Elizabeth Stucley catches the atmosphere and language flavor of London life in this sometimes humorous, sometimes tragic, always heartwarming and authentic series of incidents in the life of one family. The Berners, comprising Mum and Dad, Val and his younger brother Len, 11 year old Doreen and 15 year old Ally, live five flights up in a crowded apartment. Serious, ambitious Doreen, the constant student, longs to be a teacher. lly dreams of glamour. Val's primary concern is to stay in one piece amidst the violence of street life. Through whatever crises the children go, Mum's cheerfulness and love provide first aid. Thus, her departure to the hospital for a long-deferred operation results in chaos at home. When she returns, her deft hand guides them all back to normalcy and leads Val especially away from juvenile delinquency. American teenagers (13 to 15) will identify with both male and female problems of adolescence, and will be expertly enlightened on the unique characteristics of London life.