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Call the Midwife S14E09 Christmas Specials 2025
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00:00Old, and closed, and packed away.
00:04Advent had erupted into Christmas.
00:07Darkness retreated in the face of light.
00:11And the wheel of the year kept turning.
00:15But once again we gather, as the sky grows cold.
00:20The leaves have tumbled, the fresh snow falls.
00:25Pages turn as new doors open.
00:28Time, and time, and time again.
00:33Merry Christmas, Greg.
00:34Merry Christmas.
00:38Medical supplies packed and labelled,
00:41and ready for hand delivery to the brunch house.
00:44A biscuits clinic?
00:45You think you should write on it in Chinese?
00:47Hong Kong is a British colony.
00:50I'm quite sure everyone is competent in our mother tongue.
00:54I detect a wanton enthusiasm in your visit.
00:58When adventure beckons, you should embrace the couple.
01:02This trip is a wonderful opportunity for Violet to see her son.
01:06And the sisters at the clinic will be so grateful for these supplies.
01:11I'll just be glad of a chance to run an errand, if I'm honest with your sister Julian.
01:14And then there's talk of cocktail parties.
01:18Kevin, I've told you before, stay inside the lines.
01:45The lines represent the edges of the lorry.
01:52You too, Teddy.
01:54We don't want you falling off the float and getting run over.
01:57Do you think they're going to need bigger roles for their mouths, Mrs Turner?
02:01I'm worried that they're going to be deprived of oxygen.
02:03Oh, please, please, don't anyone stop singing on my account.
02:11Hello, Diane.
02:12Oh, now, Pack, what do we say when a very important lady, like Mrs Buckle, our mayor, is kind enough to come and visit us?
02:29Good evening, Mrs Buckle.
02:33Thank you, Pack.
02:34Now, off you pop and work on your knots.
02:37It's all set out on the tables.
02:39One piece of cord between two.
02:43I've bought a dozen pairs of brown tights for the reindeer.
02:47I managed to get them on a special order.
02:49Well, you'll not get lads of this age to wear tights, Mrs Buckle.
02:53Well, you'll have to tell them that it's in a good course.
02:56I mean, the whole Christmas carnival is in a good course.
03:00Erm, elastic.
03:03Black felt squares.
03:05Erm, sleigh bells.
03:07And WD-40.
03:09What's that for, to oil the sled runners?
03:12Fred needs to do the paper shop bell before we leave.
03:16Mrs Buckle, go.
03:18Go to Hong Kong.
03:20And do not give the Christmas carnival a second thought.
03:33Oh, Mrs Buckle!
03:36I'm sorry.
03:37I'm sorry, Mrs Turner.
03:39I'm not quite sure which way is up this evening.
03:42I wondered if you could take a tiny parcel to Hong Kong for me.
03:46It's a letter and some photographs for May's mother.
03:51We haven't heard from her for over a year.
03:54But the sisters say they still see her from time to time with her little boy.
03:58Of course, I'll take it.
03:59It must all be, well, such a worry.
04:02I used to fret about my Derek when he was in the Navy,
04:05but now he's in the Hong Kong police.
04:08They have to wear guns, Mrs Turner.
04:12It makes me nervous.
04:14You'll be back by Christmas with wonderful memories.
04:18And we've got Reggie coming home.
04:20I'm already hoping that it will be snowing for him.
04:24Whoever guesses the mystery ingredient in this year's chutney
04:30gets to eat the first mince pie and make a wish.
04:32I'm getting definite top notes of tamarind.
04:37Have you been on another cooking course?
04:38No, Matthew took her to Antigua for their wedding anniversary.
04:43It's mango.
04:44Yes!
04:48It's good to hear you're moving back to London, lass.
04:51Matthew has to stay in New York until autumn.
04:54And Jonti's starting pre-prep at Easter.
04:57I needed to get him home and settled.
04:59Sister Julianne, I will be free for midwifery duty,
05:02should you be short-staffed.
05:03We very seldom are at present.
05:07Things have been remarkably quiet.
05:09I have offered her a receptionist role
05:10at my new osteopathy practice on Harley Street,
05:13but no dice, apparently.
05:15You're only there four hours a week.
05:16Nevertheless, his couch sees a constant parade of celebrities,
05:20by all accounts.
05:22Celebrities!
05:23Coming to you with their crooked necks.
05:24I hope you're going to name names.
05:26Professional discretion is my watchword.
05:29Have a mince pie.
05:30Fred, have you seen the time?
05:40We're going to miss the plane.
05:42The party was running late,
05:43and I didn't want to disappoint the kiddies.
05:45Get in the cap.
05:46You can change out who you've got costume on the way.
05:48The party was running late,
06:18Please, let me knock my hanky and put it on my head, Vi.
06:31No, we'll get you a nice, smart Panama hat
06:34as soon as we've left these parcels with the sisters.
06:38Er, we're looking for a sign that says Hibiscus Street.
06:43Derek says it should be written in Chinese as well as English.
06:47Beach?
06:56I look like my farts,
06:57Tomultson.
07:00There he is.
07:03There he is.
07:04There he is.
07:06There he is.
07:07There he is.
07:08There he is.
07:10There he is.
07:10The burning is collapsed, stay back please.
07:17The burning is collapsed, please stay back.
07:21Kido!
07:23Kido!
07:25Kido!
07:27Kido!
07:29Kido!
07:31Kido!
07:33Kido!
07:35Kido!
07:37Kido!
07:39Kido!
07:41Kido!
07:43There must be fatalities.
07:46Kido!
07:47Kido!
07:49I'm sorry to intercept you, sister, but Mrs. Buckle has just telephoned from Hong Kong.
07:58It's about the branch house.
08:00How on earth can an entire building just collapse?
08:05I've never heard of anything so colonial.
08:07There were rumours that the ground in that area was unstable.
08:11But whatever the cause, it's the consequences that are truly shocking.
08:15Sister Alice and Sister David were both killed.
08:18Oh no.
08:19Along with the doctor who worked with them.
08:21Some of the children in the nursery did not survive.
08:24Meanwhile, the maternity ward has been destroyed.
08:28The sisters are homeless.
08:29And the people who depend upon them are scattered across Kowloon.
08:33Once they have overcome this, they will need somewhere to live and carry on their work.
08:38Now, they need a doctor.
08:40They need nurses and they need midwives.
08:43In short, sister, they need us.
08:50I keep thinking we should be making Christmas trees for the carnival, not palm trees.
08:55The theme of the float.
08:56It's a Caribbean Christmas.
08:58There's going to be a steel band playing carols.
09:01And a gospel choir.
09:03Lovely.
09:04Are these the palm trees?
09:10Mm-hmm.
09:11I'm starting to think we should be making jacarandas.
09:14So, what's this letter you want to talk to me about?
09:21If ten days on the ground in Hong Kong means that we can get them through this crisis,
09:26I am more than happy to put a locum in the surgery.
09:28And, Sister Veronica, you must go.
09:31You were three years at that ranch house.
09:33You're the only one with even a glancing knowledge of the way things work out there.
09:37I will go wherever I'm told.
09:39I will do whatever I'm told.
09:41Very well.
09:42Dr. Turner will go.
09:43As will Nurse Crane, Sister Veronica, and myself.
09:48So, this man, this Mr. Fisher, who writes with an educated hand from an address in Belgravia,
09:56wants to rent this flat with immediate effect?
09:59For a period of time that he is unable to specify.
10:02For an amount that we are free to name.
10:06You'll call me ruthless if you want to.
10:08But, Pastor Robinson, what I make of it is money for the church.
10:13Running a church is always going to cost somebody something.
10:16I'll find somewhere else to lay my head for a week or two.
10:19The truth is, I'm more worried about me missing you over there than I am about me being missed over here.
10:25You were vital to everything when we were in South Africa.
10:29And I came home with Teddy on the way.
10:32Look, Timothy is quite old enough to hold the fort if you came to Hong Kong.
10:38He's home on study leave for a month.
10:41Patrick, I'm needed here.
10:47That's the last box, Miss Higgins.
10:52Dr. Elise Watkiss is our first choice for locum cover.
10:56She's young but has excellent GP experience.
10:59I will attend to the necessary paperwork.
11:01Timothy, you might call the pharmacy regarding the export forms whilst I see to this.
11:06Yes, Miss Higgins.
11:08The posters have turned out an absolute treat.
11:11I found a photo that must have been taken years ago.
11:14And you'll never guess what.
11:15You can see it clear as day now it's blown up life-size.
11:19What's that?
11:21Well, look.
11:22Oh, it's me as a baby.
11:26Before we even knew her.
11:28I would recognize her anywhere.
11:32Come on, ladies.
11:33Dig as deep as you can.
11:34Merry Christmas.
11:35Merry Christmas.
11:36Thank you very much.
11:38Every penny counts.
11:39Don't be shy.
11:48Some of these clothes are ours, Mom.
11:50Yes.
11:51I went up into the loft and there were bags full of Woolies that went back years.
11:56This was mine.
11:57I remember this.
11:59You had it when you first arrived from China.
12:05Would you rather we didn't send it off?
12:07Yes.
12:08The radio reporter says, ready when you are.
12:13Ten-year-old May Turner has a special reason for helping with the appeal today.
12:16Can you tell the listeners what it is, May?
12:18I was born there.
12:19A photograph of May, aged 12 months and held safely in the arms of a Nunatus nun features
12:28on posters for the rescue mission.
12:30As the Nunatus sisters are popular, head east to help.
12:33Do you have a message for people listening, May?
12:35Please give all you can.
12:36Because...
12:37Some of the children there have nothing.
12:52I think.
12:57Sister Hilda will be joining the Nunatus party at Heathrow.
13:01At least that's only one plane we have to meet, Fred.
13:05Derek, you're eating the lime marmalade.
13:08I'm not going to lie to you.
13:10I've laid awake at night dreaming of this stuff.
13:13Thanks for bringing it.
13:14And the mustard.
13:15Proper taste at home.
13:16It's even got English written on the tin.
13:19Fred and I were wondering about popping over to Kowloon
13:22to see if there's anything we can take the poor sisters.
13:25Mum, Kowloon isn't the East End.
13:28Nobody pops over there.
13:29Not to that bit of it, anyway.
13:31Hibiscus Street's about as dodgy as it gets.
13:34Drugs, prostitution, smuggling.
13:36Makes you wonder why the sisters are so keen to stay there.
13:40Well, it's the same as popular, innit?
13:41Bad things happen.
13:43Good people sort you out.
13:44Best people in the world couldn't sort Triad out.
13:46What is Triad, Derek?
13:48Organised crime.
13:50It's invisible and it's everywhere.
13:53I got used to Tim not being here because he's at medical school.
13:59What I can't get used to is him not being here because he's in the pub.
14:03Mum and Dad.
14:07You should be in bed, Tillie Mint.
14:11We've been talking.
14:12Oh, it's very late.
14:13We've all been talking.
14:15And we all want you to go to Hong Kong, Mum.
14:18Do you?
14:20Yes.
14:21And I want you to take this.
14:24And that was confirmation that you can refer any health visitor business over to Miss Haynes at the Stepney Clinic.
14:39If I say so myself, the plan is impregnable.
14:42You, meanwhile, are the only one I trust with my Rolodex.
14:46I will guard it with my life.
14:48And Nurse Elwood considers herself on call at any time should you require her support with any administration.
14:54I'm also available for midwifery duty. You only have to pick up the phone.
14:59It's most unlikely that it will come to that.
15:06This is a mercy mission.
15:08It's also a mercy dash and we'll be home soon.
15:11By the time we all gather here again, we will have left our friends in Hong Kong in a place of hope and of comfort and of joy.
15:24Thank you, all of you, for helping us to help them.
15:58but undetermined.
16:02They'll all be home by Christmas.
16:05That was our motto.
16:07In a different womb.
16:18I still don't like the idea of you living in a bed seat,
16:22like you'd just come off the boat.
16:24It's a better bed seat than I had in those days.
16:26It's got fitted carpets and hot water.
16:53Oh.
16:54You, I take it, are Pastor C.A. Robinson
16:57of the Shining Tabernacle Church of God?
17:01And you must be Mr. Fisher.
17:04Please, come in.
17:09We got rid of the electric meter
17:11to stop the lights going out when people were testifying.
17:14And this is the bedroom.
17:16We put up thick curtains
17:29so the trains won't bother you in the night.
17:33Well, the trains won't bother me at any time of day.
17:36We got rid of the кабinfτού in the night.
17:37We got rid of the dampune.
17:37We got rid of the light Sorryt.
17:38Do you want to stop the light?
17:39What?
17:44What?
17:45Go, go, go.
17:48What?
17:53Go, Hawk.
17:57Go, go.
17:58Go,EC.
18:02Go.
18:02Go, go, go.
18:03Go, go.
18:03Go, go.
18:04I thought you'd be saying lords in your room, Sister Monica-Joan.
18:20In Hong Kong, they will be saying the afternoon office.
18:25And the sum does not vary,
18:28no matter from which corner of the globe we offer up our praise.
18:32I shall raise my voice with yours and theirs.
19:02In Hong Kong, I live to take a party's love.
19:04In Hong Kong, it's on my perspective.
19:11Thank you so much for having me tomorrow.
19:16Oh!
19:19Oh!
19:21Oh!
19:22Oh!
19:23Oh!
19:24Oh!
19:25Oh!
19:26Oh!
19:27Oh!
19:28Oh!
19:29Oh!
19:30Oh!
19:31Oh!
19:32Oh!
19:33Oh!
19:34Oh!
19:35Oh!
19:36The thing is, Dr. Turner, you just have to keep your nerve.
19:40I haven't lost my nerve, Fred.
19:42I have lost sight of the van containing all of the medical supplies and the donations.
19:47I told the driver at the airport I said they were to follow immediately behind us.
19:52I wonder what you were saying.
19:54You sounded commendably forceful.
19:56We just have to hope you said what you thought you said.
19:59If we have any problems whatsoever, my Derek has told me which police station to go to and to use his name.
20:07Is this one of our sisters?
20:08Ooh!
20:09Oh!
20:10Oh!
20:11Oh!
20:12Oh!
20:13Oh!
20:15Oh!
20:16Oh!
20:17Oh!
20:18Oh!
20:19Oh!
20:20Oh!
20:21Oh!
20:22Oh!
20:23Oh!
20:24Oh!
20:25Oh!
20:26Oh!
20:27Oh!
20:28Oh!
20:29Oh!
20:30Oh!
20:31Oh!
20:32Oh!
20:33Oh!
20:34I greet you in the Lord Jesus Christ's name.
20:35Oh!
20:36Likewise.
20:44There is much to be considered.
20:50Seven day.
20:51I have them upstairs.
20:53Sick nun, sick children.
20:56And we could not be more grateful.
20:59See that term, Cantonese.
21:02I know.
21:03Thank you, not important.
21:05Trouble.
21:06I know also, you have trouble.
21:09Come, help.
21:22We can't all be living here.
21:28Onward, I can hear the child crying.
21:35Don't fall.
21:50I believe Sister Simon will need to go to hospital and have her wrist reset under anaesthetic.
21:56And I suspect Sister Prudence has a broken collar bone.
22:00We're going to have to stand them all down and send them for hospital treatment.
22:07When did the diarrhea start?
22:09Before the cough arrived?
22:10Doctor, I know what ails me.
22:13It ails me.
22:14I have tuberculosis.
22:15Are you sure?
22:16Or do you simply fear it?
22:17Miliary tuberculosis.
22:18The worst kind.
22:19Tuberculosis is so very contagious.
22:20It has spread from my lungs throughout my body.
22:21I have little time left to live.
22:22When were you diagnosed?
22:23The day the clinic collapsed.
22:24I was told by our doctor, Dr. Lee.
22:25I took myself out for a walk whilst she arranged for me to go to a sanatorium.
22:31And when I returned, there was no clinic.
22:36And no doctor.
22:50No doctor.
22:58No bed in a sanatorium.
23:00And no choice but to carry on handling the children.
23:04Your kindness, just doing my job, love.
23:22At least the main treatment for preeclampsia is bed rest.
23:26Both these ladies have had that.
23:29Rule Dementia, though the beds may be.
23:31Once we've unpacked, I'll ask them to oblige me with some samples
23:35and get the dipsticks out.
23:40This is infected. I don't think it's been properly cleaned.
23:43Is it any wonder with them all huddled up here
23:46without even the barest essentials?
23:48Not to mention ignoring their own injuries.
23:52If you ask me, the sisters work miracles enough
23:55just keeping everyone alive.
23:58And now it's our turn.
24:02This place reminds me of a cash and carry.
24:05There must be a gross of tin bamboo shoots in this box
24:09and enough soy sauce to float about with it.
24:12Do you reckon Mrs Marr would mind if we move stuff about?
24:16We'll have to ask her, Fred.
24:18I know she's a Christian convert and she has been very accommodating,
24:22but these are her premises.
24:25I need the labelled quaint of medical supplies, Fred.
24:28We have to run urgent TB tests on everyone.
24:31Over here, Doc.
24:32Excellent. Excellent.
24:36No.
24:39No, no, no, no.
24:40These have been forced open.
24:47It's all gone.
24:50Is that the new Vista Sanatorium?
24:53Ngoy, I have a very sick lady who requires urgent admission.
24:59Koy Hu Ben.
25:00Ngoy Sai.
25:01You have been charity itself, Mrs Marr.
25:04I'll hold.
25:04You took the sisters in and gave them food and shelter.
25:08Only to your rescue.
25:10You are rescue.
25:11Now you're all gone.
25:12But we have nowhere else to go.
25:15We will find a new clinic.
25:17We will find a new convent.
25:19But we cannot do that today.
25:22It's not safe.
25:24Why is it not safe?
25:25You stay.
25:31Stay now.
25:33But go soon.
25:34And use back door, not front.
25:44Linata's house.
25:45Midwife speaking.
25:46Can I bring my wife to the maternity home, please?
25:48Of course, sir.
25:50What name is it?
25:52She says what name?
25:53Diane Mary Edgar!
25:57Diane Mary Edgar!
26:02I made myself a cup of coffee, Miss Higgins.
26:04Do you want?
26:05Er, thank you.
26:06I generally keep myself in check until elevens is.
26:11Your white coat should be hanging on the back of the door of the consulting room.
26:15Would you like me to fetch it?
26:16It's fine.
26:17I don't need it yet.
26:18We've got bad coughs coming in at half past nine and ten past ten and at eleven,
26:22all in the over-fifty age group.
26:24Have these patients been referred to the East London Chest Clinic?
26:27I'm sure they have, if Dr. Turner considers that appropriate.
26:31Excellent.
26:33I'll have a quick rummage through their notes just to make sure.
26:35The files are through here, aren't they?
26:36They are indeed.
26:38No fluids in the filing room, if you'd be so kind.
26:40Perfect work.
26:54You certainly know what you're doing.
26:56Oh, I feel terrible about bringing those reindeer heads.
27:00I'd have never got them finished otherwise.
27:02Good morning.
27:03May I help you?
27:04My name's Queenie Forsythe.
27:06My daughter's in child bed.
27:07We arrived last night.
27:11There are six massive pushes I've done now.
27:15It's not budging, nurse.
27:17Let's get you back on the bed, and then I can examine you.
27:21We'll soon have a better idea of your progress.
27:23I'm telling you now, there hasn't been any.
27:26This one's not playing the same game as my others.
27:29Midwife's calling.
27:49Good gracious.
27:50It's like the first day of the sales in here.
27:52Can we open one of those windows and let in a bit of air?
27:56How long have you been feeling that you need to push, child?
27:58I don't know.
28:00Every time they yell at me to push, I try.
28:03Five hours.
28:04Five hours, she's been answered.
28:07Okay, honey.
28:09Until we know what's what, you must not push.
28:11Do you hear me?
28:12You must not push.
28:14I am not a bossy woman, but I am being bossy now.
28:21How much did your other babies weigh, Diane?
28:23Seven pounds, six and eight pounds, nine.
28:25Darren was like giving birth to a sofa.
28:27Oh, this one feels like a ruddy three-piece suite and a coffee table.
28:31I think baby might be on the bonny side, but I don't think he's read the book that tells
28:37him how to line up nicely for delivery.
28:39Doctor, could you pop across and speak to Dr. Watkins?
28:43Yes.
28:44It's R-O-T.
28:49A right occipitotransverse.
28:52I'm quite a big baby, but my dad, Dr. Turner, always attends in the event of any transverse
28:58position.
28:59Well, I'd better come through then.
29:02That poor girl started pushing long, long before she was ready.
29:06Has she damaged her cervix?
29:07It's not torn, but it's so swollen.
29:09I can actually see it at the entrance to her vagina.
29:13No, baby's going to get through that unless we bring that swelling down.
29:17We need ice.
29:19Ice?
29:20I think I saw a refrigerator.
29:23If we don't make this work, she'll need a cesarean section.
29:27Diane, don't cry.
29:29There are all sorts of things we can do to get things moving.
29:33Would Dr. Turner try the von Toos, do you think?
29:36No.
29:37He always uses forceps in a transverse position.
29:40In which case, we'll continue with trial of labour.
29:49We'll transfer you to St. Cuthbert's if we get no joy.
30:01Timothy, this won't do.
30:05Nanauta's house.
30:06If you pursue midwives, they are all abroad.
30:09Or otherwise at large.
30:11Is there nobody there at all?
30:13Nurse Clifford has a multi-parous woman in obstructed labour.
30:17And the locum doesn't know how to use forceps.
30:19Supply the details.
30:21And I will provide the advice.
30:24You're going to be grateful to me in the long run,
30:27but I'm not going to lie to you and say this ice pack
30:30is the nicest thing you ever had, slip underneath your covers.
30:35Are you allowed to have things like that?
30:37Because I don't get the chance very often.
30:45It's freezing!
30:47Serves you right for being disrespectful.
30:53Diane, we need you head down and with your bottom in the air.
30:57This position will stretch your pelvic ligaments
31:01and give the baby enough room to adjust its head position.
31:04I hope you have that and go to foray.
31:06The best authority you can possibly imagine.
31:11Let her have a little nap.
31:14Is there anything else wrong with her?
31:16I don't think so.
31:18But Queenie, women need skilled help when they're given birth.
31:21Especially when it's their first.
31:22I took her to the doctor when she first knew that she'd fallen.
31:26We were up in the far north then.
31:28She'll forget where you've been.
31:31I haven't decided where you're going.
31:34And besides, I went to the hospital with me last one.
31:38I wouldn't venture that again.
31:40I'll examine her.
31:42Let's hope it's worked.
31:43I just want to lie down.
31:47Baby has shifted position, Diane.
31:50All we need to do now is make plays with gravity.
31:56I'm going to have to push.
31:58That's all right, Diane.
31:59You give it everything you've got.
32:02This is the bit where I'm glad I did the enema.
32:08I feared verbal instructions alone.
32:12Would not suffice.
32:13The verbal instruction has done more than you could possibly imagine.
32:16Baby's head is beginning to crown.
32:21The swelling has gone down, Marie.
32:23But I need you to do exactly as I say.
32:26Listen to Nurse Hyland.
32:27On the next one, I want your chin on your chest.
32:30And a slow, quiet, steady push.
32:34Slow.
32:35Slow.
32:37Quiet.
32:38Steady.
32:38We've got the head.
32:48Come on.
32:49You can do it.
32:51Keep it coming.
32:52Keep it coming.
32:53Keep it coming.
32:53Is he a boy or a girl?
33:02I'm afraid I can't tell.
33:03I've got something in my eye.
33:04Can you see Sister Monica Joan?
33:10I can see every aspect of the miracle.
33:14You have a daughter.
33:15This stinging will end soon, Marie.
33:26Just breathe.
33:27Just breathe.
33:29And we have a head.
33:32Stand down, honey.
33:35We also have my cornea.
33:37The midwife says we need an ambulance.
33:42Oh, boy.
33:43Oh, boy.
34:13You have a little boy, Marie.
34:16I want him.
34:18All will be well, Marie.
34:19I promise you, all will be well.
34:32He must be baptised.
34:34Now.
34:35But there will be a chaplain at the hospital, Queenie.
34:36This is his home.
34:38And he is not leaving his mother's arms until he is baptised.
34:41Well, Dr. Watkiss's curriculum vitae stated very clearly she is fully trained in obstetrics.
34:53She has now revealed that in almost five years of GP practice, she has only delivered two babies,
34:59neither with any complications.
35:00That's the way it is these days.
35:02We're all trained in obstetrics, but the expectation is that almost every baby will be born in hospital.
35:08Dr. Watkiss wanted to continue trial of labour, but we couldn't countermand her because she's more senior.
35:14And next time we may not have Sister Monica Joan to call on.
35:18Any wisdom I have was hard won in the days when there might have been no doctor to send for.
35:23We were wise out of necessity.
35:27And you are skilled in your own right.
35:31Nevertheless, I will not permit this to happen again.
35:36I am sending for Nurse Elwood.
35:42Lord Jesus Christ, who took little children in your arms and blessed them,
35:47hold this infant, Luke Michael, in your matchless love, today and always.
35:54Fill his mother and father with your peace, and cherish him according to thy will.
36:01Amen.
36:02Amen.
36:03Amen.
36:04Amen.
36:04I keep thinking.
36:15May's mother was a nanny for a British service family.
36:18Is it worth asking if the army have any record of her?
36:23She would have just been cheap, casual labour.
36:28After she lost her job, she must have been desperate.
36:30And where would desperation take you in a city of this size?
36:37We have to find out.
36:41Esther Tan gave us the greatest gift we've ever had.
36:44And we can't abandon her.
36:47No, we can't.
36:57Sister Hilda.
36:57Are you lying awake for the same reason that I'm lying awake?
37:02I don't know.
37:05Well, I'm lying awake because we've flown halfway around the world on a rescue mission.
37:11And if we get thrown out of this place by Mrs. Marr, we're going to be in as much need of rescue as anyone else.
37:16The injured and the six sisters are leaving in the morning.
37:23Sister Edith to the sanatorium and the other sisters to the Roman Catholic Hospital.
37:27We have orphans to care for and expectant mothers, any one of whom could have caught TB.
37:34And out in the street, there are prostitutes and addicts who will look to ask for help.
37:38I know there are, but we will pray and we will wait to see what love can do.
37:45Well, I know.
38:06¶¶
38:35I'm sorry, Miss Higgins. I've been through all of these cases,
38:52and there are at least half a dozen who should be at St Cuthbert's and not here.
38:55Well, Mr Parry himself expressed satisfaction with our care.
38:59Good afternoon, ladies. Dr Watkiss, I presume?
39:03Nurse Aylward.
39:04Sister Aylward, as it happens, I've accepted a promotion during the absence of Dr Turner,
39:09under whom I've worked for 16 years ever since I qualified.
39:15So we have three mothers over 40, two gestational diabetes, and Maureen Santaro, I know already.
39:22She had her first set of twins with us. Second set isn't unheard of.
39:25I've never handled a multiple pregnancy, sister.
39:28Well, there's always a first time.
39:29Dr Watkiss and I will call ourselves Cubicle 1, send them all to us, and we'll see how we do.
39:34Hello?
39:45Queenie!
39:47Have you brought Marie?
39:49She's still above in the hospital with the baby.
39:51He's after taking the antibiotics.
39:53She's doing grand.
39:54It's me that needs to see you.
40:00Are you expecting, Queenie?
40:03Under this coat and having me ninth?
40:06You don't shout about it when you get to my age.
40:09But I heard what you and the other nurse was saying.
40:15I need skill to help.
40:17If you want it, we'll make sure you get it.
40:19I do want it.
40:21My last was a stillborn.
40:24Even though I had it in hospital.
40:26I'm so sorry that happened to you, Queenie.
40:31We're going to walk beside you now.
40:33Oh.
40:33I'll start by filling in your co-op card.
40:47Oh.
40:49A tin of carnation milk, if you please.
40:53Ah, and, um, a quarter of humbugs, if you'll be so kind.
41:00Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no.
41:01Perhaps just two ounces.
41:02I do not consume them in any conspicuous place.
41:05You don't want them all turning sticky at the bottom of the bag.
41:09No.
41:17Oh.
41:19I thought I heard that.
41:21It catches.
41:23Isn't it?
41:27I think Mr. Buckle was supposed to oil it before he went away.
41:30He must have forgotten.
41:32But then I...
41:33I thought I'd imagined it.
41:38It catches.
41:43It's all very well and good complaining that all the people who can deliver babies have gone to Hong Kong.
41:50I'm more concerned that all the people who can sew have gone to Hong Kong.
41:52You're always waving your magic wand and producing costumes, Geoffrey, and no one's going to see the details.
41:58It's for a carnival.
42:00Everything's going to be moving past at speed.
42:02Well, moving past.
42:04I'm an ideas man and a contacts man.
42:07I'm not a needle and thread man.
42:09And it was not my idea to dress up the midwives of Ninata's house as angels complete with ostrich feather wings.
42:15I thought we could do it with just a bit of cotton and sticking.
42:18Like grizzling in our Christmas trees.
42:20They're palm trees.
42:21I heard rumours the sewing machine was out.
42:24Angela just tried on her spoon costume and ripped it.
42:28You look like you could do with a snowball, honey.
42:31Do you want some maraschino cherry in it?
42:33I'll have to.
42:33What sort of wounds have they taught you to suture at medical school?
42:38Oh, well, highlights include closure of incision after two appendectomies.
42:42And I did a rugby player's scalp once.
42:45Needle, thread.
42:46If you want a cocktail, you're going to have to earn it.
42:48This is not the way I intended my service to end.
43:06It's a patient in a sanatorium.
43:10You have given all you can, Sister Edith.
43:13That is enough and more.
43:15It was the children I lived for and loved the best.
43:21I remember your daughter well.
43:24May?
43:25Oh, she's ten years old now.
43:28And so many children passed through the orphanage.
43:32I took medicine to her mother, Esther.
43:39Three months ago, she was living out on Tower Street, number 122.
43:44The numbers daubed on, on the door.
43:48Sister Edith, do you think she might still be there?
43:51She was there once, and not too long ago.
43:56Beyond that, I cannot say.
43:58The sooner we are able to move into the premises, the better it will be for the people in our care.
44:22I can even overlook the pigeon infestation, for a small reduction in the rent.
44:28Down payment will be 2,000 Hong Kong dollars.
44:32The sisters have the funds for that, and there will be ongoing support from a number of private philanthropists, plus the Rotary Club of Hong Kong.
44:42Very well.
44:45We shall prepare the documentation.
44:50I'm going.
44:51Let's hope the army can help with our medical supplies.
44:56The collapse of that clinic barely made the news here.
44:59And, of course, we're delighted to assist now that we know there's a res commission on.
45:02The sisters need all the help they can get, sir.
45:05It's not disinterest because buildings fall down all the time.
45:08It's avoidance.
45:09Because it's going to happen more and more.
45:12Everybody knows that, and there's nothing we can do.
45:14Because of the overcrowding?
45:15Because they just keep building upwards on insecure foundations.
45:18One misplaced mudslide could obliterate Kowloon.
45:22At least we can improve on the human side of things.
45:27Morning, Major.
45:28Morning, Corporal.
45:29I'm coming with my best party manners and a begging bowl.
45:33Really, it's extraordinarily kind of you to accompany us, Mrs. Buckle.
45:52I thought it may be necessary to tell untrue, sister.
45:57And I thought, if that was the case, then better me than you.
46:01Mrs. Buckle, have you told untruths?
46:04No.
46:07I may have slightly pre-empted one or two realities,
46:10although I'm sure the Rotary Club will be only too pleased to opt their support.
46:15I'm sorry to make contact and explain the situation.
46:20I don't even ask about the private philanthropists.
46:23Well, one of them is me.
46:25And I'm sure there will be others.
46:28It's not just the TB kits and penicillin I'm grateful to the Major for.
46:49It's use of the Army labs for processing the tests.
46:51Oh, it's all well and good, the sisters, having faith in God.
46:57But I reckon the military beat him every time.
47:00The military is certainly better organised.
47:03Well, I suppose they have to be the same as the police,
47:05especially with all this triad malarkey.
47:09Just like the Kray Twins, and then some.
47:12I've stitched wounds inflicted by the Kray Twins.
47:14But they never bothered us.
47:18More than an artist's house.
47:19In fact, the sisters were revered.
47:22I don't reckon the triad revered the sisters here.
47:25If they did, they would help them.
47:27I think you're right.
47:29You know, violence lyric says there's somebody triad
47:34in every street that people have to answer to or pay.
47:38And Mrs. Maher is living in fear of someone.
47:52I'm searching for a young lady called Esther Tang.
47:56She used to live at this address
47:58and has a young boy about the same age as this little one.
48:01I wonder if you or your wife might know where she moved to?
48:13She has gone.
48:15She will not return.
48:21Miss? Miss?
48:23Esther left one week ago.
48:25Did she say where she was going?
48:28She was sick and she was afraid.
48:30Grace, don't look for her, please.
48:33Can I ask your name?
48:36Grace, don't look.
48:52Have yourself a merry little Christmas.
48:57Let your heart be light.
48:59From now on, our troubles will be out of sight.
49:06Merry Christmas.
49:07Merry, merry Christmas.
49:09Have yourself a merry little Christmas.
49:14Make the yuletide gay.
49:17From now on, our troubles will be miles away.
49:22All your troubles.
49:24Let your little problems.
49:26Joyce, Trixie's supposed to be doing our makeup, but there's no sign of her.
49:41Joyce, Trixie's supposed to be doing our makeup, but there's no sign of her.
49:53She's not the only one who knows what to do with a bit of eyeshadow.
49:56And if she doesn't turn up on time, our float is leaving without her.
50:00But isn't it going to look a bit feeble with just the three of us?
50:03We are midwives.
50:05Not the four horsemen of the apocalypse.
50:07Pack, pack, pack.
50:08You are all to visit the toilets now and come straight back here as soon as you have washed
50:15your hands.
50:17Now, Harry, who has arrived from university just in time to help us tonight, is now going
50:24to hand out cough candy to help us all with our singing.
50:27Promise me you'll always have me home for Christmas.
50:39We're going to be late, Geoffrey.
50:42If you were content with boarding a carnival float, wearing improperly attached angel wings,
50:48I can assure you I wasn't.
50:50Oh, for pity's sake.
50:52Pushing this pram through snow is like dicing with insanity.
50:56What's that?
50:58It's a walking stick.
51:01It's actually rather elegant.
51:02I think it's got a solid silver top.
51:05Oh, no, no, sis, I know this.
51:08This belongs to one of my Harley Street patients, Maurice Templemore.
51:12He was an enormous film star when the talkist first came out.
51:15What's it doing here in Poplar?
51:17Also, if there's one thing I do know, if you find a walking stick lying on the ground,
51:21you're likely to find its owner nearby and lying in a similar position.
51:24Sir?
51:26No, Maurice Templemore cannot be in Poplar.
51:30I doubt he even knows where Poplar is.
51:32He must have been burgled.
51:33Sir?
51:35Sir?
51:36Are we here?
51:41I'm terribly sorry.
51:43I seem to have rather overstretched myself.
51:48Mr. Templemore?
51:50Please don't call me that.
51:52Not here.
52:12Merry Christmas.
52:42What are you doing in this insalubrious part of town?
52:55You're in the same insalubrious part of town.
52:58You're not well.
52:59I know that because you said so when I was sorting out your fibrositis.
53:04A blood disorder, you told me.
53:06What kind of blood disorder?
53:09A malignant one.
53:10But I didn't tell him that.
53:17I was born in this flat when the paper shop was a greengrocer.
53:25My father came all the way from Russia straight off the boats.
53:29All he knew was beets and turnips, and so he made a life from that.
53:35And you made a life out of different things entirely?
53:37Little Manny Fisher became Moise Templemore, New York, Hollywood, and then home.
53:47Well, London's West End instead of the East End, and a life of comfortable obscurity.
53:56But everyone had gone.
54:03Your family had gone.
54:11Here, here.
54:12All manner of humanity that I once loved had gone.
54:22So I'd come home to die.
54:24Mr. Templemore, you live in Belgravia.
54:26Not anymore.
54:29And I'm no longer Mr. Templemore.
54:33There I truly was.
54:34He needs medical care, sis.
54:41And I'll arrange that in the morning.
54:43But at this precise moment in time, we have a carnival to catch.
54:47Come along.
54:48I used to make...
54:51I used to make the boat.
54:56Oh, no.
54:57No.
54:59A baby.
55:00Left to be found.
55:01This happened all the time at the hibiscus clinic.
55:12A girl.
55:14I've not pushed her at more than two days old.
55:17And the cord looks to have been chewed through.
55:20Oh, my mother.
55:21Oh, my mother, baby.
55:23Oh, it's okay.
55:26Oh, dear.
55:26You're killing me?
55:28Don't get me back.
55:29I'll give back my hand again.
55:30Just give back my hand.
55:31Don't get me back.
55:33Oh.
56:03What do you mean we can't have a house on half Lotus Street? We have the keys, and we have paid the deposit.
56:12It is not suitable.
56:13It's extremely suitable, and we can move there immediately with the children and our adult patients.
56:20The man who owns the building say no, give me the keys.
56:23If we are to return them, it can only be in exchange for the money we have paid.
56:39Give me the keys.
56:43Keys.
56:44Keys.
56:49Esther is a very, very important person to our family.
56:53It's as though they have both vanished.
56:55Throw it, it's hard, please.
56:57The only doctor is still for my forceps.
56:59Everyone's bringing a bottle.
57:02Run by a crook who calls himself the Cormorant.
57:05A gangster?
57:06Of the worst kind?
57:07Mr. Fred and the doctor, I'm in trouble.
57:09Uncle?
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