Joe Maddison's War (2010) - full transcript

"The British nation is stirred

as it never has been in its long,
eventful history.

They mean to conquer or to die."

They say a world war is a big thing.

Which is why they call it
a world war, I suppose.

But for me, the Second World War was
the size of our town,

A smoky little industrial town on
Tyneside where I was born and bred.

Right. If you could all just
gather round.

This is the story of my war.
Joe Maddison's war.

My little world was about to be
turned upside down and inside out.

It began the day my daughter
got married.



Everyone smiling?
Right, forget the ration.

- Everybody say 'cheese'.
- Cheese.

Ladies and gentlemen,
my pages are in the wrong order.

Try page one.

When Sheila first told me that her
and Tommy were getting married

she said,
"Dad, you're not to make a speech."

She's not a bad judge.

Thank you, Harry.

He's playing the music
for the dancing later on

so we had to invite him.

I met him in a trench on the Somme
in 1916...

and I've been trying
to get rid of him ever since!

I never expected to be making
this speech in wartime.

We were all told that we'd fought
in the war to end all wars.



We thought we'd won it.

Anyway, er, we'd just like to wish my
son Alan and Tommy the best of luck

as they do their bit.

But also let's wish Sheila and Tommy
a long and happy marriage.

Before we all burst into tears,
I'd like to thank Father Connelley

for making the heathens among us
feel so welcome.

And, er, well, that's about it,
really. The toast.

Oh, aye, the toast.

The bride and groom.

..and hearts...carefree and gay

Not dancing at your daughter's
wedding?

Polly says I have two left feet...
on the right hand side.

And for the official record...

..I don't regard you as heathen.

Even though Polly married out,
as we see it.

I don't go to your church.

But I don't really go to anybody's.

But you're a good man.

Thank you.

Funny thing to say.
Oh, it's the war.

These are strange times.

Better to say things while they're
in your head.

Mind how you go, son.

Don't worry, ma.
I'll keep my cap on.

What time are you away?

Early. Right. Well, I'll see you
in the morning before you go.

Off to bed. It's been a long day.

Aye, all that dancing.

Well, you never know when you'll get
another chance, do you?

I'll be in directly.

No rush. You lads have a bit of
man-talk, eh?

So, what'll you be doing when you get
back?

Well, not a word to Adolf Hitler
but if I pass all the tests,

in a couple of months time I'll be
a fully qualified wireless operator.

Flying in bombers. Oh, I wish
I could be there with you.

Don't be daft. No, not flying but,
you know, fighting the good fight.

There's no need. Shipbuilding's a
reserved occupation, isn't it?

And besides, I mean, you're -
Too old?

This is my generation's war.

Aye, I suppose it is.

One for the road?
Aye.

Good stuff. This lad from Gateshead.
He works in the officers' mess.

All the best, son.

Are you asleep?
I was.

Till five minutes ago.

Be funny...

just you and me in the house.

Aye.

Funny.

You're not crying again, are you?

Why shouldn't I?

Away, man, pet.

We never really know why people cry.

At least I do it when I'm awake.

I'm trying to go to sleep.

"The clang of steel upon steel

echoes once more about the shipyards
of Britain.

So, night and day our shipyards
are building anew

to replace the tonnage sunk."

I've got cheese. You?

Potted.

Potted what?

I'm buggered if I know.

Mind you, next door's dog's gone
missing. It could be potted Rover.

Go on. I'll take a chance.

Good do Saturday night, wasn't it?

Aye. Went well.

All the nice girls love a sailor

All the nice girls love a tar...

Do you have to sing?

Oh, I'm just trying to keep my
spirits up in troubled times.

I can do requests.

Pick a song, any song.

I can do all the proper voices,
if you like.

Bing Crosby, Paul Robson.
I can do Gracie Fields.

Just drink your tea, man!
Now then, Eddie.

All right, lads.

Well, are you gonna join?

I've got no idea what you're talking
about.

I put a notice up in the club.
I don't in to the club.

What is it you want us to join. I
wouldn't mind the Women's Land Army.

The LDV.
And what the hell's the LDV?

I've read about that.
The Local Defence Volunteers?

Yeah, but when the uniforms arrive
it's gonna be called the Home Guard.

Rule one: Never volunteer.

I learnt that in 1917. And what
would we be volunteering to do?

To defend the country
against possible invasion.

I did my bit last time.

We'd all be in favour of defending
the country, wouldn't we?

What if you woke up,
opened your curtains,

and the sky was black
with German paratroopers?

I'd probably go back to bed.

We must all unite against
the forces of fascism.

I've been warning you two
about that since 1936.

We could have sorted it all out

in the Spanish Civil War
once and for all.

What sandwiches you got?

Lemon curd. Home made.

Swap you. For a venison pate.

Where you getting venison pate?

I happen to be
a close and personal friend

of the Duke of Northumberland.

What are you doing, Billy?
I'm ringing this bell, man.

What for? My dad told us to.

He wanted you out the way. Aye. But
he said it would be good practice.

In case it happens for real, like.
Practice for what?

Hold on a minute.

"The ending of a gas attack
shall be signified

by the ringing of a hand bell."

There hasn't been a gas attack, man,
there hasn't even been an air raid.

Can you smell gas?
Well, of course I can't smell
bloody gas, it doesn't have a smell.

So we can't be sure, can we?

Hello, pet?

Can you hear us?

All the nice girls
love a sailor...

Bugger you. I'm not moving.

Go on. Drop your bomb.

Do us all a favour.

"Now the Battle of Britain is on.

The Germans fling the full weight
of their Air Force
against our civilian life.

From dusk to dawn they rain
high explosive incendiary bombs

in an attempt to terrify us
into submission.

Another wild indiscriminate orgy
of destruction."

Hello, Joe.
Evening, Mr Simpson.

Have you got any, I don't know.
Aspirin, something like that?

Hangover?
Just a bit of a head.

Hangover.

Well, this worked for many of my
customers in 1937.

1937?
When Sunderland won the cup.

This is what you want us to join?

As soon as you can, comrade.
We need to defeat the fascists.

God help us all.

My money's on the fascists.

What can I get you, bonny lad?

Am I queue-jumping?

I'm waiting for haddock.
Do you want a haddock?

Whatever's ready.
Cod.

Aye. Cod's fine.

Your Polly on strike, is she?

No. Why should she be?

Cod and chips for one, three nights
running?

She's had to go away. Family
business.

Families, eh!
You got your newspapers?

Good lad.

Ta. Good night.

Good night, kidder.

Family business.
That's not what I heard.

Cheers, kidder.

So, what's up?

You must be desperate to wanna talk
to me.

I think Polly's left us.

You bugger.

She left a note.

"This is for the best. Don't try to
follow me.

You might understand one day."

And not even a PS saying you're
dinner's in the oven.

Well, you could try the local
method.

Go after her, give her a good
hiding, fetch her home.

Worked for me. That's not how I
remember it.

It's the same principle. When was
it? 1933? 1934?

I get a job playing the piano in a
concert party and I met this lass.

Tap dancer from Croydon. Obviously
she had a funny accent but she was -

I remember the rest.
Word gets back to head office in
South Shields and -

Her brothers came after you.
Don't marry into a family of
boiler makers.

I married into a family of Catholics.
Much the same thing.

Other day at work, you were singing
all the nice girls love a sailor...

It was a joke, man.

Was that because Polly was dancing
with a sailor at the wedding?

Aye. She was having a good time and
it was all harmless enough, like.

Or so it seemed.
Is he in the ship's crew?

He's a naval engineer. He's come up
to see if we're doing the job right.

Smart uniform, mind.

I used to have a smart uniform.

All right. Name.

Away, man. It's Joe Maddison.

I know that, Joe, but I have to go
through the formalities.

Red tape.
I see.

Well, I'm still Joe Maddison.
Yes, of course you are.

Are you still Mr Simpson the chemist?
Major Simpson.

I was a major in the first war.
Medical Corps.

I was Durham light infantry.

In France.

I never knew that.

Well, we don't talk about it, do we?

Why do you want to join
the Home Guard?

This war's done its best to ruin my
life.

I want to kill somebody.
The Nazis'll do to be going on with.

Left, right, left, right,
left, right, left, right,

Left, right, left, right, left.
Squad, halt!

Left turn.

Right dress.

Eyes front.

Order...arms!

Well done.

I can tell some you have
done this before.

Aye, 25 years ago.
Was bloody boring then, an' all.

Well, some of it was almost average.

Over to you, Major Simpson.

Thank you, Sergeant. Now, I'd just
like to go through

your basic training schedule for the
coming weeks.

I know many of us are veterans
of the Western Front

but there's still work to be done.

And pay attention because I don't
like saying things twice.

Right, from tomorrow night -
Oh, sorry, Major.

Did you say tomorrow night?

Cos I'm washing my hair.

What am I supposed to be
looking for? Parachutists.

But they're not gonna do a parachute
landing at night.

The element of surprise.
They are fascist hyenas and they're
not to be trusted.

Does anyone fancy a drink?
Aye. Go on.

What the hell is that?
Nerve tonic.

Nerve tonic! I'll swap you.

It's a present from Major Simpson.

Apparently he sold gallons
of the stuff in the '30s

when we were all on the dole.

Since the war started, he can't give
the stuff away.

I'm not surprised. That tastes like
creosote.

Wait a minute.
What?

What does that look like to you?

Bugger me, that's a parachute.
It bloody is an' all.

I can see the fella's legs dangling.

So what do we do now?

Capture him.
And can we beat him up?

I dare say that's optional.
On we go.

Hold on.

That hasn't got any legs.

No legs?

LAND MINE!

This was my Auntie Bella's
old street.

Oh, eh, look.

Ah, sweet Jesus.

Do you know him?

Aye, I know him. Billy Nicholson.

His dad's a fitter at Swann Hunters.

Last time I seem Billy,
he was ringing that bell
down our road the day Pol-

Must've got caught by the blast,
there's not a mark on him.

Could you not pick on
someone your own age?

Away, man, I killed kids of his age
in the last war.

We all did.

Doesn't make it any better.

Nothing makes it any better.

Hello, Dad.

Oh, hello, pet.

Here.

What have you done to your hand?

Oh, I was opening a tin of beans.

You need a woman to look after you.

Sorry.

At first I thought she'd be back
in a few days.

Then when I found out the whole
story, well, I felt a bit ashamed.

Well, that's silly.

No smoke without fire, sort of thing.

Must be partly my own fault.

I only know bits and pieces.

But you know how your mum
was helping out

at that military canteen
up in Newcastle.

When in comes in this handsome naval
officer.

So, after that it was occasional
trips to the pictures

and afternoon tea dances
at the Oxford Galleries.

Well, she always liked dancing.

That's it.

That's what I know.

Well, we'll start by tidying this
place up a bit, eh?

I need to give you a few lessons.

Lessons?
How to wash up.

How to make a shopping list.
How to open a tin of beans
without bloodshed.

I mean, I've been trying to see
things from her point of view, like.

And, well, all I do is go to work
and come home again.

Never liked the pictures much,
except Roy Rogers.

Never learned to dance.

I don't give a bugger what sort of
husband you were. Hey!

You never used to swear like that.

We're all doing things
we never used to do.

What you need to know is...as a dad
you've always been smashing.

Am I really, smashing?
Yes.

And you were smashing parents,
both of you.

And that's why I want my mum back.

She won't.

I haven't even got an address.

Try a bit harder.

That's him. That's the husband.

Aye. There was a car there at the
house and it wasn't the doctor.

Eeee.

Father Connelley.

Joe. What can I do for you?

I need to talk to you about Polly.

Fine. Here.

You know she's...left me.

Yes. I did know.

Being a good Catholic girl she'd have
talked about it to you in confession.

You know I can't tell you that.

Well, you've got to tell us
something.

Joe, I can't condone
what Polly's done

but I do understand
why she's done it.

Well, I don't. And I need to.

Trust me. I'm sure
you'll understand in time.

I need to understand now.

Joe, Polly once told me that you
lost your faith during the war.

Uh-huh. On the Somme.

Half our lads had been blown to bits.

I got this padre to admit
that God was on our side.

He was on the German side as well.

God is transcendant.

Aye, he's bloody useless at his job.

Thanks for talking to us.

"Even after a period of lull
in the night bombing there's always

some activity which reminds us of
these indiscriminate attacks.

And even after nearly a year of
concentrated hate on our big cities

our big citizens still
have a sense of humour."

I'm too old for this sort of thing.

German saboteurs? They've had to be
lost to land here.

Well, they're not gonna turn up
outside the central station in
Newcastle, are they?

Why no, they'll come ashore at Roker
and Marsden from a submarine.

Well, that's the official line,
anyway, according to Major Simpson.

And that's why it's cobblers.

Germans or no Germans,
I need a jimmy riddle.

Hey, look. Can you see that?

I can see something.

Warden, bonny lad.
You're under arrest!

Oh!
Bugger me.

We've arrested
a statue...of a bloody angel.

And you haven't asked the only thing
that really matters.

What?

Is she one of ours or one of theirs?

You owe me a shilling.
What for?

That. Oh, I don't go to dances.
A week on Saturday.

For a good cause. All proceeds to
our gallant Russian allies.

Are you going?
I'll be leading the band.

We're taking it seriously, mind.

Been practising Moonlight Serenade.

And we don't normally practise
anything. Keep the buggers guessing.

Come on, then.
I'll look in for half an hour.

Oh, Major Drummond.

Could I sell you a ticket to a
dance?

I'm afraid I'll be a long way
from Tyneside by then.

Well, no bother. You buy the tickets

and we'll give them away to
the poor people of the parish.

It's all in aid of the Russians.

Keep the change.

You're a gentleman, sir.
Good night, chaps.

Good night.

You crafty sod.
You know what that was, don't you?

Shifty and underhand. The
redistribution of wealth, comrade.

The shape of things to come.

Right. Two choruses of The Red Flag,
then we'll piss off home.

Thank you, folks. The next dance
will be a modern waltz.

And to spice things up a bit, we're
making this one a ladies desire.

Oooooh!

May I have this dance, please?

Oh, sorry, pet.
I'm looking after the bar.

There's plenty of people
to look after the bar.

Besides, maybes I desire you.

That's daft.

Not for ever, just for a couple of
minutes.

No, I can't dance, man.

Can you count to three?
Aye.

Yeah, well, if you can count to
three, then you can dance.

You miserable sod. Dance with the
lass!

I've only got two feet. Three into
two won't go.

I'll show you.

Right. Follow me.

Hand on my waist. Hand out there.
Forward with the back leg.

One, two, three.

Back, two, three.

Relax, man, you're supposed
to be enjoying yourself.

I'm not that good at enjoying
myself.

Try.

Forward, two, three.

Back, two, three.

Oh, sorry.

Very good.

Well, thank you for the dance.

That's all right.

Aye, aye.

Is this bonny lad gonna
walk you home, pet?

Actually - I'm sure there's no need.

Honestly, man, you know nowt.

You dance the anniversary waltz with
a lass, you walk her home.

Jockey Club rules.

Away, man, it's the least you can
do.

Call yourself a gentleman.

Don't worry, he's always got
batteries in his torch.

Shall I walk you home?

Anything to shut him up.

Ooh! Sorry. Do you mind?

You carry on.

Nobody's looking.

In this town,
somebody's always looking.

Well, this is me.

Thanks for tonight.

Thank you, Hitler, for spoiling a
lovely evening.

It's all right. I'm only ten minutes
away.

You'd better come in.

Er, I don't make a habit of this,
you know?

What? Having male visitors after
dark.

Maybe just till the all clear, eh?

Ee, the place is a tip.

I wasn't expecting company.

Ah, but I did bank the fire, though.

Is this...

My husband. Yeah. He was killed at
Dunkirk.

I'm sorry.

And to save any
embarrassing silences,

I know about you and your wife.

Harry told us. He tells everyone
about everything.

Anyway, I'm sorry.

Cup of tea?

What about the air raid?

Well, we've a little shelter in the
back yard but there's rats in it.

To hell with Hitler.

If I go running away to the shelter
then he's won.

Aye. Cup of tea, then, eh?

You know, you are the first man
to set foot in here since...

Dunkirk?

Yeah.

Don't worry.

I'm always very careful
where I set my foot.

if you want to get away to bed, I'll
just stop down here till the all
clear.

There's a spare room upstairs.
No, no...

I'll - If I do stay, I'll just curl
up on the settee.

There's no need -
I'd rather stop on the settee.

Do you mind?

Suit yourself, bonny lad.

I'll fetch you a rug.

Morning, Joe.
Morning.

Good night, was it?
I was caught in the air raid.

Aye, that's what they all say.

Bloody hell.

If the positions were reversed,
you'd be a bit inclined to say,
"What time do you call this?"

What are you doing here?
I'm on 48-hour pass.

There wasn't time to let you know
and I just assumed you'd be here.

I got caught in the air raid.
I know it's what they all say.

I didn't say a thing. Go on, sit
down. There's still tea in the pot.

So, how are things?

Fine. When we go back,
we start serious bombing.

How are things with you?

Ah, I manage. I would have written.

Should...have written.

About mum, but I didn't know what to
say.

She found somebody she'd rather be
with. Who can dance better than me.

Nothing more to be said.

And are you gonna tell me
where you were last night?

I don't think so.

What's her name?

I forgot to ask.

Her name is Selina Rutherford.

I used to play football with her
husband.

I remember him. Killer fullback.

And you forgot to ask her name?

I'm out of practice with
that sort of thing.

Aye, that's what Harry thought.

You set it up. Well, just for a bit
of a laugh, like.

She's lonely, you're lonely.
It makes sense.

Am I? Lonely?

Course you are, you soft sod.

Well, you bugger, look at that.
What is it?

Oh, my mistake. Thought I saw

a nightingale looking
for Berkeley Square.

Shut up lads, man, we've got work to
do.

Has she got a job?

Who?
Selina.

Aye, she works at the Co-Op.

Why?

Eh, do you mind?

This is a queue, you know?

I've not come in to buy anything.
It's a shop. It's for buying things.

Did you want some bacon?

No, it's not about bacon.

I wondered - Say no if you like.
I'll not be fussed.

Love's young dream, eh? Did you
ever?

What, man? There's people waiting to
be served.

I wrote it down.

Me And My Gal

Oh, he's good, isn't he?
Gene Kelly?

Yeah, he's a wonderful dancer.

Oh, aye. He can count to three, no
bother.

He's got a big bottom, though,
hasn't he?

Can't say I've noticed.

I'll pay attention next time.

Next time?

Can we have a next time?

Oh, I think we should, don't you?

Do you want to come in for a while?

I'd better not.

Got an early start.

Ships to build. Wars to win.

And I've got to write some letters to
my children.

And you write a very good letter.

Do I?

Mm.

Let me see...

"Fancy the pictures tonight?

Meet me outside at half six
but only if you want to."

It's not exactly romantic, is it?

I'm not exactly romantic.

You're telling me.

Put that light out!

We're all out of practice.

"The German Air Force launched a
major attack

against the great city of Stalingrad
on August 23rd 1942.

Never has any city sustained such
an assault.

But Stalingrad still holds and men
have held it."

Any idea what this is about?

Probably top secret. It usually is.

It'll be so top secret we won't be
allowed to listen.

They'll ask us to cover our ears.

Be seated.

Thank you for your patience,
gentlemen.

I'd like to leave you in the hands
of Major Drummond.

Thank you, Major.
I'm back here, I hope and trust,

as the bearer of good news.

The Home Guard in this area

is gonna have a chance to have a
real crack at the enemy.

What the hell is that? This is
a 4.5-inch heavy anti-aircraft gun.

They're rolling off
the assembly line

and will be in full operational use
in the new year.

Imagine a battery of four of these
guns all firing simultaneously?

That's a barrage of
32 shells a minute.

Arriving in the sky at the same time
as a German bomber.

Poor sod's got no chance.

I have to warn you that
with any new weapon

still in the development stage,
there is always the element of risk.

Aye, well. It would never do to blow
up real soldiers, would it?

This is a serious business, Private.
I know that well enough, Major.

I was blown up in 1917.
And once is enough.

You. You have a question?

No, man. I'm volunteering.

Oh.

How about a bit of music, Private
Crawford?

See us over the last mile.

Why, aye, Major.

We are the night shite shifters
shifting shite by night

Because the Fuhrer has only got
one ball

Goring has two but very small

Himmler is somewhat similar

But poor old Goebbels has no balls
at all

Do you know any other tunes,
Private?

Oh, hundreds, Major.
I'll have a look in the piano stool
when I get home.

Find something special.

You're on thin ice, Private.

Load gun.

Elevation 55 degrees.

Ready!
Vary 20 degrees east.

Ready!
Wait for it.

Wait for it. Battery, fire!

We hit the bastard.

Good God, man, Joe. Do you know what
the time is?

I don't know.

Three o'clock? Or is it four?

Come on in.

You'll catch your death.

And we were all laughing.

Cheering.

You were heroes. Why shouldn't you
be cheering?

I mean, I wasn't laughing and
cheering.

Why?

It's obvious, man, pet.

There were men.

Young men that probably didn't even
want to be there.

Inside that plane.

Burning to death.

I just thought, somewhere in Germany
at this very minute...

Our Alan might be inside a plane...

burning to death.

While people laugh and cheer.

That's why I wasn't laughing and
cheering.

That's the same reason I cry
sometimes in my sleep.

Nightmares about young men dying.

Ah, well.

Ah, well, what?

You are staying the night and you
are not sleeping on the settee.

You mean -
Yes, I mean.

Oh, but I wouldn't - I mean -

We don't need to do anything.

We just need a cuddle.

What if I start crying?

Well done, everyone.
Excellent afternoon's work.

Private Crawford.
Sir.

You've got the mouth organ on you?
All present and correct, sir.

So, a little bit of music to see us
on our way home.

Nay bother, Major.

But not, might I suggest, Colonel
Bogey.

Message received and understood,
sir. Good.

I don't want to join the army

I don't want to go to war

I'd rather hang around Piccadilly
underground

Living off the earnings of a
high-born lady

I don't want a bayonet
up my arsehole

I don't want my bollocks
shot away

Private Crawford, I'd like a word.

That song. It's indecent. Women and
children could have heard it.

We were in the middle of the
countryside. Didn't bother the cows.

Songs like that kept us going on the
Western Front.

I know just as much as you about the
Western Front, Private.

You're a bloody liar.

I know you'd like us to think

that that was taken in the thick
of the action in France.

But it wasn't, was it?

That was taken at an army hospital.

Aye. At a big country house in North
Yorkshire.

My sister was a nurse. She worked
there.

And so did you.

All right.

In 1914, I was too old for active
service. But I volunteered.

For the Medical Corps.
Trying to heal the sick, taking away
their pain. Is that such a crime?!

No, it isn't. But don't ever pretend
you were one of us.

Joe and I know what it's like but
no-one will ever understand

what it was like on the Western
Front unless they were there.

I've still got the shrapnel in my
back to prove it.

That must still be painful.

Of course it's bloody painful.

But you know what makes it worse?

I thought there'd be some sort of
reward at the end of it.

Instead of which I've spent the
whole of my life

being ordered about
by cocky little sods

who've got no idea
what they're talking about.

You are just the latest.
But easily the worst.

I have to say that your reputation
has preceded you.

I'm told you tend to argue with
shipyard foreman and the like.

Oh, aye. I've worked my way up and
down both banks of the Tyne.

Twice in some cases. Well, there are
certain things you can get away with

in your fitters overalls
which are simply unacceptable
in military uniform.

At times, you've been a positive
disgrace to the khaki.

A cruet?

It's just for show.
I've never used it.

And there's no pepper.

Wedding present? That's the way
most people get cruets.

I know. I've got three in
the cupboard at home.

And two toast racks.

You expecting company? No. Aye, aye.

Oh, aye, man, what a lovely smell.

Do you mind if I help myself?

Steady with them chips.

Something the matter?

I've been chucked out.

Chucked out of what?
The Home Guard, man, what else?

What for?
Insubordination.

Simpson didn't like us singing
that song this afternoon.

And then I accused him of
telling lies about being on
the Western Front.

And then I hit him.
You hit him?

I know I shouldn't have done it.
He's a lot older than me.

But we are going to do
something about it

and you are going to be
our spokesman.

Why me? Because you're the one
everybody looks up to.

Am I?

Right, lads. If you'd like to form
fours.

Platoon? This is Major Drummond.

From the Royal Artillery
Headquarters.

And you will do him the courtesy
of forming fours.

Tell him.

I'm sorry, sir. We're on strike.

You're on strike?!

What's your name and rank?

Maddison, sir. Private Joe Maddison.

Well, Private Maddison, it looks
like you and I and Major Simpson
here need to have a word in private.

Private Maddison, tell me. What's
all this nonsense about a strike?

It's what I said, sir. A strike.

You realise that word has
no meaning in the army.

Military rules apply. There is no
such thing as a...strike.

It must be a mutiny, I suppose, sir.
Mutiny.

If we're not allowed a strike, what
else can it be?

And is this to do with Private
Crawford?

Yes.
Who struck his commanding officer.

He doesn't deny it. But...he had
his reasons and he's prepared to
apologise if you'll reinstate him.

And if we don't?
It's everybody out, sir.

Is this an example of
the working class solidarity

that I read about from time to time?

I think it must be, sir.

Thank you, Private Maddison. You can
wait outside.

What did Major Simpson say?

He said Harry's a troublemaker but
it was obvious I was the ring-leader.

So I'm suspended until further
notice as an example to the others.

Mind you, it was obviously the other
fella pulling the strings.

Can they do that?
They're military.

They can do anything.
And what did the lads say?

What do you think? One out, all out.
They're all out on strike?

Well, apart from that Latin teacher
from the grammar school.

Oh, and there's a trainee accountant
that's considering his position.

Look, it's not your fault.
Oh, I was chosen as a leader of men.

All I've done is lead them over a
bloody cliff.

"Marking their fourth birthday,

a detachment of the Home Guard
Mounted Guard at Buckingham Palace.

These part-time soldiers from
all walks of life compare very well

even with such crack professionals."

Oh! Shot, Harry. Lovely wood.

Class. That is sheer class.

Tell you what,
I love being on strike.

Beats the hell out of crawling over
a turnip field pretending
to look for submarines.

Concentrate, will you,
this is a needle match.

Sorry, Comrade.

Joe.
What?

I don't find bowls
all that interesting.

But it's a cup tie against
North Shields.

Ah, Harry, you can do
better than that.

Would you rather go for a walk?

Yes, please.

See those two shots there,
beautiful.

See your shots there,
absolute rubbish.

It's class bowling, son, we make a
better partnership...

I suppose this is what we're
fighting for. Aye. it is.

This is one of Polly's favourite
walks when we were first courting.

You've suddenly started
talking about her.

The reason I can talk about her is, I
can talk about anything with you.

That's nice.

True.

Just took us a long time to realise
it.

Is it enough?

I've no idea what you're on about,
bonny lad.

Well, a walk in the park
and a game of bowls.

We could do all that in 1939.

Was it really worth millions of
people dying just to get it back?

Too serious, Joe.

Sorry.

Hey, Mister. Put that lass down. You
don't know where she's been.

Bugger off.
Watch your language, man.

You're setting a bad example to the
young.

Why don't you just go away?
It's up to you but I thought you
might be a bit interested, like.

In what?
The bomb.

Look what I found,
look what I found!

We were collecting shrapnel and we
saw it. There. Look.

Right. All of you lot, get away home
and stay home.

NOW!

Back to the bowling green. Tell Harry
and Eddie what's going on.

What about you?
I'm stopping here.

What if it - There'll be one
middle-aged casualty instead of a
whole lot of young-uns.

Come on!
I'm on my way.

Lads! Lads, you've got to
come quick.

There's an unexploded bomb.

Can we help?

No, this is a job for
the South Shields Home Guard.

I thought you were on strike.
Bollocks to that.

And we're lying three shots
and game, remember.

Hey. Get away home, man.

There's nothing there for dogs.

Stupid bloody animal.

For Gods' sake, man.

He's soft as cloth, isn't he?

What are you doing here?

Come for my dog, haven't I?

All right, son?
Aye.

"History's greatest story
is being written.

The D-Day plan is launched.

These pictures take you right in
among the men

who are putting Dunkirk into
reverse.

Planting themselves on the first bit
of French soil

to be won back after four years."

Why, aye.
Well, guess what comrades?

You're gonna be shot at dawn.

I've been reinstated with a severe
reprimand.

Bugger me.
That's grand.

Had to make a concession, mind.

I promised to be more careful about
my choice of music.

Oh, Major Simpson would like a word
with you.

Oh, so it's Joe that's gonna be shot
at dawn.

Take over will you, comrade? I'm
thrashing him.

Ah, Joe.
You wanted to see us.

Well, here I am.

I'm hoping we can forget about this
little bit of nonsense.

You mean the strike?
Yes.

That wasn't a little bit of nonsense.
That was about a matter of principle.

Well, be that as it may, you and
your colleagues showed great courage
and initiative the other night.

And, er, may we shake hands?

Will any of this go down
on my record?

No. On the contrary.

And I shouldn't have told, well,
half-truths about my war record.

Case closed?

Got made up to corporal.

But I have to sew my stripes
on the uniform.

I don't know how to start.

Needle and thread.

Polly kept them in the sewing
machine.

Right.

Let's see if I can remember how to
be a housewife.

Big smile! Say cheese!

Thanks, love.

Aye.

Six more bombs, I'll be a general.

Ah-ha. My hero.

Is that the door? Likely be the
paper lad wanting his money.

Father Connelley.
Good morning, Joe.

I thought you worked Sundays. I have
an hour's grace between masses.

Good. So, erm, what can I do for you?

I've brought somebody to see you.

Hello, Joe.

And? Who's this?
This is Mary. My daughter.

May I leave you to look after them?
Unless you'd rather we went away
again?

No. You'd better come in.
Thanks, Joe.

How are you?

Thank you, Father.

This is Selina.

Selina, this is Polly. This is Mary.

Pleased to meet you.

Well, yes. Likewise.

Cup of tea?

Piece of cake?

Yes, please.

You're allowed to sit down.
Thank you.

So, who's your pretty friend?

Selina. We met at a Home Guard dance.
She's not here all the time, like.

Just occasional weekends.

A dance? You don't dance?

I do now. Not all that well, but...

You make up for it with enthusiasm.

Probably.

You never used to have enthusiasm.

Things change.

So I see.

There you go.

When you've finished your tea, maybe
you should have a walk.

Probably got a lot to talk about.

Chocolate cake all right, pet.

Well, it's not proper chocolate,
but...same colour.

Say thank you.
Thank you.

Now do you understand why I ran
away?

You met a handsome sailor that could
dance the quickstep.

Oh, come on, Joe, man,
don't be so dense.

You were having a baby
and we both know it couldn't
possibly have been mine.

So, where is he now,
your handsome sailor?

He's out in the Pacific, fighting
the war.

Not too far, pet.

Do you know what I miss?

Pease pudding?

No, I'm serious.

I miss the family.

The four of us sat round the table.

Nothing stays the same.

Kids grow up, leave home.

So, you and Selina...

how serious is it?

I don't cry in my sleep as much as I
used to.

She must be doing something right.

And I've come alive again.

It may seem daft but it was the Home
Guard.

I discovered I could be useful. Maybe
even a bit brave.

Resurrection.
That's a bit heavy duty.

That's what Catholics believe in.

Lucky old Catholics.

Look, Joe.

All I'm saying is...

if you want me to come back, I will.

Seriously?

It's not something you joke about.

Well, no rush. Take your time.

Where are they?

They're stopping overnight at Polly's
mother's house in Tynemouth

and heading back out in the morning.

And what did she want?

She wanted to know if I would have
her back.

Oh, never.

That's what she said.

What did you say?

I didn't really know what to say so I
didn't - didn't really say anything.

Well, when you've made up your mind
what it is you want to say,
you'll find me in the Co-Op.

I'd like to be kept informed,
that's all.

No.

I'll see myself out.

You spineless bastard.

"Berlin is getting a real taste
of total war.

The terrific weight of the RAF
assaults on the capital of Naziland

has set the Hun reeling.

Within a period of less than a week,
the RAF dropped over 5,000 tonnes

of high explosives and incendiaries
on Berlin.

The Germans say that such attacks
are 'unfair'.

'Unfair'? Ye Gods, they don't know
the meaning of the word."

Am I interrupting?

Alan! Why, no,
course you're not, lad!

You know the lads, don't you?
Since birth.

Alan. Harry. Good to see you.
All right, son.

Sit yourself down. What are you
drinking? I'll catch up.

I want to hear about your strike.
Not much to tell.

We went on strike. Management caved
in.

It's funny. We done the same thing.
What?

We went on strike.
You cannot do that in the RAF.

Well, maybe not, but we did.

We'd been on night raids,
six, seven nights in a row.

So we went to the Wing Commander

and we said, "We're not going.
We need a rest."

So we are going to the pub."

And they let you get away with it?

They had no choice.

I don't remember Karl Marx
saying the revolution would begin
at RAF bomber command.

You know, we do 30 missions
the trot and then we get a break.

On average, we lose one plane in
every 25 on every mission.

So, after you've done 25, you're
living on borrowed time.

I see.

So, how many have you done so far?

I'm into the low 50s.

I think I'll have that pint now,
lads.

A lot of them are posh, you know.

Who?

The chaps I fly with.
Public school, some of them.

Get away.

They're canny enough chaps.

They, er... They talk
different from us.

Good. So do you.

What?

You. You talk different since you
went away.

Mixing with the toffs, I suppose.

Don't tell Eddie. He'll say you're
betraying the revolution.

Well, Eddie's wrong. I am the
revolution.

I'm thinking...

If I get through the war in one
piece,

I might go to university.

University?

Aye. Well, apparently, there'll be
grants, like, erm,

money for ex-servicemen to get
some more education.

What do you want more education for?

You can read and write. You were
halfway through your apprenticeship.

And spend the rest of my life as an
electrician?

When I could have, I don't know,
a degree in engineering?

People like us don't go to
university.

I had a letter from Mum.

She says she wants to come home.

I know.

She paid us a visit with
her daughter.

And Sheila thinks it's a good idea.

Do you?

House has been empty since she left,
like.

That's not a proper answer, Dad.

I haven't got a proper answer.

What about your lady friend? How
important is that?

She probably kept us sane.

Well, then?

Well, then, what?

Well, you either get it together
with mam again

or you get a divorce
and you marry Selina.

People like us don't get divorced.

My posh friends tell us it happens
all the time in their families.

In between going to public school and
university?

I'm serious, man.
And you've both committed adultery

so it should go through
like a dose of salts.

You have committed adultery, haven't
you?

Well, yes.

Didn't realise it would be so much
fun.

Dad, you should be ashamed of
yourself.

No. Don't worry, I am.

Truth is...

I'm frightened.

I don't know what to do.

Well, whatever you do...

and whether I survive
this bloody war or not...

..I'll be on your side.

Cheers, Dad.

Cheers, son.

"This is London. Calling to the
Empire on a day

that has been held sacred for nearly
a quarter of a century."

"We must never feel that because
we are once more at war that
that older generation died in vain.

Feel rather that we are finishing
the work that they began."

Squad, squad 'shun.

Corporal Maddison, perhaps you do
the honours?

It's all right, sir,
I know the words.

Right. Now, let's all
march out in style.

Squad, halt.

They shall not grow old as we that
are left grow old.

Age shall not weary them, nor the
years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in
the morning,

we will remember them.

We will remember them.

THE LAST POST

Squad. Fall out.

Ah. Hello, pet.
Didn't know you were coming.

It was all a bit last minute.

Tommy. How are you doing?

So, are you coming round the house?

Yeah, if we're not in the way.

How could you be?

Well, wouldn't want to be a nuisance
to your fancy woman.

Ah, well, she's not around
at the moment.

But for future reference,
her name's Selina.

Aye, she wasn't even here today.
Away.

When did Tommy get back?
Just this week?

He got blown up at Arnhem.

He won't talk about it, like,
but he doesn't like to be closed in.

I suppose it's shell shock of
summat.

I see.

That's why I was hoping you would
have my mum back.

What?

So she can help us look after him.

Well, I didn't ask her to walk out,
you know. I know.

And Selina is not a fancy woman.

She's a very good friend.
Helped put me back together again.

They don't tell you, do they?

What it's gonna be like.

Did they tell you in 1914?

No.

Why not?

Because...

If they did, we wouldn't go.

There's something else.

What?

Don't ruin your life on my account.

Joe.

What can I do for you?

I need to know the difference between
right and wrong.

Oh. Right and wrong?

Can you help? If I can't, I'm
obviously in the wrong job.

Let me guess, it's about the family.

Well, that's an easy one.

The right thing is for you and Polly
to get back together again.

And the wrong thing.

Anything else.

Divorce? That has no place in
my philosophy, as you well know.

Leave me alone.

Everyone.

Leave me alone.

Eddie says you want a word.

Aye, I do.

Well, go on, then.

Selina.

That's the word.

You've stopped seeing her.

You're as miserable as buggery.
She's the same.

You're both wandering around like
it's one o'clock half struck.

And that's your advice.

Regard it as an order.

Or I'll wallop you.

Hang on.

Yeah, hello.

Hello.

Hello. Yeah, you don't know me,
but I need some legal advice.

I'd like to speak to Mr Watkinson,
please.

I'm having a bit of a party
New Years' Eve.

It'll be open house.

That's nice.

Did my ma send you a card?

She did. And I'll send her one now
I've got the address.

Who's Charles Watkinson?

He's a local solicitor.
Just keeping us out of trouble.

You realise it's five to.

Who's letting the New Year in?
Should be the youngest.

And somebody dark.
I know who the youngest is.

Yeah. I've got everything ready.
Will you come with us, Dad?

Show the little-un what to do?
It's a grandfather's job.

Here, Tommy, put that wireless on,
will you? Ready for big Ben.
Loud as it will go, right?

"Four years ago, Europe belonged..."

Well, whoever you are, you need to
know what happens on New Year's Eve.

Whoever's the first to cross the
threshold after midnight

has to carry a piece of coal, some
firewood...

Do you think this bairn's paying
attention?

Every last word.
I thought so.

Are you paying attention
to the bairn?

Why, what's the bairn saying?

The bairn wants Grandma to come
home.

Proper Grandma.

We'll talk about it later.

Health and happiness, is that right?

How about peace in our time?

And, Alan, safe home, lad.

Alan.
Alan. Alan.

Are you expecting anybody?

It'll likely be that Winston
Churchill come to say thank you.

Happy new year. Happy new year,
bonny lad.

Happy new year.
Are you gonna let us in?

We've got our rations.

Hello, pet. Happy new year.

Come on in.

Ah, you bought your squeeze box. Good
lad.

..fishing in the Wear

He caught a fish upon his hook, he
thought looked very queer

Though what kind of fish it was,
young lad he couldn't tell

He wandered back again towards the
wishing well

Oh, wish lads, on you go, I'll tell
you now, an ample story

Wish lads, on you go, I'll tell you

Now, Rampton felt inclined to go
and fight in foreign wars

He joined a troop of knights that
killed for neither wood nor scars...

Thanks for everything, bonny lad.

What did I do?
You kept me out the loony bin.

You?

You're the one with all the songs
and the jokes.

Have you never noticed when I'm
telling the jokes?

I'm the only bugger not laughing.

Aye. I've noticed you don't laugh.

And that's what I mean.

Thanks for noticing.

Somebody's left a light on.

Go on.

Did she take it down?

No. I did.

Well, it's never done me any good,
has it?

Happy new year, bonny lass.

Keep your peace till dawn,
ye heady lads

Be happy through the night

For we may not be so happy through
the day

So just give us that big contract

Leave your peace in Geordieland

And don't drive
my bonny gels away

How do you fancy corned beef?
I don't fancy anything.

Hangover?
Oh, aye.

Here. Have one of Mr Simpson's magic
tablets.

Oh, ta.

Did you not get your official
letter?

Not for me.

Anybody rustling paper, it hurts my
head.

Especially if it's official.

The Home Guard to be wound up.

Here. 'All officers may keep
their rank as an honourary title.'

Major Simpson, the chemist. Sounds
like Happy Families.

What about Corporal Maddison,
the Welder?

Oh, no, it doesn't apply
to other ranks.

All we get is a certificate.

Typical of a class-ridden society.

Home made imitation fish paste,
anybody?

Not unless you want me to throw up
in your bait box.

"And so the parade marched past.

You remember the old days of the LDV
when the only weapons they had was
an armlet and a penknife.

They looked different today.

They make you realise
the growing pains of the Home Guard
have been worthwhile."

Private Crawford.

Thanks, Harry.

Even for the music.

Friends?

That's going a bit far.

But...sorry.

I should only hit people my own age.

Corporal Maddison.

Everybody's favourite NCO.

Can't imagine why.

That's grand.

Now, I've an idea.
But you might not like it.

I usually like your ideas.

Hmm.

Well, I realised that the nail was
in just the right position.

But if it upsets you.

Why would it?

I don't have to explain, do I?
No!

We don't have to explain things, do
we?

I think that's the secret, you know?

What?

They've spelled Maddison with only
one "D".

I know.

Ah, lad, you cannot expect everything
to be perfect, can you?

Is everything else perfect?

Does this mean what
I think it means? Aye.

"Victory was in the air long before
the official announcement
of total peace.

From a Whitehall balcony, the men
who organised victory looked down.

Celebrations went on for days
without a break."

Er, five years ago,
just around the outbreak of war,

I found myself making a speech at
our Sheila's wedding.

If you told me then that five years
later I'd be making a speech

at my own wedding,
I'd have said you were mad.

Mind you, I often think that anybody
that's living in the 20th century

that isn't mad, must be round the
twist!

But, all I've got to say is, more
things have happened to me

in the last five years than in
the whole of the rest of my life.

Good things, I mean.

Selina, for one.

Then there's the family, of course.

Welcome home, Alan.

And, Sheila,
I can always count on you.

Not forgetting my mates.

Harry, Eddie. All the lads in the
Home Guard.

Major Simpson. And Father Connelley.

Who I think's rather given up on my
and my heathen ways.

And all of you. All good people.

The fact is,

the last five years have been the
best years of my life.

I'll go to my grave and I'll never
understand why.

Too serious. Sorry.

Have a great party!

Jeepers creepers, where'd you get
those peepers?

Jeeper creepers,
where'd you get those eyes?

Why, aye?

Will you take the little one
so I can dance with my dad?

Of course. No bother.

You be as long as you like.

Woe is me

Why, I never knew you could dance.

Neither did I, bonny lass.

Neither did I.

How they hypnotise..

Where'd you get those eyes?

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