A Little of What You Fancy 1996-12-03 Part 2

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – "A Little of What You Fancy" (1996-12-03 Part 2)

Release Date: June 3, 2025
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

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Overview

"A Little of What You Fancy" is a beloved radio drama from the Golden Age of Radio, brought to life in Part 2 by Harold's Old Time Radio. This episode continues the heartfelt and humorous tale of the Larkin family, delving deeper into their interpersonal dynamics, personal struggles, and the challenges they face together. Starring David Jason as Pop Larkin and Pam Ferris as Marl Larkin, the story is adapted for radio in six parts by Eric Pringle, with music composed by Pip Burley and Barry Gard, and incidental music by Barry Gar.

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Main Plot and Discussions

Primrose's Return Home

The episode opens with Primrose Larkin's return to her familial home after spending time away. Her excitement to reconnect with her roots is palpable.

• Primrose Larkin (01:05): "Charlie. Here I am. Hello."

This greeting sets a warm tone, highlighting her longing for the familiar Kentish air and her family's presence.

Tension and Uncertainty

Despite the joyous reunion, Charlie Larkin senses underlying issues that Primrose is grappling with.

• Charlie Larkin (02:10): "I have some news, I'm afraid. Some really bad news. Something happened this morning."

This announcement introduces a sense of impending trouble, hinting at family conflicts or external challenges.

Coping with Crisis

Primrose reacts to the news by seeking solace in alcohol, a coping mechanism that reveals her vulnerability.

• Primrose Larkin (02:24): "I need a drink."

Her reliance on alcohol becomes a recurring theme, showcasing the strains within the family and her personal struggles.

Concern for Pop Larkin

As the episode progresses, the focus shifts to Pop Larkin's well-being. The family is anxious about his health, leading to conversations about his medication and diet.

• Charlie Larkin (03:07): "His diet my way."

Primrose takes charge, planning nutritious meals to support Pop's recovery, emphasizing the family's dedication and concern.

Rumors and Misunderstandings

A rumor about Pop Larkin's demise circulates in the village, causing distress and confusion.

• Primrose Larkin (07:18): "What started it? No idea."

This subplot explores how misinformation can wreak havoc within tight-knit communities, adding layers of complexity to the family's situation.

Reverend Candy's Role

Reverend Candy enters the scene, introducing both humor and tension. His interactions with Primrose reveal underlying romantic tensions and unspoken feelings.

• Primrose Larkin (16:48): "What valley? What shadow?"

Their banter adds depth to the characters, highlighting personal conflicts and emotional undercurrents.

Climactic Confrontation

The episode builds to a dramatic confrontation when Primrose confronts Reverend Candy about the misconceptions surrounding Pop Larkin.

• Primrose Larkin (26:06): "I am no soaper. I am to take care of you, Mr. Larkin."

This moment underscores themes of loyalty, love, and the lengths family members will go to protect each other.

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Notable Quotes

• Primrose Larkin (01:13): "Good Lord, I'm excited to be back. Smell that Kentish air. Pure and unsullied. Heaven, isn't this a lovely day."

  Primrose expresses her deep appreciation for returning home, setting an emotional tone for the episode.

• Charlie Larkin (06:04): "What this is, Pop, is an intercom. I'm going to attach these wires to the bedside table."

  Charlie introduces a practical solution to improve communication within the household, highlighting his resourcefulness.

• Primrose Larkin (16:58): "Well, you were looking at my blouse, weren't you?"

  A playful yet revealing moment between Primrose and Reverend Candy, hinting at unspoken emotions.

• Charlie Larkin (25:28): "I always reckoned it did. Well, it did once, it will again, you'll see. Promise."

  Charlie's optimistic outlook serves as a beacon of hope amidst the family's struggles.

• Primrose Larkin (24:58): "Actually, there's a meeting of the Parochial church council. When?"

  Primrose's dedication to community and her role within it is evident, showcasing her multifaceted character.

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Character Dynamics and Development

Primrose Larkin: Her return home is marked by a mix of excitement and underlying tension. Her reliance on alcohol suggests personal struggles, yet her proactive approach to caring for Pop demonstrates her resilience and commitment.

Charlie Larkin: Serving as the pragmatic anchor of the family, Charlie's attempts to manage crises and support his loved ones highlight his reliability and resourcefulness.

Pop Larkin: Although his presence is more subdued, the concerns surrounding his health add emotional depth to the narrative, emphasizing the family's interdependence.

Reverend Candy: His interactions with Primrose add a layer of complexity, blending humor with emotional depth, and hint at potential romantic tensions.

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Themes and Insights

1. Family and Community: The episode underscores the importance of family bonds and community support in times of crisis. The Larkins' interactions reflect both the strengths and strains inherent in close-knit families.

2. Coping Mechanisms: Primrose's turn to alcohol highlights the varied ways individuals cope with stress and uncertainty, prompting reflections on mental health and support systems.

3. Rumors and Miscommunication: The spread of misinformation about Pop Larkin's health serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive power of rumors and the necessity for clear communication.

4. Resilience and Hope: Despite the challenges, the characters display resilience and a hopeful outlook, emphasizing the human capacity to endure and support one another through adversity.

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Conclusions

"A Little of What You Fancy" Part 2 masterfully weaves humor, drama, and heartfelt moments to portray the complexities of family life. The Larkins' journey through personal struggles, community challenges, and interpersonal dynamics offers listeners a rich narrative filled with relatable emotions and timeless themes. This episode not only entertains but also invites reflection on the enduring bonds that hold families together amidst life's unpredictabilities.

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Cast Highlights:

• Pop Larkin: David Jason
• Marl Larkin: Pam Ferris
• Harriet: Hitty Baileys
• Mr. Charlton: Charles Simpson
• Edith Pilchester: Claire Welch
• Brigadier: Derek Waring
• Reverend Candy: Paul Canting
• Nurse Toper: Gay Brown
• Landlord: Lloyd Johnston
• Alf: Don McOorndale

"A Little of What You Fancy" was produced by Excelsior Productions, capturing the essence of summer dreams and the intricacies of the Larkin family's life.

Transcript

[Charlie Larkin]

Strawberries in the fields Bluebells, lizards Evening sunlight broken gold sprinkling in the trees Chestnuts carry blossom flicking snake on apple trees Easterly ends to be easterly oh, y We present a little of what You Fancy by H.D. bates. Starring David Jason as Pop Larkin and Pam Ferris as Marl Larkin. Adapted for radio in six parts by Eric Pringle. Title music by Pip Burley and Barry Gard and incidental music by Barry Gar Produced by Richard Bates and directed by Adrian Bean. Part 2.

[Primrose Larkin]

Charlie. Here I am. Hello.

[Charlie Larkin]

Welcome home. Give me your king.

[Primrose Larkin]

Give me your king.

[Charlie Larkin]

Brother in law.

[Primrose Larkin]

Good Lord, I'm excited to be back. Smell that Kentish air. Pure and unsullied. Heaven, isn't this a lovely day. Oh, Charlie. Parting is such sweet sorrow. But returning is even sweeter.

[Charlie Larkin]

I thought you'd be a woman of the world by now.

[Primrose Larkin]

Must say, you look after one term university. This is all a front. Oh, it's been lovely and exciting. But I can't wait to get back into country clothes and see everybody again. I'm still a country girl at heart, Charlie. Still Daddy's girl. For the moment, anyway. Actually, I expected Pop to meet me, not you. Well, yes, I imagine he's busy. One of his deals.

[Charlie Larkin]

Primrose.

[Primrose Larkin]

What is it? Is something the matter?

[Charlie Larkin]

Well, yes. Yes, if there is. Primrose, I have to tell you.

[Primrose Larkin]

Come on, Charlie, put it out.

[Charlie Larkin]

I have some news, I'm afraid. Some really bad news. Something happened this morning. Day to you, Ms. Pochester.

[Primrose Larkin]

I need a drink.

[Charlie Larkin]

Don't often see you in here.

[Primrose Larkin]

Give me a sifter, landlord.

[Charlie Larkin]

God, a big one, fast. Never seen you in here before.

[Primrose Larkin]

God, a whiskey.

[Charlie Larkin]

What'll it be?

[Primrose Larkin]

Hell, anything.

[Charlie Larkin]

Water or soda with it?

[Primrose Larkin]

Nothing with it. The stronger the better. And double, please. Is something the matter? Oh, Primrose. Oh, glad to see you. Not much of a welcome home, this, eh? You'll be wanting to go away again, I shall wonder. Oh, what do you take me for?

[Charlie Larkin]

I'll take your place upstairs, Primrose, shall I?

[Primrose Larkin]

Thanks, Charlie. Thanks for coming to meet me.

[Charlie Larkin]

My pleasure. Sorry about the news, sir.

[Primrose Larkin]

Sit down, love. I'm. I'm after a cup of tea. How is he? Better than he was, that's for sure. Sleeping with his pills and that's. Frightened the life out of me. What happened? Knows. I don't. I mean, it wasn't as if we weren't doing anything unusual. He's done it thousands of times, hasn't he? Done what? You know. Oh, and we was having a drop of Shampoo. Celebrating. You know, I can get it. And you wait. Night, Gray.

[Charlie Larkin]

Horrible.

[Primrose Larkin]

Oh, no. Oh, let me see him. Let me go by myself first. Can I? Of course you can, love. Off you go. I'm back.

[Charlie Larkin]

I can see that. Oh, welcome home. Hey, hey, come on. Let the dog see the rabbit then. Oh, well, look at you. Can see university's done you a bit of good. You look so elegant.

[Primrose Larkin]

Not for long. Just you wait till I get changed. I'm the same. Just the same.

[Charlie Larkin]

Thank all for that. You had me worried there for a minute. Hey. Hey, who are you crying for?

[Primrose Larkin]

I'm not going away again. The moment I turn my back, look what happens to you.

[Charlie Larkin]

I gotta admit, this is a new one. Bit of a shaker and all. Yeah, that was the actual scent of the bishop, wasn't it?

[Primrose Larkin]

I think you've had enough of that for a bit.

[Charlie Larkin]

Well, do you? I'll come to something when I have to ask your permission, Miguel. Would you ask mine?

[Primrose Larkin]

Not exactly.

[Charlie Larkin]

No. No, not exactly. No. I'm not exactly dead yet neither.

[Primrose Larkin]

You haven't changed, have you?

[Charlie Larkin]

Oh, it'd take more than a shaker to do that. Take a believed earthquake.

[Primrose Larkin]

Well, make sure you don't get one. Promise me. You promise me?

[Charlie Larkin]

Yes, of course I promise. Mar. She needs me.

[Primrose Larkin]

We all do.

[Charlie Larkin]

Yes. Oh, here she comes now. Has Marge a deputation.

[Primrose Larkin]

You pill's never dinner here. How are you feeling?

[Charlie Larkin]

Oh, victim.

[Primrose Larkin]

Anything you want.

[Charlie Larkin]

Bit of shutter.

[Primrose Larkin]

You must be famished. Would you like me to get you murdered? We'll be downstairs if you want us, Pop.

[Charlie Larkin]

Yes. Thanks, Mariette. Oh, there's my girls.

[Primrose Larkin]

Oh, Pa. Oh, my good girl. Prince, don't you set me off next Marriott.

[Charlie Larkin]

Why don't you take the girls down to the kitchen for a cup of tea? I just want to finish this little job and then I'll join you.

[Primrose Larkin]

Good idea, Charlie. Come on, Primus. I don't want to leave him. I love him.

[Charlie Larkin]

It's like the bleeding wailing Wall in here. If I woke up in Jerusalem or something.

[Primrose Larkin]

Go right. Okay, Mom.

[Charlie Larkin]

I'll be back, Pa. Yeah, I hope so, darling.

[Primrose Larkin]

Stay there now.

[Charlie Larkin]

Yeah, well, I ain't gonna go nowhere, am I? Oh, dear. Water works, eh, Charlie boy? Surprised Ma don't bottle it. She bottles everything else. Give her time. What's this? What are you up to? What are you doing? Are you wiring me up to another of them cardio? What? What's it good oven snap. What this is, Pop, is an intercom. I'm going to attach these wires to the bedside table. The other ends in the kitchen. You see this red button? Yeah. If you need anything, press it. And while here, just press the button. Anything you want. Trust Charlie boy to think of a thing like that.

[Primrose Larkin]

Another piece. Double.

[Charlie Larkin]

Are you all right, Miss Poochester? Of course I'm not all right.

[Primrose Larkin]

The roof has fallen in. How can I be all right with a roof in? Oh, God shouldn't have let it. He shouldn't it hell roof.

[Charlie Larkin]

It's ghastly what happened to the roof?

[Primrose Larkin]

What's happened to my whiskey?

[Charlie Larkin]

No, no. What's all this about, eh? Here's your drink. Ever stuff.

[Primrose Larkin]

Thank you. God shouldn't let hell happen, should he?

[Charlie Larkin]

Can't be as bad as all that. Surely not bad.

[Primrose Larkin]

What? A great good man like Mr. Larkin has gone.

[Charlie Larkin]

Larkin? You mean Pop Larkin? Go and pop Azzy.

[Primrose Larkin]

Is that man a hedge?

[Charlie Larkin]

Hedge cutter. Got a few leaves in him. Twig or free.

[Primrose Larkin]

I'll cut him. I'll pet him old dear.

[Charlie Larkin]

He don't really mean a Pop Larking.

[Primrose Larkin]

Festive from us. Cut down.

[Charlie Larkin]

No.

[Primrose Larkin]

Hell, I heard a stroke, I heard a car. I saw the ambulance.

[Charlie Larkin]

Might just be a rumor. You know, villages Rumor fed carrots around. Yes. Lo.

[Primrose Larkin]

Get some apricots while you're at it. Primrose. Sure. And carrots. And sultanas. Right. And coconut. Okay. And then and caraway seeds. Okay. And flour. Lots of flour. Right, Ma. I'll take the better forgotten dozens. I'm all six and seven. She's changed a lot. I've grown up. University for you, Reverend Candy. Wouldn't recognize her. Haven't seen him for ages, have we? Hiding from Primrose, I should wonder. Ela marry it. Let's have another brandy. Oh, yes. My leg. Charlie thinks a caprotin will help this. Hey, look at all Pop's pills and tablets. There's red, blue, white, green. Him out a rainbow. Oh, dear.

[Charlie Larkin]

Well.

[Primrose Larkin]

They might be necessary, but I still reckon what your dad needs is a good feed. I've got his menu all worked out. You can help if you like. Of course I will. What are we making? Chicken, turkey, fowl.

[Charlie Larkin]

See?

[Primrose Larkin]

Doctor's orders. New peas and onion sauce. Oh, that's nice. Dough cake, plum cake. Caraway cake. One of his favorites. That this is a diet. A bit of sweet helps and medicine. Doctor never said how much. And he never said I couldn't do.

[Charlie Larkin]

His diet my way.

[Primrose Larkin]

So I am. And I thought maids of honor. Curd tart, strawberry and raspberry mousse will make loads of fresh fruit. Good for him. Dr. Be impressed. And a cheese straw shortcake and coconut ice to finish. Do you think that's enough? Dunno. Hope so. I would have got out that plum pud we had over at Christmas, but I thought it'd be a bit on the heavy side. Just till he gets his strength back. He will get his strength back.

[Charlie Larkin]

Course he will.

[Primrose Larkin]

Hey, it's Pop we're talking about. Can't keep Pop down for long, you'll see. No need to be down in the dumps. And there's no use moaning. Moaning gets you nowhere. Come on. You peel the spuds and I'll make the pastry. You were in the dumps upstairs. Oh, no. I've been a little weep. Didn't he cook? But it's over now. Hey, gotta get on, don't we? Here's one thing bothers me. Oh, just a bit. What's that? What started it? No idea. Could be doing too much on an empty stomach, perhaps. Too much what? Empty stomach's not good for anybody. But it ain't Hardy.

[Charlie Larkin]

Right. He's here.

[Primrose Larkin]

What's that next? Couldn't do all that. I mean, where would we all be if Aunt suddenly flipped right and left? And with Pop, it's a hobby. It's good for him. Not exercise, not drink. And it couldn't have been a drink either. A bit of champagne and brandy and the other is what life's all about is life. Anyway, don't know what you're talking about. Oh, yes, I do. Yes. Oh, Ma. Anyway, it's no use moaning. Get old with moaning. Set that about alcohol. No alcohol. Dr. O' Connor said for the foreseeable future, perhaps forever. That's a long time. It's purgatory. Your dad'll never stone it. Can you imagine? No. It'll set him back. If anything will kill him, that will. I've done old with it. Let's have another brandy. Pour it, will you, love? Mine's all flour. Make it big. You like everything big. I do, don't I? To Top. Here's to you, Sid. This one's for you. Another whisker. God, another.

[Charlie Larkin]

I still say it could be a rumor. Why don't you telephone somebody and find out? You know Sid, Ms. Pilchester. Not one to give in lightly, is he?

[Primrose Larkin]

You see, you don't give in when somebody knocks you flat with a car. You're in kingdom come. The Lord has taken.

[Charlie Larkin]

That's the telephone who set your mind at rest.

[Primrose Larkin]

Supposed test he put on his tombstone.

[Charlie Larkin]

Mr. Telephone. There's no need. I'll ask my Jackie for you, shall I? He'll know. Who's Jackie?

[Primrose Larkin]

How would he know?

[Charlie Larkin]

Jackie always knows. Jackie, come here. Here I am, looking so. Nice jacket.

[Primrose Larkin]

Exactly.

[Charlie Larkin]

Take a peek. That's Jackie. Alice takes him with me.

[Primrose Larkin]

He's a bird.

[Charlie Larkin]

He's not a bird. He's a jackdaw.

[Primrose Larkin]

You talk to a jackdaw.

[Charlie Larkin]

I talk to Jackie. Talk to him all day long. And he talks to me. Talk sense, too. This here bird talks more sense in three croaks that you'll hear in parliament in a month of bloody wet Mondays.

[Primrose Larkin]

That I was. Certainly. Drink to a ghost. To you.

[Charlie Larkin]

Fetch the wheelbarrow, Bill. Better have Alf. We'll wheel her own. Women are funny, eh? Don't take much to upset them. Mine is mo. One, two, buckle shoe swing low Sweet terrier coming for. No, no, no. Not that. We're not ready for that yet. Thanks very much. Not by a long joke. Let's see. Bobby Shafter's gone to sea. More fooling. Well, you ain't lost your memory, Sydney. What else? Everything moves here. Gone through a lot. That's all right. Well, almost everything. Gotta be a bit careful for a while. You can see. You can feel. You can smell. Yes, yes. Smell. Miles cooking. You can hear it all. Hear that bird? We'll see. Singing. Not angels, is it? Not angels. For God's sake, I don't want angels. Yeah, well, thanks very much. The Lord want He may. Look. Look. He's standing like a statue. He looks lost. Afternoon, Brigadier. They're a friend of yours. Here, give her a merry lift down. I say, haven't perhaps heard the dreadful tidings about Larkin? I've just been told. Good lord, Edith. Aren't we after her? Told us the nose knocked her down like a feather. When Ms. Pilchester heard Mr. Larkin was a goner, she went herself with whiskey. Whiskey? Eat it in your establishment. But he never goes there. I did today, Brigadier. Couldn't take the tidings. I'm finding it difficult to come to terms myself, carried off like that. That's bad luck, eh? Damnable. I mean, good God. It's a bit beyond the pale, isn't it? Hail it is, sir. Wonder what caused it. He seemed healthy enough to me. Must have hit him like the crack of doom. News about the motorway. What motorway? Ask the men with us. The other light. They've killed a good man. We shall never see his life again. Ask Edith.

[Primrose Larkin]

So, Ma, I've picked some honeysuckle for pop. Oh, primrose, that's lovely. Oh, I Can smell it from here. Oh, your dad'll love that little. Right out of his bed. I shall wonder a bit of his beloved countryside. Where's everybody gone? Oh, we finished baking. So Marriott's taken Oscar and Philadelphia home with her. Charlie's gone to finish your dad's walkie talkie. Deal. Pops fast asleep. That's just you and me. It's turning out a really hot day. Well, you're dressed for it, I must say. Or undressed for it. Well, it isn't indecent, is it? Depends your point of view. That yellow blouse hardly exists. If it wasn't for the red spot to be transparent. What's that around your hips? The latest thing. Mini cut. Mini micromorlite. Half a micro quarter of your lucky. Well, it's hot. You're not lowering the temperature. You do look lovely, my girl. You're wearing anything underneath? That's my business. Isn't it, Papa Wind. It'll be everybody. Oh, I'll be the doctor. Stay there, Ma. You've been rushing about all day. Oh, the doctor's wearing sunglasses. You'll burn his eyes out. Why, it isn't the doctor at all. It's the vicious mystery God. Primrose.

[Charlie Larkin]

I'm not a bishop.

[Primrose Larkin]

So what are you, Reverend Candy?

[Charlie Larkin]

Just a vicar, as you know, primrose.

[Primrose Larkin]

Not just, Mr. Candy.

[Charlie Larkin]

They're like seashells. White as washed seashells and round, so round.

[Primrose Larkin]

Are you all right? You're trembling.

[Charlie Larkin]

Am I? Oh, am I? Even though I walk through the valley.

[Primrose Larkin]

Of the shadow, I will fear not. What valley? What shadow?

[Charlie Larkin]

I was.

[Primrose Larkin]

I was looking. Well, that is, you were looking at my blouse, weren't you?

[Charlie Larkin]

Not the. Not the blouse.

[Primrose Larkin]

No, no seashells. Do you like it? My blouse? Do I like kisses?

[Charlie Larkin]

It's very nice.

[Primrose Larkin]

Are you coming in, then? Miles? In the kitchen. Well, we haven't seen you for ages and he hasn't seen us.

[Charlie Larkin]

Me, a Cooper and Mrs. Larkin.

[Primrose Larkin]

Oh, mine too. I stay. I didn't dare. I don't dare now. Those seashells, those black, black eyes. And that.

[Charlie Larkin]

Well, all of it. All of her. You, everything.

[Primrose Larkin]

And the blouse and the skirt. You're cold, Mr. Candy. You look kind of pale. Cold?

[Charlie Larkin]

No, no, not cold.

[Primrose Larkin]

Oh, no, no. I just made some tea.

[Charlie Larkin]

Warm you up.

[Primrose Larkin]

I don't. Apologies for not coming.

[Charlie Larkin]

I've only just heard.

[Primrose Larkin]

See here, Mr. Candy. Amuse him, Primrose, while I get the tea.

[Charlie Larkin]

Amuse?

[Primrose Larkin]

Yes. Do sit down, Mr. Candy. You look tired.

[Charlie Larkin]

Oh, thank you, Primrose.

[Primrose Larkin]

I am a bit tired.

[Charlie Larkin]

I'VE been away, you see, for some time. At another parish.

[Primrose Larkin]

I know. You deserted us.

[Charlie Larkin]

No, I didn't. Anyway, you've been away too, haven't you? I could say the same.

[Primrose Larkin]

I've been to university in pursuit of knowledge. But I'm back now and so are you. Isn't that serendipity?

[Charlie Larkin]

Yes, indeed.

[Primrose Larkin]

I'm.

[Charlie Larkin]

I'm relieved to hear it's only Mr. Larkin's heart.

[Primrose Larkin]

Mrs. Larkin.

[Charlie Larkin]

No, no, I don't mean that.

[Primrose Larkin]

Not. Not relieved exactly.

[Charlie Larkin]

Oh, dear. I can't seem to think straight.

[Primrose Larkin]

Why?

[Charlie Larkin]

What I. What I actually meant was I'd heard an accident. A car. Mr. Larkin. Gravely injured.

[Primrose Larkin]

So heart isn't. It's not too serious, I hope. Sleeping like a lamb. Knocked out a good thing. Watch out. Tea up.

[Charlie Larkin]

Oh, I'm so relieved.

[Primrose Larkin]

Sugar, Mr. Candy? One lump or two?

[Charlie Larkin]

Oh, two. No, I mean, would you like some cream?

[Primrose Larkin]

Cream? Dear God, this household. Do you like it in first or last?

[Charlie Larkin]

Heaven help me.

[Primrose Larkin]

Cream from those lips. There is, in fact, another curious rumor going about.

[Charlie Larkin]

It seems that Edith Pilchester went into the Hare and Hounds and got tiddly.

[Primrose Larkin]

It is, yes.

[Charlie Larkin]

And had to be taken home in a wheelbarrow. It appears she'd heard a rumor about Mr. Larkin's demise.

[Primrose Larkin]

Do you mind? He's certainly not suffering from that. It means she'd heard Pop was dead, Ma. Really dead. Pop. Whatever, Ned. The things people get about. If some of them don't keep their tracks out, I'll try to hire them out. Got to pig lot. I bet some of them would like to see him dead.

[Charlie Larkin]

Oh, no.

[Primrose Larkin]

No. Cry that gently. Oh, my Lord. I have to go and tell Pop, you know I'll get him up. Do good than all the pills in the world. Take care of Mr. Candy, Primrose. I will. Trust me. Sid, you wake. Just come to see if he was all right.

[Charlie Larkin]

Oh, never better. What do you think?

[Primrose Larkin]

Just wanted. Here, smell this. Honeysuckle.

[Charlie Larkin]

Yeah, I like honeysuckle. I love it.

[Primrose Larkin]

Our primrose picked it specially for you.

[Charlie Larkin]

Oh, smash as she is.

[Primrose Larkin]

Put it in a vase on this cupboard, you'll smell it from the bed. Anything you want.

[Charlie Larkin]

We may do some dancing. Girls.

[Primrose Larkin]

How many?

[Charlie Larkin]

A harem.

[Primrose Larkin]

Two harems, if you like.

[Charlie Larkin]

Ever Heart.

[Primrose Larkin]

Have a heart.

[Charlie Larkin]

If I'm one, you let me have it. I could do them. I was only joking. Only joking. I love you, Pop. I love you too, Ma. Yeah.

[Primrose Larkin]

Another chocolate finger, Mr. Candy?

[Charlie Larkin]

Oh, yes. Yes, I will. Thank you.

[Primrose Larkin]

Why don't you look at me? I'm looking great God, I'm looking. The last time I saw her she was only 15. I don't know what it is, but he gets me. It must be his shyness, the way he. Oh, I don't know what. The paleness, the quiet in him.

[Charlie Larkin]

Now she's a woman.

[Primrose Larkin]

And so lovely. I'm going to have to do something about you one day, Mr. Candy. I seriously am.

[Charlie Larkin]

Oh, hello, Reverend. I say, could somebody give me a hand? I have a present for Pop outside in the truck.

[Primrose Larkin]

We won't help. Won't we, Mr. Canby?

[Charlie Larkin]

What the pipe is that noise?

[Primrose Larkin]

Somebody bringing a piano?

[Charlie Larkin]

What do I want with a piano? I can't play, can I? Anyway, state I'm in, I couldn't lift the bleeding lid.

[Primrose Larkin]

What is it? What? Oh, Mum. Good God.

[Charlie Larkin]

It's a toilet cloud commode potty on legs. No trouble or patients should be without convenience like that. It's sent to you, Pop, by Miss Effie and Miss Edna Barnell with concern and gratitude for all you've done for them in the past. They call it their throne.

[Primrose Larkin]

Isn't that kind? I want to know, Sid Largan, what you been doing to them ladies in the past.

[Charlie Larkin]

That's what I call a real bottom up practical presence. I could not make use of it right now. Where do you want it, Pop? Well, underneath me, of course. Where else? Step in the middle of the room there tonight. Yeah, well, you know where a throne should be. Now come on, get them all out of here, Ma, will you there, will you? And if you come back yourself, will you? I think I'm gonna need a bit of assistance. Come to something when you've got to ask somebody else to lift the lid of a bleeding potty.

[Primrose Larkin]

Don't worry about it. Stay there sharply.

[Charlie Larkin]

Tick.

[Primrose Larkin]

Come on, everybody. Leave him for a bit, that's it.

[Charlie Larkin]

Here. All my kingdom wanted was a throne. Now all it wants is a king that can sit on him by himself. I'll put the trap away.

[Primrose Larkin]

How is he really, Mrs. Archer? A little improvement. He had a good long sleep. Oh, Ma, I'm so worried about it now. Come here. It's all right.

[Charlie Larkin]

It's not all right.

[Primrose Larkin]

Got a lot of popping in this one, Mr. Candy. Lot of warmth. Our primrose likes the sun. Like her dad. You see her skin getting nice and brown. Is she pretty?

[Charlie Larkin]

Well the same all over?

[Primrose Larkin]

Yes, she is. There something I could do for Mr. Larkin? I think that's what I came to say. I forgot to say it. I don't know why. There is something. I was going to get some flowers for his bedroom. But the doctor be used, so why don't you two go? Oh, let's do that, shall we, Mr. Candy?

[Charlie Larkin]

Well, I. Well, there's a.

[Primrose Larkin]

Actually, there's a meeting of the Parochial church council. When?

[Charlie Larkin]

This evening.

[Primrose Larkin]

Loads of time for feel better now.

[Charlie Larkin]

Easier in that department, anyway. What's that noise now?

[Primrose Larkin]

Primrose, Mr. Candy. They're picking flowers for you.

[Charlie Larkin]

Sounds more like tickling than picking.

[Primrose Larkin]

Well, you know what they say. Little of what you fancy does you good.

[Charlie Larkin]

I always reckoned it did. Well, it did once, it will again, you'll see. Promise.

[Primrose Larkin]

Just you wait, said Larkin. Just you wait, sir. Mrs. Larkin? Anybody in town?

[Charlie Larkin]

What? The pipe.

[Primrose Larkin]

Ah, my patient awaits me. Good morning, Mr. Larkin. Mrs. Larkin.

[Charlie Larkin]

Oh, my good God, it's a monster. Who are you?

[Primrose Larkin]

I am no soaper. I am to take care of you, Mr. Larkin. See you don't get up to animalship. See you behave yourself and believe me, see to that. I will.

[Charlie Larkin]

Oh, my, oh, my, oh, my. Ma, protect me. In A Little of what yout Fancy, Pop Larkin was played by David Jason and Mar Lark by Pam Ferris. Harriet by Hitty Baileys, Mr. Charlton, Charles Simpson, Edith Pilchester, Claire Welch, the Brigadier, Derek Waring, Reverend Candy, Paul Canting, Primrose Capisara, Nurse Toper, Gay Brown, Landlord, Lloyd Johnston and alf by Don McOorndale. A little of what you Fancy was an Excelsior production. Champagne, the perfect summer dream. Off your bed, get half past two, that's what I say.