(phone rings)
I wasn't expecting it to break out again like this.
Oh, oh, oh.
I thought the penicillin would've done the trick.
So what about the leg?
Well...
I...
I think we'll walk her out first, see how she goes, huh?
- Yeah, OK. - You're still walking her every day?
Rachel is.
If I'm ever ill, I hope she looks after me half as well as she does old Maggie, here.
- Come on, Maggie. Good girl. - Come on, girl.
- Come on, we won't go far. Come on. - Come on, girl.
- Come on, Maggie. Come on. - Go on then.
Come on. Come on. It's all right.
Don't start fretting. Your foal won't have forgotten you by now.
Come on, sweetheart. Come on. Come on.
(doorbangs)
- Hello, my dear. - That was Helen on the phone, Siegfried.
Brian Appleby's got some cows ill, one with milk fever. Can you call in?
Yes, course I will. Thank you, Rachel.
- She's doing well now. - I'd like to see her sounder on that leg.
Oh, Siegfried. You know she always plays up when you're here.
All right, Bob. Walk her back, will you?
I know she won't hunt again. Of course not.
But she's going to be as fit as a fiddle by the time the summer's out. Won't you?
Well, she's come a long way, certainly. I'm just being impatient.
All right, Bob. Bring her in again, will you? I'll give her some more penicillin.
But you're always telling me to be patient.
My dear girl, your impatience is of a very different order from mine.
Always has been ever since I've known you.
Have you noticed her sweating a bit?
No, she's been fine.
Yes, I'm sure Mr Farnon will get there as soon as he can, Mrs lbbitson.
You are on his list of calls.
No. There's no need to phone again to check.
Goodbye.
(dogs bark)
Oh...
(music on radio)
(phone rings)
Oh!
Oh, no.
- (metallic clang) - Damn!
(phone continues)
Good morning. Who's first? Come in, Mr Harris, please.
- Come on, boy. - Hello, Samson.
There we go.
Do you mind awfully if I answer that telephone?
- That's all right. - Thanks so much.
Hello, Darrowby 385.
Yes, hello, Mr Simms. Yes, of course.
I'm sure I'll be able to get him at Grange Farm.
What's the problem? No, Samson, not that.
Right, Mr Harris.
Rachel.
She was sweating like hell two nights ago. I don't think it helps to pretend she wasn't.
It wasn't anything. Well, not like before.
She's all right, Bob.
I know she's all right and so does Siegfried.
(phone rings)
I'll get it. You... see to Maggie.
No, no. Don't worry, Bob.
It was silly of me to think I could get two messages to him at the same farm.
Yes. Thank you. I'll try him at Ash Farm.
Goodbye.
(phone rings)
Darrowby 385. It is.
Well, you'll have to be much later in the morning.
Yes, we are. Very busy.
(horse whinnies)
What's happened?
She lost her footing, that's all.
- She's just a bit shaken. - Rachel.
You know it's more than that. The exercise is sometimes too much.
She lost her footing, Bob. Nothing else.
She's getting stronger every day.
I know she is.
Mr Harris's Samson... Guard this with your life.
- Don't put it there. It's damp. - So is this. Feel it.
Oh, dear. Siegfried will be pleased. Never mind, it'll dry.
He's really enjoying this, you know. Inveigling me again into the cricket team.
Still, mustn't let it spoil his enjoyment, must it?
Can't have him parading around without his Panama.
Do I detect a hint of resentment?
Yes. He knows what a fool I look on the cricket pitch.
James, it's a charity match. It's supposed to be a bit of fun.
You are Yorkshire born and bred, aren't you?
Don't be silly.
When was Yorkshire cricket just a bit of fun?
- (phone rings) - Exactly.
Here, here, here.
Down, down.
That's it - slowly, evenly.
Show the pitch you mean business, lads.
How's she feel? Going well?
- Splendid. - (dog barks)
Good lad, Bouncer!
Down and up, son.
Len Hutton would be proud of you.
(carhorn)
Good morning, Arnie.
Promises well for the match.
There is some rain about, but I think, with luck, it'll stay up the dale.
- It better had. - You'll be looking forward to it, Bouncer.
I was wondering if you might have a look at his feet?
Giving him a bit of gyp, they are. Not making as many catches as he should.
Is he? Well, we better have a look.
Got to get you fit for this afternoon.
- Sit. That's it. - Let's have a look.
I think, you know, all he needs is his nails cutting.
- They're very long. - You couldn't do them now, Mr Farnon?
Well, I tell you what, I really ought to get on.
Do you know, those black claws can be tricky.
It's very hard to see how far down the quick comes.
Why don't you nip him down the surgery? Mr Herriot will polish him off in no time.
- Farnon. - Ah, Colonel. It's a great day.
It certainly is.
- Working well, don't you think? - What?
The new roller. My gift to the club for the anniversary.
Wonderful, wonderful. It's the talk of Darrowby.
Well, I just felt we could hardly expect a county player to bowl on a pitch
that hadn't been properly rolled.
I doubt if Freddie Trueman will be that bothered.
He told me his dad used to knock lumps out of Maltby Colliery pitch
with a shovel and a garden roller.
- Did he? - He'll do great things for Yorkshire.
I told Len Hutton that a couple of years back.
Mind you, he didn't say much, just grinned.
We always have a laugh, Len and me, at Headingley in club house after.
You'll want your nails clipping. Come on, then. Bye, Mr Farnon.
Bye, Arnie.
- Sorry we shan't see you playing today. - Oh, well, Arnie, you know...
You must've played quite a bit in your time at college. Oxford or Cambridge?
Yes, I did my pre-clinical sciences at Cambridge.
- Well, they always had a strong side. - That was long years ago, Arnie.
Aye, but I reckon you showed them a thing or two.
Well, I suppose one had one's moments, yes.
And I reckon you could again.
Arnie, Mr Herriot has youth on his side.
Well, you know best, Mr Farnon.
Colonel. Come on.
Goodbye, Arnie.
Well, I hope our team will do rather better than Arnie Braithwaite's tall tales today.
I just hope his claims to be a lifelong chum
of most of the world's great cricketers aren't going to prove embarrassing.
I doubt that, Colonel. I doubt that very much.
I know he's not there yet, Mrs lbbitson, but he will be. You are on his list.
Yeah. Just excuse me a moment, will you?
James!
- (doorbell) - Yes. I'm so sorry about that.
No.
- Morning. - I've got this for Mr Farnon.
- Thanks very much. - Thank you.
Mrs lbbitson, I do know how valuable your pigs are, yes.
No. We will do our best. Mr Farnon...
He will be there, Mrs lbbitson, I can assure you. Yes.
Goodbye.
God, give me patience! Whose is that?
- Siegfried's, back from the cleaners. - Oh, to go with the Panama hat?
- Naturally. - Lovely.
What if they all die?
Oh, it's only the one fish, love.
- T'others are fine. - One's got spots. Mr Farnon will know.
Mr Farnon's too busy for goldfish, love. And your dad's got two good cows down.
He's bound to have some medicine for fish.
Be a good lad and run down and tell Mr Farnon Mrs Herriot's been on
and he's to add Mr Howarth, Addle Farm, to his list of visits.
- All right? - Aye, Mam.
Well, get on with you, then.
She's one of me best cows, Mr Farnon.
Oh, no need to worry about her. I've got something you can give her.
There you are. Instructions on the bottle.
And I'll drop by again on... Tuesday.
- All right for you? - Mm.
Just she's had too much fresh grass.
Keep her inside for a couple of days on nothing but hay.
She'll soon dry up.
- Mr Farnon. - Yeah?
Mam says Mrs Herriot rang. You're wanted at Mr Howarth's farm.
Oh, well. Everybody wants me out today.
Still, thank you, Colin.
Today's a day I don't mind shouldering the burden.
Got to have young Mr Herriot bright and fit for the match.
Aye, it's a long time since he put himself in the way of my bowling.
A long time.
He's looking forward to it, believe you me.
I don't know what strings t'colonel pulled to get Freddie Trueman.
He can't be as daft as he looks.
Maybe I put that a bit strong.
Can you make all animals better, Mr Farnon?
Well, Colin... I try my best.
What about fish?
Fish? Well, I have to tell you,
that fish don't figure very prominently in the work of the practice at the moment.
Get on with you, Colin. Mr Farnon's got a lot to do.
Ah, thank you.
Tell Mr Herriot I'm sorry he'll be playing for the losing side this afternoon.
I thought it was just a game, Brian?
I don't know where you heard that.
Thank you.
(hums)
(carhorn)
Mr Farnon's right. They are difficult to clip.
Aye. Bouncer will want to be on top form to take a catch off our Fred.
He's fastest bowler there is, or my name's not Arnie Braithwaite.
I've told Fred that, although he's not a man to need a lot of telling.
At least Bouncer will see the ball.
You'll do all right, Mr Herriot. Mr Farnon's got great faith in you.
- Has he? - Playing for Cambridge, he'd know a bit.
- He mentioned that, did he? - Not in so many words.
But he's not one to blow his own trumpet.
Come on, Bouncer. Don't be silly.
Mr Farnon, Arnie, is a man of many talents.
Len Hutton's borrowed this old bat of mine many times for a big innings.
- Reckon it brings him luck. - I hope there's some luck this afternoon.
That's what I mean. It's yours for today, Mr Herriot.
Thanks, but I don't think I'd do it justice.
- Nay, lad. - There you are, Bouncer.
Best fielder in county, aren't you, boy? Aye, that's right. Here, here.
You look at this, Mr Herriot. He's had whole Yorkshire team applauding for this.
I'm sorry about that. The ground's a bit small. I hope he hasn't done any damage.
It's all right, Arnie. Don't worry about it.
Come on, Bouncer.
Bye, Arnie.
- Don't forget about the bat. - No, no. I won't.
Come on. Bouncer. Bouncer, come on.
I won't keep you a moment, Mrs, um...
Colin? How on earth did you get here?
I thought... I thought I'd never... catch you.
What's wrong?
Never mind, James.
It's nothing an iron, a cloth, and my special touch can't sort out.
Sorry. Facing Freddie Trueman is one thing. Siegfried Farnon is another.
Well, I'll do it now, then.
You're enjoying the 50th anniversary of the cricket club. I'm so glad.
- Thank you. - (phone rings)
(both) I'll get it.
This white spot, it's not gonna kill all the fish, is it?
Oh, no, no.
We'll drop into the surgery when I've finished my rounds.
I'll give you something to put in the water,
afteryou've cleaned the tank again just to be on the safe side.
Right.
Meanwhile, we must let your mum and dad know where you are. It's important.
Since it's such a very busy morning, I could do with an assistant.
What do you say?
Yeah, well, it's definitely moss illness, Mr Howarth.
- That's what I thought. - Thank you, Colin.
Would you like to make her better?
- I know nowt about sheep, Mr Farnon. - I'll tell you what we'll do.
Put this coat on.
When you're into it, get out of my bag, if you will,
a brown bottle and a big old syringe you'll see there.
That's the one.
And the syringe. Careful of that.
Great.
Now, hop over, will you, Colin?
I'll tell you what we're gonna do...
When you've put that bottle back there...
I'm going to get this in the right position.
Like that.
While I hold it still, I want you to put that plunger down very steadily.
Perfect.
- It's empty, Mr Farnon. - That's exactly as it should be.
So you've got a very good, steady hand.
Now, all you've got to do is wait for a few moments and watch her.
- (Colin) ls she better now? - She's completely better, thanks to you.
- I like being your assistant, Mr Farnon. - I gather that.
Do you know what you and I have got to do now?
Smarten up and wash our hands.
Over you go.
"One of us has to play, James. The practice must be represented."
"Unfortunately, I don't know one end of a cricket bat from another."
Arnie thinks he's an ex-Cambridge Blue, hiding his light under a bushel.
- Or his Panama. - Exactly.
I'll be out for a duck and there'll be a very polite murmur of:
"Sporting of Farnon to let his partner play."
He is doing the rounds this morning.
He wants to make sure I'm not late for the match.
I think you're being a bit unfair.
Of course I'm being unfair. I feel positively peevish.
Still, at least his suit's all right.
- Oh, my God, Helen. My whites. - Yes. Forgotten by you, but not by me.
However, if you're going to start being unfair to me, as well...
I shall take my bat home.
So you see, Colin...
Thank you.
..variety's the essence of veterinary practice.
No two days are ever the same. No two hours are ever the same.
And no bill ever less than t'last one.
Ha ha.
Alec's talking rubbish. You wait.
Alec. It isn't about money, it's about a way of life.
More than a way of life. It's about a veneration of life.
I'll not ask for a translation, Mr Farnon,
but I wouldn't let it get out if you want accounts settling next week.
Colin knows what I mean, don't you, Colin?
Hello, old lady.
What can you smell, Colin?
- Nowt. - Course you can.
- Cow muck. - (chuckles)
Come here. Smell her breath.
- It's like pear drops. - Pear drops, exactly. Good man.
Very distinctive. Now, that's indicative always of a condition called acetonaemia.
In every case of acetonaemia, there is a shortage of a certain sugar
in the cow's liver, muscles, and blood.
And that sugar's called glycogen
and the condition of shortage we call hypoglycaemia.
- Heck. Can you cure her, though? - Aye, that's what I want to know.
Yes, I think so.
But we should remember acetonaemia can be a symptom of other conditions.
- What are they? - Well, that's rather more complex.
But normally they indicate a digestive ailment.
That's all we need to worry about in this case.
- How do you know? - Aye, how do you?
- I just do. - So what happens now?
Well, you see, when a cow needs a tremendous amount of energy,
Iike when she's calved and is producing the most milk,
sometimes the food she gets isn't enough sustenance to maintain her energy
so she starts using energy, that is sugars, from other parts of her body.
- How? - That would take a little time to explain.
I don't think Alec would like me wasting time.
Nay, you carry on. First time in years I've felt I'm really getting my money's worth.
All right.
(Siegfried) James.
Ah, Helen, my dear. You know Colin, don't you? Colin Appleby?
- Yes. Hello, Colin. - Hello, Mrs Herriot.
I just popped in to find the appropriate medicament for Colin's goldfish.
He's been a first-rate assistant today.
- Uh, is James about? - He's out, but there is a client waiting.
Good. It gives us a chance to do surgery work. We better find you a white coat.
Right. Ah, Helen.
James does know what time the match begins, doesn't he?
Yes. It's burnt into his brain, Siegfried. Don't worry.
All right.
White coat, yes.
- (man) Well? - (Siegfried) Very well.
He's very well indeed, Mr Wiggs.
I've come to find out what's wrong with him. I want my money's worth.
I'm sorry, but I've seldom seen a fitter ferret or a better-tempered one.
- What do you think, Colin? - Aye, he looks well enough.
You know something's up, Mr Farnon. You just said so.
I thought I just assured you your ferret was in excellent condition.
Nay, you told me you'd never seen a ferret with a better temper.
He's no good to me like that. Put him down rabbit hole,
he'll come back five minutes later with a daft grin on his face.
What's happened to his killer instinct? I mean, what's he thinking about?
Well, it's always hard to say with ferrets. You suspect a psychological disorder?
Eh? You what?
Halve his rations, at the very least. Or you could even starve him for a few days.
Aye, well, I don't usually feed him myself. Kids see to that.
Oh, I see.
I'm sorry to have to tell you that all the care and attention lavished on him
has turned your killer into a household pet.
Iron rations, Mr Wiggs. It's the only remedy.
Well, I'd not like to upset kids, though. They're right fond of him.
Then the only alternative is to abandon your ferret to ease and contentment.
That'll be half a crown, if you please, Mr Wiggs.
- 2s 6d. - Thank you, Mr Wiggs.
Being a vet can sometimes be quite fun, you know, Colin.
Now then... fish, fish, fish.
- Hello. - Ah, James.
- Hello, Colin. - Hello, Mr Herriot.
- We have a new partner. - Indeed, and a very enthusiastic one.
- I think you've done quite a bit, don't you? - Yes, Mr Farnon.
I never knew there was so much to vetting.
- It's all in the quality of the teaching. - I agree with you. You're absolutely right.
Siegfried, I saw Rachel Taylor up on Lake Fell, leading Sally.
Ah, lovely foal.
She told me how well Maggie's doing.
Ah.
Didn't seem to quite tie in with what we talked about the other night.
I thought you weren't very hopeful.
Well, I haven't said as much to Rachel yet.
Damn. If ever I wanted an animal to mend, it's Maggie. She means a lot to Rachel.
- And Rachel's always meant a lot to you. - Sure.
Well, does Rachel believe what she says?
Um...
Now, then, Colin. What you do is...
- That's right. Lead her on, now. - You like this, don't you?
- Hold there. Hold still, now. - Can I give her sugar?
- I'll give you that. Encourage her, now. - There's some sugar.
I have to take young Colin home, so I thought I'd stop by and see how she was.
She's sweated up, isn't she? And she's in some distress, eh, Bob?
- Yes, l... - Not for the first time, hm?
- Well... - You're not very forthcoming, you know.
Rachel's avoiding me or the chance of any serious conversation with me.
- Siegfried... - I've got to talk to her.
What I'll do is drop Colin off at Ash Farm and then I'll come back.
Is that all right? All right?
Colin!
Maggie should be better now, though.
Yes, it's all taking rather longer than I'd hoped.
What happened to her?
Well, she cut her leg very badly on a jagged edge of corrugated iron,
you know, after a fall, and she severely injured her tendon right there.
She was a real mess. I operated on her with Mr Herriot.
And I had hoped...
Well, anyway, we've done all we can.
I don't think we need worry too much about these fish of yours.
Tell you what I'll do, I'll pop in and check them over when l...
Just two drops like that, you see?
..when I come and see your dad's cattle on Thursday... Tuesday.
Thank you. And thanks for taking me round.
That's all right.
- Hello, Mr Farnon. - Hello, Brian.
- I hope he hasn't been a nuisance. - Far from it.
He's been a first-rate assistant.
- Reckon you might make a vet of him? - It's on the cards. See you at the match.
You will that. And so will Mr Herriot.
- Uh-huh. Goodbye. - Bye.
(Brian) See you. Bye.
- Helen. - I'm just going to the post to take...
- (giggles) - Ha ha. What have you done with these?
- I haven't done anything to them. - I can't get... See, they won't...
Yes. It's not the trousers, it's you. You've put on weight since you last wore them.
- I have not. - And you're just as vain about it as ever.
- That's unfair. - But true.
There you are.
Don't worry. They'll give.
It's taking too long.
We all knew it would take time.
We should've seen a lot more improvement by now.
You said you were getting impatient, and you are.
It doesn't matter how slowly it happens. All that matters is Maggie is getting better.
- Rachel, I don't believe that she is. - Siegfried...
It's not easy to say this. I think I should've faced it before.
Now you have to face it, too.
I'm not giving up on her like that. Why are you? I don't understand.
We knew Maggie would be restricted in what she could do after the operation.
We believed we could save her, but we did, at the same time, talk about the risks.
We talked about the possibility that things might not work out.
- That hasn't happened. - I know how much she means to you.
It's not working out.
She's still strong. She's still got the will to get better, I know that.
I've fought for her just as you have. She's not mending as she should.
- That leg is deteriorating. - That's not true.
I think you know that it is true and that's why you're avoiding me now
because you don't want to hear me say it.
Maggie and I have been together since I was 14.
I can't let her down.
Do you know, sometimes letting go is the only way to help.
You can't explain her pain to her.
It's not gonna be very long before she won't be able to use that leg at all.
See?
That's what a horse is all about.
Rachel, Maggie is suffering and it can only get worse.
There's really nothing else that I can do.
You're wrong, Siegfried.
I just know you're completely wrong.
Oh, Maggie.
Poor Rachel.
Siegfried's been avoiding the truth as much as she has.
He didn't say very much when he came back.
I think Rachel's determined to look the other way.
They're inseparable. Maggie even took Rachel to her wedding.
Do you remember? ln that old trap, covered with white lilies and freesias.
If there was any more we could do...
Oh.
Very smart.
Oh, thank you, Helen. Can't let the side down.
There's nothing like a linen suit that's been cleaned and pressed professionally.
Ah, James, actually, I'm in need of a little moral support.
The deadly Colonel Jenkins has just dropped in. I wonder if you could...
He is, after all, your captain, not mine.
I'll catch up with him at the match, Siegfried.
I was hoping for something a little more imminent, James.
- All right. - You're a brick.
(Siegfried) Now, Colonel...
- Come on, then. - No, no, darling. I'm sorry.
My duties are done. The colonel's all yours.
I want today to go well, damn well.
Aha. Hello, Herriot.
- Afternoon, Colonel. - All fit for the gentlemen's side, then?
- As I'll ever be. - I think everyone's looking forward to it.
Some a little more than others, I think.
Now, now, none of your false modesty. Have a glass of sherry.
- No, not for me. - Should be a good turnout.
Absolutely. All of Darrowby in its Sunday best.
I even sent Arnie Braithwaite's collie to James to have his claws clipped.
Arnie's absolutely convinced his dog's going to make the catch of the day.
If Bouncer can bat as well as he can field, he can have my place.
I don't mind a joke of course, but I do hope Arnie knows where to draw the line.
- What do you mean? - We all listen to his nonsense.
I suppose it's harmless, but we hardly want him talking with Fred Trueman
about all his chums at Headingley and fish-and-chip suppers with Len Hutton.
It doesn't reflect well on the club.
He's just looking forward to the match like everybody else.
Foolishness is one thing on a day that doesn't matter, but on a day like today...
I think you've got it out of proportion.
I don't want the day spoilt for the club or for the village.
Well, I'm perfectly sure it won't be.
The idea that Arnie could spoil anything, it's...
Well, it's...
"Preposterous" is the word you're struggling for, James.
- Have another glass of sherry, Colonel. - No, thanks. I have to meet Mr Trueman.
Herriot, see you at the ground.
Don't trouble yourself, Farnon.
Oh, dear.
The only thing that worries me is Arnie may be made to look foolish.
He was telling me how well he knew the Yorkshire team, including Fred Trueman.
Perhaps he does, James. If he doesn't, let's pray they don't meet.
Hm.
That was last test match at Headingley last year.
Denis Compton asked me into club house for a spot of lunch.
Always says I make him laugh, especially when things are not going well.
Been lending Len Hutton your boots again?
- Now, then, Alec. - Hello, Alec.
- Have you met our Fred yet? - I have. Nice chap.
Aye, he's a grand lad.
- And fast. - Yes, so I've heard.
- Don't look so worried, James. - Ah, it shows, does it?
I missed that hat trick of his at Trent Bridge last year,
but I told him about mine.
It were when our battalion were playing gunners.
Our bowling were being knocked about all over.
The major chucked the ball to me and said, "Things are looking bad."
I went in - three wickets straight off.
Then gunners' scores started mounting again and I were called back.
Damn it if same thing didn't happen.
- Another hat trick? - Aye. I've never done it before or since.
I told Freddie that and he said, "That's the difference between me and thee, Arnie."
"I'll do it again and again."
And some.
(Colonel Jenkins) Well...
Iadies and gentlemen...
we are all looking forward to a magnificent game
in this Darrowby cricket club 50th anniversary match,
especially some good bowling.
And good bowling should inspire the batsmen and the fielders.
Nevertheless, I don't quite expect the likes of the game
that Arnie Braithwaite is reputed to have played
on the Russian front in 1915,
when the Russians fired 20 cricket balls from a cannon
and Arnie caught every one.
(laughter)
- Well, the village has won the toss... - That was hardly necessary.
- ..and has elected to bat. - Thank you.
Can I ask you all to give a round of applause for our guest?
I'm sure we're going to see him capped for England next season.
Mr Fred Trueman.
Hello, Colin.
- Mr Farnon, Mr Farnon. - Yes?
- Maggie's worse. - Oh, Lord.
Can you and Mr Taylor go to Grange Farm right away?
Yes, of course. Thank you very much. Here, have that.
(applause)
Siegfried.
Have two.
- Thank you. - Good luck.
You were right, Siegfried. I have known for weeks.
I'm sorry. I'm sorry - what I said earlier.
Don't say anything, lovey. Do you want to...?
No.
I've said goodbye.
Yours, Herriot!
- (man) This end, James! - Come on, bowler's end, James.
That end.
Over.
- We'll declare at that. - All right, sir.
(man) Well done.
- Well stopped, Herriot. - Painfully stopped.
That's the spirit.
I'd have gone on, I must say.
Declaring at 150...
- (laughs) Risky. - They're trying to make a match of it.
We don't stand a chance, with or without Fred Trueman.
You underestimate yourself.
Not where cricket's concerned I don't, Colonel.
March on, Herriot.
- Are you all right? - I wouldn't mind sitting down.
- Come on, then. - Thanks.
- Mind you, there's one consolation. - What's that?
It's the first time you've forgotten how tight your trousers are.
- I'll get you a cup of tea. - Thank you.
Come on, Bode.
Well done you, Colin.
Well, Mr Farnon, how's Maggie?
I'll tell you all about her another time, Colin.
It's good to see you, Mr Trueman. Are you enjoying yourself?
Yes, it's a bit of fun.
We're looking forward to your bowling. None more so than Colonel Jenkins.
Oh?
I realise it might be your inclination to pull your punches on an occasion like this,
but the colonel would be disappointed not to receive a few really fast balls.
Jolly good luck.
- I'll be all right. - Don't be silly.
- I'm not being silly. - Go on, then. Stand up.
Hm. Swollen, isn't it?
Colonel's got no twelfth man now Rob Taylor's not come back.
- You can bat with a runner, Mr Herriot. - Bat? He can hardly stand up.
I best get t'colonel, then.
James, I am sorry you took a knock on that last ball,
especially after that excellent tactical fielding of yours.
- What do you mean by that? - Not many balls reached the boundary.
Never mind. Your innings next.
- I don't think so, Siegfried. - What?
That ball's done a bit more damage than I thought.
Come on, James. The practice must be represented on the field of honour.
- You can't allow a little knock to... - "A little knock"?
Oh, Siegfried, I can see James is in a lot of pain.
- What's all this, Herriot? - I'm sorry, Colonel.
It's my ankle. I can hardly stand on the damn thing.
- But we've no twelfth man. - Aye, but Mr Farnon's here.
Yeah, you said, "Us vets should be playing." There's your answer.
Uh...
- I'm hardly... - You've your whites on and all.
But cricket's not really my game, you know.
My idea of a fast bowler is a man who can get the ball near my bat.
But everybody knows you were quite a cricketer when you were at Cambridge.
No, Arnie. No...
All sounds like the perfect solution to me.
Welcome aboard, Farnon.
Oh, that were a bit fast.
It's a bit unfair on t'colonel.
I'll have a word with Fred about that. He's showing off.
Reckon you'll get one like that?
Give this to my family.
Bad luck, Colonel.
I know how you feel about fast balls, and I'll not disappoint you.
God.
(man) Bravo!
Bravo!
Catch it!
- Well done. - You were marvellous.
- I knew you could do it, Mr Farnon. - It were a great six, Mr Farnon.
Short but sweet. That was a damn fine catch.
Unlucky, though, just as I was settling in.
Ah.
- Well done. - Thank you.
Come on, Bodie.
I'm gonna have words with our Fred. That were hard ball he gave you.
And why not?
In fact, why don't we go and say hello to your old friend Freddie right now?
- (Siegfried) Well, Arnie... - Mr Trueman.
I've brought an old friend over to see you.
Arnie.
And Bouncer. Len Hutton told me this was your neck of the woods.
Hello, Fred.
- We'll be seeing you at Headingley? - Aye, course.
I'll have a surprise for you there. I'm playing in the first test against lndia.
- Say, Freddie, well done. Congratulations. - Thanks, lads.
Selectors beat you to it by a year.
- How's the fielding then, lad? - I've put him in for a Yorkshire trial.
Come on, Arnie. I'll buy you a pint.
I saw Denis Compton the other day. He said, "If you see Arnie..."
- We're off home now, Mr Farnon. - Are you, Colin?
Thank you for all your help. I'd never have got through my rounds without you.
It was smashing. I can't remember the last time I had such a great day.
Good. You can always come with me again.
Perhaps today gave you something to think about in the way of a career.
- It did that. I know what I want to be now. - Oh, good.
It's a long road, Colin. If ever you think I can be of any help, just let me know.
The most important thing for you now is your school work.
Concentrate on really good exam results.
You'll have to get excellent... What do you call them now?
..O levels and A levels.
- It's daunting, I know. - I'll not need exams.
Colin, my dear man, to be a veterinary surgeon...
I don't want to be a veterinary surgeon. I wanna be a cricketer like Fred Trueman.
- Play for Yorkshire and England. - Ah.
Well, you know...
if you think of that six,
it may well be that I took the wrong turn myself.