I thought that Richard's decency really comes out here. This episode touches on the social atmosphere, especially, the status of servants. Mary is blamed for something that was not her fault; the person who was responsible gets off because of his position; Richard is almost in trouble because of his attempts to help this servant; I enjoyed Sir Geoffrey's very realistic approach. His cynicism regarding the law shows him to be a realist--and his willingness to accept the status quo, reveals him to be a snob (which he is willing to admit). It also shows Hudson's ability to be sympathetic, and Roberts, to be intolerant. The other servants showed their compassion as well. Mary's refusal to take Richard's money is unrealistic, and considering the reality, foolish, but shows her to be a person of good character. Brilliant acting, wonderful production.
4 Reviews
Great episode - legal psychology correct - details wrong
lhhung_himself1 January 2012
Just being a stickler for the details of libel law.
I assume that the letter was written and published in some public forum - otherwise the defence of qualified privilege was available if it was just written to the family. In other words, Bellamy had a clear duty to report the allegation of rape to the family (and to the police) which would have shielded him from libel, absent malice or recklessness (which would amount to malice in the eyes of the law). However, it would have been up to the other side to prove malice, not for him to prove absence of malice.
In fact, being a member of Parliament, Bellamy had the option of raising this issue in Parliament where his words would have been subject to absolute privilege which would have shielded him 100% from a lawsuit. Of course, it would not have protected him from the whispers regarding his motivation, nor censure from his peers for misusing his position...
Regardless, proving the truth of the allegations would have been a sufficient defence in the circumstances in this case. Truth is almost always an adequate defence and certainly is with regards to reporting a serious crime.
The family would have been equally reluctant about a lawsuit as it could have turned either way and would have been equally expensive and ruinous to pursue on their part. However, the episode captures the psychology and ugliness of the affair. Being cornered, it would have been a very dirty fight as the family tried to prove malice and Mr. Bellamy trying to both prove the correctness of his allegations and destroy the reputation of his foe.
Just pointing out that Bellamy's legal position was far stronger than depicted by his solicitor and he would have known it. The risks to him politically and in society were however accurate and the advice to retract was sound and is likely what a solicitor would have given to protect the Bellamys' interests.
The legal inaccuracies do not take away from this great episode. The psychology and cynicism about the legal system is absolutely spot on and deserved. I was greatly impressed by the plot, especially given that it came out in 1971.
I assume that the letter was written and published in some public forum - otherwise the defence of qualified privilege was available if it was just written to the family. In other words, Bellamy had a clear duty to report the allegation of rape to the family (and to the police) which would have shielded him from libel, absent malice or recklessness (which would amount to malice in the eyes of the law). However, it would have been up to the other side to prove malice, not for him to prove absence of malice.
In fact, being a member of Parliament, Bellamy had the option of raising this issue in Parliament where his words would have been subject to absolute privilege which would have shielded him 100% from a lawsuit. Of course, it would not have protected him from the whispers regarding his motivation, nor censure from his peers for misusing his position...
Regardless, proving the truth of the allegations would have been a sufficient defence in the circumstances in this case. Truth is almost always an adequate defence and certainly is with regards to reporting a serious crime.
The family would have been equally reluctant about a lawsuit as it could have turned either way and would have been equally expensive and ruinous to pursue on their part. However, the episode captures the psychology and ugliness of the affair. Being cornered, it would have been a very dirty fight as the family tried to prove malice and Mr. Bellamy trying to both prove the correctness of his allegations and destroy the reputation of his foe.
Just pointing out that Bellamy's legal position was far stronger than depicted by his solicitor and he would have known it. The risks to him politically and in society were however accurate and the advice to retract was sound and is likely what a solicitor would have given to protect the Bellamys' interests.
The legal inaccuracies do not take away from this great episode. The psychology and cynicism about the legal system is absolutely spot on and deserved. I was greatly impressed by the plot, especially given that it came out in 1971.
Some 'home-truths'!
arrival10 July 2010
Warning: Spoilers
This was the final of the black and white episodes to hinder the series - the infamous Strike was behind us at long last! 'Mary', the under-house maid is found to be pregnant. Miss Roberts, having seen her coming out of the Morning Room late one night after being alone with the Master - the suspicion as to who the father is inevitably falls upon Richard Bellamy! The fact that Lady Marjorie is away does not help matters! Again; as with the previous episode 'Magic Casements - this would have been even more shocking had the story been used a little further on in the series. As it was, this was still a great episode, and gives us a rare treat to enjoy one of the most short-lived characters (Mary) getting a great deal off her chest, and flinging out a great many home truths - to both those upstairs and down! Priceless! This was the first episode to feature the family Solicitor 'Sir Geoffrey Dillon' who would appear frequently throughout the whole series until it ended in 1930.
NOTE: As explained in my Review for the episode entitled: 'Magic Casements'; This was actually episode seven and not episode six as it is listed here on IMDb. The reason for this is better explained in the review for the aforementioned.
NOTE: As explained in my Review for the episode entitled: 'Magic Casements'; This was actually episode seven and not episode six as it is listed here on IMDb. The reason for this is better explained in the review for the aforementioned.
A Cry for Help
Prismark105 September 2022
Warning: Spoilers
A young Susan Penhaligon plays parlourmaid Mary Stokes who finds herself pregnant.
The rest of the servant guess her condition and regard her as a floozy.
As she is a new employee and pregnant, it does look like she will get her marching orders.
Richard Bellamy is sympathetic to Mary's plight. Aghast that she is considering a backstreet abortion. He wants the father to look after her and the baby.
He is shocked to learn that she was forcibly seduced by the rakish son of her previous master. He takes no responsibility for the baby and Mary and threatens to sue for libel when Richard writes to his dad about the situation.
It is good that the writers do not neglect the social issues regarding domestic staff. Given Richard's standing as a parliamentarian and the hypocrisy of his class. He should have been more circumspect or realistic that a rogue will not admit to his responsibilities.
In the end Mary is on her own, destitute and about to be a single mother.
The rest of the servant guess her condition and regard her as a floozy.
As she is a new employee and pregnant, it does look like she will get her marching orders.
Richard Bellamy is sympathetic to Mary's plight. Aghast that she is considering a backstreet abortion. He wants the father to look after her and the baby.
He is shocked to learn that she was forcibly seduced by the rakish son of her previous master. He takes no responsibility for the baby and Mary and threatens to sue for libel when Richard writes to his dad about the situation.
It is good that the writers do not neglect the social issues regarding domestic staff. Given Richard's standing as a parliamentarian and the hypocrisy of his class. He should have been more circumspect or realistic that a rogue will not admit to his responsibilities.
In the end Mary is on her own, destitute and about to be a single mother.
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