Rose's Pigeon
Rose's Pigeon was the fifth episode of the third series of the British television series, Upstairs, Downstairs. The episode is set in 1913.
| "Rose's Pigeon" | |
|---|---|
| 'Upstairs, Downstairs' episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 3 Episode 5 |
| Directed by | Derek Bennett |
| Written by | Alfred Shaughnessy |
| Original air date | 24 November 1973 |
| Guest appearance(s) | |
George Innes (Alfred Harris) | |
Cast
- Guest cast
- George Innes (Alfred Harris)
- Leon Sinden (Det. Inspector Bowles)
- Bernard Barnsley (Police Sergeant)
Plot
Backstory: In Series 1, Episode 5 ("A Suitable Marriage"): Rose catches Alfred Harris and German Baron Klaus von Rimmer having sexual relations. The men flee to Germany after Alfred discovers the Baron is to be arrested as a spy, and tips him off. That was in 1904.
The Present (Series 3, Episode 5), 1913: Alfred Harris returns to the house Eaton Place in 1913 seeking refuge after murdering his new employer and (it is implied) lover. Rose, the head house parlour maid, is shocked when Alfred, the Bellamys' former footman, turns up at Eaton Place one night. He claims he's been sacked by his former employer and is homeless. She agrees to hide him in one of the basement rooms, but is horrified when it later transpires Alfred is actually on the run from the police having murdered his previous employer. Hudson tells Mr Bellamy who notifies the police. A dramatic standoff results, with Alfred holding Edward hostage at knifepoint and taking Edward hostage in the coal cellar. Alfred is arrested and subsequently hanged for murder although Rose protests against the sentence arguing it was not right to do so to a person "who's not right in the 'ead."[1][2]
Background
Rose's Pigeon was recorded by the best tube cameras: EMI 2001S.[3]