Our take
Built around a talent show to lift a grieving neighbourhood, this special balances community cheer against some of the show's toughest material: thalidomide, alcoholism and a pregnant woman with nowhere to go. It is long and busy, but the threads come together well on the night of the show. A proposal by the river gives long-term viewers something to cheer.
What happens
It is December 1967 and Poplar is still reeling from the train crash. Sister Hilda has left for good, Trixie returns from Italy, and Fred decides the community needs a festive talent show, Poplartunity Knocks, to raise money for the families affected. The maternity clinic moves to new premises, where Rhoda Mullucks, whose daughter Susan was born with limbs affected by thalidomide, is pregnant again and frightened; her husband Bernie is drinking, and medical student Tim begins to question his faith in medicine. Cindy, released early from prison and pregnant, finds her fiance gone and is pushed into a condemned room and into prostitution to pay the rent; she gives birth in the snow outside Miss Higgins's house, delivered by Nurse Crane, and Miss Higgins helps her claim the support she is owed. Susan falls on her new prosthetic legs, Bernie loses her Christmas dollhouse, and Trixie takes him to Alcoholics Anonymous. Rhoda's son is born loved and wanted. Sister Frances breaks her arm cycling to a birth in a garment factory. At the talent show Susan performs and Reggie plays guitar, and by the Thames Matthew proposes to Trixie.
Can the kids watch it?
Rated 12 by the BBFC for racism and moderate medical detail, so best for 12 and over.
Cast and crew
Starring
- Jenny Agutter as Sister Julienne
- Linda Bassett as Nurse Phyllis Crane
- Judy Parfitt as Sister Monica Joan
- Helen George as Nurse Trixie Franklin
- Leonie Elliott as Nurse Lucille Anderson
- Stephen McGann as Dr Patrick Turner
- Laura Main as Nurse Shelagh Turner
- Cliff Parisi as Fred Buckle
Guest stars
- Annabelle Apsion as Violet Buckle
- Liz White as Rhoda Mullucks
- Vanessa Redgrave as Voice of Jennifer Worth
Writer
- Heidi Thomas