- 5 days ago
Christmas Special 2025 Part1
Category
🎮️
GamingTranscript
00:00Once upon a time,
00:29the season that is new today was old and closed and packed away.
00:35Advent had erupted into Christmas,
00:38darkness retreated in the face of light,
00:42and the wheel of the year kept turning.
00:46But once again we gather as the sky grows cold,
00:51the leaves have tumbled, the fresh snow falls.
00:56Pages turn as new doors open,
01:01time and time and time again.
01:05Merry Christmas!
01:06Merry Christmas!
01:10Medical supplies packed and labelled
01:13and ready for hand delivery to the brunch house.
01:16A biscuit's clinic?
01:17Do you think you should write on it in Chinese?
01:20Hong Kong is a British colony.
01:22I'm quite sure everyone is competent in our mother tongue.
01:25I detect a want of enthusiasm in your visit.
01:30When adventure beckons, you should embrace the couple.
01:34This trip is a wonderful opportunity for Violet to see her son.
01:38And the sisters at the clinic will be so grateful for these supplies.
01:43I'll just be glad of a chance to run an errand,
01:45if I'm honest with your sister Julian.
01:47There's talk of cocktail parties.
01:51We're all a bear-nose rainders
01:55Have a bear shiny nose
01:58And if you ever saw it
02:01You will leave the day it blows
02:05All of the other rainders
02:08You should often call him names
02:13Kevin, I've told you before
02:15Stay inside the lines
02:18The lines represent the edges of the lorry
02:24You too, Teddy
02:26We don't want you falling off the flute and getting run over
02:29Do you think they're going to need bigger rolls for their mouths, Mrs Turner?
02:33I'm worried that they're going to be deprived of oxygen
02:36We lost the rainders of fear
02:38Oh, please, please
02:39Don't anyone stop singing on my account
02:41We lost the rainders of fear
02:43Hello, Diane
02:45You're good and in history
02:52Oh, now, pack
02:54What do we say when a very important lady
02:57like Mrs Buckel, our mayor
02:59is kind enough to come and visit us?
03:01Good evening, Mrs Buckel-air
03:05Thank you, pack
03:06Thank you, pack
03:07Now, off you pop and work on your knots
03:09It's all set out on the tables
03:11One piece of cord between two
03:15I've bought a dozen pairs of brown tights for the reindeer
03:19I managed to get them on a special order
03:22You'll not get lads of this age to wear tights, Mrs Buckel
03:25Well, you'll have to tell them that it's in a good course
03:28I mean, the whole Christmas carnival is in a good course
03:32Erm, elastic
03:34Black felt squares
03:36Erm, sleigh bells
03:39And WD-40
03:41What's that for? To oil the sled runners?
03:44Fred needs to do the paper shop bell before we leave
03:48Mrs Buckel, go
03:50Go to Hong Kong
03:52And do not give the Christmas carnival a second thought
04:05Oh!
04:06Mrs Buckel!
04:07I'm sorry
04:08Oh!
04:09I'm sorry, Mrs Turner
04:11I'm not quite sure which way is up this evening
04:14I wondered if you could take a tiny parcel to Hong Kong for me
04:18It's a letter and some photographs for May's mother
04:22We haven't heard from her for over a year
04:25But the sisters say they still see her from time to time with her little boy
04:29Of course, I'll take it
04:31It must all be, well, such a worry
04:34I used to fret about my Derek when he was in the Navy
04:37But now he's in the Hong Kong police
04:40They have to wear guns, Mrs Turner
04:44It makes me nervous
04:46You'll be back by Christmas with wonderful memories
04:50And we've got Reggie coming home
04:52I'm already hoping that it will be snowing for him
04:55Whoever guesses the mystery ingredient in this year's chutney
05:02Gets to eat the first mince pie and make a wish
05:04I'm getting definite top notes of tamarind
05:09Have you been on another cooking course?
05:11No, Matthew took her to Antigua for their wedding anniversary
05:15It's mango
05:16Yes!
05:20It's good to hear you're moving back to London, lass
05:23Matthew has to stay in New York until autumn
05:25And Jonty's starting pre-prep at Easter
05:28I needed to get him home and settled
05:31Sister Julianne, I will be free for midwifery duty
05:34Should you be short-staffed
05:35We very seldom are at present
05:38Things have been remarkably quiet
05:40I have offered her a receptionist role
05:42At my new osteopathy practice on Harley Street
05:44But no dice, apparently
05:46You're only there four hours a week
05:48Nevertheless, his couch sees a constant parade of celebrities
05:51By all accounts
05:53Celebrities?
05:54Coming to you with their crooked necks
05:56I hope you're going to name names
05:58Professional discretion is my watchword
06:00Have a mince pie
06:10Fred! Have you seen the time?
06:12We're going to miss the plane
06:13The party was running late
06:15And I don't want to disappoint the kiddies
06:17Get in the cab
06:18You can change out if you've got a costume on the way
06:20If you've got a costume on the way
06:50Please, let me knock my hanky and put it on my head, Vi.
07:03No, we'll get you a nice, smart Panama hat
07:07as soon as we've left these parcels with the sisters.
07:11We're looking for a sign that says Hibiscus Street.
07:15Derek says it should be written in Chinese as well as English.
07:20I'm not sure how to sign it.
07:22He's making it.
07:23He's making it.
07:24He's making it.
07:25He's making it.
07:27He's making it.
07:29He's making it.
07:32There it is.
07:36Hang on.
07:37Come here.
07:38Come here.
07:39Come here.
07:40Come here.
07:41Come here.
07:42Come here.
07:45No, you're not looking for me.
07:46I'm going to come here.
07:47Don't come here.
07:48Come here.
07:49The building has collapsed.
07:50Stay back, please.
07:51The building has collapsed.
07:52Please stay back.
07:55Colonel.
07:56I'm going to come here.
07:57No.
08:09You know that?
08:10I've got you.
08:11I've got you.
08:12I've got you.
08:13I've got you.
08:14I've got you.
08:15I've got you.
08:16There must be fatalities.
08:17I'm sorry to intercept you, sister, but Mrs. Buckle has just telephoned from Hong Kong.
08:31It's about the branch house.
08:33How on earth can an entire building just collapse?
08:38I've never heard of anything so colonial.
08:40There were rumours that the ground in that area was unstable.
08:44But whatever the cause, it's the consequences that are truly shocking.
08:49Sister Alice and sister David were both killed.
08:51Oh, no.
08:52Along with the doctor who worked with them.
08:54Some of the children in the nursery did not survive.
08:57Meanwhile, the maternity ward has been destroyed.
09:01The sisters are homeless.
09:03And the people who depend upon them are scattered across Kowloon.
09:06Once they have overcome this, they will need somewhere to live and carry on their work.
09:11Now, they need a doctor.
09:13They need nurses and they need midwives.
09:16In short, sister, they need us.
09:23I keep thinking we should be making Christmas trees for the carnival, not palm trees.
09:28The theme of the float is a Caribbean Christmas.
09:31There's going to be a steel band playing carols and a gospel choir.
09:36Lovely.
09:37Are these the palm trees?
09:42Mm-hmm.
09:43I'm starting to think we should be making jacarandas.
09:47So, what's this letter you want to talk to me about?
09:51If 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.
10:01And, Sister Veronica, you must go.
10:04You were three years at that ranch house.
10:06You're the only one with even a glancing knowledge of the way things work out there.
10:10I will go wherever I'm told.
10:12I will do whatever I'm told.
10:13Very well.
10:14Dr. Turner will go, as will Nurse Crane, Sister Veronica, and myself.
10:20So, this man, this Mr. Fisher, who writes with an educated hand from an address in Belgravia, wants to rent this flat with immediate effect.
10:33For a period of time that he is unable to specify for an amount that we are free to name.
10:39You'll call me ruthless if you want to, but Pastor Robinson, what I make of it is money for the church.
10:47Running a church is always going to cost somebody something.
10:49I'll find somewhere else to lay my head for a week or two.
10:53The truth is, I'm more worried about me missing you over there than I am about me being missed over here.
10:59You were vital to everything when we were in South Africa.
11:02And I came home with Teddy on the way.
11:05Look, Timothy is quite old enough to hold the fort if you came to Hong Kong.
11:11He's home on study leave for a month.
11:14Patrick, I'm needed here.
11:19That's the last bucks, Ms. Higgins.
11:25Dr. Elise Watkiss is our first choice for locum cover.
11:29She's young but has excellent GP experience.
11:32I will attend to the necessary paperwork.
11:34Timothy, you might call the pharmacy regarding the export forms whilst I see to this.
11:39Yes, Ms. Higgins.
11:41The posters have turned out an absolute treat.
11:44I found a photo that must have been taken years ago and you'll never guess what.
11:48You can see it clear as day now it's blown up life-size.
11:51What's that?
11:53Come on, look.
11:55Oh, it's me.
11:56As a baby.
11:58Before we even knew her.
12:01I would recognize her any for you.
12:05Come on, ladies.
12:06Dig as deep as you can.
12:07Merry Christmas.
12:08Merry Christmas.
12:09Thank you very much.
12:10Every penny counts.
12:12Don't be shy.
12:13Some of these clothes are ours, Mum.
12:23Yes.
12:24I went up into the loft and there were bags full of woolies that went back years.
12:29This was mine.
12:31I remember this.
12:32You had it when you first arrived from China.
12:38Would you rather we didn't send it off?
12:40Yeah.
12:43You are.
12:46Ten-year-old May Turner has a special reason for helping with the appeal today.
12:49Can you tell the listeners what it is, May?
12:53I was born there.
12:56A photograph of May, aged 12 months and held safely in the arms of a Nonnatus nun,
13:01features on posters for the rescue mission.
13:03As the Nonnatus sisters are popular headies to help.
13:07Do you have a message for people listening, May?
13:11Thanks, dear.
13:13Please give all you can.
13:18Because...
13:23Some of the children there have nothing.
13:25Sister Hilda will be joining the Nonnatus party at Heathrow.
13:35At least that's only one plane we have to meet, Fred.
13:38Derek, you're eating the lime marmalade.
13:41I'm not going to lie to you.
13:43I've laid awake at night dreaming of this stuff.
13:46Thanks for bringing it.
13:47And the mustard.
13:48Proper taste of home.
13:49It's even got English written on the tin.
13:53Fred and I were wondering about popping over to Kowloon to see if there's anything we can take the poor sisters.
13:58Mum, Kowloon isn't the East End.
14:00Nobody pops over there.
14:02Not to that bit of it anyway.
14:04Hibiscus Street's about as dodgy as it gets.
14:06Drugs, prostitution, smuggling.
14:08Makes you wonder why the sisters are so keen to stay there.
14:12Well, it's the same as popular, innit?
14:14Bad things happen.
14:16Good people sort it out.
14:17Best people in the world couldn't sort Triad out.
14:19What is Triad, Derek?
14:21Organised crime.
14:23It's invisible and it's everywhere.
14:26Oh.
14:28I got used to Tim not being here because he's at medical school.
14:32What I can't get used to is him not being here because he's in the pub.
14:38Mum and Dad.
14:41You should be in bed, Tillie Mint.
14:44We've been talking.
14:45It's very late.
14:46We've all been talking.
14:48And we all want you to go to Hong Kong, Mum.
14:51Do you?
14:53Yes.
14:54And I want you to take this.
15:06And that was confirmation that you can refer any health visitor business over to Miss Haynes at the Stepney Clinic.
15:13If I say so myself, the plan is impregnable.
15:16You, meanwhile, are the only one I trust with my Rolodex.
15:19I will guard it with my life.
15:21And Nurse Aylwood considers herself on call at any time should you require her support with any administration.
15:28I'm also available for midwifery duty. You only have to pick up the phone.
15:32It's most unlikely that it will come to that.
15:39This is a mercy mission.
15:41It's also a mercy dash and we'll be home soon.
15:44By 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.
15:57Thank you, all of you, for helping us to help them.
16:06I am reminded of spit fires streaming overhead.
16:26Disguise and fights half known but undetermined.
16:32We'll all be home by Christmas.
16:37That was our motto.
16:40In a different womb.
16:50I still don't like the idea of you living in a bedsit.
16:54Like you'd just come off the boat.
16:56It's a better bedsit than I had in those days.
16:59It's got fitted carpets and hot water.
17:02Hold your stands.
17:04Get your stands over here.
17:05Let's go.
17:06Let's go.
17:07Let's go.
17:08Let's go.
17:10Ah, you, I take it, are Pastor C.A. Robinson, of the Shining Tabernacle Church of God?
17:33And you must be Mr. Fisher. Please, come in.
17:40We got rid of the electric meter to stop the lights going out when people were testifying.
17:46And this is the bedroom.
17:59We put up thick curtains so the trains won't bother you in the night.
18:04Well, the trains won't bother me at any time of day.
18:08Oh.
18:10Oh.
18:12Oh.
18:17MUSIC CONTINUES
18:47MUSIC CONTINUES
19:17MUSIC CONTINUES
19:47MUSIC CONTINUES
19:52MUSIC CONTINUES
19:56MUSIC CONTINUES
19:57MUSIC CONTINUES
20:03The thing is, Dr. Turner.
20:10You just have to keep your nerve.
20:12I haven't lost my nerve, Fred.
20:15I have lost sight of the van containing all of the medical supplies and the donations.
20:20I told the driver at the airport I said they were to follow immediately behind us.
20:25I wonder what you were saying.
20:26You sounded commendably forceful.
20:29We just have to hope you said what you thought you said.
20:32If we have any problems whatsoever, my Derek has told me which police station to go to and to use his name.
20:50That's one of our sisters.
20:57Sister Eve!
21:02I greet you in the Lord Jesus Christ's name.
21:07We greet you likewise.
21:16There is much to be considered.
21:22Seven day.
21:23I have them upstairs.
21:26Sick nuns.
21:27Sick children.
21:28And we could not be more grateful.
21:32Say that term Cantonese.
21:35I know.
21:36Not important.
21:38Trouble.
21:38I know also.
21:40You have trouble.
21:41Come.
21:42Oh.
21:42We can't all be living here.
21:56We can't all be living here.
22:00Onward.
22:01I can hear the child crying.
22:07There we go.
22:07I believe Sister Simon will need to go to hospital and have her wrist reset under anaesthetic.
22:27And I suspect Sister Prudence has a broken collar bone.
22:33We're going to have to stand them all down and send them for hospital treatment.
22:39When did the diarrhoea start?
22:41Before the cough or after?
22:43Doctor, I know what ails me.
22:46I have tuberculosis.
22:48Are you sure?
22:50Or do you simply fear it?
22:52Miliary tuberculosis.
22:54The worst kind of...
22:55Tuberculosis is so very contagious.
22:58It has spread from my lungs throughout my body.
23:01I have little time left to live.
23:04When were you diagnosed?
23:06The day the clinic collapsed.
23:09I was told by our doctor, Dr. Lee.
23:13I took myself out for a walk whilst she arranged for me to go to a sanatorium.
23:20And when I returned, there was no clinic.
23:25And no doctor.
23:29No bed in a sanatorium.
23:32And no choice but to carry on handling the children.
23:39Oh, oh.
23:49Your kindness.
23:51Just doing my job, love.
23:55At least the main treatment for pre-eclampsia is bed rest.
23:59Both these ladies have had that.
24:01Rural dementia, though the beds may be.
24:04Once we've unpacked,
24:05I'll ask them to oblige me with some samples
24:07and get the dipsticks out.
24:12This is infected.
24:13I don't think it's been properly cleaned.
24:16Is it any wonder
24:17with them all huddled up here
24:18without even the barest essentials?
24:21Not to mention ignoring their own injuries.
24:24If you ask me,
24:25the sisters work miracles enough
24:27just keeping everyone alive.
24:30And now it's our turn.
24:34This bag reminds me of a cash and carriage.
24:37There must be a gross of tin bamboo shoots in this box
24:41and enough soy sauce to float about with it.
24:45Do you reckon Mrs Marr would mind if we move stuff about?
24:48We'll have to ask her, Fred.
24:50I know she's a Christian convert
24:52and she has been very accommodating,
24:55but these are her premises.
24:57I need the labelled crates and medical supplies, Fred.
25:01We have to run urgent TB tests on everyone.
25:03Over here, Doc.
25:04Excellent.
25:05Excellent.
25:06Excellent.
25:08No.
25:11No, no, no, no.
25:13These have been forced open.
25:15It's all gone.
25:23Is that the new Vista Sanatorium?
25:26Ngoy, I have a very sick lady
25:28who requires urgent admission.
25:31Koi hu-ben.
25:33Ngoy sai?
25:34You have been charity itself, Mrs Marr.
25:36I'll hold.
25:37You took the sisters in
25:38and gave them food and shelter.
25:40I'm going to need your rescue.
25:42You are rescue.
25:43Now you're all gone.
25:44But we have nowhere else to go.
25:47We will find a new clinic.
25:49We will find a new convent.
25:51But we cannot do that today.
25:54It's not safe.
25:56Why is it not safe?
26:02You stay.
26:04Stay now.
26:05But go soon.
26:07And use back door, not front.
26:08Linnata's house.
26:17Midwife speaking.
26:18Can I bring my wife to the maternity home, please?
26:21Of course, sir.
26:22What name is it?
26:24She says what name?
26:26Diane Mary Edgar!
26:29Diane Mary Edgar!
26:30I made myself a cup of coffee, Miss Higgins.
26:37Do you want one?
26:37Uh, thank you.
26:38I generally keep myself in check until 11's.
26:43Your white coat should be hanging on the back of the door of the consulting room.
26:47Would you like me to fetch it?
26:48It's fine.
26:49I don't need it yet.
26:50We've got bad coughs coming in at half past nine, in ten past ten, and at eleven, all
26:55in the over-fifty age group.
26:57Have these patients been referred to the East London Chest Clinic?
27:00I'm sure they have, if Dr Turner considers that appropriate.
27:03Excellent.
27:05I'll have a quick rummage through their notes, just to make sure.
27:08The files are through here, aren't they?
27:09They are indeed.
27:09Um, no fluids in the filing room, if you'd be so kind.
27:13Perfect work.
27:27You certainly know what you're doing.
27:29Oh, I feel terrible about bringing those reindeer heads.
27:32I'd have never got them finished otherwise.
27:35Good morning.
27:36May I help you?
27:36My name's Queenie Forsythe.
27:38My daughter's in child bed.
27:40We arrived last night.
27:43That's six massive pushes I've done now.
27:47It's not budging, nurse.
27:50Let's get you back on the bed, and then I can examine you.
27:54We'll soon have a better idea of your progress.
27:56I'm telling you now, there hasn't been any.
27:59This one's not playing the same game as my others.
28:01Midwife's calling.
28:19Good gracious.
28:22It's like the first day of the sales in here.
28:24Can we open one of those windows and let in a bit of air?
28:28How long have you been feeling that you need to push, child?
28:31I don't know.
28:32Every time they yell at me to push, I try.
28:35Five hours.
28:37Five hours, she's been asked.
28:39Okay, honey.
28:41Until we know what's what, you must not push.
28:43Do you hear me?
28:45You must not push.
28:47I am not a bossy woman, but I am being bossy not.
28:53How much did your other babies weigh, Diane?
28:55Seven pound six and eight pound nine.
28:58Darren was like giving birth to a sofa.
29:00This one feels like a ruddy three-piece suite and a coffee table.
29:03I think baby might be on the bonny side.
29:07But I don't think he's read the book that tells him how to line up nicely for delivery.
29:11Doctor, could you pop across and speak to Dr. Watkiss?
29:16It's R-O-T.
29:21A right occipitotransverse.
29:24And quite a big baby.
29:26But my dad, Dr. Turner, always attends in the event of any transverse position.
29:31Well, I'd better come through then.
29:35That poor girl started pushing long, long before she was ready.
29:38Has she damaged her cervix?
29:40It's not torn, but it's so swollen.
29:42I can actually see it at the entrance to her vagina.
29:45No, baby's going to get through that unless we bring that swelling down.
29:49We need ice.
29:51Ice?
29:52I think I saw a refrigerator.
29:55If we don't make this work, she'll need a cesarean section.
29:59Diane, don't cry.
30:02There are all sorts of things we can do to get things moving.
30:05Would Dr. Turner try the Von Tooth's, do you think?
30:09No.
30:10He always uses forceps in a transverse position.
30:15In which case, we'll continue with trial of labour.
30:21We'll transfer you to St. Cuthbert's if we get no joy.
30:24Timothy, this won't do.
30:36In Nalata's house, if you pursue midwives, they are all abroad.
30:41Or otherwise at large.
30:43Is there nobody there at all?
30:44Nurse Clifford has a multi-parus woman in obstructed labour.
30:49And the locum doesn't know how to use forceps.
30:52Supply the details.
30:53And I will provide the advice.
30:55You're going to be grateful to me in the long run,
30:59but I'm not going to lie to you and say this ice pack
31:02is the nicest thing you ever had slip underneath your coppers.
31:05Are you allowed to love things like that?
31:11I don't get the chance very often.
31:17It's freezing!
31:19Serves you right for being disrespectful.
31:25Diane, we need you head down and with your bottom in the air.
31:29This position will stretch your pelvic ligaments
31:33and give the baby enough room to adjust its head position.
31:37I hope you have that on good a foray.
31:39The best authority you can possibly imagine.
31:44Let her have a little nap.
31:46Is there anything else wrong with her?
31:49I don't think so.
31:50But Queenie, women need skilled help when they're given birth.
31:53Especially when it's their first.
31:55I took her to the doctor when she first knew that she'd fallen.
31:58And we were up in the far north, then.
32:00You forget where you've been.
32:03I haven't decided where you're going.
32:06And besides, I went to the hospital with me last one.
32:10I wouldn't venture that again.
32:12I'll examine her.
32:14Let's hope it's worked.
32:17I just want to lie down.
32:20Baby has shifted position, Diane.
32:22All we need to do now is make things with gravity.
32:25Oh, I'm going to have to push.
32:30That's all right, Diane.
32:31You give it everything you've got.
32:34This is the bit where I'm glad I did the enema.
32:40I fear verbal instructions alone would not suffice.
32:45Verbal instruction has done more than you could possibly imagine.
32:48Baby's head is beginning to cram.
32:50The swelling has gone down, Marie.
32:55But I need you to do exactly as I say.
32:58Listen to Nurse Hyland.
32:59On the next one, I want your chin on your chest.
33:02And a slow, quiet, steady push.
33:06Slow.
33:09Slow, quiet, steady.
33:11We've got the head.
33:21Come on.
33:22You can do it.
33:23Keep it coming.
33:24Keep it coming.
33:32Is it a boy or a girl?
33:34I'm afraid I can't tell.
33:35I've got something in my eye.
33:36Can you see, Sister Monica Joan?
33:43I can see every aspect of the miracle.
33:46You have a daughter.
33:56This stinging will end soon, Marie.
33:58Just breathe.
34:00Just breathe.
34:02And we have a head.
34:04Stand down, honey.
34:05We also have my cornea.
34:12The midwife says we need an ambulance.
34:14Oh, go on.
34:15Oh, go.
34:16Oh, go on.
34:16Oh, go on.
34:22Oh, go on.
34:23You've a little boy, Marie
34:47I don't want him
34:49All will be well, Marie
34:51I promise you, all will be well
34:53He must be baptised
35:06Now
35:06But there'll be a chaplain at the hospital, Queenie
35:09This is his home
35:10And he is not leaving his mother's arms
35:12Until he is baptised
35:13Well
35:18Dr Watkus' curriculum vitae
35:21She stated very clearly she is fully trained in obstetrics
35:25She has now revealed that in almost five years of GP practice
35:29She has only delivered two babies
35:31Neither with any complications
35:32That's the way it is these days
35:34We're all trained in obs and gynae
35:36But the expectation is that almost every baby will be born in hospital
35:40Dr Watkus wanted to continue trial of labour
35:43But we couldn't countermand her because she's more senior
35:46And next time we may not have Sister Monica Joan to call on
35:50Any wisdom I have was hard won
35:52In the days when there might have been no doctor to send for
35:56We were wise out of necessity
35:58And you are skilled in your own right
36:03Nevertheless, I will not permit this to happen again
36:07I am sending for Nurse Elwood
36:10Lord Jesus Christ
36:16Who took little children in your arms and blessed them
36:19Hold this infant, Luke Michael, in your matchless love
36:23Today and always
36:25Fill his mother and father with your peace
36:29And cherish him according to thy will
36:32Amen
36:34Amen
36:35I keep thinking
36:46May's mother was a nanny for a British service family
36:50Is it worth asking if the army have any record of her?
36:55She would have just been cheap, casual labour
36:58After she lost her job, she must have been desperate
37:03And where would desperation take you in a city of this size?
37:10We have to find out
37:12Esther Tan gave us the greatest gift we've ever had
37:16And we can't abandon her
37:19No, we can't
37:21Sister Hilda
37:30Are you lying awake for the same reason that I'm lying awake?
37:35I don't know
37:36Well, I'm lying awake
37:39Because we've flown halfway around the world on a rescue mission
37:42And if we get thrown out of this place by Mrs. Marr
37:45We're going to be in as much need of rescue as anyone else
37:48The injured
37:51And the six sisters are leaving in the morning
37:54Sister Edith to the sanatorium
37:57And the other sisters to the Roman Catholic hospital
37:59We have orphans to care for
38:02And expectant mothers
38:04Any one of whom could have caught TB
38:05And out in the street
38:08There are prostitutes and addicts who will look to ask for help
38:11I know there are
38:12But we will pray
38:14And we will wait to see what love can do
38:17And we will pray
38:47ORGAN PLAYS
39:17I'm sorry, Miss Higgins.
39:23I've been through all of these cases,
39:25and there are at least half a dozen who should be at St Cuthbert's and not here.
39:28Well, Mr Parry himself expressed satisfaction with our care.
39:31Good afternoon, ladies.
39:33Dr Watkiss, I presume?
39:35Nurse Elwood?
39:37Sister Elwood, as it happens.
39:38I've accepted a promotion during the absence of Dr Turner,
39:41under whom I've worked for 16 years ever since I qualified.
39:44So, we have three mothers over 40,
39:50two gestational diabetes,
39:52and Maureen Santaro, I know already,
39:54she had her first set of twins with us.
39:56Second set isn't unheard of.
39:58I've never handled a multiple pregnancy, Sister.
40:00Well, this will be the first time.
40:02Dr Watkiss and I will call ourselves cubicle one,
40:04send them all to us,
40:05and we'll see how we do.
40:06Hello?
40:17Queenie!
40:19Have you brought Marie?
40:21She's still above in the hospital with the baby.
40:23He's after taking the antibiotics.
40:26She's doing grand.
40:29It's me that needs to see you.
40:31Are you expecting, Queenie?
40:35Under this coat and having me ninth.
40:38You don't shout about it when you get to my age.
40:42But I heard what you and the other nurse was saying.
40:47I need skilled help.
40:49If you want it, we'll make sure you get it.
40:52I do want it.
40:54My last was a stillborn.
40:56Even though I had it in hospital.
40:58I'm so sorry that happened to you, Queenie.
41:03We're going to walk beside you now.
41:09I'll start by filling in your co-op card.
41:19Oh!
41:22A tin of carnation milk, if you please.
41:24Ah, and, um, a quarter of humbugs, if you'll be so kind.
41:32Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no.
41:33Perhaps just two ounces.
41:35I do not consume them in any conspicuous place.
41:38You don't want them all turning sticky at the bottom of the bag?
41:41No.
41:42Oh!
41:51I thought I heard that.
41:53It catches.
41:56Doesn't it?
41:59I think Mr. Buckle was supposed to oil it before he went away.
42:03He must have forgotten.
42:05But then I...
42:06I thought I'd imagined it.
42:08It catches.
42:18It's all very well and good complaining that all the people who can deliver babies have gone to Hong Kong.
42:22I'm more concerned that all the people who can sew have gone to Hong Kong.
42:25You're always waving your magic wand and producing costumes, Geoffrey.
42:29And no one's going to see the details.
42:31It's for a carnival.
42:32Everything's going to be moving past at speed.
42:35Well, moving past.
42:36I'm an ideas man.
42:38And a contacts man.
42:40I'm not a needle and thread man.
42:41And it was not my idea to dress up the midwives of Nonata's house as angels complete with ostrich feather wings.
42:48I thought we could do it with just a bit of cotton and sticking.
42:50Like grizzling in our Christmas trees.
42:52They're palm trees.
42:54I heard rumours the sewing machine was out.
42:56Angela just tried on her spoon costume and ripped it.
42:59Oh, you look like you could do it with a snowball, honey.
43:03Do you want some maraschino cherry in it?
43:05I'll have two.
43:06What sort of wounds have they taught you to suture at medical school?
43:10Oh, my highlights include closure of incision after two appendectomies.
43:14And I did a rugby player scalp once.
43:17Needle, thread.
43:19If you want a cocktail, you're going to have to earn it.
43:21This is not the way I intended my service to end.
43:38It's a patient in a sanatorium.
43:42You have given all you can, Sister Edith.
43:46That is enough and more.
43:48It was the children I lived for and loved the best.
43:53I remember your daughter well.
43:56May?
43:57Oh, she's ten years old now.
44:00And so many children passed through the orphanage.
44:05I took medicine to her mother, Esther.
44:11Three months ago, she was living out on Tow Street, number 122.
44:17The numbers daubed on, on the door.
44:20Sister Edith, do you think she might still be there?
44:24She was there once, and not too long ago.
44:28Beyond that, I cannot say.
44:30The sooner we are able to move into the premises, the better it will be for the people in our care.
44:54I can even overlook the pigeon infestation, for a small reduction in the rent.
45:01Down payment will be 2,000 Hong Kong dollars.
45:04The 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.
45:14Very well.
45:17We shall prepare the documentation.
45:21I'm going.
45:22Let's hope the army can help with our medical supplies.
45:26The collapse of that clinic barely made the news here, and of course, we're delighted to assist now that we know there's a res commission on.
45:34The sisters need all the help they can get, sir.
45:37Well, it's not disinterest because buildings fall down all the time.
45:40It's avoidance, because it's going to happen more and more.
45:44Everybody knows that, and there's nothing we can do.
45:46Because of the overcrowding?
45:47No, because they just keep building upwards on insecure foundations.
45:51One misplaced mudslide could obliterate Kowloon.
45:55At least we can improve on the human side of things.
45:59Morning, Major.
46:00Morning, Corporal.
46:01I'm coming with my best party manners and a begging bowl.
46:17Really, it's extraordinarily kind of you to accompany us, Mrs Buckle.
46:25I thought it may be necessary to tell untruths, sister, and I thought if that was the case, then better me than you.
46:33Mrs Buckle, have you told untruths?
46:37No.
46:37I may have slightly pre-empted one or two realities, although I'm sure the Rotary Club will be only too pleased to opt their support.
46:48Once I make contact and explain the situation.
46:52I don't even ask about the private philanthropists.
46:56One of them is me.
46:58And I'm sure there will be others.
47:01We're in Rotary, for I'm a half.
47:03It's not just the TB kits and penicillin I'm grateful to the Major for.
47:21It's use of the Army labs for processing the tests.
47:25So well and good, the sisters have been faith in God.
47:29But I reckon the military beat him every time.
47:33The military is certainly better organised.
47:36Well, I suppose they have to be the same as the police, especially with all this triad malarkey.
47:41Just like the Kray Twins, and then some.
47:44I've stitched wounds inflicted by the Kray Twins.
47:48They never bothered us.
47:50More Nunata's house.
47:52In fact, the sisters were revered.
47:55I don't reckon the triad revered the sisters here.
47:58If they did, they would help them.
48:00I think you're right.
48:00You know, Violet's Derek says there's somebody triad in every street that people have to answer to or pay.
48:11And Mrs. Marr is living in fear of someone.
48:14Oh, I'm searching for a young lady called Esther Tang.
48:28She used to live at this address and has a young boy about the same age as this little one.
48:34I wonder if you or your wife might know where she moved to?
48:45She has gone.
48:47She will not return.
48:48Miss, Miss, Esther left one week ago.
48:58Did she say where she was going?
49:00She was sick and she was afraid.
49:03Don't look for her, please.
49:05Can I ask your name?
49:08Grace.
49:10Don't look.
49:11Have yourself a merry little Christmas.
49:29Let your heart be lost.
49:32From now on, our troubles will be out of sight.
49:38Merry Christmas.
49:40Merry, merry Christmas.
49:42Have yourself a merry little Christmas.
49:46Make the yuletide gay.
49:50From now on, our troubles will be miles away.
49:55Merry, merry little bubbles.
49:56Once again, as in olden days, happy golden days of yore.
50:07Faithful friends who are dear to us, gather near to us once more.
50:22Joyce, Trixie's supposed to be doing our makeup, but there's no sign of her.
50:25But she's not the only one who knows what to do with a bit of eye shadow.
50:29And if she doesn't turn up on time, our float is leaving without her.
50:32Isn't it going to look a bit feeble with just the three of us?
50:35We are midwives.
50:37Not the four horsemen of the apocalypse.
50:40Pack, pack, pack.
50:41You are all to visit the toilets now and come straight back here as soon as you have washed your hands.
50:49Now, Harry, who has arrived from university just in time to help us tonight, is now going to hand out cough candy to help us all with our singing.
51:00Come on!
51:01Come on, sir.
51:05Me?
51:06Oh, my God, look.
51:07Promise me you'll always have me home for Christmas.
51:10We're going to be late, Geoffrey.
51:14If you were content with boarding a carnival float, wearing improperly attached angel wings, well, I can assure you I wasn't.
51:22Oh, for pity's sake.
51:24Pitching this pram through snow is like dicing with insanity.
51:29What's that?
51:30It's a walking stick.
51:32Oh, it's actually rather elegant.
51:35I think it's got a solid silver top.
51:37Oh, no, no, sis, I know this.
51:40This belongs to one of my Harley Street patients, Maurice Templemore.
51:44He was an enormous film star when the talkies first came out.
51:47What's it doing here in Poplar?
51:49Also, if there's one thing I do know, if you find a walking stick lying on the ground, you're likely to find its owner nearby and lying in a similar position.
51:58Sir?
51:58No.
51:59Maurice Templemore cannot be in Poplar.
52:02I doubt he even knows where Poplar is.
52:04He must have been burgled.
52:05Sir?
52:06Sir?
52:07Sir?
52:08Are we here?
52:13I'm terribly sorry.
52:15I seem to have rather overstretched myself.
52:20Mr. Templemore?
52:22Please don't call me that.
52:24Not here.
53:01Merry Christmas.
53:24What are you doing in this insalubrious part of town?
53:27You're in the same insalubrious part of town.
53:30No, you're not well.
53:32I know that because you said so when I was sorting out your fibrositis.
53:37A blood disorder, you told me.
53:39What kind of blood disorder?
53:42A malignant one.
53:44But I didn't tell him that.
53:52I was born in this flat when the paper shop was a greengrocer.
53:56My father came all the way from Russia straight off the boats.
54:01All he knew was beets and turnips and so he made a life from that.
54:07And you made a life out of different things entirely?
54:10Yes.
54:11Little Manny Fisher became Maurice Templemore.
54:16New York, Hollywood, and then home.
54:20Well, London's West End.
54:23Instead of the East End and a life of comfortable obscurity.
54:33Everyone had gone.
54:35Your family had gone.
54:36Here, here.
54:45All manner of humanity that I once loved had gone.
54:54So I've come home to die.
54:56Mr. Templemore, you live in Belgravia.
54:58Not anymore.
55:01And I'm no longer Mr. Templemore.
55:05There I truly was.
55:06He needs medical care, sis.
55:10And I'll arrange that in the morning.
55:12But at this precise moment in time,
55:13we have a carnival to catch.
55:14Come along.
55:15I used to admit we...
55:16I used to admit we both.
55:17Oh, no.
55:18No.
55:19A baby.
55:20Left to be found.
55:21Oh, no.
55:22No.
55:23A baby.
55:24Left to be found.
55:25Oh, no.
55:26No.
55:27A baby.
55:28Left to be found.
55:29Oh, no.
55:30No.
55:31No.
55:32A baby.
55:33Left to be found.
55:34Oh, no.
55:35Oh, no.
55:35Oh, no.
55:36Oh, no.
55:39This happened all the time at the hibiscus clinic.
55:44A girl.
55:46I've not pushed it more than two days old.
55:49And the cord looks to have been chewed through.
55:52Oh, no.
55:53Oh, no.
55:54Oh, no, my baby.
55:55Oh, no.
55:56Oh, it's OK.
55:57Oh, it's OK.
55:59Oh.
56:00Oh, no.
56:03No, no.
56:08Oh, no.
56:09Oh.
56:11Oh, yes, I've got nothing left to me about.
56:12Oh, yes.
56:13Oh, no, no.
56:14hole in me.
56:15Oh, yes goes great.
56:16Wow, how are you doing?
56:17Oh, yes.
56:18You're back.
56:19Oh, no.
56:19Oh, no.
56:21Oh, there's an hour waiting for you.
56:22Oh, my dude.
56:23Ooh.
56:24Oh, yes.
56:25Oh, well.
56:26Oh, yes.
56:28what do you mean we can't have a house on half lotus street
56:40we have the keys and we have paid the deposit
56:44it is not suitable
56:45extremely suitable
56:47and we can move there immediately with the children and our adult patients
56:52the man who owns the building say no give me the keys
56:55if we are to return them
57:02it can only be in exchange for the money we have paid
57:07give me the keys
57:12keys
57:16esther is a very very important person to our family
57:25it's as though they have both vanished
57:27throw out a third piece
57:29only doctors deliver by forceps
57:31everyone's bringing a bottle
57:32run by a crook who calls himself the cormorant
57:37a gangster of the worst kind
57:39Mr. Fred and the doctor are in trouble
57:41Call the Midwife continues tomorrow evening at 8.30 on BBC One
57:48press red now for Humphrey's ultimate surprise in the Beyond Paradise Christmas special on iPlayer
57:54and stay with me on BBC One for a Saunders and Lumley reunion in the AmandaLand Christmas special next
58:01Music
58:102022
58:11Mazda
58:11Miss
58:11Now
58:12Team
58:12With
58:13the
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