Emma's War (1986) - full transcript

(INDISTINCT CHATTER)

(GIGGLING)

GIRL: Great!

I'll bring you some.

Come on.

Before it gets cold.

April.

April.

EMMA: I was fourteen in
the year of that long summer
of 1942.

The summer of a war that had
scarcely touched us.

We didn't feel threatened
in any way.



And the land itself...

Lazy and slow under the dry
and seductive sun...

Was indifferent to conflict.

My father had been away for
many months.

But except for his absence,

the world he'd left behind
remained unchanged.

Do you recall any--
Remember.

It's "Do you remember
an inn, Miranda?"

"Do you remember
an inn, Miranda?

"Do you remember
an inn?

"And the tedding and the
spreading of the straw for
the bedding,

"and the fleas that tease in
the...

"High...

"High...
"Pyrenees.



"High Pyrenees."

ANNE: Emma, Laurel, come on,
we have to go.

Come on, girls.

If you don't come now
it will get dark by the time
we get back.

Come on now, just quiet down.

You are getting over excited.

ANNE: Come on, in you get.

Did we leave it as
we found it?

BOTH: Yes.

(TURNS RADIO ON)

(SONG PLAYS IN BACKGROUND)

GIRLS: April! Come on.

GIRL: I spy with my little eye
something beginning with 'F'.

Fingers...

flowers...

No.

(SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY)

I'm having another go.
No.

ANNE: Hush, now I
want to listen to the news.

RADIO: We have suffered
some attacks on Rabaul.

and other bases at which
Australian airmen

and crews are stationed...
Be quiet, I am trying
to listen to this.

Such attacks must be regarded
as inevitable, as war operations
develop.

Mr. Drakeford announced that
Rabaul had an air raid alert
at midday on Saturday...

But no attack developed.

RAAF activities in the
Pacific since the war with
Japan...

(CAR ENGINE REVVING)

Bombing and machine gun
attacks on enemy attacks
on enemy aircraft, transports,

cruisers and submarines...

(BIRDS CHIRPING)

LAUREL: Mummy?
Um-hmm...

Why do the Japanese eat
babies?

(CHUCKLES)

Who in the world told you that?

One of the girls at school.

Well, she was making it up.
Of course they don't eat babies.

Anyway...

Ordinary people don't
start the wars,

they just get... sucked in.

Why?

Well... They don't have
much choice, most of them.

Why did daddy go
to New Guinea?

Oh well, they made him go.

LAUREL: Who did?

Um... The men in charge.

What men though?

Not now darling, I have
to concentrate here.

(DOG BARKING)

(SHIP HORN BLOWS)

Be a good girl.

Don't forget to give
the flowers
to Miss Arnott.

Off you go.

If I can get more
petrol coupons, we'll have
another picnic on Sunday.

EMMA: Now, don't be silly.
Of course mummy didn't want
to send us away.

LAUREL: Then why did she?

Most of kids are here
because their mum's are
doing war work

and their dad's are away.

You know that.

I suppose.

Anyway, this is not like
most boarding schools,
is it.

At least there
are boys here.

You didn't brush
your hair, did you?
No.

I'll do it for you.

(SHIP SIREN SOUNDS)

Come on, Ethel, come on.

(DOG BARKING)

(SHIP SIREN SOUNDS)

(TURNS RADIO ON)

Now, generally speaking, do
you find the women engaged in
war production,

enjoy the work?

I'm sure, in certain cases
they do.

Everybody has some one
in the forces

and they're doing war
work, you know. And they
are helping him in his task

to win this war.

And feels she is doing something
really worthwhile.

(SONG PLAYING IN THE BACKGROUND)

EMMA: I never thought
about my mother's world

or her life apart from us?

And she never complained.

If she had, I probably
wouldn't have listened

or understood.

Because I was too caught up
in my own world

and she didn't enter
into it.

She was lonely of course.

But I never realized quite
how lonely.

(SONG PLAYING IN BACKGROUND)

Hi Jane, hi its me.

Yeah, how are you?

Oh, yeah, well... I just
wondered if you...

and Phil would like
to come over for a
meal tonight.

Yeah, tonight.

(RADIO PLAYING IN BACKGROUND)

Okay, no, no, no...

Another night, it's okay.

Bye.

(CAT MEOWING)

Who is it?
Anne Grange.

(TV PLAYING)

The usual, dear?
Yes, please. A bottle.

MRS. MORTIMER: I told you
I didn't want to see you
again.

Can I have a bottle
of port, Mrs. M.

MRS. MORTIMER: Who let you in?
I can pay you,
Mrs. Mortimer.

Well, you can pay
what you owe me.

26 bobs, all right?

MRS. MORTIMER: No singing,
I don't tolerate singing,

OLD WOMAN: Thanks, love,
you are a good sport.

MRS. MORTIMER: And don't spill
on my floor.

On your own dear?

Yeah.

I married him, I married him,
as soon as my parents decided
to go to the states.

I was 20, he was 21.

OLD WOMAN: Ah, a real
love match, eh?

ANNE: He was always
on the beach.

He was so brown,
so handsome

Then he came home from
that bloody recruiting office
and he said,

"They have classified me
A one-fit." And I thought

I'm not gonna let them have him,
I'm not gonna let them have him.

I know what I'll do,
I'll cut off one of his toes.

They would never take him
with a gammy foot.

Wouldn't take a cripple.

Of course we couldn't do it.

Wish we had it,
it's been ages
since we have seen him.

He did the right thing
though, dear.
I know.

...fighting for his country.

No, no, no,
Frank's not fighting.

He is an artist, they've
made him official war artist.

At least, he didn't have to kill
anybody, thank god.

What if the Japs come
and rape you, huh?
And butchered your kiddies?

But why would they do that?
I mean...

They have got kids of their own.
They are probably, you know--

No, no, no, they are savages.
It's all that raw fish.

It's no wonder.
(ANNE LAUGHS)

HANK: Can we buy you
two ladies a drink?

Oh!
No, thank you. I'm going
to go home.

A port would be lovely, dear.

One for the road?

RADIO COMMENTATOR: And now,
ladies and gentleman, your
favourite radio personality,

Mr. Keith Walsh.

* I'll never dance again

* What good it would do?

* For tears would fill my eyes

* My heart would feel barren

* That our romance is through

* I will never love again

* I'm so in love with you

* I'll never thrill again

* To somebody new

* Within my heart

* I know I will never start

* To smile again

* Until I smile at you *

(ANNE MOANS AND WEEPS)

We complained about the school,

but compared to most
in Sydney, Ballantyne
was a paradise.

eccentric, exotic, cocooned,

the perfect setting for my
own world of day dreams
and fantasies.

The appeal of reason
is more to the head

But the penetration of the heart
comes from suffering

It opens up the
inner understanding in man.

Suffering is the badge
of the human race

not the sword.

Emma.

Emma!

Ah, could you please pick up
this speech, where I have
left of, Emma?

May I see your note?

"As I stare into the bush,
my heart is filled with love.

"The sun, the tree,
the singing birds,
in joyous flocks above."

Yeah.

That is very good, Emma.

Perhaps you might change "flock"
to "flight".

"In joyous flights, above", hm?

Would you please read
from page 122?

We studied today
Gandhi's speech,
not English.

To see the universal
and all pervading spirit
of truth face to face...

one must be able to love
the meanest of creations
as oneself..."

(MRIDANGAM PLAYS)

(CHILDREN GIGGLE AND CHATTER)

We are very honoured to have
with us today, from India,

Doctor Raj Shah and
his daughter Sahdra

Shar-da...
Sharda

who is going to dance
for us in a moment.

Unless, perhaps, first
Doctor Shaw would like to say
a few words?

No, thank you very much,
thank you.
No?

Well then we await the story
of Vishnu and the lady
who loved him

(SINGING IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)

Gosh, my bosom hurts.
I'll have to get a bra soon.

Anyway you are not quite flat
as Emma. She hasn't even got
her period yet.

I'm 32 inches.

My nipples are quite big.

Anyway, Rita Hayworth
is only 36.

Come now, children, hurry,
You're wasting
all the hot water.

One, two, wash all the sand out,

four, five, six, seven,
eight, nine, ten.

That's good. One, two, three,
four, five, six, seven, eight,
nine, ten.

"How sweet the moonlight
sleeps upon this bank

"Here we will sit and let
the sounds of music creep
in our ear.

"Soft stillness and nights
become the touches
of sweet harmony"

Sit, Jessica.

"Look how the floor of heaven

"is thick inlaid with patines
of bright gold

"there's not the smallest orb
thou behold'st

"but in it's motion
like an angel sings

"still quiring
to the young-eyed cherubins

"such a harmony
is in immortal souls

"but while this muddy vesture
of decay doth grossly
close it in"

(MISS ARNOTT SIGHS) We cannot
hear it.

How on earth

could a village bumpkin
like Shakespeare write that?

It doesn't seem likely

or even remotely possible.

I have a book on the subject.

I must lend it to your father.

He is away at the war,
Mrs. Arnott.

Your father you know

has the light.

I think you have
the light, too, Emma.

Oh, no, Miss Arnott.
Why ever not, child?

Don't you want to become
a Knight?

Sir Lancelot?

I suppose so, if I could.

And you, David,
you shall be Sir Galahad.

It's Brian, Miss Arnott.

MISS ARNOTT:
Of course, dear boy.

Such dear children

All doing your best
for the war effort.

War effort!

Slave labour is more like it.

God, I'm sick of vegetables,

We'll probably all die of
carrot disease or celeryitis.

Do you like me?

No.

Not even a bit?

I don't know.

Well, look under the bell,
before assembly.

(BELL TOLLS)

(EMMA PANTS)

I think he loves me.

Do you love him?
Of course, not.

He does look bit like
Tyrone power, though,
doesn't he?

A bit.

He's quite good looking,
too short for you, though.

Good morning, girls.

(TENOR SINGS OPERA
ON GRAMOPHONE)

(EVERYONE RECITES IN UNISON)
I am a link in the golden
chain of love.

which stretches
around the world.

(GIRLS GIGGLING)

I must keep my link
right and strong

for use in the master's service.

It smells like pine soap.

Yeah.

It'll be good when it rains
won't it?

Hey, are we going
to sneak up here
after midnight and sleep here?

Are you game to come?

I hope Brian doesn't ask me
to dance.

Maybe he will ask you?
No, he won't do that,
he hasn't spoken to me.

(CHILDREN CHATTER AND GIGGLE)

Quiet please.

Do be quiet.

I'm now going to demonstrate the
waltz with, ah,

let me see.

Yes. David.

David?
It's Brian, Miss Arnott

Just so.
Advance, dear boy.
And straighten your tie.

That's right.
Yes now, ready?

One, two, three.
One, two, three.

One, two, three.
One, two, three.

Lead, David, lead.

Come of the others of you,
Don't be shy.

(CHILDREN GIGGLE)

One, two, three.
One, two, three.

You are doing very well, David.

Would you care to dance,
Emma?

One, two, three.
One, two, three.

You dance very well, Emma,

You have...

You have a natural feeling
for the music.

My father says
I have two left feet.

You know something?

I miss my father too.

Emma, would you...
would you keep a secret
do you think.

Yes, all right.

Good.

Miss Gunz and I are engaged.

We wish... we wish you alone
should know this,

because you are
very special friend.

* When a boy from Alabama

* Meets a girl from Gundagai

* Winter turn in to spring
and the birds start to sing

* A sweet lullaby

* When a boy from Alabama *

I... I love you.

I love you.

(CHILDREN GIGGLE)

(GIGGLES)

Hey, look its a Frenchie.

A contraceptive.
It's a balloon.

(CHILDREN LAUGH IN DISGUST)

Disgusting.

He's been doing it
all his life.

Will you give me a kiss.

No.

Just one.

I don't want to.

It's a bit uncomfortable,
I think I will go back.

Well, all right.

Will you give me a kiss
at the end of the term.

EMMA: On one of our
Sunday outings.

we happened to go
to the war memorial.

It only reminded me
of my dead grandfather.

And I couldn't associate it,
with my living father
in any way.

All I wanted was to escape
from it's chill, back in to
the warmth of the sun.

(BELL TOLLS)

(BELL TOLLS)

Don't stare.

All the American men
look like film stars.

EMMA: Oh, they look so nice
in their uniforms.

I hope I grow up
before the war's over.

Come on, darling, don't dawdle,
I've got to get you
back to school.

Pages, enter the chamber.

Link the companions
with ceremonial cord.

To the glory of the god
and the service of the king.

To the glory of the god
and the service of the king.

The following children

are now to be made

squires

of the Order of the Knights
of the round table

They are...

Louise Cudlipp

Helen Quick

and Emma Grange.

Through the determined
development of character

you have followed
the path to enlightenment

and the ultimate goal, nirvana.

May you continue
in the master's service.

I dub thee

squire of the Knights
of the round table,
with this sword.

Excalibur.

Rise squire and remember, Emma,

If you continue to improve
you shall become a knight

What will you have?
Oh, I wouldn't mind a beer.

Sure? Got one here.
Sure.

There you go.

HANK: What do I owe you?
MISS MORTIMER: Ten bob,
I'll be fine.

MISS MORTIMER: Ta.
HANK: Thank you.

Ah, mind if I join you?

No.

Thank you.

Where's your friend tonight?

Oh, he is confined to the ship.

Hey, you know, Sydney
is a real nice town.

It's a lot like home.

Where's home?

San Francisco.

This is the first furlough,
I've had in months,
you know that?

I was born in San Francisco.

My parents came over here
when I was 15.

ANNE: What did you do there?
HANK: Oh, I am a...
I am a violinist.

You are not.
second violinist
in the symphony orchestra.

Well I was you know, now
I am just one of god's own boys.

ANNE: Really?
Yeah, really.

You like music?

Yeah.

There's a concert
in the park tonight.

Hey, why don't we go?

I think I would really enjoy it.

All right.

All right.

We'd have to hurry...

Okay.

All right, then.

RADIO COMMENTATOR: That
was moonlight serenade played
by Joe loss and his orchestra.

War work? What kind of war work?

Oh, learning to be a fitter
and a turner and painting
camouflage on A,P,C's

God, I hate all that ugly
brown and green, the din
of the machines,

It's enough to drive you nuts,
to say nothing of the chatter
of woman's voices.

I swear, I think woman
without men are worse
than the other way around.

Oh, I doubt it.

Well I'm sorry you don't want
to listen to me complaining
about life on shore.

Are you married?

No, no, but I have got
a steady girl back home.

Well, I have been married
for nearly 18 years.

You're kidding.

You are not.
(CHUCKLES)

Frank, my husband,
is an artist.

Quite a well
thought of one, really,

although you wouldn't
have heard of him yet
in the states. But you will.

Is he away?
Oh, yeah.

In the army?
Uh-huh, yeah.

He was a Gunner, but then
they offered him a commission
as an official war artist.

(SIGHS) Miss him a lot.

My two girls, two girls in
Theosophist Boarding School.

Theosophist?
Hey, why that?
Yeah.

Well, because Frank and I
are both atheist, you see.

So, we decided that
we would just

let them study
all the religions

and they could decide
what they wanted to be.

Emma wants to be a Catholic
one week, Hindu the next--

Yeah, I went through
a Buddhist phase
when I was 19.

(CHUCKLES)

Boarding school's all...
If it weren't for the war
never have them there, but...

(BREATHES DEEP)

Hey, you know,
war is tough
on everybody.

Yeah.
That's the truth.

Say, Anne, uh,
it's still pretty early.

Why don't we get
a few more drinks?

Oh, yes, let's.

Let's go ahead.

(JAZZ MUSIC PLAYING)

(BOTH LAUGHING)

Oh! (GIGGLES)

Hey, I am so tired,
I'll just go to sleep.

(PANTS)
Just go to sleep.

Hey.

Hey, come on now.
What?

You can't
lie down here.

Why not?

I got to see you
to your door,
like a gentleman.

Oh, yeah.
(CHUCKLES)

Oh, yeah. Okay,
wait a minute.

(GRUNTING)

Hey, you...

Do you really play
the violin? (LAUGHS)

You bet I do.

Oh, wait a minute.
Come on,
you're doing fine.

Just a second.

Here you go.

Okay.

Here you go.
(GIGGLES) What?

You mind if I stay
for a while?

No. 'Cause I like you.

Nothing else, okay?

Okay.
Okay.

Oh!

Oh, my bed!
(GRUNTS)

(PANTS)
(EXCLAIMS)

My shoes...

(BOTH LAUGH)

Oh.

Could you take my jacket?

Oh, God.

(SIGHS)

Uh-huh.

(MOANS)

Oh, no, no. No, no.
You promised.

I love my husband.
I'm faithful to my husband.

Don't do that.
Sure I know.

Are my kids all right?

Did they go back to school?

You were alone
when I met you,
Anne.

I... Where?

We went to the concert.
Don't you remember?

Oh, yes.

Yes.

(SIGHS)

I better go,
I guess.

Uh-uh.

Uh-uh. Stay.

Just stay,
so nothing happens.

(SIGHS)

I just want to be close.

I haven't been close
to anyone in so long.

It's nice.

(WATER SPLASHING)

(SIREN BLARING)

What's that? What's...

(GUNS FIRING)
(GASPS)

(DISTANT EXPLOSION)
(EXCLAIMS)

Dear, God.

Okay, listen.
I got to get back
to my ship.

(GUNS FIRING)

MAN ON RADIO:
Three Japanese midget...
Yes, I know it is,

and I'm really
really sorry to be
willing you at this hour,

but, I've made up my mind.
I wanna pick them up in
an hour.

MAN ON RADIO:
All have been destroyed...

Sorry. No I really don't think
I'm over reacting.

I mean, no place in
the harbour will be safe.

Yeah. Thank you very much.

MAN ON RADIO:
...crack of machine gun
fire could be heard.

The din was added to
by the dropping of
the depth charges.

The detonation shook houses,
and broke windows.

I don't understand
your worries, my dear.

Death comes to us all,
you know.

We can't avoid it,
no matter what we do.

Yes, well, I'm sure
that's true, Ms. Arnott,

but, uh, all the same,
I'd just like to put it
off as long as possible.

Good-bye.
Good-bye.

Good-bye, my dears.

Good-bye, Ms. Arnott.

Good-bye, Ms. Arnott.

Come on.

(FROG CROAKING)

I didn't even get a chance
to say good-bye
to my friends.

I might never see them
again. Ever.

And I didn't get to tell
anyone in the factory, but...

We had to get out of Sydney,
we might have all been killed.

Being killed is like
going to sleep.

(CHUCKLES) It's all very well
for Ms. Arnott,
she's an old woman.

And she believes
in reincarnation.

Only wish I did.

EMMA: I resented our flight
to the mountains,

because I knew that
it was an end to our
long and private peace.

War had finally disrupted
our lives.

(FLUTE MUSIC PLAYING)

And I rebelled against mine
being dictated to by events
over which I had no control.

(SLOW GUITAR MUSIC PLAYING)

Come on, April.
Come on.

(APRIL PANTING)

Come on, April.
(BARKING)

Well, it was really nice
of aunt Helen to give it
to us in the first place.

And it's only for a little
while, just till it's safe
to go back to Sydney.

Come on.

(WIND BLOWING)

EMMA: Bye, mum.
LAUREL: Bye, mum.

Come on.

(SLOW MUSIC PLAYING)

God!

(SIGHS)

Attention.

Salute.

Stand at ease.

Now, Miss Clewes has
something to say
to you all.

Pay attention.

Good morning, children.

CHILDREN: Good morning,
Miss Clewes

This week we have
a number of new pupils
up from Sydney,

because of the Japanese raid.

Try to settle in as quickly
as possible without disturbing
the rest of the school.

Welcome.

Now, we have to move
onto something serious.

Gas mask drill...

(CHILDREN GIGGLE)

...which isn't an excuse
for chatter.

Kevin McDonald,
did you hear what I said?

Ready?

Masks on.

(GIGGLES)

I know you haven't got
a mask, child,

but there's no excuse
to stand there gawking.

You can cover your face
with your hands.

Well, go on.

MALE TEACHER: You, boy.
Yes. You without the mask.

Cain.

(APRIL BARKING)

It's horrible.

Well, first day is bound
to be bit difficult after
Ballantyne, but...

But they hate us.

Nonsense. Who does?

The teachers.
Oh.

Everybody.

And they use the cane.

They do?

One girl got the cane
just for talking.

She got six cuts.

I want to go back
to Ballantyne.

Well, you can't, you know.
You just can't.

Then I'm gonna
kill myself.

Emma, for gods sake.

I'd soon as swallow arsenic
and die of agony than
go back there everyday.

Will you stop that
nonsense. Now, this
isn't easy for any of us.

Make yourself useful.
Set the table.

Do as you're told.

This on the sink please.

Thank you.

Nicely, please.

Please.

Are you game?

Game to what?

To argot.

Where'd we go?

Exploring.

Where though?

Down there.

(BIRDS CHIRPING)

Come on.

Why are you so slow?

I don't like the steep parts.

It's slippery.

It's perfectly safe, Laurel.

The track goes
all the way down--
(EXCLAIMS)

LAUREL: Are you all right,
Emma?

I slipped. That's all.

(BIRDS CHIRPING)

LAUREL: I hope
there's no snakes.

Oh, look.

Maple ponds and tadpoles.

(SINGING FRERE JACQUES)

(HUMMING FRERE JACQUES)

(EMMA HOWLING)

(BIRDS CHIRPING)

* Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall

* Humpty Dumpty
had a great fall

* All the kings horses
and all the kings man

* Couldn't fix Humpty
together again *

Emma, wait for me.
I'm not as fast as you.

There's no hurry.

Anyway, we're lost.

Ssh.

Come on.

(CRACKLES)

Uh...

You alone?

No, no. Our father's
just behind us.

How far behind?

Just back up the track.

And he's got a big stick.

(SCOFFS) Always someone
with a big stick or a gun.

Would you do us a favour?

What?

You haven't seen me,
all right?

But we have seen you.

Yeah, that's right.

EMMA: Are the police
looking for you?

I reckon. Next. Others.

Did you run away?

Yeah, sort of.

EMMA: Is it something
to do with the war?

It is something to do
with the war, isn't it?

LAUREL: Did you rob a bank?

Look, I...

think it'd be better
if you went back now.

I'd be grateful if
you didn't say anything.

Are you sick?

I'm all right.

Are you a spy?

Not even a spy.

Would you like us
to help you?

We could bring you back
some food this afternoon,

if you'd show us
the way back
to Katoomba.

There's a short-cut...

That way.

You, uh, you didn't tell
anybody about me, did you?

EMMA: No. But we had to
be careful taking the food.

LAUREL: It's all right.
I can manage.

That school.

Won't they miss you?

EMMA: We'll say we were sick.

Sure your mum
won't miss her rations?

She might mention it.

No she won't.

Anyway, thanks.

And thanks for the grub.

(CHUCKLES)

I'll bring some more
tomorrow.

Would you?

Now, will you tell us
why you're hiding?

Laurel.

I'm what they call a...
Conscious objective.

Consi for short.

What's a consi?

I wouldn't go
into the army.

Does that mean
you're a traitor?

Some people think so.

But I think they're wrong.

What do you think, Emma?

But my dad had to go in.

He didn't wanna go,

but they made him.
So he went.

Were you afraid?

(LAUGHS)

Rather been blind to pieces
here, any sane person would
be. That's not the reason.

I don't think it's very funny.

Don't you love Australia?
Don't you love your country?

Yes, I do.

Very much.

I think it is very beautiful.

So are lots of countries.

I love the world,
I'm part of the world.

The world won't be worth
living in it if we keep
having wars.

But Australia won't be worth
living if we don't stop Hitler
and the Japanese.

Listen...

Please, listen to me.

The world is only beautiful as
long as there are people here
to see that it is beautiful.

If you fight to the last man,
to the last drop of blood,

all that's left is
a big pile of bodies.

And all this...

is just wasted.

But the enemy
doesn't feel like that.

I can't, and I won't
take up arms against
another human being.

That's all the enemy needs.

Just ordinary human beings
like you and me

despite their propaganda.

I believe I have the right
not to kill people,

and not to be turned into
a murderer, and no one can
take that right away from me.

Does it make sense?

I suppose.

(GRUNTS)

Hello. Taking the long way
from school?

No, we--
Yes.

Where do you live?

Over this street.

Oh, I've got to go
that way. Hop in.

Oh, the last ones in.

Hi. Hello.
Hi.

Hello. Hello.

Would you like
a little drink
before you go?

No, thank, Mrs.
Got to finish my round.

Oh, money.

Hubby away, is it?

Yes. In the army.

Uh. They wouldn't take me.

Deaf in one ear.

Oh...

But I wanted to go,
like... But...

Are you a consi?
I know a consi.

Liar.
No fear.

(WHISPERING) Don't tell.
No, no. I don't go
with all that bull.

In-fact was my hearing.
They wouldn't take me.

I reckon they should string
all them consis up.

Uh-hmm.
Cowards.

I wanted to go.
My oath.

Take care of
yourselves, girls.

Bye.

So...

How was school today?

Good.

Aren't you a little late
getting back?

We saved a man who--
We went exploring.

I was playing games and looking
for a mantis.
Can we listen to the wireless?

Yes.

(MUSIC PLAYING)

(CHUCKLES)

Em?

What?

Do you think
he'll get cold?

Who?
John Doe in the cove.

I really haven't thought
about it.

Are you really going
down there tomorrow?

Probably. Why?

What if they ask where
you were at school then?

You go. Then they won't
get suspicious.

What will I say?

Tell them I've had
a hysterectomy.

What's that?

It's a terribly serious
operation.

What kind of operation?

Something to do
with the lungs.

Go to sleep.

(BIRDS CHIRPING)

I've brought you
some breakfast.

Thanks. You're very kind.

It's good.

Do you like poetry?

Hm.

Read me that one.

Out loud?

Not if you don't want.

"Now let the draughtsman
Of my eyes be done

"Marking the line of petal
and of hill.

"Let the long commentary
of the brain be silent.

"Evening and the earth
are one,

"and bird and tree
are simple and stand still."

Will you read them for me?

"Tunnelling through the night
the trains pass in a splendour
of power,

"with a sound like thunder
shaking the orchards,

"waking the young
from a dream,

"scattering like glass
the old men's' sleep,

"laying a black trail over the
still bloom of the orchards,

"the trains go north
with guns.

"Strange primitive piece
of flesh, the heart laid quiet

"hearing their cry pierce
through its thin-walled cave

"recalls the forgotten tiger.

"Tiger, you walk through
all our past and future,

"troubling the children's
sleep',

"laying a reeking trail across
our dreams of orchards."

LAUREL: They asked me where
you were at school today.

I said you were sick,
they said you'd have
to bring a note.

I'll forge one.

You can't.
Of course I can.

Blue cattle.

Who ever heard
of blue cattle?

He must be colour blind.

( EASY TO LOVE PLAYING)

* You'd be

* So easy to love

* So easy to idolize

* All others above

* So worth the yearning for

* So swell to keep every
home fire burning for *

(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING)

ANNE: And the city could
probably get me some
meat for the weekend

if I come in early
with the coupons.

So if you like,
we could have lamb.

Would you like roast lamb?

And roast potatoes.

Think I'll make a move
pretty soon.

Today?
Na, not today.
but soon.

Can't keep you
out of school like this,
or they'll be after you too.

I don't care.

I like to be with you.

Where will you go?

I don't know.

Probably North.

It happened at the divide,
I'll have to see.

But what would happen
if they caught you?

They'd put me back in jail.

Been there twice already.
It was, uh...

I don't think I can take
another stretch in jail.

They wear you down,
they guide you so
you'll hit out.

When you don't,
they make your life...

I don't know, I might, uh,
join the ambulance core.

At least I'd be saving lives,
kind of.

The whole things
so bloody insane.

You mustn't give up, John.

You mustn't.

I won't.

What are you doing
out of school?
Wagging it, are you?

Oh, no. I've been
visiting a friend.

(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)

(GRUNTING)

Country bastard,
bloody poofter.

(GRUNTS)
Come on, that's enough,
John.

Get up and fight,
you bloody coward.

(THUNDER RUMBLING)

(SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING)

(RAIN PATTERING)

(THUNDER RUMBLING)

ANNE: Emma, come on, get up.
You'll be late for school.

Do you have a pain?

No, I just don't feel well.

Well, you must be. You looked
awfully pale when you came
home from school yesterday.

I'll have the doctor
look after you, huh.

I don't need a doctor.

I'll be all right if I just
stay in bed for a while.

Are you sure you're not
doing this just to stay
home from school?

Mum.

You're not in trouble
at school?

Mum.

All right.

Laurel, hurry up, honey.
Don't forget your raincoat.

(SIGHS)

(THUNDER RUMBLING)

Oh!

What's that you're reading?

Poetry?

Feeling better?

I don't know.

Hm.

Then, what are you
doing up?

Don't pick on me.

I'm not picking on you.

I mean,

if you're up...

you must be feeling better.

So, why don't you
make yourself... Oops.
Useful.

Do these dishes.

Washing up?

But why?

I don't want
any arguments,
Emma.

But it's not my turn,
it's Laurels turn.

I decide who's turn it is.

Not gonna ask you again.

Why always pick on me?

I'm not picking
on you!

You just mourn around
this house in a dream
all day,

and expect me to wait
on you hand and foot,
and I'm sick of it!

I'm sick of it!

You just get up. Get over
here to the sink right away
and do what you're told.

It's not my fault
we have to live
in this horrible place.

I hate it,
and I hate you.

You're a drinking cow.

How dare you speak
to me like that!

(CRYING)

(SOBBING)

(SIGHS)

Jesus.

(SIGHS)
(BELL RINGS)

Huh?
(DOG BARKING)

(GRUNTS)
(BELL RINGS)

God.

(PANTING)

Yes.

Mrs. Grange?
Uh-huh.

I'm Miss Clewes.

I'd like a word with you
about your daughter Emma.

Oh... Yes, all right.
Yes, come in.

Thank you.

Can I have your coat.

Thank you.
Thank you.

(CLEARS THROAT)
This way.

I'm afraid I had no idea,
Miss Clewes.

Is the child here now?

Yes. Yes, she is.

Then, perhaps we should
confront her with it.

Confront?
Tell her to come in.

I'll question her about
where she's been.

Oh, I'm afraid I can't
do that, Miss Clewes.

Can't? Or won't,
Mrs. Grange?

Well, Emma's sick in bed,
I couldn't possibly
disturb her.

Sick?
Hm.

I see.

I'm sure you are aware that
the matter doesn't end here,
Mrs. Grange.

Thank you very much
for coming, Miss Clewes.

That was, uh...

Miss Clewes.

She said you've been
missing school.
Is that true?

Emma?

What is it? Have you been
missing school? Tell me.

Oh, God, how could you.

I... I know
you don't like

living here, and I know
you don't like that school,
but...

We all have to put up
with things that
we don't like

when the war's on and...

I know.

I don't...

I don't like being away
from home either.

And I don't like living
without daddy.

(SLOW GUITAR MUSIC PLAYING)

We have each other,
haven't we? You and...

Laurel and I,
I mean, we can

cheer each other up, eh?

So, no...

So, no more
missing school, okay?

Promise?
Promise.

(SIGHS)

I'm sorry, mum.
Really I am. (CRYING)

I know.

I already know.

(BLOWS WHISTLE)

(COCK CROWING)

Oh.

Letter from daddy.
Girls!

Letter from daddy.

LAUREL: Let me see it.
I wanna read it.

Let me look.

He's coming home!
How long for?

When is he coming?

How long for?

Oh, no! He's...
He's been hurt.

His Jeep was blown up.

Uh, uh...

Oh, but he thinks
he'll be home by
the 15th!

Oh, he's coming home!

Oh...

It's so hot.

I'm dizzy.

Would you like a glass
of Sherry, mum?

No.

No thank you, darling.
But I would love
a cup of tea.

Just top that up,
would you.

Let's see.

Read a little louder.
Uh-hm.

This bits private.

You look lovely, mum.

(CHUCKLES)

Oh, darling, could you hand
me those stocking in there.
In that box.

Stockings, mum?

Yes. (CHUCKLES)

My last pair.
I've been saving them.

(DOG BARKING)

LAUREL: Infantry here, mum.

It's here.

Oh!
LAUREL: Daddy. Daddy.

Daddy.

Oh, daddy.

(CHUCKLES)

Oh!

Oh, it's so good to see you.

(MUSIC PLAYING ON THE RADIO)

EMMA: For the first and
only time since
we've been up the mountains,

we went into the town
for dinner to its
one glamorous restaurant.

WOMEN: Your table's
ready, sir.

EMMA: It wasn't
what we'd hoped for.

We were all nervous.

So anxious to celebrate
my fathers return

that perhaps we expected
too much of the occasion.

I felt sorry for him.

And now, for my mother.

(INDISTINCT CONVERSATION)

Thank you.

Has the wine waiter
come yet?

FRANK: Not yet.
ANNE: They'll starve.

WAITER: Some wine
with your meal, sir?

Oh, good.

That--
Champagne.

Yes. Yes. Champagne.

Champagne.

I'll see if we have
some chilled.

Look, they've got
your favourite,

Hams filled with beef.

Or shouldn't we try Fun Jelly?

A drop for each
of the children.

Welcome home, darling.

(CRICKETS CHIRPING)

(GASPS)

It's all right.
It doesn't hurt.

Doesn't any more.

(SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING)

Yes, you do.

Would you like a...

(INDISTINCT CONVERSATION)

LAUREL: Are we going
shopping today?

Aren't we?

Uh, yes. I, I think so.

(SCREAMS)

(MUSIC PLAYING ON THE RADIO)

There. And one more thing.

What's this?

Claret.

You could start, girls.

Used up all my, my coupons
for the lamb.
It's all right.

FRANK: It's wonderful.

(MOUTHING)

FRANK: (MOANS)

Oh, darling.

(ANNE MOANING)

(FLUTE MUSIC PLAYING)

(CHUCKLES) Must have gone off.

Thanks, Em.

Aren't you supposed to
be at school today?

It's Saturday.

Is it? Hm.

(GROANS)

That sun's lovely.

Would you like me to
bring you your drawing box?

Um, no thanks, Em.

Em?

Yes.

It'll be all right.

I know that, daddy.

(DOG BARKING)

(BOTH GRUNT)

That's a bear.

That is very good.

Will you draw me a cow?

A cow?

What colour?

You choose.

Well, browns a little bit
dull, isn't it?

What about a blue cow
with pink spots?

EMMA: My father seemed relaxed
and happy enough.

But I sensed that perhaps
the tensions was still there.

Beneath the surface.

It's no good.

I can't work here.

The lights all wrong.
There's just not enough room!

Well, why don't you just...

take a rest for now
and try again later.

Yeah.

What do you say to us
moving back to Sydney?

Japs, or no Japs,
I need to get back
to my studio.

I'll be able to work there.
I know I will.

It'd be better for all of us,
I know it would.

We're all unhappy here.

Our flat is free,
isn't it?

Uh-huh.

Yeah, it's free.

I had a friend
staying there before,

but, she's gone now.

Oh, yes! Do let's go.

Wait till I tell the girls,
they'll be so excited.

EMMA: Our return to Sydney
began a long slow process
of healing.

At first my father shunned
the outside world

and withdrew to
the emotional safety
of his studio,

where he protected himself
with work.

I was his willing model.

And over the next year
I saw his confidence
gradually return.

In this way he recorded
with tenderness and approval

the fact of my growing up.

The war in Europe ended,

but that was miles away.

At home we longed for
our own peace.

I passed my entrance
to art school on the day
we heard that

the Japanese were
about to surrender.

(HORN TOOTING)

It was a wonderful way
to start a new life.

(HORN TOOTING)

(BELLS DINGING)
(HORN TOOTING)

(PEOPLE CHEERING)
(WHISTLING)

(DRUMS AND BASS MUSIC PLAYING)

(BAND MUSIC PLAYING)

John!

John?

John?

(FLUTE MUSIC PLAYING)

(SOFT GUITAR MUSIC PLAYING)