The Brothers: Birthday (BBC-1 18 Apr 1976, Joby Blanshard)

In Birthday it the biggest day in the history of Hammond Transport, the merger with Van Der Merwe is nearing fruition but first the board must call an extraordinary general meeting to convince their shareholders it is the right thing to do. Mary Hammond, who is celebrating her birthday, is decidedly unhappy about the whole thing and plans to put a spanner in the works at the meeting as does rival company Kirkmans who own shares in Hammonds and were previously trying to form a merge with them. Thanks to some last minute persuasion by Ted the merger is allowed to go through.

Meanwhile Clare finishes at Hammonds and walks out of Merroney’s life for good.

A good end to the season with lots of closure in the Merroney/Clare/David triangle and setting up developments for the next season. The whole Van Der Merwe merger does happen a bit quick but it does offer further growth for Hammonds.

For the first time ever the end credits play out over continuing scenes of the board being congratulated rather than the static pictures of the cast we usually get.

classic quote
Clare: Will you come in for tonight
David: Do you think that’s a good idea?
Clare: I’ve got to put my arms around somebody

production details
UK / BBC One / 1×60 minute episode / Broadcast 18 April 1976

Writer: Ray Jenkins / Production Design: Ian Ashurst / Director: Christopher Baker

Series: The Brothers Season Six Episode Thirteen

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
CAROLE MOWLAM as Clare Miller (final appearance)

guest cast
CARLETON HOBBS as Sir Neville Henniswode
JOBY BLANSHARD as Van Der Merwe
CARMEN SAUTOY as Ika
WILLIAM MERROW as Uncle Willi
STEVE UBELS as Paul Van Kepe
MICHAEL SPICE as David Gosper