- 1 day ago
First broadcast 11th September 1980.
Jack Galloway - Robert Mackenzie
Kara Wilson - Jean Mackenzie
Lynda Bellingham - Ruth Isaacs
Sheila Ruskin - Diana Crawley
Richard Marner - George Kovacs
Toby Salaman - David Isaacs
Derek Gray - Jamie Mackenzie
Michael McLaughlin - Duncan Mackenzie
Debra Langerman - Lisa Isaacs
Cecily Hobbs - Teacher
Paul Mark Elliott - Piers Crawley (as Mark Elliott)
Ida Schuster - Annie Robertson
Maggie James - Marie Mackenzie
Donna Evans - Call Girl
Ron Paterson - Publican
Charles Kearney - Charlie
Alexander West - Sandy
Chris Connor - Chris
John Young - Priest
Imogen Bickford-Smith - Amanda
Joan Fitzpatrick - Mrs. Alexander
Jack Galloway - Robert Mackenzie
Kara Wilson - Jean Mackenzie
Lynda Bellingham - Ruth Isaacs
Sheila Ruskin - Diana Crawley
Richard Marner - George Kovacs
Toby Salaman - David Isaacs
Derek Gray - Jamie Mackenzie
Michael McLaughlin - Duncan Mackenzie
Debra Langerman - Lisa Isaacs
Cecily Hobbs - Teacher
Paul Mark Elliott - Piers Crawley (as Mark Elliott)
Ida Schuster - Annie Robertson
Maggie James - Marie Mackenzie
Donna Evans - Call Girl
Ron Paterson - Publican
Charles Kearney - Charlie
Alexander West - Sandy
Chris Connor - Chris
John Young - Priest
Imogen Bickford-Smith - Amanda
Joan Fitzpatrick - Mrs. Alexander
Category
📺
TVTranscript
00:00oh I enjoyed doing it. did you? more than I thought I would. would you like to make
00:08love? what? sorry. Nanny always told me never to speak with my mouth full. I said would you like to
00:19make love? I heard you. with me Ellen? no. well I thought we could finish this first.
00:51I heard you.
02:00Why did you disappear?
02:02I told you I was going away to Greece.
02:04For two months.
02:05Why not?
02:06Besides, I got a bit carried away.
02:08Who's we?
02:09Piers and I.
02:10Who's Piers?
02:11My brother, of course.
02:13Of course.
02:14Well, I had two weeks in Glasgow.
02:15That just about says it all.
02:18Oh, you told her I was away for two months.
02:20I came round.
02:21See me?
02:21No.
02:22Do the snagging list.
02:23Oh, well, that's a good word for it.
02:26It was much better.
02:29Better?
02:30Than August.
02:31It was okay in August.
02:33You were very nervous.
02:34Well, thanks a lot.
02:36Don't worry, I was nervous too.
02:38It was much better today.
02:39Much.
02:40You're impossible.
02:41No, I'm not.
02:42I'm a connoisseur.
02:44You should be flattered.
02:45Why do you have to be so analytical?
02:47Oh, you're getting used to me.
02:50You'd have never made the first move back in August, would you?
02:52Well, you're the client.
02:54Quite.
02:56What a game it all is.
02:58I was taking a chance.
03:00Might have turned me down.
03:01Oh, not very likely.
03:03Well, no one ever has.
03:04It's always possible.
03:09What am I meant to call you?
03:11I thought you'd call me God just now.
03:13Hmm.
03:13That was below the belt.
03:14Well, where else?
03:16No, seriously.
03:17What's your wife call you?
03:19Robbie.
03:20As in Robbie Barron's.
03:21Well, that's rather sweet.
03:22And your mother?
03:24Rob.
03:25Like Rob Roy.
03:26Gets better and better.
03:28And David?
03:29Robert.
03:30Oh, yes, he would.
03:32I'm going to call you Mac.
03:34Would you like that?
03:36Well, it sounds a bit like a newspaper editor with a green eye shade.
03:39Say Mac, hold the front page.
03:41I think it suits you.
03:44Now, all we have to do is sign the rule book.
03:47How do you mean?
03:48Well, rather like joining the trades union.
03:50Ah, not me.
03:51I'm self-employed.
03:52Not here, you're not.
03:54You're a happily married man and I'm your bit on the side.
03:57Well, I wouldn't quite put it like that.
04:00Well, I would.
04:01You are happily married, aren't you?
04:03Aye.
04:04You don't want me ringing up and making trouble with your wife?
04:07No, certainly not.
04:09Right.
04:09So that makes me your bit on the side.
04:11So we sign the rule book.
04:14I promise not to rock the marital boat.
04:16And what do I promise?
04:19Let me paddle my own canoe.
04:21No jealous scenes about other lovers, if any.
04:25I don't tell and you don't ask.
04:27And we go on as long as it lasts and no one gets hurt.
04:30Okay?
04:31Okay.
04:32Cross your heart and hope to die.
04:34If you like.
04:35Let me know.
04:36I'm serious.
04:37You must say it.
04:40Cross my heart and hope to die.
04:44Now, do we have time for an encore?
04:47Just to seal the bargain.
04:49You always shake hands on it.
04:51Besides, you're due back on the site.
04:54But I am on the site.
04:55This is a site meeting.
05:07Do you really have a brother called Pierce?
05:17Well, how'd it go?
05:19Not bad.
05:20It's very odd being a new girl again, but lovely to be working.
05:22I booked a table at our usual place.
05:24Can I go dressed like this?
05:25Why not?
05:26On you it looks good.
05:27I was going to buy curtain material today.
05:29Tomorrow.
05:30We're celebrating.
05:31It's not every day you start your first job.
05:33In my case, never.
05:38Relax and enjoy, as David's father would say.
05:41Drives David into a frenzy.
05:43Why, it sounds nice.
05:44Yeah, you haven't heard the threatening way he says it.
05:56I was in the area, so I just thought I'd drop in, see how it's going.
05:59Good.
06:00Come in the office.
06:00I'm going to have a run with you.
06:04Do you have any sales off the board?
06:06Quite a few.
06:07In fact, I think with a bit of luck, we might get them all pre-sold.
06:10If we do, the bank will bridge me on my completions.
06:12And I'll be coming back to you for a new site.
06:14Always happy to apply.
06:15I want something bigger next time.
06:17Maybe 20, 24 houses.
06:19Careful, you don't get in over your head.
06:22I'm not a beginner, you know.
06:24Sorry.
06:25It's just that I've seen so many small builders go broke through overextending themselves.
06:29Ah, you think I'll be fool enough to do that?
06:30It's easily done, Robert.
06:32It can happen to anyone.
06:33Oh, not to me.
06:34No.
06:35Well, you know your own business best.
06:37That's right, I do.
06:39Do you know anything about that empty warehouse bed there?
06:42I was surely not interested in that.
06:44Why not?
06:45You don't know the first thing about warehouses.
06:48Look, David, I'm right along here.
06:50I've got the workman.
06:50The whole operation's set up.
06:51My work could be easier.
06:52And there's a perfectly good warehouse going to waste.
06:54It's not a perfectly good warehouse at all.
06:56It's extremely dilapidated.
06:58That's all the more reason to buy it cheap and do it up.
07:00Do you know who owns it?
07:00The same chap who sold you this site.
07:03Spencer?
07:04What's a farmer doing with a warehouse?
07:07He had a tenant in there who went broke.
07:09That's why he's selling.
07:10You handle it?
07:13God almighty, why didn't you tell me before?
07:16I didn't know you were interested.
07:18Besides, he only made his mind up this week.
07:21That's why there's no border.
07:22So no one else knows about it?
07:24Not yet, no.
07:26How much did you want for it?
07:27How big is it?
07:28Oh, Robert, I really can't remember the details.
07:30Well, try and remember the details.
07:33I think it's about 10,000 square feet,
07:35plus hard standing,
07:36and there's about five acres of land goes with it.
07:39You'll want the going rate,
07:40depending on planning and access.
07:42Maybe a bit less.
07:43He's not the greatest businessman in the world.
07:46No, but he's not a fool either.
07:49Look, David, you do me a favour.
07:51When you get back to the office,
07:52you look up the details and give me a ring.
07:54I'll be here all afternoon.
07:55And put a site map in the post, okay?
08:23It's me, Mac.
08:32Hello!
08:35Hello.
08:36Fancy seeing you.
08:38This is the builder who converted me.
08:41Robert McKenzie, George Kovacs.
08:44Pleased to meet you.
08:45How do you do, Mr. McKenzie?
08:46Mr. Kovacs is an old friend of my parents.
08:49Oh, I?
08:52Oh, well,
08:53I only called to do the snagging list.
08:55Really?
08:56You're a very conscientious man, Mr. McKenzie.
08:59It's all part of the job.
09:00And a very fine job you've done.
09:03I'm most impressed.
09:04I enjoyed doing it.
09:06I found it very stimulating.
09:08We're having lemon tea.
09:09Won't you join us?
09:10No, thanks.
09:11I promised my wife I'd be home early.
09:13Mr. McKenzie has a wife and two little boys.
09:15You're a fortunate man, Mr. McKenzie.
09:18Aye.
09:21Paint's chipped on those stairs.
09:23I told you it'd chip easily, but you would have a spiral staircase.
09:25That was what I wanted.
09:26And you always have what you want.
09:28Usually.
09:28Or else I stop wanting it.
09:30Ah, well, it's just not very practical.
09:31No, but it's beautiful and it's fun.
09:34I'm getting the plumber to come and adjust your hot water supply so it doesn't bubble.
09:37You need a new valve.
09:39And those missing tiles from the bathroom can be replaced next week.
09:43Now, you said there was a cupboard that needed easing and a squeaking floorboard.
09:46Which room's that in?
09:47My bedroom.
09:51Is that the lot, then?
09:53I hope so.
09:54Wouldn't you like me to have another look round?
09:56No.
09:57I think you've been extremely thorough.
10:00Gissan and I must go.
10:02Ah, Mr. Kovacs.
10:03I've nearly finished.
10:04I have an appointment.
10:09The tea was delicious as always.
10:12I'll come.
10:13I'll see you out.
10:14Don't bother.
10:19Goodbye, Mr. McKenzie.
10:21You're to be congratulated.
10:25Bye.
10:34You were lovely.
10:37You were so amusing.
10:39I'm very proud of you.
10:42Have some tea.
10:44No thanks.
10:46All right then.
10:46Have some whiskey.
10:49Who's he?
10:50I told you.
10:51I mean really.
10:52I told you.
10:53You're forgetting the rule book.
10:55So he's a lover.
10:57No.
10:57That old man.
10:58He's not old.
11:00He's only 50.
11:02Oh, he seemed very much at home.
11:05Well.
11:10He's my godfather.
11:12Why didn't you say so?
11:14Does it matter?
11:15I didn't know you were religious.
11:17What did he call you?
11:19Gislingon.
11:20It's a sort of pet name.
11:22And you called him something odd.
11:24I will come.
11:27What's so funny?
11:29It's Hungarian, that's all.
11:32Actually, I wanted you to meet him.
11:33Oh, I?
11:34Yes.
11:35Oh, don't be so boring and stuffy.
11:38He could be useful to you.
11:39Useful?
11:40He's a merchant banker.
11:42And they always come in handy sooner or later.
11:48We could stop them if the Yanks backed us up.
11:51Well, if they're as quick off the markers they were the last time, I'd rather not hang around waiting for
11:54them.
11:55Is that all that matters to you, being on the winning side?
11:57Well, we wouldn't be much used to the poor of any Hungarians if we lost.
12:00There's no point in starting a fight you cannot finish.
12:02I mean, that is just basic common sense.
12:04It doesn't matter that thousands of people are shot in the streets, moaned down by tanks.
12:07We just sit here saying, sorry about that, and what a bit of luck it's not us.
12:12But if we tried to do something, other people might have followed if we'd given a leap.
12:15Well, the way we're going on in Suez, we're in no position to give anyone a leap.
12:18For Christ's sake, will you shut up about Suez?
12:20I'm talking about Hungary.
12:22The Russians, after six days of fighting with vastly superior forces, have not yet broken the resistance of the Hungarian
12:28nation.
12:29Budapest Radio has admitted that there is fighting not only in Budapest, but in Western Hungary also.
12:35The nature of the actual fighting itself remains confused.
12:38Yesterday, it appears there was heavy fighting in the center of Pest, on the left bank of the Danube, a
12:43shift away from the industrial suburbs.
12:45The Patriots have apparently changed their tactics, and instead of holding out its strong points,
12:50are coming into the open and making guerrilla attacks on the Soviet forces.
12:53At the same time, it seems that the Russians are regrouping in some way.
12:57The greatest threat now is that food supplies may be running out.
13:01Though there were reports today of looting in Budapest,
13:04these are quite out of character with the behavior of the people in the early stages of the uprising.
13:09If they are true, it would be another indication that the Soviet forces have by no means got the city
13:14under control.
13:18Would anyone like a brandy?
13:28It would be another way to live.
13:28This is a nice flat.
13:30Yes, it is, isn't it? We've still got a lot to do, though.
13:32It's much better than the evening place.
13:34Did you get a good price for the Glasgow house?
13:37Yes. Paid off the bridging loan.
13:39Sight's come along fine.
13:41We're able to live a bit more comfortably now.
13:46talking about hungarians i met one the other day uh george kovacs do you know him yes well can you
13:56tell me anything about him where did you meet him diana crawley's house i thought you finished work
14:02on that ages ago i had to go back to a snagging list i told you i forgot what do
14:08you want to know
14:09about him well i thought he might be useful huh miss crawley said he was very important banker yes
14:16he is i thought they might be having it away i hardly think so why not i mean do you
14:25know anything
14:25about him do you know his history you better ask my father about it i don't know your father
14:31you're very lucky george kovacs is a friend of david's father that's all we don't really know
14:36much about him is he only good for financing a warehouse he's like any other merchant banker if
14:41you give him a good deal he'll take it and if you don't he won't so there's nothing special about
14:45it what do you mean special well what's his background why are you so interested i thought
14:50he might be able to help me you know from one self-made man to another what makes you think
14:54he's self-made he might come from a rich family like you you mean why not well that's what i'm
15:00trying to find out so you don't know anything about nothing that would help you look robert there
15:05are dozens of other merchant bankers sooner or later you're bound to find one to finance
15:09your warehouse if you're really set on it but you'd rather i didn't choose george kovacs hardly
15:15a matter of your choosing him well put it this way he's the first merchant banker i've met i
15:20shouldn't think now is a very good time to approach him he must be awfully worried about
15:23hungry i can always send a check thank you amanda mr mackenzie's here sir show him in will you
15:38mr mackenzie what can i do for you a great deal i hope please be seated thank you
15:46now what's this great deal i can do for you well mr kovacs apart from doing conversions like miss
15:53crawley's i'm a builder developer at the moment i'm building 12 houses on a site in northalt and
15:58it's going very well but i want to expand and diversify well i don't want all my eggs in one
16:03basket now next door to this site there's a warehouse about 10 000 square feet belonging to
16:09the same man i bought my residential building site from now he's prepared to do a deal but it's
16:14too much for my local bank so i thought you might be willing to help how much money are we
16:19talking
16:20about mr mackenzie well i think i can buy the warehouse for about 40 000 pounds and when you've
16:25done that what's the deal well i'd completely renovate the warehouse do the whole place up give
16:30it proper access and when it's done up it'll be worth about 80 000 pounds and who's your buyer
16:38uh how do you mean mr mackenzie if i understand you correctly you're asking this bank to lend you
16:47a small house builder more money than you've probably ever handled before
16:52to develop a warehouse for which there's no purchaser
16:58yes i realize i may be a wee bit premature but when we've done it up we'll have no trouble
17:03selling it
17:04perhaps i hope so but what guarantee can you give us that it will sell at a profit
17:12you see this deal is open-ended mr mackenzie why should we finance you with a warehouse
17:18when there's no one to take it from you
17:23yes i see that now but this site is uh right next door to my building development i can work
17:29it easily
17:30it's a good area got good access what's near an airport a lot of housing a lot of employment
17:35i'm sure this is a good site that's why i want to do it i've got a hunch and you
17:40may well be right mr
17:41mackenzie but we cannot back hunches
17:48i thought it was nice enough but the fact remains he's not going to help me
17:53i'm sorry it's daft that i have to let it go because i can't raise the cash
18:01robbie we've got other problems what
18:10this came today
18:21why the hell didn't you tell me about this before you were tired and depressed and you
18:25wanted to talk about the warehouse this is more important than a warehouse why did you wait till
18:31they're in bed we could have had this out tonight i know that's why i waited we had it out
18:35the last
18:35time look where it got us back to square one so what do you suggest read the letter again she
18:43wants to see us
18:46so this has happened before at his last school yes how long was he there only two terms i see
18:54it's very unsettling of course for a child of his age to keep moving around we're not doing it for
18:59fun
18:59no i'm sure you're not tell me what exactly happened at his previous school he was bullied
19:07jamie got into fights sticking up for him hid behind his brother is he doing that here in the playground
19:11yes in the classroom of course he can't but then you're here yes but i don't have eyes in the
19:19back of
19:19my head i only wish i did children can be very cruel and they have surprisingly subtle ways of doing
19:26it
19:27i just want to be sure that you understand the situation so you can do your best to help
19:31and also make allowances for duncan if he seems a bit subdued at home being bullied can make children
19:38very withdrawn they're often afraid to tell their parents in case the parents make it worse by
19:42complaining yes that's what jamie said well he's right up to a point but he's probably thinking you'd
19:48simply make a fuss at school there are more positive things you can do like what like making sure you
19:55give duncan every possible encouragement lots of praise whenever he does something well
20:02he's very good at drawing for instance oh yes we've got lots of his pictures pinned up at home
20:07in his bedroom lovely that's just what i mean make him feel important well that's fine but a few good
20:12drawings are no protection against being bullied but it's true he's never going to learn how to get on
20:17in life unless he sticks up for himself and no amount of messing about with paint is going to change
20:20that mr mackenzie do you think it's possible duncan feels a lot of pressure at home as if it's not
20:27a place to relax in but a place to compete with his brother and you that would be a very
20:35heavy burden
20:36for a little boy don't you think
20:49bloody woman she's as good as said it was my fault probably she didn't as near as damn it she's
20:54only
20:54trying to help she's really concerned about duncan meaning i'm not no of course not she's just tackling
21:00it from a different angle that's all well as far as i'm concerned there's only one angle and as soon
21:03as they come out this will be them no robbie don't say anything not yet wait until you've had a
21:08chance to calm down what the hell do you mean you can't talk to duncan in this mood i won't
21:13let you
21:13right have it your own way where are you going back to the site of course where do you think
21:19i'm going
21:43where the hell are you
21:46i should have built your lift instead of a spiral staircase
21:52god what a bloody awful day i wasn't expecting you what's the matter with you
22:01do you have to do that now i want to talk to you what can't we talk you mean can't
22:08i listen while
22:09you talk well maybe i do does it matter why didn't you phone i don't know i didn't think i
22:12just wanted
22:13to come here it's in the rule book always phone first i'll stuff your bloody rule book
22:29i'm all attention
22:36my kid's being bullied at school which kid duncan of course well how am i to tell them apart i've
22:41never
22:41met either of them see the younger one hi what's the matter with him he's very timid i wish to
22:48god
22:48i knew how to put some backbone into him why don't you move him move him christ you women all
22:54the same
22:54all you want to do is run away move him to a decent school i meant or can't you afford
22:58one oh what did
22:59you have in mind eaton and don't tell me no one ever got bullied there i was thinking of somewhere
23:04like
23:04dean's academy my brother went there pierce i've only got one brother it's in scotland too so that
23:11should suit you is he artistic this timid son of yours so they tell me not in the games all
23:18right
23:18usual pattern pierce was a misfit well i wouldn't say duncan was a misfit for god's sake do you want
23:23help or not look dean's academy is a very special place they have small classes and lots of attention
23:29they do usual academic stuff plus a lot of outdoor stuff well what's so special about that that just
23:34sounds like any other public school shut up and listen they do a special two-way responsibility bit
23:41all the time you're there except for your last year you're looked after by somebody one year older
23:45and except for your first year you look after somebody one year younger well it's a sort of training
23:52pierce said it was fantastic and it really worked now may i dry my hair
24:03you're tremendous i thought you were going to be bored i was bored
24:09well come to bed you won't be bored there i'm not in the mood but i want you i want
24:13to make love to
24:14you now see yourself out please i'm not leaving yet yes you are now look mac you didn't phone you
24:22didn't have an appointment you've broken the rules that was not convenient but i listened to you and i've
24:27told you what to do now would you please have a courtesy to leave me alone i have to go
24:32out and
24:32i would like to go with my hair dry where are you going that's my affair
24:40is that that kovacs he turned me down you know asked for a loan and he turned me down
24:47did you see you're a lover did he buy you this house did he
24:58yes he did buy me this house he's my father and you can get out because we're through
25:11mommy mommy look at me yes darling i can see you it's lovely but be careful
25:19if she falls in god forbid david will kill her she won't and he won't
25:26i can't believe it's really over it was going so well i'm well off out of it but what happened
25:34did he ever lose his temper with you well not exactly got a bit put out once or twice
25:41he's like a maniac i mean all over nothing it's absurd nobody could put up with that no
25:48you're so possessive god great jealous scenes well you know how i feel about all that yes
25:56yes darling it's lovely but you can't tether her to a post like a goat yes i've often thought that
26:08i mean he wanted me to listen to some great tale of woe about his bloody children and give him
26:13advice
26:13and then he wasn't even grateful just furious with me that i wouldn't go to bed with him with my
26:17hair
26:17wet ridiculous look he didn't even phone he just turned up put me through all that smashed my hair
26:24dryer and made a fool of himself over my father didn't tell him afraid so oh i lost my temper
26:30and it just
26:31slipped out well i hope he keeps it to himself oh he probably will anyway it's done now all sounds
26:39awfully serious told you it's over no i meant as if he was awfully serious he's mad i've had a
26:47lucky escape
26:50visa do you want me to help you feed the dogs
26:59are they asleep all right fine how was your job today
27:10well if they're not treating you right you can always leave you know
27:15It's not the dirty jobs I mind.
27:16It's not being given any responsibility that gets me down.
27:20It's as if part-time meant second-rate.
27:23And, you know, we don't even mix with the others.
27:25We even have our coffee at different tables.
27:27They give us all the bed-making and the teas and the bedpans
27:30and all the fetching and the carrying,
27:32and then they don't even talk to us.
27:34I don't know how you stick it.
27:35I don't like to give in.
27:37I keep thinking it's going to get better.
27:39But that's two months now, and it's just the same.
27:42We're like a lot of skivvies.
27:44I wouldn't mind if I hadn't had all the training and the experience,
27:47but it's such a waste.
27:49It's not like proper nursing at all.
27:51You're wishing I never brought you here?
27:53Well, Duncan and I don't seem to be doing too well,
27:55but you and Jamie are all right.
27:57Oh, come on, it's not like that.
27:59That's how it feels sometimes.
28:01I'll have a word to Duncan.
28:03Now, don't you worry.
28:04I'll just have a wee chat with him.
28:05You know, let him know we're on his side.
28:07Like the teacher said.
28:09Maybe she's right.
28:10And if things aren't better after Christmas,
28:12we can always move him again.
28:15I'm not sure that's the answer.
28:16Why not?
28:17That's what you wanted the last time.
28:19I know, but if he keeps on happening, he's no better off.
28:21Maybe he should stay put and make some friends.
28:24Oh, well, don't think about it now.
28:25It's soon to be the holidays.
28:26Oh, can we really go home for a whole week?
28:29Oh, we might as well.
28:30We've got to be there for Marie's wedding.
28:32Are you sure?
28:33Yes.
28:37I just thought I'd be a bit further on by now.
28:41Have more to boast about, you mean?
28:43Well, I'm sure I'd have sold the warehouse by now.
28:46Oh, Robbie, you've answered every advert there ever was.
28:49It doesn't even belong to you yet.
28:50You can't keep stringing Spencer along like that.
28:53I know, I know.
28:54Only as long as David will let me, and he's putting on the pressure.
28:57As soon as he finds another purchase, I've had it.
28:59Why can't you just let it go?
29:01I think I'll try advertising it.
29:03That might just work.
29:05It can't.
29:06Why not?
29:06It's perfectly safe under a box number.
29:08It's not really safe, but it's not honest.
29:10How can you advertise something for sale that doesn't belong to you?
29:12Quite easily.
29:13And as soon as I find a purchaser, I'll buy that warehouse so fast,
29:16Spencer's feet won't touch the ground.
29:23I didn't mean the houses.
29:25I meant the warehouse.
29:26It's coming along.
29:27I had three looking at it yesterday, two today,
29:28and there's more coming tomorrow.
29:30How many replies altogether?
29:31Quite a few.
29:32How many?
29:33Seven.
29:36Hardly an overwhelming response.
29:38Well, we only need the one as long as it's the right one.
29:40Time's running out, Robert.
29:42I do realise that.
29:44Spencer's getting very restless.
29:45He says I should have another purchaser lined up
29:47in case you let him down, and he's right.
29:49I won't let him down.
29:51If you don't find a buyer soon, you'll have to.
29:54Who's your best bet so far?
29:57Fishers.
29:58They'd suit you nicely.
30:00Should be big enough for Kovacs anyway.
30:02They said the ring back, but they haven't so far.
30:04Well, let's hope they do.
30:06Spencer won't hang about much longer, and I can't blame him.
30:08He knows your solicitor's stalling.
30:10I'll talk to Spencer.
30:13Well, I'd better be getting back to the office.
30:39Hello, Mr. Spencer.
30:40It's Robert McKenzie.
30:45Yes, I realise that.
30:48Oh, well, it's just taking a little bit longer than we thought.
30:52Well, as far as I'm concerned, the deal's on.
30:54We can exchange contracts in ten days.
30:57But if you want to back out, that's fine by me.
30:59There'll be no hard feelings, Mr. Spencer.
31:09I'll speak to you soon, then, Mr. Spencer, all right?
31:10Bye for now.
31:32Fishers.
31:34Could I speak to Mr. Ferguson, please?
31:36It's Robert McKenzie.
31:44Mr. Ferguson, it's Robert McKenzie.
31:46I'm ringing you about the Norfolk warehouse.
31:49I see.
31:53Well, the thing is, I've had a firm offer,
31:56and I've got to let them know in about 24 hours.
32:03I see.
32:04No, it's not as good as I was hoping,
32:06but it is definite, and I have to move fast.
32:11I see.
32:15Well, if you're still interested,
32:17do you think you could let me know by about five o'clock tomorrow?
32:24Fine.
32:24Okay, then, Mr. Ferguson.
32:27Bye now.
32:28Bye.
32:30Bye.
34:23Robert McKenzie?
34:27Yes, Mr. Ferguson.
34:37Got you.
34:40So, Mr. McKenzie, you want 64,000 pounds, of which 4,000 pounds is payable immediately.
34:46Aye, that's right.
34:48I see you've agreed to sell to Fishers at the end of negotiations for 85,000 pounds.
34:55That's a very good deal, Mr. McKenzie.
34:57You should be proud of yourself.
34:58I only like to do good deals, Mr. Kovacs.
35:01Otherwise, it's not worth it, is it?
35:02Quite right.
35:03Never try to turn a bad deal into a good one.
35:06I knew when I saw this site it was good value.
35:08Not at the time.
35:09The deal was open-ended, Mr. McKenzie.
35:12But now, it's a different matter entirely.
35:15Look, we will do this, providing we can have all the details set out in a letter of application
35:20to be put before our board.
35:23You will appreciate that no one man can be in control totally, not even myself.
35:28But my chances are good.
35:29Oh, yes.
35:30And I will add my personal recommendation.
35:33So all you have to do now, apart from the letter, is to agree some terms of the bank.
35:38How do you mean, terms?
35:40Well, without our money, you can't do the deal, correct?
35:43Aye, that's correct.
35:44But I'm paying you interest on the money.
35:46Mr. McKenzie, if you imagine our bank would survive doing deals just for interest,
35:52you're mistaken.
35:53For this type of deal, we are taking more risk than you.
35:57So we need a share of the profits.
35:59We call it a participation.
36:02I hope it will be a participation in your good fortune.
36:06And how much are you taking for this participation?
36:10Shall we say 20% of the profit?
36:12And then, of course, this is a small matter of the commitment fee to cover our expenses,
36:16because naturally, we need our own survey of the property.
36:20You mean you want 20% plus interest plus commitment fee?
36:24Yes, Mr. McKenzie.
36:27Look, it's for you to decide.
36:29I will put you a letter before the board at the next meeting.
36:33I'll tell you what.
36:34I'll give you 20% participation,
36:37to include commitment fee,
36:39and the interest rate to be reasonable.
36:42Next time, Mr. McKenzie.
36:44How do you mean?
36:45You're not strong enough to bargain with us this time.
36:49But it's good that you try.
36:54It's your deal, Mr. McKenzie.
36:56You can take it anywhere.
36:59I don't have much choice, do I?
37:08Good to see you.
37:11Oh, it's good to see you.
37:13How are you?
37:14A little tired.
37:15A little unhappy.
37:17You've been talking to Ruth.
37:18No.
37:19Ruth's been talking to me.
37:21I didn't say a word.
37:23he's gone. it's a good thing. is it? yes.
37:29I've got some tukai. it's just cold enough. not too cold.
37:43you're all I have left.
37:46no one's about to hurt you.
37:49it's all right. nothing's broken.
38:06now.
38:09happy Christmas. happy Christmas my love.
38:18are you going to the country? yes I'll have to.
38:22Piers is coming too thank God otherwise I couldn't bear it. he's arriving tonight.
38:25good he's a nice boy.
38:28you and I have a date for New Year's Eve. don't forget.
38:31yes I'm looking forward to it.
38:33you want your present now? no. save them for next week.
38:38all right. oh.
38:41so good to have you here. I hate Christmas without you. what will you do?
38:47indulge myself. eat. drink. sleep.
38:53I'll miss you.
38:57this Mackenzie. he wants a loan from the bank to buy a warehouse.
39:02is it a good deal? yes.
39:05then you should help him.
39:07I won't if you don't want me to.
39:09I don't mind. why should I?
39:12that must be Piers.
39:16Piers? Piers it is you. oh look come on up. we're on the first floor.
39:24tell me the truth. has he hurt you?
39:27if he deserves a loan he should have it.
39:31really I could come. it's business. nothing to do with my nonsense.
39:36hello rabbit. Piers.
39:39you're really here? I can't believe it.
39:43George good to see you again. welcome home. you look well.
39:47well I'm in training for the rigors of a family Christmas.
39:50where's your luggage?
39:51downstairs full of presents.
39:53oh this is rather sweet.
39:55I'm glad you approve.
39:56yes you're not gonna fancy Greenwich Village much after this are you?
39:59of course I am.
40:02oh are you sharing it with anyone yet?
40:04only a few cockroaches.
40:05yeah.
40:06oh they're quite friendly.
40:10for you.
40:11thank you.
40:13well Merry Christmas.
40:14Merry Christmas.
40:20so
40:22so what about my darkroom then?
40:25what darkroom?
40:27all the time we were in Greece last summer she kept promising me a darkroom in a new house.
40:32but I could see she was only after my travelers checks.
40:35it's upstairs next to the guestroom.
40:38you meant it!
40:40oh die!
40:42oh
40:45oh now you're both here.
40:48it's really Christmas.
40:55oh
40:58oh
40:58oh
40:58oh
40:58oh
42:30Oh, Lisa.
42:32How lovely.
42:34Isn't he lovely?
42:37Give Daddy a kiss.
42:43Are you disappointed, love?
42:45No.
42:46You were splendid, truly.
42:55I thought he was on account.
42:57Christmas prison.
42:59I wish they were all like you.
43:02Bloody agency.
43:04They shan't.
43:06Look, I shouldn't do this.
43:09But if you want to see me again,
43:11here's my private number.
43:19Hi then.
43:23Merry Christmas.
43:30I'm surprised at you, Jean.
43:32Are you really going to let Rob send them to a place like that?
43:35I've heard of Dean's Academy.
43:36It's a toffee-nosed school, isn't it?
43:38I don't know what to do for the best.
43:40He says they'll get a better education and no bullying.
43:42Is there not bullying everywhere?
43:44I don't know how you can bear to send them away.
43:46I don't want to.
43:47Of course I don't want to.
43:48I'm just trying to do the best thing for them.
43:50Why doesn't he just send them to Eaton and have done with it?
43:53What worries me most is it's not a Catholic school.
44:16Duncan, these kids at school, are they giving you a hard time?
44:18Sometimes.
44:21Well, it might help if you could give him a pasting.
44:24I know, I try, but I'm not very good at it.
44:27Ah, it doesn't matter.
44:29If you can't do it, we can always move you again.
44:31To a nicer school.
44:32Can you really?
44:33Of course we can.
44:34You're my son and you're going to have the best.
44:37Just you remember that.
44:40Well, there you are, Dean.
44:41Come on, we're going to be late.
44:44What?
44:45Did you enjoy that?
44:46Yeah.
44:52Hey, look.
44:54What do you mean everything is better down there, eh?
44:57I suppose we're no good enough you knew either.
45:00Look, I didn't mean it like that.
45:05I'll get a round of drinks.
45:06Hey, not for me, Robert.
45:08I told the wife I'd be home early.
45:10Cheers, everybody.
45:11Cheers.
45:19You're in a great mood tonight.
45:21Dark as that, you don't mind you.
45:24Know that I didn't see it coming.
45:26It was bad enough in the summer when he came back up the last time.
45:29Why don't you come down south, chaps?
45:32You've got to think big.
45:34Him and his flaming wearers.
45:36Sounds pretty impressive to me.
45:39Central Hotel.
45:41Of course I've never stayed in the Central Hotel.
45:44You'd say, I live in Glasgow.
45:46What the hell would I want to stay in the bloody Central Hotel for, eh?
45:49Right, there you go.
45:51Thanks, Ronnie.
45:52Nice to see you again anyway, Robert.
45:54How's the big smoke then?
45:55Oh, it's great.
45:56Bet you'll teach them a few new tricks, eh?
45:58Aye.
45:58Just made a great deal with the warehouse.
46:00A warehouse, eh?
46:01Oh, I always knew you'd do well down there, Robert.
46:06Where's Charlie and the Jets?
46:08Back in the way.
46:10At least they have funny boots, you know?
46:14Rowan.
46:16That half and half.
46:18How about with me?
46:19What's your problem?
46:24Well, Happy New Year when it comes in.
46:26Aye.
46:28Happy New Year.
46:35Di?
46:38What are you doing here?
46:40Everybody's waiting for you.
46:43You know how Mummy hates her plans being upset.
46:45We mustn't be late for the vicar.
46:49Oh, Piers, it's all so awful.
47:09Hello?
47:10Diana.
47:11It's me, Mac.
47:13Oh.
47:15I'll come down.
47:27Hello.
47:28Hello.
47:28Hello.
47:29I brought you a present.
47:31I don't know if it's for Christmas or New Year, but it comes with all the best ones.
47:33Best wishes.
47:34Seasonal greetings.
47:38Well, aren't you going to open it?
47:40If you like.
48:00That's what I needed.
48:03Somebody I know broke mine.
48:05I hope it's the right sword.
48:07It's a very superior sword.
48:09Do you have a good Christmas?
48:11Yes, thank you.
48:12Have you?
48:13Yes.
48:16Can I come up?
48:17No.
48:19No, I've got someone here.
48:22Oh, yes.
48:23Of course.
48:26Well, I really only dropped by to give you that and say thank you.
48:31Whatever for?
48:32Your father's loan.
48:34It came through.
48:35I thought you might block it.
48:37But you didn't.
48:39Why should I?
48:40Well, I just thought you might.
48:43And I wouldn't be so petty.
48:45No.
48:46Of course not.
48:49Well.
48:52Happy New Year.
48:54Happy New Year.
48:56Enjoy the warehouse.
48:57Yes.
48:58I will.
48:59Oh, Mac.
49:01Yes?
49:02About my father being my father.
49:05Would you keep quiet about it?
49:07I don't mind.
49:08But my mother and my stepfather would be very grateful.
49:11I wouldn't dream of mentioning it.
49:12No, I didn't think you would.
49:15Well, good night.
49:17Good night.
49:17No.
49:26No.
49:30No.
49:32No.
49:33No.
49:34No.
49:42Rabbit?
49:44Whatever's the matter?
49:49Christmas present belated.
49:52Oh he came back?
49:54I'm gonna just say thank you.
49:57So grateful for my father's money.
49:59Oh Di you are a fool.
50:02Why didn't you ask him in?
50:06I told him I had someone here.
50:08What me?
50:09Well you are here aren't you?
50:11Well yes but not like that.
50:14Least we understand each other.
50:16Might solve a lot of problems.
50:17No it wouldn't.
50:19Apart from all the incest taboos and all that.
50:22No lovey.
50:23They'd still be the same problems.
50:25Worse probably.
50:28Piers why does sex screw everything up?
50:32Di you should have made it up with him.
50:38Well Mr Mackenzie.
50:40It only remains for me to wish you luck.
50:47Yes?
50:50Yes.
50:52Thank you Amanda.
50:56You are a fortunate man Mr Mackenzie.
51:01I think you have something else to celebrate.
51:04Yes.
51:05Yes.
51:32Thanks, sir.
51:34shares a BBC single record of the theme music from this series, available from record shops.
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