Original subtitles

[theme music]

[indistinct chatter]

[panting]

[dog barks]

Malcolm.

Morning, James.

-There you are. -Thanks.

-Morning, James. -Morning.

[panting]

[sighs heavily]

-[door opens] -[man] I'm home.

[door closes]

[woman] All that money on veterinary college.

It's all these trucks and motor cars now.

No one needs vets any more.

Thanks, Mother.

-Ach, something will come along. -What if it doesn't?

-I'll go, Dad. -No, son, you sit and eat your breakfast.

Your father's had a word.

I don't want to work on the docks.

You should be thanking your lucky stars.

Men are queuing on the streets, begging for work.

I know it can't go on forever.

It's good to dream.

But it's also good to wake up again and see the world as it truly is.

Postman missed one.

You know your father wanted to be a professional musician.

His bread and butter was the cinema,

then the talkies come along and then it's all up the swanny.

I don't mean to be cruel.

We're just worried, love.

I got an interview.

You did?

[Mother] You didn't?!

Darrowby. Yorkshire?

[train whistle toots]

What if it's like the others,

no job at the end of it?

They're not going to have me go all the way to Yorkshire for no reason!

There was no mention of a wage in that letter either.

He is better off on the docks and that's all I'll say about it.

Best get a move on if you're going to catch it.

[train guard shouts indistinctly]

All stations to York, platform 9!

-[dog barks] -Just don't be disappointed

if there's not a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

Bye, Don. You be good.

I'll probably be home tomorrow anyway.

Hold up. You're wonky.

[guard] All aboard!

You know I only took that job on the docks to see us through the lean times.

You've got a dream.

You've got to chase it.

Thanks, Dad.

Cheese and pickle? Here's your ticket.

Now get on before you miss it!

[whistle blows]

[whistle blows]

-[whistle blows] -Bye, Mother.

Good luck, son.

[train whistle toots]

[locomotive chugs]

You got a bit of grit in your eye?

Oh, I hope to God he gets it.

[train whistle toots]

[inspirational music]

[Yorkshire man] Waste of bloody time!

You won't learn owt in there you can't learn out there.

For Darrowby.

What was that?

-Did he say Darrowby? -Aye, Darrowby.

-Oh! -Jenny!

Sit yourself down. Don't push past!

Sorry. Little terror always wants to go at the back.

Oh, Meccano!

-I think you dropped this. -Thanks.

I like building bridges the best. [laughs]

-Thank you. -On or off?

Er, I'm getting off. Thanks.

[horse's hooves clip-clopping]

Excuse me.

This is Darrowby, isn't it?

Darrowby? Nay, you want bus for Darrowby.

The bus "for" Darrowby.

You don't half talk funny.

When's the next one?

I need to be in Darrowby before four.

No more buses till tonight.

[thunder rumbles]

[bell rings]

[dog barks]

-Oh... Hello. -Mr Herriot?

-Yes. Sorry I'm late. -I'd almost given up on you.

I'm Mrs Hall. I keep house for Mr Farnon.

Ooh! Do take care of my Saint Nick.

What happened to you? You're drenched.

I missed the bus. I got off the bus.

[dog barks]

Hello! Hi!

Oh, she likes you. That's a good start.

Jess is suspicious of most men. Rightly so, too.

-[Jess barks] -You can wait in 'ere.

I'll make some tea and fetch Mr Farnon.

[door closes]

[Mr Farnon] Mrs Hall! Where is the blasted thing?

One moment.

Pencil.

Pencil, pencil, quickly now. We haven't got all day.

Thank you.

One down, God knows how many to go.

-I'm sorry, who are you? -Ah!

I see you've met already.

This is Mr Herriot.

Yes, of course.

And why are you here exactly?

I... You invited me, Mr Farnon.

-Did I? -Mm-hm.

For the assistant job.

Excuse us a moment.

We agreed there'd be no more.

He's travelled all the way from Glasgow.

I don't give a damn how far he's come. He can just go back again!

[Mrs Hall] Well, you can tell him that then.

-Is he even qualified? -Nine months ago.

-What's his name? -James Herriot.

Give the boy a chance.

Mr Herriot, I'm Farnon. Siegfried. Don't ask.

I'm James. Thank you for this opportunity.

Yes, well, let's see how we rub along first, shall we?

-Jacket? -You're wearing it.

-Job list? -Pocket.

Will you not stop for tea?

I don't care how he takes his Darjeeling.

I want to know he's up to the work.

Come along, Herriot, don't just stand there.

Are we not... I thought this would be an interview.

I've got my references from the principal of Glasgow Veterinary College.

No, I'm not interested in a lot of flannel! Let's get cracking.

-Till tonight, Mrs Hall! -Good luck.

Grab that.

Cat.

In the box, the box, man!

-[cat meows] -Dispensary.

Oh, emasculator.

That's the burdizzo.

Enough to bring tears to your eyes.

Come on.

This is Mrs Hall's domain. Cooks a mean black pudding.

Makes it herself, you know. Place looks like an abattoir afterwards.

[cat meows]

This is the animal shed.

You'll take care of feeding them morning and night.

If successful, of course.

[cat meows]

Good. Shut the door.

Our practice covers most of the Northern Dales.

Swaledale, Wensleydale, so you'll need your own car.

-Beauty, isn't she? -Stunning.

We keep this spare for the assistant.

Good little runner.

Aye, she looks... grand.

Right, let's see what you're made of, shall we?

[engine vibrates]

Best foot forward.

[engine revs]

[inspirational music]

[sheep bleating]

[Farnon] Halt!

[farmer whistles to sheep dog]

[farmer] Walk on.

That'll do.

Farnon.

The majority of our work comes from the smallholdings.

We do get the occasional small animal.

Cats, dogs...

Look at that!

Shorthorn cow. You see?

-[cow moos] -[Farnon] Gorgeous beast.

Dying out now, of course.

Friesians give so much more milk.

As much as eight quarts per day.

And you think that's a good thing, do you?

If a farmer can get more milk for the same amount of effort,

-I suppose it is. -You suppose?

-I mean-- -But at what cost?

This place has a character all of its own. The shorthorns are a part of that.

With them gone, the Dales lose a little more of what makes them so special.

[Farnon] So where did it all start for you,

wanting to be a vet?

There was a small city farm at the back of my school.

-Mm-hm. -It was like having part of the country in the city.

I developed a real love for the animals there.

Ah, well, you see...

the animals are the easy part.

It's the people cause all the bother.

[horse whinnies]

-How do, Mr Farnon? -How do you do, Mr Sharpe?

-This is Herriot. New assistant, possibly. -Oh, aye.

Another one.

He had me worried. I thought the bank were coming for me.

-[laughs] -What seems to be the trouble?

I've got a gelding gone wrong in hoof.

Well, we certainly don't want that.

-Is he foreign? -I'm from Glasgow.

Scotland.

-It's that dark one over there. -Yes.

-Well... which foot is it? -Well, I'd need to see him walk.

You dealt with many horses before?

Yes, lots, at veterinary college.

What about in't real world?

This'll be my first.

Hold your coat for you?

From the way he's holding his head,

I'd say it was the offside fore.

Good.

Right, let's have a look at this hoof.

[horse whinnies]

[horse whinnies]

[he groans]

I'm sorry, young man, I ought to have told you.

It's a very friendly horse.

He always likes to shake hands.

[Herriot] No, no.

I'd like to continue.

-[horse whinnies] -Aw! Oh!

[panting]

[Herriot] Easy, boy, easy.

[Sharpe] Steady down, boy, steady down.

That's it. You carry on, young man.

Knife, please.

Thanks.

[horse snorts]

-Looks like pus in the foot. -Oh?

-[horse whinnies] -Easy!

Oh! Got it!

Wait.

Now to disinfect the wound.

A touch of iodine.

A dash of turpentine.

[Sharpe] By God, Mr Farnon!

It's wonderful what science can do these days.

What shall we say to that, ten bob?

Aye, aye.

[horse whinnies gently]

[Farnon whistles]

Let's go back a different way.

Over the Brenkstone Pass and down Sildale. I'd like you to see it.

I've never used iodine in that way before. Is it a new remedy?

Oh, it has no practical purpose whatsoever.

But it never fails to impress.

Makes them feel they're getting their money's worth.

Time to earn your wings.

[Herriot] I didn't expect it to be so beautiful.

[Farnon] One of the wildest spots in England.

It's a fearsome place in winter, I tell you.

-Marvellous. -You won't be saying that when the snow's eight foot deep.

I've known this pass to be blocked for weeks on end.

I'll be sure to keep a shovel with me.

That's Hodden Hill ahead.

You need to keep your speed up or you won't make it up the other side.

[squeaking]

The brakes don't work!

Oh, that happens from time to time.

They're consistently inconsistent.

-How am I supposed to slow down? -Why would you want to?

We want to go faster, Herriot, not slower, faster!

Have faith in yourself! Keep your foot on it!

I can't...

[wheels skidding]

Oh...

Oh, dear. Shall I get out and push?

[church bell rings]

Oh! You're back.

-Good day? -It's not over yet.

[bicycle bell rings]

[Sharpe] He was lying on the ground covered in muck and I says to him,

"He always likes to shake hands!"

Farnon.

-How do, Mr Farnon? -Evening, Nick.

Two ales, please, Jim.

You found your way all right then, lad?

I did, thank you.

'Ere, Farnon, lady of the house wants to know, what's to do with this cat of hers?

Ask her to come into the surgery tomorrow to pick him up.

Oh, and I've got a sow I want to talk to you about.

Yes, yes, Henry, just give me a moment to wet my whistle.

[the men laugh and chatter]

Your very good health.

Now...

about this sow of mine.

Seven piglets, all good and healthy,

but the runt of litter, he's not getting a look in, poor sod.

Ah, well, now that's a very common problem.

And one which will have to wait.

If I allow them to think I'm at their beck and call, it would never stop.

'Ere, Farnon.

Got an heifer going on three cylinders.

Wants seeing to.

Yes, Mr Handshaw. I'll be out first thing tomorrow morning.

No matter then. I'll go see George Pandhi.

He's always happy to come out, see us animals.

Well, that's certainly your prerogative.

He's a perfectly... adequate substitute.

Yeah.

-Hold on, Dennis. -'Ere, what about my pigs?

Um, perhaps you could direct your questions to my new assistant.

Your assistant? You mean, I've got the job?

How does four quid a week and full board sound?

Oh, it sounds...great! I mean, thank you.

-Trial period only, mind you. -Of course.

These gentlemen will look after you.

You all right finding your own way home?

Good!

Now, let's us have us another

and then we'll get to this pig of mine.

They've got your brew on tonight, haven't they, Sharpe?

Oh, aye. Puts hairs on your chest.

If you're up to it. Not like that gnat's piss.

I shouldn't really. I want a clear head tomorrow.

Probably for the best. It's a drink for Yorkshiremen, in't it?

Aye. Aye, not for city folk.

Ach, where's the harm in one.

[laughter]

[banging]

[rattling]

[door opens]

[rattling]

[banging]

[rattling]

Mr Herriot, what an earth are you doing?

[slurred] Feeding the cats.

I got the job!

-How much did you have? -Only two.

Mr Sharpe was kind enough to let me sample his home brew.

[sighs]

On your feet.

If Mr Farnon wakes up and catches you in this state,

you'll be out on your ear. Now, put them back.

Quickly!

[cat meows]

[jazz music plays]

No sign of Rip Van Winkle?

I expect he's tired from all that travelling yesterday.

[groans]

Morning, Mrs Hall, Mr Farnon.

[Mrs Hall] Morning, James.

-Hope you slept comfortably. -Very much so.

Thank you.

Stayed on at the Drovers last night?

Only for a couple. Get to know the locals, you know.

And did you?

-Did I what? -Get to know them?

-Who? -The locals.

The locals?

Oh, yes! Yes, I was... Well, I did. I think.

-Sorry, what was the question? -Poor boy's barely woken up.

Coffee?

Oh, I don't usually actually t... [coughs]

Something the matter?

Uh, no. No, it looks...

Well, there's just so much of it.

It's not the mountain we conquer but ourselves.

What's this about Henry's pig?

-Henry's... -Mr Dinsdale. You spoke with him last night.

Ah, yes.

Yes. He has a pig that...

Well, it's a little confusing actually.

He had a pig that was...

Really, James, these people are our valued customers.

-If you can't remember... -Perhaps the inquisition can wait

until after Mr Herriot's finished his breakfast.

The runt!

I advised him to remove the others

to give the little one a chance and if that didn't work, then...

bottle feeding would be the only way.

Well, we best be getting on. We've got a full list.

Got to see the Aldersons. Calf trouble.

Just try and make it through the day.

What an earth are doing?! You missed the turning!

You said you were going to tell me when it was coming up.

I just did! Weren't you listening?

But...

Yes, Mr Farnon.

Sorry.

There.

[horn honks]

-Just enjoying the view. -See if you can find Alderson. I'll follow.

[dog barks in the distance]

Hello?

[chickens clucking]

Hello!

[dog barks]

[donkey brays loudly]

Mr Alderson?

Mr Alderson?

[chickens clucking]

[loud mooing]

Oh,God!

[loud mooing]

Good boy.

[bull snorts]

Good lad.

Bugger this!

[loud mooing]

Get!

Oh!

Hold this one for me.

Thanks.

Come here, you.

[chicken clucking]

Come here.

[loud mooing]

That's it.

Thanks.

[chicken clucking]

Just don't look him in the eye.

[bull snorts]

[loud mooing]

That's them sorted. Sorry about Clive.

He's a miserable devil at the best of times.

-Who's Clive? -This one.

Need a hand down?

Uh, no. I can manage.

I'm Helen.

Uh, Herriot. James...Herriot.

Mr Farnon's new assistant.

Oh! Another one.

Calf's in the top field.

[sheep bleating]

Jenny! Get yourself up to the house.

Your homework needs doing.

I swear she's like a sheep dog but with half the sense.

My mother used to despair at my mucking about with animals.

-Still does. -She's my sister!

-How old is she now? -Twelve.

I swear I've aged two for every one of hers.

I'm sure she'll appreciate everything you've done when she's older.

We can live in hope, can't we, Siegfried?

Your father faring well?

He never stops, much as I want him to.

[James] That's good. Keep hold of the neck, please.

Good girl. Now, settle down.

He's here to look after you.

Clean fracture of the metacarpal bone.

But there's very little displacement.

And what do you suggest we do about it?

It should do well with a plaster cast, I think.

-You think? -No, I know.

You're not going to use a splint?

The plaster cast should be sufficient to hold it in alignment.

-Should? -It...it will be.

Very good, carry on.

[low mooing]

Don't worry.

We're here now.

We're going to look after her.

Got her leg?

Yes.

[low mooing]

I'll be back to see you soon. To...see the calf.

And to remove the cast from its leg.

In a couple of months. Weeks!

-[horn honks] -I'd better go.

-It was nice meeting you. -You too. Wait, James.

Siegfried's bark really is worse than his bite.

He's been very kind to us.

Underneath it all, he's a good man.

[horn honks loudly]

Stand up to him. He'll love you for it.

Chop, chop.

-Mrs Dinsdale? -Yes.

-You're for Jasper? -Mm-hm.

If you'd like to wait in here, I'll fetch your cat.

Could you grab Leo for me while you're at it?

[cats meowing]

Okay, Leo.

And Jasper.

[dog yaps]

[cat meows]

Oh, Herriot, thank you.

Here we go.

-What's the operation? -Oh, a simple castration. Nothing major.

What's that then?

Jasper. Your cat.

-No, it isn't. -Are you sure?

You think I wouldn't know my own cat?

Sorry, Mrs Hall, would you mind?

-James? -It's the wrong cat.

I don't understand. It said Jasper on the cage.

I know it did so how can it be?

Maybe because you came home soused last night.

I put them back in the wrong cages.

Please don't say anything!

[telephone rings]

[Mrs Hall] Darrowby 2297.

[dog yaps]

I'll have someone call you later today.

Apologies for the delay, Mrs Dinsdale.

Now, the good news. Jasper's mange has cleared up

and you can take him home today. The bad news.

It'll be half a crown.

-That's not my cat neither. -You're sure?

Am I sure? It's the wrong colour for starters!

And what would be the right colour?

He's a ginger.

-Oh, God! -[cat meows]

-[James] Sorry... -[Mrs Hall] James, slow down. Take a deep breath.

-[knocking on door] -Stop! That's the wrong cat.

-What are talking about? This is the cat you gave me. -It's Jasper.

-I asked for Leo! -I thought he was.

My cat!

You've killed him!

-He's not dead. -Merely chloroformed.

Mrs Dinsdale, perhaps you could wait in the hall.

You've drugged him, my baby! You've drugged my cat!

For the love of God, will someone tell me what the hell is going on?!

-It was my fault. -More than likely, I should say!

It were just a simple administrative error.

I put them back in the wrong cages.

Oh, really, Herriot! How could you make such a fundamental mistake?

Cos he was bloody pie-eyed, I shouldn't imagine.

Well, that's how my Henry tells it.

What?! You were drunk?

Looks like it's you and me in the doghouse, Jess.

[clock strikes]

What's wrong? Why can't I have that?

Because it's not one word and it's spelt differently.

Yes, yes, apart from that?

You know he were only feeding the cats because he wanted to do a good job.

It was a silly mistake.

These people trust us with their animals.

For the farmers, it's their livelihood.

I can't afford a repeat of what happened today.

So you propose to keep running this place by yourself?

I've managed perfectly well on my own so far.

Well, you weren't always on your own.

Even if that's what you've got used to.

Are you going to take your turn?

It's wearing you down.

-That's my business, isn't it? -What about the people who care about...

-Are we playing this blasted game or not? -You never stop.

You're always on the go. You'll run yourself into an early grave.

I think I've got a few good years before they put me out to pasture.

One mistake!

He's a good boy taking his first steps in the working world.

You must remember what that were like?

How hard it was?

It's just someone else for me to worry about.

You can't say I haven't tried. What is he, the fifth, the sixth?

You never gave any of them a fair crack of the whip.

In fact, I might even go so far as to suggest

you spiked his guns.

I have no idea what you're talking about.

You led an horse to water knowing full well

Sharpe and Dinsdale would see he drank it.

That's an absurd suggestion.

I know you're the patron saint of lost cause, but really!

And what exactly is that supposed to mean?

That you care about people who, who sometimes don't deserve it.

Oh, on that we must agree.

-He's a good lad. -I don't doubt it.

But I'm afraid he still has to go.

[thunder rumbles]

[doorbell rings]

I'm having trouble wi' calf. Can someone come and help us?

We'll get someone up to your farm right away.

Thanks so much.

[Mrs Hall sighs]

Dick Rudd's having trouble with a calf.

-Better wake Mr Farnon. -Don't! I'll go.

-Well... -I can do it.

-[she sighs] -Mrs Hall...

Please.

All right.

I put it up for luck when Mr Farnon goes out.

Thank you.

[thunder rumbles]

[Mrs Rudd] She's in here!

[loud mooing]

[Mr Rudd] Don't worry, he'll soon he here.

[loud mooing]

Eh...

you let me know if I can get you some more light.

This'll do just fine. Thank you, Mr Rudd.

[loud mooing]

I don't suppose she has a name?

-Not as such. -He calls them all "Missus".

Spends more time talking with them then he does with me.

-Better quality of conversation. -They don't say owt.

-Aye. -[loud mooing]

All right there, Missus.

It's all right.

We're here to look after you.

I'm going to get that baby of yours out.

How long has she been pushing?

Five hour, thereabouts.

-[loud mooing] -Easy.

Take it easy, you're all right.

[cow groaning]

[loud mooing]

[loud mooing]

The head's caught in the pelvis. I can't...

bring it around to get it out.

[loud mooing]

[he strains]

Are you all right there?

She's having a contraction.

[loud mooing]

It's no good! It's no good! It's not coming around.

[James panting]

[loud mooing]

Is that it then?

Are they both done for?

-No. We'll keep trying. -[loud mooing]

[clock ticking]

[cow rasping]

[loud mooing]

[loud mooing]

[birds chirping]

Good morning, good morning!

Mrs Hall?

[loud mooing]

Ah! This is going on too long.

I can fetch Farnon.

-He wouldn't make it in time. -[loud mooing]

Look, I don't want her to suffer.

If it comes to it, you do what you gotta do.

[mooing]

Oh, my goodness! Is James back?

How do you mean? Back from where?

-You should have woken me. -James wanted the chance to prove himself.

And if it goes wrong, what then?

What do I tell the Rudds if their cow dies?

You're right. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have let him go.

Yes, well, let's just hope I manage to get there in time.

There's one last thing we can try.

[loud mooing]

I'll try to hook it around the jaw

and pull it around that way.

[loud mooing]

[loud mooing]

-[loud mooing] -[straining] I can't quite...

[loud mooing]

Nearly!

I can't get it!

[James panting]

We'll try one more time.

Got it!

I hooked the jaw. Take the rope.

Keep a gentle tension.

[mooing]

That's it. Gently now.

Gently.

It's coming.

I think I've got it!

That's it! You've got it!

[mooing]

[James panting]

Most have seen it a thousand times.

Never gets old.

[Farnon] Herriot!

What the devil do you think you're playing at?

He's done good, Mr Farnon. One healthy girl in there.

I never gave you permission to go out on your own.

I'm sorry, but it turned out well.

[gentle mooing]

You were lucky.

There was nothing lucky about it!

I worked damn hard getting that calf out.

Yes, you seem to have made quite the meal of it. How long were you in there, five hours?

Has anyone told you how insufferable you are?!

Not to my face, no.

I...

Thank you, Mrs Rudd.

How much sleep did you get, James?

-Hour, hour and a half? -None.

Well, better get used to it.

Thank you, Mr Farnon. You won't regret it.

Siegfried, please. Mr Farnon was my father.

-He did it, didn't he? -Don't think for a moment that I'm happy about it.

The thought would never cross my mind.

Sit yourself down. I'll make a proper farmer's breakfast.

[inspirational music]

Don't brake! Don't...brake.

[tyres squealing]

Whooo!

Whooo!

[theme music]