Our Zoo (2014–…): Season 1, Episode 2 - Episode #1.2 - full transcript
I want to build a zoo. People like
us don't do things like this.
What does a man like him want
with a place like this, anyway?
No talk of zoos or wild animals
until the villagers get to know us.
A monkey! It attacked me!
What are you people doing here?
Trying to build something
for my family.
For everyone's family,
if you'd let me.
Oh...
Where did you say
you were from, again?
Chester Zoo.
Never heard of it.
Not yet, you haven't.
This one?
You're not coming?
I'll stay here. Just in case.
Right...
Ooh.
How far do I need to go?
You'll know when you see them.
Huh...!
Well, then...what's wrong
with the female?
She's been like it for months.
Look, I've been approached
by a circus -
if you're in two minds...
No, no, no. I'm not.
How much for the pair?
Nothing. If you can get them down,
you can have them.
Shoes, June Mottershead!
And what have I said
about primates indoors?
What do you think, hm?
They're not finished yet,
but there's plenty more we can do.
Muriel, we're going to be late.
Maybe just...take June this week.
Well, I would, if I could
prise her away from that monkey.
It's important to make a good show.
Let people know what kind of
family we really are.
Morning, Mother -
going somewhere nice?
Church.
It seems I'm the sole representative
of this entire family of heathens.
Very good.
Dad! Junebug. Where have you been?
You found something, didn't you?
First things first,
where are them signs I ordered?
They're all done. Some of the paint's
still wet, though.
That's fine,
but I'm going to need one more.
Listen...
Excited?
So what was in Matlock
that couldn't wait?
Any breakfast going, love?
I'm starving...
Thank you for that, Mrs Radler.
What makes a village? A school?
A public house? A post office?
A surgery, perhaps?
Good morning, Dr Ford.
What if we took away
all the buildings
and only the people remained?
Would Upton cease to exist then?
"Be united in the same mind
and the same judgment."
1 Corinthians, verse 1, chapter 10.
I put it to you that Upton
is our shared history.
Our hopeful future.
It's every one of us.
Mr Pollard. Mr Fowler.
He's the coming man, our Reverend.
On a short list for the next
Bishop of Chester, they say. Oh.
It's a godsend he came to Upton.
Ever so sorry Barnaby
was a late show, Reverend,
he was called out first thing.
Are you touring?
We've just moved in. Oakfield House.
The Mottersheads.
- Nothing serious, I hope.
- No, worst luck.
Just Mrs Brenner
and a ruptured synovial hinge.
A sprained ankle.
Mrs Mottershead is here!
Welcome.
I do hope you've settled
into Oakfield.
We're getting there, Reverend.
I got a fleeting glimpse of your son.
He was retrieving his monkey
from Mrs Radler's shop.
All my customers are curious to know
what it is you intend to do
with Oakfield.
It's quite the topic of the day.
A farm, perhaps? Or a guesthouse?
Both highly practical suggestions.
Well, if you'll excuse me.
I feel sorry for her -
forced to represent that rabble.
Knock, knock.
Light bulbs?
Try the third drawer down.
George? What are these?
I filed those away.
Without reading them first?
They're unpaid bills.
Half of them aren't even for us.
The council always sends
hundreds of letters
before they do anything drastic.
Now, come here. Look at this.
Come here!
It's wonderful.
You've no idea what it is, have you?
Right, get everyone together.
We're going to do this properly.
Ouch! I'm fine in bare feet.
Can I go back inside now, please?
I'm really not interested.
This is the furthest you've ventured
out all week.
This way.
Come on!
Mother.
Now, I want you to imagine
that you are the first-ever visitors
to Chester Zoo.
Now, I thought with Mother's years
of experience behind a counter...
Work a toll booth? At my age?
Not keen?
Well, we'll find you something else.
Plenty to do.
This way!
What exactly are we looking at?
A pond for flamingos
and exotic birds.
I've done a sketch of an aviary
as well, with a domed roof.
Looks like a little Taj Mahal.
It's a zoological gardens
that we're building,
so it's not just about the animals -
it's about...creating a nirvana.
She's all yours, Dad.
Thank you.
If we're careful
about what we group together,
we can have a different breed
in every one of these stables.
Chimps next to monkeys,
next to mandrills
and...so on and so forth.
Which brings us...to
our star attraction.
Or should I say attractions?
So...
I get a call from a fellow
up at Matlock Bath.
Now, he runs the Pleasure Gardens
there.
It seems some bright spark
was trying to draw in day trippers
so they bought a couple
of rare specimens,
only they've outgrown their cages.
How rare are we talking?
Don't worry -
they're totally free of charge.
And they're tame. They've been
handled since they were cubs.
Cubs?
They're bears.
Himalayan black bears.
Isn't that the most wonderful thing
you've ever heard?
Oh...uh...
Listen, love, what you're describing
is tough enough
without building something capable
of holding a couple of black bears.
You're better off knocking
the stables down and starting over.
And who's going to do that - you?
Why not? I'm as strong as an ox.
Listen.
The female - now, she's suffering.
You bring them back here
and there'll be a petition raised
in Upton in no time.
Then you can say goodbye
to any idea of a zoo.
We need to start small, George.
All those against the idea of bears,
say "nay".
Wait a minute...
Nay.
Nay.
Dad?
Abstention.
I vote in favour of the bears.
So do I.
Tough. Cos the nays have it.
And until such time as England
ceases to be a democracy,
the majority rules.
Have you riddled it?
Yes, Lucy, I've riddled it.
Hello!
Sorry, the doorbell was broken.
I'm not interrupting, am I?
George may have mentioned me.
Katherine Longmore.
Selborne Hall?
Yes, of course.
Come in, your ladyship.
Ladyship?
You must be George's mother.
For my sins.
Um, may I put this down?
It's for you.
It's a moving-in gift.
Where are our manners? Lizzie...?
Oh, it's lovely - what is it?
Well, it's portable.
I used to take it abroad with me.
There are some records with it
to get you started.
Well, this all looks very...
Hey, now then!
George!
Couldn't keep away?
How's the grand design coming along?
Any tigers prowling the grounds yet?
George!
Don't worry, Mother - Katherine's
the only one in Upton who knows.
On their way, are they?
The more exotic exhibits?
We're taking things slowly, m'lady.
Small animals only.
No running before we can walk.
Aye.
Well, I ought to let you
get on with it.
It's been lovely to meet you,
ladies.
I'll see myself out.
Well, she's fun, isn't she(?)
Well at least there's someone
who's excited about the idea
of a real zoo.
Hello.
Hello.
'Every day at Oakfield,
the zoo is growing.
'Our latest additions
are Ruby and Lancelot.
'They earn their keep
with milk and cheese.
'In fact,
Dad says if everyone mucks in,
'there's no reason we can't grow
all the food we'll ever need
'once the greenhouse
has a lick of paint
'and a few panes of glass replaced.'
What is all this stuff?
No, June!
No, I don't want you coming in here.
Why?
I'm going to clear the brambles
in the, erm...
Lock that back up, Dad, please.
What's wrong? I don't understand.
Oakfield was a hospital
during the war.
For injured servicemen.
Like Dad?
Yeah...just like your dad.
Dad!
What's going on?
It's the hunt.
June's signs are still out!
Come on - that's it...
June, wait, wait...
Come on...
That's it.
That's it...
June, June.
Morning.
Morning.
The fox went that way.
Hey, this is private property.
People have been hunting this land
for generations.
Well, we don't want your lot here
anymore.
The horses are ruining everything.
Really? Ruining what, exactly?
What business did you say you
were in again, Mr Mottershead?
I didn't, Reverend.
Morning!
Rather a rude awakening
on a Saturday morning, I'm sure.
Oh...
I know you, don't I?
From the auction.
What are you doing hiding in a bush?
Visiting Lady Katherine.
We're neighbours.
That still doesn't explain why...
We haven't met yet.
I'm picking my moment.
Well, she doesn't normally
meet many people.
She keeps herself to herself.
Course, I've seen some things,
delivering the post.
Oh, yeah? What sort of things?
That one's her bedroom window.
And on that lawn, a few months back,
I saw this racing plane,
a de Havilland Puss Moth,
taking off -
before sunrise,
if you get what I mean. Really?
I happen to know that that plane
belonged to Douglas Fairbanks.
It never did!
I wouldn't lie, not in this uniform.
No, he climbed out
of her bedroom window,
got in his plane and flew off.
She's got plenty of male admirers.
The whole village talks about her -
when they're not talking
about your family, that is.
Oh...
Most of the house
is under dust covers.
I confine myself
to a handful of rooms -
it wouldn't do to create
too much work for the staff.
Not when there's just me.
Did you shoot those?
Oh, no!
I despise trophy hunters.
I've only ever shot anything once.
A lion. But that was only because
it was charging our tent.
It was either him or me.
Where were you?
Kenya.
For three years, give or take.
Have you travelled much?
I went to Birmingham once.
How old are you, Muriel?
18. On Saturday.
Oh! Well, you must come back
and we can celebrate.
Have you ever had a Mimosa?
Just you wait...
Do you think
the female bear will die,
trapped in that cave?
I hope not.
But if she's unwell...
Go to sleep, don't think about it.
You can save them, Dad.
I know you can.
Well...he's not in the stable block,
and he's not in the study, either.
He must have gone.
Gone? Gone where?
Matlock would be my guess.
After everything I said.
How on earth is he going
to manage it?
Never mind that - it's what happens
if he ever brings those bears home
you want to worry about.
Albert, I'm going to need you
to feed the animals.
Yeah, Mew can give me a hand.
Pardon me?
Please, love.
I've got to get a grip
on that paperwork.
There's a mountain of it
sitting in there unopened.
Leave all that to me.
Lucy, I appreciate that, but...
It's fine. I'll get my pens.
Stand back,
the stationery is coming out!
Right.
First rule of double-entry
book-keeping.
Debit columns on the left,
credit on the right...
Lucy, I appreciate you
trying to help me,
but this is my house,
for the first time in my life.
Oh, I realise that, love.
But you've hardly made it homely,
have you?
Well, I'm trying.
I'm sure you are.
It's just hard for me to sit by
and watch you making
so many mistakes.
What mistakes?
With the girls.
Have you even started looking
for a school for June yet?
She's running wild.
And Mew's answering back.
Her birthday's coming up,
she'll be 16.
Are you even planning
on marking that?
Of course I am.
You can't deny that when we lived
above my shop,
this family ran like clockwork.
Dare I say, when I was in charge.
Now, George will want us to get
everything ready for his perusal
so he can make the decisions
when he gets back.
I'm making the decisions
in his absence.
Don't be ridiculous.
My house!
My rules.
Right.
Well...
Let's see how well you fare
on your own.
It's the taste sensation
sweeping America.
Go on, try some.
No?
It's butter, made out of peanuts.
Honest to God.
They originally used it
to get protein
into old folks without teeth.
But today, anyone can enjoy it,
gnashers or not!
Madam?
No?
I'll try some, young man.
Oh, erm...wise move, sir.
Here you go.
Mmm, eh?
Ugh...!
Agh...
Sorry...
It's like wallpaper paste.
You're telling me,
I've got ten cases of it.
What you doing here, anyway?
I'm looking for someone
with a sense of adventure.
And a very big van.
You rang, m'lady?
I hope you realise your own son's
treating you like a fool.
That's not true and you know it.
We've grafted our whole lives -
for what?
We've given it all up for this place
and it isn't even ours.
Lizzie runs this house.
Ah - now we're getting down
to brass tacks.
Oh, it's all right for you -
you've got that bloody greenhouse!
I was the lynchpin of my community
for 45 years.
A shopkeeper, a homeowner.
And it's all gone.
Look, I know everything's been
thrown up in the air,
but this is our life now,
and there's no going back.
And I, for one, like it here.
You couldn't possibly!
It's the truth.
I've got the sun on my back.
I've got a purpose.
If you want a job, ask Lizzie.
I've already told her.
I said "ask", not "demand".
She desperately needs help
about the house.
You could start with that stove.
Only don't expect her to beg you.
I'll be taking my meals in my room
from now on.
Well, be careful
you don't starve to death,
because I won't be waiting on you
hand and foot - I'm too busy.
Where's my thimble?
You little devil...give it back!
Right, ready?
This is Dad's job.
Quickly. Fetch the stool.
Come on.
Come on.
Now, don't worry, Mew -
she won't bite.
Actually this one might - hurry up.
Dad wraps his thumb and his
forefinger round the bottom part.
Do you want to come and do it?
Yes, please. June, stay there.
Now, Mew, try squeezing
with your middle finger first.
Now your little finger...
Nothing's happening.
Smoother motions.
I don't even know what I'm...
Eh!
There you go.
See? You're a natural.
Don't pull too hard, now.
Oh!
It's a right bugger to find,
this place.
George ordered these fellas a week
or so back. Is he around?
He's out on business. Can I help?
A guinea for the lot,
including carriage.
Payment on delivery, George said.
Did he, now?
Ta very much.
This will have to do
until we sort out an aviary.
Oh!
He does that a lot.
He's probably hungry. What...
What have you been feeding him?
I don't run a bed and breakfast,
love.
He's had water and made do.
Urgh!
How could Dad leave us in the lurch
like this?
Argh!
I hate this place!
Oh...Mew!
Oh!
She'll come round.
You do what you need to.
I can handle this lot.
What would I do without you, eh?
Oh, give over.
Oh! Oh...
Which one of you did that?
Bears? They're meat-eaters, right?
You're telling me.
I've had to feed them out of the cafe
catering budget all summer.
We'll have to wait,
move them at night.
At night?
We'll break our necks trying
to get them down here at night.
I've got paying customers all over
the park during the day.
I can't have one of them
being mauled.
Oh, and they'll cost ã10 each,
by the way.
Now, come on,
what are you trying to pull?
You said that they were free.
That were a week ago.
Price just went up.
Where are we going to get ã20?
Come on, George, let's just go.
Oh, no, wait till you see them.
Come on.
You won't be saying that then.
Can I help?
Um...
We just moved to Upton
and we haven't kept up the payments
for connection to the sewerage.
Business or domestic?
Well, it is domestic,
but we're planning
on opening a business.
Then you need the forms
for a change of use.
Come with me,
let's see if his nibs is in.
No. Erm, yes, yes, Councillor.
Of course. Yes, say no more.
Got a problem?
He's talking to you now.
Well...I was just enquiring...
Quick, little lady,
I've not got all day.
Change of use forms.
What kind?
From a private residence
to a zoological garden.
That's a bloody
ridiculous idea.
Well, I think we need
a lunch meeting to discuss it,
don't you?
Change of use, you say?
It's you again.
Yes. Please.
Frankie can get the forms for you.
Get your husband to fill them out
and get them back to us sharpish.
Planning committee meets quarterly,
so if he doesn't hit the deadline
then he'll have to hold fire
for three months.
You can stick that in your pipe
and smoke it.
Did you actually say that to him?
He's a charmer, isn't he?
You'll need this one
and these four.
And this one has to be filled in
in triplicate.
Just tell the planning board
exactly what the premises
will be used for,
and go into as much detail
as you can - they love detail.
I did hear right, didn't I?
Zoological gardens? As in animals?
Yes. I thought I'd dealt
with every business under the sun.
That's it...you ready?
Yep.
Right then, follow me.
Tie a loop in the end of that,
will you, Bill?
Now, I'm sure that I read somewhere
that a tame bear is happy to be led.
Here you go.
Don't worry, we're going to
take them down one by one.
Like a pair of dogs.
A couple of big dogs.
Right.
You ready? Yep, yep.
Bring that rope over here.
There we go. OK.
Get it round his neck.
That's it, that's it. Not too tight.
Yes, OK. Not too tight, not
too tight, that's it, that's it.
Now, just gently, over there.
Over that way.
No, no, no.
Stay there, stay there.
Just be careful.
Billy, what are you doing?
Billy! Get out here.
I'm fine where I am, thank you.
I'll be back.
You're not leaving me? Billy,
I need to come up with a new plan.
I need to find ã20 for Lacey,
and something
the female fancies eating.
No sudden movements -
let him get used to your voice.
Ah...
Mrs Radler...
It's a pity her talent
doesn't match her enthusiasm.
I don't know, I can definitely
hear Handel in there somewhere.
Ah, a music lover.
I was.
Until my piano fell off
the back of a removal van.
Oh, shame.
I remember that study
had a wonderful acoustic.
My late wife's family
owned Oakfield.
I had no idea.
Well, her brother inherited it,
lost everything in the crash.
Reverend, I'm so sorry.
Oh, no, don't be. It was never mine.
And after all is said and done,
it's just a house.
You know you should feel free to
use the organ any time you choose.
The church is always open.
That's kind, but...
Chester Council's keeping me busy
at the moment.
Really?
Oh!
I should go. See you soon.
I hope.
Are you sure I give it
the whole fish?
Tail and all?
That's what is says, Grandad.
Was this Lizzie's idea?!
What's up, love?
Feeling a bit peckish?
"Describe proposed building works,
extensions or modifications..."
# Me and my shadow
♪ Strolling down the avenue... ♪
Hey, where have you been? Chip shop.
I've sung him every
bleedin' song I know!
You hungry?
I had to wake the fella up
at the post office -
get Lizzie to wire
some money to the bank.
What's wrong with the telephone?
I didn't want to get
drawn into a discussion about it.
Avoiding my sister's wrath, eh?
I know the feeling well, my friend.
Lizzie not sold on this, then?
She'll come round.
You know what you want
to do, don't you?
You want to make her feel
like she's in charge.
Hey, that's brilliant.
Well, what can I say?
I know women.
Look at him - he's out of his cage,
he's free to escape,
but he's staying put.
Because of her.
So?
If we lead her down,
I'm sure he'd follow.
Yeah, we'll make
it her idea to leave.
We'll wait till first light.
I thought Lacey said that...
Never mind what Lacey said.
We'll be halfway home by the time
he opens up to the public.
So am I right in thinking
that's the aquarium?
No. That's the aquarium there.
THAT is the reptile house.
Dad put it by the greenhouse
because they both need to be warm.
Mm. He's no fool, is he?
He's put the gate
in the wrong place, though.
Do you think?
People should come in from the front
to get a better view of the house.
And the aviary - it's much too grand
the way he's got it.
We should be using
the gazebo somehow.
Don't you think you should just
leave it the way Dad drew it?
Not if it can be improved upon.
Anyway, time for bed, go on.
I'll be up in a minute.
Right.
Careful, Archibald!
If someone was coming in
you'd knock them flying.
It's a telegram, Mother.
You've got to get it there fast,
that's the whole point.
Get it where? Oakfield House.
I can't. I might lose my job.
Show me.
Right, then.
Come on, then.
Time to go.
There you go.
So it's these you want,
is it, Billy?
Billy!
That's it.
Billy... Billy!
Chips! Put your chips
into the corner.
That's it, that's it.
Come on, then.
That's it, there we go.
Here we go. Come on, big fella.
Come on.
That's it, we're on the move.
Make sure those paths
are clear, Bill! Right.
Come on, then.
That's it, that's it...
Come on.
"Strengthen small stable, stop.
Six inch bolts minimum, stop.
"Wire 20 pounds care of..."
What...?
Where am I supposed to find that
sort of money?
He's got a nerve!
Mew, I can't hear myself think!
What do you reckon,
can we fix the small stable in time?
The roof is as rotten as a pear.
Then we'll have to convert
the bigger one.
Erm, he didn't want that one
touched, love.
Well, he's not here, is he?!
It's my decision, Albert. Blame me.
(Lizzie...)
What do we owe you?
No charge.
Much obliged.
Oh!
Sorry to disturb, but I've been
asked to clear this footpath.
It's for scientific reasons...
OK, I'll level with you. It's bears.
Two of them. Bloody huge.
Hurry, darling.
That's it. Come on.
(There we go.)
(Come on.)
Come on, then.
Come on, then.
That's it. Come on, then.
Come on, then.
You ready, Bill? Yep, yeah.
Come on.
Come on, girl.
Come on.
Come on, girl. There we go.
What's she waiting for?
Well, she's just got
out of one cave,
she doesn't want to walk
straight into another.
Come on.
I've run out of food.
Come on.
Come on, then.
That's it. Come on.
That's it, come on.
That's it.
Go on, in there, go on.
Go on, go on. There you go.
That's it.
There you go.
That's it, come on, fella.
Come on.
It's good for something at least.
Right, quick. Are you ready?
Quickly.
Well done!
That'll be ã20...please.
Hold tight. I'll be right back.
That bloody monkey's had
the butter knife!
Your dad's not going to be
happy about this...
No? All right, er... Oh!
Yes... Now these are something
a bit special.
American. Hand-painted.
He's done a runner, your mate.
No, no, he'll be back. Look at that.
What does a tie like this
say about a man like you?
It says "Yes, sure, I'm a pioneer.
Deal with it!"
Feel the fabric on that.
Go on, go on...
Oh, here, told you he'd be back.
All right, Georgie, everything OK?
Hand it over, then,
let's get on with it. Billy...
..Lizzie didn't send the money.
I'm still waiting.
Right, so here's how we're
going to play this.
You're going to give me
these two bears for free.
Free? Why would I do that?
Because if you don't,
I'm going to open up
the back of my colleague's van here
and let two wild animals
chew up half your clientele.
How does that sound?
You wouldn't dare.
He would.
Fine, keep 'em!
Archie, go on. What else?
He also asked them to wire him ã20.
Reinforcing stables, getting money
sent at short notice...
I thought you said this was urgent.
It is! Mrs Mottershead
ripped the telegram up.
Don't you see? Even his own family
are against whatever he's planning.
And he means to charge admission.
Admission? You mean to the public?
I saw a sign on their land marking
an entrance for a pay gate.
Sorry! Mrs Emerson's sciatica.
Did I miss anything?
Reverend, what are we going to do?
Nothing.
Nothing?!
Until there's concrete proof
he's acting irresponsibly,
there is nothing to be done.
But he'll make a mistake.
Men like him always do.
What are you doing?
Well, it's good as new, son.
I told you, Dad, not to go in there!
It was too much work to fix the small
one up in the time we had.
Well, this was all your idea,
I suppose, is it?
Excuse me? Eh?
As well as ignoring my telegram.
I didn't ignore it, I ripped the
bloody thing up, if you must know.
Who do you think you are,
sending telegrams
with demands for money
that we haven't got?
Come on. That's it.
BEAR GROWLS
I might have known he'd be involved.
What are you doing?
Don't get him out!
We have to, love, all right?
He'll hurt himself otherwise.
Keep June back.
Back! Back! Back.
Billy, after three.
One, two, three...
Dad. Stay there! You ready?
Come on, then. Come on.
That's it, come on. Come on.
That's it, come on, then.
Come on.
Here we go...
Ah-ah-ah-ah.
There we go.
Eh-eh-eh-eh-eh.
Sh, sh.
That's it. Dad.
She needs a vet.
No.
No, she'll be fine
once we feed her up.
Well, you got them all the way here,
you don't want to lose them now.
I know what I'm doing, Lizzie.
She's... She's safe now.
Mew, have you had my compact again?
Sip it. I don't want to
get into trouble with your father.
He'd hardly notice.
He only cares about his zoo.
It's no small feat, you know,
attempting to build
something like that.
Here we are...
I'm third from the left.
What is it?
The Countess of Ellesmere's
debutantes ball.
I was your age.
Every eligible bachelor in London
was there.
You look stunning.
I remember it like it was yesterday.
Life beginning.
Oh, that shouldn't be here.
Who's that? No-one.
I, erm...
I'm sorry for upping and leaving.
Right?
I've been trying to sort
things out without you here,
but nothing's ever good enough
for you, is it?
No, no, that... That is not true.
It's just I've got this place
in my head so clearly.
What is all this?
There's a deadline.
We need to register
for change of use.
I'm outlining how the zoo
is going to work as a business.
It's got my name on that.
Apparently it's got to come from you.
God forbid a woman could
fill in a form(!)
What do you mean, outline it?
You can't do this without me.
They're based on your ideas...
the ones I could decipher.
Give it to me.
I'm not finished.
Lizzie! I want to read it now.
Well, you'll have to wait.
What's happened to her?
Entirely my fault.
Too much champagne.
Champagne? She's just a child
for pity's sake.
She said she was 18 today.
She's 16 tomorrow.
Oh, dear.
Well, she seemed so mature.
I am mature...
Whatever will her parents say?
Never mind about that, but next
time she comes calling, m'lady,
kindly send her away.
She's not used to the
antics of the civilised classes.
Thank you very much,
I can manage now.
Are you going to tell Mum?
I won't if you won't.
I don't belong here.
I think we've got to make
the best of it, my girl...
..whether we like it or not.
Dad.
Dad, look.
Thank you. They're perfect.
Happy Birthday. I made it,
and Mortimer filled it with gifts.
What sort of gifts?
My compact!
I've been looking for that.
Oh, look.
I wondered where that had got to.
Look at that.
Where's he been keeping
these things, June?
It's wild,
I found it in the back paddock.
Many happy returns, love.
They were my mother's.
She gave them to me when I was 16.
I thought it was about time
you had them.
Thank you.
You feeling all right, love?
You look a bit pale.
She looks fine to me.
Perhaps you'd like to go to church
with your grandmother this morning.
And you, June.
How is she?
Out of the van at least.
I still think she needs attention
but George won't hear of it.
I've finished.
Wipe your hands first, please.
It might not be what you had in mind,
but it means we can open
as a business
and stand a chance
of making a good go of things.
Go on, June, you'll be all right.
Excuse me, Dr Ford?
Yes.
I need to talk to you
about a member of our family.
What do you think?
You don't mind it then?
When I got to the part
about the aviary...
how we can convert the gazebo,
add netting, save money
and still have the space that
the birds need to fly around,
I realised then...
..that I'm a bloody idiot.
You're not. Oh, I am.
You're my wife, love.
I should know that you understand
what's in my head.
You made order out of chaos.
And...you were right
about the stables too.
You see, they were full
of medical equipment,
you know, beds, crutches.
It just took me back.
Albert cleared it.
It's all right now, George.
Not quite, but I'm getting there.
Dad, what are you doing?
It's all right, son.
You can trust me, Mr Mottershead.
Hippocratic oath and all that.
Your father tells me
the patient is a family relation?
Not exactly...
But you keep her out here?
Poor woman.
Good Lord.
Well, tell me about their diet.
Em...roots and berries,
but I'm not sure how much of that
stuff they've been getting.
I wonder if it's possible
for a bear to get scurvy.
That would certainly explain
the listlessness.
What's that?
Ascorbic acid.
Any ideas how one administers
Vitamin C to a bear?
Morning, class.
ALL: Good morning, Reverend Webb.
Now, we have a new member.
June Mottershead.
June, why don't you stand up
and tell us all about yourself?
You could start with where you live.
Oakfield House, isn't it?
With your father and your mother...
And Mew, Gran and Grandad.
And Mortimer.
Who's Mortimer?
My monkey.
Now, children, that's enough.
We remember our manners, especially
in front of new friends.
A monkey.
How splendid.
He's my favourite.
Your favourite? So there are others?
Why don't you tell us
about all of them?
We've only just begun.
We've got Ruby and Lancelot,
they're goats,
and Sidney, he's a camel.
And the bears.
Did you...? Did you say bears?
Yeah?
Slowly.
What do we owe you, Dr Ford?
I'd actually appreciate
if we kept this off the books.
People in Upton might not
like to know I treat man and beast.
Though it certainly beats dealing
with yet another case
of onychocryptosis.
Ingrown toenail.
Thank you.
They're remarkable, George.
They've already moved
a couple of man-eaters in there.
You know, this sort of thing can
end a career, Ronald.
What do you mean?
Well, if anyone were to get hurt
and it came out that you'd done
nothing about an unlicensed zoo...
Best kill off the whole venture now
before it gets started.
Well...if you think
it's for the best.
You and all these animals,
June, honestly.
This zoo, it's an enormous
undertaking, but it brings with it
rich rewards, it'll be
like nothing you've seen...
We don't want your suburban safari!
'I'll make this place so impressive,
'they'll have no choice
but to like it.'
What's in the van?
Dad!
us don't do things like this.
What does a man like him want
with a place like this, anyway?
No talk of zoos or wild animals
until the villagers get to know us.
A monkey! It attacked me!
What are you people doing here?
Trying to build something
for my family.
For everyone's family,
if you'd let me.
Oh...
Where did you say
you were from, again?
Chester Zoo.
Never heard of it.
Not yet, you haven't.
This one?
You're not coming?
I'll stay here. Just in case.
Right...
Ooh.
How far do I need to go?
You'll know when you see them.
Huh...!
Well, then...what's wrong
with the female?
She's been like it for months.
Look, I've been approached
by a circus -
if you're in two minds...
No, no, no. I'm not.
How much for the pair?
Nothing. If you can get them down,
you can have them.
Shoes, June Mottershead!
And what have I said
about primates indoors?
What do you think, hm?
They're not finished yet,
but there's plenty more we can do.
Muriel, we're going to be late.
Maybe just...take June this week.
Well, I would, if I could
prise her away from that monkey.
It's important to make a good show.
Let people know what kind of
family we really are.
Morning, Mother -
going somewhere nice?
Church.
It seems I'm the sole representative
of this entire family of heathens.
Very good.
Dad! Junebug. Where have you been?
You found something, didn't you?
First things first,
where are them signs I ordered?
They're all done. Some of the paint's
still wet, though.
That's fine,
but I'm going to need one more.
Listen...
Excited?
So what was in Matlock
that couldn't wait?
Any breakfast going, love?
I'm starving...
Thank you for that, Mrs Radler.
What makes a village? A school?
A public house? A post office?
A surgery, perhaps?
Good morning, Dr Ford.
What if we took away
all the buildings
and only the people remained?
Would Upton cease to exist then?
"Be united in the same mind
and the same judgment."
1 Corinthians, verse 1, chapter 10.
I put it to you that Upton
is our shared history.
Our hopeful future.
It's every one of us.
Mr Pollard. Mr Fowler.
He's the coming man, our Reverend.
On a short list for the next
Bishop of Chester, they say. Oh.
It's a godsend he came to Upton.
Ever so sorry Barnaby
was a late show, Reverend,
he was called out first thing.
Are you touring?
We've just moved in. Oakfield House.
The Mottersheads.
- Nothing serious, I hope.
- No, worst luck.
Just Mrs Brenner
and a ruptured synovial hinge.
A sprained ankle.
Mrs Mottershead is here!
Welcome.
I do hope you've settled
into Oakfield.
We're getting there, Reverend.
I got a fleeting glimpse of your son.
He was retrieving his monkey
from Mrs Radler's shop.
All my customers are curious to know
what it is you intend to do
with Oakfield.
It's quite the topic of the day.
A farm, perhaps? Or a guesthouse?
Both highly practical suggestions.
Well, if you'll excuse me.
I feel sorry for her -
forced to represent that rabble.
Knock, knock.
Light bulbs?
Try the third drawer down.
George? What are these?
I filed those away.
Without reading them first?
They're unpaid bills.
Half of them aren't even for us.
The council always sends
hundreds of letters
before they do anything drastic.
Now, come here. Look at this.
Come here!
It's wonderful.
You've no idea what it is, have you?
Right, get everyone together.
We're going to do this properly.
Ouch! I'm fine in bare feet.
Can I go back inside now, please?
I'm really not interested.
This is the furthest you've ventured
out all week.
This way.
Come on!
Mother.
Now, I want you to imagine
that you are the first-ever visitors
to Chester Zoo.
Now, I thought with Mother's years
of experience behind a counter...
Work a toll booth? At my age?
Not keen?
Well, we'll find you something else.
Plenty to do.
This way!
What exactly are we looking at?
A pond for flamingos
and exotic birds.
I've done a sketch of an aviary
as well, with a domed roof.
Looks like a little Taj Mahal.
It's a zoological gardens
that we're building,
so it's not just about the animals -
it's about...creating a nirvana.
She's all yours, Dad.
Thank you.
If we're careful
about what we group together,
we can have a different breed
in every one of these stables.
Chimps next to monkeys,
next to mandrills
and...so on and so forth.
Which brings us...to
our star attraction.
Or should I say attractions?
So...
I get a call from a fellow
up at Matlock Bath.
Now, he runs the Pleasure Gardens
there.
It seems some bright spark
was trying to draw in day trippers
so they bought a couple
of rare specimens,
only they've outgrown their cages.
How rare are we talking?
Don't worry -
they're totally free of charge.
And they're tame. They've been
handled since they were cubs.
Cubs?
They're bears.
Himalayan black bears.
Isn't that the most wonderful thing
you've ever heard?
Oh...uh...
Listen, love, what you're describing
is tough enough
without building something capable
of holding a couple of black bears.
You're better off knocking
the stables down and starting over.
And who's going to do that - you?
Why not? I'm as strong as an ox.
Listen.
The female - now, she's suffering.
You bring them back here
and there'll be a petition raised
in Upton in no time.
Then you can say goodbye
to any idea of a zoo.
We need to start small, George.
All those against the idea of bears,
say "nay".
Wait a minute...
Nay.
Nay.
Dad?
Abstention.
I vote in favour of the bears.
So do I.
Tough. Cos the nays have it.
And until such time as England
ceases to be a democracy,
the majority rules.
Have you riddled it?
Yes, Lucy, I've riddled it.
Hello!
Sorry, the doorbell was broken.
I'm not interrupting, am I?
George may have mentioned me.
Katherine Longmore.
Selborne Hall?
Yes, of course.
Come in, your ladyship.
Ladyship?
You must be George's mother.
For my sins.
Um, may I put this down?
It's for you.
It's a moving-in gift.
Where are our manners? Lizzie...?
Oh, it's lovely - what is it?
Well, it's portable.
I used to take it abroad with me.
There are some records with it
to get you started.
Well, this all looks very...
Hey, now then!
George!
Couldn't keep away?
How's the grand design coming along?
Any tigers prowling the grounds yet?
George!
Don't worry, Mother - Katherine's
the only one in Upton who knows.
On their way, are they?
The more exotic exhibits?
We're taking things slowly, m'lady.
Small animals only.
No running before we can walk.
Aye.
Well, I ought to let you
get on with it.
It's been lovely to meet you,
ladies.
I'll see myself out.
Well, she's fun, isn't she(?)
Well at least there's someone
who's excited about the idea
of a real zoo.
Hello.
Hello.
'Every day at Oakfield,
the zoo is growing.
'Our latest additions
are Ruby and Lancelot.
'They earn their keep
with milk and cheese.
'In fact,
Dad says if everyone mucks in,
'there's no reason we can't grow
all the food we'll ever need
'once the greenhouse
has a lick of paint
'and a few panes of glass replaced.'
What is all this stuff?
No, June!
No, I don't want you coming in here.
Why?
I'm going to clear the brambles
in the, erm...
Lock that back up, Dad, please.
What's wrong? I don't understand.
Oakfield was a hospital
during the war.
For injured servicemen.
Like Dad?
Yeah...just like your dad.
Dad!
What's going on?
It's the hunt.
June's signs are still out!
Come on - that's it...
June, wait, wait...
Come on...
That's it.
That's it...
June, June.
Morning.
Morning.
The fox went that way.
Hey, this is private property.
People have been hunting this land
for generations.
Well, we don't want your lot here
anymore.
The horses are ruining everything.
Really? Ruining what, exactly?
What business did you say you
were in again, Mr Mottershead?
I didn't, Reverend.
Morning!
Rather a rude awakening
on a Saturday morning, I'm sure.
Oh...
I know you, don't I?
From the auction.
What are you doing hiding in a bush?
Visiting Lady Katherine.
We're neighbours.
That still doesn't explain why...
We haven't met yet.
I'm picking my moment.
Well, she doesn't normally
meet many people.
She keeps herself to herself.
Course, I've seen some things,
delivering the post.
Oh, yeah? What sort of things?
That one's her bedroom window.
And on that lawn, a few months back,
I saw this racing plane,
a de Havilland Puss Moth,
taking off -
before sunrise,
if you get what I mean. Really?
I happen to know that that plane
belonged to Douglas Fairbanks.
It never did!
I wouldn't lie, not in this uniform.
No, he climbed out
of her bedroom window,
got in his plane and flew off.
She's got plenty of male admirers.
The whole village talks about her -
when they're not talking
about your family, that is.
Oh...
Most of the house
is under dust covers.
I confine myself
to a handful of rooms -
it wouldn't do to create
too much work for the staff.
Not when there's just me.
Did you shoot those?
Oh, no!
I despise trophy hunters.
I've only ever shot anything once.
A lion. But that was only because
it was charging our tent.
It was either him or me.
Where were you?
Kenya.
For three years, give or take.
Have you travelled much?
I went to Birmingham once.
How old are you, Muriel?
18. On Saturday.
Oh! Well, you must come back
and we can celebrate.
Have you ever had a Mimosa?
Just you wait...
Do you think
the female bear will die,
trapped in that cave?
I hope not.
But if she's unwell...
Go to sleep, don't think about it.
You can save them, Dad.
I know you can.
Well...he's not in the stable block,
and he's not in the study, either.
He must have gone.
Gone? Gone where?
Matlock would be my guess.
After everything I said.
How on earth is he going
to manage it?
Never mind that - it's what happens
if he ever brings those bears home
you want to worry about.
Albert, I'm going to need you
to feed the animals.
Yeah, Mew can give me a hand.
Pardon me?
Please, love.
I've got to get a grip
on that paperwork.
There's a mountain of it
sitting in there unopened.
Leave all that to me.
Lucy, I appreciate that, but...
It's fine. I'll get my pens.
Stand back,
the stationery is coming out!
Right.
First rule of double-entry
book-keeping.
Debit columns on the left,
credit on the right...
Lucy, I appreciate you
trying to help me,
but this is my house,
for the first time in my life.
Oh, I realise that, love.
But you've hardly made it homely,
have you?
Well, I'm trying.
I'm sure you are.
It's just hard for me to sit by
and watch you making
so many mistakes.
What mistakes?
With the girls.
Have you even started looking
for a school for June yet?
She's running wild.
And Mew's answering back.
Her birthday's coming up,
she'll be 16.
Are you even planning
on marking that?
Of course I am.
You can't deny that when we lived
above my shop,
this family ran like clockwork.
Dare I say, when I was in charge.
Now, George will want us to get
everything ready for his perusal
so he can make the decisions
when he gets back.
I'm making the decisions
in his absence.
Don't be ridiculous.
My house!
My rules.
Right.
Well...
Let's see how well you fare
on your own.
It's the taste sensation
sweeping America.
Go on, try some.
No?
It's butter, made out of peanuts.
Honest to God.
They originally used it
to get protein
into old folks without teeth.
But today, anyone can enjoy it,
gnashers or not!
Madam?
No?
I'll try some, young man.
Oh, erm...wise move, sir.
Here you go.
Mmm, eh?
Ugh...!
Agh...
Sorry...
It's like wallpaper paste.
You're telling me,
I've got ten cases of it.
What you doing here, anyway?
I'm looking for someone
with a sense of adventure.
And a very big van.
You rang, m'lady?
I hope you realise your own son's
treating you like a fool.
That's not true and you know it.
We've grafted our whole lives -
for what?
We've given it all up for this place
and it isn't even ours.
Lizzie runs this house.
Ah - now we're getting down
to brass tacks.
Oh, it's all right for you -
you've got that bloody greenhouse!
I was the lynchpin of my community
for 45 years.
A shopkeeper, a homeowner.
And it's all gone.
Look, I know everything's been
thrown up in the air,
but this is our life now,
and there's no going back.
And I, for one, like it here.
You couldn't possibly!
It's the truth.
I've got the sun on my back.
I've got a purpose.
If you want a job, ask Lizzie.
I've already told her.
I said "ask", not "demand".
She desperately needs help
about the house.
You could start with that stove.
Only don't expect her to beg you.
I'll be taking my meals in my room
from now on.
Well, be careful
you don't starve to death,
because I won't be waiting on you
hand and foot - I'm too busy.
Where's my thimble?
You little devil...give it back!
Right, ready?
This is Dad's job.
Quickly. Fetch the stool.
Come on.
Come on.
Now, don't worry, Mew -
she won't bite.
Actually this one might - hurry up.
Dad wraps his thumb and his
forefinger round the bottom part.
Do you want to come and do it?
Yes, please. June, stay there.
Now, Mew, try squeezing
with your middle finger first.
Now your little finger...
Nothing's happening.
Smoother motions.
I don't even know what I'm...
Eh!
There you go.
See? You're a natural.
Don't pull too hard, now.
Oh!
It's a right bugger to find,
this place.
George ordered these fellas a week
or so back. Is he around?
He's out on business. Can I help?
A guinea for the lot,
including carriage.
Payment on delivery, George said.
Did he, now?
Ta very much.
This will have to do
until we sort out an aviary.
Oh!
He does that a lot.
He's probably hungry. What...
What have you been feeding him?
I don't run a bed and breakfast,
love.
He's had water and made do.
Urgh!
How could Dad leave us in the lurch
like this?
Argh!
I hate this place!
Oh...Mew!
Oh!
She'll come round.
You do what you need to.
I can handle this lot.
What would I do without you, eh?
Oh, give over.
Oh! Oh...
Which one of you did that?
Bears? They're meat-eaters, right?
You're telling me.
I've had to feed them out of the cafe
catering budget all summer.
We'll have to wait,
move them at night.
At night?
We'll break our necks trying
to get them down here at night.
I've got paying customers all over
the park during the day.
I can't have one of them
being mauled.
Oh, and they'll cost ã10 each,
by the way.
Now, come on,
what are you trying to pull?
You said that they were free.
That were a week ago.
Price just went up.
Where are we going to get ã20?
Come on, George, let's just go.
Oh, no, wait till you see them.
Come on.
You won't be saying that then.
Can I help?
Um...
We just moved to Upton
and we haven't kept up the payments
for connection to the sewerage.
Business or domestic?
Well, it is domestic,
but we're planning
on opening a business.
Then you need the forms
for a change of use.
Come with me,
let's see if his nibs is in.
No. Erm, yes, yes, Councillor.
Of course. Yes, say no more.
Got a problem?
He's talking to you now.
Well...I was just enquiring...
Quick, little lady,
I've not got all day.
Change of use forms.
What kind?
From a private residence
to a zoological garden.
That's a bloody
ridiculous idea.
Well, I think we need
a lunch meeting to discuss it,
don't you?
Change of use, you say?
It's you again.
Yes. Please.
Frankie can get the forms for you.
Get your husband to fill them out
and get them back to us sharpish.
Planning committee meets quarterly,
so if he doesn't hit the deadline
then he'll have to hold fire
for three months.
You can stick that in your pipe
and smoke it.
Did you actually say that to him?
He's a charmer, isn't he?
You'll need this one
and these four.
And this one has to be filled in
in triplicate.
Just tell the planning board
exactly what the premises
will be used for,
and go into as much detail
as you can - they love detail.
I did hear right, didn't I?
Zoological gardens? As in animals?
Yes. I thought I'd dealt
with every business under the sun.
That's it...you ready?
Yep.
Right then, follow me.
Tie a loop in the end of that,
will you, Bill?
Now, I'm sure that I read somewhere
that a tame bear is happy to be led.
Here you go.
Don't worry, we're going to
take them down one by one.
Like a pair of dogs.
A couple of big dogs.
Right.
You ready? Yep, yep.
Bring that rope over here.
There we go. OK.
Get it round his neck.
That's it, that's it. Not too tight.
Yes, OK. Not too tight, not
too tight, that's it, that's it.
Now, just gently, over there.
Over that way.
No, no, no.
Stay there, stay there.
Just be careful.
Billy, what are you doing?
Billy! Get out here.
I'm fine where I am, thank you.
I'll be back.
You're not leaving me? Billy,
I need to come up with a new plan.
I need to find ã20 for Lacey,
and something
the female fancies eating.
No sudden movements -
let him get used to your voice.
Ah...
Mrs Radler...
It's a pity her talent
doesn't match her enthusiasm.
I don't know, I can definitely
hear Handel in there somewhere.
Ah, a music lover.
I was.
Until my piano fell off
the back of a removal van.
Oh, shame.
I remember that study
had a wonderful acoustic.
My late wife's family
owned Oakfield.
I had no idea.
Well, her brother inherited it,
lost everything in the crash.
Reverend, I'm so sorry.
Oh, no, don't be. It was never mine.
And after all is said and done,
it's just a house.
You know you should feel free to
use the organ any time you choose.
The church is always open.
That's kind, but...
Chester Council's keeping me busy
at the moment.
Really?
Oh!
I should go. See you soon.
I hope.
Are you sure I give it
the whole fish?
Tail and all?
That's what is says, Grandad.
Was this Lizzie's idea?!
What's up, love?
Feeling a bit peckish?
"Describe proposed building works,
extensions or modifications..."
# Me and my shadow
♪ Strolling down the avenue... ♪
Hey, where have you been? Chip shop.
I've sung him every
bleedin' song I know!
You hungry?
I had to wake the fella up
at the post office -
get Lizzie to wire
some money to the bank.
What's wrong with the telephone?
I didn't want to get
drawn into a discussion about it.
Avoiding my sister's wrath, eh?
I know the feeling well, my friend.
Lizzie not sold on this, then?
She'll come round.
You know what you want
to do, don't you?
You want to make her feel
like she's in charge.
Hey, that's brilliant.
Well, what can I say?
I know women.
Look at him - he's out of his cage,
he's free to escape,
but he's staying put.
Because of her.
So?
If we lead her down,
I'm sure he'd follow.
Yeah, we'll make
it her idea to leave.
We'll wait till first light.
I thought Lacey said that...
Never mind what Lacey said.
We'll be halfway home by the time
he opens up to the public.
So am I right in thinking
that's the aquarium?
No. That's the aquarium there.
THAT is the reptile house.
Dad put it by the greenhouse
because they both need to be warm.
Mm. He's no fool, is he?
He's put the gate
in the wrong place, though.
Do you think?
People should come in from the front
to get a better view of the house.
And the aviary - it's much too grand
the way he's got it.
We should be using
the gazebo somehow.
Don't you think you should just
leave it the way Dad drew it?
Not if it can be improved upon.
Anyway, time for bed, go on.
I'll be up in a minute.
Right.
Careful, Archibald!
If someone was coming in
you'd knock them flying.
It's a telegram, Mother.
You've got to get it there fast,
that's the whole point.
Get it where? Oakfield House.
I can't. I might lose my job.
Show me.
Right, then.
Come on, then.
Time to go.
There you go.
So it's these you want,
is it, Billy?
Billy!
That's it.
Billy... Billy!
Chips! Put your chips
into the corner.
That's it, that's it.
Come on, then.
That's it, there we go.
Here we go. Come on, big fella.
Come on.
That's it, we're on the move.
Make sure those paths
are clear, Bill! Right.
Come on, then.
That's it, that's it...
Come on.
"Strengthen small stable, stop.
Six inch bolts minimum, stop.
"Wire 20 pounds care of..."
What...?
Where am I supposed to find that
sort of money?
He's got a nerve!
Mew, I can't hear myself think!
What do you reckon,
can we fix the small stable in time?
The roof is as rotten as a pear.
Then we'll have to convert
the bigger one.
Erm, he didn't want that one
touched, love.
Well, he's not here, is he?!
It's my decision, Albert. Blame me.
(Lizzie...)
What do we owe you?
No charge.
Much obliged.
Oh!
Sorry to disturb, but I've been
asked to clear this footpath.
It's for scientific reasons...
OK, I'll level with you. It's bears.
Two of them. Bloody huge.
Hurry, darling.
That's it. Come on.
(There we go.)
(Come on.)
Come on, then.
Come on, then.
That's it. Come on, then.
Come on, then.
You ready, Bill? Yep, yeah.
Come on.
Come on, girl.
Come on.
Come on, girl. There we go.
What's she waiting for?
Well, she's just got
out of one cave,
she doesn't want to walk
straight into another.
Come on.
I've run out of food.
Come on.
Come on, then.
That's it. Come on.
That's it, come on.
That's it.
Go on, in there, go on.
Go on, go on. There you go.
That's it.
There you go.
That's it, come on, fella.
Come on.
It's good for something at least.
Right, quick. Are you ready?
Quickly.
Well done!
That'll be ã20...please.
Hold tight. I'll be right back.
That bloody monkey's had
the butter knife!
Your dad's not going to be
happy about this...
No? All right, er... Oh!
Yes... Now these are something
a bit special.
American. Hand-painted.
He's done a runner, your mate.
No, no, he'll be back. Look at that.
What does a tie like this
say about a man like you?
It says "Yes, sure, I'm a pioneer.
Deal with it!"
Feel the fabric on that.
Go on, go on...
Oh, here, told you he'd be back.
All right, Georgie, everything OK?
Hand it over, then,
let's get on with it. Billy...
..Lizzie didn't send the money.
I'm still waiting.
Right, so here's how we're
going to play this.
You're going to give me
these two bears for free.
Free? Why would I do that?
Because if you don't,
I'm going to open up
the back of my colleague's van here
and let two wild animals
chew up half your clientele.
How does that sound?
You wouldn't dare.
He would.
Fine, keep 'em!
Archie, go on. What else?
He also asked them to wire him ã20.
Reinforcing stables, getting money
sent at short notice...
I thought you said this was urgent.
It is! Mrs Mottershead
ripped the telegram up.
Don't you see? Even his own family
are against whatever he's planning.
And he means to charge admission.
Admission? You mean to the public?
I saw a sign on their land marking
an entrance for a pay gate.
Sorry! Mrs Emerson's sciatica.
Did I miss anything?
Reverend, what are we going to do?
Nothing.
Nothing?!
Until there's concrete proof
he's acting irresponsibly,
there is nothing to be done.
But he'll make a mistake.
Men like him always do.
What are you doing?
Well, it's good as new, son.
I told you, Dad, not to go in there!
It was too much work to fix the small
one up in the time we had.
Well, this was all your idea,
I suppose, is it?
Excuse me? Eh?
As well as ignoring my telegram.
I didn't ignore it, I ripped the
bloody thing up, if you must know.
Who do you think you are,
sending telegrams
with demands for money
that we haven't got?
Come on. That's it.
BEAR GROWLS
I might have known he'd be involved.
What are you doing?
Don't get him out!
We have to, love, all right?
He'll hurt himself otherwise.
Keep June back.
Back! Back! Back.
Billy, after three.
One, two, three...
Dad. Stay there! You ready?
Come on, then. Come on.
That's it, come on. Come on.
That's it, come on, then.
Come on.
Here we go...
Ah-ah-ah-ah.
There we go.
Eh-eh-eh-eh-eh.
Sh, sh.
That's it. Dad.
She needs a vet.
No.
No, she'll be fine
once we feed her up.
Well, you got them all the way here,
you don't want to lose them now.
I know what I'm doing, Lizzie.
She's... She's safe now.
Mew, have you had my compact again?
Sip it. I don't want to
get into trouble with your father.
He'd hardly notice.
He only cares about his zoo.
It's no small feat, you know,
attempting to build
something like that.
Here we are...
I'm third from the left.
What is it?
The Countess of Ellesmere's
debutantes ball.
I was your age.
Every eligible bachelor in London
was there.
You look stunning.
I remember it like it was yesterday.
Life beginning.
Oh, that shouldn't be here.
Who's that? No-one.
I, erm...
I'm sorry for upping and leaving.
Right?
I've been trying to sort
things out without you here,
but nothing's ever good enough
for you, is it?
No, no, that... That is not true.
It's just I've got this place
in my head so clearly.
What is all this?
There's a deadline.
We need to register
for change of use.
I'm outlining how the zoo
is going to work as a business.
It's got my name on that.
Apparently it's got to come from you.
God forbid a woman could
fill in a form(!)
What do you mean, outline it?
You can't do this without me.
They're based on your ideas...
the ones I could decipher.
Give it to me.
I'm not finished.
Lizzie! I want to read it now.
Well, you'll have to wait.
What's happened to her?
Entirely my fault.
Too much champagne.
Champagne? She's just a child
for pity's sake.
She said she was 18 today.
She's 16 tomorrow.
Oh, dear.
Well, she seemed so mature.
I am mature...
Whatever will her parents say?
Never mind about that, but next
time she comes calling, m'lady,
kindly send her away.
She's not used to the
antics of the civilised classes.
Thank you very much,
I can manage now.
Are you going to tell Mum?
I won't if you won't.
I don't belong here.
I think we've got to make
the best of it, my girl...
..whether we like it or not.
Dad.
Dad, look.
Thank you. They're perfect.
Happy Birthday. I made it,
and Mortimer filled it with gifts.
What sort of gifts?
My compact!
I've been looking for that.
Oh, look.
I wondered where that had got to.
Look at that.
Where's he been keeping
these things, June?
It's wild,
I found it in the back paddock.
Many happy returns, love.
They were my mother's.
She gave them to me when I was 16.
I thought it was about time
you had them.
Thank you.
You feeling all right, love?
You look a bit pale.
She looks fine to me.
Perhaps you'd like to go to church
with your grandmother this morning.
And you, June.
How is she?
Out of the van at least.
I still think she needs attention
but George won't hear of it.
I've finished.
Wipe your hands first, please.
It might not be what you had in mind,
but it means we can open
as a business
and stand a chance
of making a good go of things.
Go on, June, you'll be all right.
Excuse me, Dr Ford?
Yes.
I need to talk to you
about a member of our family.
What do you think?
You don't mind it then?
When I got to the part
about the aviary...
how we can convert the gazebo,
add netting, save money
and still have the space that
the birds need to fly around,
I realised then...
..that I'm a bloody idiot.
You're not. Oh, I am.
You're my wife, love.
I should know that you understand
what's in my head.
You made order out of chaos.
And...you were right
about the stables too.
You see, they were full
of medical equipment,
you know, beds, crutches.
It just took me back.
Albert cleared it.
It's all right now, George.
Not quite, but I'm getting there.
Dad, what are you doing?
It's all right, son.
You can trust me, Mr Mottershead.
Hippocratic oath and all that.
Your father tells me
the patient is a family relation?
Not exactly...
But you keep her out here?
Poor woman.
Good Lord.
Well, tell me about their diet.
Em...roots and berries,
but I'm not sure how much of that
stuff they've been getting.
I wonder if it's possible
for a bear to get scurvy.
That would certainly explain
the listlessness.
What's that?
Ascorbic acid.
Any ideas how one administers
Vitamin C to a bear?
Morning, class.
ALL: Good morning, Reverend Webb.
Now, we have a new member.
June Mottershead.
June, why don't you stand up
and tell us all about yourself?
You could start with where you live.
Oakfield House, isn't it?
With your father and your mother...
And Mew, Gran and Grandad.
And Mortimer.
Who's Mortimer?
My monkey.
Now, children, that's enough.
We remember our manners, especially
in front of new friends.
A monkey.
How splendid.
He's my favourite.
Your favourite? So there are others?
Why don't you tell us
about all of them?
We've only just begun.
We've got Ruby and Lancelot,
they're goats,
and Sidney, he's a camel.
And the bears.
Did you...? Did you say bears?
Yeah?
Slowly.
What do we owe you, Dr Ford?
I'd actually appreciate
if we kept this off the books.
People in Upton might not
like to know I treat man and beast.
Though it certainly beats dealing
with yet another case
of onychocryptosis.
Ingrown toenail.
Thank you.
They're remarkable, George.
They've already moved
a couple of man-eaters in there.
You know, this sort of thing can
end a career, Ronald.
What do you mean?
Well, if anyone were to get hurt
and it came out that you'd done
nothing about an unlicensed zoo...
Best kill off the whole venture now
before it gets started.
Well...if you think
it's for the best.
You and all these animals,
June, honestly.
This zoo, it's an enormous
undertaking, but it brings with it
rich rewards, it'll be
like nothing you've seen...
We don't want your suburban safari!
'I'll make this place so impressive,
'they'll have no choice
but to like it.'
What's in the van?
Dad!