Sky High by Helen Brandom with Elizabeth Spriggs as Sissy and Bernard Hepton as Fred.Sky High.
The time is 12 o'clock and time for your midday meal.
I do hate the way they're making a meal out of this.
What do you mean, what is it?It's us, again.
In a different angle this time.
Hey, Gordon.That's our kitchen.We knew that last week.Loose ends.
I could have told you. realised tenants would have to be evacuated.On Friday, before demolition workers move in to prepare for blowdown... At least we know where we're going.Don't remind me.
Leave it, it'll only be Judith.You didn't want the weather, did you?No.
Blowdown?Did she say blowdown?Oh, it makes sense, I suppose. The explosive goes up and a building comes down.Controversial.Cheek.It's that new lot in the low rise.We spoil their view of Canary Wharf.
Anyway, we can't argue.If the block's not safe, it's got to go.
There was plenty bombed out in the war.
Oh, that's supposed to make me feel better, is it?All right.I'll get us a bit of dinner.
Pass me a lager out of the fridge, will you?
Mr. Alcock's been told to stop drinking.There's something to do with his liver.
By the way, where are they going?
One of them starter homes off the avenue.
A bit old for a starter home, aren't they?
Well, they're younger than us.
That wouldn't be difficult.
Do you want to see if that was Judith?
Ah, will do.It's bound to be Judith.It's only one message.Give it here.
Mum, just to let you know, I'll be coming over this afternoon.I've arranged to meet Mrs. Ackparter at your place at three.
That gives us no time at all.
Judith and the matron from Rosedale House are coming in at three o'clock.
You only rang the hoover around yesterday.
We won't have no time for dinner.There'll have to be a tenner soon.She can't wait, can she?Can't wait to get this all sewn up.
Well, you've got to admit, she's pulled a stop sign to get us re-housed.She's not getting us re-housed.
She's putting us in a home.We're not ready for Rosedale House.We've got all our faculties and a nice little life.We could manage for years yet.
Well, it might not be as bad as we think.
She's organised the whole thing for her own benefit.Same as fixing us up with that phone message doodah.This, though, this is the icing on the cake. Getting us into residential means she won't never have to bother about us again.
That's a bit harsh, isn't it?
I'm sorry if I sound bitter, but that's the way I feel.
What's going to happen to our stuff?
How much do you think we can take with us?
Our bed?Admit it, ma'am.That bed's seen better days.
There's no problem with bringing your own bed, though two singles would look better in the room.
I'm not giving up our bed.
I wouldn't object to singles.
I'm not going without our bed. I'm rather sorry there hasn't been an opportunity for you to take a look at Rosedale House.
You can still... Well, with my own move this week, I've been up to my eyes.
You'll meet yourself coming back one day.I said to Miss Ramsey, you just bring your parents any time.You could have sorted it out, Mum.I'd have paid for a taxi.
We're not quite destitute.We'll see it soon enough, Judith.
It would have been nice for you to make your own choice of room.Wintertime, we tend to get more vacancies.It's a lovely room.Nice and bright.Oh, you've seen it, have you?A beautiful room.And redecorated only last week.
All your knick-knacks.I'm sure Miss Ramsey will help you make it look like home.
She'll enjoy that.Poor Judith lives out of a suitcase all the time.
Your photographs and pictures?No problem. Billy will put up hooks on the wall for you.
Our handyman.Such a nice guy.You'll love him.I know this is a big upheaval, giving up your home, losing your flats without warning. But at Rosedale, we respect everyone's privacy.
There's an en-suite.Now there's a luxury you've never had before.There's already a telephone point in the room.It'll be the best of both worlds.You keep your independence and say goodbye to household chores.
I like housework and cooking, as well you know.Let me make a suggestion. Give yourselves a chance at Rosedale House, but if, in the unlikely event that you don't settle down, then... All you need is time.
We could look into the possibility of sheltered housing.Though, personally, I don't see that as the answer.Mr. Ramsey, do you like to play dominoes?
Yeah, I like a game of dominoes.I can see Mrs. Ramsey is a fine knitter.My word, you'll be welcome on the bring and buy handwork team.
Sissy could knit for England.
How much is all this gonna cost?More than our rent here.
You haven't discussed finances?Off, Judith's too busy being a Euro MP.Suffices to say, you'll have enough left at the end of the day to cover phone bills and incidentals.Oh, so we get pocket money, do we?
A little bird tells me it's a very special day tomorrow.
Yes, our diamond wedding.
60 years.I know it'll be rather belated, but at Rosedale, we would love to have a little do, so that your new friends can celebrate your achievement.
To be honest, Derek, our chef, already has a cake in hand.A bit previous, innit?Suppose we both drop dead before we get there.It's a fruitcake. We'll eat it at the funeral.
She's got quite a sense of humour.
It's a lovely place, Dad.
Our new friends.Why didn't you back me up, Fred?It's always the same.You leave anything difficult to me and I end up looking like Grandma Buggins. She'll have gone away thinking you're all sweetness and light, and what am I?
The oversized fly in the ointment.
Oh, well, if that's the measure of your self-worth... She'll have gone away realising you're a woman who knows her own mind.
I wish I knew yours.I like a game of dominoes.Since when?I used to play down at the Royal Oak.And there was no need, in front of someone we hardly know, to say you'd rather we had single beds?
That is not what I said.As good as?I was trying to go along with her. I didn't want her feeling ill at ease in our home.I'd probably curl up and die in hers.
We don't have to be railroaded into this, Judy.
It's not a question of forcing you into anything.All I'm doing is looking at what's best for you at this moment in time.And which moment in time is that?The moment some hardhat pushes the plunger and this place falls down like a pack of cards.
Where else could we go, Sissy?
We could look for a little place.
Well, what's going to happen if we let most of the furniture go? If we was to look at sheltered housing, we'd need every stick of it.
We'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
Yeah, and find it collapsed.Story of our lives.Whose fault's that?It might not have occurred to you, Judith, that the only nest we could afford to feather was yours.
And we don't begrudge a penny of it.
You might have given us more notice.We barely had time for a spoonful of soup.Speed is of the essence, Mum.
Well, Mrs. Eckpater, she's all right.Yeah, I liked her.You like everybody.
I'm sure you'll both make the best of it.
It's a dreadful thing, giving up your own.Judith realizes that.
In the circumstances, it's Hobson's choice.Whoever he was.And, as it happens, you're very lucky.Rosedale's ideal. I've arranged for Page and Co to remove your furniture.Remove?Anything you're not taking with you.
They did an excellent job with my move.Extremely careful.Where were you proposing they'd take it?
I thought the Prisoners Aid Society would be a worthy cause.An expression springs to mind, dear Judith. Public concern, private neglect.Really, Mum?I can't think why.Oh, can't you, my girl?Well, just you listen to me.
That furniture is not yours to make free with.Do you know how it makes me feel... There's no need to go off at the deep end....to think that you can treat your father and me like this?We're not children.
If anybody's going to make decisions about our belongings... Mum, for heaven's sake, calm down....then it's us.It hurts me, Judith, that our things don't mean more to you. Haven't you got an ounce of feeling?
They might not be worth much, obviously not in your eyes, but money isn't everything.Right, that's it.Where do you think you're going, madam?
I'm not listening to any more of this talk.
That's your trouble, you never listen.
You've come on a bit strong, didn't you?
How can she?It's not hers to give away.She's a different generation, love.I can't understand her.
It's what she grew up with.But we were the same. Chucked out your mum's chiffoniere and that mahogany sideboard?Well, not before she died.
Celebrating, are we?If you were Mr Ramsey, I'd be wanting you a moniker.What's this then?A missive from the Queen.Good Lord!Sign just there, please. I'm afraid my writing's a bit wobbly.That's fine.But I'll have my pen back.It's our Dharma wedding.
Sixty years.She should earn that medal.Ta-da!Sissy?
A telegram from the Queen.Well, open it then.You read it.
I was interested to hear that you are celebrating your diamond wedding on the 11th of January.And I send my sincere congratulations on this memorable achievement.Signed, Elizabeth R. Well, how did she know?But Judith must have written off.
Achievement?That's what she said.Mrs. F. Barter.Oh, oi, oi.I'll give you one guess.
Hello, Mum.Happy anniversary.
Fred?Hello?Judith, she wants a word.
Happy anniversary, Dad.Did you get your telegram?
Mum said it'd be your doing.You could have knocked me down with a fella.
It's not every day you have a diamond wedding.Has my card arrived?
Mum's just started opening the rest of the post.
I'll leave you both to it.Take care.
Bye, dear.And thanks for... You was right.She organised it.
Like she's organising the rest of our lives.
Well, all the same, it was a kind thought.Is that her card?
Yeah.Very nice.There's one each from Nicky and Julie.You know Margaret's girls.And... Fancy you and me sending each other the same card.
Two minds with but a single thought.
And breaking up the happy home.
She'll have a new one to start on tomorrow.
Right then, I'm just popping out.
Well wrap up warm, it's freezing out there.And take your stick.
Take your coat and get your hat Leave your worries on the doorstep Just direct your feet To the sunny side of the street Hang on, I'm coming
Oh, hello, Mrs. Alcock.Happy anniversary.
That's very nice of you.Come in.
Oh, tar, but I mustn't stay long.Just a card from me and Brian.
Don't want to let the warm air out.
Oh, isn't that lovely?Thank you.Nice words, too.When you look round, there ain't a lot of choice.Oh, not surprising, is it?Not many of us get this far.Oh, imagine we will. How's your packing coming along?
I'm just sorting out a few bits and bits.They're doing the rest tomorrow.The firm that's moving us.
Is Mr Ramsey not in?No, he's gone down to the shops.Shop, more like.Betting shop.He must think I was born yesterday.I'm just popping out, he says.He should be back by now.
He will be.Here, you don't look like you're ready for the off. Do you want any help?
It's the big bang this Sunday, you know.Oh, that's very kind of you.But our daughter's made all the arrangements.Rosedale House, residential home.She's got you all sorted.
That must be a relief, not having to think for yourselves.I've nearly gone blind filling in forms.So, it's all go for you tomorrow, then?Just hope Brian will keep out of the way down the pub.Oh, I thought he'd given up, you know.
Don't know why I bother with him.I ought to leave him here to go up with a block he wouldn't notice no different.
I hope you'll be happy in your new place.
Do you know what I could do with?A crystal ball.Oh, here's a note.Here's a note with our address.And you can go on ordering from the catalogue, you know?It won't be no trouble.Oh, look, here he is.Safe and sound. Oh, look what beautiful flowers.
Well, I better leave you lovebirds to your own devices.Thank you.
Oh, such a restful person.Fred Ramsey, look at the state of you.
The lift wasn't working.Oh, I misjudged you.Not for the first time.
These are really lovely.They're all right, eh? There's two bunches.Oh, I can see that.Now, go on.You sit yourself down while I arrange them.Oh.Mum used to buy fresh flowers every Friday.Do you remember that store in Surrey Street?
Next to the old girl selling razor blades and grilled cream?There.Now, then.How do you think they look?Fred? Oh, my God, Fred.
Don't do this to me, Fred.
Emergency.Which service, please?Ambulance.
Can I have your telephone number, please?
Yes.A318... Oh, no, that's not it.Wait a minute. No, I've got the wrong glasses on.I need an ambulance.I think my husband's had a heart attack.I think he's... Is he conscious?No, he's not.
Can I have your address, please?
Oh, God, my mind.It's just gone off.
Is your husband lying down?
No, he's sitting in his chair.
Could you give me your name, please, and your address, so the ambulance knows where to come?
It's Mrs Ramsay, 49 Crown Hill. Oh, wait a minute.I think he's coming round.Yes, he is.
Is he able to speak to you?
Sissy, what are you doing?
Oh, wait a minute.Oh, yes.Oh, thank goodness.Golda, my dear girl, have you gone off your locker?He's looking much better.Oh, thank heavens.He's opening his eyes.What's your little game, Sissy?He's smiling.He seems to be all right.
I think it was just a turn.
You haven't, have you, Fred?Got any nausea?No, no, nothing like that.I don't want you to go on your own.
Are you having difficulty with him?Where does he want to go?
To the bathroom.He wants to go.
He's moving about, is he?
Oh, yes, yes.This is a sort of pattern, really.The minute he comes round, he has to go. Oh, quite often.As a matter of fact, I think I panicked a bit.
It's understandable.How old is your husband?
Fifty-one.You've got to stop this, you see.
I'm sorry, but... There's no need to apologise.
I'll ring the doctor.That's what I usually do.
If you've got any more worries, don't hesitate to get back to us.
You'll have worries by yourself, old girl.No, I won't.Thank you very much.
Tell him before it's too late.Fred, I don't need no bloody ambulance.
It's the many white coats you'll need.
Tell him the truth, Sissy.You're quite sure everything's all right?Tell him I've gone.
Yes, everything's fine, thank you.
Now look what you've done.There'll be no going back.
I've no intention of going back.
If you phone him again, they might think he's a hoax.
I don't need to phone again.There's nothing wrong with you.
Except I'm not breathing.
You shouldn't have kept interrupting like that. It was very off-putting.Still, never mind that.No-one's gonna make you leave your own now.Not alive, anyway.
What a day to choose.Aren't you ashamed?
Ashamed of myself for having ruined our big day.Couldn't I have waited and popped off all nice and tidy at Rosedale House? Where they expect it of you.
You couldn't help it.It'd break your heart if you could see yourself now.You wouldn't have wanted to do this to me.
Not... Not in a million years.
Just look at them flowers.
You were so... There's never much of a one for buying flowers.But I remembered how much you liked daffs.
From the silly hours, I shouldn't wonder.Did you ask where they came from? I'll have them daffs, you said.It's our wedding anniversary.Happy anniversary, she says.How many years?You tell her 60 and she says, here you go, love.
Have another bunch from me.How did I know that, Fred?Because I know you better than what you know yourself.Never buy more than one bunch.
I thought you'd be surprised.
There's some beautiful deaths alive.And you gone.Give them a few days and they'll be gone.I never dreamt I'd be put on the spot like this.
Well, like the... the ultimate decision.
You didn't ought to think like that.
I can't help it.And Crowley Lights goes, and you go.There'll be nothing left to stay for.But I'll tell you this much. Until that last second, I'll be here to see to you.So... We'll just have to wait, won't we, until the... What did Judith call him?
Where the bloke who pushes the plunger.
A hard hat.I hope you're not thinking... What?Have you thought about Judith? It'd be distressing for her, thinking of us ended up like... As far as Judy's concerned, we won't be.
You just carry on sitting there, love.I'm going to pour myself a drop of something.
Here's to us, sweetheart.Whatever the circumstances. I'll give them chops another few minutes.I don't want you telling me they're underdone.Well, we got there.
We got there, didn't we?You have to celebrate 60 years.You don't sit down.
Down and cry because you won't be getting to 61.Course you'd tell.Whoops!Don't want cremated.
Four.I can manage four.Ooh, them sprouts look good.Not too many, mind.Just a couple.
And a spot of gravy.Got everything you want.Right.Eyes down.Done to a turn.You have taken it in, haven't you?
that if you're not leaving here alive, then no one am I. Trifle for after, sweetheart?
Don't answer, will you?You love Sherry Trifle.I've lettered you a cardigan.Sewed the last two buttons on when you was out.You set my room, you're very fond of.
Fond of?You know I like that shed.He was always so clever, Sissy. My old mum couldn't knit her eyebrows together.You said that, remember?Oh, never.But I'm not... You're not getting into an argument over it this late in the day.
Just as well.Because I'm bleeding angry.How could you leave me at a time like this?If you hadn't gone out for them damned duffs, you'd be sitting here as wise as an ant.That ruddy lift.You might have known it'd break down.
You haven't got the sense you were born with.And now look at you.Dead.Just when I need you more than I've ever needed you.
Let not the sun go down upon your wrath.
I didn't mean to get angry, Fred.Not with you.I never meant to lose me rag. Here we are, love.You sit and have a listen while I wash up.
Rosedale House.They'll have finished breakfast by now.
I don't know how you think you're gonna get away with this.
If you listen, you'll find out.
Now stop a minute, love.You've got to think things through.
Just hear me out.Now stand back. and take a look at the mess you're in.We're in?But it's not us, is it?Now, that's the problem.I'm not here to help you.I managed without you all through the war.Yes, but I hadn't turned me toes up then.
Well, you might have done.
No, you listen.We're both due to move to Rosedale House, right?Now, there's only you.How are you going to handle that without coming clean?
There's more than one way of skinning a cat. Anyway, I'm not going to say nothing about you.
Sissy, you're in it up to here.Now don't go digging your own grave in it, I bargain.
Russell House, Metrum speaking.
Mrs Ramsey?Still cold, but a bit brighter.How did yesterday go?
Oh, very nice.Thanks very much.I'll remember that.
Yes, we had some lovely cars.Oh, we had a telegram from the Queen.Oh, that's fantastic.I'm just ringing to let you know that we'd like to come to Rosedale House.
And we're really looking forward to it.When would you like to move in?Not immediately.Our daughters helped us clear out and we're going to Norfolk.
You never said nothing about that.
No, she'd love to have come, but... If you don't watch out, girls, Judith will book you a padded cell.
Well, she's needed at the house.The House of Commons, you know.
She knows all about the arrangement.I'll ring you early next week.Will that be all right?
Perfectly all right.While you're on, Mrs Ramsey, I'll take this opportunity to sound you out regarding a raised toilet seat.
Normal height will suit us fine. I must admit, she's a nice woman.
I'm not disagreeing with you, but will she be so nice when she finds you've led her up to Garden Path?
According to Judith, half London's clamouring for a room there, so I don't feel guilty on that score.Anyway, I won't be seeing her again.
Neither of them.For God's sake, tell me what's going on.Fred, will you please leave this to me? We're going on holiday.Oh, for God's sake, stop that.Look, we're not actually going on holiday, of course, but it'll look as if we are.
And where do you feel like going?
If we're not going, Max, know what's what I feel.
It is better to travel hopefully than to arrive.We're not even travelling.How can we be hopeful?There are journeys and journeys. Two more quick calls before I put a message on for Judith.Hello, Nicky.Hello.It's Aunty Sissy.
I wanted to thank you for your call.Oh, hello.
Well, we're off on a little holiday, as a matter of fact.Somewhere warm, I hope.Well, where the mood takes us.Norfolk, probably.Then who knows where.We're just a pair of geriatric romantics. This is Ramsey, yes.
That's right.I wanted to let you know our circumstances have altered.
Steady on, Julie, they'll do her nut.
You're booked to move us tomorrow.That's right, four o'clock.Well, something's cropped up, and ideally... There's no need for this rush.We'd like to be out first thing.Get this old business over and done with.
I think we'd chuck a block, but I'll check for you.
I wouldn't ask, only my husband's not himself.
I hope you didn't think that was funny.
Ah, as it happens, we've had a cancellation over Romford Way.Don't know what it is about Romford.Um, 7.45, not too early for you?
Fine.Right.Another small change of plan.Forget where my daughter said our stuff was going.Oh, yeah?Take the lot to the Cats Protection League.Goodbye.
Oh, Sissy, that was naughty.
Well... And I wasn't making fun of you.I wouldn't do that, sweetheart.It was just the way it came out.
Didn't you want to hang on to that limoge plate Judith gave you for your 70th?
Well, what's the point?Anyway, some old moggy might like its milk off it.Norfolk would be nice.Take us right back, wouldn't it?1930, when we were kids. Now then, Fred, where was I?
You was going to take Judy's swanky message off our machine and... Put my own on.
Please leave your name and number after the tone so that Mr. or Mrs. Ramsey can return your call.
Please speak slowly and clearly, or these two old fools won't know who you are.Right?Get rid of that and... I'm sorry if I'm repeating myself, Judith, but did I mention we'll be on holiday for two or three days before we move into Rosedale House?
Norfolk, probably.I think I did, but I thought I'd better make sure.I've just spoken to Matron, and everything's hunky-dory at her end.Nothing for you to worry about.
She's not all bad.She does try. Don't leave it like that.You could live to regret it.
She was a dear little girl.
Until she went to the grandma.You was afraid she'd be a fish out of water, but that was us, wasn't it?Every time we went up that school, we stuck out like two large cod.
Oh, thank you for finding us somewhere to live.
Thank you for finding us somewhere to live.Dear,
Finding us somewhere to live.
Dear oh dear, what a carry on.She can half let fly.
Thank heavens we wasn't always yelling and shouting.To look at her, bet I wouldn't melt. Oh, my godfathers, what was that?
All I ever asked for was a bit of peace and quiet.Mind you, we had a few disagreements in our time.Only when you forced the issue.If it had been up to me, we'd never have had a crossword.
Oh, you have to let off steam now and then.If you didn't, you'd blow up.
You're not really going through with this, are you?Watch me.
I gave that young one the limoge plate. His fiancée's just had her appendix out.
Didn't they think it peculiar, not coming in here?
Well, I said to them, I'll make you a pot of tea, but I can't let you see the kitchen.Not with our smalls hanging up to dry.Anyway, it's all fitted.There'll be nothing for you to move.
Who the devil can that be?
Oh, hello, dear.Lift's working again, thank God.I just popped back from me light bulbs.
Goodness, where's all your stuff gone?The removals people.They came earlier than we planned.Caught you on the hop, did they?No.The sooner the better, as far as I was concerned.There's a lot to be said for a clean break.
But you wasn't packed up or nothing.Oh, they did a lot.
Right down to the last cut and saucer.Ours was a useless bunch.I blame Brian.People don't show respect for a drunk.I was praying to God he wouldn't get back from the pub.Then Sod's Law, innit, rolls when they're only halfway through.
Puts them right off.No end of breakages. Oh, well, I suppose we can claim.Well, make a list while you can still remember.Is Mr Ramsey all right today?Can I go through, say goodbye?I meant to yesterday, but time ran out on me.
As a matter of fact, he's having 40 winks.This morning's really taken it out of him.Oh, well, when he comes to, tell him Adele says cheerio.I will.
We're having a few days break.Oh, lovely.Well, all the best.And don't forget what I said about me catalogue.Adele?Yes, dear?
Would you pop this package down the side, office?Yeah, of course I will.Oh, it's for your daughter.It's her birthday Tuesday.She's got a new flat and my address book's gone with the van.They'll sort it out in the office.One of them's a gorgeous hunk.
I could for the life of me remember Judith's new address.Oh, no, mind, I've got more important things on my mind.Now then, Fred, action stations.
I want to make sure there's nothing left that might draw attention to us.
Like your dear departed in the kitchen.You can't guarantee they won't come in here.You want a bit?Judith'll come round to ask about our holiday.
Oh, well, she'll get a surprise, won't she?Nothing left but a few ounters.How do you mean?You'll see. Now, this is the plan.
Go on.Put me out of my misery.
We'll hole up here in the kitchen until it's time for us to go.
We are going, are we?You know we are.
Unless someone finds us first, of course.Oh, ye of little faith.I've always had faith in you.
Not always.If you'd have let me have my head, I could have done something with my life.I could have been someone.
Who did you want to be?Marlene Idiotrix?
That remark's typical of you.You never gave me me due. I could have done better than your corner shop.
I had aspirations.I didn't intend weighing out licorice allsorts for 35 years.
Fat lot of good that would have done.Anyway, how would you have managed without me?
You was the brains behind that shop.You didn't exactly make it clear you didn't want to be there.There were times I could have screamed of boredom.If I'd realised we could have sat down and sorted something out.
You've hurt my feelings, Sissy. I didn't mean to.
I was just having a moan.I wouldn't want to hurt you.That's the last thing I want to do.
I'll forgive you.Right.So, we're staying in the kitchen.
And I'm going to lock this door.What with?With the key we lost?With the key I found in the fruit bowl.I said, had you looked at... Shh!
I note this.Danger.Keep out. By order, P.L.S.It's going the other side of the kitchen door.You see?Big letters.
You need your teeth in to say that.
Please take this seriously, Fred.There.That should satisfy the snoopers.And what's more, I can still nip to the left.
Oh, you're as helpful as a wagonload of monkeys.
Hello?What the... Where have they gone?
Judith Ramsey?I'm sorry, I'm in a meeting.I can't deal with it now.
What did I say?She wanted to see us off.
Dear Judith, I didn't want you to think we'd forgotten your birthday.There's a little something for you to collect from the site office.
It's Dad.November 1940, before he went overseas.It's only black and white, but you can see how handsome he was in uniform.All the girls were after him, but he only ever had eyes for me.I thought you could choose a frame for it.
I'd be bound to choose the wrong one.I know your bond with him was always stronger than yours and mine.Fathers and daughters, eh?And it's a sadness to me that you and me rubbed each other up the wrong way.
I'm not sure you always realised we was trying to do our best for you.As for your friends, you needn't have worried.We wouldn't have let you down.And talking of worry, there's no need. We'll be alright.
So long as your father and me are together, we'll be happy.Which I hope you will be.Remember what I put in your autograph book when you was ten?Would you rise?Then step up the stairs.Don't stare up the steps.Well, you did that, Judith.
I just wish you'd taken Dad round the House of Commons like you said you would. We both send you our fond greetings for Tuesday.Yours, Mum.P.S.If Norfolk suits us, we might stay on for a bit.
Oh, thank you.I was coming to collect it.
You know, by right, you ought not to be here.We can't guarantee your safety.
This was my parents' flat.I'm just leaving.
Pop your head in the side office.You need to sign out.
Oh, Dad.Weren't you a lovely-looking man?
Mum left me this letter.Then left a present at the site office, but addressed it here.What's going on?For heaven's sake.Such a sweet photo of Dad for my birthday.
Who's she talking to?One of her fellas, I expect.
Any joy with the removal firm?
Well, that's another thing.She's instructed them to take their stuff to a cat's home. Yeah, Cats Protection League, actually.
Kitchen's unbound.Unsafe, apparently.Oh, I nearly forgot to say.
I just picked up my messages.
Apparently, he's gone on holiday.So, she didn't know till a minute ago.She'd only come to check up on us.
At least you got your letter.And my photo gets full marks.She's going.Wow.
You're a living marvel, Sissy.
Silly old fool.Why do you have to be dead in my hour of glory?Fred?Oh! I can't hardly feel me legs.
I wonder what the time is.
I don't know, but it sounds like things are on the move.Norfolk.
Oh, I wish we was... You was only eleven when you came on that holiday from the East End.
right from wrong, scrumming apples behind my grandad's pub.Soon put you right, didn't I?
And don't forget, I was from Croydon.We had standards.
Though that didn't stop... Stop a spot of ours, your father, in the hayloft.
Oh, that was just larking about.Set grandad off, though, didn't it?If I ever catch you at it again, sissy, I'll tear the head off you.And it'll be the last time you come here for your holidays. God knows what he thought we was up to.I was only ten.
Only ten more years and we was into another war.Seems like yesterday.I was smitten from the minute I set eyes on you.You was beautiful.
I knew as a skinny little kid with that much dirt ingrained into your knees it wouldn't wash off.
So you borrowed your granny's pummy stone and rubbed me raw?
Well I wasn't gonna give a glimpse of me drawers to a boy with dirty knees.Shall I tell you something Fred?
We'll be just an old couple who disappeared in Norfolk.And one day Judith might find her great-granddad's pub. But there won't be no one left who remembers me.The little girl shelling peas in the saloon bar before opening time.
And no one who... Who'll remember you, you cockney whippersnapper.
And no one who remembers two kids, brown as berries, tumbling... Tumbling in the hay.
In Sky High by Helen Brandom, Elizabeth Spriggs was Sissy, and Bernard Hepton was Fred.
Judith was played by Lizzie McInerney, Mrs. Alcock, Alice Arnold, Mrs. Atpata, Annie Domingo, David Hooper, Roger Hyams, The Postman, Ian Jeffs, and the TV announcer was Georgie Alexander.
Sky High was directed by Owen O'Callaghan, and was a Watchmaker production for Radio 4.
