Original subtitles

[theme music playing]

[theme music concludes]

[soft music playing]

[aeroplane engine roaring]

All right, lads?

Not really, old man.

One of the bombers over at Heslington

didn't make it back from a training flight last night.

Any word on the crew?

North, Harrington, Jones...

Mcllvenny.

All gone.

Mcllvenny?

Right.

Gentlemen! Look sharp. This war wont win fitsell,

At ease, lads. Take your seats.

Winter Wonderlanc” playing over speakers]

f Sleigh bells ring Are you listening? f

f In the lane Snow is glistening f

fA beautiful sight We're happy tonight

~ Walking in a winter... f

elon why Wwe Must repeat this nonsense year on year.

Because it's Christmas Daly wOnnOrrOw...

and it's tradition.

All the children look forward to it.

Why does it always fall to me to--

It doesn't. It were my dad last year.

[Siegfried] That was a one off.

And James the year before that.

| wouldn't ask if it--

Wasn't important. Yes, yes, all right, all right.

Good.

Ol, and | meee you to pick up @ goose this attternoon.

Miggins has got hold of some.

[Siegfried] I'll send Carmody,

ne may as welll male lhimeeltr useful while he’s here.

Did Ine say winy Ine clicint Go home tor Christmas?

He offered to help out with the visits

over the festive period.

You don't mind the extra sheets, do you?

[Mrs Hall] Not at all.

Helen...

Don't you dare, Siegfried Farnon.

Not for one minute, not for one second

are you thinking about asking me.

| just going to say now radiant you were looking.

("The Nutcracker" playing over piano]

Carmody!

Carmody!

-[car engine revving] -[aeroplane engine roaring]

‘That's right, Darrowby, two, two, nine, seven.

[telephone ringing]

Darrowby, two, two, nine, seven?

James!

Merry Christmas.

Helen! It's James!

[Helen] I'll be one minute.

-[Siegfried] Absolutely not. -Ooh.

| might be more than a minute.

-[breathes heavily] -[cat meows]

You'll wear it because | dannned well tell you tol

| don't see that participation in pagan...

Sorry, James, I'm struggling to hear that.

-[indistinct chatter] -James did you say?

-ls that Herriot? -Yeah, on for Helen.

What the hell do you think you're playing at?

Er, Merry Christmas to you too, Siegfried.

TAC rielen's in, she shouldn't be going anywhere,

let alone traipsing lhaltiway tine bloody county.

And what states that then?

You know... laden.

Encumbered. Burdened with child.

Burdened? Give it here.

-Ooh. -What's wrong?

Is it the baby?

No. | ate too much for breakfast that's all.

Baloy's tighiting tor space Witiksavsadess

lien an l was worriec] aloourt

Would you shut that bloody racket off!

It's nothing.

Helen, what was that?

Did | hear them say something aout tine baby?

It's just indigestion.

[Siegfried] James, we do have concerns

about this plan for Helen to drive over to you today.

“Which you'll keep to yoursellr. 4Love, it's a long drive.

Do you mind?

Sorry about that.

It's like living with two mother hens.

| can't tell you how good it is to hear your voice.

You too.

[coins clatters]

I've got a sewing job for you when you arrive.

I'm not coming all that way

tO cain your SOGKS over tihe Soup Course.

[James] It's not socks.

| got my wings this morning.

They're transferring me to Brize Norton

to start bomber training.

Bombers?

So when you've finished your training

you'll be flying...

over there?

Well, it won't do much good

dropping them over here, would it?

James, far be it from me to stick my beak in,

but | really think you should reconsider this

Nnairorainec seneme tto have MeleMOhiViers OMmiles

over hill and dale.

-Siegfried! -We've snow due today.

ir Sie tO go Into laloour, sne Gould tine herself

-StuGk iin micelle of nownere. Helen] Siegfried Faron,

if you don't put that phone down,

I'll blooming well throttle you!

All right.

Helen?

I've had a couple of small cramps.

We've got to think--

[Helen] | Know | need to think about the baby.

All I've done is think about the baby.

You don't want me to come.

| do. Of course | do,

out there's now || want things, ane the waly things are.

[Helen] | miss you so much.

| really need to see you.

I'm scared, James.

[phone beeps]

Helen? Are you still there? Helen?

-[Helen] James. -Helen?

Dammit!

James? James!

Herriot! You're needed. Now.

[James] Officer Woodham.

[Woodham | tounc Georgie on tine outer aiiriielc

this morning.

Another kestrel must've had a go at her,

or she was hit by one of ours.

She's a beautiful bird.

Aye.

Will she fly again?

[James] Not with her feathers broken like that.

You have until Boxing Day to have her sorted.

I'll do my best.

've hac! enougin of hearing aloout people's

You're a vet, Herriot, okay? Just get it done.

Yes, sir.

It's just that I've never treated

a bird like this before.

Usually it's chickens, Mmayloe loudgic.

This is something completely different.

We lost a flight last night.

| heard.

Look, I'm not superstitious, but some of the men think

it's a bad omen having our mascot down.

They won't admit to it, but they're scared.

| understand, sir.

I'll do everything in my power.

[Woodham] Good.

Er, excuse me, Sir,

tinene Sometning I wanted to ask you.

My wife, she's pregnant.

| was due to meet her in the village

for dinner this evening.

She's in no fit state to travel.

| wondered if | could go back.

Go back?

[James] Just for an evening.

I'm worried about her and--

[Woodham] Yeah, we all have people

we're worried about, Herriot.

But we have a job to do.

| appreciate that.

No, | don't think that you do.

Otherwise, you wouldn't be asking me.

Or should! | just let every nan who gets a woman ua

run gallivanting across the country?

| didn't get anyone knocked up.

Helen's my wife. She's having our baby.

| want to be there for her.

Ane winat exactly clo you plan on doing?

Are you going to birth the child yourself?

-No. -[Woodhan] No.

Will you deliver it?

Sir, | wouldn't ask unless | genuinely concerned.

| want to be there, and | want to support her.

Where you need to le fs iin the air cropping bomlos

on your enemy.

That is the support that your family needs.

You need to be strong.

That is how you protect them.

Is that understood?

-[sombre music playing] -Yes, sir.

Your job is to get that bird flying again, not for me,

but for your fellow officers,

ane I'll try ane! rorget Wwe ever had this conversation.

(Mrs [Flalll]) | know it's hare, but you need tto

| just feel like I've let him down.

You haven't.

No one thinks that.

Certainly not James.

Human beings are something of an anomaly

of the natural world, aren't they?

In that mother and child are rendered incapacitated,

practically useless in the lead up to,

during and after birth.

Whereas lots of animals are periecily capalole

of carrying on as usual.

Take horses for example, a mare and her foal...

That didn't come out as | hoped.

I'll just be...

I'll just be somewhere else.

[soft music playing]

(Slegiried]] it would've leon irresponsilole for us

not to say something to Helen.

Oh, love, Christmas don't make it any easier.

It's the time to be with your loved ones.

Indeed.

That's from Gerald.

No need for that look. I'm perfectly all right.

-Any news from Tris? -No. He'll be enjoying Christmas

in his own inimitable way | imagine.

Wien une last time You two clicin’t spend fit togetiner?

Oh, gosh. I'd have to think.

Before father died probably.

Still, at least you've got Carmody around.

Nice for you to have some male company.

Are YOu suggesting | onlly invited! him to stay

because I'm lonely?

It's the time of year when you miss people the most.

Ii Not missing anyoocly. mn counting my lucky stars!

nes only lnere so | clon't have to answer the telephone

in the middle of the night!

It seems | might have put my foot in it with Helen.

Oh, just the one? Progress at last.

| was trying to offer her comfort.

-[Mrs Hall] Lord, help us-- -Lord help her more likely.

Ah, ah, ah.

Would the pair of you make yourself useful

and go and fetch the goose.

Go on, be gone!

Oh, and when you're back, could you help me

take tinese plattes over to the Drovers for tomorrow?!

Right-oh.

Helen!

It's all right, they've gone.

[birds chirping]

[chattering in distance]

[tense music playing]

[vehicle engine revving]

Bugger it!

[dramatic music playing]

[birds chirping]

[goose squawking]

You know, you could still make it home for Christmas

if you set out this afternoon.

Oh, my taniily con't reallly CeleboratewehnniStimass

For one thing, they're Atheists.

Right.

Well, con't let Mrs [rlalll know she's under the same roof

as a heretic, she'll come out in hives.

And don't get too comfortable in that bedroom,

temporary situation only.

Understood.

Shall we try again?

-We? -You.

-[dog barks] -Nope. Still there.

Perhaps we should call it a day.

Absolutely not.

Mrs Hall has sacrificed a great deal for us this year.

We're not going to let her down.

-You ready? -[Carmody] For what?

Psst, psst, psst. Here, boy. Here, boy.

Here, boy, that's it! Here you go.

That's it. Good lad.

No.

[dog munching]

[quirky music playing]

[bucket clangs]

-[dog growling] -Oh, Carmody.

Whatever you do, don't run.

[dog barking]

Run, you fool! Run! You're gonna make it!

[screams]

[Mrs Hall] Look, what a lovely plump

juicy one we've got ourselves this year.

[Siegfried] Not now, thank you, Mrs Hall.

Oh, my goodness.

Apologies, Mr Carmody.

Oh, that does look sore.

I'll go.

| think that would be best.

Lovely though. The goose.

Thank you, Mr Carmody.

Not at all.

[Siegfried] Now then.

You may feel a little prick.

[man shouting indistinctly]

[vehicle engine revs]

[car approaching]

[Michael] Have you lost your plane?

Ah, no. On leave.

Sort of.

What's your address?

I'll drop by some money for petrol.

[Michael] | live at White Cottage

over by Ecclesbridge,

Michael Collins.

James Herriot. Pleased to meet you.

Where are you heading?

Looking for a cat.

Right.

-Any particular cat? -My daughter's.

-I'm trying to find him. -How long has he been missing?

[Michael] Couple of months now.

Lael saiicl he sai Ini up tihis way a tiew week ago.

Been up here most days looking.

Not got much to give her this Christmas.

We've got a cat. Well, he's my wife's really.

His name's Oscar.

rilave you tried putting some food out at his favourite spots?

He had so many. He liked to roam you see.

Tiger used to take himself down to our local pub,

drank the stout.

that won't co Ini much good.

[Michael] Yeah, and then one night,

he didn't come back.

So I'd hazard a guess

you don't have any children of your own.

I've got one on the way.

[Michael] You'll soon find out then.

Find out what?

What you'll do for them.

Moment you hold them in your arms,

it changes something in you.

It changes everything.

Have you heard from Arthur?

Not since he went over to France.

We'll get through it. It's what we do.

‘Course it is.

[Jenny] Afternoon, sis.

You all right, love?

Hello!

Christ, you don't get any smaller, do you?

I'm pregnant, what's your excuse?

Ah. You're in that sort of mood, are we?

Er, pint, ta, Maggie.

-Make it two. -No, keep it one.

| thought you might want this.

-He fixed it himself. -| can tell.

[Richard] Eh! It were good enough for you pair,

it'll be good enough for Princess Herriot there.

-How's your thumb? -[Richard] Bloody sore.

Tnougiat | loest loring it clown. Won't be long.

-Thanks, Dad. -You're welcome, love.

We don't know who was coming.

K's losttier to Ihave hnanyy than too Tew.

| think the problem will be filling the plates,

not finding enough mouths to empty them.

Unless you've got a ew loaves, a couple of fishes

and a divine power | don't Know anything about.

Might just be that | have.

-What a charming little place. -[Mrs Hall] Mrs Pumphrey!

Hello!

Thank you so much for doing this,

it'll make the world of difference.

Not at all. No.

I've, um, I've got a hamper in the back of the car.

It's parked just in front.

Come on then, Carmody! Hop to it.

-Hop to what? -Hop to the hamper, man!

Mrs Pumphrey's hamper, in the car.

| managed tto a lite tiitotts and treats,

some cold meats and the like

that | hope everyone will enjoy tomorrow.

They'll all be very happy I'm sure.

Times like this, it's about people

coming together, isn't it?

| think it's wonderful everyone pitching in.

I'm sure you're going to have a great deal of fun.

You're coming too, aren't you, Mrs Pumphrey?

Me? In here?

It might be a little rowdy for Tricki.

He can be very sensitive in crowds.

Come and join us, Mrs Pumphrey!

-[Tricki growls] -Oh. See! He wants one.

Oh, look! This is perfect for you.

Dad?

What do you fly then?

I'm about to start training on bombers.

You're brave lads, we're all behind you.

Aye, by about 500 miles.

Because we're ilying over tinere ane you're back...

Sorry, just a joke we have amongst the lads.

I'd fight if | could.

Knee's gone, back's broke.

People don't see though. Think you're a coward.

I'm not on leave.

| left base without permission.

My wittis's pregnant, | havent seen her in montis.

You've gone AWOL?

[James] | miss my wife, | miss my home.

People might say I'm a coward as well.

-You going back to fight? -[James] | will.

Then you're no coward.

When your children grow up,

you'll be able to tell them what you did.

What will | tell mine?

| was out looking for a cat.

Now, you need! to Inéacl clown there, keeo going north.

You'll hit the Brawton Road eventually.

Thank you. Merry Christmas.

Hang on. Thank you.

You're doing it for all of us others who can't.

[engine revs]

[gentle music playing]

[birds chirping]

[piano music playing]

-ls that Triss? -Siegfried!

-It's got his nose. -[laughs]

Don't let him hear you say that,

for goodness sake!

That meant to be me?

it isnt meant to le anyone. James makes every year,

so I'm doing it for him.

Was Ine alll rigint aloour you not coming for dinner?

We got cut off.

He wouldnt nave wanted you to risk anything.

Aye. A bit late iin the day for that Of Ganry On.

James is going on bombers.

All right.

He'll finish his training.

And then he'll be flying missions.

-It's fine... -[Mrs Pumphrey] And he will be.

[Helen] He's gonna be all right.

-Uh-hmm. -We'll get through it.

‘Cause that's what you do, in't it, and I'll have the baby,

so I'll be all right.

And then James will be back

and we'll be back together again.

[car approaching]

Get in.

Sir, just a few hours.

-Please. -You're lucky that it's me

tnat's come looking tor you andl not tihe maillitary police.

Now get in.

[dramatic music playing]

[fire crackling]

Merry Christmas, James.

-[church bell ringing] -[woman] Merry Christmas.

[hooves clopping]

Christmas le over oy the tine you get downstairs.

Since my altercation with that hound,

I'm rather incapacitated.

It's quite a bit worse today.

Mr Carmody,

are you not dressing for Christmas?

Why don't you put on a nice jacket and tie?

Oh, | don't really celebrate it.

And yet, | noticed yesterday

you knew every word of that carol.

Belting it out like nobody's business.

I'll go back up and get changed.

Jolly good.

[music playing over phonograph]

Sorry about last night.

| think it all just got the better of me.

You've nothing to be sorry for.

And you don't have to pretend

you're not terrified of what's to come.

| certainly was.

lam.

| don't think I'm ready.

| don't Know how anyone can be.

Neither did any of the other women

wino came lbetore you, andl yet here we alll are.

Try to take comfort in that.

Oh, that's better.

Here you are.

-It's sherry. -| really shouldn't,

ane we could get a call out {t's Christmas Day, man.

[Mrs Hall] You've poured Tris a sherry.

[Siegfried] Force of habit.

Well, um, Merry Bloody Christmas!

Merry Bloody Christmas!

Merry Christmas.

(Mrs [rlallll] Now, sinaill we start opening some presents.

Youngest first.

Mr Carmody.

-For me? -[Mrs Hall] Of course.

Um, thank you.

Because you like your bow ties.

Ooh.

Audrey, that weren't indigestion.

| think it's started.

[Woodham] You know, going absent leave,

is a court martial offence.

If | hadn't have come looking for you

and found you when | did,

I'd have had to have you locked up.

[James] Yes, sir. Thank you, sir.

| want this whole place spotless.

Is she any better?

The feathers are certainly broken.

It may be best to remove them entirely.

Would that mean she could fly?

We'd nave to wait tor new to push through.

[Woodham sighs]

You know you're not the first to miss home.

And you'll not be the last.

No. | suppose not.

We have to stick together, Herriot.

It's no good for anyone to hear

that one of their pals has abandoned them.

especially not winen we've imoortant to do.

Yes, sir.

It's just, um...

| Knew Mcllivenny.

One of the men we lost. Not well.

He was just leaving us when | joined.

But we were the same age.

He had a wife.

A little boy he'll never see again.

[clears throat] It got me.

| trained alll tne men who went down on thet plane.

I've known them, | knew them for over a year,

countless hours of training them.

And they're not the first.

Far from it.

But iif we allow ourselves to oe Gonttrallled

by our emotions,

none of us would be here.

We've a job to do,

or who knows what world our children will grow up in.

Forgive me for saying, but you don't seem

old enough to have children.

Aye. Two little girls.

Twins, eight months old.

I've seen them twice in their entire lives.

| can't not feel anything.

| can't not want to be with my wife and unborn child.

In a few months, you're going to be in a plane

fighting the enemy.

And if your mind is not on the job,

it'll only end one way.

Look, you have to trust your brothers,

and more importantly, they need to know

that they can trust you.

So harden your heart

so you Can live through this war.

Who knows, we might even win it.

Then you'll have all the time in the world

to spend with your family.

t woul mean a lot to everyone ti 1 could get her tying again.

Aye. It really would.

Let's take another look at you then.

Thank you, | understand.

It's Christmas Day.

Yes.

| will.

Bye now.

Whaitre they saying? Are tiney on their way?

Should we be on our way?

[Mrs Fall] They tole! us we should stay where we aire.

There was snow up in the Dales last night.

The roads are difficult.

Tineyill get a miclwie to us they Cain.

[breathing heavily]

Oh, dear, Carmody. Still a bit sore?

Him?

it's Obviously it's hot in tine realm of your predicament.

But it was a nasty bite.

The fangs did go rather deep, half an inch I'd say.

-If not three quarters. -[groans]

Oh, squeeze as hard as you like.

That wasn't a contraction.

Why con't you two tale tine lumen over to the Drovers?

Everyone'll be waiting.

Don't you tininik it would loe wise for me to stay around?

If worst came to the worst,

I'd be on hand to step into the breach.

The breach?

[Carmody] | think what he means is that

should the midwife not arrive in time,

he could deliver the baby.

-Mmm. -No, no, no. Absolutely not.

“Not ot your best icleas. -(Siegtried] Why not?

I've delivered hundreds of animals,

most of them have four legs.

lin theory, it sinoullel be easier there's onlly two.

It will have arms though.

Ah, yes good point, hadn't thought of that.

You hadn't thought it'd have arms?

-Well, we can mucdelle thougn. dViudedle through?

How different from a sow can it be?

All right, | think that's enough.

I'll be on hand to assist. Fear not though, Helen,

I'll stay away from the business end

if it makes you feel uncomfortable.

I'll give you the blummin’ business end.

[quirky music playing]

You really must learn more tact, Carmody.

Merry Christmas, old man.

You know I'm really not that much older than you.

How is she then?

She's got a couple of broken feathers

that are stopping her fly.

But you'll have her flying by tomorrow.

Everyone's feeling a bit jittery about going up.

|, um, well, I've started her treatment.

[officer] Hey, | told you, lads.

Woodham said he wouldn't let us down!

Woodham?

Aye, he's been singing your praises.

‘Tole us we lolessed! to have the best vet

in all of Yorkshire in our Squadron.

[dramatic music playing]

| suppose we could imp them.

That'd give the wing some support

until the new feathers push through.

Hold still.

I'm just going to slide this in.

There you are.

[bird chirping]

[festive music playing]

[indistinct chatter]

You know, Richard, I'm sure no-one would mind

if you went over.

No point me being there.

Couldnt bear to near re daughter going through alll that.

Ane! your'lll only le tin tine way Best keep out of tt.

Cracking spread, Mr Farnon.

Absolutely marvellous.

Tricki quite agrees.

[Siegfried] | can't take the credit.

Mrs Hall organised it.

All down to her. And of course...

No, no.

That's the last of it.

| hope you enjoy your meal.

Oh, Uncle Carmody,

would you mind keeping Tricki company?

He's saved a spot for you.

| Know Helen won't want you over there.

Sit down, Carmody, | promise you won't God.

Oh, well,

| really shouldn't have all that. | don't often--

Get it down you and get stuck in.

[glass clinking]

May | thank everyone

for making us feel so welcome.

Ane! may | raise a toast to Mr Famon

for bringing us all together.

The credit must go to Mrs Hall,

as it nearly always should.

To the remarkable Mrs Hall.

[Carmody] And Jesus surely?

Isn't that winatt this whole carry ons albout?

Um, hear, hear. Well said, Mr Carmody.

All right then, to the remarkable Mrs Hall

and | suppose Jesus too.

fall) Wine remanrkelole Mrs |rlalll and | suppose Jesus too.

[all laughing]

How's dad coping with it all?

He's doing that thing where he doesn't say Out,

drinks whisky, and sort of stares.

So a normal day out for him then.

-Pretty much. -[Mrs Hall] Here.

You'll need to keep your strength up.

Thank you.

Still nothing doing?

No. It's all gone quiet.

Don't know whether to be pleased

or disappointed not to be getting on with it.

I'll be grateful for the rest.

I'll telephone the midwife again

see if | can't chivvy them along.

Oh, God, me and my big mouth.

[groans]

[indistinct chatter]

How did you get on, James?

Weill nave to tonnorrowy, but she’s got a good shot.

A drink for this man.

[cheering]

[lively chatter]

[humming]

Enjoying yourself?

| admit it, | like the singing.

The eating, the joy of Christmas.

| was always jealous

of the other children growing up.

You must tiatit that makes me a hypocrite.

| think it makes you human.

If you wanted to stay...

uni, you Gould! allwalys have Tristan’s ol¢l room.

He shan't be using it for a while.

You're inviting me to stay at Skeldale?

In your home?

Because it's convenient.

You can answer the night calls.

Yes, sir.

But keep your hands off my whisky.

Especially the good stuff.

Absolutely. Of course. Understood.

Ready to unleash the hoards?

Ready as I'll ever be.

[groans]

Good luck!

[Carmody] Ho, ho, ho, Merry Christmas.

[Siegiried] Cone on, come onl Last one’s a olekled walnut!

Come and sit by the fire with me, children!

Now...

[indistinct chatter]

[King George over radio] In days of peace,

the feast of Christmas is a time

winen we ailll gainer rogetner iin our hones...

the young and old,

to enjoy the happy festivity

and goodwill,

which the Christmas message brings.

To the older people here and throughout the world,

| would say, in the last Great War,

the flower of our youth was destroyed

ane! tine Of tne people saw lout little oF the battle.

This time, we are all in the front line

and the danger together.

Remember this. If war brings

-its separations... -[groaning]

[King George] .It brings new unity also.

-Let's get you up to bed. -Ooh, yeah.

[King George] To be good comrades

and good neighbours in trouble

is one of the finest opportunities

of the civilian population.

And not only do they do their own duty,

but they play their part

in helping the fighting services

to win the war.

[gentle music playing]

Mr Carmody,

the children must've been thrilled.

You really shouldn't've got me this.

Oh, no, is it that bad?

No, it's not that. It's-- this...

is my first ever Christmas present.

Your first?

Goodness me.

Mother and Father...

we're not that sort of family.

Well, here at Skeldale, we are,

so you'd best get used to it.

Did you enjoy yourself at The Drovers?

Everybody was so kind.

They made me feel completely at home.

Well, I'm glad it went well.

You really are...

the most remarkable woman, Mrs Hall.

Oh, | don't know about that.

It don't take much to pick out a bow-tie,

bit of wrapping paper, but thank you, Mr Carmody.

Mr Farnon was right,

you really are quite, quite remarkable.

| think that's enough, perhaps it might be time

to take yourself to bed.

| suspect you're right.

| have imbibed far too readily.

Goodnight, Mrs Hall.

Goodnight-- Ooh.

All right.

There we go then.

[clears throat]

[clears throat]

I'm not sure he's used to drinking quite so much.

Certainly lke the wine doing the talking tor hin.

I've clecicied ttinalt Camnnocly should stay with us

at Skeldale for the foreseeable...

for purely practical reasons, obviously.

Obviously.

How's Helen?

Soldiering on.

Just making her a tea and taking up some fresh towels.

You are remarkable.

[Mrs Hall] Oh, stop it, Mr Farnon.

Oh, let me do that.

Youre not alooutt to atienpt to Up, are you?

| can do it!

Just make sure you change the water,

it'll end up greasy else.

Yes, I'll be perfectly-- There's no plug.

What's it doing all the way up there?

That's where it lives.

[Siegfried] Um, you forgot this.

| didn't forget.

Merry Christmas, Mrs Hall.

Merry Christmas, Mr Farnon.

[groaning]

[Mrs Irlalll] She's here, Irielen. We're coming up.

[midwife] All right there now, love?

You picked a day for it, didn't you?

Let's now were getting on, shall we?

At this stage, | just want it to be over.

You can do it.

We're right here with you.

[aeroplane engine revving]

[melancholic music playing]

All right, Georgie,

let's see about that wing of yours.

[pensive music playing]

[cheers and applause]

Good job, Herriot.

Thank you, sir.

Bring her in. Meet me at my car.

[vehicle engine revving]

You have two days.

Then you're to return to base for transfer.

Yes, sir. And thank you.

[pensive music playing]

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, youngins’.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

Helen!

Helen?

James, what're you doing here?

Helen?

Hel-- Is she upstairs?

She is.

[James] Helen!

James!

-What on earth! -Oh, God, I've missed you.

I've missed you so much.

| needed to see you.

-| tried to get to you. -Ooh! Be careful with me, James!

You can let go now.

What's wrong? Has something happened?

What're you still doing in bed?

No.

Yes.

When?

[Helen] Last night.

[soft music playing]

I'd like you to meet your son.

You gave me alittle boy.

Hello there, wee man.

Funny looking thing, isn't he?

[tuts]

| SUPPOSe Every teal that's bom's a loeautty.

Near enough.

And how are you? How was it?

Awtul.

| wish | could've been here.

We managed, and there's a reason

why you don't have the men around.

What're we going to call him?

[Helen] | thought we'd name him after his dad.

You all right?

Michael was right.

My God, he was right.

Who was?

I'm coming back to you.

No matter what they throw at us,

| promise you,

I'll get back to you lootin. Nothing will keep ne away.

| will always, always be with you.

| Know you will.

And we'll cope just fine until then.

[baby cooing]

[gentle music playing]

My God, he's got a right grip on him.

Hey? You got that from your mother's side

of the family, lad.

Alderson hand is that, look!

-He's smiling at you, Dad. -Right.

(Carnochy] | cloulott that's the case, actuallly.

It's a reflex response.

The baby can't actually see yet--

Thank you, Richard.

-Audrey, would you like to-- -Yes!

Oh, yeah.

-[baby cooing] -Here you are.

Hello, lovely.

Look at you.

Aren't you handsome?

Do you want to come and say hello

to your Uncle Siegfried?

You'll frighten him.

I'm not going to frighten him,

I'm not in the least bit frightening.

You'll have your turn in a minute.

Hold on. Is that stout?

Aye.

Michie said it were good to keep me strength up.

[Michael] It's not him.

Are you sure? He likes stout.

Positive.

Thanks for calling, any road.

Wait.

I'm sure your daughter won't mind.

Ane more than anything, | exoect she just wants her dac around.

We've all got our battles to fight,

whether we're away fighting or back home.

None of it's easy.

In the end, we're all in it together.

Easy for you to say.

One thing | co Is thalt youre not doing anyone any good

punishing yourself out on the moors every night.

You should be with your family.

[Michael] Good man.

So are you.

Take him. Your daughter will love him,

and she'll love having her dad back too.

They're going to look after you now.

You'll be all right, won't you?

Well, of course, he will.

Goodbye, Oscar.

You can visit any time.

Don't worry. We will.

[gentle music playing]

[chuckles]

You all right?

lam now.

| love you so much.

| love you too.

Hey. Let's get you in before you get cold.

[theme music playing]

[theme music concludes]