Part 6 of 6 and final part of the children's drama from 1991. When Billy shows Trevor Trotman the mysterious book he found in his bag, "Ringing the Changes", Trevor suddenly realizes what is going on. He tells Billy that in the book is a character who could change into anybody just by wearing a magical ring and it is his belief that the character has escaped from the book and is causing all the mischief for Billy. The only way of stopping him is to try and trap him - but how can you trap someone who can look like anybody?
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TVTranscript
00:00Oh, I know this one.
00:02Do you?
00:03Yeah. I used to read it to me little brother. It was his favourite book.
00:07Great. You can do me side project for me now. What's it about?
00:10Well, it's all about this...
00:13You alright?
00:17This is it!
00:18What?
00:19The answer! I've got it!
00:30I understand it all. Everything that's happened to you, it all fits.
00:46What are you going on about?
00:47Well, in this book, there's a character. A man who steals a ring.
00:53Not just any old ring mind, but a magic ring.
00:56And with it, he can change into different people.
01:00He can make himself look like anyone he wants.
01:02He's the same man, really. He just looks different.
01:05Yeah?
01:06And he uses the magic of the ring to cause trouble for people.
01:09He annoys them, makes strange things happen.
01:13I think, somehow, this character has escaped from the book.
01:18And he's the man who keeps turning up in your life.
01:21What?
01:22I don't know how he does it, or why.
01:24Perhaps he doesn't need a reason. He's a troublemaker.
01:27I don't know. It sounds a bit far-fetched, don't it?
01:30I mean, he's a character in a book.
01:31Not now, he's not.
01:32People are always talking about stories being true to life.
01:36Well, if I'm right, this one really is. At least this character is.
01:40Yeah, if you're right. I don't believe it.
01:43Nah. Well, of course you don't. No one would.
01:46No one would even think of it.
01:48Unless, of course, you're an ace reporter.
01:50Oh, unless you're off your trolley.
01:52You've got to admit that, if I'm right, it does explain a lot.
01:56The electrician, the chip shop man, the man in the bike shop, they all caused trouble for you, didn't they?
02:01Well, yeah.
02:02They're the same man, really. I'm sure of it.
02:04Look, can you remember if any of them wore a ring?
02:09They were ordinary blokes. I didn't look.
02:11Think, Billy. It's important.
02:13They might have. I didn't notice.
02:14I bet they did, you know.
02:16Well, if you're right, I mean, what are we going to do?
02:18No one would believe us if we told them.
02:20No, that's true.
02:22So, it's all down to us.
02:25Look, this man is obviously very cunning.
02:29We've got to have a plan.
02:31A master plan so brilliant that not even he could outsmart us.
02:35What sort of plan?
02:36Ah, I don't know yet.
02:39I need a bit of time to think of it.
02:41I need to read the book again.
02:43There's bound to be a clue in here.
02:46Look, I'll meet you tomorrow.
02:48What, here?
02:49No, no. Not here.
02:50He might turn himself into a customer and listen to our plan.
02:54Somewhere where he can't hear us.
02:56The library?
02:56No, too many people.
02:58How about your street?
02:59No.
02:59How about the park?
03:00Good idea.
03:01I'll see you in the park tomorrow, after school.
03:04Right, class four.
03:12Story projects have to be in by Friday.
03:15Now, you won't forget, will you?
03:17No, Mrs. Peasgood.
03:18And don't forget also that the school swimming gala is next week.
03:23And you've all been practising very hard, haven't you?
03:25Winston, have you been practising your butterfly stroke?
03:28Not much, Mrs. Peasgood.
03:29And why not?
03:30I couldn't find any butterflies to stroke.
03:33Miss, I don't think I could be in the gala.
03:35I've got athlete's foot.
03:37You should be able to swim better if you've got an athlete's foot.
03:39Yeah, well, you've got wet feet.
03:41You'd be able to swim just like a duck.
03:43That will do.
03:44Well, I must say, I'm a little disappointed in you all.
03:47I thought you wanted to do well, but no one seems to have made very much effort.
03:51I have, Miss.
03:52I'd be down at the swimming pool every night after school.
03:55Well done, Annette.
03:55What a pity others haven't followed your example.
03:58I'm practising for the best individual swimmer's award.
04:01And my brother's on this dead bull rap about swimming.
04:05Do you want to hear of it, Miss?
04:06Well, not just now, thanks, Annette.
04:07Yeah, come on, Miss.
04:09Oh, all right then, but just a bit of it.
04:12I flip, I dive, I turn, I glide, I swim to the back to the foot and the side.
04:26I've got this on my back and this on my feet.
04:29I'm the best little swimmer in the home of my sheep.
04:32Woo!
04:33Woo!
04:34Can't seem to remember me anymore, Miss.
04:35Oh, what a shame, Annette, but very good.
04:37Yay!
04:37Perhaps we'll hear a rest another time.
04:42But don't forget, this is a class event.
04:46So a little more effort on your part, I think.
04:48And some more practice, because what does practice do?
04:51Practice makes perfectness these good.
04:55It certainly does.
04:57Right, books away, class four.
04:59Oh, sorry, Annette.
05:18That's okay.
05:20So what's this in?
05:20Is that in that window cleaning?
05:21No.
05:22This is it.
05:24What?
05:24The master plan.
05:26Oh, that's funny.
05:27I thought it was a bucket of water.
05:29No, no, look.
05:30Remember how I said that this man's power came from the ring?
05:33Yeah.
05:34Well, I know how to get rid of it.
05:36Where?
05:37Well, I was going through the book again.
05:39Look, here it is.
05:42Page 49.
05:43His one big fear was water.
05:46For if the magic ring got wet, he would lose his power.
05:50So that's what we've got to do.
05:52Find the man and get the ring wet.
05:55And how are we going to do that?
05:56Yeah, I've worked that out too.
05:57We're going to set a trap.
05:59And what do you need to set a trap?
06:01Don't know.
06:02Bait.
06:03Yeah, it's almost a bait.
06:08Oh, no.
06:09Not me.
06:09I've had enough of him already.
06:11But you're the one he's interested in, right?
06:13I suppose so.
06:14So if you wait here long enough, he's bound to turn up.
06:17Look, I brought this ball along so it'll look as if you'd just come into the park for a kickabout.
06:21That way he won't suspect anything.
06:24I don't know.
06:25I mean, he's not stupid, is he?
06:27Anyway, where are you going to be?
06:28In those bushes.
06:29Oh, great.
06:30You're all nice and safe in the bushes and me mugging's here takes all the risks.
06:34No.
06:34As soon as he comes along, I'll leap out, throw the bucket of water over him, the ring gets wet and bingo.
06:41The magic goes.
06:41He's lost his power.
06:43Oh, clever, eh?
06:45Not much of a master plan, is it?
06:47Have you got a better idea?
06:49No.
06:52Come on, then.
06:53Let's give it a try.
06:54You want to get rid of him, don't you?
06:55Of course I do.
06:57He's a flipping menace.
06:59All right.
07:00We'll give it a go.
07:01Come on.
07:02Just try to act naturally.
07:12I am.
07:13But I feel all right, dingo.
07:15Suppose you don't turn up?
07:16He's bound to.
07:17Shh.
07:19Someone come in.
07:23Bill.
07:24Oh, hello.
07:25All on you, Todd.
07:27Yeah, ma'am.
07:27What are you doing here?
07:28I've just left work.
07:29I often come this way.
07:31I'll have a kick about with you.
07:34It's all right.
07:35It's it.
07:35Whack it.
07:35Watch out!
07:44You're all right, guys.
07:45All right.
07:46I'm soaking wet.
07:47That's what I am.
07:48Can't even walk home from work in peace
07:50without some idiot
07:51wants to throw a bucket of water over you.
07:53What's your game, mate?
07:54Look, I'm dreadfully sorry.
07:55I thought you were someone else.
07:57Oh, did you?
07:58Do you do this often, do you?
07:59Standing in the park
08:00throwing buckets of water over people?
08:01No.
08:02No, you see, I just...
08:03Well, I just...
08:03Oh, is that the time?
08:04I'd better be off.
08:06Oi!
08:07Come back here!
08:12All right.
08:15Dad!
08:16You're drenched.
08:17I'd better get the rest of the washing in.
08:20Oh!
08:21It's not raining!
08:22Of course it's not raining.
08:25Some dipstick just threw a bucket of water over me,
08:27didn't he, Bill?
08:28Yeah, that's right.
08:29Oh, I thought it wasn't raining.
08:31It's been quite a nice day, really.
08:33It was a bit cold this morning,
08:34but that was the wind chill factor.
08:36Anyway, after lunchtime, it really brought...
08:37Mum!
08:39Who was it?
08:40I don't know.
08:40I've never seen him before.
08:42Yeah, well, why does he do it to you?
08:43I don't know, do I?
08:46Probably off his chump or something.
08:48Well, there are a lot of funny people about,
08:49but they oughtn't to go around with buckets of water.
08:51It shouldn't be allowed.
08:54I mean, it's not as if you're not clean.
08:56I've never known anyone have so many baths as you.
08:59Always scrubbing the way you are.
09:00Oh, I don't go on about it.
09:01Come on.
09:03Let's get you sorted out before you catch pneumonia.
09:07Funny, that.
09:08Yeah.
09:09At least it's all right.
09:10Wonder who it was, though.
09:13What are you looking at me like that for?
09:15You know something about this.
09:17Now, who says I do?
09:18I do.
09:19It's written all over your face.
09:21I'm right, aren't I?
09:22Why are sisters always so nosy?
09:24Why are brothers always such a pain more like?
09:27Look, Bill, if you're in some kind of trouble,
09:29it's best to tell us.
09:30You only want to help.
09:31But I'm not in trouble.
09:32Well, not like you, mean.
09:34Look, I ain't done nothing wrong,
09:36but what happened to Dad was an accident.
09:37Honest.
09:38So you do know something about it, then?
09:41Yeah, all right, I do.
09:42And I'll tell you, all of you, soon.
09:44Promise?
09:45Yeah, all right, I promise.
09:46Right, so how about giving me a hand
09:48with the washing up, then?
09:49All right, um, I would.
09:51It's just I've got to get on my sorry project.
09:53See ya.
09:58Poor old Dad, eh, Fred?
10:00And the worst thing is, I can't even tell him.
10:03Well, not yet.
10:05Look, the thing is, you won't understand.
10:07No one would.
10:10Oh, well.
10:12I suppose I'd better get on with these questions.
10:16Right, get a pencil.
10:20Why do you like this story?
10:23Well, that's easy.
10:25I don't.
10:28Number two.
10:29Why would you recommend this book to someone?
10:33I wouldn't.
10:34No way.
10:38Is this story true to life?
10:41Yes.
10:42Worst luck.
10:44What happens in it?
10:46Too flipping much.
10:48Sorry.
11:01About your Dad.
11:03Yeah.
11:04So was he.
11:05Wasn't exactly a master plan, was it?
11:07Wasn't even a midget plan.
11:09Anyway, I've got to get going.
11:11But you can't.
11:12You haven't decided what to do.
11:13I know what I'm doing.
11:14I'm going swimming.
11:16I've got to go and practice for the school swimming gala.
11:17Billy, you can't.
11:21Did you say swimming?
11:25If he turns up here, we're laughing.
11:30Everybody gets wet in a swimming pool.
11:32We've just got to keep a sharp lookout for him.
11:34Yeah.
11:35Do you think that's him?
11:38Well, he could be.
11:39We know he can make himself look like anyone.
11:41Yeah.
11:42But he's not wearing a ring, though.
11:44Well, he wouldn't, would he?
11:45Not in the water.
11:48Is there anybody here who seems odd or strange in any way?
11:53Only you.
11:53How about the lifeguard?
11:56Nah.
11:57He's not wearing a ring, either.
12:01Wait a minute.
12:02What?
12:03The other lifeguard.
12:04I've not seen him before.
12:05And I used to come here every week.
12:07And he's wearing a ring.
12:09Yeah.
12:10I mean, what are we going to do?
12:13Loads of folks wear rings, aren't they?
12:14We've got to get a closer look.
12:15See if it's like the ring on the book.
12:17Come on.
12:37You all right?
12:39Me?
12:39Yeah.
12:40Fine, thanks.
12:40Yeah, I was just trying to look at your watts.
12:43I wanted to know the time.
12:44Five past five.
12:49Oh, thanks.
13:00What are we going to do now?
13:01It must be him.
13:02Why?
13:03The way he kept his hands in his pockets.
13:05What's he trying to hide?
13:06The ring.
13:07Exactly.
13:08I've just got this feeling that it's him.
13:11What?
13:12Like when you thought it was with Dad?
13:14Linda still thinks it's all my fault.
13:16I've got it.
13:17I was afraid you might say that.
13:18He's a lifeguard, right?
13:20Right.
13:21And he guards lives, right?
13:23Right.
13:23So if you were to get in the pool now and pretend to be in trouble, you know, cramp or something,
13:28what would he have to do?
13:29Dive in the safe room.
13:30Right.
13:31Wrong.
13:31Why?
13:32That way the ring's bound to get wet.
13:35I know.
13:35But what I mean, why can't you dive in and pretend to be in trouble?
13:39Where's your book it comes from?
13:42All right.
13:43But it better work this time.
13:44It will.
13:44It will.
13:45Honestly.
13:45Go on.
13:46Then you go.
13:46Go on.
13:47Go on.
13:47Quickly.
14:05Quickly.
14:05That boy's in trouble.
14:07There.
14:07Save him.
14:08Help.
14:10Jim.
14:10Can you get him?
14:11Help.
14:14Stop running.
14:16Not you.
14:17Help.
14:20Oi.
14:21Son of a man.
14:23Help me.
14:23There you go.
14:29Let that be a lesson to you.
14:31What the flippin' thing are you playing at?
14:34Zona, the ring's not the same.
14:37You weren't in trouble at all, were you?
14:38And you, mates, are in big trouble.
14:40I'm sorry, it was a mistake.
14:42We thought you were someone else.
14:44You will be someone else by the time I'll finish with you.
14:47Right.
14:48You two, in the office, now.
14:52Could have been worse.
14:54I don't see Anne.
14:56Bane's six months from the pool.
14:57How am I supposed to practice for the school swimming garden there?
15:00And I still haven't finished my projects.
15:02I bet he's laughing at us right now.
15:07Hello, Mrs Risby.
15:08Oh, hello, Billy.
15:09I hope your mum's feet start going down soon.
15:19And we still haven't made you up here.
15:21We're missing something.
15:23Some vital clue.
15:25Yeah.
15:25Well, he's obviously too clever for us.
15:27I've got to get Fred.
15:28It's my turn to take him out.
15:30And if I was you, I wouldn't let my dad see you.
15:32He might have heard something over you this time.
15:33I'm sorry about that, too.
15:34I'll wait here.
15:36Hello, William.
15:36Hello, June.
15:41Now, we know a lot about him.
15:44You remember that bit in the book where he says that nobody can catch him out?
15:47No, I told you.
15:48I haven't read it.
15:50Every time I picked it up, something funny happened.
15:53That's it?
15:54What?
15:54That's how we make him appear.
15:57Come again?
15:58Look, what happens every time you try and read the book?
16:01I just said, he usually turns up.
16:04Yeah.
16:05Oh, I get it.
16:06So, if you start reading now...
16:08He'll probably turn up.
16:09Exactly.
16:10Yeah.
16:10But how are we going to get the ring wet?
16:12Oh, look.
16:13Let's just get him here first.
16:14Come on.
16:17You sit on that bench.
16:19And I'll hide behind that tree.
16:21Then, you start to read.
16:24Oh.
16:25I don't know about this.
16:26Oh, come on.
16:26One last go.
16:28We've got to do something, haven't we?
16:30Yeah.
16:31All right.
16:32OK.
16:32OK.
16:32Good book, is it?
16:41Oh.
16:42Sorry.
16:44Didn't mean to make you jump.
16:45Just thought I'd take the weight off my feet for a few minutes.
16:47It's been a hard day.
16:49Yeah, I didn't see you sit down.
16:51Well, you were taken up with that book of yours, weren't you?
16:53Yeah, I suppose so.
16:54I don't get much time by reading myself.
16:56Not in this job.
16:58Here, do you want an ice cream?
16:59No.
16:59I'm all right, thanks.
17:00Are you sure?
17:07Yeah, thanks.
17:08Yeah, your dog looks as if he wouldn't mind one.
17:11Yeah, friendly.
17:12Anything.
17:12Yeah.
17:13Give him a treat.
17:17No, Fred!
17:18Don't leave it!
17:20Fred!
17:23It's you!
17:24Chapman!
17:26Look what's happened!
17:27Look what he's done to Fred!
17:29Oh, no!
17:30Just...
17:31You just changed that cat back into Fred!
17:34Sorry.
17:35No.
17:35Can.
17:36Do.
17:37Who do you think you are, changing people's dogs into cats?
17:40Give me Fred back or else!
17:42Or else what?
17:43Don't you threaten me, Billy Boy.
17:44You might make me angry.
17:47Anyway, I can't see what all the fuss is about.
17:50Cats are much easier to keep than dogs.
17:52Here you are, Fred.
17:53Nice pussy.
17:54He's not a cat.
17:55Leave him alone.
17:56Oh, looks like one to me.
17:58It's funny how things can change, isn't it?
18:01We know all about you.
18:02Oh, really?
18:03Yeah.
18:04We know you escaped from this book.
18:06That's right.
18:07It's a terrible likeness, though, isn't it?
18:09And we know you can change yourself into other people.
18:11Go on.
18:11And we know about the ring.
18:13Oh, proper little brain boxes, aren't we?
18:15I'm nice to get rid of you.
18:17Do you now?
18:18How's that?
18:19Water!
18:20Brilliant.
18:22Let's see you do it, then.
18:24Oh, dear.
18:25You haven't got any water, have you?
18:26I know.
18:27Why don't you call the fire brigade?
18:29Or do a rain dance, maybe?
18:31We'll call the police.
18:32Good idea.
18:33They can bring a water pistol.
18:34Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha.
18:35Listen.
18:37There is nothing you can do.
18:39This is my game.
18:41I make the rules, not you.
18:45You fancy an ice cream?
18:47Oh, Fred.
18:48Bring him back.
18:49You're so clever, you make him come back.
18:51Gotta get some water.
18:53There ain't no water.
18:54Why do I have to pick that flipping book?
18:56I don't want any of this to happen.
18:58Don't worry.
18:59We'll get rid of him somehow.
19:00Oh, will you now?
19:01Listen.
19:03Why don't you see things from my point of view?
19:06How would you fancy being stuck on a boring old library shelf
19:10for the rest of your life?
19:11It's no fun, believe me.
19:14All that dust, cramped conditions.
19:16No, no, no, no, no.
19:17This is much better.
19:20And you ought to thank me, Billy Webb.
19:22Thank you?
19:23Yeah.
19:23If it wasn't for me, you'd never have had a flying bike.
19:25Or a magic watch.
19:27And you'd never have been able to cook pancakes, either.
19:29Well, you needn't have bothered.
19:33Anyway.
19:35Can't stand here talking all day.
19:37Lots to do.
19:39But what about Fred?
19:40Don't worry.
19:42You'll get used to him like that.
19:43Stop him!
19:45Well, how?
19:45We haven't got any water.
19:47Come back.
19:48You can't leave us like this.
19:49Oh, I'm not leaving.
19:51I'll be back.
19:52You should know that by now.
19:54Oh, but it ain't flipping fair.
19:56He's getting away.
19:57We'll never get rid of him.
19:58Hey, Billy Webb, see you soon.
20:00Enjoy the book.
20:05Look!
20:07No!
20:07Help me!
20:14He's gone.
20:16Yeah.
20:20We did it!
20:21Yeah!
20:25Oh, Fred!
20:26I thought you'd gone forever.
20:29Best dog in the world.
20:32I'm shattered.
20:33Me too.
20:35You all right now, aren't you, Fred?
20:36We actually did it.
20:38Yeah.
20:39Did you see?
20:39He just disappeared.
20:41Yeah.
20:42You know, I wonder who Taylor Malkers think was on.
20:44Don't know.
20:45Glad they did, though.
20:46Yeah.
20:47Do you know, I think I'll write a brilliant story about all of this.
20:52Probably, probably get the reporter of the century award.
20:55And you can have what you wanted.
20:57Everything back to normal again.
21:00Well, not quite normal.
21:04You've got the ring.
21:06Yep.
21:07Can be anyone I want to now.
21:09Could be a great reporter myself, or a world-famous dog trainer.
21:14Could even be Prime Minister.
21:15I'd be careful if I were you.
21:16Remember what happened to him.
21:18Splash!
21:18And he was gone.
21:20Nah, that won't happen to me.
21:21Hey, can I...
21:23Can I hold it?
21:24Go on, go on.
21:25Let me just...
21:26Just for a minute.
21:29All right.
21:30Just for a minute, though.
21:31Be careful.
21:32Hard to believe this is what led to all the trouble, isn't it?
21:37Syl, suppose it's not just the ring.
21:40Suppose it depends on who's wearing it.
21:42Oh, no!
21:45No, no, no, no, no.
21:46Well, I didn't do it on purpose, did I?
21:49Look, I'm...
21:49I'm really sorry.
21:52Yeah, we'll never get it back now, will we?
21:54No.
21:56Well, perhaps it's a good job, eh?
22:00Yeah.
22:02You're right.
22:04I didn't want to be Prime Minister anyway.
22:06Fred would hate it, having to listen to all those boring, flipping speeches.
22:09Yeah.
22:12Do you know, Billy, I'm suddenly feeling very, very hungry.
22:17You fancy a burger?
22:18My treat?
22:19Yeah, all right.
22:20One for Fred, too.
22:21Ah!
22:21Ah!
22:22Ah!
22:22Ah!
22:22Ah!
22:22Ah!
22:23Ah!
22:23Ah!
22:23Ah!
22:24Ah!
22:24Ah!
22:25Ah!
22:25Ah!
22:26Ah!
22:26Ah!
22:27Ah!
22:28Ah!
22:29Ah!
22:30Ah!
22:31Ah!
22:31Ah!
22:32Ah!
22:32Ah!
22:33Ah!
22:34Ah!
22:35Ah!
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