Plot[]
Part One: The OAP Clubhouse sit-in continues as the pensioners sing protests over Mr Ironfield's attempts to talk. When they quieten, Ena shows him a map showing him an alternative site for the car park on the Red Rec. She won't listen to his excuses as to why it isn't practical. Dave calls on Val to tell her to keep out of his business. Ken orders him out but once he has gone he also orders his wife not to get involved. Ena won't let Ironfield leave until he's heard them out, even though it is late in the evening. Early the next morning, Annie rings fellow landlady Gwen Fenton with the news that the brewery is holding a "Perfect Landlady" competition. Ray calls on Stan at 8.00am, insisting he goes out to work as he is already an hour late. Val avoids the corner shop when she sees Lillian in there. Maggie warns Lillian that if Dave were to die, Elsie or whoever replaced her after any divorce would get the lot. Ray tries to order Stan out of the Rovers, but he's too puzzled to listen, absorbed as to why Annie is being so nice and pleasant to anyone. Ray tells him about the competition, and all becomes clear. Maggie warns Dave that he will lose big if he defends his divorce.
Part Two: That afternoon, Mr Ironfield calls at the clubhouse to tell the pensioners that the demolition has been cancelled and it's saved. Annie goes over the top in being nice and contrary. Dave and Lillian meet in the snug. Lillian agrees on double the money from Dave each week, and no divorce. He hotfoots it round to No.11 with champagne to celebrate the news and Lillian's imminent departure but Elsie isn't impressed. He refuses to leave when she orders him to go, so she walks out instead. The pensioners celebrate in the Rovers to compliments from Annie. Ken and Val are also taken aback by her niceness and consideration. Ray asks Annie if they can nominate her for the competition. She claims no prior knowledge of the contest and acts with gratified surprise.
Cast[]
Regular cast[]
- Ena Sharples - Violet Carson
- Minnie Caldwell - Margot Bryant
- Ray Langton - Neville Buswell
- Annie Walker - Doris Speed
- Miss Nugent - Eileen Derbyshire
- Hilda Ogden - Jean Alexander
- Elsie Tanner - Patricia Phoenix
- Valerie Barlow - Anne Reid
- Stan Ogden - Bernard Youens
- Kenneth Barlow - William Roache
- Maggie Clegg - Irene Sutcliffe
Guest cast[]
- Alice Pickins - Doris Hare
- Jim Gilbert - Arnold Ridley
- Lillian Smith - Rhoda Lewis (Credited as "Lilian Smith")
- Dave Smith - Reginald Marsh
- PC Conway - Colin Edwynn
- Mr Ironfield - Anthony Dutton
- Mrs Toft - Beatrice Neild
Places[]
- Rovers Return Inn - Public/snug and hallway
- 11 Coronation Street - Back room
- 13 Coronation Street - Back room and hallway
- 14 Coronation Street - Living room and hallway
- Corner Shop
- OAP Clubhouse - Interior
Notes[]
- This episode marks Jack Rosenthal's 130th and final script for the programme.
- TV Times synopsis: Stalemate for Dave, checkmate for Ena, and an opening gambit from Annie.
- Viewing Figures: First UK broadcast - 7,450,000 homes (2nd place).
Notable dialogue[]
Elsie Tanner: "Just for once, I would like to pal up with a feller whose idea of a good time wasn't draggin' me through the muck."
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