The Morecambe & Wise Show (1978–1983) - 1982 Christmas Show (1982)
Celebrating the holidays with Robert Hardy, Rula Lenska, Richard Vernon, and more! Returning from the previous seasonal show was All Creatures Great & Small star Robert Hardy, joined by both Rula Lenska and Richard Vernon who had appeared in previous shows; the opening routine perhaps prophetically discussed the retiring of the double act but this in itself was a further reworking of BBC material but somehow the pace of the dialogue was becoming lost. In an update of several older sketches, the Video Shop was offered as well as a Lingerie Shop and a Chattanooga Choo Choo routine. The closing play was the Yukon Gold Rush and featured Rula Lenska in another reworking of a BBC idea. Notable of this and many other shows was the absence of the favourite signature tune over the end credits. Again, this show was not broadcast on Christmas Night but two evenings later.
Christmas 1953 is fast approaching but the vets are dealing with their usual assortment of diseased animals and entertaining locals. James is particularly impressed by Frank Gillard's farm. Gillard also keeps racing pigeons, which fellow farmer Mr. Biggins blames for importing foot-and-mouth disease. When Gillard's cattle develop the dreaded disease, he has no choice but to destroy his herd. Tristan buys himself a fancy Daimler coupe but then can't quite pay back the money he borrowed from Siegfried, who gives him until Christmas Day to settle up or he will take possession of the car. Tristan once again joins the bell ringers but more because he's interested in Miss Marston, the new teacher who is also a member of the group. James and Siegfried find themselves acting as references in court for the feuding Bradley brothers, David and Jonathan, who have been fighting since the death of their father some years before.
Year: Release Date: Rating: Video Type:
1990
12/24/1990
TV-PG
TV Series Episode 90 minutes
B
The war is finally over and James returns to Darrowby to rejoin his partners, Siegfried and Tristan Farnon, in veterinary practice. James is having difficulty re-adjusting to civilian life however. His first call is to Mr. Biggins, who is the same old self and does nothing but complain about the vet's service. Relations are also strained with Helen: James is short-tempered with little Jimmy and can't seem to open up to her about his feelings. Mrs. Hall has passed on and Siegfried hires a new housekeeper, Mrs. Hubbard, whose culinary skills turn out to be somewhat lacking. Tristan, older but not necessarily wiser, is back with the bell ringers. Siegfried meets an old flame, Caroline, who returns to Darrowby after living in America.
A family in financial crisis is forced to sell Lassie, their beloved dog. Hundreds of miles away from her true family, Lassie escapes and sets out on a journey home.
