Original subtitles

(serene orchestral music) (birds chirping)

- [Danny] Shouldn't we be heading back?

- No, we've got plenty of time to organize a welcome party.

- [Danny] Are administrators that important?

- Well, the diocese, they like to know

their fund's being put to good use.

- Well, one look at the new church will show that.

- Ha! I hope so.

- I'll race you back.

Come on boy.

- I'll give ya a head start!

(upbeat orchestral music)

(horse hooves clomping)

(people coughing)

(somber orchestral music)

- [Danny] Who are they?

- No idea.

(group chattering)

(horse hooves clomping) (horse whinnies)

- Hi Dad.

(man coughing)

- Who are these people?

- We came across them about five miles out of town.

- They say where they're from?

- You know, I'm not even sure they understood us.

- Women and children?

- More men.

- Probably farm laborers have been laid off.

Seem in a bad way.

- They are.

- Well, I better organize some food and water.

- I'll go and help Colin.

(somber orchestral music)

- I would like to help if there is anything I can do.

- That's very kind of you, Hannah.

- I know only too well what it is

to be without a home, Matt.

My family will always be grateful for the mercy of others.

- Well, let's hope everyone feels the same way.

Think we might have to dig pretty deep.

(serene orchestral music)

(dramatic orchestral music)

(men coughing)

(somber orchestral music)

- [Emily] Kathleen.

- Fever?

- I don't think so.

- Just exhausted.

They all are.

- Well, have some water.

(train huffing)

(bell ringing)

(townspeople chattering)

- What is it?

- A call for help and that means you, too.

(door creaks)

- [Colin] Now, I've no doubt that amongst all of us

we should be able to come up with the resources

to provide enough food, shelter.

- I got some iron and tin made out at the stables.

- Well, that's a start, but I feel we're going

to need a lot more.

- Colin, I've got a big ol' tent you're welcome to.

- Look, just how long are they going to stay?

- I'm sorry, Mr. Gleason, I can't answer that.

- Now please, don't misunderstand me,

but with such a small community as ours,

well, it could place something of a strain.

- Would you rather we packed them up,

sent them on their way?

- I'm just saying it could be

a bit of a problem, that's all.

- Just so long as it's not ours, is that what your saying?

- We're willing to help out, too,

but Mr. Gleason's got a point.

- Well, Joe, I've never had cause to doubt

the willingness of anyone in Paterson's Ridge

to help someone else out in need.

I don't see a reason to start doubting that now.

If anyone has anything to offer, see Mr. Custer.

(somber orchestral music)

- Mrs. Tan, what did you find out?

- They came here as cheap labor

to work as shepherds and farmhands.

- Cheap labor?

- It's a government initiative to open up the country.

- The farmers do not need them anymore.

- But surely they can't just let them go like that.

- Oh yeah, fences are going up, new farm machinery.

It's happening all right.

Hannah and I have organized some supplies.

- There's a few pounds left in the church fund.

- That won't go far.

- I'll be applying for relief funds.

It's a good thing the church admini...

The church administrator's coming!

(upbeat orchestral music)

Oh, Reverend, I'm sorry.

- McCafferty.

- Reverend McCafferty,

Colin McGregor. - Ah.

- I had every intention of meeting you.

- No, never mind.

- Well, a situation of need arose.

- What kind of need?

- I came across some homeless people.

- It's good to see God's ministry at work.

Ah, is that what I've come to look at?

- [Colin] Yes.

- You must be very proud.

- We are.

- And on such limited funds.

- It was a community effort.

- Well, you obviously set a fine example

to your parishioners.

- I try to.

- That's very encouraging.

(serene orchestral music)

(townspeople chattering)

(sledgehammer thudding)

- I was hoping the diocese would consider

a request for relief funds to ease the burden.

It's not that people aren't willing.

- I can see that.

(townspeople chattering)

(ominous orchestral music)

- Reverend.

- Reverend McCafferty, my wife, Emily McGregor.

- Pleased to meet you, Mrs. McGregor.

- Pleased to meet you.

We'd be delighted if you'd join us for dinner tonight.

- And I'd be delighted to accept.

- Good.

(shouting in foreign language)

(dramatic orchestral music)

- [Matt] Get back.

That's enough.

Get off him.

(men grunting)

- It's a woman. - It's a girl.

- Well I'll be.

(somber orchestral music)

- That's enough of this nonsense.

- I'll sort something out.

I'll look after it.

- This is going to need action, Colin, not words.

Someone has to assume the mantle of responsibility.

- Preferably not in public.

(speaking in foreign language)

- Hey, hey, hey.

Now, Mrs. Tan, what's this all about?

- That one accuses her of bringing bad luck.

- Bad luck?

- Yes.

(speaking in foreign language)

Yes, in Chinese culture women with too much ying

brings bad luck.

- What kind of superstition is that?

- No, this is not superstition.

- It means she's pregnant, that's what it means.

(somber orchestral music)

Is that right?

Are you with child?

- She doesn't understand.

- Where's your husband?

- Don't have to answer you.

- Are you married to this girl?

Answer me.

- It is true.

I am with child.

- And you are not married.

Have you no shame?

- Reverend, with all due respect...

- Please.

I do not need anyone to defend me.

We wanted to get married.

But our love did not have the blessing of our families.

And so we ran away.

On the ship we asked an old man

to perform the ceremony for us.

- [Reverend McCafferty] A religious man?

- No.

But in our hearts and in our eyes

we are married.

- But you are not married before God.

- [Emily] You all right?

- We have nothing to feel guilty of.

- You insolent young rascal!

- Reverend, this is not the way we do things around here.

- They must be reminded of their place.

(Emily gasps)

- Mei!

- She'll be all right.

Someone get water!

(dramatic orchestral music)

- You've got some nervous parishioners.

Your father was right to show a firm hand.

- You seem to know a little about Chinese culture.

- Oh, I worked as a missionary.

You pick things up, the ways of the world.

It's called experience.

What's troubling you, Reverend?

- With due respect, what happened back there.

- What happened was he was being disrespectful.

- I just don't know whether that was the,

the ideal way to go about it.

- Reverend as you get older, a little more experienced,

you'll find ideals are all very well

but reality is what you have to live with.

- [Emily] How advanced is your pregnancy?

- Almost eight months.

- You speak very good English.

- I had a governess.

My family in Canton is very wealthy.

- What on earth are you doing here?

- I was not permitted to marry beneath my class.

Choo was a servant.

(door clicks shut)

- So you ran away?

(footsteps clomping)

She's feeling better.

(speaking in foreign language)

- The other members of your group,

do they believe this superstition about a pregnant woman

bringing bad luck?

- Some, but Wong lies.

That's not the reason why we fought.

- What was the reason?

- He tried to steal from our belongings.

- He knows that I carry this.

- [Emily] Oh, that's beautiful.

- It's a gift.

Given to the baby 100 days after its birth.

- Wong needs money to go home.

That's why he tried to steal it.

- Well, the most important thing now, Mei Lei,

is that you get plenty of rest.

You're welcome to stay here.

It's not very big but you'll be comfortable.

- No thank you.

- Yes, it's best, Mei Lei.

I won't be far away.

Thank you, thanks.

(somber orchestral music)

- I think there's a storm brewing.

- Yes.

You know, Colin's experienced enough

to know how to handle the situation.

- No, it's not just that.

- Then what is it?

- Well, the government's obviously not aware

of what's happening to them.

- Well then, it's about time they were made aware.

- Get up.

(horse hooves clomping)

(crickets chirping)

- I rode hundreds of miles up the Amazon,

deep into the jungle.

- The jungle?

- South America, Josh my boy.

- How long were you a missionary for?

- [Reverend McCafferty] Not long enough.

- What was it like?

- Oh, once you got used to the spiders

and mosquitoes and snakes big enough to swallow a cow.

- A whole cow? - Almost.

- Come on Josh, off to bed.

- Aww.

- Say goodnight to Reverend McCafferty.

- [Reverend McCafferty] Off you go, young man,

do as you're told.

- Goodnight Josh.

You obviously enjoyed it.

- Bringing the word of God to the natives

in their primitive and noble state?

I could've stayed there forever.

- Why didn't you?

- I answered the diocese's call.

- To be an administrator?

- [Reverend McCafferty] Somebody's got to do it.

(door thuds shut)

- Hello Reverend.

- What's she doing here?

- Mei Lei's staying with us for the time being.

- [Reverend McCafferty] I see.

- Goodnight.

- Goodnight.

We thought given her condition...

- She shouldn't be here at all.

- Well, I don't see it as a problem.

- Open your eyes, Reverend.

At least admit the example you're making is a bad one.

- On the contrary.

- Not mention exposing young Josh to moral danger.

- Well, we've discussed it with him, he understands.

- You neglect your duty as a minister.

- I'm sorry you see it that way.

- It's like saying you approve.

- I don't think so.

- It's wrong.

You'll have to ask her to leave.

- I can't do that.

- I can't condone it and I won't.

- Reverend.

- Thank your wife for the meal.

Goodnight.

(somber orchestral music)

- Has he gone?

(suspenseful music) (thunder rumbling)

(rain pattering) (thunder rumbling)

(somber orchestral music)

(rain pattering)

(somber orchestral music)

- Reverend.

- You don't have to explain.

We have a service here on a Sunday.

- I'm sorry.

- No, if you can't take shelter here, then where can you?

(speaking in foreign language)

What makes a town like Paterson's Ridge so special?

It's not the buildings or this church

or the hills and valleys that we know so well.

No, it's the people and yesterday

you showed that, all of you.

Living here it's easy to forget that there are people

less fortunate than ourselves.

We have our own lives, our own problems,

and sometimes this can make us blind

to the hardship of others, but yesterday

a hand reached out for help and you accepted the challenge.

I'm asking you to do that again.

(congregation chattering)

Ignoring the problem won't make it go away.

That's all I want to say to you today.

The rest of this service will take place outside.

You're welcome to join me.

(farm animals braying)

- What's going on?

- We've taken a shortened service for good reason.

- Good reason?

- [Colin] It's important.

- What could be more important

than preaching the word of God?

- Practicing it.

- You're forsaking your parishioners,

let alone your duty.

- No one's complaining.

- Oh, but they will, I assure you.

The diocese will hear of this.

- Reverend McCafferty.

- Mr. McGregor.

- The problem we have here at the moment

is something the government will have to face.

- Precisely.

It's a social issue, not a religious one.

Your father's right, Colin.

- No, hang on, that's not what I meant.

- What I mean, Mr. McGregor,

is that it's not up to the church.

- Someone has to take responsibility.

- Your responsibility, Reverend,

is to observe the sabbath by holding service.

- Sorry, I didn't mean it to come out that way.

- How can he be so unreasonable?

- I think Reverend McCafferty only hears

what he wants to hear.

- Listen, you see if you can smooth things over with him.

We'll take care of things in town.

(somber orchestral music)

- They are good people.

- Yes, we always dreamed to find such a place.

- Perhaps our dream has come true.

(ominous orchestral music)

- People rely on us to show the way.

- I know that.

- That's why they come to church, Colin.

- Reverend, your work as a missionary

was very important to you, wasn't it?

- Of course.

- Can't you see that what I'm doing is no different?

- Paterson's Ridge is a long way from the Amazon, my boy.

- But it's still taking the word of God

out there into the field.

- I understand, but one must not lose sight

of the important things.

- I haven't.

- Lest you lose faith.

- In God?

- In yourself.

- Are you talking from experience?

- Elderly wisdom.

"Get wisdom and with all thy getting get understanding."

The diocese will need budget details

if I'm to put forward your request for funds.

- I'll be putting something together.

- I can't guarantee it, you understand?

- But you can make a recommendation.

- [Reverend McCafferty] We will see.

(orchestral music) (hammers pounding)

(townspeople chattering)

- [Montana] This isn't going anywhere.

- Good.

- I say, Matt.

Plunkett asked me to deliver this.

- "Receipt of your communication acknowledged.

"Relevant government authorities have been notified

"and a course of action will be advised."

- Ah, that's good, Matt.

At least they're takin' notice, now.

- Thanks. - You're welcome.

(soft orchestral music)

(ominous orchestral music)

- Ready, Mei Lei?

- Yes, Mrs. McGregor.

- What are they doing?

- Quan is the hero of the Three Kingdoms book.

- What kind of hero?

- Like your knights of the round table.

- Ah, it's one of Josh's favorite bedtime stories.

- Reverend.

- Mrs. McGregor.

- Thanks for everything you've done today.

I mean it, thank you.

- What are the children meant to make of that?

- It's cultural, it's not religious.

- They don't know that.

- [Colin] I don't see it as a problem.

- It's the town that will suffer in the long run.

- No, I don't think that will happen.

- Your job is to look after your own flock.

- Look, there's more!

(somber orchestral music)

- Where's it going to end, Reverend?

(cash register dings)

- It is all right.

I will give you some food.

I know what it is to be hungry.

(ominous orchestral music)

It is nothing, it is all right.

(ax thudding)

(horse hooves clomping)

- Matt. - Phillip.

- Hey Matt. - Adam, how are ya?

Well, is there something I can do for ya?

- Hopefully.

There's concern about the situation in town.

Lot of folks aren't too happy about it.

- Oh, I wouldn't say a lot, Joe.

- But there are problems, Matt, you can't deny it.

- Sometimes life's just a bit like that, isn't it?

- One of them tried to rob the general store.

- What do you mean tried?

- Miss Kirov caught him red-handed.

There are more of 'em arriving.

They could be bringing health problems, who knows?

- What do you suggest I do?

- We think we've got a solution.

- Yeah, well let's hear it.

- Move the camp out of town a fair way.

- Out of sight, out of mind, huh?

- It's our families we're thinkin' about.

It's not that we don't want the Chinese folk here.

- Well, what this thing needs is a proper solution.

- Then tell us what it is.

- Well, I've notified the government

and I'm working on it myself.

Now just make sure you lot don't go off hot-headed, okay?

- Okay, as long as somethin' comes of it.

- It will.

- It's normal practice for monies not spent

on building projects to be returned to the diocese.

- Yes, but people have given materials

as well as their time to help build the church.

- I understand.

- It's only a few pounds that's just been sitting there

in case it was needed.

Reverend, the current situation has placed

a lot of demands on the parishioners.

I'm sure some have gone without.

- Including Sunday service.

Church funds are limited to recognized charitable projects.

- What's to recognize?

These are needy people.

- It's not for you to challenge the way

the diocese conducts its business.

- This has got nothing to do with business.

This is our responsibility!

- Your first responsibility is to your parishioners.

- And they understand.

- Oh, they're very understanding, but for how long?

Once you lose their faith...

- That won't happen.

- Once you lose their faith you may as well pack up and go.

- There is something more important here than faith.

Charity.

- Don't quote 1 Corinthians at me.

Save that for church tomorrow.

- Tomorrow?

- Unfinished business.

You can make up for the missed service.

- The parishioners have done their service.

That was the whole point.

It was God's name.

- And in God's name you will conduct a proper service.

- Colin, she's in terrible pain.

- I'll fetch the midwife.

- She's not here, she's in Melbourne.

- Lie her down.

Just do as I say.

Lie as still as you can.

How many months is the pregnancy?

- Eight.

- I don't think so.

The baby has turned into a breech position.

- Is that bad?

- The baby will right itself, but she needs rest

or it could stay like that.

(somber orchestral music)

- I thought the parishioners understood

what I was trying to show them.

Christianity is about more than just going to church.

If I can't get that across (exhales)

Maybe I'm just not a good minister.

- Oh, nonsense, Colin.

You still going to hold a service like McCafferty wants?

- I don't know.

- Well, what's the worst possible thing

that could happen if you didn't?

- I could be suspended.

They could take my ministry away.

- Well, just remember all you've worked so hard for.

You don't wanna throw that away.

- Oh, I know that, but I can't help the way I feel.

- It's your decision.

But whatever it is, you got my support.

- McCafferty,

he said something about losing faith in yourself.

- Yeah well, he doesn't know you like I do.

- No, no, I get the impression he was talking about himself.

- What do you mean?

- I don't know,

but there's something happened to him in South America.

I'd like to thank you for coming here today.

Especially after all you've already done this week.

I'd like to start by asking how important is prayer?

Now for most of us it's the beginning

and the end of our day.

And once a week we all come together to pray

and that's a good thing.

But surely isn't our only way of communicating with God.

Because prayers can just be empty words.

Empty words that don't mean anything

unless they find expression in the way

that we treat our fellow man, the way we live our lives.

- Reverend.

- You see, God knows all.

He recognizes empty words just as He knows

what's meaningful and what's important.

There are no secrets with God.

- That's enough.

- It's what I believe.

- These good people haven't come here today

to listen to your beliefs, but to the beliefs

that are taught and practiced by the holy church.

- I believe I'm not betraying the church.

- That's enough of what you believe, Reverend.

If people don't come to church to pray

then why do they, why?

- Reverend.

- Which of you have not come here today to pray?

- [Colin] It's not fair to place the burden on them.

- You've already done that.

Anyone who hasn't come here today to listen

to the word of God, leave now.

- [Colin] Reverend, this is all wrong.

- [Reverend McCafferty] Come on, stand up.

- I won't let you do this.

- Stand up.

(Matt exhales loudly)

- I'm sorry.

I'm very sorry to have placed you in this situation.

(suspenseful orchestral music)

Forgive me.

- We have made many problems for you.

- It's no one's fault.

- I'm sorry.

- You haven't caused them, believe me.

Maybe I have.

- No.

Surely he can't take your parish.

- Oh he can.

- It doesn't seem right.

(knocking at the door)

Matt.

- Where is he?

You all right?

- Yes.

- I don't understand.

- Emily, it's fine.

- Why, what is it?

What's the matter?

- I'm sorry, I just don't know why you didn't support Colin.

- [Matt] Oh Emily, I wanted to but...

- I told him not to stand up.

If Dad had walked out, so would half the church.

- And McCafferty would've seen how people support you.

What's wrong with that?

- It would've divided the town.

- I'm glad you see it that way.

It really is between Reverend McCafferty and myself.

- Look, he put me in just as awkward a situation as you

and I'd like to point that out to him if it's okay with ya.

- I kind of thought you would.

(fireworks popping) (people laughing)

(fireworks whistling)

- What's going on, Mrs. Tan?

- Celebration.

- What for?

- To thank everyone.

(fireworks popping) (people oohing)

(somber orchestral music)

- Reverend.

I need to talk with ya.

- Mr. McGregor, come in, sit down.

- Oh, no thanks.

I won't be here that long.

- Fathers and sons.

It's only natural that you're here.

- Reverend, if I got up and walked out of here

you would've had one big problem on your hands.

- Dealing with problems is very much part of my job.

- Well, let's deal with this one

without involving the whole town, shall we?

- Very well.

- Now, what's going to happen with Colin?

- At best, he'll be transferred to the city

in a secondary capacity.

- At worst?

- Dismissal.

He's got a lot to answer for.

- And so will the church.

- Is that some kind of threat?

- No, it's a fact.

Because whoever they send to replace him

will be judged alongside Colin.

That won't be easy.

- He's your son, Mr. McGregor...

- That's right.

He's my son and he means a lot to me

and he means a lot to this town.

- No one's indispensable.

- Don't count on it.

(somber orchestral music)

(rain pattering heavily)

- Ah, Reverend, we were just coming to see you.

- What is it Joe?

- Well, I think I'll be speaking for most of the town.

We don't think it's right that you be treated like this.

- Thank you.

- Is there anything we can do?

- No, no, we'll let things run their course.

(knocking at the door)

- Yes?

- Reverend.

- If you have come to make amends...

- No, I haven't.

I just want to make sure that what's happened

won't prejudice my request for relief funds.

- It won't.

I've made a recommendation to the diocese.

I've also advised that a new minister

be appointed to Paterson's Ridge pending an inquiry

into your ministry.

(somber orchestral music)

I, uh, I need to get some rest, Reverend.

- Reverend, what happened in South America?

- I'm not sure what you mean.

- Something must have happened.

Or have you always wanted to be an administrator?

- Thank you, Reverend, I've got a long journey tomorrow.

I need to rest up.

(upbeat music) (townspeople clapping)

(firecrackers popping)

(ominous orchestral music)

(Mei Lei whimpering)

- No, no! (fireworks cracking)

(Mei Lei whimpering) (Wong grunting)

(breathing raggedly) Help!

(dramatic orchestral music)

- Hey, what's your hurry?

- Colin.

(suspenseful orchestral music)

(footsteps thudding)

- We need your help.

There's a problem with the baby, it's on its way.

- No, I can't.

- You helped her before.

- I can't.

- You sober.?

- As the day I was born.

I haven't touched it.

- You can't let her die.

- I'll do what I can.

(Mei Lei crying)

- Mei Lei, please.

- I'm scared.

- You'll be all right.

- Just try and lay still.

Here, Choo.

- On the count of three, you take a deep breath

with me, understand?

One, two,

three.

(Mei Lei crying)

- Is she all right?

- You take care of her for a moment.

- Keep breathing.

- The baby's still in a breach position.

- Is there anything we can do?

- Just pray the umbilical cord doesn't get in the way.

(Mei Lei breathing raggedly)

Just breathe easy like a I showed you.

Here it comes, feet first into the world.

That's got to be a good sign,

doesn't it? (Emily laughs)

Don't push until I say.

- Don't push, Mei Lei, don't push.

- You're doing just fine.

(breathing heavily) (crying)

Almost there.

Look at that, Mrs. McGregor, those tiny feet.

Glory, look at those feet.

It's clear, the cord's clear.

Push!

(Mei Lei crying)

- Push, Mei Lei, push. - Push!

It's a girl. (baby crying)

It's a girl and she's beautiful.

(Mei Lei laughing) (baby crying)

(triumphant orchestral music)

(water splashing)

(somber orchestral music)

- Well done, Reverend.

Reverend?

- She's gorgeous.

(baby gurgling) - Thank you.

(soft orchestral music)

(knocking at the door)

- [Reverend McCafferty] Yes?

- I'd very like to thank you.

- It was nothing.

- (scoffs) That's not what I saw.

- Maybe I'm just getting old, sentimental you know.

- Why do you deny that?

- It's not a problem for me, honestly.

Here, take it, go on.

Go on, I don't need it, I don't.

It's hard to describe, but suddenly I felt alive again.

It's funny how you can just forget those feelings.

Tragic really how you just go through

the motions for days, years.

It made me realize that I've been dead inside.

- What did happen in South America?

- Oh, I was young like you.

I went to a mission.

It had been going about, oh, 10 years.

Then I came across a tribe, the Intubie.

I was captivated by their innocence, their beauty.

I was blinded by it.

I dedicated my life to them.

- So you let them be.

- I forsook my duty,

The very reason I'd been sent there.

- Is that all?

- My wife, Margaret, joined me.

The mission flourished accept for the Intubie,

and then Margaret fell pregnant, our first child.

I wanted to send her home, but I delayed.

I thought I had the time, but Margaret went

into labor early.

She and the child, my son,

both died.

(somber orchestral music)

There hasn't been a day I haven't thought, why?

I believe we've all got our problems, Reverend.

- But ignoring them won't make them go away.

That's what I believe.

- You've staked your ministry on what you believe.

(liquid splattering)

(light orchestral music)

(knocking at the door)

- Yes?

- Is she awake?

- Just.

- Good morning. - Good morning.

- I hope you two managed to get some sleep.

- A little, yes.

(baby cooing) - Oh, she's beautiful.

Look Colin.

- Yes, she is.

(speaking in foreign language)

Is something wrong?

- No, it's just...

Choo and I have been talking and we would like

very much to be married.

(Colin chuckles)

We thought that perhaps we could get married in your church.

- Well yes, yes of course you can do that.

You may have to take some instruction.

- We understand that.

- And if I'm not the minister, I'm sure the church

can organize someone else for you.

- But you are such a good man.

- Well, that's up for other people to decide.

(horse hooves clomping)

- Telegraph, Dad.

What does it say?

- Government's made some arrangements

with a Chinese society in Melbourne.

They'll all be looked after.

- Is there something else wrong?

- Yeah.

It's Colin.

- [Matt] Reverend.

- Mr. McGregor.

- Reverend you're making a big mistake.

If Colin's dismissed from...

- I understand what you're saying.

- Then don't do it.

- Is this what you're talking about?

- Yes, yes it is.

- Excuse us.

We'd just like to say thank you.

- For everything.

- That's a fine baby.

Thank you for your hospitality, Mrs. McGregor.

- You're welcome, Reverend.

- Mr. McGregor you were right about what you said.

It would be a big mistake.

I won't be needing this.

(train whistle blows)

Thank you, Reverend.

(soft orchestral music)

- You're welcome.

(train whistle blows)

(train chugging)

(uplifting orchestral music)

(light orchestral music)