Episode 1

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0:00:31 > 0:00:341963 began not as

0:00:34 > 0:00:38a bright green shoot, unfurling from a seed,

0:00:38 > 0:00:42but as the germ of something frozen,

0:00:42 > 0:00:46locked like a crystal in a splinter of black ice.

0:00:46 > 0:00:50Nothing grew, nothing moved forward.

0:00:50 > 0:00:52Everything was waiting,

0:00:52 > 0:00:55marking time until the thaw.

0:00:57 > 0:01:00- NEWSREADER:- The winter of 1962-63 is now known to be the coldest

0:01:00 > 0:01:02for almost 300 years.

0:01:02 > 0:01:05Temperatures have risen above freezing on only two occasions...

0:01:05 > 0:01:07The water's gone off at Lisbon Buildings again.

0:01:07 > 0:01:09..falling as low as -15 degrees for days at a stretch.

0:01:09 > 0:01:11That's quite enough doom and gloom for one day.

0:01:11 > 0:01:13# He's so fine

0:01:13 > 0:01:15# Do-lang, do-lang, do-lang

0:01:15 > 0:01:16# Wish he were mine

0:01:16 > 0:01:18# Do-lang, do-lang, do-lang

0:01:18 > 0:01:20# That handsome boy over there... #

0:01:20 > 0:01:22Turn it up, Dad!

0:01:23 > 0:01:25Oh, I don't know about these American pop groups.

0:01:25 > 0:01:27There's such a lot of slang in their songs,

0:01:27 > 0:01:29and their diction leaves a lot to be desired!

0:01:29 > 0:01:32You're in danger of being on time for your paper round today, Tim!

0:01:32 > 0:01:35I told you all we had to do was leave the house ten minutes earlier.

0:01:35 > 0:01:37A little pre-planning

0:01:37 > 0:01:39and some proper organisation makes all the difference!

0:01:39 > 0:01:42Even when the country is forced to re-enact Scott Of The Antarctic

0:01:42 > 0:01:43on a daily basis?

0:01:44 > 0:01:46Good morning, ladies.

0:01:46 > 0:01:47SHE TURNS MUSIC OFF

0:01:47 > 0:01:50I think we'll have you on the post-natal round today, Nurse Dyer.

0:01:50 > 0:01:52Nurse Franklin can do the booking-in lists,

0:01:52 > 0:01:55and Sister Winifred to the maternity home.

0:01:55 > 0:01:57I will shoulder the burden of the district lists.

0:01:57 > 0:01:59Nurse Crane, apologies for the interruption,

0:01:59 > 0:02:02but a communication has arrived for Sister Winifred.

0:02:02 > 0:02:04It's from the borough council.

0:02:04 > 0:02:07I imagine it's about your driving test.

0:02:07 > 0:02:08I doubt it!

0:02:08 > 0:02:10I heard they cancelled over 10,000 tests nationally

0:02:10 > 0:02:12since this cold snap started.

0:02:13 > 0:02:18Oh. Weather permitting, it's in two weeks.

0:02:28 > 0:02:30- Good morning!- Good morning!

0:02:30 > 0:02:32To what do we owe this non-inconsiderable pleasure?

0:02:32 > 0:02:35I'm on my way to give a dental education talk to the mixed infants

0:02:35 > 0:02:39and have acquired tubes of Colgate, one gross, to give away.

0:02:39 > 0:02:42- Did somebody donate them?- Yes, me.

0:02:42 > 0:02:45And I got something for you while I was at the cash and carry.

0:02:45 > 0:02:48What, six packets of corn plasters and a bottle of TCP?

0:02:48 > 0:02:50No!

0:02:53 > 0:02:55Miss Dior by Dior.

0:02:55 > 0:02:57They don't do gift wrapping at the cash and carry.

0:02:59 > 0:03:03And this is the couch where the poorly people lie down

0:03:03 > 0:03:05while I see if I can make them better.

0:03:06 > 0:03:10And, sometimes, I look into their ears with my magic torch

0:03:10 > 0:03:13and evaluate the tympanic membrane.

0:03:13 > 0:03:17Stop playing with your otoscope! You'll run the batteries down.

0:03:18 > 0:03:23I've just taken a call from Mr Gelin, 34 Peninsula Street.

0:03:23 > 0:03:25His wife has been in a lot of pain

0:03:25 > 0:03:27since she was discharged from hospital.

0:03:27 > 0:03:29I know she had carcinoma of the bowel,

0:03:29 > 0:03:32but that was diagnosed a few months ago.

0:03:32 > 0:03:34She was only having adjustments to her stoma.

0:03:34 > 0:03:38Something isn't right. I've put her on your list for this afternoon.

0:03:43 > 0:03:45GIRL: You all right, darling?

0:03:45 > 0:03:49# When you move in right up close to me

0:03:53 > 0:03:56# That's when I get the shakes all over me

0:04:02 > 0:04:06# Quivers down the backbone

0:04:06 > 0:04:10# I've got the shakes down my kneebone

0:04:10 > 0:04:12# Yeah, havin' tremors in the thighbone... #

0:04:15 > 0:04:18I hope you didn't come downstairs dressed like that.

0:04:18 > 0:04:20I don't like the customers seeing girls in a state of undress.

0:04:20 > 0:04:23I thought they were paying to see us in a state of undress.

0:04:23 > 0:04:26A winceyette nightie and a quilted housecoat aren't exactly what they had in mind.

0:04:26 > 0:04:28Well, it's been a very cold winter.

0:04:28 > 0:04:32Er, yes. Thank God for Venus in Furs, eh?

0:04:32 > 0:04:34The punters like my act.

0:04:35 > 0:04:38It's classy, seeing a mink coat on stage.

0:04:38 > 0:04:40And you can play with them - opening, closing it.

0:04:40 > 0:04:42The regulars are getting bored, Nadine.

0:04:42 > 0:04:44"All tease and no flamin' strip!" one of them said to me,

0:04:44 > 0:04:47and I can't have that getting back to Mr Marmara.

0:04:47 > 0:04:49Anyway, you'd best get changed.

0:04:49 > 0:04:52I need you to go on after the Three French Hens.

0:04:52 > 0:04:53I don't do lunchtimes.

0:04:53 > 0:04:55Lunchtime's for beginners and has-beens!

0:04:55 > 0:04:58Meanwhile, I've got a sign outside saying "Nonstop Exotic Girls",

0:04:58 > 0:05:01and Eve of Eden's fell off the back of some Maltese fella's moped.

0:05:03 > 0:05:06You can have ten bob extra if you go on with her python.

0:05:38 > 0:05:41The street is supposed to be being demolished.

0:05:41 > 0:05:44But some of us are owner-occupiers.

0:05:44 > 0:05:47The council can't do anything to us.

0:05:48 > 0:05:49SHE COUGHS

0:05:49 > 0:05:51Arnold!

0:05:51 > 0:05:53The doctor's a busy man,

0:05:53 > 0:05:58and you waste time bringing him tea so slowly,

0:05:58 > 0:06:01there'll be a sheet of ice on it before you get it to the parlour!

0:06:01 > 0:06:04It's as warm as toast in here, Mrs Gelin.

0:06:04 > 0:06:09Ah! I'm fortunate - I have an electric fire.

0:06:09 > 0:06:15My son, Martin - he's an eye doctor in Florida, America -

0:06:15 > 0:06:17sent me the money for it.

0:06:17 > 0:06:20- You have a lovely home.- Uh-huh.

0:06:20 > 0:06:24Tea for the doctor, and a little bit of cheesecake.

0:06:24 > 0:06:27I...I didn't make it fresh today but, sometimes, you know,

0:06:27 > 0:06:29it cuts a little better.

0:06:29 > 0:06:32And it always tastes good.

0:06:32 > 0:06:34I know it does!

0:06:34 > 0:06:38He worked for Segal's Bakery for over 20 years and,

0:06:38 > 0:06:40the day they closed,

0:06:40 > 0:06:44he moved into my kitchen, and I've hardly seen it since!

0:06:44 > 0:06:46SHE COUGHS

0:06:46 > 0:06:51Bread he makes every time there's nothing on the television.

0:06:51 > 0:06:54I'm not a man that can sit idle.

0:06:54 > 0:06:59And these romantic programmes - they don't interest me.

0:07:01 > 0:07:04I went in the kitchen, looking for an aspirin,

0:07:04 > 0:07:07and there was a whole tray of strudel.

0:07:08 > 0:07:11If you were looking for aspirin, Mrs Gelin,

0:07:11 > 0:07:13was it because you were in pain?

0:07:13 > 0:07:14Maybe a little.

0:07:16 > 0:07:18Maybe I just wanted to know where the aspirin was.

0:07:19 > 0:07:23Let me finish this cheesecake, then I'll take a look at you.

0:07:23 > 0:07:25SHE COUGHS

0:07:26 > 0:07:30Might one enquire as to the nature of this soup, Sister Julienne?

0:07:30 > 0:07:33It is pea this time, I believe. No ham.

0:07:34 > 0:07:36A very welcome change.

0:07:36 > 0:07:39I thought you should never get to the end of that mulligatawny.

0:07:39 > 0:07:43One imagines we are now to be faced with this pottage

0:07:43 > 0:07:45to an indeterminate sequence of teatimes.

0:07:47 > 0:07:50Our numbers are unconscionably depleted.

0:07:52 > 0:07:56As it happens, a new midwife is on her way to join us.

0:07:56 > 0:07:59Our burdens will be eased immediately and,

0:07:59 > 0:08:04Nurse Franklin, you may be able to book that long postponed holiday.

0:08:04 > 0:08:06That was sharp work, Sister!

0:08:06 > 0:08:09Fortunately, a new class just qualified

0:08:09 > 0:08:11from a teaching hospital in Somerset.

0:08:11 > 0:08:14Nurse Anderson excelled there.

0:08:14 > 0:08:16I thought that she might share your room, Nurse Crane.

0:08:18 > 0:08:20By all means.

0:08:20 > 0:08:22But Nurse Crane's just turned Barbara's old bed

0:08:22 > 0:08:24into a studio couch!

0:08:24 > 0:08:25I'm sure that Nurse Anderson

0:08:25 > 0:08:28and I will make very good comrades-in-arms.

0:08:30 > 0:08:32Wasted scatter cushions notwithstanding.

0:08:34 > 0:08:36Can I tempt you to a Nescafe?

0:08:36 > 0:08:37It's nearly bedtime!

0:08:37 > 0:08:40It won't stop me from sleeping.

0:08:40 > 0:08:43Maybe we should buy one of those electric percolators.

0:08:43 > 0:08:45Oh, dear!

0:08:45 > 0:08:46What?

0:08:46 > 0:08:50I've a letter here about Mrs Gelin from St Cuthbert's.

0:08:50 > 0:08:53Her stoma revision wasn't uncomplicated at all.

0:08:53 > 0:08:55I was going to arrange further tests.

0:08:55 > 0:08:57She had further tests in hospital...

0:08:58 > 0:09:01..and they showed that the cancer is back in her bowel,

0:09:01 > 0:09:05and she's also been diagnosed with lung and liver metastases.

0:09:05 > 0:09:08Poor woman. She won't have long.

0:09:16 > 0:09:19Take your coat off! Come on, let's get this coat off!

0:09:19 > 0:09:20All right, love? Hello!

0:09:23 > 0:09:30MEN CAT CALL

0:09:30 > 0:09:32Is that all we're going to get?

0:09:32 > 0:09:34Listen, we've paid good money! Let's have a look!

0:09:34 > 0:09:36Come on, get the coat off!

0:09:46 > 0:09:47SHE SIGHS

0:09:52 > 0:09:54Right, Nadine. There comes a point

0:09:54 > 0:09:57when even two elastic roll-ons isn't going to hide it.

0:09:57 > 0:09:58You knew?

0:09:58 > 0:10:01You'll have to go, Nadine. There's no point me sugar-coating it.

0:10:01 > 0:10:04I could manage one more week! I could manage two!

0:10:04 > 0:10:07No-one can tell if I keep doing Venus in Furs.

0:10:07 > 0:10:11And I've been saving and saving until when the baby comes.

0:10:11 > 0:10:15Please, Sonia! Please, just give me two more weeks!

0:10:15 > 0:10:16Stop begging.

0:10:16 > 0:10:19Men beg when they think they're in with a chance of what they want,

0:10:19 > 0:10:21and it makes my skin crawl.

0:10:22 > 0:10:24What about my wages?

0:10:24 > 0:10:27If you're sacking me, you'll have to pay me off! I've done three shows today.

0:10:27 > 0:10:30Yeah, and you never showed more than a flamin' knee in any of them!

0:10:30 > 0:10:33You're a stripper, Nadine. You get paid to strip.

0:10:35 > 0:10:38You can come back, you know, if you don't keep the kid.

0:10:39 > 0:10:42Why would I want to come back here?

0:10:42 > 0:10:45Because it's a decent, steady living,

0:10:45 > 0:10:47and I think you'll regret it if you don't.

0:10:49 > 0:10:52You have no idea what I regret!

0:10:58 > 0:11:01When Christian Dior commissioned this,

0:11:01 > 0:11:05he said to his perfumiers, "Create a fragrance that's like love."

0:11:05 > 0:11:08Hm. So he got 100 roses, a big bunch of jasmine,

0:11:08 > 0:11:11and squeezed them in a bottle with a dash of Lemon Pledge?

0:11:11 > 0:11:15Oh, Valerie! That's the heart note of chypre and Sicilian oranges!

0:11:15 > 0:11:17KNOCK ON DOOR

0:11:17 > 0:11:20Hm! Can I smell furniture polish?

0:11:20 > 0:11:22Trixie's been trying on her new perfume.

0:11:22 > 0:11:24It was a present from Christopher.

0:11:24 > 0:11:28Oh. It's got quite a personality, hasn't it?

0:11:28 > 0:11:32I bring redundant scatter cushions and grim tidings.

0:11:32 > 0:11:34Can't be any grimmer than Valerie's news.

0:11:35 > 0:11:38My Auntie Edie's upped sticks to live in Frinton,

0:11:38 > 0:11:41and I'm going to have to teach ballet classes evenings

0:11:41 > 0:11:43and weekends until the dancing school is sold.

0:11:45 > 0:11:46Meanwhile,

0:11:46 > 0:11:49the electricity workers are going ahead with their work to rule.

0:11:49 > 0:11:52The power cuts start tomorrow.

0:11:54 > 0:11:55Oh!

0:12:07 > 0:12:10And no wandering around the coach station.

0:12:10 > 0:12:14Fred's going to walk you right up to the chaperone and hand you over.

0:12:14 > 0:12:16Yes, Mum. I love you, Mum.

0:12:22 > 0:12:25I'm concerned that the conditions are too challenging

0:12:25 > 0:12:26for a learner driver.

0:12:26 > 0:12:30Nonsense! Good driving is all about caution, attention

0:12:30 > 0:12:31and coping with the unexpected.

0:12:31 > 0:12:32That's the ticket!

0:12:35 > 0:12:37ENGINE STARTS

0:12:40 > 0:12:41Foot off the clutch.

0:12:43 > 0:12:45Of course. First things first.

0:12:47 > 0:12:48I'm scared!

0:12:56 > 0:12:59Mrs Gelin, I can refer you back to St Cuthbert's

0:12:59 > 0:13:03if you'd like to talk it all through with the consultant.

0:13:03 > 0:13:07Would it make everybody happy? I know what I know.

0:13:07 > 0:13:10You talk about making people happy, Mum!

0:13:10 > 0:13:14But what would make me happy is if you and Dad packed up here

0:13:14 > 0:13:16and moved in with Bernard and me in Hendon.

0:13:16 > 0:13:18Dad, Mum doesn't want any strudel!

0:13:18 > 0:13:20Hilary, we've had this conversation.

0:13:22 > 0:13:25I know you've got two bathrooms.

0:13:25 > 0:13:30I know you've got a rotisserie oven and central heating.

0:13:30 > 0:13:35And you know your father worked his fingers to the bone

0:13:35 > 0:13:38to buy this house!

0:13:38 > 0:13:39SHE COUGHS

0:13:39 > 0:13:41I'll fetch some water.

0:13:41 > 0:13:42Ruth! Ruthie!

0:13:48 > 0:13:52Just so you know that I know what it is that we're all not mentioning.

0:13:52 > 0:13:56People have different ways of coping, Hilary.

0:13:56 > 0:13:59I know it's hard, but you have to take the lead from your mother.

0:13:59 > 0:14:00They tiptoe around everything!

0:14:00 > 0:14:03They won't even discuss the fact that the street's about to be knocked down!

0:14:03 > 0:14:05Have they had an eviction notice yet?

0:14:05 > 0:14:09My husband, Bernard, thinks that there must have been a compulsory purchase order,

0:14:09 > 0:14:11but that they've ignored it.

0:14:11 > 0:14:12They wouldn't tell us if they had.

0:14:37 > 0:14:38Hello!

0:14:39 > 0:14:41- So, if you take a seat over there. - Thank you.

0:14:49 > 0:14:51PATIENT: Hello, Dr Turner.

0:14:51 > 0:14:52Yes.

0:15:00 > 0:15:03I was told this was where to come to see a Nonnatus midwife.

0:15:03 > 0:15:06Did your last doctor give you a Co-operation card to pass on to us?

0:15:06 > 0:15:10I only saw him once, but he gave me this.

0:15:10 > 0:15:12Excellent, that's it.

0:15:12 > 0:15:15We'll get you transferred to our books straight away.

0:15:16 > 0:15:19I do rather envy you with this sensational coat.

0:15:19 > 0:15:21It's earning its keep at the moment, Nurse.

0:15:21 > 0:15:23I've got it on my back all day,

0:15:23 > 0:15:24and then on my bed to keep me warm at night.

0:15:24 > 0:15:26Where are you living?

0:15:26 > 0:15:29I was working up west for a couple of years,

0:15:29 > 0:15:32but I've just moved into digs off the Commercial Road.

0:15:32 > 0:15:34I grew up round here, so I thought I'd come home

0:15:34 > 0:15:36until after I've had the baby.

0:15:36 > 0:15:38Lots of friends and family, I expect.

0:15:38 > 0:15:42No. None. And that's the way I want it.

0:15:48 > 0:15:52Now, according to your notes, your blood group is rhesus negative,

0:15:52 > 0:15:54which can cause problems for the baby

0:15:54 > 0:15:58if it inherits a positive blood group from its father,

0:15:58 > 0:16:00but it doesn't affect first pregnancies.

0:16:00 > 0:16:02This one is my first.

0:16:02 > 0:16:04Well, then, it won't be a problem.

0:16:04 > 0:16:08Out of curiosity, do you know the baby's father's blood group?

0:16:08 > 0:16:11Nurse, I don't even know his phone number. Or his name.

0:16:23 > 0:16:25Ooh!

0:16:25 > 0:16:27Oh!

0:16:27 > 0:16:29Heavens to Murgatroyd!

0:16:29 > 0:16:33I imagine Nurse Anderson's journey has been delayed by poor weather.

0:16:33 > 0:16:36I'll put a salmon sandwich and a piece of pork pie aside for her.

0:16:36 > 0:16:39Would it be rude to ask what's going to happen to the gateau?

0:16:39 > 0:16:41I suppose that rather depends on whether

0:16:41 > 0:16:45it's covered in artificial cream or fresh.

0:16:45 > 0:16:49Fresh, I'm afraid. It isn't going to keep.

0:16:49 > 0:16:52In which case, that settles the question.

0:16:54 > 0:16:55THEY SQUEAL AND LAUGH

0:16:55 > 0:16:56Hoorah!

0:16:59 > 0:17:03Sister Monica Joan, if these power cuts are to continue,

0:17:03 > 0:17:05I think I have a task for you.

0:17:05 > 0:17:10My first responsibility is to ensure the consumption of this cake.

0:17:10 > 0:17:13I would not like our new helpmeet to be

0:17:13 > 0:17:16incommoded by the ingestion of spoiled cream.

0:17:28 > 0:17:30SHE SOBS

0:17:30 > 0:17:31Why can't I do it?

0:17:33 > 0:17:37The information about electricity rationing is published every day.

0:17:37 > 0:17:41We're in Area J, according to this table.

0:17:41 > 0:17:44We were given advance notice last night

0:17:44 > 0:17:49that Area J will be disconnected during Period 3.

0:17:52 > 0:17:55According to this table, Period 3 starts at 5pm.

0:17:56 > 0:18:00Their reliance on numerological formulae is

0:18:00 > 0:18:02almost akin to necromancy.

0:18:02 > 0:18:07Which is why I'd be so very grateful if you'd check the paper every day.

0:18:07 > 0:18:09If you give us the information, we can organise our work.

0:18:13 > 0:18:15Christopher!

0:18:15 > 0:18:18Would I be right in remembering you have a few hours off this afternoon?

0:18:18 > 0:18:22Barring emergencies, to which we are, of course, perennially prone,

0:18:22 > 0:18:23yes, you are!

0:18:23 > 0:18:26That's splendid. I've brought you a present.

0:18:27 > 0:18:28Alexandra!

0:18:31 > 0:18:34You can take the morphine orally for now, Mrs Gelin.

0:18:34 > 0:18:36No need for any injections,

0:18:36 > 0:18:38and Nurse Crane will explain the dose to you.

0:18:39 > 0:18:42I didn't want the bed brought downstairs.

0:18:42 > 0:18:46You'll be warmer, Mrs Gelin. And the stairs were troubling you.

0:18:46 > 0:18:49The damage to my paintwork is troubling me more!

0:18:52 > 0:18:54The bag has come away!

0:18:54 > 0:18:56Dr Turner, on your way out, could you call upstairs

0:18:56 > 0:19:00and tell Mrs Gelin's daughter we'll be needing a change of linen?

0:19:00 > 0:19:01Of course.

0:19:02 > 0:19:06No, no, no! Don't let Arnold see!

0:19:06 > 0:19:09Don't worry, don't worry. We'll soon have...

0:19:09 > 0:19:11we'll soon have that changed.

0:19:20 > 0:19:22Will the new nurse come today?

0:19:22 > 0:19:26I hope so, after all the hard work you've done on this snow lady.

0:19:26 > 0:19:28It's rather a shame we didn't give her any hands.

0:19:28 > 0:19:31A manicure would have finished her off perfectly!

0:19:31 > 0:19:35You could have one of our manicure lessons later, if you'd like.

0:19:35 > 0:19:37Don't you want to try a bit of my new nail varnish?

0:19:37 > 0:19:41It's Pomegranate Kiss. You've been longing for me to buy that one!

0:19:41 > 0:19:43My mummy says only tarts paint their nails.

0:19:47 > 0:19:49Oh, look, look, look! It's starting!

0:19:55 > 0:19:58Alexandra didn't realise what she was saying.

0:19:58 > 0:20:01I'm not sure she even knows what the word "tart" means!

0:20:02 > 0:20:04But she knew the way her mother said it.

0:20:04 > 0:20:06And that was enough.

0:20:06 > 0:20:08Moira is a very bitter woman.

0:20:08 > 0:20:11On the balance, it probably wasn't wise for me

0:20:11 > 0:20:13to take Alexandra home last week with bright pink fingernails.

0:20:13 > 0:20:16They weren't bright pink, Christopher!

0:20:16 > 0:20:19They were a sort of delicate salmon.

0:20:19 > 0:20:22Anyway, she'll be taking a lovely plate of Krispie Cakes home

0:20:22 > 0:20:25to her mummy this time, so perhaps my reputation will be restored.

0:20:25 > 0:20:26Your reputation is spotless.

0:20:26 > 0:20:29Your ex-wife called me a tart.

0:20:29 > 0:20:31I wouldn't mind, but we didn't even get to go skiing.

0:20:31 > 0:20:34What does skiing have to do with it?

0:20:34 > 0:20:37Well. We would've been away.

0:20:37 > 0:20:38Together. In Switzerland.

0:20:42 > 0:20:45Switzerland is hardly a separate moral universe, Christopher.

0:20:45 > 0:20:48We would've been staying in a hotel.

0:20:48 > 0:20:50And I still want us to stay in a hotel.

0:20:50 > 0:20:52I don't care if it isn't in Switzerland.

0:20:52 > 0:20:55I don't care if it's five minutes up the road in Epping Forest!

0:20:57 > 0:21:00I just want to be somewhere, with you,

0:21:00 > 0:21:02in a room where we can close the door

0:21:02 > 0:21:04and not be troubled by anyone else.

0:21:08 > 0:21:11I really don't think this is an appropriate location

0:21:11 > 0:21:12for this sort of talk.

0:21:16 > 0:21:19We have another picture postcard from Nurse Mount and Nurse Busby

0:21:19 > 0:21:22whose latest adventures involve a safari in Botswana.

0:21:25 > 0:21:27It's as well we found a new recruit.

0:21:27 > 0:21:29We shall just have to hope she turns up.

0:21:29 > 0:21:31I just spoke to the Matron,

0:21:31 > 0:21:33Nurse Anderson cleared her room

0:21:33 > 0:21:35at the Taunton Nurse's Home yesterday morning,

0:21:35 > 0:21:38and left on the early train.

0:21:38 > 0:21:41She's a young girl, travelling alone!

0:21:41 > 0:21:45If she doesn't materialise tonight, we have to notify the police.

0:21:49 > 0:21:53"Nurse Lucille Anderson, SRN, SCM.

0:21:53 > 0:21:58"Age 25. Not likely to be in uniform.

0:21:58 > 0:22:00"Height, unknown.

0:22:00 > 0:22:02"Hair colour, unspecified.

0:22:02 > 0:22:05"Eye colour, a matter of conjecture."

0:22:05 > 0:22:08I can hardly put five County Constabularies on alert

0:22:08 > 0:22:09with only that to go on.

0:22:09 > 0:22:11Nevertheless, Sergeant,

0:22:11 > 0:22:14no-one should vanish and not provoke concern.

0:22:14 > 0:22:17I leave you with the facts I have at my disposal.

0:22:19 > 0:22:22I'm sure Christopher was joking about the hotel in Epping Forest.

0:22:22 > 0:22:25He wasn't joking about the hotel.

0:22:25 > 0:22:27Or everything that that implies.

0:22:27 > 0:22:30He brought the subject up again when he telephoned today.

0:22:31 > 0:22:34Crumbs, thanks to the power cuts,

0:22:34 > 0:22:36I don't think we have a single set left clean.

0:22:37 > 0:22:42The thing is, Valerie, I'm not that sort of girl.

0:22:43 > 0:22:47And I've never been that sort of girl. Not once.

0:22:47 > 0:22:49In the whole of my life.

0:22:53 > 0:22:57I was knee deep in Test Yourself On Road Signs!

0:22:57 > 0:22:59Sister Monica Joan said there were no power cuts

0:22:59 > 0:23:00in our area till tomorrow.

0:23:00 > 0:23:02I should have checked the information she gave us.

0:23:02 > 0:23:05I asked too much of her, and she was mistaken.

0:23:05 > 0:23:07I was not mistaken!

0:23:07 > 0:23:10The statistical evidence was erroneous,

0:23:10 > 0:23:12and probably falsified

0:23:12 > 0:23:15by those who would conspire against society.

0:23:15 > 0:23:19Sister, you must not distress yourself.

0:23:19 > 0:23:22Anyone can make a mistake. I make them all the time.

0:23:22 > 0:23:25- SOBBING:- And not one of them is seized upon

0:23:25 > 0:23:27as proof of your...derangement!

0:23:27 > 0:23:29SHE SIGHS

0:23:29 > 0:23:33You are too swift to declare that my mind is infirm!

0:23:33 > 0:23:35That is not the case at all.

0:23:35 > 0:23:39We've all been under strain, and you are not invincible!

0:23:39 > 0:23:42And neither am I consigned to second childishness!

0:23:42 > 0:23:45"Sans teeth, sans taste,

0:23:45 > 0:23:47"sans eyes,

0:23:47 > 0:23:51"sans everything!"

0:23:53 > 0:23:54SHE SOBS

0:24:00 > 0:24:04WIND HOWLS

0:24:04 > 0:24:05SHE YELPS

0:24:14 > 0:24:17INSISTENT KNOCKING

0:24:20 > 0:24:22Come in, quick! Out of the snow!

0:24:23 > 0:24:25Do you need to see a midwife?

0:24:25 > 0:24:26I am a midwife.

0:24:28 > 0:24:30I'm Nurse Anderson.

0:24:30 > 0:24:32Lucille Anderson.

0:24:32 > 0:24:33Ah, of course you are!

0:24:33 > 0:24:35And I just fell over!

0:24:37 > 0:24:39I'm sorry we're in the middle of power cut!

0:24:39 > 0:24:42I'm sorry I'm late! I've been travelling for two days.

0:24:42 > 0:24:45- Have you brought a suitcase or anything?- I brought two,

0:24:45 > 0:24:46but I had to leave them behind,

0:24:46 > 0:24:49- when we were forced to evacuate the train.- Ah.

0:24:49 > 0:24:51VALERIE CHUCKLES

0:24:54 > 0:24:56Nothing a bit of Germolene won't fix.

0:24:58 > 0:25:00We couldn't have said the same if you'd had frostbite.

0:25:00 > 0:25:03My mother sent me the money for these fleece-lined boots

0:25:03 > 0:25:05the very first winter I was in Taunton.

0:25:05 > 0:25:07They stay in their box until this year.

0:25:08 > 0:25:11- Is Taunton where you did your training?- Yes.

0:25:11 > 0:25:15Quite a few of us arrived from the West Indies and went straight there.

0:25:15 > 0:25:17One hot water bottle, one cup of tea,

0:25:17 > 0:25:21one nip of the nuns' cooking brandy, and, of course, a candle.

0:25:21 > 0:25:25I feel like a cross between a St Bernard's Dog and Wee Willie Winkie.

0:25:25 > 0:25:28The Germans have ten feet of snow every winter,

0:25:28 > 0:25:30and they don't go abandoning trains on a whim.

0:25:30 > 0:25:34In all fairness, it wasn't really a whim.

0:25:34 > 0:25:36We were stuck in a sidings for 14 hours.

0:25:36 > 0:25:40So, I suggested to the guard we all just get out and walk.

0:25:40 > 0:25:42He took a modicum of persuading,

0:25:42 > 0:25:44but the sensible course of action was quite obvious.

0:25:49 > 0:25:51You'll breathe more easily sitting upright,

0:25:51 > 0:25:53at least until we get some oxygen organised.

0:25:53 > 0:25:56TELEPHONE RINGS

0:25:59 > 0:26:01Martin!

0:26:01 > 0:26:03Breathless?

0:26:03 > 0:26:04No.

0:26:04 > 0:26:09I just ran to the phone because I was so excited.

0:26:12 > 0:26:13Martin.

0:26:14 > 0:26:16Mum's lying.

0:26:20 > 0:26:22I've brought you a couple of pairs of my nylons, just to tide you over.

0:26:22 > 0:26:24And some brand-new thermal knickers,

0:26:24 > 0:26:27from the Order's official supply.

0:26:27 > 0:26:29I so appreciate your kindness.

0:26:29 > 0:26:32It's shoulders to the wheel at eight o'clock tomorrow morning!

0:26:32 > 0:26:34You make the most of your early night.

0:26:36 > 0:26:38- Sleep well!- Night.

0:26:38 > 0:26:40DOOR CLOSES

0:27:04 > 0:27:07I had to wake the poor lass up this morning,

0:27:07 > 0:27:09she slept through her alarm clock.

0:27:09 > 0:27:11What do you suppose our patients will say,

0:27:11 > 0:27:12about her being...coloured?

0:27:12 > 0:27:15One would hope they won't say anything.

0:27:15 > 0:27:18There have been West Indian nurses at St Cuthbert's for some time.

0:27:18 > 0:27:20Nevertheless, people can be frightfully ignorant.

0:27:20 > 0:27:23Hmm. And RUDE. Especially round here.

0:27:23 > 0:27:27Anyone saying anything sideways deserves to be corrected.

0:27:27 > 0:27:28The National Health was struggling,

0:27:28 > 0:27:31till all these girls started coming from the Commonwealth.

0:27:48 > 0:27:50Good morning, Nurse Anderson!

0:27:50 > 0:27:53I know you've already met Nurse Dyer and Nurse Franklin.

0:27:53 > 0:27:56- This is Sister Winifred. - Very pleased to meet you.

0:27:56 > 0:27:59- Likewise. You look very smart. - Thank you.

0:27:59 > 0:28:01Didn't you want any breakfast?

0:28:01 > 0:28:03We thought the smell of bacon might have tempted you!

0:28:03 > 0:28:05SHE MOANS, SLUMPING

0:28:05 > 0:28:08All right, sweetie, can you stand up for me?

0:28:08 > 0:28:10Sorry.

0:28:11 > 0:28:13She's got a raging temperature.

0:28:13 > 0:28:15No wonder you collapsed!

0:28:15 > 0:28:17Right, back up to bed with you!

0:28:18 > 0:28:21It's a rip-roaring bladder infection.

0:28:21 > 0:28:24Five days of lemon barley water

0:28:24 > 0:28:26and antibiotics ought to set her straight.

0:28:26 > 0:28:29No work for at least a week.

0:28:29 > 0:28:30I'll make sure she rests.

0:28:56 > 0:29:00Well, you have at least a couple of weeks to decide

0:29:00 > 0:29:02where you're going to have the baby.

0:29:02 > 0:29:05But, Nadine, I would say you'd have more support in the hospital,

0:29:05 > 0:29:07or a maternity home.

0:29:07 > 0:29:10I'll be on me own wherever I go, Nurse.

0:29:10 > 0:29:13I got used to hiding things, when I was working.

0:29:13 > 0:29:17I quite like the thought of just hiding, now.

0:29:17 > 0:29:19You've done nothing wrong, Nadine!

0:29:20 > 0:29:23We're here to take care of you and your baby.

0:29:25 > 0:29:27Can't even decide on a name for it.

0:29:28 > 0:29:31Because they change the names when babies get adopted.

0:29:32 > 0:29:35It doesn't seem worth it,

0:29:35 > 0:29:37picking something lovely,

0:29:37 > 0:29:38then it getting thrown away.

0:29:41 > 0:29:44Do you give out leaflets?

0:29:44 > 0:29:46About adoption?

0:29:46 > 0:29:48Yes. We do.

0:29:51 > 0:29:53SHE WINCES

0:30:08 > 0:30:09You may enter.

0:30:11 > 0:30:13I didn't want to disturb you.

0:30:13 > 0:30:16Oh! When I am fixed upon a task,

0:30:16 > 0:30:19the diminution of my attention is not possible.

0:30:19 > 0:30:25- I am led to understand you have a bladder disorder?- Yes.

0:30:25 > 0:30:27I was a little unwell when I set off for London,

0:30:27 > 0:30:29and the journey made matters worse.

0:30:32 > 0:30:34You have a wonderful book collection.

0:30:38 > 0:30:41There are whole worlds within their boards.

0:30:41 > 0:30:44"Much have I travell'd in the realms of gold,

0:30:44 > 0:30:48"And many goodly states and kingdoms seen."

0:30:48 > 0:30:51"Round many western islands have I been

0:30:51 > 0:30:54"Which bards in fealty to Apollo hold."

0:30:54 > 0:30:56You are acquainted with Mr Keats!

0:30:56 > 0:30:58I know him well.

0:30:58 > 0:31:00I was a librarian back home in Jamaica,

0:31:00 > 0:31:02before I came here to train as a nurse.

0:31:04 > 0:31:07Oh, dear! They're in a terrible jumble.

0:31:07 > 0:31:08Would you like them rearranged

0:31:08 > 0:31:11according to the Dewey Decimal System?

0:31:11 > 0:31:14They are aligned according to the understanding

0:31:14 > 0:31:19that exists between their authors and myself.

0:31:19 > 0:31:21No rearrangement is required.

0:31:25 > 0:31:30# He will not suffer thy foot to be moved... #

0:31:30 > 0:31:31Martin...

0:31:31 > 0:31:36# ..And he that keepeth thee will not sleep

0:31:36 > 0:31:40# The Lord himself is thy keeper

0:31:40 > 0:31:46# The Lord is thy defence upon thy right hand

0:31:46 > 0:31:52# So that the sun shall not burn thee by day

0:31:52 > 0:31:57# Yea, it is even he that shall keep thy soul

0:31:57 > 0:31:59# The Lord shall preserve... #

0:31:59 > 0:32:05LIQUID TRICKLES # ..Thy going out and thy coming in

0:32:05 > 0:32:11# From this time forth for evermore. #

0:32:11 > 0:32:14I do not care if regulations

0:32:14 > 0:32:20"do not permit private vehicles within designated demolition zones."

0:32:20 > 0:32:22I am engaged in delivering vital medical supplies

0:32:22 > 0:32:25on behalf of the National Health Service.

0:32:25 > 0:32:27Can't you get out and walk?

0:32:27 > 0:32:31As I have a large replacement tank of oxygen in my boot, I cannot.

0:32:31 > 0:32:33If you do not remove this barrier,

0:32:33 > 0:32:36I shall find myself obliged to confer with your superiors.

0:32:44 > 0:32:47How long is this going to go on for?

0:32:47 > 0:32:52The last time I examined you, your cervix was dilating nicely.

0:32:52 > 0:32:54Just a few more hours.

0:32:54 > 0:32:56Hours? Not days?

0:32:56 > 0:33:00Nobody's labour is allowed to go on for days, Nadine!

0:33:00 > 0:33:03Not in the modern world.

0:33:03 > 0:33:06And yours is progressing beautifully.

0:33:06 > 0:33:10I had to see this woman once, about a kid I didn't want to have.

0:33:10 > 0:33:13She did something with something sharp, and cold,

0:33:13 > 0:33:16but didn't let me see and then sent me on my way.

0:33:16 > 0:33:19Those pains went on for three days!

0:33:19 > 0:33:24- Was it this baby you were trying to get rid of?- No.

0:33:24 > 0:33:25When that one came away,

0:33:25 > 0:33:28it weren't much bigger than my hand.

0:33:28 > 0:33:32It was like a little bright-red doll.

0:33:33 > 0:33:35So, this isn't your first pregnancy?

0:33:35 > 0:33:38It's my first baby, isn't it?

0:33:38 > 0:33:42- It's all right, sweetie. - NADINE GROANS

0:33:42 > 0:33:44This time, we're going to try the gas.

0:33:57 > 0:33:59KNOCK AT DOOR

0:33:59 > 0:34:01I'll see to it, Mr Gelin!

0:34:05 > 0:34:08Good morning. Are you the proprietor of this vehicle?

0:34:08 > 0:34:11Yes, Sergeant Woolf. I am.

0:34:11 > 0:34:13It's causing an obstruction.

0:34:14 > 0:34:17May one enquire as to what, and to whom?

0:34:17 > 0:34:19Essential demolition work.

0:34:19 > 0:34:22Which appear to have ceased at the first sign of snow.

0:34:22 > 0:34:25This street is now the site of major public works.

0:34:25 > 0:34:27Your car is classified as a nuisance.

0:34:27 > 0:34:30And you are intruding on a private home.

0:34:30 > 0:34:33The council have informed us that as soon as the houses opposite

0:34:33 > 0:34:36have been levelled, then all the utilities on this side

0:34:36 > 0:34:39will be disconnected, and demolition will follow in short order.

0:34:39 > 0:34:42That won't be convenient, I'm afraid.

0:34:42 > 0:34:44I have an extremely poorly lady to take care of.

0:34:49 > 0:34:50What you doing, Nurse?

0:34:50 > 0:34:54I'm just checking Baby's position.

0:34:54 > 0:34:56It's always been a wriggler.

0:34:56 > 0:34:59Used to reckon if I decided to keep it,

0:34:59 > 0:35:01I could take it back to the Red Sesbania

0:35:01 > 0:35:03and get it a job as a contortionist!

0:35:03 > 0:35:07I can't promise it's going to appear in a spangled leotard,

0:35:07 > 0:35:11but it would seem we have a bit of a trickster on our hands.

0:35:12 > 0:35:14It's breech.

0:35:14 > 0:35:16- Is that bad?- Not bad.

0:35:16 > 0:35:18Just rather inelegant.

0:35:18 > 0:35:21I'm afraid it's poised to come out bottom first.

0:35:21 > 0:35:25I'm just going to knock next door and ask them to call Nonnatus House.

0:35:25 > 0:35:26SHE SOBS

0:35:26 > 0:35:29Sister Winifred, if you didn't damage the War Memorial,

0:35:29 > 0:35:31and you didn't damage Nurse Crane's car,

0:35:31 > 0:35:33I really don't think it counts as an accident.

0:35:33 > 0:35:35It counts as a failed manoeuvre.

0:35:35 > 0:35:39The only manoeuvres you need to be thinking about this afternoon

0:35:39 > 0:35:43are midwifery-related. You head off to the maternity home...

0:35:43 > 0:35:45- TELEPHONE RINGS - ..they've got three ladies there

0:35:45 > 0:35:47in labour - and I'll go and help Nurse Franklin with this breech.

0:35:47 > 0:35:50SHE SOBS

0:35:51 > 0:35:54Hello, Nonnatus House? Midwife speaking.

0:35:54 > 0:35:56SHE GRUNTS

0:35:59 > 0:36:01That was Sister Julienne.

0:36:01 > 0:36:04She's got undiagnosed twins, on the far side of the district.

0:36:08 > 0:36:11I'm sorry, Lucille. I know you're not well.

0:36:11 > 0:36:14But this is like when Churchill had every plane in the air

0:36:14 > 0:36:17in the Battle of Britain!

0:36:17 > 0:36:19Just give me a bicycle. And a map.

0:36:19 > 0:36:21You don't need a map!

0:36:23 > 0:36:24You follow me,

0:36:24 > 0:36:27and I'll drop you with Trixie and then go on to the twins case.

0:36:27 > 0:36:29SHE MOUTHS

0:36:29 > 0:36:31Something's happening in my back passage, Nurse!

0:36:31 > 0:36:33I think you're feeling the urge to push.

0:36:33 > 0:36:36But you must try not to, until we're sure you're fully dilated...

0:36:36 > 0:36:39- I can't help it! - Yes, you can, Nadine! Blow.

0:36:39 > 0:36:41Lots of short blows, like this.

0:36:41 > 0:36:43SHE PANTS SHALLOWLY, NADINE COPIES

0:36:43 > 0:36:45Just until I've managed to examine you!

0:36:45 > 0:36:47SHE WHIMPERS

0:36:47 > 0:36:52SHE GROANS

0:36:52 > 0:36:54Are you all right, Lucille?

0:36:54 > 0:36:56I'm in fine fettle!

0:36:56 > 0:36:58I've just never ridden on this kind of road before.

0:36:58 > 0:37:01- It's called cobblestones, you'll have to get used to them.- OK.

0:37:06 > 0:37:09Prop your bike here, then straight down that alleyway,

0:37:09 > 0:37:12up the stairs and look out for flat 9. Best of British!

0:37:15 > 0:37:19GROANS ECHO

0:37:19 > 0:37:20Nadine... Nadine, sweetie!

0:37:20 > 0:37:23We need to change your position.

0:37:23 > 0:37:25And you need to listen to me.

0:37:25 > 0:37:27SHE SIGHS

0:37:27 > 0:37:29CHILD SCREAMS NEARBY

0:37:29 > 0:37:33MAN COUGHS

0:37:37 > 0:37:40NADINE GROANS NEARBY

0:37:40 > 0:37:41I can't do it!

0:37:41 > 0:37:43Yes, you can...

0:37:43 > 0:37:45NADINE GROANS AND PANTS

0:37:46 > 0:37:48..and you have!

0:37:48 > 0:37:50You're exactly where we need you to be.

0:37:50 > 0:37:52Bottom right on the edge of the mattress,

0:37:52 > 0:37:56and one foot pushing down on each chair.

0:37:57 > 0:37:59- KNOCK AT DOOR - Midwife calling!

0:37:59 > 0:38:03- How many breech births have you seen?- Three.

0:38:03 > 0:38:07Two complete breech during hospital training, one frank on the district.

0:38:07 > 0:38:10Everything else is in my head, fresh as paint from my final exams!

0:38:10 > 0:38:12She started pushing before she was fully dilated.

0:38:12 > 0:38:17The last time I examined her, I felt a definite anterior lip of cervix.

0:38:17 > 0:38:20That doesn't matter now. The rest will unfold as it unfolds.

0:38:23 > 0:38:27With your next pain, Nadine, I want you to push.

0:38:27 > 0:38:29Can't you just pull it out, Nurse?

0:38:29 > 0:38:32Oh, we've got lots of party pieces up our sleeves if you need them.

0:38:32 > 0:38:36But right now, the more work you do, the better it is for Baby.

0:38:36 > 0:38:38Motherhood starts here... with a vengeance.

0:38:38 > 0:38:40SHE BLOWS

0:38:41 > 0:38:43SHE MOANS

0:38:43 > 0:38:45That's it, that's it. Keep it coming!

0:38:45 > 0:38:48SHE BEARS DOWN AND GROANS

0:38:50 > 0:38:52Nurse, something feels a bit funny.

0:38:53 > 0:38:56Let's see how things are coming along.

0:38:56 > 0:38:58- WET SQUELCH - I can feel a foot.

0:38:58 > 0:39:00Or a hand...

0:39:01 > 0:39:03"Toes are all the same length,

0:39:03 > 0:39:05"and the great toe cannot be abducted.

0:39:05 > 0:39:08"The os calcis or heel bone has no equivalent on the hand."

0:39:08 > 0:39:10It's a foot.

0:39:10 > 0:39:13Another one of those pushes when you're ready, Nadine.

0:39:13 > 0:39:16We're going to keep things moving slowly and steadily.

0:39:16 > 0:39:18SHE WHIMPERS

0:39:20 > 0:39:21Here it comes!

0:39:21 > 0:39:25SHE GROANS

0:39:25 > 0:39:26First foot.

0:39:26 > 0:39:28And the other one.

0:39:29 > 0:39:33Baby's born up to her tummy-button now, Nadine!

0:39:33 > 0:39:35You are a natural-born deliverer of babies!

0:39:35 > 0:39:38Now, Nadine, I want another one of those beautiful, steady pushes

0:39:38 > 0:39:41with your next pain. You'll know when.

0:39:41 > 0:39:42SHE WHIMPERS

0:39:44 > 0:39:47- SHE YELLS - Wonderful!

0:39:47 > 0:39:48Wonderful.

0:39:50 > 0:39:54Now I'm going to wrap Baby, to keep her warm

0:39:54 > 0:39:57and turn her just a quarter of a circle...

0:39:59 > 0:40:01..so that we have one arm...

0:40:03 > 0:40:05..and another!

0:40:06 > 0:40:07Oh, thank the Lord!

0:40:07 > 0:40:10But you're a clever girl, Nadine.

0:40:10 > 0:40:15Then I'm going to gently let go, and let her hang just for a moment.

0:40:15 > 0:40:17Gravity can do amazing things.

0:40:17 > 0:40:21It keeps our feet on the ground and bring babies down to earth.

0:40:25 > 0:40:28I can't see the neck or the hairline, Lucille...

0:40:28 > 0:40:30Extended head?

0:40:31 > 0:40:34Nadine, sweetie. Can you manage without Nurse Anderson behind you,

0:40:34 > 0:40:36- just for a minute?- Why?

0:40:36 > 0:40:40It's all right, darling. Just another game for the birth club.

0:40:42 > 0:40:47I need you to apply suprapubic pressure, as I manoeuvre the baby.

0:40:47 > 0:40:49WHIMPERING

0:40:49 > 0:40:50WET SQUELCHING

0:40:50 > 0:40:53SHE GROANS

0:40:53 > 0:40:56SHE SCREAMS

0:40:56 > 0:40:58- Mouth's free! - SHE SCREAMS

0:40:58 > 0:41:00And the nose is free.

0:41:00 > 0:41:02SHE SIGHS

0:41:02 > 0:41:05SHE BREATHES RAGGEDLY

0:41:09 > 0:41:11Extractor.

0:41:19 > 0:41:21WET SUCKING

0:41:27 > 0:41:30BABY WHIMPERS

0:41:31 > 0:41:33There.

0:41:33 > 0:41:35TRIXIE CHUCKLES

0:41:35 > 0:41:36BABY GURGLES

0:41:38 > 0:41:41Come on, Nadine. Good girl.

0:41:41 > 0:41:43That's it, good girl. That's it.

0:41:43 > 0:41:46BABY CRIES

0:41:49 > 0:41:53Do you want to hold your little girl, Nadine?

0:41:53 > 0:41:54I'm scared...

0:41:54 > 0:41:56No.

0:41:57 > 0:41:59You're brave.

0:42:01 > 0:42:04So unbelievably brave.

0:42:09 > 0:42:12BABY YELPS

0:42:12 > 0:42:14BABY QUIETENS

0:42:14 > 0:42:16And I wish we all had your courage.

0:42:22 > 0:42:24Baby's in surprisingly good condition,

0:42:24 > 0:42:27But the mother disclosed that this is her first live birth,

0:42:27 > 0:42:31not her first pregnancy. She had a back-street termination.

0:42:31 > 0:42:33So there may be rhesus complications after all.

0:42:33 > 0:42:37I've left the cord long in case baby needs a transfusion.

0:42:37 > 0:42:41Let's transfer them here, as soon as an ambulance can negotiate the snow.

0:42:41 > 0:42:43Thank you.

0:42:43 > 0:42:45REPLACES RECEIVER

0:42:46 > 0:42:48SHE SIGHS

0:42:52 > 0:42:54CAR HORN HONKS

0:43:01 > 0:43:03WORKMEN CLATTER AND BANG NEARBY

0:43:11 > 0:43:14Nurse, Nurse! Thank God you're here!

0:43:16 > 0:43:19DOOR CLOSES

0:43:25 > 0:43:26Ruth!

0:43:26 > 0:43:30I leave you overnight, and look at the spectacle that greets me.

0:43:30 > 0:43:33She started coughing, it turned to retching.

0:43:33 > 0:43:34It... It just poured out of her mouth.

0:43:34 > 0:43:36RUTH WHIMPERS

0:43:36 > 0:43:37Oh.

0:43:47 > 0:43:48I've got a treat for you!

0:43:48 > 0:43:52A heat lamp that bathes your poor nether regions

0:43:52 > 0:43:55in a lovely soothing glow!

0:43:55 > 0:43:57I feel like I've been riding on a bacon slicer.

0:43:57 > 0:44:00You have had quite a few stitches. Ooh!

0:44:00 > 0:44:02You don't sound too good either!

0:44:02 > 0:44:04SHE SIGHS

0:44:04 > 0:44:08Well, don't tell anyone, but midwifery's just my hobby.

0:44:08 > 0:44:12Evenings and weekends, I teach Toddler Tap and Baby Ballet

0:44:12 > 0:44:14at Madame Edith's School of Dance.

0:44:14 > 0:44:18I went to Madame Edith's! Down at the British Legion hall?

0:44:18 > 0:44:20It's at the Iris Knight Institute these days.

0:44:20 > 0:44:24Madame Edith's my aunt, but she's just retired to Frinton,

0:44:24 > 0:44:28and wants to sell the school as a going concern and buy a bungalow.

0:44:28 > 0:44:32I loved Madame Edith! She was the first person to ever make me

0:44:32 > 0:44:34feel like I was good at something.

0:44:36 > 0:44:38When will we know if she's going to be poorly?

0:44:38 > 0:44:41Any jaundice will start to show within the next day or so.

0:44:41 > 0:44:45It just looks like a bit of a sun tan at first.

0:44:47 > 0:44:51Patrick, what's your favourite European language?

0:44:51 > 0:44:52- English.- Wrong answer!

0:44:52 > 0:44:55You have choice of French, German,

0:44:55 > 0:44:58Spanish, Italian, Danish or Hungarian.

0:44:58 > 0:45:00We're getting an au pair.

0:45:00 > 0:45:04I imagine you're going to enlighten me as to what that is?

0:45:04 > 0:45:08It's a new Continental system of domestic help,

0:45:08 > 0:45:10in which young ladies wishing to improve their English

0:45:10 > 0:45:13lodge with British families in exchange for help

0:45:13 > 0:45:15with housework and childcare!

0:45:15 > 0:45:17So, I decided I'm getting an au pair.

0:45:17 > 0:45:19KNOCK AT DOOR

0:45:19 > 0:45:20Enter.

0:45:20 > 0:45:23I wondered if Doctor could come and have a look at Baby Mulvaney?

0:45:23 > 0:45:26I can see definite signs of jaundice.

0:45:27 > 0:45:29Can't I go with her?

0:45:29 > 0:45:31She's too little to go anywhere on her own.

0:45:35 > 0:45:37I saw the ambulance outside!

0:45:37 > 0:45:41Baby's being sent to St Cuthbert's, for an exchange transfusion.

0:45:43 > 0:45:46BRICKS SMASH

0:45:46 > 0:45:49CRASHING

0:45:49 > 0:45:52You were right, of course.

0:45:52 > 0:45:54Pulmonary haemorrhage.

0:45:54 > 0:45:57It's the secondaries in the lungs that are going to take her.

0:45:57 > 0:46:00I already knew the blinds were going down.

0:46:00 > 0:46:02She's taken no nourishment for three or four days.

0:46:02 > 0:46:04KNOCK AT DOOR

0:46:04 > 0:46:05Can I come in?

0:46:05 > 0:46:07It's your house, Mr Gelin.

0:46:07 > 0:46:08Come and sit down.

0:46:10 > 0:46:12You don't have to break the news.

0:46:12 > 0:46:16I knew as soon as she stopped polishing the candlesticks.

0:46:16 > 0:46:20Blood all over the bed, I didn't need to see...

0:46:20 > 0:46:24Are you getting any support from your synagogue, Mr Gelin?

0:46:24 > 0:46:26I haven't gone to synagogue for years.

0:46:26 > 0:46:29I paid my dues, but I just stopped going.

0:46:29 > 0:46:33The congregation got smaller, people moved away.

0:46:34 > 0:46:35I moved away.

0:46:36 > 0:46:37Up here.

0:46:39 > 0:46:40Even if I've never left this house.

0:46:40 > 0:46:43HAMMERING AT DOOR

0:46:43 > 0:46:45You can't throw them out!

0:46:46 > 0:46:49This is their house, and they have a right to stay here.

0:46:49 > 0:46:52The Council are confident that all the procedures

0:46:52 > 0:46:55have been observed, madam. I'm here to ensure they're carried out.

0:46:55 > 0:46:57Why don't you wait till my mother's carried out?

0:46:57 > 0:47:00- TEARFULLY:- In a bloody box!

0:47:01 > 0:47:02Go inside, lass.

0:47:07 > 0:47:10Would you be so kind as to step aside, sir?

0:47:10 > 0:47:13There are times when uniform speaks best to uniform,

0:47:13 > 0:47:14and this is one of them.

0:47:16 > 0:47:18Thank you, Nurse. What you'll find...

0:47:18 > 0:47:21I'm afraid you misconstrue, Sergeant Woolf.

0:47:21 > 0:47:24My uniform is going to talk to your uniform, not the other way around.

0:47:24 > 0:47:27And what my uniform says is this -

0:47:27 > 0:47:31there is a woman in this house who has days, or hours, to live.

0:47:31 > 0:47:35She came to Poplar more than 30 years ago, as a German Jew,

0:47:35 > 0:47:37to escape persecution.

0:47:37 > 0:47:39And if you hound her out of her house now,

0:47:39 > 0:47:43if you drag her from the bed where we are striving to keep her at peace

0:47:43 > 0:47:47and free from pain, you will have as much on your conscience

0:47:47 > 0:47:50as those who drove her from the place where she was born.

0:47:53 > 0:47:56I am not entirely without compassion, Nurse.

0:47:56 > 0:47:59My own grandparents came here from Russia.

0:48:01 > 0:48:02WIRE SNAPS

0:48:02 > 0:48:04And there goes the telephone wire!

0:48:04 > 0:48:07Her one link with her son in America!

0:48:07 > 0:48:09HE BLOWS WHISTLE

0:48:09 > 0:48:12The ties that bind can be so very fragile.

0:48:13 > 0:48:15Stay right where you are!

0:48:16 > 0:48:20Staying sober is about not giving in.

0:48:22 > 0:48:24Not letting go.

0:48:26 > 0:48:30Not allowing yourself to do the one thing that will make you happy.

0:48:31 > 0:48:33Self-discipline becomes a habit.

0:48:35 > 0:48:38Self-protection becomes a habit.

0:48:40 > 0:48:42And you think you're putting on armour,

0:48:42 > 0:48:44but in truth you're building a cage.

0:48:46 > 0:48:48And it's safe in a cage.

0:48:49 > 0:48:53You can even sing quite a satisfactory song,

0:48:53 > 0:48:54as I've discovered.

0:48:57 > 0:48:58But one way or another...

0:49:00 > 0:49:02..you're still behind bars.

0:49:03 > 0:49:05You just...

0:49:05 > 0:49:07aren't having anything to drink.

0:49:07 > 0:49:09SHE SOBS

0:49:14 > 0:49:17LABOURED BREATHING

0:49:21 > 0:49:24QUIETLY: Waiting for a passing is like waiting for a birth.

0:49:26 > 0:49:28We need things to keep us occupied.

0:49:34 > 0:49:37There's nothing to be afraid of, Arnold.

0:49:38 > 0:49:40Is she in pain?

0:49:41 > 0:49:44Her chest, it sounds as though it hurts her.

0:49:44 > 0:49:47Not any more. We've taken care of all of that.

0:49:49 > 0:49:51She's still Ruth.

0:49:51 > 0:49:53And she needs you.

0:49:58 > 0:50:01I've had the, er, telephone line repaired this morning,

0:50:01 > 0:50:05and there's a stay on all demolition work until further notice.

0:50:05 > 0:50:08If I could be informed when the, um,

0:50:08 > 0:50:11when the end comes, that would be appreciated.

0:50:11 > 0:50:14There are things I can set in train.

0:50:14 > 0:50:15Thank you, Sergeant.

0:50:15 > 0:50:18The East End's still good for some things, Doctor.

0:50:20 > 0:50:23SHE BREATHES SHALLOWLY

0:50:23 > 0:50:27If I never said I was grateful to you.

0:50:29 > 0:50:30I say it now.

0:50:31 > 0:50:36If I never said I was proud of the home that you kept,

0:50:36 > 0:50:39I say it now.

0:50:43 > 0:50:47If I didn't tell you that you were beautiful,

0:50:47 > 0:50:49when your face grew lined...

0:50:51 > 0:50:55..when you didn't have a new blouse from one summer's end to the next,

0:50:55 > 0:50:57I say it now.

0:50:59 > 0:51:02And if I didn't tell you that I loved you...

0:51:04 > 0:51:06- WEEPING:- ..I say it now.

0:51:14 > 0:51:16Missing you...

0:51:17 > 0:51:20..I will talk about tomorrow.

0:51:39 > 0:51:42They say they're going to discharge Elizabeth in a week or two.

0:51:42 > 0:51:44Elizabeth?

0:51:45 > 0:51:47That's a nice name.

0:51:47 > 0:51:50It sounds smart, and respectable.

0:51:51 > 0:51:54She can do a lot in life, with a name like Elizabeth.

0:51:54 > 0:51:56And I'm going to be around to watch her do it.

0:51:58 > 0:52:00Have you decided against adoption?

0:52:00 > 0:52:02I let her in, Nurse.

0:52:04 > 0:52:07I let her in, and it was like she tore me open!

0:52:07 > 0:52:09Not just my body,

0:52:09 > 0:52:12but my whole self.

0:52:12 > 0:52:16I'm not sure I even knew I had a whole self, until she came.

0:52:18 > 0:52:22Some people spend a lifetime waiting for love like that.

0:52:24 > 0:52:26And some people are just scared of it.

0:52:47 > 0:52:49TELEPHONE RINGS

0:52:49 > 0:52:52Gelin residence.

0:52:52 > 0:52:53This is Mrs Gelin's nurse speaking.

0:52:55 > 0:52:57Hello, Martin.

0:52:58 > 0:53:01I'm afraid your mother's just passed away.

0:53:31 > 0:53:33Your suitcases came!

0:53:35 > 0:53:38Apart from my church hats being a little bit squashed,

0:53:38 > 0:53:41they survived very well, all things considered.

0:53:45 > 0:53:49So did this! West Country Clotted Cream Fudge.

0:53:49 > 0:53:53My mother always told me never to turn up anywhere empty-handed.

0:53:56 > 0:53:59And I...put a hot water bottle under the eiderdown for you.

0:53:59 > 0:54:02I thought you might need it, coming from a death bed.

0:54:02 > 0:54:05Thanks, lass.

0:54:14 > 0:54:16SLOW JAZZ PLAYS NEARBY

0:54:16 > 0:54:20- I want my wages.- What wages?

0:54:20 > 0:54:23For the last two shows I did, and for covering Eve of Eden.

0:54:23 > 0:54:25I want my wages. And I'm not begging,

0:54:25 > 0:54:27because you don't like that.

0:54:29 > 0:54:31Have you pawned your mink?

0:54:31 > 0:54:35No. I sold it. I'm buying a dancing school.

0:54:35 > 0:54:37And I'm paying cash for the goodwill.

0:54:37 > 0:54:40I think the phrase you'd use is "decent, steady work".

0:54:44 > 0:54:46SONIA CLEARS HER THROAT

0:54:49 > 0:54:52Don't forget your self-respect on the way out.

0:54:53 > 0:54:55This is my self respect!

0:54:58 > 0:55:00HE KNOCKS

0:55:03 > 0:55:05You asked to see me.

0:55:05 > 0:55:08And I wasn't wholly sure I was going to be in favour or out of it

0:55:08 > 0:55:10- so I got you these.- Thank you.

0:55:14 > 0:55:17I think it's time that we booked that holiday, Christopher.

0:55:17 > 0:55:20The skiing holiday?

0:55:20 > 0:55:22If I may paraphrase,

0:55:22 > 0:55:26I just want to be somewhere, with you,

0:55:26 > 0:55:29in a room where we can close the door

0:55:29 > 0:55:32and not be troubled by anyone else for a while.

0:55:33 > 0:55:35I think we can manage that.

0:55:35 > 0:55:37You'll be fine, OK. Breathe in and out.

0:55:37 > 0:55:40In through the nose, and out through the mouth.

0:55:40 > 0:55:42Worked a treat for me, at El-Alamein.

0:55:42 > 0:55:43And have a piece of fudge.

0:55:43 > 0:55:45She's on her way to take her driving test.

0:55:45 > 0:55:48ENGINE STARTS

0:55:50 > 0:55:55THEY SING HEBREW MOURNING SONG

0:56:30 > 0:56:33ALL CLAP AND CHEER

0:56:41 > 0:56:45MATURE JENNIFER: It is not always sunshine that splits the seed

0:56:45 > 0:56:47cleaving the armour,

0:56:47 > 0:56:49releasing the shoot.

0:56:49 > 0:56:52Darkness makes the heart's case fragile.

0:56:52 > 0:56:54Pain breaks it open.

0:56:54 > 0:56:57Courage teases out the leaves

0:56:57 > 0:57:02and life unfurls and expands

0:57:02 > 0:57:05thrusting upwards into light.

0:57:08 > 0:57:10Oh, good afternoon, Mr Gelin!

0:57:10 > 0:57:12Oh!

0:57:12 > 0:57:14I can't linger.

0:57:14 > 0:57:18Hilary's outside, in the Rover, and she's scared someone'll scratch it.

0:57:19 > 0:57:21Are you off to live in Hendon, then?

0:57:21 > 0:57:25Hm. Her kitchen, you wouldn't believe it!

0:57:26 > 0:57:30And this is the last thing that came from mine.

0:57:30 > 0:57:33Strudel. Oh!

0:57:34 > 0:57:37- Oh, thank you.- You're welcome.

0:57:57 > 0:57:59She does look rather stern.

0:57:59 > 0:58:01Magdalena, meet the family.

0:58:01 > 0:58:02- Hello.- Oh.

0:58:02 > 0:58:05Get those curlers out or she'll look like she's just off the boat.

0:58:05 > 0:58:09I love the time that the three of us spend together.

0:58:09 > 0:58:12- Men? In a mothercraft class? - You know what you should do.

0:58:13 > 0:58:17- I miss her, Nurse.- Life really can change in the blink of an eye.