The Hero's Farewell

The Hero's Farewell is the tenth episode of the fourth series of the period drama Upstairs, Downstairs. It first aired on 16 November 1974 on ITV.

"The Hero's Farewell"
'Upstairs, Downstairs' episode
Episode no.Season 4
Episode 10
Directed byBill Bain
Written byRosemary Anne Sisson
Production code10
Original air date16 November 1974

Background

The Hero's Farewell was recorded in the studio on 8 and 9 August 1974. Rosemary Anne Sisson used the diaries of Lady Cynthia Asquith as inspiration for this episode, as she had for her earlier episode Tug of War.[1] It is set shortly before October 1917.

Cast

Plot

Lady Prudence brings Mr. Gerald Maitland, a famous actor, to 165, Eaton Place and persuades Richard to hold a series of historical tableau, entitled The Hero's Farewell, in aid of the Red Cross. Lady Prudence knows that Hazel would never agree, she has used the opportunity of Hazel being in Eastbourne. Lady Prudence and Gerald Maitland then organise the tableau, with tableaux of "Anthony and Cleopatra", "Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton" and "Columbus and Queen Isabella". Georgina is home on leave and she is chosen to portray Florence Nightingale, while Ruby is to portray a Belgian peasant girl with Lady Prudence as a German officer. Lady Prudence asks Hudson to wear a kilt to show in the guests, but he refuses to.

Meanwhile downstairs, Mrs Bridges and Ruby go to a "War Cooking" lecture after pressure from Mr Hudson. Mrs Bridges starts to make meals from leftovers, including "Win the War Pie", much to everyone's distaste.

At the dress rehearsal for the historical tableaux, an air raid strikes and Ruby becomes hysterical. The whole household goes down to the basement, while Hudson goes out in his role as a special constable. When he comes back, he faints having been hit by a piece of shrapnel and goes to hospital. The day after the raid, a telegraph arrives; James is "missing believed killed".

References
Notes
  1. Marson, Richard (2005). "Inside UpDown - The Story of Upstairs, Downstairs". Kaleidoscope Publishing.
Sources
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