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00:00:37It's on!
00:00:40It's on!
00:00:42It's on!
00:01:00It's on!
00:01:01Come on!
00:01:03Come on, get him!
00:01:05Yeah, go like this!
00:01:07There it goes!
00:01:09I can't see!
00:01:13I can't see!
00:01:14No, no, come on!
00:01:17What are you talking about?
00:01:19What are you talking about?
00:01:20You're talking about me!
00:01:25Look at that!
00:01:26Look at that!
00:01:42My first Christmas in Poplar was unlike any other I had known.
00:01:48The streets, like all streets, were strung with coloured lights,
00:01:52and children drew up lists, like children everywhere.
00:01:55As the days ticked down, it seemed as though the district was fizzing with delight.
00:02:02But at Nonnata's house, a different magic was at work.
00:02:11The sisters spent Advent in prayer and meditation, and the atmosphere was not one of excitement,
00:02:20but of expectant, joyous, calm.
00:02:31I wasn't entirely sure what I should make of it.
00:02:35I was young, and faith was still a mystery to me.
00:02:57What's the truth?
00:03:00she started having pains.
00:03:02Name, please.
00:03:03Ilder Levens, Lisbon Buildings.
00:03:06You're meant to be sending her down the hospital.
00:03:08She's already crying her eyes out.
00:03:10First one, she was in labour for three days.
00:03:13I'll come out and assess her,
00:03:15keep her tucked up and warm until I get there.
00:03:18It's all right, baby.
00:03:19It's all right.
00:03:20Come on.
00:03:25Mrs Levens was very anxious at the last appointment.
00:03:28I'll come with you to reassure her
00:03:29and then go on to the mastitis case.
00:03:32Oh, straw for the crib.
00:03:34Well done, Sister Monica Jo.
00:03:35I avail myself of the kindness
00:03:37of some posters in the market.
00:03:41The spirit of the season
00:03:43would appear to be amongst us.
00:03:59Nurse!
00:04:01You've got to come quick, nurse!
00:04:04Please, quickly.
00:04:05She's in there.
00:04:06Come on.
00:04:07She's through here.
00:04:10Hey.
00:04:11Come on, love.
00:04:18Take that.
00:04:19Come on, mate.
00:04:20Please.
00:04:21Come on, girl.
00:04:22Oh!
00:04:27Hilda!
00:04:28It's all right.
00:04:29The nonnetons are coming.
00:04:30Stop pushing!
00:04:31I can't stop!
00:04:32It's your eyes.
00:04:32Let me through, please.
00:04:33I'm at midway.
00:04:34Oh!
00:04:36I need to go to the hospital.
00:04:38Oh, I had to have four sets with the last one.
00:04:42Second stage, sister.
00:04:43Don't distress yourself, Hilda. All is well.
00:04:48Please, will everybody stand right back so we can assist Mrs Levens?
00:04:51It might help if you were dispersed elsewhere.
00:04:54Begging your pardon? This is a communal toilet, and I was in the queue.
00:04:58Get yourself down the other bloody landing.
00:05:00I can't do this on my own.
00:05:02Yes, you can.
00:05:04I want you to take nice, steady breaths in between each contraction.
00:05:07It will help you to feel a lot calmer.
00:05:10Good.
00:05:11Oh, thank God. Thank God.
00:05:16Who sent for an ambulance? It wasn't necessary at all.
00:05:20If you really want to be of help, you will boil a kettle,
00:05:23fill some hot water bottles, fetch clean, dry towels,
00:05:27a basin, and a blanket.
00:05:31I'm going to need four sets again.
00:05:34Thank you, gentlemen, for your attendance.
00:05:36All is in order for the meanwhile.
00:05:38All right, sister.
00:05:40I want you to inch forward for me, Hilda.
00:05:43That's it.
00:05:44Good girl.
00:05:45Bit more.
00:05:46I can't have you here.
00:05:47I haven't had more anymore.
00:05:49Vertex is visible, sister.
00:05:51Shall I tell you something, Hilda?
00:05:53You're doing splendidly.
00:05:56Nursley and I aren't going to leave your side.
00:06:01Now, on this next contraction, I want you to make as little noise as possible.
00:06:06I want you to put all that energy inwards as you bear down.
00:06:11But water bottles are on their way.
00:06:13That's right.
00:06:14That's wonderful.
00:06:16Well done.
00:06:17Well done.
00:06:19Keep going.
00:06:20Now, on this next contraction, I think we're going to have the bogus head.
00:06:43Really good.
00:06:45Really good.
00:06:47Oh, well done.
00:06:57Lovely girl.
00:07:00I can't believe it.
00:07:01Yes.
00:07:04I can't believe it.
00:07:07I can't believe it.
00:07:10There were days and deliveries where I couldn't believe it either.
00:07:14Earth was and will always be the most commonplace of miracles.
00:07:20An event at once familiar and phenomenal, timeless and immediate,
00:07:26briefly making angels of us all.
00:07:33Over 18 pounds, bravo. About the same size as a turkey.
00:07:38All the children for vaccinations over this way, please.
00:07:41And anyone who doesn't line up nicely will be reported to Father Christmas.
00:07:46Trixie.
00:07:46And you needn't think I don't know where to find him.
00:07:50Last year, he left his number in my stocking.
00:07:55Lynette, take the boys over for their needles.
00:07:58And don't say needles in front of them. You know they'll kick off.
00:08:00If they're frightfully brave and well-behaved, they'll get a jelly baby afterwards.
00:08:05You'd better hurry up, otherwise all the black ones will be gone.
00:08:13Watch out.
00:08:15Come on, mind every way. I want a star on top of this, not somebody's eyeball.
00:08:19Season's greetings to you two.
00:08:22Do I have to undress him? It's on the nippy side in here.
00:08:26Down to his napkin if you would, Mrs Duncan.
00:08:28Hand knits way rather heavy on the scales.
00:08:31I've got it! Stop it!
00:08:35I'll see you at tea time.
00:08:37Better hurry.
00:08:42Has a baby been born?
00:08:45Yes, there has.
00:08:47Is it thriving?
00:08:48Yes.
00:08:49Is it?
00:08:51Yes.
00:08:52And the mother, is she thriving too?
00:08:56Mother and baby are both doing well.
00:08:59I'm afraid you must let me past. I'm expected I swear.
00:09:03Both doing well.
00:09:05Thank God, nurse.
00:09:11Thank God.
00:09:15Hmm.
00:09:16There's a bold blue somewhere, I reckon.
00:09:19Or a wire.
00:09:21Go on, sonny, go and wiggle that plug for me.
00:09:25The electric always slows down in the cold weather.
00:09:29It's what you call atmospherics.
00:09:32Now don't tickle it, clump it one.
00:09:35We'll be sat in the blooming dark at this rate.
00:09:37And then how's the rangers going to find their way, eh?
00:09:40Ah.
00:09:42Ow!
00:09:46You won't be laughing, come cubs or tickle tea.
00:09:49How's Bethlehem going to look without a tree and lights, eh?
00:09:53What, oh, Lynette?
00:09:54Looking for the pamphlet on three-month colic.
00:09:57Something caught your eye?
00:09:59Not really.
00:10:00Are you interested in coming into nursing?
00:10:02You must be finishing school soon.
00:10:04Easter.
00:10:05Then I'll start as a filing clerk down at Cousins' Wall.
00:10:08My dad's there where-ass foreman.
00:10:09Gosh.
00:10:10Nothing like connections.
00:10:14It must be rather jolly, seeing doors begin to open.
00:10:17Big wide world, all of that.
00:10:19Spice.
00:10:22Happy reading.
00:10:32You'd have had more success pulling her teeth out one by one.
00:10:37One can't help having a sort of spasm of fellow feeling.
00:10:41Don't remember what it felt like.
00:10:43Feeling as though you'd never stop growing.
00:10:45Like Alison Wonderland when she ate the cake.
00:10:48Dreading being noticed.
00:10:50I'm fearing you aren't visible at all.
00:10:55Can't say I do.
00:11:12I've never seen anyone so decrepit.
00:11:14I have to say, I've got a jolly robust nose.
00:11:16But a meth-strinker asked me for small change the other day.
00:11:19It was all I could do to keep my brown flakes down.
00:11:21I don't think she was a drinker.
00:11:23And there was actually mildew on her coat.
00:11:26She was asking after the baby, you say?
00:11:29Yes.
00:11:29Sounds like someone who used to see a lot of up-stepney boarders.
00:11:32Used to call her Mrs Jenkins.
00:11:34I don't think that was her real name.
00:11:35Not quite the full picnic, if you ask me.
00:11:38But she always knew if a birth was taking place.
00:11:42You know, we thought Lisbon buildings would have been her stamping ground.
00:11:45Do you know, I think I saw her the other day.
00:11:48I'm sorry to say it, but the poor old thing was whittling in the gutter.
00:11:52Oh, well that's definitely her then.
00:11:54In a lot of demolition up-step anyway.
00:11:56She may have moved her lodgings or lost them.
00:11:59Righty-ho.
00:12:00For the next two hours, I only answer to our Kayla.
00:12:04The things you see when you haven't got a gun.
00:12:09The things you see when you haven't got a gun.
00:12:21Puck! Puck! Puck!
00:12:23Puck! Puck! Puck! Puck! Puck! Puck! Puck!
00:12:31Puck! Puck! Puck! Puck! Puck!
00:12:31Puck! Puck! Puck! Puck! Puck! Puck!
00:12:31Shut up!
00:12:33I want you, Jack!
00:12:35Thank you, Jack.
00:12:37Stop pushing me!
00:12:39Neil and Kellith, we do not need any flags.
00:12:41We're putting our semiford to one side this week
00:12:44and concentrating on our nativity play.
00:12:48Now, as you know, we're going to perform it
00:12:50for our mothers and fathers on the last Thursday before Christmas.
00:12:53Everyone taking part will get their entertainer badge,
00:12:56apart from Timothy Turner
00:12:58will be getting his musician badge for playing the violin.
00:13:01Now, calling all shepherds.
00:13:05Jack, what about you?
00:13:06Aren't you supposed to be a shepherd?
00:13:07Oh, what blazing light is this?
00:13:09I've grown out, me old dressing gown.
00:13:11You said we had to have dressing gowns.
00:13:14Well, why doesn't Gary take your part?
00:13:17You can be a shepherd, you can play Balthazar.
00:13:19Can I still have a crook?
00:13:21Stop it, please.
00:13:23Stop it, please.
00:13:25Ooh, donkey's ears.
00:13:28Now, the Alice band has already perished,
00:13:32so I want you to treat those as though they're made of porcelain.
00:13:35What, porcelain?
00:13:38Not in again.
00:13:39Oh, bravo. Reinforcements.
00:13:41Excuse my tardiness.
00:13:43I've been making inquiries about a manger.
00:13:45He's putting out the Christmas tree.
00:13:48Gosh.
00:13:50Move over, Prince Rainier of Monaco.
00:13:53Do you suppose your mother will run you up a cape?
00:14:07You all right there?
00:14:10Picking my brothers up.
00:14:12My mum and dad don't like them running round unsupervised.
00:14:15Good for them. That's what I say.
00:14:16One, two, three.
00:14:18Now, in a horseshoe, please.
00:14:22Okay, love!
00:14:24Cubs, do your best.
00:14:27We'll do our best!
00:14:42Get in to bed, Camilla, and calm down.
00:14:45Calm down?
00:14:46The vicar's invited the mayor of Poplet and the nativity.
00:14:51I know one shouldn't speak ill of a man of the cloth, but if it's bally-cally for him to
00:14:54put it in a letter.
00:14:56It's only a bit of fun.
00:14:57It was only a bit of fun.
00:14:59If the mayor's intending to descend, that's a different kettle of place entirely.
00:15:04I can't just have a few cubs in their nightwear and tiny tears and swaddling.
00:15:09Camilla, why are you getting so upset?
00:15:12This is our district, Peter. All Saints is our church.
00:15:16I feel proud of it. I don't want anyone to feel as though we're somehow lacking.
00:15:21Into bed now before you get your ammonia off the lino.
00:15:32Whatever happened to Neil Desperandum, eh?
00:15:37You forget what you're capable of sometimes.
00:15:40I know exactly what I'm capable of.
00:15:43That's the problem.
00:16:03Oh, so lovely, Neil.
00:16:09Oh, so lovely.
00:16:12Oh, so lovely.
00:16:14Two little diggy birds sitting on the walls.
00:16:17One name, Peter. One name, Paul.
00:16:21Fly away, Peter.
00:16:23Get away from my baby!
00:16:24Fly away, Peter.
00:16:25Do you hear me? Get away!
00:16:26I'd never take him.
00:16:28I'm not accusing you of taking him.
00:16:30I'm accusing you of touching him.
00:16:32Mrs Jones?
00:16:33Whatever's happening?
00:16:34It's her, the filthy old crow.
00:16:36I only nipped in to pick up my orange juice.
00:16:40Get off!
00:16:41Mrs Jones?
00:16:42That's enough.
00:16:43Now go back in the clinic and ask them to replace your juice.
00:16:47Nurse Lee, would you clear up this mess?
00:17:08No one can resist a baby, Mrs Jenkins.
00:17:13Yes.
00:17:14But mothers can be fierce when they think their child is threatened.
00:17:19Well, they're only diggy birds.
00:17:21I know.
00:17:23Diggy birds.
00:17:25Just little ones.
00:17:27It's a hard time of year to spend too much time alone.
00:17:33Can you tell me where you live?
00:17:35We can send someone to look in on you,
00:17:37to make sure you're being properly taken care of.
00:17:47She doesn't look well.
00:17:50Old age. Poverty.
00:17:52Chronic malnourishment and exhaustion, I suppose.
00:17:56Why doesn't she accept help?
00:18:00Who knows what brutality she knew when she was young.
00:18:04Help then didn't mean what help means now.
00:18:12Once more onto the breach and all of that.
00:18:14It's simply a matter of scaling things up.
00:18:16I just waylaid brown man at the bus stop and we're combining forces now.
00:18:20So there'll be eight angels, a female Mary, a full complement of cattle
00:18:24and quite a sizable flock of sheep.
00:18:28Chummy, it's the parish hall, not the London Palladium.
00:18:31Well, that sort of attitude will get us nowhere.
00:18:32Sigh.
00:18:34Sigh.
00:18:36Peter, you have no idea.
00:18:37And that's what we can do.
00:19:28Oh, you're a nurse, thanks.
00:19:30By all means, tell me I'm a frightful bore,
00:19:31but would you consider doing me a kindness?
00:19:33I'd be glad to if my mum don't mind.
00:19:35It's all connected to church fairs, the nativity play, to be precise.
00:19:38We need a sort of capable senior angel
00:19:40to rule the little brownies with a rod of iron.
00:19:42I don't know, nurse.
00:19:44I might be needed at home.
00:19:45I might let you down, and I'd hate to let you down.
00:19:47I always think it best to travel, hopefully.
00:19:49But, nurse...
00:19:49We're not at home to Miss Pessimistic.
00:19:51Now, we'll rig you out in the best crepe paper.
00:19:54Shame. I haven't got my tape measure in my pocket.
00:19:57You don't need it.
00:19:58And a 40-inch hip.
00:19:59Oh, bravo.
00:20:01Splendid.
00:20:03No seeing.
00:20:04Yeah.
00:20:05First door on the ride.
00:20:10Excuse me.
00:20:11First door.
00:20:15So darling.
00:20:16See you on payday.
00:20:18Yeah.
00:20:39Greetings, Doctor.
00:20:40I just called in to collect those instruments.
00:20:42Of course.
00:20:43Nearly done.
00:20:46No sign of that new autoclave.
00:20:49The department said it would come this week.
00:20:51But there's been no joys so far.
00:20:54You staying for tea, Dr. Tanner?
00:20:56Mrs. B's made an absolute pièce de résistance of your log.
00:20:59Oh, thanks.
00:21:00But I've got Timothy outside in the car.
00:21:01Oh, dear.
00:21:02Housekeeper's day off.
00:21:04Well, I'm sure we can pop you something into a paper bag.
00:21:08How is Timothy getting on?
00:21:11It's been almost a year.
00:21:13He's doing well enough.
00:21:16But it'll be our first Christmas since his mother died.
00:21:19And I'm worried it might undo things.
00:21:23I see.
00:21:23I lost my mother when I was very young.
00:21:27Children are more resilient than you think.
00:21:30He's here.
00:21:31Well, he's made his opinion of my cooking rather clear.
00:21:35Fish and chips for us tonight, I reckon.
00:21:38Sorry, Doctor.
00:21:39There's been a message from the surgery.
00:21:41Argent home visit requested.
00:21:43Lady called Mrs. Jenkins.
00:22:01I'm meant to be at a rehearsal now.
00:22:03Stay there and don't talk to anyone.
00:22:05You'll make me late.
00:22:10Like you're always late.
00:22:27Hello?
00:22:33Mrs. Jenkins.
00:22:37I'm a doctor.
00:22:38Here to help.
00:22:40Don't you come near me!
00:22:57I won't be a moment.
00:22:58What?
00:22:59That's my dinner!
00:23:01Who are you giving my dinner to?
00:23:19It's a classic case of angina pectoris.
00:23:22I've prescribed amyl nitrate for use in the event of any new collapse.
00:23:26And penicillin, because there was evidence of urinary incontinence all over the place.
00:23:30Get in, mate!
00:23:31Mrs. Jenkins might very well have an infection, which would contribute to her confusion.
00:23:36It might be worth trying to collect a urine sample.
00:23:38That shouldn't be too challenging.
00:23:40Just stick a galley pot in a convenient gutter.
00:23:43She is also hard of hearing.
00:23:45Jumping with fleas.
00:23:46And her living conditions are calamitous.
00:23:49If you could speak to the social services, I'll put her on the list for daily visits in the meanwhile.
00:24:24Hello?
00:24:25Hello?
00:24:28Mrs Jenkins?
00:24:32I'm Nurse Lee.
00:24:35The doctor sent me to come and have a look at you.
00:24:38I don't need nobody to look at it.
00:24:43That's nothing to be afraid of.
00:24:47We just want to see if we can make you a bit more comfortable.
00:25:08I thought you was Rosie for a minute.
00:25:13She's got a face like yours.
00:25:16Like carnation milk when you open up a tin.
00:25:20Who's Rosie, Mrs Jenkins?
00:25:23Is she a relation?
00:25:24She's sweet.
00:25:27Sweet as a little flair, she is.
00:25:34The doctor wanted me to do a few routine checks each time I visit.
00:25:40We'll start by taking your pulse,
00:25:42and then we'll move on to your temperature.
00:25:44Don't you touch me! Now!
00:25:53Oh, and when do you see a patient again? Nurse can't take a pulse.
00:25:57Look, it wasn't that I couldn't, sister. It was that she wouldn't let me.
00:25:59Oh, no. It was because she didn't trust you.
00:26:02And if you can't make your patients trust you, you are no good as a nurse.
00:26:06Now answer my question.
00:26:10She's on the list for this evening's rounds, sister.
00:26:13Oh.
00:26:14Shall I tell you what else is on this evening's rounds?
00:26:1621 injections, 16 insulin, 4 penicillin, an ear to syringe, a cannula to drain, and three sets of hemorrhoids to
00:26:26compress.
00:26:26I'm sorry, sister, but the problem was that she didn't...
00:26:28No, no. I'll tell you what the problem is.
00:26:29You young girls do too much book learning.
00:26:31You sit for months in classrooms, filling your heads with loads of codswallop,
00:26:36when simple, practical tasks are beyond you.
00:26:40Now, look what you've made me do!
00:26:43Oh!
00:26:46Cynthia?
00:26:48I'm modelling for Chummy.
00:26:50She ended up with more children taking part than parts,
00:26:53so she decided to personify the wise men's gifts.
00:26:56And what's that supposed to be?
00:26:58Myrrh.
00:26:59It's quite straightforward compared to frankincense.
00:27:21Nurses!
00:27:23Ah.
00:27:25Well done, madam.
00:27:27What's all this fuss about?
00:27:30Doctor says you've got a problem with your ticker.
00:27:33But I would lay bets that it's as hale as mine.
00:27:39Hmm.
00:27:40Right.
00:27:42Let's have a check of this pulse.
00:27:46Oh!
00:27:48Oh!
00:27:51Pulse attempted.
00:27:58Patient.
00:28:00Demonstrated strong right hook.
00:28:08Right.
00:28:11You awkward old biddy.
00:28:13See what you make of this.
00:28:23And if that doesn't impress you, I can do it again.
00:28:25In a different key.
00:28:32Catch it, Nurse Lee.
00:28:33It's heading for the door.
00:28:35Cat's got it now.
00:28:36It's underneath the chair.
00:28:39Where'er you be, let your wind go free.
00:28:43In church and chapel.
00:28:46Let it rattle.
00:28:47Good thing there's no naked flames about.
00:28:59Right.
00:29:07Off on the insulin round and I'm under no illusions that it will be straightforward.
00:29:12They'll all have been at the quality street.
00:29:14Every man jack of them.
00:29:16If I was the Prime Minister, I would shut that factory down.
00:29:41Is that Mrs Jenkins?
00:29:43Yes.
00:29:47I've never heard anything like it.
00:29:49I have.
00:29:58We used to call it the workhouse howl.
00:30:03What?
00:30:06It's the sound of someone who's been at the bottom of the heap.
00:30:11I would call it a cry of protest except there's no fight left in it.
00:30:15No hope either.
00:30:18Should we go back?
00:30:20Not now.
00:30:23We couldn't reach her if we did.
00:30:25No.
00:30:26No.
00:30:34No.
00:30:37No.
00:30:43No.
00:30:48No.
00:30:49No.
00:30:51No.
00:30:52No.
00:30:55No.
00:30:57No.
00:30:59No.
00:30:59No.
00:30:59No.
00:31:00No.
00:31:00No.
00:31:01No.
00:31:04No.
00:31:05No.
00:31:06No.
00:31:07No.
00:31:08No.
00:31:10No.
00:31:14No.
00:31:25Sister Monica-Joan, why don't you rest until it's time for Compline?
00:31:31No.
00:31:37I thought Bright Raymond was stored within this room.
00:31:45But it's gone.
00:31:50And we do not know what forces are at work.
00:31:54Chummy takes the costumes up to her old bedroom for safekeeping.
00:31:59She doesn't want them getting in everybody's way.
00:32:01I was accused of taking macaroons to my room by Sister Evangeline, but it was not so.
00:32:09Almonds are mercurial and likely to be consumed into the ether.
00:32:16Would you hold the glue pot for me, Sister?
00:32:32Sister Monica-Joan, have you heard of the workhouse howl?
00:32:39I have heard of the workhouse howl itself.
00:32:47When he is at Lesnar, the infirmaries are closed.
00:32:51And the inmates are slowly tidied into graves.
00:33:01It speaks of an agony beyond all words.
00:33:10This wasn't beyond all words.
00:33:15Mrs. Jenkins was calling someone's name.
00:33:31Lynette, have you seen my kitchen scissors?
00:33:33No, Mum.
00:33:34I was putting a string on the Christmas pudding and I couldn't lay hands on them.
00:33:37What are you doing with your lights still on?
00:33:40I was just thinking.
00:33:42You can think just as well in the dark.
00:33:46Oh, come on, you.
00:33:48Another busy day tomorrow.
00:33:50Church in the morning.
00:33:52And you've got rings round your eyes as black as the ace of spades.
00:33:56Reckon my monthly's coming on?
00:33:59No medals for that, I'm afraid.
00:34:02You know where the aspirins and the you-know-whats are.
00:34:07Good night.
00:34:08God bless you.
00:34:30Yea, with thine eyes shalt thou behold.
00:34:35And see the reward of thee ungodly.
00:34:43For the Lord art my hope.
00:34:48Thou hast set thy cross of defense very high.
00:34:56There shall no evil happen unto thee.
00:35:01Neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
00:35:09For he shall give his angels charge over thee.
00:35:17To keep thee in all thy ways.
00:35:22They shall bear thee in their hands.
00:35:29That thou had not thy foot against a stone.
00:35:36Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver thee.
00:35:47I will set him up because he hath known my name.
00:35:53Faith of life will I satisfy thee.
00:36:01And show him my salvation.
00:36:07Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
00:36:20As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be.
00:36:30World without end.
00:36:35Amen.
00:36:42Help me.
00:36:44Baby, help me.
00:36:48Baby, help me.
00:36:58Baby, help me.
00:36:59Baby, help me.
00:37:06Baby, help me.
00:37:09Baby, help me.
00:37:10Baby, help me.
00:37:10Baby, help me.
00:37:10Baby, help me.
00:37:12Baby, help me.
00:37:14Baby, help me.
00:37:16Baby, help me.
00:37:18Baby, help me.
00:37:20Baby, help me.
00:37:25Tom!
00:38:05I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry.
00:38:43I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
00:39:12Fetch the milk, darling, let's hope it hasn't frozen solid like the bathroom tap.
00:39:22Oh no, no, no.
00:39:29Trixie?
00:39:32Trixie!
00:39:33Whatever's the matter?
00:39:37Oh my goodness.
00:39:39Get Sister Julianne.
00:39:57He's breathing shallow and his pulse is slow.
00:40:00He was already turning blue.
00:40:03I'll fetch the blanket and the paraffin heater.
00:40:05When you've done that, call for the police.
00:40:11Lynette, time to get up.
00:40:14Hey, I'm up.
00:40:24Oh, my God.
00:40:34Pillowcase, candy striped.
00:40:36Wincier material.
00:40:38You'll find the same in any one of a hundred homes in Poplar.
00:40:41We were able to snip about an inch of the thread that was used to tie the cord.
00:40:46Sister, it looks like ordinary kitchen string,
00:40:48but the cord was cut quite neatly, with sharp scissors or a knife.
00:40:52Make sure to clean the cord properly.
00:40:55Whatever implement was used, it was unlikely to be sterile.
00:40:58Yes, sister.
00:41:00Our order has been here for over 60 years.
00:41:03We've never had a single case of abandonment until now.
00:41:07There's a paper bag here from Liston's.
00:41:09They're dry cleaners that shut down.
00:41:12Sister, why do you think somebody would do a thing like this?
00:41:17I've come to the conclusion there are only two reasons for ever doing anything.
00:41:21One is love, and the other is fear.
00:41:25It would appear that both were at work in this case.
00:41:29I've put almost a whole liette together from the things in a charity box.
00:41:33Pink booties for a boy.
00:41:35There weren't any blue ones.
00:41:37Wool of the proper hue can be acquired.
00:41:39Wool of the proper hue can be purchased.
00:41:42Nurse Lee, take two shillings out of the petty cash and see that Sister Monica Jones properly equipped.
00:41:46Are we going to call him then?
00:41:47I worry we should leave that to his mother.
00:41:50I mean, she may come back, especially if it's reported in the papers.
00:41:54It is in fact customary to name an abandoned infant after somebody closely connected with its rescue.
00:42:00We can hardly call it Cynthia.
00:42:02It would be worse than pink booties.
00:42:04Somebody closely connected and of the same gender.
00:42:07Nobody calls baby boys Fred anymore.
00:42:10Might as well give him a flat cap and a woodbine.
00:42:12There is surely only one appellation we can choose.
00:42:15The child must be baptised in honour of our patron, St. Raymond and Artis.
00:42:20Sounds like a spiv.
00:42:21Ooh.
00:42:23Ooh.
00:42:23Sounds like a digestive system in full working order.
00:42:26Now then, little Raymond.
00:42:28Let's see if we've warmed you up.
00:42:43It's not what I asked for, but it's a start.
00:42:46I can't believe the council won't rehouse her.
00:42:48The building's been condemned.
00:42:50Elderly single people are supposed to go into nursing homes.
00:42:54We can do better than that for Mrs Jenkins, can't we?
00:42:57I don't doubt it.
00:42:59Pull off the search!
00:43:00I've found the bath.
00:43:03What's more, it's full of coal.
00:43:09Right, I'll fill them up.
00:43:11Oh, come on.
00:43:13Move any slower, you'll grow moss.
00:43:15Don't you take against my Rosie.
00:43:17You come over here, do you?
00:43:22I don't know who Rosie is, Mrs Jenkins, but she isn't me.
00:43:32No.
00:43:34She had a little girl's hands.
00:43:38Yours, they're only small.
00:43:48I'm not taking them off.
00:43:50I told you, I'm not, you thieving bisms.
00:43:53Please, Mrs Jenkins, we need you to take them off so he can get you into the bath.
00:43:57You can have them back afterwards.
00:43:58She'll burn them.
00:43:59I am burning your clothes because they're riddled with little visitors.
00:44:02We don't want them infesting a clean new bed.
00:44:05I'll never take them off.
00:44:07I won't come off.
00:44:11They're stuck to her skin, sister.
00:44:14You'll have to try Vaseline.
00:44:32You're hurting me.
00:44:43No wonder you were lashing out.
00:44:46You must have been in constant pain.
00:44:50Oh, we'll get you into the chiropodists.
00:44:54But Nurse Lee and I will give you the once-over for today.
00:45:00They shame me.
00:45:02No, not anymore.
00:45:06Oh, come, oh, come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel.
00:45:24That mourns in lonely exile here, until the Son of God appear.
00:45:43Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
00:46:18This placenta is less than 24 hours old.
00:46:22And there's a piece missing.
00:46:25What does that mean?
00:46:26If the mother doesn't get medical help, she will develop a uterine infection,
00:46:30leading to high fever and possible septicemia.
00:46:33If untreated, it may be fatal.
00:46:36I see.
00:46:37We need to find her.
00:46:39I may not have much time.
00:46:43I reckon that's a squirrel, and it's not long dead.
00:46:47I'll keep it for best.
00:46:49No, you're to put it on now.
00:46:52We have a busy day ahead.
00:46:54Dentist first, then we're going to the doctor's.
00:47:01Did you hear me, Mrs Jenkins?
00:47:03I heard the word dentist.
00:47:05I'll go in the spring when it's warmer.
00:47:08If you can eat without discomfort, your general health will benefit.
00:47:12My purse won't benefit.
00:47:14There'll be no charge, Mrs Jenkins.
00:47:16You're also entitled to free glasses.
00:47:18And a walking stick should either take your fancy.
00:47:23And you haven't eaten your meals on wheels.
00:47:25I was saving it for Rosie.
00:47:28She'll be hungry when she come.
00:47:31What's that?
00:47:33It's a lamb chop.
00:47:35Walk hand in hand with me
00:47:39Through all eternity
00:47:45Have faith, believe in me
00:47:48Be good now.
00:47:50Give me your hand
00:47:52Love is a symphony
00:47:57Of perfect harmony
00:48:02When lovers such as we
00:48:07Walk hand in hand
00:48:12Be not afraid
00:48:15For I am with you
00:48:19For I am with you all the while
00:48:20So lift your head up high
00:48:25And look toward the sky
00:48:29And look toward the sky
00:48:31Walk hand in hand with me
00:48:36This is our destiny
00:48:40No greater love could be
00:48:45Merry Christmas
00:48:46Walk hand in hand
00:48:48Walk with me
00:49:03For I am with you all the while
00:49:07Be not afraid
00:49:11Be not afraid
00:49:11For I am with you all the while
00:49:17So lift your head up high
00:49:22And look unto the sky
00:49:28What are you doing with my paper madam
00:49:30Reading about this
00:49:33Someone's been doing something
00:49:34They didn't ought to
00:49:37Police have issued an appeal
00:49:39Quite right too
00:49:41Whoever she was
00:49:42She wants horse whipping
00:49:45Oh, nearly forgot
00:49:47Friday night
00:49:48A sweetie money night
00:49:49Always has been
00:49:50Always will be
00:49:52Used to be a shilling dad
00:49:54This is half a crown
00:49:54That's cause the things you do
00:49:56Don't go unnoticed
00:49:58You're a good girl Lynn
00:50:13You don't have to look after me
00:50:14Mrs. Jenkins
00:50:16I should be looking after you
00:50:18Besides, if I sit too close to the fire
00:50:20I'll get chillblains
00:50:22Oh, not the chillblains
00:50:26My Rosie got chillblains
00:50:28She cried
00:50:31One night
00:50:32The wardress
00:50:34She let her come to me
00:50:36On account of the others
00:50:38Being kept awake
00:50:40I wrapped her in my petticoat
00:50:44Her bones was like bird's bones
00:50:51Was Rosie your daughter, Mrs. Jenkins?
00:50:53All night she stayed
00:50:56And when morning comes
00:50:57She was took back with my others
00:51:00There were others
00:51:01How many?
00:51:04Too many
00:51:06Did they go into the workhouse with you?
00:51:10Yes
00:51:12They didn't thrive
00:51:18What happened to Rosie?
00:51:21Rosie
00:51:22After the night with the chillblains
00:51:30I never saw her again
00:51:34Never saw none of them
00:51:38Never saw them fly
00:51:44I just knew they wasn't singing anymore
00:52:00How could Mrs. Jenkins not have been told?
00:52:03I believe once you walked into one of those appalling places
00:52:06You gave up everything you were and every right you ever had
00:52:09Even your children
00:52:11Especially the children
00:52:12The kiddies were kept in separate quarters
00:52:16Oh my gosh
00:52:20That's so sweet
00:52:23Oh, so sweet
00:52:26Social work is going to come for him on Friday
00:52:30Heard Sister Julianne on the telephone
00:52:32First he'll be fostered
00:52:35When adopted
00:52:36Lost to his mother forever
00:52:37Oh, don't say that
00:52:40All the facts will be filed away in some sort of beastly cabinet
00:52:44We just have to hope that one day
00:52:46They go looking for each other
00:52:59Good-bye
00:53:01Good-bye
00:53:014,8
00:53:01Down to you
00:53:06Oh
00:53:08Oh, my God.
00:53:37Public records office. Just upstairs. Thank you.
00:53:57All Saints Parish, baptismal rule. Thank you.
00:54:01All Saints Parish, deaths.
00:54:09Poplar Workhouse, 1888 to 1934.
00:54:14And there it was. In neat, indifferent, copperplate.
00:54:203rd of April, 1906. Jenkins, Mary Ann, widow, admitted destitute.
00:54:27And underneath, the desolate roll call of her only possessions.
00:54:31Alice, George, May, Percy, aged five, aged three, aged two, aged seven months.
00:54:42And Rose. There was a Rose.
00:54:45Age eight upon admittance to the children's ward.
00:54:49The cause of death was given as failure to thrive.
00:54:56She was in there from 1906 to 1935.
00:55:00Put to work in the sewing shed.
00:55:02Don't have to drive anyone to Lally.
00:55:04When the workhouse closed, she was discharged with the gift of a sewing machine
00:55:08so that she could earn her own living.
00:55:10And what do you propose to do, Nurse Lee?
00:55:13Now you have garnered these unedifying facts.
00:55:17I don't know, Sister.
00:55:20Then if I may crave my sister's indulgence for a quote from the Apocrypha.
00:55:25You have been curious in unnecessary matters.
00:55:29The past remains the past.
00:55:32The present, unamended.
00:55:35Sister Monica Joan is right.
00:55:37It's what happens in the here and now that counts.
00:55:41Will it matter one day where baby Raymond was found?
00:55:44Blew with cold and wrapped in a pillowcase?
00:55:47No, because that will be his past.
00:55:49And his present will be safe and filled with love.
00:55:53Mrs Jenkins' present isn't safe or filled with love.
00:55:56Nurse Lee.
00:55:57Forgive me, Sister, but her life is completely wretched.
00:56:02She waits every day for a child.
00:56:05For children that are never coming home.
00:56:08Then you should turn your mind to that.
00:56:13Pass me a mince pie.
00:56:26Public burial ground, Poplar, 1900 to 1910.
00:56:49Now, I want gold, frankincense and myrrh.
00:56:51And the three kings to stand at the back of the line
00:56:54for the parade of the shepherds and the sheep.
00:56:56Come on.
00:56:56Sit, off we go.
00:56:58Oh.
00:57:01Sorry.
00:57:01We'll be starting that as soon as Nurse Lee takes her gloves off.
00:57:06And don't forget to line up nicely down the central aisle.
00:57:08You'll be walking past the mayor,
00:57:10and I will not have him knocked by any elbows.
00:57:13Timothy Turner, where's your tea towel?
00:57:14My dad couldn't find one.
00:57:16Very well.
00:57:18Now, are you ready sheep?
00:57:20Now, angels.
00:57:23I don't want any angels trying to flap their wings.
00:57:25Arms outstretched, but perfectly still.
00:57:28That's it.
00:57:30Lynette, you're drooping a little.
00:57:32Sorry.
00:57:33Bravo.
00:57:34Nurse Lee.
00:57:39Look, no buying.
00:57:40Absolutely no buying until you get to the manger
00:57:42and see the newborn king, Gary Schofield.
00:57:45I got you!
00:57:46Then you're poking with that crook
00:57:47and I'll demote you to a bullock.
00:57:51Right.
00:57:54Lynette.
00:57:55Lynette.
00:57:56Lynette.
00:57:57Lynette.
00:57:58Is she all right?
00:57:59Lynette.
00:58:01Should I call the doctor?
00:58:03Ambulance.
00:58:10I'm sorry.
00:58:12Oh, I'm really sorry.
00:58:14What for?
00:58:18I haven't told no one.
00:58:20Do you think you can tell me?
00:58:44She wants a click round the ear roll, not chrysanthemums.
00:58:50Mrs Duncan.
00:58:52Margate.
00:58:55Easter week.
00:58:58Some lad she met queuing up for the waltzers.
00:59:03He was staying in the boarding house across the way from us.
00:59:09Should have kept me eye on her.
00:59:13I was three months gone myself, sick as a dog most days.
00:59:20Should have noticed.
00:59:23I should have noticed.
00:59:24I'm her mother.
00:59:28If I didn't notice there's no hope for you
00:59:30and if you didn't there's no hope for anyone.
00:59:36Mr Duncan.
00:59:47You know I'm a church warden.
00:59:50Of course.
00:59:52And she's a pillar of the mother's union.
00:59:55My daughter comes from a respectable home.
00:59:59Nobody's doubting that Mr Duncan.
01:00:02But baby Raymond.
01:00:04Who called him there?
01:00:06We did.
01:00:07It's only temporary.
01:00:11He's a bonny little thing.
01:00:14Quite the bruiser in fact.
01:00:16When are the adoption people coming?
01:00:20Friday.
01:00:22Lynette's not signing any papers unless we're there.
01:00:27She ain't well.
01:00:31No.
01:00:49What are you bringing me to a church for?
01:00:53I'm not bringing you to a church, Mrs Jenkins.
01:00:56I'm bringing you to a church yard.
01:00:59Hmm?
01:01:00I have no objection to a constitutional.
01:01:07Mrs Jenkins, I don't know if you realise this.
01:01:12But we're standing by a public grave.
01:01:19Is there many put in here?
01:01:23Yes.
01:01:26This is where they bury the workhouse inmates.
01:01:32Oh, yeah, too many.
01:01:38And they're all here.
01:01:40They're all here.
01:01:50To give off?
01:01:55I was able to get plans of the cemetery and the graves from the public records.
01:02:02It's all written down.
01:02:04It's all written down.
01:02:09Percy and May are lying next to each other.
01:02:13Just over there.
01:02:19Alice is to the right.
01:02:26I think in the summer that tree must cast some shade there.
01:02:33And George is by the cross.
01:02:43Alice.
01:02:46And Rosie.
01:02:52She's right here, Mrs Jenkins.
01:02:56Almost underneath your feet.
01:03:09Will you help me to kneel down?
01:03:11Of course.
01:03:18Alice.
01:03:20Alice.
01:03:20Alice.
01:03:41I'd have liked her in with me.
01:03:44To warm her feet.
01:03:52I can see she's tucked up, see?
01:04:18If Lynette signs the papers, little baby Raymond will just be whisked away.
01:04:25Camilla, it's the family's decision and none of our business.
01:04:28It's Lynette's decision. Or it ought to be.
01:04:33I grew up with Pa and Mater on a separate continent.
01:04:37Brothers at Winchester, which was miles away.
01:04:40But one always had an address.
01:04:42They were given stamps at the beginning of every term.
01:04:48But poor little Raymond won't even have that.
01:04:52You've got your all-in look about you now.
01:04:56Are you sure you can't come home?
01:04:58Peter, I'm on call.
01:05:00I'll be quite all right once I've had my Horlicks.
01:05:04Besides, I'd rather enjoy the odd night in my old quarters.
01:05:10Young Raymond's rooming in with Cynthia,
01:05:12and I'll have an entire crepe paper menagerie to keep me company.
01:05:16And I shan't have any problem counting sheep.
01:05:31Someone trying to keep you out?
01:05:32Possibly. Or be locked in.
01:05:39Oh, my giddy aunt. No!
01:05:42The pint must have burst.
01:05:43The costumes, everything's utterly ruined.
01:05:50It wouldn't happen in Bally Bethlehem.
01:05:56Morning.
01:06:06I could die of shame.
01:06:14Come in.
01:06:17The social worker's waiting with Sister Juliet in the dining room,
01:06:21so you won't be disturbed.
01:06:37He isn't sleeping.
01:06:46You can pick him up, Lynette.
01:06:50I'm scared too.
01:06:53Why?
01:06:56Because he'll make me poop down again, and I've done that once.
01:07:00This is cruel.
01:07:04She's not old enough to be a mother.
01:07:08She's not mature enough to be a mother.
01:07:12This flying in the face of everything God ever wrote.
01:07:16It's making milk come out of me.
01:07:23I have no quarrel with our Lord in the general way, Mrs Duncan.
01:07:27But I think you'll find Mother Nature wrote these rules.
01:07:31Pick him up.
01:07:35Come on, Ivy.
01:07:37You're a mother too.
01:07:38You're a mother too.
01:07:40You're a mother too.
01:08:09God.
01:08:18I'm sorry.
01:08:21I'm sorry.
01:08:23I'm so sorry.
01:08:33It's a bit late for that now.
01:08:38She ain't saying it to us, love.
01:08:41She's saying it to him.
01:09:18Like all of the things in life that are truly meaningful,
01:09:22Christmas is never about perfection.
01:09:25In Bethlehem, 2,000 years ago, accommodation was makeshift.
01:09:30The wise men followed somewhat confused directions
01:09:33and the shepherds gave the nearest gifts that came to hand.
01:09:38That year, in Poplar, things were similarly compromised.
01:09:42But hope prevailed and help came from unexpected sources.
01:09:48Just the person we wanted to see.
01:10:00Reinforcements. How perfectly wizard.
01:10:19Baby Raymond was not lost, nor was his mother.
01:10:24Their family made the best of it and gave their thanks in kind.
01:10:29That's it. You all right?
01:10:32There you go.
01:10:34You all right, fella?
01:10:36You all right?
01:10:42Hello, dear.
01:10:43What are you doing?
01:10:45Hi, Dad.
01:10:51The men are just sitting down.
01:10:53Anyone who does not light up nicely now will not get their entertainer badge.
01:11:05Shh.
01:11:06Please.
01:11:08Right.
01:11:16Oh, holy night.
01:11:20Oh, holy night.
01:11:27Oh, holy night.
01:11:30The stars are brightly shining.
01:11:36It is the night of the dear Savior's birth.
01:11:44Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
01:11:52Till he appeared and the soul felt its birth.
01:12:02A thrill of hope.
01:12:06The weary world rejoices.
01:12:10For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
01:12:24Many years ago in a town named Lazarus, there lived a beautiful young lady called Mary.
01:12:29God has chosen you to be the mother of a very special child.
01:12:34You will have a baby and his name will be Jesus.
01:12:37How can that be?
01:12:37I have no husband.
01:12:39It is a miracle from the Holy Spirit and the child will be the son of God.
01:12:45It was a Christmas as unique as any other.
01:12:49For every year, the mystery unfolds itself anew.
01:12:54In later life, I came to see that faith, like hope, is a rope and anchor in a shifting world.
01:13:02Faith cannot be questioned, only lived.
01:13:05And if I could not grasp it then, I felt its heartbeat, which was love.
01:13:21O night divine, O night, O night divine.
01:13:47O night divine.