All Creatures Great And Small (1978) s04e01 Episode Script
One Of Nature´s Little Miracles
- Hi, young Jimmy.
- Good morning, Mr.
siegfried.
- Good morning.
- Good morning.
Ah, James, a word before the mob descends.
- It's-- - shunt the preoccupations of the moment to one side.
We have an important matter to discuss.
- Right.
- Now you know that Cash is most hellishly tight in the practice at the moment.
Yes, farmers so busy expanding their businesses - they have no money to pay our bills.
- Yes.
That's what we should be doing.
Take a leaf out of their book.
What, not pay our bills or expand our business? The latter, James, the latter.
It's not the lack of work we suffer from.
Heaven knows there aren't enough hours in the day to do all that's asked of us.
How do we take on more? Tristan's only around on an informal basis.
Precisely the point.
The time has come to take on a full-time assistant.
Fresh blood, James.
Someone trained up under the influence of all the latest advances.
And I think I may have found the very man.
His name is calum Buchanan.
He is the most brilliantly qualified young man.
I heard he wanted to join a practice in the dales, so I got in touch.
- Very impressive.
- Uh-huh, isn't it? I've sounded him out, he's keen to join us.
Ah, but until he settles in, I've asked Tristan to help out whenever he's on leave.
He's bored to death sitting at that ministry desk.
You seemed to have thought of everything.
- But you approve, James? - Oh, absolutely.
Well done, siegfried.
That's it and all about it.
You may safely leave the rest to me.
- Mm-hmm.
- On you go, James.
- Mr.
Fellowes? - Aye.
- Siegfried farnon.
- You'll be the veterinary from darrowby, I reckon.
That's it.
I take it you've not used our practice before.
No, him from scanton usually sees to me.
- Mottram? - That's him.
But I know what he'd say if he see'd my horse.
I called you hoping to hear something different.
Yes, of course, I shall have to consult Mr.
mottram first, but a telephone call to his surgery is all it should take.
Look, I've got a horse with a broken leg.
The telephone, if you please.
- Helen? - Hello, darling.
Slack moment? Mm.
I want to talk to you about an idea siegfried's had.
- Mm? - He thinks we need a new assistant.
- He's written to someone called calum Buchanan.
- That's wonderful news! - Mm the trouble is-- - he'd have to live here.
- Would you mind? - It depends what he's like.
The important thing is there'd be someone to share the load.
Still, I suppose he could live in the attic.
Oh, problem solved.
We were very happy up there, weren't we? Nobody's lived in it since 1939.
It'll have to be completely redecorated.
- Oh.
- Oh, we're that broke, are we? Mm-hm.
We are borrowing just to keep going.
There's my good man.
It's a fearful injury, Mr.
Fellowes.
Aye, I knew it were a bad 'un.
Your horse is suffering.
We can't allow that to go on.
You mean put him down? It's a dreadful compound fracture.
It's beyond healing.
I'm afraid there's no alternative.
Hello, it's Deirdre mcewan, isn't it? - Yes, that's right.
- Tristan farnon.
We're colleagues.
Oh yes, I've seen you about.
I've been meaning to say hello.
How are you finding it so far? - Fine, thank you.
- It's quite a change from Edinburgh.
The work's no different, but this change of scenery is very welcome.
Yes, I couldn't wait to get back to the dales after my stint in the forces.
It's a wonderful part of the world.
That's mostly why I took the job in the first place.
Perhaps I could give you an insider's tour of the area sometime.
Oh no, I wouldn't want to put you to any trouble, Mr.
farnon.
Tristan, and it's no trouble.
Well, in that case, I'd love to.
Terrific! I'll seek you out when I get back in a few days time and we'll take it from there.
Fine.
I'd better get on.
- Goodbye, Deirdre.
- Goodbye Tristan.
- Tristan farnon, isn't it? - Hello, Mr.
mottram! Heard you were with the ministry these days.
May I ask if you'll be seeing your brother in the near future? I'll be in darrowby tomorrow as a matter of fact.
Perhaps you'd be kind enough to remind your brother that Mr.
Fellowes of scartop farm is a client of my practice and not his.
I'll pass the message on.
Hopefully to some effect.
Good day to you.
A vision, Helen.
Every day I see her floating about like the goddess of my dreams, and I'm wondering how to make the approach, how to break the ice.
So you accost her on the steps of the min.
Of ag.
, very subtle.
It's wonderful, she's wonderful! We'll be absolutely wonderful together, you'll see.
She sounds smashing.
And I hope we meet her very soon.
It's this way she has of looking at you when she speaks.
It's devastating.
- Hard at it, I see.
- Uh-huh.
Welcome, tris, even if it is only part time.
It's good to be back, James.
- Hello, siegfried.
- Welcome, dear brother.
I hope you'll soon be reaping the benefits of my experience at the heart of the action.
We'll soon blow away the cobwebs around here.
Messrs.
Farnon and herriot are about the enter the 20th century.
We quail before the fury of your reforming zeal, Tristan.
Think of me as a beacon of knowledge, siegfried, here to illuminate the murkier backwaters of the profession.
- Oh, very well.
- And speaking of murk, what have you been up to - with that old devil mottram? - Mottram? Mottram? Since when have we had dealings with him? I put down a horse belonging to a client of his A day or two ago.
When I rang the practice, mottram was already out on his rounds so I left a message with his receptionist.
Um well, I was with a distressed animal.
- I had to act at once.
- He's highly unamused, siegfried.
Silly man.
I'll go to scanton and sooth his ruffled feelings.
Oh, you, farnon.
Good day to you, mottram.
I presume there is some purpose to your visit.
The matter of your client Mr.
Fellowes.
I thought it best to call personally to clear up any confusion.
Somewhat late in the day, don't you think? It was an emergency situation, mottram.
The animal was in great distress.
I tried my best to reach you.
Did you? There was no question of waiting any longer.
Look, farnon, your conduct verged on the unethical.
Let's leave it at that, shall we? I came to apologize unreservedly for any offense I may have caused.
Most thoughtful of you.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm rather busy.
Where does he hail from? Up north.
He's a graduate of your old Alma mater.
Calum Not calum Buchanan, by any chance? That's right.
You don't know him, do you? Oh yes.
Everyone knew calum Buchanan at Edinburgh.
- There we are.
- Thank you.
- Thank you.
Bye.
- Bye.
Allow me.
- Helen: Darrowby-85.
Hello, Mrs.
pumphrey.
- Woman: Thank you.
Oh, I am sorry to hear that.
Yes, of course.
- You're really sold on having him in the practice? - Absolutely, why? Well, time passes and the remarkable qualities of hot-blooded youth rarely survive the passage of time.
Tristan, if you've got something to say say it.
Snap him up, James.
Calum is quite exceptional.
Just the thing you need to transform your humdrum little ways here in darrowby.
- Ah ha.
- James, Mrs.
pumphrey just telephoned.
Can you call and see her this afternoon? - Anything serious? - Tricki-woo's gone flop-bott again.
- Oh yes, very serious.
- Well, damn and blast! She always asks me to stay for Sherry.
I feel such a clod turing up in my work clothes.
I have to change.
- Your suit isn't exactly high fashion.
- My only suit.
Mrs.
pumphrey adores you.
She won't mind.
Your irresistible charm, James.
Threadbare though it may be.
It may not impress Mrs.
pumphrey, but it might do the trick with the bank manager.
- You're seeing Mr.
Gregson? - Yes.
A major grovel.
Try and get some cash so we can redecorate the attic.
Yeah, but-- James? - Listen to me.
- Look Come in.
- Ah, Mr.
herriot.
- Hello, Mr.
Gregson.
I've been review-- take a seat, won't you? - Thank you.
- Thank you.
I've been reviewing your file, - in light of your expressed need for extra cash.
- Yes.
Ah.
Now, Mr.
herriot, when you previously arranged borrowing, you did assure the bank it would be of short duration.
- That's absolutely true-- - seems now that short duration is to extend to time indefinite, doesn't it? The practice will pick up, Mr.
Gregson.
Mmm You're a professional man, Mr.
herriot, - a customer worthy of the bank's support.
- Thank you.
But sudden and urgent demands for funds over and above agreed borrowing, and at a time when outgoings exceed income-- well Well, it is just this once actually.
It's to cover the cost of urgent and necessary redecoration.
And I think we can oblige you.
Just this once.
Remember, Mr.
herriot, we thrive on confidence.
Your confidence in us, ours in you.
Fail us and you fail yourself.
As it is in banking, so it is in life.
Hodgekin? Yes, ma'am? Want him inside now, aye, ma'am? Oh not yet, hodgekin.
You know Mr.
herriot likes to see tricki well exercised.
A few more turns around the garden, if you please.
Yes, ma'am.
- Hello, Mrs.
pumphrey.
- Oh, Mr.
herriot, - thank heavens you've come.
- Flop-bott again? Tricki's rear end simply refuses to relinquish contact with the ground.
Ah, same problem.
And the same cause, I expect.
I'm sure I haven't been neglectful.
He is exercised regularly.
Hodgekin takes him for a turn around the garden at least three times a day.
Like that, do you mean? Well, yes It won't do, Mrs.
pumphrey.
If tricki-woo is to benefit, he must be allowed to walk on his own legs.
Hm? A very good day to you, gentlemen.
- How do, Mr.
farnon? - And how are you, Mr.
buckle? A bit more in pocket afore thou came, veterinary.
In that case since time is money, we'll press on, shall we? This way, Mr.
farnon, straight through into the barn.
It's-- it's Polly.
She's hurt her shoulder.
Modernization is coming on, I see.
Aye, there's no point in just muddling on same like in granddad's day.
You've got to plan for the future else you go to the wall these days.
Now that I've emptied his rear gland, his flop-bott should ease considerably.
- Oh thank you, Mr.
herriot.
- Ah, thank you.
What have you been feeding him? He's terribly overweight.
Oh dear, I know you're going to be cross with me.
- Pate de foie? - Very, very little.
- Caviar? - Only once a week.
- Smoked salmon? - Certainly not! Only the very freshest salmon With the merest hint of sauce hollandaise.
It's all much too rich for him, Mrs.
pumphrey.
There, you see, you are cross with me.
Now listen, iron rations from now on.
And plenty of exercise.
It's absolutely essential.
That isn't a request, Mrs.
pumphrey, that's an order.
Tricki will become positively mutinous.
Tricki's a very old dog.
Spoiling him is the last thing he needs.
He can't feel all that old.
Only this morning I discovered him having an affair with a cushion.
Lord, she has knocked herself, hasn't she? Man: Like I say, it's a simple lesion.
Just listen to him, veterinary, a great one for book farming is our Billy.
Science, granddad, that's the way ahead.
Good farming comes from what thou does, not what thou reads, young fella! Time's are changing, Mr.
buckle.
Buckle: Aye, all down to needles with you fellas now.
But your stock's never been healthier, Mr.
buckle.
Not the veterinary bills! Right pocket killers, your modern miracles, Mr.
farnon.
We get what we pay for, granddad.
All right, there's no problem with her pregnancy, but that shoulder will need some treatment.
You'll do what you can for her, veterinary.
A grand sort is Polly.
Well, Mr.
farnon, how are we going to tackle job? Intravenous or intramuscular shot, or external application like? Buckle: Talk plain, you daft young 'un! Youth's asking does sow need a jab in the ass, veterinary.
- James? - Mm-hmm.
You've been invited to join the milk subcommittee.
- What? - Yeah, that's what it says here.
- Siegfried: James! - Good lord! Coming up in the world, James.
But why me? In fact, siegfried, why not you? No, you're much more the diplomat than I am.
Besides I'm not sure I could afford that particular honor.
- What do you mean? - The subcommittee is made up of the heavy wallet brigade.
One either runs with one's peers or one loses face.
Siegfried: I'll answer it.
Don't worry, you accept.
You'll fly the flag with honor.
Coming, coming.
- What's wrong? - This.
It is an honor.
But can we afford it? It can only do you good, James.
I have a suit falling apart at the seams, an overdraft that causes alarm bells when I enter the bank-- - you can't not accept.
- I know.
Bert kealey.
One of his in-lamb ewes has aborted.
Right, I'll be off home then, Mrs.
herriot.
Thank you, Mrs.
greenlaw.
Are you sure you don't want me to wash them clothes for you? No, you get off.
I know you've got a lot to do at home.
Aye.
Never done, is it? Mind, I couldn't be doing with a big old house like this.
It took eight pair of hands to keep this going in the old days.
- Got to be done though, hasn't it? - Aye.
And killing hard it is for you, too.
Even with me here to help out now and then.
Mind, I could understand if it were your own home.
I suppose you're right.
I just never stop to think about it.
It must be to your liking, seeing how you stay on here.
Our house may be small, but it's our own.
I wouldn't have it any other way.
Still that's folk, isn't it? Always wanting something different.
Well, I best be off.
- Goodbye, Mrs.
herriot.
- Goodbye, Mrs.
greenlaw.
Thank you.
James: Bert? - Thanks for coming out.
- I'm sorry I'm too late.
An infection of the womb.
Aye, I knew she were done for the minute I saw her.
Will you get me a bucket of warm water and a towel? I'll do a Fuller postmortem and then I'll look at the lamb.
- How is it? - In house with mom.
Loves this time of year, she does.
Gives her a chance to mother all the waifs and strays.
Tristan: It's only me! In here, tris.
- Helen? - Tris.
Something dreadful's happened.
Mrs.
kealey? - Mr.
herriot.
- This isn't a bad time, is it? Nay, nay, young man.
Come on in.
Let me get you a cup of tea.
No, you stay where you are.
Just come to see how the lamb's getting on.
Aye, a miracle he's alive.
Come on, baby, out you come.
Reckon we'll build him up till one of the other ewes can take him on.
He's fine.
- Going to be spoiled rotten, I bet.
- Well It's the least a useless old woman can do to help out.
Yuck.
Ugh! - I bet it's been tough up here this winter.
- We've had better.
But no worse than it's been for t'other folk who farm top lands.
- What about Bert? - He's taking it very hard, Mr.
herriot.
The youth could do with a bit of a boost.
He's been out in all weathers - with that dairy herd.
- They're a very fine herd, Mrs.
kealey.
- Any news on the t.
T.
License? - Naught.
But milk subcommittee will be meeting soon.
We're hoping they'll hear our case then.
It'll mean a few extra pence a gallon, Mr.
herriot.
And we're badly in need of that.
Actually, I've been asked to join the committee.
Perhaps I can put a word in.
You must do as you think best, Mr.
herriot.
You know, it takes something special in a young man to keep going up here without help.
It'd be different if his brothers had come back from the war.
But he's a good lad.
Never give up while there's something to hope for.
And there's always hope.
Isn't that so, Mr.
herriot? - What is it? - Siegfried! Redeployment from the min.
Of ag.
To h.
M.
Inspectorate of drains? I'm looking for Helen's engagement ring, actually.
It's lost, siegfried, completely vanished.
Good heavens! What a fearful thing! She's dreadfully upset.
Not surprising, it cost James almost his entire life's savings at the time.
In sentimental terms It's priceless.
There we are, Mrs.
Ellis.
Try if you can to stop trixie foraging around too much in the thornbushes till that eye heals.
- All right? - Thank you.
- Goodbye.
- Bye.
Next please.
Hello.
And you are Mr.
? Carter, Reginald Carter.
And what seems to be the trouble, Mr.
Carter? It's zara here.
My regular vet says she has a serious abdominal complaint and needs surgery.
But her age, you see.
I'd rather spare her that if I could, so I thought I'd take a second opinion.
What practice do you normally attend, Mr.
Carter? Mr.
mottram of scanton, actually.
That's all right, isn't it? Yes, it's perfectly in order to seek a second opinion, however, we would have to inform Mr.
mottram first.
- Tristan? - Let me just have a quick look, Mr.
Carter.
On second thoughts, I'll do it myself.
I shan't be long.
- Mottram: Surgery? - Ah, mottram.
Siegfried farnon here.
I've got a client of yours in the surgery who wants a second opinion.
You've no objection, I take it? - Mottram? - I heard.
And? You do seem bent on poaching my clients, don't you, farnon? What? Mottram, may I remind you your client has a perfect right to ask for a second opinion.
Now, if you'd be good enough Do as you wish.
You will anyway! He's making very good progress.
And if you keep up the good work, he will continue to make very good progress.
Oh, I will.
He's on a strict diet.
- Good.
- And do you know, instead of hodgekin taking tricki for his walk, it's now dear tricki who's taking him.
I'm sure hodgekin enjoys the experience immensely.
You're a very wicked man, Mr.
herriot.
You know perfectly well hodgekin professes to loathe dear tricki.
He doesn't really, of course.
At least, I prefer to think so.
There we go now.
Now before we have our Sherry, I need your advice on a most anxious matter.
Tell me, what do you think of this? Well, it's wonderful.
Marvelous material.
My husband was most particular about his wardrobe-- the finest cloth, cut only by the most skillful hand.
- And it shows.
- Most of it I disposed of after he passed on, but This I kept.
It had the most Particular associations.
But the time has come.
It too must depart.
The question is, do I dispose of it at a jumble? Or perhaps find someone who would appreciate its very excellent qualities.
What do you think I should do? Difficult to say, really.
I wonder - Would you mind holding it up please? - Yes, of course.
Do you know the color suits you most wonderfully well.
Look! See? - Do you like it? - It's very nice indeed.
Wonderful! My problem's solved.
You shall have it.
- Me? - Of course, my husband was a considerably larger man, but with skilled alteration You will take it, won't you? That's extremely kind of you, Mrs.
pumphrey.
That's settled then.
Thank you, Mr.
herriot.
- Yet again, I'm in your debt.
- No, thank you.
Thank you very much.
What a damnable prig that fellow mottram is! Good lord alive, what other practitioner could possibly object to a colleague being asked for a second opinion? I positively urge our clients to do it, especially in difficult cases.
Mottram seems to regard it as a personal insult.
Perhaps you've been neglecting the social side of your relationship, siegfried.
You know, a little professional get-together with the opposition now and then, it can oil the wheels, I find.
That's a very acute observation, Tristan.
Oww! Now then, veterinary.
Upskittled theeself, I see.
Look at my suit! Aye, thee pockets must be heavy if thou can wear cloth like that around t'farms.
This gate of yours is a menace! Aye, thou's right.
It's only a month back I had that hinge fixed again.
Guaranteed it to Mr.
herriot, I did.
I suggest you get it fixed properly before it kills somebody.
Aye, I'll make a note of that, young fella.
Come for summat, hast thou? - Your calves.
- Calves? You arranged to have your calves nipped, didn't you? Thou's right.
It's me bad memory, do you see? Missus is always on to me about it.
All right, well, I'm with you now.
Well, mottram.
What a piece of luck! I wanted a word with you actually.
What is it this time? Another of my clients seeking your so-called second opinion? I'll ignore that, mottram.
No, as a matter of fact, it occurred to me that our two practices Might perhaps try to establish less antagonistic relations.
As matters stand it works to neither of our benefits.
And whose fault is that, pray? Let's not point the accusing finger, huh? But perhaps try to mend a few fences instead.
To which end my colleague and I would be delighted if you'd dine with us one night at a time and place of your own choice.
What do you say to that? I believe in honorable relations with colleagues in opposition, so to speak.
But I make it a principle never to indulge in "socializing.
" In my book, all this "out to dinner" nonsense with people from competing practices, particularly yours, is shallow, insincere and verging on the unethical.
Good day, farnon.
Come on.
Good morning, sir.
- Morning.
- Can I help you? I hope so.
I did actually buy a ring here once.
- Oh? - Mm, about 12 years ago.
- Oh really, sir? - Yes, and I'd like something identical.
- Well, similar at least.
- Well, sir, I'll show you what I've got and with a bit of luck, we might just find what you're looking for.
- Excuse me.
Won't keep you a moment.
- Thank you.
These aren't calves, Mr.
Ripley.
They're fully-grown bulls! Aye, they are a bit on the biggish side.
I've never seen aught like the way they put flesh on once they start eating.
Didn't Mr.
herriot tell you to get calves nipped at three months? Aye, aye, he did, Mr.
farnon.
I'll grant thee that.
He told me that.
Ah, but it's time, you see.
It fair races by what with one thing and another.
Oh, never mind.
- Get one in the crush, we'll be here all day.
- Aye.
Well, there's nothing here, I'm afraid.
Ah.
I think I found the one I want.
- That one, please.
- Sure about that, are you? - Mm-hmm, positive.
- Aye, you've got a good eye, sir.
- A real beauty this is.
- Yes, it is.
- May I? - Certainly.
Thank you.
How much is it? Oh dear.
Half afraid to tell you, sir.
A very special piece that is, reflected in the price.
Don't beasts feel pain at nippers, Mr.
farnon? He's had an anesthetic, Mr.
Ripley.
It's me that's suffering-- thanks to your negligence.
Aye, thou's right.
I let thee down.
Still, this is last one.
One more nip.
All that puffin' and panting, you chaps don't half put it on, don't you? Aye, but you can admit it to me.
Admit it to me, Mr.
farnon.
Absolutely, Mr.
Ripley.
I'll show you how easy it is! I'll position the nippers.
All you have to do is close them.
Nay, nay, I don't rightly know about that.
Oh, it's easy, Mr.
Ripley! You said so yourself.
All set.
Off you go.
Nay, nay I can't do it, Mr.
farnon.
Your offspring are waiting for their stories.
- I am waiting for you.
- James, that's for supper! Come on, darling.
In for a penny, in for a pound.
There we are.
Well here's to us.
Bom pa bom pa bom James, you're behaving very oddly.
Oh Helen, how can you say that when I'm feeling like this.
- Like what? - Well, like getting engaged all over again.
Well, I can't remember the words I used when I proposed exactly, but-- well.
- James.
- Try it on.
It's beautiful! We can't possibly afford it.
No problem.
I've got 24 hours to take it back.
Don't you dare touch it.
Come in.
- Thank you.
Hello, Mr.
Gregson.
- Sit down, won't you? We have a lot to discuss, you and I.
Now, Mr.
herriot.
I'm sure I don't need to tell a man of your education that trust is at the heart of the relationship between a client and his bank.
- Of course.
- If, for example, you borrow money for one purpose, and then expend it on something entirely different.
Ah, you mean the engagement ring.
I mean the money lent to cover the cost of "Urgent and necessary redecoration," to quote your own words.
- The thing was that the-- - then we find a check Considerably in excess of the agreed sum presented for clearance.
A check used to purchase a luxury item of jewelry.
- Yes, I can-- - it's not for me to question the motives of a married man, purchasing such an item.
Nor is it my place to speculate on whether the recipient of the said item is a lady Other than your wife.
But it was.
- Pardon? - The ring.
It was for my wife.
Mr.
herriot, an engagement ring is usually purchased before marriage, not after.
At least in my understanding it is.
Yes, well, I can explain that too, actually-- yes.
There seems to be a lot to explain, Mr.
herriot.
One way or another.
Yes, yes, I'll tell him.
- Siegfried: Hello! - Uh siegfried.
I'm sorry to bother you but that was a Mr.
lumsden, Mr.
mottram's locum.
Apparently Mr.
mottram's away on holiday and his horse has got the colic.
It's a very bad attack, Mr.
lumsden says, and he's out of his depth.
I wouldn't ask you, it's just James and Tristan-- my dear, one must never allow personal antipathy to interfere with professional conduct.
If an animal is in distress, it's my job to go and relieve it.
Thank you.
What have we got here? All right, my dear.
Right then, lumsden.
As you know, she's got a An obstructive colic.
And I'm going to do exactly what you would do.
I'll need to give her a sedative hypodermic injection to ease the pain, followed by a gallon of liquid paraffin by stomach tube to lubricate the impaction.
And then after a few hours, a hypodermic injection of carbachol to see if we can shift the impaction.
Do you agree? - Of course.
- I've got everything in the car.
- If you'd just be good enough - Yes, Mr.
farnon.
Oh, and lumsden, a big pot of coffee.
This is an all night task, I'm afraid.
James: I can't go to a meeting of the milk subcommittee looking like this.
It's that idiot henshaw.
He said it would spoil it if he altered the height of the waistband.
- The pockets.
- Darling, don't panic, come on.
Try it with the waistcoat.
That's it, and the jacket.
Wait-- there, now.
How does that feel? It's incredibly hot, actually.
- I can hardly breathe.
- You know, James, it is really rather good.
- Is it? - Yes.
As long as you keep the waistcoat done up, it'll be perfect.
Come on, don't panic.
I'm sure it'll impress the committee tomorrow.
She'll need watching, of course.
But I think this good little mare-- what's her name? - Trader.
- Trader, trader, trader? She's on the mend.
James and Helen herriot when we were picnicking up on scardale Tor.
I'm the one behind the camera.
Fabulous views.
Who's the other girl? Oh, she's a friend of Helen's Debbie mount.
- She's very pretty.
- Oh, is she? She's working in Australia now, poor thing.
James: Sorry.
I'm not interrupting anything? No, James, come in.
You've heard me talk about Deirdre mcewan.
Deirdre, this is James herriot, my friend and colleague.
Tristan's told me such a lot about you.
He hasn't exactly kept silent about you.
- It's very nice to meet you.
- And you.
Tristan, I must be getting back.
Right well, I'll see you later.
- Goodbye, James.
- Goodbye.
- I'm sure we'll see each other again.
- Mm.
Very nice, tris.
What on earth are you wearing? - Never mind about that.
Fill me in on the committee.
- Ah, yes.
Anything wrong with the heating? It's normal temperature for government buildings.
I'm roasting hot.
Blame your spartan ways in darrowby.
As far as your colleagues are concerned, the one to watch is massingham.
- That's sir William? - Chairman and eminence grise.
Any special-- - pleading, he's the one you'll have to convince.
- Uh-huh.
- Siegfried farnon? - Yes.
- Calum Buchanan.
- How are you? Thank you for taking the trouble to come and meet me.
No, no, no, no trouble at all.
Good heavens, a badger.
Oh, this is Marilyn.
She's very friendly.
I see.
Well, I'm blowed.
- Stop.
- Siegfried: On the left's the surgery.
Leave it.
By the sounds of revelry, there may be-- Helen, let me introduce calum Buchanan, who I hope will be joining us.
- Hello, calum.
- Hello, Helen.
It's good to meet you.
- And who's this? - I'm Jimmy.
My sister Rosie is not here, though.
I hope you won't mind me and Marilyn moving into your house.
Oh no, I wish they'd let me sleep in the attic.
- Who's Marilyn? - Calum's badger.
She's in the car.
She's not really my badger.
Her mother died, you see, and I've been looking after her until she's old enough to release back into the wild.
Oh, excuse me.
I heard you playing just now.
Do you like music? Oh yes.
Can you play? A bit.
- Yes? - Mr.
buckle, worried about losing his litter of pigs.
Right.
Oh lord, we'll have to postpone our tour of the surgery.
- Would you like to come out, calum? - Why not? Come along then.
Thank you, Helen.
I'll see you later, Mrs.
herriot.
Siegfried: Are you kitted out? Chairman: Mr.
Scott, Professor dickson, Dr.
mctaggart, commander carrington-Mason, and our invaluable secretary Mrs.
hanbury, and of course, Mr.
Smith you know.
Mr.
herriot, you've come same as the rest of us to do a job of work, so we'll get on with it.
I now declare this meeting open.
Kindly read the minutes if you will, Mrs.
hanbury.
- Afternoon, Billy.
- Mr.
farnon.
- I'd like you to meet Mr.
Buchanan.
- All right.
- How do? - Hello.
I hope Mr.
Buchanan's going to join the practice.
I'd watch your cows in that first meadow back there.
There's dog Mercury growing in it.
It could affect their milk yields, you know.
Aye, thanks.
I'll remember that.
Ah, Billy.
You said that Polly's farrowing didn't go too well.
No, no, her milk won't flow, Mr.
farnon.
- No milk at all? - Naught.
And I'm afraid her young 'uns will peg out unless we do something about it.
Chairman: Now we come to the matter of kealey of top farm, his application for a t.
T.
License.
I believe you have something to say on this matter, Mr.
herriot.
Yes, I-- yes, I have.
Mr.
ch-- Mr.
chairman, top farm has been in the kealey family for generations.
Bert kealey now runs the farm and has done so since his older brothers died in the war.
Now in spite of Several and many difficulties, he has managed to build up his dairy herd.
Now, the herd cons-- the herd consists of They'll surely die off if they don't start to feed.
Now then, mother.
Let's have a look at you.
Let's have a look at you.
Just get over here a bit.
Let's see.
Now what you got there? Well, there's no mastitis.
Possibly agalactiae? Almost certainly.
You have a shot of pituitrin? Yes, I always carry some in case of an emergency.
What about them miracle drugs of yours then, can't they do aught? Yes, Mr.
buckle.
There's just a chance that science may - provide the solution.
- Oh.
Hold on to that, would you, for a moment? Buckle: Oh! That was the only bottle we have in stock.
You daft young bugger! Sorry, granddad.
Mr.
farnon.
How long to find a replacement? Too long, I fear.
I see.
Do you mind if I have a stab at getting a first sucking into them? By all means.
Gentlemen, I assure you that-- Bert kealey is a very conscientious man.
He's hardworking.
He's a real trier.
Now I have seen his buildings, and they're not perfect by any means.
But I do believe that he-- he really does deserve a chance.
So I do thereby recommend that you-- you grant this license.
You may have to do this yourself in an emergency sometime, Mr.
buckle - so I'll describe exactly what I'm doing.
- Aye.
- Watch now.
- Aye.
Insert your hand Now, gently, mind Ease it along.
Until you come to-- the cervix.
Now if the animal has just given birth, - it should still be open.
- I see.
Push your fingers Beyond the cervix.
And waggle her pig bed about.
Waggle her pig bed? Yes, like this.
Oh, oh I see.
Right.
Check Polly's teats, will you please, Billy? Ruddy miracle happening here, granddad! Oh! Oh! He's got her milk flowing! He's got her milk flowing! Committee member: How about that young vet fellow? You never know with funny dressers like that.
Chairman: Yes, but he cares, does that young chap.
He put everything he had into his appeal.
Such passion and honest-to-God conviction, it had the sweat rolling off him in buckets.
You can have your science and your book learning, Mr.
farnon.
Me, well, I'll settle for nature's way.
And there's naught to beat it when chips is down.
And he knows that, t'other vet over there.
A ruddy marvel he is.
Ha ha ha.
- Hello, darling.
- Ah, James.
Let me introduce our new colleague, the altogether remarkable calum Buchanan.
- Hello, James.
- Calum.
- Wh-- - ah! He can play 15 instruments.
- No, 20.
- He can play lots of instruments, and, dad, he's got a real-live badger.
Really! James, you just missed the musical vet.
- It's a shame.
Another time, perhaps? - Oh, yes.
Good lord.
You haven't changed one iota.
Tristan, so this is where you've been hiding, eh? And you must meet-- where's Marilyn? She went out, I think.
My goodness, Mrs.
greenlaw.
No, you two stay here.
Siegfried: Tristan, go see what's happening.
Up there.
A wild animal up the chimney! Mrs.
greenlaw, it's only a pet.
All right, she's fond of chimneys.
What are you doing? I'm mother calling her to grub.
Nice chimney, was it? Siegfried: Now calum-- oh, tris, don't move, don't move.
Look! It's my ring! Isn't that wonderful? Good heavens! How on earth did it get up there? - Quite! - Great Scott, the jackdaws! Helen, was the window open when you took your ring off? - Uh, yeah.
Yes, it was.
- There's your answer.
We've got a pair of jackdaws nesting on top of skeldale.
They're terrible thieves, jackies, especially anything small and bright which catches their attention, particularly when nesting.
£1,000 to a mousetrap, there's your answer.
Mrs.
greenlaw: Mr.
mottram on the telephone for you, Mr.
farnon.
Siegfried: Thank you, Mrs.
greenlaw.
- Siegfried farnon.
- Hello, farnon.
I've just heard what you did for trader.
I really I really am most grateful.
Oh, my dear mottram-- young lumsden admits he could do nothing for the animal.
But for you I really don't know how to thank you.
I was very glad to be able to be of help.
I'd very much like to know how you tackled it.
Look, why don't you and your partner come over to supper one evening soon? That's an excellent idea! Yes, of course, we will.
And thank you for taking the trouble to telephone.
- Goodbye.
- Goodbye, mottram, goodbye.
Extraordinary man! There you go then, go on.
Go on.
Siegfried, give me a hand, would you? - All right.
- Thanks.
Come on, baby, come on.
Come on.
Here he is.
Ah.
Now then, which is the ewe with the stillborns? That one.
Had a right job getting mom to give him up.
It's not gonna work with that old girl.
Nay, Glen will sort her out.
Has his own way of handling this kind of thing.
Glen! Bert: He's playing on her instinct to protect young, any young.
By the time she forgets about Glen, she'll be paired to that little 'un for good.
Hell of a bright dog, that Glen.
- Bert.
- Glen.
James, I had a letter today from ministry folk.
They've given me my t.
T.
License.
I thought they might.
Took a bit of help though, I reckon.
Thanks, James.
- Good morning, Mr.
siegfried.
- Good morning.
- Good morning.
Ah, James, a word before the mob descends.
- It's-- - shunt the preoccupations of the moment to one side.
We have an important matter to discuss.
- Right.
- Now you know that Cash is most hellishly tight in the practice at the moment.
Yes, farmers so busy expanding their businesses - they have no money to pay our bills.
- Yes.
That's what we should be doing.
Take a leaf out of their book.
What, not pay our bills or expand our business? The latter, James, the latter.
It's not the lack of work we suffer from.
Heaven knows there aren't enough hours in the day to do all that's asked of us.
How do we take on more? Tristan's only around on an informal basis.
Precisely the point.
The time has come to take on a full-time assistant.
Fresh blood, James.
Someone trained up under the influence of all the latest advances.
And I think I may have found the very man.
His name is calum Buchanan.
He is the most brilliantly qualified young man.
I heard he wanted to join a practice in the dales, so I got in touch.
- Very impressive.
- Uh-huh, isn't it? I've sounded him out, he's keen to join us.
Ah, but until he settles in, I've asked Tristan to help out whenever he's on leave.
He's bored to death sitting at that ministry desk.
You seemed to have thought of everything.
- But you approve, James? - Oh, absolutely.
Well done, siegfried.
That's it and all about it.
You may safely leave the rest to me.
- Mm-hmm.
- On you go, James.
- Mr.
Fellowes? - Aye.
- Siegfried farnon.
- You'll be the veterinary from darrowby, I reckon.
That's it.
I take it you've not used our practice before.
No, him from scanton usually sees to me.
- Mottram? - That's him.
But I know what he'd say if he see'd my horse.
I called you hoping to hear something different.
Yes, of course, I shall have to consult Mr.
mottram first, but a telephone call to his surgery is all it should take.
Look, I've got a horse with a broken leg.
The telephone, if you please.
- Helen? - Hello, darling.
Slack moment? Mm.
I want to talk to you about an idea siegfried's had.
- Mm? - He thinks we need a new assistant.
- He's written to someone called calum Buchanan.
- That's wonderful news! - Mm the trouble is-- - he'd have to live here.
- Would you mind? - It depends what he's like.
The important thing is there'd be someone to share the load.
Still, I suppose he could live in the attic.
Oh, problem solved.
We were very happy up there, weren't we? Nobody's lived in it since 1939.
It'll have to be completely redecorated.
- Oh.
- Oh, we're that broke, are we? Mm-hm.
We are borrowing just to keep going.
There's my good man.
It's a fearful injury, Mr.
Fellowes.
Aye, I knew it were a bad 'un.
Your horse is suffering.
We can't allow that to go on.
You mean put him down? It's a dreadful compound fracture.
It's beyond healing.
I'm afraid there's no alternative.
Hello, it's Deirdre mcewan, isn't it? - Yes, that's right.
- Tristan farnon.
We're colleagues.
Oh yes, I've seen you about.
I've been meaning to say hello.
How are you finding it so far? - Fine, thank you.
- It's quite a change from Edinburgh.
The work's no different, but this change of scenery is very welcome.
Yes, I couldn't wait to get back to the dales after my stint in the forces.
It's a wonderful part of the world.
That's mostly why I took the job in the first place.
Perhaps I could give you an insider's tour of the area sometime.
Oh no, I wouldn't want to put you to any trouble, Mr.
farnon.
Tristan, and it's no trouble.
Well, in that case, I'd love to.
Terrific! I'll seek you out when I get back in a few days time and we'll take it from there.
Fine.
I'd better get on.
- Goodbye, Deirdre.
- Goodbye Tristan.
- Tristan farnon, isn't it? - Hello, Mr.
mottram! Heard you were with the ministry these days.
May I ask if you'll be seeing your brother in the near future? I'll be in darrowby tomorrow as a matter of fact.
Perhaps you'd be kind enough to remind your brother that Mr.
Fellowes of scartop farm is a client of my practice and not his.
I'll pass the message on.
Hopefully to some effect.
Good day to you.
A vision, Helen.
Every day I see her floating about like the goddess of my dreams, and I'm wondering how to make the approach, how to break the ice.
So you accost her on the steps of the min.
Of ag.
, very subtle.
It's wonderful, she's wonderful! We'll be absolutely wonderful together, you'll see.
She sounds smashing.
And I hope we meet her very soon.
It's this way she has of looking at you when she speaks.
It's devastating.
- Hard at it, I see.
- Uh-huh.
Welcome, tris, even if it is only part time.
It's good to be back, James.
- Hello, siegfried.
- Welcome, dear brother.
I hope you'll soon be reaping the benefits of my experience at the heart of the action.
We'll soon blow away the cobwebs around here.
Messrs.
Farnon and herriot are about the enter the 20th century.
We quail before the fury of your reforming zeal, Tristan.
Think of me as a beacon of knowledge, siegfried, here to illuminate the murkier backwaters of the profession.
- Oh, very well.
- And speaking of murk, what have you been up to - with that old devil mottram? - Mottram? Mottram? Since when have we had dealings with him? I put down a horse belonging to a client of his A day or two ago.
When I rang the practice, mottram was already out on his rounds so I left a message with his receptionist.
Um well, I was with a distressed animal.
- I had to act at once.
- He's highly unamused, siegfried.
Silly man.
I'll go to scanton and sooth his ruffled feelings.
Oh, you, farnon.
Good day to you, mottram.
I presume there is some purpose to your visit.
The matter of your client Mr.
Fellowes.
I thought it best to call personally to clear up any confusion.
Somewhat late in the day, don't you think? It was an emergency situation, mottram.
The animal was in great distress.
I tried my best to reach you.
Did you? There was no question of waiting any longer.
Look, farnon, your conduct verged on the unethical.
Let's leave it at that, shall we? I came to apologize unreservedly for any offense I may have caused.
Most thoughtful of you.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm rather busy.
Where does he hail from? Up north.
He's a graduate of your old Alma mater.
Calum Not calum Buchanan, by any chance? That's right.
You don't know him, do you? Oh yes.
Everyone knew calum Buchanan at Edinburgh.
- There we are.
- Thank you.
- Thank you.
Bye.
- Bye.
Allow me.
- Helen: Darrowby-85.
Hello, Mrs.
pumphrey.
- Woman: Thank you.
Oh, I am sorry to hear that.
Yes, of course.
- You're really sold on having him in the practice? - Absolutely, why? Well, time passes and the remarkable qualities of hot-blooded youth rarely survive the passage of time.
Tristan, if you've got something to say say it.
Snap him up, James.
Calum is quite exceptional.
Just the thing you need to transform your humdrum little ways here in darrowby.
- Ah ha.
- James, Mrs.
pumphrey just telephoned.
Can you call and see her this afternoon? - Anything serious? - Tricki-woo's gone flop-bott again.
- Oh yes, very serious.
- Well, damn and blast! She always asks me to stay for Sherry.
I feel such a clod turing up in my work clothes.
I have to change.
- Your suit isn't exactly high fashion.
- My only suit.
Mrs.
pumphrey adores you.
She won't mind.
Your irresistible charm, James.
Threadbare though it may be.
It may not impress Mrs.
pumphrey, but it might do the trick with the bank manager.
- You're seeing Mr.
Gregson? - Yes.
A major grovel.
Try and get some cash so we can redecorate the attic.
Yeah, but-- James? - Listen to me.
- Look Come in.
- Ah, Mr.
herriot.
- Hello, Mr.
Gregson.
I've been review-- take a seat, won't you? - Thank you.
- Thank you.
I've been reviewing your file, - in light of your expressed need for extra cash.
- Yes.
Ah.
Now, Mr.
herriot, when you previously arranged borrowing, you did assure the bank it would be of short duration.
- That's absolutely true-- - seems now that short duration is to extend to time indefinite, doesn't it? The practice will pick up, Mr.
Gregson.
Mmm You're a professional man, Mr.
herriot, - a customer worthy of the bank's support.
- Thank you.
But sudden and urgent demands for funds over and above agreed borrowing, and at a time when outgoings exceed income-- well Well, it is just this once actually.
It's to cover the cost of urgent and necessary redecoration.
And I think we can oblige you.
Just this once.
Remember, Mr.
herriot, we thrive on confidence.
Your confidence in us, ours in you.
Fail us and you fail yourself.
As it is in banking, so it is in life.
Hodgekin? Yes, ma'am? Want him inside now, aye, ma'am? Oh not yet, hodgekin.
You know Mr.
herriot likes to see tricki well exercised.
A few more turns around the garden, if you please.
Yes, ma'am.
- Hello, Mrs.
pumphrey.
- Oh, Mr.
herriot, - thank heavens you've come.
- Flop-bott again? Tricki's rear end simply refuses to relinquish contact with the ground.
Ah, same problem.
And the same cause, I expect.
I'm sure I haven't been neglectful.
He is exercised regularly.
Hodgekin takes him for a turn around the garden at least three times a day.
Like that, do you mean? Well, yes It won't do, Mrs.
pumphrey.
If tricki-woo is to benefit, he must be allowed to walk on his own legs.
Hm? A very good day to you, gentlemen.
- How do, Mr.
farnon? - And how are you, Mr.
buckle? A bit more in pocket afore thou came, veterinary.
In that case since time is money, we'll press on, shall we? This way, Mr.
farnon, straight through into the barn.
It's-- it's Polly.
She's hurt her shoulder.
Modernization is coming on, I see.
Aye, there's no point in just muddling on same like in granddad's day.
You've got to plan for the future else you go to the wall these days.
Now that I've emptied his rear gland, his flop-bott should ease considerably.
- Oh thank you, Mr.
herriot.
- Ah, thank you.
What have you been feeding him? He's terribly overweight.
Oh dear, I know you're going to be cross with me.
- Pate de foie? - Very, very little.
- Caviar? - Only once a week.
- Smoked salmon? - Certainly not! Only the very freshest salmon With the merest hint of sauce hollandaise.
It's all much too rich for him, Mrs.
pumphrey.
There, you see, you are cross with me.
Now listen, iron rations from now on.
And plenty of exercise.
It's absolutely essential.
That isn't a request, Mrs.
pumphrey, that's an order.
Tricki will become positively mutinous.
Tricki's a very old dog.
Spoiling him is the last thing he needs.
He can't feel all that old.
Only this morning I discovered him having an affair with a cushion.
Lord, she has knocked herself, hasn't she? Man: Like I say, it's a simple lesion.
Just listen to him, veterinary, a great one for book farming is our Billy.
Science, granddad, that's the way ahead.
Good farming comes from what thou does, not what thou reads, young fella! Time's are changing, Mr.
buckle.
Buckle: Aye, all down to needles with you fellas now.
But your stock's never been healthier, Mr.
buckle.
Not the veterinary bills! Right pocket killers, your modern miracles, Mr.
farnon.
We get what we pay for, granddad.
All right, there's no problem with her pregnancy, but that shoulder will need some treatment.
You'll do what you can for her, veterinary.
A grand sort is Polly.
Well, Mr.
farnon, how are we going to tackle job? Intravenous or intramuscular shot, or external application like? Buckle: Talk plain, you daft young 'un! Youth's asking does sow need a jab in the ass, veterinary.
- James? - Mm-hmm.
You've been invited to join the milk subcommittee.
- What? - Yeah, that's what it says here.
- Siegfried: James! - Good lord! Coming up in the world, James.
But why me? In fact, siegfried, why not you? No, you're much more the diplomat than I am.
Besides I'm not sure I could afford that particular honor.
- What do you mean? - The subcommittee is made up of the heavy wallet brigade.
One either runs with one's peers or one loses face.
Siegfried: I'll answer it.
Don't worry, you accept.
You'll fly the flag with honor.
Coming, coming.
- What's wrong? - This.
It is an honor.
But can we afford it? It can only do you good, James.
I have a suit falling apart at the seams, an overdraft that causes alarm bells when I enter the bank-- - you can't not accept.
- I know.
Bert kealey.
One of his in-lamb ewes has aborted.
Right, I'll be off home then, Mrs.
herriot.
Thank you, Mrs.
greenlaw.
Are you sure you don't want me to wash them clothes for you? No, you get off.
I know you've got a lot to do at home.
Aye.
Never done, is it? Mind, I couldn't be doing with a big old house like this.
It took eight pair of hands to keep this going in the old days.
- Got to be done though, hasn't it? - Aye.
And killing hard it is for you, too.
Even with me here to help out now and then.
Mind, I could understand if it were your own home.
I suppose you're right.
I just never stop to think about it.
It must be to your liking, seeing how you stay on here.
Our house may be small, but it's our own.
I wouldn't have it any other way.
Still that's folk, isn't it? Always wanting something different.
Well, I best be off.
- Goodbye, Mrs.
herriot.
- Goodbye, Mrs.
greenlaw.
Thank you.
James: Bert? - Thanks for coming out.
- I'm sorry I'm too late.
An infection of the womb.
Aye, I knew she were done for the minute I saw her.
Will you get me a bucket of warm water and a towel? I'll do a Fuller postmortem and then I'll look at the lamb.
- How is it? - In house with mom.
Loves this time of year, she does.
Gives her a chance to mother all the waifs and strays.
Tristan: It's only me! In here, tris.
- Helen? - Tris.
Something dreadful's happened.
Mrs.
kealey? - Mr.
herriot.
- This isn't a bad time, is it? Nay, nay, young man.
Come on in.
Let me get you a cup of tea.
No, you stay where you are.
Just come to see how the lamb's getting on.
Aye, a miracle he's alive.
Come on, baby, out you come.
Reckon we'll build him up till one of the other ewes can take him on.
He's fine.
- Going to be spoiled rotten, I bet.
- Well It's the least a useless old woman can do to help out.
Yuck.
Ugh! - I bet it's been tough up here this winter.
- We've had better.
But no worse than it's been for t'other folk who farm top lands.
- What about Bert? - He's taking it very hard, Mr.
herriot.
The youth could do with a bit of a boost.
He's been out in all weathers - with that dairy herd.
- They're a very fine herd, Mrs.
kealey.
- Any news on the t.
T.
License? - Naught.
But milk subcommittee will be meeting soon.
We're hoping they'll hear our case then.
It'll mean a few extra pence a gallon, Mr.
herriot.
And we're badly in need of that.
Actually, I've been asked to join the committee.
Perhaps I can put a word in.
You must do as you think best, Mr.
herriot.
You know, it takes something special in a young man to keep going up here without help.
It'd be different if his brothers had come back from the war.
But he's a good lad.
Never give up while there's something to hope for.
And there's always hope.
Isn't that so, Mr.
herriot? - What is it? - Siegfried! Redeployment from the min.
Of ag.
To h.
M.
Inspectorate of drains? I'm looking for Helen's engagement ring, actually.
It's lost, siegfried, completely vanished.
Good heavens! What a fearful thing! She's dreadfully upset.
Not surprising, it cost James almost his entire life's savings at the time.
In sentimental terms It's priceless.
There we are, Mrs.
Ellis.
Try if you can to stop trixie foraging around too much in the thornbushes till that eye heals.
- All right? - Thank you.
- Goodbye.
- Bye.
Next please.
Hello.
And you are Mr.
? Carter, Reginald Carter.
And what seems to be the trouble, Mr.
Carter? It's zara here.
My regular vet says she has a serious abdominal complaint and needs surgery.
But her age, you see.
I'd rather spare her that if I could, so I thought I'd take a second opinion.
What practice do you normally attend, Mr.
Carter? Mr.
mottram of scanton, actually.
That's all right, isn't it? Yes, it's perfectly in order to seek a second opinion, however, we would have to inform Mr.
mottram first.
- Tristan? - Let me just have a quick look, Mr.
Carter.
On second thoughts, I'll do it myself.
I shan't be long.
- Mottram: Surgery? - Ah, mottram.
Siegfried farnon here.
I've got a client of yours in the surgery who wants a second opinion.
You've no objection, I take it? - Mottram? - I heard.
And? You do seem bent on poaching my clients, don't you, farnon? What? Mottram, may I remind you your client has a perfect right to ask for a second opinion.
Now, if you'd be good enough Do as you wish.
You will anyway! He's making very good progress.
And if you keep up the good work, he will continue to make very good progress.
Oh, I will.
He's on a strict diet.
- Good.
- And do you know, instead of hodgekin taking tricki for his walk, it's now dear tricki who's taking him.
I'm sure hodgekin enjoys the experience immensely.
You're a very wicked man, Mr.
herriot.
You know perfectly well hodgekin professes to loathe dear tricki.
He doesn't really, of course.
At least, I prefer to think so.
There we go now.
Now before we have our Sherry, I need your advice on a most anxious matter.
Tell me, what do you think of this? Well, it's wonderful.
Marvelous material.
My husband was most particular about his wardrobe-- the finest cloth, cut only by the most skillful hand.
- And it shows.
- Most of it I disposed of after he passed on, but This I kept.
It had the most Particular associations.
But the time has come.
It too must depart.
The question is, do I dispose of it at a jumble? Or perhaps find someone who would appreciate its very excellent qualities.
What do you think I should do? Difficult to say, really.
I wonder - Would you mind holding it up please? - Yes, of course.
Do you know the color suits you most wonderfully well.
Look! See? - Do you like it? - It's very nice indeed.
Wonderful! My problem's solved.
You shall have it.
- Me? - Of course, my husband was a considerably larger man, but with skilled alteration You will take it, won't you? That's extremely kind of you, Mrs.
pumphrey.
That's settled then.
Thank you, Mr.
herriot.
- Yet again, I'm in your debt.
- No, thank you.
Thank you very much.
What a damnable prig that fellow mottram is! Good lord alive, what other practitioner could possibly object to a colleague being asked for a second opinion? I positively urge our clients to do it, especially in difficult cases.
Mottram seems to regard it as a personal insult.
Perhaps you've been neglecting the social side of your relationship, siegfried.
You know, a little professional get-together with the opposition now and then, it can oil the wheels, I find.
That's a very acute observation, Tristan.
Oww! Now then, veterinary.
Upskittled theeself, I see.
Look at my suit! Aye, thee pockets must be heavy if thou can wear cloth like that around t'farms.
This gate of yours is a menace! Aye, thou's right.
It's only a month back I had that hinge fixed again.
Guaranteed it to Mr.
herriot, I did.
I suggest you get it fixed properly before it kills somebody.
Aye, I'll make a note of that, young fella.
Come for summat, hast thou? - Your calves.
- Calves? You arranged to have your calves nipped, didn't you? Thou's right.
It's me bad memory, do you see? Missus is always on to me about it.
All right, well, I'm with you now.
Well, mottram.
What a piece of luck! I wanted a word with you actually.
What is it this time? Another of my clients seeking your so-called second opinion? I'll ignore that, mottram.
No, as a matter of fact, it occurred to me that our two practices Might perhaps try to establish less antagonistic relations.
As matters stand it works to neither of our benefits.
And whose fault is that, pray? Let's not point the accusing finger, huh? But perhaps try to mend a few fences instead.
To which end my colleague and I would be delighted if you'd dine with us one night at a time and place of your own choice.
What do you say to that? I believe in honorable relations with colleagues in opposition, so to speak.
But I make it a principle never to indulge in "socializing.
" In my book, all this "out to dinner" nonsense with people from competing practices, particularly yours, is shallow, insincere and verging on the unethical.
Good day, farnon.
Come on.
Good morning, sir.
- Morning.
- Can I help you? I hope so.
I did actually buy a ring here once.
- Oh? - Mm, about 12 years ago.
- Oh really, sir? - Yes, and I'd like something identical.
- Well, similar at least.
- Well, sir, I'll show you what I've got and with a bit of luck, we might just find what you're looking for.
- Excuse me.
Won't keep you a moment.
- Thank you.
These aren't calves, Mr.
Ripley.
They're fully-grown bulls! Aye, they are a bit on the biggish side.
I've never seen aught like the way they put flesh on once they start eating.
Didn't Mr.
herriot tell you to get calves nipped at three months? Aye, aye, he did, Mr.
farnon.
I'll grant thee that.
He told me that.
Ah, but it's time, you see.
It fair races by what with one thing and another.
Oh, never mind.
- Get one in the crush, we'll be here all day.
- Aye.
Well, there's nothing here, I'm afraid.
Ah.
I think I found the one I want.
- That one, please.
- Sure about that, are you? - Mm-hmm, positive.
- Aye, you've got a good eye, sir.
- A real beauty this is.
- Yes, it is.
- May I? - Certainly.
Thank you.
How much is it? Oh dear.
Half afraid to tell you, sir.
A very special piece that is, reflected in the price.
Don't beasts feel pain at nippers, Mr.
farnon? He's had an anesthetic, Mr.
Ripley.
It's me that's suffering-- thanks to your negligence.
Aye, thou's right.
I let thee down.
Still, this is last one.
One more nip.
All that puffin' and panting, you chaps don't half put it on, don't you? Aye, but you can admit it to me.
Admit it to me, Mr.
farnon.
Absolutely, Mr.
Ripley.
I'll show you how easy it is! I'll position the nippers.
All you have to do is close them.
Nay, nay, I don't rightly know about that.
Oh, it's easy, Mr.
Ripley! You said so yourself.
All set.
Off you go.
Nay, nay I can't do it, Mr.
farnon.
Your offspring are waiting for their stories.
- I am waiting for you.
- James, that's for supper! Come on, darling.
In for a penny, in for a pound.
There we are.
Well here's to us.
Bom pa bom pa bom James, you're behaving very oddly.
Oh Helen, how can you say that when I'm feeling like this.
- Like what? - Well, like getting engaged all over again.
Well, I can't remember the words I used when I proposed exactly, but-- well.
- James.
- Try it on.
It's beautiful! We can't possibly afford it.
No problem.
I've got 24 hours to take it back.
Don't you dare touch it.
Come in.
- Thank you.
Hello, Mr.
Gregson.
- Sit down, won't you? We have a lot to discuss, you and I.
Now, Mr.
herriot.
I'm sure I don't need to tell a man of your education that trust is at the heart of the relationship between a client and his bank.
- Of course.
- If, for example, you borrow money for one purpose, and then expend it on something entirely different.
Ah, you mean the engagement ring.
I mean the money lent to cover the cost of "Urgent and necessary redecoration," to quote your own words.
- The thing was that the-- - then we find a check Considerably in excess of the agreed sum presented for clearance.
A check used to purchase a luxury item of jewelry.
- Yes, I can-- - it's not for me to question the motives of a married man, purchasing such an item.
Nor is it my place to speculate on whether the recipient of the said item is a lady Other than your wife.
But it was.
- Pardon? - The ring.
It was for my wife.
Mr.
herriot, an engagement ring is usually purchased before marriage, not after.
At least in my understanding it is.
Yes, well, I can explain that too, actually-- yes.
There seems to be a lot to explain, Mr.
herriot.
One way or another.
Yes, yes, I'll tell him.
- Siegfried: Hello! - Uh siegfried.
I'm sorry to bother you but that was a Mr.
lumsden, Mr.
mottram's locum.
Apparently Mr.
mottram's away on holiday and his horse has got the colic.
It's a very bad attack, Mr.
lumsden says, and he's out of his depth.
I wouldn't ask you, it's just James and Tristan-- my dear, one must never allow personal antipathy to interfere with professional conduct.
If an animal is in distress, it's my job to go and relieve it.
Thank you.
What have we got here? All right, my dear.
Right then, lumsden.
As you know, she's got a An obstructive colic.
And I'm going to do exactly what you would do.
I'll need to give her a sedative hypodermic injection to ease the pain, followed by a gallon of liquid paraffin by stomach tube to lubricate the impaction.
And then after a few hours, a hypodermic injection of carbachol to see if we can shift the impaction.
Do you agree? - Of course.
- I've got everything in the car.
- If you'd just be good enough - Yes, Mr.
farnon.
Oh, and lumsden, a big pot of coffee.
This is an all night task, I'm afraid.
James: I can't go to a meeting of the milk subcommittee looking like this.
It's that idiot henshaw.
He said it would spoil it if he altered the height of the waistband.
- The pockets.
- Darling, don't panic, come on.
Try it with the waistcoat.
That's it, and the jacket.
Wait-- there, now.
How does that feel? It's incredibly hot, actually.
- I can hardly breathe.
- You know, James, it is really rather good.
- Is it? - Yes.
As long as you keep the waistcoat done up, it'll be perfect.
Come on, don't panic.
I'm sure it'll impress the committee tomorrow.
She'll need watching, of course.
But I think this good little mare-- what's her name? - Trader.
- Trader, trader, trader? She's on the mend.
James and Helen herriot when we were picnicking up on scardale Tor.
I'm the one behind the camera.
Fabulous views.
Who's the other girl? Oh, she's a friend of Helen's Debbie mount.
- She's very pretty.
- Oh, is she? She's working in Australia now, poor thing.
James: Sorry.
I'm not interrupting anything? No, James, come in.
You've heard me talk about Deirdre mcewan.
Deirdre, this is James herriot, my friend and colleague.
Tristan's told me such a lot about you.
He hasn't exactly kept silent about you.
- It's very nice to meet you.
- And you.
Tristan, I must be getting back.
Right well, I'll see you later.
- Goodbye, James.
- Goodbye.
- I'm sure we'll see each other again.
- Mm.
Very nice, tris.
What on earth are you wearing? - Never mind about that.
Fill me in on the committee.
- Ah, yes.
Anything wrong with the heating? It's normal temperature for government buildings.
I'm roasting hot.
Blame your spartan ways in darrowby.
As far as your colleagues are concerned, the one to watch is massingham.
- That's sir William? - Chairman and eminence grise.
Any special-- - pleading, he's the one you'll have to convince.
- Uh-huh.
- Siegfried farnon? - Yes.
- Calum Buchanan.
- How are you? Thank you for taking the trouble to come and meet me.
No, no, no, no trouble at all.
Good heavens, a badger.
Oh, this is Marilyn.
She's very friendly.
I see.
Well, I'm blowed.
- Stop.
- Siegfried: On the left's the surgery.
Leave it.
By the sounds of revelry, there may be-- Helen, let me introduce calum Buchanan, who I hope will be joining us.
- Hello, calum.
- Hello, Helen.
It's good to meet you.
- And who's this? - I'm Jimmy.
My sister Rosie is not here, though.
I hope you won't mind me and Marilyn moving into your house.
Oh no, I wish they'd let me sleep in the attic.
- Who's Marilyn? - Calum's badger.
She's in the car.
She's not really my badger.
Her mother died, you see, and I've been looking after her until she's old enough to release back into the wild.
Oh, excuse me.
I heard you playing just now.
Do you like music? Oh yes.
Can you play? A bit.
- Yes? - Mr.
buckle, worried about losing his litter of pigs.
Right.
Oh lord, we'll have to postpone our tour of the surgery.
- Would you like to come out, calum? - Why not? Come along then.
Thank you, Helen.
I'll see you later, Mrs.
herriot.
Siegfried: Are you kitted out? Chairman: Mr.
Scott, Professor dickson, Dr.
mctaggart, commander carrington-Mason, and our invaluable secretary Mrs.
hanbury, and of course, Mr.
Smith you know.
Mr.
herriot, you've come same as the rest of us to do a job of work, so we'll get on with it.
I now declare this meeting open.
Kindly read the minutes if you will, Mrs.
hanbury.
- Afternoon, Billy.
- Mr.
farnon.
- I'd like you to meet Mr.
Buchanan.
- All right.
- How do? - Hello.
I hope Mr.
Buchanan's going to join the practice.
I'd watch your cows in that first meadow back there.
There's dog Mercury growing in it.
It could affect their milk yields, you know.
Aye, thanks.
I'll remember that.
Ah, Billy.
You said that Polly's farrowing didn't go too well.
No, no, her milk won't flow, Mr.
farnon.
- No milk at all? - Naught.
And I'm afraid her young 'uns will peg out unless we do something about it.
Chairman: Now we come to the matter of kealey of top farm, his application for a t.
T.
License.
I believe you have something to say on this matter, Mr.
herriot.
Yes, I-- yes, I have.
Mr.
ch-- Mr.
chairman, top farm has been in the kealey family for generations.
Bert kealey now runs the farm and has done so since his older brothers died in the war.
Now in spite of Several and many difficulties, he has managed to build up his dairy herd.
Now, the herd cons-- the herd consists of They'll surely die off if they don't start to feed.
Now then, mother.
Let's have a look at you.
Let's have a look at you.
Just get over here a bit.
Let's see.
Now what you got there? Well, there's no mastitis.
Possibly agalactiae? Almost certainly.
You have a shot of pituitrin? Yes, I always carry some in case of an emergency.
What about them miracle drugs of yours then, can't they do aught? Yes, Mr.
buckle.
There's just a chance that science may - provide the solution.
- Oh.
Hold on to that, would you, for a moment? Buckle: Oh! That was the only bottle we have in stock.
You daft young bugger! Sorry, granddad.
Mr.
farnon.
How long to find a replacement? Too long, I fear.
I see.
Do you mind if I have a stab at getting a first sucking into them? By all means.
Gentlemen, I assure you that-- Bert kealey is a very conscientious man.
He's hardworking.
He's a real trier.
Now I have seen his buildings, and they're not perfect by any means.
But I do believe that he-- he really does deserve a chance.
So I do thereby recommend that you-- you grant this license.
You may have to do this yourself in an emergency sometime, Mr.
buckle - so I'll describe exactly what I'm doing.
- Aye.
- Watch now.
- Aye.
Insert your hand Now, gently, mind Ease it along.
Until you come to-- the cervix.
Now if the animal has just given birth, - it should still be open.
- I see.
Push your fingers Beyond the cervix.
And waggle her pig bed about.
Waggle her pig bed? Yes, like this.
Oh, oh I see.
Right.
Check Polly's teats, will you please, Billy? Ruddy miracle happening here, granddad! Oh! Oh! He's got her milk flowing! He's got her milk flowing! Committee member: How about that young vet fellow? You never know with funny dressers like that.
Chairman: Yes, but he cares, does that young chap.
He put everything he had into his appeal.
Such passion and honest-to-God conviction, it had the sweat rolling off him in buckets.
You can have your science and your book learning, Mr.
farnon.
Me, well, I'll settle for nature's way.
And there's naught to beat it when chips is down.
And he knows that, t'other vet over there.
A ruddy marvel he is.
Ha ha ha.
- Hello, darling.
- Ah, James.
Let me introduce our new colleague, the altogether remarkable calum Buchanan.
- Hello, James.
- Calum.
- Wh-- - ah! He can play 15 instruments.
- No, 20.
- He can play lots of instruments, and, dad, he's got a real-live badger.
Really! James, you just missed the musical vet.
- It's a shame.
Another time, perhaps? - Oh, yes.
Good lord.
You haven't changed one iota.
Tristan, so this is where you've been hiding, eh? And you must meet-- where's Marilyn? She went out, I think.
My goodness, Mrs.
greenlaw.
No, you two stay here.
Siegfried: Tristan, go see what's happening.
Up there.
A wild animal up the chimney! Mrs.
greenlaw, it's only a pet.
All right, she's fond of chimneys.
What are you doing? I'm mother calling her to grub.
Nice chimney, was it? Siegfried: Now calum-- oh, tris, don't move, don't move.
Look! It's my ring! Isn't that wonderful? Good heavens! How on earth did it get up there? - Quite! - Great Scott, the jackdaws! Helen, was the window open when you took your ring off? - Uh, yeah.
Yes, it was.
- There's your answer.
We've got a pair of jackdaws nesting on top of skeldale.
They're terrible thieves, jackies, especially anything small and bright which catches their attention, particularly when nesting.
£1,000 to a mousetrap, there's your answer.
Mrs.
greenlaw: Mr.
mottram on the telephone for you, Mr.
farnon.
Siegfried: Thank you, Mrs.
greenlaw.
- Siegfried farnon.
- Hello, farnon.
I've just heard what you did for trader.
I really I really am most grateful.
Oh, my dear mottram-- young lumsden admits he could do nothing for the animal.
But for you I really don't know how to thank you.
I was very glad to be able to be of help.
I'd very much like to know how you tackled it.
Look, why don't you and your partner come over to supper one evening soon? That's an excellent idea! Yes, of course, we will.
And thank you for taking the trouble to telephone.
- Goodbye.
- Goodbye, mottram, goodbye.
Extraordinary man! There you go then, go on.
Go on.
Siegfried, give me a hand, would you? - All right.
- Thanks.
Come on, baby, come on.
Come on.
Here he is.
Ah.
Now then, which is the ewe with the stillborns? That one.
Had a right job getting mom to give him up.
It's not gonna work with that old girl.
Nay, Glen will sort her out.
Has his own way of handling this kind of thing.
Glen! Bert: He's playing on her instinct to protect young, any young.
By the time she forgets about Glen, she'll be paired to that little 'un for good.
Hell of a bright dog, that Glen.
- Bert.
- Glen.
James, I had a letter today from ministry folk.
They've given me my t.
T.
License.
I thought they might.
Took a bit of help though, I reckon.
Thanks, James.