Original subtitles

(soft music)

- [Matt] Won't take long to get him under control.

- [Rob] Well, I don't know.

Seems to me that it's a lot worse than last year.

- If we can shoot enough rabbits every day,

hopefully we'll be able to reduce the numbers

by the end of winter.

- I doubt it.

They can breed faster than we can shoot.

- Whoa boy, whoa.

- Oh, I forgot my gloves.

I'll be back in a minute.

- I'll get them, Matt.

- Oh thanks, Michael.

They're on the dining room table.

I think we'll start with some traps.

- [Rob] I still reckon bait's more economical.

- [Matt] Yeah, maybe.

- Unless you want to find rabbits instead of calves.

(chuckles)

- Hey, that's not a toy, Josh.

- I was just looking.

- Yeah, well you don't play with guns.

It's dangerous.

It could be loaded.

- Sorry.

- It's okay.

- Josh seems to be settling in.

- Well, yes he is, pretty much.

- But?

- I think I want too much too soon.

It'll do him a world of good being here.

- See you later.

- I'll ask him now.

- Thanks.

- Michael.

Hold on, Michael, Michael.

Emily and Josh are going to spend a few days with us

and I know you wanted to go out with Matt,

but maybe you could spend some time with Josh.

- When I get back, Mom.

- He's got no one to play with and he

doesn't know Langara.

- But they're waiting for me.

- They'll be going out again tomorrow.

- I can play with Josh tomorrow.

- No, today, Michael.

Maybe you could go out riding.

Thanks.

- Come on, hurry up.

- I'm not going.

- Well, tomorrow then.

- Yeah, I guess.

- Michael's going to take you for a ride, Josh.

Then you'll be able to see how big Langara is.

- Come on.

- There you go.

(chuckles)

- You ready?

- Bye.

(soft music)

- I built this fort ages ago, when I was a kid.

No one knows about it.

- I shot six rabbits and 24 magpies this morning.

- What with?

- Why do we need a fort?

- I don't know.

To protect us.

If you want to play there are rules.

You said you were sick of riding and that's

why I brought you here.

Look, I'm the General.

And you're the Private.

You have to do what I say.

If you get some sticks, we can build a barricade.

(soft music)

(gunshots)

(adventurous music)

(gunshots)

- Making a new dress?

- Oh, hardly.

Can barely sew this hem straight, let alone anything else.

But you know, I always wanted to sew.

- Then why didn't you?

- I was never very good at it.

Suppose I should just stick to writing.

- Have you ever thought about doing a column

on being a mother?

- Emily, I'm hardly the perfect mother.

- Well, you don't have to be.

You've experienced it.

It scares me to death to think

that I'm doing something wrong.

- Well, experience doesn't change that.

- I'm trying to replace his mother.

Get to know him.

All eight years of him.

How do I do that?

- I was terrified when Michael was born.

Somehow, I muddled through.

And you think the panic will go, but it doesn't.

Not until you stop making decisions for them, I suppose.

Even then, you still don't stop worrying.

For what it's worth, I think you'll be good at it.

- What, worrying?

- No.

You get better with practice, like sewing,

so just give yourself time.

- In that case, I'll teach you to use the sewing machine.

We can get started right now on that hem.

If I can learn to be a mother, you can learn to sew.

Come on.

(chuckling)

- My father was a famous general.

He was in charge of 10,000 soldiers.

- There aren't even 10,000 soldiers in Australia.

- There are in England.

- I'll be back in a minute, Josh.

- Where are you going?

- I'm going to ask them what they're doing here.

- Don't.

- But you want to know, don't you?

- But they'll lock you up.

- No they won't.

Stay here.

- But I want to come, too.

- No, you have to stand guard.

If something happens, you can get some help.

That's an order.

And you remember what I was telling you

about following orders?

(muffled yelling)

- Where did you come from, lad?

- I live around here.

- Come for a look, eh?

- I won't get in the way, I promise.

- I guess I can spare you a few moments.

Follow me.

- Thanks, Mrs. Tan.

- Thank you, Matt.

Thank you, Rob.

- Oh, looks like we'll be having rabbit stew

for quite awhile.

- There's plenty more where that came from.

Ah, they've arrived.

- Matt McGregor.

- Yes.

- Captain Rodney Churnside.

Royal Victorian volunteer, artillery regiment.

We arrived in late this morning.

- I was wondering when you were going to get here.

Well, welcome to Langara.

This is my wife, Kathleen.

- How do you do?

- Mrs. McGregor.

- [Matt] My son, Rob.

- Mrs. McGregor, I hope we don't disturb

your peace and quiet over the next few days.

- Oh, I'm sure you won't.

Would you like to come inside?

- No, I don't want to keep you from your work.

I just wanted to drop by and thank you

for the use of your land.

- Not a problem.

Always interested to keep abreast with what's going on.

- Well, feel free to come down and inspect

our camp any time.

- Hmm, accepted.

Perhaps you'd have time to have some dinner with us.

Tonight?

- Yes please, do come.

I'll be interested to hear more.

Eight o'clock?

- It would be my pleasure.

Well then, Mr. McGregor, Rob.

- Rob, why don't you go move those heifers.

- Why didn't you tell me they were coming?

- Well, it's only for a few days.

- What, crown land isn't good enough?

- They needed clear land.

- But why here?

- Well, as a member for Parliament, it's important

that I'm involved with the defense forces.

I mean, the Minister asked me personally if I could...

- I understand that.

It's just not something that I'd do.

And if I did, I'd consult you first.

Fine.

- Have you ever fought in any wars?

- One or two.

- Did you ever get wounded?

- Not severely.

- Did you get any medals?

- Just campaign medals.

There any more of you out there?

- I told you not to come.

Have you ever killed anybody?

- It's inevitable in a war, son.

You don't brag about it.

- Do you think I could shoot one of those?

(gunshots)

- You'd have to grow a bit.

They're heavy caliber.

Bruise your shoulder black and blue.

- What about your gun?

- You ever use the handgun?

(yelling)

Always a first time, eh?

Now, the gun's got a powerful recoil.

You're aiming at the target on your left.

Find it easy if you kneel down.

Now, support your gun hand with your other hand under there.

Get your sights.

You're aiming at the middle.

Deep breath.

- It's heavy.

- Cock the weapon.

Squeeze the trigger when you're ready.

(gunshot)

- I hit it.

I actually hit it.

- A lucky shot.

(chuckles)

Well done.

(soft music)

- What you got there, Josh?

- Nothing.

Hands up.

This gun could shoot you from a mile away.

It could blow your head right off.

- That's good, Josh.

- Do you think Matt would let you use his gun?

- You're not allowed to tell anyone about it.

- All right.

- I mean it, Josh.

If Matt finds out, we'll both be in trouble.

Promise?

- Josh.

Bath time.

- Josh, promise.

- I won't tell anyone.

- It should be a priority for the government

to be spending more money on defense.

- But defense against what?

- Oh, any number of things.

Foreign path, for instance.

The French have shown considerable interest.

- 40 years ago.

Surely they're not a threat now.

- I don't know, the Captain has a point.

This colony produces more gold than any other.

That's one reason why it needs to be protected.

- Yet we're virtually defenseless.

The coast is nothing but useless heaps of sand.

They don't even have enough ammunition

to sleuth a visiting vessel.

What's the government doing about it?

- [Matt] The Parliament is aware of the problem.

- Wouldn't it be better to spend the money

on something worthwhile, like education?

- [Captain] Oh, no one's disagreeing with that.

But since the British is no longer stationed

in Langara's force in Australia...

- Excuse me, Captain.

- Yes, of course.

- If there's a war, I'd go.

- So would I.

- You are both too young, and don't even joke

about something like that, Michael.

- I wasn't.

- Wars aren't about having an adventure,

or wearing a uniform, or shooting a gun.

Anyway, you don't even know how to use a gun.

No one has the right to take another person's life.

- I wouldn't be scared.

- Oh, it's not a matter of being scared

or of being brave.

It's wrong.

You're to have nothing to do with those soldiers, Michael.

Are we clear on that?

- Yes, Mom.

- Good.

Goodnight.

- Goodnight.

- Josh, you can't sleep with that under your pillow.

Come on.

Gentle Jesus, meek and mild,

look upon this little child.

Pity my simplicity, suffer me to come to thee.

Goodnight.

- There is going to be a war, isn't there?

- Ah, Mrs. McGregor.

Thank you for your hospitality tonight.

And an absolutely splendid dinner.

- Thank you, Captain.

- And perhaps one day, I might get the opportunity

to change your mind.

- Oh, I doubt that very much.

- When Kathleen forms an opinion,

she's an immovable force.

- Hmm.

Oh, there will be a small amount of activity tonight.

An attack on the camp flank.

On such a still night, there may be a little bit of noise.

Just hope it won't disturb you too much, ma'am.

Well, goodnight.

- Goodnight, Captain.

- Let me show you out.

Of course Michael's going to find someone

like Churnside glamorous.

It's a harmless form of hero worship.

I mean, what you're forgetting is that

the military's a fact of life.

- Yeah, which is like saying wars are inevitable.

I mean, you don't even consider other possibilities.

- No, I'm being realistic.

- We have an army, you have guns.

Eventually there's a war and people die.

The women and children, who were never asked

if they want a war, are sacrificed.

- If you were in danger, I'd fight for you.

- That doesn't make it right, does it?

- So what do you suggest?

We ban all guns?

That's not even practical.

- No, but just don't set bad examples for the children.

I mean, I want Michael to think or to feel

what is right and what is wrong.

And wars are wrong.

- He'll find that out for himself.

You can't protect him from life.

(loud shots)

(soft music)

(soft music)

- They're after something.

I'm going down.

- You told your mom you wouldn't.

- I didn't tell her anything.

And no one's going to know, either.

Nothing's going to happen.

You have to go back.

- But I want to come, too.

- Who's going to look after the fort if you don't?

Anyway, it's your turn for guard duty.

- You come with me.

- I'll be back soon.

If someone comes to the fort, you shoot them, all right?

Now, that's an order.

- Yes, sir.

- Now go.

- He's right, you can't protect your children forever.

But you don't think I was too severe

with Michael last night, do you?

- You're asking me?

- Yes.

- Perhaps you do need to let him make mistakes.

- Hmm, well I mean, Michael's been the most important

person in my life for so many years.

Now sometimes, it feels like,

he feels like a complete stranger.

- I think maybe he needs to work things out for himself.

I'm sure he knows you'll always be there for him.

- Yeah.

It doesn't matter how old they are,

you're always asking yourself, am I doing the right thing?

(chuckles)

No, what are you doing?

- Well.

You've had your practice.

You should be able to do this on your own.

- What, on my own?

- Mm hmm.

- All right, all right.

As long as I can make mistakes.

Probably lots of them.

(laughs)

(horse snorts)

(intense music)

- It's a good two miles.

- Fair distance.

- Looks big enough.

- [Michael Voice over] If someone comes to the fort,

you shoot them, all right?

Now, that's an order.

(soft music)

- Michael.

Michael.

- You're in here again?

It's not a good idea today, son.

Off you go.

- I won't get in the way.

- You want to be in the military,

you have to learn to obey orders.

No questions asked.

Now come on, hop to it.

Look, I'm not trying to discourage you.

But the area's been declared restricted.

It's not safe, particularly not for children.

- I'm not a child.

- My mistake.

You're not.

But orders are orders.

- [Matt] Hi, I'm Matt McGregor, I'm expected here.

- [Man] Thank you, trooper.

McGregor?

I'm glad you could come down.

- Thank you very much.

- The problem's not with the officers.

They're well informed.

It's the volunteers.

It's near impossible getting them to daylight

parades twice a week.

- Hmm.

- I'm afraid if we want them to commit,

we're just going to have to start paying them.

- [Matt] Well, things like that can't be done overnight.

Bills have to be tabled in Parliament, of course.

And then it goes into a debate, and...

- [Man] Would that take long?

(soft music)

- The cartridge belts are in your quarter, sir.

I'll get them.

- [Man] Come on, Hascot.

We haven't got all day.

- Seemed to have misplaced them, sir.

- Josh!

(intense music)

Josh!

- And the men should be shooting with rifled carbines.

It's all a matter of priority, Mr. McGregor.

- Hmm, and of course, money, which is always

in short supply.

Listen, I'll see what I can do, but in the meantime,

I suggest you keep agitating.

I'm sure something will happen.

- Well, I appreciate it.

- Look, a joke's a joke, but I'm not laughing, all right?

I want it back.

- I told you.

I cleaned it and left it in the Sergeant's tent.

- I'll give you two minutes to put it back.

- You can give me from here to kingdom come.

If it isn't where I left it, then I don't know where it is.

- Now, are you sure you didn't leave it somewhere?

- I put it in his holster.

(panting)

(soft music)

- [Man Voice over] And support your gun hand

with your other hand under there.

(soft music)

- Josh!

I thought I told you to stay here.

- I did.

- Why didn't you answer me?

What's wrong?

- Nothing.

- What have you got there?

- I don't have anything.

- Come on, we'd better get going.

They'll start worrying about us.

(soft music)

- Very impressive.

- It's a six pound field gun.

- First it's the cartridge belts, now it's my handgun.

You'd lose your head if it wasn't screwed on.

- Is there a problem, Sergeant?

- Nothing that can't be fixed once Hascot

gets his memory back, sir.

He appears to have mis-laid my revolver.

- I didn't lose it, sir.

Horse full was cleaning it...

- It didn't grow legs and walk away.

Find it.

- A mix up might have occurred.

I'm not implying anything, but there was a boy here earlier.

Your son, sir.

- Michael?

- He was extremely enthusiastic.

Wanted to know all about procedures.

He was particularly interested in guns.

- I don't think for a moment that Michael

would have taken it.

- No, nor do I, sir.

He might have seen it.

- Well, I'll ask him.

But if I were you, I'd keep looking.

- Sir.

- Captain.

- Mr. McGregor.

(intense music)

- I want a word with you.

Josh, you reckon you can put Michael's horse

in the stable for me?

Did you go down to the camp?

- Yes.

- You know anything about a gun?

- Yeah, well I asked the Sergeant if I could shoot with it.

He said I could.

It was his handgun.

He showed me how.

I did exactly what he told me.

It was great.

I just wanted to find out what it was like.

- I asked you not to go to that camp.

- It was before then.

- You were supposed to be looking after Josh.

- I did.

- When I ask you to do something,

I usually have a very good reason.

I always put your safety first.

Now, you mightn't like that, but until you're

old enough to decide what's dangerous and what's not,

I'll make the decisions and I expect you to listen.

- I'm not a baby.

- No, I know that.

But you haven't really shown me that you can

act responsibly, Michael.

- But nothing happened.

- No, and it's not going to because you're

going to go to your room and think about what I've said.

- Mom.

- Just go to your room please, Michael.

- You can't keep doing that.

- You're the one that got him started on all this.

- Look, you got to let the boy make his own decisions.

I mean, sure, sometimes he'll be wrong, but

if you keep putting up barriers,

he'll keep knocking them down.

And one day, he might just keep right on going.

(soft music)

(knocking)

May I come in?

- Yeah.

- Your mother has a bee in her bonnet about guns.

But you should know, she has your best interests at heart.

- Yeah, I know.

- Anyway, it'll all blow over in a couple of days.

But if I were you, I wouldn't go back to that camp again.

- I'm not going to.

- She loves you and sometimes, when people love each other,

they, well, they can tend to overreact.

Now, there's something else.

That gun I was talking to you about before.

It went missing this morning.

- You're saying I took it.

- No, no I'm not.

I'm just wondering if you knew anything about it.

- I haven't seen it.

- Well in that case, I'm sure it'll turn up then.

(soft music)

- Did you go down to the camp today?

- No.

- You took the gun, didn't you?

Tell me the truth, Josh.

- Yes.

- You idiot.

- I only borrowed it.

(horse galloping)

- Colin!

Hello.

I didn't think you'd get here until late.

- Oh, I got across Stoney Creek.

I went forward.

Our border's not up yet.

I couldn't wait to get home.

I missed you.

- I missed you, too.

- You'll get dirty.

- I don't care.

- Oh, I brought you something.

- Perfume.

I haven't had any for...

- Too long.

- Thank you.

- And one picture book for Josh.

How is he?

- He's fine.

Out with Michael all day.

Exhausted at night.

I think coming here's given us both breathing space.

He's still getting used to me.

- Oh, there's a lot of things he's got to get used to.

It's best not to rush it.

Then I crossed the dug out river,

and stopped off at Strickland.

Where I baptized five children.

And then I had a look at their plans for the new church.

- Don't they already have a church?

- No, the town is still very small, but,

well the next time I head back there,

I'll take you with me.

But for now, get some sleep.

Said your prayers?

- Yep.

- Oh Josh, on Sunday, we'll be going

back to Patterson's Ridge.

- I don't want to.

- There'll be other holidays, Josh.

- I want to stay here.

- What's wrong?

Well, we'll talk about it tomorrow.

You've had a big day.

Goodnight.

Goodnight, Michael.

- Goodnight, Colin.

- Night.

- We have to take it back.

- We can't.

- Why?

- I promised.

I have to tell them what happened.

- We'll get in trouble.

- I'll get into trouble.

You won't.

I'm the commanding officer, and you're the private.

Privates don't get into trouble.

- You're scared.

- I'm not scared.

Go to sleep, I'll think of something, all right?

- I don't want to be a soldier anymore.

(muffled yelling)

- Get on with it.

Come on, out you come.

Anybody left in there?

Get down there.

(muffled yelling)

Get those legs moving, man.

(muffled yelling)

- Morning, Sergeant.

- Yep.

Sound the bell, please.

- You lot, sound the bell.

Raise the flag.

(blows horn)

Come on lads, don't dilly dally.

- Prepare to advance.

(yells)

(gunshots)

(yells)

(gunshots)

- Six paces forward.

March.

On rank, raise it.

Fire.

(gunshots)

Here rank.

Six paces forward.

March.

Fire.

(gunshots)

- I think there's something kind of romantic

about a man in uniform.

- There's nothing romantic about war.

- Pass the milk please, Danni.

- Morning, Michael.

Is Josh up yet?

- He got up before me.

- Could you tell him breakfast is ready?

- I don't know where he is.

- What's wrong?

- He took the gun.

- What gun?

- He must have gone down there.

I didn't know.

I mean, I did later, and I think he's taking it back.

- Michael.

- I was going to tell you, Mom.

- So, the gun was here.

- I don't think so.

- But where would he have hidden it?

- It must be at the fort, I'm not sure.

He was going to take it back to their camp.

- What fort are you talking about?

- In the hills near the kettle trail,

where it crosses the creek.

- Well, that's a long way from the camp.

- Churnside said he was trying out some artillery today.

And if Josh is anywhere near those hills,

he'll be caught quite in the middle of it.

- I'm going with them.

- Be careful.

- Raise your guns 10 degrees, sir.

- Ready.

(yelling)

(gunshots)

(whimpers)

(yelling)

(gunshots)

(screams)

- The track will take you straight to the camp.

I'll try and find Josh.

- Right.

(gunshots)

(intense music)

(gunshots)

- Help!

- I should've talked to him about the gun.

I should've taken better care of him.

(gunshots)

(horse whinnies)

- Just wait right there.

Josh!

- Josh!

(gunshots)

- Emily, you stay out of this.

(gunshots)

Josh!

- Josh!

(gunshots)

- Josh!

(gunshots)

This way.

- Josh!

- Josh!

- Josh, where are you?

(gunshots)

Josh!

Answer me!

- Help!

- Josh!

Josh, Josh, are you in here?

Come on, Josh.

Nothing's going to hurt you now.

Hold my hand.

- Come on Josh, take it.

Come on.

- This area's closed off.

No civilians allowed.

- Captain Churnside, where is he?

- You'll have to wait.

(gunshots)

You can't go over there.

- Please, you've got to trust me.

Take my hand.

Come on.

- Come on.

- Come on.

Good boy.

- Stop!

Stop!

Stop firing!

- Cease fire!

- [Man] Cease fire!

(gunshot)

Cease fire.

- [Man] Cease fire, number two.

- You all right?

- Come on, let's get out of here.

(loud explosion)

(soft music)

- Emily!

Are you all right?

- Yeah.

- We're fine.

- Thank you.

- Hi.

(soft music)

- Is he all right?

- Yeah, a bit shaken, that's all.

- You all right, Josh?

- I'll take him inside.

- I didn't want to steal it.

I was going to take it back.

- It's all right, Josh.

- If anything had happened to him...

- I know, but it didn't.

And he's going to be all right.

(shushes)

He got a fright, but he'll get over that.

Now, you're both fine.

- Is it always going to be like this?

- Sometimes.

But it doesn't get much worse.

(chuckles)

Come on.

I'll be in in a minute.

- I'm sorry.

He could've died, couldn't he?

It would've been my fault.

- Michael, you can't predict what people are going to do.

Especially children.

That's something we should all remember.

- But I should've looked after him.

- You will next time.

You'll take responsibility for him like I do for you.

And you'll probably make as many mistakes as I do.

(soft music)

- Yeah?

- Would you teach Michael to shoot?

- Yeah, of course I will.

- I know it seems like a strange thing to want.

- No, he's not a boy anymore.

- No, he's not.

This doesn't mean that I approve of guns, but

what if he has to use one?

Then he should learn to respect what they can do.

- Yeah, I agree.

Yeah, I'd be happy to.

- Thanks.

- Goodnight.

- All right, Michael.

There you go.

Ah, ah, ah.

First thing you do when you're given a rifle,

or any gun, is to check to see if it's loaded.

- It's not loaded.

- Release the ammo.

Good, let's get going.

- Now, take care.

- We will.

- We'll be bringing back supper.

- Good.

(cheerful music)

(soft music)