MAY 1965
PRODUCTION INFORMATION Produced by: ATV NETWORK at the Alpha Studios, Birmingham.
Cast and story information from ITC Entertainment Programme Synopsis: Crossroads Episodes January-December 1965, TV World/TV Times/ TV listings. Producer: ERIC FAWCETT Created by: HAZEL ADAIR AND PETER LING Directors: ALAN COLEMAN, TIM JONES, JACK BARTON Written by: KENNETH HILL (week 27), PETER LING & HAZEL ADAIR (week 28), IVOR JAY (week 29), TERENCE DICKS & MILES RUDGE (week 30). Theme Tune: TONY HATCH Other Crew: Designers: REX SPENCER and ELIZABETH DORRITY, Floor Managers: PETER HARRIS and LIZ STERN, Production Manager: MARGARET FRENCH |
CAST LIST – MAY
|
EPISODES
EPISODE 131: May 3rd: Carlos is furious that anyone would dare sack his wife, who had been working at an all-girls school until he turned up and was caught canoodling in the office with Josefina when he shouldn’t have been. Listening to it all kicking off in the kitchen Sandy suggests he calm down as he ‘can’t understand the gibberish’ Carlos is speaking and that ‘All I ever learnt was Latin, and that never made any sense’.
Sam is talking to Dick about the petrol station idea, he says he’s come to a dead-end with the petrol companies – unaware Meg has been advised by Hugh to contact them herself – they won’t invest with someone who has no collateral and no business experience. Dick suggests Meg maybe should apply, but Sam isn’t keen on his idea being ‘run by someone else’.
In the kitchen, Meg is getting an explanation about ‘that “ditch” at the school’ Miss Henderson who has sacked Josefina, but Carlos is still making little sense. Josefina explains. Meg says she can stay with Carlos until something else is arranged. Carlos says he’s too depressed to work until Josefina gets him into action, Meg notes Josefina has a way of getting Carlos to work that no one else manages.
In the motel laundry, Marilyn is washing, but not motel clothes – she’s doing the band’s outfits for Georgie Saint and the Dragons, at the polite request of her boyfriend Benny. She says he cornered her about it when she was tipsy and of course, agreed, otherwise she never would have. Christine finds the frilly shirts rather amusing. But advises that she better not let Meg see she’s using company soap powder and electricity on personal items.
Having watched Carlos and Josefina working together, Meg has come to a decision to offer Josefina a job in the kitchen at the motel, now Philip has left there are funds available for a new member of staff, although what she’ll do for a handyman is something for another day to worry about. Josefina, who had been working as a cook at the girls school, accepts the work.
In The Crown Dick and Gordon with the landlord, Harry, are talking when Gordon reveals someone has smashed all the windows at Hugh Mortimer’s offices. It seems he’s made himself an enemy with someone.
“Somebody went down there over the weekend and broke every window in the place. This wasn’t just a wanton act of hooliganism, this was a bit of organised butchery on somebody’s part – with Hugh Mortimer playing the side of beef” – Gordon Amos.
Episode status: Wiped/Missing
EPISODE 132: May 4th: At the Jarvis’ George and Dick are talking, with the former noting his impending departure for London will see him miss Heathbury and the people, especially Kitty and Dick who have been so kind to him. Dick says he’s happy that things are on the up for George and a new start might be just the thing he needs to help beat his alcohol addiction. That reminds George to thank Robert at Alcoholics Anonymous for all his support.
In the kitchen Marilyn is giving Josefina the run down of what a typical day at the motel is like for her, and depending on the shift what it will involve. Josefina asks what a ‘tea break’ is. Marilyn notes that ‘it’s an essential part of British Industry’. Meg suggests that she should go to see Miss Henderson at the school and sort out the situation as while Meg is happy to employ Josefina, Miss Henderson has to agree to transfer the work permit otherwise Joefina will be sent back to Spain.
While Meg is in Malvern Sandy back at the motel is greeted by Hugh Mortimer, who feels its time they should get to know each other better, Sandy really sees ‘no need’. Hugh takes out his pen to write a note and Sandy is rather impressed ‘it’s one of those pens that write in four colours isn’t it?’ Hugh shows him how it works by pushing each side. He gives Sandy the pen saying he bought a box of them in Switzerland. Sandy is slightly less frosty towards Hugh for the first time.
Meg and Miss Henderson have a chat. She says as she’s responsible for Josefina, she wants to be sure she will be moving to a respectable place. Meg suggests she can come and inspect the motel before reassigning her work permit if she would care to. She says that isn’t necessary as Meg has convinced her The Crossroads is a very smart motel.
Miss Henderson: “I’m sorry I had to dismiss the woman, in a way – she was an excellent cook – but you can see I had no alternative. The welfare of the girls comes first and there are certain things I won’t tolerate.”
Meg: “Like a husband and wife kissing….”
Miss Hendson: [Smiles, wagging her finger]”Now it wasn’t like that at all, and you know it. First of all, they were embracing all over my settee – in my private study. And secondly the next day the woman was very rude to me”
Meg: “And maybe you were rude to her too?
Miss Henderson: “Mrs Richardson, you seem to be missing the point. I didn’t sack her for being rude. I sacked her for being a liar. Josefina is a chronic, compulsive liar!”
Episode status: Wiped/Missing
EPISODE 133: May 5th: In the study of headmistress Miss Henderson at the girl’s school Meg is being informed how Josefina is a congenital liar. Henderson goes on to tell Meg that she had to sack her as the welfare of 300 girls takes priority. She goes on to say that Josefina probably means no harm with her tales, but enough is enough. She has already told several girls at the school she is in line for the Spanish throne.
George strikes a pottery deal with Mr Dawson, who decides they should celebrate in The Crown. George reluctantly agrees.
Despite being slightly wary of Josefina’s keenness to exaggerate, Meg still agrees to hire her and signs the paperwork with Miss Henderson for her to take on her visa responsibilities.
Marilyn is trying to get through the final batch of Benny Wilmott’s washing, which she’s doing in the motel laundry, without Meg knowing ‘I’ve got to get through three shirts before Mrs Richardson gets back. She’ll go screaming bonkers if she sees me doing them’ she observes to Carlos. Meg arrives back and looks in to see what’s going on; Marilyn says she’s washing some pillowcases. ‘Ah yes, the frilly ones. Odd, I thought I’d thrown all of those away…’ Meg notes.
Later Meg gives Josefina and Carlos the good news that the forms are signed and just need to be posted. She also tells Marilyn, who is now ironing the ‘secret shirts’, that one of the pillowcases still has a creased collar.
At the pub, George has managed to only have tomato juice, but Mr Dawson thinks he should ‘have a mans drink’ and orders two whiskeys. Luckily, knowing his concerns landlord Harry gives George ‘one with ginger in it’ which really contains no booze at all. George is relieved.
The following morning Sam visits Meg and shows her the rejection letter from the petrol company. She says he must be very disappointed. He broaches the subject of Meg applying instead of him. She asks if that is what he really wants, it was supposed to be his business, just on land she would rent to him. Sam says if he waits for that to happen it will never happen.
“There’s no other filling station within miles, and being right against the motel – well, they’ll help each other, wont’ they? The motel will bring service to the station and the filling station will bring custom to the motel” – Sam Redway.
Meg agrees to make the application, but she will own the petrol station outright and Sam can be the manager. Sam looks beaten. She says that as she knows nothing of such business he would be free to run it without interference. Sam is then left to think about it ‘I’d be working for someone else, and a woman too’.
Gordon catches Hugh at the car hire office and probes him about the recently deliberate attack on the offices of Mortimer Investments. Hugh says, like everyone else who has asked about it – he has ‘no comment’. Gordon, once Hugh has left, tells Dick that there is definitely a story for The Clarion about Mortimer and his enemy.
Episode status: Wiped/Missing
EPISODE 134: May 6th: In Thursday’s visit to the Crossroads Motel Meg has a letter from Jill and some mail for Philip, which leaves Christine looking miserable. Meg asks where Marilyn is, ‘Ironing bedsheets’ Christine notes, Meg hopes this time they are bedsheets and not half the costumes for Georgie Saint and the Dragons.
Over in Heathbury Dick and Brian are making their own breakfast with Ruth out early shopping. They both manage to make a mess of things when tidying up, with crumbs dropped all over the floor and the crockery broken when it falls off the draining board, both have a go at each other for their incompetence. When calmed Brian suggests they decorate Ruth’s room next week while she’s on holiday visiting relatives in London, to show she’s appreciated for running the shop and home while Kitty is away.
Vi and Les Blundell yesterday celebrated 30 years of marriage. Vi is showing off her new scarf, but her chatter about happy marriages leaves Christine desperate to leave the room ‘It’s one thing to talk about happiness and have it Mrs Blundell, it’s another thing to find it!’ She says storming out.
At the car hire office Sam and Dick are talking about Meg’s business proposal, Sam isn’t keen to work ‘for a woman’. Dick points out that Meg is a good businesswoman and as he’d still, even as a manager, make a good wage he should take her up on the offer.
Cy and Benny are left ‘speechless’ when a ‘new look’ Marilyn appears at the motel bar wearing tight leather trousers, high boots and a leopard skin blouse, and large earrings. Meg and Christine try to put a positive spin on things ‘she looks very… striking’ Meg ponders. Benny isn’t impressed. ‘You ain’t singing with us dressed like a tart’. Cy suggests that dressed like that it’ll distract people from her singing. She says she’ll change her outfit if it helps her become a star.
“I just wish Mr Mortimer would leave me alone. It’s as if… as if he’s trying to be all fatherly with me? I’ve got a father of my own” – Sandy
Meg has read Jill’s letter from London and asks Sandy to chat with her in her office. He assumes it must be serious if it’s in his mother’s office. She asks what has he been saying in his letters to his sister about Hugh Mortimer. She says Jill appears to have a terrible impression of him. They discuss the negative comments he’s written to Jill and while Meg says no one will ever replace his dad, Charles has been deceased a long time now, would it be so bad if she married Hugh? Sandy is outraged that Meg would even consider ‘marrying HIM!’.
Episode status: Wiped/Missing
EPISODE 135: May 7th: Sandy can’t believe what he is hearing, his mother wants to marry ‘old man Mortimer’. Meg says that the description of Hugh isn’t very nice. She says he hasn’t asked yet, but in passing he did discuss it when she visited his country house recently. She asks Sandy if he’d be unhappy if Hugh became her husband. He doesn’t respond. She then surprises him by saying if he really hates Hugh then of course she wouldn’t marry him – but she’d rather find out why Sandy has such a distaste for him.
At the car hire office, Sam tries to woo Janice out of Brian’s arms following the pair having yet another disagreement. She arranges to meet him outside The Odeon Cinema in Birmingham at half past seven. ‘Don’t be late’ he tells her ‘or I’ll assume you’ve gone out with the boss’s son’.
In the motel kitchen, Vi tells Christine she’s just missed Ralph Palmer, who is back on the Kings Oak round. She says he asked after her. Christine is not so happy to hear his name. ‘Just when I was getting settled, he has to come back’.
At Birmingham New Street Brian, Ruth and Dick have accompanied George to the station to say goodbye as he embarks on a sober life in London.
At the motel Meg and Hugh are having coffee in the foyer when Sandy comes in, as usual, Hugh begins to make small talk but this time Sandy is in no mood for it.
Sandy: “I take after my father.”
Hugh: “Well, your father’s not alive anymore…”
Sandy: “You’re right Mr Mortimer, if my father was alive a few things would be different around here… we wouldn’t be seeing you every other day, would we?”
Meg: “Sandy!!”
Sandy: “Oh no, if he was alive you’d soon get the boot behind you. And I’ll tell you something else an all, you’re not sneaking in here now he’s gone. Not likely you aren’t.”
Meg slaps Sandy, he rushes out of the room. She then blames Hugh for treating him like a child that this has happened. Hugh leaves angry, he walks to his car outside the motel to find his Jaguar has been scratched all down the side.
Episode status: Wiped/Missing
EPISODE 136: May 10th: Meg is checking in Mr and Mrs Hawkins from Aberdeen when Hugh Mortimer storms back into the motel demanding to speak to her. She asks him to wait until she’s finished with the guests
In The Crown Dick and Gordon are discussing Hugh Mortimer’s recent office vandalisation. The Clarion newspaper isn’t getting anywhere with Hugh refusing to speak about it, and his staff told him not to talk. Gordon has a new line of enquiry, he’s going to speak to the police – off the record of course. Dick is curious to whom Mortimer has upset so much they’d go to such trouble.
At the bar, Hugh shows Meg the penknife that was on the driveway next to his car. She assumes it’s Sandy’s and asks why he’s got it. Hugh says Sandy has scratched up his Jag. Meg says she doesn’t believe it, Sandy wouldn’t do such a thing. When Meg refuses to get Sandy to face some questions Hugh storms out.
Marilyn hands in her notice as she’s now touring with Georgie Saint and the Dragons in Midlands clubs, they will be heading south next week for some London gigs. Christine has seen Philip on her way to work, she was left upset by the sighting. Luckily he didn’t see her in the village. She gets sympathy from Carlos.
“I’ve been trying to put him out of my mind, you see. Not to think about him at all. But suddenly it has brought it all back.” – Christine
Gordon visits Heathbury Police Station and speaks with Sgt Williams about the issues concerning Hugh Mortimer. Williams says he can’t give any information to him, but they have a number of lines of investigation currently ongoing and they are focused on a person, which he can’t name. When Williams’ pen splatters over his notes he goes to get a fresh pad, throwing the inky page in the bin, which while he’s gone Gordon retrieves and puts in his pocket.
Brian isn’t happy to discover Janice has been on a date with Sam. ‘You stood me up and went out with another man – but you didn’t enjoy it so you’ve come round to say sorry.’ She turns it onto Brian saying he’s been ‘offhand’ with her lately
From a payphone Gordon calls his boss, the Editor of The Clarion in Castlwich – Mr Greaves – and tells him he has a name for the Mortimer vandal. Joe Meredith. When Greaves says he knows of him, and there is a previous story Gordon’s face reacts.
Episode status: Wiped/Missing
EPISODE 137: May 11th: With Ruth on holiday the Jarvis’ home, in the back of the shop, is looking rather messy. Amy decides to tidy it for them, having said she’d promised Ruth she’d not let things get untidy. Dick is pleased, he’s made a right mess trying to clean up and burnt his breakfast.
Josefina has gone to post a present for Carlos’ mother, who is having her birthday next week, but has been gone far longer than she should. Meg expects its nothing to worry about, she is probably talking to postmistress Mrs Hodges and has lost track of time she suggests.
Marilyn pops in to see Christine to tell her how the gig went in Solihull last night. ‘The Beatles better watch out?’ Christine jokes. She says the crowd went wild for the band, but she wasn’t able to perform as Benny forgot to bring her musical notes.
Sam pops into the motel to accept Meg’s offer as manager of the yet-to-be-built Crossroads Petrol Station. He suggests they get the application off to petrol company GoCol immediately. Sam is taken aback when Meg says she’s already applied – last week.
Josefina eventually arrives back at the motel and says she was delayed due to an elephant. She said all the villagers were out on the green looking at it. She ran and hid in the Chemist’s shop. Carlos questions if it was really an elephant, she says maybe its escaped from a circus or zoo? She rushed back once some people moved it on. Meg – recalling what Miss Henderson said about Josefina’s vivid imagination – doesn’t take any notice of the story.
“‘I’m not accusing her of anything, I’m just saying why make up a story about an elephant just because she was a little late returning from the post office?” – Meg
Later when talking to Carlos she tells him how Miss Henderson had said Josefina exaggerates and lies. He is furious. Just then Vi Blundell comes into the kitchen, apologising for being late, but the elephant in the village had delayed her. Vi explains it was a promotion for the circus that is coming to Kings Oak this weekend.
In his apartment Hugh Mortimer hears the sound of shattering glass. Viewers are shown a street and his car with its windscreen smashed.
Episode status: Wiped/Missing
EPISODE 138: May 12th: Mid-week at the Jarvis’ shop and it’s early closing, and just as Amy is about to lock up Mrs Mears bursts in, indignant. She asks where her Silhouette magazine is, she has it every Wednesday without fail. Amy checks and says all the papers went out, as usual, that morning. Mrs Mears then pulls out a ‘filthy’ magazine and asks why she’s been issued such a sordid thing as ‘Weightlifters Weekly’. Amy asks if she ordered it, she gets a sharp retort. Amy then realises the papers have been mixed up. Ron Birtwhistle, interested in keep-fit has obviously her magazine, and she’s got his.
Mrs Mears goes on to discuss how she must complain about these so-called body-building photos, especially the ones on pages eight, nine and twenty-two.
Mrs Mears: “I call it indecent”
Amy Turtle: “I call it amazing!”
Mrs Mears “Pardon?!”
Amy Turtle: “It’s amazing how much detail you can recall from just a quick glance.”
Hugh visits Meg at the motel and apologises for his behaviour on Friday, he now realises that Sandy wasn’t behind his car damage and someone has had another go at it outside his apartment. Later he’s having a drink with Meg ‘You only have sherry in the evening, right?’ showing he’s got to know her habits well. All is going well until Gordon turns up and asks him about Joe Meredith, and does he know Joe is out of prison? ‘Joe is a man who wants to see me in hell’ observes Hugh.
Episode status: Wiped/Missing
EPISODE 139: May 13th: Meg asks who Joe Meredith is, Hugh says its not a name he’s heard for a long time. Gordon hints that Joe might be the person responsible for the recent attacks. Hugh says there is no evidence of that, and won’t comment further. Once Gordon has gone he explains to Meg who Joe is.
Hugh is explaining that Joe was once an acquaintance in the business sense and a local councillor. It turned out he was mixed up in shady dealing. Using his authority as a councillor, having undue influence. Eventually, the police charged him with fraud and he was found guilty*** Despite Hugh having nothing to do with Joe’s downfall, he has taken a dislike to Mortimer’s successful empire believing somehow Hugh did help bring him down.
Carlos and Meg are cleaning up in the kitchen and discuss Sandy’s dislike of Hugh. Carlos says that his father died when he was very young and anyone trying to replace him was difficult. Sandy is having these same feelings. At the Jarvis’ Dick and Brian are painting Ruth’s room as a surprise for when she returns.
At the shop Amy is trying to hire a new paperboy, one who doesn’t mix up ladies’ lifestyle magazines with bodybuilder ones. A 15-year-old called Glyn pops in about the job. Amy says she’ll pass his details on to Mr Jarvis.
Gordon goes to see Mrs Elgin, who is described as ‘drab, lower middle-class’ and ‘whose personality is reflected in the drabness of her front room’. She is the sister of Joe Meredith, who she tells Gordon has asked not to be disturbed by anyone. George suggests it’s urgent and won’t take long. She goes to fetch Joe, who is described as ‘a shabby middle-aged man with a miserable outlook. His face is thin and tired.’ Joe isn’t interested in talking to anyone from the press – until Gordon mentions Hugh Mortimer. He’s then curious as to what The Clarion want.
“You can go back to Hugh Mortimer, and tell him – understand – I’ll get him if it’s the last thing I do.” – Joe Meredith
Episode status: Wiped/Missing
EPISODE 140: May 14th: Joe denies smashing Hugh’s office windows, and claims not to know anything about the damage to the car. He says that’s all ‘kids’ stuff’, when he strikes it will be a winning hit. Gordon tries to find out what Hugh has done to Joe that makes him hate the man so much. He isn’t giving anything away, and there is nothing from the trial that implicates Hugh in any involvement in Joe’s downfall – which involved him being found guilty of abusing his position as a councillor – to land a building contract for his father-in-law’s business. A company that Joe also had shares in.
Hugh pops in to see Meg; says he fancies a change. How about a daytime visit to The Regal Cinema next Wednesday. Meg thinks it’s a darling of an idea. Hugh however won’t stay this evening as his housekeeper is having a day off and he doesn’t want to leave his penthouse empty past darkness after all the ‘incidents’ recently.
Following another gig where Marilyn didn’t get to sing she returns to the motel to ask for her old job back, but mid-asking she gets a proposition from Benny. A proper contract and lots of promises of fame, eventually, and off she goes again…
A dark shadow is seen hanging around the fire exit of Mortimer’s block of flats. Someone climbs up the fire escape stairs and when they reach the top begin to make an attempt to get into Hugh’s apartment. Later Hugh returns home to find his penthouse smashed up, but he’s not alone. The masked figure attempts an escape, but Hugh rugby tackles him to the floor.
Episode status: Wiped/Missing
EPISODE 141: May 17th: Hugh is holding onto a young man, demanding to know what the hell he’s playing at. He asks if he is the same thug that broke his windows, scratched his car and then threw a brick into the windscreen. The young lad says nothing. Hugh blocks his exit and on the way picks up the phone. He dials the police, and just as Hugh does, Glyn states coldly ‘You killed my mother!’
Ruth is back from her holiday visiting relatives in London and is thrilled with her redecorated room at the Jarvis’. At the motel, however, Christine is raging mad. The guest in Chalet 4 tried to kiss her when she took him his breakfast tray.
Hugh has put the phone down, as Glyn continues that his mother was ill, and then after ‘what you did to my father, she died. You killed her’. He realises it’s Meredith’s son. He retorts that the only person who killed his mother was Joe. Glyn jumps up and lunges at Hugh who pushes him onto the sofa and tells the ‘young hooligan’ to ‘sit down and be quiet’. Do you want the police or your Aunt? Hugh asks, Glyn responds with Field End, 4001. Hugh begins to dial.
Carlos has a touch of jealousy when he catches Josefina and Sam having a giggle at the bar. ‘He glares in fury then storms back into the kitchen’.
Hugh hands over Glyn to Mrs Elgin, but is surprised by her rude attitude. She says she knows all about him and Hugh should just be grateful things aren’t worse. He says if anything happens again it will be the police next time.
Episode status: Wiped/Missing
EPISODE 142: May 18th: Christine and Josefina wind up Carlos about his jealousy over Sam. Christine asks if Sam was attractive to which Josefina gushes, and says he thought she was pretty too. Carlos reacts by butchering a carrot with a large knife.
Dick tells Janice how Ruth loves her redecorated room, and Janice isn’t that bothered. Although she is curious as to why Brian decided to give Ruth such a nice surprise. Sam Redway comes into the office as Dick heads home. He says he’s come to read Doctor Redway’s Casebook, his work schedule for the rest of the week. He tries to tempt her on another date – and despite her issues with Brian, she declines. She has other plans.
Vi has ended up working late and Les, her husband, is not happy. He heads to the motel to find out why she’s delayed – he wants his supper. After a lot of chauvinist chatter, Josefina and Christine offer him supper in the motel kitchen, to shush his ranting.
“I am entitled to hot supper. I’m ‘er husband, an’ entitled… She agreed to ‘onour and obey. That’s a fact ‘en it? It’s black and white you might say, when you get married that includes hot suppers!” – Les Blundell
Gordon Amos has heard a rumour from a chap at the town hall that Hugh Mortimer is going to stand as a politician in the Overbridge ward. There is going to be a by-election due to the current councillor retiring due to ill health. Dick says he’s pleased for Hugh, Gordon is anything but.
“I’m a big bundle of prejudices. I’m against fleas in my bed, cruelty to children, wife-beating, water in my beer and Hugh Mortimer” – Gordon Amos
Brian and Ruth are, after the success of the bedroom, going to redecorate the Jarvis’ front room. The doorbell rings, and to their surprise, Janice asks to come in. She’d heard from Dick about the renovation work and has decided to offer her assistance. Brian has been trying to make amends to Ruth following his rudeness previously, but it is now Janice that is feeling left out.
The conversation between Ruth and Brian is that of theatre and the arts ‘playwrights with minds, Pinter, Osborne, Rudkin’ Janice can only contribute that she enjoyed a farce on TV last night, where people’s trousers kept falling down. After putting up with Brian’s snobbery Janice runs out. Ruth notes that Brian can’t have studied at Winchester as they have a motto ‘Manners maketh the man!” and leaves Brian to decorate alone.
Episode status: Wiped/Missing
EPISODE 143: May 19th: Sam is becoming impatient at the lack of progress with GoCol and the planning office on the plans for the new motel petrol station ‘The time this is taking petrol will be old-fashioned. All atomic energy it’ll be by then.’
Josefina overhears half of Sam and Meg’s conversation in the foyer and tells Carlos he must be nice to Sam, not to be jealous because soon Sam will be working at the motel. Mrs Richardson is opening an atomic car hire.
Joe is trying to get through to Hugh on the phone but his secretary says he’s not in the office. Joe says to Mrs Elgin, his sister, that Mortimer will pay for the death of his wife Doris, one way or another. She says he’s all talk and little action.
Meg has popped out Josefina finds a Mr Wright from the council making notes, he asks to speak to Mrs Richardson, but as she’s out Josefina asks if she can help. She tells him about Mrs Richardson’s plans for massive expansion, big car hire. He says they seem to have got her application wrong, he thought she just wanted a small petrol station.
Hugh is entertaining Meg at his refurbished penthouse while his housekeeper Mrs Howard attends to their needs. She asks Hugh if it is true that he is going into politics. He says rumours travel fast but notes ‘I intend to try and get on the council, but it is not true that I am going into politics.’ He says that he is also not joining any party and will stand as an independent.
Episode status: Wiped/Missing
EPISODE 144: May 20th: Joe has burst into Hugh’s apartment to confront him, spurred on by his sister’s mocking his lack of action. Meg says she’ll call the police, but Hugh says to wait. He asks Joe what he wants, help Joe replies. Hugh isn’t in for any humouring and a back-and-forth of insults ensues. Hugh says he’ll see Joe Friday morning in more civil arrangements and will think about ‘this help’ he wants to discuss. Meg has seen Hugh in a new shady light and doesn’t know what to think.
At the car hire office Janice and Sam are chatting, still reeling from being mocked by Brian last night she accepts Sam’s offer of a fresh start, and a new night out.
Meg and Hugh are having morning coffee in the motel foyer he is slightly concerned that Meg hasn’t asked about Joe and his rude interruption to their evening. She responds by saying ‘it isn’t any of her business’.
“Indifference. There’s nothing quite so provocative in a woman as indifference. It makes a man want to get her curious, involve her” – Hugh Mortimer
Hugh explains that a few years ago Joe was on the side of a company that Mortimer Investments was in competition with, and he won. Joe and his associates went bankrupt, and now he blames Hugh personally and thinks he’ owed a living.
Dick is concerned the scheduled call from Kitty in Australia hasn’t come through. When he goes to the phone to check with the operator there isn’t any issues, he finds the phone dead.
Episode status: Wiped/Missing
EPISODE 145: May 21st: Dick has waited up most of the early hours waiting for a call from Kitty in Australia to find out how the operation on their daughter Lesley has gone. She was recently diagnosed with a heart complaint, Mitral Stenosis. He’s now very tired and annoyed to discover the phone isn’t working. Brian goes to report the problem, and when he returns he says it’s an area fault. Ruth says Kitty will keep trying until she gets through
Hugh meets with Joe to see what he has been desperate to see him about. Joe says he asked for help, and that help is business. Hugh says he has a job going as a clerk and its fifteen quid a week. Joe is angry. He wants in, he says he’s owed a more substantial role. Hugh laughs.
Joe: “Would it help if I told you what to do with that Job? It’s rather vulgar I’m afraid…”
Hugh: “All right Meredith, now before I throw you out I want to tell you something. I wouldn’t trust you with a rag-and-bone business. You haven’t got a name in any business anymore. Now you want to be a parasite – not on my back. You’re not sucking my blood, now get out!”
Joe: “You owe me something, and I’m not leaving until I get it”
Hugh: “Why don’t you face a few facts? Stop kidding yourself that you’re a big businessman who’s had a bit of bad luck. You were small time Meredith, you’ve always been small time. I’m offering you a job, and there’s a desk that goes with it. You can sit behind it and pretend that you’re a top executive at fifteen quid a week. Maybe it’ll give you a little self-respect. But it is all you are getting, take it – or leave it.”
Joe observes that Hugh doesn’t change, Hugh disagrees noting he ‘gets tougher’. ‘What kind of swine are you?’ asks Joe, Hugh retorts that he really doesn’t want to try and find out.
Kitty finally gets through to the Jarvis’. She says Lesley’s operation went well, but it will be another two months of recovery, and she intends to stay with her. Dick agrees that she must.
At the motel, Mr Wright from the council has returned and this time gets to speak to Meg. He says the council are likely to turn down her plans, as they didn’t realise it was a massive car hire and petrol pump business she intended. Meg is rather confused.
Mr Wright explains that he’d spoken to Mrs Richardson’s member of staff who appeared to know all the details, describing her it doesn’t take Meg long to realise who. She says its clearly a misunderstanding and that The Crossroads is wanting to build and operate a petrol station. Mr Wright says in that case the permission is highly likely to be approved.
Furious Meg enters the kitchen ‘She’s a menace, she’s a tittle-tattle! She’s a dangerous gossip.’ Josefina enters. Meg asks her where she got the idea for this car hire expansion from? Josefina says she heard Sam talking about it. ‘A few words here and there and put together into a fabricated story’. Meg says she must stop with the enhanced stories
At the shop Amy is being told by Mrs Mears, who has heard from Vi Blundell, that the motel is opening a car hire company. Later Amy mentions it to Dick, who is none too pleased. In The Crown Gordon is greeted by Joe who says he has a story about Hugh Mortimer he might be interested in.
Episode status: Wiped/Missing
EPISODE 146: May 24th: Gordon Amos is talking to Joe Meredith about Hugh Mortimer. Joe says he wasn’t going to tell his story, but seen as Mortimer is going to stand as a councillor the public should know what kind of man he really is. Joe explains that four years ago he was a schoolteacher in Mosely. His wife Doris became seriously ill and the only real help for her was in Switzerland.
A teacher’s wage wasn’t enough to fund that, he explains, and he had also been doing private tuitions in the evenings. One of his students was Tony Mortimer – Hugh’s son ‘not particularly bright’ and having met his father a few times and knowing how well-off he was Joe asked Hugh for advice to make some extra money.
Hugh said he’d send someone around to see him if he came up with any ideas. A few days later Fred Ackroyd, a local builder, came to speak with Joe. But Fred wasn’t into loans, he told Joe that Westlake Property Company had promised him a lot of contract work if they got permission for a town centre development scheme, which as a councillor Joe could urge to be approved.
He was given a cheque for five-hundred pounds with more promised if the development went ahead. ‘Only rich men can have morals Mr Amos’. Joe’s downfall came when another councillor wondered how Joe could afford to suddenly be able to send his wife to Switzerland. Joe switching his views to support Westlake Property Company raised further suspicions and the police were informed.
Joe says during the trial Mortimer, having won the contract for the town centre, pretended to know nothing of the scam and even took the stand against Meredith. ‘It was his evidence for the prosecution where he said I’d asked to borrow money from him which helped to convict me’.
At the motel Sam and Janice have ended up in the restaurant with Brian and Ruth, who were on separate dates, however not realising Meg has given them a table for four. Sam is discussing the new petrol station that will be built where the apple trees currently reside, ‘four pumps and possibly a small shop selling mainly car accessories’. Sam also boasts, much to Brian’s annoyance, that he aims to expand with a full garage in the future.
Sandy is doing his French homework, his worst subject at school Carlos and Christine are trying to help but he says saying it is okay, its the writing of it that he finds the trickiest. At the shop Amy is flicking through the magazines before she heads off to see her niece Sheila, she takes and pays for one ‘The Model Home’ which shows French style is all the rage. Later Glyn pops back in and speaks to Ruth again about the paper round job. He says he wants to do both – morning and afternoon. Ruth says that it is too much for one person. He says he want’s to do it. She asks again if he’s asked his parents if its alright, he says yes it’s fine. Ruth suggests a trial period to see if he likes it and can cope with both shifts.
“I’m afraid you’ll have to prove all this Joe, if Mortimer was found to be innocent three years ago, after a police investigation into his company affairs then you can’t start on the matter without evidence or you’ll just get yourself into more trouble. It was after all Ackroyd who gave you the bribe” – Gordon Amos
Joe is very agitated that Gordon can’t print his story without some evidence to back it up. ‘Oh he’s clever I’ll give him that, never does the dirty work himself’. Gordon says the paper won’t print it unless he can bring something to prove the link between Mortimer and Ackroyd – and the bribe.
Episode status: Wiped/Missing
EPISODE 147: May 25th: In The Crown Gordon is talking to Dick and landlord Harry about the story Joe has provided him with about Hugh Mortimer and his sly dealings. He wants to publish it, but has to find a way to do it. He says its all the more a sordid story as Joe’s wife Doris died while he was in jail.
“Mortimer’s role in the scandal was rather like that of ‘the Serpent in the Garden of Eden’. Except unlike the Serpent – Mortimer got off scot free” – Gordon Amos
Walking down a country lane, Christine is enjoying an afternoon off with Mark her toddler son. All is going well until a wheel falls off her pram and rolls away. Later, Christine is seen trying to fix the wheel back on herself, then a van pulls up When she turns around she sees Ralph Palmer and his milk cart, he asks her if he can assist.
At The Clarion office Editor of the paper Alan Greaves is telling Gordon several reasons why they can’t possibly publish the story on Joe Meredith versus Hugh Mortimer. ‘Look Gordon, most of the men in Winston Green Jail will tell you they don’t belong there, its someone else’s fault’. Alan notes that ‘if there was one tangible piece of proof we’d run it’.
At the car hire office Janice and Sam are talking about the disastrous dinner at the motel when they ended up sharing a table with Brian and Ruth. Sam says it would have been great if miserable Brian hadn’t been there. Janice says she feels sorry for Brian, she says he looked very unhappy.
Episode status: Wiped/Missing
EPISODE 148: May 26th: Christine and Ralph are at the side of the country road that links the hamlet of Burbank (where the motel is located) and the village of Kings Oak. Christine is having problems getting a wheel back onto her pram. Ralph assists her. The conversation, once the pram is fixed, turns to Winnie – Ralphs sister who caused Christine nuisance and hate calls sometime earlier – he says she’s getting much better in the home where they’re treating her mental problems.
At the Jarvis’ Janice pops in to apologise to Brian for the rudeness the other evening at the motel. She bought him a yellow shirt, which she gives as a making-up gift. While he doesn’t really like it, he realises it’s expensive and pretends he loves it and gives Janice a kiss, things are looking a bit more positive between the pair.
Josefina checks in husband and wife Mr and Mrs Robinson who are staying briefly while their three-year-old son is in hospital. Sandy is thrilled with them ‘They are American, they’ve tipped me a couple of bob’ after he helped them with their cases. Josefina isn’t so sure ‘there is something about Mrs Robinson I do not trust’. Sandy says she should be kind their son is in the Albert Memorial ill, Josefina says Mr Robinson said the child was in the Queen Elizabeth hospital!
Ruth has to broach an issue with Glyn (Joe’s son, not that she is aware yet), there have been complaints about his paper delivery, some have not been put through the letterbox and were left soaked in the rain yesterday. He takes her concerns surprisingly well and promises he’ll make sure they’re completely through the letterbox in future. Brian tells Ruth he’s popping into Birmingham to exchange a shirt.
At the motel reception, Vi Blundell is moaning about the village butchers, it’s gone down hill with ‘scraggy pork chops’ Josefina is distracted watching the Robinson’s leave for ‘the hospital’.
“I cannot explain but I do not believe they have a child in the hospital. I have the feeling, you know?” – Josefina
Dick is looking for new drivers, since Ken Church suddenly quit he’s been short staffed. Sam suggests Stirling Moss hasn’t been busy lately. Dick suggests only sensible suggestions are required.
Les Blundell visits Vi at the motel and says he has news from Tomlin Farm where he works, the owner has bought another farm near Amsden village and wants Les to run Tomlin for him. Les says if he accepts they’ll have to move into the farmhouse and Vi would have to give up working at the motel to become a housekeeper and help feed the animals. Vi isn’t so keen.
Episode status: Wiped/Missing
EPISODE 149: May 27th: In the motel kitchen, Vi is giving Les her views on his suggestion she quit the motel. She reminds him she’s been with Mrs Richardson for fifteen years since Sandy was born, as a housekeeper in the old house and through the B&B and now the motel. She’s part of the furniture.
Gordon is talking to Dick and Harry in The Crown, he says his expose of Hugh Mortimer might get published if he makes it more balanced so he has to find a positive counterbalance for Hugh. That might be a struggle. Gordon moves onto the vandalism and says he doesn’t think it was Joe, it is more likely it is his son Glyn. Dick doesn’t associate the name with his new paperboy at the shop.
Josefina checks-out Mr and Mrs Robinson, she asks how the child is doing, Mrs Robinson looks to her husband to answer, he says ‘improving’. He then asks to book the room again for the same two nights next week. Later she tells Carlos the Robinson couple are ‘up to something’. He tells her she must stop these wild imaginations.
At the shop Dick is helping Ruth reach some stock stored high up, so he’s braved using the ladder, while there he asks how the paperboy is doing, Ruth says young Meredith is doing well. Dick then realises the name. He tells Ruth his father has been to prison and the son likely is responsible for Mr Mortimer’s recent vandalism issues. He tells Ruth she’ll have to end his trial period immediately.
Vi and Christine are talking in the kitchen about Les’ promotion. Vi notes that she doesn’t work at the motel for the money, its to get out and meet people. She says Les just doesn’t understand that.
“It wasn’t that I didn’t like the shirt, it was – well – it just doesn’t go with anything I have, you see. So – I hope you don’t mind – but I’ve exchanged it for another one… I never wear yellow, and to tell the truth, it looked a bit old-fashioned. All right for dad…” – Brian
Janice is furious with Brian for exchanging her gift of a bright yellow shirt, which Brian has insulted its colour, its age range and thus her fashion sense. ‘Twenty minutes it took me to choose it!’ So annoyed she tells Brian it was the last insult and they are finished – it’s over.
Episode status: Wiped/Missing
EPISODE 150: May 28th: The final visit to Kings Oak of the week starts where we left off with Brian and Janice. She throws her engagement ring at him and says it’s over, for good. He suggests a temporary parting to see how things are in a month, she says no, and walks out the Jarvis’ parlour and it appears out of Brian’s life.
Ralph delivers the milk to the motel kitchen and speaks with Christine, he asks if they are still friends despite what happened with his sister. Christine says of course they’re still friends. Carlos suggests they all go to the concert at Brenton Park on Sunday, and bring Mark. Ralph says he’d love to but he’s busy but they must do something soon. Christine is quietly disappointed.
Glyn has returned from doing the paper round, Ruth has dropped a batch of magazines, he helps her clean up but is suddenly in a rush to leave when she mentions the place needs to be tidy, Mr Jarvis is getting an important visit from Mr Mortimer. When Dick arrives she mentions this and says well it certainly confirms Glyn’s dislike of Mortimer. He still thinks she should let Glyn go, but as she has urged to wait a little while to see how things go its on her head.
At The Clarion newspaper Editor, Alan Greaves tells Gordon Amos that if he can get Hugh Mortimer to do his side of the story, then they might be able to publish some of Joe Meredith’s concerns.
In the kitchen Christine gets a surprise visit from Winnie Palmer. “I hear you’ve been seeing my Ralph again?!” she asks.
Episode status: Wiped/Missing
The edition for Monday, May 31st 1965 can be seen in June’s storylines.
NOTES OF INTEREST
Episode 131 is the first appearance of the not often seen laundry room at the motel, which is next to the kitchen.
Some of the ATV synopsis for April had the spelling of Sam Readway, May it is now entirely Sam Redway. Due to the footage no longer surviving it is unclear if the April screenings also had him as Redway.
Episode 136 features scenes recorded on telecine at the real exterior of ‘The Crossroads Motel’ which was shot at Walford Hall in Shropshire [Hugh and his car] and also outside Birmingham New Street station [George’s farewell]. In 136 a brand is mentioned when Sam and Janice make a date to meet at ‘The Odeon Cinema’.
Episode 137, the first appearance of Hugh Mortimer’s penthouse flat. Also, more telecine footage was recorded in Birmingham of the outside of Hugh’s apartment ‘shot from high up’ showing the windscreen smashed. This edition is also the first mention of the GoCol Company, which would be the brand used at the Crossroads Petrol Station until its closure in 1985.
Episode 147 has two scenes recorded on telecine on a ‘country lane near Baschurch’.
From episode 150 there are no more ‘swipes’ between scenes (as seen in surviving 126) more traditional format fades/cuts are now used entirely.
***Episode 139 contains comments about a local councillor going to prison for fraud. This caused ructions at Birmingham City Council who were not impressed about the plot. ATV responded that the person in question was fictional and from the fictional Heathbury council.
With thanks to Richard Danes for additional TV Times cast/writer credits missing from the ITC Storyline Guide/TV World script details. Synopsis written by Mike Garrett for The Crossroads Years.
 |
 |
One thought on “”
Comments are closed.