 Lou and Albert Beale are celebrating their marriage in Walford, in the East End of London, and planning their happy life together, when war is declared. Albert goes to war, leaving Lou and her three children behind. Luckily, Lou has her mother, sister Flo and a gang of friends including young Ethel, dodgy Reg and pub landlords Ray and Lil to keep her company. Will Albert return from war intact? Will Lou stay faithful? Will Ethel find love in the arms of a GI or her admirer William? This is a nostalgic glimpse at life in BBC s "EastEnders" 40 years before the soap commenced and features insights into some of the show s favourite characters.