The Onedin Line: Catch As Can (BBC-1 12 Nov 1971)

In Catch As Catch Can Callon is furious that Onedin has stolen another customer, Mr Watson, from him. Callon makes it plain to Watson that he will make life very difficult for him if he doesn’t use Callon’s ships for all his business.

The wily Albert Frazer is still keen on Elizabeth and persuades James (along with Anne and Elizabeth) to pay a visit to the new house he has inherited on the pretext that his vexatious Aunt, who is still in situ, will look more favourably on him if he has company. James agrees if Frazer agrees to repair the Charlotte Rhodes at super speed and at a cut price rate. As usual when Fogarty, who returns home from sea unexpectedly early, finds out what Elizabeth is up to he hits the roof and tracks her down. In a full on episode Anne also discovers that Elizabeth is definitely pregnant with Daniel Fogarty’s child. Michael Billington as Daniel Fogarty. Don’t make him angry. You won’t like him when he’s angry…

James has more problems thanks to Callon when his rival arranges for Baines to be pressganged (which basically involves him being attacked and dragged on board) onto another ship. James needs to act quickly to save Baines.

What’s really nice about these early episodes is the relationship between James and Anne. Despite their marriage of convenience there is a genuine rapport between them and it is clear that love is growing in them both.

production details
UK / BBC One / 1×50 minute episode / Broadcast 12 November 1971 at 9.20pm

Writer: Alun Richards / Production Design: Jeremy Bear / Director: Peter Graham Scott

Series: The Onedin Line Season 1 Episode 5

cast
Peter Gilmore as James
Anne Stallybrass as Anne
Edward Chapman as Callon
Clifford Cox as Mr Watson
James Warwick as Edmund Callon
Jessica Benton as Elizabeth
Mary Webster as Sarah
Brian Rawlinson as Robert
Philip Bond as Albert Frazer
Michael Billington as Daniel Fogarty
Howard Lang as Baines
Nicholas Brandon Brady as Captain
Michael Brennan as Bully Hayes
Alan Hockey as Pilot
Damaris Hayman as Aunt Letitia
Frank Littlewood as Pocock