A Little of What You Fancy 1996-11-26 Part 1

Summary

Podcast Summary: "A Little of What You Fancy" (1996-11-26 Part 1)

Title: A Little of What You Fancy
Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
Release Date: June 2, 2025
Adaptation: H.E. Bates' A Little of What You Fancy
Cast Highlights:

• Pop Larkin - David Jason
• Mariette Larkin (Ma) - Pam Ferris
• Charlie Larkin - Hetty Baines
• Dr. O'Connor - Charles Simpson
• Edith Pilchester - Claire Welch
• Brigadier Derek - Paul Panting
• Additional Characters: Mr. Charlton, Max Harvey, Reverend Candy, Lloyd Johnston, Una Beeson

---

Introduction

"A Little of What You Fancy" transports listeners to the heartwarming yet chaotic world of the Larkin family farm, capturing the essence of rural life during the Golden Age of Radio. Set against the backdrop of a picturesque Kentish countryside, the episode delves into the daily routines, familial interactions, and unexpected challenges faced by Pop and Mariette Larkin.

---

Main Characters and Relationships

• Pop Larkin: The patriarch, portrayed with a blend of humor and resilience. He's resourceful, often juggling multiple tasks on the farm while maintaining a light-hearted demeanor.

• Mariette Larkin (Ma): The matriarch, a strong-willed and pragmatic woman who manages the household and farm operations with grace and determination.

• Charlie Larkin: Their son, depicted as a dutiful farmhand, balancing his responsibilities with personal interests.

• Supporting Characters: Include friends, doctors, and community members who interact with the Larkins, adding depth to the rural community portrayal.

---

Plot Summary

Morning Routine and Farm Life

The episode opens on a serene Kentish summer morning with Pop Larkin preparing breakfast for the family. The Larkins engage in their usual morning banter, highlighting the dynamics between Pop and Ma. Pop's light-hearted comments (00:00) set a jovial tone as they discuss farm chores and the challenges of rural living.

Unexpected Visitors

Mariette brings attention to two men observed nearby (03:19), sparking curiosity and mild concern. Pop speculates humorously about their intentions (04:36), suggesting they might be photographers for a local newspaper. The dialogue reflects the couple's easy rapport and silent worries about outsiders' motives.

Family Dynamics and Personal Struggles

As breakfast unfolds, the conversation shifts to Charlie's aspirations and the strains of maintaining the farm. Notably, Pop admires Mariette's ability to manage the household, stating (10:10), “Only Pop would have reckoned on all those townies moving into the country to shoot and eat game. Because that's what they think the country living is all about.”

Medical Emergency

Tensions rise when Pop begins to feel unwell mid-morning. Mariette's concern escalates as Pop's condition deteriorates (15:07). The arrival of Dr. O'Connor introduces a serious turn, diagnosing Pop with a heart issue (21:53). The doctor's stern advice contrasts sharply with Mariette's desperate attempts to keep Pop's spirits high, showcasing the emotional turmoil within the family.

Community and External Pressures

Throughout the episode, references to community activities (church bazaar), local myths, and societal expectations of the time provide a rich tapestry of rural life. Mariette's frustration with societal norms, especially concerning unmarried mothers, underscores the challenges faced by women in maintaining social respectability.

Climactic Revelation

The episode crescendos with the shocking news of Pop's sudden stroke and subsequent death (26:17). Mariette's emotional breakdown ("Dead? Don't be ridiculous. Not down by a car. No, no, no. He had a stroke first sudden 8 o' clock this morning.") encapsulates the human vulnerability amid everyday struggles, providing a poignant closure to Part 1.

---

Key Scenes and Notable Quotes

1. Morning Banter (00:00 - 04:00):

   • Pop Larkin: “You take a few whiffs of that Kentish summer morning air while I finish.”
   • Sets the idyllic yet demanding nature of farm life.

2. Discussion About Visitors (04:36 - 07:00):

   • Pop Larkin: “Probably photographers taking pictures of Pop Larkin's yard for the scrap merchant's Gazette.”
   • Highlights Pop's humorous skepticism towards unknown visitors.

3. Admiration of Mariette's Strength (10:10 - 13:00):

   • Pop Larkin: “Only Pop would have reckoned on all those townies moving into the country to shoot and eat game.”
   • Emphasizes the unique bond and mutual respect between Pop and Ma.

4. Medical Diagnosis (21:53 - 24:48):

   • Dr. O'Connor: “You will need absolute rest for several weeks, Mr. Larkin.”
   • Introduces the central conflict of Pop's health crisis.

5. Emotional Climax (26:17):

   • Mariette Larkin: “Dead? Don't be ridiculous. Not down by a car. No, no, no. He had a stroke first sudden 8 o' clock this morning.”
   • Captures the heartbreak and disbelief of sudden loss.

---

Insights and Themes

• Resilience and Adaptation: The Larkin family's ability to manage the farm and household reflects widespread rural resilience during challenging times.

• Humor Amid Hardship: Pop's light-hearted remarks provide comic relief, illustrating how humor serves as a coping mechanism in difficult situations.

• Community and Isolation: The interactions with visitors and references to community events highlight the balance between communal support and personal privacy in rural settings.

• Gender Roles and Societal Expectations: Mariette's struggles with societal norms regarding unmarried mothers shed light on the gender dynamics and pressures of the era.

• Mortality and Vulnerability: Pop's sudden illness and death bring forth the themes of human fragility and the unpredictability of life, even in seemingly stable environments.

---

Conclusion

Part 1 of "A Little of What You Fancy" masterfully blends humor, familial love, and poignant drama to depict the complexities of rural life. Through the Larkin family's morning routines, unexpected challenges, and heartbreaking loss, the episode offers a comprehensive portrayal of resilience and the enduring human spirit. Listeners are left anticipating how the family will navigate the aftermath of Pop's demise, setting the stage for subsequent parts in this evocative radio series.

---

Note: This summary is based on the transcript provided and is intended to encapsulate the essence of the episode for those who have not listened to it.

Transcript

[Pop Larkin]

Trip planner by Expedia. You were made to have strong opinions about sand. We were made to help you and your friends find a place on the beach with a pool and a marina and a waterfall and a soaking tub. Expedia made to travel. Strawberries in the fields, bluebells in the woods. Evening sunlight broken gold sprinkling through the tre. We present a little of what You Fancy by H.E. bates. Starring David Jason as Pop Larkin and Pam Ferris as Mar Larkin. Adapted for radio in six parts by Eric Pringle. Title music by Pip Birdie and Barry Gard. With incidental music by Zach Larry Gard. Produced by Richard Bates and directed by Adrian Bean. Part one. All right, all right. Now then, Michael, don't get impossible. I'm nearly done. I'll tell you what. You take a few whiffs of that Kentish summer morning air while I finish. You can't beat it. Set, Maggie. Weak spring there. Ooh. I don't know, though. This is just about perfect. Good day coming up. I'm getting here. Full of them sounds. Still, what a world I've got here. Oh, lucky man. All that loveliness. This little farm and you and O and there, there, you know. All over. My girl, Percy, you've done your bit for the liking. Breakfast? T very much now. I've just got to give the hens and the geese and the old pig bear breakfast and then. Hello, sir. Must be the hens getting hungry. Come on, lad. Come on. Come on. Come and get him. Come on. What the sight? That's a toy Saint. There ain't nobody here but a chicken. Come on, then. Miles fast asleep. So fast. It be so fast. People. Oscars asleep. Philadelphia. Cleopatra bodice. A nightingale to sleep. Everybody else is away educating themselves one way or another. Of course, they're shilling a free all that, you know. They're worthwhile. They're definitely worthwhile. Come on, then. Look what education done to Charlie boy. And look what not having an educator's done for me. I lose count of my own kids. Go on. Still, Ma and me, we're doing all right. Got everything here we could want.

[Mariette Larkin]

Charlie. Charlie, wake up.

[Pop Larkin]

No.

[Mariette Larkin]

Wake up. Here's your tea.

[Pop Larkin]

Oh, lovely.

[Mariette Larkin]

Marriott.

[Pop Larkin]

Thank you. Put it down somewhere.

[Mariette Larkin]

Those men are here again.

[Pop Larkin]

What men?

[Mariette Larkin]

The two men I saw in the lane the day before yesterday. They're heading for Home Farm.

[Pop Larkin]

Are they now? Wonder what Pop's up to this time.

[Mariette Larkin]

Pop isn't up to anything.

[Pop Larkin]

Your father's always up to something, hasn't he? Makes his living, I believe. John Blenheim is trying to attract your attention.

[Mariette Larkin]

He knows how to do it, doesn't he? He wants his breakfast. No, Charlie, don't you strain yourself. I'll get it.

[Pop Larkin]

Probably photographers taking pictures of Pop Larkin's yard for the scrap merchant's Gazette. English junk for Chinese sailors.

[Mariette Larkin]

They didn't look like photographers to me. What are you doing today, by the way?

[Pop Larkin]

Helping Pop. Market day in Canterbury. There's some deal set up. Buying and selling hundreds of artifacts, he says.

[Mariette Larkin]

What artifacts?

[Pop Larkin]

I don't know, Pop. It could be anything. Yes, all right, Grunder, all right. Better get your breakfast before you start yelling and put me out to strike with Marv. Sportus interruptus, as the actress said. In addition, when you blew the whistle for half time. Hey, now look, we see it. The mystery voice. And I claim my five quid. Problem solved. But who the pipe are these two?

[Mariette Larkin]

Right.

[Pop Larkin]

Morning, gents. Mr. Larkin? Yeah, that's me. Larkin by name, Larkin by nature. Anything I can do for you? We're sorry to trespass. Doing survey work. Mind if we're going to on meadow? No, it's all right. As long as you close the gate behind you. Just a thought. You gents wouldn't care for a couple of geese for the weekend, would you? You're a turkey for Christmas. It's not too early to put your name down, you know. A fanch. We'll think about it. A couple of walkie talkies. Suit you with these foot baths. T cutters, Grass fed. St. You want any of that sort of mullet, you know. You've come to the right place. We'll think about it. Right, now then? Now then, our turn for breakfast. Nice pot of tea. I reckon now we'll have champagne cocktails. Pink champagne. It's the pink that sets them all going. Brandy, dash of bitters, a slice of orange. Sugar. Glasses. Frost in July. And there we are. Perfect. Stiffen up. Put anybody in the mood, I hope. Must have been a hot night. Mars throw pretty near everything off. Look at their makers. A shining skin, beautiful fruitful acres and all. Eight kids, everyone. The best a man ever had. Oh, yeah. So what do you reckon, Sid? Livestock's fed. Did you sleep? All's right with the world or se odds you on a bit of the other to make it perfect? Yes, A drop of breakfast, Ma. You ate about?

[Mariette Larkin]

I thought I heard you talking in the D. Early for conversation, isn't it? Sitting Larkin out there this time of day?

[Pop Larkin]

No. Two bloach painters. I reckon they handed tripods and weasels or something.

[Mariette Larkin]

The odd delight the what?

[Pop Larkin]

A light.

[Mariette Larkin]

The odd delight. Mariette told me she saw me in High Acres a couple of days ago.

[Pop Larkin]

Oh, you know what they're up here.

[Mariette Larkin]

Nothing that concerns us at all. Nothing exciting. Speaking of excitement, you gonna pour that breakfast or not? I'm waiting.

[Pop Larkin]

Are you? Oh, well, I'll get on with it. Champagne's coming up. Stain or cocktail?

[Mariette Larkin]

I better make it a cocktail while you're at it.

[Pop Larkin]

Cocktail it is. You do. You'll have it now or afterwards? After what? What do you think?

[Mariette Larkin]

Make it a sandwich.

[Pop Larkin]

Perfect. Which part? In the middle.

[Mariette Larkin]

I think you should see how we get on, don't you?

[Pop Larkin]

Yeah, well, I reckon we should get on pretty much as usual. But it's thirsty work, you know. Sure you won't have a drop? Sort of Pipe opener?

[Mariette Larkin]

No, thanks. You got me too excited about the other. Oh, I'm nasty in the mood. Pipes open already? Better get this night. Oh, don't want to get me in the window.

[Pop Larkin]

All right, just to sit for me then. Strengthener. Right.

[Mariette Larkin]

But lock the door or else we'll have our school of doing. Pair of monkeys, they are.

[Pop Larkin]

Yeah, right. Right. You know, I still can't square Phil's red hair. You. You and me both being dark.

[Mariette Larkin]

Right. Charlie says it's got to do with the laws of genetics.

[Pop Larkin]

Yeah, well, Charlie, what we got? We got an encyclopedia for a son in law. Come on, mate. Ma. What the Piper genetics, is it? Something to do with the National Health lark.

[Mariette Larkin]

Do you reckon she'll be surprised to have black birds with red breast soon? I should wonder. Donkeys giving milk.

[Pop Larkin]

What are you talking about? Donkeys do give milk.

[Mariette Larkin]

Don't get smart. Amazingly, Lark, it isn't smart as I want. It's Larkin.

[Pop Larkin]

No, come here. Larkin is what you're going to get. Are you losing weight? You tell me or something.

[Mariette Larkin]

Oh my. I don't like my cigarettes.

[Pop Larkin]

Oh, so do I.

[Mariette Larkin]

Well, it's all mine. Unlike some you see these days.

[Pop Larkin]

Yeah. Oh, 55, 55, 55. Five of it. Oh, mine too. Oh, come on, give me.

[Mariette Larkin]

Here it is.

[Pop Larkin]

Breakfast.

[Mariette Larkin]

Smells good, doesn't it always, Jo, Always.

[Pop Larkin]

And tastes even better.

[Mariette Larkin]

I had a good teacher.

[Pop Larkin]

Your mother is the best and most generous teacher in the world. John Venin looks contented. Does he have one of our specials?

[Mariette Larkin]

Junior size? He'll probably want another with us. He has an appetite and observes like his granddad. Father.

[Pop Larkin]

Young fellow. Is that right? Have you noticed, Maria, how sometimes he.

[Mariette Larkin]

Looks at you so wisely, so humorous.

[Pop Larkin]

And wicked at the same time? It's like pop when he smells an opportunity. You know, it still amazes me how your father comes spot a hole in the market that nobody else could find with a magnifying glass. And when you look, it's as wide as a door and you wonder how you could have been supplied.

[Mariette Larkin]

Like our pheasant rearing, you mean? Exactly.

[Pop Larkin]

Only Pop would have reckoned on all those townies moving into the country to shoot and eat game. Because that's what they think the country living is all about. And he was right. He put us onto a winner. Pop has a man for it. You have to admire it.

[Mariette Larkin]

Factory. Good technique.

[Pop Larkin]

That deserves champ.

[Mariette Larkin]

Oh, I'm so. You haven't earned it. Particular on today.

[Pop Larkin]

Army service job. Couple of hundred water Chalky sets switch over 300%.

[Mariette Larkin]

Oh, I'll keep you walking the door.

[Pop Larkin]

Certainly ought.

[Mariette Larkin]

There you are. Thanks.

[Pop Larkin]

Goes down a tree. A perfect way to start with that.

[Mariette Larkin]

It's on the way.

[Pop Larkin]

Go on, have a drop more.

[Mariette Larkin]

I'm greedy this morning, aren't you, love?

[Pop Larkin]

What you fancy in that Ms? Even better. Can't have too much of a good thing.

[Mariette Larkin]

Oh, can't you? Oh, you pulled it all up me left brain.

[Pop Larkin]

Oh, don't worry about me. Listen, I'll soon look that I'll tell you. Blimey, what's that? Hey, listen.

[Mariette Larkin]

Listen to that. Where?

[Pop Larkin]

Yeah, little Jenny Rim. Oh, blimey. Pecking inside me.

[Mariette Larkin]

Now you're gonna give me an encore. Don't tell me all I get is every breathing. No peace for the wikis. Oscar and Cilla to be wanting their breakfast.

[Pop Larkin]

I'll put them off for a bit. Shan't be a tit.

[Mariette Larkin]

Don't overdo it while I'm gone.

[Pop Larkin]

Hey, hey. You can't go downstairs like that, Ma. You ain't got a stitch on. Suppose you meet the postman.

[Mariette Larkin]

I have to shut my eyes, will I? Oh my good God.

[Pop Larkin]

Listen to that. What's that mean? Turkey.

[Mariette Larkin]

Oscar, quiet. Yes, Ma. You want breakfast? Go get your job done around the farm first. I've got fresh made bread, our own butter and jam. I've got bake them in sausages cuz we need eggs. So give it two. Henry. Got that? Yes, Ma. Get a move on me, Sydney Parkins. Let the dog see the rabbit. Well, look then.

[Pop Larkin]

Lovely, Ma. Perfect.

[Mariette Larkin]

Oh, don't want me now, do you? I know. Feeling weak all of a sudden.

[Pop Larkin]

Oh, bit languid. Got to recharge the batteries first.

[Mariette Larkin]

Better recharge them with a drop of champagne. Don't want you losing your grip. I hope you're not getting past it, Sidney Larkin. Because you won't get very far with your girlfriend at this rate.

[Pop Larkin]

Which girlfriend?

[Mariette Larkin]

Angela Snow. Heard you fixing it up on the phone. On a four poster bed at that.

[Pop Larkin]

Oh, she wants me to find her one. Her new flat.

[Mariette Larkin]

You could excuse, wouldn't you? You're breathing hard. Just as I thought. I wonder what it's like on a four poster. Four times as good, I spect.

[Pop Larkin]

Oh, kids.

[Mariette Larkin]

You sibling. Look at you, all down your chest. You need a bib next. I know what's behind all this. You want to watch me dressing when I lie there like the Caliph of Baghdad. And watch your slave girl go through packages.

[Pop Larkin]

By Expedia, you were made to be rechargeable. We were made to package flights, hotels and hammocks, or less Expedia. Made to travel the motions.

[Mariette Larkin]

We're all right, Calif. What's it to be this morning? Bell. Tent or corset fight. Bits popping in and out.

[Pop Larkin]

Yes, that's the one.

[Mariette Larkin]

And what will you say?

[Pop Larkin]

I'll say left titty out first this morning. Going to rain before the day is gone.

[Mariette Larkin]

Well, maybe it will, maybe it won't. Depends. Have to wait and see. Won't you?

[Pop Larkin]

Wait and see?

[Mariette Larkin]

What's the matter with you? I'm not getting much response this morning. Here, you can't alarm me or what?

[Pop Larkin]

Oh, good. Oh, good. Don't feel all that great, Ma. You know. That's it.

[Mariette Larkin]

Sid, what's up? Do you think we overdid it a bit?

[Pop Larkin]

Ma, don't go. I'm dying.

[Mariette Larkin]

Mar.

[Pop Larkin]

Oh, Mar.

[Mariette Larkin]

What? I don't know. I just know he's coming. Hold on, Ma, we're coming out.

[Pop Larkin]

Charlie, can you hear me? I'm telephone. Dr. Oana. He's on his way. Now. I'm going to take your temperature. I want you to lie flat so I still take away one thing. Mouth open, that's it. Oh, shut.

[Mariette Larkin]

Good boy.

[Pop Larkin]

Got to live. Got to live. I could live. An eye for all of us. I'm taking your pulse as well.

[Mariette Larkin]

Hello, Pop.

[Pop Larkin]

Let me feel your hand. Marriott.

[Mariette Larkin]

I can't feel your hand.

[Pop Larkin]

I'll take the thermometer away now, Pop. Thank you.

[Mariette Larkin]

We'll have you up and doing in no time.

[Pop Larkin]

Up and doing. That's what did this. Where's Mom?

[Mariette Larkin]

She's downstairs waiting for Dr. O' Connor. Oh, no. They're here. The doctor's here.

[Pop Larkin]

Let's have a look at him then. Now, what's all this? Mr. Largo? Been overdoing it a bit, eh? Bit marvelous. How new sketch around, isn't it? Like Edith Pilchester's homemade wine, eh? Now, Mr. Larkin, I'm going to give you a little injection. Just homemade wine, eh? Like Edith, like. Eat it.

[Mariette Larkin]

Oh.

[Pop Larkin]

Come on. Come on, Edith.

[Mariette Larkin]

I am, Mr. Lockyer, I am.

[Pop Larkin]

And give it all you've got.

[Mariette Larkin]

Oh, my God, yes.

[Pop Larkin]

And then some.

[Mariette Larkin]

Then some. Oh, yes, absolutely.

[Pop Larkin]

Oh, perfect. Perfect. Edith, my darling.

[Mariette Larkin]

Absolutely. Oh. Oh, dear Edith Pilchester. Daydreaming again. What a fool you are. Oh, lovely. Though step out of it, woman. This won't get breakfast. It won't spin the sheep all either, will it? And dreaming about dear Mr. Larkin won't make lemon curd for the church bazaar. It won't pull the rhubarb. Won't embroider the cushion for the Society of Unmarried Mothers. Saint. Oh, heavens. There's so much to do in July. July is mad. So are the unmarried mothers. How do girls find the time to become unmarried mothers? That's what I want to know. I never did.

[Pop Larkin]

Never.

[Mariette Larkin]

And it's absolutely ghastly. Oh, Mr. Larkin. Oh, Pop. I find the time for you, Edith Pilchester. Pull yourself together. You've done a thousand things already this morning. And you've another thousand still to do. It's a nightmare. But that was a dream, wasn't it? Edith, I need stamps. How could I possess it without stamps?

[Pop Larkin]

No knees. All right. I'm all right. You know how to knock a fellow off his feet.

[Mariette Larkin]

I will. I will. Just. Post office.

[Pop Larkin]

Ah, splendid. I've just been there for my pension.

[Mariette Larkin]

I'm going for unmarried mother.

[Pop Larkin]

Oh, really? I see. Well, splendid. It is absolutely stamina.

[Mariette Larkin]

No, it isn't. It's absolutely ghastly because I have so much to do. I don't.

[Pop Larkin]

I'm so late.

[Mariette Larkin]

Oh, excuse me. Lovely day, though, isn't it?

[Pop Larkin]

Well, some meat is, but not for all, by the sound of it.

[Mariette Larkin]

No, you're right. Oh, dear. Well, I really.

[Pop Larkin]

I hope you won't think it unchivalrous of me if I say that you seem a little distrayed. History.

[Mariette Larkin]

I'll say I'm history. I've lost time, you see. Hours of it. Days, years. I don't know where it goes.

[Pop Larkin]

Allow me to walk with you. To run with you now. I know what you mean. Do you? I've been losing a battle with time all my life. We all do in one way or another, don't we? Though I must say, I've had my moments. No, there have been moments when I believe I actually made time stop.

[Mariette Larkin]

Stop. How did you do that?

[Pop Larkin]

I won't go into details. Suffice to say that once in a while I have filled my cup so full it overflowed and the world has stood still and time has been of no consequence at all.

[Mariette Larkin]

Oh, how I envy you. How I would have loved to have had an experience like that.

[Pop Larkin]

But surely you mean you never have? Never. Not once, dear lady.

[Mariette Larkin]

Once or twice I came near it. This neary was mine.

[Pop Larkin]

Good afternoon to you, Miss Pilchester. Oh, and to you, Brigadier. Hello, Candy. Thought you'd gone off to foreign part. I did, but I'm back again, Ma.

[Mariette Larkin]

And Candy has come to our church for good this time. I'm delighted today.

[Pop Larkin]

Oh, so am I. Glad to have you in the regiment at Denver. Thank you. I say, I wonder if I might ask you something far away. It's just that, well, being away, I seem to have missed some developments. I hardly nothing developed here except unmarried mother and motorways. What motorways? Two men came to the vicarage early this morning. They wanted information.

[Mariette Larkin]

What information?

[Pop Larkin]

Oh, directions and. Well, they were asking questions about the lie of the land and who owned what and so forth. I couldn't tell them anything, of course. I don't know anything.

[Mariette Larkin]

Did they say why they wanted this information?

[Pop Larkin]

Oh, yes. They said for the motorway. What? Rubbish.

[Mariette Larkin]

Absolute rubbish. The motorway. Here. Where to?

[Pop Larkin]

We don't go anywhere.

[Mariette Larkin]

It's a mistake. They think they're somewhere else.

[Pop Larkin]

I expect that's it. Only they asked for Mr. Larkin. What? No. Oh, what's happening? Doc?

[Mariette Larkin]

Is that you?

[Pop Larkin]

Ah, Mr. Larkin. Welcome back to the land of the living.

[Mariette Larkin]

Thank the Lord for that. Sid.

[Pop Larkin]

Hush now. Let the Doctor see to him. How are you feeling? Well, he could knock me down with a feather. Doctor. Oh, the pain's gone. Good. And you're not too uncheerful, I hope? Oh, yes, you got all these wires and antennae. What's it stuck all over me? I've been reincarnated as a spider, have I? We're doing a small job of work on you with that machine. Now, lie still. No talking. It's a cardiograph cop recording. What the heart does. Whoa. This don't beat all. I've come back as a printing machine. The racing results come through all right. Charlie, grab an earful of that little bit. Oh, isn't that just beautiful. It appears the heart has suffered some damage. You will need absolute rest for several weeks, Mr. Larkin. Lying completely flat, no pillows. Well, perhaps one pillow. After a week or two. I'll write some prescriptions. Could have Been worse, Doc. Could have been a lot worse. You're a lucky man. Mr. Larkin will need quiet. Mrs. Larkin.

[Mariette Larkin]

It's all right. Marry her to look after a sponsor. It'll just be the two of us. I will. Oh, but Ma, don't forget. Primrose is coming home today. Good in it. Your help.

[Pop Larkin]

I'll fetch Primrose from the station, Matt.

[Mariette Larkin]

Thanks, Charlie. This got me all confused. Out of brandy was coming. Talking of brandy, can I get Pop a nice large one now, Doctor?

[Pop Larkin]

Not on any account.

[Mariette Larkin]

Brandy's good for the heart, isn't it? And he loves it. Thrives on it. Peps him up no end.

[Pop Larkin]

Pepping him up is just what we don't want to do.

[Mariette Larkin]

Well, I'll go to the bonehouse. Ma.

[Pop Larkin]

Ma, I do think the bone house is exactly where your husband will be going if we're not careful. Oh, God.

[Mariette Larkin]

Whoever ain't ever drop a brandy hurting anybody. And he must be famished for south. He hadn't eaten a thing for 12 hours.

[Pop Larkin]

Good square meals.

[Mariette Larkin]

Set him up. Beefsteak, kidney pudding, a bottle of Beaujolais.

[Pop Larkin]

Put him right in no time. Mrs. Larkin.

[Mariette Larkin]

Look at me. After man dog preach givin last rice. Doctor, we haven't come to that yet. And you need to think we have. Steak and kidney puds. A tonic. Give Pop a bit of excitement from Sage.

[Pop Larkin]

Mr. Larkin must have no excitement. No, none. Mrs. Larkin, I really must impress upon you the seriousness of the situation. Listen to the doctor, Mark. I'm talking about him not eating. Mrs. Larkin, your husband must have no sugar, no butter, no animal fats, very few carbohydrates, no stimulants, never mind his.

[Mariette Larkin]

Life won't be worth living.

[Pop Larkin]

And no alcohol.

[Mariette Larkin]

No drink.

[Pop Larkin]

No drink?

[Mariette Larkin]

What is it poisonous?

[Pop Larkin]

Now, tantamount to that.

[Mariette Larkin]

You mean it could be.

[Pop Larkin]

TT Precisely.

[Mariette Larkin]

You must be joking.

[Pop Larkin]

I am not joking. Absolutely no alcohol. Do you understand?

[Mariette Larkin]

How long?

[Pop Larkin]

For the foreseeable future.

[Mariette Larkin]

How long might that be, for God Almighty's sake?

[Pop Larkin]

Forever? Yes, perhaps forever.

[Mariette Larkin]

Well, this don't be all. No Satan kidney poor. No excitement. Teetotal saliva. You'll never live it down.

[Pop Larkin]

Oh.

[Mariette Larkin]

Oh, it's the end.

[Pop Larkin]

This is the absolute, absolute living end. Yes, but l. You keep on listening to that bird, sibling. Just run onto that bird. Cause it's worth something better than life. And that's worth everything.

[Mariette Larkin]

Good morning. My stamp, please. Morning. You're crying. Has something upset you? What on earth is the matter? Haven't you heard? Oh, Ms. Pilchester, it's so awful. It is awful. Awful. Heard what about Mr. Larkin. Mr. Larkin? What about Mr. Larkin? He's dead.

[Pop Larkin]

Dead?

[Mariette Larkin]

Dead? Don't be ridiculous. Not down by a car. No, no, no. He had a stroke first sudden 8 o' clock this morning. Oh, Lord. Stroke and a car. The ambulance. Not that ambulance. Oh, no, it can't be. God wouldn't do that. God would never do a thing like that. It's the end. The end of everything. The end.

[Pop Larkin]

In a little of what you fancy Pop Larkin was played by David Jason and Marla Kate by Pam Ferris Mariette by Hetty Baines Mr. Charlton Charles Simpson the doctor Max Harvey Edith Pilchester Claire Welch the brigadier Derek Waring Reverend Candy Paul Panting the surveyor Lloyd Johnston and the shop assistant Una Beeson. A little of what you fancy was an Excelsior production. Pink champagne. The perfect summer dream. That's what I.