1 00:00:31,327 --> 00:00:36,401 MATURE JENNIFER: Birth is the shortest journey we will ever make. 2 00:00:36,447 --> 00:00:40,839 It begins in darkness, and ends, we think, in light. 3 00:00:44,287 --> 00:00:46,403 But welcomed and safe, 4 00:00:46,447 --> 00:00:50,805 we rest upon the shore for what amounts to moments before we begin 5 00:00:50,847 --> 00:00:52,724 the greatest voyage of them all. 6 00:00:56,767 --> 00:01:00,078 There's no map, no route, no arrowhead to follow, 7 00:01:00,127 --> 00:01:03,643 for none of us have ever walked this way before. 8 00:01:09,327 --> 00:01:10,522 AlLI'm saying, Fred Buckle, 9 00:01:10,567 --> 00:01:12,319 is that you haven't thought this through. 10 00:01:12,367 --> 00:01:14,278 Now, Father Christmas is known 11 00:01:14,327 --> 00:01:17,797 for one very particular mode of transport, and it's a sledge, 12 00:01:17,847 --> 00:01:19,360 not a rocket! 13 00:01:19,407 --> 00:01:22,763 Santa has to move with the times, Vi! 14 00:01:22,807 --> 00:01:26,277 My old mate Nolly let me down with the reindeer, 15 00:01:26,327 --> 00:01:29,718 so I've had to improvise with some space elves. 16 00:01:29,767 --> 00:01:31,485 - Your beard's not straight. - REGGIE: He's not real. 17 00:01:31,527 --> 00:01:32,926 He's just one of the helpers. 18 00:01:32,967 --> 00:01:34,719 Yeah, but the kiddies don't know that, Reggie. 19 00:01:34,767 --> 00:01:36,485 And I should never have let you convince me 20 00:01:36,527 --> 00:01:38,677 about these silver gnome things. 21 00:01:38,727 --> 00:01:41,640 They're not gnomes, they're space elves! 22 00:01:41,687 --> 00:01:43,678 Everyone's ready and waiting. 23 00:01:43,727 --> 00:01:48,119 Oh, goodness me, what lovely...grey pixies? 24 00:01:48,167 --> 00:01:50,317 BOTH: They're space elves! 25 00:01:50,367 --> 00:01:53,120 I hope this paint comes off with soap and water. 26 00:01:53,167 --> 00:01:56,125 FRED: Reggie? The bell. 27 00:01:56,167 --> 00:01:59,637 ALL: We have liftoff! 28 00:01:59,687 --> 00:02:03,203 Merry Christmas! 29 00:02:03,247 --> 00:02:05,761 Ho-ho-ho! 30 00:02:05,807 --> 00:02:09,402 Merry Christmas. One more week to go till Christmas! 31 00:02:09,447 --> 00:02:11,120 Ho-ho-ho! 32 00:02:13,967 --> 00:02:18,359 Merry Christmas! 33 00:02:20,127 --> 00:02:21,879 Christmas sweets! 34 00:02:23,607 --> 00:02:25,200 Merry Christmas. 35 00:02:26,167 --> 00:02:27,919 Merry Christmas. 36 00:02:31,527 --> 00:02:32,926 Well, Miss Higgins, 37 00:02:32,967 --> 00:02:35,163 I think that now we've run through the protocols 38 00:02:35,207 --> 00:02:38,086 for posting the urine to St Cuthbert's every morning, 39 00:02:38,127 --> 00:02:41,279 that's everything ticked off your list for our first day. 40 00:02:41,327 --> 00:02:46,003 I did find your sputum routine a little opaque. 41 00:02:46,047 --> 00:02:48,197 Would you like me to refresh your memory? 42 00:02:48,247 --> 00:02:51,126 I think we may need to refresh the system. 43 00:02:51,167 --> 00:02:54,603 Phlegm samples tend to accumulate during the winter months. 44 00:02:54,647 --> 00:02:58,641 Twice-daily dispatch might prove preferable? 45 00:02:58,687 --> 00:03:03,318 I think we'll find that Dr Turner has always been entirely satisfied. 46 00:03:09,327 --> 00:03:11,238 Oh, you've brought your own tree! 47 00:03:11,287 --> 00:03:13,324 Oh, it's only a utility one. 48 00:03:13,367 --> 00:03:17,440 My late parents bought it the year that war broke out. 49 00:03:17,487 --> 00:03:19,717 It was one of the few things 50 00:03:19,767 --> 00:03:22,486 that made it out of the rubble of their home intact. 51 00:03:22,527 --> 00:03:24,643 I'm sorry. 52 00:03:24,687 --> 00:03:27,486 I'll lock up, Mrs Turner. 53 00:03:27,527 --> 00:03:30,804 You go home and enjoy yourself with your family. 54 00:03:32,167 --> 00:03:33,396 (CHRISTMAS MUSIC) 55 00:03:40,847 --> 00:03:42,167 (HORN BEEPS) 56 00:03:51,407 --> 00:03:55,196 - Happy Christmas! - Oh, Patrick! 57 00:03:55,247 --> 00:03:58,160 Do you not think it's a bit over-large? 58 00:03:58,207 --> 00:03:59,959 But we've got three children, 59 00:04:00,007 --> 00:04:02,840 and we're picking up a seven-foot tree on the way home! 60 00:04:02,887 --> 00:04:06,039 To go with that battered old silver one we put up every year? 61 00:04:06,087 --> 00:04:07,839 We like that battered old silver one! 62 00:04:07,887 --> 00:04:11,198 Mum, can we get a dog and put him in the boot when we go on days out? 63 00:04:11,247 --> 00:04:12,840 A dog? I don't think so. 64 00:04:12,887 --> 00:04:16,005 Angela's written to Father Christmas for a rabbit, 65 00:04:16,047 --> 00:04:20,518 and there isn't room for another living thing in our household...or this car! 66 00:04:31,447 --> 00:04:32,846 Taxi! 67 00:04:49,487 --> 00:04:51,125 (PHONE RINGS) 68 00:04:55,967 --> 00:04:57,844 Nonnatus House. 69 00:04:57,887 --> 00:04:59,321 Sister Julienne speaking. 70 00:04:59,367 --> 00:05:01,244 Oh, greetings. This is Sister Hilda. 71 00:05:01,287 --> 00:05:02,880 Ah, Sister Hilda! 72 00:05:02,927 --> 00:05:06,045 It's usually Mother Jesu Emmanuel who calls. 73 00:05:08,807 --> 00:05:12,960 One snowman cake, all present and correct! 74 00:05:14,567 --> 00:05:17,798 What's all that green stuff round the edges? 75 00:05:17,847 --> 00:05:20,726 It's lime-flavour jelly, chopped up to represent grass. 76 00:05:20,767 --> 00:05:24,840 I bet Trixie was pining for green jelly while she was in Portofino. 77 00:05:24,887 --> 00:05:29,723 We must hope that she did not pine for grandiose illuminations, 78 00:05:29,767 --> 00:05:34,716 for these spasmodic gewgaws will surely disappoint her! 79 00:05:34,767 --> 00:05:36,326 (SIGHS DEEPLY) 80 00:05:38,887 --> 00:05:41,322 Sister Monica Joan, Sister Winifred, 81 00:05:41,367 --> 00:05:43,836 would you please join me in my office? 82 00:05:47,367 --> 00:05:49,040 (SIGHS DEEPLY) 83 00:05:49,087 --> 00:05:53,957 As you will both be aware, Mother Jesu Emmanuel was due to come to the end 84 00:05:54,007 --> 00:05:57,045 of her tenure as Superior next February, 85 00:05:57,087 --> 00:06:01,046 after which her successor would have been elected. 86 00:06:01,087 --> 00:06:03,966 You have deployed the future perfect. 87 00:06:04,007 --> 00:06:06,567 I deduce that this bodes ill. 88 00:06:06,607 --> 00:06:09,565 Mother Jesu has been diagnosed with a brain tumour. 89 00:06:09,607 --> 00:06:13,202 She is expected to live a handful of months, but no more. 90 00:06:13,247 --> 00:06:14,567 No... 91 00:06:14,607 --> 00:06:17,963 She asks that we leave our work here at once, 92 00:06:18,007 --> 00:06:22,126 and return to the Mother House until a new Superior is elected. 93 00:06:22,167 --> 00:06:24,966 Sister, our work is here. 94 00:06:25,007 --> 00:06:28,318 Sister Mildred is arriving at the Mother House 95 00:06:28,367 --> 00:06:31,644 with a number of orphans from Hong Kong. 96 00:06:31,687 --> 00:06:35,078 They will be staying at the order's orphanage 97 00:06:35,127 --> 00:06:38,563 whilst they get to know their adoptive parents. 98 00:06:38,607 --> 00:06:43,078 I am told there will be plenty of work for us to do once we arrive. 99 00:06:43,127 --> 00:06:47,086 We are called upon to care for more than infants and frail flesh! 100 00:06:47,127 --> 00:06:50,677 We have a chapel to attend to Sere, 101 00:06:50,727 --> 00:06:56,564 in which we must abnegate the evils of the world with constant prayer! 102 00:07:03,527 --> 00:07:07,361 - Ah. - I dare say we can make shift... 103 00:07:07,407 --> 00:07:09,921 ...with Nurse Franklin coming home. 104 00:07:09,967 --> 00:07:13,847 She can do the work of three when she's firing on all cylinders. 105 00:07:13,887 --> 00:07:15,207 Yes! 106 00:07:15,247 --> 00:07:19,923 Besides, Sister winifred and I should be back in time for Christmas. 107 00:07:21,847 --> 00:07:22,962 Should be? 108 00:07:24,487 --> 00:07:26,046 I hope there's nothing to this election 109 00:07:26,087 --> 00:07:30,001 - that you're not telling me about. - Not at all. 110 00:07:30,047 --> 00:07:33,836 I'm quite sure there are better candidates than I for the position. 111 00:07:37,007 --> 00:07:39,078 (VALERIE GIGGLES) 112 00:07:39,127 --> 00:07:42,119 I'm really not happy with the length of this, Valerie. 113 00:07:42,167 --> 00:07:43,237 If you do a pirouette on stage, 114 00:07:43,287 --> 00:07:45,119 people are going to see everything you've got! 115 00:07:45,167 --> 00:07:48,842 There's no pirouettes, I'm just helping out the baby ballet class! 116 00:07:48,887 --> 00:07:51,766 I lead them on stage in their little angel costumes, 117 00:07:51,807 --> 00:07:54,640 and we all point our toes in time to You're All I Want For Christmas. 118 00:07:54,687 --> 00:07:57,839 I'm still going to let the hem down, and then if I can see anything I shouldn't, 119 00:07:57,887 --> 00:07:59,480 I'm going to put a flounce on it. 120 00:08:01,127 --> 00:08:02,322 (DOORBELL RINGS) 121 00:08:02,367 --> 00:08:03,357 BOTH: Ooh! 122 00:08:05,767 --> 00:08:06,757 Ah! 123 00:08:13,327 --> 00:08:16,240 It's Trixie. Come on! 124 00:08:18,567 --> 00:08:23,164 I'm Sister Mildred and I'm indefatigable, 125 00:08:23,207 --> 00:08:26,643 except when arriving from the East, escorting orphans. 126 00:08:26,687 --> 00:08:29,122 This is Ming. 127 00:08:31,247 --> 00:08:33,397 There are three more in the taxi cab, 128 00:08:33,447 --> 00:08:36,200 and each and every one in need of napkin change. 129 00:08:36,247 --> 00:08:38,682 We were told you were going directly to the Mother House! 130 00:08:38,727 --> 00:08:41,287 Fog at the airport, fog on the road. 131 00:08:41,327 --> 00:08:45,002 Non-appearance at said airport of child care officer. 132 00:08:45,047 --> 00:08:47,800 I'm a nun, not a conjuror. 133 00:08:47,847 --> 00:08:51,203 I told Customs I had nothing to declare but my annoyance, 134 00:08:51,247 --> 00:08:53,443 and I'm hoping you'll tell me there's room at the inn. 135 00:08:53,487 --> 00:08:54,921 Oh! 136 00:08:56,207 --> 00:08:59,916 From left to right, May, Sui and Chi. 137 00:08:59,967 --> 00:09:01,605 Ming you've already met. 138 00:09:01,647 --> 00:09:05,561 And they're all girls, as you're about to discover. 139 00:09:09,607 --> 00:09:13,157 They're almost all the children of refugees from China, 140 00:09:13,207 --> 00:09:17,121 found abandoned as newborns, in the main. 141 00:09:17,167 --> 00:09:21,718 Discovered in the street or in the stairwells of apartment blocks, 142 00:09:21,767 --> 00:09:25,362 their files are marked “left to be found". 143 00:09:25,407 --> 00:09:27,967 They may find comfort in that when they're older. 144 00:09:28,007 --> 00:09:30,920 There is love in the gesture as well as desperation. 145 00:09:30,967 --> 00:09:34,483 Hmm, not all are so fortunate, I'm afraid. 146 00:09:36,167 --> 00:09:39,000 Might I try another portion of that snowman chappy? 147 00:09:39,047 --> 00:09:40,879 The trouble with marshmallows, 148 00:09:40,927 --> 00:09:43,806 one finds, is that they're mostly air, 149 00:09:43,847 --> 00:09:48,284 which does little to erode the digestive vacuum. 150 00:10:10,407 --> 00:10:14,480 Sister Mildred, why is little May so much older than the others? 151 00:10:14,527 --> 00:10:18,077 Let's not discuss her details in front of her. 152 00:10:18,127 --> 00:10:22,678 She may not speak English yet but she /sbeginning to understand it. 153 00:10:22,727 --> 00:10:25,924 Besides, she's going to the most wonderful family! 154 00:10:25,967 --> 00:10:30,040 An accountant for a father, big sweeping lawns, 155 00:10:30,087 --> 00:10:31,316 big sister has a pony. 156 00:10:31,367 --> 00:10:33,961 - Are they a Chinese family? - No. 157 00:10:34,007 --> 00:10:35,884 There aren't enough of them 158 00:10:35,927 --> 00:10:39,363 to provide homes for all the babies coming in on this project. 159 00:10:39,407 --> 00:10:42,365 But the babies need to know they're Chinese. 160 00:10:42,407 --> 00:10:45,559 They'll know they're Chinese every time they look in the mirror, bless ‘em. 161 00:10:45,607 --> 00:10:48,599 I'll be sad to see them leaving in the morning. 162 00:10:48,647 --> 00:10:51,878 I don't think you've any idea how often I gazed at the Mediterranean 163 00:10:51,927 --> 00:10:54,316 in a Pucci tunic, dreaming of this. 164 00:10:54,367 --> 00:10:56,005 I see you're entertaining some guests. 165 00:10:56,047 --> 00:10:57,526 Oh! 166 00:10:57,567 --> 00:10:59,683 - Nurse Franklin. - Trixie, you look wonderful. 167 00:11:01,847 --> 00:11:05,238 I dare say you'll be wanting a decent cup of tea. 168 00:11:05,287 --> 00:11:08,086 Yes! And if it comes with cake, yes, please! 169 00:11:08,127 --> 00:11:12,485 There's one potted-beef sandwich left. I'll go and look into the cupboard 170 00:11:12,527 --> 00:11:14,723 and see if I can rustle you up some gherkins. 171 00:11:14,767 --> 00:11:16,599 - Ooh! - Or maybe I'll just go out 172 00:11:16,647 --> 00:11:19,207 - for fish and chips. - (ALL LAUGH) 173 00:11:19,247 --> 00:11:22,205 Oh! There's my girl. 174 00:11:22,247 --> 00:11:23,920 Quack, quack, quack, quack, quack! 175 00:11:26,287 --> 00:11:27,641 What about in the water? 176 00:11:27,687 --> 00:11:28,916 Ooh! 177 00:11:28,967 --> 00:11:32,039 - Quack, quack, quack. - (DUCK SQUEAKS) 178 00:11:33,207 --> 00:11:35,517 - Quack, quack, quack. - (BABY GIGGLES) 179 00:11:35,567 --> 00:11:37,126 Aw! 180 00:11:37,167 --> 00:11:38,566 Moths, moths, moths! 181 00:11:38,607 --> 00:11:42,726 I'm surprised you have a single intact garment left, Valerie. 182 00:11:42,767 --> 00:11:46,397 I've got more Crimplene than cashmere, and moths don't really go in for that. 183 00:11:46,447 --> 00:11:49,166 They went in for my uniform cardigan! 184 00:11:49,207 --> 00:11:51,926 We're going to have to fumigate that wardrobe, 185 00:11:51,967 --> 00:11:53,765 or you can't hang a single thing in it! 186 00:11:53,807 --> 00:11:56,481 My godmother insisted we spent a week shopping in Paris, 187 00:11:56,527 --> 00:11:58,438 so she could send me back to London 188 00:11:58,487 --> 00:12:01,479 prepared for every style eventuality. 189 00:12:01,527 --> 00:12:04,679 Does she know which bit of London you live in? 190 00:12:04,727 --> 00:12:08,925 She knows that a woman is defined by her potential and not her circumstances, 191 00:12:08,967 --> 00:12:12,244 and that one exquisite black shift dress from a top couturier 192 00:12:12,287 --> 00:12:17,805 can take you anywhere, even out for dinner with an Italian count. 193 00:12:17,847 --> 00:12:19,963 An Italian count? 194 00:12:20,007 --> 00:12:22,806 I bet he never bought you the last piece of haddock in the chip shop! 195 00:12:22,847 --> 00:12:23,917 Come on. 196 00:12:23,967 --> 00:12:25,924 - Grub's up. - Ah! 197 00:12:25,967 --> 00:12:29,039 And welcome home. 198 00:12:32,887 --> 00:12:36,437 I understand the moths made a banquet of your woollens. 199 00:12:36,487 --> 00:12:39,366 I shall ensure that naphthalene sachets are supplied, 200 00:12:39,407 --> 00:12:42,525 but in the meantime, you might like this. 201 00:12:42,567 --> 00:12:45,161 - Is it a new one? - Not new, no. 202 00:12:46,287 --> 00:12:49,837 A certain person would have been the first to give you hers. 203 00:12:51,407 --> 00:12:52,397 Barbara? 204 00:12:55,767 --> 00:12:58,839 There's still a label inside with her name on. 205 00:12:58,887 --> 00:13:02,005 You can snip it out or leave it in. 206 00:13:04,207 --> 00:13:06,403 No tears, lass. 207 00:13:06,447 --> 00:13:08,802 You're back, and you're well. 208 00:13:08,847 --> 00:13:13,000 One way and another, we're going to have a happy Christmas. 209 00:13:24,927 --> 00:13:27,043 A few extra little bits to take on our adventure! 210 00:13:29,767 --> 00:13:34,238 Meanwhile, this morning's post also brings a Christmas card 211 00:13:34,287 --> 00:13:39,282 from Nurse Mount and Nurse Busby, with greetings from Scotland, 212 00:13:39,327 --> 00:13:44,322 plus a paw print from their brand-new puppy, Garbo. 213 00:13:44,367 --> 00:13:45,721 Ahh! 214 00:13:47,287 --> 00:13:50,484 I've also had an aerogram from Mr Hereward, 215 00:13:50,527 --> 00:13:55,601 safely arrived in New Guinea and made warmly welcome by Barbara's father. 216 00:13:57,447 --> 00:13:59,438 That's nice. 217 00:14:01,527 --> 00:14:03,564 Sister Julienne? 218 00:14:04,967 --> 00:14:06,480 Good morning, Doctor. 219 00:14:06,527 --> 00:14:08,643 To what do we owe the pleasure? 220 00:14:08,687 --> 00:14:10,963 I'm here to see Sister Monica Joan. 221 00:14:11,007 --> 00:14:13,317 Sister Monica Joan? 222 00:14:13,367 --> 00:14:14,721 (MOANS) 223 00:14:16,967 --> 00:14:20,039 when has the pain been at its worst, Sister? 224 00:14:21,967 --> 00:14:25,642 When I was forced to make my way to the telephone 225 00:14:25,687 --> 00:14:27,564 to summon you. 226 00:14:27,607 --> 00:14:31,157 If you'd knocked on my door, I would have telephoned the surgery. 227 00:14:31,207 --> 00:14:33,278 I did not wish to inconvenience you. 228 00:14:35,047 --> 00:14:40,281 You are so very fixed on preparations for your departure to the Mother House. 229 00:14:41,447 --> 00:14:46,476 I'm prescribing kaolin and morphine, and a few days' bed rest. 230 00:14:47,567 --> 00:14:49,285 I'm afraid you'll have to go without her. 231 00:14:49,327 --> 00:14:51,204 (SISTER MONICA JOAN MOANS) 232 00:14:53,367 --> 00:14:54,846 (DOCTOR CHUCKLES) 233 00:14:54,887 --> 00:14:56,161 (FOOTSTEPS APPROACH) 234 00:14:59,767 --> 00:15:01,963 Your carriage awaits, good ladies! 235 00:15:02,007 --> 00:15:04,396 And I picked up a tin of those glucose sweets, 236 00:15:04,447 --> 00:15:06,006 just in case anyone's carsick. 237 00:15:06,047 --> 00:15:09,836 If I feel nauseous, I just stick my head out of the window. 238 00:15:09,887 --> 00:15:11,639 Fresh air generally does the trick, 239 00:15:11,687 --> 00:15:15,362 and if it doesn't, nobody else is inconvenienced. Ha! 240 00:15:15,407 --> 00:15:17,125 We're ready, Mr Buckle. 241 00:15:21,967 --> 00:15:23,401 Hello, you. 242 00:15:23,447 --> 00:15:25,677 Are you ready for the last leg of your journey? 243 00:15:27,287 --> 00:15:29,801 You've come a long, long way. 244 00:15:31,087 --> 00:15:32,566 But you'll be home soon. 245 00:15:33,687 --> 00:15:37,157 No reason to be peering at her, Doctor, she's not ill. 246 00:15:37,207 --> 00:15:39,278 Just one of my shyer types. 247 00:15:42,287 --> 00:15:43,721 There. 248 00:15:43,767 --> 00:15:45,644 Oh, darling, shh! 249 00:15:47,887 --> 00:15:51,846 FRED: # Good King Wenceslas last looked out 250 00:15:51,887 --> 00:15:56,006 # On the feast of Stephen when the snow lay... # 251 00:16:01,607 --> 00:16:05,919 A little bird tells me you're never very keen on going to the Mother House. 252 00:16:07,087 --> 00:16:11,524 Once, it was a place where I found my new beginning. 253 00:16:13,047 --> 00:16:14,162 Now... 254 00:16:16,007 --> 00:16:18,521 ...it is where I will likely meet my end... 255 00:16:19,807 --> 00:16:22,925 ...nursed in a narrow bed, tenderly cared for, 256 00:16:22,967 --> 00:16:27,120 but without the purpose that comes from engagement with the world. 257 00:16:29,127 --> 00:16:31,482 The only engagement I want from you now 258 00:16:31,527 --> 00:16:35,919 is with a nice bowl of porridge, or some egg on toast. 259 00:16:39,007 --> 00:16:40,918 Sister Julienne is arriving soon. 260 00:16:40,967 --> 00:16:45,086 - Yes, I'm looking forward to seeing her. - Oh, me too. 261 00:16:51,447 --> 00:16:54,087 Is there any sign of the minibus, Sister Hilda? 262 00:16:54,127 --> 00:16:56,403 I'm supposed to be helping when the Chinese babies arrive, 263 00:16:56,447 --> 00:16:59,246 but I've also been told to do my spiritual reading. 264 00:16:59,287 --> 00:17:02,166 - By whom? - By you, Sister. 265 00:17:02,207 --> 00:17:04,437 Well, heads will obviously roll if I'm disobeyed! 266 00:17:05,687 --> 00:17:07,166 Oh! 267 00:17:07,207 --> 00:17:09,357 (VEHICLE APPROACHES) 268 00:17:21,367 --> 00:17:24,120 Greetings! May we be of assistance? 269 00:17:55,127 --> 00:17:56,925 Goodness! 270 00:17:56,967 --> 00:17:58,799 (GASPS) 271 00:18:00,207 --> 00:18:05,805 Blimey! It's normally sheep and rabbits that make me nervous in the countryside! 272 00:18:05,847 --> 00:18:10,364 An atheist, perhaps, or a builder wanting to turn the convent into flats. 273 00:18:10,407 --> 00:18:14,719 I've seen more than one of that breed turn tail and run. 274 00:18:16,687 --> 00:18:18,997 HILDA: Is everyone all right? 275 00:18:19,047 --> 00:18:23,200 - I don't know who that was. - We're just going to go in here. 276 00:18:27,647 --> 00:18:29,126 How is Mother Jesu Emmanuel? 277 00:18:29,167 --> 00:18:33,001 Confined to her room, and she's resigned from her duties completely. 278 00:18:41,887 --> 00:18:43,161 Oh! 279 00:18:44,567 --> 00:18:46,843 Poor Mother Jesu. 280 00:18:46,887 --> 00:18:49,800 She always sought to sail the ship alone. 281 00:18:49,847 --> 00:18:51,520 There are records and documentation here 282 00:18:51,567 --> 00:18:54,798 for every branch house in England and the world. 283 00:18:54,847 --> 00:18:57,600 She said that was the role of the Superior, 284 00:18:57,647 --> 00:19:00,082 to navigate on behalf of those with other work to do. 285 00:19:00,127 --> 00:19:01,481 But she was struggling... 286 00:19:03,087 --> 00:19:04,202 ...clearly. 287 00:19:04,247 --> 00:19:07,000 Yes, and for longer than we knew. 288 00:19:09,247 --> 00:19:11,443 Please don't think me indiscreet. 289 00:19:11,487 --> 00:19:15,481 You really are the only one who can step into Mother Jesu's shoes. 290 00:19:16,567 --> 00:19:19,446 I have no desire to do anything of the kind. 291 00:19:19,487 --> 00:19:22,684 My work is in Poplar, where I live amongst the people I serve. 292 00:19:22,727 --> 00:19:27,801 And I am of more use there than I will ever be... 293 00:19:28,927 --> 00:19:30,440 ...behind a desk here. 294 00:19:32,567 --> 00:19:37,357 I...I'm sure that someone much more appropriate will be elected. 295 00:19:37,407 --> 00:19:43,642 In the meantime, if I can attempt to calm this chaos, 296 00:19:43,687 --> 00:19:45,598 I will do so most humbly. 297 00:19:51,167 --> 00:19:54,637 - (CHILD GURGLES) - Midwife calling! 298 00:19:54,687 --> 00:19:56,803 Hello, Nurse. Long time no see. 299 00:19:56,847 --> 00:19:59,487 Is that Russell underneath all that chocolate? 300 00:19:59,527 --> 00:20:01,962 Doesn't seem five minutes since I delivered him! 301 00:20:02,007 --> 00:20:04,726 Mmm, I gave him his selection box early. Keeps him good. 302 00:20:04,767 --> 00:20:07,600 Ithought I'd drop by and check you over. 303 00:20:07,647 --> 00:20:09,923 We don't seem to have seen you for a while. 304 00:20:09,967 --> 00:20:12,004 I've decided to go to the hospital for this one. 305 00:20:12,047 --> 00:20:14,516 But we need to refer you before you can do that! 306 00:20:14,567 --> 00:20:16,001 And why would you want to? 307 00:20:16,047 --> 00:20:20,200 Ah, they treated my sister like the Queen when she was in there having her Lorraine. 308 00:20:20,247 --> 00:20:23,842 Breakfast on a tray, ashtrays emptied every time she snapped her fingers. 309 00:20:23,887 --> 00:20:28,836 We really discourage smoking in expectant and nursing mothers... 310 00:20:28,887 --> 00:20:30,798 That's the trouble, though, isn't it? 311 00:20:30,847 --> 00:20:34,158 No offence, Nurse, but you lot at Nonnatus, 312 00:20:34,207 --> 00:20:36,517 you come into our homes, you inspect them 313 00:20:36,567 --> 00:20:39,719 and then you start telling us what we can and can't do. 314 00:20:39,767 --> 00:20:40,757 Then after the baby's born, 315 00:20:40,807 --> 00:20:43,037 you all waltz off and leave us with a pile of dirty washing. 316 00:20:44,407 --> 00:20:48,844 No offence, Nurse, but it's St Cuthbert's for me for this one. 317 00:20:55,287 --> 00:20:57,927 One trifling flick through the maternity Rolodex 318 00:20:57,967 --> 00:21:00,243 and I've found more than a dozen mothers 319 00:21:00,287 --> 00:21:03,086 who have changed their minds and plumped for a hospital delivery! 320 00:21:03,127 --> 00:21:07,007 It isn't Dr Turner's doing. He won't refer patients to St Cuthbert's 321 00:21:07,047 --> 00:21:08,720 unless there's good reason. 322 00:21:08,767 --> 00:21:10,201 The trouble is, they ask him to. 323 00:21:10,247 --> 00:21:13,080 Hospitals are telling women there are a hundred good reasons 324 00:21:13,127 --> 00:21:16,518 for giving birth in clinical surroundings, and word gets round. 325 00:21:16,567 --> 00:21:20,322 Young mother. Old mother. Twins. High blood pressure. 326 00:21:20,367 --> 00:21:23,723 Low blood pressure. Piles. First-time patient. 327 00:21:23,767 --> 00:21:27,317 Multiparous patient. Elderly relative sitting in the corner. 328 00:21:27,367 --> 00:21:28,926 what? 329 00:21:28,967 --> 00:21:33,916 They're calling it "undesirable socioeconomic circumstances”. 330 00:21:33,967 --> 00:21:36,083 Used to be called “living in the East End". 331 00:21:49,407 --> 00:21:50,556 Oh! 332 00:21:51,927 --> 00:21:56,125 I want my little troop all sitting side by side, 333 00:21:56,167 --> 00:21:59,125 with a seat immediately next to them for me. 334 00:21:59,167 --> 00:22:03,718 We will need another highchair and no food containing cow's milk. 335 00:22:03,767 --> 00:22:07,203 Somebody said it was macaroni cheese and semolina pudding. 336 00:22:07,247 --> 00:22:09,921 I'll go and see if there's anything plainer. 337 00:22:09,967 --> 00:22:14,165 Some of the children from the Hong Kong Adoption Project 338 00:22:14,207 --> 00:22:17,120 spend a short while in a residential establishment, 339 00:22:17,167 --> 00:22:21,445 getting acclimatised and to know their new families. 340 00:22:21,487 --> 00:22:25,401 I may be biased, but I think ours is much the best. 341 00:22:25,447 --> 00:22:27,723 Yeah, it's, er, it's lovely. 342 00:22:27,767 --> 00:22:30,407 It's like a home from home. 343 00:22:38,767 --> 00:22:39,962 Hello. 344 00:22:53,127 --> 00:22:55,482 who are you, then? 345 00:22:55,527 --> 00:22:57,598 I wonder what your name is. 346 00:22:57,647 --> 00:22:59,684 He's called Neil. 347 00:22:59,727 --> 00:23:02,003 Hello, Neil. 348 00:23:02,047 --> 00:23:05,802 Why isn't he eating with the other children? 349 00:23:05,847 --> 00:23:09,317 He was brain-damaged at birth through lack of oxygen, 350 00:23:09,367 --> 00:23:10,846 and has to be spoon-fed. 351 00:23:10,887 --> 00:23:12,639 Sister Hilda thinks it goes down a bit better 352 00:23:12,687 --> 00:23:14,360 if we can do it one to one. 353 00:23:14,407 --> 00:23:16,523 How long has he been on the list for adoption? 354 00:23:16,567 --> 00:23:21,926 I asked Sister Hilda that the first time I saw him, and she said, "He isn't." 355 00:23:35,527 --> 00:23:37,837 Got time for a cigarette to calm my nerves, Vi? 356 00:23:37,887 --> 00:23:41,517 Oh, I'm not having any naked flames near this, you'll go up like a bonfire. 357 00:23:51,607 --> 00:23:55,487 - Wotcha, Fred. - Oh, evening, Nolly. 358 00:23:55,527 --> 00:23:57,325 No hard feelings about the reindeer, then, eh? 359 00:23:57,367 --> 00:23:59,165 We improvised. 360 00:23:59,207 --> 00:24:01,847 If there's trouble at the zoo, there's trouble at the zoo. 361 00:24:01,887 --> 00:24:03,241 No harm done, then. 362 00:24:03,287 --> 00:24:05,676 Well, it might have been nice for the kiddies. 363 00:24:05,727 --> 00:24:08,958 Some of them might have liked to have seen an animal at Christmas. 364 00:24:10,167 --> 00:24:11,487 Would have made it special. 365 00:24:18,207 --> 00:24:21,359 - (APPRECIATIVE MURMURING) - And the other way. 366 00:24:21,407 --> 00:24:22,761 Yes, very good. 367 00:24:22,807 --> 00:24:27,563 # You're all I want 368 00:24:27,607 --> 00:24:31,601 # For Christmas 369 00:24:33,327 --> 00:24:39,403 # And if all my dreams 370 00:24:39,447 --> 00:24:42,121 # Come true 371 00:24:45,087 --> 00:24:50,036 # Then I'll awake 372 00:24:51,167 --> 00:24:56,685 # On Christmas morning 373 00:24:56,727 --> 00:25:00,482 # And find my stocking 374 00:25:00,527 --> 00:25:05,556 # Filled with you. # 375 00:25:10,247 --> 00:25:12,523 - (APPRECIATIVE MURMURING) - (CHILDREN GIGGLE) 376 00:25:16,527 --> 00:25:17,801 (APPLAUSE) 377 00:25:34,647 --> 00:25:37,639 O Lord, our Heavenly Father... 378 00:25:37,687 --> 00:25:40,600 O Lord, our Heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God... 379 00:25:40,647 --> 00:25:42,479 (PRAYERS OVERLAP) 380 00:25:42,527 --> 00:25:45,201 ...and grant that this day we fall into no sin, 381 00:25:45,247 --> 00:25:47,557 neither run into any kind of danger, 382 00:25:47,607 --> 00:25:52,727 but that all our doings, being ordered by thy governance, 383 00:25:52,767 --> 00:25:55,122 may be righteous in thy sight. 384 00:25:56,487 --> 00:25:59,206 Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 385 00:26:02,247 --> 00:26:04,204 (OTHER PRAYERS CONTINUE) 386 00:26:12,567 --> 00:26:18,085 - This tastes horrible. - There's not many to go now. 387 00:26:18,127 --> 00:26:21,597 And then you can take these down to the postbox for me. 388 00:26:23,167 --> 00:26:24,805 Where have you been, Fred Buckle? 389 00:26:24,847 --> 00:26:27,646 I've had three slices of streaky congealing under the grill 390 00:26:27,687 --> 00:26:29,200 for an hour and more. 391 00:26:29,247 --> 00:26:33,081 A tricycle, a scooter, a hobby horse 392 00:26:33,127 --> 00:26:35,767 and - woof-woof! - 393 00:26:35,807 --> 00:26:36,956 a Scottie dog on wheels! 394 00:26:37,007 --> 00:26:39,965 I've been collecting toys for the kiddies at the orphanage. 395 00:26:40,007 --> 00:26:42,237 - It's all old. - Yeah. 396 00:26:42,287 --> 00:26:45,643 But, you know, we clean it up and a coat of paint... 397 00:26:45,687 --> 00:26:47,997 And if we look sharp, we'll get it off to Santa in loads of time. 398 00:26:48,047 --> 00:26:51,324 There's fleas on that Scottie dog, I can see them dancing from here! 399 00:26:51,367 --> 00:26:53,244 Reggie, get away! 400 00:26:53,287 --> 00:26:56,837 - I'm going to do them all up. - Oh, Fred! 401 00:26:56,887 --> 00:27:00,357 You are as soft as a brush when the mood takes you 402 00:27:00,407 --> 00:27:02,637 and you do mean well, 403 00:27:02,687 --> 00:27:05,566 but you haven't got the time to do these up before Christmas, 404 00:27:05,607 --> 00:27:08,599 and no child wants to wake up to broken toys 405 00:27:08,647 --> 00:27:11,480 that other people have thrown out. 406 00:27:12,807 --> 00:27:15,162 (SIGHS) It happened to me when I was a kid. 407 00:27:18,607 --> 00:27:20,325 It was just a thought. 408 00:27:22,167 --> 00:27:23,566 Come in, Sister... 409 00:27:25,767 --> 00:27:28,156 ...and sit where I can see you. 410 00:27:31,287 --> 00:27:35,758 I still have the sight in one eye, but it must do the work for two. 411 00:27:40,247 --> 00:27:42,363 I remember clasping hands with you 412 00:27:42,407 --> 00:27:44,398 the night before we took our novice vows. 413 00:27:44,447 --> 00:27:47,007 After we put on the hand cream? 414 00:27:47,047 --> 00:27:49,038 You remember. 415 00:27:49,087 --> 00:27:52,967 who could forget Sister Gertrude marching in with the Nivea, 416 00:27:53,007 --> 00:27:55,806 announcing that we would all go to the altar 417 00:27:55,847 --> 00:27:58,839 with hands as smooth as they would ever be again? 418 00:28:02,607 --> 00:28:06,919 I love the smell of Nivea...even now. 419 00:28:06,967 --> 00:28:11,837 It's one of the things I missed when I was voted Superior 420 00:28:11,887 --> 00:28:14,117 and stopped going into people's homes - 421 00:28:14,167 --> 00:28:15,726 the smell of hand cream... 422 00:28:17,887 --> 00:28:19,400 ...the talcum powder... 423 00:28:21,047 --> 00:28:22,526 ...even baby soap. 424 00:28:24,647 --> 00:28:28,800 You don't imagine you'll mourn those small connections 425 00:28:28,847 --> 00:28:32,203 to ordinary things as Mother Superior... 426 00:28:33,487 --> 00:28:35,125 ...but you do. 427 00:28:38,127 --> 00:28:40,801 I pray for you every day. 428 00:28:42,767 --> 00:28:45,281 I want my work to be your work. 429 00:28:46,327 --> 00:28:48,443 I want you to take my place. 430 00:28:51,607 --> 00:28:53,166 But you cannot choose. 431 00:28:55,327 --> 00:28:57,557 The Sisters vote amongst themselves. 432 00:28:57,607 --> 00:29:01,441 You are the only one who has the intellect, 433 00:29:01,487 --> 00:29:05,765 as well as the spirit and the heart. 434 00:29:07,607 --> 00:29:10,281 I believe our Sisters see that. 435 00:29:10,327 --> 00:29:14,036 And if they cannot, there is one who does. 436 00:29:15,327 --> 00:29:17,000 They mark the paper. 437 00:29:17,047 --> 00:29:20,358 One higher moves the pen. 438 00:30:00,207 --> 00:30:02,084 (PHONE RINGS) 439 00:30:02,127 --> 00:30:03,606 Turner residence. 440 00:30:03,647 --> 00:30:07,242 Shelagh, it's Sister Julienne. Have you time to talk? 441 00:30:07,287 --> 00:30:10,325 I'm on holiday from midwifery until New Year. 442 00:30:10,367 --> 00:30:12,438 Angela and Teddy are wrapped up 443 00:30:12,487 --> 00:30:14,160 and are feeding the ducks with their nanny. 444 00:30:14,207 --> 00:30:17,165 Tim's lying upstairs listening to some appalling music, 445 00:30:17,207 --> 00:30:19,198 and Miss Higgins is cracking the whip. 446 00:30:19,247 --> 00:30:21,397 Nobody needs this much time. 447 00:30:21,447 --> 00:30:24,200 I need any you can spare. 448 00:30:24,247 --> 00:30:28,161 I have never seen an office in such disarray 449 00:30:28,207 --> 00:30:31,563 and I cannot restore it to order alone. 450 00:30:31,607 --> 00:30:34,963 You'll be home in time for Christmas. 451 00:30:41,887 --> 00:30:45,801 Lord, but you look lonely there, Sister Monica Joan. 452 00:30:45,847 --> 00:30:48,123 Iam in the company of the Almighty... 453 00:30:49,207 --> 00:30:53,326 ...who, being of the masculine persuasion, would, 454 00:30:53,367 --> 00:30:58,043 I suspect, be unmoved by my current skirmish with this carpet-sweeper. 455 00:31:02,327 --> 00:31:06,161 I sense the presence of something malign in it. 456 00:31:06,207 --> 00:31:09,165 You have a bit of cotton wrapped round the brush. 457 00:31:13,487 --> 00:31:17,606 Sister Monica Joan, would you like to come to church with me? 458 00:31:17,647 --> 00:31:20,958 It's not in some great building, or even a chapel this size, 459 00:31:21,007 --> 00:31:24,159 but you might find it feeds your soul a little. 460 00:31:24,207 --> 00:31:26,483 - Oh. - In fact, 461 00:31:26,527 --> 00:31:28,279 it would feed more than your soul. 462 00:31:28,327 --> 00:31:30,887 We serve lots of sweet cakes and puddings 463 00:31:30,927 --> 00:31:33,237 - round this time of year. - Oh! 464 00:31:35,527 --> 00:31:36,756 (SIGHS) 465 00:31:37,967 --> 00:31:40,846 I...I dare not vacate these premises 466 00:31:40,887 --> 00:31:44,039 when no other is here to raise their voice in prayer. 467 00:31:45,527 --> 00:31:49,885 You must imagine me veiled in scarlet, 468 00:31:49,927 --> 00:31:52,237 like the Vestals of Rome, 469 00:31:52,287 --> 00:31:55,518 charged with keeping the flame alive. 470 00:32:17,407 --> 00:32:19,717 Miss Higgins has blocked off my days away on the calendar 471 00:32:19,767 --> 00:32:23,078 in three different colours of ink. 472 00:32:23,127 --> 00:32:26,961 I'm sorry to have to say it, but she seemed enthusiastic. 473 00:32:27,007 --> 00:32:28,998 we'll all be fine. 474 00:32:29,047 --> 00:32:30,958 And Sister Julienne needs you. 475 00:32:32,767 --> 00:32:35,964 (SIGHS) I think we should leave now. 476 00:32:36,007 --> 00:32:37,725 I'm scared I'll miss the train 477 00:32:37,767 --> 00:32:39,360 or change my mind. 478 00:32:45,407 --> 00:32:47,318 Oh! Well done! 479 00:32:47,367 --> 00:32:50,644 Well, that's all done now, Denise. Thank you! 480 00:32:50,687 --> 00:32:53,759 Do you want to take Mandy and go and watch television with the others? 481 00:32:53,807 --> 00:32:55,639 I'want to be here when the mums and dads come. 482 00:32:55,687 --> 00:32:58,520 They're only coming to see the Chinese babies. 483 00:32:58,567 --> 00:32:59,887 They're coming to choose. 484 00:32:59,927 --> 00:33:02,237 They look at all of us on choosing days. 485 00:33:02,287 --> 00:33:04,563 This isn't a choosing day! 486 00:33:04,607 --> 00:33:06,564 Even if there was such a thing. 487 00:33:06,607 --> 00:33:07,722 Besides, we already know 488 00:33:07,767 --> 00:33:10,361 who the Chinese babies' new mums and dads are going to be. 489 00:33:10,407 --> 00:33:13,126 They're just coming to meet their children, 490 00:33:13,167 --> 00:33:15,397 and have some fun with them. 491 00:33:15,447 --> 00:33:16,881 That's nice. 492 00:33:47,767 --> 00:33:51,647 Oh! Oh, my dear Shelagh. 493 00:33:51,687 --> 00:33:54,600 - Oh! - I brought you some mince pies. 494 00:33:54,647 --> 00:33:59,244 I'm a guest now. I shouldn't come empty-handed. 495 00:34:02,607 --> 00:34:06,840 Is it self-indulgent to say I hardly recognise myself? 496 00:34:06,887 --> 00:34:08,798 It's as though that woman was erased 497 00:34:08,847 --> 00:34:12,158 as completely as the old Nonnatus House, 498 00:34:12,207 --> 00:34:14,881 not a wall or a window left standing. 499 00:34:16,167 --> 00:34:21,367 Your vocation changed and you did not disobey the call. 500 00:34:21,407 --> 00:34:23,398 I couldn't disobey it. 501 00:34:23,447 --> 00:34:26,121 It was stronger than anything I'd ever known. 502 00:34:27,567 --> 00:34:28,557 Shelagh... 503 00:34:30,167 --> 00:34:35,162 ...my dread of what I think is coming is stronger than anything I have ever known. 504 00:34:36,647 --> 00:34:40,959 Oh, are you really afraid you'll be voted in as Superior? 505 00:34:42,847 --> 00:34:47,080 Mother Jesu Emmanuel is lying upstairs willing it. 506 00:34:49,247 --> 00:34:54,367 And the prayers of the dying are such a very potent thing. 507 00:34:54,407 --> 00:34:59,356 Mother Jesu Emmanuel may be praying for something she wants very much. 508 00:34:59,407 --> 00:35:03,480 Doesn't mean she is praying for what is right. 509 00:35:06,247 --> 00:35:08,045 What do you want to do? 510 00:35:12,447 --> 00:35:14,358 I am a religious Sister. 511 00:35:16,007 --> 00:35:18,567 I'm not allowed to want anything. 512 00:35:23,447 --> 00:35:24,517 What are you doing, Mavis? 513 00:35:26,567 --> 00:35:29,525 Iwas just showing June where the Bickiepegs were for Russell. 514 00:35:29,567 --> 00:35:31,843 First thing she said when she arrived was, 515 00:35:31,887 --> 00:35:35,243 "Ain't you got your tree up yet?" I said, "I'm not due till New Year." 516 00:35:35,287 --> 00:35:37,278 Ithought we had ages to get it organised. 517 00:35:37,327 --> 00:35:40,604 - Maybe this is just wind. - Bobby, if this is wind, 518 00:35:40,647 --> 00:35:43,207 it's enough for me to take off in a flaming hot-air balloon! 519 00:36:41,967 --> 00:36:43,640 Denise! 520 00:36:43,687 --> 00:36:45,485 Come and help Neil to play with maracas. 521 00:36:45,527 --> 00:36:47,200 He likes the noise they make. 522 00:36:48,647 --> 00:36:51,321 We might try and sit you on the rocking horse later. 523 00:36:51,367 --> 00:36:53,404 Would you like that? 524 00:36:53,447 --> 00:36:56,565 We could sing... 525 00:36:56,607 --> 00:36:58,405 (CLEARS THROAT) 526 00:36:58,447 --> 00:37:02,406 # Ride a cock horse to Banbury Cross 527 00:37:02,447 --> 00:37:06,441 # To see a fine lady upon a white horse! # 528 00:37:07,727 --> 00:37:09,445 (GASPS) 529 00:37:13,687 --> 00:37:17,567 She ran away as soon as she saw me. I think we should call the police. 530 00:37:17,607 --> 00:37:19,644 She's heavily pregnant, 531 00:37:19,687 --> 00:37:22,440 - and looks very distressed. - Well, most pregnant women 532 00:37:22,487 --> 00:37:26,401 would be distressed if they looked in through the window of an orphanage. 533 00:37:26,447 --> 00:37:29,599 And if they knew what's just happened to poor little May here, 534 00:37:29,647 --> 00:37:33,242 they'd throw back their heads and howl like wolves. 535 00:37:33,287 --> 00:37:34,721 What has happened? 536 00:37:34,767 --> 00:37:38,237 Her adoptive parents have utterly failed to materialise! 537 00:37:38,287 --> 00:37:39,436 No! 538 00:37:39,487 --> 00:37:42,639 Something must have gone terribly wrong. 539 00:37:42,687 --> 00:37:47,966 I shall ascertain. Make way. I shall require the telephone. 540 00:37:50,287 --> 00:37:54,121 (CHILDREN SING ALONG TO TV THEME) 541 00:38:13,207 --> 00:38:17,201 Must May really wait a year before her parents can take her? 542 00:38:18,367 --> 00:38:21,041 Well, tuberculosis is tuberculosis. 543 00:38:21,087 --> 00:38:24,762 12 months in a sanatorium ought to see it off, 544 00:38:24,807 --> 00:38:28,641 but while the husband's away, the wife doesn't feel she can proceed. 545 00:38:28,687 --> 00:38:31,440 May already seems terribly withdrawn. 546 00:38:32,607 --> 00:38:37,602 May's mother was a refugee who turned to prostitution. 547 00:38:37,647 --> 00:38:42,596 Pretty little thing, forever determined to reform. 548 00:38:42,647 --> 00:38:46,277 Came back to the Hong Kong orphanage for May three times, 549 00:38:46,327 --> 00:38:48,000 talking of a better life, 550 00:38:48,047 --> 00:38:52,325 job as a servant, place at a night school. 551 00:38:52,367 --> 00:38:57,123 (SIGHS) She'd take the child away and then, weeks later, 552 00:38:57,167 --> 00:38:58,441 bring her back. 553 00:38:58,487 --> 00:39:02,640 One or other of them always had a black eye 554 00:39:02,687 --> 00:39:04,360 - or a cigarette burn. - OTHERS: Oh. 555 00:39:04,407 --> 00:39:07,320 I used to wonder which of them was most in need of care. 556 00:39:07,367 --> 00:39:08,721 Sister... 557 00:39:08,767 --> 00:39:12,397 ...tea is usually a silent meal. 558 00:39:12,447 --> 00:39:15,838 Today is not a usual day. 559 00:39:15,887 --> 00:39:18,925 Our guest has bought mince pies. 560 00:39:18,967 --> 00:39:21,959 Are we to drive her from the room while we consume them? 561 00:39:24,247 --> 00:39:26,966 No, I don't doubt love was there. 562 00:39:27,007 --> 00:39:29,681 But sometimes love's not enough. 563 00:39:29,727 --> 00:39:34,244 Courage is worth more, and common sense more still. 564 00:39:34,287 --> 00:39:36,801 May's mother had neither. 565 00:39:36,847 --> 00:39:39,236 She kept coming back, 566 00:39:39,287 --> 00:39:42,598 and the child forever waiting by the door. 567 00:39:46,407 --> 00:39:49,001 TV: And he won't come without his bed. Won't he? No. 568 00:39:49,047 --> 00:39:52,927 Not this time of night. Always brings his bed with him. Oh, hello, Francis... 569 00:40:02,047 --> 00:40:03,162 Mrs Hollinger? 570 00:40:03,207 --> 00:40:05,118 It's Hollier, it's on her card. 571 00:40:05,167 --> 00:40:08,080 I'm sorry. Well, I'm pleased to say we've been able to accommodate your wife 572 00:40:08,127 --> 00:40:12,007 under the Emergency Bed Service, at St Jolyon's. 573 00:40:12,047 --> 00:40:14,607 But that's on the other side of the borough. 574 00:40:14,647 --> 00:40:16,558 The matron there is expecting you. 575 00:40:16,607 --> 00:40:19,998 You can either wait for an ambulance, which might take up to an hour, 576 00:40:20,047 --> 00:40:25,679 - or you can make your own way there. - Sister, you're wanted in Room 6. 577 00:40:25,727 --> 00:40:26,956 You must excuse me. 578 00:40:28,647 --> 00:40:31,958 - What do you want to do? - I'm not staying here. 579 00:40:32,007 --> 00:40:35,523 My sister said they treated her like a queen. 580 00:40:37,327 --> 00:40:39,603 As my godmother said, 581 00:40:39,647 --> 00:40:42,958 if you invest in an exquisitely simple silhouette, 582 00:40:43,007 --> 00:40:45,726 you can ring the changes with a multitude of accessories. 583 00:40:45,767 --> 00:40:49,522 So she took me to the best couturier in Paris... 584 00:40:50,927 --> 00:40:54,886 ...and bought me this! 585 00:40:56,367 --> 00:40:58,597 It's very plain. 586 00:40:58,647 --> 00:41:00,445 That's the whole point, Lucille. 587 00:41:00,487 --> 00:41:03,605 For example, the vendeuse suggested that, for an informal supper, 588 00:41:03,647 --> 00:41:06,241 I might wear it with a white mink chapeau. 589 00:41:06,287 --> 00:41:08,597 Do you not think your head might get a bit hot? 590 00:41:10,007 --> 00:41:13,079 (EXHALES) I'm going to put on these high heels 591 00:41:13,127 --> 00:41:17,360 and demonstrate the infinite possibilities of pared-back elegance. 592 00:41:18,887 --> 00:41:21,322 Oh, we should have waited for the ambulance. 593 00:41:21,367 --> 00:41:23,199 Ithought there'd be a bloody bus! 594 00:41:23,247 --> 00:41:27,241 It must be the fog. There'll be a taxi coming soon, I promise you, 595 00:41:27,287 --> 00:41:29,517 even if it's just a cabbie coming home from up West. 596 00:41:29,567 --> 00:41:32,878 I want to go home. I wish we'd never come out! 597 00:41:34,047 --> 00:41:35,924 You've just got to keep walking. 598 00:41:35,967 --> 00:41:40,279 I can't hardly stand, never mind keep walking! 599 00:41:40,327 --> 00:41:44,082 -I'min labour! - Mavis, listen to me. 600 00:41:44,127 --> 00:41:47,643 We're going to that phone box and we're going to call an ambulance. 601 00:41:47,687 --> 00:41:50,156 - Come on, you can do it. - OK. 602 00:41:56,247 --> 00:41:57,442 Oh! 603 00:41:57,487 --> 00:41:58,966 (MAVIS MOANS) 604 00:42:00,807 --> 00:42:02,206 Mavis! Mave! 605 00:42:05,927 --> 00:42:08,203 The phone's busted, I don't know what to do! 606 00:42:08,247 --> 00:42:12,605 Oh, you'll have to go to Nonnatus House and get a midwife. 607 00:42:12,647 --> 00:42:14,445 I don't know where it is, I'm not a woman, Mavis! 608 00:42:14,487 --> 00:42:16,478 It's next door to the school, you stupid article! 609 00:42:18,087 --> 00:42:21,478 Just...just stay there! Promise me you'll stay there. 610 00:42:22,647 --> 00:42:25,287 (MOANS) 611 00:42:31,367 --> 00:42:35,122 I'll say this - for the best couturier in Paris, 612 00:42:35,167 --> 00:42:38,444 for a Frenchman, he certainly fits a lovely zip. 613 00:42:38,487 --> 00:42:39,636 And the beauty of it is, 614 00:42:39,687 --> 00:42:42,725 I can wear it with a pair of elbow-length white satin gloves 615 00:42:42,767 --> 00:42:44,519 and a discreet diamond brooch for the opera, 616 00:42:44,567 --> 00:42:48,606 or a pearl-grey tweed coatee for a city luncheon. 617 00:42:48,647 --> 00:42:52,880 I just worry you're going to look like a photographic negative. 618 00:42:55,687 --> 00:42:57,963 And what's this, may I ask? 619 00:42:59,487 --> 00:43:02,525 A gorgeous jacket in a lovely shade of red. 620 00:43:02,567 --> 00:43:06,322 It's a fuchsia-pink duster coat in shantung silk. 621 00:43:06,367 --> 00:43:07,801 (FRANTIC POUNDING ON DOOR) 622 00:43:08,807 --> 00:43:10,400 I don't like the sound of that. 623 00:43:18,087 --> 00:43:19,441 (POUNDING CONTINUES) 624 00:43:23,167 --> 00:43:25,477 It's my wife, she's by the phone box! 625 00:43:25,527 --> 00:43:29,760 - I think the baby's coming out! - We need coordinates. which phone box? 626 00:43:29,807 --> 00:43:32,276 I can't remember! 627 00:43:35,407 --> 00:43:39,799 And it's goodbye to one pair of fully fashioned Parisian nylons. 628 00:43:44,367 --> 00:43:47,325 We're almost with you, Mavis! Hold on! 629 00:43:47,367 --> 00:43:50,678 - Oh, Ican't hold on, Ican't! - Go and ring for an ambulance, 630 00:43:50,727 --> 00:43:52,843 - and tell them to prepare for a BBA. - BBA? 631 00:43:52,887 --> 00:43:54,321 Born before arrival. 632 00:43:54,367 --> 00:43:56,085 We're on the corner of Bateman Street 633 00:43:56,127 --> 00:43:57,925 and Chandler's Mews, tell the ambulance service that, 634 00:43:57,967 --> 00:44:00,561 then come back with hot-water bottles and clean towels. 635 00:44:01,767 --> 00:44:04,839 - (MAVIS MOANS) - Oh, come on, mate, I promise you, 636 00:44:04,887 --> 00:44:08,323 when they come as quick as this, they come easy as a wink. 637 00:44:12,087 --> 00:44:14,363 As soon as we've got this contraction out of the way, 638 00:44:14,407 --> 00:44:19,402 we're going to do some basic checks to tide us over until the ambulance arrives. 639 00:44:20,647 --> 00:44:22,081 (GROANS) 640 00:44:31,967 --> 00:44:33,287 It's all right, we're here now. 641 00:44:36,527 --> 00:44:39,519 Let's slip these off and see where we are. 642 00:44:39,567 --> 00:44:41,319 They said I had to go to St Jolyon's. 643 00:44:41,367 --> 00:44:43,324 Oh, well, we're not having that. 644 00:44:43,367 --> 00:44:46,678 We want it born within earshot of Bow Bells, or it's not a Cockney. 645 00:44:48,807 --> 00:44:51,845 I can feel something down below, Ireckon it's the head. 646 00:44:51,887 --> 00:44:56,563 With this next pain, you push if you have the urge to, Mavis. 647 00:44:56,607 --> 00:44:58,200 Don't I need to lie down? 648 00:44:58,247 --> 00:45:02,161 No, you're fine as you are, just keep your feet nice and wide apart. 649 00:45:03,487 --> 00:45:04,761 (GROANS) 650 00:45:08,927 --> 00:45:11,316 I can feel the top of baby's head, Mavis. 651 00:45:11,367 --> 00:45:13,085 Push! 652 00:45:13,127 --> 00:45:17,678 - There you go, chick, that's the ticket. - (GROANS) 653 00:45:17,727 --> 00:45:20,037 As hard as you can, Mavis, all the way to the end of this contraction. 654 00:45:20,087 --> 00:45:22,283 That's it, you're doing brilliantly. 655 00:45:26,167 --> 00:45:29,717 They will keep neither mother nor infant warm 656 00:45:29,767 --> 00:45:32,236 if they are not kept warm themselves. 657 00:45:32,287 --> 00:45:35,837 - Thank you, Sister. - God speed you on your way. 658 00:45:35,887 --> 00:45:38,083 We need all the help we can get. 659 00:45:38,127 --> 00:45:39,322 (BICYCLE BELL RINGS) 660 00:45:42,727 --> 00:45:46,516 Keep pushing, Mavis, like you did with the last one 661 00:45:46,567 --> 00:45:47,841 and the one before. 662 00:45:47,887 --> 00:45:49,446 Good girl. 663 00:45:51,607 --> 00:45:53,325 - Thank you. - That's all right, chick. 664 00:45:53,367 --> 00:45:56,598 Now, you catch your breath, save all your strength for the next one. 665 00:45:58,127 --> 00:46:00,482 MAVIS: Is the head out? 666 00:46:00,527 --> 00:46:03,599 when I was having Russell, you let me reach down and feel it. 667 00:46:03,647 --> 00:46:07,436 I think Russell was a little bit more biddable than this one. 668 00:46:08,847 --> 00:46:10,758 Dragging its heels a bit, is it? 669 00:46:15,287 --> 00:46:19,440 Push as soon as you like, Mavis, a really big, brave push. 670 00:46:19,487 --> 00:46:22,127 we're with you. Keep pushing, that's it. 671 00:46:22,167 --> 00:46:25,398 Come on, chick, you can do it. 672 00:46:25,447 --> 00:46:27,802 Don't let go of this, Mavis. 673 00:46:27,847 --> 00:46:30,407 You have to keep pushing. 674 00:46:30,447 --> 00:46:34,156 Clean towels, two hot-water bottles, all present and correct. 675 00:46:35,487 --> 00:46:37,956 And I wish I could say 1 did see an ambulance, 676 00:46:38,007 --> 00:46:39,441 but there isn't any sign. 677 00:46:39,487 --> 00:46:40,477 (MAVIS GROANS) 678 00:46:41,727 --> 00:46:45,561 That was a superb push, Mavis, but baby's not moving. 679 00:46:45,607 --> 00:46:47,962 I need to get you onto one knee, sweetie. 680 00:46:48,007 --> 00:46:50,647 - No, Ican't! - Well, you can, cos we're here. 681 00:46:50,687 --> 00:46:53,440 LUCILLE: You have three of us, all to yourself. 682 00:46:53,487 --> 00:46:56,001 One of us is even wearing a uniform. 683 00:46:56,047 --> 00:46:58,960 Just think of us as the Beverley Sisters, but with rubber gloves. 684 00:47:00,847 --> 00:47:02,838 Gently now. That's it. 685 00:47:05,127 --> 00:47:08,165 - (GROANS) - All right, there we go. 686 00:47:15,247 --> 00:47:16,362 Yep. 687 00:47:17,607 --> 00:47:18,836 Here we go. 688 00:47:21,807 --> 00:47:24,083 - Now, push. - (MAVIS SCREAMS) 689 00:47:24,127 --> 00:47:25,879 Push. 690 00:47:25,927 --> 00:47:29,158 - Push, push, push, push. - The pain's gone! 691 00:47:29,207 --> 00:47:30,925 Then push anyway. 692 00:47:36,247 --> 00:47:39,285 That's it, that's it, that's it! 693 00:47:40,367 --> 00:47:41,482 (BABY CRIES) 694 00:47:44,807 --> 00:47:46,718 Posterior shoulder first. 695 00:48:06,927 --> 00:48:08,406 - Oh! - Oh! 696 00:48:08,447 --> 00:48:10,358 There we go. 697 00:48:21,287 --> 00:48:22,277 There. 698 00:48:22,327 --> 00:48:26,366 I think somebody's Christmas has come a little bit early, hasn't it? 699 00:48:33,207 --> 00:48:35,596 You've got a little boy, Mavis. 700 00:48:41,607 --> 00:48:43,644 I'll have to give him a Christmassy name now, 701 00:48:43,687 --> 00:48:44,961 -won'tI? - Mmm. 702 00:48:45,007 --> 00:48:46,725 Like Noel. 703 00:48:46,767 --> 00:48:48,201 Or Robin. 704 00:48:49,287 --> 00:48:52,166 Gabriel, like the angel! 705 00:48:52,207 --> 00:48:55,040 Perhaps you should wait till the shock's worn off! 706 00:48:55,087 --> 00:48:56,600 (AMBULANCE BELL RINGS) 707 00:48:58,247 --> 00:48:59,521 (BABY CRIES) 708 00:48:59,567 --> 00:49:01,797 Come and see your beautiful baby. 709 00:49:03,087 --> 00:49:04,998 - AMBULANCEMAN: Is she all right? - LUCILLE: Mr Hollier? 710 00:49:05,047 --> 00:49:08,403 - It's a bit bloody late now! - Come now, Mr Hollier. 711 00:49:08,447 --> 00:49:11,007 Let's have a bit of peace and goodwill. 712 00:49:22,727 --> 00:49:24,479 WilLT have to go to hospital now? 713 00:49:24,527 --> 00:49:28,282 You're not going anywhere where we can't look after you properly. 714 00:49:33,567 --> 00:49:34,841 (FOOTSTEPS APPROACH) 715 00:49:36,607 --> 00:49:40,680 Mavis's husband is lying down across the chairs in reception. 716 00:49:40,727 --> 00:49:43,560 I put two spoons of sugar in his cup. 717 00:49:45,607 --> 00:49:47,439 How are you getting on? 718 00:49:47,487 --> 00:49:52,118 I seem to have got all the blood out, but I'm having less luck with the vernix. 719 00:49:53,807 --> 00:49:54,797 (SIGHS) 720 00:49:57,367 --> 00:49:58,357 (LUCILLE CHUCKLES) 721 00:49:58,407 --> 00:50:01,798 It's only a dress, and a birth is never just a birth. 722 00:50:07,887 --> 00:50:09,036 I could call him Nicholas. 723 00:50:10,647 --> 00:50:14,163 It's Father Christmas's name in some of the old-fashioned books. 724 00:50:15,327 --> 00:50:16,886 Nicholas. 725 00:50:16,927 --> 00:50:18,281 I like that. 726 00:50:21,407 --> 00:50:22,522 Gravel. 727 00:50:23,927 --> 00:50:26,726 You must have come off the cape when you were pushing. 728 00:50:26,767 --> 00:50:32,080 As one Poplar girl to another, am I allowed to say I'm proud of you? 729 00:50:32,127 --> 00:50:34,437 Yeah, we did all right, didn't we? 730 00:50:36,487 --> 00:50:41,516 Everyone tells you hospital's better. The hospital tells you hospital's better. 731 00:50:41,567 --> 00:50:44,559 They never tell you there might not be a bed. 732 00:50:46,567 --> 00:50:51,198 There you are. What a smart little soldier. 733 00:50:51,247 --> 00:50:54,205 Bringing him to meals and feeding him alongside the other children 734 00:50:54,247 --> 00:50:56,921 is having a really positive effect. 735 00:50:58,687 --> 00:51:02,317 I've noticed that little May hardly eats at all. 736 00:51:02,367 --> 00:51:05,280 I picked her up to put her on the rocking horse yesterday. 737 00:51:05,327 --> 00:51:07,716 I know what a well-nourished three-year-old should feel like 738 00:51:07,767 --> 00:51:10,281 in your arms, and it shouldn't feel like that, 739 00:51:10,327 --> 00:51:12,841 - like a bird. - Sister Mildred says 740 00:51:12,887 --> 00:51:16,084 some children do less well than others in residential care. 741 00:51:16,127 --> 00:51:18,437 May just isn't suited to orphanage life. 742 00:51:18,487 --> 00:51:19,886 It's gone on too long for her. 743 00:51:19,927 --> 00:51:23,318 (SIGHS) I wish there was something we could do. 744 00:51:23,367 --> 00:51:25,597 I pray...for all of them. 745 00:51:25,647 --> 00:51:28,207 I don't think I've stopped praying since I got here. 746 00:51:35,647 --> 00:51:38,844 Young Nicholas is looking a little bit peckish, Mrs Hollier. 747 00:51:45,087 --> 00:51:46,407 I'll pull the curtains round, 748 00:51:46,447 --> 00:51:49,360 so you can have some privacy while we put baby to the breast. 749 00:51:49,407 --> 00:51:52,240 Can't I stay? It's nothing I haven't seen before. 750 00:51:54,047 --> 00:51:56,163 - Please? - You'll find a selection 751 00:51:56,207 --> 00:51:58,005 of reading matter in reception. 752 00:52:05,647 --> 00:52:06,682 Oh! 753 00:52:06,727 --> 00:52:08,798 Oh, Nurse! 754 00:52:08,847 --> 00:52:11,726 Nurse, I'm sorry, but it hurts so much! 755 00:52:11,767 --> 00:52:13,883 - Where, lass? - Down below. 756 00:52:16,487 --> 00:52:19,878 Oh, it hurts so much! (MOANS) 757 00:52:24,807 --> 00:52:26,445 (WHISPERS PRAYER) 758 00:52:47,767 --> 00:52:49,121 (GASPS) 759 00:52:49,167 --> 00:52:53,320 Oh! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. 760 00:52:53,367 --> 00:52:55,517 I saw you before, when you were looking in the window. 761 00:52:56,927 --> 00:52:58,838 Did you come here because you need help? 762 00:53:12,687 --> 00:53:13,836 Stop! 763 00:53:16,287 --> 00:53:18,164 Please, miss, stop! 764 00:53:21,287 --> 00:53:24,405 I'm glad you stopped running. It's bad for you and it's bad for your baby. 765 00:53:24,447 --> 00:53:26,438 I suppose you're one of the midwives? 766 00:53:26,487 --> 00:53:28,558 We're all midwives, it's what our order does. 767 00:53:28,607 --> 00:53:29,597 I know that. 768 00:53:32,527 --> 00:53:35,838 When I was a child, I used to be at the orphanage. 769 00:53:37,007 --> 00:53:38,441 Oh. 770 00:53:40,007 --> 00:53:41,486 Will you tell me your name? 771 00:53:43,087 --> 00:53:44,122 It's Lena. 772 00:53:45,207 --> 00:53:46,925 Why didn't you knock on the door, Lena, 773 00:53:46,967 --> 00:53:49,117 why didn't you just ask to speak to someone? 774 00:53:49,167 --> 00:53:52,797 I just don't know. I was scared. 775 00:53:55,087 --> 00:53:57,681 - Were you unhappy at the orphanage? - No. 776 00:54:00,687 --> 00:54:04,646 It was the last time I ever felt happy in my life. 777 00:54:12,367 --> 00:54:13,357 (SCREAMS) 778 00:54:21,407 --> 00:54:22,841 You poor thing. 779 00:54:23,887 --> 00:54:29,041 You have a vaginal haematoma - a massive collection of blood under the skin. 780 00:54:30,127 --> 00:54:33,677 It's been getting bigger and bigger since you gave birth. 781 00:54:33,727 --> 00:54:35,206 How big? 782 00:54:35,247 --> 00:54:38,877 well, if you're looking for a more seasonal image, 783 00:54:38,927 --> 00:54:41,237 about the size of a tangerine. 784 00:54:44,407 --> 00:54:45,522 Oh! 785 00:54:47,047 --> 00:54:53,202 Your blood pressure is just a little high. It may come down with rest and warmth, 786 00:54:53,247 --> 00:54:58,083 but I would like to check your urine if you can provide a sample. 787 00:54:58,127 --> 00:55:01,324 My earliest memory's of one of you, when my brother was born. 788 00:55:01,367 --> 00:55:03,563 Iwas only two then, maybe three. 789 00:55:03,607 --> 00:55:06,440 Was he born at the cottage hospital? It's closed down now. 790 00:55:06,487 --> 00:55:08,160 In London, in Poplar. 791 00:55:08,207 --> 00:55:10,005 Our order's been in Poplar for a number of years. 792 00:55:10,047 --> 00:55:13,165 It was one of you who brought me down here on the bus. 793 00:55:13,207 --> 00:55:17,917 They said my brother Billy couldn't come, because he had a club foot. 794 00:55:17,967 --> 00:55:21,597 He had to have a stick and wear a special shoe. 795 00:55:21,647 --> 00:55:25,003 - How old were you? - When my parents died? 796 00:55:26,647 --> 00:55:30,322 I think I was seven, maybe eight. 797 00:55:30,367 --> 00:55:36,682 I had one big tooth and one baby tooth at the front, I remember that. 798 00:55:37,807 --> 00:55:38,922 The nun who met me here 799 00:55:38,967 --> 00:55:44,645 said I should be careful who I smiled at, or I might not get picked. 800 00:55:44,687 --> 00:55:47,918 - It's OK. - Sister Hilda asked if you could go 801 00:55:47,967 --> 00:55:49,765 and help with the children. 802 00:55:49,807 --> 00:55:52,401 Neil seems unsettled and she thinks he might want you. 803 00:55:52,447 --> 00:55:53,517 Oh. 804 00:55:53,567 --> 00:55:59,483 I can remember one of you standing with Billy on the pavement. 805 00:55:59,527 --> 00:56:03,680 We were looking at each other through the window of the bus. 806 00:56:03,727 --> 00:56:06,526 It was such a dirty window, we could hardly see each other. 807 00:56:07,967 --> 00:56:09,765 Iwas crying and crying, 808 00:56:09,807 --> 00:56:14,404 and the nun said I had to stop crying 809 00:56:14,447 --> 00:56:17,724 because if I didn't stop, the bus wouldn't go. 810 00:56:18,887 --> 00:56:21,276 And I wiped my eyes with the back of my hands, 811 00:56:21,327 --> 00:56:24,126 and the bus pulled away. 812 00:56:26,727 --> 00:56:29,287 I never saw my brother again. 813 00:56:31,567 --> 00:56:34,400 Do you want to tell us what happened after that? 814 00:56:34,447 --> 00:56:36,085 After I came here? 815 00:56:38,687 --> 00:56:41,805 (SIGHS) I was sent to Australia. 816 00:56:41,847 --> 00:56:44,282 On the children's farm school scheme? 817 00:56:45,367 --> 00:56:48,678 It gives children such a wonderful chance in life. 818 00:56:49,807 --> 00:56:51,798 Kills some of them. 819 00:56:51,847 --> 00:56:53,167 Yeah, they killed me. 820 00:57:06,847 --> 00:57:09,282 We should be ready now, Dr Turner. 821 00:57:09,327 --> 00:57:12,524 In a moment, I'm going to make a tiny incision 822 00:57:12,567 --> 00:57:15,525 and drain all of the blood out of the haematoma. 823 00:57:15,567 --> 00:57:19,879 - You'll soon feel much better. - It's already stopped hurting. 824 00:57:19,927 --> 00:57:23,363 That little scratch you felt before was a local anaesthetic. 825 00:57:23,407 --> 00:57:27,924 I need to go home. I still haven't got a tree yet. 826 00:57:27,967 --> 00:57:31,403 It's nearly Christmas Eve. The baby won't know, but Russell will. 827 00:57:31,447 --> 00:57:33,961 How will he know it's Christmas without one? 828 00:57:34,007 --> 00:57:36,521 DR TURNER: I want you to take deep breaths of the gas now, Mavis. 829 00:57:36,567 --> 00:57:38,604 I haven't even wrapped the presents yet. 830 00:57:38,647 --> 00:57:42,117 NURSE CRANE: Come on, now. Deep breaths. 831 00:57:44,087 --> 00:57:46,044 That's it, good girl. 832 00:57:47,287 --> 00:57:50,279 She's had a rotten run of luck, poor lass. 833 00:57:50,327 --> 00:57:53,285 Christmas should be a happy time for a young family. 834 00:57:53,327 --> 00:57:55,762 Yes, it should. 835 00:58:00,007 --> 00:58:03,125 You often hear of children being sent to Australia. 836 00:58:03,167 --> 00:58:06,000 I thought most of them went to small children's homes in the countryside. 837 00:58:06,047 --> 00:58:09,199 Lena didn't, she said she was taken to a farm, 838 00:58:09,247 --> 00:58:11,716 put to work and treated absolutely brutally. 839 00:58:11,767 --> 00:58:15,237 She also says she married an older man 840 00:58:15,287 --> 00:58:18,166 and when he died, she used the small amount of money she was left 841 00:58:18,207 --> 00:58:20,278 to pay for a passage home. 842 00:58:20,327 --> 00:58:23,558 That's all Sister Julienne and I have been able to get out of her. 843 00:58:23,607 --> 00:58:26,167 At least you managed to persuade her to spend the night. 844 00:58:26,207 --> 00:58:30,519 She's been staying in a room above a pub. That doesn't sound at all suitable. 845 00:58:30,567 --> 00:58:34,037 The order has never put any children to the child migrant programme directly. 846 00:58:34,087 --> 00:58:37,717 We only ever liaised with charities who did, 847 00:58:37,767 --> 00:58:40,600 which might explain why the records seem so sketchy. 848 00:58:40,647 --> 00:58:43,526 Well, what if the records are sketchy? 849 00:58:44,687 --> 00:58:47,406 What if nothing was ever properly written down? 850 00:58:47,447 --> 00:58:49,723 If they weren't, then they should've been. 851 00:58:49,767 --> 00:58:53,840 Facts may sometimes disappear from sight, but everyone has a story. 852 00:58:53,887 --> 00:58:56,845 The least we can do is make sure that it's told. 853 00:58:58,087 --> 00:58:59,202 (SHELAGH SIGHS) 854 00:59:52,127 --> 00:59:53,322 (CLINKING) 855 00:59:53,367 --> 00:59:56,325 Your attention, please, Sisters...and guest... 856 00:59:57,447 --> 00:59:59,961 ...or should that be guests? 857 01:00:01,127 --> 01:00:05,086 Neil and I are experimenting with a new arrangement of cushions. 858 01:00:05,127 --> 01:00:09,837 He seems to be digesting better, and he's trying to look around more. 859 01:00:11,167 --> 01:00:12,885 Wonderful. 860 01:00:12,927 --> 01:00:17,603 I've been with Mother Jesu Emmanuel, and the chaplain general will visit to oversee 861 01:00:17,647 --> 01:00:21,083 the election...the day after tomorrow. 862 01:00:22,287 --> 01:00:28,477 Mother asks that we choose a Sister whose grasp of the religious life 863 01:00:28,527 --> 01:00:33,522 means she may lead us with both confidence and grace. 864 01:00:33,567 --> 01:00:36,446 In addition, she commends Sister Julienne 865 01:00:36,487 --> 01:00:41,402 for so swiftly establishing good governance in the office. 866 01:00:46,887 --> 01:00:49,527 It'll all be over by Christmas, as we used to say in the war. 867 01:00:49,567 --> 01:00:52,446 You'll be looking forward to going back to Poplar, Sister Winifred? 868 01:00:53,727 --> 01:00:55,559 I don't want to go back. 869 01:00:55,607 --> 01:00:58,918 - I want to stay here. - Sister, 870 01:00:58,967 --> 01:01:03,757 - we have to go where we are called. - Obedience demands it. 871 01:01:08,887 --> 01:01:12,278 Well, with respect, Sisters, 872 01:01:12,327 --> 01:01:16,639 I think there is a difference between going where we are called by God 873 01:01:16,687 --> 01:01:19,884 and doing what we are told by human beings. 874 01:01:21,527 --> 01:01:24,360 - I think perhaps I should withdraw. - No, do stay. 875 01:01:24,407 --> 01:01:27,604 The presence of a guest might persuade our Sisters to moderate their quarrel. 876 01:01:27,647 --> 01:01:32,244 The quarrel is not between ourselves, 877 01:01:32,287 --> 01:01:34,756 it is within us. 878 01:01:34,807 --> 01:01:41,440 The quarrel is between one's own desires and that which is demanded. 879 01:01:41,487 --> 01:01:45,082 The quarrel is between the body and its longings, 880 01:01:45,127 --> 01:01:51,396 the soul and its terrors, and the mind, yearning to be free. 881 01:01:51,447 --> 01:01:54,917 The quarrel defines us. 882 01:01:54,967 --> 01:01:59,996 It drives us forwards, upwards, to our knees in prayer. 883 01:02:00,047 --> 01:02:02,641 You must embrace the quarrel. 884 01:02:03,687 --> 01:02:07,123 The quarrel will lead us to the answer. 885 01:02:07,167 --> 01:02:10,523 It is everything we are. 886 01:02:12,927 --> 01:02:17,763 Tea is supposed to be a silent meal. 887 01:02:19,367 --> 01:02:24,203 Well, I feel called to stay here, and I don't care who's calling me. 888 01:02:32,367 --> 01:02:35,598 Oh, come on, Reggie, eat your swiss roll and custard. 889 01:02:35,647 --> 01:02:36,637 In a few days' time, 890 01:02:36,687 --> 01:02:40,806 everything will have dried fruit in it, and you hate dried fruit. 891 01:02:40,847 --> 01:02:43,282 - (DOORBELL RINGS) - Oh, get that, Fred. 892 01:02:43,327 --> 01:02:45,716 I'm running late for the WVS sherry party. 893 01:02:54,847 --> 01:02:56,042 (RINGING CONTINUES) 894 01:02:57,207 --> 01:03:00,199 What's the panic, Noll, your knicker elastic gone? 895 01:03:00,247 --> 01:03:03,956 Iam a man of conscience, it's part of my jovial carapace, 896 01:03:04,007 --> 01:03:07,238 and I've been thinking about them little ‘uns we disappointed over the reindeer. 897 01:03:07,287 --> 01:03:09,756 (DONKEY BRAYS) 898 01:03:09,807 --> 01:03:11,718 That's not a reindeer. 899 01:03:14,207 --> 01:03:18,246 It's a donkey, and it's got sand in its fur. 900 01:03:18,287 --> 01:03:21,484 Maybe it cut through Clacton on the way from the North Pole. 901 01:03:21,527 --> 01:03:24,679 I'll need him back after the holidays. 902 01:03:25,727 --> 01:03:26,842 Merry Christmas. 903 01:03:34,207 --> 01:03:37,086 Violet, sweetheart? 904 01:03:37,127 --> 01:03:40,722 I've just got to pop down the civil defence headquarters. 905 01:03:40,767 --> 01:03:44,840 VIOLET: Well, no stopping off down the Black Sail afterwards. 906 01:03:44,887 --> 01:03:47,242 My word is my bond. 907 01:03:47,287 --> 01:03:49,881 It's a donkey! 908 01:03:49,927 --> 01:03:51,918 Shh! 909 01:03:51,967 --> 01:03:56,404 - Reggie, I've taken a special delivery. - I know, Fred. 910 01:03:56,447 --> 01:03:59,485 And it's a donkey! 911 01:03:59,527 --> 01:04:02,758 Look, just go back inside and don't say anything. 912 01:04:05,607 --> 01:04:07,200 Come on, you. 913 01:04:07,247 --> 01:04:10,842 No, come on, come on, that's it, this way. 914 01:04:10,887 --> 01:04:14,005 - (DONKEY BRAYS) - Shh! 915 01:04:15,127 --> 01:04:20,247 Good evening, Doctor. More seasonal confectionery from grateful patients. 916 01:04:21,487 --> 01:04:25,560 I can't allow that on the premises until it's passed a fire test. 917 01:04:25,607 --> 01:04:28,918 Aluminium trees are highly inflammable. 918 01:04:28,967 --> 01:04:32,437 Ah, Mr Hollier! Just the person. 919 01:04:32,487 --> 01:04:35,286 I thought you and your family might like this. 920 01:04:35,327 --> 01:04:37,887 - A tree? - Take it. 921 01:04:37,927 --> 01:04:39,884 Take it home, turn the lights on. 922 01:04:39,927 --> 01:04:43,807 You'll have a little bit of Christmas then, until I can send your wife home. 923 01:04:43,847 --> 01:04:44,882 Thank you, Doctor. 924 01:04:44,927 --> 01:04:47,840 I'll go through and tell Mavis so she can stop fretting 925 01:04:47,887 --> 01:04:51,039 - and concentrate on getting better. - (PHONE RINGS) 926 01:04:51,087 --> 01:04:55,160 Surgery reception, how may I be of assistance? 927 01:04:56,727 --> 01:04:58,126 It's for you. 928 01:05:01,127 --> 01:05:03,004 Yes? 929 01:05:03,047 --> 01:05:04,958 Dad, what's happened to our silver tree? 930 01:05:05,007 --> 01:05:08,523 Look over your shoulder, Tim, what can you see? 931 01:05:08,567 --> 01:05:11,400 Angela - looking broken-hearted. 932 01:05:11,447 --> 01:05:13,358 And another tree. 933 01:05:13,407 --> 01:05:17,924 Dad, you're always giving things away, even when it's not Christmas. 934 01:05:17,967 --> 01:05:19,366 But it /s Christmas. 935 01:05:32,807 --> 01:05:35,606 Sister... don't feel well. 936 01:05:41,607 --> 01:05:44,599 - (DONKEY BRAYS) - Come on, donkey, come on. No, this way. 937 01:05:44,647 --> 01:05:47,207 PASSER-BY: Yeah, you don't see many of them around. 938 01:05:47,247 --> 01:05:48,362 You need a hand, Fred? 939 01:05:48,407 --> 01:05:52,719 Oh, no, no, no, me and old... old Eeyore here, we understand each other. 940 01:05:52,767 --> 01:05:55,646 I'm trying to get him up the allotment so I can put him in my shed. 941 01:05:55,687 --> 01:05:58,122 I would let him graze, but I think he'd run amok. 942 01:05:58,167 --> 01:06:02,047 - He's not running amok now. - (DONKEY BRAYS) 943 01:06:02,087 --> 01:06:08,402 Listen, you haven't got any peppermints on you, have you, Doctor? Only... (SIGHS) 944 01:06:08,447 --> 01:06:09,926 ...I got him all the way here 945 01:06:09,967 --> 01:06:12,720 on the strength of a Polo mint Ifound in me pocket. 946 01:06:20,007 --> 01:06:22,123 PASSER-BY: What are you doing with that donkey? 947 01:06:22,167 --> 01:06:24,238 I'd move that tin a little bit if I was you, Doctor, 948 01:06:24,287 --> 01:06:27,325 because he seems to have his eye on the toffee penny. 949 01:06:30,087 --> 01:06:32,556 - There we go, that's a good donkey. - REGGIE: Fred? 950 01:06:32,607 --> 01:06:35,042 - Come on, come on, donkey. - (DONKEY BRAYS) 951 01:06:35,087 --> 01:06:36,998 There you go. Ooh, this way. 952 01:06:37,047 --> 01:06:38,446 This way. 953 01:06:38,487 --> 01:06:41,923 (SIGHS) Oh, I told you to stay at home! 954 01:06:41,967 --> 01:06:43,446 I got the donkey a blanket. 955 01:06:44,807 --> 01:06:47,765 You're a bit keen to get this animal under wraps, Fred. 956 01:06:47,807 --> 01:06:53,120 Er, well, given your upstanding status in the community, Doctor, 957 01:06:53,167 --> 01:06:54,805 I'll let you get off home. 958 01:06:55,847 --> 01:06:57,440 I'll leave you the Quality Street. 959 01:07:00,887 --> 01:07:03,879 Right, come on, then, let's... Let's see if we can get you in here. 960 01:07:03,927 --> 01:07:05,565 Come on. Oh, look at all these lovely... 961 01:07:05,607 --> 01:07:07,280 Oh, no, no, come back, come back. 962 01:07:07,327 --> 01:07:11,161 Come back, come back, come on, come on, come on, good donkey. 963 01:07:11,207 --> 01:07:12,481 That's a good donkey. 964 01:07:12,527 --> 01:07:13,847 No, you're not going to go? 965 01:07:15,007 --> 01:07:16,202 Please. 966 01:07:19,687 --> 01:07:23,317 The fog has made the road to the hospital impassable, 967 01:07:23,367 --> 01:07:26,405 but Sister Hilda let me into the stores and I found everything 968 01:07:26,447 --> 01:07:27,881 in there that I might need. 969 01:07:27,927 --> 01:07:30,840 - Is it good again? - It's perfect. 970 01:07:30,887 --> 01:07:32,844 I want to be good at this, it's like... 971 01:07:34,447 --> 01:07:35,846 I want to get good marks. 972 01:07:35,887 --> 01:07:40,040 When I was on the farm, I never got anything right. 973 01:07:40,087 --> 01:07:43,717 I used to drop the eggs or leave smears on the dishes, 974 01:07:43,767 --> 01:07:48,796 tea leaves mixed up in the mop, I couldn't make anything clean. 975 01:07:48,847 --> 01:07:50,599 And that's when they'd hit you 976 01:07:50,647 --> 01:07:56,086 with the flat of their hand or a stick, when you couldn't make things perfect. 977 01:07:57,327 --> 01:08:02,197 Sometimes we just have to do the best we can, whatever is asked of us. 978 01:08:02,247 --> 01:08:06,684 You always do your best. You even did your best by Billy. 979 01:08:06,727 --> 01:08:09,287 - Billy? - My brother. 980 01:08:09,327 --> 01:08:12,957 I can remember you holding his hand when I was looking 981 01:08:13,007 --> 01:08:14,680 through the window of the bus. 982 01:08:14,727 --> 01:08:16,798 Iwas holding his hand? 983 01:08:16,847 --> 01:08:21,205 You've been in my mind like a photograph for years... 984 01:08:22,527 --> 01:08:27,442 ...and yesterday, when I saw the light fall on your face 985 01:08:27,487 --> 01:08:30,081 and I knew it was you... 986 01:08:32,447 --> 01:08:35,565 There were always so many children in Poplar, 987 01:08:35,607 --> 01:08:38,281 seven or eight to a family sometimes. 988 01:08:38,327 --> 01:08:42,116 There was only me and him, but I knew he'd be all right. 989 01:08:42,167 --> 01:08:44,443 He was holding your hand. 990 01:08:48,127 --> 01:08:50,880 (MOANS) 991 01:09:00,687 --> 01:09:03,361 That was a wonderful push. We have baby's head. 992 01:09:03,407 --> 01:09:05,398 - Really? - Really. 993 01:09:05,447 --> 01:09:09,202 - Allis well. - You're a very, very clever girl, Lena. 994 01:09:09,247 --> 01:09:12,842 And when the next pain starts, we're going to tell you to push, 995 01:09:12,887 --> 01:09:14,844 and if you push steadily, 996 01:09:14,887 --> 01:09:18,846 baby will be with us, and we'll be able to place him in your arms. 997 01:09:18,887 --> 01:09:20,764 - Him? - Shh. 998 01:09:20,807 --> 01:09:22,366 we'll soon find out if it's a boy or a girl. 999 01:09:22,407 --> 01:09:27,766 I don't mind what it is. Once he's here, I'll have flesh and blood again. 1000 01:09:27,807 --> 01:09:31,880 It's been such a long time since I've had flesh and blood in this world. 1001 01:09:34,767 --> 01:09:36,678 That's it, Lena. 1002 01:09:36,727 --> 01:09:39,765 That's it, keep pushing, keep pushing. Keep pushing. 1003 01:09:44,327 --> 01:09:45,476 (BABY CRIES) 1004 01:09:45,527 --> 01:09:46,756 Success! 1005 01:09:48,207 --> 01:09:50,926 It's a boy, Lena! 1006 01:09:54,447 --> 01:09:56,757 A gorgeous little boy! 1007 01:10:05,207 --> 01:10:06,356 Is he all right? 1008 01:10:06,407 --> 01:10:08,603 He's perfect. 1009 01:10:11,167 --> 01:10:13,681 And completely yours. 1010 01:10:31,207 --> 01:10:33,278 I'm going to call him Billy. 1011 01:10:53,807 --> 01:10:56,799 MISS HIGGINS: Ah, Mrs Turner, I'll be with you in just a minute. 1012 01:11:15,487 --> 01:11:17,444 Mrs Turner, how may I assist you? 1013 01:11:17,487 --> 01:11:20,445 I'm trying to connect some records we have at the Mother House 1014 01:11:20,487 --> 01:11:22,444 with those of a family who were on our books 1015 01:11:22,487 --> 01:11:23,966 before the war - 1016 01:11:24,007 --> 01:11:26,760 two children, called Lena and Billy, 1017 01:11:26,807 --> 01:11:28,400 or possibly William. 1018 01:11:29,687 --> 01:11:32,406 I don't know what's going wrong with Poplar. 1019 01:11:32,447 --> 01:11:36,077 Time was that you could leave the door to your whole house wide open 1020 01:11:36,127 --> 01:11:38,960 and every chattel you possessed was safe. 1021 01:11:39,007 --> 01:11:40,918 Has something gone missing? 1022 01:11:40,967 --> 01:11:44,119 Oh, the Brussels sprouts, and two pounds of parsnips! 1023 01:11:44,167 --> 01:11:45,157 (PHONE RINGS) 1024 01:11:45,207 --> 01:11:48,643 I hung them up outside in my string shopper 1025 01:11:48,687 --> 01:11:51,042 so that they'd get a nip of frost, and they've gone! 1026 01:11:53,567 --> 01:11:59,199 Poor beggars! Must've been starving to rob all that raw veg! 1027 01:11:59,247 --> 01:12:00,681 (RINGING TONE) 1028 01:12:00,727 --> 01:12:02,240 Hello? 1029 01:12:02,287 --> 01:12:03,641 Mrs Buckle? 1030 01:12:03,687 --> 01:12:05,325 Oh, is that Mrs Turner? 1031 01:12:05,367 --> 01:12:08,405 I'm afraid I'm coming to you with my begging bowl. 1032 01:12:08,447 --> 01:12:12,327 well, I always do my best to fulfil any charitable requests, Mrs Turner. 1033 01:12:12,367 --> 01:12:14,836 It's quite a big begging bowl. 1034 01:12:14,887 --> 01:12:17,527 I need you to fill it with angel costumes, 1035 01:12:17,567 --> 01:12:22,164 and possibly animal costumes. 1036 01:12:22,207 --> 01:12:26,758 Animal costumes with heads on, or just furry long johns, 1037 01:12:26,807 --> 01:12:28,923 perhaps with papier-méaché masks? 1038 01:12:28,967 --> 01:12:31,436 I don't mind, but we're putting on a nativity play 1039 01:12:31,487 --> 01:12:33,080 for the Mother House orphanage 1040 01:12:33,127 --> 01:12:36,961 before some of them go off to their adopted families, 1041 01:12:37,007 --> 01:12:40,079 and to give those that don't a Christmas memory 1042 01:12:40,127 --> 01:12:43,006 to look back on. There will be other people helping, 1043 01:12:43,047 --> 01:12:46,927 but I want every single child to have a costume. 1044 01:12:50,167 --> 01:12:51,999 How many are there? 1045 01:12:52,047 --> 01:12:53,879 About 20. 1046 01:13:00,327 --> 01:13:02,398 Well, he's settled in quite nicely. 1047 01:13:02,447 --> 01:13:05,599 - Fred, it's not ours. - No. 1048 01:13:05,647 --> 01:13:07,399 Give him to the orphans. 1049 01:13:08,607 --> 01:13:10,086 - As a Christmas present? - Mm-hm. 1050 01:13:10,127 --> 01:13:12,243 Well, better than those old broken toys. 1051 01:13:12,287 --> 01:13:15,484 And no fleas. Only sand. 1052 01:13:59,047 --> 01:14:00,117 Thank you. 1053 01:14:00,167 --> 01:14:03,205 I've seen so many people waiting for news as a midwife. 1054 01:14:03,247 --> 01:14:05,079 Now I'm waiting for news of my own. 1055 01:14:06,287 --> 01:14:09,040 I have more sympathy for them than I ever imagined. 1056 01:14:13,967 --> 01:14:15,844 I'm worried we won't hear the bell 1057 01:14:15,887 --> 01:14:19,005 when it rings to announce that the vote has been declared. 1058 01:14:19,047 --> 01:14:20,321 Maybe I don't want to. 1059 01:14:21,607 --> 01:14:25,487 Maybe I simply want to stretch this moment out and make it last... 1060 01:14:27,087 --> 01:14:29,158 ..fill it with things I have chosen. 1061 01:14:31,247 --> 01:14:35,036 If you could choose one thing now, what would it be? 1062 01:14:35,087 --> 01:14:36,805 A cigarette. 1063 01:14:38,367 --> 01:14:39,357 I mean it, Shelagh. 1064 01:14:42,367 --> 01:14:46,918 I keep them for nervous fathers 1065 01:14:46,967 --> 01:14:50,085 and unexpected social situations. 1066 01:14:50,127 --> 01:14:51,925 Patrick doesn't know. 1067 01:14:54,007 --> 01:14:57,318 This was the last thing I did before I took my first vows. 1068 01:14:57,367 --> 01:15:00,564 It was the first thing I did when I renounced mine. 1069 01:15:01,607 --> 01:15:05,566 I had to speak to Mother Jesu on the telephone. 1070 01:15:05,607 --> 01:15:08,804 If she'd been angry, it would have been so much easier. 1071 01:15:08,847 --> 01:15:13,318 But she said, "Child, make room for God, 1072 01:15:13,367 --> 01:15:16,325 "and he will fill it in ways you can never imagine." 1073 01:15:17,567 --> 01:15:21,322 I put the phone down, and all I could think about was, 1074 01:15:21,367 --> 01:15:23,199 would he fill it with a pack of Henley's? 1075 01:15:26,847 --> 01:15:29,646 (BELL CHIMES) 1076 01:15:54,927 --> 01:15:56,361 OK? 1077 01:15:56,407 --> 01:15:57,841 Can you manage? 1078 01:16:07,447 --> 01:16:09,006 (NUNS SING) 1079 01:16:25,527 --> 01:16:26,801 Your votes have been counted. 1080 01:16:31,767 --> 01:16:34,156 May I present your new Mother Superior... 1081 01:16:56,407 --> 01:16:58,637 You have made your will known. 1082 01:17:00,207 --> 01:17:03,837 I am to serve you as your Superior. 1083 01:17:03,887 --> 01:17:06,003 ALL: May his will be done. 1084 01:17:07,327 --> 01:17:12,197 And may I come to accept it with his grace. 1085 01:17:13,367 --> 01:17:18,043 Bearing in mind our recent debate upon the rule of obedience, 1086 01:17:18,087 --> 01:17:22,479 I trust Sister Winifred will not resist my request that she remain here, 1087 01:17:22,527 --> 01:17:25,087 working with the children, 1088 01:17:25,127 --> 01:17:29,997 whilst Sister Julienne must forthwith at once to Poplar 1089 01:17:30,047 --> 01:17:32,687 and her work in Nonnatus House. 1090 01:17:32,727 --> 01:17:35,116 We will arrange 1091 01:17:35,167 --> 01:17:39,877 for two new Sisters to join you in Poplar in due course. 1092 01:17:51,127 --> 01:17:52,276 What's all this? 1093 01:17:52,327 --> 01:17:55,206 Fortification for your labours, which, on this occasion, 1094 01:17:55,247 --> 01:17:56,885 have nothing to do with childbirth 1095 01:17:56,927 --> 01:17:58,406 and everything to do with motherhood. 1096 01:18:00,287 --> 01:18:03,678 One bag of presents, all shopped for weeks ago 1097 01:18:03,727 --> 01:18:05,877 by your loving hands. 1098 01:18:05,927 --> 01:18:08,487 And enough paper, sticky tape and ribbon 1099 01:18:08,527 --> 01:18:11,440 to get them all wrapped up and ready for Christmas morning. 1100 01:18:11,487 --> 01:18:13,797 And if we all get cracking, we'll be in time to send them to the North Pole 1101 01:18:13,847 --> 01:18:15,201 for delivery by sleigh. 1102 01:18:17,847 --> 01:18:20,487 Thanks, all of you. 1103 01:18:22,327 --> 01:18:24,000 Merry Christmas. 1104 01:18:24,047 --> 01:18:27,165 - Merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas, love. 1105 01:18:27,207 --> 01:18:29,005 (SEWING MACHINE CLATTERS) 1106 01:18:32,207 --> 01:18:34,767 Hello, my love. Erm... 1107 01:18:34,807 --> 01:18:37,720 ...Reggie and me have got something to tell you. 1108 01:18:37,767 --> 01:18:41,203 Well, unless it's going to be of some benefit to this nativity play, 1109 01:18:41,247 --> 01:18:43,841 then I'm afraid it's of no interest to me. 1110 01:19:01,047 --> 01:19:03,277 Room for two more? 1111 01:19:03,327 --> 01:19:04,522 Yes, please. 1112 01:19:08,207 --> 01:19:09,481 That one there. 1113 01:19:13,607 --> 01:19:17,123 You'd think it was Ben-Huron ice, the way they're carrying on. 1114 01:19:18,327 --> 01:19:20,887 Are you sure you don't want to go with them for the ride? 1115 01:19:24,207 --> 01:19:25,481 (HORN BEEPS) 1116 01:19:25,527 --> 01:19:28,201 Vi, I told you, hang them up in the back of my van. 1117 01:19:28,247 --> 01:19:34,163 It's full of scrap timber and it's too close to the trailer, which smells. 1118 01:19:34,207 --> 01:19:37,802 - Too many sprouts! - (DONKEY BRAYS) 1119 01:19:57,727 --> 01:19:58,956 Oh! 1120 01:20:02,647 --> 01:20:06,845 I missed you all so much. Is Miss Higgins here? 1121 01:20:06,887 --> 01:20:08,560 All present and correct. 1122 01:20:15,047 --> 01:20:16,082 (BABY WHIMPERS) 1123 01:20:19,087 --> 01:20:21,078 Oh, this is May, Angela. 1124 01:20:21,127 --> 01:20:24,597 - Would you like to say hello? - Hello. 1125 01:20:28,207 --> 01:20:29,606 Dr Turner? 1126 01:20:29,647 --> 01:20:33,163 I've been having a word with your wife, Dr Turner, 1127 01:20:33,207 --> 01:20:36,563 and she's now under orders to have a word with you. 1128 01:21:04,927 --> 01:21:08,397 Lena, I have a visitor for you. 1129 01:21:11,047 --> 01:21:15,006 Billy, step into the light where your sister can see you. 1130 01:21:27,647 --> 01:21:30,241 I took a picture of you with my mind. 1131 01:21:34,607 --> 01:21:36,917 But the window of the bus was so dirty. 1132 01:21:44,087 --> 01:21:45,998 I'm sorry I couldn't look after you. 1133 01:21:46,047 --> 01:21:48,561 I'm sorry I couldn't look after you. 1134 01:21:50,727 --> 01:21:53,401 - I did all right, Lena. - Did you? 1135 01:21:53,447 --> 01:21:57,361 Dr Barnardo's was all right. I was good at my arithmetic. 1136 01:21:57,407 --> 01:22:00,843 - Were you? - Got a job down the weights and measures, 1137 01:22:00,887 --> 01:22:03,322 married a girl from the typing pool. 1138 01:22:04,567 --> 01:22:08,447 No kids, but...I made a nice life. 1139 01:22:11,087 --> 01:22:12,566 I'm glad. 1140 01:22:12,607 --> 01:22:14,405 Don't cry. 1141 01:22:14,447 --> 01:22:16,677 If I don't stop, the bus won't go. 1142 01:22:23,327 --> 01:22:25,637 You come home with me, hmm? 1143 01:22:27,087 --> 01:22:28,566 And you bring the little ‘un. 1144 01:22:30,687 --> 01:22:33,042 It's Christmas Day tomorrow, and we'll be together. 1145 01:22:42,927 --> 01:22:45,441 I'm not sure it'd stand up to a force 9 gale, Fred, 1146 01:22:45,487 --> 01:22:49,401 but I don't think they had much wind in Bethlehem. 1147 01:22:49,447 --> 01:22:54,396 They didn't have a donkey who was partial to Christmas veg either! 1148 01:22:58,967 --> 01:23:03,359 Children! I've got a cherub without any tights on 1149 01:23:03,407 --> 01:23:06,559 and a pair of trotters that haven't got a home, so can everybody 1150 01:23:06,607 --> 01:23:11,078 please look at their feet and then look at the feet of the angel 1151 01:23:11,127 --> 01:23:15,997 or the animal next to them and put their hand up if something's gone wrong? 1152 01:23:17,967 --> 01:23:21,961 You're going to look like the best-dressed king in the stable. 1153 01:23:22,007 --> 01:23:24,078 I think he might be the most loved. 1154 01:23:33,247 --> 01:23:35,158 I'd take all of them back with me if I could. 1155 01:23:35,207 --> 01:23:36,800 Iwould too. 1156 01:23:37,847 --> 01:23:40,157 A lot of them thrive here. 1157 01:23:40,207 --> 01:23:42,562 It's secure and stable. 1158 01:23:42,607 --> 01:23:43,836 They do well. 1159 01:23:44,967 --> 01:23:47,163 But Mother Mildred is adamant 1160 01:23:47,207 --> 01:23:50,086 that any more time in a Home with a capital H 1161 01:23:50,127 --> 01:23:54,007 instead of a small one would be very damaging for May. 1162 01:23:54,047 --> 01:23:56,641 It might well have damaged her already. 1163 01:23:56,687 --> 01:24:00,760 I just wish the people who want her could take her now. 1164 01:24:04,687 --> 01:24:06,883 We could take her now. 1165 01:24:08,167 --> 01:24:12,525 Not adopt her, just foster her, just for the few months she needs... 1166 01:24:13,767 --> 01:24:17,840 ...show her that there's a world that's just the right size, 1167 01:24:17,887 --> 01:24:20,959 that there's a place where she will fit. 1168 01:24:22,887 --> 01:24:24,400 Or a space that she can fill. 1169 01:24:28,287 --> 01:24:31,803 I said we had no room for another living creature in our household, 1170 01:24:31,847 --> 01:24:33,326 or our car. 1171 01:24:33,367 --> 01:24:39,397 It's an enormous car, and our life just keeps expanding. 1172 01:24:39,447 --> 01:24:42,644 There's room in it for everything that matters. 1173 01:24:42,687 --> 01:24:43,722 (GIRLS GIGGLE) 1174 01:24:48,767 --> 01:24:50,405 Look at you! 1175 01:24:50,447 --> 01:24:54,406 MATURE JENNIFER: There are always angels everywhere. 1176 01:24:56,007 --> 01:24:57,645 Hey-hey! 1177 01:24:57,687 --> 01:25:00,201 Parhaps we only think to look for them at Christmas, 1178 01:25:00,247 --> 01:25:05,196 when their wings can be seen, when their halos glow with light, 1179 01:25:05,247 --> 01:25:06,920 but they are always there... 1180 01:25:12,287 --> 01:25:14,483 ...there in the quiet corners, 1181 01:25:14,527 --> 01:25:19,522 there in the shadows, there in their ordinary clothes, 1182 01:25:19,567 --> 01:25:22,639 and they are beautiful. 1183 01:25:22,687 --> 01:25:26,681 Make room for the angels, for they will catch you unawares, 1184 01:25:26,727 --> 01:25:31,676 and fill your heart in ways you never could imagine. 1185 01:25:38,327 --> 01:25:39,522 (DONKEY BRAYS) 1186 01:25:45,847 --> 01:25:47,838 (APPLAUSE) 1187 01:26:03,087 --> 01:26:04,157 Good evening. 1188 01:26:04,207 --> 01:26:06,039 - Good evening. - Evening. 1189 01:26:07,767 --> 01:26:10,646 You have a gentleman caller, perhaps? 1190 01:26:10,687 --> 01:26:14,567 No, Sister. I couldn't bear to see you praying your way 1191 01:26:14,607 --> 01:26:17,804 to the good Lord's birthday all alone. 1192 01:26:17,847 --> 01:26:19,520 You come with me. 1193 01:26:42,367 --> 01:26:44,597 Home in time for Christmas. 1194 01:26:44,647 --> 01:26:46,126 (CAROL SINGING) 1195 01:26:49,647 --> 01:26:51,126 What's that? 1196 01:26:52,647 --> 01:26:54,763 Come in! 1197 01:27:09,527 --> 01:27:11,165 (SINGING WITHIN) 1198 01:27:11,207 --> 01:27:16,361 # ...Hail the Son of righteousness! 1199 01:27:16,407 --> 01:27:21,356 # Light and life to all he brings 1200 01:27:21,407 --> 01:27:24,877 # Risen with healing in his wings 1201 01:27:24,927 --> 01:27:29,603 - # Ahh! - # Mild he lays his glory by 1202 01:27:29,647 --> 01:27:35,882 - # Ahh! - Born that man no more may die 1203 01:27:35,927 --> 01:27:40,956 # Born to raise the sons of earth 1204 01:27:41,007 --> 01:27:45,638 - # Born to give them second birth... # - # Ahh! # 1205 01:27:45,687 --> 01:27:49,078 MATURE JENNIFER: None of us have ever truly walked this way before, 1206 01:27:49,127 --> 01:27:54,520 but if there is no map, no route, no arrowhead to follow, 1207 01:27:54,567 --> 01:27:56,717 there is sometimes a star... 1208 01:27:58,047 --> 01:28:01,961 ...and we do not make our way without companions. 1209 01:28:02,007 --> 01:28:04,237 As the road unfolds, 1210 01:28:04,287 --> 01:28:09,077 we travel side by side and share the shift from darkness into light. 1211 01:28:09,127 --> 01:28:16,887 # ...Angels sing Glory to the newborn King. # 1212 01:28:16,927 --> 01:28:20,318 Hallelujah! Hallelujah! 1213 01:28:25,847 --> 01:28:27,724 Oh, that was gorgeous!