Original subtitles

I've got it.

Well my dear sister,

I thought I would write to you

and pretend we're tucked up in our room

with spring secrets as we used to.

Easy.

Let's go.

Clear as many beds as you can from Ward Three.

Go now. Yes, nurse.

Next one's on it's way.

But another ship loaded

with sick and wounded arrived

and I found I was still in Egypt.

And here I shall remain for as long as I am needed.

Send all the available gurneys outside now.

Nurse, nurse.

There's no more room.

We can't accept any more wounded.

And yet there's no where else for them.

But what the use of, -Nurse Smith.

For once, would you kindly just,

Bring water.

We can try and ease their suffering.

That is all we can do.

Yes, Sister.

Believe me, Cissy, when I say

it's true that war changes everything.

What matters to me now is so very different

to what I passionately believed just a few months ago.

I have heard that William Chambers

is on Anzac Cove, in the thick of it.

I wish him well and hope he takes care.

No doubt both he and God believe

he is far too important to be in any danger.

Applying enough force to cut through the cartilage.

And once the intercostal space has been cut through,

the ribs can be parted.

Uh, MacDonald.

Yes, Dr. Chambers.

Remind me the major muscle group here being the?

Pectoralis major.

Thank you, Miss Smith.

In the early days of our colony

it's said there were only two causes of death.

One through excessive consumption of alcohol,

the other through drowning, whilst drunk.

Which do we think caused the demise of this poor chap?

Um.

Someone other than Miss Smith.

This was a man.

Show him the respect he deserves.

Your behavior today was appalling.

Miss Smith.

You undermined me in front of the other students.

Please accept my heartfelt apologies.

To believe that I'd have to be sure that you have a heart.

What more can I say?

Nothing that will make one jot of difference.

I'm still furious.

Yes, I see that now.

But what am I to do?

If I, if I show favor I'm patronizing.

If I ignore you, I undervalue you.

You've made it quite clear

you don't approve of female doctors.

I allow for hideous old spinsters

with no husbands to care for.

You know your views are antiquated and foolish.

Well yours are radical and in the minority.

Andy saw her go in.

He's absolutely positive.

Give me a leg up, quickly.

Higher.

You're far too beautiful to be a bluestocking.

You think I'm beautiful?

Yes, and difficult beyond belief.

I'm a superior student.

Say it.

You're the superior student.

By far

the superior.

Professors coming.

They're at it like knaves.

Okay, lads, time to attack.

Ready?

Charge.

I was happy to receive a letter from Charles.

Next.

Our dear and very proper brother Charles.

Ready?

Charge.

Yes, sir.

Tell James not to be

in too much of a hurry to grow up.

War is not something I'd recommend to anyone.

Oh, sorry, mate.

Hey, kaiser, if we to war, which side are you on?

Lay off, Tom.

Are you gonna make me?

All right, men.

That's enough.

We're all comrades in arms here.

Remember that.

Yes, sir. -Yes, sir.

Oh, Cissy, I cannot think of you

without seeing you at your counter.

Queen of all you survey.

Come on, Cissy.

Cissy.

Cissy, please.

No.

It's five bob, that's all.

Harry, no.

You'll get me in trouble again.

I won't tell if you don't.

Stop it.

Richard's not back til three, okay?

You're gonna be fine.

He's here again.

Who is?

He was about yesterday.

Awfully strange.

Good afternoon.

It's like I said,

if you don't want to buy anything

then you shouldn't be in here.

My name is Manaki Kokiri.

I am looking for my sister.

Her name is Awa.

This is she.

Tried Grey Street?

Harry.

Where is Grey Street?

A very bad part of town.

Harry's only teasing.

We'd be happy to help, but we haven't seen her,

and if you don't want to buy anything?

I don't want to buy anything.

Oh, dear.

Cissy, perhaps you should show the gentleman out,

or else he might scare off the rest of the customers.

Come on, then.

If we do see your sister we'll

be sure to tell her you've been in.

Well, come on.

There's still no word from Harry,

but if anyone can come through this mess unscathed,

it'll be our dearest, most infuriating Harry.

Good afternoon, gentlemen.

You're a one, aren't you, Harry?

Well, I'm celebrating, aren't I?

I turned five shillings into 25.

You're tinny all right.

Don't want to push my luck and meet your husband.

Better hope you don't.

He's a big bugger.

Stern as Satan.

Is that a challenge?

Well what if it is?

Ding-dong.

I believe it's round two.

You shall not,

Do give my love to Richard,

and ask him to send more soap if he can spare it.

Before you soul with,

Listen here.

All your hanging about is making my sister nervous.

And your neighbor as yourself.

My sister was here.

That is what I know.

She's not here anymore, is she?

So do move along.

In your patience possess ye your souls.

For the lord has shown you.

Now, see here.

You clear off or I'll call the constable.

This, this was bought in this store.

My sister sent it with this.

I'll wait for her.

This is, it's madness.

There's nothing to say that she's going to come back here.

I mean, she could be anywhere.

Good afternoon.

Charles.

Richard.

Is there a problem?

No, this fellow was just moving along.

I am looking for my sister.

Well perhaps I can help.

Charles Smith.

I'm a lawyer.

Manaki Kokiri.

And you've met my brother, Richard?

And behold a certain lawyer stood up asking,

teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

God's sake.

He's all yours.

Goodness, Richard, that was certainly telling him.

Charles can't keep his nose out of anything, can he?

Well whatever he says seems to have done the trick.

Do you think he heard me?

They used to think we're enemies, you know?

Some of them still do.

I'm sorry, it's perhaps not entirely suitable,

but under the circumstances.

Colonel, I have no money.

No, no.

No, no, no, no. No.

Quite all right.

Right, I've paid board and lodgings for a week.

Dinner is at six.

You're very welcome.

Well, good luck.

And I hope you find your sister.

Why are you helping me?

Well, as I said, I'm a lawyer

and I do some work for the Native Land Court.

I feel we should do our bit to be fair.

Our land was taken from us.

But the prophet will lead us back one day.

Right.

Well, as I said, good luck.

Bea.

Really, sir, tongues will wag.

Yes, they already have.

I hope you enjoy your winter break, Miss Smith.

But I'll see you in Auckland.

At my brother's engagement>

After all, he is marrying your cousin.

Marry me.

Be my wife.

William.

Well, why not?

How could any woman resist such a heartfelt proposal?

Then, say yes.

If I can finish my training and work alongside you.

No, that's not possible.

Well some women are in practice with their husbands.

Not my wife.

A woman's rightful place is in the home

as a loving wife and mother.

That didn't prevent you making love to me.

Yes, to my regret.

Marriage should be the equal binding of two souls,

not a legal contract for the control of one over the other.

Listen to me.

Listen.

A colleague took me aside this afternoon.

There has been talk.

About my inappropriate relations with a female student.

Oh, my God.

And now,

to avoid scandal you wish to marry this fallen woman.

You don't care about your reputation?

Is it my good name that's causing you such concern

or your own?

You honestly believe that's why?

What other reason could there be for this sudden proposal?

For the last time, Bea, marry me.

Yes or no?

No.

Very well.

Safe journey, Miss Smith.

Please mention me to Violet.

I know we haven't always seen eye-to-eye,

but I pray that Charles will be returned safely to her.

Violet.

Charles, I've just heard the most dreadful rumor.

It concerns your sister, Bea.

Scuttlebutt, hearsay, and lies.

My friend heard it from another student.

Bea has her convictions, Violet, but she's not a,

a woman of bad character.

She's a radical.

At Christmas all she talked about

was naturism and contraception.

Well it did rather steal the show.

Charles, if she could only behave,

at least until after the wedding.

I love you, my darling,

and nothing is going to stop us from being married.

Not even war?

Everyone's saying it could happen any day now.

That's right, isn't it?

It is possible.

Then you'll go away and fight?

It's my duty.

Course it is.

And you'll be a hero.

Well I don't know about that.

But I know.

And while you're away I'll miss you terribly.

But I'll write every day and plan our wedding

and be so awfully proud of you.

Why are you laughing?

You are funny.

I am not.

I'm deadly serious.

Deadly.

Serious.

Don't laugh, or

I'll have to punish you.

I am, of course, terrified.

And, darling, you will remember

to talk to your sister, won't you?

Mm.

Now, Cissy, I must get this letter away.

If you think to mention it to mother,

say we are seldom out of our uniforms

so it is useless for her to send more dresses.

Tell dad I am in good spirits and he mustn't worry.

Our wounded boys seldom complain and I must be the same.

Give my love and kisses to all the family.

Your sister in a distant land, Bea.

How strange.

I'm quite sure you were sitting there

darning socks the last time I saw you.

There she is.

My girl.

Aw.

John, our girl's home.

Bea's back.

Oh.

Let me look at you.

Hmm, are you eating properly?

She looks thin.

Doesn't she look thin, Charles?

Ah, perhaps she's been studying too hard.

What's all this mayhem and ruckus?

Look, Dad, Bea's back from university.

Yes, I can see that.

So, what have you got to say for yourself, young lady?

Are you a doctor yet?

Not yet. -Of course she isn't.

Well jolly well hurry up, there's a good girl.

Hurry up.

Have you ever heard such nonsense?

I believe I may have.

You actually had to touch dead bodies?

Of course.

That's nauseating.

And hardly suitable dinner conversation.

It's a normal fact of life.

Penny, the gravy.

Doesn't necessarily make it fit for decent conversation.

Leonardo da Vinci used to dissect bodies

just so he could draw them.

Ew.

That's enough, boy.

Plans are proceeding for the party.

It's going to be lovely, isn't it, Charles?

I believe so.

He believes so.

Isn't that like a man?

As if he gets engaged everyday.

But when it happens and the party's a great success

it'll all be taken for granted.

Well a good general leaves

the details to his subordinates, Mother.

Well, you would say that,

with Violet and I in constant communication.

Well there you have it.

In perfectly capable hands.

Barring the unforeseen.

Good evening, all.

Richard.

Apologies.

Edith is unwell.

Again?

Your dear wife needs a tonic.

Hmm.

Ah, where is that gravy?

Is your remaining brother likely to make an appearance?

No, I thought not.

Can we talk about something important now?

What are we going to wear to this famous party?

It's important.

Violet's family are known to be stylish.

Well they can certainly afford to be.

He's just jealous because Charles is marrying into money.

Cissy.

Hold your tongue, girl.

Say grace, Dad.

Bless us, oh Lord,

and for these gifts we are about to receive

may the Lord make us truly thankful.

Amen.

Okay, sorry.

Oh, look.

Bea's bought me a new suit for the party.

From a student who'd outgrown it.

Mm.

I need to have a word with Bea.

James, come on, we'll show mom.

If you want advice on the wedding,

I'm the last person to ask.

There are rumors

concerning you and a certain person.

You mean William.

Dr. Chambers.

You, you're not even going to deny it?

I've done nothing I'm ashamed of.

Have you any idea the distress

a scandal would cause mom and dad?

Or Violet and her family?

We are about to be married, for God's sake.

It is over.

I know my beliefs differ from yours,

and I'm sorry if that upsets you,

but I can promise you that William and I are no longer

involved.

Bea, I'm sorry, I, -Well then, don't.

Or I shall cry and it will make me seem like a

weak woman.

But really, I'm quite grateful for the lesson.

I'm not a man to bestow praise on undeserving shoulders

and a man is protective of his youngest daughter

and hard on all men who would woo her,

regardless of their station.

Condescending snob.

Shh.

However, I have come to agree

that my daughter has made a wise choice

and I have no hesitation in recommending

this young man to you all.

Still five years from thirty,

he is already gaining renown in legal circles

and for his dealings with the

sometimes vexing issue of native title.

A captain in the Territorial Army, a leader of men.

Please join me in celebrating the engagement

of my daughter Violet and Charles Smith.

Here, here. -Violet and Charles.

Drink, dance, and be merry.

Thank you.

William, just the chap.

Ah, good afternoon Guy.

You're a medical man.

You know the advantages of a strong purgative.

In what context?

When a nation has become like a weak, sickly man,

it needs to be purged to make it strong and pure again?

Well, that's one way of seeing it.

And what is the cause of this weakness?

Ah,

The pampering effect of civilization.

What is needed is a return to wholesome stringency.

A war, that's what we need.

Yes, excuse me.

I'm in the cadets, you know.

Good for you, sport.

Get your filthy hands off my brother, Fiverston.

Don't be an ass, old chap.

I say, bottoms up, old chap.

Sir Henry.

Yes?

I'm a great admirer of yours.

You are a man of vision.

Thank you.

Some gentlemen and I were

just discussing the situation in Europe

and your name was mentioned.

My name?

Oh, yes So now is a good time

to start expanding our presence in the Pacific.

Nauru for instance.

Rich in phosphate and only a handful of Germans.

Perhaps another time, Richard.

Not to mention the plantations in German Samoa.

Coconut, banana.

Precisely.

Excuse me.

War has yet to be declared

and you're already looking for a way to profit.

I'm merely being practical.

Say it again, again.

What, that only shirkers avoid doing their duty.

You're an idiot, Fiverston.

Coward.

Hard to believe you and Charles are,

The bounder hit me.

Well will you have a crack then?

Come on.

That's enough.

Go home, boy, and cool off.

Now.

Come on, Harry, let's go.

Yeah, no, you're right, you're right.

I don't belong here.

But neither do you.

See, look at them.

They think I'm shit.

They think you're shit, too.

Harry can't help himself,

he always has to take center stage.

Dad's besides himself.

I wouldn't want to be Harry.

The Miss' Smith.

Dr. Chambers.

Won't you dance with Bea, sir?

Oh, I'm not much of a dancer.

Well that makes two of you.

All that time wasted with your dry old books.

May I have the pleasure?

Well, as I've had no better offers.

I'm not sure I would classify this as music.

One should move with the times.

Modern is not necessarily better.

If we all believed that there'd be no progress at all.

Bea, can we talk?

Somewhere else?

Have you changed your position?

No.

Then what's left to discuss?

As you like.

How are you feeling, old chap?

Oh, you keep it.

I'll have it laundered.

And the bill sent to your brother.

Well, time I was,

Blast.

It's my grandfather's.

Solid silver case, gold,

There he is.

Giving the establishment a bad name.

Oh, Reagan.

What are you having?

Whatever you're paying.

You were missed at the meeting.

Ah, I didn't see the point.

All of the comrades blathering about nothing.

It's gotta be worth a fiver, at least.

A round for my mates.

Ey.

There's plenty of talk of a strike,

but no one has the balls.

It's all this talk of bloody war.

Everyone's playing wait and see while workers get screwed.

I'll drink to that.

Cheers.

You should have more light.

No doubt.

Don't be too hard on poor Harry.

He's been led astray by the Red Feds and the Socialists.

He's biting the hand that feeds him.

Because he's impulsive, but he means,

He'll never amount to anything.

It's pointless wishing otherwise.

I have you.

And that is compensation enough.

And Richard, and Charles, and James.

Oh, the boys, it's easier for them.

And Cissy? -Is a silly girl.

Takes after mother, though I never said that.

No, you've always been the clever one.

Then again, they don't hand out scholarships

to the stupid girl.

Good night, Daddy. -Good night.

I had real champagne and there was so much food.

I wish you'd been there.

Well I don't have a fine suit.

Pia?

All is good?

Um, I'm right, Mama.

Everything is tickety-boo.

Good evening, Mrs. Mueller.

Good evening, Mr. James Smith.

Boys, can you be quiet, please?

You'll wake Mr. Mueller.

Yes, Mama.

All everyone was talking about was the chance of war.

With Germany.

Well my father says that the English

just want an excuse to fight Germany

because they're afraid of the German navy.

The English navy's the best in the world.

Say it.

Say it.

I agree.

My father doesn't know what he's talking about.

Was there cake?

More cake than you've ever seen.

Evening.

I'm writing a note of apology.

You caused Violet a great deal of distress today.

Not to mention our families.

Well what's a party without a good fight?

Dad's furious.

But I guess that's rather the point, isn't it?

Actually, I was sticking up for what I believe in.

As if you have ever given a toss

about anything or anyone other than Harry bloody Smith.

What the hell would you know?

You do what you like, when you like,

not sparing a moments thought

as to the effects of your actions upon others.

Poor old Charley, so desperate to please his new family,

hoping they'll forget that he's just a shopkeeper's son.

But they never will.

You're drunk.

Damn the Irish.

Go to bed, Harry, sleep it off.

That's right, mustn't make a fuss.

Mustn't cause trouble.

Mustn't, mustn't breathe.

What on earth are you on about?

Don't you ever feel like you're being,

no, no, not, not the Golden Boy.

Charles that can do no wrong.

Yes, sir.

Three bags full, sir.

Good night.

There's a new film at the lyric.

Atlantis.

It's supposed to be terribly dramatic.

Can we go this evening?

Please?

Moving pictures are a fad.

A waste of time and money.

Please?

Let them have their fun.

Charles, if you would.

For what we are about to receive,

may the Lord make us,

Truly grateful.

Amen. Amen.

Amen. -Evening, all.

Nice of you to join us.

Been about, looking for work.

Down the wharfs.

For five shillings a day.

It's honest work.

Now the Germans have invaded Belgium.

They say we'll be declaring war any day.

Will you go?

He has to go.

He's a captain in the Territorials.

Strictly speaking, that's not true.

But, yes, I'll do my duty and volunteer.

Duty.

What's wrong with that?

And at any rate, it'll be an adventure.

I wish I was old enough and so does George.

What, to prop up the ruling classes

at the expense of the workers?

Ha, union propaganda.

It's like lambs to the slaughter.

Please, can we just get through one family dinner

without arguing?

And what does your mate George

want to fight against Germans for when he's one of them?

Harry.

But come to think of it, so is the King of England.

A real German.

Liar. -It's true.

King George von Saxe-Coburg Gotha,

a good Teutonic name if ever I heard one.

Silence.

If father had said we couldn't go,

it would've all been his fault.

I don't believe Harry means half of what he says.

Bea is right, take no notice.

George is as British as we are.

Oh, goodness, isn't it?

It is, it's her, I'm sure of it.

What are you talking about?

Her.

What's this?

The odd native that was hanging around the store.

He was showing a photograph claiming it was his sister

but obviously it's not.

Well, perhaps it is.

But she's in a film.

Come on, hurry up.

We don't want to miss the start.

Mr. Kokiri, good morning, it's Charles Smith.

I have something for you.

I may have found your sister.

I say, Mr. Kokiri.

Are you all right?

Manaki.

Fast through the front.

Mind the patient.

Yes, sir.

Mind his arm, mind his arm.

Yep. -Yes, sir.

To the storage room.

On my count, on the count of three.

Three, two, one.

Very good, thanks, men.

Cadets dismissed.

Sir, yes, sir.

I think it's influenza.

Well that's not as bad.

It could easily kill him.

Surely not, he's in his prime.

Amongst Europeans it mostly takes

the very young and the old, but,

but the native people.

Can you help him?

Cissy, we'll need to take off his clothes

and have them laundered.

All of them?

And give him a lukewarm sponge all over.

With no clothes on?

Well, of course.

I'm not touching him.

And if he dies because of your squeamishness, what then?

It's all right for you, you were a nurse,

you've seen it before.

Stop being so foolish and come here

and help me, right away.

I'll leave you to it.

Someone has to mind my counter.

I'm happy to do it.

Where's my book?

It's here.

It's right here.

Shh.

Calm yourself.

It'll be all right.

Is he going to die?

I honestly don't know.

Our Father, hear our prayer,

that thy servant Manaki is healed and made well again.

His fever broke in the night.

I think the worst is over.

Here they are, freshly washed.

Well, no bother and don't rush to thank me.

He says he's going.

You have been very kind.

Well there's no rush, surely.

I can't find my sister.

Yes, well.

Is this her?

What'd he say?

This is my sister.

Your sister's not a film star.

I know my sister.

I've made some inquiries.

I think I know where she may be.

Later, when you've eaten.

Then we'll see.

You heard the doctor.

She's a doctor?

I'm training to be one.

And what of it?

What's that?

He says he will do exactly as the doctor tells him.

Ah, there you are.

Thank goodness.

Yes, and why is that?

Because you have a visitor.

No, no, don't get up.

I won't get in your way.

More tea or biscuits, doctor?

Not for me.

Well, just ring the bell if you require anything.

When do you go back to Otago?

Soon.

And this can't have waited?

Ah, no.

I was asked to deliver this

from the Dean of Medical Studies.

He believes you are a corrupting influence on the school

and your continued presence there brings it into disrepute.

My presence?

You are requested to withdraw quietly and without fuss,

citing health or family reasons,

otherwise,

Otherwise?

Your lewd and immoral behavior

will be brought to the attention of the council,

you will be formally dismissed,

your family will be shamed.

It will become a matter of public record.

Bea, I'm so sorry.

What about you?

If you go quietly there will be no consequences.

If not, I will be asked to resign my position.

I agree, it's completely unfair, but that's the situation.

You could still accept my proposal.

Now that there's no danger of me becoming a doctor.

Damn it, Bea, that's not the reason.

I care about you very much.

In these circumstances, do you honestly think

I could agree to any proposal you would make?

Bea?

Bea, dear?

Is anything the matter?

I'm all right, mom.

I just need a minute.

She should be on her way down shortly.

Oh, Manaki.

So, where are you and your sister from?

Wakagu-rani

But we had to leave when our tribal land was taken.

But like the Jews, we are a chosen people.

Our land will return to us.

Is that what your prophet says?

From where I'm from.

Awa.

Manaki.

Oh, you found me, you clever bugger.

I'm not going anywhere.

Let go of me Excuse me, please.

What is going on here?

Alonzo.

I was just talking to my brother.

Oh, well, it is a pleasure to meet you.

I am Alonzo Moretti.

I just directed your sister in our little film,

Pania, Maiden of the Reef.

She is going to be a star of the silver screen.

Charles Smith.

How do you do, Mr. Smith?

How do you do?

God save the king.

Excuse me.

Sir, has the parade started?

Yes, finally.

War has been declared.

Look at this, it's a party.

I am your brother, sent by the prophet.

You must come home with me.

I would rather die than go back

and rot in the bush with the pigs.

Awa.

Please, sir.

Calm yourself.

There is no need to make troubles.

The Lord will bring a nation against you.

From far away from the ends of the earth

like an eagle sweeping down.

A nation whose language you do not understand.

Here's to war in Europe.

To war.

May the pricks kill each other

and the workers of the world inherit what's left.

Oy, Paddy.

What's that you said?

I said, you'd have to be a fool

to go to the other side of he world

to fight on behalf of Mr. Fat.

Then you'd be a traitor.

All right.

Ah, thank you, Ida.

Good morning.

The Prime Minister gave a speech

from the steps of Parliament.

He said we must stand together,

calm, united, resolute, trusting in God.

We have done our duty on every occasion in the past,

when the empire required assistance

and we will do our duty on the present occasion

in a wholehearted manner.

That we will be called upon

to make sacrifice goes without saying.

This is so strange, having tea as if it's any old day.

I know.

You know that I'll pray for you?

And think of you every day.

God.

I need to be brave, like you.

You are brave.

And I love you.

I love you, too.

And I'll wait for you

as long as I must wait.

Come here.

Daddy?

I have to tell you something.

I've decided not to go back to Otago.

I'm going to return to nursing.

Why on earth?

You're so close, you can't give up now.

I have to.

I'm sorry if you're disappointed.

We're at war and we all have to do our bit, don't we?

Oh, dear sister,

I scarcely know how to write of this.

No doubt you'll have heard terrible news

long before this letter arrives.

Til we clear this room here

We can't have any more taken off, okay?

Is this a list of the criticals?

William.

Bea.

Got a light, mate?

Ah.

Quickly.

Ta.

A friend of your brother's is here.

They tell me he was absolutely fearless in attack,

but his luck ran out.

Manaki.

Oh, my God.

He was out in No Man's Land

for a day and a night.

The Turks presumably dressed his wounds,

but he lost a lot of blood.

Orderlies, here, quickly.

He may be a waste of a bed.

That is for me to decide.

I would be the last one to argue with you.

Take this man through to Ward Three

as quick as you can. One, two, three.

It's very good to see you, William.

Bea, wait.

Uh,

There's more bad news, I'm afraid.

When they found Manaki, he wasn't alone.

Bea, I'm so sorry.

In every ward there are sacrifices to be made.

But when it strikes so suddenly

at the heart of our own dear family,

I am too sad to write more.

I remain your loving sister, Bea.