- Radio Times
- Review by:
- Alison Graham
It looks like tuberculosis, the deadly, highly infectious scourge of poor populations everywhere, has come to Poplar. Nice Dr Turner fears an epidemic and demands that the stuffed shirt jobsworths who control the health service purse strings send the mobile x-ray van to east London for a mass screening.
But it’s sweet Sister Bernadette (Laura Main) who stirs their hearts with an ardent speech. We know that she and Dr Turner (Stephen McGann) are in the throes of a wordless forbidden passion, but when Bernadette does a good deed, it’s Dr Turner who has to help her deal with the unforeseen consequences.
It’s an episode that will leave you soaked in your own tears as you negotiate life’s pitfalls not only with Bernadette but also with an ailing, crusty old man and his estranged, pregnant daughter. There are some killingly sad scenes, so buckle up.
About this programme
6/8. With the advent of a mass X-ray programme to diagnose tuberculosis early, Dr Turner is determined that Poplar will no longer live under the threat of the disease. Meanwhile, Jenny's district nursing rounds lead her to the Mastersons, who suffered devastating misfortune from TB, and she works to reconcile the dying father with his only remaining daughter Julia. Having succeeded in securing a visit from a screening van, Dr Turner and the midwives endure a busy day, but little can prepare them for what the results will mean for one of their own. Guest starring Karl Johnson (Lark Rise to Candleford).
Cast and crew
Cast
- Jenny Lee
- Jessica Raine
- Sister Julienne
- Jenny Agutter
- Sister Evangelina
- Pam Ferris
- Sister Monica Joan
- Judy Parfitt
- Trixie Franklin
- Helen George
- Cynthia Miller
- Bryony Hannah
- Sister Bernadette
- Laura Main
- Dr Turner
- Stephen McGann
- Fred
- Cliff Parisi
- Jane Sutton
- Dorothy Atkinson
- Julia Masterson
- Lisa Diveney
- Mr Masterson
- Karl Johnson
- Mrs Flynn
- Hermione Gulliford
- Mrs Tate
- Raewyn Lippert
- Terry Ashwell
- Craige Els
- Mr Quine
- Tristram Wymark
- Pregnant woman 1
- Julia Riley
- Pregnant woman 2
- Laura Dalgleish
- Dr McGuinness
- Robin Cameron
- Mother
- Emma Garrett
- Small girl
- Trixiebelle Harrowell
- Voice of mature Jenny
- Vanessa Redgrave
Crew
- Director
- China Moo-Young
- Producer
- Hugh Warren
- Writer
- Jess Williams
- Share this episode
-