The following is commentary on Episode No. 39 ("Spread a Little Happiness") from members of AFAMILYATWAR-LIST. If you wish to add your thoughts to what is being said on this page, become a part of our discussion group by clicking the "Join" button.

 

 


 

 

Richard Veit

This episode surely must be ranked as the most light-hearted of all fifty-two in the series. The war hardly ever is mentioned, except once or twice to remind us that the invasion of Europe has begun. And, of course, there is that bold first scene, showing the destructive power of Hitler’s doodlebug, the unmanned V-1 bomb. Still, while not as dramatic as many other episodes (particularly those depicting the Battle of Britain), this one is quite welcome in its own way. After all, a person on the home front occasionally is granted a respite—however brief—from the war news and terrible anxieties.

“Spread a Little Happiness” centres upon a visit to the Briggs home by Ada Down, a flattering golddigger whom Sefton has met while on holiday in Scarborough. Helen seems to find the unlikely relationship rather amusing, but Mrs. Foster resents the designing female’s intrusion into her kitchen, especially when Ada proceeds to expend a fortnight’s butter ration in a misguided effort to fry the Sunday rabbit, which she has confused for chicken.

The garden party is great fun for viewers, who witness Sefton’s “slow burn” when Ada’s attention seems drawn toward rival widower Edwin Ashton, a scene-stealing performance by 86-year-old Charles Carson as Reverend Burdekin, a priceless moment when Sefton’s coat becomes entangled in a young girl’s jump rope, the incongruous frolicking of Doris and an American soldier in the stately Mackenzie bushes, Ada’s disillusioned look when Edwin tells her that he never has owned a car, and of course the family dog’s “accidental” chicken dinner (courtesy of Ada).

Two sub-plots nicely balance the episode with some serious overtones. There is the budding romance of Freda Ashton and Ian Mackenzie, culminating in a final scene in which they share a warm embrace, kiss, and idyllic stroll through the gardens—all before the approving eyes of his mother. In stark contrast, the relationship of Sheila and David continues on its precipitous decline, to a point wherein both sides are in need of a divorce lawyer.

Some random comments about “Spread a Little Happiness”...

The doodlebug explosion at the pub is well staged by director Baz Taylor. Again, as in the destruction of Michael Armstrong’s flat in “The Forty-Eight Hour Pass,” this violent sequence was, I suspect, captured by the camera in a single take.

Rationing is alluded to a couple of times. As noted above, Mrs. Foster is shocked by how much butter Ada has squandered on the rabbit. And Freda accepts the nylon stockings from Doris as if they were bars of gold.

This is the first of four consecutive episodes in which Joyce Heron appears, and she is a constant source of delight as Mrs. Mackenzie, whose mature judgement works wonders in putting Freda’s fears to rest.

Tony is quite funny in his aloof encounter with Ada. Then, the next day, he teases his father about “the morning after,” to which Sefton protests that he does not understand what he means.

I enjoy watching Mrs. Foster’s expressions of scarcely concealed hatred whenever Ada Down is in the same room. Joan Heath is quite a fine comedienne.

Mrs. Mackenzie makes mention of Ian’s former wife, Mary Ramsden, and we shall see her soon in the ensuing episode, “Take It on Trust.”

Tony’s kindhearted nature is seen as he takes it upon himself to provide Sheila with legal assistance. As for Sheila, she is endearing when, in her innocence, she presumes that she can use the same lawyer as David.

At the church bazaar, Sefton’s competitive spirit shows all too well when he and Edwin vie for the prize chicken.

I like the way writer David Weir prepares the audience for what is to come later, establishing the fact that the Mackenzies have a pet dog. Weir’s script has Ian call for the (unseen) dog to accompany him as he departs from the greenhouse to do some weeding. Later, of course, the dog will appear at the garden party, only to flee with Edwin’s chicken.

One amusing bit of stage action that I had never noticed before is when Edwin nearly chokes on his drink upon hearing Helen report that Ada has sent Sefton her love. Watch him carefully, to the lower left of the screen. Very funny—almost slapstick—and well done by Colin Douglas, who shows that he too has good comedic “chops.”