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We open with aerial views of Calke Abbey followed by shots of a service in the estate chapel. In the cemetery we see the grave of Charles Harpur Crewe whose death in 1981 led to an eight million pound tax bill for death duties. The current owner of the house, Henry Harpur Crewe has decided to pass Calke Abbey and its estate to the National Trust although he will continue to live in part of the house.
Interview with John Chesshyre, the Historic Buildings Representative of the National Trust who describes Calke as the second great house in Derbyshire after Chatsworth. Exterior and interior views of Calke Abbey. Inside we see the antiques and collections that have remained untouched for many years. Interview with Henry Harpur Crewe in the old school room about living alone in such a large house. Shots of handyman Ben Hyde and interview with him about his long service to the estate which includes digging the family graves. Still of Charles Harpur Crewe and views of dilapidated buildings on the estate.
Interview with former worker Lucy Pegg. B/w stills of Mr Pegg who was the gamekeeper and Sir Vauncey Harpur Crewe who shot and collected large numbers of birds and animals. Interview with Gus Pegg who reminisces about the life of the gamekeeper, a job which has long been in his family. Further b/w stills of estate staff. Interview with former housemaid Audrey Aldknow about her duties and shots of her holding a lamp and opening shutters. Interview with former kitchen worker Margaret Bradbury who never saw many parts of the house.
Views of taxidermists visiting Calke for conservation work on the collection of animals. Interview with taxidermist Don Sharp about the project. Views of old furniture and collectables stored in the stables. Interview with curator Sarah Johnson about the mass of items discovered so far and their cataloguing. Further interview with John Chesshyre who says that the house will be open for visitors in April 1989 and shots of Chesshyre showing Henry Harpur Crewe where work will be carried out. Final shots show Ben Hyde winding up clocks with his voice over about his hopes to still be able to carry out odd jobs.
Camera: Noel Smart
Sound: Mel Marr
Film Editor: Paul Jackson
Dubbing Mixer: Aad Wirtz
Researcher: Jane Ades
Production Assistant: Chris Fewlass
Executive Producer: Brian Lewis
Producer: David Naden
Director: John Pluck
Production number 6505/85. Billed under Central Week umbrella title. A caption at the end reports that Ben Hyde died shortly after the completion of the film.