When the Boat Comes In. S02 E07. Whatever Made You Think the War Was Over?
First broadcast 10th December 1976.
Manners reminds Jack that he owes him and charges him to close down production for a week at Buell-Hodge, a small family firm which makes motor car parts and also pays the workers handsomely.
James Bolam ... Jack Ford
James Garbutt ... Bill Seaton
Jean Heywood ... Bella Seaton
John Nightingale ... Tom Seaton
Malcolm Terris ... Matt Headley
Madelaine Newton ... Dolly
Geoffrey Rose ... Arthur Ashton
Basil Henson ... Sir Horatio Manners
Catherine Terris ... Miss Laidlaw
Noel O'Connell ... Young Tommy Seaton
David Theakston ... Andy Cranford
Edmund Pegge ... Buell
Richard Kay ... Charlie Beasley
Gordon Griffin ... Francy Nolan
Manners reminds Jack that he owes him and charges him to close down production for a week at Buell-Hodge, a small family firm which makes motor car parts and also pays the workers handsomely.
James Bolam ... Jack Ford
James Garbutt ... Bill Seaton
Jean Heywood ... Bella Seaton
John Nightingale ... Tom Seaton
Malcolm Terris ... Matt Headley
Madelaine Newton ... Dolly
Geoffrey Rose ... Arthur Ashton
Basil Henson ... Sir Horatio Manners
Catherine Terris ... Miss Laidlaw
Noel O'Connell ... Young Tommy Seaton
David Theakston ... Andy Cranford
Edmund Pegge ... Buell
Richard Kay ... Charlie Beasley
Gordon Griffin ... Francy Nolan
Category
📺
TVTranscript
00:00Come hear me little jockey, now I've smoked me pocky, have a bit of cracky, till the boat
00:11comes in.
00:12Dance to the daddy, sing to the mummy, dance to the daddy, to the mummy, sing.
00:17Thou shalt have the fishy on a little dishy, thou shalt have the fishy when the boat comes
00:22in.
00:23Thou shalt have the fishy on a little dishy, thou shalt have the fishy when the boat comes
00:39in.
00:40Thou shalt have the fishy on a little dishy, thou shalt have the fishy when the boat comes
00:41in.
01:09Was anything wrong, Mr. Buell?
01:24Wrong?
01:25Of course not.
01:26I've just had Coventry on the phone.
01:27They want another 10,000 components by the end of the month.
01:30Oh dear.
01:31What's the matter, Charlie?
01:32More work's best to be good news.
01:33I doubt we could do it, Mr. Buell, not without putting the men on overtime.
01:36Then put them on overtime.
01:37Can we afford it?
01:38Coventry can.
01:50It's fortunate you could stay for lunch.
01:56Fortunate for me, anyway.
01:57Where'd you get your chef?
01:58Claridge's?
01:59It's the boy.
02:00Won't stay here, of course.
02:01Can't stand the climate.
02:02We might as well enjoy him while we've got him.
02:04Cigar all right?
02:05Perfect.
02:06So is the cognac.
02:07Let's have the bill.
02:09I beg your pardon?
02:10I must have got through a pound's worth of food and drink, maybe even 30 bob.
02:13You don't give that kind of money away for nothing.
02:16So what do you want, sir, is your...
02:18You know I like doing business with you.
02:20Nowadays, I spend most of my life dealing with gentlemen, sensitive chaps.
02:24I have to be so damn careful not to hurt their feelings, forget what I'm after half the time.
02:28Oh, aye?
02:29Last year, we agreed you owed me a favor.
02:32That's right.
02:33I want you to pay it back.
02:35Well?
02:36Let's hear what you want.
02:38There's a firm called Buell Hodge Limited.
02:41Mid-time trading estate, make car components.
02:43Nice little firm.
02:44Nice.
02:45They pay 10% over the minimum, that's nice.
02:47I don't.
02:48You're not nice.
02:49Any more than you are.
02:50I want you to slow them down.
02:54You want me to what?
02:55You heard.
02:56A week will do it.
02:59Why?
03:00My business, Forge.
03:01All right, then how?
03:02Any way you like.
03:03Blank check like?
03:04Blank check.
03:05How much do you want them slowed?
03:10Just enough so they can't fill their contracts.
03:12I see.
03:13I've no doubt you do.
03:18If I slow them, we're all square.
03:19You're off me back.
03:20You won't owe me a damn thing.
03:25I'd better slow them, then.
03:29I've got to be off, dar.
03:30In a minute.
03:32In a minute.
03:35How's it coming?
03:37Oh, there's not yet.
03:40It'll take time, man.
03:42It's bound to take time.
03:43You think I'll have Laura's store in front of us?
03:47But, I won't let it beat us.
03:51You'll see.
03:53You've never given in yet, dar.
03:58Seen out of O'Billy?
04:01No.
04:03Still with that Dr. Stoker, I suppose, handing out charity.
04:09Looks that way, aye.
04:12Hey, lad.
04:13Owie.
04:18I reckon you've done enough for one day.
04:19Aye, owie.
04:21Put us back.
04:22Come on, now.
04:29Easy.
04:30There we go.
04:36You won't tell your mother what I'm doing.
04:38I promised.
04:40No, I didn't, huh?
04:41Aye, good lad.
04:44Oh, it's never going to work.
04:46I can feel it.
04:49Aye, well, never's a long time, Doc.
04:52Aye, your brother said that.
04:54And he should know.
04:57Three years since it happened, there's still no feeling.
05:00I could stick pins in him.
05:04How'd it go on?
05:06Honest.
05:07Oh, I thought we might have some demarcation
05:09trouble with the plumbers.
05:10Have we?
05:11No, no, he just likes to be careful.
05:15Uh, what have we got on Buell Hodge, Matt?
05:18Buell Hodge?
05:20Makes car components.
05:21Can he pay at all?
05:22A clothes shop, is it?
05:23Why, of course.
05:25If they want our lads, it's got to be.
05:26How many of our lads have they got?
05:28Oh, not a lot.
05:29They've only been gone two years.
05:30Uh, 17.
05:32Andy Cranford shop steward.
05:34What do they do?
05:35Lathes and milling machines.
05:36Lathes and milling machines?
05:38Since when did they take a fitter to work one of them?
05:40Well, they'll be tricky ones, likely.
05:42Fine work.
05:43Need a lot of maintaining.
05:45What are you after, Jack?
05:46We've never had any trouble with Buell Hodge.
05:47Oh, forewarned is forearmed, Matt.
05:50I don't like it when the bosses get too nice, bunny lad.
05:52It means they're up to something.
05:53Profit.
05:55That's what they are after, orders pouring in.
05:57Who told you?
05:58Andy Cranford.
06:00We were having a drink at the Blue Bell.
06:01He gets in there most nights on his way home, just the one.
06:04Family man, is he?
06:05No, he's in lodgings.
06:06Does a lot of work for the Labor Party.
06:08Oh, hell, another Les Mallow?
06:09Could be his brother.
06:14Bit of bad news for you, Matt.
06:16Oh, aye?
06:17You'll be working late tonight.
06:18I'll need to have the number five branch
06:19report in the morning.
06:21Well, can't it wait till Thursday?
06:22I've got to get my billiards lined up.
06:23Sorry, bunny lad.
06:24I'll be out Thursday.
06:25I'll need to check it tomorrow.
06:27It won't take you all that long, will it?
06:28It's 7 o'clock at the earliest, and the billiard hall's
06:31still open.
06:32Aye, and so will our dolly's mouth be if I'm late.
06:35You've cleaned your boots, I hope.
06:37I've scrubbed this kitchen.
06:39They're in the yard.
06:39But did you clean them?
06:41Aye, and me spade and all.
06:47How's Tommy been?
06:48Oh, he's fine.
06:49He's worn out.
06:50I put him to bed.
06:51Charmian.
06:52You have a good day?
06:54Aye, not bad.
06:557 and 6.
06:57There you are.
07:01Oh, I'm sorry I was a bit rough with you just now.
07:05Why, it's all right, ma'am.
07:06Still a lot worried.
07:08Jessie must be near her town by now.
07:10Aye, well, why don't you slip over and see her?
07:12Oh, I'd like to, but.
07:15But what, ma'am?
07:16Oh, it's your father.
07:18He's not too keen on Jessie just now.
07:20He gets up crotchety.
07:21Well, you can both do your day out.
07:23Oh, aye.
07:24Chance would be a fine thing.
07:27Get your dinner and had a wee out the pub for a pint.
07:30I bet you're gasping.
07:40No, Oliver.
07:46Evening.
07:47Andy Cranford, isn't it?
07:48Hello.
07:49Mr. Ford.
07:50Surprised you recognize me?
07:51Oh, I like to keep an eye on the lads that's doing their job.
07:54You're shop steward at Buell's, aren't you?
07:56Aye, that's right.
07:58Any trouble?
07:59No.
08:00Good as gold is Buell's.
08:01Oh, aye.
08:0210% over the minimum.
08:03Time in a quarter after half past 5 and plenty over time.
08:07Mr. Buell's all right.
08:08Mr. Buell?
08:09All right.
08:10He's a boss, but he's a fair one.
08:1217 of you there.
08:1417 of you there.
08:16Aye, that's right.
08:17Lathes and milling machines.
08:19Bit of a come down for a fit, eh?
08:21Oh, not these.
08:22They're Klugmans.
08:23Klugmans?
08:23Yankee jobs from Detroit.
08:25Not easy to handle, but they're half turn the stuff out.
08:27We maintain them as we go.
08:29Bit like the old Rawlinson's.
08:31I remember them.
08:32I used to work one myself, until they
08:34found out they were dangerous.
08:36Aye, well, the Klugman's safe enough.
08:40Nice to talk to you, Mr. Ford.
08:42I bet you'll be going.
08:42Promise to knock on doors for Sammy Potter.
08:44Good man, Sammy.
08:45Real good counselor.
08:46Aye, he is.
08:47Well, I'll be off then.
08:48Fancy your chances yourself, do you?
08:50Counselor Cranford.
08:52Aye, I do.
08:53And let me give you a bit of advice, bonnie lad.
08:56Stay close to your union.
08:57Those are the ones that will help you on voting day comes.
09:00I've always been a good union man, Mr. Ford.
09:02Aye, I wouldn't doubt it.
09:03All the same.
09:04Two years you've been shop steward at Buell
09:06is a level of word.
09:07But there's been no trouble.
09:09Aye, and more credit to you.
09:11But it's my job to stop the trouble before it starts.
09:15Now, you keep in touch.
09:17Oh, I will, Mr. Ford.
09:19Now, if you'll excuse me.
09:21Aye, off you go.
09:22Mustn't keep the labor party waiting.
09:23Aye.
09:27Now I'll have a whiskey.
09:30And a pint.
09:32How are you, Jack?
09:33Canny, how's yourself?
09:35All right.
09:36You don't look it.
09:37Job getting you down?
09:38Oh, no, man, the job's fine.
09:39I wish I'd thought of gardening years ago.
09:41What then?
09:43It's dark.
09:44It's miserable.
09:46Ma'am's not much better either.
09:47Tell him he had a bit of a break.
09:48Aye, try telling them.
09:50Well, what's up then?
09:52It's Billy, me brilliant brother.
09:55He's taken over that madclad stoker.
09:57Aye, so I heard.
09:58The good Samaritan.
10:00Out of his mind.
10:02Give all and taken out.
10:04The person's giving him a rabbit or a big fish.
10:06You're supposed to be grateful.
10:07It's up to him, Tom.
10:08Is it?
10:10Well, what about the money he was daring me?
10:12What about his self-respect?
10:14A man should pay his way.
10:15Did you ever see him?
10:17Not much, no.
10:18Well, if you do, tell him that job with me's still open.
10:20I never knew you were that soft.
10:21I'm not.
10:22I can't find anybody else as good.
10:24Well, there's something else you can do for us and all.
10:26Aye?
10:27Have a look at me garden. It's a mess.
10:28Mind you, I'll pay you for it.
10:29That you won't.
10:30Oh, but I will.
10:31Go and rate.
10:32All right, thanks.
10:33I thought Matt Hedley was doing your garden.
10:35Aye, so did he.
10:37Jack, be fair, he means well.
10:39Oh, aye, he means well.
10:41Matt always means well.
10:47And it's agreed then, two hours extra, Tuesdays and Thursdays,
10:50time and a quarter.
10:52Sounds champion.
10:53Hey, Dan, that's settled.
10:54If you don't mind, Mr. Beasley, I think I'd better clear it
10:57with the area secretary first.
10:59Hell, man, it's straightforward enough.
11:01All the same, if you don't mind.
11:03You want time off to go and see him, is that it?
11:05Up to you, Mr. Beasley.
11:07Sorry, Andy, I shouldn't have said that.
11:08We're that busy, you see.
11:10Tell you what, hurry into Mr. Buell's office,
11:12see if we can use his phone.
11:18Number five, brunch report.
11:20Eh?
11:21I was ill, 20 to 8.
11:22Oh, good lad.
11:23There's a Mr. Cranford on the phone from Buell Hodge.
11:26All right, I'll take it.
11:33Andy lad, how are you?
11:36All the time.
11:39All right.
11:40Time and a quarter.
11:41Well, sounds all right.
11:44Uh-huh.
11:46All the same, I think we'd better be on the safe side.
11:48I'll tell you what, why don't I come over?
11:51Right, see you, Andy.
11:55Very pallid with Andy Cranford all of a sudden.
11:57He's young and keen, Matt.
11:58He could do with a bit of encouragement.
11:59And what about the number five brunch report?
12:01First thing when I get back, Matt, honest.
12:03I'll be in the office then.
12:07Uh, Miss Laidlaw?
12:11Shut the door.
12:15Now, I want to send a wireless message, Miss Laidlaw.
12:18Yes, Mr. Ford?
12:19To the United States of America.
12:20The United States?
12:22Now, keep your voice down.
12:24Miss Laidlaw, you like Mr. Headley, don't you?
12:27Oh, yes, Mr. Ford.
12:28Well, I'm working on a little surprise for him
12:30to do with his work.
12:31A pleasant surprise, I hope.
12:32When he finds out, he'll be bawled over.
12:35Only, I can't explain it to you, but you'll
12:38keep it a secret, won't you?
12:39Oh, yes, Mr. Ford.
12:40Good, lass.
12:41Now, it's to Harold C. Limbacher, L-I-M-B-A-C-H-E-R,
12:49American Federation of Labor.
12:51But how will I send it?
12:53Well, try the telephone.
12:55And if they won't have it, take it to the post office.
12:59Now, where was I?
13:00Harold C. Limbacher, American Federation of Labor.
13:02Mr. Headley isn't leaving us, is he?
13:04Believe me, Miss Laidlaw, as long as I'm here,
13:07Mr. Headley's here with me.
13:08Now, look.
13:09There's the address in the book.
13:12There, see?
13:13Now, here's the message.
13:16Dear friend and brother, fraternal greetings
13:19from the Amalgamated Fitters Union, Galashield, England.
13:21It's going to cost a lot of money.
13:23We're not discussing money, Miss Laidlaw.
13:26This is the solidarity of the working class.
13:29Aye, there we go.
13:31That's the way.
13:33Go right for it, lads.
13:41Oh, morning, missus.
13:42Oh, it's Mr. Seaton, isn't it?
13:44Aye, that's right.
13:46Uh, I was talking to Jack in the blue bell last night.
13:48He asked me to give you a garden bit tidy up.
13:50Oh, well, I could do with it right enough.
13:53You don't mind, dov, do you?
13:54I don't mind at all.
13:56I could do with it right enough.
13:58You don't mind, dov, brought the bairn with us.
14:00Your mam's a bit busy right now.
14:02Fresh air's good for him.
14:03He'll be no trouble, honest.
14:04Of course he won't.
14:06I love bairns, Mr. Seaton.
14:08Mind, he is a bunny lad.
14:10Do you think I could take him out, Mr. Seaton?
14:26Morning, Andy.
14:27Anything I can do for you?
14:29My name's Ford, Jack Ford, Fitness Union.
14:32Oh, aye.
14:33Nice to know I'm welcome.
14:36Mind if I look around?
14:37Help yourself.
14:39Lavatories?
14:40Right at the front.
14:57Where do they heap their tea?
14:59Over there.
15:05First aid equipment?
15:07My office.
15:09Let's have a look, then.
15:17There you are.
15:19I've got the key.
15:20Frightened they'll drink the surgical spirit?
15:23You do have surgical spirit.
15:28How many labourers do my members have?
15:31Don't be daft, man.
15:32I can always ask Aunty Cranford.
15:36Three.
15:37I see.
15:38There's two away sick.
15:39I've got the key.
15:40I've got the key.
15:41I've got the key.
15:42I've got the key.
15:43I've got the key.
15:44I've got the key.
15:45I've got the key.
15:46I've got the key.
15:48He's sick.
15:49Sick?
15:50Aye.
15:51There's been no accidents here.
15:52I'm glad to hear it, Mr, uh...
15:54Beasley.
15:55Glad I've met you, Mr Beasley.
15:57You've been a great help.
15:58Not going to have time.
16:01Aye.
16:04Mr Buell would like a word with you.
16:06I'd better talk to Andy first.
16:09If you don't mind, Mr Beasley.
16:18You should never sit on your own if you want to go in for politics, Andy.
16:34You should be over there preaching the gospel.
16:36Oh, Mr Ford.
16:37Fancy a sandwich?
16:38No, thanks.
16:39I wouldn't say no to a can of tea, though.
16:42Fetch us another mug, Will.
16:44Had a good look round?
16:46Aye.
16:48Andy, funny lad.
16:50Just what the hell do you think you're playing at?
16:52I don't get you, Mr Ford.
16:54That lavatory.
16:55One tap to wash your hands.
16:57One broken-down old stove for making tea.
17:00And a first-aid box the size of a jam jar.
17:03And it's kept locked.
17:04It'll all be put right.
17:06Mr Buell told me himself.
17:07In the sweet by and by, Andy.
17:09A union's business isn't promises, funny lad.
17:12It's deeds.
17:13Agreements honoured.
17:15Mr Buell knows it's not right.
17:17He did up the basic.
17:18And so he bloody should.
17:19You couldn't keep a canary in seed on our basic.
17:22Skilled work, Andy.
17:23It is that.
17:24And only five labourers for 17 of you.
17:27And two of them off sick.
17:29The rules say one labourer for every two skilled men.
17:32Do you want the labourers' union on me back and all?
17:35Andy, Andy, what the hell are you playing at now?
17:41I was talking to Sammy Potter about you last night.
17:45I need a counsellor in the pre-scape ward.
17:48If the union was behind you, it could be you, isn't it?
17:52But first you've got to get behind the union.
17:55Just tell us what I have to do, Mr Ford.
18:00Is Tommy all right?
18:01He's sound asleep.
18:03He's good as gold, isn't he?
18:05Most times, aye.
18:06Little devil when he's roused, though.
18:08Oh, well, I like a man with a bit of spirit.
18:12Would you like a cup of tea, Mr Seaton?
18:15Aye, top.
18:20But I don't usually get fit like this when I'm working.
18:23Oh, a working man needs his food.
18:25Jack wouldn't like you to go hungry.
18:27No, never would put up with that.
18:29Even when times is bad.
18:31Oh, you're thinking of that sheep stealing?
18:34Aye.
18:35Ours, isn't it, and all you know?
18:37And our, Matt.
18:38Robin Hood and his merry men.
18:40Aye, we lived like fighting cocks.
18:42You did that?
18:43Aye.
18:44It would take a good'un to get the better of Jack.
18:47So I'm putting it to you straight, brothers.
18:49You're in breach of four separate agreements.
18:52And so is Buell Hodge.
18:54What about the money?
18:55It's canny, all right.
18:56But you're getting it by breaking union agreements.
18:59And that's no better than scabbing.
19:01And while we're on about money,
19:03what about the four extra labourers that should be working here?
19:06There's labourers crying out for jobs.
19:10Their union and ours are in agreement.
19:12We gave our sacred word, brothers.
19:16I'll tell you what I'm going to do.
19:18I'm going in to have a word with Buell himself.
19:21See if I can sort something out.
19:23In the meantime, I'll hand you over to Brother Cranford here.
19:31Brothers, as your shop steward,
19:33I've been well aware of the conditions here.
19:36I've spoken to Beazley and to Buell himself.
19:39And what did they give me?
19:40Promises.
19:41Well, I was patient, brothers.
19:43No man can deny that.
19:45But promises don't make lavatories or first aid rooms.
19:48Not to mention labourers' jobs.
19:50And so today, on your behalf,
19:53I've decided the time for waiting was finished.
19:56And that's why I've called in Mr Ford.
20:05Who is that?
20:08It's a man.
20:12Anybody in?
20:14Aye.
20:16What is it?
20:17I've got a message for you.
20:19All right.
20:21Are we in?
20:27What fellow, Bill?
20:28Oh, Francie Newell, isn't it?
20:30Aye, that's right.
20:31Been in the wars, have you?
20:33Oh, I broke my arm in number four, seem.
20:35Oh.
20:37I'm a hell.
20:38Oh, sorry, missus.
20:40No, the tribunal said it was me own fault.
20:43Oh.
20:44Sorry to hear that, Francie.
20:45Aye.
20:46Well, it could have been worse.
20:48I've been to see your son, Dr Seaton.
20:50He, he, you've got a good lad there, mind.
20:52Oh, aye.
20:53All the attention in the ward, and he never asked for a ha'penny.
20:56A real caring lad.
20:58Oh, he asked us to give you this.
21:04That's very kind of you.
21:05What's the least I could do, missus?
21:07I, uh, I was sorry to hear about your accident.
21:12Surprised you, Francie.
21:14Shut the door on the way out.
21:16I meant it.
21:17Oh, I'm sure you did.
21:18Only give the door a good clash, will you?
21:20Sometimes the catch sticks.
21:25Bill, you might at least be civil.
21:28Sorry to hear.
21:29What's he got, cloth ears?
21:31Three years I've been like this?
21:34Well, he's left us more free treatment from old Billy.
21:36Well, what's it say?
21:38I don't know, and I don't care.
21:54Well?
21:55Thought you weren't interested.
21:57If he's high in pound notes, I want to know the reason why.
22:01All right.
22:03Dear Mum and Dad, I thought I'd better let you know I'm alive and well,
22:08just in case you're still interested.
22:14The clinic's doing well.
22:16Enough doctors, enough helpers, more than enough patients.
22:22All we need is money, but at least I'm putting into practice
22:28the socialist principles I was taught by my father.
22:34You know where to reach me if you want me, your loving son,
22:40and I mean that, Billy.
22:44P.S. I'm enclosing a week's wages.
22:49That means it's only £999 I owe you and Tom.
22:57If I can't keep it up in 20 years, I'll be all square.
23:05Sweet suffering Jesus.
23:16It's Mr. Ford from the union.
23:19Ah.
23:23Yes, Mr. Ford.
23:27You don't like my factory.
23:30Who told you that?
23:32My foreman, and you told him.
23:34I like your wages, Mr. Buell, but I can't have your conditions.
23:38Suppose I raise the wages 12.5% on the basic.
23:42Sorry?
23:43What do you want?
23:44Adequate lavatories, adequate catering facilities,
23:47proper first aid room, four more labourers.
23:49I don't need four more labourers.
23:51I haven't even got off work for five.
23:53Negotiated agreement, Mr. Buell.
23:56I can't break that any more than my members can.
23:59All right, I'll get four more labourers.
24:01And the other things?
24:03I can't build a first aid room overnight.
24:05I've seen that tin box you call a first aid kit,
24:08and I've seen the lathes you're using.
24:10They're more than a right, they're a necessity.
24:13You've known what my place is like for two years.
24:16Then you've had two years to put it right.
24:19I'm closing you down.
24:21You can't.
24:23I'm firing 17 men out of work, and they'll never stand for it.
24:26Won't they?
24:28Take a look out there.
24:36All right, brothers.
24:38Are we to be guided by Mr. Ford, or are we not?
24:41Show of hands, lads.
24:43Aye.
24:45You see, Mr. Buell, it's the poor that helps the poor.
24:50You think I'm rich, don't you?
24:55Every penny I've got sunk into this business.
25:00I owe the bank, I owe my friends, I even owe my parents.
25:06And I treated your men fairly.
25:08More than fairly.
25:10In a good week, some of them took home more than I did.
25:16They'll grow with the firm, Mr. Ford.
25:19If you'll just let the firm grow...
25:21Just honour your agreements, Mr. Buell, and you can be bigger than Henry Ford.
25:25A week, then. I'll have the builders in round the clock.
25:28You do that, Mr. Buell.
25:30In a week's time, you can have my men back.
25:32Dammit, man, I've got commitments!
25:34Aye, you have. Honour them, and we can all go back to work.
25:37Suppose I hired non-union labour?
25:39Scabs?
25:41The only men within a 50-mile radius who can work those machines of yours
25:45are my members.
25:48And you know it.
25:51In the army, were you?
25:53Yes, I was.
25:55Joined in 1915.
25:57I served right to the end.
25:59The end?
26:01Mr. Buell, whatever made you think the war is over?
26:18CLANKING
26:23Aye. You've got it looking lovely.
26:25Oh, give it time, missus, eh?
26:28What do you reckon that'll do for the day?
26:31I'll be back later on, put some bedding plants in, eh?
26:34Oh, that'll be champion.
26:48You've got your week.
26:50I've shut him down.
26:52A bit drastic, surely?
26:54Not that I'm not grateful.
26:56Then we're all square, then?
26:58All square.
27:00Thanks.
27:02I would have shut him down anyway.
27:04He's in breach of four different agreements.
27:06And why did you take so long?
27:08Because I couldn't be bothered finding out.
27:10After Buell's contracts, are you?
27:12I run a shipyard.
27:15He's got a nice fat deal with Coventry
27:17and you're after it, am I right?
27:19Yes.
27:21You sure a week will be long enough?
27:23Quite sure.
27:25And you'll get the contract
27:27and Buell will go bust.
27:29Then you'll buy him out
27:31and maybe put him in as manager.
27:33Why should I do that?
27:35Because he's got a new production technique
27:37that's costing you business.
27:39What makes you think so?
27:41I know so. I've been there.
27:43I've seen the factory. I've talked to his men.
27:45That man's on a winner if ever I saw one.
27:47Then I'll be on it.
27:49He's offering my members
27:51twelve and a half percent on the basic.
27:53Is he indeed?
27:55I'm not.
27:57All square, you said?
27:59All square.
28:01Well, just you bear that in mind.
28:09I've cleaned them. Look at that.
28:12Why, what's this? A wick?
28:14Aye, now enough.
28:16Your brother's just left us.
28:18Ah, there.
28:20And he's not coming back neither.
28:22Sent you that.
28:26What?
28:28You've only sent six and eightpence?
28:30Send a quid. That's your share.
28:32Show him the letter, Mother.
28:34Look, Tom's a creditor, same as you and me.
28:36Might have three hundred pound or more.
28:38Might as well know his chance of getting it.
28:41What?
28:49Aye, your father.
28:51Bloody nerve.
28:53Why, I'm sorry, Mom.
28:55Give you that one.
28:57Bit of a shock to you, was it?
28:59It's an insult, that's what it is.
29:01A joke, that's all. Billy was just trying to make a joke.
29:03Then he wasn't succeeding, was he?
29:05Like he means the pound just to start.
29:07You know, when things get better, he'll send more.
29:09They'll never get better at stokers.
29:11They get a bit of money, they'll get a few more free patients and all.
29:13Well, that pound Billy sent,
29:15then he might need that pound.
29:17You mean Tom and me don't?
29:19How much money have you got, Bill?
29:21Go on, tell us.
29:23In that grand bank of yours I push you to, how much you got?
29:25That's my business.
29:27More than a pound, I'll bet.
29:29Billy sent all he had.
29:31Well, I gave him all I had six years ago.
29:33Aye, let's change the subject, shall we?
29:35Billy's not worth bothering about.
29:38What about some tea, Mum? I'm starved.
29:40I think I was right.
29:42What vicar?
29:44The one that helps Dr. Stoker.
29:46Jesus had nothing, he said.
29:48Never you mind about Jesus.
29:50Then all thou hast in gift to poor.
29:52It's not your way, Bill,
29:54and I don't think it's my way either,
29:56but it just might be Billy's way.
29:58You made her say you went there.
30:00I was trying to help.
30:02I tried to argue with the vicar, but I was wrong.
30:04After all I told you.
30:07I was wrong, but I was trying to help.
30:09Well, you won't try to help him again.
30:11No, I won't.
30:13No, milady, you won't.
30:15You're telling us, Bill.
30:17If I had the use of my legs.
30:19With what, Bill? Belters?
30:21Aye, I would.
30:23You need a good hiding to bring in your senses.
30:25Shut up, da.
30:27No, I will not.
30:29Shut up.
30:37I read your number five branch report.
30:39Very good, Matt.
30:41Nice and tidy.
30:43Thanks.
30:45It'll be portly next.
30:47There was a young man from Hong Kong.
30:49Jack!
30:51I thought you always liked that one.
30:53All right, let's have it.
30:55What's bothering you?
31:01Buells.
31:03What about Buells?
31:05You shut it down.
31:07Ten percent on the basic.
31:09Four hours, time and a quarter every week.
31:11And you shut it down.
31:13We were in breach, Matt.
31:15Well, they're not in breach now.
31:17You're out of work.
31:19Couldn't you have found some other way?
31:21Compromise?
31:23I had no choice, Matt.
31:25Well, it's the first time it's happened to you, then.
31:27Must be the first time for everything.
31:29Do you think I'll like it?
31:31I don't know. I only work for you.
31:34What about Miss Laidlaw?
31:36Every time I go near her,
31:38she keeps hiding a piece of paper.
31:40She keeps looking at us funny and all.
31:42Maybe she fancies you.
31:44Miss Laidlaw?
31:46Well-set-up fellow, professional man.
31:48Why shouldn't she fancy you?
31:50It's not like that at all.
31:52Have you put her up to something?
31:54Me? A respectable married man?
31:56Oh, give over, Jack.
31:58Aye, all right.
32:00Tom's eaten. Come over.
32:03That's another thing.
32:05I thought I was doing the garden.
32:07So you are. Tom's just giving you a hand, that's all.
32:09When we moved in here, it was agreed.
32:11I was doing the garden. What's Tom Seaton doing here?
32:13Your job, Matt.
32:15The job you're not up to.
32:17Well, thanks very much.
32:24What in the world's got into our Matt?
32:26Needs a woman, likely.
32:28There's no need to talk dirty.
32:30There's no dirty about needing a woman.
32:32You mean he should get married?
32:34That's what we're here for, pet.
32:54So you're here, are you?
32:56Scabbing again, they're telling me.
32:58Get her off, Matt.
33:01What difference does that make?
33:03Scabs are scabs.
33:05Pits last time were lit.
33:07You had black lead when your door was on strike.
33:09My wife was ill, man.
33:11I had to get money.
33:13Now you're at it again.
33:15For God's sake, man, I'm a job and gardener.
33:17What's a scab doing that?
33:19You took my job, that's how.
33:21Jack asked me.
33:23Aye, well, he asked me first.
33:25Keep this up. It won't belong anywhere.
33:27You mean Jack's paying you?
33:29Of course he's not paying me. I belong here, man.
33:31Can't you see? I belong.
33:33You stay where you belong, that's fine.
33:35Aye, Matt, it would be.
33:37He says I'm not good enough.
33:39Maybe I'm not.
33:41It was agreed.
33:43We don't need you.
33:45That suits me. There's plenty of gardening jobs.
33:59I didn't mean to be nasty.
34:01You were, though.
34:03Things on me mind.
34:05We all are.
34:07You and all?
34:09Aye, me and all.
34:11When the world's that?
34:13The colliery band.
34:15Beer?
34:17Aye, they're practising.
34:19It's the big meeting Saturday.
34:21Meeting?
34:23Don't remind us, Gail, our man.
34:25Plenty of beer that day.
34:28Never mind.
34:30Don't take on, Tom.
34:32Don't you go and start taking on.
34:34All I'm trying to tell you is
34:36you don't belong.
34:38And I do.
34:46Mr. Headley not in yet, Mr. Ford?
34:48No, he wasn't feeling too well this morning.
34:50Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.
34:52Nothing serious.
34:54This came, Mr. Ford.
34:57And I didn't say a word to Mr. Headley.
34:59I knew I could rely on you, Miss Laidlaw.
35:01Oh, indeed you can, Mr. Ford.
35:03It's a good news.
35:05For Mr. Headley, I mean.
35:07The best.
35:09Look up the shop steward's list, will you?
35:11I want the shop steward for Manners Light Engineering.
35:13That's on the Wimbledon trading estate.
35:15Yes, Mr. Ford.
35:19LAUGHS
35:27You look like Passchendaele.
35:29I feel like it.
35:33Did you put me to bed last night?
35:35I did.
35:41I'm just not up to it, Jack.
35:43I'm resigning.
35:45His name's Fred Elstod, Mr. Ford.
35:47Hey, Mr. Headley.
35:49You shouldn't come to work looking like that.
35:51Still, there's better times coming,
35:53aren't there, Mr. Ford?
35:57You see what I mean?
35:59Never mind her.
36:01Just tell us why you're not up to it.
36:03You do things and you don't tell me what they are.
36:05I'll get scared, Jack.
36:07I don't do things, Matt. They happen.
36:09Then I take care of them.
36:11Oh, you do? Me?
36:13Aye, you. Take Buells, for instance.
36:15You saved men's lives at Buells,
36:17maybe somewhere else and all.
36:19I did?
36:21Read that.
36:27I didn't send a telegram.
36:29It's got your name on it.
36:31You sent it.
36:33You signed my name. Why'd you?
36:35Because you care, Bonnie lad.
36:37And those fellas at head office
36:39think Karen's not enough.
36:41They even had your job up for review.
36:43But this will prove that you're needed.
36:45I need you. The union needs you.
36:47But this is your work. I can't...
36:49Well, you're going to have to, Matt.
36:51Like I say,
36:53you're needed.
36:55Why, they do you good, da.
36:57That's out of the question, man.
36:59Durham big meeting.
37:01Pubs open all day.
37:03Brass bands. Ramsey MacDonald speaking.
37:05And how would I get there?
37:07Well, there's a train.
37:09And how the hell would I get on a train?
37:11Well, God's fun.
37:13Maybe they take a bottle for company.
37:15Don't tease your father, Tom.
37:17He just can't do it.
37:19Get away.
37:21Oh, can't I?
37:24I'll say about that.
37:26I'm going.
37:28And you can get that gun off your face, milady.
37:30Nor do you think you'll go crawling
37:32around your precious billy just because I'm taking a day off.
37:54And what the hell do you think you're doing?
37:56Saving your lives.
37:58Come, Mr. Ford.
38:00I hardly think your members would kill us.
38:02Not my members.
38:04These.
38:06Throwing more dirt, are you?
38:08I'm not throwing dirt.
38:10I'm not throwing dirt.
38:12I'm not throwing dirt.
38:14I'm not throwing dirt.
38:16I'm not throwing dirt.
38:18I'm not throwing dirt.
38:20I'm not throwing dirt.
38:23Throwing dirt, are you?
38:25I'll say it to you, Mr. Buell.
38:27I'll say it to his face.
38:29You're out to get us.
38:31Go on, then. Deny it.
38:33How long have you had this lot, Buell?
38:35Two years, I told you.
38:37To the day?
38:39Two years and a month, maybe five weeks.
38:41You're a very lucky fellow.
38:43And so are my members.
38:45Read that.
38:47He's bluffing, Mr. Buell.
38:49Oh, I am, am I?
38:51It's got the same fault and all.
38:53Too much strain on the safety grill.
38:55Run that for two years and it just falls apart.
38:57Flies around like shrapnel.
38:59You could have had a massacre here.
39:01You need new grills.
39:03Then why didn't Klugmans tell us?
39:05Because they were bought second-hand.
39:07Right, Mr. Buell?
39:09Bankrupt stock.
39:11As new, they said.
39:13My God, you're lucky.
39:15Yes, I am.
39:17Who is this, uh,
39:20Matthew Headley?
39:22That's my colleague.
39:24He also happens to be the man who saved your business.
39:26Tell him I'm obliged to.
39:28I mean that.
39:30I'll tell him.
39:32Oh, by the way,
39:34I'm shutting down all Klugman machines in my area
39:36till they get new grills.
39:38Ah, I see.
39:42Perhaps I'm obliged to you as well.
39:44Perhaps you are.
39:46But don't forget the four agreements.
39:50I still see he's bluffing.
39:54We can always find out.
39:56How?
39:58Run the lathe.
40:00But what?
40:02Wait.
40:04We're supposing he's not?
40:06I think we'd better watch from the office, Charlie.
40:14Cigar.
40:16Thanks.
40:19What can I do for you?
40:21Well, it's more what I'm going to do for you, really.
40:23Oh, you've done more than enough already.
40:25As I say, you don't owe me a thing.
40:27I'm closing you down.
40:29What?
40:31Not your shipyard, just the factory on the trading estate.
40:33Dammit, man, I'm expecting orders.
40:35From Coventry, I doubt it. Not when they hear this news.
40:37All right.
40:39I'll put something on the basic.
40:41Not 10%. That's commercial suicide.
40:43But I might manage five
40:45or even seven and a half.
40:49You could offer 100%.
40:51I'd still close you down.
40:53Let me give you a word of advice, Ford.
40:55Spite and business don't mix.
40:57You mean I should be a good loser like you?
40:59You're the worst loser I've ever met,
41:01apart from myself.
41:03Ah.
41:05You won something. Is that it?
41:07What would I want? Money.
41:09Used one-pound notes.
41:11If you like.
41:13Or why not an account on a Swiss bank?
41:15For Buell Hodge.
41:17That's where you're wrong.
41:19You're using Klugman machines out at Wimbledon, aren't you?
41:21I believe so.
41:23You know so. You know every damn thing you own.
41:25Very well, I own 23 Klugmans.
41:27Bought second-hand,
41:29bankrupt stock as new.
41:31You're remarkably well-informed.
41:33I have to be.
41:35Those machines aren't safe.
41:37Whose word have I for that, apart from yours?
41:39Klugman's.
41:41Go on.
41:43After a while, say 20 months or two years,
41:46the safety grill goes.
41:48I mean, goes off like a bomb.
41:50Klugman's told you this?
41:52The American Federation of Labour sent me their report.
41:54Fraternal help, as you might say.
41:56You wrote to them?
41:58Not a letter. A wireless message.
42:00You're going to have to get new grills fixed.
42:02It'll take a week at least!
42:06That's what Buell Hodge said in awe.
42:10You've boxed me rather neatly, haven't you?
42:12Not me.
42:14Oh, come, Forge.
42:18Matt Hedley.
42:20Your assistant?
42:22That's right.
42:24That must have been something of an embarrassment for you.
42:26I'll survive.
42:28You usually do.
42:30Even so, I can see I shall have to keep an eye on Hedley.
42:32I'm doing that already.
42:34Thanks for the cigar.
42:44Three hours.
43:00Three hours.
43:02Ah, the bugger's bluffing.
43:04No, wait.
43:06It won't hurt to wait a little longer.
43:14GUNSHOTS
43:26No, no, straight along here.
43:28All right, bet.
43:30You can't have gone down there.
43:32No!
43:34Get up!
43:36Hey, man!
43:44MUSIC
43:54Well, look at them bloody steps, man.
43:56How are we going to get up there?
43:58Come on, lads.
44:00Come on, lads.
44:02How are you?
44:04What the hell?
44:14SIGHS
44:36KNOCKING
44:38Well, I shot!
44:44KNOCKING
44:52So he said he'd keep his eye on me.
44:54He did.
44:56Better watch meself, then.
44:58You better had.
45:00Won't do you any harm at head office, though.
45:02The man has something in for you.
45:04It's not head office I'm worried about.
45:06If we came through this, we'll survive this.
45:08Well, well, well, if it isn't Jack Ford!
45:10Canny Jack!
45:13Bonny Jack!
45:15Hello, Mrs. Seaton.
45:17You out celebrating, are you?
45:19Celebrating? Why?
45:21Me sons are not speaking to each other.
45:23Me husband's not speaking to me.
45:25Me daughter's ill and her band's due any minute.
45:27Of course I'm celebrating.
45:29I'll have gin
45:31and the same for these fellas.
45:33Hey, come on, now.
45:35I think you'd better come and sit down.
45:37No, no, it's my treat.
45:39No!
45:42It's a pleasure to pay.
45:44I love you, Jack.
45:46All of you.
45:48God help us.
45:50Your Bill minding the shop, was he?
45:52Oh, he's gone to a big meeting.
45:54Tom took him.
45:56Then who?
45:58Ah, the shop can mind itself,
46:00Bonny lad.
46:02I've had enough.
46:04Slip out and get a taxi, ma.
46:06Aye, you're getting plenty of practice, aren't you?
46:08First me, then her.
46:10At least I'll be able to give you a hand this time.
46:12No, I might. You'll only embarrass her.
46:14Anyhow, it's up to me.
46:16Didn't you hear her say? She loves me.
46:18I've got one
46:20lover and I don't
46:22want two.
46:26What'll happen?
46:28There is no
46:30known.
46:32If he comes round
46:34so you better be gone.
46:37I
46:39wouldn't leave
46:41my
46:43little wood
46:45nut for
46:47you.
46:49Oh!
46:51Oh!
46:53So it's welcome to me wood
46:55house, is it, Jack? Aye, looks
46:57that way.
46:59All my life, only one
47:01man. Just the one.
47:03Me canny
47:06man that loved us and needed us.
47:10And you come along
47:14and my women wanted you
47:16and my men envied
47:18you
47:20and you give us no
47:22Jack nor a thing.
47:26I loved you all, Mrs. Seaton.
47:28I still do.
47:30Oh, love.
47:32Mothers love
47:34when their sons are let them.
47:36Wives love and all.
47:40How can you love when you're married to a shop?
47:46Jack,
47:48give a kiss, bonnie lad.
48:00What the devil?
48:03Mrs. Seaton was taken bad in the street. I brought her home.
48:05I don't believe you.
48:07It'd be better if you did.
48:11All right.
48:13She's as drunk as a lord or a lady.
48:17Aye, things got a bit much for her.
48:19Bill's not speaking to her and her sons aren't
48:21speaking to each other and she's got your wife
48:23to worry about and all and I can't say I blame her.
48:27Nor do I, Ford.
48:30Yeah.
48:34I came to tell her my wife's in the nursing home
48:36and labour's started.
48:38We'd better get better sobered up then.
48:40I haven't had all that much experience.
48:42Hi, love. What's the shop closed?
48:44You came in. Did you try the shop?
48:46Oh, sorry. Yes, it's locked.
48:48That's one thing Bill won't be able to blame her for.
48:50Do you know where the kettle is?
48:52Well, I do.
48:54We'll start off by making ourselves a cup of tea.
48:56Oh, yes.
48:58Oh, yes.
49:10Dance to the daddy, sing to the mommy
49:12Dance to the daddy, to the mommy, sing
49:20Thou shalt have the fishy, and a little dishy
49:22Thou shalt have the fishy, when the wood comes in
49:26Thou shalt have a fishy and a little dishy, Thou shalt have a haddock when the board comes
49:41in.
49:42Thou shalt have a fishy and a little dishy, Thou shalt have a bloater when the board comes
49:47in.
49:48Thou shalt have a fishy and a little dishy, Thou shalt have a mackerel when the board
49:52comes in.
49:53Thou shalt have a fishy and a little dishy, Thou shalt have a salmon when the board comes
49:59in.