[Afamilyatwar-list] Episode 14

[Veit, Richard]

Episode No. 14, "The Other Side of the Hill"

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“The Other Side of the Hill” (by James Brabazon and John Finch) concerns itself primarily with two developing story lines. One is Edwin Ashton’s difficult decision over whether to desert Briggs & Son for a similar position with Pringle’s, Printers of Distinction. Much to his disillusionment, the interview with Dennis Pringle does not go well. Pringle, it is plain to see, runs a fastidiously taut ship, and Edwin can sense that he would be granted little freedom in supervising the firm’s production. Worse yet, Edwin resents Pringle’s condescending attitude toward the typical working man, who the owner believes is incapable of managing his own affairs. Souring Edwin’s prospects even further is the guilt he feels in betraying his brother-in-law behind his back. When Pringle winks at him whilst on the telephone with Sefton, the fair-minded Edwin is struck by his own disloyalty. Clearly, the grass is not always greener…

Another continuing story line is David Ashton’s utter disregard for the marriage bond. After placing an obligatory telephone call to his wife, he quickly abandons that notion when the line is engaged. Then he becomes a drunken boor during the New Year’s Eve party at the WVS Study Centre, resorting to a cruel disparagement of his friend, Richard Norris, for being so polite and educated in the arts, much like his brother, Philip. The following day, he descends to a new low in crassness by vowing to ring Sheila—in the very presence of Susan Reynolds—and inform her that their marriage is over, presumably leaving him free to court his former pilot’s widow. David is a brilliantly drawn character, full of human weakness and selfish indulgences, and yet not beyond hope of redemption, as we shall see much later in the series.

A few random comments about “The Other Side of the Hill”…

Tony’s sister, Jo, is said to be a nurse with the Australian army. She always has seemed to me a shadowy character, serving no perceptible purpose in the narrative. Why was the concept of “our Jo” ever created, unless it was planned that someday she would accompany her Aunt Helen back to England? Or was Jo simply needed to make the shares of the Briggs estate add up in dramatic fashion to heighten the suspense?

It was an endearing touch to have Edwin switch on the radio to hear the chiming of Big Ben on New Year’s Eve. This comforting routine would seem to be borrowed from the writers’ own experiences, and it is finely-etched details such as this that make “A Family at War” so true to life.

Airman Richard Norris appears to be a fine, responsible young man, and he provides a perfect foil to the scoundrel that David is, at least at this stage of his life.

I am impressed by the warmth that exists whenever Edwin and daughter Margaret have heart-to-heart conversations. I always sense true compassion and understanding between these two wonderfully developed characters.

Though essentially dramatic in nature, there are several lighter moments in this episode as well. It is amusing to learn that the sailor who followed Freda home to the Ashton gate turns out to be none other than her own brother, Robert. Similarly, it is funny to watch Sefton Briggs and Dennis Pringle match wits in their discussion of managerial poaching, with both shrewd businessmen knowing full well what the other is thinking.

In hindsight, we all know that the likeable Robert will prove to be a tragic figure in the Ashton saga. After his bold assurance to Freda that “Of course I’m not scared!” he proceeds to tremble, wide-eyed, at the sounds of aerial combat overhead. Despite his professed bravado, we sympathise with the human qualities that lie beneath.

It is a profoundly sad moment at the train station to witness his mother’s joy turn to despair when she is told that the lad’s 48-hour leave is coming to a close, not about to begin.

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