Follyfoot: A Day in the Sun (ITV 20 Sep 1971, with Arthur Hewlett)

In A Day in the Sun, the final episode of the first season, Steve goes to see his ageing Gran on a rare weekend off, he is really trying to find out where his mum is. He hasn’t seen her for a long time but is unable to find her. He does discover a badly injured horse that is on the verge of death. He takes it back to Follyfoot to nurse it through it’s last days. Even though he doesn’t want the horse to be put down after a talk from the colonel he knows it’s for the best.

It’s the catalyst for Steve making a decision about his future at Follyfoot, he has to leave and find out what is going on with his mother. Dora is not impressed that Steve is leaving and breaks down in tears when he does go, even though he promises to come back.

It’s a very emotional episode all round, from Steve’s visit to his Gran who is clearly suffering the effects of dementia to the troubled horse having to be shot.

There are some valuable insights into Steve’s background in this episode and the reason why he is so determined to help save the horse. It carries echoes of his own life. If he can save it then maybe he can save his troubled mother too.

Steve’s search for his mother, and himself really, would continue across the first few episodes of season two.

production details
UK / ITV – Yorkshire / 1×25 minute episode / Broadcast Monday 20 September 1971 at 5.15pm

Writer: Francis Stevens / Director: Mike Purcell

Series: Follyfoot Season 1 Episode 13

cast
Gillian Blake as Dora
Steve Hodson as Steve
Christian Rodska as Ron Stryker
Arthur English as Slugger
Desmond Llewellyn as The Colonel
Margaret Boyd as Gran
Rosamund Greenwood as Millie
Arthur Hewlett as Ricketts
Ted Carroll as Man
Colin Rix as Vet