Flesh and Blood (1980)

For Henry Brassington the most natural thing in the world would be to retire. He has two go-ahead sons and a son-in-law, all capable of taking over the reins of the cement works his father founded; but somehow Henry cannot let go.

The shattering events in Henry Brassington 's life uncharacteristically turn him from a man of action into a man who drifts.

The Brassington family, having been united for their mother's funeral, find that events take over that seem to separate them.

The rift widens, when an unofficial strike at the works has its effect on the various members of the Brassington family. Max believes there is a movement to destroy the company.

Sarah hears some disturbing news, but Sunday lunch with a family gathering has somehow to be lived through, particularly when Max is worried that some kind of plotting is going on between Jim Turner and his father Henry, and more so when he finds out that they have both 'coincidentally' gone fishing.

Sarah and Max discover the reason why Guy keeps running away from school, but instead of simplifying the problem, the knowledge only serves to make it more complicated.

To Henry and Jim ambition does not necessarily mean competency, especially where their sons are concerned. For Jim knows that the left-wing politics of Les will put him on a collision course and Henry realises that Max's high-handed attitude will make unrest.

Ruth helps Ian McKellar move his possessions to the cottage he has rented, which is owned by Max. In a moment of weakness Ruth succumbs to McKellar's advances, but unbeknown to either of them the cottage is being spied on.

Henry decides he does not want to work on the expansion programme which would destroy the valley in which he has lived all his life. He goes to see Max and they reach a new understanding of each other.

Max's discovery and Mabel's decision may lead to a new kind of future for the Brassington family.