"Tug of War" is the fifth episode of the fourth series of the television period drama Upstairs, Downstairs. It first aired on 12 October 1974 on ITV.
Tug of War was filmed on 30 and 31 May 1974. The writer, Rosemary Anne Sisson, had used the diaries of Lady Cynthia Asquith, who like Georgina was a society VAD nurse, while writing this episode. Polly Williams, who played Lady Viola Courtney, was the sister of Simon Williams, who played James Bellamy.
Meg Wynn Owen - Hazel Bellamy
Lesley-Anne Down - Georgina Worsley
Jean Marsh - Rose
David Langton - Richard Bellamy
Gordon Jackson - Hudson
Angela Baddeley - Mrs Bridges
Jacqueline Tong - Daisy
Simon Williams - James Bellamy
Valerie Lush - Matron
Barrie Cookson - Colonel Buchanan
Betty England - Mrs Carbury
Betty Romaine - Mrs Blaine
Mel Churcher - Angela Barclay
Polly Williams - Lady Viola Courtney
Richenda Carey - Head Nurse
Christopher Good - Captain Philip Hanning
In a letter to Daisy, Edward suggests that she get a job at a munitions factory. Daisy, who is tired of doing the work Ruby would have been doing as well as sharing Edward's duties with Rose, sees an advert in a newspaper for an omnibus conductor. However, before Daisy can apply, Rose secretly applies and makes Daisy furious when she gets the job. Rose soon starts to work as a bus conductor during the day, and does her household duties in the evening.
Georgina finds that being a nurse is more difficult and less glamorous than she had thought it would be, and finds that she is only nursing sick old women. She also has to look after two new nurses, her good friend Angela Barclay and the fearless Lady Viola Courtney. One night they go to a party, but return too late and the hospital gates are locked. The following day, Georgina is told that her patient, Mrs Carbury, died overnight and was asking for her. She feels very guilty, but the matron does not dismiss her as Georgina has the makings of a good nurse.
Meanwhile, James is home on leave. Richard refuses to help him get back onto the front line from his current staff job.