The Brothers: Tug Of War (BBC-1 24 Feb 1974 with Malcolm Stoddard)

In Tug of War Jill’s trip to Liverpool has been cancelled and when David doesn’t come home until 3 O’Clock in the morning she very quickly realises that he has been at Julie’s. The marriage is headed for a distinctly rocky stage, compounded by the fact that the board are extremely anxious to get their hands on the depot in Dover but David is determined that they won’t make any further expansions until they have paid Jill her guarantee of a hundred thousand pounds back.

Edward and Jennifer’s relationship is growing stronger too and Edward makes it plain to his mother that he would like her to be more friendly towards Jennifer. Brian gets an unexpected visit from Pamela Graham with news that his daughter Carol has been in touch from boarding school, making it plain she is not happy there. Meanwhile Johnny lets slip to Barbara that things are not going too well with the planned opening of his men’s boutique shop.

Very much a classic episode with lots of shouting around the board room table including an appearance of the legendary phrase “over my dead body” as David is ridden roughshod over by the rest of the board over Jill’s guarantee. David is being something of an idiot in this episode, allowing himself to be manipulated by the none too likeable Julie at the expense of the gorgeous Jill. Meanwhile there is a great big slice of intrigue introduced in the closing moments with a shady character getting a driver’s job with Hammonds. It’s clear something illegal is going to occur there!

production details
UK / BBC One / 1×60 minute episode / Broadcast 24 February 1974

Writer: N.J. Crisp / Production Design: Ian Ashurst / Director: Roderick Graham

Series: The Brothers / Season 3 Episode 4

guest cast
GILLIAN McCUTCHEON as Julie
ANNA FOX as Pamela Graham
MALCOLM STODDARD as Johnny Trent
FRANK JARVIS as Jim Barker
JOHN BARCROFT as Lowe