- 2 days ago
As Max Kidd's company tries to secure a bid to redevelop a piece of green belt land for their business, nothing seems to be going right for them as they face losing their bid to a rival firm. However it seems that someone is working to sabotage the firm's bid, and will resort to any means to do so...
Starring Peter Blake, Bruce Payne, Dermott Crowley, Alphonsia Emmanuel, Judi Trott, Doran Godwin, Liz Crowther, Duncan Preston, John Bluthal, Jack Carr, Barrie Cookson, John Forgeham, Victoria Wicks, Alan Hunter, Bruce McGuire, Carol Leader, Sally St David, Francesca Hall, Peter Symonds, Richard Moore, John Scholes, Roger Hammond, Jonathan Lindsey, Jonathan Lacey, Tommy Eytle, Michael Mascoll and Michael Baish. This is the last I have of the Storyboard anthology series, which I originally saved from Mick's Nostalgia Channel when it was on Youtube. It's quite an absorbing edition as well, originally broadcast on August 16th 1989, as businessman Max Kidd finds out that someone is deliberately sabotaging the company's bid, little realizing that Max can play just as dirty if need be. Despite this, you'll be hoping he succeeds, but the main interest is spotting all those familiar faces that you know you've seen elsewhere but can't put a finger on it, such as Alphonsia Emmanuel (House of Cards, 1990), Duncan Preston (Surgical Spirit), Victoria Wicks (Drop the Dead Donkey) and Tommy Eytle (EastEnders Jules Tavernier from 1990-96) among a few. And keep your eyes peeled at 47 mins when Max's wife rings him from the university - in the background is none other than Marc Warren as a student. Marc later became famous for The Vice (1999-2000) and Hustle (2004-2010), but his appearance as an extra here is only his 2nd ever screen appearance!
Starring Peter Blake, Bruce Payne, Dermott Crowley, Alphonsia Emmanuel, Judi Trott, Doran Godwin, Liz Crowther, Duncan Preston, John Bluthal, Jack Carr, Barrie Cookson, John Forgeham, Victoria Wicks, Alan Hunter, Bruce McGuire, Carol Leader, Sally St David, Francesca Hall, Peter Symonds, Richard Moore, John Scholes, Roger Hammond, Jonathan Lindsey, Jonathan Lacey, Tommy Eytle, Michael Mascoll and Michael Baish. This is the last I have of the Storyboard anthology series, which I originally saved from Mick's Nostalgia Channel when it was on Youtube. It's quite an absorbing edition as well, originally broadcast on August 16th 1989, as businessman Max Kidd finds out that someone is deliberately sabotaging the company's bid, little realizing that Max can play just as dirty if need be. Despite this, you'll be hoping he succeeds, but the main interest is spotting all those familiar faces that you know you've seen elsewhere but can't put a finger on it, such as Alphonsia Emmanuel (House of Cards, 1990), Duncan Preston (Surgical Spirit), Victoria Wicks (Drop the Dead Donkey) and Tommy Eytle (EastEnders Jules Tavernier from 1990-96) among a few. And keep your eyes peeled at 47 mins when Max's wife rings him from the university - in the background is none other than Marc Warren as a student. Marc later became famous for The Vice (1999-2000) and Hustle (2004-2010), but his appearance as an extra here is only his 2nd ever screen appearance!
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TVTranscript
00:00Your unit costs are too high, Max.
00:27At least £70 a square foot, and that's a conservative estimate.
00:31Bollocks.
00:32I beg your pardon?
00:34We've done our homework.
00:35It comes out at 35 a square foot, maybe as low as 30.
00:38I can show you our figures.
00:39I'm not interested in your figures.
00:41I've made my own assessment.
00:42Oh, can I see it?
00:43No, why not?
00:44It's an internal report.
00:45It's not for public scrutiny.
00:48Supposing you've got it wrong?
00:50I haven't got it wrong.
00:51Oh, come on, Frank. Everybody makes mistakes.
00:54I don't.
00:56Well, if you're so confident, why can't I see your report?
00:59Because I work for the Development Corporation, not for you.
01:02So if you want my seal of approval, better modify your design.
01:06All right.
01:07I'll recheck our figures, but if they still stand up, I'll be back.
01:11Excuse me.
01:16Max, kid.
01:17Yes, Annie.
01:18What?
01:19Well, tell him to store them as long as he can.
01:21Tell them I'm on my way.
01:22Don't call them.
01:23Don't call them one mere way.
01:24There's a game of I'm on my way.
01:25He's all right.
01:26You're not right.
01:27See if you want my job of mine.
01:28Come on.
01:29We'll do it with you.
01:30Don't leave it.
01:31We'll do it with you.
01:32Come home on my way.
01:33Bye.
01:34We'll do it.
01:35Go to your line.
01:36Go to your line.
01:37You can see a different gamepad.
01:38Go to your line.
01:39You can see a different gamepad.
01:40Oh, my God.
02:10Oh, my God.
02:12Andrews!
02:14Andrews!
02:16Andrews!
02:18Andrews!
02:20Andrews!
02:22Morning, Mr. Kent.
02:24What the hell do you think you're doing?
02:26I'm repossessing my gear.
02:28I told you you'd get your money. My word not good enough for you.
02:32Which word would that be?
02:34One of the promised repayments three months ago, the one that swore blinded out of it,
02:36it'll be this time last week.
02:38The bank has dropped, drawn on my personal account.
02:40Now, tell them all to put it back!
02:44Change your plan, lads!
02:46We're leaving it on site!
02:50What's the excuse this time, Mr. Kidd?
02:54Excuse, officer? For what?
02:56Doing 70 down Frobisher Way.
02:58Frobisher Way?
03:00Well, it's not a restricted area, is it?
03:02Of course it bloody well is.
03:04Well, I was asked first to know there's no sign up there yet.
03:06That's the trouble with these new towns.
03:10Good morning, Mr. Cunningham.
03:26Good morning, Miss West.
03:28You're taking a chance, aren't you?
03:40Not really.
03:42Why shouldn't the director of SMK visit the corporation's public relations department?
03:46And what's the real reason?
03:48To see you, of course.
03:49You can see me any time, Gerald.
03:51You don't have to come to my office.
03:53All right.
03:55We're having a board meeting this morning
03:57to discuss the withdrawal of our tender for the lab complex.
03:59It could go either way,
04:01so I'm preparing a fallback position.
04:03Ah.
04:04So you want me to find out what the executive management committee are up to?
04:07Yes.
04:08I need to know who's for us and who's for the consortium.
04:11What if there's a majority in favor of SMK?
04:13The word must go out that SMK's in trouble.
04:16If I spread the word, I shall have to reveal my source.
04:19I'll guess it's pillow talk.
04:21Good.
04:22It'll make it more authentic.
04:24I don't mind.
04:26Do you?
04:27No.
04:28Then I'm not married.
04:29Oh, don't worry.
04:31The gossip won't reach Virginia's ears.
04:33She wouldn't be seen dead in Barclay and Thames.
04:38There you go.
04:39Thanks for the tip-off, Arthur.
04:41Oh, it's all part of the service, Mr. Kidd.
04:43What's the use of having all the gear if you haven't got anyone to work it?
04:45Yeah, it won't be long now.
04:47Not giving in, are you?
04:48That'll be the day.
04:51Oh, Mr. Kidd.
04:53I saw the show of hands at the last meeting.
04:56The lads were solid as ever.
04:58Wait till I start bringing in non-union labor.
05:01Then we'll see how solid they are.
05:02All right, lads?
05:04Yeah.
05:05Yeah, Bill.
05:06How's Dorothy?
05:07Fine.
05:08I'll give her my best.
05:09No can do, Max.
05:11She ain't talking to me.
05:12Not till a strike's over.
05:17It's a criminal waste of space.
05:19Out of a prime five-acre site, SMK are planning to use only 100,000 square feet for the labs,
05:25plus another 50,000 square feet for the accommodation block, which means the land valuation is far too low.
05:31Our brief was to make the complex blend in with the Swallow Valley.
05:34I think they've done that rather well.
05:36The consortium's done it better.
05:38There'll be information packs waiting for you at reception, gentlemen.
05:41And if you have any more questions, then I'll be happy to answer them over lunch.
05:45It's the density that worries me.
05:47The environmentalists will be up in arms if we choose the consortium's concept.
05:50Rightly, in my opinion.
05:51Oh, for Christ's sake, Richard.
05:54This is an urban development, not the green belt.
05:57If we don't maximize the land value, the Treasury are going to start getting very twitchy.
06:03Well, it's obvious we're not going to agree on this one.
06:05We'll have to make separate assessments to the management committee.
06:08They'll recommend the consortium.
06:10I'll see to that.
06:14It's a difference of opinion, Frank, not a war.
06:21The wolf pack is assembled.
06:26Oh, let them wait. Bring me a coffee, will you?
06:29Did you get there in time?
06:31Yeah. Bastard Andrews.
06:33When I think of all the business, I've put his way.
06:35Now, Max, don't get yourself all worked out.
06:37Have you had breakfast?
06:39Nah. Couldn't get out the house quick enough. God, that's hot.
06:41Well, you don't like it cold.
06:43Who'd have daughters?
06:44Oh, not again.
06:45Lois brought a new boyfriend down for the weekend.
06:47Young social worker who thinks money's the root of all evil.
06:50The pompous trendy git with the regulation of national health granny glasses.
06:53Don't drown it.
06:54How on earth did she meet him?
06:56Some sleazy cafe and he had a ballet school.
06:59I reckon he was lying in wait.
07:00I take it you didn't exactly see eye to eye.
07:02No, not exactly, no.
07:04He drank all my whiskey and then told me what Marx said about capital.
07:09I asked him which Marx he was talking about, Groucho or Chico.
07:12He didn't think that was very funny.
07:15Well, it's not.
07:16Now, you'd better get in there or they'll take the vote without you.
07:24Apologies, gentlemen. I had to go down to the Waterfield site to sort something up with the plantar people.
07:28Behind on our payments again?
07:30No, it was just a misunderstanding. Let's get started, shall we?
07:33Now, the motion is that we withdraw our bid for the new lab complex.
07:36Gerald?
07:38I tabled this motion because I believe the company is overexposed.
07:43We're not even sure we can complete on the Waterfield development.
07:46And to commit ourselves to a huge new project, in my opinion, would be the height of irresponsibility.
07:52I agree.
07:53With no end to the strike in sight, we shouldn't be competing for the lab complex.
07:58We'd have no one to build it.
08:00Couldn't we make a new offer, Max?
08:02If we could come to a settlement, I'd be all in favour of going ahead.
08:06No.
08:07We've already offered them well over the normal rate, so I'm not going to be blackmailed by a small bunch of troublemakers.
08:12This isn't a one-man band, you know.
08:14All right, then we're not going to be blackmailed.
08:16Because that's what this strike's about.
08:18The men know we're bidding for the lab complex.
08:20They need a quick settlement, so they reckon they've got us over a barrel.
08:23Well, they're right.
08:25Look, Max, we don't have a hope in hell's chance of getting this contract.
08:30If the strike's still on...
08:31The strike will not still be on when they realise we've made our final offer.
08:34That's brinkmanship. A dangerous gamble.
08:37I know these lads, Gerald. I know what makes them tick.
08:40And if we can guarantee them three years' work...
08:42If is still a gamble.
08:44And you gambled once before, remember?
08:47Got yourself into a terrible mess.
08:49It wasn't a mess. We needed more capital, that's all.
08:52You also needed a nursemaid, which is where I come in.
08:58You're still only one member of this board, Sunshine, with only one vote the same as the rest of us.
09:17Stella?
09:18Stella?
09:19Stella?
09:20In the bedroom!
09:22Do you think Lois is serious about that toe rag?
09:23Do you think Lois is serious about that toe rag?
09:27What are you doing?
09:28Packing.
09:29Why?
09:30Oh, you just don't listen, do you?
09:31Oh, you just don't listen, do you?
09:32I knew you hadn't taken it in.
09:33Taken what in?
09:34There is a special place in the room.
09:35OK.
09:36PeORY
09:41in the room.
09:42Do you think it's serious about that toe rag?
09:46do you think Lois is serious about that tail rag what are you doing packing why
09:56oh you just don't listen do you I knew you hadn't taken it in taken what in
10:02there is a special induction course for new students starting tomorrow I told
10:08you last week but the university's only just down the road you don't have to
10:11stay there yes I do it's supposed to be residential and even if it wasn't I
10:16wouldn't want to commute it's not a part-time thing so what the hell do you
10:22want to study zoology for anyway it's bloody ridiculous at your age we've been
10:25into all that and you're sitting on my towel I'm just sick of watching
10:29Australian soap operas all day I want to do something with my life yeah who is
10:34going to look after the house oh mrs. Fisher and I've asked her to stay on a
10:38cookie dinner mm-hmm don't have too many of those will you I can't can I Trotsky
10:42had the lot when you coming back at the weekend and the term doesn't start till
10:47September so we can have the whole summer together that'll be nice won't it
10:53well let's get the business out of the way first and we'll have to be quick I'm
11:03dining at the Bank of England tonight all right I think we should threaten to
11:08call in our loan to SMK that's a bit drastic isn't it well I don't mean we should
11:15actually call it in the threat should be enough for what to get rid of Max Kidd he's
11:21the sole reason the company's in such a vulnerable position thank you thanks
11:27George and who would the new chairman be or was that a naive question I could turn SMK
11:42around Tony it would be a feather in both their caps why mine because as your father-in-law I would
11:48bask in your reflected glory well it was you who suggested the loan in the first place it was also
11:55you who insisted on co-opting me onto the board so if I were to put SMK back on its feet it wouldn't
12:00do either of us any harm would it all right you can threaten to pull the rug on the strict
12:07understanding that you don't actually pull it thanks now why were you going to call me
12:14to ask you to patch it up the genie patch what up whatever it is I don't want to pry Gerald but she
12:24phoned me last night sounded rather tearful what did you say exactly nothing of any consequence but I
12:30got the distinct impression she needed a shoulder to cry on probably lonely it's her own fault she
12:36refuses to live in Barkley and if it came to a choice between genie and SMK it would be genie of
12:45course good please stay here you got your priorities right now I really must go no you stay and finish
12:52a drink I remember when I was your age one tends to think of one's career as the be-all and end-all
12:59and neglect the really important things I don't neglect genie it's not easy living 60 miles apart it's not
13:08that far I wouldn't like to think you were making my daughter unhappy Gerald you could sour our business
13:15relationship so patch it up with her there's a good chap look there's absolutely nothing between me and
13:24Marcia Thompson either I told you I did too much to drink so I spent the night on her sofa you also told me her husband was there I only told you that because I knew you wouldn't believe me I know Marcia she wouldn't make Quasimodo spend the night on her sofa if you're so worried about what I get up to in Barkley why don't you come and live at the flat I'm not worried I just don't care
13:54yes you do and if I didn't care I'd want to keep you out of the way wouldn't I but I love you and there's nothing I'd like more than for us to be together
14:14I don't know anyone in Barkley all my friends are here
14:20so am I you think I enjoy living in that god-forsaken home yes I think you do otherwise you'd have asked Eddie to appoint another troubleshooter
14:29I did I've just been to see him what did he say he said he'd think about it as soon as things resolved at SMK
14:38how long will that be not long a few weeks
14:43miss Simpson's here Simpson the reporter from the Barkley post you know they're doing a profile on you
14:52oh I've forgotten all about that look tell her she'll have to make another appointment I'm up to me eyes this morning
14:56I think that would be a mistake
14:58why
15:01well you need all the publicity you can get
15:04all right fetch her in
15:06hi
15:13hi
15:14hi
15:15something the matter
15:19no
15:20no no no have a seat
15:23thanks
15:24I'll try not to take up too much of your time Mr. Kidd
15:27I got the basic stuff on your file I just want to check it's correct
15:31born 1950
15:33left school at 16 with 1-0 level
15:36hmm escape more like
15:37in 1966 you followed your father into the plumbing trade
15:41then in 1970
15:43listen forget about the past
15:45I want to talk about now
15:47I'm gonna show you our design for the new lab complex
15:50now if we were just interested in land values we could have shoved twice as many buildings on that site
15:55but it's next to the Swallow Valley
15:57come and have a look
15:59so we've kept development to a minimum
16:02and we're planting a hundred new trees to hide it
16:05I'm interested in the future
16:08in building new cities
16:10that the next generation will rather find
16:13and of course in making sure that SNK gets as large a slice of the cake as possible
16:17you reckon you'll get the contract
16:19we have a good chance we've done a lot of work for the board
16:21get on well with them
16:23most of them
16:25who don't you get on with
16:33off the record
16:35of course
16:36well between you and me the commercial director is a bit of a pain
16:40oh
16:42Fred Rowlands
16:44yeah
16:45do you know him?
16:47I know of him
16:49how about a drink?
16:55yeah
16:56Frank Rowlands
16:57funny bloke
16:59never really did see eye to eye with him
17:01what's funny about him?
17:03I don't know
17:04nothing I could put my finger on
17:06I just don't trust him
17:07interesting
17:09why?
17:11I'm not sure I ought to tell you Mr. Kidd
17:17Max
17:20Amy
17:21cheers
17:25sir
17:26Amy
17:27now we're mates
17:29what's the story?
17:31there isn't one
17:32there isn't one
17:33well nothing specific
17:35but a few weeks ago my editor received a rather odd phone call from a man called Vandermeerver
17:40a retired business executive from Johannesburg
17:43friend of Franks?
17:44he didn't sound like a friend
17:45he was on a visit to London when he saw Franks picture of one of the Newtown brochures
17:50only he knew him under another name
17:53what name?
17:54I can't remember
17:56did you follow it up?
17:58no
17:59the editor spiked it
18:01he hadn't the resources
18:04how do you spell Vandermeerver?
18:19there you go
18:21thank you sir
18:22anything else you require?
18:23yeah
18:24what's the whiskey situation like in Johannesburg?
18:26you can have any brand you wish
18:28all right
18:29I'll have a large malt
18:31no ice
18:32grato
18:33sir
18:34morning Miss Conway
18:35Max in yet?
18:36he won't be in today Mr. Cunningham
18:37he's gone to South Africa
18:41he's what?
18:43it's only a flying visit
18:45he'll probably be back tonight
18:47then we shall just have to go ahead without him
18:50go ahead with what?
18:52I'm calling an emergency board meeting to reconsider yesterday's decision
18:56Mr. Cunningham you can't do...
18:58Mr. Cunningham
19:00you can't do that without Max
19:02if Max isn't here that's just too bad
19:04so rat up all the directors will you?
19:07tell them the meeting starts at 2.30
19:10Jonathan
19:11how's Hong Kong?
19:14oh Mr. Vandermeerver
19:16his Max kid had just got in
19:19I knew the bastard wasn't dead
19:21the suicide note and the pile of clothes on the Durban beach might have fooled the police
19:26they didn't fool me
19:28he wouldn't have had the guts to drown himself
19:30according to his CV
19:32he came from Zimbabwe
19:34well he'd have to say that wouldn't he?
19:36to explain his accent
19:38nobody can afford to come from South Africa these days
19:41George Anderson
19:47it's definitely the same bloke
19:48of course it's the same bloke
19:50and when I saw his picture in the brochure I nearly bust the gut
19:53I wanted to come up to Barkley on Thames and take a sandbox to him
19:57why didn't you?
19:58because I might have killed him
20:01he's not worth going to prison for
20:05sir Hildebrand was this dodgy architect right?
20:09right
20:10convicted of corruption 10 years ago
20:12what was Anderson's connection?
20:13he was working for the city planning department
20:15he was on Hildebrand's payroll
20:19can you prove that?
20:21prove it?
20:22after all this time?
20:24god knows where the file is now
20:26what file?
20:27hmm
20:28some of us
20:29some of Hildebrand's creditors hired a lawyer to go through the books
20:32he found evidence that several of the people in the planning department were taking bribes
20:37is this lawyer still around?
20:39not around here
20:40here Ty had moved to Cape Town about eight years ago
20:44do you think you could track him down for me Mr. van der Merver?
20:48there's an important call for Mr. Kidd
20:50thank you Brian
20:51thank you
20:53Max Kidd
20:54the Charles Court emergency board meeting for this afternoon to reconsider the bid for the lab complex
20:59oh Christ they'll vote to withdraw
21:01yes
21:02is there anything I can do?
21:05no
21:06no leave it to me
21:08thanks
21:10something's come up Mr. van der Merver
21:12I'm gonna have to go back to the hotel
21:14if the evidence still exists
21:16I'll find it
21:18I want that son of a bitch hounded right out of England
21:21why do you hate him so much?
21:23I thought it was Hildebrand who owed you money
21:28there are more important things than money
21:30Stella
21:33it's the phone for you
21:34oh thanks
21:43hello Stella
21:44it's me
21:45Max!
21:46you sound a long way away
21:47yeah I'm in South Africa
21:48you're getting your own back because I left you alone for a few days
21:51no it's business
21:53I'll be back tonight
21:54good
21:55see you at the weekend then
21:56yeah look
21:57the thing is there's an important board meeting this afternoon
21:59I'm not gonna be back in time
22:00so?
22:01I want you to be there
22:02you're still a director
22:03I need your vote
22:05no Max
22:06I don't want anything more to do with the bloody company
22:08I have my own life to lead
22:10but you have to
22:11it's absolutely vital
22:12I couldn't get away at the moment
22:15the head of department's giving a preliminary
22:17oh for god's sake
22:18and then they take you a couple of hours
22:19that's not too much to ask is it?
22:21yes darling
22:22I'm afraid it is
22:31this last area will include further subdivisions such as
22:35biochemistry, nutrition, metabolism, growth and reproduction
22:40all these studies combined with those of geographical distribution and ecology
22:45leads to an appreciation of the relation of the animal to its environment
22:49excuse me
22:50excuse me
22:51under the geographical distribution section
22:54I'm so sorry please excuse me
22:56we shall be considering latitude
22:58no miss darling what's the matter what are you doing here?
23:02dad called me he asked me to talk to you
23:04oh for heaven's sake how selfish can you get?
23:06you're the one
23:07you're the one who's being selfish mum
23:09you have to go to that board meeting
23:11no I don't
23:12I haven't been to a board meeting for years
23:15well you have to go to this one
23:16dad's in trouble
23:17oh he told you that
23:19he told me if he didn't go the company could go bankrupt
23:22so with the bank threatening to withdraw its loan we're into a new ball game gentlemen
23:33we simply can't take any more risks
23:35I still agree with Max if we won the contract for the lab complex we could use it as security
23:40no we couldn't
23:41once our previous loan had been called in it would be all over the country in an hour
23:44no bank would touch us
23:46I'm curious Gerald why should your bank call in its loan at this particular moment just when we have a chance of getting out of trouble
23:52because we defaulted on our last two payments and because there's a serious danger of the company going into receivership
23:57yes but if they did foreclose on us it would ensure the company did go into receivership
24:01I explained all that to the chairman but when he asked me for my personal opinion I had to admit I regard the lab complex bid as utter folly
24:09it doesn't sound as though he put up much of a fight
24:12I can't fight for something I don't believe in Arnold
24:14my first loyalty is to the bank
24:16and if I think the company is biting off more than it can chew
24:19then it's my duty to say so
24:21well I think we should wait until Max gets back
24:26we can't
24:27I think you mean you won't
24:28I promised Sir Anthony a decision by today
24:31so that if the board disregarded my advice he could take the appropriate action
24:35any further comments
24:37then I suggest we vote
24:38the motion is that we withdraw our bid for the lab complex
24:42all those in favour
24:43five
24:44against
24:46four
24:48I declare the motion
24:50sorry I'm late gentlemen
24:52Mrs. Kidd
24:55I won't sit down I've just popped in to register my vote
24:58but you haven't heard the motion
25:00well then perhaps you'd be good enough to repeat it for me
25:03the proposal is that we withdraw our bid for the lab complex
25:08yes
25:09I thought that's what it was
25:11well I vote against it
25:14good afternoon
25:33good luck
25:34not so far
25:47perhaps you're using the wrong bait
25:48good echo
25:50Any luck?
25:54Not so far.
25:58Perhaps you're using the wrong bait.
26:01You reckon?
26:03Fish are like people.
26:05They won't nibble unless you offer them something they want.
26:09You a fisherman then?
26:11No.
26:12Having the time.
26:14That's the difference between you and me.
26:16I've got all the time in the world.
26:18Long may it continue.
26:22I'd hate to go home empty-handed, though.
26:25Be nice to have something to show the wife.
26:30This should tide you over.
26:35I'd hate to see you working for a living.
26:48The cavalry arrived just in time.
26:59Good old Stella.
27:00McPhee called.
27:01Asked me to tell you that if you didn't settle soon,
27:03he'd be demanding another 5%.
27:05They can get stuffed.
27:06Anything else?
27:07Nothing important yet.
27:09Oh, Miss Simpson-Rack.
27:13Oh, yeah?
27:14Wanting to check something on that profile she's doing on you.
27:17She was very intrigued when I told her you were in South Africa.
27:20I bet she was.
27:23I think you've made a conquest there.
27:25You see what happens when you turn on the charm?
27:28Yeah, it's my charm.
27:29She smells a story.
27:30And is there one?
27:31Yeah.
27:33It's not for publication.
27:36Is this what I think it is?
27:38It's an uncut diamond.
27:40They're two a penny out there.
27:42No, they're not.
27:43It must have cost a fortune.
27:44I couldn't possibly accept it.
27:45I owe you far more than that.
27:48No, Max.
27:49The only thing you owe me is a story.
27:52Can't give you that.
27:53Not till I get the proof.
27:54Well, when will that be?
27:55God knows.
27:57Van Der Merver's working on it.
27:58So it doesn't look as though you'll have it in time for the management committee meeting?
28:03No.
28:06We could fool Frank into thinking I had him.
28:09We?
28:11You could go and see him.
28:13Tell him I just came back from South Africa where I spoke to a man named Van Der Merver.
28:17I could.
28:19But I'd need a quid pro quo.
28:22If and when you get your proof, you give me an exclusive.
28:27Okay.
28:28Okay?
28:30Sure.
28:31In that case, I'll throw in something else for free.
28:34See that boat over there?
28:35The one with the blue and white hull?
28:38What about it?
28:39Well, if you find out who owns it, you might be able to solve another of your problems.
28:44We are going to have to call it for a while.
28:47Virginia is going to stay.
28:48I thought she wouldn't be seen dead in Barton.
28:50I persuaded her to give it a try.
28:53You persuaded her?
28:55Yes, I pretended I was lonely.
28:58Oh, a great pretender.
29:01I had to lay her suspicions.
29:03Which of us are you pretending to tell?
29:06You know the answer to that.
29:07I'm not sure that I do.
29:09Sometimes I have the uneasy feelings.
29:11It's just my eyes and ears, you're right.
29:13Well, they're certainly very attractive.
29:15But I wouldn't want them without the rest of them.
29:17And, um, I've taken discreet sandings of the management committee.
29:28And?
29:29It's likely to be a cliffhanger.
29:31Frank Ronan's is strongly in favour of the consortium.
29:33Richard Thornton's strongly in favour of SMK.
29:36The other four are keeping open words.
29:37So Thornton's the stumbling block?
29:39Big one.
29:40The general manager, he'll have a lot of influence.
29:42You dropped a word about our financial situation.
29:47He'd already heard the rumours, but, um, he discounts them.
29:52Why?
29:53Because SMK has a reliable track record.
29:56And because he likes SMK's concept.
29:58He reckons it'll do far less damage to the environment.
30:02God preserve us from environmentalists.
30:05Is there anything I can do to change his mind?
30:09I don't, sir.
30:11Then I shall just have to go over his head.
30:14Slow down.
30:16You will have cardiac arrest.
30:18Do hurry up, Roger.
30:20Some of us have to work for a living.
30:22You shouldn't let work cut into your day.
30:25Then Sana incorporates Sanu and all that.
30:28God, you are a pain, Roger.
30:30I thought you might have mellowed since Winchester,
30:32but you're more insufferable than ever.
30:33Getting and spending, lame-waste your powers.
30:37It's a question of priorities.
30:39Yes.
30:40And my priority right now...
30:42Greetings, human.
30:44...is a drink.
30:46Carrot or fennel?
30:48Don't they have a Scotch or...
30:49Two-Cow Maltese, please, I think.
30:53So, life at the DTI is still bristling with excitement, is it?
30:58And what about you?
30:59I heard Sir Anthony's banished you out to Barclay on 10th.
31:02Not banished.
31:05He's sent me down to keep a watching brief over a 20 million pound investment.
31:09In what?
31:10A property company called SMK.
31:12Bit of a maverick outfit between you and me.
31:14Needs to be kept on a strong leash.
31:16I've heard of them.
31:17Started by a plumber, I believe.
31:19That's right.
31:20A chap called Kid.
31:22Known in banking circles as Wiz.
31:24Sugar.
31:25Well, those are the sort of people, Joaquin, to encourage.
31:28Glad to hear you're backing him.
31:30We're backing his company, not him.
31:33Kid's putting our investment in jeopardy.
31:35We're already overexposed, and if we were to win the contract,
31:38there's a strong possibility we might not be able to raise the finance.
31:41If that were to happen, I, the company, would lose its credibility.
31:47But surely your bank will be prepared to back you.
31:50No.
31:50Sir Anthony's already worried about her financial situation,
31:53and he's threatening to call in our existing loan.
31:57I see.
31:58So I wondered if you could do a little heavy breathing
32:01before they have the management committee meeting.
32:04Make sure we don't get the contract?
32:07I suppose I could breathe on the general manager.
32:11How would that do?
32:13Perfect.
32:14Right.
32:15Fancy few lengths.
32:16Don't be silly.
32:19Sir, this is the master bedroom.
32:22Bathroom or suite?
32:24Yeah, there are three bedrooms altogether.
32:26All the fitted cupboards.
32:29You've got two kids, right?
32:31Right.
32:32Ah, it's just the right size, eh?
32:35Yeah, nice and quiet, with a view over the garden.
32:40You into gardening?
32:43Not if he is.
32:45Good soil, they tell me.
32:46Very fertile.
32:48You can grab anything round here.
32:51Sir!
32:52What do you reckon?
32:54I reckon you're wasting your time.
32:55I can't afford a place like this.
32:57Yes, you can.
32:58It's a controlled rent bargain.
33:00I'm not even on the housing list.
33:02Oh, I could get you on it, Bill.
33:04I could get you right to the front of the queue.
33:06Why?
33:08Because we went at the same secondary modern.
33:11Not exactly.
33:12No.
33:13You all right here, Bill?
33:22I can't hit the strike for you, Max.
33:26I'm only one man.
33:27Man?
33:28Sheep, more like.
33:28It was a democratic decision.
33:30I've got to go along with it.
33:31It's not a democracy.
33:32It's a bloody dictatorship.
33:34You're all scared to death of McPhee.
33:36Yeah, what's the point of all this?
33:38Tell me, sonny, Bill.
33:42If it was down to you, would you go back to work?
33:46Maybe.
33:47You reckon most of the lads would do the same?
33:51Yeah.
33:52I reckon they might.
33:53Well, all you've got to do is give McPhee's marching orders.
34:00Hey!
34:00Hey!
34:00Before I ask for another show of hands, I'd like to remind you what this strike is all about.
34:05It's about us sharing in the profits we hope to create.
34:08Now, without us, Max Kidd would still be unblocking toilets, right?
34:12Yeah!
34:13To offer us a wage rise in line with inflation is an insult.
34:16Oi!
34:17Just a minute, Bill.
34:18Now, we hope to create SMK into one of the most successful property companies here in Parkley.
34:23And we expect that to be reflected in our weight bucket.
34:27I've got a question.
34:29Yes, Bill.
34:29How much did you pay for your boat?
34:33What boat?
34:37This bloody boat.
34:43It's not mine.
34:44I rented it for the day.
34:45Who from?
34:46From the owner, of course.
34:48The owners are Willowbray Enterprises.
34:53And the directors are you and your missus.
34:56What?
34:56Well, that's a smear, a dirty smear.
34:59No, it's not, brother.
35:01I checked with company's house.
35:09Good news, Gerald.
35:11The strike's over.
35:14It's what?
35:15The men are going back to work tomorrow.
35:18At the same rates we offered them six weeks ago.
35:21It's what?
35:22I'll take it.
35:22I'll take it.
35:23Congratulations.
35:24Congratulations.
35:25How did you manage it?
35:27Oh, it was nothing to do with me.
35:29The lads have elected a new local negotiator.
35:32Seems they discovered McPhee was on the take.
35:36On the take?
35:38You mean someone was actually paying him to prolong the strike?
35:42Yeah.
35:43Explains a lot, doesn't it?
35:44who do you suppose it was someone who had it in for me oh come on max aren't you being a little
35:52paranoid i don't think so and if ever i find the bastard he'll be minus a couple of kneecaps
36:00mr roland yes amy simpson from barclay post oh yes i've been looking at some of the designs
36:10for the new lab complex any idea who's going to get the nod no the management committee meets on
36:15friday to take a decision i've been trying to get hold of mr kidd for his forecast but his secretary
36:22tells me he's in south africa south africa hmm odd isn't it that he should have left the country at
36:29such an important time not really doesn't have to be here until friday i think he's gone looking for
36:36finance the rumor is that smk's credit worthiness is not what it used to be does the name vandermeerther
36:43mean anything to you no probably a bank or an investment manager or something well thank you
36:51for your time bye yes annie mr thornton for you max online one richardo no i won't accept the charges
37:04richard what can i do for you old son well actually it's what i can do for you max
37:09well that makes a pleasant change you're going to swing the vote my way right i'll do my best
37:15trouble is there are too many people around here who think like accountants don't tell me i've got
37:19the same problem here so i can't predict which way the vote will go but what i can do is give
37:24you a fair crack at the whip meaning you've heard of ackland zimmerman yeah the american drug company
37:29yeah well their president harvey phillips is flying to london tomorrow at the invitation of
37:34the consortium if they get his commitment to their design it could seal it for them
37:39you get my drift thanks mate that's one i owe you
37:43got it max harvey phillips educated at andover and caltech joined ackland zimmerman in 1966 as a junior
37:52research chemist appointed to the board in 1973 lives in california with his wife
37:56generous contributor to george bush's campaign fund uh-huh doesn't seem to have any hobbies
38:02unless you call religion a hobby religion he's a lay preacher for the golden apostles they're born
38:07again christians based in sacramento
38:09i like to think of my business as a family mr phillips
38:23you're a man after my own heart mr kid if only ackland zimmerman were smaller
38:28unfortunately big is beautiful in the drug game
38:32oh it's it's no criticism of ackland zimmerman i wouldn't dream of telling anyone else
38:37how to run their business it's just that i was brought up to believe what it says in the bible
38:42that man cannot live by bread alone you come from a religious family yes not that we were regular
38:50church goes or anything but uh every sunday morning dad used to read to us from the bible
38:56and i tell you something as a kid i couldn't wait for sunday mornings
39:02high spot of my week and now you have kids of your own two do you read the bible to them
39:07i used to they both left home now how old are they lois is 17 she's training to be a ballet dancer
39:15and tom's 19 he's out in california washing cars doesn't want to join the business no
39:21i think he'd like to work for some relief organization in the third world
39:26bible reading seemed to have rubbed off yes you might think me old-fashioned mr phillips
39:33but i believe the reason kids are in such a mess today is because they were never taught christian
39:40values so they have nothing to fall back on i don't think you're at all old-fashioned mr kid
39:45we need to let christ into our lives just as much as we ever did
39:48tell me about your plans for the berkeley-on-thames lab complex
39:53yes sure
39:55mr phillips yes i'm sandra from the consortium
40:10come in thank you
40:12sorry please have a seat
40:18well
40:24well they told me to ask you whether you've made your mind up yet
40:28about signing some letter
40:29oh you mean the letter of intent
40:31yes
40:32they said it was very important
40:34so important that they sent you to my hotel at this time of night
40:37well i had to ask you in private you see
40:40why
40:42in case you need a persuading
40:44i said to be very good at persuading people
40:47that's your job is it at the consortium
40:49not my main job
40:51where are you going
40:53i'm just one of the girls in the typing pool
40:56but sometimes they send me on special assignments
40:59there is something you can do for us
41:10yes
41:11when are you making a decision about the lab complex
41:13tomorrow
41:14and what are smk's chances
41:16pretty good
41:17i shall certainly vote for them
41:18even though they're in financial difficulties
41:20who told you that
41:22the minister had it from an unimpeachable source
41:25well smk's never let us down yet
41:28and until they do
41:28well if there's any doubt about the company's viability
41:31perhaps it might be wiser to award the contract elsewhere
41:33well maybe wiser but hardly fairer
41:37well it's your decision of course
41:38but i warn you
41:39if you do choose smk and the company then goes bankrupt
41:42the minister will take it very much a miss
41:44you've done everything possible max
41:56why don't you go home
41:57nowhere to go home to is there
41:59bloody marvellous isn't it
42:02after 20 years of marriage she finds me so boring
42:05she has to piss off and study zoology
42:07she came back when you needed her
42:09only because lois put the screws on
42:11didn't give a stuff about the company or me
42:15oh come on
42:16you know that's not true
42:19how's your love life any
42:21well you never talk about it
42:26perhaps there's nothing to talk about
42:28yeah i can't believe that
42:29dishy bird like you
42:31hmm maybe i'm too choosy
42:33well with a macho hunk like me to compare him to
42:37it must be very difficult
42:38it is difficult yes yes
42:41it's from south africa
42:44vandermerv bingo
42:47peggy thanks kid
42:52mrs roland's nice to meet you
42:55well your photograph doesn't do you justice mr kid
42:59we have business to discuss love
43:00oh right
43:02oh would you care for some coffee mr kid
43:07that would be very nice
43:07no he won't be staying long
43:09well i take it your wife doesn't know
43:17know what
43:19oh come on frank
43:21or may i call you george
43:23you know where i've been
43:26who i've been talking to
43:39what do you intend doing with this
43:40keep it in my safe
43:42we wouldn't want the press to get hold of it now would we
43:45suppose i tell the police you're trying to blackmail me
43:48blackmail
43:49who said anything about blackmail
43:52i told you
43:53i'm gonna keep it in my safe
43:55it's ten years since i came to britain
43:59in all that time i've never taken a penny i wasn't entitled to
44:03i believe you george
44:05and i hope you're not thinking of resigning
44:08barclay on thames needs you
44:10the development corporation needs you
44:12i need you
44:14so you stay put old son
44:16keep up the good work eh
44:18your brief represented an exciting challenge to us
44:30let me quote from your general manager's original letter
44:33the site is on the edge of the swallow valley
44:36the design should therefore preserve its rural character
44:40while at the same time providing modern spacious laboratories
44:43an accommodation for the scientists and researchers
44:46the corporation wishes to attract
44:47barclay on thames
44:50well we've done that
44:54we believe we've got the balance exactly right
44:58for every square foot of building we've left two square feet of open space
45:03and despite what others may tell you
45:06the unit costs will be no more than 35 pounds a square foot
45:09so if you have any questions i'll be happy to answer them
45:12there is something i'd like to ask you max
45:16can you give me your personal assurance that smk is financially sound
45:20yes
45:21would you mind if we talked to your accountant
45:24yes i bloody well would
45:27i don't see why we should be treated like this after all the work we've done for you
45:30come in
45:32excuse me mr kidd this just came for you by special messenger
45:38thank you max we'll be in touch as soon as we've reached a decision
46:03well we've got ackland zimmerman's endorsement committing their company to leasing a third of the lab complex
46:15conditional on our design being accepted
46:17that should seal it for us
46:18that's terrific
46:20how do you pull it off
46:22well annie there are two things that can move a mountain
46:25faith and a woman
46:27put them together they're unstoppable
46:29what woman
46:30apparently a hawker turned up at harvey phillips room
46:33just after i left the consortium center
46:35consortium wouldn't do that
46:38well somebody did
46:46who's for smk
46:54four
46:58that's a majority
47:00so there's no need to vote on the consortium's concept
47:03what
47:07look what's going on there you have an orgy or what
47:11who did you say got the land on check
47:13dad check
47:15that's terrific
47:17congratulations
47:18look i feel like celebrating can you get back in time for dinner tonight
47:21just going out to get some chinese take away
47:23i'll give you
47:24yeah but look i've got a present for you
47:26are you coming stella
47:27yeah
47:28yeah lovely
47:29bye see you tomorrow
47:30bye see you tomorrow
47:31all right
47:33i wish you'd take the blood of diamond
47:47no thanks
47:48thanks
47:49why not
47:50you're supposed to be a girl's best friend
47:51my best friend's my word processor
47:53which reminds me
47:54you promised me the roland story
47:56if and when i got the proof
47:58unfortunately according to vandamova the fire was destroyed
48:01lucky you didn't need it then
48:03i'll make it up to you
48:05how about a job
48:07at smk
48:09i'm a journalist not a businesswoman
48:12what could i do
48:13you could be
48:14executive in charge of inter-office moments
48:17i don't need a reward max
48:20i'm just glad to have helped
48:22well here's to your word for it
48:25salude
48:27i could say to us
48:29i could call us a lot of demos
48:31absolutely
48:32where's your wife
48:36where's your wife
48:37eating chinese takeaways with a bunch of students
48:39trying to regain a lost youth
48:51hello
48:52hi
48:53jack
48:55what
48:59well thanks for letting me know
49:06hi
49:07hi
49:08hi
49:09hi
49:12bad news
49:13so
49:14the roland's file was destroyed was it
49:17that's right
49:18you're a liar max
49:21vandamova gave you the proof and you used it to put the screws on
49:24what makes you think that
49:26frank roland's has committed suicide
49:28his wife found him in the garage with a car engine running
49:31it's just as well i didn't give you the story then
49:33if you'd run it you'd be feeling pretty guilty by now wouldn't you
49:36and you don't
49:37do you know why vandamova hated frank so much
49:41his son worked in the same planning department in johannesburg
49:44frank did a disappearing act
49:46leaving vandamova junior to carry the cab
49:49the kid went to jail
49:51and hanged himself in his cell
49:53so the answer is no
49:55i don't feel in the slightest bit guilty
49:57and double crossing me
49:59i didn't double cross you love
50:01could still have your exclusive
50:06i'm not very hungry i'd like to go
50:08okay fine
50:09no no you stay here
50:11i'll take a cab
50:17yes sir
50:19i'll have prawn cocktail and phillips steak medium wrap please
50:22you'll be dining alone tonight then sir
50:24that's right yes and bring me the wine list
50:38with the fabulous
50:42the whole kitchen
50:49yeah
50:55is
50:57that's all
50:59i don't know
51:00i don't know
51:02i don't know
51:03i don't know
51:04i don't know