♪♪
-[ Whistling ]
♪♪
[ Children playing ]
Easter in Yorkshire, eh, Jess?
♪♪
Look at the wee 'uns egghunting.
I'd rather them than me.
Ohh!
[ Tyres screech ]
I'm so sorry!
-Watch where yer goin'!
-I'm very sorry.
I took my eye off for a second.
-Oh, blast it! Put it on the list.
Syrup of cocillana. -Syrup of cocillana.
-Why is it so bloody hard to put things back
with the labels facing out?!
Salamoniac, small.
Udder ointment -- two tins.
Perchloride of Mercury.
-Wait, can you just -- can you spell that please?
-Oh, and some more absorbent gauze.
Six dozen rolls should do it.
-Absorbent gauze.
Six dozen.
-Would you mind?
I've an awful lot to get through.
-What if I do mind?
[ Teakettle whistling ]
You know that sound means it's boiling, yes?
-They're saying we dropped more bombs
than all the German raids on London in the Great War.
-Oh, sounds to me like they don't need you after all.
I should withdraw my name if I were you.
-Very funny. -Where's Mrs Hall?
-Out with Gerald maybe?
[ Telephone rings ]
-You're welcome!
-I suppose you want me to get that?
I never thought I'd admit this, but we're missing Tristan.
-I wish he would just admit it.
Between giving up his pipe and missing Triss,
he's really found a new level, an't he?
-At least the smoking's just for Lent.
-That was Slavens.
Another difficult lambing, he says.
That's the second one this month!
-Poor man.
He must be really struggling.
-But he's an experienced farmer.
He's perfectly capable of sorting it out himself.
-Oh, it must be your sparkling company he enjoys, Siegfried.
-Oscar Wilde considered sarcasm the lowest form of wit.
-But the highest form of intelligence.
-I'll see you later.
I know he can be...
testing. -Testing?
This is the longest 40 days of my life.
He keeps rabbiting on about self-control.
If he was so great at it,
why's he asked Audrey to hide his tobacco?
-I caught him looking for it in the airing cupboard.
-He keeps lecturing me about how I should
"renounce me indulgences".
-What did you say?
-Whiskey was the only thing stopping me from murdering him.
-[ Humming ]
[ Horn honking ] Get out of the way, sheep!
Thank you!
♪♪
Mister Slavens.
-Mister Farnon. Good morning.
Kind of you to come so quickly.
-There's not a flake of snow in Darrowby.
-Aye, it's like the north pole up here.
You get three seasons in one day!
-That Hurley's cut?
-It is, are you partial to it an' all?
-No, it's a filthy habit. Where's the patient?
-Just through here.
-Good morning, James! -Good morning!
♪♪
-Oh, James, look at their little faces!
-Is that broodiness I detect?
-Mm. Say that again.
-Broodiness. -Broodiness.
-[ Laughs ]
Don't you wish there wasn't a war on?
I better get started.
Those ducks won't race themselves.
Right then, are we ready?
-Yeah! -Yeah!
-So the first duck under that bridge wins.
Right?
One, two, three, quack!
[ All cheering ]
♪♪
Oi! Stop that!
♪♪
-Oi!
I want a word with you!
♪♪
-Yes!
[ All cheering ]
♪♪
[ Sheep bleating ]
-Capital job, Mister Farnon. -Yes.
I'm surprised you needed me, it was straightforward enough.
-Aye, but it's a job for small mitts.
And yours are smaller than mine.
Our Elsie were a breech.
Took some pushin' an' pullin' to get 'er out I can tell thee.
Oh, look, 'e's perkin' up now.
-Would you mind putting that out?
It can't be any good for the lamb.
-Oh, 'eck. I hope she 'ent rejected it.
Poor little bugger.
[ Sheep bleating ]
-She probably blames it for causing her all that pain.
-Oh, I hope not.
-I'm sure she'll come round.
-Will you stay for a brew?
-No, I should get on.
Just, um, call me if there's any other trouble.
-Will do.
Thanks again.
♪♪
[ Dog barks, whimpering ]
♪♪
-Hello, there.
Alright, little one,
I'm not going to hurt you.
There we go.
Let's have a wee look at you, shall we?
Are you poorly, little fella?
-Stay away from 'im!
[ Ears ringing ]
♪♪
Stay away from my dog!
♪♪
-[ Sighs ]
♪♪
[ Indistinct conversations ]
♪♪
-[ Laughing ]
♪♪
-Next!
♪♪
-I'd like to...
I'm here about --
-Speak up, I can't hear you.
-I'm looking to get a divorce.
-On what grounds?
-Um...
I don't know what you'd call it.
We've been apart for years.
-Desertion.
-Well, it weren't how that sounds.
-Have you had any contact with your husband
in the past three years?
Hmm.
[ Telephone ringing, typewriter keys clacking ]
You'll need to fill these in.
-Now?
-We require a detailed statement documenting
the disintegration of your marriage,
together with any -- -A statement?
-Together with any relevant correspondence,
photographs and documents, yes.
-Can't I just...
The thing is, I haven't seen him in so long,
I thought I could just...
-Well, you thought wrong.
Next!
-How come I've not seen him around before?
-He used to go to school with Jenny when they were little.
They booted him out. -What for?
-Not showing up, I think.
Binks. Wesley Binks.
You alright in there, Siegfried?
-Yes, I was just looking for something.
-Not your tobacco by any chance?
-What? No, of course not.
-Ahh.
-If you ask me, he's trouble.
He should be in Borstal.
-Well, maybe you should give him a break.
Some folk are just dealt a bad hand in life.
-Maybe so, but people like him shouldn't be allowed pets.
-Who shouldn't be allowed pets?
-James got thumped by a boy at the duck race.
-It's not how it sounds!
He wasn't a boy, for a start.
He was a young man!
A very young man.
-And now he's starting a campaign
to bring back public hanging.
-You should have seen the look he gave me!
Like he wanted to disembowel me with a rusty fork.
-Do you know him, Audrey?
Wesley Binks.
Audrey?
Is everything alright?
You don't seem yourself.
-Quite alright. Thank you, Helen.
-People like that are born troublemakers.
There's nothing anyone can do to change them.
-You don't believe that. Here.
-A wild dog will bite you, Helen,
just as a spider knows to make a web or a bird a nest.
It's in their nature.
-Well, how is it you can break a wild horse then?
-Did you order those supplies?
-When I say I'll do something, Siegfried, I do it.
-Noted.
-[ Sighs ]
Stay strong.
We're on the home straight.
-[ Laughs ] Here y'are.
-Do you know where he lives? This Binks?
-Old Mill Terrace.
Just past the Robinsons' farm, last I heard.
James, don't do anything daft.
-It's not about the boy. It's the dog.
-Why? Do you think he's mistreating it?
-It might be worse than that.
I think he has distemper. -Oh, that's bad, en't it?
-Unless you catch it early enough, it's a death sentence.
-[ Clears throat ]
[ Dog whimpers ]
♪♪
-Are the others out?
-I didn't hear you come in.
No!
Give that to me!
-You're getting divorced?
That's a good shot of Edward.
-Isn't it?
I'm worried about him.
-It's no bloody use shut away in a tin.
Put it up somewhere you can see it.
-You're sure you don't mind?
-Of course not.
-Be nice to have one of Triss up somewhere, too.
-If such a thing exists.
His fondness for gurning like a chimpanzee in every picture
makes it something of a challenge.
[ Children playing ]
-Excuse me?
I'm looking for Wesley Binks' house.
-Aye, it's just round t'corner.
Second door. -Thank you.
-Hey! What have I told you?
Keep away from my washing! Go on!
-Sorry, mam! -Cheeky beggars!
[ Knock on door ]
Hello. I'm here -- Wait!
I'm a vet. I think your dog has distemper.
-What's that? -It's a serious disease.
He must have caught it from another dog.
-I dunno what yer on about. -Look, can I just --
Can I take a proper look at him?
Please? Can I come in?
-Piss off.
Did yer not 'ear me?
-I'm not going anywhere 'til I see your dog, Wesley.
He needs help.
My name's James.
James Herriot.
[ Baby crying ]
[ Dog whimpers ]
-Yer not 'alf as good as ye think ye'are.
-That's a pity.
I had dreams of playing for Scotland.
Is anyone at home?
-You done wi' that?
-The pork pie? Go ahead.
What's his name?
-Duke.
-And how old is he?
-What's wi' all t'questions?
-The more I know about him, the better chance
I have of helping him.
-'ow d'yer know 'e's got...
whatever it's called?
-You see how he's flinching in the light?
It's called photophobia. It's one of the signs.
And you must have noticed the pus in his eyes.
-Don't know what you're on about.
-For most dogs with distemper, the outlook's pretty bleak.
Look, I just want to help him, Wesley.
I've had an idea, but you have to want to help him too.
Now, what he needs most is treatment, and if he's somewhere
where he can be properly fed and looked after --
-Who d'ye think y'are tellin' me 'ow to treat my own dog?!
Yer talkin' shite!
♪♪
-Where the bloody hell has she hidden it?
-Siegfried?
What do you do when an animal's suffering,
but the owner won't let you treat it?
-I take it this is Wesley Binks we're talking about?
-His dog has distemper.
-Ah. Not much hope for him then.
-Maybe not, but I have to try something.
-Mixed macterin's your best bet. -Yes, I know that.
But like I said, it's Wesley that's the problem.
-If he doesn't want your help, you have to accept it.
It's the owners that employ us, not the animals.
-I can't just stand back and do nothing!
-It seems to me that you've done everything you can.
♪♪
-[ Shivering ]
When I was younger, an early night was a punishment.
Now it's a treat.
You're still thinking about that dog, aren't you?
-I think I'm going to report it to the RSPCA.
-Are you sure, James?
That's a big decision. -I know.
But I've a duty to make sure it isn't spread to any other dogs.
-No matter what you think of that boy,
does he really deserve to lose his dog?
Because that's what'll happen.
-Then he should have taken better care of him!
I've got to put the animal first.
-I really hope you're right.
-I don't see that I have any choice.
♪♪
-Come on.
♪♪
[ Indistinct conversations ]
♪♪
-Uh-huh.
Mm-hmm.
Very good.
Uh-huh.
Alright, I'll meet you outside the property.
Thanks. Bye.
They agreed it's an animal welfare emergency.
I'm to meet them outside Wesley's place in an hour.
-Well, at least that poor dog will stand a chance now.
-For God's sake, cut it out!
-Come on, Jess, come on!
-Is it tomorrow, Siegfried, or Easter Sunday?
-What? -When Lent is officially over.
You must be counting down the hours.
-You seem to think this is a challenge for me.
It's simply a question of tenacity.
When one commits to something, one sees it through.
-But it's not forever, though. -Well, it could be.
I could easily be a non-smoker if I chose to be.
-That were Mister Slavens on the phone.
Says his ewe's rejected its lamb.
-Right.
[ Knock on door ]
You daft article. Get down!
-Oh. -No!
-Delivery for Farnon.
-Are you sure?
What on earth is it?
-Sterile dressings, it says here.
-I ordered six dozen rolls.
-No, you ordered six dozen boxes.
There's six boxes each one.
-Wait, wait! Can we send them back?
-You'll have to speak to head office.
They're closed 'til Tuesday.
Happy Easter!
-I'll tell Siegfried that I've made a mistake.
How bad can it be?
Yeah, you're right.
What can we do?
-Let's stick it in the pantry.
-I'll get James.
♪♪
-That the last of 'em? -Aye.
-Oh! -James.
-Here, here!
-He's coming, he's coming! He's coming, he's coming.
Go, quick.
Get in!
-Where's James?
-Um, he's upstairs, I think.
[ Clattering ]
-Bugger!
[ Door opens ]
Were you just going to leave me in there?
[ Both laughing ]
The things I do for you.
♪♪
-She won't let 'im near 'er, Mister Farnon.
-Has he had any milk at all?
-I gave him a bottle last night, but it's colostrum he needs.
-Mouth seems fine. Alright, old girl.
I'm not going to hurt you.
No sores, no mastitis as far as I can see.
Have you used a bonding pen before?
A few of these should do the trick.
Right, now,
let's see if we can't give you a helping hand, eh?
[ Indistinct conversations ]
[ Dog barking ]
-Er... Mrs Binks?
-Aye? -My name's Herriot, I'm a vet.
And this lady's from the RSPCA.
We're looking for Wesley.
-Well, he's out wi' the dog.
You'll find him on the tops.
-Actually do you mind if we speak to you?
-Sit yourself down.
-Thank you.
-So you must be Wesley's grandmother?
-Great grandmother.
I've never seen vitnery round here.
What's this about?
-It's about Duke, Mrs Binks.
-Given his health and general condition,
we feel he would be better off in someone else's care.
-Honest to God I wish he'd never got that dog.
Last thing we need is another mouth to feed.
-Well, there's no shame in it.
When times are tough like these,
pets are often the first to go without.
-Ha! You try tellin' that to Wes!
Puts that dog before hisself!
-He's been giving his food to Duke.
-Worships that dog, he does.
I can't tell you the rows we've had.
-And is this where the dog sleeps?
-Aye.
-Would you excuse us, Mrs Binks?
-Eeeh. That dog!
-Clearly I was wrong.
Duke has plenty of food, his bed is pristine.
He's well looked after.
I'm Sorry for wasting your time,
but you're obviously not needed here after all.
-Mister Herriot, I -- -Oi! What's goin' on?
-Wes. There's nothing to worry about. I can explain.
Wes! -It's obvious to me,
Mister Herriot, that the animal is poorly,
and in a situation that poses a risk to its life.
You know as well I do
that the animal would be better off in our care.
-He's doing his best for him!
Please, look, I'm prepared to take full responsibility.
I'll make sure Duke gets all the necessary care,
if that's what you need to hear.
-Right.
Well, next time, make sure you do a proper assessment
of the situation before calling us.
-Thank you, thank you.
Wes!
Wes, I can see you're hiding behind there.
I'm so sorry.
-You come anywhere near me and my dog again
and you'll be sorry.
-Wes, if you don't let me help him, he is going to die.
♪♪
-How are your daughters, Mister Slavens?
You have two girls as I recall?
-Both well. Thanks for askin'.
Lily turns 21 this year.
-They grow up fast, don't they?
Now, the trick is to hold her head up high
with your hand on the halter like this.
Alright, put the lamb down.
Yes, you'll need to hold her legs.
[ Sheep bleating ]
Oh.
♪♪
There we go.
You'll have to repeat this every four to six hours
until the ewe and lamb have bonded.
-I can't do this on me own.
-No, you need a helping hand.
-Me farmhands have gone off to fight, both of 'em.
-Well, I'm sure one of your daughters could help.
Or Mrs Slavens. She's strong as an ox as I recall.
-Aye. That she is.
How long does it usually tek? -The bonding?
Er, a few days.
You can always give me another call if there's any trouble.
-Aye. Thank you, Mister Farnon.
♪♪
-You scrub that any harder, you'll dislocate something.
-You were right about Wesley.
-What happened?
-I should never have assumed he was mistreating his dog.
Now he hates me and I've probably just condemned
Duke to death.
-Well, you put the animal first.
-But I let Wesley down.
♪♪
-Ah, Helen.
What is this and why is it in here?
-What are you doing in the linen cupboard?
-You can't answer a question with another question!
-Why can't I? -You just did it again!
-I'm sure Audrey has her reasons.
-Wait.
Um...do you happen to know if Mister and Missus Slavens
have been having...
difficulties of some sort?
What?
-Valerie Slavens died last month.
Surely you knew that? -Oh, God.
-Poor man's barely got over his daughters flying the nest.
Now he's all on his own.
[ Dog whimpering ]
-Here we go.
It's alright, lad.
-You 'ave to 'elp 'im, Mister.
♪♪
-You've done the right thing, Wesley.
I know it wasn't easy.
-I knew 'e weren't right.
I just...
I thought 'e might get better.
-This is something called hyperimmune serum.
It helps the body fight the infection.
Good lad.
-I've had 'im since he were a pup.
He's me best pal in t'world.
-I'll do everything I can.
I promise you.
-I don't want 'im to die.
-There's one working thing in Duke's favour.
He's not a pure bred.
You see, cross-bred dogs,
they have a thing called hybrid vigour
which helps them to fight disease.
And with a bit of luck, we've caught it early enough.
-I know it 'ent enough.
-Don't worry, there's no charge.
-No, I don't want charity.
-It's not charity, it's, um...
-No thank you.
There must be some way I can pay.
-Wesley Binks is going to be doing
some work for us, Siegfried.
-The boy who attacked you?
-He's not a bad lad. He's going to help us out,
mucking out the animal shed for a few days.
-Have you completely lost your mind?
-I think it's a good idea.
-He'll be fine, Siegfried.
I trust him.
-Jess, Dash! Come on!
♪♪
Oh, here you are.
-I'm...
I were thinking of putting together
another parcel together for Triss
if you wanted to write him a letter.
-Um...there's really nothing new to report.
-I don't think I can do it.
I made my vows before God.
And on Sunday, I'll be in church,
on the holiest day of the year, with Gerald beside me.
-I'm not sure I had considered his intentions
towards you before now.
-Gerald?
Oh, no, it's not that.
I've no intention of leaving, Mister Farnon,
if that's what you're worried about.
-That's not what I meant.
-Will there be anything else?
♪♪
-Mister Farnon! It were kind of you to drop in.
-I was just passing.
-Not nearly so mardy today.
Your trick seems to be working.
-Mister Slavens, when I was here yesterday,
I'm afraid I didn't know about your wife.
I'm so sorry.
I had no idea you were...
up here by yourself.
-One minute the house is full of folk and laughter,
the next it's empty.
-It can't be easy with your daughters gone, too.
-It's daft,
but you think they'll be around forever.
You don't expect them to...
not need you anymore.
Still, you have to let them find their own way, don't you?
They'll be back when they need me.
-Good lad.
That should do it.
-Ho-u-din-ny...
-It's Houdini.
The Great Houdini.
-So is 'e allus escaping then?
-Take your eye off him for a second and he's gone.
-James.
-Siegfried. This is Wesley.
-Yes, I've heard all about Wesley Binks.
Mister Herriot seems to think you're doing well.
Let's see, shall we?
-Why don't you leave this to me, Siegfried?
-Have you changed their water?
-Yes, sir.
And they've all bin fed and the cages cleaned.
-Hmm.
-Who teks 'em out?
-Sorry?
-Well, they can't stay cooped up in this cage all day.
It 'ent right!
-They're only here until they're well enough
to return to their own home.
-Well, they still need a run-around.
-I'll let you discuss this with Mister Herriot.
[ Door closes ]
I owe you an apology, Mrs Hall.
For the way I spoke to you last night.
I'm also aware that I've not been at my most patient,
or good-natured, these past few weeks.
Anyway, last night I...
These are personal matters. None of my business.
Of course you must seek a divorce.
-They want a statement.
A detailed account of my entire marriage.
And I just...
-Yes, it must be hard to dredge all that stuff up.
-It's between Robert and me.
No-one else.
-Sometimes we have to look that monster right in the face.
Show it we're not afraid of it anymore.
-It's not that I don't want to.
Because I do...
desperately.
-Look, why don't you use my study?
I promise you once it's done, you'll feel like a new woman.
I can see to it that you're not disturbed.
-[ Sighs ]
♪♪
[ Playing upbeat music ]
[ Plays note off-key ]
-Hmm, I wonder...
♪♪
[ Chuckles ]
♪♪
Helen? -Siegfried?
-In here.
This way. Thank you.
♪♪
-I made a mistake with the order.
-A mistake?
We've enough gauze to see out the decade.
-I'm sorry! I -- -Where's my tobacco?
♪♪
-Siegfried, I meant to say, if you have any other jobs
you'd like Wesley to do, just let me know.
-Aha!
-I thought you'd given up.
-Well...nobody's perfect.
-I don't know if it's the structure or the responsibility,
but Wes has taken to work like a duck to water.
I was wondering if we might find him something more regular.
-I think we might do better than that.
Come on.
♪♪
-Duke, come on, Duke!
Good boy!
Duke, yeah, good boy!
Good boy!
-I can see why you like it up here.
-Mr Herriot.
-Hello, boy!
He's looking much better.
-I been cleanin' his nose just like you told me.
-Yeah, but it's more than that. His eyes are brighter.
-He's been eatin' like a 'oss.
-That's good to hear.
-Do you think 'e might mek it then?
-It's too early to say for sure.
But these are good signs.
-D'you hear that?
Good lad.
-He's a lucky dog.
I don't think he could wish for a better owner.
Listen, Mr Farnon had an idea
which I wanted to talk to you about...
How's Duke with snow?
-He loves it!
-That's good.
-Why's that?
-You'll see soon enough.
♪♪
-You're alright, Mister.
-Go on.
♪♪
-Hello, Mister.
I'm Clifford. -Nice to meet ya.
-What's your dog called? -Duke.
-Hey, Duke.
♪♪
-♪ Let the merry cymbals sound ♪
♪ Fill the pipe with greatest pleasure ♪
♪ Bom ba dom bom po pom ♪
-At least you made it to Easter.
-I'll give up some day.
I'm glad you're going to church.
Nobody will judge you, Mrs Hall.
And if they do, so bloody what?
-I wanted to thank you. For your help yesterday.
-Oh, I didn't do anything.
-I disagree.
You were right.
It was something that I needed to do.
He looks so proud. -Rightly so.
-And not a hint of chimpanzee.
Writing it all down sometimes helps, you know.
A wise man taught me that.
[ Knock on door, door opens ]
Gerald!
-Morning, Audrey.
Mister Farnon.
-Morning. Happy Easter! -Happy Easter!
-Well... enjoy the service.
-Are you not coming?
-I think I'll give this one a miss.
I've a letter to write.
♪♪
-[ Yelling indistinctly ]
[ Sheep bleating ]
♪♪
-He'll be alright.
♪♪