Set in working class Newcastle, the Stott family fight their private battles against the backdrop of the conflict of World War II. Helen Stott, over thirty and with a limp, is resigned to being left on the shelf until she meets and falls in love with Norman, a serviceman from London. In contrast, her younger sister Joyce has quite a way with men, and finds herself a little too popular with the troops, especially when her husband pops up on leave from his regiment.
             
                        
            
                                
                                
                                
                    Cast: Phyllis Logan, Tom Watt, Joan Plowright, John Woodvine, Stephen Tompkinson, Pippa Hinchley, Willie Ross, Des Young, Val McLane, Bob Smeaton