STIRRING MUSIC Captions by June Yeow. www.able.co.nz Captions were made possible with funding from NZ On Air. Copyright Able 2015 STIRRING MUSIC CONTINUES 1 MUSIC SWELLS 1 STIRRING PIANO MUSIC PIANO MUSIC CONTINUES CHARLES: 'My dearest Violet. The mail finally arrived today, 'and with three letters from you, socks from Mum and a card from Bea, I feel very spoilt indeed. 'It was a beautiful day today, sunny and warm, with the light sparkling on a sea of deepest blue. 'One cannot help but feel cheered, despite the circumstances. 'Now that the beach at Anzac Cove is relatively secure, we swim here when we can. 'It's a relief from the ghastly heat and does wonders for morale.' EXPLOSION, FAINT SHOUTS Christ, if we could only have a moment's peace in this place! MAN YELLS: Get the doctor! Get a stretcher down here! > 'I miss you desperately, my darling. 'But we're all in good spirits and look forward to the day when, job done, we can return home.' KNOCK AT DOOR (SIGHS) Manaaki. Goodness me. I hardly recognised you. Miss Bea Smith said she'd write. Miss Bea Smith said she'd write. Yes, yes, yes. We've been expecting you. Come in. Come in. BIRDS CHIRP DOOR OPENS, CLOSES Manaaki! (EXHALES) Sorry if I startled you. Uh... Mrs Smith has invited me to stay. Mrs Smith has invited me to stay. Yes, and you're in Harry's room. I didn't realise you were already... But here you are. Wonderful. I'll` I'll just... Look at you ` a real soldier. It's good to see you, brother. It's good to see you, brother. Tena koe, tuahine. You all right in the head now? You all right in the head now? I'm well. Thank you. He's come from Wellington with a medal from the Governor. He's come from Wellington with a medal from the Governor. AWA: Corporal Mark Smith. > A mistake in reporting, no doubt. (CHUCKLES) But we're more than happy for you to share our name. (CHUCKLES) (CHUCKLES) James. where's your sister? Fetch her to give me a hand. Oh, but... Oh, never mind. What are you wearing? We have a hero to dinner. I thought I should dress appropriately. We have a hero to dinner. I thought I should dress appropriately. Well, you're a very silly girl. Won't you kindly sit down, sir? I'm sorry. I... I have... I forgot I have letters. Um... Excuse me. Your mother's right ` a very silly girl indeed. (LAUGHS) She looks so thin. Doesn't Bea look thin? I expect it's not a picnic. I expect it's not a picnic. All the men in the hospital love her. They think she's an angel. They must be in a bad way. Cissy! Cissy! I was joking. Good evening, everybody. Sorry, I was held back with business. Manaaki has been given the DCM ` the Distinguished Conduct Medal. Manaaki has been given the DCM ` the Distinguished Conduct Medal. Yes. So I've heard. I expect it's from killing loads of Turks. I expect it's from killing loads of Turks. James! We don't talk about it. (SIGHS) Apologies for my son's rudeness. Have you heard? I have my own counter at the store now. And I have my own flat. You could come and stay with me. B-But` He's already been made welcome here. I won't hear of it. Manaaki is our guest. And we owe him more than we can say. You have a home here as long as you want it. Hear, hear. To Manaaki. ALL: Manaaki. FAINT GUNFIRE FAINT GUNFIRE (LAUGHS) 'War makes unlikely bedfellows, as they say. Today I met the correspondent for the Telegraph ` EXPLOSION, DEBRIS RATTLES 'an unusual character. 'But he does stimulate the most lively debates.' I thought there were limits to human stupidity, but this ` this article bears only a passing resemblance to what I wrote. What do you expect, Ellis? It's their job to protect those at home. What do you expect, Ellis? It's their job to protect those at home. < From the truth? Oh God, man, do you want our loved ones to know what it's really like? Oh God, man, do you want our loved ones to know what it's really like? Why not? Their taxes pay for it. Tell them about the rivers of shit, the flies, the stink of bodies bursting in the sun? If it helps the public to know what an appalling waste it's all been. If it helps the public to know what an appalling waste it's all been. Yes, mistakes were made. LAUGHS: An almighty balls up! LAUGHS: An almighty balls up! Many good men have died for this cause. Many good men. And what cause is that exactly? The cause of opening up the straits so the Russians can take their wheat to market? How many good men died here, knowing` (SLAMS TABLE) It's about much more than that! (SLAMS TABLE) It's about much more than that! For example? Duty and honour. (LAUGHS) Such a simple and heart-warming view. < GUN COCKS < GUN COCKS MAN: Who goes there? NZers. Auckland Rifles. Go on, sir. Hey, can you spare a drop of water, sir? We're all out. Who's your commanding officer? Who's your commanding officer? It's Captain Everett, sir. One in the arm, one in the stomach. We're still waiting for stretcher-bearers. What in God's name...? They attacked last night, sir. Weren't going to waste the last of our rations on them. They were prisoners of war. They were trying to escape, sir. They were trying to escape, sir. With their hands tied behind their backs? Yeah. Determined buggers. I'll give them that. Yeah. Determined buggers. I'll give them that. GUNSHOTS < MEN SHOUT IN TURKISH < MEN SHOUT IN TURKISH (SHOOTS, WHOOPS) MEN LAUGH away. Day and night they keep at us. None of us have slept for days. We've got no powder for bombs, no tools to dig in, no timber. We're hanging on the best we can with bugger all, sir. I'll let them know at HQ. Yeah, I won't hold my fucking breath. Yeah, I won't hold my fucking breath. Oi. With all due respect, sir. < GUNSHOTS Come on. 'I've seen many acts of heroism on both sides and respect the Turk as a worthy adversary. 'But we have work to do and must show that the NZ fighting man is the equal of any.' SLOW MUSIC I've always believed that there was a plan, some sort of higher purpose. But... You see the worst of it. How do you manage? Just one step at a time. It's all we can do. What in God's name? If the good general turns around now, he's not going to be happy. Have to hand it to Ellis. He may be a cad, but he's no coward. Permission to speak, sir. There's a problem ` in that food and water aren't getting to the men on the front line. They're short of ammunition and other supplies, sir. The problem is compounded by the rough terrain, but is also a matter of poor organisation. For instance, there are stacks of spades ashore, but no one will authorise their distribution. Right. Well, I just thought I'd appraise you of the situation. BOOM! What did you do? What did you do? (GRUNTS) VOICE ECHOES: Manaaki! VOICES ECHO DISTORTEDLY UNSETTLING MUSIC DROWNS OUT SPEECH ...just yesterday afternoon, directly from... < CISSY: He can go on, can't he? MUSIC CRESCENDOS < Are you feeling all right? Would you like a glass of water? Yes, please. I myself would sign up, if it weren't for the responsibility of running this emporium. This leadership here at home is a cross I must bear. (SIGHS) They took my photograph once, for the newspaper. When I was going to be a carnival queen. But then the news came about Harry. It's strange. Everything is so... commonplace. Ordinary. Ordinary. What else would it be? As though nothing has changed, I mean. I mean, since I... left. But everything has changed a great deal. Fashion, for a start. (CHUCKLES) (CHUCKLES) Oh, it's true. > Violet Penrose is working in a bank. Imagine that. And we've all have to tighten our belts and make sacrifices. And we've all have to tighten our belts and make sacrifices. (CHUCKLES) You're still laughing at me. You're still laughing at me. (CHUCKLES) It's` It's good. It's good to laugh. LOUD KNOCKING AT DOOR Ma'am, Detective Lang. I wonder if I might find a Mr Mark Smith here? No, no I don't` Oh, do you mean Manaaki? This man, whatever he calls himself now. Is he here? TENSE MUSIC It's taken some work to find you, Mr Kokiri. Why did you change your name? I wanted to enlist with my friend. I was worried they'd put me in the native contingent otherwise. What's his name? Harry. Harry Smith. Where can I find him? > My son is dead, Detective. My condolences, ma'am. Do let me know if you need anything. Thank you. < DOOR CLOSES Your sister was staying at the Windsor Castle Hotel in August of last year? A porter recognised your photograph in the newspaper. And he remembered that we wanted to talk to you concerning a death that occurred at the hotel ` an Italian chap by the name of Mr Alonzo Moretti. Did you know Mr Moretti? Um, I've met him. Your sister, Miss, um... Awa Kokiri. > She didn't say anything to you? > She didn't say anything to you? > Not that I remember. Uh, I` I might've signed up by then. Your sister claims that she returned to the hotel after visiting you, only to find Mr Moretti already dead. Perhaps he interrupted a burglary. The same porter also remembers that you and Mr Moretti had words. Heated words. (SIGHS) A lot has happened since then. Your sister was living in an, um, immoral situation. That must have made you angry. Understandably. He might've been the biggest bastard to walk the earth; deserved that bash to the head. Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Do you want to talk about it, son? There's nothing to say. Awa! Awa! Kei kona koe? Manaaki, what are you doing here? This` this isn't the best time. What...? < Evening. < Well, everything seems to, uh, to be in order. Thank you for` for meeting me at such short notice to expedite this matter. My pleasure, sir > Well, I'll` I'll see you at the shop in the morning, no doubt. Well, I'll` I'll see you at the shop in the morning, no doubt. No doubt at all. Nice article in the paper, by the way, old chap. Very patriotic. What are you doing with him? What are you doing with him? Business. He's a married man. He's a married man. I know he's a married man. He's a married man. I know he's a married man. His family has been so good to me. < We'll be disgraced. < We'll be disgraced. No one needs to know. After everything, you'd still be a Jezebel? You think I haven't had to do worse to put food in our mouths? I'm looking after things so we can have money so we can get a place. A detective came today, asking questions. About what? About what? The last man who was helping you. The detective thinks I'm a murderer. What did you say to him? What did you say to him? He's right. I-I am. What did you say to him? He's right. I-I am. No. It was an accident. Manaaki. I've killed many men! I've killed many men! They gave you a medal. They were all men, just the same. They were all men, just the same. No, brother. You listen to me, brother. Listen to me. Look` Manaaki! They have no proof. No proof. Now, we need to stick to our story and stay strong, or they'll hang us. Is that what you want? (TUTS) I can't lose you, brother. You just got home. What is home? FAINT CHATTER FAINT EXPLOSION I spoke directly to their OC about the situation regarding supplies. I spoke directly to their OC about the situation regarding supplies. LOUD EXPLOSION He seemed quite receptive. He seemed quite receptive. Well, he was arse naked at the time. You think they don't know? You think they don't know? I think chain of command makes it difficult sometimes, but` We can't afford a war on two fronts. The Western Front, naturally being close to home, will get the lion's share. And bad luck, Gallipoli. Oh, shut up, Ellis. Well, that's a reasoned and thoughtful argument (!) Do try the pate. It's very good. It comes down to this. Either you believe Germany is a threat to the empire, and that we must fight to protect all that is dear to us, or you don't. I used to believe that. But in the face of overwhelming evidence` But in the face of overwhelming evidence` Sir. Ellis Ashmead-Bartlett? The same. Please come with us. Please come with us. I'm in the middle of dinner. What the dickens? Get your hands`! What the dickens? Get your hands`! Look here, what's going on? We're arresting him on suspicion of being a German spy. Oh! Oh! That's ludicrous! Oh! That's ludicrous! General's orders, sir. Let's go. Have some water, old chap. I've sent a note to Command, advising them of the error. I've sent a note to Command, advising them of the error. And what? Did they reply? I'll keep trying. MAN: Excuse me, sir. Are you releasing him? Are you releasing him? No, sir. Prisoner, attention! > Prisoner, attention! > What are you doing? Unhand me! You have been charged and found guilty of being a German Spy and have been sentenced to immediate execution. and have been sentenced to immediate execution. What? No. No. But this is insane. Let go of me! Unhand me! You're not serious. This man is a war correspondent for the Telegraph. I can vouch for him. We have our orders, sir! This is ludicrous! You are making a mistake. He's innocent. This is ludicrous! You are making a mistake. He's innocent. < Step aside. Corporal, you are making`! Corporal, you are making`! Step aside, Lieutenant! You are making a`! You are making a`! We have orders! Please, reconsider this. Please! You're making a mistake! This man is innocent! SOBS: Please... On your feet, prisoner! On your feet, prisoner! Corporal, you are making a mistake! On your feet, prisoner! Corporal, you are making a mistake! Step aside! Please... > Please... > You will regret this! Please... > You will regret this! On your feet, prisoner! Take aim! Take aim! (SOBS PITEOUSLY) (CONTINUES SOBBING) (CONTINUES SOBBING) Ready! (CONTINUES SOBBING) Fire! (SHOUTS, SOBS) MEN SNIGGER SOFTLY (LAUGHS) (LAUGHS) MEN LAUGH Next time be careful who you point your bloody camera at, Bartlett! (CONTINUES SOBBING) You're OK. You're all right. You're OK. You're all right. SOBS: Those bastards. (SOBS) Those utter bastards. (SOBS) 1 I do love to go to work every day. I find it so... satisfying. I'd much rather marry and never work again. I'd much rather marry and never work again. Well, I'm sure Arthur is keen. Mrs Arthur Buttle? I don't think so. Shall we go to the gardens for tea? Shall we go to the gardens for tea? I should be getting home. We have Manaaki staying. Who? Who? Uh, Charles' and Bea's friend? Who? Uh, Charles' and Bea's friend? Oh, the Maori. He has a medal from the governor, and the nicest smile. But you don't... Do you? What? You're blushing. You do! (SCOFFS) Look at you, Miss Cissy Smith. You're smitten with him. You're smitten with him. I am not! Although he is very handsome in his uniform. But he's not one of us. (BREATHES RAGGEDLY) TENSE MUSIC VOICE ECHOES: Manaaki! Manaaki! (FINGERS SNAP) Mate! (CONTINUES BREATHING RAGGEDLY, GROANS) Out of the frying pan, into the fire, I'd say. (GROANS) (SHOUTS IN ALARM) Whoops. Oh no! HETTIE: Manaaki. > Come in. James said you were feeling poorly. Um,... I get headaches sometimes. Does this headache got anything to do with the policeman who was here? Look, if you're in any kind of trouble, perhaps I can help. Look, you've done... more than enough already. I'll find somewhere else to live as soon as I can. Nonsense. I won't hear of it. As I said, we're happy to have you. Well... I'll leave you to your thoughts. I, uh... I don't want to stir up any bad memories; you know, least said, soonest mended. But... if I could just know... You see, it weighs on my mind, I mean, and... if I could ask... Did he suffer? < At the end? SOFTLY: He didn't suffer at all. Oh. Well,... that's good. (CRIES) That's... very good to know. < Thank you. (SIGHS) (CRIES) Oh, you poor boy. (SOBS WRETCHEDLY) Poor boy. Poor boy. I'm sorry. It's all right. It's all right. I'm sorry. It's all right. I'm sorry. It's all right, dear. (CONTINUES SOBBING) We must take special care of Manaaki. He's a brave young man, but I know he's suffering. I could take him out. To the gardens. I'm sure the fresh air would do him good, and` and a picnic. If you could talk to Richard about giving me the day off? If you could talk to Richard about giving me the day off? (SCOFFS) Well... I suppose I could. Some of us are going to the pictures this weekend. Hearts Adrift, with Mary Pickford. It's supposed to be romantic. Hearts Adrift, with Mary Pickford. It's supposed to be romantic. Mmm, romantic. Is that good? It's the best kind of picture. And your sister was in one, wasn't she? I'd love to be a film star; I think it's the most exciting thing. I'm sorry, have I said something wrong? No. Everyone tells me I babble on and talk pots of rubbish when there's a war going on and we should be more serious. and we should be more serious. War ` that's the last thing I want to talk about. Really? Really? Really. Please. Babble on. (CHUCKLES) Now you're just teasing me again. I know Bea's the smart one, with her books and her education` I know Bea's the smart one, with her books and her education` (LAUGHS) But it's true. What's so funny? But it's true. What's so funny? You are. Me? Why am I funny this time? You're not like Bea. She's very serious. And you make me laugh. I like to see you laugh. You have a lovely smile. I like to see you laugh. You have a lovely smile. So do you. Are` Are you hungry? Starving. We should find a nice spot for our picnic. GENTLE MUSIC Well, come on. GENTLE MUSIC CONTINUES I did not eat both the egg sandwiches. Don't be so saucy! (LAUGHS) BOTH SPEAK INAUDIBLY I have a dilemma, Mr Kokiri. I've checked your record, and there's no doubt that you're a war hero. Decorated. Man of integrity. But I have an unsolved murder on my hands. You're a sharpshooter, that's right, isn't it? Yes. 10? 20? More? 20? More? Nobody else wants to know. They want everything to be... tea and biscuits. I want to know, believe me. More. I was good at it. Did you keep a tally? Answer the question. I would find a position, hide, and wait for the enemy to show themselves. Some days it was a few, some days more. There was one day I killed nobody at all. But when I reached a hundred,... I stopped counting. (BREATHES RAGGEDLY) Would you do it again? (EXHALES) I'm a killer. I killed` I killed` May they rot in hell, each and every one of them! My boy Jimmy ` he was at the landing in Gallipoli. They blew him to pieces. EMOTIONALLY: There wasn't even anything left to bury. Left a widow and two little ones. A baby who'll never even know his father. So I hope and I pray that every one of those bastard Turks you shot, I hope they died slow and painful. So I'll ask you again ` if you had the chance, would you do it again? TENSE MUSIC As far as I'm concerned, Mr Moretti died at the hands of burglars unknown. This case is no longer open. Good day to you, Mr Kokiri. Good luck with whatever you do next. DOOR CLOSES > < KNOCK AT DOOR, DOOR OPENS Manaaki? Are you coming to church? Everyone's already gone. I said we'd catch them up. Everyone's already gone. I said we'd catch them up. I don't think I should. Are you unwell? > Are you unwell? > (SIGHS) I just... don't think I'd be welcome in God's house. No one will mind if we're a bit late. Are you sad? Are you sad? < Go to church. If you're not going, then neither am I. Maybe you're not so different from your sister. You're both stubborn as old donkeys. (SCOFFS) I'm an old donkey, am I? Well that's nice. (SCOFFS) I'm an old donkey, am I? Well that's nice. (CHUCKLES) WHISPERS: Not a donkey. A pretty mare. You think I want to be called a horse? Every man needs a good horse. GENTLE MUSIC I'm sorry. (SNIFFLES) I'm sorry. We shouldn't` I'm sorry. (SNIFFLES) I'm sorry. We shouldn't` But I want to. I want to make you happy. GENTLE MUSIC MUSIC CONTINUES I've never done this before. Neither have I. < But... Well, I` I assumed. Never? Well, then it will be special for both of us, if you like. GENTLE MUSIC MUSIC SWELLS Thank you, Private. That's all? Thank you, Private. That's all? Yes, sir. Everything all right? My platoon has been assigned to ambo duty. My platoon has been assigned to ambo duty. Right. That's not a good thing? It's one thing to have a gun in hand and a sporting chance. We may as well have a target on our backs. Sorry, old chap. This obviously comes of defending me, and I won't forget it. Actually, I don't think that's it at all. I'll let you gentlemen in on a secret. I'm writing a letter. A very dangerous letter. ALL LAUGH My God, you're going to have the war office quivering in their boots (!) (LAUGHS) Oh William, William. You're just in time for the startling news. Ellis is writing a letter! LAUGHTER LAUGHTER Yes, yes. But if you knew the content, and who it's for... All right then, tell us. Very well. But this goes no further. I'm writing a confidential letter to our prime minister, who I'm convinced has no real idea of insanity occurring here. Names will be named. Heads will roll. That imbecile Churchill's already in the dog box. Hamilton will be next. You'll never get it past the censors. I will find a way. I will find a way. < And they won't care. I tried pointing out the truth, and as a result my men are being punished. I've put my men at danger with my` I've put my men at danger with my` That won't make a blind bit of difference either. I've just come from a briefing. There's a new offensive. What? What? A push to take the high ground. We've just been told to expect extensive casualties. We've just been told to expect extensive casualties. How can they consider it? Now you'll have plenty to do for the glory of the Empire! Now you'll have plenty to do for the glory of the Empire! Shut up, Ellis! At least I'm trying to do something about this mess. Stand down` At least I'm trying to do something about this mess. Stand down` Damn you! I said shut up! Shut up! Or I will shoot you myself! TENSE MUSIC It's all right, Charles. We understand how you feel. Sit back down. Come on. Yes, well... (CLEARS THROAT) I'll leave you chaps to, um,... mull things over. We're in no position. We can't attack now. It makes no sense. None at all. MELANCHOLY MUSIC (EXHALES) MUSIC CONTINUES Nearly finished? I woke in a panic last night. Couldn't remember the colour of Mary's eyes. Hazel or green? Yeah, you'd think a chap could remember the colour of his wife's eyes. I'll rouse the batman to fetch us some tea. I'll rouse the batman to fetch us some tea. Mm. (CHUCKLES) SHELL WHISTLES BOOM! EXPLOSION ECHOES EERILY Help! There's a man in there! Help! There's a man in there! MEN: Go! Go! Quick! Help! There's a man in there! MEN: Go! Go! Quick! Get in there! MAN: How many in there? Who is it, sir? SOMBRE MUSIC 'It is in the everyday moments that I miss home the most ` 'a cup of tea or a dinnertime with the family. Then I remember where I am, 'and I curse the Kaiser for taking me from you.' CAPTAIN SPEAKS IN MAORI And another. And another. But Sarge... The rum will help take the edge off. The rum will help take the edge off. I don't drink. I took the pledge for me mum. It's an order. All of it! < And again. Bloody stupid, if you ask me. We'll be target practice for the Turks. It's either this or get shot down in the dark by our own side. All right, men, gather around. Our orders are to wait until the Mounted Rifles and the Maoris have cleared the way for the assault on Chunuk Bair, then follow and assist with the wounded and get them back down before daylight. Any questions? Walk in the park. Walk in the park. Thank you, Sergeant Graves. MAN SHOUTS: Infantry Brigade, move out! MAN SHOUTS: Infantry Brigade, move out! MEN: Yes, sir. All right, men. Let's get into positions. All right, men. Let's get into positions. MEN CHATTER, SHOUT Whoa. There you go, son. Best you sit this one out. MEN CHATTER, SHOUT URGENT MUSIC Pommy! Get this man down there. Graves, take care of this man behind me. Assess his situation. We'll work fast; get you down there. BOOM! SCREAMING EXPLOSION, SHOUTING Graves! Graves, I need light! Graves! Graves, I need light! Help! OK, we need a stretcher. Get me a stretcher right away. OK, we need a stretcher. Get me a stretcher right away. Sir. Keep moving, men. Watch it! BAYONET STICKS; TURKISH SOLDIER SHOUTS IN TURKISH, LAUGHS BANG! BANG! (GRUNTS) BOTH GRUNT BOTH CONTINUE GRUNTING BANG! TENSE MUSIC BUILDS TURKISH SOLDER COUGHS, CHOKES (CONTINUES CHOKING) SPEAKS TURKISH HOARSELY PANICKY MUSIC Leave him. Leave him. Leave him. Leave him. SHOUTING ECHOES Leave him. Leave him. SHOUTING ECHOES Leave him! We can't take them all! MUFFLED SHOUTING MUFFLED SHOUTING ECHOES MUSIC HEIGHTENS MEN TALK, SHOUT GRAVES: Easy, sir. The ground's uneven here. GRAVES: Easy, sir. The ground's uneven here. FLARE WHISTLES TENSE MUSIC RAPID GUNFIRE; MEN SCREAM, SHOUT SCREAMING CONTINUES (SCREAMS) MUSIC CRESCENDOS (UPBEAT MUSIC) SONG: # Oh, oh, hey! (CHEERING AND LAUGHTER) (RATTLING) # Oh, oh, hey! # Oh, oh, hey! # VOICEOVER: Tic Tac. Refresh every little moment. Manaaki? Hi. Hi. (SIGHS) What are you doing? I told James to say I wasn't feeling very well. I told James to say I wasn't feeling very well. You shouldn't be here. Mum's at her meeting, and Dad's in the study. Do you still want me to go? Yes. But I don't care if someone finds us, and I decided something ` I don't want to be with Arthur or anybody else. I want to be with you. And I'm not ashamed, because if you` And I'm not ashamed, because if you` But you shouldn't do that. What? What? Plan to be with me. But... don't you want to? Aren't you fond of me? I... I don't belong here,... with normal people, people who don't know what it's like, who` who shouldn't... who shouldn't be... corrupted by me. I don't understand. SOFTLY: For all they that take the sword... shall perish by the sword. (SNIFFLES) I'm requesting a transfer... back to the war, as soon as I can. GENTLE MUSIC Well... Thank you for telling me. (SOBS) POIGNANT MUSIC RHYTHMIC TAPPING > MUSIC SWELLS MEN GRUNT LOUDLY You're all useless bastards. Say it! You're all useless bastards. Say it! (GRUNTS) Oh, bollocks to you! You're all useless bastards. Say it! (GRUNTS) Oh, bollocks to you! BOTH GRUNT Kitchener's useless bloody army. We had it, Chunuk Bair! We held it, and you bastard cowardly English turned and ran. What are you talking about? You're as British as I am! Bullshit. I'm a NZer. Bullshit. I'm a NZer. All right, man. Let him go. Hey, let him go. Go! We had it. We bloody had it! STIRRING MUSIC 'My darling Violet, you will no doubt hear of fresh acts of outstanding valour and bravery 'following our latest attempt to drive the Turk from his stronghold in the hills. 'And like much that has come before, it will mostly be lies. 'It's true that we did take Chunuk Bair, but with enormous and ultimately futile loss of life, 'to end up exactly where we were before.' I have a letter I'd like delivered to my fiancee. And it contains material I'd rather not the censor see. Oh. Like that, is it? (CHUCKLES) (CHUCKLES) (CHUCKLES) Leave it with me, sir. 'I have tried to protect you from the truth. But I now think that the public of NZ 'has a right to know what is really going on here.' I've a letter... for Miss Violet Penrose. 'My dearest Violet, you will find enclosed an open letter to the public of NZ 'outlining the true nature of the miserable failure that is the Gallipoli campaign ` 'a campaign that has seen our youngest and finest slaughtered through stupidity and incompetence. 'But if we were able to evacuate Gallipoli before the winter sets in, at least some lives will be saved. 'I am not naive enough to think that many of those in power will take heed. 'Some will already be aware of the situation, but have done nothing for their own reasons. 'But there may be some who do take note,...' No conscription. '...and that may be the beginning.' Sign the petition. No conscription! Sign the petition. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. What else can I do? I want to help. 'I ask you, my love, to make copies and send to as many newspapers and politicians as possible.' READS: 'I know this is a great deal to ask, but I will take full responsibility 'in the event of my surviving. And if I am no longer to be numbered amongst the living,... 'then at least some good may still come of it.' What am I to do? I love Charles dearly. These views are seditious. As his fiancee, I should do what he asks of me. Your loyalty is admirable, my dear, but it is a matter of the greater good. There is only one course of action. BREATHES SHAKILY: I know. War has changed him. The old Charles would never have asked me to do this. STIRRING MUSIC (SOBS) 'You know, my dear, that I esteem and miss you despite this darkness.' MUSIC BUILDS 'I remain forever your loving 'Charles.' Captions by June Yeow. www.able.co.nz Captions were made possible with funding from NZ On Air. Copyright Able 2015