Captions by Faith Hamblyn. www.able.co.nz Captions were made possible with funding from NZ On Air. Copyright Able 2015 DRAMATIC MUSIC MUSIC CONTINUES 1 1 1 Dearest Bea, I wish I had more news, but mostly I'm just at work. Everyone complains about the prices, but Awa's counter is doing well. (GAGS) (GAGS) WOMAN: Lovely. Floral, with an undertone of musk, but not overpowering. Ah, go on. Ah, go on. BOTH CHUCKLE Edith! (BREATHES HEAVILY) Oh, you're back and looking so well. Are you feeling better? So much better that I thought I should come in. Our bookkeeper's signed up, you know. Your husband will love it too. Your husband will love it too. Thank you. Our new cologne ` very popular. Oh, how impolite! This is my sister-in-law, Richard's wife, Edith. I mean Mrs Smith. And this is Miss Kokiri. And this is Miss Kokiri. Good to make your acquaintance. And this is Miss Kokiri. Good to make your acquaintance. And yours. I just need to go get something. Is she all right? She looks a bit peaky. Is she all right? She looks a bit peaky. Just a bit of tummy trouble. Yes, there's a bit of it around, with the overpriced lamb, which turns out to be mutton. Or even horse. It is hard times. But we must make the best of things. Some people have a knack for that. It's lovely to see Edith so well. I really believe she might be cured. (VOMITS, BREATHES HEAVILY) But you probably don't want to hear about sickness. I hope you are well. And Charles, and Manaaki. Do you hear from them at all? SOMBRE MUSIC Any pain there? Any pain there? Um, no. Just a bit tight? Just a bit tight? A little bit tight. Just a bit tight? A little bit tight. To the right. How about that? No? No? A little bit, yeah. No? A little bit, yeah. OK. How are the headaches, Sergeant? They're gone, sir. If you need to,... (BREATHES HEAVILY) take some of these. I'm heading to Alexandria, if you've any mail you wanted forwarded on. I'm heading to Alexandria, if you've any mail you wanted forwarded on. I've got nothing to write. Dismissed. Dismissed. Thank you, sir. There's a rumour that we might be evacuating. There's a rumour that we might be evacuating. (CHUCKLES) The trenches have ears. Some of the men are worried we might not get, uh, the opportunity to finish the job. Well, as you said, it's just a rumour. Yes, sir. INDISTINCT CHATTER He's a strange fish that one. Sorry to hear about you and Violet, by the way. I think she made the right decision, given the circumstances. I think she made the right decision, given the circumstances. Was there some particular reason? She just thought the better of it. It doesn't make sense being engaged to a man who might kick the bucket at any moment. No,... not much sense at all. (EXHALES) Your mate's back again, Sarge. Your mate's back again, Sarge. Who? Wish he'd send some of that wood our way. It's fucking freezing. He's right there. Why aren't we shooting him? He's right there. Why aren't we shooting him? He's not doing any harm. I've got something that'll show the bugger what's what. I've got something that'll show the bugger what's what. Grenade? This'll tear his insides out, for sure ` bully beef. You better look out, mate. If we're tough enough to eat that shit, we can survive anything! ALL LAUGH ALL LAUGH You're all blinkin' crazy. DISTANT GUNFIRE POPS BUSY MUSIC Arthur! Violet! Good afternoon. Good afternoon. Shall we all go for some tea? Good afternoon. Shall we all go for some tea? I'm afraid I really can't. There's a new picture on at the Globe ` The Stolen Inheritance. It's meant to be thrilling. Would you excuse me a moment? You know that I'm very fond of you, Cissy. You know that I'm very fond of you, Cissy. I'm fond of you too. But given the situation between Charles and I, I feel that you and I cannot go on social outings any more. I feel that you and I cannot go on social outings any more. Oh, I'm sorry. Excuse me. But we can still be friends. But we can still be friends. That would hardly be appropriate, and it is a painful reminder. You're the one that broke it off. Having never been engaged, you are not in a position to understand. I must be getting home. Good afternoon, Arthur. I will see you tomorrow. > Good afternoon, Arthur. I will see you tomorrow. > Afternoon. > Well, I think she's being very ungracious. Arthur, what's that? Oh dear. Poor you. I'm still ever so keen for tea, if you are. It was a surprise, Violet calling off her engagement. But I don't see why she had to be so cold to me. And even if Violet is going to be vile, at least I have you. I mean it, I'm` I'm so very fond of you, Arthur. And I'm fond of you. And I'm fond of you. Ah, I'm so glad. What's the point in waiting? If you think about it, Violet and Charles would be married now if he hadn't had to go to war. Violet and Charles would be married now if he hadn't had to go to war. I suppose so. I'd hate for that to happen to us. But I'm not going to war. But I'm not going to war. Your mother needs you at home, which is perfectly reasonable. A fact not everyone takes into account. A fact not everyone takes into account. You mean the white feather? I know. It's so unkind. (SIGHS) My mother goes to meetings all the time about conscription. Really? You know, if they introduce conscription, only single men will be called up first. I'm a single man. But it's only fair that married men should be excused, don't you think? I'd hate it if you were to go, especially when there's a way out. All you have to do is get married. Are you...? You're suggesting... Do... Do you think we should get married? I do. And the answer is yes! To what? To what? Your proposal. I accept. You do want to marry me, don't you, Arthur? You do want to marry me, don't you, Arthur? (LAUGHS) Well, yes. But... it is rather` it is rather` Wonderful. I know. I'm so happy. (CHUCKLES) BIRDS CHIRP Mum, are we still...? James,... Mrs Mueller has something to say to you. My George is coming home. I received a letter at last. I know he was injured, and then I heard nothing. Will he be all right? God be thanked. He was in the convalescent hospital, and now he is on a ship. (EXHALES) James, you must come and visit us. George will be so happy to have a friend. Of course you will. Won't you, James? I'll do my best. (SIGHS) FOOTSTEPS APPROACH I haven't seen you for a while. Work and bally committees every damn night. Ha. Drink? Why not? Why not? Well, you are paying for it. I'm sorry if I've been less than attentive. You know I'd rather be here with you than listen to some bore go on about the evils of socialism. I've met your wife. She doesn't look like she's on death's door. I've met your wife. She doesn't look like she's on death's door. I beg your pardon? Your wife ` you made her out to be some kind of invalid, a pathetic creature from a sanatorium. She... was. And then she... came back. (EXHALES) came back. (EXHALES) I'd noticed. She made a remarkable recovery. Everyone said so. The children are thrilled. (SCOFFS) My darling, please, don't be like this. She doesn't want what we have. You know how much I adore you. She knows about us. Don't be ridiculous. I have a good nose. For perfume, and also for trouble. I have a good nose. For perfume, and also for trouble. (LAUGHS) This... doesn't have to change anything between us. > Prove to me that you are sincere. Prove to me that you are sincere. I promise you, very sincerely, > that I have never, ever done this... to my wife... or anyone else. MYSTERIOUS MUSIC (SIGHS) (BREATHES HEAVILY) 'Well, dear sister...' < Nurse Smith, can you help me? '...I think of you in your ward, imagine you as Florence Nightingale, 'stroking brows, murmuring words of comfort.' Oh, good lord. Oh, good lord. He's bleeding, but it's not his wound site. (EXHALES) I think it might be from his anus. (SIGHS) Oh bloody hell. (SIGHS) Oh bloody hell. He has a high fever. (SIGHS) Oh bloody hell. He has a high fever. Do you think it's an infection? I don't think so. We might need to quarantine him. What do you think it is? Typhoid. DRAMATIC MUSIC BIRDS SQUAWK I have some news, and here's a hint ` very soon I might be practising a new signature. (SIGHS) (SIGHS) Do I look all right? (EXHALES) (SIGHS) Do I look all right? (EXHALES) You look very pretty. (EXHALES) I thought Arthur was coming to see me, not you. I thought Arthur was coming to see me, not you. Oh. Do you think he'll want tea? He might need something stronger than that. He might need something stronger than that. Oh Daddy. Stop teasing, John. (GASPS) He's here. (GASPS) He's here. (CLEARS THROAT) SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC DOOR OPENS DOOR OPENS Arthur! Come in. Could we have a word first? Certainly. Don't be nervous. Dad likes to tease, but he's really quite a softie. I love you, Cissy. More than anything, I want you to be my wife. And I will be. If you just talk to my dad` I came back from lunch to find yet another white feather on my desk. Oh dear. (SIGHS) Oh dear. (SIGHS) So I've thought about it, and I've decided to sign up. I'm sick of being treated like a coward, and if I join up before conscription, at least I'll get some say on which regiment I go to. Don't look so miserable, Arthur. I think it's the right thing to do. Don't look so miserable, Arthur. I think it's the right thing to do. Really? Yes, and I'll be proud to be a soldier's wife. That's wonderful. And we can marry just as soon as I get back. But we can't. We have to get married before you go. If something were to happen to me, my pension should go to my mother. You know I'd never take it from her. You know I'd never take it from her. I have to be responsible, and you have your family. Arthur, please. You have to marry me before you go! Arthur, please. You have to marry me before you go! As I explained, I` Arthur, please. Arthur, please. My mind is made up. Arthur, please. My mind is made up. I'm going to have a baby! But how can that be? I was a bit stupid, and I made a mistake. Mistake? But it only made me realise how much I love you, Arthur. Really and truly I do. And I will be such a good wife to you, I promise. And I will be such a good wife to you, I promise. I have to go. If you could just think about it... If you could just think about it... Of course. I'll call by the bank. DRAMATIC MUSIC * NIGELLA LAWSON: Hello, chocolate lovers. James Henry Whittaker came to New Zealand because he was restless to find a better way. It's something that Whittaker's have stuck to generation after generation for well over a hundred years, and now Andrew and Brian have made a luscious new caramel filling. It's creamier, more buttery and velvety. Better in every way ` just as JH would expect. Exactly. Well said. (LIGHT THEME MUSIC) 1 BAND PLAYS BALLROOM MUSIC Manaaki is doing well, promoted to sergeant. I still feel a little guilty that he went back at all. I still feel a little guilty that he went back at all. Do you? After all the trouble you went to, to get him shipped home. I did owe you a favour. I did owe you a favour. Nonsense. And how is Charles, now that Violet has set him free? And how is Charles, now that Violet has set him free? I... think it's a relief, actually, that... freedom from attachment. BAND CONTINUES PLAYING BALLROOM MUSIC (SIGHS) BAND PLAYS 'MEET ME TONIGHT IN DREAMLAND' Goodness, I almost recognise this one. Goodness, I almost recognise this one. It is music of sorts. (CHUCKLES) Would you like to dance? Would you like to dance? You know I have two left feet. BAND CONTINUES PLAYING 'MEET ME TONIGHT IN DREAMLAND' Would you like to move along instead? BAND CONTINUES PLAYING WALTZ BAND CONTINUES PLAYING Gosh, this is rather grand. And very tidy. I have a batman. I have a batman. Do I need his permission to... put this down? Or anything else? No. Would you like a drink? I should be making the most of the high life while I can ` I've been asked to join a contingent of nurses moving from Port Said to somewhere in Greece. It's all rather hush-hush. That's a shame. That's a shame. It's a promotion, of sorts. That's a shame. It's a promotion, of sorts. But... further away. (SIGHS) # Meet me tonight... # in dreamland... # under the silvery moon. # You're in grave danger, you know. You're in grave danger, you know. (LAUGHS) I have very solid feet. # Meet me tonight... # in dreamland, # where love's sweet # roses bloom. # Come with the love light # gleaming... # in your dear eyes... # of blue. # Meet me in # dreamland,... BOTH: #...sweet, dreamy... # dreamland. # There let my... # dreams... # come true. # (BREATHES HEAVILY) I should get back. Do you have to? I do have to think about packing, not that there's much to think about ` one woollen uniform, or the other. (CHUCKLES) Sometimes I think about silk, and even the sound makes me want to swoon. (CHUCKLES) (CHUCKLES) You used to not care about clothes. See, war does have its uses. But there'll be no need for glad rags on the good ship Marquette. Bea. There's something I have to give you before you leave. There's something I have to give you before you leave. All right. This is a copy. I sent it to the Otago Medical School, taking full responsibility for what occurred between us. I was a willing participant. I was the one involved with a student. I should have been disciplined, not you. William, it really doesn't matter any more. William, it really doesn't matter any more. But you're wasted as a nurse. What about your reputation? What about your reputation? That no longer seems of any... importance. I couldn't have it on my conscience, and I am pressing to have you readmitted. And were will you be? Gallipoli. The evacuation has been deferred, while the War Cabinet quibble in London. You're sounding so final, as if you're not going to live. Men are shot and blown up every day. An orderly got it in the head not 2ft from me. It can't last,... not on the odds. not on the odds. Don't be so fatalistic. not on the odds. Don't be so fatalistic. No, I'm being a realist. And in some ways, I'm lucky ` I have no one who's relying on me. You cannot mean that. I treated this young Australian ` had half his head blown away. He died, of course. But in his jacket, he had a single woman's glove... and a pair of bootees. Blue. He'd carried those things with him through all that, thinking of a wife,... a son. And now he'll never go back to them. That is very sad, but you should have talked to me about this first. That is very sad, but you should have talked to me about this first. It was the right thing to do. You think I am a burden, something you have to get off your conscience? You think I am a burden, something you have to get off your conscience? That's not what I meant at all. And I should be going. It's been nice to see you. Nice? Is that all you can manage? As if I'm a piece of shortbread! Well, you're not all hearts and flowers. You made it clear I'm one for the road before you ship out! Yes. I think that's how we should see it. Goodbye. 1 Bea? I have one piece of advice, Lorna, and that is stay away from men. They're impossible. Lorna? Oh, I should get up. Oh, I should get up. Hey. Hey. You're burning up. (BREATHES HEAVILY) INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS ENGINE REVS Good afternoon. Good afternoon. Is Arthur finished for the day? Arthur? He's not with the bank any more. Arthur? He's not with the bank any more. Has he joined up already? If by that you mean joining the deserters. If by that you mean joining the deserters. I beg your pardon? Rumour has it that Arthur took a boat to San Francisco. A lot of yellow chaps are doing it to avoid conscription. A lot of yellow chaps are doing it to avoid conscription. Well, what about his mother? Well, I think he used her as an excuse all along. And now he's run away like the coward he is. TURBULENT MUSIC Where have you been? I've had to deal with all manner of enquiries. Where have you been? I've had to deal with all manner of enquiries. I'm sorry, I just... What in heaven's name...? What in heaven's name...? I'll go see to her. Girl, what is it? (SNIFFLES) Made a bit of a mess of things. How far along are you? I beg your pardon? I beg your pardon? You're hapu,... pregnant, aren't you? I might be. Have you had your monthlies? Have you had your monthlies? They've stopped,... and I do feel sick. (SOBS) It's not fair because I only did it the once. What am I going to do? (SIGHS) There's an Irish woman on Grey St who can take care of it. (GASPS) I couldn't. I've heard you can die of it. Then you tell the man responsible that he needs do right by you. I can't. I can't. He's married? I can't. He's married? No. (SNIFFLES) He's away at war. Actually, it's... it's your brother. Manaaki? Does he know? Does he know? (SNIFFLES) (SNIFFLES, SOBS) SOLDIER COUGHS SOLDIER COUGHS (SNIFFS) Christ, it's cold. Watch it! Watch it! What! Take cover! Take cover! Let it go! Let it go! (LAUGHS) Bugger me! As you were. It's him again. It's him again. Knew he was soft; he couldn't even finish it. I got him. I got the bugger! I got him. I got the bugger! What's going on? He knew we were here. He threw it. He knew we were here. He threw it. Yeah, half a tin of bully beef. It was a bloody joke, you idiot. SOLDIER COUGHS You shouldn't have done that. < But he's the enemy. Fair point, old man. INTENSE MUSIC < FOOTSTEPS RETREAT I can't stay long ` candidates meeting. There's some business we need to discuss... about a baby. WHISPERS: I... I thought you were being careful. Christ almighty. It's not me you have to worry about; it's your sister. Of all the stupid girls in the world. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Sorry? Where's your morals, your self-control? What's done is done. If you cared more about your daughter and less about your causes, this wouldn't have` It's not my fault! You let the man in the house! You let the man in the house! Dad. It is unfortunate, to say the least, but there is a way out. We can send her to stay with Lucy. We can send her to stay with Lucy. Who lives to gossip. That won't help. We can sort the whole thing out, once and for all. I have a storeman at my factory. He's a decent fellow, not a drinker, and he has a touch of the tar brush. < He's a Maori. Well, he's quite light skinned, but it means there'll be no questions asked about the baby. And he's prepared to take Cissy on for a consideration. What kind? �100. �100. Oh, that's outrageous. �100. Oh, that's outrageous. Dad, it's a bargain. The chap takes full responsibility for Cissy and her child, and we're all out of the woods. (SIGHS) I suppose it's better than nothing. I suppose it's better than nothing. But... I suppose it's better than nothing. But... Oh, do you have something to say? It's like I'm being sold. You should have thought of that on your back! You should have thought of that on your back! John! Dad, please. If we move swiftly, the matter will be concluded, and there will be no embarrassment or any shameful talk. Hemi attends church. He's very fond of sports. I like rugby. I like rugby. He's a great supporter of the war effort, but he had rheumatic fever and it rendered him unfit for active service. Dodgy ticker. and it rendered him unfit for active service. Dodgy ticker. That's a shame. I'm sure Cissy here can take good care of you ` a place of your own, a home-cooked meal. What more could a man want? DOOR OPENS DOOR OPENS I'm just finishing up. I'll come through. Edith. Come through where? Who were you expecting? No... Nobody at all. I... I assumed you were a late delivery. I've brought supper for us both. CROCKERY CLINKS CUTLERY CLINKS Well,... my foolish sister has been taken care of. The wedding's in just over a fortnight. It'll be small affair. I'm pleased to hear it. But that's not the issue that's concerning me the most. I know that I've been unwell and that men have their needs. But I dislike the looks I'm getting, the sly intimations that tell me that something is amiss. It is humiliating. Though nowhere near as bad as a divorce would be. Though nowhere near as bad as a divorce would be. Edith, I have no idea` Please just listen. If you'd like to avoid a divorce, or dinners laced with arsenic, then believe me when I say this ` the black bitch has to go. To whom would you be referring? For God's sake, Richard! She goes or I do, and I will make sure everybody knows why. Oh, I forgot ` would you like a little mint sauce? Are you ready, sir? Yes, thank you. I heard bit of news. A British troopship has been torpedoed. Good God. Good God. < There was a continent of nurses on board as well ` some of ours. Which ship? The Marquette, sir. You do not show up here with your hair a mess and your dress an indecent length! Excuse me, Sister. Excuse me, Sister. Yes, Major. The ship that went down, the Marquette, do you know where they're taking casualties? Bea! (BREATHES HEAVILY) What are you doing here? What are you doing here? YOU didn't ship out. (BREATHES HEAVILY) My roommate, Lorna, caught typhoid. We had something of an epidemic, and the Sister needed me. Oh, thank God. (BREATHES HEAVILY) I thought she was going to pull through. But she didn't. (SIGHS) (SOBS) Oh God. (SOBS) There's no point in this. It doesn't change anything. It's not wrong to feel strongly. It's not wrong to feel strongly. (SOBS) Bea,... I feel like such a fool for what I said to you. What are you talking about? What are you talking about? Pretending I didn't care. But you're right ` no one should get attached. Bea, I love you. You wanted to get shot of me. You wanted to get shot of me. No, I love you. You wanted me off your conscience. You wanted me off your conscience. Must you argue everything? You're worse. You don't believe in shell shock, though clearly you've had a case of it and` Bea... I was scared for you... because I love you. Is that what you wanted to hear? Yes, it is. Well, now you've got me,... whether you like it or not. (LAUGHS) MAJESTIC MUSIC (SIGHS) 1 (SMOOCHES) (SMOOCHES) (SMOOCHES) I... I don't think I can do this. Things are at an awkward stage. Oh, forget politics. It's not that. You see I... I have to let you go from the shop. It's a matter of the times. My counter is doing well despite the times. You're doing well. Yes, and you are a very talented salesgirl, and I will give you a letter of introduction. I do have a friend in Wellington. I do have a friend in Wellington. Why would I go to Wellington? I do have a friend in Wellington. Why would I go to Wellington? Oh, you'd like it. And I'll be there... occasionally. Your wife did know. (SIGHS) It seems to be the case. (SIGHS) It seems to be the case. So now bugger off out the door as fast as possible? Look, I'll pay out your notice. Look, I'll pay out your notice. I really thought that you liked me a little bit more than that, Richard. (SIGHS) I'm sorry I... I just... I find myself in an impossible situation. I'm in contention for a seat in the by-election, and my wife is threatening me. (SIGHS) If you truly are sorry, Richard, then... I have another thought. You've talked about expanding your interests into other districts. Yes. Yes. I could help with that. And you know that it wouldn't be a matter of sentiment, because I'm hard-headed. And you would get a cut of the profits. You know,... it could work out... very well for both of us. Well? You thought that through very quickly. I thought that through the minute your wife first walked into the emporium. You really are so damn clever. BOTH SMOOCH PEACEFUL MUSIC Don't you dare. Don't you dare. Mum, I'm famished. We had to do five laps of the field with full packs. Those are for Ida... and George. > Oh. Oh. They're coming to pay a call shortly. What's that surly look? What's that surly look? They're still Germans. I cannot believe you mean that. George has been wounded fighting for his country, voluntarily. I know, but... I know, but... You and George were best friends. I wrote to him, loads of times, and he never wrote. (SIGHS) Not even a field card. Be that as it may, we all have to do our duty. And yours is to have tea and biscuits and be kind to our guests. < Here we are. Nearly there. And your friend James is here. Hello, James. Hello, James. Afternoon. James? James? Yes, it's me. Now, just a few more steps. You can turn around. You can sit. Good. There we are. < James, offer George a biscuit and some lemonade. I want to show Ida the garden. < So, we haven't got a new maid yet, but, uh, we're making do. How are you feeling? Not so bad, considering I'm blind. Not so bad, considering I'm blind. (CHUCKLES) Not so bad, considering I'm blind. (CHUCKLES) (CHUCKLES) Will you get your sight back? Will you get your sight back? I've lost one eye and the other ` concussion shell. It's unlikely. > It's unlikely. > I'm sorry ` I should've kept writing. I didn't know. I do have the letters you sent. You could read them to me now. You could read them to me now. That's old news. You could read them to me now. That's old news. Not to me. I've missed hearing you talk ` all the stupid things you used to say. Not as stupid as you. Not as stupid as you. (CHUCKLES) INTENSE MUSIC 'My dear Bea, I have to admit that things are not the best. 'I wish I was strong like you and that I could do what is necessary.' Where are my scissors? I want to take some cuttings for Mrs Mueller. (SIGHS) What are you doing? I just spilt something on the carpet. I just spilt something on the carpet. You don't wanna to use bleach on it. Oh, here they are. INTENSE MUSIC CONTINUES 'I wish you were here, because I have no one who understands.' Awa? Awa? Where are you? What's wrong? What's wrong? I thought I'd missed you. I'm just getting packed up. I'm just getting packed up. For where? Hamilton. Hamilton. Why didn't you tell me you were going? I heard everything had been arranged. My brother's son has a new father. It's what my family want, and he seems like a nice man. But I don't think I can do it ` sleep with him when I don't love him. And I just want to take poison or jump off a bridge. You wouldn't. No, really. I think if I got drunk, I could do it. And kill my brother's child? And kill my brother's child? Well, I don't want to, but I have nowhere to turn. You could tell Manaaki. He wouldn't come back to marry me, even if he could. And now everyone is saying this war will go on and on and on. Come with me. But how would I get on in Hamilton? But how would I get on in Hamilton? I have premises for a new shop. We'll get by. But everyone will see I'm pregnant. Buy yourself a curtain ring for tuppence ` then you'll be a war widow. There are plenty of them around. 1 If the men can stand by themselves, help them as much as you can. If they can walk, even better. Go. Yes, ma'am. We need to move any walking wounded on. Clear as many beds as possible. We need to move any walking wounded on. Clear as many beds as possible. What's happening? They ordered to evacuate the Dardanelles. There have been rumours before. There have been rumours before. This has been confirmed, and we need to be prepared for the worst. Take whatever you can carry; don't leave any drugs. The end of the end. Yes, I've been told to go on ahead, get ready. Fair enough. I'll be staying behind. A few of us have volunteered to keep Johnny Turk busy to cover the retreat. If they catch on, it'll be suicide. It's all been a risk. I can't abandon my men. I'll see you on the other side, then. I hope so. Give my love to Bea,... and look after her. If she'll let me. Well, better get to it. We have to look like a force to be reckoned with. Take care, William. Take care, William. You too. That's it. Keep going. We're leaving this all here? (GRUNTS) Seems like a hell of a waste. That's already happened. GUNSHOT GUNSHOT GUNSHOT Still feels a bit crook, leaving all our mates behind,... the ones underground. < Come on, mate, or we'll miss our ride. GUN COCKS At least we've had one great success ` we're glorious in retreat. Bless them heavenly father, for they will live on... in God's kingdom. Great will be their glory, and right will be their memories. Amen. Amen. DRAMATIC MUSIC BOOM! CHORAL MUSIC 'My dearest sister, it's hard to believe it's nearly the end of the year. I heard from Mum. 'You'll be surprised to hear she's become a radical.' Tell your member of parliament, no! No conscription! No conscription! Would you care to make a contribution for our brave men? Certainly. And you might like to read about what might happen to our men. I'm surprised you'd throw your lot in with shirkers and socialists. Oh, I believe in loyalty to the empire, but also in our right to choose. To be cowards? To be cowards? What did you say? To be cowards? What did you say? The country needs conscription. You would have a gall to suggest that any of my family have been cowards. I'm expressing an opinion. I'm expressing an opinion. Listen to me, my girl. It is very easy to ask others to make sacrifices when you have made none yourself. I believe I have made some. And thank goodness you have released Charles, because he is worth 10 of you. And I no longer need to give you the time of day. No conscription! No conscription! Fight conscription! No conscription! No conscription! Keep our men at home! I pray to God to keep Charles safe, and William. It's hard to be away from home at this time, though I really shouldn't complain when you are more alone. But everyone in Hamilton is very friendly, because I am a widow. I'm so used to telling people that that I almost believe it. And Awa is as kind to me as any sister, which is a great comfort. Dad and Richard still refuse to speak to me, but perhaps you could put in a good word? Hello. Merry Christmas. (LAUGHS) Merry Christmas, my boy. Merry Christmas, my boy. Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas, my boy. Merry Christmas. Congratulations on your nomination. I'm very proud. I'm very proud. Thanks, Dad. Happy Christmas, everybody. (LAUGHS) Happy Christmas, everybody. (LAUGHS) Hello, Ida. So good to see you. James was very insistent. James was very insistent. (CHUCKLES) Here he is. Merry Christmas, George. Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas. Would you like a sherry? > Not for me, dear. I have to check on the dinner. But I am pleased we're all here. As many of us as can be. To our loved ones,... wherever they may be. Dear Manaaki, your sister has persuaded me I should tell you that you have a fine healthy son. I have named him Harry Manaaki Smith. He is such a bonny fellow, and I hope he will give you a reason to come home. You should hear him laugh. He has such a funny giggle. And goodness, did you hear about Bea? When I heard, you could have knocked me down with a feather! I, Beatrice Catherine Smith,... take you, William Albert Chambers, to be my lawful wedded husband,... to have and to hold,... for better or worse,... for richer or poorer,... in sickness and in health,... from this day forward, till death do us part. (CHUCKLES) Wait, wait! Please, one thing. (CHUCKLES) What is it now, wife? What is it now, wife? (CLEARS THROAT) I should inform my husband that I have written to the Otago Medical School to say that I won't be returning. If you go to the Western Front, I'll go too. Are we going to argue about this now? Are we going to argue about this now? No. Because your future is my future. Until death do us part may not be so far away. (LAUGHS) No, I will not have you being gloomy on our wedding night. (SIGHS) And one day,... a long time away, we will sit with our grandchildren. You would have children? You would have children? I did say a long time away. You would have children? I did say a long time away. (CHUCKLES) We will sit with our grandchildren, and we will tell them about this time, the time that made us who we are. Crotchety old fools, with wrinkles and a gammy hip. Crotchety old fools, with wrinkles and a gammy hip. Speak for yourself, old man. There's plenty of life in you yet. Captions by Faith Hamblyn. www.able.co.nz Captions were made possible with funding from NZ On Air. Copyright Able 2015