0:00:02 > 0:00:04- What business did you say you were in?- I didn't, Reverend.
0:00:04 > 0:00:08I did hear right, didn't I? Zoological gardens?
0:00:08 > 0:00:11I thought I'd dealt with every business under the sun.
0:00:11 > 0:00:13My late wife's family owned Oakfield.
0:00:13 > 0:00:14I had no idea.
0:00:14 > 0:00:17I need to talk to you about a member of our family.
0:00:20 > 0:00:23- What is all this? - There's a deadline.
0:00:23 > 0:00:26They've already moved a couple of man-eaters in there.
0:00:26 > 0:00:28This sort of thing can end a career, Ronald.
0:00:28 > 0:00:31Best kill off the whole venture now.
0:00:35 > 0:00:37SIREN RINGS
0:00:41 > 0:00:43We don't own any lions.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46- Tigers, then.- Well, we don't have any tigers either.
0:00:46 > 0:00:48Well, whatever they are, Mr Mottershead,
0:00:48 > 0:00:50they've got poor Mrs Pollard in a terrible spin.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53- He'll have a job explaining this. - A hell of a job.
0:00:53 > 0:00:57- Now then, Mrs Pollard, about these footprints.- Up there!
0:01:17 > 0:01:18What are you giving me that for?
0:01:18 > 0:01:22Well, they're your wild animals what are on the loose, Mr Mottershead.
0:01:22 > 0:01:24I keep, I keep...
0:01:50 > 0:01:52GROWLING >
0:02:03 > 0:02:04Find anything?
0:02:08 > 0:02:09Mr Mottershead?
0:02:09 > 0:02:10Bullocks.
0:02:10 > 0:02:12Just bullocks.
0:02:15 > 0:02:17'Our Zoo News. Edition three.
0:02:17 > 0:02:21'Running a zoo can be a dangerous business, but it's not always
0:02:21 > 0:02:25'animals that cause the trouble, sometimes it's people.'
0:03:07 > 0:03:09From a widow in the Wirral.
0:03:09 > 0:03:11Had them shipped all the way from Brazil,
0:03:11 > 0:03:14but the neighbours couldn't stand the squawking.
0:03:15 > 0:03:17That's neighbours for you.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20- Yeah. I wouldn't stand there too long.- Right.
0:03:23 > 0:03:25'The zoo is growing fast.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28'Recent arrivals include three disobedient macaws,
0:03:28 > 0:03:30'and a 100-year-old tortoise.
0:03:30 > 0:03:34'Each day brings new challenges, big and small,
0:03:34 > 0:03:37'but it's how the zookeeper deals with those challenges,
0:03:37 > 0:03:40'that's when you learn if he's really up to the job.'
0:03:40 > 0:03:42June! >
0:03:42 > 0:03:45DOOR OPENS, BELL RINGS
0:03:51 > 0:03:53Mum says, may we please buy a pint?
0:03:53 > 0:03:55You've a bottle?
0:03:57 > 0:03:58And money?
0:04:29 > 0:04:31Have I got a surprise for you!
0:04:31 > 0:04:34Please tell me it's the parabolic heaters for the reptile house.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37- You've already asked for parabolic heaters.- Several times.
0:04:37 > 0:04:39It wouldn't be much of a surprise then, would it. Ta-dah!
0:04:39 > 0:04:41Oh!
0:04:41 > 0:04:43Some sort of dragon?
0:04:43 > 0:04:45That's an iguana, that.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48Her name's Queenie. And long may she reign.
0:04:48 > 0:04:52- Billy, she's splendid!- She certainly is.- She's not heaters.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55No more animals! Not until we've got places to put them
0:04:55 > 0:04:57and ways to keep them warm. Promise me, Billy.
0:05:04 > 0:05:06It's a disaster.
0:05:07 > 0:05:08I disagree.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11Oh, go on, then, let's hear it.
0:05:11 > 0:05:16Well, we look upon this as an opportunity to change people's minds.
0:05:16 > 0:05:18To inform them and to inspire them.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21We go down there tonight, right, as a family.
0:05:22 > 0:05:24A united front, you mean?
0:05:24 > 0:05:27Yeah, exactly. Mother, what do you think?
0:05:29 > 0:05:32It would mean an awful lot if you were there.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35- Bit of wisdom in our corner. - Don't push it!
0:05:37 > 0:05:40Well, promise you're going to listen too,
0:05:40 > 0:05:42and not just chew their ears off.
0:05:42 > 0:05:44I'll make sure of it.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48Good. Well, then, you don't need me there.
0:05:50 > 0:05:52I'll stay and baby-sit June.
0:05:57 > 0:06:01You are not to come here. I made assurances to your grandmother.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04She can't tell me what to do. Not any more. I'm a woman. Over 16.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07Well, I'm a woman over 16 and she certainly told me.
0:06:07 > 0:06:11- In any case, I shall see you this evening.- You will?
0:06:11 > 0:06:13Of course. I'm coming to show my support.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17May I at least borrow some more records?
0:06:24 > 0:06:28Very arresting, Mr Whitmarsh, very arresting indeed.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31Yes, it's up to Upton, quite right.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39There's been talk of a sabre-toothed tiger.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41We've had it on good authority.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44But the sabre-toothed tiger, Mrs Radler, is extinct.
0:06:45 > 0:06:47I still wouldn't put it past them.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50Don't be clever, Barnaby. These are your patients, let's not forget.
0:06:50 > 0:06:54Oh, Dr Ford, our man of the medical sciences, just the chap.
0:06:54 > 0:06:56Do you have a moment?
0:07:02 > 0:07:04CRASHING AND BANGING >
0:07:11 > 0:07:12Oh!
0:07:14 > 0:07:16My best china!
0:07:16 > 0:07:18June!
0:07:18 > 0:07:20BUZZ OF CONVERSATION
0:07:23 > 0:07:25ROOM GOES QUIET
0:07:26 > 0:07:28Here, George, this is perfect.
0:07:43 > 0:07:45It's always a bit of a challenge,
0:07:45 > 0:07:48that moment at the start of any public meeting,
0:07:48 > 0:07:53when one must request silence, so my thanks to Mr Mottershead and family
0:07:53 > 0:07:55for removing that particular hurdle.
0:07:55 > 0:07:58We're very glad that you chose to be with us this evening.
0:07:58 > 0:08:02Now you can tell us what the hell's happening at Oakfield!
0:08:02 > 0:08:05We shall open up the meeting in a moment, Mr Fowler,
0:08:05 > 0:08:07though you do make a pertinent point,
0:08:07 > 0:08:11for the purpose of this evening's little get-together
0:08:11 > 0:08:14is indeed to determine whether the residents of Upton,
0:08:14 > 0:08:17this modest, Roman settlement,
0:08:17 > 0:08:21are in favour of the proposal to turn Oakfield House into a zoo, or not.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24To create an entertainment, of sorts,
0:08:24 > 0:08:27for day trippers from the inner cities.
0:08:27 > 0:08:31Or, as custodians of the local heritage,
0:08:31 > 0:08:33would we rather keep things,
0:08:33 > 0:08:37to borrow Mrs Hogg's expression from earlier, "just so"?
0:08:37 > 0:08:41That is the question. Needless to say, throughout our deliberations,
0:08:41 > 0:08:46I shall remain impartial, a conduit for frank and forthright discussion.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48But whatever is decided,
0:08:48 > 0:08:50I will represent our thoughts at the meeting
0:08:50 > 0:08:53of the Chester Council Planning Department on Friday morning.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58These are fine, Queenie, but whatever you do,
0:08:58 > 0:09:00don't go near Grandad's auriculas.
0:09:08 > 0:09:09You said he was allowed indoors.
0:09:09 > 0:09:14In your bedroom, yes. Not strutting about as if he owns the place.
0:09:14 > 0:09:15He'll have been annoyed at me -
0:09:15 > 0:09:18spending so much time with the iguana.
0:09:20 > 0:09:25You and all these animals, June, honestly. There's to be no more.
0:09:25 > 0:09:28Things are going to change. Starting tomorrow.
0:09:28 > 0:09:29Do you understand?
0:09:33 > 0:09:35Yes, Mr Fowler.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38Foreign animals bring diseases. It's a well-known fact.
0:09:38 > 0:09:40I've a list of them here.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43- A list of foreign animals? - Of diseases.- Oh.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45Even if we get a fraction of this lot,
0:09:45 > 0:09:47my herd won't know what's hit it.
0:09:47 > 0:09:51Who's to say we won't catch these diseases ourselves?
0:09:51 > 0:09:56Well, Mrs Radler, this is precisely why Dr Ford has kindly agreed
0:09:56 > 0:09:58to look into the medical implications for us.
0:10:01 > 0:10:02Isn't that right, Doctor?
0:10:05 > 0:10:08What does a zoo make us but Blackpool without the pier?
0:10:08 > 0:10:11They'll bring litter, these tourists, you wait.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14- They'll bring their alcohol, their coarse accents.- And their "ways".
0:10:14 > 0:10:17He knows we're right. Look, he's not denying it!
0:10:17 > 0:10:19CHORUS OF AGREEMENT
0:10:23 > 0:10:26Ahem. Um... Good evening.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29My name is George Mottershead.
0:10:29 > 0:10:33And I'd like to thank you for welcoming us here tonight.
0:10:35 > 0:10:39Like many of you here, I fought in the war.
0:10:39 > 0:10:43And I saw good men pay the highest price,
0:10:43 > 0:10:48and this conflict, it, um, it taught me the value of life.
0:10:48 > 0:10:50But not just human life...
0:10:52 > 0:10:54..but the lives of all things,
0:10:54 > 0:10:57all living creatures, great and small.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00What were you called in trenches? Sergeant Doolittle?
0:11:00 > 0:11:02LAUGHTER
0:11:03 > 0:11:07This zoo, it is...it's an enormous undertaking.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09But it brings with it rich rewards.
0:11:09 > 0:11:10Not just for us...
0:11:12 > 0:11:15..but for Upton and for the animals that we bring there.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20Be assured, every minute of every day
0:11:20 > 0:11:24is dedicated to getting this project off the ground.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27Get it off the ground and take it somewhere else.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32If the aim of this evening is debate,
0:11:32 > 0:11:35and I believe it is, we must let the gentleman speak.
0:11:38 > 0:11:40(She's on our side.)
0:11:40 > 0:11:42She's on somebody's side.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45Oakfield will be different. It'll be modern.
0:11:45 > 0:11:47It'll be like nothing you've seen before.
0:11:47 > 0:11:49Like the zoos on the Continent.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52A place where animals won't be hidden in cages,
0:11:52 > 0:11:55they'll be free to roam as they would in the wild.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58Oakfield will be a zoo without bars.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01Zoos without bars?! What next, prisons without walls?!
0:12:01 > 0:12:05- We've already had one escape. - No, no.- Last night.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07- Police came and everything. - They were your bullocks!
0:12:07 > 0:12:10- Who says they were? - Who'd keep bullocks in a zoo?
0:12:10 > 0:12:14- You tell us.- What if these lions go near the school? I've got children!
0:12:14 > 0:12:16- I've got three! - Then bring them, please!
0:12:16 > 0:12:19Bring them to the zoo. Let them see it for themselves.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21They won't be coming anywhere near!
0:12:21 > 0:12:25We don't want your suburban safari. Not round here.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28- Aye, go on, off with ya, sling your hook. - APPLAUSE
0:12:36 > 0:12:38MUSIC PLAYS LOUDLY
0:12:48 > 0:12:50We leave in 20 minutes.
0:12:50 > 0:12:52I have to feed the animals.
0:12:52 > 0:12:54- There's no time.- They need feeding.
0:12:54 > 0:12:56And somebody will feed them.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59But you're not turning up late, not on your first day.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15Hey! I need that!
0:13:15 > 0:13:18I'm writing to the council, love, for their planning meeting.
0:13:18 > 0:13:19Got to get ourselves heard.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22You'll get it back by the time you finish the feed.
0:13:22 > 0:13:26I can't do the feed. I have to go to school.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29- Says who?- 19 minutes.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32You'll have to do it.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35- I can't, I'm doing the bears. - Grandad, then.- He's doing the birds.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40You could tell Gran I can't go.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49Mew, I need you to feed the animals, please, love.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52- But I'm no good with animals.- Well, then, it's your chance to learn.
0:13:52 > 0:13:56Sooner we get this place up and running, sooner we can show the locals what we're about.
0:13:56 > 0:13:58The locals don't want to know.
0:13:58 > 0:13:59They were laughing at us, Dad.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02They were laughing at you.
0:14:12 > 0:14:14Look after the animals, please.
0:14:14 > 0:14:16Especially the bears, they've not been well.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31One last time. Animals fed by noon, keep the kitchen window open
0:14:31 > 0:14:34so the iguana can hear Gran's wireless,
0:14:34 > 0:14:37- and it's soft greens only for Llewellyn.- Who?
0:14:37 > 0:14:41- The tortoise. It's his teeth.- What's wrong with them?- He hasn't got any.
0:14:41 > 0:14:43We're leaving. >
0:14:43 > 0:14:46- Have you got all that?- Now!
0:14:46 > 0:14:48Tell Mortimer I'll be back to give him his tea!
0:15:01 > 0:15:02Where's the V?
0:15:04 > 0:15:07Where's the V? There's no V, don't tell me we've got one with no V.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09Here.
0:15:09 > 0:15:11You dictate, go on.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17"Oakfield Zoological Gardens will be...
0:15:17 > 0:15:19"..will be revolutionary.
0:15:19 > 0:15:21"Revolutionary.
0:15:21 > 0:15:27"A place that draws inspiration from animal houses across Europe,
0:15:27 > 0:15:31"to house animals from across the world.
0:15:32 > 0:15:36"A community focal point, a source of employment,
0:15:36 > 0:15:40"its visitors will be as happy as the animals...
0:15:40 > 0:15:45"as the exotic creatures that they come to see."
0:15:45 > 0:15:48This is it, George, this is just the tone.
0:15:49 > 0:15:51I think five yards over, don't you?
0:15:53 > 0:15:54The bear enclosure.
0:15:58 > 0:16:01They've the exact same design at Hamburg Zoo.
0:16:01 > 0:16:05Put that in, and don't forget to mention the cafe. And the plants.
0:16:05 > 0:16:09And the group discount, if that's what we're still offering.
0:16:09 > 0:16:11They won't win, love. These people.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13All in the palm of his hand.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16- The palm of whose hand?- Webb's.
0:16:16 > 0:16:17He said he was impartial, George.
0:16:19 > 0:16:21- Do you believe that?- Yes, I do.
0:16:21 > 0:16:23He's a reverend.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28I'll make this place so impressive that no matter what he tries,
0:16:28 > 0:16:30they'll have no choice but to like it.
0:16:58 > 0:17:00Here we go, look.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03I tell you what, for a family everyone's sick of the sight of,
0:17:03 > 0:17:05they don't mind showing their faces.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10It's too tight. What if I stop breathing altogether?
0:17:10 > 0:17:14- You'll be held responsible. - Stop whining or I really will be.
0:17:15 > 0:17:18- Mrs Mottershead.- Reverend. - How is George?
0:17:18 > 0:17:22I worry he'll be thinking last night didn't quite go his way.
0:17:22 > 0:17:24Well, then, come Sunday, Mrs Mottershead,
0:17:24 > 0:17:27we shall make sure to say a prayer.
0:17:27 > 0:17:31Really? For George? Oh, Reverend, thank you.
0:17:32 > 0:17:34Now then, young lady.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37What subject are we most hoping to find at our Little Church School?
0:17:37 > 0:17:39Zoology.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42GROWLING
0:17:48 > 0:17:50Ugh!
0:17:54 > 0:17:57WATER TRICKLES
0:17:57 > 0:17:59Oh! You haven't even drunk anything yet!
0:18:05 > 0:18:09Now, June. Why don't you take a seat next to Norman?
0:18:10 > 0:18:13- Norman? - Mum says I'm not to go near them.
0:18:13 > 0:18:15- Near whom?- The Mottersheads.
0:18:15 > 0:18:16My mum says the same.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19- They've got germs. - Because they sleep in cages.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21My dad says they're feral.
0:18:21 > 0:18:26"Feral"? Does anyone here know what that word means?
0:18:28 > 0:18:29It means Gypsies.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32GIGGLING
0:18:55 > 0:18:57Mr Mottershead?
0:18:59 > 0:19:02It's Archie, sir. Archie Radler.
0:19:03 > 0:19:05The shopkeeper's lad.
0:19:07 > 0:19:08You were at the meeting.
0:19:09 > 0:19:12I didn't agree with what got said.
0:19:13 > 0:19:15Except what got said by you.
0:19:21 > 0:19:23Is...Muriel home?
0:19:33 > 0:19:38He's hiding away in his work. Burying his head, like an ostrich.
0:19:38 > 0:19:40Don't tell him that.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43Put an idea in his head, a word like that.
0:19:47 > 0:19:49I'm worried, Albert.
0:19:50 > 0:19:52I know you are, love.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57But that is going to be one hell of a bear enclosure.
0:20:02 > 0:20:03Ahem.
0:20:03 > 0:20:05The letter box is around the front.
0:20:05 > 0:20:10I'm not delivering letters. Not here. I came to see you.
0:20:12 > 0:20:16At the meeting last night, you seemed...upset.
0:20:16 > 0:20:20So I thought I'd, you know, check you were all right.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32I'm meant to be looking after the animals. The bears especially.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38There are bears?! Here, in Upton?!
0:20:38 > 0:20:41Yes, Einstein. It's a zoo.
0:20:41 > 0:20:43Can I see 'em?
0:20:43 > 0:20:45See 'em?
0:20:46 > 0:20:47You can feed 'em if you like.
0:20:50 > 0:20:52Follow me.
0:21:00 > 0:21:02That's the trough down there.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05GRUNTING
0:21:07 > 0:21:10- You don't have to.- No. I want to.
0:21:16 > 0:21:18GRUNTING AND SNORTING
0:21:31 > 0:21:33Do I run or move slowly?
0:21:33 > 0:21:34Your voice has gone all high.
0:21:34 > 0:21:39- Fast or slow? Mew!- Well, I don't see the point in hanging around.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53It's because he doesn't know me.
0:21:53 > 0:21:55If I went back again, he'd be fine.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58We're about to find out. You forgot the bag of feed.
0:22:04 > 0:22:05I'd better get back to my round.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07Oh, come on.
0:22:07 > 0:22:09Don't be like that.
0:22:09 > 0:22:10Archie!
0:22:21 > 0:22:23We've written a letter to the planning committee.
0:22:23 > 0:22:27It's our vision for the zoo - what we're doing, and how we're doing it.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29I'll deliver it personally.
0:22:29 > 0:22:30Thank you...
0:22:32 > 0:22:34- Frankie.- ..Frankie.
0:22:35 > 0:22:37There's all sorts of rumours flying, you see.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40Mrs Mottershead, it'll get there, I promise.
0:22:42 > 0:22:43I think a zoo is a splendid idea.
0:22:47 > 0:22:49What is a zoo without bars when it's at home?
0:22:49 > 0:22:51Is that even a zoo?
0:22:51 > 0:22:55It's these tropical diseases. That's the phrase ringing in my ears.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58And Dr Ford is hard at work diagnosing the risks.
0:22:58 > 0:23:00His report is due any day.
0:23:00 > 0:23:03And what if we're attacked by one of these "roaming beasts"?
0:23:03 > 0:23:07- What then?- Then they'll be shut down immediately, no question.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10- It's worrying. - It's bloody terrifying!
0:23:10 > 0:23:17Ladies, in my official capacity, I am of course impartial,
0:23:17 > 0:23:20but as a resident, as a Christian, well...
0:23:20 > 0:23:24the idea that we might be in any sort of danger sits most uncomfortably.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28So what...what would you do, Reverend?
0:23:28 > 0:23:30In your position?
0:23:33 > 0:23:35I'd visit Selborne Hall.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38Lord Ainslie's the biggest landowner in the parish.
0:23:38 > 0:23:42The thoughts of Lady Katherine would therefore be taken very seriously.
0:23:42 > 0:23:46It would do no harm at all to remind her of the mood in the village.
0:23:46 > 0:23:48You really think she'd listen?
0:23:48 > 0:23:50To you, Mrs Radler?
0:23:51 > 0:23:52I don't doubt it.
0:24:01 > 0:24:04Give me the good news, Henning, I've waited long enough.
0:24:04 > 0:24:06The parabolic heaters, Henning.
0:24:06 > 0:24:09They arrived last night.
0:24:09 > 0:24:11We sold them this morning.
0:24:12 > 0:24:14- We had an agreement.- You were late.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16The van was playing up.
0:24:16 > 0:24:20But... I've got something better.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22From New Zealand.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26They arrive Tuesday.
0:24:26 > 0:24:27Pint?
0:24:27 > 0:24:29PHONE RINGS
0:24:29 > 0:24:32- Councillor Tipping's office? - 'Is the Councillor available?'
0:24:32 > 0:24:36- Who's calling, please?- 'This is Tim Gascoigne from the Chester Herald.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39'Just looking to see if anyone's put in for a planning request
0:24:39 > 0:24:43- 'to build a zoo.'- The zoo in Upton? - 'So it's definitely true, then?'
0:24:49 > 0:24:51DULL THUD
0:25:01 > 0:25:04I've been doing what you wanted. Feeding the animals.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07- But Archie left the feed in the bear stable.- Then go get it.
0:25:07 > 0:25:10I can't, they won't let me. One of them's angry.
0:25:12 > 0:25:14- Which one? - I can't tell the difference.
0:25:29 > 0:25:31Watch.
0:25:31 > 0:25:32GRUNTING
0:25:34 > 0:25:36Go on!
0:25:43 > 0:25:46Strong, with confidence, and without rushing.
0:25:55 > 0:25:57See?
0:26:06 > 0:26:08Sleeping. That's good.
0:26:45 > 0:26:47Hey, get off!
0:26:47 > 0:26:49No, I don't think so.
0:26:49 > 0:26:53- Are those your friends?- Or are you just trying to look after them?
0:26:53 > 0:26:56They're beetles. They don't need looking after.
0:26:56 > 0:26:57CRUNCHING
0:26:59 > 0:27:00They do now.
0:27:04 > 0:27:08Right...no more messing about.
0:27:08 > 0:27:09Mortimer!
0:27:12 > 0:27:14Mortimer?
0:27:23 > 0:27:24June!
0:27:26 > 0:27:27Go away!
0:27:33 > 0:27:35June? How was it?
0:27:35 > 0:27:39I'm not talking to you. I'm not talking to any more humans.
0:27:40 > 0:27:42Where's Mortimer?
0:27:43 > 0:27:44Mortimer?
0:27:52 > 0:27:53Mortimer...
0:27:53 > 0:27:55RADIO PLAYS
0:28:01 > 0:28:04Mortimer?
0:28:05 > 0:28:07Mortimer?
0:28:07 > 0:28:09< CHATTERING
0:28:16 > 0:28:18What's the matter?
0:28:22 > 0:28:23Oh, don't be scared.
0:28:42 > 0:28:45Whatever they're like, those children, don't let 'em get to you.
0:28:45 > 0:28:46Promise?
0:28:57 > 0:29:01Other people's views are always far more interesting, don't you find?
0:29:01 > 0:29:03You wouldn't want mine, your ladyship.
0:29:03 > 0:29:07I don't know about that. Right in the heart of the village.
0:29:07 > 0:29:11If you look closely enough, you can almost see Oakfield.
0:29:13 > 0:29:16There are a lot of people in this village who worry about
0:29:16 > 0:29:20- what they're doing over there. - Are you one of them, Mrs Radler?
0:29:20 > 0:29:22I'd be lying if I said I wasn't.
0:29:24 > 0:29:28- What would your uncle make of it all?- I've no idea.
0:29:28 > 0:29:32He'd presumably have Upton's best interests at heart.
0:29:33 > 0:29:36He's a good man, George Mottershead.
0:29:36 > 0:29:39Gutsy. Stands up for what he believes in.
0:29:40 > 0:29:44I wonder, if your situations were reversed,
0:29:44 > 0:29:46would he be sneaking around plotting?
0:29:46 > 0:29:51I'm not sure he would. I rather think he'd be better than that.
0:30:16 > 0:30:18KNOCKING AT DOOR
0:30:23 > 0:30:26Mrs Mottershead? Tim Gascoigne from the Herald.
0:30:26 > 0:30:29- I thought I could be of some assistance.- You did?
0:30:29 > 0:30:32A piece in the paper. Publicity by way of an interview, that sort of thing.
0:30:32 > 0:30:37- It's quite some story you've got here. If it's true.- It is true.
0:30:37 > 0:30:40- Delighted to hear it.- Come in!
0:30:40 > 0:30:43- As long as I'm not intruding. - Not for a minute.
0:30:49 > 0:30:50Just to the right.
0:30:52 > 0:30:56And besides, there's no such thing as bad publicity.
0:30:56 > 0:30:59Yes, a lot of people seem to think that.
0:31:09 > 0:31:12- Whatever it is, Dad, it'll have to wait.- I'm helping.
0:31:13 > 0:31:15It's tough work this, Dad.
0:31:15 > 0:31:17Exactly.
0:31:17 > 0:31:20Dad, put it down.
0:31:21 > 0:31:25Listen, we can either waste time arguing or get this thing dug.
0:31:25 > 0:31:26- George?- Up to you.
0:31:26 > 0:31:28Look, just...
0:31:28 > 0:31:29Dad!
0:31:43 > 0:31:45What?
0:31:48 > 0:31:52Think of it as a way to get the word out. Set people straight.
0:31:52 > 0:31:56- He'll be one of them, Lizzie. - Ssh!- He'll be one of them.
0:31:56 > 0:31:59The opposition. Bound to be.
0:31:59 > 0:32:03Just talk to him. He seems nice enough.
0:32:03 > 0:32:05He's keen to meet you.
0:32:05 > 0:32:07Will you do that?
0:32:09 > 0:32:12- Where is he?- He's having tea. - Who with?
0:32:13 > 0:32:16Oh, so plants as well as animals, you say?
0:32:16 > 0:32:18A zoological garden.
0:32:18 > 0:32:20And you'd have preferred him
0:32:20 > 0:32:22to have focused on one aspect rather than the two?
0:32:22 > 0:32:24No aspects would have done me.
0:32:24 > 0:32:28You know, they wonder why there's been a rumpus.
0:32:28 > 0:32:29Rumpus?
0:32:29 > 0:32:33In Upton. They don't want us anywhere near them.
0:32:33 > 0:32:36Mr Gascoigne. My apologies.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39I was just approving some preliminary design work
0:32:39 > 0:32:41to a new enclosure of ours. Please.
0:32:41 > 0:32:43Thank you.
0:32:43 > 0:32:46I don't mind admitting, I'm rather excited.
0:32:46 > 0:32:50Meeting a man who believes he can create a zoo in Chester,
0:32:50 > 0:32:52of all places, that's fascinating.
0:32:52 > 0:32:56May I ask, how does one become qualified for such a job?
0:32:56 > 0:33:00I mean, they can't just leave anyone in charge of wild beasts.
0:33:00 > 0:33:03Then we really would be in a state!
0:33:03 > 0:33:04Yeah.
0:33:08 > 0:33:10But in all seriousness.
0:33:31 > 0:33:35- You all right, lad? - That's wonderful.- Thank you.
0:33:35 > 0:33:36What's in the box?
0:33:45 > 0:33:46Arrived with a damaged wing.
0:33:46 > 0:33:48Careful.
0:33:52 > 0:33:54Injured, is she?
0:33:54 > 0:33:58He. You can tell by the markings.
0:33:58 > 0:34:00The males are always much brighter.
0:34:00 > 0:34:03It's because, you know, they're so desperate to impress the females.
0:34:03 > 0:34:05Is that right?
0:34:06 > 0:34:08Archie, you've gone all red.
0:34:11 > 0:34:14Happy animals make for a happy zoo.
0:34:14 > 0:34:17Do feel free to use that exact phrase, Mr Gascoigne.
0:34:17 > 0:34:20That's not to say we don't want to draw the crowds. On the contrary,
0:34:20 > 0:34:24there will be a number of what I'm calling star attractions.
0:34:24 > 0:34:26Such as?
0:34:26 > 0:34:28Bears.
0:34:28 > 0:34:29Camels.
0:34:29 > 0:34:32Monkeys. Iguanas.
0:34:33 > 0:34:37And those are just the ones that we have here now.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40I think, if you actually saw the animals and the way they're housed,
0:34:40 > 0:34:43- you'd soon see the potential. - What an invitation!
0:34:47 > 0:34:51Finish your tea first, Mr Gascoigne. No-one's in a rush.
0:35:00 > 0:35:04There's a journalist here. Being shown round.
0:35:04 > 0:35:05We need this place looking ready.
0:35:05 > 0:35:08- I'll leave you to it. - No, you won't. You're helping.
0:35:08 > 0:35:10- We'll get the birds in. - You have more?
0:35:10 > 0:35:13Yeah, we've got dozens. It's getting them over here that's the problem.
0:35:13 > 0:35:15I know!
0:35:22 > 0:35:24Forget what's in it, just empty it.
0:35:26 > 0:35:28BELL RINGS
0:35:29 > 0:35:31Everyone listening?
0:35:31 > 0:35:34After lunch, we'll be preparing for Friday's test.
0:35:34 > 0:35:39Empire capitals. That's any country on your maps that's pink.
0:35:44 > 0:35:46What if we weren't given a map?
0:35:46 > 0:35:48Oh, then that's easy. You fail.
0:35:48 > 0:35:50THEY LAUGH
0:35:50 > 0:35:52- Ow!- June Mottershead!
0:35:52 > 0:35:57Barbara Pollard is your classmate, not some creature to be manhandled.
0:35:57 > 0:35:59Come here.
0:36:05 > 0:36:07They're horrid.
0:36:07 > 0:36:10Now this is all about the sight-lines.
0:36:10 > 0:36:14Instead of your traditional windows and walls set-up,
0:36:14 > 0:36:17which provides a barrier between the visitor and the bears,
0:36:17 > 0:36:22in this case, what we have here is more of a...
0:36:22 > 0:36:24Ditch?
0:36:25 > 0:36:27It may look like that at the minute, Mr Gascoigne,
0:36:27 > 0:36:31I understand your joke, but it won't when it's finished.
0:36:31 > 0:36:37Now, you see, the animals will be right there,
0:36:37 > 0:36:40in plain view, in touching distance,
0:36:40 > 0:36:43and the visitors will be completely and utterly safe.
0:36:43 > 0:36:45It's cutting edge is this.
0:36:47 > 0:36:48An invisible fortress.
0:36:48 > 0:36:52- They've the same design in Hanover. - Hamburg.
0:36:52 > 0:36:54They've the same design in Hamburg.
0:36:56 > 0:36:58This way, if you please, Mr Gascoigne.
0:37:11 > 0:37:15And here, a structure to get every visitor talking.
0:37:16 > 0:37:18I can't disagree with you there.
0:37:18 > 0:37:21It'll take work. No-one's saying it won't.
0:37:21 > 0:37:25But think. Every pane replaced, the framework restored.
0:37:25 > 0:37:29You're looking at a reptile house to rival any in Europe.
0:37:35 > 0:37:37There'll be a pelican around here somewhere.
0:37:37 > 0:37:39What's in here?
0:37:44 > 0:37:46Goodness!
0:37:46 > 0:37:47What a thing.
0:37:50 > 0:37:53- Is it dangerous? - Who, Sidney? No.
0:37:56 > 0:37:57Stroke him if you like.
0:38:01 > 0:38:05Came to us in a bit of a sorry old state, did Sidney.
0:38:05 > 0:38:07Fur all matted and bits missing.
0:38:07 > 0:38:11That's what life giving rides in a circus does for you.
0:38:12 > 0:38:15George got him back to full health.
0:38:18 > 0:38:19Hello, Sidney.
0:38:19 > 0:38:21Oh!
0:38:21 > 0:38:24That's never happened before. Never.
0:38:24 > 0:38:27The fact you have a towel to hand, Mr Mottershead,
0:38:27 > 0:38:29would suggest otherwise.
0:38:30 > 0:38:32That's not a new suit that, is it?
0:38:32 > 0:38:34No, no, it's my grandfather's.
0:38:35 > 0:38:38I tell you what, if he'd have known it would end up here
0:38:38 > 0:38:41after all these years, in the line of fire...
0:38:43 > 0:38:45..he'd have chuckled.
0:38:46 > 0:38:49Look, I'd best be going.
0:38:49 > 0:38:51It's a quick sandwich for me in Upton,
0:38:51 > 0:38:53then back to Chester to file my copy.
0:38:53 > 0:38:57But there's one more thing you have to see.
0:39:04 > 0:39:06Come on.
0:39:06 > 0:39:09Come on, come on. Yeah.
0:39:09 > 0:39:12Oh, look, that one doesn't want to fly.
0:39:25 > 0:39:26There you go.
0:39:31 > 0:39:32Look at that.
0:39:35 > 0:39:38The way they fly!
0:39:39 > 0:39:40It's wonderful.
0:40:09 > 0:40:11Afternoon.
0:40:15 > 0:40:16What was it like today?
0:40:18 > 0:40:20You had a nice time?
0:40:22 > 0:40:25Well, I'll take you again tomorrow if you like?
0:40:25 > 0:40:28Don't worry. I can go by myself.
0:40:28 > 0:40:32Even so, I could do with the walk.
0:40:46 > 0:40:48What happened to the journalist?
0:40:49 > 0:40:50Do you know what?
0:40:50 > 0:40:54For the first time, I think someone else could see the potential.
0:40:56 > 0:40:58Better get some timber down, then.
0:41:19 > 0:41:24"George Mottershead, by far Oakfield's most exotic attraction,
0:41:24 > 0:41:27"has assembled not so much a zoo
0:41:27 > 0:41:31"as a collection of vermin, pests and circus rejects.
0:41:31 > 0:41:35"Residents hoping to prevent the zoo from opening may draw comfort
0:41:35 > 0:41:39"from the fact Mottershead seems hell bent on doing the job for them.
0:41:39 > 0:41:42"The animals will mingle dangerously with their visitors.
0:41:42 > 0:41:47"The historic Oakfield grounds now resemble a modern-day battlefield.
0:41:47 > 0:41:48"Even his staff...
0:41:48 > 0:41:52"..currently members of his own family, seem far from convinced.
0:41:52 > 0:41:54"As one highly respected resident put it...
0:41:54 > 0:41:56"For the sake of the local community,
0:41:56 > 0:41:59"and in the interest of animals everywhere,
0:41:59 > 0:42:02"Oakfield Zoo should stay exactly as it is - closed."
0:42:04 > 0:42:06Has George seen this?
0:42:10 > 0:42:13Your local papers. I want to buy them all.
0:42:13 > 0:42:20But Mr Mottershead, I've just this second sold my very last one.
0:42:24 > 0:42:27- Get them all in?- Eventually.
0:42:30 > 0:42:33- Owt else? - I'm in enough trouble as it is.
0:42:35 > 0:42:37- Billy?- Yeah?
0:42:39 > 0:42:41In case of emergencies.
0:43:16 > 0:43:20- ENGINE STRUGGLES - Come on, good girl, come on.
0:43:42 > 0:43:44ENGINE FALTERS
0:43:44 > 0:43:46Billy?
0:43:52 > 0:43:54And next on the agenda
0:43:54 > 0:44:00is the proposed zoo at Oakfield House in Upton.
0:44:00 > 0:44:03I'd like to welcome the Reverend Aaron Webb,
0:44:03 > 0:44:07here on behalf of the Upton Parish Council.
0:44:07 > 0:44:13I hear they came to your meeting, these Mottershead people.
0:44:14 > 0:44:18- Do go on.- Well, it was very good of them to come and join us.
0:44:18 > 0:44:22Though I must confess I was a little taken aback by his manner.
0:44:22 > 0:44:25Marching straight to the front, setting up his stall.
0:44:25 > 0:44:28As if somehow we were lucky to have him there at all.
0:44:28 > 0:44:33He implied he was some sort of zoological pioneer
0:44:33 > 0:44:37when obviously he hasn't thought any of it through.
0:44:37 > 0:44:40It's a shame really, because it is a wonderful house.
0:44:40 > 0:44:42He has the support of a wonderful woman,
0:44:42 > 0:44:45but the poor chap clearly doesn't have the first idea.
0:44:45 > 0:44:49It's not malicious, don't get me wrong. Just inept.
0:44:49 > 0:44:51But no less dangerous for that.
0:44:51 > 0:44:55- And the residents agree?- Mm. - And you took a vote?
0:44:55 > 0:44:57We didn't need to.
0:44:58 > 0:45:04I understood there was a medical report due? Do you have that?
0:45:04 > 0:45:06DOOR OPENS
0:45:09 > 0:45:12- Sorry I'm late. - No, come on, come and join us.
0:45:15 > 0:45:20Question one. What is the capital of Ceylon?
0:45:21 > 0:45:23The capital of Ceylon.
0:45:28 > 0:45:33So, Dr Ford, how did you get on with your research?
0:45:33 > 0:45:36Not all going be struck down with Yellow Fever, I hope!
0:45:36 > 0:45:38Well, I spent yesterday
0:45:38 > 0:45:41with the Liverpool University's Professor of Tropical Diseases.
0:45:41 > 0:45:43- Oh.- Nice chap.
0:45:43 > 0:45:45We went through what, I must say,
0:45:45 > 0:45:47was the very comprehensive list of diseases you gave me
0:45:47 > 0:45:49before the meeting the other day.
0:45:49 > 0:45:51And, after careful consideration,
0:45:51 > 0:45:53the Professor and I took the very same view.
0:45:53 > 0:45:56Our conclusion being... we've nothing to fear.
0:45:58 > 0:46:02- Nothing?- The Mottersheads are buying animals from the farthest corners of the globe.- Quite.
0:46:02 > 0:46:04For any creature to survive that kind of trip,
0:46:04 > 0:46:06they need to be in pretty fine fettle.
0:46:06 > 0:46:08The ones from Europe, well,
0:46:08 > 0:46:10they don't carry any diseases we don't already know about.
0:46:10 > 0:46:13- Rabies?- Pretty much just dogs, and then there's a vaccine.
0:46:15 > 0:46:17So that's it? That's your report?
0:46:17 > 0:46:19That's why I closed the file.
0:46:22 > 0:46:23From the Mottersheads.
0:46:27 > 0:46:30- I'm afraid we'll have to leave it there.- It won't take long.
0:46:30 > 0:46:33- This is hardly the time.- It's exactly the time.- Miss Franklin!
0:46:37 > 0:46:38Go on, try it.
0:46:49 > 0:46:52That's it, come on. Come on, take a good look.
0:46:52 > 0:46:57Mrs Pollard, don't be shy, we all like a good nose, don't we?
0:46:57 > 0:46:58Nowt wrong with that.
0:46:58 > 0:47:00Specially round here, where it seems
0:47:00 > 0:47:03we've got nothing better to do than bring the new man down.
0:47:11 > 0:47:15Look, seems like we haven't gotten off to the best of starts, does it?
0:47:17 > 0:47:19Look, I don't know any of you,
0:47:19 > 0:47:22but you seem like nice enough people, you do.
0:47:23 > 0:47:26I'm sorry that our coming here has been so hard to take.
0:47:26 > 0:47:29And I'm sorry about the van, the inconvenience...
0:47:29 > 0:47:32Well, we'll get it out of your way as soon as we can.
0:47:32 > 0:47:36But as for us - for me and my family - we're staying.
0:47:36 > 0:47:40Now, you can say what you like, and you can write what you like,
0:47:40 > 0:47:42but we're going nowhere.
0:47:44 > 0:47:45And nor's the zoo.
0:47:47 > 0:47:49I've a lad up the farm who'll fix your engine.
0:47:49 > 0:47:51Get it out the road.
0:47:51 > 0:47:52Thank you.
0:47:54 > 0:47:55Leave it, Billy, we'll get it later.
0:47:55 > 0:47:58We can't. They'll overheat.
0:47:59 > 0:48:01Billy, they're heaters.
0:48:01 > 0:48:04They won't overheat, not unless you plug them in.
0:48:04 > 0:48:06Wait! What's in the van?!
0:48:08 > 0:48:10What have you done now, Billy?
0:48:10 > 0:48:13- Are they dangerous? - I don't think so.
0:48:20 > 0:48:22Right, we'll walk 'em.
0:48:25 > 0:48:27CROWD GASPS
0:48:27 > 0:48:28Come on, come on.
0:48:32 > 0:48:34What now, Billy?
0:48:37 > 0:48:38That's it.
0:48:39 > 0:48:41Come on, that's it.
0:48:42 > 0:48:43Come on.
0:48:45 > 0:48:46That's it.
0:48:46 > 0:48:48Come on, then.
0:48:49 > 0:48:52- That's it. - Come on, boys.
0:48:52 > 0:48:54Come on, then.
0:48:54 > 0:48:58- This way, take 'em down there, Billy, will you?- Come on, boys.
0:49:02 > 0:49:05- Get 'em all. There we go, that's it. - Come on, then.
0:49:05 > 0:49:07- Come on, then, boys!- That's it! Here we go.
0:49:07 > 0:49:09Archie!
0:49:09 > 0:49:11Archie, come back here now.
0:49:11 > 0:49:12I'll go keep an eye on him.
0:49:14 > 0:49:16Mrs Pollard?
0:49:16 > 0:49:19There we go, come on, then. That's it, keep coming!
0:49:19 > 0:49:21Keep coming, keep coming.
0:49:21 > 0:49:23Are we nearly there yet?!
0:49:23 > 0:49:26Come on then, this way!
0:49:28 > 0:49:32Question 13. What is the capital of Newfoundland?
0:49:37 > 0:49:40< SQUAWKING
0:49:44 > 0:49:47- Mrs Ford?- Not now, Norman.
0:49:47 > 0:49:48But Mrs Ford!
0:49:52 > 0:49:54Penguins!
0:49:57 > 0:49:58May we go too?
0:49:59 > 0:50:01ALL: Please!
0:50:01 > 0:50:06If, and only if, you can name an Empire country where penguins live.
0:50:11 > 0:50:13- New Zealand?- Yes.
0:50:13 > 0:50:15Yes!
0:50:15 > 0:50:17CHILDREN CHEER
0:50:19 > 0:50:21- I'm glad I remembered that.- So am I.
0:50:23 > 0:50:24Careful, careful.
0:50:35 > 0:50:37There we go.
0:50:37 > 0:50:39There we go, Billy.
0:50:39 > 0:50:42Come on, chaps, just wait a second,
0:50:42 > 0:50:44just wait for your friends, shall we?
0:50:53 > 0:50:57Come on, that's it! Good boys!
0:50:57 > 0:51:00- Good boys!- Look at that one there.
0:51:02 > 0:51:03That's it, good boy, oops!
0:51:05 > 0:51:08What a charming sight.
0:51:08 > 0:51:12Though I would say, for those of you opposed to the zoo,
0:51:12 > 0:51:15it might not be in your best interests
0:51:15 > 0:51:18to be seen actually visiting the place.
0:51:23 > 0:51:25Come on.
0:52:05 > 0:52:09Looks good, the enclosure, he's done a grand job.
0:52:11 > 0:52:13She hasn't been happy.
0:52:13 > 0:52:15Well, she hasn't been well.
0:52:19 > 0:52:21Do you think the villagers have won?
0:52:22 > 0:52:24Don't go throwing in the towel just yet.
0:52:24 > 0:52:27Even if it has been wiped on a monkey's backside.
0:52:32 > 0:52:38Keep 'em coming, come on, boys, come on, lads, come along.
0:52:40 > 0:52:42Come on, love. The more the merrier.
0:52:46 > 0:52:50Come on, boys, come on, there you go, keep coming.
0:52:53 > 0:52:56Nearly there now, not far.
0:52:58 > 0:53:00Yeah, see? Come on.
0:53:02 > 0:53:05Come on, boys. That's it. Keep coming, this way.
0:53:05 > 0:53:08- Dinner time, come on, lads. - Not long now, fellas.
0:53:11 > 0:53:14They're never coming in here, surely.
0:53:14 > 0:53:17Where on earth are we going to keep them?!
0:53:41 > 0:53:44Can you do us a group discount, please, Mrs Mottershead?
0:53:51 > 0:53:53Ladies and gentlemen, for one day only,
0:53:53 > 0:53:57we are very happy to say welcome to our zoo!
0:53:57 > 0:53:59Come on, then.
0:54:03 > 0:54:05Come on, fellas.
0:54:09 > 0:54:11If you'd be so kind, sir.
0:54:12 > 0:54:13Here we go.
0:54:43 > 0:54:45Come on then, in we go.
0:54:45 > 0:54:47Whay!
0:54:47 > 0:54:50APPLAUSE
0:55:05 > 0:55:07What is that?
0:55:07 > 0:55:09"That" is Mortimer. My best friend.
0:55:41 > 0:55:43Night, Sidney.
0:55:43 > 0:55:44< GRUNTING
0:55:47 > 0:55:48Night, you two.
0:55:48 > 0:55:49< LOW GROWLING
0:55:53 > 0:55:57'Chester Zoo has now officially appointed a new deputy zookeeper
0:55:57 > 0:55:59'and Dad is delighted.
0:55:59 > 0:56:02'He says she's more than up to the job.'
0:56:09 > 0:56:11LOUD GROWLING
0:56:14 > 0:56:18BANGING
0:56:22 > 0:56:24That Reverend wasn't too happy, was he?
0:56:24 > 0:56:26He was on his own there.
0:56:26 > 0:56:30They've got a penguin pool just like ours in Vienna, apparently.
0:56:30 > 0:56:32- They don't, do they?- No.
0:56:32 > 0:56:36But if we say it enough times, people might just believe it.
0:56:38 > 0:56:41'With our bears Adam and Eve back to full strength,
0:56:41 > 0:56:45'we are closer than ever to opening the gates to the public.
0:56:45 > 0:56:46'And when we do,
0:56:46 > 0:56:50'we're confident our animals will make quite an impression.'
0:57:01 > 0:57:05If he gets to Upton and hurts someone, then it's over.
0:57:05 > 0:57:09- A petition you mean? - The whole village has signed it.
0:57:10 > 0:57:11Shoot him!
0:57:11 > 0:57:13I've got to get to the bank.
0:57:13 > 0:57:15We can't get any more money from the bank, George.
0:57:17 > 0:57:18Let me help you.
0:57:18 > 0:57:22You'll need more than my donation to finish this place, you know.
0:57:22 > 0:57:25It would be the Chester set, Lady Goodwin's friends.
0:57:25 > 0:57:27If we raised a decent amount, it'd make all the difference.
0:57:27 > 0:57:31- It says Selborne Hall?- Katherine's very happy for us to use it.