- 2 weeks ago
Call the Midwife - Season 14 Episode 100 -
(special) Christmas Special 2025
(special) Christmas Special 2025
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00:00Once upon a time, the season that is new today
00:27was old and closed and packed away.
00:31Advent had erupted into Christmas.
00:34Darkness retreated in the face of light
00:38and the wheel of the year kept turning.
00:42But once again we gather as the sky grows cold.
00:47The leaves have tumbled, the fresh snow falls.
00:52Pages turn as new doors open.
00:57Time and time and time again.
01:01Merry Christmas.
01:05Medical supplies packed and labelled
01:08and ready for hand delivery to the brunch house.
01:11A biscuits clinic?
01:13You think you should write on it in Chinese?
01:15Hong Kong is a British colony.
01:17I'm quite sure everyone is competent in our mother tongue.
01:21Only take to want to enthusiasm in your visit.
01:25When adventure beckons, you should embrace the couple.
01:29This trip is a wonderful opportunity for Violet to see her son.
01:34And the sisters at the clinic will be so grateful for these supplies.
01:38I'll just be glad of a chance to run an errand,
01:40if I'm honest with your sister Julian.
01:42There's talk of cocktail parties.
01:47We're all a pair of nose-rated
01:50Had a pair of shiny nose
01:53And if you ever saw it
01:57You will even say it blows
02:00All of the other wraithers
02:04Used to laugh and call him names
02:07Kevin, I've told you before
02:10Stay inside the lines
02:13The lines represent the edges of the lorry
02:18You too, Teddy
02:21We don't want you falling off the float and getting run over
02:24Do you think they're gonna need bigger rolls for their mouths, Mrs Turner?
02:28I'm worried that they're gonna be deprived of oxygen
02:31Oh, please, please
02:34Don't anyone stop singing on my account
02:37We love the red nose
02:39Hello, Diane
02:40You'll go down in history
02:43Oh, now, Pack
02:49What do we say when a very important lady
02:52Like Mrs Buckle, our mayor
02:54Is kind enough to come and visit us?
02:56Good evening, Mrs Buckle
03:00Hello
03:01Thank you, Pack
03:02Now, off you pop and work on your knots
03:05It's all set out on the tables
03:07One piece of cord between two
03:10I've bought a dozen pairs of brown tights for the reindeer
03:15I managed to get them on a special order
03:17But you'll not get lads of this age to wear tights, Mrs Buckle
03:21Well, you'll have to tell them that it's in a good course
03:24I mean, the whole Christmas carnival is in a good course
03:28Erm, elastic
03:30Black felt squares
03:32Erm, sleigh bells
03:35And WD-40
03:37What's that for? To oil the sled runners?
03:40Fred needs to do the paper shop bell before we leave
03:43Mrs Buckle, go
03:46Go to Hong Kong
03:48And do not give the Christmas carnival a second thought
04:02Mrs Buckle
04:03I'm sorry
04:04Oh
04:05I'm sorry, Mrs Turner
04:06I'm not quite sure which way is up this evening
04:09I wondered if you could take a tiny parcel to Hong Kong for me
04:13It's a letter and some photographs from me's mother
04:18We haven't heard from her for over a year
04:21But the sisters say they still see her from time to time with their little boy
04:25Of course I'll take it
04:27It must all be, well, such a worry
04:29I used to fret about my Derek when he was in the Navy
04:33But now he's in the Hong Kong police
04:36They have to wear guns, Mrs Turner
04:39It makes me nervous
04:41You'll be back by Christmas with wonderful memories
04:45And we've got Reggie coming home
04:47I'm already hoping that it will be snowing for him
04:50Whoever guesses the mystery ingredient in this year's chutney
04:57Gets to eat the first mince pie and make a wish
04:59I'm getting definite top notes of tamarind
05:03Have you been on another cooking course?
05:06No, Matthew took her to Antigua for their wedding anniversary
05:09It's Mango
05:12Yes!
05:15It's good to hear you're moving back to London, lass
05:18Matthew has to stay in New York until autumn
05:21And Jonty's starting pre-prep at Easter
05:24I needed to get him home and settled
05:26Sister Julianne, I will be free for midwifery duty
05:30Should you be short-staffed?
05:31We very seldom are at present
05:34Things have been remarkably quiet
05:36I have offered her a receptionist role
05:38At my new osteopathy practice on Harley Street
05:40But no dice, apparently
05:42You're only there four hours a week
05:44Nevertheless, his couch sees a constant parade of celebrities
05:47By all accounts
05:49Celebrities?
05:50Coming to you with their crooked necks
05:52I hope you're going to name names
05:53Professional discretion is my watchword
05:56Have a mince pie
06:06Fred! Have you seen the time?
06:08We're going to miss the plane
06:09The party was running late
06:11And I didn't want to disappoint the kiddies
06:13Get in the cap
06:14You can change out if you've got a costume on the way
06:44Please let me knock my hanky and put it on my head, Vi
06:58No, we'll get you a nice smart Panama hat
07:02As soon as we've left these parcels with the sisters
07:05We're looking for a sign that says Hibiscus Street
07:10Derek says it should be written in Chinese as well as English
07:15There it is!
07:28There it is!
07:30I think, I'm trying!
07:32Don't be free!
07:34And you Sheikhy!
07:35And you pulled me off!
07:36Noused huh?
07:37Hey girl!
07:39Look!
07:40Turn a little fella Estadosienced
07:41Don't come up!
07:43Don't come up!
07:44The building has collapsed
07:45Stay back please!
07:47The building has collapsed
07:49Please stay back!
07:50Kill all
07:53There must be fatalities.
08:12I'm sorry to intercept you, sister, but Mrs. Buckel has just telephoned from Hong Kong.
08:26It's about the branch house.
08:30How on earth can an entire building just collapse?
08:33I've never heard of anything so colonial.
08:35There were rumours that the ground in that area was unstable.
08:38But whatever the cause, it's the consequences that are truly shocking.
08:44Sister Alice and Sister David were both killed.
08:46Oh, no.
08:47Along with the doctor who worked with them.
08:49Some of the children in the nursery did not survive.
08:52Meanwhile, the maternity ward has been destroyed.
08:56The sisters are homeless.
08:57And the people who depend upon them are scattered across Kowloon.
09:01Once they have overcome this, they will need somewhere to live and carry on their work.
09:06Now, they need a doctor.
09:08They need nurses and they need midwives.
09:11In short, sister, they need us.
09:18I keep thinking we should be making Christmas trees for the carnival, not palm trees.
09:23The theme of the float is a Caribbean Christmas.
09:26There's going to be a still band playing carols and a gospel choir.
09:31Lovely.
09:31Are these the palm trees?
09:38Mm-hmm.
09:39I'm starting to think we should be making jacarandas.
09:42So, what's this letter you want to talk to me about?
09:46If ten days on the ground in Hong Kong means that we can get them through this crisis, I am more than happy to put a locum in the surgery.
09:57And, Sister Veronica, you must go.
09:59You were three years at that ranch house.
10:01You're the only one with even a glancing knowledge of the way things work out there.
10:05I will go wherever I'm told.
10:07I will do whatever I'm told.
10:09Very well.
10:10Dr. Turner will go, as will Nurse Crane, Sister Veronica, and myself.
10:15So, this man, this Mr. Fisher, who writes with an educated hand from an address in Belgravia, wants to rent this flat with immediate effect.
10:27For a period of time that he is unable to specify for an amount that we are free to name.
10:34You'll call me ruthless if you want to.
10:36But, Pastor Robinson, what I make of it is money for the church.
10:42Running a church is always going to cost somebody something.
10:44I'll find somewhere else to lay my head for a week or two.
10:48The truth is, I'm more worried about me missing you over there than I am about me being missed over here.
10:54You were vital to everything when we were in South Africa.
10:57And I came home with Teddy on the way.
11:00Look, Timothy is quite old enough to hold the fort if you came to Hong Kong.
11:07He's home on study leave for a month.
11:09Patrick, I'm needed here.
11:14That's the last box, Ms. Higgins.
11:19Okay.
11:20Dr. Elise Watkiss is our first choice for locum cover.
11:24She's young, but has excellent GP experience.
11:27I will attend to the necessary paperwork.
11:30Timothy, you might call the pharmacy regarding the export forms whilst I see to this.
11:35Yes, Ms. Higgins.
11:35The posters have turned out an absolute treat.
11:39I found a photo that must have been taken years ago, and you'll never guess what.
11:43You can see it clear as day now it's blown up life-size.
11:47Look at that.
11:49Mum, look.
11:50Oh, it's me.
11:51As a baby.
11:54Before we even knew her.
11:56I would recognize there are any for you.
12:00Come on, ladies.
12:01Dig as deep as you can.
12:02Merry Christmas.
12:04Thank you very much.
12:06Every penny counts.
12:07Don't be shy.
12:16Some of these clothes are ours, Mom.
12:18Yes.
12:18I went up into the loft, and there were bags full of woolies that went back years.
12:24This was mine.
12:25I remember this.
12:27You had it when you first arrived from China.
12:32Would you rather we didn't send it off?
12:35The radio reporter says, ready when you are.
12:41Ten-year-old May Turner has a special reason for helping with the appeal today.
12:44Can you tell the listeners what it is, May?
12:46I was born there.
12:50A photograph of May, aged 12 months and held safely in the arms of a Nonnatus nun,
12:56features on posters for the rescue mission.
12:58As the Nonnatus, this is a popular head Easter help.
13:02Do you have a message for people listening, May?
13:05Please give all you can.
13:10Because...
13:12Some of the children there have nothing.
13:25Sister Hilda will be joining the Nonnatus party at Heathrow.
13:29At least that's only one plane we have to meet, Fred.
13:33Derek, you're eating the lime marmalade.
13:36I'm not going to lie to you, I've laid awake at night dreaming of this stuff.
13:41Thanks for bringing it.
13:42And the mustard, proper taste at home.
13:44It's even got English written on the tin.
13:47Fred and I were wondering about popping over to Kowloon
13:50to see if there's anything we can take the poor sisters.
13:53Mum, Kowloon isn't the East End.
13:55Nobody pops over there.
13:57Not to that bit of it, anyway.
14:00Hibiscus Street's about as dodgy as it gets.
14:02Drugs, prostitution, smuggling.
14:04Makes you wonder why the sisters are so keen to stay there.
14:08Well, it's the same as popular, innit?
14:09Bad things happen.
14:11Good people saw you out.
14:12Best people in the world couldn't sort Triad out.
14:14What is Triad, Derek?
14:17Organised crime.
14:18It's invisible and it's everywhere.
14:20I got used to Tim not being here because he's at medical school.
14:27What I can't get used to is him not being here because he's in the pub.
14:33Mum and Dad.
14:36You should be in bed, Tillie Mint.
14:39We've been talking.
14:40It's very late.
14:42We've all been talking.
14:43And we all want you to go to Hong Kong, Mum.
14:46Do you?
14:48Yes.
14:48And I want you to take this.
15:01And that was confirmation that you can refer any health visitor business over to Miss Haynes at the Stepney Clinic.
15:07If I say so myself, the plan is impregnable.
15:11You, meanwhile, are the only one I trust with my Rolodex.
15:14I will guard it with my life.
15:15And Nurse Aylwood considers herself on call at any time should you require her support with any administration.
15:23I'm also available for midwifery duty.
15:25You only have to pick up the phone.
15:27It's most unlikely that it will come to that.
15:29This is a mercy mission.
15:36It's also a mercy dash and we'll be home soon.
15:39By the time we all gather here again, we will have left our friends in Hong Kong in a place of hope and of comfort and of joy.
15:51Thank you, all of you, for helping us to help them.
15:56Thank you, all of you.
16:26determined.
16:27We'll all be home by Christmas.
16:32That was our motto, in a different womb.
16:46I still don't like the idea of you living in a bed-sit, like you'd just come off the
16:50boat.
16:51It's a better bed-sit than I had in those days.
16:54It's got fitted carpets and hot water.
17:09You, I take it, are Pastor C.A. Robinson, of the Shining Tabernacle Church of God?
17:28And you must be Mr. Fisher.
17:30Please, come in.
17:37We got rid of the electric meter to stop the lights going out when people were testifying.
17:42This is the bedroom.
17:55We put up thick curtains so the trains won't bother you in the night.
17:59Oh, the trains won't bother me at any time of day.
18:06That's it.
18:18I thought you'd be saying Lord's in your room, Sister Monica-Joan.
18:44In Hong Kong, they will be saying the afternoon office, and the sun does not vary, no matter
18:56from which corner of the globe we offer up our praise, I shall raise my voice with yours
19:04and theirs.
19:14He will not suffer thy form to be human, and he that he will feel lost me.
19:25He will not suffer thy form to be human, and he will not suffer thy form.
19:48Danger, danger!
20:03The finish, Dr. Turner?
20:05You just have to keep your nerve.
20:07I haven't lost my nerve, Fred.
20:10I have lost sight of the van containing all of the medical supplies, and the donations.
20:15I told the driver at the airport.
20:17I said they were to follow immediately behind us.
20:20I wonder what you were saying.
20:22You sounded commendably forceful.
20:24We just have to hope you said what you thought you said.
20:27If we have any problems whatsoever,
20:30my Derek has told me which police station to go to
20:33and to use his name.
20:45That's one of our sisters.
20:47I greet you in Lord Jesus Christ's name.
21:02We greet you likewise.
21:10There is much to be considered.
21:13There is much to be considered.
21:17Seven days, I have them upstairs.
21:21Sick nuns, sick children.
21:23And we could not be more grateful.
21:27See that term in Cantonese?
21:30I know.
21:31Not important.
21:33Trouble.
21:33I know also.
21:35You have trouble.
21:37Come.
21:37Help.
21:38We can't all be living here.
21:53On wood, I can hear the child crying.
21:58I believe Sister Simon will need to go to hospital and have her wrist reset under anaesthetic.
22:22And I suspect Sister Prudence has a broken collarbone.
22:27We're going to have to stand them all down and send them for hospital treatment.
22:31When did the diarrhea start?
22:36Before the cough or after?
22:38Doctor, I know what ails me.
22:41I have tuberculosis.
22:43Are you sure?
22:45Or do you simply fear it?
22:47Miliary tuberculosis.
22:49The worst kind.
22:51Tuberculosis is so very contagious.
22:53It has spread from my lungs throughout my body.
22:56I have little time left to live.
22:59When were you diagnosed?
23:01The day the clinic collapsed.
23:04I was told by our doctor, Dr. Lee.
23:08I took myself out for a walk whilst she arranged for me to go to a sanatorium.
23:15And when I returned, there was no clinic.
23:20And no doctor.
23:24No bed in a sanatorium.
23:27And no choice but to carry on handling the children.
23:30You're kind, nurse.
23:46Just doing my job, love.
23:50At least the main treatment for preeclampsia is bed rest.
23:54Both these ladies have had that.
23:56Rule dementia, though the beds may be.
23:58See, once we've unpacked, I'll ask them to oblige me with some samples and get the dipsticks out.
24:07This is infected.
24:09I don't think it's been properly cleaned.
24:11Is it any wonder with them all huddled up here without even the barest essentials?
24:16Not to mention ignoring their own injuries.
24:19If you ask me, the sisters work miracles enough just keeping everyone alive.
24:25And now it's our turn.
24:29This place reminds me of a cash and carry.
24:32There must be a gross of tin bamboo shoots in this box and enough soy sauce to float about with it.
24:40Do you reckon Mrs. Marr would mind if we move stuff about?
24:43We'll have to ask her, Fred.
24:45I know she's a Christian convert and she has been very accommodating, but these are her premises.
24:52I need the labelled crates and medical supplies, Fred.
24:56We have to run urgent TB tests on everyone.
24:58Over here, Doc.
24:59Excellent.
25:01Excellent.
25:04No.
25:04No, no, no, no, no.
25:09These have been forced open.
25:15It's all gone.
25:18Is that the new Vista Sanatorium?
25:21M'goy, I have a very sick lady who requires urgent admission.
25:26Koi Huben.
25:28M'goy sai.
25:28You have been charity itself, Mrs. Marr.
25:31At our home.
25:32You took the sisters in and gave them food and shelter.
25:35Only to your rescue.
25:37You are rescue.
25:38Now you're all gone.
25:40But we have nowhere else to go.
25:42We will find a new clinic.
25:44We will find a new convent.
25:46But we cannot do that today.
25:49It's not safe.
25:51Why is it not safe?
25:53You stay.
25:59Stay now.
26:00But go, sir.
26:02And use back door, not front.
26:11Linata's house.
26:12Midwife speaking.
26:13Can I bring my wife to the maternity home, please?
26:16Of course, sir.
26:17What name is it?
26:19She says what name?
26:20Diane Mary Edgar!
26:24Diane Mary Edgar!
26:30I made myself a cup of coffee, Miss Higgins.
26:32Do you want one?
26:32Uh, thank you.
26:34I generally keep myself in check until elevens is.
26:39Your white coat should be hanging on the back of the door of the consulting room.
26:42Would you like me to fetch it?
26:43It's fine.
26:44I don't need it yet.
26:45We've got bad coughs coming in at half past nine, in ten past ten, and at eleven, all
26:50in the over-fifty age group.
26:52Have these patients been referred to the East London Chest Clinic?
26:55I'm sure they have, if Dr. Turner considers that appropriate.
26:58Excellent.
27:00I'll have a quick rummage through their notes just to make sure.
27:03The files are through here, aren't they?
27:04They are indeed.
27:05No fluids in the filing room, if you'd be so kind.
27:08Perfect work.
27:22You certainly know what you're doing.
27:24Oh, I feel terrible about bringing those reindeer heads.
27:27I'd have never got them finished otherwise.
27:30Good morning.
27:31May I help you?
27:32My name's Queenie Forsythe.
27:33My daughter's in child bed.
27:35We arrived last night.
27:36That's six massive pushes I've done now.
27:42It's not budging, nurse.
27:45Let's get you back on the bed, and then I can examine you.
27:49We'll soon have a better idea of your progress.
27:51I'm telling you now, there hasn't been any.
27:54This one's not playing the same game as my others.
27:56Midwife's calling.
28:16Good gracious.
28:17It's like the first day of the sale's in here.
28:20Can we open one of those windows and let in a bit of air?
28:22How long have you been feeling that you need to push, child?
28:26I don't know.
28:28Every time they yell at me to push, I try.
28:30Five hours.
28:32Five hours, she's been at it.
28:35Okay, honey.
28:36Until we know what's what, you must not push.
28:39Do you hear me?
28:40You must not push.
28:41I am not a bossy woman, but I am being bossy now.
28:48How much did your other babies weigh, Diane?
28:50Seven pound six and eight pound nine.
28:53Darren was like giving birth to a sofa.
28:55This one feels like a ruddy three-piece suite and a coffee table.
28:58I think baby might be on the bonny side, but I don't think he's read the book that tells
29:04him how to line up nicely for delivery.
29:07Doctor, could you pop across and speak to Dr. Watkiss?
29:11It's R-O-T.
29:16A right occipitotransverse.
29:19And quite a big baby.
29:21But my dad, Dr. Turner, always attends in the event of any transverse position.
29:26Well, I'd better come through then.
29:30That poor girl started pushing long, long before she was ready.
29:33Has she damaged her cervix?
29:35It's not torn, but it's so swollen.
29:37I can actually see it at the entrance to her vagina.
29:40No, baby's going to get through that unless we bring that swelling down.
29:45We need ice.
29:46Ice?
29:47I think I saw a refrigerator.
29:50If we don't make this work, she'll need a cesarean section.
29:54Diane, don't cry.
29:57There are all sorts of things we can do to get things moving.
30:00Would Dr. Turner try the von Toos, do you think?
30:04No.
30:05He always uses forceps in a transverse position.
30:10In which case, we'll continue with trial of labour.
30:16We'll transfer you to St. Cuthbert's if we get no joy.
30:19No.
30:19Timothy, this won't do.
30:31In Nelauta's house, if you pursue midwives, they are all abroad.
30:36Or otherwise at large.
30:38Is there nobody there at all?
30:40Noice Clifford has a multi-parous woman in obstructed labour.
30:44And the locum doesn't know how to use forceps.
30:47Supply the details.
30:48And I will provide the advice.
30:50You're going to be grateful to me in the long run, but I'm not going to lie to you and say this ice pack is the nicest thing you ever had to slip underneath your covers.
31:00Are you allowed to love things like Dad?
31:06I don't get the chance very often.
31:12It's freezing.
31:14Serves you right for being disrespectful.
31:16Oh!
31:20Diane, we need you head down and with your bottom in the air.
31:24This position will stretch your pelvic ligaments and give the baby enough room to adjust its head position.
31:32I hope you have that on going to foray.
31:34The best authority you can possibly imagine.
31:39Let her have a little nap.
31:42Is there anything else wrong with her?
31:44I don't think so.
31:45But Queenie, women need skilled help when they're given birth.
31:49Especially when it's their first.
31:50I took her to the doctor when she first knew that she'd fallen.
31:53And we were up in the far north then.
31:55You should forget where you've been.
31:58I haven't decided where you're going.
32:01And besides, I went to the hospital with me last one.
32:05I wouldn't venture that again.
32:07I'll examine her.
32:09Let's hope it's worked.
32:13I just want to lie down.
32:15Baby has shifted position, Diane.
32:17All we need to do now is make plays with gravity.
32:20Oh, I'm going to have to push.
32:25That's all right, Diane.
32:26You give it everything you've got.
32:29This is the bit where I'm glad I did the enema.
32:31I fear verbal instructions alone would not suffice.
32:40Verbal instruction has done more than you could possibly imagine.
32:43Baby's head is beginning to cram.
32:49The swelling has gone down, Marie.
32:50But I need you to do exactly as I say.
32:53Listen to Nurse Hyland.
32:54On the next one, I want your chin on your chest
32:57and a slow, quiet, steady push.
33:01Slow.
33:03Slow, quiet, steady.
33:13We've got the head.
33:16Come on.
33:17You can do it.
33:18Keep it coming.
33:20Keep it coming.
33:20Is it a boy or a girl?
33:29I'm afraid I can't tell.
33:30I've got something in my eye.
33:35Can you see Sister Monica Joan?
33:38I can see every aspect of the miracle.
33:42You have a daughter.
33:43This stinging will end soon, Marie.
33:53Just breathe.
33:55Just breathe.
33:57And we have a head.
33:59Well done, honey.
34:03We also have maconium.
34:07The midwife says we need an ambulance.
34:09Go on.
34:10And you're trying to lift me up.
34:11Let's go.
34:12No, no, no, no.
34:23She's not trying.
34:24You've a little boy, Marie.
34:43I don't want him.
34:45All will be well, Marie.
34:47I promise you, all will be well.
34:54He must be baptised.
35:01Now, there'll be a chaplain at the hospital, Queenie.
35:04This is his home, and he is not leaving his mother's arms until he is baptised.
35:12Well, Dr Watkiss's curriculum vitae stated very clearly she is fully trained in obstetrics.
35:20She has now revealed that in almost five years of GP practice, she has only delivered two babies, neither with any complications.
35:28That's the way it is these days.
35:30We're all trained in obstetrics and gynae, but the expectation is that almost every baby will be born in hospital.
35:36Dr Watkiss wanted to continue trial of labour, but we couldn't countermand her because she's more senior.
35:41And next time, we may not have Sister Monica Joan to call on.
35:45Any wisdom I have was hard won in the days when there might have been no doctor to send for.
35:51We were wise out of necessity, and you are skilled in your own right.
35:59Nevertheless, I will not permit this to happen again.
36:03I am sending for Nurse Elwood.
36:05Lord Jesus Christ, who took little children in your arms and blessed them,
36:15hold this infant, Luke Michael, in your matchless love, today and always.
36:21Fill his mother and father with your peace, and cherish him according to thy will.
36:29Amen.
36:29Amen.
36:30Amen.
36:31Amen.
36:32Amen.
36:32I keep thinking.
36:42May's mother was a nanny for a British service family.
36:46Is it worth asking if the army have any record of her?
36:50She would have just been cheap, casual labour.
36:55After she lost her job, she must have been desperate.
36:58And where would desperation take you in a city of this size?
37:05We have to find out.
37:08Esther Tan gave us the greatest gift we've ever had.
37:12And we can't abandon her.
37:15No, we can't.
37:16Sister Hilda.
37:26Are you lying awake for the same reason that I'm lying awake?
37:30I don't know.
37:32Well, I'm lying awake because we've flown halfway around the world on a rescue mission.
37:37And if we get thrown out of this place by Mrs. Marr, we're going to be in as much need of rescue as anyone else.
37:45The injured and the six sisters are leaving in the morning.
37:50Sister Edith to the sanatorium and the other sisters to the Roman Catholic Hospital.
37:55We have orphans to care for.
37:57And expectant mothers.
37:59Any one of whom could have caught TB.
38:00And out in the street, there are prostitutes and addicts who will look to ask for help.
38:07I know there are.
38:08But we will pray.
38:10And we will wait to see what love can do.
38:12And we will wait to see what love can do.
38:42And we will wait to see what love can do.
39:12I'm sorry, Miss Higgins.
39:18I've been through all of these cases and there are at least half a dozen who should be at St. Cuthbert's and not here.
39:23Well, Mr. Parry himself expressed satisfaction with our care.
39:27Good afternoon, ladies.
39:29Dr. Watkiss, I presume.
39:31Nurse Elwood.
39:32Sister Elwood, as it happens.
39:33I've accepted a promotion during the absence of Dr. Turner,
39:37under whom I've worked for 16 years ever since I qualified.
39:39So, we have three mothers over 40, two gestational diabetes,
39:47and Maureen Santaro, I know already.
39:49She had her first set of twins with us.
39:51Second set isn't unheard of.
39:53I've never handled a multiple pregnancy, sister.
39:55Well, there's always a first time.
39:56Dr. Watkiss and I will call ourselves Cubicle 1, send them all to us, and we'll see how we do.
40:10Hello?
40:11So, Queenie, have you brought Marie?
40:16She's still above in the hospital with the baby.
40:18He's after taking the antibiotics.
40:21She's doing grand.
40:24It's me that needs to see you.
40:28Are you expecting, Queenie, under this coat and having me ninth?
40:32You don't shout about it when you get to my age.
40:37But I heard what you and the other nurse was saying.
40:42I need skilled help.
40:44If you want it, we'll make sure you get it.
40:47I do want it.
40:49My last was a stillborn.
40:51Even though I had it in hospital.
40:53I'm so sorry that happened to you, Queenie.
40:58We're going to walk beside you now.
41:00I'll start by filling in your co-op card.
41:14Oh.
41:17A tin of carnation milk, if you please.
41:21Ah, and a quarter of humbugs, if you'll be so kind.
41:27No, no, no, no, no, no.
41:28Perhaps just two ounces.
41:30I do not consume them in any conspicuous place.
41:33You don't want them all turning sticky at the bottom of the bag.
41:36No.
41:45Oh.
41:46I thought I heard that.
41:48It catches.
41:51Isn't it?
41:51Isn't it?
41:51It's all very well and good complaining that all the people who can deliver babies have gone to Hong Kong.
42:17I'm more concerned that all the people who can sew have gone to Hong Kong.
42:20You're always waving your magic wand and producing costumes, Geoffrey.
42:24And no one's going to see the details.
42:26It's for a carnival.
42:28Everything's going to be moving past at speed.
42:30Well, moving past.
42:32I'm an ideas man and a contacts man.
42:35I'm not a needle and thread man.
42:36And it was not my idea to dress up the midwives of Ninata's house as angels complete with ostrich feather wings.
42:42I thought we could do it with just a bit of cotton and sticking.
42:45Like grizzling in our Christmas trees.
42:47They're palm trees.
42:49I heard rumors the sewing machine was out.
42:51Angela just tried on her spoon costume and ripped it.
42:56You look like you could do it with a snowball, honey.
42:58Do you want some maraschino cherry in it?
43:00I'll have two.
43:01What sort of wounds have they taught you to suture at medical school?
43:05Oh, my highlights include closure of incision after two appendectomies.
43:09And I did a rugby player's scalp once.
43:12Needle, thread.
43:14If you want a cocktail, you're going to have to earn it.
43:16This is not the way I intended my service to end.
43:33It's a patient in a sanatorium.
43:37You have given all you can, Sister Edith.
43:41That is enough and more.
43:43It was the children I lived for and loved the best.
43:48I remember your daughter well.
43:51May?
43:52Oh, she's ten years old now.
43:55And so many children passed through the orphanage.
44:00I took medicine to her mother, Esther.
44:06Three months ago, she was living out on Tower Street, number 122.
44:12The numbers daubed on, on the door.
44:15Sister Edith, do you think she might still be there?
44:19She was there once, and not too long ago.
44:23Beyond that, I cannot say.
44:25The sooner we are able to move into the premises, the better it will be for the people in our care.
44:49I can even overlook the pigeon infestation, for a small reduction in the rent.
44:56Down payment will be 2,000 Hong Kong dollars.
44:59The sisters have the funds for that, and there will be ongoing support from a number of private philanthropists, plus the Rotary Club of Hong Kong.
45:09Very well.
45:12Very well.
45:13We shall prepare the documentation.
45:15Oh.
45:18I'm going.
45:20Let's hope the army can help with our medical supplies.
45:24The collapse of that clinic barely made the news here.
45:26And of course, we're delighted to assist now that we know there's a res commission on.
45:30The sisters need all the help they can get, sir.
45:32Well, it's not disinterest because buildings fall down all the time.
45:35It's avoidance.
45:37Because it's going to happen more and more.
45:39Everybody knows that, and there's nothing we can do.
45:41Because of the overcrowding?
45:43Because they just keep building upwards on insecure foundations.
45:46One misplaced mudslide could obliterate Kowloon.
45:50At least we can improve on the human side of things.
45:54Morning, Major.
45:55Morning, Corporal.
45:56I'm coming with my best party manners and a begging bowl.
46:02Morning, Major.
46:03Morning, Major.
46:04Morning, Major.
46:05Morning, Major.
46:06Morning, Major.
46:07Morning, Major.
46:08Morning, Major.
46:09Morning, Major.
46:10Morning, Major.
46:11Morning, Major.
46:12Morning, Major.
46:13Really, it's extraordinarily kind of you to accompany us, Mrs Buckle.
46:16I thought it may be necessary to tell untruths, Sister.
46:23And I thought if that was the case, then better me than you.
46:28Mrs Buckle, have you told untruths?
46:31No.
46:34I may have slightly preempted one or two realities, although I'm sure the Rotary Club will be only too pleased to opt their support.
46:42Once I make contact and explain the situation.
46:46I don't even ask about the private philanthropists.
46:50One of them is me.
46:52And I'm sure there will be others.
46:55It's not just the TB kits and penicillin I'm grateful to the Major for.
47:15It's use of the army labs for processing the tests.
47:18Oh, it's all well and good, the sisters having faith in God.
47:24But I reckon the military beat him every time.
47:27The military is certainly better organised.
47:30Well, I suppose they have to be the same as the police, especially with all this triad malarkey.
47:36Just like the Kray Twins, and then some.
47:39I've stitched wounds inflicted by the Kray Twins.
47:43They never bothered us.
47:44More than an artist house.
47:46In fact, the sisters were revered.
47:49I don't reckon the triad revered the sisters here.
47:52If they did, they would help them.
47:54I think you're right.
47:55You know, Violet's lyric says there's somebody triad in every street that people have to answer to or pay.
48:05And Mrs. Maher is living in fear of someone.
48:18Oh, I'm searching for a young lady called Esther Tang.
48:23She used to live at this address and has a young boy about the same age as this little one.
48:29I wonder if you or your wife might know where she moved to?
48:40She has gone.
48:41She will not return.
48:48Miss, Miss.
48:50Esther left one week ago.
48:52Did she say where she was going?
48:54She was sick and she was afraid.
48:57Don't look for her, please.
49:00Can I ask your name?
49:02Grace, don't look.
49:06Have yourself a merry little Christmas.
49:23Make the yuletide gay.
49:24From now on, our troubles will be miles away.
49:28From now on, our troubles will be miles away.
49:37Have yourself a merry little Christmas.
49:41Make the yuletide gay.
49:45Once again, as in olden days, happy golden days of yore.
50:00Faithful friends who are dear to us, gather near to us once more.
50:10For three years of yore.
50:13Joyce, Trixie's supposed to be doing our makeup, but there's no sign of her.
50:20She's not the only one who knows what to do with a bit of eyeshadow.
50:23And if she doesn't turn up on time, our float is leaving without her.
50:27Isn't it going to look a bit feeble with just the three of us?
50:30We are midwives.
50:31Not the four horsemen of the apocalypse.
50:34Pack, pack, pack.
50:36You are all to visit the toilets now and come straight back here as soon as you have washed your hands.
50:43Now, Harry, who has arrived from university just in time to help us tonight,
50:50is now going to hand out cough candy to help us all with our singing.
50:54Come on!
50:55Come on!
50:56Come on!
50:57Come on!
50:58Come on!
50:59Come on!
51:00Come on!
51:01Come on, sir!
51:02Me!
51:03Promise me you'll always have me home till Christmas.
51:04Please, it was!
51:05We're going to be late, Geoffrey.
51:08If you were content with boarding a carnival float wearing improperly attached angel wings,
51:14well, I can assure you I wasn't.
51:16Oh, for pity's sake.
51:18Pitching this pram through snow is like dicing with insanity.
51:23What's that?
51:24It's a walking stick.
51:26It's actually rather elegant.
51:29I think it's got a solid silver top.
51:31Oh, no, no, sis, I know this.
51:34This belongs to one of my Harley Street patients.
51:37Maurice Templemore, he was an enormous film star when the Torkist first came out.
51:42What's it doing here in Poplar?
51:44Also, if there's one thing I do know, if you find a walking stick lying on the ground,
51:48you're likely to find its owner nearby and lying in a similar position.
51:52Sir?
51:53No.
51:54Maurice Templemore cannot be in Poplar.
51:57I doubt he even knows where Poplar is.
51:59He must have been burgled.
52:00Sir?
52:02Sir?
52:03Where are we?
52:04Here.
52:07I'm terribly sorry.
52:09I seem to have rather overstretched myself.
52:14Mr. Templemore.
52:16Please don't call me that.
52:18Not here.
52:19Not here.
52:20APPLAUSE
52:52Merry Christmas.
53:19What are you doing in this insalubrious part of town?
53:22You're in the same insalubrious part of town.
53:26You're not well.
53:27I know that because you said so when I was sorting out your fibrositis.
53:31A blood disorder, you told me.
53:34What kind of blood disorder?
53:36A malignant one.
53:39But I didn't tell him that.
53:40I was born in this flat when the paper shop was a greengrocer.
53:52My father came all the way from Russia straight off the boats.
53:57All he knew was beets and turnips, and so he made a life from that.
54:02And you made a life out of different things entirely?
54:05Yeah.
54:05Little Manny Fisher became Moise Templemore.
54:10New York, Hollywood, and then home.
54:15Well, London's West End.
54:18Instead of the East End, and a life of comfortable obscurity.
54:23But everyone had gone.
54:31Your family had gone.
54:39Here.
54:40Here.
54:40All manner of humanity that I once loved had gone.
54:50So I'd come home to die.
54:52Mr. Templemore, you live in Belgravia.
54:54Not anymore.
54:56And I'm no longer Mr. Templemore.
55:00There are two rewards.
55:02He needs medical care, sis.
55:09And I'll arrange that in the morning.
55:11But at this precise moment in time, we have a carnival to catch.
55:14Woo.
55:15Come along.
55:15I'm going to be in your home, mate.
55:17I used to make...
55:18I used to make the boat.
55:23Oh, no.
55:25No.
55:26A baby.
55:27Left to be found.
55:29Oh, no.
55:30Oh, no.
55:30This happened all the time at the hibiscus clinic.
55:39A girl.
55:42I've not put her at more than two days old.
55:45And the cord looks to have been chewed through.
55:47Oh, my baby.
55:48Oh, my baby.
55:51Oh, it's okay.
55:53Oh, dear.
55:54Oh, dear.
55:54Oh, dear.
55:55Oh, dear.
55:55Oh, dear.
55:55Oh, dear.
55:56Oh, dear.
55:56Oh, dear.
55:57Oh, dear.
55:57Oh, dear.
55:58Oh, dear.
55:58Oh, dear.
55:59Oh, dear.
56:00Oh, dear.
56:00Oh, dear.
56:01Oh, dear.
56:02Oh, dear.
56:03Oh, dear.
56:04Oh, dear.
56:05Oh, dear.
56:06Oh, dear.
56:07Oh, dear.
56:08Oh, dear.
56:09Oh, dear.
56:10Oh, dear.
56:11Oh, dear.
56:12Oh, dear.
56:13Oh, dear.
56:14Oh, dear.
56:15Oh, dear.
56:16Oh, dear.
56:17Oh, dear.
56:18Oh, dear.
56:19Oh, dear.
56:20Oh, dear.
56:21Oh, dear.
56:22Oh, dear.
56:23Oh, dear.
56:24Oh, dear.
56:25Oh, dear.
56:26Oh, dear.
56:27Oh, dear.
56:28Oh, dear.
56:29What do you mean we can't have the house on half Lotus Street?
56:36We have the keys and we have paid the deposit.
56:39It is not suitable.
56:41It's extremely suitable.
56:43And we can move there immediately with the children and our adult patients.
56:47The man who owns the building say no.
56:49Give me the keys.
56:50If we are to return them, it can only be in exchange for the money we have paid.
57:06Give me the keys.
57:11Keys.
57:16Esther is a very, very important person to our family.
57:20It's as though they have both vanished.
57:23What's wrong with a third piece?
57:24Only doctors deliver my forceps.
57:26Everyone's bringing a bottle.
57:29Run by a crook who calls himself the Cormorant.
57:32A gangster?
57:33Of the worst kind?
57:34Mr. Fred and the Doctor, I'm in trouble.
57:40Call the Midwife continues tomorrow evening at 8.30 on BBC One.
57:44Press Red now for Humphrey's ultimate surprise in the Beyond Paradise Christmas special on iPlayer.
57:49And stay with me on BBC One for a Saunders and Lumley reunion in the Amandalan Christmas special next.
57:56The End
58:05The End
58:05The End
58:06The End
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