An old flame of Colonel Maynard's from thirty years ago returns to England from Australia, having accepted his proposal by post.
This episode is a good example of a sitcom with modest ambitions that are achieved exceptionally well. Importantly, something of genuine significance is at stake over the 25 minutes, the Colonel's emotional well being and the servants' position. The guest role of the childhood sweetheart, Priscilla (Sonia Dresdel), isn't given much time to form a well-rounded character, but instead is realised as a creation of almost Dickensian cruelty, making impossible demands of the staff ("I don't bandy works with the working classes!") behind the Colonel's back.
The chief reason for the success lies in the top-drawer casting. Unlike a lot of star vehicles, real thought and care has been given into giving the performers things to do that suit their talents, remain in character and have something emotionally real at stake. So the Colonel puts John Le Mesurier's crumpled suaveness to good use - looking dapper but anxious when awaiting the his lover's return, beautifully turned out but wearing odd shoes, charmingly gallant when she arrives, very politely vexed when he realises that he's made a terrible mistake. Sid James' chauffeur doesn't have so much to do this week, but what he's been given is well judged - rude enough not to curry favour with the viewer, but loyal enough to persuade us that he's on the right side.
The heart of the piece lies with Peggy Mount's housekeeper, radiantly happy at the Colonel's romantic story before Priscilla arrives, rapturously embracing a coat hanger, elegantly arranging flowers. And then, once Priscilla turns out to be a monster, the only character able or prepared to stand up to her, an outcome that combines convincing character traits with skills that the performer was supremely good at.
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