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  • 14 hours ago
First broadcast 4th March 1979.

Tommy Adams has become quite the grown man. Now 19 years old, he is the man of the house, working full-time and supporting his widowed mother.

Peter Firth - Tommy Adams
Penelope Wilton - Rachel Sullens
Clare Sutcliffe - Lindy Sullens
Gillian Martell - Mrs. Adams
Queenie Watts - Molly Blatts
Trevor Bannister - Arthur Dagnall
James Ottaway - Mr. Duffy
John Horsley - Judge

Category

📺
TV
Transcript
00:23This is a story about a small northern town, somewhere between a country town and a working
00:28town, and about a boy who lived there and grew up to be almost entirely good, fond and dutiful
00:35towards his parents, polite, good-natured, industrious and clean, and who became, after
00:42the death of his father, the heroic support of his widowed mother.
00:53Until one day, he brought home his first man's wages, and started to develop other interests.
01:06Stand up straight, lad.
01:08Walk proper.
01:09You're a man now.
01:10Make your mother feel proud of you.
01:12It's a good fit, though, isn't it, Mum?
01:13Does it look all right from the back, apart from the trousers?
01:16Oh, I can take those up when we get home.
01:18Then you'll look as sprupes as your father always did.
01:21There was a dressy man.
01:34I'm glad you're not interested in girls yet.
01:37There'll be quite a few who would fancy you looking like that.
01:39Get away, Mum.
01:40Oh, well, I'm grateful you're not.
01:42At least I've got you with me for a few more years, yes, haven't I?
01:44I'll never leave you, you know I will.
01:46You will one day.
01:47Never.
01:48Of course you will.
01:49And where's my change?
01:50There must be something left over.
01:53Oh, look, Lindy, look.
01:55What?
01:56Where?
01:56Who?
01:57Him, the one I told you about, who buys a hapenny stamp for me every day,
02:00and stares at me like a sick puppy.
02:02Is that him?
02:03The young lad?
02:04And he's got a new suit.
02:07Well, I never.
02:07Quite the little man.
02:11He looks all right to me.
02:13Come on, Lindy.
02:16It's like what I always say.
02:18It's the cloth that matters.
02:19Itches up a piece of cloth that'll last a lifetime,
02:21and it don't signify whether it fits or not.
02:23What don't fit can be made to fit.
02:25Hurry up, Mother.
02:26Are you cold?
02:27No.
02:28Don't rush me.
02:30There.
02:32I can let him out again in a year or two
02:33in case you've another inch of growing left in you yet.
02:36Put him on.
02:40Well, take your boots off first.
02:41Have you no sense?
02:44Did I ever tell you what Martha Martin said to me
02:46the day we buried your father?
02:48Yes, Mum.
02:48Mrs. Adams, she said.
02:49It's the poor house for you now and for the boy.
02:52Not while I've breath left in my body, I told her.
02:54You'll manage so well.
02:55I'll look after him, and when the time comes,
02:57he can look after me.
02:59Well, we may have gone hungry.
03:00We may have gone short.
03:01But it's different now, eh?
03:05Fitties, you didn't live to see us now.
03:07It a choker.
03:09You earning a grown man's wage.
03:10It's a proud day.
03:12And what did I do with the money, eh?
03:14What's the first thing I spent it on?
03:18My new suit?
03:19No, you have your faults, but you're good at art.
03:23Well, stand up straight now.
03:26Those trousers fit you like they were made to measure.
03:29No, we'll not want from now on.
03:31Your mother looked after you, lad.
03:33And now you'll do the same for her.
03:34Yes, Mum.
03:35Right.
03:36Take it off before you get dirt on it.
03:42Aye, from this day on,
03:43we can hold up our heads as high as the next one.
03:46It's like I told Martha Martin.
03:47So long as I have a son to stand by, I'm here.
03:50What are you tying your laces for?
03:53Erm, I thought I might go out.
03:54Out?
03:55Aye, tip down.
03:56What for?
03:58One of the lads has got a new pigeon.
03:59You want to wear your good suit to look at a pigeon?
04:02Well, I promised to let the lads see my suit.
04:04You want to wear it out, is that it?
04:05You just now said it'll last for years.
04:07Not if you wear it.
04:09There's a slate loose in you, boy.
04:11Not enough for you to go five miles to work in a town every day.
04:14You can't wait to traipse back to it of an evening.
04:17Well, that's a mother's thanks.
04:19Mother, it was my only that bought the suit.
04:21That's right, throw that in me face.
04:23Yes, his first full pay packet,
04:24and all he can think of is mixing in bad company,
04:27hanging around street corners, drinking, betting on horses.
04:30Oh, mother, I've told you.
04:32God almighty, you stupid young owl.
04:34Have you lost your working wits?
04:36Do you want your father to go mad in his grave?
04:37Look, I said I've done with betting, and I have.
04:40Now, don't keep on.
04:41Horses.
04:43Throwing your money away.
04:44What money?
04:45Two sixpenny bets?
04:46I took you to South...
04:48I took you to Southport for a week, didn't I?
04:50With all my own money, too.
04:51Oh, I'll never hear the end of Southport.
05:02Well, if you're fretted to be off, then go.
05:04Soonest away, soonest home.
05:17I'll not be late.
05:18Mind you not.
05:19And have a care what company you get into.
05:22Anyone would think you don't know, well, good enough.
05:32Wearing his good suit of a Friday.
05:34He's gone mad.
05:35Aim what he used to have since.
05:45Open your stamp, please, miss.
05:47We're closed.
05:50That's a pity.
05:51Looks like I'll have to come back tomorrow.
05:53Do.
05:54And I'll sell you sixpenny stamps for thruppence.
05:56Then he didn't bother to come back here for a week.
05:59Matter of fact, I'll do it now.
06:06Sixpenny stamps.
06:11Just the one, please, miss.
06:15If I, er...
06:16If I want another one tomorrow, then...
06:17I know where the post office is, eh?
06:24It's a fine evening.
06:27I'm very fond of walking.
06:28Are you, miss?
06:31What I mean, you've seen as I've come all the way into town.
06:34I thought you might let me walk you home.
06:40There's a rough crowd about the street.
06:42A lady oughtn't to be seen around on her own, miss.
06:47I don't want to walk you.
06:49I don't see them on her own, yes.
06:53They're kind of ramping up you, miss.
06:54I don't see.
06:54You know what that needs to come all the way into wine,
06:57There's a lovelyخص that they want to be in town.
06:58Come on.
07:00Eh...
07:03I don't see.
07:10I don't see...
07:11I don't see anything anytime.
07:12I don't see anyone here.
07:12I don't see anyone.
07:14O'em, see...
07:16I don't see anything.
07:17What are you playing at?
07:22I asked you what you wanted.
07:38More pigeons?
07:39Um, a darts match.
07:43You'll wear those boots out we're polishing.
07:46Anyone would think you were going to a wedding.
08:02Excuse me.
08:04I'm shut.
08:05If you please.
08:07I said I'm shut.
08:10Miss Sullins?
08:12Aye.
08:13If you please, I've come to walk out with Miss Sullins.
08:16Well, I'll be going out with chaps now, is she?
08:20Lindy?
08:21Someone's come a-court in.
08:23Lindy?
08:24Well?
08:25I mean, I thought her name was Miss Rachel.
08:27Aye.
08:29You've come to walk with Rachel?
08:31You?
08:31You must need mothering.
08:34Rachel?
08:34Who?
08:35If you please, Miss.
08:36Don't you miss me, Sonny?
08:38It's Madam.
08:39Madam Betts from London.
08:41She wants to watch it.
08:42She'll be had out for robbing cradles.
08:50Says he wants Rachel.
08:53She said you were young.
08:55Ninety.
08:56Same as me next May.
08:58You don't look only that.
09:00You ought to grow a moustache.
09:02I'm her sister.
09:03I'm pleased to meet you.
09:05Says he's camaculting.
09:07Arthur Dagnall's got a lovely moustache.
09:09Ginger-y.
09:10Last year when I got vaccinated and me arm swelled up like a loaf.
09:14Arthur took Rachel and me to the wild beast show.
09:16And I got took sick with the ice cream and toffees he bought us.
09:18Well, it was me arm, really.
09:20And partly those giraffes.
09:21They give you the horrors.
09:22They're made the wrong way and they can't walk properly.
09:25Arthur says...
09:25Who's Arthur?
09:26None of your business.
09:30I know all about you.
09:33Yeah?
09:35Rachel told me.
09:36You live at Nettleham and you work at Blowfields.
09:38And every day at dinner time you're in the post office buying Hankley stamps.
09:41Little devil.
09:43You must write a lot of letters.
09:53Rachel, you've kept the Prince of Wales waiting.
09:56Oh Molly, don't be such a tease.
10:02Well, shall we be off?
10:05Good night Molly.
10:06Oh, Rachel, what will Arthur say?
10:17Of course, Mum knows I'll be getting married soon.
10:21Once the right girl says yes.
10:23She's the best mum in the world.
10:25I'll have a temper though.
10:27Of course.
10:28You can't wonder.
10:34Can I have that?
10:37It's a bottle.
10:40I know what it is.
10:41I want to see what's in it.
10:45Bye.
10:55I'm getting married soon.
10:59To Arthur Dagnall.
11:27Aren't you going to talk to me?
11:30Aren't you going to talk to me?
11:30How soon are you and...
11:32Arthur?
11:34Gets him wed.
11:35Well, there's nothing fixed exactly.
11:38But it's understood.
11:39It's a proper engagement.
11:42If that's so, then I don't know why you said you'd walk out with me.
11:44Because you kept asking over and over and you wouldn't take a refusal, would you?
11:47I wasn't going to discuss Arthur and me in the post office with people looking on, now was I?
11:53I suppose not.
11:58What a goosey is.
12:00You don't want me.
12:01I do.
12:02I'm years older than you.
12:03I'm 26.
12:04That doesn't signify.
12:06Of course it signifies.
12:09Tommy.
12:10Did you mean it when you said I was the first girl you'd walked out with?
12:15Yes.
12:15Well, then.
12:17When your mother goes into a shop, she doesn't buy the first egg she sees, now does she?
12:22Course not.
12:23We keep ends.
12:24What I mean is, you've got to look around, take your pick.
12:29You're young and you're nice.
12:30You won't be long in finding a girl more to your liking than I am.
12:34But yes.
12:35Never.
12:36You will, you will.
12:38You're nice and you're good.
12:40Lots of girls would love to have you for their friend.
12:43Where?
12:43Well, girls like my sister Lindy.
12:47Her?
12:48Thanks.
12:49Well, don't you like her?
12:51Well, I don't know her.
12:53Well, come to that you don't know me.
12:55Yeah, but she's so different from you, Rachel.
12:58Nothing to speak of.
13:01Sisters are always much the same.
13:04Don't you think?
13:06There couldn't be anybody like you, Rachel.
13:08There's lots.
13:09There's lots.
13:12You can kiss me if you like.
13:15Then you'll see I'm nothing special.
13:20Go on.
13:36There.
13:38You see, I'm very ordinary.
13:40Oh, my God.
13:42Well, aren't I?
13:43I'm not sure.
13:45Give me another.
13:49No, with Lindy and me, it's six of one and half a dozen of the other.
13:56There's not a witter difference.
13:59Oh, Rachel.
14:00Well, we'd best be off.
14:06Well, will you walk me?
14:08Well, get up.
14:11I can't.
14:19Come in for a tick.
14:26You come and visit us as often as you like, you're here.
14:30Come to tea on Sunday.
14:31You can meet Arthur.
14:34No.
14:34No?
14:36Well, I mean, I'm much obliged, I'm sure, but...
14:39Well, I don't know him.
14:41I don't want to...
14:42Oh, but I'd like us to stay friends.
14:45You and me.
14:47Well, can't we?
14:49Real friends.
14:53If you like.
14:54But how can we if you won't meet Arthur?
14:57I'll come to tea.
14:59Well, I'll take the tea.
15:15Okay.
15:35only today I was quite moved to read that his majesty has been down a coal mine he even wore
15:41what they call a davey lamp just like you or me so it goes to show what does it go
15:51to show
15:54well it makes you humble you would not find queen victoria going down a coal mine
16:00i think i'm safe in saying she would not have been found dead in a coal mine
16:05another scone are there not even an open cast coal mine
16:14his present majesty is a man of the people by the next thing you know he'll be going into factories
16:20like blowfields in this day and age he doesn't care who he meets you might get to see him tommy
16:29he might if he's lucky imagine the king going down a coal mine i mean it makes you wonder whatever
16:39will happen next i think it's time we went for our walk rachel oh is it yes i'll go and
16:50put my hat on
16:50tell me a meal do the clearing up won't we wear your new hat rachel it looks new but it
16:57isn't really
16:58molly madame bats that is lets us have the pick of anything in the shop when we can afford it
17:03castor's really but the best of everything and cheap because she likes rachel and me as if we're
17:07her own daughters i mean instead of orphans there was a time when we were rich but not anymore even
17:13so
17:14rachel kept me at my school until i was 16. she believes in being educated like arthur is
17:22arthur knows everything
17:25at the wild beast show he told us about the crocodiles and how after they've had a meal
17:30on the banks of the nile a little bird comes and picks their teeth for them and later on he
17:35gave rachel
17:36a handbag hey he gave her a handbag for her birthday who did a crocodile
17:43arthur a crocodile handbag
17:51i'm ready arthur oh tommy look well now what have we here
18:00as pretty as a picture oh does it suit me
18:06oh i should say so a height of fashion
18:14shall we be off then goodbye tommy don't be a stranger
18:25you'll be gone when we get back
18:27i feel sure
18:32bye
18:40i had a lovely tea oh no i'll clear away you sit
18:46no what i was gonna say is it's time i was off
18:51already
18:52aye i promised my mum
18:58what you mean is rachel's gone so there's nothing to keep you here
19:02no lindy i don't mean that at all on me honor
19:07then stay
19:10no wait
19:12i know shall we go for a walk
19:16a walk
19:17out along the canal
19:20like rachel and arthur
19:23is that where they've gone
19:40fancy you leaving school when you were 14. i wish i had but rachel kept me at my schooling till
19:46i was 16.
19:46i didn't lie that i was wild at it when i wanted to start earning some money myself
19:53but rachel believes in good education
19:56i kept telling her i said i'd be much better off at the stationery counter at hodkins making money
20:01not leaving her to scrimp and save but of course she wouldn't hear of it although that's
20:08where i am now at hodkins selling envelopes funny isn't it she said she owed it to our parents
20:16to keep me at school till i was 16. but
20:20do you want to go back
20:24aye we um might as well
20:29yes all right then
20:32now where was i oh yes she said she owed it to our parents to keep me at school till
20:37i was 16.
20:47yes all right
20:48oh
20:49oh
20:49oh
21:01oh
21:01oh
21:01oh
21:03oh
21:04oh
21:10Evening.
21:11Here, sonny. Where do you think you're going?
21:13Upstairs.
21:14You can't. They ain't in.
21:17Well, where are they?
21:18What's it got to do with you where they are or where they ain't?
21:21I ain't the Bristol box office.
21:23It ain't convenient now. I've got to go out.
21:25So just you walk people out.
21:27Will you tell them I'll call in tomorrow?
21:29No, no, not tomorrow. Give them a week or so.
21:32A week?
21:34They're much too worried for visitors.
21:36They've got a bit of trouble.
21:37What's happened? What's wrong?
21:39They ain't got nothing to do with you.
21:42Didn't you hear me tell you to hop in?
21:43You gone deaf or something. Now get.
21:45But, Mrs.
21:46That's a seat.
21:46You gone deaf or something.
21:59You gone deaf or something.
22:01You gone deaf or something.
22:04You gone deaf or something.
22:04You gone deaf or something.
22:04You gone deaf or something.
22:04You gone deaf or something.
22:05You gone deaf or something.
22:05You gone deaf or something.
22:06You gone deaf or something.
22:06You gone deaf or something.
22:09You gone deaf or something.
22:10You gone deaf or something.
22:12You gone deaf or something.
22:14You gone deaf or something.
22:33What are you trying to do?
22:46Listen, Sonny, if you don't want what for...
22:48Here, come back here. I'll have the law on you.
22:51It's a knot-out. I saw somebody move upstairs in the window.
22:53I'm going after them.
22:56You can't. Rachel ain't well.
22:58Now, don't make me forget I'm a lady.
23:00Rachel don't want to see you,
23:02and what's good enough for her is good enough for the landlord, see?
23:04That's straight from Gravesend.
23:06Now, you stay here and be quiet,
23:07and I'll see if Lindy'll come down for a tick.
23:09I don't want Lindy to come down for a tick.
23:11I'm sick of you always hugging me up on Lindy.
23:13Lindy, Lindy, Lindy. I've come to see Rachel.
23:15That's all I ever want to come for and all I ever will come for.
23:18So shut up to me about Lindy.
23:19Here now, here.
23:22Rachel, eh?
23:23Rachel all the time.
23:25Oh, good love, you come down here.
23:27You might as well know now is later.
23:29Rachel's in a bad way.
23:33Sick.
23:36Is it catching?
23:52It's him, Arthur Dagnall.
23:54He's up to it and gone.
23:55Something fishy at the office.
23:57What's he done?
23:58Probably for one thing,
24:00and God knows what else besides
24:01the swine I could carve his bloody brisket.
24:05Well, where's he gone?
24:06God knows.
24:07Rachel don't know, and that's for sure.
24:09And she's got to know.
24:10She's got to get after him.
24:12What for?
24:12If you ask me, she's well rid of him.
24:14Oh, where's your sense, boy?
24:17They were soon getting married, wasn't they?
24:19Girls is girls the world over, ain't they?
24:22What's that got to do with it?
24:23He's been found out now,
24:24and she'll just have to forget him.
24:25Oh, give me strength.
24:27Was she born yesterday?
24:30Boy, Sunny.
24:30She's got to find him, ain't she?
24:34Can't you guess?
24:36Do you mean he owes her money?
24:38Oh, God's truth.
24:39Give me patience.
24:41Here, hold on.
24:42She's not going to have a baby.
24:43You've got it, boy.
24:45A genius, that's what you are.
24:47Now he's gone.
24:48He's bogus.
24:49And her a good girl, too.
24:51One in a million.
24:53Maybe she's better off.
24:55Maybe a girl like her
24:56shouldn't marry a born thief.
24:58But still, it's a sourdough.
25:00I didn't think she liked him that much.
25:02If I could come at him,
25:04I'd tear him up for the cat.
25:05Holy, Emma,
25:06it would take more than soap and soda
25:08to scrape half a date and all clean,
25:10and then he wouldn't be sweet.
25:11I loved that girl like she was me home.
25:14Never had no kids myself.
25:17Wasn't down on my slate.
25:19I'll just nip up and see her.
25:20No!
25:21She don't want to see no one.
25:23She's too full of shame and tears
25:25and saying she wants to die.
25:28But she doesn't want to talk like that.
25:30Never say die.
25:31That's what I say.
25:32It's pitch dark in the grave.
25:34Madam Bats, I've got to see her now.
25:36And I say no.
25:38Look, you run along and come back Sunday.
25:42I tell her to expect you.
25:48Give her my love.
25:49I will.
25:50I mean that and see.
25:54No, it's all right.
25:55I'll tell her myself when I see her.
26:04Rachel, couldn't we get married now, you and me?
26:08Yes, Rachel, we could.
26:10I want to.
26:10I do.
26:12Thank you ever so much.
26:15But no.
26:18Look, you know that I've always wanted to.
26:21And what's happened?
26:22It doesn't signify.
26:24Well, it's only like as if he was left a widow.
26:28Rachel, I only care about you and looking after you.
26:30Why not?
26:33If it had been any other way.
26:36But not that way, Tommy, I couldn't be so mean to you.
26:39You're too good to me.
26:41I mustn't do that to you.
26:42Do what?
26:43It'd be grand.
26:44I mean, for me.
26:47Rachel, say you will.
26:48You're a dear boy, but you're being silly.
26:51No.
27:02Lindy, you tell her.
27:05Me?
27:07I think it's the noblest thing I've heard.
27:10Truly.
27:11But Lindy, excuse me.
27:28Rachel, you'll marry me.
27:29You've got to.
27:30I've said no.
27:31You must.
27:32You will.
27:32I'm older than you.
27:33Oh, no.
27:34You've said.
27:35Will you stop that?
27:37Now, Tommy, you're not even grown up yet.
27:39I'm very fond of you, but have sense.
27:42What would your mother say?
27:44She'd be glad to get rid of me.
27:46And she'll love you, Rachel.
27:48Same as I do.
27:50What's the bitch's name?
27:52She's...
27:53Asked she a name.
27:55Rachel Sullins.
27:56Go on.
27:57She works in the post office.
27:59Aye.
27:59Robin Pensioners.
28:00How old is she?
28:02Twenty.
28:03Twenty.
28:05Twenty what?
28:06Well.
28:08Twenty-one.
28:09Twenty-two.
28:12Older than twenty-two.
28:13A little bit.
28:15Twenty-three.
28:16Twenty-four.
28:19Well, the love of God, stop me before I go mad.
28:22She's only twenty-six.
28:23Only twenty-six?
28:25Oh, my God.
28:27Old enough to be his mother.
28:28She's a nice girl, Mum.
28:30Is she?
28:31Too nice to be brought home to meet me.
28:32Too nice for her name to be mentioned in a respectable house.
28:36I'm thinking of getting married, Mum.
28:37I know you'll be delighted.
28:38You!
28:40Married!
28:40And to a...
28:43A man might be so bold as to ask, pray, the reason why you're in such a hurry.
28:48There's no reason.
28:50Rachel may have just...
28:52There's no reason.
28:53I see.
28:54You're getting on, is that it?
28:56Don't want to wait till you're an old man of twenty.
28:58Or maybe she don't believe in long engagements.
29:01Maybe she can't afford to wait for a long engagement.
29:05Eh?
29:05You answer me straight.
29:07Is she in trouble?
29:09Erm, well...
29:10Is she expecting?
29:12Sort of.
29:13She's got...
29:13Sort of?
29:14You mad young fool.
29:17Have you lost your working wits?
29:20Come this sly, scheming bitch, why it's kidnapping.
29:23It's nothing else than after all my years of slaving for you.
29:28You did it for yourself as much as for me.
29:30Liar.
29:31Well, you had to, didn't you?
29:32You unnatural whelp.
29:34And come to that, I've done some of slaving and I want something out of it now.
29:37Aye, and you're getting it, aren't you?
29:38A brat born of a middle-aged woman.
29:40Rachel's only 26.
29:42That's right.
29:42Throw it in me face.
29:44Who is she?
29:45What is she?
29:46I've told you, she works in the sub-post office.
29:48Sub-post office?
29:50I knew she couldn't be respectable.
29:52This is what we get for all the pains and trouble we have bringing them into the world.
29:56You didn't ask to come.
29:57All the same if you had.
29:58Don't think I wanted anything like you.
30:00Oh, Mum, don't.
30:00Look, when you meet Rachel, you...
30:01I'll never meet that trollop.
30:03You can please yourself and I've no doubt you will.
30:06But don't look to me for my consent.
30:10Well, if that's how you feel.
30:13We'll do without it.
30:16Oh, will you?
30:17Well, indeed you will not, my lord.
30:19You're underage.
30:20Only 19 yet, my boy.
30:22And let me tell you that until you're 21, you can't marry anyone.
30:25Not even the Queen of England, if I put my foot down.
30:28And it is down.
30:30Hard.
30:34Oh, Rachel.
30:38Look, it's not the end of the world.
30:40It's only a year and a bit.
30:42We can wait that long.
30:43Wait, do you expect me to hold me breath?
30:44Well, you know how the time flies.
30:4618 months.
30:47A lot of things can happen in that time, Tommy.
30:49What things?
30:50Do you realise that by the time we're wed, the baby will be walking?
30:54Get away.
30:55If we're wed.
30:56Rachel, nothing will come between you and me.
30:58I wouldn't let it.
31:00Rachel, look at what Molly's given me.
31:03And she's helped me do up my hair.
31:06Does it suit me?
31:08Does it make me look too old?
31:10What do you think?
31:14Is something wrong?
31:16Is something wrong?
31:35Hello, Tommy.
31:36Come in.
31:38Good evening.
31:40I'm afraid you're going to have to put up with me for this evening.
31:44Rachel wasn't feeling well.
31:45She's gone to bed.
31:47Oh.
31:48Perhaps she's awake.
31:49I'll see.
31:50No.
31:51I mean, there's no sense in doing that.
31:53People don't want company when they're poorly.
31:55She's a real bundle of misery these days.
31:58I can't say I blame her.
32:00Sit down.
32:03Or perhaps you'd rather go, seeing as she isn't here.
32:06No, I'll stay a while.
32:07There's a couple of little jobs I've been meaning to do.
32:10I promised Rachel I'd fix the clock.
32:14You sure I won't be in your way?
32:16I could go downstairs to Molly.
32:18No, she's, um, getting ready for bed.
32:21Oh.
32:23It's just that I know you'd as soon be on your own if you couldn't have Rachel with you.
32:36You're clever with machines, aren't you?
32:38Being able to fix things.
32:41It'll come in ever so handy the year after next.
32:48I mean, when you and Rachel get married.
32:56What's that?
32:58Um, the regulator.
33:00Fancy.
33:01And that?
33:03A hairspring.
33:04All them little wheels.
33:07I only have to look at the inner side of the clock and my head spins.
33:12I get all confused.
33:15Your hair looks grand like that.
33:19Oh?
33:20Hi.
33:21It makes you look different.
33:23Don't change it.
33:24It's marvellous.
33:25You don't know what it does for you.
33:28I think not.
33:32Rachel had a nice surprise today.
33:35I mean, she's going to have to leave the post office.
33:37She can't stay on there.
33:38They're so particular.
33:39And Molly's making a manageress of the shop.
33:41Isn't that nice of her?
33:44So we won't starve after all.
33:46Never thought you would.
34:03Mindy?
34:04No.
34:06Go.
34:08I said go.
34:13Oh, God!
34:17Rachel!
34:47Where shall we go, then? Down the canal or to the park?
34:50I've changed my mind. I don't feel up to it.
34:52Rachel... I only get embarrassed.
34:55It's not proper for me to be seen in public. Not on a Sunday.
34:59But, Rachel, it doesn't show.
35:02It's not what shows or what doesn't show. It's how I feel.
35:05I'll stay here.
35:08You go. You and Tommy.
35:44How far gone are you? Ten weeks.
35:49Ten weeks?!
35:51Come Sunday.
35:53Does he know? Not yet.
35:57Oh, you bitch.
35:59You little toad.
36:01You viper in my bosom.
36:02Don't think I'm not upset about it, Rachel.
36:04How could you do such a thing?
36:05How could a sister of mine lower herself to such disgusting behaviour?
36:09Why, it's worse than the beasts in the field
36:11to think that I should live to see the day
36:12when our family honour should be dragged through the mud.
36:15Well, if you don't mind me saying so, Rachel,
36:17we're both tied with the same brush.
36:18Oh!
36:20So to speak.
36:21Oh, Christ, you little devil, will you break my heart?
36:23Well, what I mean is, it's like the pot calling the kettle black...
36:26Don't you dare say that to me.
36:29At least I was engaged to Arthur.
36:31Engaged?
36:32Why, it's provocation.
36:34But you, you little horror,
36:35you took the man who was gonna marry me
36:37as soon as he was 21.
36:39Oh, for treachery.
36:40But you don't love Tommy.
36:42You don't care for him at all.
36:43What's that got to do with it?
36:44Do you?
36:45Well, do you?
36:46Oh!
36:47Stop that bully and answer me!
36:49Do you love him, Lindy?
36:50Really love him?
36:52I suppose so.
36:53Enough to marry him!
36:54But he's going to marry you!
36:56One thing's sure.
36:56He's gonna marry someone.
36:58It's all to be you, Rachel.
37:00You were expecting long before I was.
37:02I mean, age before, but you...
37:04Oh, I don't know what I'm saying.
37:07Would you marry him?
37:09Yes or no?
37:10But he's yours!
37:11Answer me!
37:12Would you have him?
37:14If I could...
37:15Right.
37:16But how can we?
37:17He's not 21 yet.
37:18How can we?
37:19Where there's a will, there's a way.
37:20But I needn't tell you that after this.
37:23Molly will help us.
37:24Now, today's Tuesday.
37:26If you get a special licence,
37:27you can be married by the end of the week.
37:30And to think, you little slut.
37:32I always wanted you to have a white wedding.
37:36Hello, Rachel.
37:37Hello, Lindy.
37:38Nice weather for ducks.
37:39Well, any news?
37:51Two pound bloody twelve for a licence, eh?
37:53Get on with your phone.
37:54Mind you, not that I grudge it.
37:56But Judith Maccabus, you could buy an armchair for that.
38:01Shhh!
38:08Oh, go down stairs.
38:11Oh, he's here, is he?
38:13Looking half at a wooden melt, you young blackguard.
38:17Where is it?
38:18Here.
38:19Hang on, I've got to put my glasses on.
38:22Oh, my chest.
38:24Sign it there.
38:27What's my name?
38:28Adams.
38:30No, my first name.
38:32Tommy, what's your mother's first name?
38:34Kathleen.
38:36Here.
38:37What's she doing?
38:38She's given her consent.
38:39And then the registry office will be your mother,
38:41so don't go calling her Madam Bats.
38:43But she can't sign my mother's name.
38:45And who else is going to sign it?
38:48Your mother?
39:02When are you going to tell her?
39:03Hmm, I don't know.
39:05Maybe Monday when we get back from Southport.
39:08I don't much relish it.
39:10She'll be madder than a wasp's nest.
39:12But at least we'll be wed.
39:14And there's nothing she can do about it then, eh?
39:16She'll just have to lump it.
39:39Well?
39:41I'm off.
39:46Happened I'll bring you back one of them China dogs,
39:47same as last year.
39:48Then you'll have a pair.
39:55The lads will be waiting.
39:57I'll ask you this the once, and I want a true answer.
40:00Are you going off to Southport with that woman
40:02you were so set on marrying?
40:04With Rachel?
40:05No, Mum.
40:06Swear to that.
40:09Swear by your father's picture.
40:14I swear, Mum.
40:16Not with Rachel.
40:18At least you've got that much sense.
40:20Not enough to stop at home instead of gadding off to Southport
40:23wasting good money.
40:25Here.
40:26You'd better take it.
40:27Don't want you shaming me.
40:29Erm, I have enough, thanks.
40:30You take it when you bid.
40:32Don't go throwing it away.
40:33I'm gambling.
40:37Well, go on.
40:38Get out from one of your feet.
40:47See you Monday, then.
40:55Oh, I hated that place.
41:06It was all fresh air and beeswax and prayer,
41:09and I don't care if I never sees one again.
41:13From Kidderminster he was, see.
41:15Search me.
41:17Course I wasn't going to marry that fella after that.
41:19Not much.
41:20I'm no hope to escape from the Isle of Dogs, I told him.
41:23And I married otherwise.
41:25Elsewhere.
41:25Later on.
41:27Bats from the bloody north.
41:29He dragged me all the way up here,
41:31then died on me in two years.
41:33What a life.
41:35Here, like the time a Greek tried to make advances to me in the Marlin Road.
41:40Small man, but not as small as to be a dwarf.
41:44I didn't like the look of him, so I told him I suffered from boils.
41:48I wanted to get rid of him.
41:50He wasn't my slice of mutton at all.
41:53Boils, I said.
41:54I've got boils all over me.
41:56No, he says, no.
41:57And so, help me God, that Greek started crying all over me.
42:03I could see the tears coming out of his eye.
42:06He'd only got the one.
42:08He says, so you're dying, eh?
42:11No fear, I says.
42:12Not as I knows on I ain't.
42:14He says, yes you are.
42:16Everybody's dying every minute.
42:18As soon as you're born, you start to die.
42:21And I suppose it's true enough, in a way.
42:29Good morning.
42:30All present and correct, eh?
42:33Now then.
42:35Which lady is the happy bride?
42:39Oh, yes, of course.
42:41I can always tell.
42:43How do you do?
42:44Oh.
42:46And this will be...
42:48I'm Mrs...
42:50I'm his mother.
42:51Hi.
42:52How do you do, Mrs Adams?
42:53Mrs Adams.
42:54And, er...
42:57Yes, well now.
42:59Let's see.
43:01Licence.
43:02Yes.
43:03And form of consent of parent and guardian.
43:09Now, if Mr Adams and the future Mrs Adams will please step forward.
43:19Oh, er...
43:26And, er...
43:28Miss Sullins?
43:31And the, er...
43:32Present Mrs Adams.
43:33Please rise.
43:36Mrs Adams?
43:38Mother.
43:45I have first of all to explain to you the nature of the marriage contract.
43:50Oh, my God.
44:00Coast clear, come on.
44:06Now, you see you keep her off of them donkey rides, boy.
44:09They're no good to her now.
44:10Come on now, you miss your train.
44:11Run!
44:12But don't attract attention.
44:13Mr Adams?
44:16Yeah.
44:18Mr Adams!
44:20Mr Adams!
44:23Uh...
44:24Uh...
44:26Uh...
44:27Uh...
44:42Uh...
44:49THE END
45:24Hello Mum
45:32Well, here I am
45:33Hi, there you are
45:36Do you know I wore out?
45:37I had to walk all the way from the station
45:39You poor lad
45:40I can't wait to get my boots off
45:42I'll help you
45:45I was Southport
45:47Oh, quiet for the time of year
45:49We enjoyed ourselves
45:50That's good
45:51We went for rides on the donkeys
45:53You and the lads
45:54Hi
45:58That came Monday
46:00It's your marriage certificate
46:02Seems you was in such a hurry you went off without it
46:04Forget your head if it weren't screwed on
46:06I was going to tell you
46:07You curf
46:08I was
46:08You slinking, lying, unnatural curf
46:11I'm a married man now and I won't be bullied
46:13You are a man
46:15I tried to be honest and above board
46:17But you wouldn't listen, would you?
46:18Oh, no
46:19He calls himself honest
46:20Him what swore on his dead father's picture
46:23Eh?
46:24Why didn't you strike him dead?
46:26Ah, no, you asked me if I was going to Southport with Rachel
46:29And I didn't
46:30It was with Lindy
46:32Who?
46:34Ah, Rachel's sister
46:35Sister?
46:38Which one of them is the bitch what's expecting?
46:42Well
46:42Which one?
46:43They both are
46:44Oh!
46:45No, listen, listen
46:46It won't have this show on, Lindy
46:48You!
46:48You may as well sit down and be quiet
46:51There's no sense in carrying on
46:53I'm married now
46:54And what's done is done
46:56Married?
46:57Who says so?
46:59I say so
46:59This says so
47:00Mr Jackson don't say so
47:02Who?
47:03Him at Town Hall
47:04I've been to see him
47:06He gave me a cup of tea
47:07You're in for what for, my lad
47:09Because you aren't married proper
47:11Get away
47:12Who gave you a cup of tea?
47:14He did
47:15You told a pack of lies, didn't you?
47:18You wrote my name down on a form, didn't you?
47:20You got some old trollop to say she were me, didn't you?
47:23Well, Mr Jackson says you've not heard the last of it
47:26Call it a marriage, he says it's a mockery
47:28I don't believe you
47:29The law's better gin me all my life up till now
47:32Now it's on my side, praise be
47:34Well, you can sing and dance all you like
47:36I'm wed proper now
47:38And I've got me lines to prove it
47:42Have you?
47:44That'll be him again
47:45Who?
47:45Policeman
47:46Came an hour since looking for you
47:48Wanted to know what time you'd be home
47:51Get away
47:54You're going to be summonsed
47:58You're going to get a good telling off, my lad
48:00And serve you right
48:02Oh my goodness
48:07Oh my goodness
48:10Oh my goodness
48:35Thomas Adams, Linda Sullins, Rachel Sullins, Muriel Batts.
48:41Your solicitor has entered an eloquent plea in mitigation of punishment.
48:46I am taking into consideration the deplorable circumstances which has led you into this conspiracy to abuse the law.
48:56Silence!
48:57However, the one redeeming feature in this unsavoury business has been the public spirit shown by the mother of the
49:05defendant Adams
49:07in bringing this matter to the attention of the authorities.
49:11The law has been wantonly flouted, and I don't propose to shirk my responsibility.
49:19Muriel Batts, you will pay a fine of £10.
49:23Thomas Adams, Linda Sullins, Rachel Sullins, I've taken your youth into consideration.
49:29You'll each go to prison for six months.
49:35Let them go.
49:36Let them go.
49:38Oh my God, let them go!
49:42And may we ever remain in perfect love and peace together, and live according to his laws.
49:49Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
49:52Those whom God hath joined together, let no man put asunder.
49:58Amen.
50:01Amen.
50:11Amen.
50:12Amen.
50:15Amen.
50:18Amen.
50:21Amen.
50:23Amen.
50:23Amen.
50:25Amen.
50:26Amen.
50:27Amen.
50:29Amen.
50:57I
50:58wouldn't say it to the lad.
50:59I mean, give them an inch nowadays and they'll take a mile, but it's what I've always wanted
51:04for.
51:29I
51:38don't know.
51:40I
51:42don't know.
51:43don't know.
51:45I
51:46don't know.
51:48I
51:49don't know.
51:50I
51:50don't know.
51:52I
51:57don't know.
51:58I
52:00don't know.
52:01don't know.
52:03I
52:04don't know.
52:04I
52:05don't know.
52:06I
52:07don't know.
52:08I
52:11don't know.
52:11I
52:12don't know.
52:16don't know.
52:17I
52:18don't know.
52:19I
52:20don't know.
52:21I
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