Episode 7 Call the Midwife

-MATURE JENNY:

-'The River Thames

'pulsed through the heart of the East End like its blood,

'sustaining its people

'and taking with it much they had thrown away or lost.

'For some, it marked beginning of a journey.

'For others, it became a channel of return,

'bringing back the missing and the loved,

'the forgotten, and the longed for.

'It was often an escape route and sometimes the road home.'

Oi, you've got enough there to feed an army, Mrs Lacey!

That's right, see you Thursday.

MAN: What d'you say?

I think you've got yourself a deal, my son!

Good. Enjoy it.

I will.

-It's all yours.

-Lovely.

Arthur, look at that. What d'you reckon, hey?

Speedy Gonzalez here, look!

I'm wondering what to do about my room.

Fresh flowers and new curtains?

I mean with Nurse Noakes and her husband coming to stay.

It's only right Chummy should have her old room back.

Chummy wouldn't dream of it. That's your room now.

I think Fred's clearing out another room, anyway.

And they might be with us for a while before they're rehoused.

Their whole block was condemned.

Jane?

What is it?

I suppose I was here to fill a gap, really, and, well,

that gap was Nurse Noakes.

So, I'm wondering what I do now there won't be a gap.

Jane, you're part of Nonnatus. In your own right,

not filling a gap.

Quite impossible, anyway, as you'll see when she arrives next week.

Though to be quite blunt, her grasp of timing is a little loose.

And we pray for the continued recovery of Sister Bernadette.

-May the Lord keep her safe. Amen.

-Amen.

-Amen.

Come on, push. Good boys.

Up we go.

Ladies, your carriage awaits.

Courtesy of our successful fete

and the generous contribution from the Mother House.

A Bumblebee for a staff vehicle.

I've had my eye on a weekend in Southend for months.

I don't believe we cover Southend.

The new addition is for the carrying of gas and air.

And we may also appreciate the lack of pedalling in the years to come.

Speak for yourself. In your own time, Nurse Miller.

-Chocks away then!

-No, no, no, no.

This machine is to be treated with the greatest respect.

Set off on this unprepared

and unschooled in its mechanical workings - disaster.

Thank you.

HORN TOOTS

Don't do that.

PHONE RINGS

Nonnatus House.

'It's my Rose. She's having it. She's having it now.'

A flower was offered to me,

such a flower as May never more.

But I said, "I have a pretty rose tree."

And I passed the sweet flower o'er.

'What the hell?' SHE GIGGLES

Dear fellow, do not take fright at poetry.

Let us start with a name and address.

'My wife. Mrs Laidlaw.

'We're at ten Dublin Lane off Pollard Road.

'That's ten...'

Sister Monica Joan, was that the telephone I just heard?

Child, how can I possibly interpret the working of your ears?

Mrs Laidlaw. Ten Dublin Lane. Right on time.

I have to say, your note-taking is quite exceptional.

Do remember, the telephone should only be answered

by midwives on call. It may confuse matters otherwise.

If matters are so easily confused...

I could murder a bit of steak and kidney.

Mr John Lacey among you?

Bring me a beer. Useless wretch!

That's the gentleman.

-"Gentleman", you say?

-Out the back.

But John, the sister's coming.

What bloody sister?

Who the hell are you?

The bloody sister!

The doctor ain't got the guts to tell me, eh?

Sends you? Go on then, say it.

I'm dying, ain't I?

You've got diabetes, I'm here to test your pee.

Lame or on the game -

only ones who should still be in bed this time of day.

But I'm on the way out.

You are no nearer dying than I am.

Now, I want you to take this, and fill it up.

For pity's sake, don't let that blanket slip.

Oh! Pick it up. Come on, woman!

-Sylvie Bailey, I have told you to lay off my fags.

-Ow!

Now sit down.

They say girls are easier, but you try me

more than your brothers ever did.

That coloured woman bothering you again, Sylvie?

Mrs Monique Hyde?

If you would go through, please.

Very high sugar levels, Sister. 1.5%.

No more pies. And no more beer.

You've been told to give up pastry, sugar and potatoes,

but you ignored it. Now look where we are!

Sky high sugar and injections.

-Injections?

-Insulin. Twice a day.

No, no, no, no. You don't take old John down that way.

I'll fight anyone who tries. You tell 'er!

He won't take the needle, Sister. Hates 'em.

HE SHRIEKS

You can expect Nurse Miller every day, twice a day.

I'd like to give your husband a good talking to.

Moving house would be bad enough,

moving the other side of the world when you're 35 weeks pregnant!

The world seems much smaller when you've been in the Air Force.

He flew in the war?

And longed to get back to the mother country ever since.

Made me believe Vera Lynn would meet me at Dover.

I must have just missed her.

If it's any consolation, the Pearly Kings and Queens

didn't meet me in Poplar either.

Is your husband still in the airforce?

They wouldn't take him back after the war.

They said his eyesight was not good enough.

Though my Harold says it's no different.

He's got a position at the docks.

They're not easy to come by.

We're very lucky.

For a home delivery we shall want to see you at home,

make sure everything's as it should be for baby.

You're very kind, but I shall come to you when my time comes.

I'd like to see you try. It's our standard procedure.

< Sylvie Bailey, SIT DOWN. Sit down before I wallop ya!

One thing about my neighbour...

..we always know exactly how she feels, about everything.

Oh, yes, of course, Mrs Bailey lives next door to you.

Rumour has it she has a heart of gold.

Though we'll probably need a postmortem to prove it.

When are we going to get to take her for a spin?

It's not a toy. In the wrong hands, it's a weapon.

My hairdryer has more power.

And if they were that dangerous they wouldn't let the Italians ride them.

Oi, don't knock the Italians - they gave us Sophia Loren.

Hello, international nun of mystery.

I've figured it out - you're on the run.

You did a number in Geneva, escaped with the proceeds,

the habit's a disguise, TB - pure cover story. Jane Bond.

Or you have absolutely no curiosity,

and that's why you never open your mail.

Oh, and if you happen to be praying today,

be a brick and say one for me.

I put a lethal amount of gin away at the weekend

and behaved badly with a man I feel utterly immoral about.

There are souls in want of saving quicker than your own, Nurse Peters.

Take it from me.

Swap you my demonstration of nappies for one of those?

Oh, no dice, I'm afraid.

Sister Bernadette used to do this in seconds. Takes me forever.

Any news of Sister Bernadette?

Food's plentiful, conversation fair to middling, health much the same.

She may not be Jane Austen quite yet but her letters are regular...

though lacking in gossip of any kind.

Hopefully I'll get the low-down when I visit her tomorrow.

Well, that's all ticketyboo and marvellous.

Oh, do give her my regards.

CUTLERY CLATTERS

"Ticketyboo"?

Mrs Lacey, tell me that's not a pie for your husband?

It's hard not to do as he wants.

He's ill.

Controlling his diet is a very large part of managing his condition.

Sorry, Miss. Sorry.

JOHN SHOUTS ANGRILY

Doing what he wants isn't the same as doing what's best.

You being stronger - it will help him, Mrs Lacey.

Do you understand?

-JOHN:

-Come on, woman!

Where have you put my paper?!

Then it's out the way... where it can't do no harm.

-You take it when you go.

-Thank you.

Mmmmm... it's delicious.

And thoroughly unforgiving on the hips.

Poor Mrs Lacey. She puts all her love into the pies -

her husband certainly doesn't want it.

He sounds like a beast.

Thank God you're looking after him, Cynthia.

I think I'd feed him pies to help him pop his clogs.

Like all bullies though, the minute you say boo to him he'll crumble.

I just wish I could help Mrs Lacey to say boo.

-Boo.

-Boo!

LAUGHTER

There, see? We'll give her lessons. No man will ever bully us.

HE MIMICS MOTORBIKE REVVING

What on earth are you doing?

Er, I've just, er...

..fitted the rack for the gas and air, and I had to check the tyres

and the suspension.

These things are a death trap really if they're not maintained properly.

Well, if the Blitz and the Great Smog didn't polish us off

I think we might survive it.

Oh, sorry, sorry, Nurse. Just trying to keep the place sanitary.

Good day, Mrs Bailey.

Every time a boat comes in there's another one.

Six coloureds in there now.

Oh, Miss, it's you.

May I come in, Mrs Hyde?

We like to make sure everything's in order for a home delivery

and I was just passing.

It'll only take a moment.

-I can't eat this slop.

-SMASHING

-John, please!

-Come here, you hag of a woman!

-You stop this instant.

-Out of my way.

-Make me!

Please, Miss, don't worry yourself.

You are having "slop" to keep you alive.

You are having "slop" on my instructions,

so if you want to bully someone, bully me.

A man can't live on baby food.

He can if he behaves like one.

Now, I suggest you go and do something useful

and provide me with a urine sample.

You shouldn't have to put up with this.

I'd better get this up before someone hurts themselves.

Mrs Hyde, I'm afraid I have to ask for our notes -

where do you and your husband sleep?

My Harold's cousin and his wife gave up their own room for us.

But there are six of you here?

Mrs Bailey likes to talk. Jacob has two brothers... we're quiet people.

We get along with it.

Thank you.

We intend to take rooms of our own.

It's just not that easy to find them that will rent to us.

The colour bar, Miss.

Oh.

My mother has this china.

Mine too. I brought it with me...

..to remind me of her.

You must miss her.

Like the sunshine.

And the flowers she used to bring me from her garden...

..her "English Garden" is what she called it.

I used to think everyone in England drank tea

and grew beautiful flowers in their gardens.

You shouldn't be doing all this on your own.

S'all right. I'm strong enough.

He shouldn't treat you the way he does.

No treatment's worse than dragging yourself through the streets,

nowhere to rest your head, nowhere to rest the baby.

You were homeless?

Long time ago, Miss. Don't pay it no mind.

It showed me what I could and couldn't stand.

I raised my son, my Bob, safe and well.

And now that he's grown I don't need to worry about nothing.

Thank you.

-JOHN:

-Woman!

He's a bully.

He makes his poor wife's life a misery and she puts up with it

because she's so pitifully grateful for a roof over her head.

A week of living on the streets,

you'd be surprised what you'd put up with.

If a wolf had offered her shelter, she'd have thanked him

-for all eternity.

-She's not on the streets any more -

she could stand up to him.

Ain't you been here long enough yet?

We don't have Hollywood endings here, Nurse Miller.

We just do our jobs.

I have to say, the tuberculosis doctors are extremely

pleasing on the eye.

And extremely well-qualified and good at their jobs.

What a bonus!

Oh, I've been dying to know what's inside.

Young Timothy Turner insisted I gave it to you personally.

Oh, and Mrs B hopes you enjoy the cake.

A dead butterfly. Peculiar boy.

Pieris brassicae. He wants me to ask the doctors for a diagnosis.

Apparently, it's not his father's area.

I'd say the pin sticking through it didn't help.

He found him dead on the windowsill.

Besides, an enquiring mind is always to be admired.

How is... How is everyone?

We're all perfectly fine.

But frankly we've had enough of this sanitorium business.

We'd like you to come home.

With Chummy coming back it will be just like old times again.

He's coming home. He's coming home!

My Bob. Home from America! With his fi-an-ce.

He has a fi-an-ce!

Oh, Mrs Lacey, how wonderful. When will he be here?

Why, any day. And he shall stay three weeks.

Ooh, and look, look at this. He sent it me.

Says I must have my own transistor radio.

Says there's a programme I can listen to every week about America.

Oh, yes, Letter From America. Sister Monica Joan adores it.

-Says I must listen to it and think of him.

-Ahh.

I can carry it around everywhere.

Don't weigh more than a bag of sugar.

Ain't got a clue how to switch it on but that don't matter.

You must... you'll love it.

Here, I'll show you how it works.

RADIO CRACKLES

MUSIC: "Volare" by Dean Martin

# Oh, oh-oh

# Cantare

# Oh-oh oh-oh

# Let's fly way up to the clouds

# Away from the maddening crowds... #

He's coming home. He's coming home!

Then let's make sure we're as well as we can be for him, shall we?

I shall need a new razor.

And some of that stuff that smells nice - pomade, that's it.

And my good suit. Should still fit.

Tell her, would you, my old lady? Tell her what I need.

I won't tell her anything, Mr Lacey.

I suggest you ask her yourself, nicely.

# Cantare

# Oh-oh oh-oh

# No wonder my happy heart sings

# Your love has given me wings

# Penso che un sogno cosi non ritorni mai piu

# Mi dipinge con le mani e la faccia di blu

# Poi d'improvviso venivo dal vento rapito

# E incominciavo a volare nel cielo infinito

# Volare... #

And... mirror, signal.

ALL: Mirror, signal.

Oh, I'm so sorry!

Imagine the chairs

are cars, pedestrians, or other road users.

When do we actually get to go on the scooter, Fred?

When you are proficient and no longer a danger to other road users.

Nurse Franklin, mind the chair.

I've got a run in my stockings. Counts as an emergency stop.

Sister Monica Joan? You'll catch a chill.

Child, were it not for the flowers you carry which imbue you

with an air of innocence, I would curse you where you stand.

Can you not see the task I am undertaking?

Buried beneath us lie the keys.

If I have the keys, I can get out.

You can come with me.

I like it here. You like it here.

He'll be here any minute.

I wanted to be at my best.

It's too bright, ain't it?

You could wear Billy Smart's tent

and Bob would think you look wonderful.

-Where is he then?

-He'll be here. By and by.

You look like a tin of strawberries exploded!

He'll think we dropped the bomb again.

How you do hurt me, John.

I'm joking, you daft mare.

You look lovely, Mrs Lacey.

Well, it is new, and that counts for something, don't it?

It's not just a myth.

Some of us do grow flowers and drink tea.

SHE MOANS

Mrs Hyde?

They're Braxton Hicks contractions, Mrs Hyde.

They may feel like labour but they're not the real ones.

But they hurt so bad.

You've been having what you thought were contractions

alone here and you didn't think to telephone us?

And have my neighbours think I got my own nurse come running

whenever I sneeze?

I'm sorry?

They already think I get too much for nothing.

You have enough to get on with.

All I have to get on with are my patients.

And I would come out whatever the time, whatever the weather,

for whatever worried any of you.

Mrs Hyde, my job is looking after you.

You're the English lady my mother told me about.

Well, then you need to promise me to let me look after you.

So I can keep the side up for your mother.

For goodness' sake, we're only around the corner.

Highway Code. I thought we'd spend tomorrow on it.

Still be on chairs, will they? More theory?

Without the theory, we are dust.

You can't ride one, can you?

I beg your pardon?

Tomorrow. By the bike shed. 8am sharp.

Miss, I want a word with you. We've been talking.

Oh? Who's "we"?

Me and the other girls. We want you to come to us first.

When you come round here.

I don't quite follow.

When you do your home visits.

And when you say "first"..?

Before what's-her-face. The coloured girl.

And why's that?

Well, we're vulnerable, ain't we?

At this late stage, we could go down with all sorts.

And you know what they bring in with them,

and it ain't just banana spiders.

So, it's just ignorant not to mention it.

-I'll come to you first, Mrs Bailey.

-See, I knew you'd understand.

Because then at the end of my round I'll be able to sit with Mrs Hyde

and have a conversation with an intelligent, well-mannered woman.

A proper conversation -

one that isn't full of narrow-minded judgement.

It will help me get through my other visits.

Fine son you got.

He must just be delayed or caught up with something.

Oh, no.

What difference does it make?

Ain't no-one here to see ya.

No difference. None. There! Are you happy now?

Are you sad, Dad?

How could I be sad when I've got you?

Granny Parker said you used to just sit in the car after Mummy died,

like a sheepdog without his sheep.

Did she? How about some fried bread?

-Yeah.

-Come on, then.

It's all about weight distribution and speed.

Too slow and it'll collapse on you, dump you like a sack of spuds.

Too fast and you fly over the top like a human cannon ball.

Ooh... ooh... ooh...

If anyone was to see us in this position...

with me behind you...

I beg your pardon!

I mean, er, with me as your pillion,

might we phrase it such that I was demonstrating the machine to you?

We might indeed phrase it that way, Frederick. We might indeed.

Not too fast, not too fast! You don't know the machine!

Know it?

I rode a machine ten times this size day in, day out during the war.

And I tell you what - I've missed it!

HE WHIMPERS

You said your parents were in hospitality.

Pie and mash... it's quite the thing in London.

We have a room at the Grosvenor. I want to enjoy it.

Show me England, the real England.

We can't just go.

Bob, there's nobody here.

Bob? I knew it was you. We were expecting you yesterday.

Your mother's talked so much about you.

Bob.

You're not leaving? Your mother's only popped out to pay the rent -

she'll be back any minute.

Beg your pardon, Miss, but it's just that we've, um... We've...

I have an appointment that I overlooked.

Mr Lacey, you can't possibly leave,

your mother's living for this.

-I knew you'd come.

-Mum.

Well, well, if it ain't the one that got away.

Nurse.

Mr Lacey?

Let's sit you down.

I've come to the conclusion

he's either the dullest man on earth or the most exciting one.

Perhaps we should just return to sender?

Save the poor man his postage.

Unrewardingly normal.

I think I'd like to arrange for a visitor.

May I use the telephone?

I'll dial the number myself.

Just got up a little too quickly. Let's get you some water.

They lie to ya... try to keep your spirits up.

Diabetes. I got my own nurse, that's how bad I am.

I'm sorry to hear that.

Why you talking all posh?

He's talking like a gentleman. I could listen to you all day.

David Niven, that's who you remind me of.

Perhaps the David Niven of insurance, Mum.

SHE LAUGHS

To be married! My Lord, I dreamed of this.

When are you thinking?

Um, we could get the Parish Hall, I reckon.

We wouldn't want to put you to any trouble.

We'll be getting married back home.

But this is your home.

Trudie's parents... they very kindly...

They have a beautiful house overlooking the Hudson River.

It will be the perfect place.

Hudson River.

My mother wouldn't forgive us.

Righto, righto, course.

We'd like you to be there.

Oh, John. What do you think to that? Well, it... It could be a holiday.

No, couldn't travel, not with my health.

You'll have to write, tell us how it went.

-We should probably be going.

-You're not stopping?

Oh, no, we couldn't put you to the bother.

Wait one minute, won't you, dear, just a minute?

I have another call to make, Mrs Lacey, unless you need me here?

Oh, no, Miss. You go on now.

What a day this has been, Miss. I've dreamed of a day like today.

SHE SCREAMS

Bloody hell! You saved us.

Ta.

You'd have done the same for me.

Council promise to wash these steps every month. Lying sods.

Then we must look after each other, Mrs Bailey.

How d'you mean?

Where I come from, we take it in turns...

some of the ladies.

One week I'd scrub the verandas, next week someone else.

We could do that here.

"Verandas". Makes me think of Gone With The Wind.

I don't know why.

Gawd, I love a bit of Clark Gable.

My mother keeps his picture beside her bed.

I'd do the same.

Better than looking at my old man next to me on the pillow.

What's it like?

Where you come from?

Green. Very green. And the sea... like jade.

If you climb up high enough,

you can see the whole island.

WOMEN CHATTER

Well, I'll have to do my wash again now.

All sorts over it.

It's quaint. It's like stepping back in time.

Yes, that's what it is - it's Dickens.

-Oh!

-It were Bob's. I kept it all these years,

hoping one day there'd be a reason for it again.

It's yours now, dear.

Yes, it's very special.

Come and see me, Mum.

This is my number - at the hotel.

RADIO TUNES IN

SENTIMENTAL MUSIC

Bob, what do you want me to say?

I mean, the place was a hole, and those people...

"Those people"? She's my mother.

-Oh!

-Left it, forgot it, don't make no difference.

Well, they can't be that far - I'll go after her.

She's got no more interest in this than you have in the moon.

-He's found a right harsh one there.

-We don't know her yet, John.

Won't get the chance neither. She's in charge, no doubt about it.

He's marrying up, and she won't let him forget that in a hurry.

Hudson bloody River.

He ain't like that. He won't be changed.

Don't see him coming back for this, do you?

He's my son. I know what kind of a man he is!

He's hers now.

# Can I adore you... #

-Good night, Mrs Wilson.

-See you tomorrow.

# ..Although we are oceans apart

# I can't make you open your heart

# But I can grieve, can't I? #

Your visitor's here.

Dear Sister. How we have missed you.

God is very kind to us.

He is, isn't he?

How is life at Nonnatus? I hear Chummy is on her way back.

Sister, from our letters and our visits, you probably know

more about life at Nonnatus House than I do.

So, please, what is it you can say to me now that

you couldn't say in a letter?

I've been lying, Sister.

Lying to you, to God, to myself.

And I'm so tired. I'm so tired.

And now you must unburden yourself and I will listen.

TALKING ON RADIO

I thought Mrs Lacey was enjoying her radio.

My shop. My wireless.

Would you mind turning it down, please?

-You are perfectly able to travel, you know that.

-So what if I do?

Don't you want to see your son get married?

He ain't my son.

I just took him in, put a roof over his head, same as I did her.

Sorry, I had no idea.

Ain't so high and mighty now, are ya?

But don't you think it would mean such an awful lot to Mrs Lacey?

She and that boy would have been in a work house without me.

And I might as well have been.

You got a nerve. I picked you up off the streets.

I saved you.

And haven't I thanked you every day for it?

I'm grateful, John, grateful for everything,

but I've given far more than I've taken.

I've cared and done for you every day that we've been together.

And though you might not think it worth the mention,

I've given you all that I have.

HE SCOFFS

So all this time you felt unable to share your suffering.

I thought I'd lost my faith.

I never felt so wretched or alone in my life.

I've been so worried. I hoped you would speak to me again.

I haven't lost my faith.

I want other things.

Things I can't have in the religious life.

We've all felt that - times of confusion.

There were for me.

This was my wilderness, my test of what I felt, what I believed.

And I see now that I wasn't close to death,

I was close to life - and it took the illness to show me.

I think God wants another path for me... beyond Nonnatus.

Sister... what you're saying, what you're asking...

..is the first step on a journey which will not be an easy one.

You must be sure that it is one you wish to pursue.

I need your strength, Sister.

I don't have enough of my own because I don't know if God's given

me a window and I'm just staring out of it because I'm afraid to open it?

So I'm going out now. And I can't says when I'll be back.

-What do you mean, "going out"? Where?

-That's my business.

Where would you be going all painted up like that?

I had a life before you, John.

It's about time I found it again.

(Well done, Annie!)

Thank you, dear.

It's all about weight distribution and speed.

Too slow and it will collapse under you,

dumping you like a sack of spuds.

Too fast and you'll fly over the top like a human cannon ball.

Thank you, Sister.

Don't be afraid of it. Fear kills.

I'm not.

A girl with spatial awareness?

If I had a brain I'd be lethal!

One can't turn one's back for a moment.

-Whatever next - nuns on skis?

-Chummy!

-Chummy!

Make safe the vehicle and step away.

My hero, as always.

Gently, chaps. I've come back a bit top heavy.

Oh, Chummy. How wonderful!

It is rather, isn't it? It's our little bit of extra luggage.

-Hello.

-Fred.

All right.

-Madam.

-Thank you.

-Mum.

-Hello, love.

I'm so glad you came.

I don't want to lose you, Bob.

Mum...

That don't mean I expect to be pride of place - I don't.

You got your life and I couldn't be more proud of you.

Just make sure you keep it yours.

Live your life the way you want.

Like you?

Nothing's perfect. But we keep on, cos we remember the good bits.

Then we must have a long, long lunch, where we remember all

those good bits and tell each other all the little things we've missed.

-Is that all right?

-Yes, love, quite all right.

Today I'm on holiday.

Ah, thank you. It's lovely!

-Now we have some more trinkets from our travels.

-Ooh. Peter.

Sister Monica Joan, I know you have a fondness for percussion.

Oh, I shall beat a path to my room...

..and send out a warning to all around, "Beware the future -

"it is not to be trusted."

Great changes are coming.

Yes, well, jolly good.

-She does get very tired.

-Don't we all?

Now, girls, I can't promise this season's colours,

but I can promise, with the help of my trusty Singer,

no-one else in Poplar will look quite so spiffing.

Thank you.

And Jane, I went on the letters of Reverend Applebee-Thornton,

who assured me that this would be your colour.

-It's for me?

-Of course for you.

-From what I hear, we couldn't have managed without you.

-Thank you.

Oh, Chummy, they're beautiful.

I feel ever so exotic.

The Belles of Bow!

Thank you very much, it's beautiful.

Good.

MUSIC PLAYS

SQUEALING AND GIGGLING

Oh, yes!

PHONE RINGS

'Nonnatus House.'

Midwife, please, they've started properly now.

Who is this, please?

'Mrs Hyde, Mrs Monique Hyde, 18 Old Rope Street Buildings.

'Nurse Lee told me to call you when they started to come.

Please come quickly.

I'm on my own.

'Hello? Help me...'

-Please!

-I'm sorry, I'm afraid we're closed.

SHE GASPS AND SOBS

Please don't come, please, not yet.

Sylvie, is your mama there?

You know when she'll be home?

Is it your baby, Miss?

I can't have you here. Please.

Sylvie Bailey, get home now.

But Mum, the lady!

I want to stay with her.

Rita, please.

-Call the bloody midwife.

-They don't answer.

-They have to.

It's their job!

Go back to your friends, Rita.

Sylvie, go home now.

Quickly, Rita, you don't know what she might have!

Oh, sod off!

Come on. Easy. Breathe.

It's coming.

No, no, no. You can't have it here, it, it ain't sanitary.

Hold on, hold on, all right? Yeah? Yeah? Come on.

Just a little bit more till we get somewhere safe. All right?

All right.

There's nothing here, just scribbles.

No-one is angry with you.

It's just very important that you try

and remember who you were speaking to.

It could be any one of our patients -

we have 50 due to deliver this week alone.

Her voice was gentle...

like a tender breeze on spring leaves.

Oh, give me strength.

My thoughts unravel...

..like frayed rope...

Old Rope Street!

Monique Hyde.

Come on! Give me your hand.

All right, after me, yeah?

That's it, nearly there.

One step at a time. Yeah? Yeah?

-SHE MOANS

-Help us. Help us!

There's a baby coming!

Monique? I'm so, so sorry.

Thank you, Rita.

Where the hell were you lot,

-leaving a decent woman in this state?!

-Oh, Lord.

-Get sheets, Trixie. And hot water.

-I know the drill.

We don't have much time.

We need to get you inside now. Put your arm around me.

One, two, three.

Upsy-daisy.

Nearly there.

I leave matters in your capable hands.

I must see to Sister Monica Joan.

Slowly, slowly. There's a girl.

Baby's heartbeat is slow.

Forgive me, Lord...

..and protect us all from these devils that plague me.

There are no devils here.

Your mind gets tired, Sister, that is all.

And when it does, we will protect you.

We will be with you and make sure that when you forget, we remember.

Keep going, Monique. Good!

Hurts so much.

Baby cannot come by himself, and we need him out.

You need to push.

You need all your strength now, Monique.

More than you've ever done before.

You need to do it for your baby. All right?

Good girl. Keep going, good, really good.

That's it! Good girl!

There's a knot in the cord. That's why baby's heartbeat was slow.

My baby?

..Is absolutely perfect.

You have a beautiful baby boy.

Welcome to England, little one.

From this whole mother country, you picked the nicest ladies to

introduce you.

Thank you.

Of course, in the bush we would light a fire primarily

-to ward off lions...

-And tigers.

-And bears.

-Oh, my!

THEY LAUGH

The whites of a lion's eyes are no laughing matter, I can assure you.

Nor is the advancing derriere of an elephant in reverse.

A pair of my spectacles is testament to that.

LAUGHTER

Won't you miss your wonderful adventures?

I think we have more than we could have dreamt of

just around the corner.

-MATURE JENNY:

-'Home is not simply a mark

'upon a map any more than a river's just water.

'It is the place at the centre of the compass

'from which every arrow radiates and where the heart is fixed.

'It is a force that forever draws us back or lures us on.'

Thank you.

MUSIC PLAYS

'For where the home is, there lies hope.

'And a future waits.

'And everything is possible.'

Engine trouble? Fetch a whip and thrash it like a horse!

Jimmy!

I thought there might be some lucky chap on the scene,

making your heart beat faster, all of that.

No.

I wrote to you.

I don't know if I said too much.

'Or not enough?'

Come on, Chummy! On the bed. High, hot and a hell of a lot!

No. No. You absolute beasts!

-Is there any news?

-It's a baby,

not a lubricated penguin. They don't come sliding out to order.

# Oh, oh, baby

# I love you, oh baby, I do

# Baby, oh, baby

# Why don't you be true?

# Baby, oh, baby

# There is nothing I wouldn't do

# For you. #

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd