As young Pickard listens to the revelations of Kitty, the girl in the hotel bar, about her dream life, he realises that at last he has found a sympathetic friend who might help him discover the secret behind his father's death - and help him find his own happiness. The experience of a strange dream has started George on his quest, and has led him to the northern country town where Kitty helps her sister manage the station hotel. Set in the 1930's, and filmed entirely on location in Todmorden, Yorkshire, and Marple, Cheshire.

• Ian McKellen