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