- 30 minutes ago
Call the Midwife - Season 14 Episode 100 -
(special) Christmas Special 2025
(special) Christmas Special 2025
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FunTranscript
00:00Once upon a time, the season that is new today
00:27was old and closed and packed away.
00:31Advent had erupted into Christmas.
00:34Darkness retreated in the face of light
00:38and the wheel of the year kept turning.
00:42But once again we gather as the sky grows cold.
00:47The leaves have tumbled, the fresh snow falls.
00:52Pages turn as new doors open.
00:57Time and time and time again.
01:01Merry Christmas.
01:05Medical supplies packed and labelled
01:08and ready for hand delivery to the brunch house.
01:11A biscuits clinic?
01:13You think you should write on it in Chinese?
01:15Hong Kong is a British colony.
01:17I'm quite sure everyone is competent in our mother tongue.
01:21Only take to want to enthusiasm in your visit.
01:25When adventure beckons, you should embrace the couple.
01:29This trip is a wonderful opportunity for Violet to see her son.
01:34And the sisters at the clinic will be so grateful for these supplies.
01:38I'll just be glad of a chance to run an errand,
01:40if I'm honest with your sister Julian.
01:42There's talk of cocktail parties.
01:47We're all a pair of nose-rated
01:50Had a pair of shiny nose
01:53And if you ever saw it
01:57You will even say it blows
02:00All of the other wraithers
02:04Used to laugh and call him names
02:07Kevin, I've told you before
02:10Stay inside the lines
02:13The lines represent the edges of the lorry
02:18You too, Teddy
02:21We don't want you falling off the float and getting run over
02:24Do you think they're gonna need bigger rolls for their mouths, Mrs Turner?
02:28I'm worried that they're gonna be deprived of oxygen
02:31Oh, please, please
02:34Don't anyone stop singing on my account
02:37We love the red nose
02:39Hello, Diane
02:40You'll go down in history
02:43Oh, now, Pack
02:49What do we say when a very important lady
02:52Like Mrs Buckle, our mayor
02:54Is kind enough to come and visit us?
02:56Good evening, Mrs Buckle
03:00Hello
03:01Thank you, Pack
03:02Now, off you pop and work on your knots
03:05It's all set out on the tables
03:07One piece of cord between two
03:10I've bought a dozen pairs of brown tights for the reindeer
03:15I managed to get them on a special order
03:17But you'll not get lads of this age to wear tights, Mrs Buckle
03:21Well, you'll have to tell them that it's in a good course
03:24I mean, the whole Christmas carnival is in a good course
03:28Erm, elastic
03:30Black felt squares
03:32Erm, sleigh bells
03:35And WD-40
03:37What's that for? To oil the sled runners?
03:40Fred needs to do the paper shop bell before we leave
03:43Mrs Buckle, go
03:46Go to Hong Kong
03:48And do not give the Christmas carnival a second thought
04:02Mrs Buckle
04:03I'm sorry
04:04Oh
04:05I'm sorry, Mrs Turner
04:06I'm not quite sure which way is up this evening
04:09I wondered if you could take a tiny parcel to Hong Kong for me
04:13It's a letter and some photographs from me's mother
04:18We haven't heard from her for over a year
04:21But the sisters say they still see her from time to time with their little boy
04:25Of course I'll take it
04:27It must all be, well, such a worry
04:29I used to fret about my Derek when he was in the Navy
04:33But now he's in the Hong Kong police
04:36They have to wear guns, Mrs Turner
04:39It makes me nervous
04:41You'll be back by Christmas with wonderful memories
04:45And we've got Reggie coming home
04:47I'm already hoping that it will be snowing for him
04:50Whoever guesses the mystery ingredient in this year's chutney
04:57Gets to eat the first mince pie and make a wish
04:59I'm getting definite top notes of tamarind
05:03Have you been on another cooking course?
05:06No, Matthew took her to Antigua for their wedding anniversary
05:09It's Mango
05:12Yes!
05:15It's good to hear you're moving back to London, lass
05:18Matthew has to stay in New York until autumn
05:21And Jonty's starting pre-prep at Easter
05:24I needed to get him home and settled
05:26Sister Julianne, I will be free for midwifery duty
05:30Should you be short-staffed?
05:31We very seldom are at present
05:34Things have been remarkably quiet
05:36I have offered her a receptionist role
05:38At my new osteopathy practice on Harley Street
05:40But no dice, apparently
05:42You're only there four hours a week
05:44Nevertheless, his couch sees a constant parade of celebrities
05:47By all accounts
05:49Celebrities?
05:50Coming to you with their crooked necks
05:52I hope you're going to name names
05:53Professional discretion is my watchword
05:56Have a mince pie
06:06Fred! Have you seen the time?
06:08We're going to miss the plane
06:09The party was running late
06:11And I didn't want to disappoint the kiddies
06:13Get in the cap
06:14You can change out if you've got a costume on the way
06:44Please let me knock my hanky and put it on my head, Vi
06:58No, we'll get you a nice smart Panama hat
07:02As soon as we've left these parcels with the sisters
07:05We're looking for a sign that says Hibiscus Street
07:10Derek says it should be written in Chinese as well as English
07:15There it is!
07:28There it is!
07:30There it is!
07:32There it is!
07:34There it is!
07:35There it is!
07:40Don't see what I'm going to go
07:42No shit, I'm taking them!
07:43Don't go away!
07:44The building has collapsed
07:45Stay back please
07:46The building has collapsed
07:48Please stay back
07:50No!
07:51You're standing there!
07:52No!
07:53Oh, no!
07:54Oh...
07:57Oh...
07:58There must be fatalities.
08:18I'm sorry to intercept you, sister,
08:21but Mrs. Buckle has just telephoned from Hong Kong.
08:25It's about the branch house.
08:28How on earth can an entire building just collapse?
08:33I've never heard of anything so colonial.
08:35There were rumours that the ground in that area was unstable.
08:39But whatever the cause, it's the consequences that are truly shocking.
08:44Sister Alice and Sister David were both killed.
08:46Oh, no.
08:47Along with the doctor who worked with them.
08:48Some of the children in the nursery did not survive.
08:52Meanwhile, the maternity ward has been destroyed.
08:56The sisters are homeless and the people who depend upon them are scattered across Kowloon.
09:01Once they have overcome this, they will need somewhere to live and carry on their work.
09:06Now, they need a doctor.
09:08They need nurses and they need midwives.
09:11In short, Sister, they need us.
09:14I keep thinking we should be making Christmas trees for the carnival, not palm trees.
09:23The theme of the float is a Caribbean Christmas.
09:26There's going to be a steel band playing carols and a gospel choir.
09:31Lovely.
09:31Are these the palm trees?
09:38Mm-hmm.
09:39I'm starting to think we should be making jacarandas.
09:42So, what's this letter you want to talk to me about?
09:46If ten days on the ground in Hong Kong means that we can get them through this crisis,
09:54I am more than happy to put a locum in the surgery.
09:57And, Sister Veronica, you must go.
09:59You were three years at that ranch house.
10:01You're the only one with even a glancing knowledge of the way things work out there.
10:05I will go wherever I'm told.
10:07I will do whatever I'm told.
10:09Very well.
10:09Dr. Turner will go, as will Nurse Crane, Sister Veronica, and myself.
10:16So, this man, this Mr. Fisher, who writes with an educated hand from an address in Belgravia,
10:24wants to rent this flat with immediate effect?
10:27For a period of time that he is unable to specify.
10:31For an amount that we are free to name.
10:34You'll call me ruthless if you want to.
10:36But, Pastor Robinson, what I make of it is money for the church.
10:42Running a church is always going to cost somebody something.
10:45I'll find somewhere else to lay my head for a week or two.
10:48The truth is, I'm more worried about me missing you over there
10:51than I am about me being missed over here.
10:54You were vital to everything when we were in South Africa.
10:57And I came home with Teddy on the way.
11:00Look, Timothy is quite old enough to hold the fort if you came to Hong Kong.
11:07He's home on study leave for a month.
11:09Patrick, I'm needed here.
11:15That's the last bucks, Miss Higgins.
11:20Dr. Elise Watkiss is our first choice for locum cover.
11:24She's young, but has excellent GP experience.
11:27I will attend to the necessary paperwork.
11:30Timothy, you might call the pharmacy regarding the export forms whilst I see to this.
11:34Yes, Miss Higgins.
11:36The posters have turned out an absolute treat.
11:39I found a photo that must have been taken years ago, and you'll never guess what.
11:43You can see it clear as day, now it's blown up life-size.
11:47What's that?
11:47Mom, look.
11:50Oh, it's me as a baby.
11:54Before we even knew her, I would recognize her any for you.
12:00Come on, ladies.
12:01Dig as deep as you can.
12:02Merry Christmas.
12:04Thank you very much.
12:06Every penny counts.
12:07Don't be shy.
12:16Some of these clothes are ours, Mom.
12:18Yes.
12:18I went up into the loft, and there were bags full of woolies that went back years.
12:24This was mine.
12:25I remember this.
12:27You had it when you first arrived from China.
12:32Would you rather we didn't send it off?
12:35The radio reporter says, ready when you are.
12:38Ten-year-old May Turner has a special reason for helping with the appeal today.
12:44Can you tell the listeners what it is, May?
12:47I was born there.
12:50A photograph of May, aged 12 months and held safely in the arms of a Nonnatus nun,
12:56features on posters for the rescue mission.
12:58As the Nonnatus sisters are popular, headies to help.
13:02Do you have a message for people listening, May?
13:05Thanks, Lord.
13:08Please give all you can.
13:13Because...
13:17Some of the children there have nothing.
13:25Sister Hilda will be joining the Nonnatus party at Heathrow.
13:29At least that's only one plane we have to meet, Fred.
13:33Derek, you're eating the lime marmalade.
13:37I'm not going to lie, dear.
13:37No, I've laid awake at night dreaming of this stuff.
13:41Thanks for bringing it.
13:42And the mustard.
13:43Proper taste at home.
13:44It's even got English written on the tin.
13:47Fred and I were wondering about popping over to Kowloon
13:50to see if there's anything we can take the poor sisters.
13:53Mum, Kowloon isn't the East End.
13:56Nobody pops over there.
13:57And not to that bit of it, anyway.
14:00Hibiscus Street's about as dodgy as it gets.
14:02Drugs, prostitution, smuggling.
14:04Makes you wonder why the sisters are so keen to stay there.
14:08Well, it's the same as popular, innit?
14:09Bad things happen.
14:11Good people saw you out.
14:12Best people in the world couldn't sort Triad out.
14:14What is Triad, Derek?
14:17Organised crime.
14:18It's invisible and it's everywhere.
14:21Oh.
14:23I got used to Tim not being here because he's at medical school.
14:26What I can't get used to is him not being here because he's in the pub.
14:33Mum and Dad.
14:36You should be in bed, Tillie Mint.
14:39We've been talking.
14:40It's very late.
14:42We've all been talking.
14:43And we all want you to go to Hong Kong, Mum.
14:46Do you?
14:48Yes.
14:49And I want you to take this.
14:51Oh.
14:55Oh.
14:56And that was confirmation that you can refer any health visitor business over to Miss Haynes
15:06at the Stepney Clinic.
15:07If I say so myself, the plan is impregnable.
15:10You, meanwhile, are the only one I trust with my Rolodex.
15:14I will guard it with my life.
15:16And Nurse Aylwood considers herself on call at any time should you require her support with
15:21any administration.
15:23I'm also available for midwifery duty.
15:24You only have to pick up the phone.
15:26It's most unlikely that it will come to that.
15:34This is a mercy mission.
15:36It's also a mercy dash and we'll be home soon.
15:38By the time we all gather here again, we will have left our friends in Hong Kong in a place
15:46of hope and of comfort and of joy.
15:52Thank you, all of you, for helping us to help them.
15:56I am reminded of spit by a streaming overhead.
16:20Disguise and fights, half known but undetermined.
16:26We'll all be home by Christmas.
16:30We'll be home by Christmas.
16:31That was our motto in a different room.
16:36I still don't like the idea of you living in a bed seat like you'd just come off the boat.
16:50It's a better bed seat than I had in those days.
16:54It's got fitted carpets and hot water.
16:56Oh, you, I take it, Apostle C.A. Robinson?
17:01Oh, you, I take it, Apostle C.A. Robinson, of the Shining Tabernacle Church of God?
17:28And you must be Mr. Fisher.
17:32Please, come in.
17:37We got rid of the electric meter to stop the lights going out when people were testifying.
17:42And this is the bedroom.
17:55We put up thick curtains so the trains won't bother you in the night.
18:00Well, the trains won't bother me at any time of day.
18:06We'll be back to you in the night.
18:10We'll be back in the night.
18:11We'll be back in the night.
18:15You're welcome.
18:16I thought you'd be saying Lord's in your room, Sister Monica Joan.
18:46In Hong Kong they will be saying the afternoon office and the sun does not vary no matter from which corner of the globe we offer up our praise.
18:59I shall raise my voice with yours and theirs.
19:06I shall raise my voice.
19:16I shall raise my voice.
19:23I shall raise my voice.
19:28I shall raise my voice.
19:47I shall raise my voice.
20:02If it is Dr Turner, you just have to keep your nerve.
20:07I haven't lost my nerve, Fred.
20:09I have lost sight of the van containing all of the medical supplies and the donations.
20:14I told the driver at the airport I said they were to follow immediately behind us.
20:19I wonder what you were saying.
20:21You sounded commendably forceful.
20:23We just have to hope you said what you thought you said.
20:26If we have any problems whatsoever, my Derek has told me which police station to go to and to use his name.
20:45That's one of our sisters.
20:52Sister Rita!
20:58I greet you in Lord Jesus Christ's name.
21:02We greet you likewise.
21:07There is much to be considered.
21:17Seven day.
21:18I have them upstairs.
21:20Sick nun.
21:21Sick children.
21:22And we could not be more grateful.
21:26See that term Cantonese.
21:29I know.
21:31Not important.
21:32Trouble.
21:33I know also.
21:34You have trouble.
21:36Come.
21:37Help.
21:38We can't all be living here.
21:51On wood.
21:56I can hear a child crying.
21:59I believe Sister Simon will need to go to hospital and have her wrist reset under anaesthetic, and I suspect Sister Prudence has a broken collar bone.
22:14We're going to have to stand them all down and send them for hospital treatment.
22:31When did the diarrhea start?
22:32Before the cough arrived?
22:33Doctor, I know what ails me.
22:34I have tuberculosis.
22:35Are you sure?
22:36Or do you simply fear it?
22:37Miliary tuberculosis.
22:38The worst kind.
22:39Tuberculosis is so very contagious.
22:40It has spread from my lungs throughout my body.
22:44I have little time left to live.
22:45When were you diagnosed?
22:46The day the clinic collapsed.
22:51I was told by our doctor, Dr. Lee.
22:57I took myself out for a walk whilst she arranged for me to go to a sanatorium.
23:14And when I returned, there was no clinic, and no doctor, and no bed in a sanatorium.
23:27And no choice but to carry on handling the children.
23:32You're kind, nurse.
23:46Just doing my job, love.
23:49At least the main treatment for preeclampsia is bed rest.
23:53Both these ladies have had that.
23:55We're all dementia, though the beds may be.
23:58Once we've unpacked, I'll ask them to oblige me with some samples and get the dipsticks out.
24:06This is infected.
24:08I don't think it's been properly cleaned.
24:10Is it any wonder with them all huddled up here without even the barest essentials?
24:15Not to mention ignoring their own injuries.
24:18If you ask me, the sisters work miracles enough just keeping everyone alive.
24:25And now it's our turn.
24:28This bag reminds me of a cash and carriage.
24:31There must be a gross of tin bamboo shoots in this box, and enough soy sauce to float about with it.
24:39Do you reckon Mrs. Ma would mind if we move stuff about?
24:42We'll have to ask her, Fred.
24:44I know she's a Christian convert and she has been very accommodating, but these are her premises.
24:51I need the labelled crates and medical supplies, Fred.
24:55We have to run urgent TB tests on everyone.
24:57Over here, Doc.
24:59Excellent. Excellent.
25:01No.
25:02No, no, no, no.
25:07These have been forced open.
25:14It's all gone.
25:18Is that the new Vista Sanatorium?
25:20M'goy, I have a very sick lady who requires urgent admission.
25:25You have been charity itself, Mrs. Ma.
25:30I'll hold.
25:31You took the sisters in and gave them food and shelter.
25:34I'm going to need you a rescue.
25:36You are a rescue.
25:37Now you're all gone.
25:39But we have nowhere else to go.
25:42We will find a new clinic.
25:44We will find a new convent.
25:46But we cannot do that today.
25:48It's not safe.
25:50Why is it not safe?
25:52You stay.
25:57Stay now.
25:59But go soon.
26:01And use back door, not front.
26:10Linata's house.
26:11Midwife speaking.
26:12Can I bring my wife to the maternity home, please?
26:15Of course, sir.
26:16What name is it?
26:18She says what name?
26:20Diane Mary Edgar!
26:23Diane Mary Edgar!
26:29I made myself a cup of coffee, Miss Higgins.
26:31Do you want one?
26:32Er, thank you.
26:33I generally keep myself in check until elevens is.
26:38Your white coat should be hanging on the back of the door of the consulting room.
26:41Would you like me to fetch it?
26:43It's fine.
26:44I don't need it yet.
26:45We've got bad coughs coming in at half past nine, in ten past ten, and at eleven.
26:49All in the over fifty age group.
26:51Have these patients been referred to the East London Chest Clinic?
26:54I'm sure they have.
26:55If Dr. Turner considers that appropriate.
26:57Excellent.
26:59I'll have a quick rummage through their notes just to make sure.
27:02The files are through here, aren't they?
27:03They are indeed.
27:04Um, no fluids in the filing room, if you'd be so kind.
27:13Oh!
27:20Perfect work.
27:21You certainly know what you're doing.
27:23Oh, I feel terrible about bringing those reindeer heads.
27:26I'd have never got them finished otherwise.
27:29Good morning.
27:30May I help you?
27:31My name's Queenie Forsythe.
27:32My daughter's in child bed.
27:34We arrived last night.
27:38That's six massive pushes I've done now.
27:41It's not budget, nurse.
27:44Let's get you back on the bed, and then I can examine you.
27:48We'll soon have a better idea of your progress.
27:50I'm telling you now, there hasn't been any.
27:53This one's not playing the same game as my others.
28:11Oh, my.
28:13Midwife's calling.
28:16Good gracious.
28:17It's like the first date for sale in here.
28:18Can we open one of those windows and let in a bit of air?
28:22How long have you been feeling that you need to push, child?
28:25I don't know.
28:27Every time they yell at me to push, I try.
28:30Five hours.
28:31Five hours she's been at it.
28:34Okay, honey.
28:35Until we know what's what, you must not push.
28:37Do you hear me?
28:38You must not push.
28:39Do you hear me?
28:40You must not push.
28:41I am not a bossy woman, but I am being bossy now.
28:48How much did your other babies weigh, Diane?
28:50Seven pound six and eight pound nine.
28:52Darren was like giving birth to a sofa.
28:54This one feels like a ruddy three-piece suite and a coffee table.
28:58I think baby might be on the bonny side.
29:02But I don't think he's read the book that tells him how to line up nicely for delivery.
29:06Doctor, could you pop across and speak to Doctor Watkins?
29:09It's R-O-T.
29:16A right occipitotransverse.
29:18I'm quite a big baby.
29:20But my dad, Doctor Turner, always attends in the event of any transverse position.
29:26Well, I'd better come through then.
29:29That poor girl started pushing long, long before she was ready as she damaged her cervix.
29:34It's not torn, but it's so swollen I can actually see it at the entrance to her vagina.
29:39No, baby's going to get through that unless we bring that swelling down.
29:44We need ice.
29:46Ice.
29:47I think I saw a refrigerator.
29:50If we don't make this work, she'll need a cesarean section.
29:54Diane, don't cry.
29:56There are all sorts of things we can do to get things moving.
30:00Would Doctor Turner try the Von Toos, do you think?
30:03No.
30:04He always uses forceps in a transverse position.
30:09In which case, we'll continue with trial of labour.
30:15We'll transfer you to St Cuthbert's if we get no joy.
30:18Oh, no.
30:19Timothy, this won't do.
30:30Nenauta's house.
30:32If you pursue midwives, they are all abroad.
30:36Or otherwise at large.
30:37Is there nobody there at all?
30:38Noice Clifford has a multi-parous woman in obstructed labour.
30:44And the locum doesn't know how to use forceps.
30:46Supply the details.
30:48And I will provide the advice.
30:51You're going to be grateful to me in the long run.
30:53But I'm not going to lie to you and say this ice pack is the nicest thing you ever had slip underneath your coppers.
31:00Are you allowed to have things like that?
31:05I don't get the chance very often.
31:07It's freezing!
31:13Serves you right for being disrespectful.
31:20Diane, we need you head down and with your bottom in the air.
31:25This position will stretch your pelvic ligaments.
31:29And give the baby enough room to adjust its head position.
31:32I hope you have that on going to foray.
31:34The best authority you can possibly imagine.
31:39Let her have a little nap.
31:41Is there anything else wrong with her?
31:43I don't think so.
31:45But Queenie, women need skilled help when they're given birth.
31:48Especially when it's their first.
31:50I took her to the doctor when she first knew that she'd fallen.
31:52We were up in the far north then.
31:55Did you forget where you've been?
31:57I haven't decided where you're going.
32:00And besides, I went to the hospital with me last one.
32:04I wouldn't venture that again.
32:07I'll examine her.
32:09Let's hope it's worked.
32:13I just want to lie down.
32:15Baby has shifted position, Diane.
32:17All we need to do now is make plans with gravity.
32:19Oh, I'm gonna have to push.
32:22That's all right, Diane.
32:24You give it everything you've got.
32:26This is the bit where I'm glad I did the enema.
32:29I fear verbal instructions alone would not suffice.
32:33Verbal instruction has done more than you could possibly imagine.
32:35Baby's head is beginning to cram.
32:36The swelling has gone down, Marie.
32:37But I need you to do exactly as I say.
32:39Listen to Nurse Hyland.
32:41On the next one, I want your chin on your chest.
32:42And a slow, quiet, steady push.
32:43Slow.
32:44Slow.
32:45Quiet.
32:46Steady.
32:48We've got the head.
32:49Come on.
32:50You can do it.
32:51You can do it.
32:52I'm gonna do it.
32:53Yeah.
32:54No.
32:55No.
32:56No.
32:57No.
32:58No.
32:59No.
33:00No.
33:01No.
33:02No.
33:03No.
33:04No.
33:05No.
33:06No.
33:07No.
33:08No.
33:09No.
33:10No.
33:11No.
33:12No.
33:13No.
33:14No.
33:15No.
33:16No.
33:17No.
33:18No.
33:19No.
33:20No.
33:21No.
33:22No.
33:23No.
33:24No.
33:25No.
33:26No.
33:27Why were we gone?
33:28I'm afraid I can't tell I've got something in my heart.
33:31Here's something in my heart.
33:33Can you see sister wellness Joan?
33:38I can see every aspect of the miracle.
33:40You have a daughter.
33:42Who's gonnaiel?
33:44This stinging will end soon, Marie.
33:53Just breathe.
33:55Just breathe.
33:57And we have a head.
33:59Stand down, honey.
34:02We also have my cornea.
34:07The midwife says we need an ambulance.
34:09Go on.
34:14You've a little boy, Marie.
34:42All will be well, Marie.
34:47I promise you, all will be well.
34:59He must be baptised.
35:01Now.
35:02There'll be a chaplain at the hospital, Queenie.
35:04This is his home.
35:05And he is not leaving his mother's arms until he is baptised.
35:08Well, Dr. Watkiss's curriculum vitae stated very clearly she is fully trained in obstetrics.
35:20She has now revealed that in almost five years of GP practice, she has only delivered two babies, neither with any complications.
35:27Well, that's the way it is these days.
35:30We're all trained in obs and gynae, but the expectation is that almost every baby will be born in hospital.
35:36Dr. Watkiss wanted to continue trial of labour, but we couldn't countermand her because she's more senior.
35:41And next time we may not have Sister Monica Joan to call on.
35:45Any wisdom I have was hard won in the days when there might have been no doctor to send for.
35:51We were wise out of necessity, and you are skilled in your own right.
35:59Nevertheless, I will not permit this to happen again.
36:03I am sending for Nurse Elwood.
36:05Lord Jesus Christ, who took little children in your arms and blessed them,
36:15hold this infant, Luke Michael, in your matchless love, today and always.
36:21Fill his mother and father with your peace, and cherish him according to thy will.
36:29Amen.
36:29Amen.
36:31Amen.
36:31Amen.
36:31Amen.
36:32Amen.
36:32Amen.
36:35I keep thinking.
36:42May's mother was a nanny for a British service family.
36:46Is it worth asking if the army have any record of her?
36:50She would have just been cheap, casual labour.
36:55After she lost her job, she must have been desperate.
37:00Where would desperation take you in a city of this size?
37:05We have to find out.
37:08Esther Tan gave us the greatest gift we've ever had.
37:12And we can't abandon her.
37:15No, we can't.
37:16Sister Hilda.
37:27Are you lying awake for the same reason that I'm lying awake?
37:30I don't know.
37:32Well, I'm lying awake because we've flown halfway around the world on a rescue mission.
37:37And 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.
37:45The injured and the six sisters are leaving in the morning.
37:50Sister Edith to the sanatorium, and the other sisters to the Roman Catholic Hospital.
37:54We have orphans to care for, and expectant mothers, any one of whom could have caught TB.
38:01And out in the street, there are prostitutes and addicts who will look to ask for help.
38:06I know there are, but we will pray.
38:10And we will wait to see what love can do.
38:12And we will wait to see what love can do.
38:42We will wait to see what love can do.
39:12I'm sorry, Miss Higgins.
39:18I've been through all of these cases, and there are at least half a dozen who should be at St Cuthbert's and not here.
39:23Well, Mr. Parry himself expressed satisfaction with our care.
39:27Good afternoon, ladies.
39:29Dr. Watkiss, I presume.
39:31Nurse Elwood.
39:32Sister Elwood, as it happens.
39:33I've accepted a promotion during the absence of Dr. Turner,
39:37under whom I've worked for 16 years ever since I qualified.
39:39So we have three mothers over 40, two gestational diabetes, and Maureen Santaro, I know already.
39:49She had her first set of twins with us.
39:51Second set isn't unheard of.
39:53I've never handled a multiple pregnancy, Sister.
39:55Well, there's always a first time.
39:56Dr. Watkiss and I will call ourselves Cubicle 1, send them all to us, and we'll see how we do.
40:01Hello?
40:12Queenie!
40:14Have you brought Marie?
40:16She's still above in the hospital with the baby.
40:18He's after taking the antibiotics.
40:21She's doing grand.
40:24It's me that needs to see you.
40:26Are you expecting, Queenie, under this coat and having me ninth?
40:34You don't shout about it when you get to my age.
40:37But I heard what you and the other nurse was saying.
40:42I need skill to help.
40:44If you want it, we'll make sure you get it.
40:47I do want it.
40:49My last was a stillborn.
40:51Even though I had it in hospital.
40:53I'm so sorry that happened to you, Queenie.
40:58We're going to walk beside you now.
41:04I'll start by filling in your co-op card.
41:06A tin of carnation milk, if you please.
41:21Ah, and a quarter of humbugs, if you'll be so kind.
41:27No, no, no, no, no, no.
41:28Perhaps just two ounces.
41:30I do not consume them in any conspicuous place.
41:33You don't want them all turning sticky at the bottom of the bag.
41:36No.
41:45Oh!
41:46I thought I'd heard that.
41:48It catches.
41:51Doesn't it?
41:51I think Mr. Buckle was supposed to oil it before he went away.
41:58He must have forgotten.
42:00But then I...
42:01I thought I'd imagined it.
42:04Ha, ha, ha.
42:05But now...
42:07Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha.
42:10It catches.
42:12It's all very well and good complaining that all the people who can deliver babies have gone to Hong Kong.
42:17I'm more concerned that all the people who can sew have gone to Hong Kong.
42:20You're always waving your magic wand and producing costumes, Geoffrey.
42:24And no one's going to see the details.
42:26It's for a carnival.
42:27Everything's going to be moving past at speed.
42:30Well, moving past.
42:32I'm an ideas man.
42:33And a contacts man.
42:35I'm not a needle and thread man.
42:36And it was not my idea to dress up the midwives of Nunata's house as angels complete with ostrich feather wings.
42:42I thought we could do it with just a bit of cotton and sticking.
42:45Like rosaline in our Christmas trees.
42:47They're palm trees.
42:49I heard rumours the sewing machine was out.
42:51Angela just tried on her spoon costume and ripped it.
42:55Oh, you look like you could do it with a snowball, honey.
42:58Do you want some maraschino cherry in it?
43:00I'll have two.
43:01What sort of wounds have they taught you to suture at medical school?
43:05Oh, my highlights include a closure of incision after two appendectomies.
43:09And I did a rugby player's scalp once.
43:12Needle, thread.
43:14If you want a cocktail, you're going to have to earn it.
43:28This is not the way I intended my service to end.
43:32It's a patient in a sanatorium.
43:37You have given all you can, Sister Edith.
43:40That is enough and more.
43:43It was the children I lived for and loved the best.
43:48I remember your daughter well.
43:51May?
43:52Oh, she's ten years old now.
43:55And so many children pass through the orphanage.
43:58I took medicine to her mother, Esther.
44:06Three months ago, she was living out on Tau Street, number 122.
44:12The numbers daubed on on the door.
44:16Sister Edith, do you think she might still be there?
44:19She was there once and not too long ago.
44:23Beyond that, I cannot say.
44:25The sooner we are able to move into the premises, the better it will be for the people in our care.
44:49I can even overlook the pigeon infestation for a small reduction in the rent.
44:56Down payment will be 2,000 Hong Kong dollars.
44:59The sisters have the funds for that.
45:02And there will be ongoing support from a number of private philanthropists, plus the Rotary Club of Hong Kong.
45:09Very well.
45:13We shall prepare the documentation.
45:15Oh.
45:18I'm going.
45:20Let's hope the army can help with our medical supplies.
45:24The collapse of that clinic barely made the news here.
45:26And of course, we're delighted to assist now that we know there's a res commission on.
45:30The sisters need all the help they can get, sir.
45:32Well, it's not disinterest because buildings fall down all the time.
45:35It's avoidance.
45:37Because it's going to happen more and more.
45:39Everybody knows that and there's nothing we can do.
45:41Because of the overcrowding?
45:43Because they just keep building upwards on insecure foundations.
45:46One misplaced mudslide could obliterate Kowloon.
45:50At least we can improve on the human side of things.
45:54Morning, Major.
45:55Morning, Corporal.
45:56I'm coming with my best party manners and a begging bowl.
46:13Really, it's extraordinarily kind of you to accompany us, Mrs. Buckle.
46:20I thought it may be necessary to tell untrue, sister.
46:24And I thought if that was the case, then better me than you.
46:29Mrs. Buckle, have you told untruths?
46:32No.
46:34I may have slightly preempted one or two realities,
46:38although I'm sure the Rotary Club will be only too pleased to opt their support.
46:43Once I make contact and explain the situation.
46:47I don't even ask about the private philanthropists.
46:51One of them is me.
46:52And I'm sure there will be others.
46:55It's not just the TB kits and penicillin I'm grateful to the Major for.
47:16It's use of the Army labs for processing the tests.
47:19Oh, it's all well and good, the sisters having faith in God.
47:25But I reckon the military beat him every time.
47:28The military is certainly better organised.
47:31Well, I suppose they have to be the same as the police,
47:32especially with all this triad malarkey.
47:36Just like the Kray Twins, and then some.
47:39I've stitched wounds inflicted by the Kray Twins.
47:43But they never bothered us.
47:45More than Arta's house.
47:47In fact, the sisters were revered.
47:50I don't reckon the triad revered the sisters here.
47:53If they did, they would help them.
47:55I think you're right.
47:57You know, violence lyric says there's somebody triad
48:02in every street that people have to answer to or pay.
48:06And Mrs. Maher is living in fear of someone.
48:18Oh, I'm searching for a young lady called Esther Tang.
48:23She used to live at this address
48:25and has a young boy about the same age as this little one.
48:36I wonder if you or your wife might know where she moved to?
48:41She has gone.
48:42She will not return.
48:49Miss? Miss?
48:51Esther left one week ago.
48:53Did she say where she was going?
48:55She was sick, and she was afraid.
48:59Don't look for her, please.
49:00Or can I ask your name?
49:03Grace.
49:05Don't look.
49:20Have yourself a merry little Christmas.
49:24From now on, our troubles will be out of sight.
49:33Merry Christmas.
49:35Merry, merry Christmas.
49:37Have yourself a merry little Christmas.
49:41Make the yuletide gay.
49:45From now on, our troubles will be miles away.
49:50Are you?
49:51Merry Christmas.
49:51Merry Christmas.
49:52Merry Christmas.
49:52Merry Christmas.
49:54Once again, as in olden days,
49:57Happy golden days of yore.
50:02Faithful friends who are dear to us,
50:06Gather near to us once more.
50:11Merry Christmas.
50:13Joyce, Trixie's supposed to be doing our make-up, but there's no sign of her.
50:20She's not the only one who knows what to do with a bit of eye shadow.
50:24And if she doesn't turn up on time, our float is leaving without her.
50:27Isn't it going to look a bit feeble with just the three of us?
50:30We are midwives.
50:32Not the four horsemen of the apocalypse.
50:35Pack, pack, pack.
50:36You are all to visit the toilets now and come straight back here.
50:41As soon as you have washed your hands.
50:45Now, Harry, who has arrived from university just in time to help us tonight,
50:51is now going to hand out cough candy to help us all with our singing.
50:55Come on!
50:58Come on, sir!
51:00Me?
51:01Oh, my God, no!
51:02Promise me you'll always have me home for Christmas.
51:07We're going to be late, Geoffrey.
51:09If you were content with boarding a carnival float, wearing improperly attached angel wings,
51:15well, I can assure you I wasn't.
51:17Oh, for pity's sake.
51:19Pitching this pram through snow is like dicing with insanity.
51:24What's that?
51:25It's a walking stick.
51:28It's actually rather elegant.
51:30I think it's got a solid silver top.
51:32Oh, no, no, sis, I know this.
51:36This belongs to one of my Harley Street patients,
51:38Maurice Templemore.
51:39He was an enormous film star when the Torkist first came out.
51:42What's it doing here in Poplar?
51:44Also, if there's one thing I do know,
51:46if you find a walking stick lying on the ground,
51:49you're likely to find its owner nearby and lying in a similar position.
51:53Sir!
51:53No.
51:54Maurice Templemore cannot be in Poplar.
51:57I doubt he even knows where Poplar is.
51:59He must have been burgled.
52:00Sir?
52:02Sir?
52:03Are we here?
52:09I'm terribly sorry.
52:10I seem to have rather overstretched myself.
52:15Mr. Templemore?
52:17Please don't call me that.
52:19Not here.
52:50Merry Christmas.
53:05Merry Christmas.
53:06Merry Christmas.
53:07What are you doing in this insalubrious part of town?
53:22You're in the same insalubrious part of town.
53:26You're not well.
53:27I know that because you said so when I was sorting out your fibrositis.
53:31A blood disorder, you told me.
53:34What kind of blood disorder?
53:37The malignant one.
53:39But I didn't tell him that.
53:46I was born in this flat when the paper shop was a greengrocer.
53:52My father came all the way from Russia straight off the boats.
53:57All he knew was beets and turnips and so he made a life from that.
54:02And you made a life out of different things entirely?
54:04Little Manny Fisher became Moe's Templemore.
54:10New York, Hollywood, and then home.
54:15Well, London's West End.
54:18Instead of the East End and a life of comfortable obscurity.
54:23But everyone had gone.
54:31Your family had gone.
54:39Here, here.
54:40All manner of humanity that I once loved had gone.
54:50So I'd come home to die.
54:52Mr. Templemore, you live in Belgravia.
54:54Not anymore.
54:55And I'm no longer Mr. Templemore.
55:00There I truly was.
55:06He needs medical care, sis.
55:09And I'll arrange that in the morning.
55:11But at this precise moment in time, we have a carnival to catch.
55:14Come along.
55:15There won't be a normal place.
55:17I used to make the...
55:19I used to make the...
55:21Oh, no.
55:25No.
55:26A baby.
55:27Left to be found.
55:28This happened all the time at the hibiscus clinic.
55:39A girl.
55:42A doctor at more than two days old.
55:45And the cord looks to have been chewed through.
55:47Oh, my.
55:49Oh, my.
55:49Oh, my baby.
55:51It's okay.
55:53Oh, dear.
55:54Oh, dear.
55:54You're not me.
55:55I'm telling you, I'll give it back to you.
55:57I'll give it back to you.
55:58I'll give it back to you.
55:59I'll give it back to you.
56:24What do you mean we can't have a house on Half Lotus Street?
56:36We have the keys.
56:37And we have paid the deposit.
56:39It is not suitable.
56:41Oh, it's extremely suitable.
56:43And we can move there immediately with the children and our adult patients.
56:47The man who owns the building say, no, give me the keys.
56:50If we are to return them, it can only be in exchange for the money we have paid.
57:06Give me the keys.
57:11Keys.
57:17Esther is a very, very important person to our family.
57:20It's as though they have both vanished.
57:23What's wrong with a third piece?
57:24Only doctors deliver my forceps.
57:26Everyone's bringing a bottle.
57:29Run by a crook who calls himself the Cormorant.
57:32A gangster?
57:33Of the worst kind.
57:34Mr. Fred and the Doctor, I'm in trouble.
57:40Call the Midwife continues tomorrow evening at 8.30 on BBC One.
57:44Press Red now for Humphrey's ultimate surprise in the Beyond Paradise Christmas special on iPlayer.
57:49And stay with me on BBC One for a Saunders and Lumley reunion in the AmandaLand Christmas special next.
57:56The End
58:04The End
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