After the founder of Hammond Transport dies, his widow and three sons must deal with his will that greatly affects the three brothers.

The End of the Beginning

Edward makes his bid for total control of the family business.

Down To Business

Mrs Hammond wants to see Jennifer, but Jennifer is reluctant.

Confrontation

David decides whether to stay in the family business, or sell his shares to Edward.

Decisions

The Hammonds are invited to a party given by an old friend of their father.

The Party

Conflicting individual interests causes family boardroom arguments.

Turning Point

Hammond Transport is ready to expand, until an unexpected crisis happens, then plans and people are put on hold.

The Perfect Day

The financial crisis at Hammond Transport becomes more acute, and has repercussions for relationships within the family.

Crisis

Hammond Transport is threatened by a take-over bid.

A Worm In The Bud

The future of Hammond Transport is getting better, but problems within the family continue, and new outside alliances form.

Full Circle

Mary Hammond returns from recuperation abroad, determined to drive a wedge between Edward and Jennifer. Harry Carter, of Carter’s Express Deliveries, puts in an impressive offer for land adjoining the Hammond depot - land Edward thought was already promised to his firm.

A Family Gathering

When Mary finds a phone number in Edward’s pocket she learns an ex-girlfriend is back on the scene. It is another weapon in her war against Jennifer. The Board have to vote on a take-over bid for Carter’s firm. Edward will be against it. Or will he ?

Wheels And Deals

Hammond Transport plans to take over Carter Express. However, Harry Carter knows more about the Hammond family than they think. Mary continues to manipulate the lives of her children but with Edward she may have gone too far.

The Trojan Horse

The Hammond family is divided over whether to take on Carter. It's in a deadlock, unless somebody changes sides. Ann confronts Brian about his new lady friend.

Snakes And Ladders

Harry Carter has cunningly invited all the Hammonds around to his apartment for drinks. One by one the brothers drop out, which leaves Mary and Jennifer the only guests that turn up ! Barbara is in awe of her new art tutor Nicholas Fox and at the depot trouble is brewing between the Carter and Hammond drivers…

Labour Pains

With strike action threatened, the Union is called in to settle the conflict with the two sets of drivers. Carter is determined that the Union won’t have a say in the way he handles the unrest, but Ted is a much more experienced negotiator. David falls for the charms of Jill’s flatmate Julie.

Negotiations

The drivers strike continues over the use of Harry Carter’s non-Union drivers. A full meeting of the Board members and Union representatives is made more difficult by Carter antagonising the Union. Jill and Julie call on Mary but Julie does not endear herself to the Hammond matriach. Negotiations falter and Hammond Transport is starting to flounder under the weight of the problem. Brian discovers Ann has been making secret visits to the family home.

Storm Birds

Whilst Harry wines and dines Jennifer, Ted arranges a late night meeting with Reg Turner and Bill. Ann arrives home unexpectedly to find Pamela waiting for Brian. Tom Parker has left the country, he owes Hammond Transport a lot of money. Without it they are sunk. Jill receives some devastating news. Carter plays a masterstroke to end the stalemate.

Tightrope

With the lorries back on the road, concern grows about the whereabouts of Tom Parker. Barbara is finding her trip to Paris with Nicholas Fox is not all she wanted it to be. Mary invites Jill to lunch and together they conspire to get David to the alter. Brian’s discreet enquiries about Parker shows that he is in trouble, making finding him more urgent. Ted flies out to Parker’s last known whereabouts in Corfu in a desperate bid to sort out the debt. Whilst he is away Carter makes a move for the Chair in the Board meeting.

A Marriage Is Arranged

Edward has returned with grave news - Parker is going bankrupt. He also decides Carter has to go and gives him three options on which he can leave the company. But Carter wants buying out and cash is the one thing Hammonds do not have. Jill reveals the extent of her inheritance - £250,000. It occurs to Jill she might have the means to save Hammond Transport. With Pamela out of the picture, Ann and Brian start rebuilding their marriage.

Women Are Trumps

The Hammond Board vote to buy out Harry Carter. He parts company on good terms with everyone - except Mary Hammond. David is not happy that Jill’s money alone is keeping the business afloat. Ann plays her final hand in her game to get husband Brian to take her back. Despite constant bating from Julie, David marries Jill.

No Hard Feelings

The Hammonds are finding their feet and, with Jill’s financial backing, can think of expansion again.   They turn their attentions enthusiastically to Europe but David is strangely opposed to the idea.

The Hammond Account

Barbara’s marriage causes a stir.   Why all the haste?  And why the secrecy?  No-one knows Johnny – but he knows that Barbara is a heiress.

The Newly Weds

With their sights set on Europe,  the Hammonds need a depot on the coast.   So, at any rate thinks Brian.   David, for reasons of his own,  feels otherwise…

Suspicions

Brian and David come into conflict, a new depot means more dependence on the guarantee provided by Jill,  and there is enough tension already between her and David.

Tug Of War

The Dover depot has started to operate.   Edward and Riley go to Boulogne  to collect a valuable load,  but their every move is being watched…

Hijack

Riley is charged with conspiracy!   Edward believes him innocent,  despite his criminal record.   But Jennifer reveals that is not his only secret.

Riley

The brothers prepare for a boom in  business.   But are they equipped to cope with it?  More to the point is Edward?

Trade Wind

With Edward away in Dover,  Brian and David fail to agree.   Meanwhile Julie is still on the scene and Ann’s thoughts turn to Nicholas…

Echoes

Jennifer guesses the source of Barbara’s loan and suddenly Johnny’s debts assume unimagined importance.   Soon the whole Company is concerned…

An Impossible Debt

The sale of Jennifer’s shares gives Brian and David an opportunity – but can they agree terms?

Power For Sale

Brian and David start dealing for Jennifer’s shares,  and Edward’s position is challenged.    But both brothers find they need their wives’ support.

Conspirators

A party to celebrate David’s birthday creates a convivial atmosphere.   But for Brian the evening ends with a shock…

Perchance To Dream

Ann is taken to hospital and an anxious period ensues… Meanwhile,  Edward and Jennifer get away from it all,  and Julie surprises David.

Return To Nowhere

Edward and Jennifer return from holiday,  anxious to acquaint Mary with their marriage plans but find her collapsed with another heart-attack.   The Hammonds prove their ability to rally round in a crisis.     A good time for Riley’s wife,  Gwen, to lend her assistance.

Emergency

As the debate about going public begins,  manoeuvres are made for control of the board.   In readiness Brian meets merchant banker Martin Farrell,  while Edward sounds out Riley.

Secret Meetings

The first steps are made for the Hammonds to go public.   Farrell prepares the investigations, and in the process notices the company’s organisational weaknesses.

Investigations

Riley and Farrell join the Hammonds’ Board.   At once Brian and Riley come into conflict.  But Brian’s behaviour is really a reaction of his worsening relationship with Ann.

Happy Anniversary

Edward and Brian attend a lunch in the city with Paul Merroney, a merchant banker,  to launch Hammonds as a public company.   Edward begins to act the role but Brian looks far from the part.

Partings

Brian and Ann apart face the problems of loneliness;  by contrast Martin Farrell and Jennifer enjoy dinner together.  Meanwhile the Hammonds are invited to a shoot – on business.

Loneliness

The procedure for making Hammonds a public company get underway,  and the directors attend a shooting party to meet Sir Neville Henniswode – the chairman of their merchant bank.

Hit And Miss

A local petition protesting about Hammonds lorries coincides with the firms moves to go public.   But it is not only the residents the Board has to face.

Public Concern

David, with the company’s sponsorship,  has his first experience of driving in a race.   In an atmosphere of tension and excitement,  Jill watches his performance.

The Race

The men want a share of the fat profit they think Hammonds will make when they go public – if not, they may strike at a vital moment.    Brian is involved in a serious car accident.

Saturday

Edward meets prospective business-world share holders,  but his frankness causes a set back.

A Bad Mistake

The company goes public – in an atmosphere of tension the share issue is placed on the market.

The Fall Guy

Edward fights for survival as Chairman and Managing Director of Hammond Transport Services Limited – and everyone’s loyalty is tested to the full.

The Crucial Vote

The Hammond family has changed considerably in recent months – both publicly and privately – their future is wholly uncertain.

Life Goes On

Paul Merroney is proving to be a man of determined ambition with confident plans for Hammond Transport.  Brian however is less sure of himself.

Tiger By The Tail

Combining business and pleasure during a skiing holiday in Switzerland,  Edward checks out a depot in Geneva which Merroney is keen to buy.   Jennifer interviews potential staff.

Breakdown

While everyone’s attention is on Edward and Jennifer’s wedding, Paul Merroney tries to manipulate Brian’s business affairs.

Special Licence

During an early morning Board meeting,  the Hammonds and Bill Riley learn that Merroney intends to bid on the same day for the ailing company.   His work will be made difficult by a very tough lady – Jane Maxwell.

Flight Of Fancy

On the surface,  Mary seems to have accepted Jennifer as her daughter-in-law,  but Edward doubts his mother’s ability to avoid causing trouble.

A Very Short Honeymoon

The alterations of Edward and Jennifer’s new home are well in hand,  but however much they would like to relax in their new home,  the demands of business are never far away.

Big Deal

While Edwards settles comfortably into marriage and David starts to enjoy life again,  Paul Merroney quietly and skilfully begins to feather his own nest…

Package Deal

Edward and Jennifer move into their new home.   The furniture has been delivered, ad the alterations are complete.   All they need now is the go-ahead to start a family…

End Of A Dream

Having settled into their new house and discovering they cannot have children,  Jennifer and Edward decide to adopt.   They little realise the difficulties they must first overcome.

The Judas Sheep

Merroney returns from the Lebanon,  bringing with him the man he hopes will finance a new business deal.   His interests seem to be with Clare Miller.   Edward and Jennifer’s only interest is their new baby.

Jennifer's Baby

An attempt by the Hammonds to oust Merroney is doomed to failure from the start.   Is Merroney a natural winner or are the Hammonds born losers ?   There is plenty of evidence to support both points of view…

Warpath

Life has changed dramatically for the Hammond brothers.   Edward is the father of an adopted son,  Brian recovers from his divorce and a breakdown in Italy and David is finding his social feet.

Red Sky At Night

Edward and Jennifer’s worst fears have been realised and William’s natural mother has asked for him back.  Jennifer is determined to keep him.

A Clean Break

Hammond Transport is on the threshold of expansion into Europe beginning in France.    David’s enthusiasm for the place has more to do with Therese d’Alembert than with business opportunities.

Red Sky In The Morning

On their way back from France,  David and Stacey have been searched by Customs Officials at Dover.    Everyone – particularly Paul Merroney – wonders why ?

Oranges And Lemons

Paul Merroney considers it is high time Edward resumed his responsibilities as Managing Director of Hammond Transport.    He enlists Riley’s help in the endeavour.

When Will You Pay Me?

News that RAI Transport is going into liquidation smothers the Hammond grapevine and Jenny decides that here is her chance to prove what form she is in.

Tender

Griffith Trevelyan, Chief Sales Executive of RAI Transport,  the collapsing firm for whose oil rig installation the Hammonds wish to bid for, decides to play one contender off against another.

The Mole

Jane Maxwell senses trouble when a small aircraft belonging to Luxury Air,  part of John Kirkman’s vast private company,  stops at Dover airfield ostensibly to refuel.

The Chosen Victim

John Kirkman has made an offer of 80p a share for Hammond Transport.   The level has been cleverly pitched:  not too high to arouse suspicion,  not too low for Paul Merroney to ignore.

Blood And Water

Since the Hammond Board is evenly divided about Kirkman’s offer, the final decision seems to rest with Paul Merroney. But can Sir Neville influence him ?

The Devil You Know

The Hammond Board has rejected Kirkman’s offer for the company and this has meant quite a victory for Paul Merroney. But Brian feels that Hammonds need help if they are to function in Europe.

Try, Try Again

Although Brian and Edward have been discouraged from the idea of Hammonds merging with Van der Merwe,  Paul Merroney is determined to find out exactly what the advantages would be.

The Bonus

Two important occasions:  the first is Mary’s birthday,   the second is a SGM of the Hammond share-holders whose support for the merger with Van der Merwe,

Birthday

Hammonds Transport has merged with Van der Merwe. Merroney is marrying a bankers daughter and today is the wedding day…

To Honour and Obey

The honeymoon is over and its business as usual.   Ann Hammond visits and wants to see Brian,  but Edward is not so sure.

Home And Away

Ann turns up to see Brian and all the family is pulled into her search for reassurance.

Invitations

Jenny’s off to Canada, Merroney to Amsterdam again,  leaving Edward and April at a lose end.

The Female Of The Species

David makes another attempt to get the better of Paul Merroney… all he needs is Simon Winter’s backing…

Manoeuvres

Merroney pushes Hammond Brothers into further plans for expansion,  but a family bereavement reveals a new callous aspect to his character.

Arrivals And Departures

A premature Board meeting is far from being a routine matter. It holds several surprises… David has sent a letter of resignation!

The Distaff Side

Mary returns from convalescence to find her family united in their opposition to Merroney’s expansionist plans for the company – but emotionally in disarray…

Cross Currents

Merroney,  aware that the majority of the Hammond Board will vote against his scheme, decides to pre-empt them and Jennifer’s outburst has unforeseen consequences.

Ripples

The new freight planes are ready for delivery.   To celebrate this Jane throws a party,  at which April seems to get on well with her escort,  them Merroney arrives…

Celebration

One of the new freight planes has failed to reach its destination. The loss is covered by insurance – or is it?

Windmills

Hammond Board members cast their votes to the Middle East project.   The line up is 2 – 4 against and Merroney needs to level the odds.

The Golden Road

Will the bank lend Hammonds the money they need?   Or will Merroney have to put into action Plan No. 2?   The family could finally lose control of the company.

Out Of The Blue

Mary fights a last-ditch battle to prevent the Hammonds losing control of their company.   She calls a family meeting.  Merroney  may lose a more personal battle though…

The Knock On The Door

Gwen is summoned to hospital when her son is involved in an accident. Will his injuries be serious?   And where is Bill?

The Ordeal

The firms Christmas party makes Mary realise how the firm is changing.   The business is slipping away from family control,  as is the family from Mary.

The Christmas Party

The Brothers is a British television series, produced and shown by the BBC between 1972 and 1976.

All Episodes of The Brothers

All Episodes of The Brothers

Season 1

The End of the Beginning

Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 3/10/1972

Down To Business

Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 3/17/1972

Confrontation

Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 3/24/1972

Decisions

Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 3/31/1972

The Party

Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 4/7/1972

Turning Point

Season 1 Episode 6 - Aired 4/14/1972

The Perfect Day

Season 1 Episode 7 - Aired 4/21/1972

Crisis

Season 1 Episode 8 - Aired 4/28/1972

A Worm In The Bud

Season 1 Episode 9 - Aired 5/5/1972

Full Circle

Season 1 Episode 10 - Aired 5/12/1972