(magical music)
(magical music continues)
(Jimmy humming) (soft Christmas music)
- What's all this? Oh, you're writing your great novel?
- Not sure I've got one of those in me.
It's for the Darrowby nativity play.
- Oh, Jim, if you're in need of the backend of a donkey,
my brother's always available.
- Helen's supposed to be organising it,
but she's full of the cold.
- I hope she's feeling better for Christmas Day.
- She's under strict instructions to stay in bed.
I don't want her worrying. I told her I can manage.
- That's my costume.
And I play an angel who comes down from Hebden.
(Tristan laughs) - From heaven, Jimmy.
You haven't come from just down the road.
- Mrs. Hall, there's a highly inventive recipe here
for a murkey.
Doesn't look half bad.
- [Jimmy] What's a murkey? - It's a mock turkey.
It's stuffing, which I know you like, wrapped in bacon.
And then we all pretend it's a roost.
- Are those parsnips for legs?
- National shortage of the real bird, you see.
- I've still got a couple of leads.
I've not given up on finding one yet.
- No, I think we must face fact.
Anything with wings is long since sold.
- I have wings
- And I can't wait to see them in action, Jimmy.
Yes, the Magi weren't there at the birth, of course.
And they weren't kings.
- Thank you. That's very helpful.
- And there's no mention in the Bible
of animals in the stable.
Well, I say stable. It's more like a family guest room.
It's all down to a mistranslation of the Greek.
- Do you not like Christmas, Uncle Siegfried?
- You kidding? This is him loving Christmas.
- Quite right. And if you don't behave,
I'll tell you how they celebrate in Austria.
Krampus. (growls) (Jimmy laughs)
I'm due at Stokes farm. See you for lunch.
- I mean, parsnips for legs.
(magical music)
(engine rumbles)
(calm music) (bell jingles)
(engine rumbles) - Mrs. Stokes.
Mrs. Stokes, you'll catch your death out here.
- Oh, well, I thought you'd best see
what this duff tape has been up to.
- [Siegfried] Oh, are we in trouble again, Hilda?
- Well, she got out in the night.
And then this morning I caught her at the house opposite
chewing on this.
- Ah, it's a hazard of Christmas for goats.
There's laurel in it. Can be harmful.
- Well, I know that.
Do you think I walked down to the telephone box
for the good of my health?
- Luckily she doesn't seem to have eaten too much.
- No, there's no luck in it.
Just me hobbling after her in the freezing cold.
And I must've just got there in time.
She'd have gobbled the lot given half a chance.
- [Siegfried] Right, let's take a look at you.
(bell jingles)
- [Mrs. Stokes] Hey, (indistinct).
- (laughs) At least there's no sign of lethargy.
- [Mrs. Stokes] There you go.
- Abdomen doesn't seem to be distended. All right.
No excess salivation. I'm sure she's fine.
- [Mrs. Stokes] Oh.
- Let's give her a drench, just to be on the safe side.
- Oh, you're gonna give her a drench, are you?
- It's entirely routine, Mrs. Stokes. I think I can manage.
- Ah.
- All right, let's get you safely shut up in the barn.
Shall we? (bell jingles)
- [Mrs. Stokes] Come on.
- [Siegfried] There we go. - [Mrs. Stokes] In you go.
- [Siegfried] Come on, up. - [Mrs. Stokes] Come on,
you duff (indistinct). (spoon tapping)
- Yes, the old ways work sometimes.
The tannins in the tea prevent absorption
of the toxins, you see.
- Ah. Yeah, but you'll need more than that in.
I can tell you don't make the tea so often.
- I might normally advise a rumenotomy.
- What, cut her open?
- Well, it's the only way of getting out what she's eaten.
But given her age, I really wouldn't want
to put her through that if we can avoid it.
- Oh, no. I don't like the sound of that.
(tea trickling)
Stick some of that in.
- You can't give her brandy.
- [Mrs. Stokes] A little nip. It works wonders.
- For you perhaps. For her, no.
- Bollock. I'll need it with you.
- Are you looking forward to Christmas, Mrs. Stokes?
- Yeah, well, it'll be a farmer's Christmas,
same as any other day.
But I might let the old girl in the kitchen
for a few treats,
if she behaves herself.
- That's a big if knowing Hilda.
- Aye. What about you? (Mrs. Stokes laughs)
- Well, everybody's home this year.
I'm rather looking forward to it.
- Oh, good.
Well, aye, you don't want to be rattling around
that big house on your own again, do you?
- Not if I can help it, no.
- [Mrs. Stokes] Now, well, you make the most of it.
'Cause they won't be there forever, will they? None of 'em.
(tea trickling) (mellow music)
- Yes, perhaps we'll let it brew a little longer.
- [Mrs. Stokes] Aye.
- So if you hear of a turkey going spare,
or a goose or a pigeon, actually,
would you just let me know? - You're entering a team
into the Christmas Eve darts, aren't you?
- Well, I'm not a bad shot, but-
- The prize is a turkey. - [Tristan] What?
- [Maggie] Audrey might not have heard.
- How on earth did you find a turkey?
- There's a lot of drunken farmers in this pub
agreeing to things that they later regret.
- All right, well, I'll tell Mrs H.
We've got Charlotte coming to us for Christmas.
You can't serve murkey to a Beauvoir.
- You're bringing her on Christmas Eve?
Or are we not fancy enough for you?
- Your spit and sawdust is of the highest quality, Maggie,
but, you know, still.
- You're meant to be demob-happy. You can't not come.
It'll be a lively one with so many back home.
- I'll be raising a glass to Arthur.
- He loved it, he did. Christmas.
Had to drag him out of here last time.
Still singing all the way home.
- Well, that was Arthur.
- Which is why we're gonna have the biggest tree
with the brightest lights. - [Patron] Ta, Maggie.
- And no one telling us to cover the windows up.
- [Tristan] Mm, quite so.
- When are you dropping the tree off, by the way?
- Sorry?
- You said you'd pick one up for me, didn't you?
With me being run ragged between here and little Albert.
You've not forgotten. I want a decent one.
- Maggie, I'm not one of your drunken farmers. (stutters)
How could I possibly have forgotten?
(whimsical music)
(calm music) (bell jingles)
- Easy, Hilda. Easy. Easy.
- See, that's why I put the brandy in.
(Hilda bleats) She don't fight then.
- Hilda. Hilda. (Hilda bleats)
(Siegfried groans) Oh.
(Mrs. Stokes sighs)
Hilda. Hilda! - Don't just stand there.
- Let's not be silly about this. Hilda.
(Siegfried groans) (bell jingles)
- Come on. (Siegfried groans)
(Hilda bleats) Yes, I know.
I know he's making a palava of it.
- [Siegfried] Hilda, don't you dare. (groans)
- [Mrs. Stokes] Blimey.
- Hilda. - Come back, Hilda.
- Oh, stops fussing. I'm all right.
- You're not all right. You're burning up.
- Oh, James, I feel like a rung out dishcloth.
I've not iced Jimmy's cake yet.
There's Christmas wrapping still
and a list to Aster with Dad being in London.
- Aye, aye. But I know what you'll do.
You'll get back into that bed.
Leave all this to your very capable husband.
(calm music)
What? Hop it.
- Right, one last pin.
- Jimmy! Jimmy! Change of plan.
You finishing the nativity crowns, I'll wrap these.
(indistinct)
- James, Mrs. Pumphrey phoned.
She's on her way in to see you.
- No, I... (James groans)
(calm music) (Hilda bleats)
- You know, what you should do
is get yourself a nice young lady.
- My thoughts always tend to romance at times like this.
- I mean, you've still got your looks.
Probably for not much longer, man.
- Thank you, Mrs. Stokes. No, that'll do it.
- [Mrs. Stokes] Okay. (Siegfried grunts)
- That's it. That should do it as I say.
Any change, just let me know. - Ah, will do.
Gather your rosebuds while you may, Mr. Farnon.
- Robert Herrick. Yes. - Aye.
"And while you may, go marry.
For having lost but once your prime,
you may forever tarry."
- Quite. Any chance of a cup of tea before I go?
- Given it all to the goat. (whimsical music)
(Hilda bleats) (Hilda farts)
- Merry bloody Christmas to you too.
- Imagine if we won it.
Proper Christmas with a proper turkey.
- Hm. It's teams of three, Mrs. H.
So you may need to whip the rest of us into shape.
- Right. The board's coming out.
Let's get practising. Oh, pass me that.
- Yeah, also, do you know the best place
to buy a Christmas tree?
- Well, there could be a couple left on the square. Why?
- Oh, some drunken idiot was supposed to get one
for the Drovers and he forgot.
- Oh, Tristan. What about darts?
- I'll be as quick as I humanly can.
- If we lose, (person knocking)
you're getting the parsnip leg.
(calm music) (footsteps tapping)
Oh, my goodness. - [Dorothy] Hello, Audrey.
- [Mrs. Hall] Well, I never. Come in, come in.
(dog panting)
- It is so very disappointing.
The last little Pekinese in Keighley
was really rather sweet.
They would've made such handsome puppies.
- Sorry you haven't had better news.
- Is there really nothing more you can do
to boost his chances?
- Well, he's long since had all his checks.
- Mr. Bolton said that he'd heard of some injections.
- Testosterone. Yes.
- So why haven't we tried them?
- Because there can be side effects. Unpleasant ones.
- Tricki's given so much. He's had such a life.
(mellow music)
I can't abide the thought that one day he may be gone,
with nothing to show that he was ever here.
(mellow music)
I'd never forgive myself if we hadn't explored
every available option.
- If it's what you want, Mrs. Pumphrey.
I could book him in for tomorrow.
- Thank you. Tricki and I can't thank you enough.
(mellow music continues)
(kettle hissing) (door thuds)
- Blasted goat's been at my tie.
I don't even know when that happened.
Mrs. Stokes prattling on
like I'm some misanthropic misfit
who'd be lucky to strike up a dalliance
with a bloody donkey. (dazzling music)
Dorothy.
- Hello, Siegfried.
- You're not in Malta.
- Not as far as I can tell. (chuckles)
- I'm making tea. Do you want one?
- I made tea for the goat. An absolutely enormous cup.
She was geriatric.
Otherwise I'd have preferred
to have extracted the entire ruminal content.
(Dorothy chuckles)
- That's what I missed about this place, the small talk.
- Anyway, I better get on. Dorothy.
(whimsical music) - Siegfried.
(Mrs. Hall chuckles) - [Rosie] It's a donkey.
- [Lucy] Is it a donkey? - I'll find another one.
- Rosie. Come on, Rosie. Rosie.
Should we put your costume on? Are you excited?
- Mm-hm. - [Child 1] I like it.
- [Child 2] Can't find the arm holes.
- Take the hat off and put your costume on.
(children chattering)
There we go.
(children chattering)
Can you do this, Susan? I can't do this.
- Okay.
- [Lucy] Anybody need any help? We need to sort that out.
- [Child 3] Get ready, Mr. Herriot'll be here in a minute.
- [Lucy] Jimmy, where are your wings?
- [Susan] All okay?
- [Child 4] All of these are (indistinct).
I still need to get mine.
- Hello, everybody. Are you ready? Oh, you look great.
Well done. Well done.
Mrs. H is gonna wonder where all her tea towels have gone.
Now this is a dress rehearsal,
which means it's exactly the same
as we do it in the square tomorrow.
- Mr. Herriot? - [James] Yes?
- Can I have a sword?
- Shepherds didn't really have swords.
- But what about the wolves?
- Sure. You can have one. - Yes!
- All right, baby Jesus. Baby Jesus. Oh.
Hey, Bobby, can you put baby Jesus' head
back on for me please?
Uh, Mabel. Why has Mabel got a rabbit?
- He's got a sore eye.
Mum says she wants you to look at him.
- All right. All right. We all set?
Bobby, can you give baby Jesus to your sister?
Right, ready? (Bobby sneezes)
Hope you're not coming down with that cold, Bobby.
Are we all set?
- [Child] Yes. - Yes.
- Jimmy, go.
- Mary, I am the angel Gabriel
and I bring great tidings from Hebden.
- Heaven, Jimmy. Heaven.
- Mary, I am the angel Gabriel
and I bring great tidings from heaven.
- Thank you.
- Good God, man. How long is this likely to take?
♪ Silent night ♪
- Lucy, Susan, hand out the scripts. Thank you.
(children chattering)
There's still a bit of work to do.
- I am trying to concentrate in there.
- Well, you'll have to manage. Look, I'm run ragged here.
And I've got Mrs. Pumphrey on my back
asking for hormone injections for Tricki.
- Well, you've warned about possible side effects, I hope.
Muscle problems, hair loss, aggressive behaviour,
and there's no guarantee it will work.
- She knows it's a last resort.
But if we don't try, it amounts to giving up.
- The dog is old. Giving up is the only sensible approach.
- Aye, but you can imagine how she'll take that.
- Dad. The virgin Mary needs the toilet.
(light-hearted music)
- [James] Pussy eye.
- I'll do the eye drops then, shall I?
- [James] Well...
Right.
- Yes, I'm off to Sunderland after Christmas
to see them all.
Been the making of Edward, being a dad.
What about your Harry? Is he all right?
- Oh, yes. Demobbed a few months ago.
He wanted to move back to Yorkshire.
And it was probably time for me as well.
- I followed all the news from Malta.
- Well, they say it was the most heavily bombed place
in the war for those two years.
No way out, even if I wanted to go.
- I thought you might come back after it were liberated.
- Seemed like giving up.
And there were still good times to be had
if you knew where to look.
- Well, you always know where to look.
- (chuckles) Anyway, it's in the past now.
- Well, I'm glad you're here.
And I'd say someone else is and all.
- You think? He couldn't get away quick enough.
- (laughs) You'll have to make some allowances.
He's been on his own a lot the last few years.
- I can tell. He's learned to make tea.
(Mrs. Hall laughs) (Dorothy chuckles)
- There's a good heart in there somewhere.
Tries his best to keep it hidden is all.
(whimsical music)
- Shh, shh, shh. (footsteps tapping)
- Come on, you're up for darts practise.
- I'm actually quite busy.
- There's a turkey at stake. I'm only thinking of you.
- Is Dorothy still here?
- No, don't worry. You're not missed her.
- Has it perhaps slipped your mind how she and I parted?
- No.
Nor has it slipped my mind how well you used to get on?
I'm sure this little chap's good company, but still.
(children singing Christmas carols in background)
(darts thud) (footsteps tapping)
(calm music) (footsteps tapping)
- Oh, must have a cuddle. - What?
- He's lovely.
- Oh, be careful with the eye. There may be some puss.
- Oh.
- Right. We're entering a team at the Drovers.
The prize is a turkey.
- I might be a little rusty. It's been some time.
(dart thuds) - [Mrs. Hall] Oh.
- You seem a bit tense. - Not in the least tense.
- Look at you. You're knotted up like a sailor's hanky.
Like this. Right foot firm. Right foot forward.
Eye on the target. I'm not the target, am I?
Don't think about it too much.
(dart thuds) Yes!
Very impressive, Siegfried.
- I'll take the bunny to the shed.
- No, no, I'll do it. Excuse me.
- Right. (mellow music)
Here. (Dorothy chuckles)
(mellow music)
(mellow music continues) (latch clicks)
- Audrey thought he might want this.
- That was thoughtful of her.
- Do you mind me calling in?
- Why would I mind?
- I've taken a little place in Broughton, you see.
I thought I might be round from time to time.
- Of course. Mrs. Hall would be delighted.
She was quite concerned for a while when there was no news.
- Yes. I'm sorry about that.
- I'm surprised you came back.
There was never really much here for you.
- Don't know if that's true.
Why don't you come back in for a cuppa?
We've got so much to catch up on.
- I can't, I'm afraid.
I have to mend a barn door for Mrs. Stokes.
- Right. I should get going myself, really.
Perhaps you could drop me off?
- Oh, well, I need to be up at the farm
before it starts to get dark.
- We could go there first, if you like.
- It's very muddy. I'm not sure your shoes would-
- Siegfried, I've had bombs dropped on me.
I'm not worried about a bit of mud.
(calm music) (engine rumbling)
(calm music continues)
(sheep bleating) (birds squawking)
- [Siegfried] Hello, Mrs. Stokes. It's only me.
- Oh, you're not back again, are you?
- [Siegfried] I thought I'd take a look at this door
for you.
We don't want any more escapes, do we?
- Oh, no. Hey, as long as it's not going on my bill.
Yeah, especially if it takes two of you.
- Oh, no, this is my-
This, this is Dorothy. - Oh.
- Hello, Mrs. Stokes. I'm just tagging along.
Oh, isn't she beautiful.
- Hey, don't let her fool you.
She's a right temper on her and she's stubborn as out.
- How is she since the drench?
- Well, she's still off her food.
- Well, that's to be expected. Keep a close eye on her.
- How much closer do you want me to get?
(Dorothy laughs)
Hey, let's me and you
go for a brew and a chat
while he huffs and puffs. - Yes, please.
- I thought there was no more tea.
(whimsical music)
(Mrs' Stokes grunts) (Hilda bleats)
And you can keep your opinions to yourself too.
(Hilda farts)
(mellow music)
- [Tristan] Sorry, sorry. I was held up.
- Not to worry. I was just admiring your baubles.
- Oh, thank you.
You know, I think it's going to be raucous
in the Drovers.
If you prefer we just had a quiet drink in the manor,
I'd understand
- They're calling this the happiest Christmas ever
and you want to spend it with Fulbrick and me?
- Your horse? Yes. I don't mind what you do.
- Mrs. Hall's told me about the darts
and she signed you up for the team.
- Ah, yes, of course.
- I've never known you reluctant
to go to the Drovers before.
- I was supposed to get a tree,
the one everyone's meant to be looking at
when they turn the Christmas lights on.
- [Charlotte] Right.
- There's not a decent one left in Darrowby.
I've been all over. - It is December the 23rd.
- (grunts) My name is going to be mud.
- Have you thought about the Christmas tree farm?
Just a guess, but I think they might have Christmas trees.
- You see, this is what having an expensive education
does for you. (Charlotte chuckles)
- So you'll be able to show your face
on Christmas Eve after all. - Hmm.
(calm music) (dog panting)
- Leeds City Variety's that one. They loved me.
- I can tell that's you. (Mrs. Stokes chuckles)
You didn't say you were visiting a star.
- Were you on the stage? Lavinia Lavinshaw.
- Yeah, Lavinshaw. That were my maiden name.
- Siegfried, how long you been coming here?
You only just found out? - These are marvellous.
- You must've had a right old time.
- Oh, aye. All over the country, all the great halls.
I used to do a few bawdy ones. Oh, they loved me. They did.
- I knew you weren't a born farmer.
- Ah, well, I met him, didn't I?
Swept off my feet by Victor Stokes.
I mean, he weren't fancy, but by God he were handsome.
Woulda followed him to the ends of the Earth.
Well, I did, didn't I? (all laugh)
- That's sweet. But you stopped singing.
- Yeah, well, my heart never stopped singing.
(gentle music)
- All done out there. Should keep Hilda safe for a while.
- Oh, well, if not, I should be holding you responsible.
- I wouldn't have it any other way. We better be off.
- Lovely meeting you. - Aye.
Hey, that's a good one. You keep hold of her.
(gentle music continues)
(sheep bleating)
- After you. (sheep bleating)
- It was kind of you to do that for Mr. Stokes.
- Pure self-interest.
Saves me having to traipse up here
every time the goat gets a belly full
of something she shouldn't.
- It's like Audrey says, you got a good heart in there.
- She said that? (mellow music)
- It's incredible, you know.
I came from a place that was changed beyond all recognition.
This place, everything's the same as when I left.
- Some things have changed.
Perhaps not things one can easily see.
(magical music)
(magical music continues)
- [Charlotte] Seems rather quiet.
- Closed due to illness. - That is inconvenient.
- Oh, it's Christmas Eve.
- Come on then. (magical music continues)
(fence rattles) (magical music continues)
(door thuds) (dart thuds)
- Your dedication is impressive, Mrs. Hall.
- This is our first Christmas back together in a long while.
This is what it takes to do it right.
(dart thuds)
- I shall make sure I put some practise in before tonight.
- Is Dorothy coming down?
- Well, I shouldn't think so. - You did invite her though.
- Outer bull. Not sure I can match that.
- Which is why I thought it would come in handy
if she were there.
She seemed to have a good idea
of where you were going wrong.
- I'm quite sure I shall be able to manage by myself.
- Or you might just stab yourself straight in the foot.
- What?
- I just think she's much better suited to you than
some of the other ladies. - [Siegfried] Frankly-
- (indistinct) throw shoes at me.
- Once. That happened once.
- And I can't see why you're not cuckoo.
- It's possibly because I like Plato's idea.
- Oh, of course it is.
- Well, I say Plato. He credits it to Aristophanes.
- Yes. Never mind that now.
- He believed that we all have our souls
split into two
and we spend our lives trying to find our other half.
Even if one half dies,
we go off trying to find another that matches.
(gentle music)
And he says that once we've found our other half,
we don't want to be separated again.
Not even for a moment.
I suppose I want that.
- Don't want much, do you?
- I don't know about your Plato. Sorry, Aristophanes.
What if you spend your whole life
looking for something that don't exist
and miss what's right under your nose?
(phone ringing)
- I'll get that.
(phone ringing)
(dart thuds) (phone ringing)
- Darrowby 2297.
- [Mrs. Stokes] Oh, Mr. Farnon.
- Mrs. Stokes.
- [Mrs. Stokes] It's Hilda, she's worsened.
- Worsened how?
- [Mrs. Stokes] Oh, she just can't stand up.
- I'll be right there. (receiver thuds)
- [Tristan] I knew I had one in the boot. Bone saw.
- Looks like it's seen better days.
- Oh, when I tell you the things this is sawn through-
- [Charlotte] I'd rather not know. Thank you.
- Okay.
- It's really rather lovely with no one around.
- Yes.
I must come and carry out illegal activity every year.
(Tristan grunts)
♪ On the first day of Christmas, my true love sent to me ♪
♪ A night in police custody ♪ (Charlotte chuckles)
- We'll leave money for the tree.
It's only a little bit illegal.
(Tristan grunting)
It looks quite hard. - It's like Christmas.
It's something you have to get through. (grunts)
Thank goodness it's the one time of the year
where it's socially acceptable
to start drinking at breakfast.
Come on. Oh, there. Yeah.
It's at least a hundredth of an inch.
All right, here we go.
(light-hearted music)
- [James] Jimmy.
- That belongs to the three kings.
- I was just showing your mum.
- Bobby Ainsley's mum said to give you this.
- Right. Thanks, Jimmy.
- [Jimmy] They're all poorly, Dad.
Rosie, you're one the kings. You'll need a crowd.
(children chattering) (whimsical music)
(dog panting) (whimsical music)
- Sorry, Mrs. Pumphrey.
Helen's not well. I've got my hands full.
- I heard from Mrs. Argyle
that you were doing the nativity this year.
- Aye. But I'm gonna have to cancel it.
The Ainsley kids are all down with the bug.
I've lost an angel, two kings, and a shepherd already.
Jimmy and Rosie'll be so disappointed.
- Do the show here.
Children will be happy as long as their families see it.
- That's a good idea. Thank you, Mrs. Pumphrey.
- It'll be more than good because you're a wonderful father.
I only hope Tricki will follow your lead
when it comes to his turn.
Now this won't sting too much.
I don't want him being in a sulk with me over Christmas.
He can be a terrible sulk.
- Actually, Mrs. Pumphrey, I don't think is a good idea.
- Oh. Uh, no.
Well, then perhaps we should wait for the new year.
- No, I mean, it's not a good idea. Full stop.
I don't want to give Tricki the injections.
The side effects, they can be drastic,
and not just physically.
It could change his personality completely.
At his age, there's probably nothing
that will make a difference.
So surely it's better to enjoy the time he's got.
I'm sorry. I know how much you were hoping.
(downhearted music)
- Not at all. You've been entirely professional.
And you said what you believe to be true.
I can't ask more.
(downhearted music continues)
(whimsical music) - Almost there. Almost.
Oh, don't you dare.
- [Charlotte] What happened? - It's stuck.
(Tristan groans) God, it won't bloody move.
(saw snaps)
(mellow music)
- We'll just have to explain to Maggie.
- Don't even know why I got involved.
I don't wanna go to the bloody pub tonight. Come on.
- I knew something was wrong.
- What? I'm fine.
- 'Course you are. It's Christmas.
Everyone's happy at Christmas,
except all of those who aren't.
I haven't had a happy Christmas
since the year we celebrated in November.
- Why November?
- We didn't think Mother would see December.
- Charlotte, I-
- I'm very good at not showing it.
I don't suppose I'm the only one. What is it?
- This is supposed to be the happiest Christmas ever.
So we're meant to just forget that Arthur never came home
from a Japanese prisoner of war camp, all the men we lost.
Meant to just forget the things I saw.
- We won't go tonight. Not if you don't want to.
- It's not just about tonight.
- I know. I know so well.
But it'll be over in a few days
and then we don't have to think about it for another year.
- But these are things I think about all the time.
I'm not sure I'll ever be able to stop.
(downhearted music)
(engine rumbling) (urgent music)
(car door thuds)
(Siegfried knocks)
- Mr. Farnon. I brought her into keep warm.
She's been vomiting and all.
She can't seem to stand up.
- She's shivering. Laboured breathing.
This is toxicosis.
- You said the drench would get rid.
- It should've done, yes.
It's possible she may have eaten more than we thought.
I'll have to do the rumenotomy after all.
- You said with her being so old.
- We may still be in time.
We'll know as soon as we've seen the content.
I have to get some things from the car.
- She'll be fine. Won't you, Hilda?
(footsteps trudging) (concerned music)
(footsteps trudging)
- [Dog Owner] Come here. (fingers snap)
Come on. Leave it. Come on. (dog sniffing)
Good lad. (dog panting)
(worrying music)
(worrying music continues)
(door thuds)
- I'm so sorry.
It seems Hilda has eaten more than I thought.
A great deal more.
- Well, never. I saw the wreath myself.
- The off cuts. She's been into the sack.
Who knows how much she got through
before you caught up with her.
There's no point going ahead with the surgery.
- What are you on about?
- In those quantities,
the laurel will be absorbed into the blood by now.
I'm afraid it's too late. (Hilda wheezing)
- What'll you do?
- There's no sense in putting her through
any more suffering than necessary.
And I'm afraid she is suffering. She can't stand up.
She has tremors. She must be in considerable pain.
- You can help her though, Mr. Farnon.
You can help her get better.
- Please believe me.
If there was anything I could do for her, I would.
(sombre music)
The kindest thing now is to let her go.
(sombre music)
- Oh, you don't need to dash off. Could I get you some tea?
- Dad, can I have a sword like the shepherds?
- Uh, Jimmy, I'm just talking right now.
- Can we go to the square soon?
- Change of plan.
I was thinking we might do the show here instead. Just us.
- That's even better. Then all the animals can be in it.
Hello, Mrs. Pumphrey. - Hello.
- I'm an angel from Hebden.
- Where all angels come from. (all chuckle)
- Did I hear you were in charge one year?
- Yes, 1936. Legendary.
All over in 10 minutes. Record time.
- I'm sorry to ask,
but I need to run round all the other parents and,
well, you'd be doing me a huge favour.
- I couldn't, not this time. It's a family occasion.
- I'm Tricki's uncle. That means these are his cousins.
- Dad, can we get ready now?
- Look at your hair.
You can't go on stage with your hair looking like that.
And Rosie. Hello, darling.
Oh, look, you're going to trip over your dress.
Come on. Let's get you sorted out.
- Thank you, Mrs. Pumphrey.
- You know how it is. The show must go on.
(gentle music) (bottle clanks)
(Hilda groans)
- It'll not hurt her, will it? - She won't feel a thing.
(Mrs. Stokes whimpers)
It'll only take a few moments once I give her the dose.
(gentle music)
- You've been a good girl.
You've been the very best girl.
(gentle music) (Hilda panting)
- I'll admit it, Hilda. You always got the better of me.
(gentle music continues) (Hilda groans)
♪ Some lovers like the summertime ♪
♪ When they can stroll about ♪
♪ Spooning in the meadow may seem fine ♪
♪ Without a doubt ♪
♪ But give to me the wintertime ♪
♪ For the girl that I made mine ♪
♪ Was captured when the snow lay on the ground ♪
♪ I traced her little foot marks in the snow ♪
♪ I bless that winter's day ♪
♪ When Nelly lost her way ♪
♪ And I traced her little foot marks ♪
♪ In the snow ♪
(gentle music)
(birds chirping) (calm music)
(calm music continues)
- You know why we have Christmas trees, don't you?
- [Tristan] Something to do with Prince Albert?
- [Charlotte] Yes, but before him, long before,
when the druids were walking the hills round here.
- [Tristan] I'm a bit behind on my druid history,
to be honest. (Charlotte chuckles)
- It's because the pine and the fur are evergreen.
- So?
- A reminder that even the longest, hardest winter will end
and spring will come. (calm music)
(hopeful music)
(Tristan chuckles)
- Off to work we go.
(bright music)
(bright music continues)
(Tristan chuckles) (bright music continues)
(Charlotte groans)
(Tristan laughs) (gentle music)
I love you.
- I love you. (gentle music continues)
- Oh, hello, Rosie.
- Tickets, please.
- [Tristan] Of course. Here we are.
- [Charlotte] Oh, programmes. Thank you.
- [Tristan] Thank you. Well done, Rosie.
- Oh, act three looks good.
- Yeah. I've heard wonderful things.
- Tricki wants to know why his uncle
looks like the cat that caught the cream.
(both chuckle)
- [Helen] Hello. - Mummy.
- [Helen] Oh. - [Jimmy] Mum.
- Oh, hello. Hey, I don't want you two getting my cold.
- You two should be backstage. Come on.
- [Rosie] Backstage?
(Christmas carols playing in background)
(phone chimes) (dial pad creaks)
(Christmas carols playing in background)
- It's Siegfried Farnon.
I realise it's short notice,
but I would very much like it if you would come tonight.
If it's not too late.
Of course. Yes, of course.
(receiver thuds)
- Everything all right? - Mm.
- Come on. You're musical director.
- I'm what? - Just play us some Christmassy.
(Mrs. Hall knocking) Gold.
- [Jimmy] Thank you, Auntie Audrey.
- Here's your frankincense. And your myrrh.
(people chattering)
(joyful piano music)
(joyful piano music continues)
- Welcome to the Skeldale House Nativity, Christmas, 1945.
- [Tristan] Yay. (all clapping)
- Play in three acts with set and costume
courtesy of the Darrowby Dramatic Society.
Please enjoy the show. (light switch clicks)
Once upon a time long ago, there was a lady called Mary
and a carpenter called Joseph.
(children chattering indistinctly)
Jimmy, curtains. (curtains whoosh)
(people laugh)
- Oh, I like Joseph's understudy.
- Mary was very surprised when one day
an angel appeared to her.
- Mary, I bring to you good tidings from Hebden.
- Thank you. (Tristan laughs)
- Do you want me to help? (all laugh)
- So Mary and Joseph needed a room for the night.
(Rosie knocks) But the innkeeper said,
or rather the innkeeper squeaked.
- [Jimmy] The inn is full.
You'll have to sleep in the family guest room.
(dog barks) - Tricki. Tri-
(people laugh)
- It was cosy and warm in the family guest room
where they were not surrounded by animals.
And Mary gave birth to a boy. But this was no ordinary boy.
This was the baby Jesus.
A shepherd followed a star
and came to visit the baby Jesus.
- Come on, Jess. (tranquil music)
(people laugh)
- And also came three, sorry,
one king from the east bearing gifts.
Gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
(Jimmy grunts) - Oh. Oh. (laughs)
(sword thuds) (people gasp)
- Oops. (people laughing)
- And so like the shepherds and the kings,
let's hope that we too can search for love and find it
in whatever form it takes. (gentle music)
Take a bow.
(all clapping and cheering)
- [Helen] Bravo. (all clapping and cheering)
- Thank you, Mrs. Pumphrey.
We couldn't have done it without you.
- Oh, it was the tonic we all needed.
- Yeah, absolutely. - Hear, hear.
(all clapping)
- Tricki is as much a part of this family as anyone.
And so are you.
- You're quite the talented writer.
Perhaps you should write some stories about him.
- That's not baby Jesus. (all laugh)
- Oh, Tricki. (all laughing)
♪ We wish you a merry Christmas ♪
- [Maggie] I was half thinking you'd forgotten.
- Oh, Maggie, would I ever? - Hurry up. We can start now.
- Right, come on, everyone.
There's a proper dinner to be won.
- [Tristan] Here we go.
Oh, no, no, no. It's Jordy Pickersgill.
- [Charlotte] Who's Jordy Pickersgill?
- [Tristan] He's only the best darts player in Darrowby.
Come on. - [Siegfried] Not that good.
- [Mrs. Hall] Sorry.
- [Siegfried] Evening all. George.
(glass clanking)
- All right, everybody. I think we're all here now.
And I'm sure you all know what you're playing for.
A prize turkey. (all cheer and clap)
It's around the clock.
Each team have to hit 1 to 20 in order,
and then the bullseye.
First one there wins.
Oh, and no cheating, Tristan Farnon.
- Damn. Damn. (all laughing)
- Skeldale, you're up first. (all clap and cheer)
(dart thuds) (people cheer)
(dart thuds) - [Maggie] Oh, nearly.
(dart thuds) (all clap and cheer)
- Well done, Uncle Siegfried. (James laughs)
(bright music)
- [Maggie] Pickersgill, you're up next.
- [Patron] Come on, Pickers.
(dart thuds) (all cheer)
- [Rosie] Let's have a cup of tea cup.
- You want a cup of tea? Okay.
I want a cup of tea and I'm hungry.
Oh, what's this then?
Oh. Oh. You know whose cake that is?
- Yeah. - Yeah, it's Jimmy's cake.
- Yeah. - Ain't your dad clever, eh?
- Mm-hm.
- Think he can do that every year.
- Yeah. (dart thuds)
(all cheer)
- Here we go.
(dart thuds) (all cheer)
- Go on, Tris.
(dart thuds) - [Patrons] Oh.
- He only needs a 20 and then the bull to win.
- Surely not.
- Don't underestimate Pickersgill.
(person shushes)
(dart thuds) - [Patrons] Ooh!
- I can't look.
(dart thuds) - [Patrons] Ooh!
(dart thuds) - [Charlotte] He's missed!
- We've got a chance.
- It's all down to you, Mrs. H.
(bright music)
- Excuse me.
Dorothy. (bright music continues)
So glad you came.
- I'm glad you asked.
- I wasn't thinking yesterday.
I meant to say I missed you.
I missed you rather a lot.
(dart thuds) - [Tristan] 19. Yes!
(both chuckle)
- Do you remember what you told me?
- No. - That was a parasite.
- Oh, God.
- "Suffocates the life out of other plants."
- I didn't, did I? - Mm-hm.
(dart thuds) - [Tristan] 20!
(people laugh) - The bull.
- [James] Bull to win, Mrs. H.
- The problem is, you never know when to stop talking.
(calm music)
(dart thuds) (all cheer)
(light-hearted music) (all chattering)
- Well done, Mrs. Hall. How amazing.
(all chattering) (light-hearted music)
- Excuse me. Coming through.
Team Skeldale are the winners. (all cheering)
Congratulations. You get the winning prize.
(turkey clucks)
- Is he ours? Really? I'm gonna call him Rudolph.
- No, don't, don't give him a name.
- Hi, Rudolph. I'll look after you from now on.
- Maggie, it's still breathing.
(turkey clucks)
- That's way of keeping it fresh.
(people laugh)
Come on, through here. Everybody in.
(light-hearted music)
You've probably noticed this fine tree here.
As we know, because of the blackout,
many of us haven't bothered
with Christmas lights for a while.
But all of that,
that's all over.
- And it's come at a price.
I'm sure you'll all join me in raising your glasses
to those we lost.
Let's hope their sacrifice wasn't in vain.
Let's hope that it means the world doesn't go down this
dark road again.
And let's hope the year ahead
brings us all the things we truly need.
Good tidings, comfort, and joy.
- [Patron] Hear, hear. - [All] Hear, hear.
(switch clicks) (all cheer)
- Merry Christmas. - [Patrons] Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas, everyone.
- [All] Merry Christmas. - [Mrs. Hall] Merry Christmas.
(joyful Christmas music)
(dramatic music) (family chattering)
- Merry Christmas, Rudolph. (light-hearted music)
- [Mrs. Hall] Come on, birthday boy.
- [All] Merry bloody Christmas!
(all laughing)
- [Tristan] Murkey! (turkey clucks)
(bright music)
(bright music continues)