Upstairs, Downstairs
Season Four

The fourth season of Upstairs, Downstairs deals with the years of the Great War, 1914-18, and is usually singled out as the strongest of the five series. This series is more "soap" oriented than previously and ideally requires viewers to have seen the previous episodes in the season.

The budget did not stretch to anything as elaborate as battle scenes, so the various war jobs held by the members of the household are used to relate the experiences of the conflict. Location work is scarce but is very well mounted, such as the scenes of a hospital train arriving at Charing Cross in Women shall not Weep. We also get to see the field hospital in France where Georgina is working as a nurse – this is the furthest that the series ever got from 165 Eaton Place.

The acting is, as ever, top rank and it is impossible to single out any performance, regular or guest, that is substandard. Particular set pieces which remain in the mind: Hudson's dramatic reading to the other servants of an article from the newspaper about the sinking of the Lusitania (The Beastly Hun); James' angst-ridden outpouring to Hazel about the loss of life during the war (The Glorious Dead); Mrs Bridges relating to the bereaved Rose a doomed tale of romance from her own youth (The Glorious Dead); Edward being revisited by his front-line experiences during noisy celebrations at new year (Another Year); and the unexpected and cool revelation by Richard Bellamy to Rose of Hazel's death from flu (Peace out of Pain). Just when the series is in danger of becoming too downbeat, we get a lighter episode, The Hero's Farewell, which sees Lady Prudence putting on a series of charity tableaux at 165 (with Ruby starring in "The Rape of Belgium"!)

Only the episode News from the Front is slightly below par, being somewhat slower and less dramatic than the other 12 segments, but this is a small complaint.

As in the previous year, at the Emmys, Angela Baddeley was again nominated for Outstanding Continuing Performance by a Supporting Actress. Also nominated was Jean Marsh for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series. The season won in the category for Outstanding Limited Series.


For a legend/key to the episode guide click here.

Factfiles have been added for each episode. These detail character backgrounds, continuity points, and bloopers. Click on the icon on the left of each episode's entry. These include the original TV Times listing in each case (with thanks to Michael Baxter and Chris Herbert for helping to fill some gaps).

Grateful thanks are due to John Iodice – all of the synopses have been supplied by him and are used with permission.

In addition to the listed writer/s, it should be assumed that the script editor, Alfred Shaughnessy, also had story input into each episode to a greater or lesser extent. Shaughnessy's own scripts were edited by John Hawkesworth, the producer. All episodes (except A Suitable Marriage) were storylined by Shaughnessy.

Episodes marked with a † are those omitted from the German run of episodes.

Names in square brackets are uncredited on the episode's on-screen titles. Extras and walk-ons are credited where the information is available, but these details should not be considered exhaustive. Spellings of names in these cases is sometimes uncertain!

All timings are from the UK DVDs of the show as released by Network – these will vary slightly on other releases of the show (e.g. US DVDs). Timings are given as mm'ss". All the Factfiile notes are drawn from what was actually shown on the screen – additional or contradictory material from the novelisations (etc.) is not included. To print a Factfile, press CTRL-P.

TV Times carried dates for some of the episodes in this season – most of these were demonstrably wrong! Please see the Factfiles for, I hope, correct dating.

Any comments/additions, please email me (address in pink on the front page). Thanks to all those who have contributed goofs and observations to the Factfiles.


Regular cast: Jacqueline Tong (Daisy), Angela Baddeley (Mrs Bridges), Gordon Jackson (Hudson), David Langton (Richard Bellamy), Jean Marsh (Rose), Meg Wynn Owen (Hazel Bellamy), Christopher Beeny (Edward), Lesley-Anne Down (Georgina Worsley), Jenny Tomasin (Ruby), Simon Williams (James Bellamy), Joan Benham (Lady Prudence Fairfax), Mel Churcher (Angela Barclay), Hannah Gordon (Virginia Hamilton), Raymond Huntley (Sir Geoffrey Dillon), Barrie Cookson (Colonel Buchanan), Christopher Good (Capt./Major Philip Hanning), Joyce Heron (Lady Berkhamstead), Celia Imrie (Jenny), Patricia Macrae (Sister Menzies)

A Patriotic Offering
4.1 (40)
UK: 14th September 1974
US: 4th January 1976
Germany: 4th September 1976

Studio: 3rd April 1974 (1/13)

It's the autumn of 1914 and every household is expected to contribute to the war effort in some way. Hazel agrees to take in some Belgian refugees. The servants prepare for the arrival of their guests, assuming they are displaced aristocrats, but all are surprised and dismayed when a family of downtrodden, lice-ridden peasants arrive at the front door. Apart from the language barrier, the Belgians are suspicious, uncooperative, surly and ungrateful. There's quite a commotion downstairs but, when the staff complain, Hazel urges calm. Georgina speaks fluent French and when she meets the Belgian family, she clarifies minor misunderstandings on both sides. The family relate their horrific experiences of the German invasion – the old man's wife went missing and was never found, he lost his son and grandson in the fighting, his daughter's husband was executed by the Germans, and his grand-daughter was killed in bombing. Downstairs are now profoundly sorry for these hapless victims and are utterly committed to do all they can to comfort their new friends. Now the war has a human face to it, prompting Edward to enlist the very next day. (John Iodice)

Writer: Rosemary Anne Sisson
Designer: Roger Hall
Director: Derek Bennett
Regular cast: Hudson, Mrs Bridges, Rose, Richard Bellamy, Hazel Bellamy, Lady Prudence Fairfax, Lady Berkhamstead, Georgina Worsley, Edward, Daisy, Ruby
Guest cast: Elma Soiron (Madame Huguot), Karen Glaser (Madame Chargon), Cyril Cross (Monsieur Chargon), Lala Lloyd (Mrs Hollins/Refugee Organiser), Ian Hoare (Jean-Paul), Lisa Moss (Celestine)

News from the Front
4.2 (41)
UK: 21st September 1974
US: 11th January 1976
Germany: 18th September 1976

Studio: 19th April 1974 (2/13)
Location: 8th April 1974

James returns to 165 on leave from the front. Sir Geoffrey Dillon and General Nesfield dine with the Bellamys that evening and a tired James speaks candidly and critically about the recent failures at Ypres and other serious military blunders. He is also highly critical of the inaccurate press accounts that are spun by the current Liberal government. Downstairs, Edward and Daisy decide that they want to marry and go to Hudson with their happy news. Hudson is dismayed but takes the couple to see James and Hazel who offer their congratulations. James is notified that he will not return to the front line and has been moved to a safe desk job as part of the General Nesfield's staff. He is baffled at this news and goes to see his regimental colonel who is furious that strings have been pulled from on high in this way to benefit James. It appears that Sir Geoffrey, General Nesfield and Richard have leaked James' criticisms to the press to try to discredit Asquith's Liberal government and force a coalition with the Conservatives. Disgusted at being used as a political pawn, James leaves Eaton Place immediately to consider his next move – he is determined to return to the front, the proper place for a soldier. (John Iodice)

Writer: John Hawkesworth
Designer: Colin Pigott
Director: Derek Bennett
Regular cast: Mrs Bridges, Hudson, Hazel Bellamy, James Bellamy, Richard Bellamy, Sir Geoffrey Dillon, Edward, Daisy, Ruby, Colonel Buchanan
Guest cast: Edward Underdown (General Nesfield), Miles Bennett (The Telegraph Boy), Ena Baga (Kinema Pianist) [Uncredited: Sarah Whitlock, Christine Cole, Penny Lambrith, Pat Quayle, Sheila Vivian, Gilly Flower, Eunice Bennett, Elizabeth Broom, Kay Clarke, Daphne Davey, Sally Sinclair, Constance Myers, George Hancock, Evan Ross, Leslie Weeks, Nigel Stevens, Colin Barrie, Paul Barton, Reg Lloyd, Jimmy Mac (Extras in cinema)]

This episode had a working title of Straight From The Horse's Mouth.

The Beastly Hun
4.3 (42)
UK: 28th September 1974
US: 18th January 1976
Germany: 2nd October 1976

Studio: 3rd May 1974 (3/13)

Accounts of atrocities and spying are rampant and feed Hudson's unyielding disdain for all things German. Newspaper accounts of the sinking of the Lusitania send Hudson to a local recruiting office to enlist. He is turned away but becomes a special constable. Hazel is annoyed at Hudson for his histrionic talk below stairs, reprimands him and demands that he stop his bombastic rants at once. Happy news arrives for Richard when he's offered the post of Civil Lord of the Admiralty in the inchoate coalition government. Riots compel Mr and Mrs Schoenfeld, owners of a nearby bakery, and their young son, to seek refuge with their good friends in the servants' hall at 165. They are naturalised British subjects of German ancestry and their shop was attacked by some of the locals, many of whom were their own customers – their young son was hurt and they had nowhere to go. Hudson is displeased to see them despite what's happened. Hazel insists they spend the night. Mrs Schoenfeld senses Hudson's discomfort and hostility and tells him that they can't stay despite Hazel's kind offer. The Schoenfelds depart, bitterly disappointed in these nice people they've known for years. (John Iodice)

Writer: Jeremy Paul
Designer: John Emery
Director: Bill Bain
Regular cast: Hudson, Georgina Worsley, Hazel Bellamy, Rose, Mrs Bridges, Richard Bellamy, Ruby, Daisy
Guest cast: Timothy Peters (Lt. Dennis Kemp), Gertan Klauber (Albert Schoenfeld), Freda Dowie (Maria Schoenfeld), Robert Swann (Medical Officer), Giles Watling (2nd Lt. James Marriott), Keith Jayne (Wilfred Schoenfeld)

Women shall not Weep
4.4 (43)
UK: 5th October 1974
US: 25th January 1976
Germany: 16th October 1976

Studio: 17th May 1974 (4/13)
Location: 12th May 1974

Hudson tells Richard that Edward and Daisy will be married the next day and asks for permission for a modest celebration below stairs. Richard agrees and urges Hudson to make certain that the staff are very supportive of Daisy. There's a cheerful atmosphere in the servants' hall when friends and family come together to wish the newlyweds well. Daisy and Edward leave for the train station and an anxious Daisy bids her beloved Edward farewell. Georgina is there at the same time to see two of her officer friends off and she sees a seriously wounded soldier, newly arrived by hospital train from France, on a stretcher. She goes over to him to comfort him and he feebly asks her to light a cigarette. Georgina notices that there's a woman overseeing the wounded troops and asks her about becoming a volunteer nurse. When she turns around again, Georgina sees that the cigarette has fallen out of the young man's mouth and that he has died on the station platform, her lovely face his last vision before he left this world. (John Iodice)

Writer: Alfred Shaughnessy
Designer: Roger Hall
Director: Christopher Hodson
Regular cast: Hudson, Richard Bellamy, James Bellamy, Georgina, Rose, Mrs Bridges, Edward, Daisy, Ruby, Angela Barclay
Guest cast: Neville Barber (Brigadier General Temple), Dennis Blanch (Private Wallace), James Woolley (Capt. Martin Adams), Edward Hammond (2nd Lt. Harry Gurney), Barbara Atkinson (Mrs Galloway), Kevin Moran (The Sergeant), Mike Fields (The Wounded Soldier) [Uncredited: Julian Hudson, Jess Willard (Soldiers), Ronald Brittain, Graham Sutton (?), Ronald Markham (Walk-On: Captain), Tina Winter (Walk-On: Bookstall Lady), Ken Tracey (Walk-On: Mess Waiter), Martin Taylor (Walk-On: Private), David Nicholl (Walk-On: Corporal), Pamela Dale (Walk-On: Female Porter), Nellie Griffiths (Walk-On: Granny Barnes), Mary Rennie (Walk-On: Mrs Barnes), Michael Moore (Walk-On: Mr Barnes)]

Tug of War
4.5 (44)
UK: 12th October 1974
US: 1st February 1976
Germany: 30th October 1976

Studio: 31st May 1974 (5/13)

James feels stymied in his staff position and would like nothing more than to be reposted with his regiment. Georgina feels thwarted in her nursing duties as well. Her hope was to nurse wounded soldiers but instead she is assigned to a women's ward. She becomes attached to one of her patients, a kind and grateful woman who is gravely ill. Georgina enlists her friends: well-intentioned young ladies who want to help but who the head nurse views as silly dilettantes. Though all thumbs, Georgina is utterly committed to her avocation. Meanwhile, Hazel visits the head of James' regiment and asks for his reassignment to the front – an extraordinary request from an officer's wife. Downstairs, after discouraging Daisy from applying for a job as a conductress on the buses, Rose slips away and takes the job herself. James is thrilled when notified that he's back with his regiment, Georgina inconsolable when her patient dies, and Daisy embittered at Rose's betrayal. (John Iodice)

Writer: Rosemary Anne Sisson
Designer: John Emery
Director: Derek Bennett
Regular cast: Hazel Bellamy, Georgina, Rose, Richard Bellamy, Hudson, Mrs Bridges, Daisy, James Bellamy, Colonel Buchanan, Angela Barclay, Capt. Philip Hanning
Guest cast: Valerie Lush (Matron), Betty England (Mrs Carbury), Betty Romaine (Mrs Blaine), Polly Williams (Lady Violet Courtney)*, Richenda Carey (Head Nurse) [Uncredited: Joy Hope, Pat Pelton, Mary Maxted, Nicola Stern, Claire Maine, Tina Simmons (Walk-Ons)]

* This character is credited as "Violet" at the end of the episode, but is called "Viola" within the episode and in TV Times.

Home Fires
4.6 (45)
UK: 19th October 1974
US: 8th February 1976
Germany: 13th November 1976

Studio: 28th* June 1974 (bedroom scene rec. 27th June) (7/13)
(* some sources say 26th)
Location: 17th June 1974

Lady Prudence calls at Eaton Place to sound out Hazel on the idea of holding a tea party for wounded officers in her grand drawing room, which has been closed for the present. Hazel objects for several reasons, the most immediate being that such a gathering would place a severe strain on her overworked staff. Lady Prudence invokes the late Lady Marjorie and how differently she would have behaved, but Hazel will not be undermined. Richard reminds them that there's a war on and far more important matters to consider. In a last effort to circumvent Hazel, Lady Prudence shrewdly asks Hudson's opinion, who welcomes the idea enthusiastically. The matter is settled and Hazel is defeated and utterly frosted. Downstairs, Sgt Gregory Wilmot reappears and meets up again with Rose. They have tea and talk of happier times. Rose suspects that he wants to rekindle their romance, but Gregory later tells Hudson that she assumes wrongly. Urged on by Hudson, Gregory writes her a letter, letting her down yet again. Eventually, when he does have a change of heart, he explains that, like so many others, the war has changed him and his outlook on life. He professes his love to Rose and asks for her hand. Rose does understand how he feels and she accepts him happily. They are engaged again and they're to be wed on his next leave. (John Iodice)

Writer: Jeremy Paul
Designer: John Emery
Director: Bill Bain
Regular cast: Hudson, Rose, Richard Bellamy, Hazel Bellamy, Lady Prudence Fairfax, Daisy
Guest cast: Keith Barron (Gregory Wilmot), Auriol Smith (Mrs Lorimer), John Lyons (Charlie/Bus Driver), Julia Sutton (Dorothy Matthews*), Robert McBain (Hamish Matthews*) [Uncredited: Audrey Joyce (Mrs Ganton), Sylvia Lane, Judy Roger, Shirley Patterson, Audrey Searle, Douglas Barlow, Roger Salter, Alf Mangan, Geoffrey Brighty, Richard Sheekey, George Richardson, Jill Goldson, Anne Gabriel, Linda Carroll, Beryl Nesbitt, Eileen Day (Walk-Ons in studio), Sylvia Lane, Kathleen Heath, Denis Marlowe, Michael Mungarvan, Robert Davies, Susie Mandel, Frances Pidgeon, Elaine Legrand, Eileen Matthews, Hugh Cecil, Audrey Searle, Douglas Rowe, Barry Summerford, James Haswell, Mark French, Barbara Wheeler, Vi Delmar, Constance Reason, Stella Conway, Dennis Hayward, Jimmy Mac, Mr J Newman, Mr V F Smith, Mr R Norris, Mr J S___t, Mr H P___t, Mr Wooll__, Mr _____, (Extras on film), Ashley Summerford, Daniella Legrand (Children on film)]

* Note the spelling of Matthews here compared with the credits of A Perfect Stranger in Season Three.

If You Were The Only Girl In The World
4.7 (46)
UK: 26th October 1974
US: 15th February 1976
Germany: †

Studio: 13th June 1974 (one scene rec. 12th June) (6/13)
Location: 3rd June (Frensham Pond) 18th June 1974 (Waddesdon Manor)

The wounded-officers' tea party is sparsely attended and the conversation is strained but Hazel does her very best to entertain her guests. She notices a quiet young man sitting alone. He is Lt Jack Dyson RFC, an ace pilot, and Hazel engages him in conversation. She finds him modest, wise and very charming. Jack asks Hazel if she'd like to go rowing and she accepts. She is fascinated by his experiences in the war and is very drawn to him; the two later go for a night out together. Later, just before his departure back to the fighting, Jack drops by Eaton Place and leaves behind a note for Hazel. Over in France, Georgina is a respected nurse and she meets James while training some new volunteers. They dine and speak intimately about the war, his marriage and other matters. Georgina breaks down and expresses her abiding anxiety and worry for him. At that moment, the battle begins in earnest. The unnerving clamour of fierce warfare can now be heard all over London – Hazel reads Jack's love note again and wonders what the future will bring. (John Iodice)

Writer: John Hawkesworth
Designer: Roger Hall
Director: Raymond Menmuir
Regular cast: Hudson, Rose, Hazel Bellamy, Lady Prudence Fairfax, Lady Berkhamstead, Georgina, James Bellamy, Daisy, Angela Barclay, Jenny, Sister Menzies
Guest cast: Andrew Ray (Lt. Jack Dyson R.F.C.), Neville Hughes (Lt. Cmdr. Rupert Machin), Richard Owens (Lt. Bowman), Venetia Maxwell (Mrs Letty Vowles), Sarah Twist (Lucy), Brian Nolan (Man), Kenneth MacDonald (Soldier), William Ashley (Patron) [Uncredited: Kenny Wymark (Walk-On: Waiter), Jim Tyson (Walk-On: Drummer), Cy Town (Walk-On: Pianist), Kenneth Sedd (Walk-On: Saxophonist), Ivor Owen, Helen Keating (Walk-Ons: Armaments Couple), Jackie Bristow, Diana Holt, Ellison Kemp, Lorna Kilner, Ray Knight, Leon Maybank, Ronald Musgrove, Roy Pearce, Michael Reynel, Rennee Roberts, Pamela Saire, Ian Young (Walk-Ons: Dancing Couples), Sonny Willis, Daphne Self, Edith Raye, Frank Littlewood, Lois Kentish (Walk-Ons: Night Club Extras), Ann Martin, Alison Maguire (Walk-Ons: Nursing Nuns in Hospital), Delphine Auchterlonie (Ice Cream Lady)]

The Glorious Dead
4.8 (47)
UK: 2nd November 1974
US: 22nd February 1976
Germany: 27th November 1976

Studio: 12th July 1974 (8/13)

It's an ordinary day below stairs but the war has everyone edgy. The post arrives and Rose opens a letter from Gregory's commanding officer. She falls over in shock and Hudson and Mrs Bridges are alarmed. Hudson reads the contents of the sad missive aloud: Sgt Wilmot has been killed in the line of duty. Rose is inconsolable. Upstairs, Hazel feels great sorrow when she's told of Rose's terrible news but receives word that James will be soon home on leave. Days pass and a disconsolate Rose visits a medium, a commonplace practice through which the many bereft seek solace. Rose bolts out of there and returns to Eaton Place in absolute hysteria. Hazel hears the commotion but has just learned of Lt Jack Dyson's death, which is front-page news. She bucks up and asks to speak to Rose. One grief-stricken woman urges another to be strong and to seek comfort in prayer. Ultimately, Hazel tells Rose – and herself – that time will help accommodate bereavement and loss. A ruminative and disillusioned James returns devastated by the recent Battle of the Somme. There is no conflict, he tells Hazel, that cannot be resolved without humans resorting to the untold barbarism he has witnessed and that, in his view, good and very brave men have died for nothing. He no longer believes in this senseless war and hands Hazel a compilation of his written thoughts for posterity. He asks her to keep them safely and to promise to have them published if he is killed. James offers his condolences to a weary and defeated Rose who says she doesn't understand the war but James ends up perpetuating the same lies he's come to loathe. (John Iodice)

Writers: [Alfred Shaughnessy and] Elizabeth Jane Howard*
Designer: Roger Hall
Director: Raymond Menmuir
Regular cast: Mrs Bridges, Hudson, Rose, Hazel Bellamy, James Bellamy, Daisy
Guest cast: Eileen Way (Madame Francini), Helena McCarthy (Mrs Speedwell), Graham Leaman (Mr Price) [Uncredited: Shirley Little (Walk-On: Lady at Seance)]

* Script editor Alfred Shaughnessy largely rewrote Howard's script.

Another Year
4.9 (48)
UK: 9th November 1974
US: 29th February 1976
Germany: 11th December 1976

Studio: 26th July 1974 (9/13)

Between Christmas and new year, a Scottish war widow visits 165 Eaton Place to call on Richard Bellamy. Mrs Virginia Hamilton has a scheme to help other war widows and seeks Richard's influence as Civil Lord of the Admiralty. At first, Richard is curt with her but he later begins to find himself attracted to her. He is diverted when the new year's honours list is announced – he's on it and is made a viscount. Downstairs, after the horrors of the Somme, a very shell-shocked Edward returns to London on leave and tries to conceal his infirmity; Richard sees that he receives treatment. After an explosion at a munitions factory in the East End, Ruby returns to the Bellamy household. Yes, it's another year but what lies ahead, nobody knows... (John Iodice)

Writer: Alfred Shaughnessy
Designer: John Emery
Director: Cyril Coke
Regular cast: Rose, Mrs Bridges, Hudson, Hazel Bellamy, Virginia Hamilton, Richard Bellamy, Sir Geoffrey Dillon, Edward, Daisy, Ruby
Guest cast: [Uncredited: George Balentine, Jill Hope, Penny Lambrith (Walk-Ons)]

The Hero's Farewell
4.10 (49)
UK: 16th November 1974
US: 7th March 1976
Germany: †

Studio: 9th August 1974 (10/13)

Lady Prudence and matinee idol Gerald Maitland barge into Eaton Place and head directly to recce the drawing room. Lady P has enlisted some of her society friends and plans to put on a series of tableaux – great warriors leaving for battle through the ages. Funds raised will be donated to the Red Cross so Richard cannot object. Under Maitland's direction, it all comes together and the family and some of the staff are enlisted to participate. Georgina will make the ideal Florence Nightingale, and Ruby the perfect personification of a pathetic Belgian, with Lady Prudence in Prussian military garb representing the German invasion. During a dress rehearsal there is an air raid. As a special constable, Hudson ventures out and is wounded but attempts to conceal his injury upon his return. He is rushed to the hospital but his wounds prove to be superficial and the entire household is grateful. Despite the condition of the house, all are safe and cheerful – the indomitable Bellamy household has survived another ordeal. But a telegram arrives for Hazel. In her absence, a shaken Richard reads that "Major James Bellamy is missing, believed killed". (John Iodice)

Writer: Rosemary Anne Sisson
Designer: Roger Hall
Director: Bill Bain
Regular cast: Hudson, Lady Prudence Fairfax, Mrs Bridges, Rose, Richard Bellamy, Georgina Worsley, Edward, Daisy, Ruby, Major Philip Hanning
Guest cast: Robin Bailey (Gerald Maitland), Phyllida Law (Lady Constance Weir), Fanny Rowe (Duchess of Mitcham), Alfred Maron (Carpenter) [Uncredited: Walter Goodman, George House, Robin Squire, Sheila Vivian, Derek Parkes, Colin Thomas, Sue Lynne, Frances Tanner, Desmond Verini, Mike Mungarvan, Olwen Atkinson, John Beardmore (Walk-Ons)]

Missing Believed Killed
4.11 (50)
UK: 23rd November 1974
US: 14th March 1976
Germany: 15th January 1977

Studio: 23rd August 1974 (11/13)
Location: 13th August 1974

Hazel is convinced that her husband has been killed at Passchendaele. Richard tries to placate her and paint an optimistic picture but he can't convince her. Trooper Norton, James' right-hand man, comes to Eaton Place with James' belongings and he says that Major James disappeared after a brutal attack: it's quite possible he's a prisoner of war but that there was talk of the Germans killing captives, especially officers – Richard refuses to believe it. Later, word comes that James has been found in a field hospital in France. Hazel suggests that she and Richard go to France with an ambulance and private nurse to collect James and bring him back. Richard has serious misgivings about her plan – how will he look as a peer of the realm and civil lord if he uses his power in this way when so many are dying? Hazel will not be dissuaded and the pair travel to France where they discover Georgina has been looking after the severely wounded James. James' surgeon asks that they consider the dangers of moving him very carefully. Georgina also objects to Hazel's plans and puts up a great fuss but Hazel will not be dissuaded. Miraculously, James makes the journey alive and now he's where he should be: at home with the very capable Nurse Wilkins at his side. Hazel feels profound relief and some relish – she feels vindicated at Georgina's balking. (John Iodice)

Writer: Jeremy Paul
Designer: Roger Hall
Director: Christopher Hodson
Regular cast: Hazel Bellamy, Rose, Mrs Bridges, Richard Bellamy, Georgina Worsley, James Bellamy, Edward, Ruby, Daisy, Sister Menzies, Jenny
Guest cast: Gareth Hunt (Trooper Norton), Brian Badcoe (Surgeon Major Rice), Ann Martin (Nurse Wilkins) [Uncredited: James Haswell, Dennis Hayward, Douglas Rowe, Geoffrey Brighty, Roger Salter, Ronald Musgrove, Sue Bishop, Beryl Nesbitt, David Wilde, Les Shannon, Rick Carroll, Billy Hughes, James Muir, Paul Phillips, Bob Davies (Walk-Ons), Clive Barrie (Walk-On: R.R. Driver), Constance Carling (Walk-On: R.R. Nurse), Francis Batsoni, Len Howe (Doctors), Jane Bough, Sarah Whitlock, Sue Ann Manners, Judy Nichols (Nurses), Ron Patrick, Eden Fox, Walter Turner, Ray Knight (Stretcher Bearers), Martin Terry, Paul Kidd, Reg Turner, Ernie Goodyer, Jack McGuire, Adam King, Vic Chapman (Walking Wounded), Anthony Hennessy, David Elliot, Garry Dean, David Nicoll, Tony Snell, Barry Summerford, Jess Willard, David Pike, Ivor Owen, Tony O'Leary, Salo Gardner, Brian Craven, David Eynon, Douglas Domingo, Keith Norrish, Peter Whitaker (Stretcher Cases), Barry McDonald (Army Padre), Evan Ross, Clive Rogers (Male Orderlies)]

Facing Fearful Odds
4.12 (51)
UK: 30th November 1974
US: 21st March 1976
Germany: 29th January 1977

Studio: 6th September 1974 (12/13)

Virginia Hamilton, who enlisted Richard's help as civil lord for a government scheme a year ago, has returned to the Eaton Place on behalf of her son, Michael. He is barely 18 years old and is facing a naval court martial for cowardice during a recent action. Sir Geoffrey Dillon agrees to represent Michael in the proceedings. Meanwhile, Edward is visiting his family but Hudson and Mrs Bridges sense some odd behaviour from Daisy. Upstairs, James is very disagreeable in his convalescence and is given to very unsettling comments. In the end, Michael is found guilty of cowardice but his extreme youth merits the consideration of the tribunal. Edward, however, is in serious trouble. It seems, despite his shell shock, he was due to be sent back to France but has tried to dodge returning to the front. Hudson tells Daisy that if Edward does not report for duty the ultimate punishment is the firing squad, and Daisy discloses where Edward is hiding. Despite the outcome of her son's trial, it's not a happy ending for Virginia Hamilton. Richard has to break the terrible news to her that Michael has been killed in the most recent action. Richard marvels at the dignity, character and extreme bravery of this exceptional woman – who has now sacrificed both her husband and teenage son for king and country. (John Iodice)

Writer: John Hawkesworth
Designer: John Emery
Director: Raymond Menmuir
Regular cast: Hudson, Mrs Bridges, Richard Bellamy, Hazel Bellamy, Virginia Hamilton, Sir Geoffrey Dillon, James Bellamy, Edward, Daisy, Ruby
Guest cast: Richard Reeves (Michael Hamilton), Hilary Minster (Lieut. Lightfoot RN.), Laurence Harrington (Chief Petty Officer Webb), Anthony Nash (President of the Court), Peter Whitaker (Judge Advocate) [Uncredited: David Cleeve, Ian Elliot, Clinton Morris, Ray Knight, Barbara Bermel, Terry Sartain, Raymond Miller, Garth Watkins, Ronald Gough, Richard King, Leslie Bates, David Melbourne, Cy Town (Walk-Ons)]

Peace out of Pain
4.13 (52)
UK: 7th December 1974
US: 28th March 1976
Germany: 12th February 1977

Studio: 20th September 1974 (13/13)

Gregory Wilmot's estate has been settled and Rose is the beneficiary of £1200. More good news from upstairs as well – Virginia Hamilton is coming to London and meets Richard for dinner. The viscount has fallen in love with her and tells her that he is ready to remarry; his offer is happily accepted. James continues to be sullen and is extremely depressed at the idea of his father taking a new wife. The victim of his invective is Hazel and the couple have bitter words. Hazel, at the end of her tether, is felled by a fever which turns out to be incipient Spanish influenza. All that can be done is to make her as comfortable as possible. James warms to Virginia when she dines at Eaton Place and news of an Allied victory raises everyone's spirits. However, amid the jubilation, Hazel dies, suddenly and unexpectedly. At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, as the armistice is declared, the family and staff head to Wimbledon for Hazel's funeral. That evening, there's a quiet and muted celebration in the morning room. Rose sits downstairs in deep thought for her beloved Gregory and mourning her deceased mistress and trusted confidante, the late Hazel Bellamy. (John Iodice)

Writer: Alfred Shaughnessy
Designer: John Emery
Director: Christopher Hodson
Regular cast: Rose, Hudson, Georgina Worsley, James Bellamy, Hazel Bellamy, Richard Bellamy, Mrs Bridges, Virginia Hamilton, Edward, Daisy, Ruby
Guest cast: Anthony Woodruff (Dr Foley) [Uncredited: John Marquand, Iris Everson, Juliette James, Ronald Markham, Lionel Taylor (Walk-Ons)]

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