Season 4

1974 · 14 episodes

Episodes

1EmergencyEdward 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.
2Secret MeetingsAs 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.
3InvestigationsThe first steps are made for the Hammonds to go public. Farrell prepares the investigations, and in the process notices the company’s organisational weaknesses.
4Happy AnniversaryRiley 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.
5PartingsEdward 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.
6LonelinessBrian 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.
7Hit And MissThe 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.
8Public ConcernA 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.
9The RaceDavid, 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.
10SaturdayThe 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.
11The Guilt Behind the Gingerbread
12A Bad MistakeEdward meets prospective business-world share holders, but his frankness causes a set back.
13The Fall GuyThe company goes public – in an atmosphere of tension the share issue is placed on the market.
14The Crucial VoteEdward fights for survival as Chairman and Managing Director of Hammond Transport Services Limited – and everyone’s loyalty is tested to the full.