About this season
When the Boat Comes In is a British television period drama produced by the BBC between 8 January 1976 and 21 April 1981. Taking place between 1919 to 1937, Jack Ford is a veteran of The Great War who returns to his poverty-stricken (fictional) town of Gallowshield in the North East of England. It dramatises the interwar political struggles of the 1920s and 1930s, and explores the impact of national and international politics upon Ford and those around him.
Episodes (13)
1. Ask for Twopence, Take a Penny
Aired 29 October 1976
Jack starts his new job as District Secretary but he has to contend with trouble from within his union and he meets up with his old friend Sir Horatio Manners.
2. Tram Ride to the Bluebell
Aired 5 November 1976
Tom is released from prison, however, when a Scottish stranger comes looking for him and Jack there is going to be trouble.
3. A Pillowful of Buttercups
Aired 12 November 1976
Billy returns home as a qualified doctor whilst Jack has a visit from an old army pal who is in trouble.
4. Roubles for the Promised Land
Aired 19 November 1976
Billy is unable to get medical work due to his socialist principles. Tom, living in a hostel, befriends Kaganovich, a Russian Jew hoping to travel to Palestine and looking for Jack. Kaganovich accuses Jack of stealing money from his late father during the Russian revolution. Jack claims he was given the money for helping the old man escape. In any case it is worthless 'Kerensky money'. Jack persuades Tom to return home.
5. Some Bulbs to Keep the Garden Bright
Aired 26 November 1976
Les Mallow wants Jack to help him expose a local scandal and help to secure him a place on the council and he is prepared to use any means to secure Jack's help.
6. God and Love and Wellesley Street
Aired 3 December 1976
Tom meets a rich lady who is looking for her father and agrees to help. Meanwhile, Billy starts work as a doctor at the local surgery in Wellesley Street.
7. Whatever Made You Think the War is Over?
Aired 10 December 1976
Sir Horatio Manners calls in his favour from Jack, who pays him back with interest.
8. Ladies, Women, Sweethearts and Wives
Aired 17 December 1976
Bill sets up another shop in Gallowshields and Jack and Dolly get ready for a night out with the Duke of Bedlington.
9. After the Bonfire
Aired 7 January 1977
Jack develops a taste for the high life, but it proves too rich for Dolly.
10. A Wreath with Our Names On
Aired 14 January 1977
There is an accident at the Lewis Bishop Ship Yard and one of the fitters is fatally injured. He was unfit to work so Jack tells Billy to keep quiet about it in order that the widow get compensation.
11. The Way it Was in Murmansk
Aired 21 January 1977
Jack is in demand to speak up for Geordie Watson, the local Labour candidate in the forthcoming election.
12. In the Front Line You Get Shot At
Aired 28 January 1977
Union head office wants Jack to force Colfax, the local employer, to allow the union into his factory, but Jack has split loyalties. Bella is taken ill.
13. The Simple Pleasures of the Rich
Aired 4 January 1977
Jack steps down as secretary for the union and everybody is upset about the potential demolition of the country house, Mandrake Place.