All Creatures Great and Small (2020) s03e07 Episode Script

1
EVA: Dear Mum and Dad,
Darrowby is very different from home.
The family I'm staying with are nice,
but a bit strange too.
James and Tristan are funny.
They remind me of the
Tin Man and the Scarecrow,
still waiting to go on their adventure.
You're lifting your elbow!
Play with fire, expect to get burned!
TRISTAN GRUNTS
Mrs Hall's definitely the good witch,
but Helen is that, too.
You have to watch him,
we'll have all manner of
funny spellings going on.
Siegfried's quite grumpy.
He's like the lion, he roars a
lot, but he's not really scary.
Don't be sour, Mrs H,
just because I'm
blessed with a vocabulary
more heterogeneous than most.
- Siegfried!
- What's wrong with 'Scrotch'?
I did warn you.
There's no wicked
witch, or flying monkeys.
Which is good, because
they definitely are scary.
What does it even mean?
I'd rather not say in polite company.
SHE CHUCKLES
I'll write again soon.
Lots of love, Eva.
PHONE RINGS
That'll be Ma!
Darrowby 2-2-9-7.
Urgh! Just some old man.
Oi, careful!
Sorry about that. Yes?
Hello, Major, it is the
veterinary practice, yes.
It's just an evacuee
we have staying with us.
She will be safer here, I'm
sure. As for the rest of us
Oi, paws off!
- But it's not even a real word!
- Yes, it is!
What can we do for you?
I'll have one of them
down to you, first thing.
Bye now.
Good of you to come so promptly, Farnon.
For this young fellow,
it's no trouble at all.
We were giving him a run
out yesterday afternoon,
then he pulled up quite suddenly.
He seemed to be carrying his foreleg.
Yes, I can see it's swollen.
HORSE GROANS
Warm to the touch.
Could be muscular, or possibly a
small fracture of the medial splint.
- That sounds rather serious.
- Not always.
Good. The Colonel will be pleased.
He's taken a stake in River.
Keen to see how he runs.
He asked after you, actually.
- Well, your boy at any rate.
- Which boy is that?
Tristan, your brother.
The Colonel wondered
if he was a relation.
I'm sorry, I still don't follow.
His call-up to the Royal
Army Veterinary Corps.
He volunteered, didn't he?
Yes, but he's in a reserved occupation.
It's my understanding
he's going to get his
letter in the next day or so.
So, what d'you think?
Will this horse be fit to
race in the Boxing Day meet?
What? No, of course he
won't. Don't be ridiculous.
You just said it wasn't serious,
and this may be the last
chance this horse gets to run.
The Colonel said in the next few days?
You sound disappointed, aren't
you proud he's going to serve?
Tristan's many things,
but he's not a soldier.
Neither were any of us
before we were.
I could have a word with the Colonel.
There may be a way to hold him back.
One good turn deserves
another, wouldn't you say?
If this horse runs when he's not fit,
there's a danger of
really serious injury.
Then you best see him right.
SHE PLAYS GENTLE MELODY
Your piano's out of tune.
I'm sure that's it.
Time for breakfast.
NOTE RINGS
I'm stuck here, and there's
another attempted raid over Glasgow.
My dad said he saw our lads
flying out to see them off.
Nothing in the post for
either of us, I take it?
No, still waiting.
You'll be told if and
when you're needed.
Mrs Pumphrey called.
Ah, Tricki been at the mince pies again?
- She said it were a cat.
- Tricki ate a cat?!
THEY LAUGH
Don't be silly! It's a stray.
She sounded quite upset about it.
I'll head up there this morning.
You been practising piano, Eva?
Aye. Who the heck is Noel?
It's No-el. You know,
the Christmas carol.
That's when you all go around
singing at night, in't it?
Have you never been
carolling before, Eva?
I'm Jewish. We have Hannukah instead.
It goes for eight whole days.
You light a candle on the
Menorah and say a blessing.
And you get presents, and
chocolate coins every day.
That sounds like a lovely
thing, why don't we do that here?
- What did you call it?
- Hannukah, and it's too late.
It started on the 6th
of December this year.
Oh, I'm sorry we missed it.
Since I'm with you this year,
does that mean I get to do Christmas?
If that's what you'd like.
You were out early this morning?
I wanted to see River first thing.
- You two, yard, please.
- You're not going to sit?
Sorry, Mrs Hall, I've
rather a lot to get through.
Tristan, now, please,
if you wouldn't mind.
Need a lift up to the farm?
You're all right. Me dad's
dropping some eggs at the market,
I'll go back with him.
Can I come with you, James?
If you like. But finish
your breakfast first.
River's coming to stay with us
for a couple of days' treatment.
James, get the door to the barn, please.
Tristan, start bringing in the hay.
- Is it a sprain?
- Possible stress fracture.
I'm hoping once we get the swelling down
we'll discover that's not the case.
Wouldn't he be better off
resting at the stables?
I want to keep a close eye on him,
he's got a race in a couple of days.
- That doesn't give you much time.
- No, it doesn't.
Thank you, Herriot, weren't
you going up to Pumphrey's?
Tristan, I I'd like you to stay.
If you could stay, keep
the leg bathed with water,
it's important to keep
it as cool as possible.
- I'm think I can manage that.
- Just for an hour.
Then you can get back to the surgery.
Not that we have any patients.
You have to be here
in case you're needed.
An emergency could turn up at any time.
If you say so.
I just
I'm going to get some air.
Right, let's have a look
at you then lad, shall we?
So, there's a good
witch, and a bad witch
And a little man who
lives behind a curtain,
he's called Oz, and he's a wizard.
- Wow!
- And Dorothy has ruby slippers
that can magically take her home.
This is a big house!
It was the strangest thing.
We hadn't seen her for a week or more,
and then she staggered into
the kitchen a few hours ago,
with this little chap in her mouth.
She laid down and hasn't moved since.
Tricki's been beside himself with worry.
Debbie's one of the few felines
that Tricki has no animus towards.
She's a little underweight.
The poor girl's exhausted.
Can I examine him?
Here you are.
CAT MEWS
So, you must be the new vet assistant
we've been hearing all about.
I'm Eva. Eva Feldman.
Marjorie Pumphrey. Delighted.
How are you enjoying your stay?
You must miss your mother
and father terribly.
Not really.
Home's boring, I don't
even have a garden,
or any brothers and
sisters to play with.
I'm sure you give your
parents the runaround.
Pa works late at the war
office, and Ma's always busy.
Take it from one who knows,
those who are able to entertain
themselves are never bored.
Are those chocolates?
Um yes.
Tricki's not one for chocolate.
Far too rich for his taste.
And I've far more than I can eat.
Thank you!
This is a big house for one person.
Yes, it is.
Which is why I like it when
people come to visit me.
The kitten's in fine health,
but the constant feeding has
really taken it out of Debbie.
What she could do with is a break.
So, we'll have to separate
them, and bottle-feed the kitten.
Won't he miss his ma?
If he can smell his mother
he won't take the bottle.
We'll have to take him back with us.
Oh, dear.
THEY CHUCKLE
CAT MEWS
- Cheers!
- Cheers.
Merry Christmas.
So, go on then, what's happened?
Well, Florence got rather
too attached, poor love.
I mean, naturally, I didn't want
to lead her on, so, you know
Mm.
Oh, God, all right, I
asked her to marry me.
Triss!
It seemed like a good idea
at the time. Don't laugh.
I'm not! Sorry.
Was it very romantic?
Where did you do it?
Next to the drain at
the side of her house.
SHE LAUGHS
Please, Maggie.
You pillock!
I am. But I'm learning.
I shouldn't laugh. I'm
sorry if you were upset.
I admit it wasn't entirely painless.
But at least it brought into focus
what I really should
be doing with my life.
You put your name forward.
You and James will just have to wait.
And it turns out I am
actually needed here after all.
I've seen four pets this
week. Four! Just think of that.
- Another one there?
- Best not.
There might be a dog that
needs its nails clipped.
But put a pint in the till for
Arthur, for when he gets back.
- Oh, you don't need to do that.
- Add it to my bill.
I've been meaning to
talk to you about that.
Maggie!
What on earth were you thinking,
letting it get that high?!
You said you'd be able to pay.
Yes, I said that. Of
course, I said that!
HE SIGHS
Slim pickings for Christmas this year.
We manage, somehow.
At least I don't have
a party to cater for,
didn't feel right in
the times we live in.
Any word from Edward?
Still at sea.
He says he's enjoying himself,
though I suspect he's only
saying that to stop me worrying.
Oh, I don't know, maybe he's
found his place in the world.
What've you got there?
Just getting rid of a
few bits before I leave.
I might see if Charlie will give
us a bob or two for it. Leave?
I've, uh, I've taken a job over in Hull.
I'm with my sister for Christmas Day
and then I'm leaving after that.
Oh.
I wun't gonna go without saying goodbye.
Well
of course, we'll
be sorry to see you go.
Well, I suppose this is it then.
No, it isn't.
You can't just
Stop by tomorrow evening, we're
having a few people over for drinks.
I thought you weren't
having a party this year?
We are. I mean, we're not.
Just a few people, a
glass or two of sherry.
All right, well, I suppose
we could drop by on the way.
I'll see you then.
I didn't think we were
having a party this year.
Well, we're not,
it's just a few people coming
round for food and drinks,
carols around the piano.
That sounds like a party.
Oh, are we having a party? No!
Well yes, a gathering.
A select few people
for a glass of sherry.
Which people?
Oh, you know, just people.
Gerald.
ALL: Gerald!
He's going. So, he's coming to
say goodbye, because he's going.
That's all.
He's not drinking.
When a cat wants her kittens
to feed, she licks them.
I'm not licking a kitten!
You don't have to!
But if you stroke his neck, it'll
feel like his mum's doing it.
SIEGFRIED: Ah, here we all are!
Mister Farnon, would you mind
switching off the light for me?
Yes, of course.
We thought it'd be nice to try
some of Eva's Jewish traditions.
I know it's late, and we
don't have a proper Menorah,
but I managed to find
eight matching candles.
Should I light one?
We light a new candle each day of
Hannukah, and sing the blessing.
Dad always asks Mum to sing it usually.
But I could try if you'd like.
That'd be lovely.
Baruch atah Adonai ♪
Eloheinu Melech ha'olam ♪
Asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav ♪
V'tsivanu l'hadlik
ner shel Hanukkah. ♪
Now, you say Amen.
ALL: Amen.
CLOCK TICKS
RAT SQUEAKS
Don't worry, Vonolel, we'll find a way.
Still prefer the company
of animals to people, I see.
Easier to understand, with
considerably less back chat.
And they go where you lead them.
Not true in Tristan's case.
He's determined to leave.
You think you have so much time.
Then they're gone,
and you're left wondering
what to do with your life
apart from counting the
days till you see them again.
Sorry, Mrs Hall, I'm
worrying about Tristan,
and Edward's out at sea somewhere.
Having children's the most
wonderful and painful thing
you can do in life.
I wouldn't know.
You would.
You do.
He really doesn't understand
what he's getting himself in to.
It's not your choice to make.
Mrs Hall?
I was rather hoping this might
have a drop of whisky in it.
I were rather hoping you'd drink
that and then take yourself to bed.
I know you don't want
to go back in there,
but you're domesticated.
If I let you out
the world will eat you up.
RAT SQUEAKS
When do we put the socks out?
The stockings go up
tonight, right by the fire,
so Father Christmas can find them
when he goes down the chimney.
We've Midnight Mass before then,
we all go to the church
and sing together.
And when we get back we'll
put a mince pie and sherry out,
and a carrot for the reindeer.
Will I get presents?
Well, you've been good, haven't you?
- Mm sometimes.
- THEY LAUGH
I'm sure that'll be plenty enough.
You know I actually did
get a lump of coal one year.
That didn't happen!
Father Christmas must've
thought you'd been very bad.
Oh, he did. He most certainly did.
Not a great deal has
changed, to be honest.
Eva, why don't you show
Jenny that kitten of yours?
I'll do that.
- Any animals in surgery this afternoon?
- None.
I'm going around the bend with boredom.
You used to love having
your feet up, doing nothing.
That's before there was a war to fight.
Mrs H, have you seen
Siegfried this morning?
He's back up at the Major's.
Left about half an hour ago.
Oi, where are you off to?
Sebright Saunders, see if my
brother doesn't need a hand.
Now, you hold on a moment.
Thank you.
Thank you!
He's certainly travelling over
the ground a little easier.
Well, we've managed
to reduce the swelling,
but we're very much treating
the symptom, not the cause.
The Colonel is grateful for
all your hard work, Farnon.
He's had a word with the
North Yorkshire Division.
Your lad won't be
required for the duration.
- He can ignore his call-up letter.
- Thank you, Albert.
HORSE BRAYS
HORSE BRAYS
He's pulled up!
The prognosis isn't good.
I'm afraid it's as I said.
The injury is still there,
what this horse really needs
is three months' rest and a
gradual programme of rehabilitation.
Is there nothing you can do for him?
I told the Colonel you
would get him running.
He won't take too kindly to the
news that you're pulling him out.
Perhaps we could take away the pain.
We could give him an injection
before the race that
would allow him to run.
Isn't there a chance you
make the injury worse?
He could break his leg completely.
Thank you, Tristan. I'm going
to be busy here some time,
you should go back to the practice.
- Siegfried, I don't think
- Now, please.
Tell the Colonel he'll be
ready for the starter's tape.
I'm sorry to ask you,
and I know it's unfair.
But he's my little brother.
I'll be there with you,
and I'll do everything I
can to take away your pain.
He looks like he's
doing much better now.
I've given him a name.
He's called Toto.
How'd it go with the Major?
Confusing.
Siegfried is determined to let him race.
This is the only one,
so you know where to say
your goodbyes with Gerald.
HE CHUCKLES
Where is everyone?
I thought you were
going to invite people.
You didn't give us much notice.
I told Gerald we were
having people over,
if it's just us he'll think
Think what? What will he think?
Well, that it's some sort of a ruse.
To what end, one wonders?
You look lovely, Audrey.
It's part of her ruse.
There is no ruse! Paws off.
Saving them for someone special?
Don't worry, I've asked Maggie
to bring some people
over from The Drovers.
Oh, go on then, Triss,
I'll have a whisky.
So, what happened with River?
He broke down. Siegfried's with him now.
He's talking about
giving him an injection
to get him through the race.
That doesn't sound very sensible.
He suspects the horse
has a stress fracture,
I don't understand why he would
even contemplate letting him run.
I'm as lost as you are.
What could be more important
to him than the well-being
of an animal in his care?
Of course.
What is it?
He's doing it to keep me back.
What're you talking about?
He's got his old army pal
to scupper my enlistment.
He wouldn't!
I guarantee it.
Who's the attending
vet at the racecourse?
Norris.
What are you going to do?
I'm going to tell him
that River is unfit
and shouldn't be allowed to run.
I know, I know it's uncomfortable.
But it'll give you some support.
Albert, I've just been
putting on this support
Give it a rest, Farnon!
I'm not sure I like your tone.
River's been pulled
from tomorrow's race.
The attending vet received a phone call
informing him that my horse was UNFIT!
You can't think it was me?!
I've been doing everything in my power
to see that he makes the starter's gate,
against my better judgement I might add.
Oh, then there must be another
vet going by the name of Farnon.
He'll be here.
DOORBELL RINGS
Evening.
Oh, good evening, Mr Dinsdale.
Heard there was a party going.
Thought I'd come for one.
It's more of a gathering, really.
Well, so long as there's ale,
you can call it what you like.
Not got many takers this year?
Father Christmas is
lacking his usual charm.
How many more of these
beggars do I have to see?
Well, come in then.
Urgh!
- CAT PURRS
- This one seems happy with you.
He's put on some weight already,
Eva's done a fine job
taking care of him.
- He's called Toto now.
- Oh!
How's Debbie doing?
Oh, much better, she's been
asleep mostly, waking only to eat,
but I can see she's
getting her strength back.
Does that mean Toto will have
to go back to his ma soon?
I think Toto's rather enjoying
his adventure away with you,
wouldn't you agree, Mr Herriot?
Certainly seems to be.
I know you're only saying that
because you think that looking
after the kitten would make me happy.
You're a sharp one, aren't you?
My mum says I should be careful
else I cut myself one of these days.
SHE CHUCKLES
I rather think Toto will
be happiest with you.
I'm sure his mother will go
back to her roaming ways anyway,
once she's got her strength back.
Eva? There's someone here
I think you'd want to meet.
I'll hold him for you.
CAT MEWS
There we are.
Are you ready to meet
Father Christmas, Eva?
He looks funny.
Right, are you coming in or not?
Dad, be nice!
You think she'll be all right?
It might put her off Christmas for good!
THEY LAUGH
So, you've been good then, lass?
Are you the real Father Christmas?
Your beard doesn't look real,
and I don't think it's very nice
to pretend to be someone you're not.
Ah, well, he's a pal of mine,
and he says it's all right.
You know, if you lie
you get a lump of coal.
Here.
Do you not have any sweets?
No. I've got an orange.
Christmas is strange.
DOORBELL RINGS
Don't worry, I'll get it.
You made it.
I said I would.
You did.
I mean, come in, come inside.
Let me get your coat.
I'm just stopping on my
way through, I can't stay.
Go on in, I'll fix you a drink.
Shush, you.
I'd better get back to the pub.
It'll be anarchy without me there.
Well, Merry Christmas.
Thanks for coming, Maggie.
And thanks for being a good friend.
You too.
SHE CHUCKLES
- Oh!
- You're really not going to pounce on me?
No. I wouldn't do that to you.
- Or Arthur.
- Aye. Neither would I.
DOOR OPENS
SIEGFRIED: Tristan?
Jenny, would you mind
taking this to Gerald for me?
And
don't let him leave.
What'll you have me do? Hobble him?
If that's what it takes.
- Here you go.
- Thank you.
SIEGRIED: Tristan?!
So, Hull, eh?
Yeah. Yeah, Hull.
You'll call the racecourse first
thing, you'll admit your mistake,
and that will be the end of it.
No.
No?
Negative. Never.
Ne.
"Ne"? "Ne"?!
- Yes, it's Latin for no.
- No, it isn't!
There is no Latin for no, it
needs combined with another word
'Cos that's what's important right now?
The animal always comes first,
that's what you've drummed into me
for the last God knows how many years.
Not in this case, it doesn't.
Why, I wonder?
You think I'm stupid, don't you?
Well, we're certainly short
of evidence to the contrary.
Mr Farnon, that sort of
talk really dun't help.
You spoke to the Major, but it
wasn't to HELP my enlistment,
it was to hold me back.
Jenny?
- You didn't think I was up to it.
- It's not that at all!
It really isn't, love.
You've never believed in me!
God, not this again, how many times
do we have to go through this?!
- Triss, just listen to him. Let him explain.
- No!
No, I've heard it all before.
None of it's his fault, I don't know
what's good for me, only he does.
Everything I've done was
in your best interests.
What about what I wanted?!
There was no room for that.
And you never stopped reminding
me how much better you were.
A better student, a better vet,
a better son, a better man
You were a perfectly good son!
Mother and Father doted on you.
And you resented me for it.
Oh, poppycock!
You'd grown up and left.
I was their new son and you
always resented me for it.
I resented you because
you were their favourite.
They loved you more
than they ever could me,
Father especially.
You were this miracle child.
God's gift, that they both thought
they were far too old to receive.
Of course I resented you for it!
But then they died.
And you were stuck with me.
And I knew I'd never be able to
replace the love they gave you.
Especially from Father.
He was your father too.
I never wanted to
hold you back, Tristan.
I wanted you to be better
than I am, just as he did.
You're my little brother.
If anything happened to you
it would be the end for me.
I'd die if I let anything happen to you.
I bloody love you, you damned fool.
One of you going to say something?
This came for you this morning.
You're still in a reserved
occupation. You don't have to go.
Yes, I do.
If I don't, then
I've always looked up to you.
I've always wanted to be just like you.
It's far less fun than I
make it look, I assure you.
I can't be who I'm supposed to be,
if you're always there
reminding me of who I'm not.
I have to go.
I need to go.
I know.
I know you do.
You all right?
Not particularly.
I've been practising the
whole day to get it right.
Oh!
SHE PLAYS 'THE FIRST NOEL'
Come on then, boy.
DOG BARKS
I only wanted to protect him,
to do what's best for him.
That's all I've ever wanted.
Deep down, he knows that.
I should have listened to you, Mrs Hall,
you always seem to
know what's best for me.
I'm sorry, Mr Farnon.
I'm sorry, but I've got to go.
Gerald?
Are you all right, Mrs H?
Mm.
WHISPERING: Oh, no.
No, no, no, no, no, no.
He's gone.
DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES
Gerald?
You came back.
I picked up the wrong coat.
Oh.
But I'm glad I did.
It's Christmas! It's Christmas!
Merry Christmas!
Everyone wake up!
KNOCK ON DOOR
He's been!
Now, Eva, it's tradition in
this house to wait until after
Let's forget about tradition
this year, shall we?
Oh, what have you got then?
STOCKING JINGLES
There's no coal, at least.
That's because you've been so good!
Do you not like what Father
Christmas has brought you?
No, I do.
Mrs Hall?
A little something from all of us.
Thank you!
They're not exactly like Dorothy's
magic shoes, but I've done my best.
Try them on, then!
Come 'ere!
Don't they look marvellous?
First class job, Mrs Hall.
There's no place like home.
HEELS CLICK
THEY LAUGH
They don't work.
Why are you all looking at me?
I'll go.
Not hungry this morning?
He should go back to be with his mother.
She doesn't say it,
but I think Mrs Pumphrey
would like that, too.
Family should be together.
You know
it's all right to be upset.
You're allowed to miss home.
You're allowed to cry.
You're all so nice.
But we're not them.
Are you sad your brother's going?
I'm very sad indeed.
You're allowed to cry, too.
Even though you're a grown-up.
Thank you for reminding me.
Firstly, thank you, Mrs Hall,
for managing to make
so much with so little.
Um, I'm not well-practised
at being serious.
Maybe I should try for a change.
Christmas is a time for family,
those that are here, and
especially those who are not.
All of us are missing someone.
Most, we'll see another time.
Others, we won't.
I want to remember them,
and give thanks to those who
filled the hole they left behind.
Especially my brother,
who made a promise to our dying father
that he would take care of me
make sure I was properly educated
and that I would make
something of myself.
So, he was in for a
hiding from the outset.
- It wasn't that bad!
- No, it definitely was.
But he never gave up on me,
no matter how much I wished he would.
And I certainly gave
him enough reason to.
Lesser men would have thrown
in the towel, but he didn't.
And I want to thank him for it.
I love you, Siegfried.
So, I guess the only
thing left to say
is Merry bloody Christmas.
ALL: Merry bloody Christmas!
Make sure you keep looking
after that little kitten
before he goes home, won't you, Eva?
You look after yourself, too.
Here.
That car is my pride and joy.
She's in safe hands. Goodbye, Triss.
See you, pal. You take care of yourself.
You too.
I'll make sure I write
and tell you all about it.
Make sure you do write to let
us know how you're getting on.
I will.
Take care of my brother
for me, won't you?
As much as he'll allow.
Time to go.
ENGINE REVS
- I can probably manage from here.
- No, I'll see you on.
- You've done enough.
- Right.
All right, right, well, um
just don't do anything
stupid, promise me?
I promise I won't
disgrace the family name.
No, Tristan, just bloody
well listen to me for once.
Don't do anything stupid, do you hear?
Promise me.
And break the habit of a lifetime?
TRAIN HORN HONKS
Well, eh, I suppose this is it.
- Oh, we're huggers now?
- Yes, we bloody well are.
I'm so damn proud of you.
TRAIN HORN HONKS
I've got to go.
Go. Go on, go.
- You've got your ticket?
- I don't need one.
- What do you mean?
- Oh, and I'm sorry about the tab.
- Tab? What tab?
- I might have racked up
a not entirely insignificant
bill at The Drovers.
What?! Is that why
you're going? A bar bill?
Tristan?
Tristan?!
WHISTLE PEEPS