[Afamilyatwar-list] Episode 19

[Veit, Richard]

Episode No. 19, "Hope Against Hope"

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“Hope Against Hope” is one of my favourite episodes. It has it all: drama, humour, mystery, memorable performances, and a lavish cast of no fewer than ten major characters.

In my opinion, the actress who plays Celia Porter is brilliant, not only in this episode but whenever she appears on screen. Celia, of course, is not a sympathetic character, but Margery Mason brings her to life so fluently that she seems to emerge as a real person. Though Celia is an annoying personality, I find myself watching her every expression, and never is there a false move to be seen.

We clearly witness Celia’s self-centredness during that marvellous scene aboard the train: glaring at the corporal through the compartment door’s glass, not bothering even to hear Sheila’s comments about her children in Wales, resenting a soldier’s kindness in retrieving her suitcase from the overhead rack. Much later, Celia feels entitled to remain in Margaret’s hospital room, while others patiently await their turn to visit. Then, just before departing the room, she gives Margaret an obligatory peck on the cheek, and that simple act of kissing her seems as cold and impersonal as a slap in the face. Somehow, I was not at all surprised when Celia embarrassed Edwin by requesting an orangeade in the pub!

Two other non-Ashton actors who deserve special accolades here are Mark Jones (as Michael) and Mark Edwards (as Owen). In the challenging role of conscientious objector Michael Armstrong, Mark Jones portrays this complex character’s mental anguish, as he wrestles with his doubts and convictions. Owen Thomas and Freda Ashton make such a nice couple that I become sad watching them grow apart. Freda’s whole personality seems to change the instant poor Owen happens to mention the word “uniform,” resuscitating her regret over the death of Peter Collins. I must agree with Owen when he complains to her, “Why is it, every time I come here, you’re blowing hot and cold?”

Some other random comments about “Hope Against Hope”…

The letter from Mr. Cowking to Celia Porter adds an intriguing layer of mystery to the story line, and director Gerry Mill’s decision to use tight shots during that brief exchange between Cowking and Edwin (discussing the likelihood that John is still alive) is effective and powerful. Try as I might, I never could detect a left arm up the actor’s sleeve, so the cameraman did his part well, too. I like the way John Finch crafted the script, revealing just a bit of the story with every turn, rather like a good mystery.

Watch carefully during the office scene when Tony Briggs is chatting with Edwin Ashton at the printing works. Actress Margery Mason’s shoes can be seen very clearly at the top of the stairs, as she awaits her cue for descending into the camera frame. Or was that planned as such, showing character Celia Porter to be listening in on the men’s conversation?

Moments later, there is a brilliant stroke of writing when Edwin informs Celia that Margaret was injured during the raid and now is in hospital. Celia asks him if the baby is all right, and Edwin is stunned for an instant, until he realises that she is referring not to Margaret’s unborn child but to John George.

A dramatic twist that works well is when Michael arrives at the hospital, and Freda whisks him away before he can come face-to-face with Celia Porter alongside Margaret’s bed.

There is a funny scene in the hospital room when Margaret is visited by cousin Tony and brother Robert. The men begin talking about that cute nurse “with the cheeky smile” (Sandra Downes), and suddenly Margaret feels quite excluded from the conversation!

There are two tiny moments embedded in “Hope Against Hope” that are easily overlooked but should not be missed. Owen’s facial expression is delightful when Freda again asks him to remove his hand from her knee after he places it there a second time. It is a mixture of boyish mischief and guilt. And then there is that moment when young Robert assures Margaret that he understands her unwed pregnancy. I love the way actress Lesley Nunnerley wrinkles her nose with a smile and tells him, “No, you don’t.”
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