* STIRRING MUSIC Captions by Imogen Staines. Edited by Faith Hamblyn. www.able.co.nz Captions were made possible with funding from NZ On Air. Copyright Able 2015 STIRRING MUSIC CONTINUES MUSIC SWELLS MUSIC FADES WHIMSICAL MUSIC I've got it! WOMAN: Well, my dear sister, I thought I would write to you and pretend we're tucked up in our room, whispering secrets as we used to. DISTRESSED SCREAMS All right. Easy. Let's go. SCREAMS CONTINUE Clear as many beds as you can from ward three. Go now. Clear as many beds as you can from ward three. Go now. Yes, Nurse. Next load's coming. But another shipload of the sick and wounded arrived, and I found I was still in Egypt, and here I shall remain for as long as I am needed. Assemble the available gurneys outside now. Assemble the available gurneys outside now. MAN: Nurse! Nurse! There's no more room. We can't accept any more wounded. There's no more room. We can't accept any more wounded. Yet there's nowhere else for them. But what`? But what`? Nurse Smith, for once, would you kindly just`? MAN: Water! MAN: 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.' MAN: NURSE! 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. (GAGS, GRUNTS, VOMITS) Uh, Macdonald? Uh, Macdonald? < Yes, Dr Chambers? Remind me ` the major muscle group here being the...? Remind me ` the major muscle group here being the...? Uh, pectoralis major. Thank you, Miss Smith. In the early days of our colony, it's said there were two causes of death ` one through excessive consumption of alcohol, the other through drowning, whilst drunk. LAUGHTER Which do we think caused the demise of this poor chap? Someone other than Miss Smith. (SQUEALS) This was a man. Show him the respect he deserves. LIGHT MUSIC Your behaviour today was appalling. Your behaviour today was appalling. Miss Smith. You undermined me in front of the other students. You undermined me in front of the other students. Accept my heartfelt apologies (!) To believe that I'd have to be sure that you have a heart. To believe that I'd have to be sure that you have a heart. (SIGHS) What more can I say? What more can I say? Nothing that will make one jot of difference. I'm still furious. I'm still furious. Yes, I see that now. I'm still furious. Yes, I see that now. BOTH GRUNT But what am I to do? If I... If I show favour, I'm patronising. 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. I allow for hideous old spinsters with no husbands to care for. Your antiquated and foolish views. Well, yours are radical and in the minority. Well, yours are radical and in the minority. (GASPS) BOTH BREATHE SHALLOWLY Archie saw her go in. He's absolutely positive. Gimme a leg-up, quickly. ALL GRUNT, STRAIN ALL GRUNT, STRAIN Higher. You're far too beautiful to be a bluestocking. You think I'm beautiful? You think I'm beautiful? Yes, and difficult beyond belief. I'm the superior student. I'm the superior student. (PANTS) Say it. Say it. You're the superior student. (PANTS) By far... the superior. (CHUCKLES) (GRUNTS LIGHTLY) BOTH PANT BOTH PANT EXCITEDLY BOY: Professor's coming! They're at it like knives. They're at it like knives. ALL SNIGGER BELLS PEAL, MAN SHOUTS All right, then, lads! Ready? Charge! (SCREAMS AGGRESSIVELY) I was happy to receive a letter from Charles ` Next. our dear and very proper brother, Charles. Ready? Charge! Yes, sir! (SCREAMS AGGRESSIVELY, GRUNTS) 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 go to war, which side are you on? Lay off, Tom. Lay off, Tom. Are you gonna make me? 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. > Yes, sir. > BRIGHT MUSIC Oh, Cissy, I cannot think of you without seeing you at your counter, queen of all you survey. BOY: Come on, Cissy. Cissy. Cissy, please. Cissy, please. No. Just five bob ` that's all. Just five bob ` that's all. Harry, no! You'll get me in trouble again. I won't tell if you don't. Come on. I won't tell if you don't. Come on. Stop it. Richard's not back till 3, OK? You're gonna be fine. Richard's not back till 3, OK? You're gonna be fine. He's here again. Who is? 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 Manaaki Kokiri. I'm looking for my sister. Her name is Awa. This is she. (WHISTLES, CHUCKLES) Tried Grey St? (WHISTLES, CHUCKLES) Tried Grey St? Harry. (WHISTLES, CHUCKLES) Tried Grey St? Harry. Where is Grey St? A very bad part of town. Harry's only teasing. We'd 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,... (WHISPERS) 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. MEN SHOUT IN DISTANCE CASH REGISTER TRILLS BUSY MUSIC PEOPLE CHATTER There's still no word from Harry, but if anyone can come through this mess unscathed, it'll be our dearest, most infuriating Harry. BUSY MUSIC CONTINUES Good afternoon, gentlemen. MEN CHAT BOTH GRUNT (SIGHS ORGASMICALLY) (SIGHS ORGASMICALLY) (PANTS) BOTH PANT (GIGGLES) You're a one, aren't you, Harry? I'm celebrating, aren't I? (GRUNTS) (SIGHS) I turned five shillings into 25. I turned five shillings into 25. You're tinny, all right. Don't wanna push my luck and meet your husband. Don't wanna push my luck and meet your husband. Better hope you don't. He's a big bugger, stern as Satan. Is that a challenge? Is that a challenge? Well, what if it is? Ding-dong. Ding-dong. (CHUCKLES) Ding-dong. (CHUCKLES) I believe it's round two. BOTH LAUGH You shall love... Do give my love to Richard, and ask him to send more soap if he can spare it. ...with all your soul! ...with all your soul! Now, listen here. All your hanging about is making my sister nervous. All your hanging about is making my sister nervous. And your neighbour as yourself. My sister was here. That is what I know. Well, she's not here any more, is she? So do move along. In your patience possess ye your souls, for the Lord has shown you`! Look, now` now, see here. You clear off, or I'll call the constable. This ` this was brought in this store. My sister sent it with this. I'll wait for her. (SCOFFS, CHUCKLES) This is` It's madness. This is nothing to say that she's going to come back here. I mean, she could be anywhere. Good afternoon. Good afternoon. Charles. Good afternoon. Charles. Richard. Tena koe. Tena koe. Tena koe. Is there a problem? Oh, this fellow was just moving along. Oh, this fellow was just moving along. I'm looking for my sister. Well, perhaps I can help. Charles Smith. I'm a lawyer. Manaaki Kokiri. Manaaki 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. Ka kite. Goodness, Richard, you certainly told him (!) Charles can't keep his nose out of anything, can he? Well, whatever he said seems to have done the trick. Do you think he heard me? They used to eat their enemies, you know. Do you think he heard me? They used to eat their enemies, you know. Some of them still do. BRIGHT MUSIC MEN CHAT HORSE WHINNIES MUSIC CONTINUES I'm sorry. It's perhaps not entirely suitable, but under the circumstances... Uh, I have no money. Uh, I have no money. No, no. No, no, no, no, no. Quite all right. DOG BARKS Right. I've paid board and lodgings for a week. Dinner is at 6. Right. I've paid board and lodgings for a week. Dinner is at 6. Tena rawa atu koe. You're very welcome. Well, good luck. And I hope you find your sister. 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. BIRDS TWEET Bea. Bea. Really, sir, tongues will wag. Bea. Really, sir, tongues will wag. Yes. They already have. DISTANT LAUGHTER DISTANT LAUGHTER Enjoy your winter break, Miss Smith. I'll see you in Auckland at Charles' engagement? After all, he is marrying your cousin. After all, he is marrying your cousin. Marry me. Be my wife. William. William. Well, why not? (LAUGHS) How could any woman resist such a heartfelt proposal (?) (LAUGHS) How could any woman resist such a heartfelt proposal (?) Then, say yes. If I can finish my training and work alongside you` If I can finish my training and work alongside you` No. Not possible. Some women are in practice with their husbands. 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. That didn't prevent you making love to me. It's to my regret. Marriage should equally bind two souls, not contract one to control 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. about my inappropriate relations with a female student. Oh my God. And now... to avoid scandal, you wish to marry this fallen woman. Do you care about your reputation? Do you care about your reputation? Is it my good name that's causing you concern or your own? You think that's why? What other reason could there be for this sudden proposal?! 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. MELANCHOLY PIANO MUSIC Please mention me to Violet. 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 rumour. It concerns your sister Bea. Scuttlebutt. Hearsay and lies. Scuttlebutt. Hearsay and lies. My friend heard it from a 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. 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. And you'll go away and fight? And you'll go away and fight? It's my duty. And you'll go away and fight? It's my duty. 'Course it is, and you'll be a hero. (CHUCKLES) 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. (CHUCKLES) (CHUCKLES) Why are you laughing? (CHUCKLES) Why are you laughing? You are funny. I am not. I'm deadly serious. Deadly? Deadly? Serious. Don't laugh, or I'll have to punish you. Oh, I am, of course, terrified (!) Oh, I am, of course, terrified (!) (CHUCKLES) And, darling, you will remember to talk to you sister, won't you? And, darling, you will remember to talk to you sister, won't you? Mm-hm. DISTANT GUNFIRE REFLECTIVE PIANO MUSIC Now, Cissy, I must get this letter away. If you think to mention it to Mother, say we are seldom out of uniform, 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,... (EXHALES DEEPLY) ...Bea. BIRDS TWEET How strange. I'm sure you were sitting there, darning socks the last time I saw you. (LAUGHS) Here 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? Uh, perhaps she's been studying too hard. What's all this mayhem and ruckus? 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. Not yet. Well, of course she isn't. Well, jolly well hurry up. There's a good girl. Well, jolly well hurry up. There's a good girl. (LAUGHS) Hurry up. Have you ever heard such nonsense? Have you ever heard such nonsense? I believe I may have. (LAUGHS) You actually have to touch dead bodies? You actually have to touch dead bodies? Of course. That's nauseating. And hardly suitable dinner conversation. And hardly suitable dinner conversation. It's a normal fact of life. Annie, the gravy. Annie, the gravy. Doesn't necessarily make it fit for decent conversation. Leonardo da Vinci used to dissect bodies just so he could draw them. 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'll be lovely, won't it, Charles? Plans are proceeding for the party. It'll be lovely, won't it, Charles? I believe so. Oh, you believe so. Isn't that like a man? (CHUCKLES) As if he gets engaged every day. And when it happens and the party's a great success, it'll all be taken for granted. 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. Good evening, all. Richard. Apologies. Edith is unwell. Apologies. Edith is unwell. Again? Your dear wife needs a tonic. Hmm. Hmm. Oh, where is that gravy? Is your remaining brother likely to make an appearance? No, thought not. No, thought not. Can we talk about something important now? What are we 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. He's just jealous because Charles is marrying into money. Cissy! Hold your tongue, girl. Shall we say grace, Dad? Bless us, oh, Lord, and for these gifts we are about to receive, may the Lord make us truly thankful. Amen. Amen. ALL: Amen. (SIGHS) James. RICH ORCHESTRAL MUSIC Argh! Argh! (LAUGHS) Careful. Oh, look. Uh, Bea's bought me a new suit for the party. Oh, look. Uh, Bea's bought me a new suit for the party. From a student who'd outgrown it. Mm. I` I need to have a word with Bea. James, come on. We'll show Mum. (CLEARS THROAT) If you want advice on the wedding, I'm the last person to ask. If you want advice on the wedding, I'm the last person to ask. DOOR SHUTS There are rumours... concerning you and a certain person. concerning you and a certain person. You mean William ` Dr Chambers. You` You're not even gonna deny it? You` You're not even gonna deny it? I've done nothing I'm ashamed of. Have you any idea the distress a scandal would cause Mum and Dad or Violet and her family? We are about to be married, for God's sake! We are about to be married, for God's sake! It is over. My beliefs differ from yours, and I'm sorry that upsets you, but I can promise you that William and I are no longer... involved. Bea, I'm sorry. I` Bea, I'm sorry. I` 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. CLINKING ON GLASS CLINKING ON GLASS 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. regardless of their station. Condescending snob. Shh. 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 30, he is already gaining renown in legal circles and for his dealings with the sometimes vexing issue of native title. CHUCKLING CHUCKLING A captain in the Territorial Army, a leader of men, please join me in celebrating the engagement of my daughter Violet and Charles Smith. TOASTING TOASTING Drink, dance and be merry. APPLAUSE APPLAUSE Thank you. BAND PLAY 'THE FLOWER DUET' FROM LAKME BY DELIBES William, just the chap. William, just the chap. Ah, good afternoon, Guy. You're a medical man. You know the advantages of a strong purgative. 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. 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? And what is the cause of this weakness? Uh... The pampering effects of civilisation. What is needed is a return to wholesome stringency. A war ` that's what we need. A war ` that's what we need. Yes. Excuse me. I'm in the cadets, you know. Good for you, sport. Good for you, sport. Get your filthy hands off my brother, Featherston. Don't be an ass, old chap. Don't be an ass, old chap. I say. Bottoms up, old chap. Sir Henry? Sir Henry? Yes? I'm a great admirer of yours. You are a man of vision. 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. 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... (CHUCKLES) only a handful of Germans. Perhaps another time, Richard. Perhaps another time, Richard. Not to mention the plantations in German Samoa ` coconut, banana. Precisely. Precisely. Excuse me. War hasn't been declared, and you're already looking for a way to profit? War hasn't been declared, and you're already looking for a way to profit? I'm merely being practical. Say it again. Again. Say it again. Again. What? That only shirkers avoid doing their duty? You're an idiot, Featherston. You're an idiot, Featherston. Coward. Hard to believe you and Charles are` (GRUNTS) PEOPLE GASP, MUSIC STOPS PEOPLE GASP, MUSIC STOPS (COUGHS) The bounder hit me! Will you have a crack, then? Come on. Will you have a crack, then? Come on. That's enough! Go home, boy, and cool off. Now. 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. CLASSICAL MUSIC RESUMES CLASSICAL MUSIC RESUMES They think you're shit too. JOHANN STRAUSS' 'THE BLUE DANUBE' PLAYS Harry can't help himself. He always has to take centre stage. (CHUCKLES) Dad's beside himself. I wouldn't... (CHUCKLES) want to be Harry. Dad's beside himself. I wouldn't... (CHUCKLES) want to be Harry. (CLEARS THROAT) The Misses Smith. Dr Chambers. Won't you dance with Bea, sir? Won't you dance with Bea, sir? (CHUCKLES) Won't you dance with Bea, sir? (CHUCKLES) Oh, I'm not much of a dancer. That makes two of you. All that time wasted with your dry old books. 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. MUSIC ENDS, LIGHT APPLAUSE, JAUNTY MUSIC PLAYS I'm not sure I would classify this as music. One should move with the times. Modern is not necessarily better. Modern is not necessarily better. If we all believed so, there'd be no progress. Bea, can we talk? Somewhere else. Have you changed your position? No. Then, what's left to discuss? As you like. How you feeling, old chap? (EXHALES) (EXHALES) No, you keep it. I'll have it laundered and the bill sent to your brother. Well, time I was... (SIGHS) Blast. It was my grandfather's ` solid silver case, gold` There he is, giving the establishment a bad name. There he is, giving the establishment a bad name. O'Reagan. What are you having? Whatever you're buying. You were missed at the meeting. I didn't see the point ` whole lot of comrades blathering about nothing. It's gotta be worth a fiver, at least. A round for my mates. Aye. 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 the workers get screwed. Everyone's playing wait and see while the workers get screwed. Well, I'll drink to that. (EXHALES) You should have more light. (SIGHS) 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. He's biting the hand that feeds him. Because he's impulsive, but he needs` He'll never amount to anything. It's pointless wishing otherwise. He'll never amount to anything. It's pointless wishing otherwise. (EXHALES) I have you, and that is compensation enough. And Richard, Charles and James. Oh, they're boys. It's easier for them. Oh, they're boys. It's easier for them. And Cissy. She's a silly girl. Takes after your mother ` though I never said that. She's a silly girl. Takes after your mother ` though I never said that. (CHUCKLES) You've always been the clever one. Then again, they don't hand out scholarships to the stupid girls. Goodnight, Daddy. Goodnight, Daddy. Night. LOW MUSIC (CHUCKLES) I had real champagne, and there was so much food. I wish you'd been there. Well, I don't have a fine suit. Well, I don't have a fine suit. (CHUCKLES) Well, I don't have a fine suit. (CHUCKLES) WOMAN: George? Alles ist gut? Um, I'm right, Mama. Everything is tickety-boo. Um, I'm right, Mama. Everything is tickety-boo. BOTH CHUCKLE Uh, good evening, Mrs Mueller. Good evening, Mr James Smith. Boys, can you be quiet, please? You will wake Mr Mueller. Yes, Mama. BOTH GIGGLE All everyone talked about was the chance of war with Germany. Father says the English want an excuse to fight Germany; they're afraid of our navy. The English navy's the best in the world. The English navy's the best in the world. (SCOFFS) Say it. Say it. (SCOFFS) Say it. (SCOFFS) Say it. I agree. My father doesn't know what he's talking about. (CHUCKLES) (SIGHS) Was there cake? Was there cake? (CHUCKLES) More cake than you've ever seen. COMPELLING MUSIC DOOR SHUTS 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, hmm? Well, what's a party without a good fight, hmm? Dad's furious. But I guess that's rather the point, isn't it? I was sticking up for what I believe in. As if you have ever given a toss about anything or` or anyone other than Harry bloody Smith. What the hell would you know? What the hell would you know? You do what you like when you like, not considering the effects of your actions upon others. Poor old Charlie ` 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. You're drunk. Been down the Irish. You're drunk. Been down the Irish. Go to bed, Harry. Sleep it off. That's right. Mustn't make a fuss, hmm? 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...? CLOCK TICKS No. No, n-not the golden boy. Charles who can do no wrong. Yes, sir. Three bags full, sir. Goodnight. CLOCK TICKS There's a new film at the Lyric. There's a new film at the Lyric. Atlantis. Sounds terribly dramatic. Can we go this evening? Can we go this evening? Please? Moving pictures are a fad ` waste of time and money. Please? Please? Let them have their fun. Charles, if you would. For what we are about to receive, may the Lord make us` For what we are about to receive, may the Lord make us` Truly grateful. Amen. ALL: Amen. ALL: Amen. Evening, all. Nice of you to join us. Been about, looking for work down the wharves. Been about, looking for work down the wharves. (SCOFFS) 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. Duty. What's wrong with that? And at any rate, it'll be an adventure. Wish I was old enough ` so does George. To prop up the ruling classes at the expense of the workers? To prop up the ruling classes at the expense of the workers? (LAUGHS) Union propaganda. Like lambs to the slaughter. Baa! Like lambs to the slaughter. Baa! Can we just through one dinner without arguing? And what does George wanna fight Germans for? He is one. Harry! 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. SLAM! SLAM! Silence! CLOCK TICKS If Father said we couldn't go, it would be 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. Bea is right. Take no notice. George is as British as we are. Oh goodness. Isn't`? It is. It's her. I` I'm sure of it. It is. It's her. I` I'm sure of it. What are you talking about? It is. It's her. I` I'm sure of it. What are you talking about? Her. What's this? What's this? The odd native 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. BUSY MUSIC MAN SHOUTS, BABY CRIES (SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY) KNOCK ON DOOR Mr Kokiri, good morning. It's Charles Smith. I have something for you. I` I may have found your sister. (COUGHS) I say, Mr Kokiri. Are you all right? Are you all right? (WHEEZES) Are you all right? (WHEEZES) Manaaki? (INHALES SHALLOWLY) (WHEEZES) BELL TOLLS CAR MOTOR WHIRRS, LAUGHTER Faster at the front. Faster at the front. Mind the patient. Faster at the front. Mind the patient. Yes, sir. Mind his arm. Mind his arm. Mind his arm. Mind his arm. Yes, sir. To the storage room. On my count. On the count of three. Three, two, one. STRAINING STRAINING (GRUNTS WHEEZILY) Very good. Thanks, men. Cadets dismissed. Very good. Thanks, men. Cadets dismissed. Sir, yes, sir. I think it's influenza. Well, that's not as bad. Well, that's not as bad. It could easily kill him. 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 for the native people... Can you help him? Cissy, we'll need to take off his clothes and have them laundered. 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? With no clothes on? Well, of course. With no clothes on? Well, of course. I'm not touching him. And if he dies because of your squeamishness, what then? I` It's all right for you. You were a nurse. You've seen it before. I` 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. BELL RINGS IN DISTANCE I'll leave you to it. I'll leave you to it. Someone has to mind my counter. I'm happy to do it. GENTLE MUSIC < ...waea mai i te rangi. Whakapakia,... ana whakawatia o tu... Whakaea mai. Where's my book? Where's my book? Where's my book? Where's my book? I` It's here. It's right here. Where's my book? Where's my book? I` It's here. It's right here. (WHEEZES) (BREATHES SHALLOWLY) GENTLE MUSIC CONTINUES Shh. Calm yourself. It'll be all right. It'll be all right. (BREATHES HALTINGLY) E rite ki te matatoa. Hoaturia. Hoaturia. Is he going to die? < Ki te whakarite o te tika. I honestly don't know. < (BREATHES SHALLOWLY) < Our father, hear our prayer... < that thy servant Manaaki is healed and made well again. < that thy servant Manaaki is healed and made well again. (BREATHES SHAKILY) GENTLE MUSIC CONTINUES MUSIC CONTINUES 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 (!) Well, no bother, and don't rush to thank me (!) FOOTSTEPS APPROACH Tena koe. Tena koe. He says he's going. You have been very kind. You have been very kind. Well, there's no rush, surely? I can't find my sister. I can't find my sister. Yes, well... Is this her? Ae. Ae, koia. What'd he say? > What'd he say? > This is my sister. Your sister's not a film star. Your sister's not a film star. I know my sister. I've made some enquiries. I think I know where she may be. I've made some enquiries. I think I know where she may be. Uh, later, when you've eaten. Then we'll see. Then we'll see. Well, you heard the doctor. Then we'll see. Well, you heard the doctor. She's a doctor? I'm training to be one. And what of it? (CHUCKLES) What's that? What's that? He says he will do exactly as the doctor tells him. Mm. (CHUCKLES) BIRDS TWEET BIRDS TWEET Oh, there you are. Thank goodness. (CHUCKLES) Yes, and why is that? Because you have a visitor. No, no. Don't get up. I won't get in your way. (CHUCKLES) Uh, more tea or biscuits, Doctor? Uh, more tea or biscuits, Doctor? Uh, not for me. Mm. Well, just, uh, ring the bell if you require anything. When do you go back to Otago? Soon. And this can't have waited? Uh, 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 presence brings it into disrepute. My presence? You're requested to withdraw quietly and without fuss, citing health or family reasons, otherwise... Otherwise? The Council will be notified of your lewd behaviour, you will be formally dismissed and your family 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. You could still accept my proposal. Now that there's no danger of me becoming a doctor. Dammit, Bea, that's not the reason. I... I care about you very much. In these circumstances, do you honestly think I could agree to any proposal you would make? ANXIOUS MUSIC (SOBS) (SOBS) DOOR SHUTS (SOBS) DOOR SHUTS (SOBS) KNOCK ON DOOR KNOCK ON DOOR (SOBS) KNOCK ON DOOR (SOBS) Bea? Bea, dear? Is anything the matter? (SOBS) I'm all right, Mum. (SNIFFLES, SIGHS) I just need a minute. (SNIFFLES) (BREATHES SHAKILY) (LAUGHTER) # Lazy days... # (WHOOPING) (LAUGHTER) (ENGINE REVS) What have you got under the hood, bro? What?! Shush! What's under the hood? You wouldn't believe me. (ALL EXCLAIM) (INTRIGUING MUSIC) (TYRES SCREECH, MEN EXCLAIM, CAR WHIRRS) (BOTH LAUGH) * BELL RINGS (SNIFFS) She should be on her way down shortly. Oh, Manaaki. So, where are you and your sister from? So, where are you and your sister from? Whakaahurangi. But, uh, 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? Is that what your Prophet says? Well, where I'm from` Awa. Manaaki. Oh, you found me, you clever bugger. I'm not going anywhere. Let go of me! 'Scuse me, please. What is going on here? Alonso, I was just talking to my brother. Oh, well, it is a pleasure to meet you. I am Alonso Moretti. I just directed you 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, Mr Smith? How do you do? CHEERING CHEERING MAN: God save the King! Uh, excuse me. Sir, has the parade started? Yes, finally. War has been declared. CHEERING CONTINUES BRASS BAND PLAYS 'IT'S A LONG WAY TO TIPPERARY' CHEERING CONTINUES CHEERING, MUSIC PLAYS Look at this! It's a party! 'IT'S A LONG WAY TO TIPPERARY' CONTINUES PLAYING 'IT'S A LONG WAY TO TIPPERARY' CONTINUES PLAYING (LAUGHS) 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! 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 swooping down a nation whose language you do not understand. DRAMATIC MUSIC Here's to war in Europe. Here's to war in Europe. ALL: To war! May the pricks kill each other and the workers of the world inherit what's left. Oi, Paddy. What's that you said? I said you'd have to be a fool to go to the other side of the world to fight on behalf of Mr Fat. And you'd be a traitor. All right. All right. PATRONS ROAR, GLASS SMASHES GRUNTING, SHOUTING (YELPS) UNSETTLING MUSIC Ah, thank you, Ida. Guten morgen, George. Prime minister gave a speech at Parliament. He said,... (READS) 'We must stand together, 'calm, united, resolute, trusting in God. 'We have done our duty 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... (CHUCKLES) any old day. This is so strange ` having tea as if it's... (CHUCKLES) any old day. (CHUCKLES) I know. Know that I'll pray for you... and think of you every day. (CHUCKLES, WHISPERS) God. I need to be brave, like you. You are brave. And I love you. I love you too. And I will wait for you... as long as I must wait. (CHUCKLES, WHISPERS) Come here. (CHUCKLES, WHISPERS) Come here. (INHALES SHAKILY) 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` 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? STIRRING MUSIC BUILDS, MUSIC PEAKS Oh, dear sister, I scarcely know how to write of this. No doubt you'll have heard terrible news long before this letter arrives. MAN: We can't have any more taken off, OK? This is critical. MAN: We can't have any more taken off, OK? This is critical. William. Bea. MAN: Got a light, mate? Oh. COUGHING COUGHING MAN: Quickly. COUGHING MAN: Quickly. Ta. Friend of your brother's is here. They tell me he was absolutely fearless in attack, but his luck ran out. Manaaki. Oh God. Manaaki. Oh God. He was in no man's land for a day and a night. but he lost a lot of blood. > but he lost a lot of blood. > Orderlies, here, quickly! May be a waste of a bed. May be a waste of a bed. That is for me to decide. I would be the last one to argue. I would be the last one to argue. Take this man through to ward three as quick as you can. It's very good to see you, William. It's very good to see you, William. Bea, wait. Uh,... there's more bad news, I'm afraid. When they found Manaaki, he wasn't alone. Bea, I'm so sorry. In every war, there are sacrifices to be made, but when it strikes so suddenly at the heart of our own dear family,... (CRIES) ...I am too sad to write more. I remain your loving sister,... Bea. Captions by Imogen Staines. Edited by Faith Hamblyn. www.able.co.nz Captions were made possible with funding from NZ On Air. Copyright Able 2015