Original subtitles

(soft music)

- That's all Langara.

Isn't it beautiful?

- Reminds me of back home.

How far does it stretch?

- Beyond those trees to the town road.

- Interesting.

- Why interesting?

(yelling)

I'll race you there.

Come on boy, get up.

(cheering)

- Danni.

(intense music)

Danni, don't be crazy.

Danni!

Get up!

Danni, don't try and cut them off.

Danni!

(screams)

Are you all right?

(yelling)

(soft music)

- Hey, come to give me a hand?

Good man.

- Danni's had a riding accident.

- How bad?

- I think she's all right.

Rob said not to panic you.

- You know what happened to her?

- No.

- She had Galahad at a full gallop.

- Galahad?

- He slipped and grazed himself when he fell.

- What about Danni?

- She's all right.

Nothing broken.

- Looks like you know what you're doing.

- With luck it'll heal cleanly.

- Danni?

- I'm fine, Dad.

- Let's have a look at you.

- Really, I am.

- Why were you riding Galahad?

- I just thought...

- You know he's for sale.

- Well he needed some exercise.

- You call this exercise?

- We were racing.

- Racing.

Explains why you're wearing my old spurs, does it?

Do you need spurs to exercise a horse?

- I don't.

- Then why wear them?

- I'm sure she didn't mean any harm.

- Danni, these animals are our livelihood.

- Yes, I know.

- So why treat him with such disrespect?

- We got a little carried away Matt, that's all.

- It was all my idea.

I was trying to race the stage coach.

- Who won?

- Anything else you want to tell me?

- I'm sorry.

- I'd better be on my way.

- Here.

- I'll do that.

- Montana.

Danni's always been inclined to act first and think later.

She doesn't need much encouragement.

- I should've stopped her, I know.

- Oh, it's not your fault.

Maybe next time you should throw a rope

around her or something.

- Well, she makes a great guide, anyhow.

Gave me the full Langara tour.

It's an impressive spread.

- Yes, it's home.

- It's exactly what I'm looking for.

- Sorry?

- Oh, this isn't the time.

You've got family to attend to.

Bye, Matt.

- Dad.

Montana isn't to blame.

- Yes, I know that.

Want to put those spurs back where you found them?

- Mmm, oxtail soup.

Winter must be on the way.

- Yep, you can feel it in the air.

About time we brought those cattle down from the mountains.

- Those stock huts ready?

- They will be.

- Thank you, Mrs. Tan.

- Spurs at the dinner table.

- All right, I'll take them off.

- You look like Montana.

- Careful, she'll be carrying a gun soon.

(chuckling)

- Montana's a better shot than you would be.

(chuckles)

- Danni, just eat your soup, please.

- I said I was sorry about Galahad.

- Apology accepted.

- Then why are you still cross?

(whispering)

- You could've been seriously hurt today.

Do you realize that?

What were you trying to prove anyway?

- Nothing.

(chuckling)

- Okay, so matter's closed.

(soft music)

- Matt, she's young, she's impressionable.

I don't imagine she's really turning into Montana.

- Well, if she's looking for someone to model herself on,

she couldn't find anyone better than you.

- Oh, but I'm not nearly as exotic and glamorous

as our American friend.

Don't worry, Matt.

She'll grow out of it.

There's something else on your mind, isn't there?

- No, no.

Nothing really.

(hollering)

- I won't be long.

See you back here at 10 o'clock sharp.

- I do know how to tell the time.

- Careful you don't trip on those things.

- Good morning.

- Oh, morning.

- How's Galahad doing?

- Oh, he's all right.

Nothing serious.

- I am sorry about yesterday, Matt.

But I got to hand it to Danni, she's a fearless rider.

- Yes.

You were saying you were looking over Langara.

- What do you want for it?

(chuckles)

- You serious?

- I'm making you an offer for the place.

- You want to buy Langara?

- I want to buy Langara.

- Well, it's not for sale.

- Everything's for sale, Matt.

If the price is right.

- Not Langara.

It'd be like, it'd be like selling one of my children.

- I guess I knew you were going to say that.

- The thought never entered my head, selling it.

- Do you know anyone hereabouts who might be persuaded to?

I want to run beef cattle.

- Well, there's Kathleen's land, I suppose.

We're not using it at present.

There's good pasture, well watered.

Maybe we could lease it to you.

- Well, I'll take a look at it.

Thanks, Matt.

- Thanks, Mrs. Burkowitz.

(clock chimes)

Bye.

It's after 10.

- Uh huh.

- Beg pardon, Matt.

Is this the Waterford or Walterford Academy for Ladies?

- Waterford.

- Waterford, right.

- I'll be along in a minute.

- Academy for Ladies?

- Just making some inquiries.

- But I've heard of Waterford Academy.

It's a finishing school.

Dad?

- Yes, it's a finishing school.

- Well, why are you trying to get in touch with them?

- Just wanted to see what subjects they had on offer,

if there are any places available.

- Without discussing it with me first.

- I acted on the spur of the moment.

- I couldn't think of anything worse

than a finishing school.

- Which is why it might be very good for you.

Giddy up.

- You should know, I won't be going to

any finishing school.

- Nothing's been decided yet.

- Doesn't matter what you decide.

I made up my mind.

- Danni.

You'll do what you're told.

- No, not anymore.

(soft music)

- I scared him yesterday.

And now he's punishing me, that's what he's doing.

- Well he didn't mention the academy to me.

- He probably thinks I'm running wild.

- Would you stop pacing?

You're making me dizzy.

- Please talk to him, Kathleen.

You can persuade him to drop the idea.

He listens to you.

There's just no one else I can turn to, Kathleen.

- All right, I'll find out what's on his mind.

I can't promise more than that.

- Thanks.

(soft music)

(groans)

- I must be getting old.

- Oh, I expect you've got a couple of good years left.

(chuckles)

- Thank you.

Oh, that feels wonderful.

- Good.

So, is the Waterford Academy getting a new pupil?

- Danni's been looking for sympathy, has she?

- No, just someone who'll listen to her point of view.

- You went to finishing school.

- Briefly.

I was a willing pupil.

- Oh, I know she hates the idea but

she needs some of the rough edges smoothed over

before it's too late.

- Matt, if you force her to go, she won't

thank you for it.

- I should've realized a long time ago that she

was running off the rails.

It's my fault.

- You know, she's not a child anymore.

You can't change who she is or what she is.

- No.

No, she's a young woman.

She shouldn't be working out there in the mountains

with the men.

It's like I've got three sons.

- This is really about Danni's mother, isn't it?

The way Claire died.

On a horse in a stampede.

You're frightened that something similar could

happen to Danni.

- When Michael told me yesterday, it took me back to it.

If the same thing happened to Danni,

I'd never forgive myself.

(soft music)

- Why do they call it a finishing school?

(laughs)

Fluke.

- It's supposed to round off your education.

- You mean, they teach you how to pull

down a cart front handed?

- No, it's all useless stuff like learning

how to speak French, making polite conversation

with gentlemen and knowing which fork to use.

(horse whinnies)

Sorry.

- You checked on Galahad this morning,

or have you been too busy?

- The swelling's gone down and he's already got

his appetite back.

Dad.

Have you made a decision yet?

- Yes, I slept on the idea, and I can't think

of one good reason why you shouldn't go.

- Dad!

- Finishing school didn't do Kathleen any harm.

- It's not fair.

- Well, it's not open for debate.

You'll go as soon as they have a vacancy.

- Now, before you explode, have you stopped to think

what a new elite academy would be like?

- I don't care, I want to stay here.

- I went to finishing school, only briefly.

It was one of the best times of my life.

I was introduced to the arts, I went to shows,

and I met lots of wonderful people, including boys.

I have nothing but precious memories of that time.

- But I'm not you.

- Why don't you try the academy, hmm?

- That would suit you, wouldn't it?

Me going away.

Then you could have him all to yourself.

- Danni.

You're being ridiculous.

- I suppose he doesn't need me now that he's got you.

- You're wrong.

Your father simply wants the best for you.

We both do.

- I should've known you'd take his side.

(slams door)

(soft music)

- Dad, can I talk to you?

- Yeah, I hope so.

- I'm really sorry I upset you.

Racing the stage coach and everything.

It's so stupid.

I can see that now.

- Good.

- And from now on, I'll be so sensible,

you won't recognize me.

Promise.

And I'm not going to go through life pretending

I'm a cowboy.

And one day, I'll marry a handsome cattleman

and have a family of my own.

So, there's absolutely no reason to send me

to some expensive finishing school.

- I hear what you're saying, but you're still

going to that academy.

- Nice try, sis.

- One day you'll thank me for it.

- Why are you punishing me like this?

- Danni, it's not punishment.

Sometimes I have to make painful decisions.

- Painful for who?

Not for you.

- You don't think I'll miss you?

- No, I don't.

Now that you've got Kathleen, I'm just in the way.

- Danni, come back here.

Danni!

- Certainly got Mom's temper.

- Why are you all dressed up?

- Don't ask.

- Are you going somewhere?

- I've already been.

- Where?

(slams door)

Girls.

- I'm starving.

- You're not the only one.

- Can we start?

- No, we'll wait for your sister to arrive.

- She's gone.

- She's what?

- Some clothes missing.

Bed, clothing gear.

She's taken everything.

(soft music)

- Well, I'd hate to see it go to waste.

- Her bed hasn't been slept in.

- Yeah.

- You checked already?

- I stayed up awhile last night.

- All night.

- Hey, what's happened to the bacon?

- So, what's the plan?

We just going to let her come home when she's

good and ready?

- We'll start looking as soon as you're finished.

- She's only going to be hiding on the property

somewhere, sulking.

- What if she's fallen off her horse

and smashed her head in?

- Eat your breakfast.

- Rob.

- You can give us a hand.

(sighs)

- You check out the abandoned stock yards,

I'll try the area on the east ridge.

See you at the river crossing.

- All right.

- What about me?

- You can come with me.

- I'm not useless, Matt.

- All right, I'll try the bluff, you check out

the stock yards.

- Meet you at the crossing.

(soft music)

- Danni!

- Danni!

(hollers)

- Morning.

- Morning.

- I can't believe Danni's gone and got herself lost.

Not on Langara.

- Well, she didn't.

She ran off yesterday.

- Oh, I'll help you look.

- Thanks.

What are you doing up here anyway?

- On my way to Kathleen's property.

- What for?

There's no one there.

Well, except Jack the caretaker.

- Yeah, that's why I'm going.

I'm in the market for real estate.

- Kathleen's place is for sale?

- It could be.

- You're not planning on running cattle, are you?

- I want to bring out a ship load of longhorn

from the States.

(laughs)

- Longhorn.

- What's so funny?

- Longhorns won't survive out here in the bush.

- Yeah well, they won't have to.

They'll be up on the plains.

- Not over here they won't.

Not in winter.

- Longhorns are heartier than the cattle you run.

- Well, you've still got to get them up there.

Besides, new breeds are frowned upon.

Dilutes the blood stock.

- Yeah well, maybe not longhorns then.

- I wouldn't suggest Kathleen's property anyway.

The water supply's unreliable, the pastures are poor.

- Sounds like you don't want me as a neighbor.

- Now, I didn't say that, did I?

Come, let's go take a look at the valley.

- Shouldn't we split up?

That way we stand to cover a lot more ground.

- Danni!

(soft music)

- Outsmarted him, didn't we?

- I don't know about that.

I knew I'd find you here.

I tracked you all the way from the house.

- You're a rotten liar.

Have you got any matches?

Nearly froze to death last night without a fire.

- Are you all right?

- Hungry, I didn't bring much food either.

- Have this.

It's bacon.

- I'll cook something.

How's Dad?

- He's angry.

- You won't tell him I'm here, will you?

- Look Danni, maybe the finishing school will be fun.

- You have no idea what this is about, have you?

You're too young.

- Look, I don't care if you leave Langara.

- I'm sorry, Michael.

I didn't mean that.

- Yeah well, I guess I won't tell anyone.

- Don't forget the mint sauce.

Rose lamb's much better with mint sauce.

- Ma'am, I didn't see you there.

- What are you doing?

- I'm helping Mrs. Tan.

- Helping yourself, more like it.

You found Danni, haven't you?

- No.

- You've always been truthful, Michael.

- Yeah, I found her.

- Well, where is she?

- Ma'am, I gave her my word.

- Hello, Montana.

- Hi, Kathleen.

- No luck.

- I'd better be on my way.

Matt, I can help out tomorrow if you need me.

- Why don't you stay and eat with us?

- You're more than welcome, Montana.

- Well, thanks.

I might just do that.

- Matt.

Danni's safe, but I don't know where she is.

- What do you mean?

- Michael.

I believe you have something to tell me.

- I gave my word.

- Yeah, and I respect that.

But you're sensible enough to realize that

we can't just leave her out there.

She could come to some harm.

Remember what you told me at breakfast?

Now, where is she?

Is she at the stock man's hut?

- Come on Michael, we really need to know.

- She's up at the east hut.

Should take us a couple of hours to get there.

- Can't go up there now.

It'll be dark soon.

- Yeah, well we can't just leave her there.

- If she's in a stock man's hut, she'll be safe.

- She's got matches for a fire.

- Perhaps you're not the best person to

talk to her right now.

- Dad, I'll go there in the morning.

- No look, I'll head up there.

I mean, she'll listen to me.

- What about me?

I do seem to have some influence with her.

- Danni does think the world of Montana.

- I can be on the trail first light.

- Yeah, okay.

(soft music)

- I'll kill Michael.

- Cozy little hut you found yourself.

- Did Dad send you?

- He knows I'm here.

- Well, if you've come to persuade me to...

- I haven't come to persuade you to do anything.

- It's good to see you, Montana.

- How long you thinking of staying up here?

- As long as it takes for Dad to see reason.

- Looks like you're stocking up for the winter.

- Did he tell you?

He's ordered me to go to finishing school.

I'm supposed to learn how to make polite

conversation with gentlemen.

- Sounds rough.

- I know he only wants what's best for me.

I feel like I can't breathe, Montana.

Every time I break out, he's waiting there

to make sure I don't hurt myself.

He still treats me like a child.

I wish I was free, like you.

- Well don't wish too hard.

I wouldn't have chosen this life for myself.

- But you don't answer to anyone.

You don't rely on anyone but yourself.

And you don't need to make polite conversation.

- I can't make polite conversation.

I'm too busy surviving.

I am who I am because I have to be.

It's not choice.

Believe it, you don't want to be like me.

- I'd be proud to be like you.

- You don't know anything about me.

Why do you think I'm in Australia?

Because I can't go home, that's why.

I'm running away from things in my life I'd rather forget.

- Like what?

- It's better you don't know.

I carry a rifle to protect myself.

And Danni, I don't rely on anyone else because

I can't afford to let anyone get close to me.

That's between us, understand?

There's no need for others to know.

You don't want to be like me.

I was watching Kathleen last night.

Cultivated, educated, married with a family.

I wonder what it's like to be her.

You're lucky.

You can choose the life you want.

- I should've gone with her.

- Matt, my being here, us getting married.

Has that disrupted your relationship with Danni?

- In what way?

- Have I come between you?

I promised myself I'd never do that.

- Danni and I would have still been fighting

the same battles.

Anyway, you belong here.

- Well?

- We talked.

I left her to think it over.

- I'll fetch her myself.

- Matt, she'll come back on her own if you

just give her time.

- She's had enough time.

- Thank you, Montana.

I'm sure you said all the right things.

- I looked over your farm on the way back.

It'll do just fine.

We should talk about it.

- We should?

- Bye, Kathleen.

- Goodbye.

- Hello, Dad.

- You brought the entire household to a standstill.

I presume that was your intention.

- I'm sorry.

- We've got some talking to do.

- I'm sorry if I worried you.

But I needed time to think.

- Now, Danni.

About this finishing school.

I'm not getting rid of you, is that what you think?

I haven't replaced you with Kathleen.

You're my daughter and I love you.

What we're talking about is your future.

Your well being.

- Well, I love you too, Dad.

But I'm not going to the academy.

I'm leaving home.

- I don't believe I'm hearing this.

Danni.

A few days ago, a team of horses couldn't drag you away.

Now, what's going on?

- I don't want to leave, but I can't stay.

- What does that mean?

- You won't let me grow up, Dad.

If I don't leave, I'll always be your little girl.

- What utter nonsense.

- And all we do now is argue.

- We don't argue.

- I have to find out who I am and I need

to leave to do it.

- Danni.

You are too young.

- I'm the same age you were when you struck out

on your own.

- It's different for men.

I mean, the world's full of people just waiting

to pounce on young, defenseless girls like yourself.

- I can't hide here forever.

- Don't throw away your family just to spite me.

- It's not spite, Dad.

I'm catching tomorrow morning's train.

- Danni.

You are not leaving, and that's my final word.

- You know you can't stop me.

- He's healing well.

- Yep.

Look, I know what you're thinking.

I'm handling Danni all wrong.

- I don't know what I'd do in your place, Matt.

- What sort of father would I be if I didn't

try and protect her?

- I know, it's a powerful instinct to

protect our children.

There comes a time when they don't want it anymore.

You know, it's a pity they're not as

manageable as horses.

Life would be a whole lot simpler.

- Rob.

- Hello, Rob.

- Still daylight.

You finished those yards already.

- Thought slavery had been abolished.

(chuckling)

Danni home?

- Yeah, for the moment.

- That's good to hear.

Montana said she was looking over your farm.

I didn't realize you were going to sell it.

- Nor did I.

- Montana was looking for somewhere to run some cattle

so I suggested she lease your place,

but nothing was said about selling it.

- You were going to tell me about it before

you closed the deal, were you?

- I should've mentioned it before, I'm sorry.

- Now, does this give me the right to cut off

a chunk of Langara and sell it without telling you?

- Anyway, if you are planning on selling it, let me know.

I'm definitely interested.

- Look, I was just preoccupied.

- I didn't waive my right to make my own decisions

when we married, did I?

- Of course not.

- I just wonder if this is how Danni feels.

Not trusted to think for herself.

(soft music)

(knocks on door)

- Do you have everything you need?

- Yes, thanks.

- Is there anything I can say that might

persuade you to stay?

What did Montana say to you?

- She just pointed out the importance for me to be me.

That's all.

- That makes sense.

- It's terrifying.

Do you think I can really do this?

- You have as much spirit as any of the McGregor's.

You are your father's daughter.

Danni.

Whatever happens, just remember that your

father loves you more than anything.

(soft music)

- She'll change her mind by morning.

- I don't think so, Matt.

(soft music)

- Good weather for traveling.

- Yeah, hadn't noticed.

- I'm ready to leave.

- You'll need some money then.

- I've got my savings.

- Here's a friend of mine, James Reuben.

I'll warn him that you're likely to pay him a visit.

That's if you need help.

My advice is that you go straight to the

Coronation Hotel.

They'll take good care of you until you can

make other arrangements.

- I don't want anyone to take care of me.

- Then just make sure you take care of yourself.

- I've got to go.

I'll write when I'm settled.

- Thought you'd changed your mind.

- Behave yourself.

- You too.

- I'm going to miss you, little brother.

Don't you dare.

- You just remember that Langara will always be your home.

And take good care of yourself.

We're going to miss you.

(soft music)

- I've got some work to do.

(soft music)

- I don't understand why, Danni.

- Ask Dad.

- If you need anything, and you don't want to contact Dad,

you just wire us.

- You'll keep an eye on him?

- You can count on us.

- I never thought you'd be the first to leave home.

I feel like the ship sailed without me.

- You've got no idea, have you?

- What?

- There's at least a dozen women in the district

with designs on you.

I expect a wedding invitation within a year.

(whistling)

- All aboard, all aboard.

- It's no use, Dad.

- I'm not here to stop you.

I'm just here to say goodbye properly.

Danni, it's taken me a long time to see it, but

I understand now why you're leaving.

All I've ever wanted is to protect you.

I've smothered you instead.

You don't need me to make decisions for you.

Somewhere along the way, you grew up and I missed it.

You're not a replacement for your mother

and I don't want you to grow up to be a Kathleen either.

You are your own person.

And I'll always love you.

No matter who you are or what you do.

(whistling)

- I said all aboard.

- Here.

Take these with you.

And think of us from time to time, huh?

(soft music)

(train whistle blows)

- She'll be fine, Dad.

(soft music)

(laughs)

- You'll accept that I'm free to make my own decisions?

- As long as you can live with the consequences.

- That means I can leave home any time I choose.

- You don't need my permission.

- I'd like to stay at Langara a little longer, Dad.

For a start, I want to help bring down

the cattle from the mountains.

- We could use a hand.

Provided, of course, you don't start racing

stage coaches on my time.

It's good to have you back.

- There's nowhere I'd rather be.

(hollering)

- How's it coming along?

- Nearly done.

- Go on up here.

Go on, move it.

Get on.

Matt!

- I'll get it.

- I will.

- Danni!

(upbeat music)

Why do I get the feeling nothing's changed?

- Oh, she's changed, all right.

Her life's hers to choose now, and at the moment,

she's choosing to be a McGregor.

(upbeat music)

(soft music)