Captions by Jake Ebdale. Edited by Ashlee Scholefield. www.able.co.nz Captions were made possible with funding from NZ On Air. Copyright Able 2015 COURAGEOUS MUSIC COURAGEOUS MUSIC CONTINUES q WONDROUS MUSIC MAN: Dearest Mum, Well, you may have heard we've been having a rather hot time of it in the Dardanelles. We were under a lot of fire. The air being thick with bullets and metal, a chap half expected to be hit. Well, we've been here a month now and settling in nicely. (SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY) CURIOUS MUSIC I s'pose you would have heard that poor old Charles didn't even make it ashore. But at least he's safe back in Egypt. My luck held out and I haven't had a scratch on me. So don't worry about your soldier boy, as I'm doing well. And the army takes good care of us. CURIOUS MUSIC CONTINUES DISTANT SHOUTING COURAGEOUS MUSIC LOUD EXPLOSION LOUD EXPLOSION Oh! MEN SHOUT, CLAMOUR MAN: Stretcher-bearers! We need stretcher-bearers now! DISTANT GUNFIRE We're all friends and comrades here, and we manage to have a bit of fun and a laugh, despite the situation. (SIGHS) (SIGHS) You're a bastard, Smith. Anyone ever told you that? Once or twice. Herbert. You want a nice chop, mate? 'Course I do. 'Course I do. Go on, then. It's my way of welcoming new chums. DISTANT GUNFIRE (CHUCKLES) It's good. (CHUCKLES) It's good. One good turn deserves another, right? Watch out, mate. Watch out, mate. I need you to pop over to outpost number two to see Cpl Jessop and pick up a few things for me. Are you game? What if they ask me why I'm there? What if they ask me why I'm there? Tell 'em you're lost. Happens all the time. Cpl Jessop. Give him this. Off you go. Good man. And keep your bloody head down. I hear that Charles is tucked up in a hospital in Alexandria. It is a shame he's missing out on this big adventure, but probably for the best. At least he's safe and sound. I expect to move out tonight, so... good luck, old chap. Oh, sorry. good luck, old chap. Oh, sorry. Haven't got the knack yet shakin' cack-handed. How's the leg? Oh. Good as new. Oh. Good as new. Could've bunkered on a bit. Stayed tucked up with a hot cup of Bovril. WOMEN GIGGLE Here they are. My ministering angels. Here they are. My ministering angels. Charles. I'm so glad I caught you. Mwah. You remember my friend Lorna. Good afternoon. Good afternoon. We're gonna get married, aren't we, sweetheart? We are. Soon as the war's over. We are. Soon as the war's over. (CHUCKLES) You're going back to Gallipoli, aren't you? I'll be a bit more careful where I put my feet next time. What about William? A message for him? Uh, please give him my kind regards. I hear from the men he's always in the thick of it, doing God's work. 'Course he would. You come back safely, you hear me? I hear and obey. CLASSICAL MUSIC They're quite different. That's all we have in that size. That's all we have in that size. Mum wanted them the same. Did you notice we're having a war, Arthur? Did you notice we're having a war, Arthur? Well, yes. And where do you think your mama's buttons came from? Germany? Germany? Full marks. (CHUCKLES) Germany? Full marks. (CHUCKLES) I, um... Yes, I should probably... consult. Goodbye, Miss Smith. Excuse me. Excuse me. (GASPS) The poor boy. He's quite enamoured of you, Cissy. I don't care about Mr Arthur Buttall. I want a real man ` in uniform. (GIGGLES) (GIGGLES) Morning, Miss Penrose. Dress gloves are now an extra tuppence a pair. Violet's come to take me to tea. That's right. So I have. That's right. So I have. We're a bit busy. W-We want to discuss how we might contribute to the war. Father was rather keen we should all be involved. Now, how is Sir Henry? Well, I trust? Very well. Very well. Please, do give him my best regards. Off you go, then. CLASSICAL MUSIC Suez connects the Red Sea to the Mediterranean. It's important. Suez connects the Red Sea to the Mediterranean. It's important. Yeah, yeah. And you really do need to brush up on Europe. Why? Are we leaving school soon? Why? Are we leaving school soon? I meant the war. If you waited, we could sign up together. Well, that's three years. It might be over by then. But you have to wait for me. It wouldn't be fair. But you have to wait for me. It wouldn't be fair. Hey, Mueller. Kaiser Bill. Piss off, Tom. Piss off, Tom. Go on. Make me. Piss off, Tom. Go on. Make me. Leave him alone. The Germans throw little Belgian babies up in the air and run 'em through with bayonets. My father told me. My father told me. George is as German as I am. My father told me. George is as German as I am. Is that right, Schmidt? We're going. (GRUNTS) DISTANT SHOUTING DOOR CLOSES Was ist passiert? Was ist passiert? I just, uh, ripped it. Du musst vorsichtiger sein. Du musst vorsichtiger sein. Speak English, Mum. Don't be silly. Don't be silly. We're NZers. We live here. The boy has a point. You want me to forget my home? Forget Dresden? Well, it's just a town. Well, it's just a town. It is a city of history and culture. Schiller was born there. And Wagner. Schiller was born there. And Wagner. Who cares about stupid composers? And I'm not a bloody German. Georg. Komm zuruck. Georg! A landing was affected at three points on the Gallipoli Peninsula. A landing was affected at three points on the Gallipoli Peninsula. Must we read the newspaper now? Let the boy be. He's interested. Harry must be there. I bet he's right in the thick of it. Harry must be there. I bet he's right in the thick of it. Oh, for heaven's sake! On the board, Awa! The bread board! Yes, ma'am. I know Bea has a soft spot for that girl and her brother, but honestly! I know Bea has a soft spot for that girl and her brother, but honestly! Good evening. Sorry I'm late. Can we please get back to what I was talking about? Cissy has an important proposition. Cissy has an important proposition. Is there any bread? Cissy has an important proposition. Is there any bread? Richard. Oh. There we are. Thank you, Awa. You can start work on the kitchen. I'll be out shortly. Violet and I were talking about how to do our bit for the war-wounded, like Charles in Belgium. Do you even know where Belgium is? Do you even know where Belgium is? It's in Europe. And Violet insisted I should run as a carnival queen. What do you think? What's that got to do with me? What's that got to do with me? I need a business to sponsor me in time to promote the course. No, no, no. Now is not the time. I'm short-handed enough as it is. If Cissy wants to contribute, why not let her? Carnival queen sounds like fun. And we could all do with a bit of that. Contribute! Help our soldiers! Donate to the war-wounded! Sign a pledge and support the war effort! Pledge for the carnival queen? Pledge for the carnival queen? Thank you, ladies. Donate to the war-wounded? Thank you. Thank you. Well, don't you look the picture? It's all for our boys. It's all for our boys. Cissy would do anything for the soldiers. You're horrid and I hate you. You're horrid and I hate you. Miss Penrose. Good afternoon. Good afternoon, Mr Featherstone. My future sister-in-law, Miss Cissy Smith, and her brother James and his friend George. James and I met at your party. Pleased to meet you, Miss Cissy Smith. Would you care to make a donation, Mr Featherstone? Would you care to make a donation, Mr Featherstone? What's it for? The war-wounded. The war-wounded. And a pledge for the carnival queen. The war-wounded. And a pledge for the carnival queen. Does one get anything in return? Guy Featherstone, charity is its own reward. But down the road, the girl from the Bootmakers Association is giving a kiss for every pledge she receives. Then so will I. Give a kiss, I mean, for your florin. Then so will I. Give a kiss, I mean, for your florin. Cissy. COIN RATTLES Now for my reward. WONDROUS MUSIC WONDROUS MUSIC CONTINUES I'd say that's worth a deal more than a florin. COIN RATTLES Miss Penrose. Miss Cissy Smith. Gentlemen. < He didn't sign the pledge. MEN SHOUT, GUNFIRE Over here, sir. Over here, sir. Thank you, Private. Good to see you, Manaaki. Good to see you, Manaaki. Smith. It's Pvt Mark Smith. It's Pvt Mark Smith. That's right, sir. Oh, I see. Oh, I see. Best brother I ever had. Well, half-brother, that is. Right. Glad to see you decided to muck in. Right. Glad to see you decided to muck in. How's the leg? Good as new. Good as new. Christ's sake. Hold it still, man. We'll both be maggot food. He's making a bomb. Abdul's fond of lobbing grenades into our trench, and we'd love to return the favour, only the army seems to have forgotten to send us any bombs. So we're making our own. Ingenious. Sir. Bea sends her love. And I've some letters for you from home and, uh, fruit cake from Mum, I believe. Everyone's terribly impressed that you're here doing your bit. I'm sure Dad's very proud of you too, though he's not one for writing. though he's not one for writing. Is that what they think? That I'm here to do my bit? No shame in changing your mind. No shame in changing your mind. Truth is, king and empire didn't cross my mind. Not one jot. I joined up because a jealous husband was out for my blood, and I was broke, and, well, it sounded like a bit of a lark. But apart from some interesting ladies in Wazzir, so far the adventure's been a bit of a fizzer. Right. Well, at least Mum and Dad don't know that. They can go on being proud. I really don't give a rat's what they think. FUSE CRACKLES Shall I mention you to Mum when I'm writing? Up to you. Up to you. BOOM! Ha ha, hey! Ha ha, hey! CHEERING You'll get used to it. I better relieve the watch. MEN SHOUT Look after yourself, Harry. Look after yourself, Harry. I'll be right. You look after yourself. GUNSHOTS Hey, come on, Harry. You're not even using it. Come on. Hey, come on, Harry. You're not even using it. Come on. I earned this pillow. Harry, I'd kill for some kip, man. Harry, I'd kill for some kip, man. What, and put your lice all over it? Harry, I'd kill for some kip, man. What, and put your lice all over it? They can be mates with your lice. Here he is. Have a bet how many Turks he bagged. Go on. For the pillow. All right. Uh, four. < No, wait. Six. < No, wait. Six. < OK. Final word. < No, wait. Six. < OK. Final word. < Yep. Six. It's six. Hang on. < Five. It's five. I say four. Harry's right. Harry's right. (LAUGHS) Thank you! And to show my deep appreciation, my freshest onion. < Tinny bugger. DISTANT EXPLOSIONS Herbert, you wanna earn yourself a can of genuine Irish stew? Yeah, I'll say. Yeah, I'll say. Run on down to the cove by the south point. Find a sailor there ` Jacob. He's a fat bloke, and he'll have a note for me concerning a crate of medicinal brandy. I'm on it. I'm on it. Oh, hang on. You'll need this. Head down. Keep your head down, you bloody` Head down. Keep your head down, you bloody` (GRUNTS) (GASPS) It's OK. It's all right. Be easy. Be easy. Shall we move him? Look, it's all right, mate. We're gonna take care of you, OK? Look, it's all right, mate. We're gonna take care of you, OK? (GURGLES, CHOKES) Oh, see? Now look what you've done. You've gone and got yourself the pillow. Christ, Toby. I mean, some blokes will do anything to get their own way, but I don't mind, mate. OK? You keep it. You keep it, mate. SOLEMN MUSIC Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,... for you are with me. Your rod and staff, they comfort... SOLEMN MUSIC CONTINUES DISTANT GUNFIRE MACHINES CLATTER Well, come on. MEN CHEER Hey! They behave like war is a party. Now, Ida. They're young. Let them have their fun. Who's next? Come on! It's for our fine men. It's only for duty. I'm game. I'm game. Well, prove it. MEN HOLLER MEN: On the mouth! MEN CHEER Well, what about you, sir? Actually, I was wondering what it might cost a chap to take a walk with you. Hey, Kaiser. There's nothing here for you. This is for patriots, not stinking Huns. Georg. Georg, come inside at once. Poor little Georg needs his mummy to protect him. Anywhere, any time. Anywhere, any time. You're on. Georg! > I must speak to the constable. I must speak to the constable. It's not necessary. I know Tom's father. I sort this out in my own way. My brothers are away ` in the war. Well, two of them are. And` And Bea's a nurse, but Richard has to stay to run the store for Dad. Oh God. Sorry. I` I do go on a bit. Bea's always saying` Sorry. I` I do go on a bit. Bea's always saying` I think you're wonderful. Quite the most interesting girl I know. Really? It makes everything so dashed unfair. It makes everything so dashed unfair. What`? What's wrong? I'm to go to Trentham to train as an officer. Then it's off to war. From the very first moment I saw you, I felt there was a powerful... bond... between us. Did you`? Did you feel it too? I` I think so. Oh God. Have I just made an ass of myself? Oh God. Have I just made an ass of myself? Yes. Uh, no. I mean` Sorry, I just` Sorry, I just` If you don't feel the same way,... tell me so I'm not left to hope. But I do! I` I mean, I like you very much. Are you really going to be an officer? It's a family tradition. How wonderful. My grandfather was in the Crimea; my father a major in South Africa. As the eldest son, I have a duty. May I write to you, Miss Cissy Smith? Yes, of course. And will you let me make my pledge to you now? Because you will be the most beautiful carnival queen. Because you will be the most beautiful carnival queen. Yes. WONDROUS MUSIC Oh God. I am so sorry! I` That was inexcusable. I` I'm a fool and now I've frightened you. That was inexcusable. I` I'm a fool and now I've frightened you. No. It's all right. I didn't mind. But I` I do need to be getting home now. But I` I do need to be getting home now. Of course. > But tell me first. Tell me you forgive me. I` I forgive you. 'Course I do. Then I am the happiest man alive. BIRDS CHIRP Sugar? Sugar? We'll do our own. James mentioned that you were in a moving picture. Something about a Maori princess. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Fascinating. Yes, sir. Fascinating. Can we please just get on with this? A business opportunity has recently presented itself. I see. A supplier of mine has told me of a clothing manufacturer that's in a spot of trouble. The owner's a fool, a drunkard and a gambler. You'd have to be not to make money at a time like this. As easy as putting up prices. The laws of supply and demand... The laws of supply and demand... ...must be tempered with justice and sympathy. You left the daily running of the shop to me, and I'm doing as well as I can, but we need to make provisions for the future. What have you come to ask me? Well, I` I'd like to borrow to buy the factory. Absolutely not. Absolutely not. But there's an opportunity. We are shopkeepers. It's served us well. I see no reason to change. But surely we can make something` But surely we can make something` We've just had some news. Charles has returned to Gallipoli, to the front. Now, I've not told your mother yet, but with all this talk of dead and wounded, we'll probably need to rally round. Yes. Of course. I` I know Charles will be all right. He's strong and he's brave. Yes. You're right. Of course. I must be brave like Charles. I'll write to him now and let him know he's in all our prayers. I'll write to him now and let him know he's in all our prayers. As all our men are. Is there something the matter? I was thinking. It's true what everyone says, that war changes everything. Yes. It certainly does. Can I ask you something? Do you ever wish you'd been familiar with Charles before he left? Do you ever wish you'd been familiar with Charles before he left? (SCOFFS) I don't know. I don't know. Every day there are more casualties, and what if what happened to Charles was more serious? and what if what happened to Charles was more serious? I have... thought about it. Of course. And if Charles didn't come back, then yes, I would live my life in regret. I've looked into my heart and cannot believe God would think it a sin. I've looked into my heart and cannot believe God would think it a sin. How could he? None of that matters, because Charles will come back, we will wed, and everything will be all right. Of course it will. Why ever did you ask me that? N` No reason. It just popped into my mind. Because of our` our brave boys and because Richard is arranging something. CAMERA FLASHES Are you sure the banner will be in the newspaper? Are you sure the banner will be in the newspaper? You can move now. Be certain to mention that Miss Cissy Smith has been selected as a finalist for carnival queen. It's sponsored by the Haberdashers Association and our store, of course. Excuse me. This is my fiance, Lt Charles Smith. He was seriously wounded at Gallipoli,... but despite his wounds, has bravely returned to the front. TENSE MUSIC TENSE MUSIC CONTINUES Violet has been in my ear about assisting the younger Miss Smith. I thought perhaps a ball. Well, that's very generous of you, sir. Well, that's very generous of you, sir. Oh, one must do what one can. I understand you've been asking after the ins and outs of Dudds and Dudds, the clothing manufacturer. I've made some enquiries. I've made some enquiries. It'd be a canny investment if you were going into military apparel. Yes. I had considered it. Only considered? Only considered? Well, it's a large investment. And if the war were to suddenly end` It doesn't seem likely. It doesn't seem likely. My father believes it may be over by Christmas. I believe that both parties have already committed too many resources now to settle for second place. Whatever the outcome. Whatever the outcome. Oh, but you do expect we will win? To suggest otherwise would be disloyal. But the truth is no one can say for certain. So in the meantime, I suggest you buy the factory and take full advantage of the situation. Well, unfortunately, my father doesn't share my ambitions. Then perhaps you should strike out on your own. I have friends in Cabinet. When certain contracts are being considered, I'll know where to direct them,... as long as we keep this to ourselves. (CHUCKLES) Yes. Of course. Thank you, Sir Henry. I'm very grateful. Oh. Well, I have no doubt that one day you'll return the favour. CURIOUS MUSIC Will that be all? PLAYFUL MUSIC PLAYFUL MUSIC CONTINUES q I just had to see you before... I've received my orders. I'm leaving for camp. When? When? Tomorrow evening, my darling. I'll write to you every week. I'll write to you every week. Meet me tomorrow. I beg your pardon? I beg your pardon? Come and have tea with me. I'm staying at the rooms of a friend. Will there be anyone else there? Will there be anyone else there? It would mean the world to me to have you all to myself. I don't know. I would give the world to have more time with you, my darling. But tomorrow evening, I'll be on my way to Trentham, and there's nothing I can bally well do about it. But if you choose not to, I will understand. 4 o'clock. I'll be waiting. DISTANT YELLING, HAMMERING Michael Blunt, the father of young Tom, he came to see me. I wanted to talk to him about his boy, but he wouldn't listen. I wanted to talk to him about his boy, but he wouldn't listen. (IDA) INSIDE: Bertie. Oh, Constable Price. Good afternoon. What is going on? Tom Blunt has complained of being bullied by your son. Tom Blunt has complained of being bullied by your son. < That is a shameful lie. How long have you both been residents in NZ? How long have you both been residents in NZ? Over 20 years. Do you still maintain contact with your family in Germany? We write to each other with news and for special occasions. Mrs Mueller, do you have contact with family? We're so busy. I haven't heard from them in such a long time. Can I ask why you urge all these questions? We have to be sure that we're not harbouring German spies. We have to be sure that we're not harbouring German spies. Spies? (SCOFFS) Us! If you could write down the names and addresses of your parents and any close family for me. My parents are dead. My parents are dead. Sorry to hear that. If you wouldn't mind, your brothers or sisters. Certainly. And you, laddie. Make sure you stay out of trouble. (GRUNTS) BOTH GROAN BOTH GROAN (GRUNTS) BOTH GROAN (GRUNTS) Stop it! (GROANS) (GROANS) Stop it! (GROANS) (PANTS) George! George! Just leave me alone! George! Just leave me alone! (COUGHS) Cosy. Whereas we of the lonely ranks have to dig into the side of a trench. What do you want, Harry? Got a letter from Mum. Was hoping you could send it on. There's a ban on letters. We're only allowed to send field service postcards. You're an officer, so... Those rules are for a reason ` to stop mail falling into enemy hands. don't know we're here? don't know we're here? That's not really the point. What do you think they'll find out from me? That I miss Mum's baking? Or a lot` a lot of drivel about how we're all getting along famously, having a jolly adventure. You` You can read it if you don't trust me. That won't be necessary. I'll get it off today. Thanks. Oh, I mentioned that you're back from hospital. Fit and well. Oh, I mentioned that you're back from hospital. Fit and well. I appreciate it. if they get their hands on it. if they get their hands on it. (CHUCKLES) Well, I better get back. Rumour is we're making another push for Hill 60 tonight. Don't wanna be late for that. Good luck, Harry. Don't need it. Funny ` I had a feeling all along I'd be all right. MEN SHOUT, DISTANT EXPLOSIONS I, uh, saw a chap die the other day. Yeah, I've seen a lot, and you can't let it get to you, but, um, this one was young, not even 18. He was eager to please. He reminded me of you. I mean, you know, he was a good sort, a decent chap. If he'd been able to grow up, he would've been... decent. A good husband and father, as you will undoubtedly be. So good luck, and, uh, no hard feelings, all right, sport? None whatsoever, brother. None whatsoever, brother. (CHUCKLES, CLICKS TONGUE) (CHUCKLES) MISSILES WHISTLE, LOUD EXPLOSIONS LOUD EXPLOSIONS CONTINUE WHISPERS: Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck. WHISPERS: Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck. LOUD EXPLOSIONS CONTINUE MISSILE WHISTLES, BOOM! HARRY: You can let Awa know her brother is in good spirits, as we all are. We're having another crack at the Turks soon, so my next letter might be from Constantinople. MISSILES WHISTLE, DISTANT EXPLOSIONS RUMBLING, CRASHING All ammunition to be removed from magazines! There will be no firing until we reach the top! Bayonets only! Fix bayonets! DEBRIS FALLS (BREATHES HEAVILY) If we're gonna do this, let's do it now! If we're gonna do this, let's do it now! Listen up, lads! Right. Men, this is it. Stay with your platoon leader as best you can. If you lose sight, just keep heading for higher ground but keep moving. Whatever you do, you keep moving. DISTANT SHOUTING IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE Oh, come on, come on, come on. Let's go. Don't give them time to recover. SHOUTING CONTINUES LOW, TENSE MUSIC SHOUTING CONTINUES LOW, TENSE MUSIC BUILDS For Christ's sake. Hurry up, man. Hey, Robbie! You still owe me 20 quid. (BLOWS WHISTLE) (BLOWS WHISTLE) ALL SHOUT MEN YELL (GRUNTS) (GRUNTS) FLARE WHISTLES Shit! GUNFIRE (SCREAMS) (SCREAMS) (GRUNTS) GUNFIRE GUNFIRE, MEN GRUNT Go, go, go, go, go! BOTH YELL (COUGHS) (COUGHS) BOOM! (GRUNTS, PANTS) GUNFIRE, BOOM! You all right, mate? MISSILE WHISTLES, BOOM! (PANTS) Let's lie doggo for a bit. Just wait it out down here. The orders are to take that hill. > BOOM! BOOM! Bayonets against machine guns. It's bullshit. Then load up now. But go on. (GROANS IN PAIN) For Christ's sake. GUN COCKS BOOM! Jesus. Comrade, are you right there? Now, you men go on. 30yd to the right. Hey, that's an order. Give it a rest, sir. We're all in the same boat. Give it a rest, sir. We're all in the same boat. Yes, sir. Help him out if you can. What? What? It's what we're here for, isn't it? (PANTS) Kill or be killed. BOOM! GUNFIRE BOOM! GUNFIRE What? What are you doing? ANGRILY: Stupid Hori bastard. BOOM! GUNFIRE GUNFIRE (PANTS) (EXHALES, YELLS) (GRUNTS, PANTS) GUNFIRE (PANTS) MAN SHOUTS IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE MEN SHOUT, BOTH PANT BOOM! DRAMATIC MUSIC (SHOUTS) (SCREAMS) (GUN FIRES) Stop, du Schwein! Argh! (GROANS) (SCREAMS LOUDLY) I got one! I bloody well got one! I got one! I bloody well got one! BOOM! SILENCE FAINT HUM MUFFLED COUGH MUFFLED PANTING MUFFLED EXPLOSION BOOM! RUMBLING Christ, that hurt. (GROANS) (GROANS) Come on. Come on. Let's go back now. No! I don't think I can. I'll` I'll find a stretcher-bearer. I'll` I'll find a stretcher-bearer. No, don't` don't leave. (GROANS IN PAIN) (PANTS) It hurts. (GRUNTS) It really hurts. It really hurts. MISSILE WHISTLES, BOOM! (BREATHES HEAVILY) BOOM! (BREATHES RAGGEDLY) Just rest. Just rest. Who did this to you? Was it that boy again? Tom? I gave it back to him in spades. I have decided something. We will leave this place. We will leave this place. What are you talking about? We will leave this place. What are you talking about? They don't want us here. So we will go home. To Dresden. I'm a NZer, Mum. I was born here. You are our son. You do what we say. I'll never go to Germany. Ever. I'd rather die. Speak to him, Bertie, also bitte. Tell him! My mother just doesn't understand. My mother just doesn't understand. (CHUCKLES) No one understands you, George. Hey! I'm sorry I was rough with you. Tom is a josser. I'm sorry I was rough with you. Tom is a josser. Oh. I` I can cope. You're so tough, James. That's what I like about you. (GRUNTS) (GRUNTS) (GROANS) (GRUNTS) (GROANS) (CHUCKLES, PANTS) You know I'm gonna sign up soon. I can pass for 20. You can't. You have to wait for me. You can't. You have to wait for me. I'll wait for you. Over there. Promise? BOTH BREATHE HEAVILY REFLECTIVE MUSIC REFLECTIVE MUSIC CONTINUES I'm shocked to hear that he was so rude to you. George is normally such a good boy. Good morning, James. How are you? Good morning, James. How are you? I'm very well, thank you, Mrs Mueller. Have you seen George? Have you seen George? No. When? Yesterday evening, perhaps? We had an argument. He did not come home. Please. You must tell me. Answer Mrs Mueller, James. Answer Mrs Mueller, James. I haven't seen him. Not since after school. Uh, can I go now, please? Uh, can I go now, please? Off you go. MEN CHATTER 20, you reckon? Last January. Last January. Hmm. And what kind of a surname is Mueller? I, George Mueller, do swear that I will serve our king and do right to all manner of people, after the laws and usages of this realm, without fear or favour, affection or ill will. So help me, God. I'm sure there was a shorter explanation, but, um,... well put, soldier. OMINOUS MUSIC George! George! WONDROUS MUSIC WONDROUS MUSIC CONTINUES Where are you going now? Where are you going now? Mum. I-I have to go out for a little while. Violet wanted us to meet at her house. She had some ideas for the ball tonight. Unless you want me to stay. Unless you want me to stay. No, no. Go on. Don't keep her waiting. All right. Ta-ta. KNOCK ON DOOR Violet! Violet! I was on my way home, and I thought I would just be sure that we had not forgotten anything. Are you on your way out? Hello, Violet. Hello, Violet. Hello, Mrs Smith. Weren't you meeting Violet at her house? Weren't you meeting Violet at her house? I was, but now she's here. Oh no. What have I forgotten? Oh no. What have I forgotten? Nothing. Uh, I just wanted to talk about something important. Oh yes, of course. The shoes for the ball. I really can't decide. I really can't decide. Show them to me. I really can't decide. Show them to me. (CHUCKLES) Oh, young people today. What is going on? I know we didn't arrange to meet. I would remember that. I would remember that. I know. I'm sorry, I was confused. About what? I've thought about what we talked about ` how war upsets things and the old rules don't apply and that we need to be kind to our men who might die in some ghastly foreign place, even if it means... You know what I mean. Not really. I was on my way to meet Guy Featherstone. I was on my way to meet Guy Featherstone. But why? Oh no. Cissy! Oh no. Cissy! It has to be today, before he goes to war. (LAUGHS) (LAUGHS) Violet, don't be horrid. I'm sorry, my dear. But Guy is not going to war. He is. He's leaving tonight. He is. He's leaving tonight. Yes. He's going to his father's law practice in Christchurch. N` No, he can't be. Guy Featherstone is a liar and a cad. And you wouldn't be the first. Oh Lord. You haven't already? Oh Lord. You haven't already? No. We only kissed. Thank God. (SIGHS) You mustn't make a bad character of yourself. Whatever you do. Oh dear. I've been such a fool. (SNIFFLES, SOBS) MAN: Right, you have to tell them back at the boats that until we clear this room here, we can't have any more taken off, OK? Is this a list of the critical? we can't have any more taken off, OK? Is this a list of the critical? William. Bea. DISTANT SHOUTING MAN: Got a light, mate? > Oh. Ta. Ta. A 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. wounds, but he lost a lot of blood. wounds, but he lost a lot of blood. Orderlies! Here, quickly! He may be a waste of a bed. He 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. TENSE MUSIC TENSE MUSIC CONTINUES Your brother. I` When they found Manaaki, he wasn't alone. (SOBS) (SOBS) I'm so sorry. (SOBS) I'm so sorry. SOBBING: No. No. (CRIES) PLATE SMASHES, SCREAMING (CRIES) SORROWFUL MUSIC (CRIES) Dearest Mum and Dad, I know by now that you have heard that Harry has been killed in action. Everyone assures me that he died a hero's death. SORROWFUL MUSIC CONTINUES HARRY: Well, Mum. I should finish up now. And cheers to all at home. And don't worry about me, Mum. The lads are all in high spirits. It's a right old adventure. Your loving son, Harry. (SNIFFLES) (SOBS SOFTLY) Captions by Jake Ebdale. Edited by Ashlee Scholefield. www.able.co.nz Captions were made possible with funding from NZ On Air. Copyright Able 2015