Original subtitles

Dearest Bea, I wish I had more news,

but mostly I'm just at work.

Everyone complains about the prices,

but Awa's counter is doing well.

Go on.

Edith!

Oh, you're back and looking so well.

Are you feeling better?

So much better that I thought I should come in.

Our bookkeeper's signed up, you know?

Your husband will love it too.

Thank you.

Our new cologne, very popular.

Oh, how impolite.

This is my sister-in-law, Richard's wife, Edith.

I mean Mrs. Smith, and this is Ms. Kokiri.

Good to make your acquaintance.

And yours.

I just need to go get something.

Is she all right?

She looks a bit peaky.

Just a bit of tummy trouble.

Yes, there's a bit of it around

with the overpriced lamb which turns out to be mutton

or even horse.

It is hard times,

but we must make the best of things.

Some people have a knack for that.

It's lovely to see Edith so well.

I really believe she might be cured.

But, you probably don't want to hear about sickness.

I hope you are well and Charles and Manaaki.

Do you hear from them at all?

How are the headaches, sergeant?

They go on, sir.

You need to take some of these.

I'm heading over to Alexandria

if you have any mail you want forwarded on?

I'm good, nothing's all right.

Dismissed.

Thank you, sir.

There's a rumor that we might be evacuating.

The trenches have ears.

Some of the men are worried we might not

get the opportunity to finish the job.

As you said, it's just a rumor.

Yes, sir.

That's a strange fish, that one.

Sorry to hear about you and Violet, by the way.

I think she made the right decision,

given the circumstances.

Was there some particular reason?

She just thought the better of it.

And, it just doesn't make much sense

being engaged to a man who might kick the bucket

at any moment, does it?

No.

Not much sense at all.

Your mate's back again, Sarg.

Who?

The old Abdul.

Your Turk.

We should send some of that wood our way, eh?

They're fucking freezing.

He's right there.

Why aren't we shooting him?

He's not doing any harm.

I've got something

that'll show the bugger what's what.

Grenade?

This'll tear is insides out for sure.

Bully beef.

You better look out mate!

If we're tough enough to eat that shit

we can survive anything!

You're breaking crazy.

Arthur, Violet!

Good afternoon.

Shall we all go for some tea?

I'm afraid I really can't.

There's a new picture on at the Globe,

The Still of Inheritance.

It's meant to be thrilling.

Would you excuse me a moment?

You know that I'm very fond of you, Cissy.

I'm fond of you too.

But, given the situation between Charles and I

I feel that you and I cannot go on social outings anymore.

I'm sorry, excuse me.

But, we can still be friends.

That would hardly be appropriate,

and it is a painful reminder.

But, you're the one who broke it off.

Having never been engaged,

you're not in a position to understand.

I must be getting home.

Good afternoon, Arthur.

I will see you tomorrow.

Afternoon.

Well, I think she's being very ungracious.

Arthur, what's that?

Oh dear, poor you.

I'm still ever so keen for tea, if you are.

It was quite a surprise,

Violet calling off her engagement.

But, I don't see why she had to be so cold to me.

And, even if Violet's going to be vile,

at least I have you.

I mean it.

I'm so very fond of you, Arthur.

And, I'm fond of you.

I'm so glad.

What's the point of waiting?

If you think about it,

Violet and Charles would have been married by now

if he hadn't had to go to war.

I suppose so.

I'd hate for that to happen to us.

But, I'm not going to war.

Because your mother needs you at home

which is perfectly reasonable.

A fact not everyone takes into account.

You mean the white feather?

I know, it's so unkind.

My mother goes to meetings all the time about conscription.

Really?

Did you know that if you do issue conscription

only single men will be called out first?

I'm a single man.

But, it's only fair that married men should be excused,

don't you think?

I'd hate it if you were to go,

especially when there's a way out.

All you have to do is get married.

Are you...

You're suggesting...

Do you think we should get married?

I do!

And, the answer is yes.

To what?

Your proposal.

I accept.

You do want to marry me, don't you Arthur?

Well yes, but it is rather...

Wonderful, I know.

I'm so happy.

Mom, are we still?

James.

Mrs. Mueller has something to say to you.

My George is coming home.

I received a letter at last.

I know he was injured, and then I heard nothing.

Will he be all right.

God be thanked he was in a convalescent hospital,

and now he's on a ship.

James, you must come and visit us.

George will be so happy to have a friend.

Of course he will, won't you James?

I'll do my best.

I haven't seen you for a while.

Work and bloody committees every damn night.

Drink?

Why not?

Well, you are paying for it.

I'm sorry if I've been less than attentive.

You know I'd rather be here with you

than listen to some bore go on about the evils of socialism.

I've met your wife.

She doesn't look like she's on death's door.

I beg your pardon?

Your wife.

You made her out to be some kind of invalid,

like you had a creature from the sanitarium.

She was, and then she came back.

I'd noticed.

She made a remarkable recovery.

Everyone said so.

The children are thrilled.

My darling, please.

Don't be like this.

She doesn't want what we have.

You know how much I adore you.

She knows about us.

Don't be ridiculous.

I have a good nose for perfume

and also for trouble.

This doesn't have to change anything between us.

Prove to me that you're sincere.

I promise you very sincerely

that I have never ever done this to my wife or anyone else.

Well do, sister.

Nurse Smith, can you help me?

I think of you in your ward

and imagine you like Florence Nightingale,

stroking fevered brows and murmuring words of comfort.

Oh, good lord.

He's bleeding, but it's not his wound sight.

I think it might be from his anus.

Oh, bloody hell.

He has a high fever.

Do you think it's an infection?

I don't think so.

We might need to quarantine him.

What do you think it is?

Typhoid.

I have some news, and here's a hint.

Very soon I might be practicing a new signature.

Do I look all right?

You look very pretty.

I thought Arthur was coming to see me not you.

Oh.

Do you think he'll want tea?

Well, he might need something stronger than that.

Oh, daddy.

Stop teasing, John!

He's here.

Arthur!

Come in.

Could we have a word first?

Certainly.

Don't be nervous.

Dad likes to tease, but he's really quite a softie.

I love you, Cissy.

More than anything I want you to be my wife.

And, I will be if you just talk to my dad then we...

I came back from lunch to find

yet another white feather on my desk.

Oh dear.

So, I've thought about it, and I've decided to sign up.

I'm sick of being treated like a coward,

and if I join up before conscription

at least I'll get some say on which regiment I go to.

Don't look so miserable, Arthur.

I think it's the right thing to do.

Really?

Yes, and I'll be proud to be a soldier's wife.

That's wonderful.

And, we can marry just as soon as I get back.

But, we can't

We have to get married before you go.

If something were to happen to me

my pension should go to my mother.

I'd never take it from her, you know that.

I still have to be responsible,

and you have your family.

Arthur, please!

You have to marry me before you go.

As I explained-

Arthur, please!

My mind is made up.

I'm going to have a baby.

But, how can that be?

I was a bit stupid and I made a mistake.

Mistake?

But, it only made me realize how much I love you, Arthur.

Really and truly I do,

and I'll be such a good wife to you, I promise.

I have to go.

If you could just think about it?

Of course.

I'll go by the bank.

Manaaki is doing well.

Promoted to sergeant.

I still feel a little guilty that he went back at all.

Do you?

After all the trouble you went to

to get him shipped home.

I did owe you a favor.

Nonsense.

How is Charles now that Violet has set him free?

I think it's a relief, actually.

That freedom from attachment.

Goodness, I almost recognized this one.

It is music of sorts.

Would you like to dance?

You know I have two left feet.

Would you like to move along instead?

Gosh, this is rather grand and very tidy.

I have a batman.

Do I need his position to put this down

or anything else?

No.

Would you like a drink?

I should be making the most of the high life while I can.

I've been asked to join a contingent of nurses

moving from Port Seb to somewhere in Greece.

It's all rather hush hush.

That's a shame.

It's a promotion of sort.

But, further away.

* Meet me tonight *

* In dream land *

* Under the silvery moon *

You're in grave danger, you know?

I have very solid feet.

* Meet me tonight *

* In dream land *

* Where love's sweet roses bloom *

* Come with a love light gleaming *

* In your dear eyes of blue *

* Meet me in dream land *

* Sweet dreamy dream land *

* Dare let me dreams come true *

* Meet me *

I should get back.

Do you have to?

I do have to think about packing.

Not that there's much to think about.

One woolen uniform or the other.

Sometimes I think about silk.

Even the sound makes me want to swoon.

You never used to care about clothes.

See?

War does have its uses.

There'll be no need for glad rags

on the good ship Marquette.

Bea.

There's something I have to give you before you leave.

All right.

This is a copy.

I sent it to the Otago Medical School

taking full responsibility for what occurred between us.

I was a willing participant.

I was the one involved with a student.

I should have been disciplined, not you.

It really doesn't matter anymore.

But, you're wasted as a nurse.

But, what about your reputation?

It no longer seems of any importance.

I couldn't have it on my conscience,

and I am pressing to have you readmitted.

Where will you be?

Gallipoli.

The evacuation has been deferred

while the war cabinet quiver in London.

You're sounding so final

as if you're not going to live.

Men are shot and blown up every day.

An orderly got it in the head not two feet from me.

It can't last.

Not in the odds.

Don't be so pessimistic.

No, I'm being a realist.

And, in some ways I'm lucky.

I have no one who's relying on me.

You cannot mean that.

I treated this young Australian,

had half his head blown away.

He died, of course, but in his jacket

he had a single woman's glove and a pair of booties, blue.

He carried those things with him through all that,

thinking of a wife, a son,

and now he'll never go back to them.

That is very sad, but you should have talked to me

about this first.

It's the only right course of action.

Well, do you think I am some burden,

something you have to get off your conscience?

That's not what I meant at all.

I should be going.

It's been nice to see you.

Nice?

Is that all you can manage?

As if I'm a piece of shortbread?

Well, it's not as if you're all hearts and flowers.

You made it clear!

I'm one for the road before you ship out!

Yes.

I think that's how we should see it.

Goodbye.

Bea?

I have one piece of advice, Lorna,

and that is stay away from men.

They're impossible.

Lorna?

I should get up then.

Hey.

You're burning up.

Good afternoon.

Is Arthur finished for the day?

Arthur?

He's not with the bank anymore.

Has he joined up already?

If by that you mean joining the deserters.

I beg your pardon?

Rumor has it that Arthur took a boat to San Francisco.

A lot of yellow chaps are doing it to avoid conscription.

What about his mother?

I think he used her as an excuse all along,

and now he's run away like the coward he is.

Where have you been?

I've had to deal with all manner of inquiries.

I'm sorry I just...

What in heaven's name?

I'll go see to her.

Girl, what is it?

I made a bit of mess of things.

How far along are you?

I beg your pardon?

You're heartburn.

Pregnant, aren't you?

I might be.

Have you had your monthlies?

They've stopped, and I do feel sick.

It's not fair because I only did it the once.

What am I going to do?

There's an Irish woman on Gray Street.

She can take care of it.

I couldn't.

I heard you can die of it.

Then you tell the man responsible

that he needs to do right by you.

I can't.

He's married?

No.

He's away at war.

Actually, it's your brother.

Manaaki?

Does he know?

Christ, it's cold.

Watch it!

Look at me.

As you were.

It's him again.

I knew he was soft.

Couldn't even finish it.

I got him!

I got the bugger!

What's going on?

He knew we were here.

He threw it.

Yeah, half a tin of bully beef.

It was a bloody joke, you idiot.

You shouldn't have done that.

But, he's the enemy.

Fair point, old man.

I can't stay long.

Candidates meeting.

There's some business we need to discuss

about a baby.

I thought you were being careful.

Christ almighty.

It's not me you have to worry about.

It's your sister.

Of all the stupid girls in the world.

I'm sorry.

Sorry?

Where's your morals, your self-control?

What's done is done!

If you'd have cared more about your daughter

and less about your blessed causes

perhaps this would never have happened.

It's not my fault!

You let the man in the house!

Dad!

It is unfortunate to say the least,

but there is a way out.

We can send her to stay with her aunt, Lucy.

Oh, who lives to gossip.

How will that help?

We can sort the whole thing out once and for all.

I have a storeman at my factory.

He's a decent fellow, not a drinker,

and he has a touch of the tar brush.

He's a Maori?

He's quite light skinned,

but it means there'll be no questions about the baby,

and he's prepared to take Cissy on

for a consideration.

What kind?

100 pounds.

Oh, that's outrageous.

Dad, it's a bargain.

The chap takes full responsibility for Cissy and her child,

and we're all out of the woods.

I suppose it's better than nothing.

Do you have something to say?

It's like I'm being sold.

Well, you should have thought of that

when you were flat on your back!

John. -Dad, please.

If we move swiftly, the matter will be concluded,

and there'll be no embarrassment or any shameful talk.

And, he attends church.

He's very fond of sports.

I like rugby.

He's a great supporter of the war effort,

although he had rheumatic fever,

and it rendered him inactive for service.

Dodgy ticker.

That's a shame.

I'm sure Cissy here can take good care of you.

A place of your own, a home cooked meal.

What more could a man want?

I'm just finishing up.

I'll come through.

Edith.

Come through where?

Who were you expecting?

Nobody at all.

I assumed you were a late delivery.

I've brought supper for us both.

Well.

My foolish sister has been taken care of.

The wedding's in just over a fortnight.

It'll be a small affair.

I'm pleased to hear it,

but that's not the issue that's concerning me the most.

I know that I've been unwell and that men have their needs,

but I dislike the looks I'm getting,

the sly intimations that tell me that something is amiss.

It is humiliating,

though nowhere near as bad as divorce would be.

Edith, I have no idea.

Please just listen.

If you'd like to avoid a divorce

or dinners laced with arsenic,

then believe me when I say this.

The black bitch has to go.

To whom would you be referring?

For God's sake, Richard!

She goes or I do, and I would make sure everybody knows why.

Oh, I forgot.

Would you like a little mint sauce?

Are you ready, sir?

Yes, thank you.

I heard a bit of news.

The British troop ship has been torpedoed.

Good God.

There was a contingent

of nurses on board as well.

Some of ours.

Which ship?

The Marquette, sir.

Excuse me, sister.

Yes, Major?

The ship that went down, the Marquette,

do you know where they're taking casualties?

Bea.

What are you doing here?

You didn't ship out.

My roommate, Lorna, caught typhoid.

We had something of an epidemic,

and the sisters needed me.

Oh, thank God.

I thought she was going to pull through,

but she didn't.

Oh God.

There's no point in this.

It doesn't change anything.

It's not wrong to feel strongly.

Bea.

I feel like such a fool for what I said to you.

What are you talking about?

Pretending I didn't care.

But, you're right.

No one should get attached.

Bea.

I love you.

You wanted to get short of me.

No, I love you.

You wanted me off your conscience.

Why must you argue about everything?

You're worse!

And, you don't believe in shell shock,

though clearly you've had a case of it.

Bea.

I'm scared for you.

'Cause I love you.

Is that what you wanted to hear?

Yes, it is.

Well, now you've got me

whether you like it or not.

I don't think I can do this.

Things are in an awkward stage.

I get it, politics.

It's not that.

You see...

I have to let you go from the shop.

It's a matter of the times.

My counter is doing well despite the times.

You're doing well.

Yes, and you're a very talented sales girl,

and I will give you a letter of introduction.

I do have a friend in Wellington.

Why would I go to Wellington?

Well, you'd like it.

And, I'll be there occasionally.

Your wife did know.

That seems to be the case.

Now it's bugger off out the door as fast as possible.

I'll pay out your notice.

I really thought that you liked me

a little bit more than that, Richard.

I'm sorry.

I just, I find myself in an impossible situation.

I mean, content for a seat in the bi-election,

and my wife is threatening me.

If you truly are sorry, Richard,

then I have another thought.

You talked about expanding your interests

into other districts.

Yes?

I could help with it.

You know that it wouldn't be a matter of sentiment

because I'm hard headed,

and you would get a cut of the profits.

You know, it could work out very well for both of us.

Well?

You thought that through very quickly.

I thought that through the minute your wife

first walked into the emporium.

You really are so damn clever.

Don't you dare.

Mom, I'm famished.

We had to do five laps of the field with full packs.

Those are for Ida and George.

Oh.

They're going to pay a call shortly.

What's that surly look?

They're still Germans.

I cannot believe you mean that.

George has been wounded

fighting for his country voluntarily.

I know, but...

You and George were best friends.

I wrote to him loads of times,

and he never wrote.

Not even a field card.

Be that as it may, we all have to do our duty.

And, yours is to have tea and biscuits

and be kind to our guests.

Here we are.

And, your friend James is here.

Hello, James.

Afternoon.

James.

Yes, it's me.

Perhaps just a few more steps.

James, offer George a biscuit and some lemonade.

I want to show Ida the garden.

So, we haven't got a new maid yet,

but we're making do.

How are you feeling?

Not so bad considering I'm blind.

Will you get your sight back?

I've lost one eye and the other concussion shell.

It's unlikely.

I'm sorry.

I should have kept writing.

I didn't know.

I do have the letters you sent.

You could read them to me now.

That's old news.

Not to me.

I missed hearing you talk.

All the stupid things you used to say.

Not as stupid as you.

My dear Bea,

I have to admit that things are not the best.

I wish I was strong like you,

and that I could do what's necessary.

Where are my scissors?

I wanted to take some cuttings for Mrs. Mueller.

What are you doing?

Just spilled something on the carpet.

Don't want to use bleach on it.

Here they are.

I wish you were here

because I have no one who understands.

Awa!

Awa, where are you?

What's wrong?

I thought I'd missed you.

I'm just getting packed up.

For where?

Hamilton.

Why didn't you tell me you were going?

I heard everything had been arranged.

My brother's son has a new father.

It's what my family want, and he seems like a nice man,

but I don't think I can do it,

sleep with him when I don't love him.

I just want to take poison or jump off a bridge.

You wouldn't.

No really.

I think if I got drunk I could do it.

And, kill my brother's child?

Well, I don't want to,

but I have no where to turn.

You could tell Manaaki.

He wouldn't come back to marry me even if he could.

Now everyone is saying this war will go on and on and on.

Come with me.

But, how would I get on in Hamilton?

I have premises for a new shop.

We'll get by.

But, everyone will see I'm pregnant.

Buy yourself a courting ring for tuppence.

Then you'll be a war widow.

There are plenty of them around.

If the men can stand by themselves

help them as much as you can.

If they can walk, even better.

Go! Yes, ma'am.

Any walking wounded we need to move them on.

Clear as many beds as possible.

What's happening?

There are orders for the evacuation of the Dardanelles.

There have been rumors before.

This has been confirmed,

and we need to be prepared for the worst.

Take whatever you can carry.

Don't leave any drugs.

The end of the end.

I've been told to go on ahead and get ready.

Fair enough.

I'll be staying behind.

A few of us have volunteered to keep Johnny Turk busy

to cover the retreat.

If they catch on it'll be suicide.

It's all been a risk.

I can't abandon my men.

I'll see you on the other side then.

I hope so.

Give my love to Bea.

Look after her.

If she'll let me.

Well, better get to it.

We have to look like a force to be reckoned with.

Take care, William.

You too.

That's it, keep going.

We're leaving this all here?

It seems like a hell of a waste.

That's already happened.

It still feels a bit crooked,

leaving all our mates behind.

No one's underground.

Come on, mate, or we'll miss our ride.

At least we have one great success.

We're glorious in retreat.

At least with the heavenly Father

they will live on in God's kingdom.

Great will be their glory and ripe will be their memories.

Amen.

Amen.

My dearest sister, it's hard to believe

it's nearly the end of the year.

I heard from mom, and you'll be surprised to hear

she's become quite the radical.

Tell your member of parliament, no!

Would you care to make a contribution for our brave men?

Certainly.

You might like to read about what might happen to our men.

I'm surprised you'd throw your lot in

with shirkers and socialists.

No, I believe in loyalty to the empire,

but also in our right to choose.

To be cowards?

What did you say?

The country needs conscription.

You would have a gall to suggest that any of my family

have been cowards.

I'm expressing an opinion.

Listen to me, my girl.

It is very easy to ask others to make sacrifices

when you have made none yourself.

I believe I've made some.

And, thank goodness you have released Charles

because he is worth 10 of you,

and I no longer need to give you the time of day.

No conscription!

Fight conscription!

Keep our men at home!

I pray to God to keep Charles safe and William,

though it's hard to be away from home at this time,

though I really shouldn't complain when you are more alone,

but everyone in Hamilton is very friendly

'cause I am a widow.

I'm so used to telling people that

that I almost believe it,

and Awa is as kind to me as any sister

which is a great comfort.

Dad and Richard still refuse to speak to me,

but perhaps you could put in a good word?

Oh, Edith!

Merry Christmas, my boy.

Merry Christmas.

Congratulations on your nomination.

I'm very proud.

Thanks, dad.

Happy Christmas, everybody.

Hello, Ida.

So good to see you.

James was very insistent.

Here he is.

Merry Christmas, George.

Would you like a sherry, mother?

Not for me, dear.

I have to check on the dinner,

but I am pleased we're all here.

As many of us as can be.

To our loved ones, wherever they may be.

Dear Manaaki, your sister has persuaded me

I should tell you that you have a fine, healthy son.

I have named him Harry Manaaki Smith.

He is such a bonny fellow,

and I hope he will give you a reason to come home.

You should hear him laugh.

He has such a funny giggle.

And, goodness!

Did you hear about Bea?

When I heard, you could have knocked me down with a feather.

I, Beatrice Catherine Smith, take you,

William Albert Chambers, to be my lawful, wedded husband.

To have and to hold, for better or worse,

for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health,

from this day forward 'til death do us part.

Wait, wait!

Please, one thing.

What is it now, wife?

I should inform my husband that I have written

to the Otaga Medical School to say

that I won't be returning.

If you go to the Western front I'll go too.

Are we going to argue about this now?

Because your future is my future?

In this case, until death do us part

may not be that far away.

No, I will not have you being gloomy on our wedding night!

And, one day a long time away

we will sit with our grandchildren.

You would have children?

I did say a long time away.

We will sit with our grandchildren,

and we will tell them about this time.

The time that made us who we are.

Crotchety old fools with wrinkles and a gummy hip.

Speak for yourself, old man.

There's plenty of life in you yet.