Original subtitles

If only I could play.

Hard luck!

What happened?

She missed the first ball. It's all right, though. She's allowed the best of

three.

Blow it!

Blanche! She's taking it!

Blanche! Blanche! What do you think I'm doing?

Blanche!

Oh, that's good. That's good.

Jolly bad luck, Blanche. How?

Jolly good luck. Yes, really. At least she can see that.

Don't know why.

a deeply gay.

Didn't you play around with it at school?

I don't play games at all if I could get out of it. I was the one girl in the

school who had her period the entire time.

I can't use that excuse here. I seem to have stopped completely.

You and me both.

Most of us have.

Beatrice, is it due to the bad diet?

That and the bloody strain of it all.

You've finally succeeded in de -feminizing us.

She's right.

Do we look like women anymore?

Oh,

not that one.

I hate going into that now.

Oh, Johnny D.

Good afternoon, Cumberland.

Good afternoon, Mrs. Jefferson.

Oh! Come on! Come on! Come on!

Come on! Come on! Come on! Come on! Come on! Come on! Come on! Come on! Come on!

Come on! Come on! Come on! Come on! Come on! Come on! Come on! Come on! Come on!

Come on! Come on! Come on! Come on! Come on! Come on!

Come on! Come on! Come on! Come on!

Come on!

Oh, I hope you don't mind.

We thought it would do us good, after what you said about the need for

Ah, yes.

I wish all prisoners to be healthy and happy.

I'm retiring.

I can't stand anymore.

Right, I'm taking your place. Oh, no, Valia.

You know what they keep said about resting.

Well, it can't hurt.

Just for a while.

When I was expecting Debbie, I put my feet up for six months.

But it was worth it. I bet.

She was the loveliest baby you ever saw.

I'm not just saying it.

I remember the first time I held her in my arms. Oh, she gets on my mind.

You ask me if she's going a bit... She's

not the only one.

Shut up. Much better to let it out.

Right, let's have a look at these scratches of yours.

Nasty.

You should be more choosy about the company you keep.

Don't you start.

Not from Marion.

I get something out of it. Not twice.

No one goes on at Blanche for doing it. It's different to Blanche. Why? Because

she was always that way and I was just a nice little housewife from Edgeworth.

Something like that.

That was another person.

She's still there.

Underneath. Oh, leave it!

You can't do anything.

You're only playing at doctors and nurses here.

Wait over there, please.

More toothache?

Severe abscesses. I'd remove the teeth if I had any anaesthetics or the right

instruments. Your job is not easy.

I had to think how I'd cope with an emergency, an appendix or something.

Then what would I take it out with, chopsticks?

Anything is possible.

We might start praying for rain. We're running out of water.

Oh, I've noticed.

I have to get people to start conserving. No washing of clothes,

absolutely essential.

My sisters and I have already started to economise. That's the state of my role,

witnesses.

It's perhaps a vanity, but I like always to appear immaculate. You don't call it

vanity? I call it self -discipline. Even here I've managed to keep my robes

clean.

Starched them regularly with rice water.

But God be praised, we have our best habits put away for feast day. Dr.

is it all right if I take my break now? Yes, and tell those silly women not to

stand out in the sun too long.

Rounders.

Oh, surely a bit of exercise can't hurt.

Not in moderation.

I don't call that moderation.

Oh, sorry, nurse.

I'm being serious, sir.

Come on, over here. Take over, please.

How are you?

Fine, thank you.

She greatly appreciates the extra rations you've let her have.

Yes, thank you.

How long till baby is born?

Till in the middle of August, under two months.

When it is born, we will celebrate.

Prisoners and soldiers both.

I will also arrange for many photographs of baby, so all the world can see

pictures of healthy baby in a prison camp.

Healthy baby in prison camp?

Who does he think he's fooling?

Commandant, have you had time to consider Dr. Mason's request?

That the baby should be born in a hospital.

You are too impatient, Mrs. Jefferson.

I'm sorry, but we're concerned.

Like you, we want this baby to have the best possible start in life, given the

situation.

Now, the conditions here, the sanitary arrangements, the lack of medical

facilities, you must admit they're not... You think I choose it to be so?

No.

It doesn't mean it is a criticism.

I thought you, as much as we, are the victim of circumstance.

You are right.

I did not desire to be sent to this post.

Were it not for poor health, I would be fighting now.

Fighting besides soldiers with whom I am proud to die.

this may only be temporary camp.

Perhaps later you will be moved somewhere more suitable.

Oh, that would be marvellous. In the meantime, women must endure without

complaint, as coolies did before.

Yes.

And the baby.

I will try to arrange with hospital.

But I promise nothing.

Oh, my God!

Maybe this wasn't such a bad idea.

The first time for ages I thought of anything other than... None of that?

Well, it's less than two months.

He might even let you have it in the hospital.

Marion's working on an abduction of one not very far from here. That would be

much worse. Why?

Well, I'm kind of awfully secure.

At least I've got you.

The baby's safety is the most important thing.

Yes.

Oh, thank you.

What? Nothing.

Peter.

But if I knew you were still alive, living in a camp somewhere nearby, at

then, at least I... It's not knowing.

I know.

Also, I saw him at the cricket match.

Vast he won.

He looked so handsome and white.

I went out with the cricketer once for a short while.

Well, one of your flings.

This is a boy I'm going to call Peter as well.

And what if it's a girl?

I haven't thought.

What's Nellie short for?

Eleanor. If it's a girl, I'll call her Eleanor.

Wish it was me.

Oh,

not bad.

Love's improved no end since the catering committee took over.

Amazing, the number of variations on rice and beans.

Mind you, nothing like a spot of exercise for working up an appetite.

You never told me you were a champion bowler.

Forty years of back garden cricket, you've developed quite a nifty style.

Well, I vote we have a repeat game pretty soon. Why not? We could challenge

Dutch to a friendly. Or the Nips to an unfriendly.

Well played. Christina.

Yes, John Eccles.

Thank you.

I enjoyed it. Come and join us. We're planning to take on the Dutch. Thank

Now, I reckon if we could get Marion and Devin and then the three of us, we'd

have a pretty good team. Blanche wouldn't be bad if she'd concentrate.

What about that fair girl in Hut 2? Carol is good.

Don't forget, everybody, there's the general knowledge quiz tonight.

Hut 2.

And you'd better show up.

General knowledge.

You know she asked me to run a panel.

Sorry, I say, corporals and sergeants I know all about, but I've never been with

a general.

No, it wasn't very funny, was it?

I'm even running out of jokes.

Are you all right, son?

I just have a tummy ache.

This son's bloody bean.

Don't care what you say, dress him up. Ah, you're like this. Still as

indigestible as old boots.

Do the rounds, would you, Blanche? Remind everyone about tonight.

Why me?

Because you are meant to be helping me with entertainments and I am sick and

tired of doing all the work. Marion, you know, I think I preferred it before

everyone started organising.

Good evening, everyone.

Welcome to the first round of our general knowledge contest.

Now, tonight, the representatives from huts one and two will be competing and

the winner takes on hut three next week.

I start by introducing the contestants.

Competing for hut one, we have Sylvia...

Thank you.

who tonight will act as our question master.

Oh, should I say mistress?

Well, I shall be here to keep an eye on the score, and over to you, Rose. Thank

you. Now, the first question is for you, Sylvia. If you fail to answer it, I

shall pass it over to Beatrice for a bonus point.

What was Charlotte Bronte's pen name?

Crumb. Wrong.

Was it Belle? Right. And the Christian name?

Oh, let me think.

Where's Molly?

You have just ten more seconds.

Probably decided to skip it.

Or shy.

Could you take the money, please?

Yes, of course.

Oh, I think something's happened.

I keep getting these pains, and just now I... I wet myself.

I am sorry of on time up.

I'll pass this over to Madge for a bonus point.

Who was the mother of Edward the Sixth?

Jane Seymour.

Hut two are now leading by 18 points to 15.

And the next question is for you, Janet. I'm sorry, but Beatrice is needed.

Can someone take her place? Sally's started labour.

Are you certain? The membrane has ruptured and contractions are coming at

roughly four minute intervals.

That's frequent.

It's too late to get her to a hospital, even if Yamauchi agreed.

Oh, my God.

Let me think.

Can't deliver her in the sick bay, not with all that infection.

Better get her over to her own hut. I already have.

Good. Now, we're going to need to screen off a section. We're going to need all

the sheets we can muster. I'll go over to the Dutch. What else do we need?

See if they've got any soap at all. And clean bowls. Is there any string for

ligatures? Right.

Oh, and get someone in the cookhouse to heat some water.

Can we get back to Sally now? You'd better get back to the sickbay. Resume

duties there.

But you'll need help. Send Norris over. It's your official duty tonight. She's

only standing in for you. I don't want the routine upset any more than it's...

Damn the routine!

Keane? I want to stay here. Never mind what you want. I am ordering you back to

that sickbay.

Are you? Well, you can't order me here. We're not at the hospital now, you know.

There are people in there who are dying of malaria.

Well, Kate, look after them.

I promised Sally I'd stay with her.

And besides, I've had more experience than Kate has had in maternity.

Very well.

I wish to speak to Sister Ulricha.

It'll wait till morning.

Please.

The girl who is pregnant has started to have her baby. For the things we must

have.

Baby?

Emergency.

Baby? Come now?

Yes. Please.

Tell the Commandant.

Why didn't you tell us before?

I didn't realize.

We should have warned her.

Never mind. You'll be all right now, sir.

That's it.

I'm done.

Good.

I'm going to have a look at you.

I'm going to have to have more light.

Thank

you.

Is there anything else you need?

Yes, cupboards, any sort of drapes. We want to make a cubicle round her.

One moment.

You have these two?

Oh, but these are your... Take them.

Thank you, sister.

There's another coming.

Now try to remember what I told you.

Breathe.

Over the crest now, Sam.

Good girl.

Was that any better?

Peter. You're doing really well.

Do I have to lie down all the time?

I'd rather get up and walk about a bit. No, no, no. You stay where you are. It

can do no harm, surely.

At the hospital here, at the mother's walk -around during the first day. She

just reminded me we're not in a hospital now. She's more comfortable moving,

Doctor. We didn't wreck this cubicle and wash and prepare her so that she could

wander around picking up more germs.

Now, you try and doze between contractions, dear. You're going to need

strength later.

Here. I'm going over to the cookhouse to do some sterilising.

Rounded, but did it?

I doubt it.

Not to worry.

I'm going to explain everything.

So, I'm afraid I shall have to ask some of you to evacuate, Hut One, just for

tonight. What's a bit more messing about?

Oh, no. No, we won't have to inconvenience you, Blanche.

I'd rather be inconvenient.

You'll be staying over there.

Now, I've got four empty beds here, so I'd like Judith and Debbie to move over,

plus Rose and Dorothy, as your beds are in use. Now... Oh, where is Dorothy?

Can't you guess? Running her past?

Dirty little... What?

British leader, go advance to commandant.

It'll be about Sally.

I think we better call the proceedings to a halt on our own.

The end of a perfect evening.

After Nansato said pregnant girl has started to have baby.

Yes, commandant, but it's...

Too soon.

Will baby be all right?

I don't know.

You told me you were here.

Is there anything I can do? Yes, I need another lamp.

I'd rather see to move, let alone deliver a baby. I will bring it.

Why bother to sterilize anything?

What good does it do? Firm and worse than ever. Rats everywhere.

Filthy mosquitoes.

You will manage.

Have faith.

In what?

In your own skill.

Skills no use without the right equipment.

Can't examine our property.

Can't look at blood pressure.

Beating stethoscope is a piece of bamboo.

Whether it's the baby's heartbeat I'm hearing or the sound of my own wishful

thinking.

Native women have babies all the time without medical aid. That's fine, until

there's a complication.

What then?

Very soon, now, the contractions will become almost continuous. But you

worry, it won't be for long.

It's just until the cervix is fully dilated, and then you move on to the

stage. What will that mean?

You get this tremendous pushing feeling.

You'll feel as if you want to push the baby out of your bottom.

Is that another?

Now try to concentrate on the breathing, Sal.

That's it. Good girl. You're doing splendidly.

God!

It could go on all night. Heaven forbid.

Well, I'll be getting over to her too. I wish I could come with you.

I'm not asleep. We're going to get here.

Is that all you can think of?

Don't you care about Sally?

Of course I bloody well care, but there's not much I can do, is there?

you want me to do, start a sing -song? I'll hear her on. Shut up! Shut up

yourself!

What's going on?

You can be so busy elsewhere, you'd know.

Sal's about to drop her sprung.

Any minute now. You and I are being moved over to Hut 2 tonight. Your things

there.

It's premature.

Yes. We're hoping it'll be all right.

Oh, it'll survive.

They'll see that it does.

They'll give her baby milk and eggs, won't they?

Give her baby medicines.

Not kill it like they did mine.

That's a cigarette you're lighting, Blanche. Forget it.

The head passes through the pelvic canal.

No need to bother her with the details.

But I want to know.

Leave it to us. That's what we're here for. It's my body.

How often are they coming?

Every two minutes.

I think we need someone to hold this around.

Marion, then.

No. Where were we? Oh, yes.

The head passing through the pelvic canal.

How long does it take?

That depends.

You took a long time to come.

But I wouldn't have missed a moment of it.

You're wonderful.

That's good.

Good girl.

How much longer?

Very soon now. I can see the head. There.

It's nearly over. Hang on just a bit longer.

I'll wait for the next one.

Sal, she's going to deliver the head with the next contraction.

Oh, there's one coming now.

Steady, then.

No, no. Pant.

Pant.

That's it.

That's it.

I don't want to fall, huh?

Good girl. That's it.

Keep going. Still.

What's happening?

Is it over?

Yes. Is Sal all right? Yes, she's all right.

And the baby?

Stillborn.

After all that.

They rushed Sister Ulrica over to baptise it, just in case there was a

life left.

She chucked water over its head and they bungled it in a sack.

They're burying it now.

Poor old Val.

Would have been a girl.

Going to celebrate, was he?

Healthy baby, born in prison camp.

As if a couple of eggs every week could have made any difference.

Oh, Christ.

I hate this place.

Don't, Nellie.

Don't.

We've seen it all before.

That's nursing.

I think it was your baby.

Try not to grieve, my child.

Your baby is with God now. In what better keeping could she be?

And he will give you strength to bear your loss if you will turn to him.

Shall I stay for a while and pray with you?

O God, look on this thy child.

There is no one else under heaven who can comfort her, but only thou, O Lord,

the heavenly physician of souls.

It's bound to hit her very hard.

You're referring to the medical aspects?

Oh.

Oh, yes, yes, of course.

Not a shortage, you'll know. She must be kept clean.

I'll see she's given priority.

I'll give her some loosing facilities.

So, at least she's not in too much discomfort.

There were no bad tears.

You did a first -rate job.

Oh, yes, first -rate.

You can't blame yourself for the lack of nutrition.

The wonder is she didn't lose it sooner.

I suppose so.

It's just I'd hoped after what happened to Dorothy's baby. We all hoped.

If it's all right with you, Beatrice, I'd like to ask Nellie to move over to

hut. What for?

I think it would help Sally having her there.

I don't think it's a good idea. Why not?

Because you've already got Kate Norris in that hut. I'd like your nurses to be

spread around.

Yes, well, they've got you in hut too. I still don't think it would be wise.

Salt needs someone. Nellie seems to be a special friend. It isn't good for

people to get too reliant on each other. It's better than being emotionally

isolated. I don't want another Dorothy.

Hello.

My thing's back.

Sorry you had to move out.

Oh, that's all right.

I'm sorry about, you know... Thank you.

Two of a kind now.

Want a cigarette?

No, thank you.

Sure. It helps.

Right, sure.

Now, guess what? What?

Marion says Valerie and I can change her.

We'd be together.

What's the matter with her?

I think she's got it in for me, ever since I told her off about the company

keeps.

How are you feeling?

So? You know what I mean. In yourself.

Oh, Nellie. What?

I feel such a hypocrite.

Everyone's been so nice to me.

As if I lost something.

told me it was dead.

Without nothing but belief.

I didn't ever want to have it. Not here. You see, it was everybody else who

wanted it. Even the commandant.

It had become sort of simple.

It died anyway, wouldn't it?

Like Dorothy's.

I expect so.

Oh, and if I come to care for it, like she did Violet, I

couldn't bear to be like her.

Don't hate me, do you?

Hate you?

For feeling like that, I mean, we can still be friends, can't we?

Oh, Sal.

And now we pass on to the emergence of the Gothic style.

About the year 1200, architecture in England and France underwent a further

change. The most obvious difference was that pointed arches were used instead of

round ones.

A Gothic cathedral had an altogether more elegant look.

The carvings both inside and out are more delicate than in Romanesque

Think of Notre Dame or Winchester Cathedral.

It's not going to hurt much. I bet you it is.

Ready?

All right.

There.

It's all right.

Nellie!

And, uh, how was your morning?

Oh, fine.

If you like laughing.

Boy, oh, how was yours?

Oh, well, I've been put on to a million guards in the fall.

Yeah. And I...

He

doesn't recognise me, does he?

I'm just another faceless woman.

make the cesspit smell like a rose garden.

There's something wrong about my hand. I'm going to wash it tonight.

You could always share Yamouchi's bathtub.

He wouldn't let you near.

Even the scum are keeping their distance these days.

So, what's on tonight, then?

Michelle's birthday party.

Oh, God.

More organised, Jonathan.

You must go.

Nell has taken heaps of trouble.

Might as well drown ourselves.

Oh,

yeah.

it up and you'll see what

but

you haven't seen what's underneath

it yet thank

you you must have sold everything

you've got

in Singapore and put them on our account.

This is nice.

Reminds me of school dancing lessons.

Hey, here's interns to be learned.

School I went to, we never learned dancing.

Who taught you then?

I used to go to the village hop.

With anyone special?

No.

Oh, I'm sorry.

Oh, this is hopeless.

Just a bit of a nap down after the ballroom at Rathalos.

I never went there.

No.

Are you where I am?

Sorry?

Regimental ball?

The men in mesquite?

Mind you, Herbert couldn't dance to save his life.

Nor could Clifford.

There's another rumour going round the camp.

What is it this time?

According to the doctor, the Americans have landed in Java.

What was it last week?

Singapore had been retaken by the British, and we were about to be

There could be some basis of truth in it, Marion.

Maybe.

Ordered Debbie's first grown -up doll?

Yeah.

We were going to buy her a long dress.

Money, no object, David said.

David's her daddy.

You told me. Yes. He would do anything for his little girl.

Just a moment, Judith. I did promise Sal a dance. Will you excuse me? Do you

think we could have something a bit lively?

Nellie?

Nellie? Do you mind if I have a dance with the birthday girl? Clear a space,

please.

That won't be any much. What?

Dance, dancing with a girlfriend.

Because they go round to death. That's not all they do.

Nellie looks down on me, but at least I go with men. Look, there's enough filth

around here without you spreading more.

But if you don't believe me, ask Rose.

Ask me what?

You sleep opposite them, too.

Nellie and Sally.

You know how they carry on.

It's all perfectly harmless.

Bare? Not the way I look at it.

Exactly. It's your dirty mind. Hark at the teaching.

Only I had a proper -sized needle.

They let you take the work away this time. I hate seeing this in a guard's

Why don't they just slip off and stand around?

Do they ever try anything?

No.

They'd better not, either.

Don't they sometimes just sound like Peter?

Do I?

Mm -hmm.

What is that?

Diarrhea.

Ground charcoal to be taken three times a day after meal.

Another of Big B's brain waves. How did he do?

Kate?

You've known Nellie some time, haven't you?

Hmm, a fair while.

We were on the same war together.

Did you know that there was talk about her and Sam?

What sort of talk?

That they're having some sort of a thing.

What are they going to dream up next, for Pete's sake?

Sally's a married woman.

Nellie was out with a different bloke every week in Singapore.

They're as normal as you and me.

I don't know what normal is anymore.

You're late.

I'm sorry. It's becoming a habit. I forgot the time.

We're going to have to be quick. There's a meeting of the discipline committee

tonight. Right, go ahead.

It's a new Dutch patient.

Convulsions, probably due to sunstroke, but watch her. The tailor girl's over

the crisis. She should be all right.

Judith Bowen's back again.

Another bout of the life. Yes.

So, we're all agreed.

Anyone found using extra water except the regulated amounts at regulated hours

will be given extra duties. Right. Weak, hard labour. That's a good term.

Oh, it's precious.

Well, that's all there is on the agenda. Any other business?

There is a matter I want to raise.

Yes, Madge. It's not a subject one cares to speak of.

But one has one's duty to the community at large.

Yes.

What is it? It concerns one of your nurses, Dr. Mason.

Nellie Keene.

I can guess what you're referring to. Doubtless you know what people are

About her and the Markham girl. A little tittle -tattle. I wouldn't be so sure.

Have you seen the way they go about?

Arms round each other.

Hand in hand, thoroughly unhealthy.

Oh! Yes, what's so unhealthy about it? Didn't you hold hands with other girls

school? No, I did not. Well, I did. In any case, we're not at school now. Well,

it's the same sort of thing. I mean, they're both very young. Sally's barely

of her teens.

Sally's 26.

So you agree with me, Doctor?

It is unhealthy.

No, I wouldn't put it like that.

Just Marion knows I was against them being put in the same hut. You guessed

were after something, did you? No, I just thought there was a danger of

emotional involvement. Since when was feeling a crime?

It depends how it manifests itself.

One wouldn't wish to put a name to it. Oh, for God's sake, what was I thinking

about the voice of the same... Oh, I'm sorry, I thought the meeting was over.

No, no, we haven't quite finished.

Let's calm down a bit, shall we?

Now, in my view, the whole thing's been blown up out of all proportion.

Like most of the rumours in the camp. Sally lost her baby just a month ago.

She desperately needed affection and Nellie's given her that. Do we have to

sully that friendship by calling it unnatural?

Yes, if it is.

I think we should take some action.

What sort of example are they showing to the young people?

Heaven knows things are lacked enough here as it is.

Sylvia, what do you think?

You don't reach my age without learning to sniff out the barrens.

Take it from me, Sally's a thoroughly nice girl.

Leave well alone, I say.

Beatrice?

Shall I have a word with Nellie?

This is the nearest we shall get to privacy. No such thing here.

If you want to be alone, you close your eyes.

What do you want to talk to me about, Percy?

What made you decide to go in for it?

What's this talking about? A promotion for it? No, just interested.

I don't know.

Something I always wanted to do.

Location?

Nothing as grand as that.

You didn't see it as a means of free travel or a marriage ticket?

No, never saw it that way.

I suppose I must enjoy looking after people.

I think you could go a long way in the profession.

What, here?

We mustn't think of this as our entire existence.

There will be a life again outside, Nellie. One day. You must never lose

of that.

What are you trying to say?

Well, I think you're in danger of losing your direction.

Because I've been late and duty a couple of times. No, no, no, it's not just

that. Though that is symptomatic of your general approach these days.

When we were in Singapore, I always used to think of you as one of my more

reliable nurses. But now, your work...

Seems to be playing second fiddle to your extramural interests.

Ah, now we have it.

I should have known when you called me Nellie. This isn't a joking matter.

People are talking about you and Sally.

Well, let them.

I don't care. Well, I do care. I don't like to see you the subject of cheap

gossip. That's too far. And I can't allow you to give anything less than

best. We put on a brave face, but you know as well as I do that things can

get worse here.

Ever your patience needed you, it's now.

I don't see what that's got to do with Sally and me. Everything.

You're the only thing that stands between some of these people and death.

You need your dedication.

And your love.

Can't afford time -consuming relationships, especially ones that

anywhere.

Believe me, I do know.

A woman doesn't become a doctor... without making certain sacrifices.

And were they worth it?

Yes, I think so.

Please, Nellie, I beg you to remember that first and foremost, you're a nurse.

No, I'm not.

First and foremost, I'm a person.

I think she'll beat it this time.

We're not here to make predictions. We're here to work.

I've been looking everywhere for you.

What's the matter?

Let's get out of this, Dinko.

Forget it.

It's not what people really think.

Does it matter? Of course it matters.

Do you want people thinking we're like that?

Oh,

God, the idea makes me feel sick.

Ellie,

what are we going to do?

Glad he was not him.

I wonder what'll happen to Debbie when Judith goes.

We'll all have to rally round and help her.

Kate, I've moved back into hut two.

Oh, no, how come?

Sensible. Sally's over the baby now.

She doesn't need me anymore.

Would you keep an eye on her, though?

She might miss me to begin with.

Sure I will.

I'll sit around here chatting.

There's work to be done.

We just sit and wait till it's our turn

What?

I'd sooner risk getting shot out there than rot slowly here.

you