First broadcast 29th October 1976.
Jack is now the union's district secretary, a paid position with Matt as his deputy and his own office and typist.
James Bolam ... Jack Ford
Susan Jameson ... Jessie Seaton
James Garbutt ... Bill Seaton
Jean Heywood ... Bella Seaton
John Nightingale ... Tom Seaton
Edward Wilson ... Billy Seaton
Malcolm Terris ... Matt Headley
Madelaine Newton ... Dolly
Geoffrey Rose ... Arthur Ashton
Basil Henson ... Sir Horatio Manners
Alan Browning ... Les Mallow
John Malcolm ... Poskett
Catherine Terris ... Miss Laidlaw
Noel Collins ... Baines
Stanley Platts ... Prison Warder
Noel O'Connell ... Young Tommy
Jack is now the union's district secretary, a paid position with Matt as his deputy and his own office and typist.
James Bolam ... Jack Ford
Susan Jameson ... Jessie Seaton
James Garbutt ... Bill Seaton
Jean Heywood ... Bella Seaton
John Nightingale ... Tom Seaton
Edward Wilson ... Billy Seaton
Malcolm Terris ... Matt Headley
Madelaine Newton ... Dolly
Geoffrey Rose ... Arthur Ashton
Basil Henson ... Sir Horatio Manners
Alan Browning ... Les Mallow
John Malcolm ... Poskett
Catherine Terris ... Miss Laidlaw
Noel Collins ... Baines
Stanley Platts ... Prison Warder
Noel O'Connell ... Young Tommy
Category
📺
TVTranscript
00:00Come hear me little jockey, Now I've smoked me pocky,
00:09Have a bit of cracky, Till the boat comes in.
00:12Dance to the daddy, Sing to the mummy,
00:14Dance to the daddy, To the mummy sing.
00:17Thou shalt have the fishy, On a little dishy,
00:19Thou shalt have the fishy, When the boat comes in.
00:30Thou shalt have the fishy, On a little dishy,
00:37Thou shalt have the fishy, When the boat comes in.
01:00Thou shalt have the fishy, On a little dishy,
01:22Thou shalt have the fishy, When the boat comes in.
01:44Thou shalt have the fishy, On a little dishy,
02:06Thou shalt have the fishy, When the boat comes in.
02:35Come on in, Matt. Make yourself at home.
02:37I hope you know what you're in for, Jack.
02:41I know that all right. Eight quid a week.
02:43For all them books. Heavy reading, them lot.
02:49I can read.
02:50You look well behind that desk, Jack.
02:55Aye, beats working any day.
02:57Well, you'll work all right.
02:59Will I?
03:00Aye, you will.
03:01I'm one of your members, think on.
03:02If I'm peony, I want me pound of flesh.
03:06Hang your hat up.
03:09Oh, see if you can find a couple of glasses.
03:12That's five to nine in the morning, man.
03:13Toast. It's never too early for a toast.
03:16That's the way you're going to live, is it?
03:18Sit on your backside and drink whiskey?
03:19Think of a better way.
03:23You're dusty.
03:25Steel were fed worse in France.
03:27I'm not in France now.
03:28France is over, Matt.
03:29Just like stealing sheep is over and going to prison.
03:31For you, maybe, I might have to go back to sheep stealing soon if I don't get a start.
03:34Morbid, man. Why are you always so morbid?
03:37Look on the bright side, man. Here.
03:40Here's to you, Jack.
03:41No, no, no. This is my toast.
03:43Welcome, bunny lad.
03:45Welcome to Liberty Hall.
03:56You won't get fat on that.
03:58I don't want to get fat.
04:00I mean the way you have to work.
04:02Oh, survive.
04:04Aye, we both will.
04:06Anyway, we're doing a bit more than surviving.
04:08Uh-huh.
04:10Not so bad for a shop around here.
04:12So, um, maybe it's time I had a new coat?
04:16Well, you had a new one last year.
04:18New? That was our Jessie's.
04:22Oh, that's it.
04:23Business is starting early, isn't it?
04:35Letter from our Billy.
04:37Aye.
04:39Oh, he's got a few days off. He's coming home.
04:43Wants to see our Tom.
04:45Prison's no place for doctors.
04:47But he's got a right to see his own brother.
04:49He's got all the rights there is.
04:52Come on now, Bella.
04:54Adult, fully qualified.
04:58Right to vote, just like me.
05:01You know that Mrs. Herbourne owes us three and nine.
05:04Our man's been out of a job for weeks.
05:06Well, it wasn't me who put him out of a job.
05:10New coat has to be paid for.
05:13Better be off, then.
05:14Busy rush.
05:16A job, man.
05:18I heard they were starting fit as a dobson's.
05:21Get your glass.
05:31Oh.
05:32You'll be the typist.
05:33Yes.
05:34What's your name, pet?
05:35Laidlaw, Annie Laidlaw.
05:36I'm your new boss, Jack Ford.
05:38This is my associate, Mr. Hedley.
05:41Pleased to meet you.
05:43I wasn't expecting you till next week, Mr. Ford.
05:45You didn't hear, then?
05:46Hear what?
05:47Your boss, Norman Taylor.
05:49He died last night.
05:51Tram car accident.
05:52So I thought I'd better come in early and mind the office.
05:55Poor Mr. Taylor.
05:56I am sorry.
05:57He'll take a lot of living up to.
05:59Would you like a cup of tea or anything, Mr. Ford?
06:01Tea would be very nice, Miss Laidlaw.
06:03Two cups.
06:04Oh, Miss Laidlaw, we may as well begin as we mean to go on.
06:07You came in at seven minutes past nine.
06:09I'm very sorry, Mr. Ford.
06:10My bus is...
06:11Let's not spoil my first day with excuses, Miss Laidlaw.
06:13See if you can't get here first tomorrow, eh?
06:15Yes, Mr. Ford.
06:19You're a hard one, Jack.
06:21You'll find out.
06:22You know what to do with me?
06:24Fancy old Taylor falling under a tram.
06:26How on earth did he manage that?
06:27After his testimonial dinner.
06:28Too bloody proud to take a taxi.
06:30Ruined his gold watch and all.
06:32It has got to do with you, mutt.
06:34Norman Taylor?
06:35I've liked you since the first day I met you, mutt.
06:38And you know why?
06:39You never expect out for yourself.
06:41Work and monies, Jack.
06:42I hope so, bonnie lad, for both our sakes.
06:45Well, didn't you hear what I said to that flapper there?
06:47My associate, Mr. Headley.
06:49Don't you remember?
06:51The district secretary's allowed to appoint his own assistant.
06:55Well, you're it.
06:57Five quid a week.
06:58What?
06:59Now we'll see if it's work or not.
07:02I thought you'd be pleased to have Billy's coming.
07:04Of course I'm pleased.
07:05Well, you don't look it.
07:06It's just...
07:07Well?
07:08Well, where's he going to stay, Mum?
07:10At his home with us.
07:12Dad'll have him.
07:13Certainly he will.
07:14Billy's his son.
07:16Tom's his son.
07:18Well, we'll fight that battle when we come to it.
07:21But Billy, why, you darling, is the world of him.
07:24I only hope it's mutual, Mum.
07:26Now, what's that supposed to mean?
07:28Oh, I'm sorry.
07:30Since I gave up teaching, I've had too much time to brood.
07:34I was just thinking, you know how keen our Billy is on socialism.
07:37Oh, politics.
07:39I thought you meant Tom.
07:41You know how Billy's going to go and see him.
07:43Dad doesn't want him to.
07:44Your dad doesn't want anybody to see Tom.
07:49I saw an old friend of yours this morning.
07:52Looking a proper tough he was.
07:54Was hanging out the washing he passed the bottom of the street.
07:57All briefcase and trilby hat.
07:59Who, Mum?
08:00That's 12 o'clock.
08:02Arthur'll be in for his lunch.
08:04Jack Ford?
08:08Did he speak to you?
08:09No, he had Matt Headley with him.
08:10Couldn't wait to get started, could he?
08:12That's Jack.
08:13Yes, Mum.
08:14That's Jack.
08:18Mrs. Seaton.
08:19How nice to see you.
08:20Oh, Arthur, lad, I'm keeping you from your dinner.
08:22Won't you stay and have some with us?
08:24Wouldn't let Bill Seaton starve.
08:25I'd never hear the last of it.
08:27No, I'd better be off.
08:29Won't you come to the door with us, Jessie?
08:31You stop and get your man his dinner.
08:32Yes, Mum.
08:33Anything to please the Lord and Master.
08:35Take no notice, Arthur, lad.
08:36She doesn't mean it.
08:39Nothing wrong, I hope.
08:40Our Billy's coming down for a couple of days.
08:42Oh.
08:43Have you any objections?
08:44Of course not.
08:45Not if it makes you happy.
08:47Happy?
08:48He's really delirious.
08:49He, whoever would have thought it.
08:51Our Matt in an office job.
08:52Thanks, Jack.
08:54He wouldn't get it if he didn't deserve it.
08:56Aye, something smells good.
08:58Steak and kidney pie.
09:00Where is Matt?
09:01Still working?
09:02I don't want it to spoil.
09:03He'll be along.
09:04He just went to get a paper.
09:06There's a drink, pet.
09:10What in the world you got there?
09:12Homework, Bonnie lass.
09:13I'm in the top class now.
09:15Those are for you.
09:20Wait, these are all from estate agents?
09:22That's right.
09:24Hotspur Avenue.
09:26Chestnut Grove.
09:27Ullswater Terrace.
09:29Wait, Jack, what in the world do I want with these?
09:31You don't want to live here all your life, do you?
09:33You mean you can go and live in Hotspur Avenue?
09:35What do you think I mean?
09:37Oh, Jack!
09:39Mind me papers, mind me papers.
09:41You're as bad as your brother.
09:43You never believe the good things will happen to you, do you?
09:45Well, they can, they have.
09:47Eight quid a week coming in
09:48and three years before I'm up for re-election.
09:51What if you don't get in?
09:52Then we'll move.
09:53Back here?
09:54Get this into your head, Dolly.
09:55Once we've shut the door on this dump,
09:57we're never coming back.
10:02Jack.
10:03Hmm?
10:04What about our Matt?
10:05What about him?
10:07Well, where's he going to live?
10:08With us, same as here.
10:09There'll be plenty of room.
10:11Oh, Jack, does he have to?
10:14I'm sorry I'm late, Jack.
10:15I had to go down to the town for this lot.
10:17Did you put in an order?
10:18To the office.
10:19Like you said, start tomorrow morning.
10:21To the office?
10:22Aye, we are grand.
10:25Is that all you do all day, read the papers?
10:27Like I said to Matt here, it's money for all the rope.
10:31Hello.
10:32What's up?
10:34Old mate of mine.
10:36Sir Horatio Manners, recently elected chairman
10:39of the board of Lewis Bishop and Company,
10:41sat in Newcastle yesterday.
10:43Lewis Bishop?
10:44Well, you used to work in that yard, didn't you, Matt?
10:46Well, so did everybody else.
10:47It's the biggest one for miles.
10:48Go on, Jack.
10:49The company looks forward to next year
10:51in a spirit of cautious optimism.
10:53Provided that manpower and material costs
10:56remain stabilized, we anticipate
10:58a not unreasonable dividend.
11:01Oh, let's eat.
11:02We can sort this out after.
11:04Oh, come on.
11:05Go out and celebrate.
11:06No, bonnie lass.
11:07If old Horatio's looking forward to his dividends next year,
11:09we've got work to do.
11:10Well, didn't Norman Taylor take care of next year's pay talks?
11:13Norman Taylor fell under a tram, Matt.
11:15He couldn't even take care of himself.
11:17Gone to fetch a rabbit skin to wrap his baby bun tonight.
11:29Anybody in?
11:33I thought you'd all emigrated.
11:34Shh, shh, shh.
11:35Sorry.
11:36Oh, there's grandest failure.
11:37Give it up, ma'am.
11:38Oh, let's have a look at you.
11:39Are you keeping all right?
11:40Tell me.
11:41How's me dad?
11:42Oh, he's just the same.
11:43He's busy in the shop.
11:44He's got a traveler with him.
11:45Business doing well?
11:46There's some grumble your dad says.
11:47He doesn't know what else.
11:48Hey, Billy.
11:49Dr. Seaton.
11:50Dr. Seaton.
11:51Dr. Seaton.
11:52Dr. Seaton.
11:53Dr. Seaton.
11:54Dr. Seaton.
11:55Dr. Seaton.
11:56Dr. Seaton.
11:57Dr. Seaton.
11:58Dr. Seaton.
11:59Dr. Seaton.
12:00Dr. Seaton.
12:03I never thought I'd see the day.
12:05I did.
12:06The thought of him.
12:08The thought of him being a doctor got me through more hard shifts.
12:11How are you, son?
12:12Fine, dad.
12:13And you?
12:14Oh, mustn't grumble.
12:16I take my own fall of stone to finish me.
12:20Still in that hospital, are you?
12:21That's right.
12:22You specialised in it?
12:24Oh, difficult procedures yet, dad.
12:26Ah, you ought to think about it, son.
12:28There'll always be a need for specialists.
12:30Crying need.
12:33I've no work to hold me light.
12:35Don't get used to it.
12:36It's like a new machine, Matt.
12:37Once you get the hang of it, it runs itself.
12:39Well, that reminds me.
12:40There's a letter here from a bloke who lost his finger in a lathe.
12:43Shouldn't that be filed under compensation, Clems?
12:46Aye, it should.
12:47Not much of a hand at the firing system, old Norman.
12:59Yes?
13:00Yes?
13:02This came for you by hand, Mr Farr.
13:03Somebody must have left it during my dinner hour.
13:07Almost late, love.
13:08Three minutes to nine this morning.
13:10You keep that up, and you and me are going to get along fine.
13:21Les Morrow, I might have known.
13:24What's up, then?
13:25Trouble, that's what.
13:26They might have given me a chance to get me hat and coat off first.
13:28Listen to this.
13:29Dear Brother Ford,
13:31as you are doubtless aware,
13:33a special committee was formed in your predecessor's time
13:35to consider suitable action
13:37to increase the hourly rate by totems an hour.
13:40We, the undersigned,
13:42consider that the time for suitable action has now come.
13:45You are cordially invited to attend a meeting
13:47to consider such action
13:49at the Lambert Hall on Marshall Street at 7.30 this evening,
13:52and it's signed.
13:53Leslie Morrow, convener,
13:55Albert Baines, Sidney Posket and Robert Glenn.
13:58Totems an hour on the basic, that's canny money.
14:00Aye, if they get it, you know this lot.
14:02Aye? Aye, me and all.
14:04The Reddish Fire Engines, the lot of them.
14:06And Les Morrow's the convener, and I did him out of this job.
14:09Well, it's not your fault.
14:10You're not thinking, Matt.
14:11They want totems an hour, and it's my job to get it.
14:13I've been elected for three years.
14:15How's it going to look if I fail in a week?
14:17That bugger Morrow.
14:18He's only doing what I do.
14:20Are we?
14:21Whoa, whoa, whoa, look.
14:22What are we looking for, Jim?
14:23The Norman Taylor must have put something on paper for this one,
14:26and we'd better find it.
14:27Or else.
14:32My, we do look smart.
14:34You can't beat Scotland for tweed.
14:37Did you notice the tie?
14:38I could hardly miss it.
14:40Red tie's the fashion, are they?
14:42Those will be for me, sis.
14:43I see.
14:44And I'm proud of you, Billy.
14:46It can't be easy, not in your position.
14:48Easy? If it was easy, it wouldn't be worth doing.
14:50Anybody can see your father's a miner.
14:53Did you speak to Dad?
14:55I bet.
14:57He wants us to specialise.
14:59Do you?
15:00Early days yet.
15:01You going back to Edinburgh, then?
15:02Just for the time being.
15:03I only came down to see our Tom.
15:05Why, Billy?
15:06I think one of us should.
15:08And I didn't.
15:09I didn't say that.
15:10You didn't have to.
15:12It's Arthur.
15:13He won't let you visit Tom?
15:15He's never mentioned it, but he'd hate the idea.
15:17I know he would.
15:18No, how can you know?
15:19By being married to him.
15:26What about this one?
15:32A page out of a bloody notebook, it would be.
15:36The district...
15:37Damn it, man.
15:41The district secretary agreed to do all in his power
15:45to implement the just demand for totems
15:48on the hourly rate.
15:50And the district secretary
15:52agreed to do all in his power
15:54to implement the just demand for totems
15:57on the hourly rate.
15:59And there's a few notes.
16:01I can hardly read them.
16:02He must have had a few when he wrote this.
16:04Sign it.
16:05Aye, he signed.
16:06I'm dated.
16:07What are you going to do, Jack?
16:08Lose it?
16:10You'll learn him.
16:11And it wouldn't work, Matt.
16:13There's four witnesses against us.
16:15What are you going to do with it, Jack?
16:17The best I can.
16:18That's all that's left.
16:20By man, he doth bestride the narrow world
16:22like a colossus.
16:24And we petty men walk under his huge legs
16:26and peep about.
16:28The schoolmaster may not have much practical value,
16:31but he can always supply quotations.
16:33Not a very good one this time.
16:34Everybody just qualified.
16:35Up at the hospital, they treat us like an idiot child.
16:37Even the porters.
16:39There's still an awful lot to learn.
16:40There always is.
16:41At your age, Billy, you may resent that fact,
16:43but at mine, it's a kind of solace.
16:46Are you here for long?
16:47Just a few days.
16:48He's going to visit Tom?
16:50I should think a visit from the right man
16:52is exactly what Tom needs.
16:54Arthur?
16:56I wonder, what can that be?
16:59Maybe you're the right man, Arthur.
17:01I mean that as a compliment.
17:03Maybe, Billy, but I'm not Tom's brother.
17:06You remember Les Mallow, don't you, Arthur?
17:08Of course.
17:09How are you, Mr. Mallow?
17:10I'm fine, thanks.
17:11My brother, Dr. Seaton.
17:13So you're qualified.
17:14Well done, lad.
17:15Do sit down.
17:16No, not me work clothes.
17:17Nonsense.
17:19Right, well, I'll spread a bit of paper.
17:22The Financial Times?
17:24Are you checking on your investments, Les?
17:26Checking on me employers, lad.
17:28And they want chicken on some of them.
17:29Tea, Les? Fresh made?
17:31No, thanks.
17:32I've come for some information.
17:34If you'll excuse me, there are some estimates I must check.
17:37Well, then, Mr. Ashen, you mustn't let me drive you away.
17:39No, I won't do that.
17:40I'll work in the dining room, Jessie.
17:47Jessie, I didn't mean...
17:48He has his politics, I have mine.
17:50We keep them separate.
17:52I'm sorry, it's just that...
17:53I kind of get used to the idea that you're not married to a socialist.
17:56Nope, and anybody else.
17:57That's enough.
17:58What do you want to ask me, Les?
18:00Do you want me to go as well?
18:01That's up to Les.
18:02No, it's all right, Billy.
18:04It's about Lewis Bishop and Corl.
18:06The shipyard?
18:07That's right.
18:08You know a lot more about the shipyards than I do.
18:10Not about Lewis Bishop.
18:12I've just appointed a new chairman of the board.
18:15I've just been reading about it.
18:16That's why I've got the Financial Times.
18:18His name's Manners.
18:20Sir Horatio Manners?
18:22A friend of yours, Jessie.
18:24I never met him in my life.
18:26Well, I've heard that Jack Ford did.
18:29Jack Ford was going to work for him.
18:31You shouldn't listen to gossip, Les.
18:32Not you, of all people.
18:34You can't avoid gossip in Gellershield or anywhere else.
18:38But it's not that that I came for.
18:40What, then?
18:41Fact.
18:42Sir Horatio Manners is chairman
18:44of one of the biggest shipyards in the North East.
18:46Jack Ford is our district secretary.
18:49Now, if these two were pally, I want to know about it.
18:53I have a right to know about it, Jessie.
18:55What right?
18:56The right to protect our members from getting cheated.
18:59I want no deals, no quiet arrangements,
19:02no backhanders.
19:03Jack wouldn't.
19:04Would he not?
19:07What'll I do, Billy?
19:09Tell him, of course.
19:10You think it's that easy?
19:11It's men's wages, Jess.
19:12Their conditions, the way their wives and families live.
19:14Of course it's easy.
19:19Jack's known Sir Horatio Manners for years.
19:22There was talk of a job once, but it didn't come off.
19:25As far as I know, they're still friends.
19:29Well, thanks, Jessie.
19:32Well, I won't keep you any longer from your tea.
19:34It's all right, I'll let myself out.
19:37Oh, by the way, Denton Branson is giving a dance on Friday night.
19:41If anybody confuses that coming along.
19:43I'd like to. How about you, Sis?
19:45I'll ask Arthur.
19:46Put us down for two.
19:47Right.
19:48Well, I'll see you there, then.
20:00What on earth?
20:02Damn Jack Ford.
20:05I haven't even seen him in three months, and he can still do this to me.
20:12Well, the daft fella says,
20:13did you take me to the three-felling in Merrimer?
20:15I said, aye, I came nowhere.
20:17Well, the daftie says, well, maybe you and me should change places.
20:20LAUGHTER
20:21Evening, brothers.
20:23This is a private meeting, Brother Ford.
20:25I hope so, Brother Posket. It's a highly confidential matter.
20:28And what have you brought your brother-in-law for?
20:30I haven't brought my brother-in-law.
20:32This is Brother Headley, the assistant secretary of our union.
20:35I didn't bring him, Brother Posket. He came here by himself.
20:38He's as much an idea as any of us.
20:40Aha.
20:41So, the assistant secretary.
20:43You've made your brother-in-law the assistant secretary, have you?
20:46That's right.
20:48Well, you've got your nerve.
20:50You've got a bit of nerve yourself, as I remember, Brother Posket.
20:52Don't try and change the subject.
20:54I'm not.
20:55A few months ago, a few of us saved a poor widow's furniture for her.
20:58You were one.
20:59You knew we risked prison. I even went to prison.
21:01But you turned up.
21:03Solidarity, Brother Posket.
21:05To help the widow of one of our members.
21:07You are trying to change the subject.
21:09Now, listen, give us a chance.
21:10I got nabbed because I was still there when the police came.
21:12But Matt here was the last man out.
21:14Half a minute later, he would have been in Durham jail with me.
21:17I'm not saying he isn't.
21:18Three campaign medals, mention in dispatches,
21:20an able and trusted non-commissioned officer used to dealing with men's problems.
21:23Good union man, fully paid up all his life,
21:25and risked his liberty for one of his own.
21:27Certainly, I chose him.
21:29I was proud to choose him.
21:31And if you don't like it, Posket, we can step outside and I'll knock your plug off.
21:37Ha, ha!
21:38No, no, Brother Hadley.
21:40There'll be no violence.
21:43Till after the meeting.
21:45How are you to do?
21:51You two are the funniest thing since the Keystone cops.
21:54Good evening, Brother Ford.
21:55Evening, Les.
21:56Nice of you to spare the time.
21:58Union business, Brother. There's nothing more important.
22:01Let's hear what you have to say.
22:02I'm the convener of this meeting, Brother Ford, if you don't mind.
22:05Go ahead, then. Convene.
22:08Brothers, we are here this evening to discuss the possibility
22:12of an improvement in our basic rate.
22:14Two pence an hour.
22:16But, Brother Ford, we've already met your predecessor,
22:19Brother Norman Taylor.
22:21And it was agreed then that we could and should have this thing.
22:25And he said he would add his backing
22:27as a full-time union official.
22:29Now, this is a position which you and your brother-in-law have inherited.
22:33Steady on, Les.
22:34Just a minute.
22:36First off, I want to know from you, Brother,
22:39whether you're going to lead us in this fight
22:41and whether you're going to honour the obligations of your office.
22:44Ah, you've picked up some grand words, Les.
22:47Real educated words.
22:48Answer his question, Brother Ford.
22:50Which one? Lead you in a fight or act like a union official?
22:53It's the same thing. Maybe.
22:55Brother Eddie and me, we haven't got much time for reading.
22:58We're not scholars. We're practical men like yourselves.
23:01And being practical men, we like to know what we're talking about.
23:04We're talking about money.
23:06Nine on eight shillings a week.
23:09Well?
23:11Go on, Brother, I'm listening.
23:13We don't want you to listen. We want you to say something.
23:16Do you?
23:19Brother Marlon?
23:21Well, you're our leader. Lead us.
23:24All the cards, Brother Ford.
23:26You haven't left us that many to play.
23:28First off, you'll never get Tuppens an hour.
23:30Now, just a minute.
23:31And you knew that when you and poor old Norman first decided to give it a try?
23:34Les was a poor old Norman. He was a good man.
23:36Where did you dream this one up, Brothers, eh, you and Norman?
23:38The green man, the boilermakers' arms, the blue bell?
23:41Leading in the pub was Norman's idea.
23:43He said these were exploratory talks.
23:45Oh, did he now?
23:46So it was better to meet away from the office life.
23:48The pub was his office, man. You know that.
23:50We were all sober.
23:51Including Norman.
23:55There's Norman's record of your meeting.
24:00Not all that easy to read, but you can smell the whisky.
24:03All right. Sometimes Norman did get carried away.
24:05You're right there. Sometimes it took two good men to carry him.
24:08Brother Ford's right, you know.
24:10You and me have turned ourselves in the past, Brother Puskett.
24:13And why did you do it?
24:14Because he was a good man, sober, a caring man.
24:16Aye, he was.
24:19And a good union official.
24:21And a good union official.
24:25I was made a note here, Brother Mallow.
24:29Oh, maybe you'd like to read it for us.
24:39Well, it looks like ask for tuppence, take a penny.
24:42Is that the way it was?
24:44Cards on the table, Brothers.
24:52Finished? Yes.
24:54I could have helped you if you'd wanted.
24:56I think you've forgotten how dull estimates are.
25:00Arthur? Hmm?
25:02You really had the big stick out, didn't you?
25:04I'm sorry?
25:06Oh, Billy and Les Mallow.
25:08Surely you're not saying I was rude to a guest?
25:11Nothing I could prove, Arthur.
25:14You don't like what I'm doing, do you?
25:16The Labour Party, ward meetings, all that.
25:19I've got to do something. I can't just sit.
25:22It's your decision. I haven't interfered.
25:25But?
25:29You're wishing I had a child.
25:31I think you have one.
25:33Billy?
25:35You're jealous of Billy?
25:37I quoted Cassius, did I not?
25:39He knew all about jealousy.
25:41And so it seems to I.
25:46So that's it, is it?
25:48Will you die for a penny?
25:50No, Brother. You get a penny.
25:53Or else it's a strike.
25:55Norman Taylor didn't say anything about strikes.
25:59I see.
26:02Your office carries a three-month probationary period, Brother.
26:06Now's your chance to test yourself.
26:10So it's a penny and no strike,
26:13or I'm out? That's about it.
26:15I thought only the district committee could do that.
26:17Oh, they will. Don't fret.
26:19We're not asking very much. Just do your job.
26:22That's what you're paid for.
26:24We don't know how I'll get you a wage. Think on...
26:27It shouldn't be so difficult, should it?
26:29Not for you, Brother.
26:31How am I going to get the benefit of your advice?
26:33It's free, Brother Ford.
26:35I read something the other day that might just help us.
26:38Some of Sir Horatio Manners has been made chairman of the board
26:41of Lewis Bishop.
26:43He'll not help us.
26:45Lewis Bishop is the biggest shipyard in these parts.
26:47If they give us a penny, the others will toe the line.
26:49We know that, man.
26:51Yes, I know you know that, but what you don't know
26:53is that Sir Horatio Manners
26:55is a good mate of our district secretary.
26:58Isn't he, Brother?
27:00I've met him.
27:02I thought you were going to work for him.
27:04But I didn't, Les. I'm working for you.
27:06That's what we want to hear you say, Brother.
27:08That you're working for us.
27:11I haven't set out to your mum about this,
27:14but there's times when I think I'm getting better.
27:19Feeling fit, are you?
27:21Oh, I'm always fit, man. I'm in me legs.
27:23You told your doctor?
27:25Patterson. Getting rid of him.
27:28Is he a good doctor?
27:30Not for me, he's not.
27:32He says I'm a cripple.
27:34Resign yourself, he says.
27:36Ah, just.
27:38What he means is give in.
27:41Well, you'll never do that, Dad.
27:43No, I will not.
27:45But, man, I could do with a bit of help.
27:49Oh, there's never any peace.
27:51Is me mum there?
27:53No, she's gone to the shops with young Tommy.
27:55I'll go.
27:57You will not. Give all this stuff away.
28:00Aye, well, er...
28:02So long, Dad.
28:04Aye, so long, son.
28:08Aye, so long.
28:39DOORBELL RINGS
28:47Ford! Well, well.
28:49This is a pleasant surprise.
28:51Sir Horatio. This is my assistant secretary, Matt Headley.
28:54Brought up your reserves, have you?
28:56I didn't fancy being outnumbered.
28:58You'll stay to lunch?
29:00You're very kind. I never did.
29:08Enjoying your work, Miss Headley?
29:10Well, it's a change from the shipyard, Sir Horatio,
29:13but I'm not here to enjoy it.
29:15Oh, that's interesting. Very interesting, eh, Ford?
29:17If you and I didn't like what we were doing,
29:19we'd be off after something else.
29:21Oh, fair do, Sir Horatio.
29:23Jack didn't enjoy going to prison.
29:25What they tell me, he enjoyed coming out.
29:27It was like beating your head against a brick wall.
29:29It's nice when you stop.
29:31I have an idea. That's what you're about to do now.
29:33Beat your head against a brick wall.
29:35What are you after?
29:37My members. Money.
29:39You really want a headache, Ford?
29:41Maybe I won't be the only one.
29:43All right. Let's hear it.
29:45I've worked out a few figures.
29:49Been doing your own work, have you?
29:53Do you believe everything you read in the Financial Times?
29:55You're not saying an organ of the capitalist press tells lies?
29:58Certainly not. They could be misled.
30:00By you?
30:02By me, by you, by anyone in our position.
30:04Quite inadvertently, of course.
30:06We're shocking, Mr Headley.
30:08You're shocked, mutt?
30:10I started this game a bit late. I'll play better when I learn the rules.
30:13Grant any, Headley.
30:15That's what makes it so difficult.
30:17What are you asking?
30:19My committee wants Tuppence an hour.
30:23Two things I liked about you, Ford.
30:26Your brains and your courage.
30:28Whatever happened to your brains?
30:36I don't know.
31:06Who have you come to see, sir?
31:08Come to see Nigel.
31:37DOOR SLAMS SHUT
31:52Hello, kiddo.
31:54Hello. Sit, sit.
31:56DOOR SLAMS SHUT
31:58Yes, sir.
32:01You all right?
32:03In the pink?
32:05Only, er, ma'am sounded worried about you.
32:08I'm fine.
32:10Never better. Honest.
32:12That's good.
32:15How's ma'am?
32:17Keeping well.
32:19Ben?
32:21I went over him myself. He's a champion.
32:23Is he? Really?
32:25Sit straight, Seaton. I won't tell you again.
32:28Sorry, sir.
32:31To see Jack Ford, Billy.
32:33You want us to?
32:35Aye, if it's no trouble.
32:37Tell him...
32:39Tell him it was a good marra.
32:41All right?
32:54Billy will be with him now.
32:56What?
32:58Billy, your youngest will be with Tom,
33:01your eldest son.
33:03I've told you before, Bella,
33:05they're both men free to go their own road.
33:08Tom will be out soon.
33:10What road will he go, then?
33:14Here you are. You take it.
33:16That Mrs Heberman paid up.
33:18All of it?
33:20Three shillings and nine pence.
33:22Where in the world would she get the money?
33:25Oh, it's surprising what he can do when you have to.
33:29You know that new court now.
33:33I didn't tell you about Dad?
33:35No.
33:37I'm a bit worried about him. He thinks he's getting better.
33:40He's not.
33:42Why?
33:46Jessie sends her love.
33:48It's nice of her.
33:50Tom, for God's sake, I'm doing my best.
33:52Will you not even let us try?
33:54Billy, man, your main wealth is not worth it, is it?
33:57Tom...
33:59You've come here once, you've done your best.
34:01All right. I wouldn't bother coming back.
34:03Time's up!
34:06You'll tell Jack what I said?
34:08I will.
34:10Bye, Tom.
34:12So long.
34:14Let's go back to our cell, then.
34:17I haven't touched a brandy since I was in France.
34:20He had about half a pint. He was mentioned in dispatches.
34:23Mr. Headley was in your son's company in all areas, you know.
34:27That won't work, Ford.
34:29Not this time.
34:31There's no harm in trying.
34:33Tuppence just isn't on, you know.
34:35Might manage a farthing.
34:37A farthing?
34:39I'll have to put it to my members.
34:41Please do. This offer won't last forever, you know.
34:43Nothing lasts forever.
34:45Not even Lewis Bishop and company!
34:53You gave them what for, all right.
34:55Telling them Lewis Bishop wouldn't last forever.
34:57I wonder if he believed you.
34:59I'm sorry, Jack. Just the way it went on.
35:02We were talking about men. Could have been a hand of cards.
35:05It'll never be a game to you, will it?
35:07It's not a game. No rules. He said so himself.
35:09Aye? That's what makes it so exciting.
35:11Is that all it is?
35:13What's the most important, Matt?
35:15To be all virtuous and labour-pure like Les Mallow
35:18or to get a penny an hour?
35:20Les wants a penny an hour and all.
35:22He wants my job, Matt.
35:24And yours for one of his maids.
35:33This is all right now, is she?
35:35Fine, thanks.
35:37I keep thinking about poor old Norman Taylor.
35:39The way he used to shift the beer.
35:41Just the last year or two.
35:43He hardly touched it in his early days.
35:45What do you think started him off?
35:47When he got bored, Matt.
35:49Bored?
35:51How can anybody get bored with a job like we've got?
35:56Like a beast. Worse than a beast.
35:59How have they been treating them?
36:01Well, I don't know.
36:03Worse than a beast.
36:05How have they been treating them?
36:07I don't know, Matt. Seems as if they had.
36:09Sit up straight seating, stand up seating, sit down seating.
36:12He jumped every time they spoke.
36:16It's not like our Tom to take things lying down.
36:19He's never been in a situation like this before, has he?
36:21Situation like this?
36:23Tom's in prison.
36:25He's been punished for thieving.
36:27Oh, and the rights of property must be protected, eh, Dad?
36:30They must.
36:32Otherwise the likes of you would never get through college.
36:36I'll go.
36:38There's more satisfaction lying in a shop
36:40than worrying about jailer boards.
36:52Have you seen anything else?
36:54He asked after you and young Tommy.
36:58You da?
37:00I told him he was just the same.
37:02But did he ask?
37:04No, ma'am.
37:08And Jessie?
37:10I told him she sent her love.
37:12Said it was nice of her.
37:17He doesn't want to see me again either.
37:20All he wants is you, ma'am.
37:22You and young Tommy.
37:26There's times I think we're all he's got.
37:29That's not true, ma'am.
37:33Tom worked down the pit
37:35to put me through college,
37:37the same as Dad did.
37:39And I'll never forget it.
37:41I'm trying to tell him, but
37:43he just doesn't want to hear.
37:51Well, did you put the world right?
37:53Not today we didn't, but...
37:55We made a start. How about you?
37:57I saw three places. Any good?
37:59Oh, Jack, the one in Lavender Avenue was lovely.
38:01Lavender Avenue?
38:03Sounds like a Nancy's love nest.
38:05Oh, that's enough from you, our Matt.
38:07Jack, it had a garden back and front
38:09and a bathroom and separate WC
38:11and a breakfast room. Did you take it?
38:13Oh, I couldn't. They wanted 15 shillings a week.
38:1515 bob a week
38:17just for renting a house?
38:19You go and see them tomorrow and tell them we'll take it.
38:21Jack, do you really think
38:23we can afford it? It's an awful lot of money.
38:25A hell of a lot of money.
38:27You go and take it, pet.
38:29I'll make it marvellous.
38:31Oh, just you wait and see.
38:33Hey, Jack, remember what Les Mallow said?
38:35Oh, blast, I've run out of beer.
38:37Just when I fancied another.
38:39Well, slip out the off-licence, if you like.
38:41Thanks, funny man.
38:49Ah.
38:51You've got all that room in the boat like a dog.
38:53And pet, they do a lot of fetching and carrying assistance.
38:55He doesn't mind.
38:57He might have said something about Les Mallow.
38:59Something I'm not supposed to hear.
39:01Now, what you on about?
39:03Oh, I'm not clever like you.
39:05But I'm not daft either.
39:07You're up to something. Of course I'm up to something.
39:09I didn't mean that either.
39:11Les Mallow. Matt's frightened
39:13Les might make a fuss if we move into a posh house.
39:15That's all. Don't worry.
39:17Out and handle, Les.
39:23Does Matt really have to go with us when we move?
39:25Aye, he does.
39:27We'd have more time for this if he wasn't there.
39:29Well, that must be time for this, Bonnie lass.
39:31But, Jack, you know...
39:33Matt is the best mate I've ever had.
39:35And I trust him with me life.
39:37But I want him where I can keep my eye on him.
39:43Thank you, my dear.
39:47I'd better be off.
39:49You've got a minute.
39:51You've got a minute.
39:53Bill is coming round for coffee this morning.
39:55Give him my regards.
39:57To tell me how Tom was.
39:59You never give up, do you, Jessie?
40:01Where I found the nerve to propose to you,
40:03I'll never know.
40:05Are you sure you won't come to the dance tonight?
40:07Quite sure.
40:09And yet you're letting me go.
40:11I'm a rotten dance rather than disappointed for you.
40:13Bye.
40:17It's good of you to see me again so quickly.
40:19Not at all.
40:21I gather it's urgent.
40:23You haven't brought your reinforcements.
40:25Matt's mined in the office.
40:27This is confidential and all.
40:33You suffered a bereavement, Ford.
40:35Today is the 25th.
40:37I'm aware of it.
40:39Eight years ago today, we had 60,000 casualties at Wipers.
40:41Matt and me feel we should mourn the good men that died.
40:45Like my son.
40:47I was there.
40:49And do you mourn them?
40:51Or does it help to make your members like you?
40:53A bit of both, sir, ratio.
40:57Farthing and I was not on.
40:59Best I could do.
41:01I'll tell you why.
41:03If you don't make it a penny, I'm out of a job.
41:05It won't be for long, Ford.
41:07If I'm out of a job, you'll get Les Mallow instead.
41:09He's a wonderful fellow, Les.
41:11Very strong on conscience.
41:13Went to prison for it during the war.
41:15They knocked hell out of him in prison.
41:17I always knew they had.
41:19But since I've been there myself...
41:21Being in the army must have been a picnic to what he got.
41:23But it hasn't changed him.
41:25Nothing will.
41:27He'll come here yelling for tuppence.
41:29Why?
41:31Maybe he'll settle for a penny, maybe not.
41:33But even if you give him a penny, he'll be back for more.
41:35What if he doesn't get it?
41:37He'll strike.
41:39Fancy a strike, dear Manners?
41:41Just after you've promised your shareholders
41:43Still quoting the Financial Times.
41:45That interview was a mistake.
41:47We all make them.
41:49Won't you strike?
41:51You're not hearing me.
41:53Either I get that penny
41:55or you get Les Mallow and he strikes.
41:57You're being very honest all of a sudden.
41:59I have to be.
42:01So you make honesty a weapon.
42:03That's right.
42:05You're still asking a hell of a lot.
42:07I know that.
42:09I'll owe you one, Manners.
42:13You'll owe me...
42:15what?
42:17When the time comes, we'll both know.
42:19It'll have to be a big one.
42:21I wouldn't doubt you.
42:23But if you turn me down, I'll be back down there again.
42:25I won't owe you a thing.
42:27And even if I did, there'd be no chance of paying it.
42:39A big one?
42:41Big as you like.
42:43As long as we make it look respectable.
42:45Of course.
42:47There's an Employers' Federation meeting this evening.
42:49But naturally you knew that.
42:51Just as you knew that if Lewis Bishop agreed to your terms,
42:53the rest would follow.
43:07All right.
43:09Thanks.
43:11To be paid for...
43:13later.
43:15Funny, that.
43:17We trust each other.
43:19We'll have to.
43:21Nobody else would.
43:23Oh, by the way,
43:25I brought you a present
43:27to celebrate your new job.
43:31The Prince by Mac...
43:33Macchiato.
43:35It was in Italian.
43:51Any sign of Ford?
43:53No.
43:55I thought it was a bit hard on him, you know.
43:57He's only just started.
43:59You're too soft on him just because he spoke up for Matt Hedley.
44:01I thought he did pretty well with him.
44:03And I like the way Matt Hedley stuck up for himself at all.
44:05He'd like a penny on the road, no doubt.
44:07That's what he's here for, you know.
44:09That's why he gets here for under a week
44:11and you get three.
44:13All right.
44:15Militancy, that's what we want out of Brother Ford.
44:17That's why we put him where he is, to fight for us.
44:19If he doesn't fight for us, out he goes.
44:21I said all right.
44:23APPLAUSE
44:31Hello, Jack.
44:33Mrs Ashton?
44:35I saw Tommy yesterday.
44:37He asked us to give you a message.
44:39All right.
44:41He said to tell you we were a good marriage.
44:43Thanks. So was he.
44:45Nice to know you've got a friend you can rely on.
44:47Right, Mrs Ashton?
44:59I had a rare hunt for an old deer
45:01and I lost it to the guards.
45:03The best. Here's your change.
45:13Evening, brothers. Two pints and a port.
45:17Good evening. Is it Brother Ford?
45:19Why, it was Brother Posket, 60,000 dead
45:21and some of the murrers, comrades-in-arms.
45:23And today's the day we remember them.
45:25Matt and me, we don't forget.
45:27That war's over, Brother Ford.
45:29And thanks to our glorious dead, we won.
45:31Very touching.
45:33Was it said that patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel?
45:35Long words, Brother Mallow.
45:37Schoolteachers' words.
45:39I spent a lot of the day
45:41with a man who gave his son for his country.
45:43A son that died in my arms.
45:45This man's a capitalist.
45:47Maybe he's even a millionaire.
45:49Sir Horatio Manners, chairman of Lewis Bishop.
45:51And I'll tell you this, and I'm not ashamed to say it.
45:53He and I knelt in prayer
45:55for the sake of a good man gone.
45:57And was your prayer answered, Brother?
45:59I don't know about mine, Les,
46:01but yours was.
46:03A penny an hour, brothers,
46:05as from the first week in January.
46:07Hey!
46:09Hey!
46:11And we thought you'd joined the bosses.
46:13Hey, man, I'm proud of you.
46:15Joined the bosses?
46:17You've upset me, Brother Posket.
46:19I might have to see a lot of them,
46:21but I don't forget me friends.
46:23Here, have a boss's cigar.
46:25A toast of Lewis Bishop and company.
46:33I don't smoke.
46:35You should, Les.
46:37It would help you relax.
46:43You really did it, Jack.
46:45I did?
46:47Worn up for lavender, haven't you?
46:49Just look at them. They'd do anything for you.
46:51You're the one who ought to do something for me.
46:53All this, and don't interfere.
46:55I've got a bit of business to settle,
46:57and we'll celebrate.
46:59You're born to her, aren't you?
47:01Aye, I am, and she's not going to enjoy it.
47:07May I have the pleasure, Mrs Ashton?
47:09Mrs Ashton?
47:23Another night of triumph, Jack.
47:25I get used to them.
47:27Why did you split on me, Jessie?
47:29Talking about Sir Horatio Manners?
47:31That's right.
47:33You told Naz Mallow. Why?
47:35Because I had to.
47:37Did you think I would?
47:39No, Jessie Seaton. Not you.
47:41Why did you have to?
47:43To help Les Mallow do what was right.
47:47Do you remember your Billy saying,
47:49what a friend I have in Tom?
47:51It's nice to know who your friends are.
47:53And your enemies.
47:55So I'm an enemy now, am I?
47:57Hard to tell.
47:59You're a woman.
48:07Seeing Brother Proskett reminded me
48:09of a fellow I used to see on the halls.
48:11What did he used to say now?
48:13A woman is only a woman.
48:15A good cigar is a smoke.
48:19There was a time I almost forgot that.
48:23I think perhaps I made a mistake.
48:25I've come to take you home.
48:27Aye, Mr Ashton, you take her home.
48:29She doesn't belong here.
48:31Not any more.
48:37.
48:39.
48:41.
48:43.
48:45.
48:47.
48:49.
48:51.
48:53.
48:55.
48:57.
48:59.
49:01.
49:03.
49:05When the bird comes in.
49:18Thou shalt have a fishy, and a little fishy,
49:20Thou shalt have a haddock, when the bird comes in.
49:23Thou shalt have a fishy, and a little fishy,
49:26Thou shalt have a bloater, when the bird comes in.
49:29Thou shalt have a fishy, and a little fishy,
49:31Thou shalt have a mackerel, when the bird comes in.
49:34Thou shalt have a fishy, and a little fishy,
49:36Thou shalt have a salmon, when the bird comes in.