All language subtitles for Java Head

I did over 38 years at sea, my boy.

38 years.

Yes. At 12, I shipped as a powder
monkey aboard an East-Indiaman.

At 33, I had two ships of my own.
Of my own.

And I started the firm
of Ammidon And Sons.

It's quite true I didn't have a son.
Still, I was always an optimist.

Presently, William came along.

With Gerrit a little later
to justify the plural.

This house, you know. Java Head.

It was building at the time.
Rumour came Gerrit was on his way.

We had to race to do it in time for the
stork to drop him down the chimney.

That's a landlubber's trick to
drop a baby down a chimney.

It's an odd name for a
house, sir. Java Head.

People thought I was crazy. Crazy. Ha.

Ah, but they'd never sailed out of
a hurricane in the Indian Ocean.

And to see the rock of Java Head.

With its promise of calm
water in the Sunda Strait.

Ah. That's what the sign on my
gatepost has always meant to me.

The promise of a safe
and happy ending ..

To a long and stormy run. Eh?

Was grandfather giving
you the family history?

It's been very interesting.

Excuse me, won't you, sir.
- Certainly, my boy.

Mother, I think Roger needs some tea.

Did you ever hear such noise?

There has been a tea party
every day this week.

We'll have nothing left to talk about.

I've seen them on Clifton Downs.

Gerrit Ammidon and Nettie Vollar?

With no chaperone and a lunch basket.

After all, there is nothing
really wrong with Nettie Vollar.

No, but Frank Vollar and her
mother were going to be married.

If she hadn't broken his
neck before the wedding.

No-one would have known they'd
been a little too much engaged.

Herbert.

Crystal.

Have you seen Uncle Gerrit since lunch?
- No, mother.

Laurel was upstairs helping him to pack.

Laurel.

You'd better stow the rest of
that cake under the hedge.

Laurel, dear.

I said no more cake.
- But ..

No. Don't speak with your mouth full.

Run upstairs and tell Uncle
Gerrit we're waiting for him.

It won't do any good.

He said he was going down to his ship ..
- Never mind, dear.

She said George said ..

You are naughty.
I didn't say that at all.

Except that she's blooming and
common and I dislike her intensely.

My dear, you're impossible. Absolutely.

Father?

Gerrit.

Are you having a nice time?
- Wonderful.

You know, you get your
love of social life from me.

Well, Gerrit?
- Why, William.

I didn't think anything could drag you
away from your office in the afternoon.

I can't let our friends think the
Ammidon men have no manners at all.

You might pray for me as well, William.

Miss Olive Wyburn.
How are you, Olive?

As usual, Gerrit.
- That's a pity.

Be careful. I may succumb
to your sarcasm.

As easily as others have succumbed
to your sympathetic understanding.

Rhoda, dear.
- I'm so glad you came down.

I'll be back for dinner.

Gerrit, no.

You're sailing tomorrow. I'm giving this
party and you're the guest of honour.

A thoughtful guest of honour
comes late and leaves early.

Thereby throwing his character and
reputation to the beasts in the arena.

And making the thing a howling success.
I'll be back for dinner.

Hello, Nettie.

Where did you come from?
- The back door.

Mother finished the beading
on your sister's new dress.

I brought it round.

Don't say you're running
away from the party?

Not if you'll come in.

Just for a minute.
- Gerrit, I can't.

I wasn't asked.

You don't know your luck.

A zoological chamber of horrors.

Snakes, vultures, spiders.

Hissing and squawking
their horrid gossip.

Spiders don't hiss and squawk.
- Weaving a nasty web, say.

This is no laughing matter. People like
that make me feel just like a porcupine.

Better to be an ostrich.

Stick your head in the
sand and let them gossip.

With all these animals,
we'll soon have a Noah's ark.

Thank goodness I'm sailing
away in my own ark tomorrow.

So the Nautilus is quite ready to go?
- She's perfect.

That's splendid.

Let's walk up Brandon Hill.

I'd love to.

But grandfather knew I
was only coming here.

He doesn't sit with a watch
in his hand, does he?

And a bible.
Punctuality and godliness you know.

Was Nettie to go on any other errand?

Beside the Ammidons?

No, father.

You've your own life to live.
You're too resigned.

What you need is someone
to make you rebel.

A real friend.

Haven't I got one?

I'm going away tomorrow.

But the right sort of chap
must be in Bristol somewhere.

I wonder.

You know, I'm just as proud as the
people who think I'm beneath them.

So you should be.

You're as good as anyone
in Bristol and better than most.

I've an idea.

I'll send you back a Spanish
Don or a French Marquis.

Why not?

Or would you prefer a
Brazilian millionaire?

How about a king from
the Cannibal Islands?

The very thing. If he doesn't suit.

You can give him Olive Wyburn for
dinner and he'll die of indigestion.

I might even send you a boatload of
assorted coloureds, and let you choose.

How do you do, Mr Dunsack?
- We wait at tea. It's cold.

Go in and boil some water.

Will you come in too, for a minute?
- Thank you, sir. I would like to.

Your mother is waiting for you.

Excuse me.

I won't ask you to sit down.
I have little to say.

But that little, I mean.

I told you your mother is waiting.

Well, Mr Dunsack?

I want you to keep away from Nettie.

May I ask why?
- Yes.

That you expect me to
think you are a fool?

You know.

Because you're a fool, sir. Keeping up
a quarrel with my father for 20 years.

It's not for you.

Nor any impious sinner to make light of.

I won't have another
mortal sin in this house.

Like her mother's.

I think you've gone mad, sir.

The defence of a guilty conscience.

If you mean what say,
perhaps you'll explain it.

I know your inheritance.

Only today, I've learned
how I've been lied to.

How everyone in the city is talking,
pointing and laughing at me.

Waiting for Nettie to go
the way her mother did.

So that's what they
were whispering about.

I heard people talking to Nettie as
though they were doing her a favour.

That made me angry.

I found she had no friends.

So I tried to be friendly.

And you think I wanted to hurt her.

What a beautiful world this is.

And what a lovely corner of it.

And what an ornament
you are with your bible.

People who can take a wish to be
kind and turn it into something filthy.

Thank god for the sea.

What have you done?

We must give thanks to god
that he opened my eyes.

To save you from the pursuing
sin of your mother's shame.

You don't know what sin is.

I've always taken your word.

It was the laugh of
Jezebel I heard just now.

Drawing the neighbours' eyes to my door.

So it is a sin to laugh?

But it's not a sin to be cruel?

You've driven away the only person who's
ever been really kind and understanding.

Who ever gave me any hope of finding
something happy, beautiful and living.

Oh Lord, judge not too harshly
this child of your wrath.

Grant her thy mercy that she may find
the way to humility and repentance.

And a healing submission ..

To .. Thy .. Holy .. will.

Bye, Rhoda.
- Goodbye, Gerrit.

Don't be away too long.

Best of luck, uncle.

Goodbye, William.
- Goodbye, old man.

Good luck.

Goodbye, Captain Ammidon.

Goodbye, Gerrit.

Goodbye.

All clear, for'ard?

Aye-aye, sir .. all clear for'ard.

Goodbye, Tom. Goodbye. Good luck.

My good lass .. goodbye ..

Happy days, Gerrit.

Good luck to you. I say, Gerrit.

If you make Manila,
don't forget my cheroots.

I won't, father.

I no speak Portuguese, see.

But I knew a girl here.

A girl I knew here in Lisbon.

[ Portuguese language ]

So you come to Rio De Janeiro.
A beautiful city.

With many strange sights.

Very warm, isn't it?

It may be right under our feet.

The whole state of
California is solid gold.

I sold everything to get here. I paid
$800 from Panama to San Francisco.

You really mean
there's gold in California?

Yeah, gold. There had better be gold.

My father is coming in today.

Keep those out of sight.

Put them with the special records.
- Yes, sir.

He likes to feel he's still in harness.

For there may be some more
of those manifests there.

Yes, he does poke about, sir.

I was telling John you
might be coming in.

Warm.

Ah.

I must be putting on weight.
- You won't remember you're not 21.

Thank you, my dear.
- Why didn't you drive down?

Damn driving.

If I could hoist to sail
on the Barouche now.

How's the little lady?
- I may be little but I'm no lady.

I'm the bosun.

I'll stand no guff from the crew.
- Laurel.

Yes, father.

I think I'll go with John.

I wish you wouldn't encourage
Laurel in that sort of sea-talk.

Better than prunes and prisms.

Don't look down on the
sea, William. It made us.

I know. But now we're on land.

Don't I realise it every time I look
at you. A landlubber from stem to stern.

Now Gerrit always had a nautical itch.

Even in his cradle.

A year.

And five days.

He didn't plan so long a voyage.

Gerrit would have been
home and away again.

If the Nautilus had been a clipper.

Instead of an old-fashioned,
fat-bottomed, slow-moving ..

What?
- Listen, father.

Listen? While you insult
the finest ship afloat?

Fat-bottomed, indeed.

She's brought home a million pounds'
worth of cargo with her fat bottom.

Lost us another million
for lack of speed.

Clipper ships. You can't build a
boat in the shape of a jack-knife.

They're so fast they're
called greyhounds of the sea.

Are they? For all kinds of weather,
give me a good, solid St Bernard.

In the future, success
must depend on speed.

Here is Gerrit dawdling about picking up
a cargo here and selling it again there.

These clipper ships run on a schedule.
- Schedule.

Ninety days out of Canton
with single cargoes of tea.

They made fortunes.
- Let them.

No sir. No sir.

The Ammidon flag has always been hoisted
on fine, tall full-beamed sailing ships.

That's the way it's going to stay.

As long as I'm the head of the line. Ha.

Morning, Dingwall. How are the twins?

They're doing well.
- Glad to hear it.

Glad something's doing well.

Here, look here. They've left
out the hedge-combings.

Left them out. On the repair
to the Eastern Queen.

If I didn't come down
here once in a while.

You'd forget you had any ships
at all and go in for balloons.

Father, here's Nettie.

Well, Nettie.

How are you, Captain Ammidon?

Still afloat.
I've just been telling William.

How are you, Nettie?
- Well, thank you.

I wouldn't have walked in
like this only .. Laurel.

Quite alright. Won't you sit down?

Yes.
- Thank you.

I only wanted to ask if you had
had any news of the Nautilus.

No. Not yet.

I just wondered. You see ..

My Uncle Edward has come home and ..
- From London I believe?

Yes.

He landed there from China a month ago.

He saw Gerrit in Shanghai.

In fact, Gerrit sailed before he did.

But the Nautilus couldn't
be that much overdue.

Are you sure?

Uncle Edward had a
chest of goods for Bristol.

Gerrit carried it for him.

Captain Ammidon.
- Father.

Grandfather.
- I'm alright.

I'm alright.
- Can I get you a doctor?

No thank you, my dear.
I'm alright. I just felt a bit ..

Dizzy.

Perhaps I'd better wear glasses.

He won't do what he's told.
He won't take care of himself.

You go straight home and lie down.
I'll send for the carriage.

I shall go home when I please.

And on my feet.

Anyone would think I was an old hulk,
who's never going to sail again.

You frighten me, father.

I'm sorry, William.

Sorry .. but you needn't worry.

Any more than I need worry.

Just because Gerrit is
a week or two late.

Of course not.

It was stupid of me.
- No. Nonsense, nonsense.

How is your grandfather?

He's been very ill.
- Ill?

And I didn't hear?

You know. Barzil and I are
a couple of darned fools.

Can you imagine two old shipmates not
speaking to each other for 20 years?

Bilge, that's what it is. Bilge. And ..

I'm hanged if I don't
put a stop to it now.

If only you could.

I'll meet the scoundrel
half way, by the jib.

You're not going to Mr Dunsack's now?

It's just where I am going.
Come on Nettie. Come on, bosun.

Now look here.
- Save your breath, William.

When I make sail .. I go.

Come on.

Slack away for'ard.

Uncle Edward.

Captain Ammidon. A pleasant surprise.

Glad to see you back in Bristol.

I'll tell grandfather.

Bosun. Say how do you do to Mr Dunsack.
- How do you do, Mr Dunsack?

I don't think you do very well.

That's too bad.
A very frank young person.

Bad associations I'm afraid.

Been ill? You're as pale as a Chinaman.

I'm always well. It flatters me
to think I resemble a Chinese.

I've the greatest admiration
for the yellow race.

They have their points.

The Chinese philosophies
and refinements.

Their mental courage and
knowledge of beauty are ..

It gives me nostalgia for them in this
land of horsehair and underdone mutton.

But you didn't stay in China.

I felt my father needed me here.

I didn't know you and
he were friends again.

We're not.

But we're going to be or
I'll break his blasted neck.

You saw Gerrit in Shanghai?

Once. The day before he sailed.

I have a valuable chest
aboard the Nautilus.

I hope it's safe.

Now, that's nice of you, Edward.

So do I.

Captain Ammidon.

Grandfather is surprised. I think
he's pleased. Will you come up?

I'll find a way up, thank you very much.
If you look after Laurel.

Thank you, my dear.

Take this penetrating young person away.
Give her a piece of cake or something.

Come along, Laurel.
Let's see what we can find.

Well, Barzil.

You have been amongst
the rocks, haven't you.

I'm glad you're afloat again.

Hard to kill, our kind.

Eh?

Oak ribs and copper bound, eh?

We'll last a long time yet.

Won't we?

Thank you for seeing me, but ..

But you won't speak.

Is that it?

Come, come, come here.

Here am I like a dove with a
blistering olive-branch in my hand.

And you glare as though I were
a Malay pirate trying to board you.

Come on now.

Remember that Malay Proa
hanging off our quarter by Formosa?

We trained the cannon aft and
fired a shot and she sheared off.

Yes. Yes, too bad.
We had some fun that time.

Eighteen hundred and one. In the Flora.

We made Oahu that year .. remember?

I wonder if the Kanaka girls
still swim out to the ships?

With those hibiscus
flowers in their hair.

You laughed at me because I turned to
the Lord, when your eyes were on women.

Are you sure you didn't look
over your shoulder, Barzil?

No, no. I didn't mean that.

Gerrit. In the Nautilus.

Is overdue.

Thou shalt have no other god.

Did you hear what I said?
I'm worried over Gerrit.

The axe of god shall cut down
the evil tree to cast it aside.

Lest it cast a blighting shade
on the fruit of repentance.

What do you mean?

Are you calling my son evil?
- I sent him away.

His friendship with Nettie
could only have ended in shame.

So Gerrit.

My son.

You mean to say ..

Naked Kanaka girls.
With flowers in their hair.

You're an evil-minded old fool, Barzil.

If Gerrit liked Nettie
and she liked him ..

You've driven off a cursed-good husband.
That's what you've done.

If you think I objected because Frank
Vollar died instead of getting married.

You've gone right out
of your silly old head.

He who condones a sin,
confesses himself as a sinner.

I don't set myself up as a judge.

But of course, no-one has told
you should condone a sin.

But how about a little forgiveness?

Gerrit and Nettie must
bear their burden.

As I bear mine.
- You are in the dark ages.

You have bad luck, don't you?

I don't wonder with your religion.

I wouldn't give a word for a
creator who didn't blow in your eye.

You were always a scoffer, a blasphemer.

You haven't changed.
- No, neither have you.

You're a fanatical, psalm
singing, old devil-dodger.

That's what you are.
A disgrace to the sea we sailed.

Goodbye.

Hey, captain.

Hey, captain.
- Eh?

You have forgotten me.

What's the matter?

Didn't you like old Mr Dunsack?
- Like him?

Do I like dirty, slimy poisonous toads?

He's a derelict, that's what he is.
A derelict.

A dirty, dangerous menace.

To every bit of good shipping
that comes in his way.

I'm hanged if I'll ever
give him a hail again.

Not so long as ever I live .. no, sir.

No, sir. Not even for the love of
the cock-eyed mermaid of China.

Captain.

There's more religion
in your little finger ..

Than in all of that man's body.
- A flag.

A flag.
- Where?

On the Ammidon building.

A big one on top and
a small one underneath.

An 'N' for Nautilus.

They've sighted the Nautilus and
your Uncle Gerrit is coming home.

Stand by your heaving lines for'ard.

Stand by your heaving lines for'ard.

Ahoy.

Don't blame the hat on me, Uncle Gerrit.
Mother made me wear it.

Tom.

Hello Hilda. Hello.

Tom.

I'll be ashore in a minute.

Haul in, for'ard.

Hello to Gerrit. Hi.

Captain Ammidon.
- Captain yourself, sir.

Rhoda, my dear.

Nettie, you look lovely.

And Laurel.

Hasn't she grown?

John, hello.
- How are you, sir?

Mr Brevard, trim as ever I see.

Wait and see what we have for dinner.

I can't wait. I made for Manila
for your cheroots, sir.

I thought I'd make a run from Shanghai.
But ran into a gale off The Cape.

Bad luck.
- We worried about you.

Nonsense.

I must take the ship's
manifest to the collective.

Then to Java Head and that dinner.

Yes.

Don't be long, Gerrit.
- Rhoda.

You might send me back the closed
Barouche in an hour, will you?

Of course.
- I won't be long.

It's good to see you.

Tom. Look.

Welcome home, Captain Ammidon.
- How are you, Edward?

It's pleasant to see you, Nettie.

You were so long overdue.

Everyone's happy to see you back safely.
- I'm glad to be back.

It's nice to find you looking so well.

That chest of yours comes
as my personal belongings.

Kind of you.

Don't mention it.

I've still got a great deal to do.
You'll excuse me, won't you?

I'll be back in a moment, Nettie.

Have you a chest for me, Mr Dunsack?
It came with Captain Ammidon's luggage.

Yes, Mr Dunsack. Here.

Alright, mate.

Give us a hand with it, will you?
- Right you are.

Ha-ha .. no need to tell
me they ran into a gale.

The foresail and yardarm had been
carried away and rigged again at sea.

Gerrit hates to take in sail.

To haul in the jib is
like pulling out a tooth.

It's odd that he should
want the Barouche.

Laurel, dear .. do sit down.

Still worrying about the cargo, William?

I certainly hope it's a good one.
- I would welcome the Nautilus empty.

Can't I think about the cargo
and be glad to see Gerrit?

Really father, I'm not inhuman.

This is Taou Yuen. My wife.

My father.

I am humbled before this honour.

God bless my soul.

This is my brother, William.

She was to have shaken hands.
We rehearsed it on board ship.

But apparently, it wasn't
respectable enough.

This is my sister-in-law, Rhoda.

And my nieces, Crystal.

And Laurel.

I greet you with greatest happiness.

Apparently, I must welcome
you for Gerrit's family.

I am most grateful before your goodness.

You will want to go to your room.

But it .. isn't arranged for two.

At the moment.

But I'll attend to that at once.

Thank you, Rhoda.

Crystal, take Laurel in to the
garden and pick some flowers.

For your Uncle Gerrit's wife.

Excuse me.

Will you come with me?

Thank you so much, Rhoda.

It's incredible, Gerrit.

Horrifying.

I can't pretend anything else.

You are surprised, of course.

But you can take my word for it. It's a
matter for congratulations, not horror.

I'm sorry there was no way to
let you know before, father.

What did you say her name was?

Taou Yuen. It means Peach Garden.

Taou .. Yuen .. Ammidon?

It doesn't sound right, my boy.
The two won't go together.

They have.

You needn't have brought her here.
Think of Rhoda and the children.

I consider it an honour to know my wife.

If it's birth and breeding you worry
about, her father was a Manchu Prince.

That makes it more incredible still.

How were you married?
- Legally.

With a bowl of tea?
And beating on a gong?

That means less than putting on a ring?

Don't doubt my marriage.
I won't allow it.

Who cares what you won't or will allow?

You know how people will think and talk?
- Let them.

They'll have a thing to talk about.
- You can't make my family share it.

That's enough, William.

Shouting won't help things now.
- But father ..

My decks are awash,
quite as much as yours.

But I'm not sending up
any rockets about it.

You know you raised a bit of a
blow with your surprise, Gerrit.

But I think if we all
reef sail and wait.

We'll run into pleasant weather alright.

I don't want to force Taou Yuen
on you or anyone else, father.

We'll go on to London tomorrow.

Don't be a damned fool.

You will stay here, where you belong.

You'd better tell the cook what
your wife would like for dinner.

Where the devil is my bottle of rum?

Thanks, Mr Jones.

Though it's not greens
we be wanting now.

But birds' nests.

Because Master Gerrit has
brought home a Chinese wife.

A Chinese?
- A heathen.

With fingernails .. like that.

Think of that, Mr Gimply.

Young Captain Ammidon has
married a heathen Chinese.

A Chinese?

From China?

Believe it or not, Mr Binks.

A Chinese girl from China.

I got it just this minute.
From the butcher.

What I say is, what have they got
in China that we ain't got here?

I say everyone to their taste.

But can you imagine
marrying a Chinese girl?

A Chinese girl.

What's that for?
- For what you're thinking.

It's the gospel truth, Mr Dunsack.

Captain Gerrit Ammidon has
brought home a Chinese wife.

Are you sure?
- Sure.

Quite sure.

But I've heard it from a dozen people.

It's silly gossip.

I'm telling you Gerrit Ammidon
has married a Chinese wife.

I don't believe it.

The marriage may be open to doubt.
But he has brought a Chinese girl home.

The great Gerrit Ammidon playing a fool
with a yellow girl from the tea house.

Impossible.

In China, a foreigner never
meets any other kind.

Gerrit couldn't marry a Chinese girl.

Why not?

Is it so very important to you?

Not now. It might have been if
grandfather hadn't interfered.

He said some dreadful things.
Of course, Gerrit was disgusted.

Of course. No-one should dare
to criticise an Ammidon.

How the mighty have fallen.

Can you imagine ..
- I don't want to talk about it.

I don't care.

We're developing quite a ceremony.

It does not please you?
- Of course it does.

Only it should be this way.

You give me too much honour.
It is I who should honour you.

Our own special ceremony of
greeting as you taught me.

I'm afraid there wasn't much ceremony
in the way my family greeted you.

They were surprised.
It was to be expected.

It made them stupid.

Such a thing could never happen to you.

I'll learn to be like you one day.

You .. learn from me?

A sailor long on an even keel.
Perfectly balanced.

In any kind of weather.

I hope you like this room.

It's been mine ever
since I was a small boy.

It is like you. Honest.

So it is beautiful.

I'll get you a daybed and your wicker
pillow is coming up from the ship.

English women do their
hair every day you know.

They go about with bare faces too.

Is that not quite modest?

No paint, you mean?
No, you won't see any of that.

It's considered indecent.

Funny, isn't it? Where with
you, it's just the opposite.

It is life.

What seemed wise yesterday
might seem foolish tomorrow.

Now we are here, you do not regret it?

Do you?

Don't talk nonsense, or think it.

Then you believe I came
because I love you?

That I did not just wish to be free?

Like a bad woman who
gives herself for a price.

You are beyond price.

You must remember I have brought an
evil spirit to harm others that I love.

What is this, a catechism?

I must be sure.

Unless I make you happy,
I have no right to live.

I can't remember an evil spirit
because there is no such thing.

I thought we'd agreed on that.

The only spirits we have in England are
in bottles, and they're all very good.

That's supposed to be a joke, you know.

Then I will laugh like a dutiful wife.

Afterwards you can explain it to me.

I suppose you will be spending
your morning down at the boat.

You prefer not to have me at church?
- Don't be absurd.

It would be nice if we went
with you this morning.

We are going to church, not a circus.

I hope you're not thinking
of bringing your wife ..

In that outrageous costume
to St Mary with the family?

I am, my dear William.

And if you don't like it,
you'd better stay at home.

Please come in.

Good morning.

Good morning to you.

I brought your hot water because
maid has her lumbago again.

That's very kind of you.
I thank you so much.

Do you mind if I stay a few moments?

Not at all.

No, dear.

I must show my respect for your god.

But I cannot shake his hand.
- He'll understand.

I became also, a reproach unto them.

When they looked upon me,
they shake their heads.

Help me oh Lord, my God.

Who saved me according to thy mercy.

I'm glad to see you, Gerrit.

I prayed many times
for your safe return.

Thank you, Tom.
I'm sure that helped us.

Canon Parker - my wife.

I'm pleased that your first visit
in Bristol was to god's house.

I welcome you.
- I am humbly grateful.

Is your wife a Christian, Gerrit?

Almost, sir. She follows the
teachings of Confucius.

I have studied Confucius'
five philosophies.

It will give me great pleasure to
call and discuss them, Mrs Ammidon.

I would be very happy.

Why not make it this afternoon, sir?
Tea and Confucius.

I shall be delighted.
- That's splendid.

Nettie, I'm worried about
your Uncle Edward.

Why doesn't he do
something to help father?

He should know about
the shipping business.

He had a very good position in Shanghai.

I don't believe he left it as he says.
I think he lost it.

There's something wrong.

All he can talk of now is
Gerrit Ammidon's Chinese wife.

I was a fool. I should have known
the incredible Ammidon luck.

She's a Manchu. A Princess.

All the beauty and
culture of 2,000 years ..

Of civilisation flowered in one woman.

Everything the Dunsack's touch
turns to ugliness and failure.

Beauty and success are offered to
the Ammidons on a golden platter.

We might be sure of keeping
a roof over our heads.

If only you would think
about our business.

Instead of envying the Ammidons
and complaining about your bad luck.

You said Gerrit liked you.

Does it matter now?

If he liked you enough before, he'll
like you as much again. He's that sort.

One idea, one affection.
Is all his head will hold.

He loves her. Or he
wouldn't have married her.

You think I'm crazy, don't you?

Gerrit's marriage won't last.

He and this Manchu Princess
are as far apart as the poles.

The Ammidons will be at home
this afternoon, and I'm going to call.

If you're wise, you'll put on your
prettiest frock and come with me.

After the way you've talked ..

Aren't you ashamed of going where
you know you won't be welcomed?

Utterly ashamed.
But I intend to overcome it.

These blasted boots.

Most charming.
Very different from the European.

Very nice. Very nice indeed.

That was the Lotus song, wasn't it?
- One of them.

We have many songs about the Lotus.

Mr Edward Dunsack is calling.

Show him in.

Mrs Ammidon.

How do you do, Mr Dunsack?
- How do you do.

How are you, sir?

Better tempered than
when I saw you last.

My visit is unceremonious, I'm afraid.

I wanted to thank you properly for
bringing in that merchandise of mine.

Please don't, or I shall begin to think
I really have done you a favour.

The Canon Parker.

I was pleased to see you
in church, Edward.

Your sermon was very beautiful, sir.

Mr Edward Dunsack - my wife.

[ Chinese language ]

My wife always prefers to speak English.
- As you wish.

Come into the garden.

English is so crude and I so
reverence your wonderful country.

You are most kind.

I heard your music just now.

It made me homesick for China.

Please play again.

I have played all that I know.

Taou Yuen.
- Thank you.

Tea, Mr Dunsack?
- No thank you.

When one has drunk tea
as it is prepared in China ..

All others seem flavourless.

I didn't hear what you said.

I mean that my tastes are far more
Chinese than they are English.

It takes knowledge to appreciate
the full fascination of China.

It must seem strange to
be married to a man ..

Who doesn't know the eight
diagrams of Confucius.

And cannot see the Buddhist soul ..

Devolving perpetually
in the urn of fate.

As I can.

Goodbye, Captain.
- Come again soon, Canon.

Bye, William.
- Bye, sir.

We'll see you to the door.
- Thanks.

Come on, William.
- Yes, father.

Canon Parker is going.
It was nice of you to have called.

It's been a privilege.

I shall dream of this afternoon.

I'm sorry you were bored and annoyed.

But there was nothing I could
do without making a row.

It doesn't matter.

I saw at once that his mind was ill.

China is bad for men like him.

Mother dear, I would like to see
the celebrations. Wouldn't you?

Can't we go?
- I don't see how, Nettie.

But it's the Queen's birthday.

Nobody else stays at home.

Please.

You know there's no use asking.

Mother, darling.

What is it now?

The same things only worse. Debts.

Father prays Edward might see the light
while the business goes to pieces.

In the last few days I've given up hope
that things will ever be any better.

Why not just try to forget them?

Do come. We'll have such fun.

No. Grandfather would
want me for something.

He'd only get upset and be ill again.

Ill? Because you've had a
little pleasure for once?

I've had all I can stand of this.

I'm going.
- Nettie.

I'm past being shut up in this house.
I'm young. I'm going to enjoy myself.

I'll hear the bands and see the
parades and watch the games.

I'll stay all day whether
grandfather likes it or not.

Haven't you got a squeaker?
Take one of mine, I've got two.

Thank you.

Nettie.
- Hello, Nettie.

Good evening, Nettie.

Who are you with?
- No-one. Mother wouldn't come.

I've been here all day.
Hasn't it been glorious?

You're very pretty, Nettie. I think
you'll get a beau. Crystal has.

I wish you'd hold your tongue.
- No. Crystal has.

You shouldn't be alone
in all this crowd.

It's getting late.
- I don't mind.

Why don't you come back with us and
see the fireworks from Java Head?

Yes, Nettie. Why don't you?

Yes. Come on, Nettie. Come on.

Come on, my dear.

Are you quite comfortable there, Nettie?
- Yes, quite. Thank you.

I remember the fireworks from last year.

They wouldn't go off.
- It was raining, silly.

Yes, it rained cats and dogs.

All the time after Uncle Gerrit
went away. Remember?

Oh. Do you think Taou Yuen would
like to come down, Gerrit?

She said she was tired. She can
see quite well from her window.

Fireworks are everyday
affairs in China, you know.

Do you know something?
Uncle Gerrit's wife doesn't like rice.

She says she's never
eaten a bird's nest.

Does your Uncle Edward?
- Laurel, dear.

Grandfather says he
looks like a Chinese.

I'm the only little girl in
Bristol with a Chinese aunt.

Quiet, Laurel.

I think that's the last.
- Is that all?

Now I shall have to go to bed.

I must go now. It's been
lovely. Thank you.

It's been pleasant to have you, Nettie.

We must see you safely home.
- I'll go along. I'll be alright.

No, no. It's too late.
Thomas will drive you home.

Please, I can do it.
- I'll walk down with Nettie.

Very well.

Goodnight, Miss Ammidon.
- Goodnight.

Goodnight, Crystal.

Well.

Here we are.
- Yes.

It's not a very long walk, is it?

I didn't say a thing
that I wanted to say.

Are things any better?

They might have been,
if Uncle Edward hadn't come home.

He's in a terrible state.
- I suspected as much.

I hoped it wasn't true.

I'm so sorry for him.

Of course he can't help himself now.

We found out the day
he went to Java Head.

I called in for dinner.

He didn't answer.

He had forgotten to lock his door.

I went in.

Grandfather knew what it
was the moment he saw him.

It was horrible.

Now we know why he lost
his position in Shanghai.

Is he going away again?

If there is any chance
for him at all, it's here.

We may be able to help him.

If only he would stop
thinking of .. China.

It would put his mind on trying
to straighten out the business.

While there is any business left.

As bad as that?

The Dunsack Line has just two ships.

They'll probably be taken from us.

We'll see they are not.

You and I will put things
back on their feet.

Now don't argue. I won't listen.

Your grandfather need never know
that I'm meddling in his affairs.

But I couldn't ..
- I'll find a way to work things out.

You'll have to obey orders.

No, Gerrit.

You've got to be safe and secure.

No other consideration matters.

What a silly day.

Trailing about watching
parades and fireworks.

Crowds always make me feel down somehow.

You are tired.

Just a bit.

I'm afraid I'm too material to
ever achieve your detachment.

The sea gives me confidence in life.
And I let the land destroy it.

I do not understand.

Perhaps I don't myself.

Probably just nonsense.

To be sad without reason shows
the presence of an evil spirit.

You will have your
evil spirits, won't you.

By the way, what did
you do this morning?

You burned some coloured
paper in a teacup.

Your father said there would be a storm.

I made the figure of the sun look black
and red and drank its ashes in my tea.

The day has been fine.

I must admit it has.

I need to hurry the work on the Nautilus
to leave here by the beginning of June.

It is right for you to go.
That is your life.

I've got you to think about.
- Your life is my life.

You can't spend it cooped
up in a ship's cabin.

I will wait here for you.

This is my home now.

This will never be your home.
I should have known that.

Our English life will always
seem impossible to you.

I know what courage it takes for
you to meet all kinds of people.

And go about as only a common
woman would in China.

I came willingly.

Knowing that I could never go back.

Please.

You must not think of me.
- I can't help it.

You are so different
from everything here.

I feel like a clumsy fool.

Who's stolen a priceless lacquered vase.

And expected it to serve as a beer mug.

But why not?

As long as you do not
drop it and break it.

There's no danger of that.

I apologise for being so dull.

I ran into a land fog just now.

You know how any kind
of fog affects a sailor.

We're giving money away
by being old fashioned.

Half a dozen firms are turning over a
thousand percent profits in contraband.

Let them. Let them.

I'm as fond of money as any man.

But not when it's dirty money.

The Ammidon ships will not carry
cargoes of misery to any country.

No need to shout, father.

Then don't suggest disgracing
the Ammidon flag.

He's right about the clippers, father.

I'm afraid they've come to stay.

Money. Money.

You haven't heard the worst.

He wants us to leave
sail and go into steam.

Steam.

With floating palaces and whatnot.

A landlubber who couldn't cross the
Bristol Channel without being sick.

Sits in his office and wants to tell
us sailors what's what on the sea.

Very well.

I thought it would be useless to argue
you into any common business sense.

So I've made arrangements
to force you into it.

A month ago I placed orders for four
clipper ships and two steam packets.

High-handed of you, William.

I intend to keep Ammidon
and Sons at the top.

In spite of your independence
and father's childish prejudice.

You forget you're not the only one.
- Wait.

No use back-chatting.

If it's done, it's done.

I have the papers and
estimates at my office.

If you care to come down, I'll be
glad to go over them with you.

I must say you have the courage
of your convictions, William.

And I respect you for it.

I'll walk down with Gerrit.
We'll look at the plans.

I bet I find some mistakes in them too.

Must you go into every detail, father?
It will take all of summer at this rate.

Yes. Most of the winter too if you don't
heave to and give me right of way.

I'm slow, but I'll get there.

Remember, William.
If it hadn't been for father ..

There would be no business
to fuss about and fiddle with.

I don't call four clipper ships and
two steam packets exactly fiddling.

I'm not forgetful of
what I owe you, father.

Then, pipe down.

Pipe down for the love of the
cockeyed mermaid of China.

If I am going into steam.

I want to know about steam.

Yes. Uncommonly expensive it looks too.

I admit it is a big thing. It will
cut sharply into our funds.

One hundred and fifty
thousand pounds probably.

But we've got it.

Hello there, my lad.

If you'll be patient and
trust me, say for a year.

I'll show you astonishing returns.

Look here, father.
Here's an old shipmate of ours.

I'm sorry. I don't know
this manifest got there.

What is it, father?

I didn't think either
of you need ever know.

We've been in the
opium trade for two years.

Three schooners running into Amoy.

You rotten ..
- Don't complain. You share the profits.

I don't like that kind of profit.
- You're not onboard ships now, Gerrit.

Father .. father.

Father.

Father.

God forgive me.

How long are you going to
keep up this attitude, Gerrit?

Attitude?

This silent inference
that I killed father.

It is what you think, isn't it?

I know that you sacrificed him
to your commercial grasping.

I can never forget it.

And I can never forgive you.

You won't believe how
much I reproach myself.

I can't.

That's true.

I was fonder of father than
I ever took time to know.

Then you wasted your time.

Don't be a hypocrite, William.

You knew how he felt, and yet
you risked what happened.

One day of his life was worth more than
a million pounds from any rotten trade.

Father was never fair to me.

He was contemptuous of me
because I didn't care for the sea.

You were always perfect.

Yet I am just as useful
a citizen as you.

For all your noble sentiments.
- You can do as you please now.

Without my interference or father's
decency and principles to hold you back.

You are still a member of the firm.
- I'm resigning.

I'll take the Nautilus and
the rest of my share in cash.

You can exclude the profits of your
contraband trade from that.

You are welcome to them.

I wish you joy.

[ Chinese language ]

Please, how long are you
going to kneel there?

And what are those ghastly clothes?

It is my mourning. According to the law.

It is to honour the
spirit of you father.

Can't you do it in a less barbaric way?

I mean .. father had no patience
with forms and conventions.

Your colours and flowers, and what he
called those Manchu doodads, amused him.

You wish me to break the law?

I think we can remember
and respect father.

Without making a gloomy ceremony of it.

I heard the doorbell
ring as I came upstairs.

I suppose .. whoever it is,
I ought to go down and see them.

He must have suffered terribly.

We didn't realise.

Dear Gerrit, I ..
- I know just how you feel.

Thank you very much, Mrs Vollar.

I was terribly unjust to your father.

I shut my heart against
his humanity and kindness.

I reproach myself bitterly.

I understand.

I'm sorry, dearest. So very sorry.

Words don't seem to mean much.

They do sometimes.

Our plot is all arranged.

Clarke and Company are going to buy
into the Dunsack firm as partners.

That will give money for a complete
reorganisation with Clarke as adviser.

But .. won't grandfather suspect
that you're behind all this?

He must think it's your idea.

You went to Clarke with the
suggestion and persuaded him.

You know where Clarke's
office is in King Street?

Go there tomorrow afternoon.
I'll see you're expected.

Nettie, we must go now.

Goodbye, Gerrit.
- Goodbye, Mrs Vollar.

Goodbye, Gerrit.
- Goodbye, Nettie.

Goodbye, Gerrit.
- Goodbye, sir.

I won't be a moment. If you don't mind?
- Of course not.

Crystal, do come and sit beside me.
- Thank you, I will.

Horses.

Stop those horses.

The horses. Stop them .. stop them!

Get out the way.

Let me jump out.

Jump out. Jump out.

Stop, I say. Stop!

It was not our destiny to be hurt.

But for another, it was written.

The horses struck the woman, I'm sure.

We must find out about it.
- I've sent Thomas to make enquiries.

I think that you both should rest.

I go about criticising life.

But I'm afraid I'll never learn
your contempt for death.

I have changed.

Today, for the first time I saw death.

Not as a happy gateway to my ancestors.

But as a door that would shut me away.

From you.

I beg your pardon.

Forgive this intrusion.
I'm happy to see you're safe.

Nettie wasn't so fortunate.
- Nettie?

Your horses hit her down.
- Is she hurt?

She was brought home unconscious.
Her first words were to ask for you.

I thought it my duty ..
- I'll go at once.

An old friend.

Nettie is my niece.

I regret my indiscretion in
breaking the news so baldly.

You wonder why Nettie sent for Gerrit
and what caused him to go like that.

There is nothing you need to tell me.

How superior your
civilisation is to ours.

A Bristol wife would have asked
questions and probably fainted.

But what you understand at once,
and with such philosophy.

I understand you, at least.

Then you know what you mean to me.

You are the embodiment
of all I thought I'd lost.

All the beauty.

The inspiration of China.

Your compliments do not interest me.

But it is the truth. I worship you.

No-one, not even Gerrit has my
power to realise your perfection.

Even madness cannot excuse such talk.

Why be trivial in the pretence
that I've shocked you?

It didn't horrify you to see your
husband go to the woman he loved?

You could even share him with her,
so long as he shared himself with you.

Gerrit once loved
your niece. It is over.

Perhaps it's only begun?

You will go, please.

Not without the complete
understanding that this is our destiny.

Dreams .. you've destroyed
your mind with poison.

It's not a dream that my father's
business has been saved by a miracle.

Destiny begins to provide
for our future together.

You'll force me to call the servants.

Then my husband will hear.
That will not be well for you.

Not even Gerrit. Nothing can
keep you from me now. I know.

Aunt Taou Yuen.

I thought you would be alone.

Do I look like you?

[ Door knocks ]

Come in.

Nettie.

Nettie. Are you alright?
- Gerrit.

I can't tell you how sorry I am.

Thank you, Gerrit.

It's splendid to be so brave.

But you must look after yourself.

Are you sure you have
everything you need?

Even .. something to help the pain.

Uncle Edward gave them to me.

How often are you taking these?

One about every three hours .. why?

You must be careful.

Too many might be poison.

I won't take any more.

Surely there is something I can do?

Nothing, Gerrit.

Thank you for coming to see me so soon.
- Nonsense.

I'd have come the moment I heard.

Even without your message.

I didn't send you a message.

Edward told me you asked to see me.

That's strange.

But I'm glad you're here.

Well .. it doesn't matter.

The chief thing is I've seen you and ..

I know you're going to be alright.
- I am.

So is grandfather, Gerrit. Everything.

Thanks to you.
- I'm glad.

You make saying goodbye
a more cheerful business.

I suppose ..

You must be sailing soon.

As soon as I can make it.

It's going to be for good this time.

I've taken myself and the
Nautilus out of the business.

I'm going to make my headquarters
somewhere in the East.

Since father has gone,
everything has changed.

Nothing seems to hold me here anymore.

I always was at odds
with Bristol .. so ..

It is better.

I'll miss you, Gerrit.
- I'll miss you, Nettie.

Well .. goodbye.

It sounds stupid doesn't it,
when it's for always?

But it's about all one can say,
unless perhaps ..

Good luck.

Good luck, Gerrit.

And don't forget.

That we've been friends.

I love you, Nettie.

Oh my dear.

I love you too much.

That's why I'm not coming back.

I can't go on seeing you without wanting
you more than everything in the world.

There it is.

I've found the one thing
that could be perfect.

It's too late.

Mine isn't like any other marriage.
It's a life I'm responsible for.

At least I've told you.

And kissed you.

And held you.

In all my life, I'll be grateful that
you gave me that to remember.

Goodbye, Nettie.

It was thoughtless of me to rush away
and leave you with Edward Dunsack.

I hope she is not badly hurt.

Not dangerously.
- I am glad.

Nettie ..?
- Nettie Vollar.

You must think about packing soon.

When are we leaving?
- In about a week, I hope.

Of course there is business to be
attended to, as well as the ship.

Did Edward stay long?
- No.

Laurel came in. She looked
very funny, dressed in Chinese.

Since then, I've been reading.
Though I know this book by heart.

Like many old Manchu stories,
the hero had two wives.

That is against your law?

Of course.

In China, as this book tells,
a man can love two women equally.

He can be kind and just to both.

Never hurting one for the other.

That would not be possible in England?

To love two women?
- An Englishman?

It depends what kind of love you mean.

I mean a real love.
A love as long as life and stronger.

An Englishman could not
love two women that way?

Perhaps for a moment, but ..

One love would die.

And the other grow stronger.

We English are very
single-minded, you know.

I feel I should get
down to the Nautilus.

I don't think I'll be late.

But if I am, tell Rhoda
not to wait for dinner.

I am Mrs Gerrit Ammidon.

I have come to ask for
Miss Nettie Vollar.

I am her mother.
- Your daughter is better?

A little .. but she's still in pain.

I am sorry.

I had hoped she might be
able to see me for a moment.

I'm sure she'd like to.
Will you come up?

Nettie.

There is someone to see you.

Gerrit's wife.

Won't you come in?

Won't you sit down.

Perhaps you would like a cup of tea?
I thought of getting some for Nettie.

If you'll excuse me.
- Thank you.

I ask your pardon for having
forced myself upon you.

It seemed .. necessary.

Since you and my husband
love each other.

Did .. he tell you that?

Not intentionally.

It's true.

But it needn't matter to you.

He'll never leave you.

He said so.

Then you are resigned?

It has happened like this.

It can't be changed.

You poor child.

For you have no hope .. no hope.

What can life be if
one is always lonely?

With no hope of happiness.

I would not wish to live so.

Do you?

The room is filled with
the perfume of poison.

To sleep.

And not to wake again.

To escape from all pain.

Who could say that it was not?

Only a mistake.

What I do with my life now.

Is for me to decide.

You'd better go.

We've nothing to say.

You can't help me.

I can't hurt you.

You must believe that.

I do, today.

Then .. that's all.

But there is tomorrow.
And there will be other days.

I fear then, for my husband.

He may shut his mind to you,
but his heart will want you.

He will think of you here
alone, wanting him.

That thought will be like a
knife to cut through his soul.

So that an evil spirit can enter in,
and teach him to hate me.

So long as you are here.

He will be in danger.

Ahh!

..t-g..