After Henry - BBC 86-10-04 The Teapot

Summary

Podcast Summary: "After Henry - BBC 86-10-04 The Teapot"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harolds Old Time Radio
• Description: Showcasing radio programs from the Golden Age of Radio, capturing the essence of family gatherings around the radio before the advent of television. Features classic shows such as The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, Dragnet, and many more.
• Episode: After Henry - BBC 86-10-04 The Teapot
• Release Date: March 10, 2025

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Introduction

"After Henry - BBC 86-10-04 The Teapot" is a classic radio drama that delves into the intricate dynamics of family relationships surrounding inheritance and sentimental value. The episode features a cast led by Prunella Scales as Eleanor, Joan Sanderson as Sarah, Benjamin Whitrow as Russell, Jerry Cowper as Claire, and Nicholas Le Prevo as the Valuer. Written by Simon Brett and produced by Pete Atkin, the drama captures the tension and humor inherent in familial disputes over possessions and wills.

Plot Overview

The central narrative revolves around Eleanor, an elderly matriarch, and her interactions with her daughters Sarah and Claire, as well as her son Russell. Eleanor is intent on updating her will, primarily concerning a valuable Georgian silver teapot that has been in the family for four generations. The teapot becomes the focal point of contention, revealing underlying tensions and differing values among the family members.

Key Discussions and Conflicts

Eleanor’s Will and the Teapot

Eleanor expresses her desire to rearrange the living room, starting with the placement of a teapot. This seemingly mundane request surfaces deeper issues regarding inheritance and sentimental attachments.

• Eleanor to Sarah:

  "It's the Georgian teapot. It’s been in the family for four generations... I want you to appreciate it as I do." (MM:05:38)

Sarah, who works in a bookshop and is less attached to material possessions, is eager to discard the teapot, viewing it as a mere commodity.

• Sarah to Eleanor:

  "I think it's hideous. So it makes much more sense for you to sell it and have the benefit now." (MM:05:49)

This immediate clash sets the tone for the episode, highlighting Sarah’s practical mindset versus Eleanor’s sentimental perspective.

Russell’s Mediation Attempts

Russell attempts to mediate between his sister Sarah and their mother Eleanor, recognizing the emotional weight the teapot carries for Eleanor while understanding his sister’s desire to declutter.

• Russell on Eleanor’s Attachment:

  "That's what makes it pathetic, Russell, is that she really hasn't got anything much to leave." (MM:07:14)

He emphasizes the futility of arguing over material possessions that hold more emotional than financial value for Eleanor.

Claire’s Involvement and Financial Concerns

Claire, another daughter, introduces her own financial concerns, saving for a deposit for a place of her own. Her pragmatic approach contrasts with Sarah’s and Eleanor’s perspectives, adding another layer to the family’s dynamics.

• Claire to Eleanor:

  "I’d much rather have the cash." (MM:16:28)

Claire’s willingness to sell the teapot aligns her more closely with Sarah’s practical approach, yet she respects the sentimental value Eleanor places on the item.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Eleanor on Sentimental Value:

   "It's not a very beautiful piece of furniture, is it?" (00:55)

2. Sarah’s Practicality:

   "But you can't chuck the books out." (02:17)

3. Eleanor’s Defiance:

   "I'd always intended that the teapot should go to her in my will." (12:09)

4. Russell’s Observation:

   "That's what my old Latin Master would call a question expecting the answer no, isn't it?" (07:28)

5. Eleanor’s Realization:

   "Do you know, dear, it hardly matters because just at the moment..." (23:43)

6. Sarah’s Frustration:

   "Rubbish." (24:47)

7. Russell’s Revelation:

   "This book. It's the 1887 edition of Beaton's Christmas Annual." (25:11)

Character Insights

• Eleanor (Prunella Scales): Represents tradition and emotional attachment to family heirlooms. Her resistance to change and insistence on preserving the teapot underscores her desire to maintain continuity and honor family legacy.

• Sarah (Joan Sanderson): Embodies practicality and modernity. Her focus on decluttering and utilizing assets for immediate benefits reflects a generational shift in valuing possessions.

• Russell (Benjamin Whitrow): Acts as the peacemaker, attempting to balance his mother’s sentimental views with his daughter’s pragmatic stance. His role highlights the complexities of familial obligations and personal beliefs.

• Claire (Jerry Cowper): Introduces financial pragmatism into the mix. Her desire to save for her own future while navigating family expectations adds depth to the narrative, illustrating the diverse priorities within a family.

Themes and Insights

1. Sentimental vs. Monetary Value: The teapot symbolizes the conflict between emotional attachments and practical financial considerations. Eleanor’s inability to part with the teapot contrasts sharply with Sarah’s pragmatic approach, raising questions about what truly holds value in family legacies.

2. Family Dynamics and Communication: The episode showcases the challenges of open communication within families, especially when emotions and financial considerations intersect. Misunderstandings and differing priorities create tension, yet moments of understanding and compromise emerge.

3. Generational Shifts: The differing viewpoints of Eleanor and her daughters reflect broader societal changes in how successive generations perceive and value possessions and inheritance.

4. Legacy and Memory: The teapot serves as a tangible connection to family history, representing how objects can embody memories and legacies that transcend their material worth.

Conclusion

"After Henry - BBC 86-10-04 The Teapot" masterfully intertwines humor and pathos to explore the complexities of family relationships and inheritance. Through the symbolic significance of the Georgian teapot, the drama delves into how emotional attachments can complicate practical decisions, highlighting the nuanced interplay between tradition and modernity. The episode leaves listeners contemplating the true value of possessions and the importance of understanding and respecting differing perspectives within a family.

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Note: Advertisements and non-content sections, including Ryan Seacrest's promotional segments, have been intentionally omitted to focus solely on the narrative and thematic elements of the episode.

Transcript

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[Eleanor]

18/.

[Prunella Scales]

Prunella Scales is Sarah France in After Henry by Simon Brett with Joan Sanderson as Eleanor, Benjamin Wittrow as Russell and Jerry Cowper as Claire.

[Russell]

The teapot.

[Sarah]

There, Mother, how do you think that looks?

[Eleanor]

Well, could you just try it over the other side? All right.

[Sarah]

How about that?

[Eleanor]

No, no, it looks wrong. You see, from where I'm sitting, it doesn't balance with the television.

[Sarah]

Ah, so you want it back the other side.

[Eleanor]

If you don't mind, Sally dear.

[Sarah]

Of course. There. All right.

[Eleanor]

Now, there's still something not quite as it should be. I think it's that bookcase.

[Sarah]

Oh, so you want the bookcase moved as well as the dresser do?

[Eleanor]

No, I was wondering if I could just get rid of it. It's not a very beautiful piece of furniture, is it?

[Sarah]

No, but you've got to put the book somewhere.

[Eleanor]

Oh, I don't care about the books. They were your father's old detective stories and things like that. Rubbish. I've got all my books in the bedroom. Oh, no, I think I should just chuck it out.

[Sarah]

The bookcase?

[Eleanor]

Yes, and the books.

[Sarah]

But you can't chuck the books out.

[Eleanor]

Why not?

[Sarah]

Well, they're books.

[Eleanor]

Thank you, Sarah. I may not be as young as I was, but I still know what a book looks like.

[Sarah]

No, I just mean it seems a pity to.

[Eleanor]

Since you've been working in that bookshop, you've got horribly sentimental about books. You treat them like people treat pets. You know how I feel about people who get silly over animals.

[Sarah]

Yes, Mother, you have told me a few times. But I just like books, that's all. And since Russell's taught me a bit about them, I like them even more.

[Eleanor]

In that case, you can have them lot.

[Sarah]

Oh, but Mother, surely you want to check through them. I mean, there must be some that have sentimental value because of Daddy.

[Eleanor]

None of them has any Sentimental value, Sarah. Rather the reverse. Your father regarded a book as simply something to bury his head in when I wanted to talk to him.

[Sarah]

Oh, well, if you really don't want them, I'd be delighted to have the lot.

[Eleanor]

I never want to see any of them again. You can take the bookcase, too.

[Sarah]

Thank you. If you're sure you don't want it.

[Eleanor]

Absolutely certain. Then, you see, I could put my nest of tables over where the bookcase is. Yes, that'd look a lot better. Could you just try that, dear?

[Sarah]

Move the bookcase, please. Try. No, sorry, I'll have to take the books out.

[Eleanor]

Oh, very well. Now, with that moved and the nest of tables there down in the corner, would be an ideal place for. Mmm. Yes.

[Sarah]

For what?

[Eleanor]

Oh, just something I. You know I went to see Vera Poling yesterday. Yes, at the Sycamores. It's very elegant, you know. Not at all the traditional image of an eventide home. Oh, no, they don't lack for anything. Vera and I watched a charming film on Golden Pond. I don't know if you've seen it.

[Sarah]

No, I haven't, actually, but I hear it's very good if you look like that sort of thing.

[Eleanor]

Yes. Such a convenience, of course, for elderly people to be able to watch films whenever they choose.

[Sarah]

Yes, well, I imagine it must be. Oh, I see, Mother, what you're thinking would go, well, in the corner over there is a video recorder.

[Eleanor]

Is that what they're called?

[Sarah]

Those machines that you'd be able to watch on Golden Pond whenever you felt like it?

[Eleanor]

Not just on Golden Pond. There are plenty of other films I'd like to see.

[Sarah]

Like Rambo, for instance.

[Eleanor]

Oh, no, dear. I don't like Walt Disney.

[Sarah]

Walt Disney?

[Eleanor]

Isn't Rambo the one about the fawn?

[Sarah]

That's Bambi, Mother. No, Rambo's a bit different. It's very violent about a man in Vietnam shooting virtually everyone he meets.

[Eleanor]

Oh, dear.

[Sarah]

Why not sure that it's very strong on motivation or dialogue or anything except violence, come to that. Oh, look, Mother, I wish I could afford to buy you or rent you a video, but I'm afraid at the moment things are a bit tight.

[Eleanor]

Oh, goodness me. I wasn't suggesting that. No, no. I could find the money myself, but on a pension. No, it's just a little pipe dream. Anyway, it's not worth thinking of spending that sort of money for such a short time.

[Sarah]

Short time?

[Eleanor]

I'm not as young as I was. Sarah, dear.

[Sarah]

Well, haven't you got something you could sell, Mother? I mean, if you really want this video.

[Eleanor]

Oh, dear, no. I haven't got anything of value. Well, except your great, great grandfather's Georgian teapot.

[Sarah]

Oh, that thing?

[Eleanor]

But I couldn't sell that.

[Sarah]

Why not?

[Eleanor]

Well, I've left that to you in my will.

[Sarah]

Oh, well, I don't mind sell it.

[Eleanor]

But I want you to have it.

[Sarah]

Well, if I had it, all I'd do is sell it.

[Eleanor]

Would you?

[Sarah]

Yes. I think it's hideous. So it makes much more sense for you to sell it and have the benefit now.

[Eleanor]

But it's been in the family for.

[Sarah]

Four generations, so that still doesn't make it attractive.

[Eleanor]

It was bought by Jack Prescott, your father's great grandfather. He made a fortune in the cardboard box business and always bought the best of everything.

[Sarah]

Doesn't mean that he had any taste, though, does it?

[Eleanor]

Sarah, you grew up with that teapot.

[Sarah]

I know, but I never liked it.

[Eleanor]

All those cups of tea you've had out of it.

[Sarah]

All those spilt cups of tea. The spout always dribbled.

[Eleanor]

Oh, Sarah, may I say I'm very disappointed in you.

[Sarah]

What?

[Eleanor]

In how callous your being.

[Sarah]

What do you mean?

[Eleanor]

I mean, to think that all those years you were growing up with that teapot, you just saw it as AAs a commodity, something to be bought and sold.

[Sarah]

No, Mother. All those years I was growing up with that teapot, I always thought it was hideous. And I didn't realize that you were planning to bequeath it to me. Now I do. You know, all I'm saying is don't bother. Sell it now and buy yourself a video.

[Eleanor]

Hmm. So that's what you think I should do?

[Sarah]

Yes. Why? What do you think you should do?

[Eleanor]

I think, Sarah, that I should change my will.

[Russell]

And I assume, being Eleanor, she's playing up the whole drama for everything it's worth.

[Sarah]

You bet. Every subject somehow leads back to the will. But what makes it pathetic, Russell, is that she really hasn't got anything much to leave. She's not very well off. Just a few bits of furniture and oddments of jewellery. But to hear her talk, you'd think she was Paul Getty or Howard Hughes.

[Russell]

So you're going to be cut off without a penny, are you?

[Sarah]

I don't think it'll be as bad as that. But I may be cut off without a teapot. And I keep telling her I don't mind. I don't want the bloody teapot. I'd much rather she sold it and used the money. But will she listen?

[Russell]

That's what my old Latin Master would call a question expecting the answer no, isn't it?

[Sarah]

Yes.

[Russell]

Right.

[Sarah]

No, thank you. But like everything else with my mother, this will is becoming a major issue. I'll have to talk to my solicitors. She said this morning, I do want all the loose ends tied up. I don't want to be a bother once I've gone. Hm. I just managed to bite back my instinctive reply to that.

[Russell]

Which was?

[Sarah]

Why change the habits of a lifetime just because you're dead?

[Russell]

Ah, yes. I think it's probably as well you bit it back.

[Sarah]

Yes. The trouble is, what really infuriates me is that she doesn't mean it. She doesn't want to have all the loose ends tied up. She wants to leave as much trouble as possible. Power beyond the grave.

[Russell]

Oh, she'll have that anyway, though, won't she?

[Sarah]

Mean over me?

[Russell]

43 years of influence isn't going to vanish overnight.

[Sarah]

No. You know, I'm going to miss the old bat horribly when she does go.

[Russell]

Oh, yes, she knows that. She knows how much you really care.

[Sarah]

Do you think so?

[Russell]

Yes, of course. Otherwise she wouldn't bother with all this manipulation, would she?

[Sarah]

I suppose not.

[Russell]

Have you made a will?

[Sarah]

Yes. After Henry died. He hadn't made one. And in fact, it didn't cause many problems because everything came to me automatically. But I thought, you know, maybe I should have. You?

[Russell]

Oh, yes. You see, if I died, nothing would go to Bob automatically. Or vice versa.

[Sarah]

No, of course not.

[Russell]

So we've both made wills in each other's favor, at least. That sorted out.

[Sarah]

Frightens me, though, sort of Bob dying.

[Russell]

Yes, well, I suppose the consequences of Bob dying. It's just that recently some friends of ours, an established couple, been together for 20 years. Well, the. The younger one died. And the minute it happened, his family stepped in, tried to cover it up, pretend he'd never been gay. Do you know they didn't even invite his friend to the funeral?

[Sarah]

That's horrible.

[Russell]

Yes. Still, it happens, though distressingly often. Sorry. I shouldn't have burdened you with my worries.

[Sarah]

Why ever not?

[Russell]

Well.

[Sarah]

Oh, come on, Russell. You have listened to me maundering on many, many, many times. I think you deserve a bit of reciprocal attention every now and then, don't you?

[Russell]

Ah, now, if my ears don't deceive me, that's what my old Latin ma have called a question. Expecting the answer. Yes, isn't it?

[Sarah]

Yes.

[Russell]

All right, then. Yes, thank you.

[Eleanor]

And I was just wondering, Claire, dear, how you were off financially?

[Claire]

Oh, you know, like everyone else. Every month the moment when my account goes into the red gets nearer the beginning. But I'm ok. Even managed to save a bit, actually. Shove it into the old building society account.

[Eleanor]

Oh. What are you saving for?

[Claire]

Deposit for a place of my own. Can't stay here forever.

[Eleanor]

No, I was thinking, dear, I'd like you to have something after I've gone.

[Claire]

Where are you going?

[Eleanor]

I mean when I'm not here.

[Claire]

What, have you fixed a holiday?

[Eleanor]

No, Claire. I mean, well.

[Claire]

Oh, you mean when you're dead?

[Eleanor]

Yes. Yes, exactly.

[Claire]

Ah. What do you mean you'd like me to have something?

[Eleanor]

I'd like to leave you something in my will.

[Claire]

Oh, that's very nice of you, thanks. What?

[Eleanor]

Well, a memento. Something beautiful. Something to remind you of me.

[Claire]

I don't think there's any danger of my forgetting you.

[Eleanor]

Oh, no.

[Claire]

Once met, never forgotten, you are.

[Sarah]

Oh.

[Claire]

And are you asking me what I'd like?

[Eleanor]

In a way, yes.

[Claire]

Oh, well, I like that little cut glass vase you've got on the mantelpiece.

[Eleanor]

Yes. Well, I was thinking of something a bit bigger.

[Claire]

What, like the television?

[Eleanor]

No, something more personal.

[Claire]

Like what?

[Eleanor]

You know my silver teapot?

[Claire]

That peculiar looking one with the spout that dribbles?

[Eleanor]

Yes. I don't really think it's peculiar looking. Do you know that teapot's been in the family for four generations?

[Claire]

Really? What, you mean no one could get rid of it?

[Eleanor]

No, Clare, it was bought by Jack Prescott, your grandfather's great grandfather.

[Claire]

I don't think I've ever heard of Jack Prescott.

[Eleanor]

Well, he was very big in cardboard boxes.

[Claire]

Oh, what you mean he.

[Eleanor]

Not dear, Nothing. Well, Jack Prescott always bought the best of everything.

[Claire]

You mean the teapot's valuable?

[Eleanor]

Extremely valuable. And the thing is, after I've gone, I'd like it to go to someone who really appreciated it.

[Claire]

Oh. Oh, that teapot. When I said the peculiar looking one, I was thinking of something completely different.

[Eleanor]

Well, as I say, I feel very sentimentally attached to that teapot. And I like to think that it went to a good home.

[Claire]

Oh, yes.

[Eleanor]

It's not the sort of thing one wants to go out of the family.

[Claire]

No.

[Eleanor]

Unfortunately, your mother seems totally insensitive to the kind of feeling one can develop for familiar objects.

[Claire]

Oh.

[Eleanor]

I'd always intended that the teapot should go to her in my will. And then, presumably in her will, she'd leave it to you.

[Claire]

Ah.

[Eleanor]

Since she apparently couldn't care less about. I think it might make more sense if the teapot went straight to you.

[Claire]

Cut out the middle man.

[Eleanor]

Er, if you like? Yes, I suppose that's a way of putting it.

[Claire]

Oh, well, thank you, Granny.

[Eleanor]

It's just nice to think that something one has cherished for so long will continue to be cherished. Yes, you could make tea in it every day just as I have.

[Claire]

Yes, the spout dribbles, though.

[Eleanor]

Well, if you're worried about details like that, perhaps I should.

[Claire]

No, no, I'd love it, Granny. But if you really. Hello, Mummy.

[Sarah]

Claire. I didn't know you were up here.

[Eleanor]

I asked her to come up Saturday and I wanted to talk to her about my will. Oh, we were just talking about the teapot, actually.

[Sarah]

Were you?

[Eleanor]

The Georgian teapot. The Jack Prescott? The cardboard box Maggie.

[Sarah]

I do know which teapot you mean, Mother.

[Eleanor]

Well, I'm going to leave it to Clare.

[Sarah]

Good.

[Eleanor]

Because she appreciates it. She feels the same kind of sentimental association for it that I do.

[Sarah]

Oh, does she? Do you, Claire?

[Claire]

Well, yes. Oh, I must be off.

[Sarah]

What? Gotta go and make your will.

[Claire]

No, I've done that actually.

[Sarah]

Are you really? Yes.

[Claire]

We ordered at the office one day when we were slack.

[Sarah]

Don't you think that's a little middle aged for you, Claire? I mean, working for the building society is bad enough.

[Claire]

It's never too early to do these things. It's like getting a foot on the first rung of the property ladder. First time buyers can.

[Sarah]

All right, Claire, if you're going into your brochure routine, forget it.

[Claire]

Incidentally, Mummy, in my will, you get my hair dryer.

[Sarah]

Oh, thank you, Clare.

[Claire]

You're always buying it, so I thought I might as well recognise the inevitable.

[Sarah]

Thank you, Clare.

[Claire]

See you, Granny.

[Eleanor]

Bye. Well, I'm very glad to have got that sorted out.

[Sarah]

The teapot. Yes, fine. Yes. Well, if you're sure. I still think it might make more sense for you to sell it. And then you'd have a bit of cash to buy that.

[Eleanor]

Sarah, are you jealous that Clare's going to have it?

[Sarah]

No, of course I'm not. I just thought it.

[Eleanor]

The question is now, what do I do with the rest? Are there any of my things you care about, Mother?

[Sarah]

You just sort it all out as you think best.

[Eleanor]

Oh, I will, I will.

[Sarah]

And don't take me into your considerations at all.

[Eleanor]

I won't, I won't. I know what you think about the teapot. You made your views on that very clear, Mother. But what about my Susie Cooper coffee set? Now, would you like that if I left it to you?

[Sarah]

Yes, I could probably use it.

[Eleanor]

Probably use it. Well, if that's all you think about it. Maybe it should go to someone else.

[Sarah]

All right, give it to someone else.

[Eleanor]

Sarah, you're not being very gracious about this.

[Sarah]

No, mother, I agree. I'm not. And has it occurred to you why I'm not being very gracious about it?

[Eleanor]

I'm assuming it's just because you haven't got a very gracious nature.

[Sarah]

As a matter of fact, that isn't the reason I'm reacting like this, because I find the conversation rather morbid. I don't like you constantly harping on about what's going to happen when you die.

[Eleanor]

Oh, really, dear? Don't you? Well, when I do die, I don't want there to be any fuss. You know, just tell a few friends.

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[Sarah]

Claire?

[Claire]

Oh, Mommy. I was just going out.

[Sarah]

Could you spare me a minute? Just something I wanted to talk about.

[Claire]

Oh, all right.

[Sarah]

You can go in the sitting room.

[Claire]

It's that bad, is it?

[Sarah]

No, I've just made a pot of tea, that's all.

[Claire]

Oh, I can't be long.

[Sarah]

Won't take long. You like a cup?

[Claire]

Thanks. All right, tell me the worst.

[Sarah]

It's about mother and her teapot.

[Claire]

Oh, yes, the one she's leaving to me.

[Sarah]

Yes, because you're so sentimentally attached to it.

[Claire]

Well, I.

[Sarah]

Are you sentimentally attached to it?

[Claire]

I suppose. Well, it's been in the family a long time.

[Sarah]

Doesn't answer my question.

[Eleanor]

Here.

[Claire]

No. Well, I just think if it gives her pleasure to leave it to me, then fine.

[Sarah]

But what would you do with it if you did get it?

[Claire]

Oh, I'd sell it as soon as possible. It's hideous. And the spout dribbles. I'd much rather have the cash.

[Sarah]

Yes, that's rather what I thought. Listen, Clare, this is slightly difficult to say because I don't want it to sound as if I'm just jealous of you having the teapot. You must take my word for It. I genuinely do not want the thing.

[Claire]

Nor do I. I want the money.

[Sarah]

But Granny needs the money. Granny has set her mind on buying a video recorder. I think it's a good idea. She'd use it a lot. But the problem is she doesn't have any money. I can't afford to lend her anything at the moment. And the only thing of value she's got is that teapot.

[Claire]

Oh, I see. You think she should sell that and use her money to buy a video.

[Sarah]

Exactly. And the only thing that's stopping her from doing that is the thought that the teapot's got sentimental value for one or other of us.

[Claire]

I didn't realise that. She should certainly sell it. Oh, look, if she needs the cash in a hurry, I've got my building society savings. I could always let her.

[Sarah]

That's very generous of you, but it won't be necessary. Oh, Claire, I'm quite relieved, actually. You've reacted like this. I didn't like to think you were completely mercenary.

[Claire]

I am. Usually when Granny mentioned leaving me the teapot, I just thought, yippee. Something for nothing. That'll boost the old savings fund.

[Sarah]

What are you saving for?

[Claire]

Oh, you know, contingencies. That bookcase is Granny's, isn't it?

[Sarah]

Yes. She decided she didn't want it.

[Claire]

Oh. What are the books like?

[Sarah]

Most of your grandfather's detective stories. I don't know. I must check them through soon.

[Claire]

It looks alright there.

[Sarah]

Yes, I think it looks good.

[Claire]

Well, thanks for the tea.

[Sarah]

Claire, can I leave it to you to sort this out with Granny? Tell her you really don't want the teapot and that I'd rather she sold.

[Claire]

It and used the money. Sure.

[Sarah]

How you do it, it's up to you.

[Claire]

No problem. I'll tell her what I really think of the teapot. That should do the trick.

[Russell]

Well, that all sounds eminently satisfactory.

[Sarah]

Yes, I was really pleased about Claire's reaction.

[Russell]

Do you think it is valuable?

[Sarah]

She says so. But how valuable, I have no idea.

[Russell]

Oh, well, look, just a minute. I'm sure I saw something in the local paper about one of the London auction houses sending experts down for an open day.

[Sarah]

What? When anyone can take along their treasures to be valued?

[Russell]

Yes, that's it. Oh, look here. Here we are. Next Tuesday couldn't be better. Yes, well, you tell Eleanor to take it along, then.

[Sarah]

I won't tell her. No, I'll mention it and let her come up with the idea. She's getting very touchy at the moment about taking advice from me. Everything has to be her own idea. Even selling the teapot has become her idea.

[Russell]

Oh, a harmless vanity.

[Sarah]

Yes, I'm sure most of her vanities are harmless. Doesn't make many less exhausting for me, though.

[Russell]

No. Anyway, at least she's no longer going on about changing her will all the time.

[Sarah]

True. We've had less talk of my solicitors in the last couple of days. Mind you, I think we're about to start a lot of talk about my auctioneers.

[Eleanor]

Morning, Sam. Morning, Mother.

[Sarah]

I was going through those books of daddies. I thought Russell might like to have a look at them.

[Eleanor]

Oh, you won't find anything very interesting there. Detective stories are the food of trivial minds.

[Sarah]

Oh, I think some of these look rather fun.

[Eleanor]

Do you? Well, I'm just off to my auctioneers.

[Sarah]

What's the time? Oh, I must get to work.

[Eleanor]

Yes.

[Sarah]

Good luck, Mother. Hope it's worth millions.

[Eleanor]

We shall see.

[Sarah]

Don't forget to actually take the teapot, will you?

[Eleanor]

Oh, I've got it with me, Sarah dear.

[Sarah]

Where?

[Eleanor]

Here.

[Sarah]

But that's a sewing machine case.

[Eleanor]

Yes, with a teapot inside it.

[Sarah]

Why, Mother?

[Eleanor]

Well, I didn't want to carry it in anything that would show the shape. There are a lot of muggers around, you know, and if they saw someone who was carrying something, obviously Georgian silver teapot shaped, well, one could be at risk.

[Sarah]

Yes, of course. I dare say there are muggers around who might reckon a sewing machine was pretty valuable.

[Eleanor]

Oh, I hadn't thought of that.

[Sarah]

Mother, don't worry. No one is going to mug you in broad daylight in the middle of the high street.

[Eleanor]

No, no, I suppose not. But when one's carrying something worth so much. I mean, Jack Prescott always bought the best of everything.

[Sarah]

You'll be fine, Mother.

[Eleanor]

Yes. Yes. Well, I'd better be off to my auctioneers.

[Sarah]

Have fun.

[Eleanor]

Yes. See you later, dear.

[Prunella Scales]

Good morning, madam.

[Eleanor]

Good morning.

[Prunella Scales]

And what can I do for you?

[Eleanor]

It's this.

[Prunella Scales]

I'm afraid we only deal in antiques. For household appliances. You really want a junk shop?

[Eleanor]

I'm well aware of that, young man. Will you kindly wait until I show you what I require you to value?

[Prunella Scales]

Oh, all right.

[Eleanor]

It's a teapot.

[Prunella Scales]

Yes, madam. I have been in this business long enough to recognize that. Let's have a look at it, then.

[Eleanor]

Are your hands clean?

[Prunella Scales]

Madam, I am used to handling antiques.

[Eleanor]

Maybe, but this is not just an ordinary antique. It's very valuable.

[Prunella Scales]

That's for me to decide, isn't it?

[Eleanor]

You may take my word for it. It's very valuable. I know.

[Prunella Scales]

If you Know. Why have you brought it to me?

[Eleanor]

Because I want to know how valuable it is.

[Prunella Scales]

May I have a look?

[Eleanor]

Certainly.

[Prunella Scales]

Thank.

[Eleanor]

Well?

[Prunella Scales]

It's reproduction.

[Eleanor]

I beg your pardon?

[Prunella Scales]

It's reproduction.

[Eleanor]

Young man, that teapot has been in my late husband's family for three generations. It was bought by his grandfather, Jack Prescott. The cardboard box magnet.

[Prunella Scales]

Oh, well, he bought a reproduction.

[Eleanor]

Jack Prescott always bought the best of everything.

[Prunella Scales]

Maybe this was the best reproduction he could find.

[Eleanor]

Are you telling me that this is not a Georgian silver teapot?

[Prunella Scales]

I am. I am telling you it is a Victorian silver plated teapot.

[Eleanor]

Presumably. Of course, this would enable you only to pay me for a Victorian silver plated teapot and then get the price at auction of a Georgian silver teapot.

[Prunella Scales]

Madam, under no circumstances would our company be guilty of such a practice.

[Eleanor]

No, I don't suppose the possibility has occurred to you that you could be robbed.

[Prunella Scales]

Madam, I have been in the antiques trade for over 20 years.

[Eleanor]

Richard II ruled England for over 20 years. It didn't mean he was any good at it.

[Prunella Scales]

If you're going to be offensive.

[Eleanor]

All right. Now, just supposing for a moment that your opinion of this piece was correct. What sort of price would we be talking about when you came to auction it?

[Prunella Scales]

There is no possibility, madam, that we would put such an unremarkable item into one of our auctions. Oh, well, if you were really set on getting rid of it, though, I suppose a junk shop might offer you a fiver.

[Eleanor]

A fiver?

[Prunella Scales]

Yes. Oh, well, I don't know. Though that would be, of course, if it were in perfect condition. The spout looks a bit bent. I should think that dribbles, doesn't it?

[Eleanor]

Dribbles?

[Prunella Scales]

Yes, dribbles, doesn't it?

[Eleanor]

Certainly not.

[Russell]

No, I'm afraid most of them are pretty uninteresting. Well, I don't mean uninteresting, you know, just not worth anything very much.

[Sarah]

Never mind. It doesn't matter.

[Russell]

Detective fiction's pretty specialized, Marcus, but. Well, none of these are firsts.

[Sarah]

What about this one? I can't really understand why Daddy had it. It isn't a detective story.

[Russell]

Let's have a look. Victorian annual, isn't it?

[Sarah]

Yes. Why Daddy should have hung on to.

[Eleanor]

Hello, Sarah Russell. Hope you don't mind my dropping in.

[Russell]

Lovely to see you, Eleanor.

[Eleanor]

I was just passing.

[Sarah]

Did you see your auctioneers?

[Eleanor]

Oh, yes, yes.

[Sarah]

How much is it worth? Well, it is valuable, isn't it?

[Eleanor]

Oh, yes, certainly. Of course.

[Sarah]

So how much are you going to get for it?

[Eleanor]

Do you know, dear, it hardly Matters because just at the moment the young man was telling me its value, I suddenly realised how much it meant to me. I've used that teapot every day since my wedding and the fact that it's very valuable just doesn't come into it. I can't get rid of that teapot, you know. It means too much to me.

[Sarah]

Oh.

[Eleanor]

So I'll go back to my original plan. I know you don't feel anything for it, but I'll still leave it to you in my will. Then, when I'm gone. If you want to sell it, well, that's up to you. Get what you can for it. I won't be around to be hurt. You know. What the eye doth not see, the heart doth not grieve over.

[Sarah]

Of course, Mother. Well, that's very generous of you.

[Eleanor]

Oh, no, I just. Anyway, I must go. I've got some shopping to do. But I thought I'd better tell you since it was your idea to sell the thing in the first place.

[Sarah]

I thought that was your idea.

[Eleanor]

Oh, no, yours, dear.

[Sarah]

Oh.

[Eleanor]

See you later, Sarah. Goodbye, Russell.

[Russell]

Goodbye, Eleanor. Poor old dear. She obviously really cares about that teapot. You can't blame her. When you've had something that long. Must be hard to get rid of it.

[Sarah]

Rubbish.

[Russell]

What?

[Sarah]

Not worth anything. What, after 43 years? I know my mother pretty well, Russell. The auctioneers told her it was worthless.

[Russell]

Are you sure?

[Sarah]

Absolutely positive. I can spot her Saving face at 500 yards. Oh, dear. So no video for her? She didn't possess anything valuable after all.

[Russell]

You, on the other hand, do possess something extremely valuable.

[Sarah]

What you talking about?

[Russell]

This. This book. It's the 1887 edition of Beaton's Christmas Annual.

[Sarah]

So?

[Russell]

It contains a story called A Study In Scarlet.

[Sarah]

Sherlock Holmes.

[Russell]

Right. There we are. The first printing anywhere of a Sherlock Holmes story.

[Sarah]

Does that make it valuable?

[Russell]

I say Sherlockians all over the world give their it for this.

[Sarah]

Really? What sort of money you talking about?

[Russell]

Well, I'll have to check, but well over a thousand anyway.

[Sarah]

Good heavens.

[Claire]

It's all installed, Mummy.

[Sarah]

Good in working order?

[Claire]

Oh, yes. Granny's as pleased as punch.

[Sarah]

Good.

[Claire]

She's watching it now.

[Sarah]

I didn't know she got any cassettes.

[Claire]

Oh, she asked me to get her something from the video shop on the way home.

[Sarah]

What did she want? On Golden Pond?

[Claire]

No, Rambo.

[Sarah]

Ah, should have guessed.

[Claire]

It was very kind of you to give her that book back.

[Sarah]

Oh, nonsense. Obvious thing to do. She didn't know it was valuable.

[Claire]

She says she did.

[Sarah]

She would. She's never admitted to not knowing anything in her life.

[Claire]

She did say something else too.

[Sarah]

What?

[Claire]

She said she'd have to get on to her solicitors.

[Sarah]

Oh, no. She's not starting all that again. Why?

[Claire]

Well, she says she's got to change her will.

[Sarah]

How?

[Claire]

It's obvious. She's got to decide who she's going to leave the video to now, hasn't she?

[Sarah]

Oh, give me patience.

[Prunella Scales]

In the teapot.

[Russell]

You heard.

[Prunella Scales]

Prunella Scales as Sarah, Joan Sanderson as Eleanor, Benjamin Whitrow as Russell, Jerry Cowper as Claire and Nicholas Le Prevo as the Valuer After Henry was written by Simon Brett and produced Produced by Pete Atkin.

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[Sarah]

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