The Onedin Line: Coffin Ship (BBC-1 29 Oct 1972)

In Coffin Ship James needs to charter a clipper so that he can keep his barrel contact with Braganza but money as usual is tight, he agrees to take space on the ship Pibroch but becomes concerned about just what cargo the boat is carrying. He’s also rather put out to dicover that Baines is captain of the Pibroch for the voyage (Baines and James have had a falling out. Baines is in dire straits and needs a hundred pounds to get his sister out of the “doss house” she has been forced into. He asked James for an advance but was given short shrift of course.)

A former captain of the Pibroch approaches Robert and tells him and Anne that he believes the ship is a “coffin ship” – a ship that has reached the end of it’s lifespan but has a healthy insurance on it so they are deliberately not carrying out maintenance and over loading the ship in order to make it flounder. James meanwhile has come to the same conclusion himself but is almost too late. Thankfully, as the ship begins to break up, Baines is able to guide it into shallow waters.

Elizabeth has discovered that Albert has been dallying with music hall “artiste” Carrie Harris, she is disgusted and even more disgusted when she finds out he has been giving her money too. She tells Anne that she is making plans to leave Albert but then Anne persuades Daniel Fogarty to try and dissuade her.

classic quote
“I’ll find someone to take care of William. I’m not like you Anne, I don’t have your pride.”

production details
UK / BBC One / 1×50 minute episode / Broadcast Sunday 29 October 1972 at 7.25pm

Writer: Bruce Stewart / Director: Gerald Blake

Series: The Onedin Line Season 2 Episode 7

cast
Peter Gilmore as James Onedin
Anne Stallybrass as Anne Onedin
Brian Rawlinson as Robert Onedin
Jessica Benton as Elizabeth Frazer
Michael Billington as Daniel Fogarty
Howard Lang as Mr Baines
April Walker as Carrie Harris
Richard Ireson as Carlaw
Anthony Kenyon as Bartley
Robert Hartley as Captain Lubbock
Pamela Sholto as Alice
Adam Blake as Edward
Eddie Connor as Music Room Manager
Jay Neill as Spanish Officer
Claire Faulkenbridge as Mary
John Caesar as Telegraph clerk
Charles Adey Gray as Drunken man