About this season
Sam is a drama set in the coalfields of Yorkshire in the inter-war period.
Episodes (13)
1. A Way of Life
Aired 12 June 1973 • 60 min
Sam and his mother arrive in Skellerton and try to settle in with their relatives.
2. Poor Law
Aired 19 June 1973 • 60 min
The Labour Exchange is looking for Sam’s mother. Sam is taken on a tour of the local pit by his grandfather.
3. Leaving Home
Aired 26 June 1973 • 60 min
Sam is bullied at school. Sam’s mother starts a new relationship with Alan. Sam doesn’t like this and runs away.
4. For Ever and Ever and Ever and Ever
Aired 3 July 1973 • 60 min
Sam is found.
5. A Day to Remember
Aired 11 July 1973 • 60 min
Sam is taken on a day out to the seaside.
6. The Cost of Living
Aired 18 July 1973 • 60 min
Sam’s mother and new partner set up a family home.
7. Out of the Blue
Aired 25 July 1973 • 60 min
Sam’s family come under pressure from the disapproving locals.
8. United We Stand
Aired 31 July 1973 • 60 min
Sam discovers a book written by his father. The pit workers are given notice.
9. The Beginning of Winter
Aired 7 August 1973 • 60 min
Sam's mother falls pregnant. Sam’s father sends a letter asking for money to be sent to him so that he can come home from Canada.
10. Where the Heart Is
Aired 14 August 1973 • 60 min
Dora passes away in hospital giving birth to a son, Leslie. Alan, devastated, decides to go south to look for work, leaving his mother to care for the baby. Sam’s uncle George goes with him.
11. Home From Home
Aired 21 August 1973 • 60 min
Frank is worried about Sam’s education and his grandfather wants to send him to a charity boarding school. Alan and George are disillusioned in the south and George returns home.
12. No Going Back
Aired 28 August 1973 • 60 min
Sam is at boarding school, hating it and longing to go home, but can’t, because of a diphtheria outbreak in Skellerton. After a fight at the school, he runs away and walks the fifty miles home.
13. Breadwinners
Aired 4 September 1973 • 60 min
Sam’s uncle Toby sets up a garment factory in the old chapel, providing work for the women of Skellerton, leaving the men at home. Sam finally goes down the pit with his grandfather.