The Brothers: Invitations (BBC1 22 Sep 1976, Caroline Langrishe)

In Invitations Brian is less than thrilled by the return of Anne, he makes it plain that there could never be anything at all between them. Ann is adamant that she only has the best interests of her children at heart, Ann is concerned that Carol might want to move in with her father whilst Carol herself would rather stay with Mary.

Meanwhile David is having trouble selling the 20 Van Der Merwe trucks that were part of the recent merger, he is unwilling to go to Merroney for advice and persuades Jane to take a trip with him to visit Ted at the conference who has a banker friend who may be able to help. Merroney and April also throw a house warming party.

Very much a case of night of the long knives with Ann causing havoc for Brian, Jane and Mary although for once Jane sees right through her and in a heart to heart talk makes it plain just how selfish she thinks Ann is. Good to see David coming up trumps for once with his idea for the trucks which will also help solve something of a cash flow issue for Hammonds and allow for the expansion into Felixstowe that Merroney wants.

Watch out too for a very young Caroline Langrishe as a party guest friend of Aprils.

production details
UK / BBC One / 1×60 minute episode / Broadcast 22 September 1976

Writer: Ray Jenkins / Production Design: Gavin Davies / Director: Timothy Combe

The Brothers Season Seven Episode Three

main cast
JEAN ANDERSON as Mary Hammond
RICHARD EASTON as Brian Hammond
ROBIN CHADWICK as David Hammond
JENNIFER WILSON as Jennifer Hammond
DEREK BENFIELD as Bill Riley
KATE O’MARA as Jane Maxwell
COLIN BAKER as Paul Merroney
MARGARET ASHCROFT as Gwen Riley
LIZA GODDARD as April Merroney

guest cast
TERENCE FRISBY as Simon Winter
HILARY TINDALL as Ann Hammond
DEBBIE FARRINGTON as Carol Hammond
CAROLINE LANGRISHE as Lynn
RAYMOND LLEWELLYN as Man At Party