Watch When the Boat Comes In

TV-NR
1976
1 Season
8.4 (468)

When the Boat Comes In is a classic British drama set in the aftermath of World War I, following the fortunes of the charismatic and resourceful protagonist, Jack Ford. The show aired on BBC One from 1976 to 1981, spanning four seasons and a total of 40 episodes. At the core of the show is Jack Ford, played masterfully by James Bolam, a former sergeant who returns to his hometown of Gallowshields in the North East of England, hoping to start a new life. The show follows his struggles and triumphs as he navigates the treacherous waters of post-war Britain, taking on the establishment and fighting for justice and equality.

From the very first episode, we are drawn into Jack's world as he arrives back in Gallowshields, looking a little worse for wear after his time in the trenches. He is determined to make the most of his second chance, and quickly sets about making a name for himself. He starts by joining the Labour Party, and soon becomes a thorn in the side of the local aristocracy, who are all too keen to keep the working class in their place.

Alongside Jack, we meet a host of other memorable characters, including Jessie Ashton, played by Susan Jameson. Jessie is a tough and resourceful woman who becomes Jack's confidante and occasional lover. Together, the two of them take on the corrupt local officials and help the working-class people of Gallowshields to fight for their rights.

Throughout the series, we see Jack face various challenges, including running for political office, becoming embroiled in a counterfeiting ring, and even taking on the Ku Klux Klan. Each episode offers a new and exciting adventure for Jack and his comrades, as they strive to make the world a better place for everyone.

One of the strengths of When the Boat Comes In is its attention to historical detail. The show is set in the aftermath of World War I, and the writers have clearly done their research, depicting the poverty, unemployment and social unrest that plagued Britain at the time. We see Jack and his colleagues fighting against unfair working conditions, advocating for universal suffrage, and battling against the forces of fascism and racism.

The show also features some stunning scenery, with the rugged coastlines and rolling hills of the North East providing a backdrop for many of the outdoor scenes. The production values are high, with a strong emphasis on authenticity and period detail. The costumes are accurate, the vehicles are appropriate for the era, and the dialogue captures the spirit of the time.

But perhaps the main reason for the show's enduring popularity is its universally appealing themes. Anyone who has ever struggled to overcome adversity, who has ever felt the sting of injustice, or who has ever fought for what they believe in will find something to relate to in this series. Jack Ford is a hero for the ages, a man who embodies the best qualities of humanity: courage, compassion, and a dogged determination to make the world a better place.

Overall, When the Boat Comes In is a classic and beloved drama that has stood the test of time. With its strong writing, unforgettable characters, and powerful themes, it remains one of the great achievements of British television. Whether you're a fan of historical dramas, political thrillers, or inspiring character studies, this show is not to be missed.

When the Boat Comes In is a series that ran for 1 seasons (13 episodes) between August 1, 1976 and on BBC one

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Seasons

13. Kind Hearted Rat with a Lifebelt

April 1, 1976

Les Mallow, the local branch chairman, asks Jack to help him become district secretary of the fitters union. Jack refuses. He then persuades the branch to vote against a strike and to provide financial help to Mrs Downey, the widow of union member. Tom is awaiting trial for theft. Widow Downey - who informed on Tom - is evicted. Jack helps her recover her furniture by breaking into her flat. He then lets himself be arrested. Both he and Tom are sent to Durham jail. A month later, Jack is released to a hero's welcome. As planned, he is now favourite to beat Mallow in the election for district secretary, a post with a salary of Â£400 a year.

12. Heads You Win, Tails I Lose

March 25, 1976

Tom is threatened by two local ruffians from whom he has won money. Jessie tries to persuade widow, Lizzie Armstrong, to let her son, Robert, take up a grammar school scholarship, but Lizzie needs him to leave school to earn money. Matt proposes to Lizzie who refuses him. Jack helps Tom take on the ruffians, who are then humiliated by a 'tin-panning' by local women arranged by Lizzie.

11. Happy New Year, Some Say

March 18, 1976

Jack is looking after Glaswegian socialist lecturer, Sandy Lewis, who is speaking at the Co-Op Hall. There is also a Tory meeting at the George Hotel, and Tom avoids capture having stolen from the cloakroom. Billy takes Bill to a New Year's party at Jessie's against his will. Jack turns up with Sandy who needs somewhere to stay the night. Bill is summonsed for keeping the shop open too late. He suspects a rival shopkeeper of reporting him, and Sandy throws a brick through his window.

10. King for a Day

November 3, 1976

Jack agreed to help Manners buy a house from Lord Calderbeck by acting as front man. At Calderbeck's house, he meets his nephew Freddy who wants to marry Jane Cromer, a wealthy young widow. Jane sleeps with Jack, but eventually decides to marry Freddy. Billy, who is working on a nearby farm, helps Jack obtain inside information, and Jack negotiates a good deal with Freddy and a large commission from Manners. He learns that Dolly has had a miscarriage.

9. Angel on Horseback

April 3, 1976

Tom falls for a nurse, Rosie Trotter. Just before he dies, Mick Murphy, Bella's uncle, places a bet in Bella's name with his nephew, Ralph, a bookie's runner. Mick's funeral is well-attended, but the winning bet was never placed because Ralph was arrested.

8. Paddy Boyle`s Discharge

February 26, 1976

Mary has died. Jack meets an old comrade, Sid Hepburn, who is still in the army. Hepburn is with the Black and Tans in Ireland on very good pay. Hepburn and his colleague, Harry Bartram take Jack to see Captain Leslie who tries to recruit him. Paddy Boyle, an Irish member of Jack's sheep-stealing gang, is a member of Sinn Féin. Hepburn and Bartram are shot by Paddy and his Sinn Féin boss, Michael Lynch. Despite a warning cry from Jack, Paddy and Lynch are shot by Captain Leslie.

7. A First Time for Everything

February 19, 1976

Bella turns the front of the house into a shop using Bill's compensation. Bill, confined to a wheelchair, is initially hostile to the plan. Jessie is impressed by the talent and intelligence of fourteen year old pupil, Ronnie Fairburn, and tries to dissuade him from working in the mines. But his widowed mother needs the money and Ronnie wants to become a man. Ronnie is killed on his first day in the pit. Jessie gets engaged to Arthur and Jack marries Dolly at the Registry Office.

6. Empire Day on the Slag Heap

December 2, 1976

The strike ends with no concessions won by the miners. Jessie's headmaster, Arthur Ashton, proposes to her. Matt tells Jack that Dolly is pregnant and he agrees to marry her. Bill is crippled in an accident at the pit. Jack prevents the mine owner from defrauding him of proper compensation. Jack tells Jessie that he has to marry Dolly. After he leaves, she breaks down in tears.

5. Coal Comfort

May 2, 1976

As the strike continues, Bill works out that an abandoned coal seam runs under his house and digs for coal in the front room. Tom pursues two children who have stolen leeks from his allotment, but takes pity on them when he discovers that their mother is a war widow with no pension.

4. Swords and Pickhandles

January 29, 1976

Jack visits Sir Horatio Manners, father of his late commanding officer and gives him a present of a sword. Manners offers him a job. Tom is scabbing to get money for Mary. Jack saves him from a beating. Tom then turns to theft.

3. Fish in Wolly Jumpers

January 22, 1976

Times are hard as the miners strike. Jack, who is now engaged to Jessie, still has money. Tom is desperate for money because Mary is suffering from tuberculosis. He borrows from Jack. Jack sleeps with Dolly, the widowed sister of his war comrade, Matt Headley. Tom threatens to expose him unless he can join Jack's sheep-rustling gang. Jack agrees. Tom is almost caught, but Jack knocks out the policeman. Against Jack's expectations, Jessie condones his activities.

2. Say Hello....Say Tirra

January 15, 1976

Bella takes in Harry, a young boy whose mother has died. Harry steals 10 shillings from a fruit seller. Father Keenley, a local priest, arranges for the boy to be sent on an emigration scheme to Australia; Bella reluctantly agrees.

1. A Land Fit for Heroes and Idiots

August 1, 1976

In 1919 Sergeant Jack Ford returns to Gallowshield on discharge leave from the army. He meets Jessie Seaton, a schoolteacher, her brother Tom and his fiancée Mary. Will Scrimgour, a shell-shocked ex-soldier, beats a child who was tormenting him. He is arrested and committed for trial despite Jack's evidence about his condition.

Description

When the Boat Comes In is a series that ran for 1 seasons (13 episodes) between August 1, 1976 and on BBC one

Where to Watch When the Boat Comes In

When the Boat Comes In is available for streaming on the BBC one website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch When the Boat Comes In on demand at Amazon.