This Coronation Street episode from December 16, 1974, illustrates how economic hardship and social class differences create tension within families during the Christmas season. The narrative explores themes of financial constraints affecting holiday traditions, the emotional impact of family separation during Christmas, and the complex dynamics between family members from different social backgrounds. Characters navigate challenges including limited resources for Christmas celebrations, disagreements about family gatherings, and the struggle to maintain family bonds despite economic and social barriers.
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Coronation Street-16th of December 1974.Added:
Coronation Street P694 stroke 452 part one take one. Editing copy.
Of all the trees that are in the wood, the holly there. What a flipping round.
>> Oh, shut up, Santa Claus.
>> Ain't it marvelous? You try and spread a bit of Christmas spirit and what do they do to you?
>> It's a very lovely carol, actually. Len, we used to sing it at church in Clether at home many years ago, I'm afraid.
>> Only carols I ever sung were for cash >> for charity de.
>> Dead right, Mrs. Walker. Little bets benevolent fund. Away in a manger with me big money spinner. I made a bomb out of Good King Wless and all.
>> Hey, how does that end up only? I haven't knew the first bit.
>> Go on, you Eden.
>> I'll bet you made a bomb or two, didn't you? Around those posh houses in Clether.
>> Children were not encouraged to make Christmas an excuse for begging, Len.
Certainly not in my circle.
>> All well, dear. Um, fine.
I know how you feel. Of course. The first Christmas since you've lost Sir. I remember the first one off to Jack. Dad, >> I do miss Sarah.
>> Still, we're very lucky, you know. Do you? I have Billy and you've got Maggie and Gordon with you. Oh, things could be a lot worse.
>> You got any Christmas cards?
>> What do you think all them are there?
Him sheets or something?
>> You'll never sell that lot.
>> Well, it depends how many you want.
>> One.
>> One.
>> Yeah, that's what I said. And there's no need to look like that when you got to live on a pension. You know, you'll find that cards are a luxury you can't afford. Only you just want that one because the twins.
>> How much?
>> 10 p.
>> You got no cheaper.
>> Have a few at Let me buy it for you, Mr. T.
>> Oh, no. No, I won't.
>> Please, I'd like to. There you are. Take your pick.
>> Right. I'll have this one. Thank you very much. Ta.
>> Bye.
What were all that about?
>> I just thought I'd like to own money.
Look, love, what you do with your own money is your affair. One shirt to the side of this counter. But we are running a shop, remember? Not Salvation Army.
Next thing you know, you'll have all tramps and dropouts coming in for free tea and but you doing for Christmas dinner.
>> God, probably nip down a chippy.
>> Ask a stupid question.
>> No, I might treat myself to a dose of Chinese. A nice plate of 24 followed by 55 for afters. And make a change for all the old boring turkey and pudding.
>> In other words, you're having it with your mom.
>> Yeah. And Betty Turpin. My mom's invited her around. Seeing as how it's her first Christmas on her own, right?
>> Hey, why don't you come around to our house for your Christmas dinner?
>> Are you sure your mom won't mind?
>> She's invited you. It's better than having it with two women, is it?
Oh. Uh, hello. Um, can I speak to Mr. Gordon Kle, please? He's left.
What time?
Oh. Oh, I see. Um. Uh. No, no, no message.
Thank you.
Oh, goodbye.
>> Oh, there you are, Elizabeth. I was hoping to have a part word. Nothing wrong, is there?
>> Um, no. No. God, no. Of course, there isn't anything wrong, Mrs. Walker. only seem a little quiet. I wondered if you were wondering about Christmas Day.
>> Christmas Day? My invitation, love. You know, I'd forgotten all about it. But of course, obviously, now that you're both Maggie and Gordon coming home, you'll want to eat your Christmas dinner at home with them, won't you?
>> Yeah, I I suppose so. That's if you're sure you don't mind. Of >> course I don't mind, love. Mustn't think you're letting me down in the least. I mean, I understand perfectly. Uh, tell me love, do you know yet when Maggie is arriving?
>> No, not yet. No. Gordon's coming up this afternoon, though. He's on his way now.
>> Oh, how nice.
As I always say, there's nothing like having your family around you at Christmas. Well, I'd better see how the decorations are coming along. Judging by the sound, we'll still be putting them up at opening time.
>> Mrs. Walker. Yes, Christmas Day. I mean, >> you won't be on your own now, will you?
I mean, you'll have your Billy.
>> Of course I shall.
We'll have our Christmas dinner together. Just the two of us.
>> It'll be lovely.
>> A jar of mince meat.
>> Yes.
>> And two Christmas puddings.
>> Two Christmas puddings, Mrs. Coldwell.
>> Oh, well, I think I'd better. They'll always get eaten, won't they?
>> Expecting company over the holiday, are you?
>> Uh, yes, as a matter of fact, I am.
>> Oh, that's nice for you then. Relatives, is it?
>> Well, just one. Well, not really a relative, if you see what I mean.
>> Can't say that I do, Mrs. Goldwell.
>> Oh, well, I can't say anymore cuz I want it to be a secret. It's not often you can have a secret around here.
>> Secret indeed. As though I was interested in her old visitor.
>> Go on. You were busting your breaches to know who it was.
>> Don't talk to Daft. Of course, I wasn't.
I was only buttering her up.
>> Why bother? She's a customer, isn't she?
And though she's a pensioner, she always pays on the nail. Got to give her full marks for that.
>> Oh, come for two of you. Come for the balm cakes.
>> No. And balm cakes. He's pickled onions.
>> Yeah, I was just on my way back from a job and I remember we were right out of pickled onions.
>> Fond of them. Are you pickled onions?
>> What? That >> he even puts them on jam but like our address, mind you, with him is not surprising. I hardly ate anything else all the time. I was expecting him. And talking of onions, I hear your friend Mavis has got a Spanish boyfriend.
>> Well, uh, not a boyfriend exactly. More more just a friend, really.
>> Yeah, not just one either. Two lucky dog.
>> What nationality is the other one then?
>> He's Spanish as well, ain't it, Jerry?
>> Uh, look, you you've trying to pull our legs. What?
>> Two Spanish boyfriends does seem rather a lot for me. Yes.
>> Well, there's uh Pedro.
I know all about it.
>> And then there's Carlos. Well, who the ex Carlos?
>> You're in the roies last night. You saw him.
>> I thought that was Pedro.
>> He's in Morca. Right. Right.
>> Yeah. Well, isn't that where Carlos comes from and all?
>> No, he's a waiter. He lives across the hall from B Lynch.
>> Do you know I I think I've been taken for a mug after all.
>> Hey.
>> Oh, nothing, huh? I'll I'll see you.
>> What's going on then?
>> Search me. I still can't understand how Mavis managed to catch two Spaniards.
>> Didn't you know she puts garlic behind her ears?
>> Oh, yeah. You >> look, Mom. I have said that I'm sorry.
>> Yes, you said it several times. It doesn't hold for anything, does it?
>> All right. What do you want me to do? Go back on me word. Tell De I won't be coming after all.
>> Oh, no. I wouldn't dream of accepting such a sacrifice. Oh, just because Betty Turpin is standing you up. Doesn't mean to say I've got to do the same to Dear and her mom.
>> Elizabeth is not standing me up as you call it, she is doing what most people do at Christmas time. She is putting her own family first.
>> Oh, dear is my fiance. We're going to get married.
>> I am only too well aware of that.
>> And this is our first Christmas together since we got engaged.
>> I still think you could have spent it at home.
>> But I will be spending at home. I'm only going out for a couple of hours ON CHRISTMAS DAY. YOU ARE GOING out for your Christmas dinner. Do I really have to remind you what Christmas dinner means? What it has always meant in the past to us as a family when your father was alive when you and Joanie were children?
>> Huh? Yeah. Our Joanie. Now, I'm glad you've mentioned her.
>> What do you mean by that?
>> Well, only that she's your daughter just the same as I'm your son. And how many Christmases has she spent at home in the last 10 years?
>> She's married. She's got a life of her own.
>> Right. And when was the last time that either of them crossed the threshold on Christmas Day? Difficult traveling at Christmas.
>> Oh, come off it, mom. They live in Derby. They've got a car. They've not immigrated to Waga Waga.
>> And then of course there's Lucille.
>> Lucille is not my daughter, Billy.
>> No, but you couldn't have done more for her if she had been. And would she call and see you on Christmas Day? No chance.
She'd probably be shacked up with some bloke she's only known for three weeks.
>> I can't deny the truth of what you say, and I can't deny that it hurts me rather deeply.
Oh, I suppose I could go and drag him here by the roots of her hair.
It wouldn't be much much joy for you if I did, would it? Billy, if you can understand that, can't you see why I'm so upset at what you're proposing?
Can't you see why I hoped you'd spend the day with me instead of going off with Dear Danda?
>> Oh, go on, Mom. Say it. that woman.
You're still against it, aren't you, dearando? Mom.
>> You know my views perfectly well on the subject of your marriage, but they have no bearing whatsoever on what we're discussing now.
>> Oh, yes, they have. Because if I was engaged to some bird from the Cheshire set and her mommy had invited me out to Presby for dinner, you'd be puring like a pussycat.
You still think I'm marrying beneath me, don't you? And you can't forgive them two for it. And that's the truth.
How >> is that then?
>> You know what to call you, don't you?
Fluky fair.
>> You reckon? Do you? You wait till you see me do it to him.
>> Yes, I know. I know.
>> Go on booth. It's your turn to be thrashed.
>> No thanks.
>> Ah, come on. What's the matter with you?
You won't lose anything by it.
>> Generous in victory. That's the fair motto. I will even buy your pint after.
>> No, I don't want to get >> What's the matter with there's nothing a matter with me. I just do not want to play darts, that's all.
>> Well, I mean, I can't say no, aren't I?
I mean, it is a free country for the time being any road.
>> What's he doing?
He's heard some of what's upset him.
>> Dead right, Ray, I have. Although no, not so much as heard as put two and two together. And you know what I am contemplating doing at this moment in time? What? Putting your teeth down the back of your throat like I promised I would. But what good would that do? I asked myself because I I'd only hurt me hand. I'd never change you cuz born a lous.
>> What have you done to him? Ah, >> some folk can't take a joke.
We've been here 10 minutes and she's not looked at us once.
>> Well, what do you expect? I mean, imagine her feelings knowing that we know what we know. I'm beginning to feel sorry we ever came here. I reckon we ought to find another pub until it all blows over.
>> Till it blows over. Lad, who's supposed to be a nephew? Is really a son. You'll have our job to blow that over in a hurry.
>> It's been a secret for 28 years. And as far as we are concerned, it's going to stay that way.
Heck, it must be going to be fashionable around here. Second time this year that you've deserted swing in London.
>> That's why you got the decorations up, is it?
>> Sorry about red carpet. Moss got there first.
>> You could have bought a new one, couldn't you? All right, lads. What you having? I know it's expected of me. I mean, being a comparative stranger.
>> I not just the once neither.
>> What do you honestly think he doesn't know?
>> Well, Betty says he doesn't.
>> Well, it seems hard to believe.
>> I believe it.
>> Hello, Betty. Hello.
>> Back again.
>> Back again.
>> So, what's new?
>> Nothing.
>> 30 seconds.
Coronation Street P694, stroke 452, part two, take one Not going away for Christmas then, Mr. Tatlock.
>> Away? Where should I be going away to?
>> I thought you might be going to your daughters or she coming to you.
>> Oh, well, you thought wrong, didn't you?
Me and our beach is best kept apart.
>> Oh, even at the season of peace and goodwill, >> especially then. Oh, that'll be 1 125, please. That >> Thank you.
>> Right.
>> You don't happen to know who Mrs. Caldwell's visitor is, do you?
>> I didn't know she would have been any visitor.
>> Oh, very mysterious she was about it. As a matter of fact, judging by the size of her order, I'd say she was having a few.
>> She'll be here tomorrow then. She doesn't say if Ron's coming.
Oh, I'm pretty sure she would have said if he was.
>> Yeah.
>> How about you? I mean, you never thought you'd see Maggie um your mom quite so soon.
>> No.
>> I bet you saw a lot of a lady anyway.
>> No.
>> Do you miss her?
>> Yeah. She's not battle stick, you know.
Neither are you.
Are you a you miss Uncle S, are you?
>> Yeah.
>> He was a good bloke.
You don't have to tell me that, love.
>> You know, there were times when I used to wish I had inferno man instead of the one I had.
>> You're just saying that.
>> I'm not feel bitter about your childhood, you know, because of Les.
>> Yeah, there was some good times, you know, when he went on the wagon, but he tried to. Not many mind. Funny enough, uh, things I remember most are those trips out with you and Uncle S. Do you remember? You were always there when things got tough at home. Any old one thing about having a drunk for an old man gives you something to live down.
>> And that's that's why you were so keen to get on.
>> Yeah, I suppose so. I'm not saying every kid should go through what I did, but who knows? If it hadn't been for wanting to get away from my dad, I could have been serving behind the corner shop now and liking it.
any road.
>> Well, you're not going already, are you, love?
>> Yeah, well, I thought I'd better get down and sort the stock valuation out with the Hopkins.
>> Oh, they'll not run away. Um, would you like a drink? I um I won a bottle of Sherry and her apple.
>> All right.
Hey, uh, Auntie Betty, there's something I've got to say. It's It's been worrying me since the last time I was here.
>> Oh, what?
>> Come on now. You know what?
That girl I brought back here. I'm sorry.
>> Oh, well, I'm sorry as well, love. I was a bit rough with you, wasn't there?
>> Oh, it was your house. I had no right.
I'm sorry.
>> Well, maybe I shouldn't have been quite so quick to throw stones.
>> One or two of them found their mark.
>> Hey, uh, tell you something, though. She wasn't bad, was she?
Cheers.
>> Cheers. I listen. Merry Christmas when it comes.
>> Yeah.
>> Now look, I really must be dashing off and seeing that Welsh dragon before me mom arrives.
>> Do you want me to come with you, love?
>> What for? It's not your problem.
>> Well, I know it isn't, and I and I don't want to stick my nose in, but um >> but um >> well, go a bit easy with her. I don't want any trouble over Christmas.
>> I'll be the soul of Tat. If there is any trouble, I promise it'll be her who starts it. Sherry's not bad, is it?
>> No.
Two Spaniards, dear said. Mavis.
>> Yes. Well, it it is rather an involved story.
>> Well, I would like to hear it from your own lips, Mavis, if you don't mind.
>> Maybe. Can I just have a word with you?
>> Oh, yes. Well, just excuse me.
>> Just let's have a look at your left hand a minute. I thought so.
>> I don't follow you, Reader. Well, it's really none of my business, but um I was just curious to see if you'd suddenly acquired an engagement ring or a wedding ring or any other sign of a permanent attachment to my lad back there.
>> Well, you know I haven't.
>> Well, in that case, tell him to get lost.
>> I can't do that.
>> Why not? For heaven's sake, do him good.
>> Oh, I wouldn't.
>> You never know.
>> Do you really think so?
>> Might be just the product the Jaxi he needs.
Mavis, uh, you were just about to tell me about Pedro and Carlos. Not that I suppose I have any right to ask, but it would help to clear up a few things. A few things that I >> I've changed my mind, Jerry. I'm not going to tell you.
>> I beg your pardon.
>> Honestly, I I don't think it's got anything to do with you.
>> I I see.
Yes.
I think I see.
Hi.
>> Morning. Oh, don't tell me. Let me guess. Your mom's cut up about Christmas dinner.
>> How do you know that?
>> One, your face. And two, we're bound to arm you. We should have seen it coming.
>> And to make matters worse, he looks as if she's going to be on a ton and all.
Bet he can't come either.
>> Well, there's only one solution. You just have to wheel your mom around to our place.
>> You better see your mom about that first.
>> More come off. You know her. Let them all come. The more the marrier. See you.
See you there.
I kept some of the tins down by there on the bottom shelf, especially to show you there. Do you see? Quite impossible to sell that. I think you'll agree, Mr. Craig. And there were lots more like them that we had to throw away.
>> Look, I'm I'm not doubting your word, Mrs. Hopkins. But uh 400 quid was the figure we agreed on for stock.
>> And you're not willing to come down.
>> Well, not by the price you're asking, though.
>> There's only one way to settle it then, isn't there? Get the accountants to decide just how much we have lost by throwing stuff away.
>> Oh, come on now, Mom. Surely we can come to some amicqual arrangement without all that.
>> We can and we will. Otherwise, the entire deal's off. It's dragged on far too long >> already. And I won't be done down.
>> Mrs. Hopkins, is it you I should be dealing with? And just what do you mean by that, boy?
>> Well, as far as I understand, it's uh your daughter-in-law will be signing all the checks.
>> Thank you. I was beginning to wonder when I got to look in.
>> My daughter-in-law wasn't even here when we had to throw that stock away.
>> That's as maybe. But Idris and I want to settle now. And so does Mr. Cle.
>> ยฃ350 for the stock and not a penny more.
>> Look, why don't you leave it to me, Mrs. Hopkins? Junior, stop poking it.
>> Go on, say it. Stop poking my nose in.
Poor voice, young man. If you'd get a shock if you knew to what extent I could really poke my nose into your affairs.
>> Now watch your tongue, mom.
>> Standing there, all superior in your smart London suit, trying to do honest people out of their hard-earned money.
>> I'm not trying to do no one out of nothing. I'm just trying to protect my mother's interests.
>> Your mother's interests, is it? Well, let me tell you, Mr. Gordon Clay.
>> That's enough, mother. Stop her, Edris.
>> No, not another word. You understand?
Not another word. Very well then. But I won't stand by and hear that lot cheat.
Do you hear? I won't.
>> She gets a bit upset at times, doesn't she?
>> Oh, she's like that, his mom. She's very volatile.
>> You can say that again.
>> Well, it's very kind of you to ask me, Annie, but I've just promised promised me brother and his wife I'd go there for Christmas.
>> Oh, well, I'm sure you'll have a very nice time.
>> Well, maybe I can have dinner with you another Christmas if we're still here.
>> Perhaps.
her at corner shop reckons you're having company.
>> Oh, she did. Did she?
>> Well, are you, aren't you?
>> I don't see that that's anybody's business but mine.
>> Look, if you're doing any inviting, I reckon you better get on with it. Last minute surprises are all very well, you know. But folks getting loaded up with invitations at Christmas.
>> Do they?
>> They do.
>> How many have you got?
>> None.
>> I wonder why.
>> You want to?
>> Yes. Well, you two might think it's very very funny, but I think it's a filthy rotten trick that you played. And I've come here especially to tell you.
>> Mavis has told you all about it then.
>> Not exactly, but it didn't take much guessing at >> What did they do?
>> Well, we uh we rang Mavis and told her an art throb was coming up from a joker.
>> Fixed her up with a date in Manchester.
Only we didn't do it ourselves. We put a real life Spaniard online just to make sound authentic. Well, he lives next door to me. He's called Carlos.
>> Yes. Only Carlos overplayed his part, didn't he? He toddles along and keeps the date himself.
>> He did, did he?
>> He did, you know. So now Mavis has got two Spanish boyfriends instead of one.
And the laugh's on us.
>> That still does not excuse what you did, Beth.
>> I'll take 10 to one. That's not what Mavis is saying.
>> I wouldn't expect you to understand. I mean, you've got no decency in you. You never have had. But I am surprised that you bet.
>> Yeah, but Jerry Mavis finished up all right then, didn't you?
>> And that's what's really bugging him.
He's just plain old fashioned jealous.
Listen to me while I tell you of the blighted my life. Listen to me while I tell you of the man who stole my future.
>> You are You are pathetic, Lankton.
Pathetic.
>> You know, one of these days someone's really going to stop your tap for you.
Oh, how'd you go on?
>> That was all a bit weird. Fa and Idris are all right, but Granny Hopkins, she wouldn't budge. She threatened to cause trouble.
>> Trouble?
>> Yeah. And now she can. None to do with her. Any road there. The other two shut her up.
>> Well, did you come to any agreement?
>> Did I? The old lady got so mad I left.
Well, look, I know it's nothing to do with me, love. But wouldn't it be better if you give her what she asked for, you know, instead of having all this unpleasant?
>> Come off here. Why should I? My price is fair and she knows it. She's only trying to be awkward. Any road. I've got to protect me's interest. It's her money.
>> Well, let her sort it out. I mean, she's there tomorrow.
>> Well, I want to do it before she lands.
I don't want her to have this trouble over Christmas, do I? Now, don't you worry. I can sort out old Granny Hopkins.
Hello, Mom.
>> Sound very cheerful.
>> Yeah, I am. So, will you be in a minute?
At least I hope you will.
>> Really?
>> I've got an invitation for you for Christmas Day.
>> How nice. Who from?
>> Dear and her mom.
>> I see.
>> Well, what do you say?
>> Well, it's very kind of them. Of course.
Do please convey my thanks.
>> But >> well, even at my time of life, well, especially at my time of life, one has one's pride, and mine won't accept me to become an object of charity, even on Christmas Day.
>> Now, who said anything about charity?
>> Oh, really? A lastm minute secondhand invitation like that, surely you must say I can't possibly accept it.
>> No, I don't. I don't see anything of the sort.
>> I can't. That's all there is to it.
>> Look, Mom. It just means that >> there's no point whatever in arguing about it.
>> So, what are you going to do then?
>> What am I going to do? There's only one thing I can do. I shall eat my Christmas dinner here alone.
Heat. Heat.
Oh, hey.
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