn't, Shelagh.

0:57:26 > 0:57:28You found joy.

0:57:28 > 0:57:30And I've never questioned it.

0:57:30 > 0:57:31There is no joy now.

0:57:33 > 0:57:35But there is love.

0:57:35 > 0:57:37And it's Christmas.

0:57:37 > 0:57:39Have courage.

0:57:47 > 0:57:50Good luck, Sir.

0:57:50 > 0:57:52Thank you for all your help.

0:57:53 > 0:57:54Sir.

0:57:54 > 0:57:56Right back, now.

0:57:56 > 0:57:59I'm on my own, and that's as it should be.

0:58:26 > 0:58:27FOOTSTEPS APPROACH

0:58:37 > 0:58:40I've been having these bloomin' twinges since yesterday.

0:58:40 > 0:58:41It can't be normal.

0:58:41 > 0:58:44It's perfectly normal, I'm afraid.

0:58:44 > 0:58:46Your body just seems to be going into labour rather slowly.

0:58:46 > 0:58:50I want to go home. I want to have it there.

0:58:50 > 0:58:53I want you to have it there too, Yvonne.

0:58:53 > 0:58:56You won't send me to the maternity home? No.

0:58:56 > 0:58:59Nurse Franklin and I have plans for this baby.

0:58:59 > 0:59:01So you tell it to stay put!

1:00:11 > 1:00:15TICKING

1:00:15 > 1:00:16It's ticking.

1:00:34 > 1:00:37Get down! Get down!

1:00:48 > 1:00:49Get down!

1:00:51 > 1:00:52EXPLOSION

1:00:52 > 1:00:55RATTLING AND SMASHING

1:00:59 > 1:01:02RUMBLING

1:01:29 > 1:01:30All's well that ends well.

1:01:33 > 1:01:36Well, that brought back a few memories.

1:01:37 > 1:01:39Man the urns!

1:01:39 > 1:01:41We shall all be wanting tea!

1:01:43 > 1:01:45You all right, Chummy?

1:01:45 > 1:01:46I don't know.

1:01:48 > 1:01:51I don't know what's happened to Peter.

1:01:51 > 1:01:53Help!

1:01:53 > 1:01:55Help!

1:01:55 > 1:01:57Alan! Stay calm.

1:01:57 > 1:01:59Never mind me. Help her.

1:01:59 > 1:02:01Yvonne, breathe through it.

1:02:01 > 1:02:04Breathe through it. That's it, breathe.

1:02:04 > 1:02:06Please don't send him out the room.

1:02:06 > 1:02:07Don't worry. We won't.

1:02:08 > 1:02:10CHATTER

1:02:10 > 1:02:12..near your house, was it?

1:02:15 > 1:02:19Ladies and gentlemen!

1:02:19 > 1:02:20The bomb has been detonated,

1:02:20 > 1:02:24and the damage was not as great as we had feared.

1:02:24 > 1:02:26The Army are lifting the cordon, street by street.

1:02:26 > 1:02:30You're heading home! CHEERING Merry Christmas!

1:03:06 > 1:03:07It's scarcely a five-minute walk.

1:03:07 > 1:03:11You may well find you get all the way home without having a single contraction.

1:03:11 > 1:03:15Can you hear my slippers squelching?

1:03:15 > 1:03:17They're sopping wet with tea.

1:03:17 > 1:03:21Believe me, sweetie, you're lucky they're not sopping wet with something else.

1:03:21 > 1:03:22Trixie!

1:03:24 > 1:03:27Don't look so shocked, Alan.

1:03:27 > 1:03:29You'll hear a lot worse before the day is out.

1:03:31 > 1:03:34So, Sister, all present and correct.

1:03:35 > 1:03:39These bulbs are very far from present and correct.

1:03:40 > 1:03:45I had hoped they might perceive the frisson of the dynamite.

1:03:48 > 1:03:51Organic matter ought to be receptive to vibrations.

1:04:00 > 1:04:04Oh, heavens to Murgatroyd! What now?

1:04:04 > 1:04:07Mr Jesmond? We were told it was safe to return.

1:04:08 > 1:04:11Sorry, Sister, but the building was already fragile.

1:04:11 > 1:04:14Fragile, my foot. They told us it was falling down when we moved in,

1:04:14 > 1:04:17and it's still standing!

1:04:17 > 1:04:18It was the impact of the bomb.

1:04:18 > 1:04:22The explosion was angled in such a way that it ripped right through the foundation.

1:04:22 > 1:04:24It could come down at any minute.

1:04:36 > 1:04:39BELL TOLLS

1:04:47 > 1:04:51Been a while since I've wanted Adolf Hitler's guts for garters.

1:04:52 > 1:04:55But I'd cheerfully dance on his grave today.

1:04:57 > 1:04:59Poplar was doing so well.

1:05:00 > 1:05:04It was recovering from the war, it was being rebuilt.

1:05:05 > 1:05:09There was so much hope, so much work for us to do.

1:05:10 > 1:05:12Still is.

1:05:13 > 1:05:16Always will be.

1:05:19 > 1:05:21He'll have a reason for all of this.

1:05:54 > 1:05:55WEAKLY: Brylcreem.

1:05:57 > 1:05:59Brylcreem?

1:06:00 > 1:06:01Fetch the nurse.

1:06:06 > 1:06:08YVONNE GROANS

1:06:10 > 1:06:14Good. I can't do it!

1:06:14 > 1:06:16Yes, you can. You can.

1:06:16 > 1:06:20SHE PANTS

1:06:21 > 1:06:24SHE GROANS

1:06:24 > 1:06:27Push for me. That's it. Good. Good. Come on!

1:06:27 > 1:06:29Good girl. Good girl.

1:06:29 > 1:06:32Well done. Your baby's head is born.

1:06:34 > 1:06:37You've done the hard part now, Yvonne.

1:06:37 > 1:06:40The next big push, we're going to meet this baby.

1:06:41 > 1:06:42(Are you ready?)

1:06:45 > 1:06:48The baby's turning. Can you feel that, Yvonne?

1:06:48 > 1:06:49I'm so proud of you.

1:06:49 > 1:06:50Here we go.

1:06:52 > 1:06:55Good. That's good. Good. Good. Keep going.

1:06:55 > 1:06:58There's a girl. Keep going.

1:06:58 > 1:06:59Good girl!

1:07:01 > 1:07:04BABY CRIES

1:07:06 > 1:07:09SHE PANTS

1:07:10 > 1:07:12SNIPPING

1:07:21 > 1:07:22This is your baby, Alan.

1:07:24 > 1:07:26This blood is beautiful.

1:07:37 > 1:07:39We...made this.

1:07:41 > 1:07:43BABY GURGLES

1:07:43 > 1:07:45We did it together.

1:07:45 > 1:07:47ALAN CHUCKLES

1:07:59 > 1:08:00Am I breathing, Dad?

1:08:02 > 1:08:03Yes, son.

1:08:08 > 1:08:11Yes. You are.

1:08:18 > 1:08:19In you come, sisters.

1:08:23 > 1:08:28MATURE JENNY: 'We ate our turkey at separate tables that year.

1:08:28 > 1:08:31'Our community was scattered, but not to the four winds.

1:08:32 > 1:08:34'We were offered refuge,

1:08:34 > 1:08:40'separately and together in temporary lodgings across Poplar.

1:08:43 > 1:08:47'Christmas turned to New Year,

1:08:47 > 1:08:49'and New Year to early spring.

1:08:50 > 1:08:55'And it was Chummy who found her new home first.

1:09:06 > 1:09:11'Whilst the rest of us hoped,

1:09:11 > 1:09:14'and resumed our work as best we could.

1:09:20 > 1:09:23'And when Nonnatus House was demolished,

1:09:23 > 1:09:29DISTANT RUMBLE 'we heard its dying fall only in the distance.'

1:09:34 > 1:09:38I think lace is perfect for a bride. You won't regret it for a moment.

1:09:38 > 1:09:42I couldn't be more thrilled, but what about my grey dress?

1:09:42 > 1:09:45Fear not. It'll have its moment.

1:09:45 > 1:09:47I never saw a more perfect going-away outfit.

1:09:51 > 1:09:54I've never worn nail polish in my life.

1:09:54 > 1:09:57It's only pink, and we're only practising.

1:09:57 > 1:09:59Open wide.

1:09:59 > 1:10:00And bat.

1:10:00 > 1:10:02PHONE RINGS

1:10:02 > 1:10:05You get it, Chummy. You're the lady of the house.

1:10:06 > 1:10:08Ah, beautiful.

1:10:08 > 1:10:11Now, be bold. Glasses or no glasses?

1:10:11 > 1:10:14Glasses. I'd quite like to see the groom.

1:10:14 > 1:10:16THEY GIGGLE

1:10:18 > 1:10:22I had failed to divine their purpose.

1:10:23 > 1:10:28They have bloomed when the Lord ordained that they should do so.

1:10:48 > 1:10:50Timothy, are you ready?

1:10:56 > 1:10:58I'm scared people will laugh.

1:11:08 > 1:11:10Weddings are about love, Tim.

1:11:11 > 1:11:16And love is...beautiful, and serious,

1:11:17 > 1:11:20and if people smile, it's because they're glad.

1:11:22 > 1:11:25Now, did you remember the rings?

1:11:26 > 1:11:28They're in my pocket.

1:11:28 > 1:11:31Because I remembered something too.

1:11:33 > 1:11:34Brylcreem.

1:11:39 > 1:11:41(Why don't you give him to me?)

1:11:50 > 1:11:54MATURE JENNY: 'Sometimes, Christmas is not a still point.

1:11:56 > 1:11:58'Snow swirls and melts away,

1:11:58 > 1:12:01'and the day doesn't offer up the peace that we imagined.

1:12:04 > 1:12:08'But in the darkness, seeds awake,

1:12:08 > 1:12:11'and green shoots unfurl towards the light.'

1:12:13 > 1:12:15You should be giving me away.

1:12:15 > 1:12:17You should be walking with me.

1:12:18 > 1:12:20You belong to no-one but yourself.

1:12:20 > 1:12:23And you know exactly where you're going.

1:12:26 > 1:12:33# You are the breathless hush... #

1:12:33 > 1:12:37'Fate might shake us, but our roots run deep.'

1:12:37 > 1:12:39Ready?

1:12:39 > 1:12:42'And we have love to water them.

1:12:45 > 1:12:47'And so we bloom where we are planted.'

1:12:49 > 1:12:54# You are the angel glow... #

1:12:54 > 1:12:56'Turning our faces to the sun.'

1:12:56 > 1:13:01# That lights a star

1:13:03 > 1:13:07# The dearest things I know

1:13:09 > 1:13:14# Are what you are

1:13:18 > 1:13:24# Someday

1:13:24 > 1:13:30# My happy arms will hold you

1:13:32 > 1:13:40# And someday I'll know

1:13:40 > 1:13:43# That moment divine

1:13:44 > 1:13:49# When all the things you are

1:13:50 > 1:13:55# Are mine

1:13:57 > 1:14:02CHORUS: # You are the angel glow

1:14:02 > 1:14:06# That lights a star

1:14:06 > 1:14:11# The dearest things I know

1:14:11 > 1:14:17# Are what you are

1:14:19 > 1:14:22# Someday... #