Ground Zero (1987) - full transcript
A second generation cameraman in Australia finds evidence that his father had filmed a nuclear test that allowed aboriginies to be exposed to and killed by radiation. He begins a search for a secret that if true, his government has already killed people to keep quiet.
- [ hydraulics hissing ]
- [ metal clanking ]
[ Geiger counters
crackling ]
♪ We got the taste
that's biggest ♪
♪ It's the greatest
in the West ♪
♪ Oh, Texas
Super Chili Dogs ♪
♪ Stand up to any test
♪ You can eat us
while you're standing ♪
♪ Or sitting
on your horse ♪
♪ And smother us
with pickles ♪
♪ Mustard
or tomato sauce... ♪
- Cut! Cut!
- ♪ Texas Super
Chili Dogs ♪
- ♪ We wanna
shout about it-- ♪
- [ recording stops ]
Man:
Hugh, recue the playback!
Let's put the second
mark up here.
Okay, lower the sausage.
Come on, lower it, more!
- [ traffic blaring ]
- [ instruments playing ]
Man:
Where's the makeup?
- Woman: Here!
- [ chatter ]
[ distant siren wailing ]
Man:
Are you all set, Harvey?
Hey, you with us, mate?
Just testing
my instrument, Captain.
Yeah, well, point it
over this way, space cadet.
- Come on!
- Aye, aye, sir!
♪ Texas Super Chili Dogs,
we wanna shout about it ♪
- ♪ Texas Super Chili Dogs,
tell the world about 'em... ♪
- Okay, come on.
♪ Texas Super Chili Dogs,
you cannot live without
'em... ♪
[ screaming ]
[ screaming continues ]
♪ 'Cause the Texas Super Chili
Dog's the only one for us! ♪
Harvey:
♪ Your hot dog
is the tackiest ♪
♪ The biggest rip-off
in the West ♪
♪ Advertising
is so mindless ♪
♪ But it always
pays the best. ♪
Biggest hot dog
in the world today,
Mrs. Berkowitz.
Missed!
[ classical music playing ]
[ answering machine
rewinding ]
- [ machine beeps ]
- Man: This is Martin, Harvey.
I've landed
that suntan lotion
commercial for you.
A week of sun, surf,
and long-legged women.
- It's tough, isn't it?
- Someone's gotta do it.
You leave on Sunday, 25th.
They're talking $5,000,
but I pointed out
- if they want the best,
they'll have to pay for it.
- Bless ya.
Leave it to me.
I think we can squeeze 'em
for $7,000 plus expenses.
Okay, any problems,
ring me. Ciao.
[ receiver clicks ]
- [ machine beeps ]
- Woman: Hi, Harv!
It's Jude.
Remember Dad's home movies
you were going to transfer
to video?
Well, where are they,
darling brother?
Uncle Julius wants to take
copies back to the old country.
He's only here
for another two weeks.
Yeah, yeah, yeah,
yeah, yeah, yeah.
Wiggle outta
this one, Boris.
Oh, by the way,
I found another one
of Dad's movies
in the basement.
It's the whole family
at Christmas.
I put it in the mail.
Make an effort,
little brother.
- Ring me, today.
- [ receiver clicks ]
Man #2:
You should watch the news
tonight, Mr. Denton.
- [ receiver clicks ]
- [ disconnect tone beeping ]
[ machine rewinding,
beeps ]
Man #2:
You should watch the news
tonight, Mr. Denton.
- [ receiver clicks ]
- [ disconnect tone beeping ]
Australian Federal Police
confirmed that there was
a break-in at the offices
of the Royal Commission
into the British
nuclear tests.
The break-in early Saturday
morning has raised fears
about the safety of
top secret documents
held by the commission.
The documents, many of them
so secret that some barristers
appearing before the commission
have been denied access,
contained classified
and detailed information
about the tests conducted
in Australia by the British
from 1952 until 1964.
[ classical music playing ]
Great pair of legs, Harv.
[ hinge squeaks ]
- [ electronic chirping ]
- Take that!
You big bully!
You got the drop on me!
- I got you!
- Hey, you big bully!
What are you doin'?
Dang it! Darn it!
[ shouts ]
[ laughing ]
- Heh-hey!
- [ chirping stops ]
[ whispering ]
We're in trouble.
[ door closes ]
You have him
on weekends.
Come on, silly.
[ guns chirping ]
- [ chirping stops ]
- Don't encourage
your father.
Woman:
Go to sleep now.
Come on.
- Boy: Oh, but I'm
not sleepy.
- Out.
You think she wants me
to leave?
Can't you stay tonight?
You can sleep in my bed.
Nah, matey.
You sleep tight.
Battles to fight.
Give us a hug...
Both:
...with all your might!
- And no dog.
- Oh, come on, Pat.
A kid his age needs a dog.
He needs a father
with brains.
He needs mates
to kick a footy with,
things like that.
Harvey, who's going to look
after this dog, huh?
Who's going to wash it?
Who's going to feed it?
Look, you don't wash a dog.
It's bad for 'em!
Feeding him?
Look, Dom can do that.
He's six years old,
for God's sakes.
He wouldn't know which end
of the can opener to use.
It'll be me again,
won't it?
Pat, I told you.
This plant's getting
too much sun.
It needs shade.
It's an indoor plant.
Look, I could call around
every other day.
No, you couldn't.
It's taken me three months
to get him used to this.
A child his age
needs routine, stability.
That's just what
a dog will give him--
routine, stability.
Look, wait till
you see this pup.
He's irresistible,
just like me.
Well, that's just
what I need, Spot.
But Dom likes
to have me around.
Please, Harvey.
Not a dog.
You used to, too,
remember?
One child in the house
was enough.
Lean meat, bones.
No canned shit.
It's what you give a dog.
Don't forget,
you promised to show
cartoons at his
party on Sunday.
- Now go home.
- I am home.
[ shouting ]
Was anything else stolen,
apart from the films?
Harvey:
No, nothing.
You don't make blue movies,
do you, Harvey?
Come off it.
What was on
these films?
Like I said,
it's home movies
and some other stuff
my father shot when
I was a kid.
Who'd want to steal
home movies?
Andy Warhol?
[ laughing ]
I love the smell of palm trees
in the morning.
Agent:
Napalm, you pleb.
Harvey...
you said these films
were 16 mil.
Yeah.
Most home movies
are super 8, aren't they?
My father was
a professional cameraman.
He made docos,
"Movietown News,"
stuff like that.
So on the weekends
he'd bring home
the leftover stock
and do the family pics.
You're sure there's
nothing in these films
that someone else
might want?
Yeah, sure.
No other
unusual scenes?
No.
[ distant siren wailing ]
- Man: Hello? Mr. Denton?
- [ dog barking ]
Oh, uh, this is
the Wagging Tail
dog kennel.
That pup you ordered is ready
for collection, okay?
Good.
Judy:
Harv, it's me again.
I just got home.
It's a complete mess.
Someone tried
to rob the place.
Stuff everywhere.
It's really weird.
Nothing seems to be gone.
The police are here now.
It gives me the creeps.
Ring me?
Man #2:
...news tonight,
Mr. Denton.
[ answering machine
rewinding ]
[ disconnect tone
beeping ]
Man #2:
...news tonight,
Mr. Denton.
- Camera one, zoom in.
- Focus.
- Set the K.?
- Setting the K now.
Okay, back out.
[ chatter ]
I'm telling you, it's not
just an ordinary burglary.
Why did they only
take the films?
- And what about
the weird telephone message?
- I haven't got time.
[ beeping ]
- Harvey: What about my films?
- Pat: Who would want
to steal that?
[ crew chattering ]
Four, three...
[ audio rewinding ]
...resolute and thereby
advance the cause
of peace for us
and our children.
And in Sydney today,
Australian Federal Police
confirmed that there was
a break-in at the offices...
- Pat: Find anything?
- ...into the British
nuclear tests.
No. Nothing.
- What's that?
- Running sheet.
- Of the news?
- Mmm.
Let me see it.
Now, why is number seven
scrubbed out?
Not enough time.
Technical problem.
Would that be
the only reason?
- It happens all the time.
- Well, could we find out
exactly?
[ sighs ]
Hmm.
[ audio rewinding ]
Pat:
Ron, Pat Denton here.
Fine. Last night's news,
item seven was scrubbed.
They what?
What was it about?
I mean, did you see it?
Newscaster:
...sitting in Adelaide,
there a sworn statement
by a veteran
of the atomic tests
who claimed
he had evidence to prove
that nomadic Aborigines died
as a direct result
of the tests.
Pat:
Can't you be
more specific?
Newscaster:
The witness refused
to elaborate
when pressed
by Justice MacKenzie...
- Pat: You can tell me.
- ...and instead accused
the British
and Australian governments
of a whitewash.
- Pat: Thanks. Bye.
- The commission will now
travel to elbourne where--
I don't know
what it stands for.
It's just called
a D-notice.
It has to do with
national security.
What? You mean,
anyone can march in here
and confiscate tapes?
No, not anyone.
Intelligence, ASIO.
It's only happened once
since I've been here,
during the Falklands War.
- Did he say what was
on the tapes?
- No.
All he'd say was it came
from the Adelaide station.
Something about
a plane being dug up.
- Plane?
What's the connection?
- Probably none.
- Harvey: What about my films?
- Pat: Don't ask me, ask ASIO.
Woman:
Can I help you, sir?
Uh, I'm not really sure.
This is ASIO?
That's correct, sir.
Who would you like to see?
I don't really know,
exactly.
Well, the duty officer
handles general inquiries.
Your name, sir?
Denton.
Harvey Denton.
If you'd like to take
a seat, Mr. Denton.
[ dialing phone ]
There's a Mr. Denton
in reception.
I don't know.
Bye.
[ Muzak playing softly ]
Harvey:
Where's that middle camera?
Man: Why don't
you just sit and wait
for the duty officer, sir?
Is that middle camera
upstairs?
Where's the bloke
on that camera?
- Man: Just sit
and wait, sir.
- He's got my bloody film!
Hey, listen, mate.
Hey, you!
[ door closes ]
[ door opens, closes ]
[ machines droning ]
[ guns cocking ]
- [ quiet chatter ]
- [ typewriters clacking ]
Man:
Mr. Denton, my name's
Danny Trebilcock.
I'm the officer
in charge of this--
Look, the films,
that's-- that's all I want.
They're on
their way up now.
I think you can
leave now, gentlemen.
Thank you.
Well, you've certainly put
a little excitement
into their day.
Would you like a drink?
I'm afraid
I've only got Perrier.
Is that okay?
Harvey:
Yeah, fine.
Surprised us all,
turning up like this.
Harvey:
Look, I just want
the films back.
I must apologize for the way
in which they were seized.
Some of us are trying
to upgrade the image
of the organization.
But old habits die hard,
I suppose.
We have a real problem--
uh, sit down--
attracting the caliber
of personnel we want.
Cheers.
[ sighs ]
What do you know about
your father's death?
My father?
He drowned
off the coast of South--
Where'd you get this?
What was he doing
when he died?
Well, he was a cameraman.
He-- he died when I--
He was working
for the army.
He was filming
the British A-bomb tests.
We believe that
is your father.
Shot through the head,
close range.
Recognize this?
Uh...
- Um, I think so--
- [ knock ]
- Trebilcock: Yes?
- [ door opens ]
Oh, just place them
on the desk.
Thanks, Jenny.
This plane was buried
in November '54.
They flew it through
the mushroom cloud.
It was so radioactive,
they had to bury it.
They dug it up for
the Royal Commission.
The body...
was a complete surprise.
- But why would--
- We don't know.
So, the films...
Nothing.
[ whirring ]
[ metallic tapping ]
[ projector whirring ]
[ answering machine
beeping ]
Man:
Hello, Harvey.
This is Uncle Julius.
Harvey:
Yes, Uncle.
Oh, Harvey, did you
receive the present?
Oh, look.
Thanks again
for the socks, Uncle.
Just in case
if you couldn't come up
before I left,
I asked Judy to send them.
Yeah, I'll-- I'll be up
the first chance I get.
Listen, is Judy there?
I have to speak to her
for a minute.
Yeah.
Judy, it's Harvey.
- Judy: Harvey.
- Hello.
Hey, listen,
you mentioned something
about a burglary, Judy.
I guess it was
just some local kids
up to mischief.
By the way, do you remember
the exact date of Dad's death?
Mmm, let me think.
12 of November.
And that was 1953,
wasn't it?
Yeah.
That's right.
Why?
No, no, I was just--
just wondering.
Listen, I'll ring you
before I come up,
all right?
I'll speak to you later.
Bye-bye.
Hang on!
Don't forget to video
the home movies.
No, no.
Consider it done.
Newscaster:
...from the prime minister
and President Reagan,
reaffirming both nations
wish to continue
a strong and dynamic
security relationship.
Both sides
stressed the importance
of the ANZUS Treaty
and have continued
cooperation on defense
and other matters
under the alliance.
Australia's
a responsible ANZUS ally,
an important trading partner,
and a trusted friend.
Newscaster:
Aides did not rule out
the discussion
on the Star Wars project
or U.S. bases in Australia
may take place
over the next few days.
And in Melbourne, the last
week of the Royal Commission
into the British
atomic tests is underway.
Pat Denton filed this report
after this morning's session.
Pat:
The first day's hearing
at the commission in Melbourne
has been both emotional
and sensational.
Claims by Australian
atomic test veterans
and Aborigines
have been
categorically denied
by legal counsel
for the British
government.
Also today,
details were released
concerning the discovery
of a radioactively
contaminated aircraft
dug up in the South
Australian desert.
When questioned,
British representatives
would make no comment.
- [ reporters clamoring ]
- Excuse me, Mr. Hooking.
Do you have any comment
to make about allegations
of a radioactive aircraft
dug up in South Australia?
[ overlapping chatter ]
Well, at this stage
it appears the British
are maintaining
a stiff upper lip
knowing that next week
marks the end
of the commission's
investigations
and time is running out.
This is Pat Denton
at the Royal Commission.
Our meteorologists,
scientists,
and fallout experts agreed
it was completely safe.
There was absolutely no
possibility of contamination
or risk to the population
centers of Australia.
And you did take
into account
the possibility of fallout
affecting Aboriginals?
Of course.
We got along very well
with the Aborigines.
At one stage we even
supplied them with blankets.
It, uh, gets very cold
out in the mud bowl.
And when some
American colonels visited,
we showed them
the blacks' camp.
It was a service
we provided.
- Just like Disneyland.
- [ laughter ]
He said
he came across a whole lot
of dead Aboriginals,
him and two other
servicemen.
I reported it.
Next day he was
transferred, I think.
I never saw him again.
Hooking:
Your Honor, I--
I'm a little lost
as to what to even say.
Then sit down
and don't say anything,
Mr. Hooking.
If Your Honor
will permit me.
Yes.
What is it?
Hooking:
The witness is wasting
the commission's time.
His evidence
isn't only hearsay,
there is no point in--
Woman:
Your Honor,
Mr. Ballantyne
should be allowed
to finish his testimony.
Agreed.
Sit down,
Mr. Hooking.
Continue.
This thing about
the dead Aboriginals
was going about.
Everyone was talking about it.
All the servicemen.
And as a consequence,
there was some sort of parade
and you were addressed by
one of the British officers.
Ballantyne:
We told him again
what happened.
He said the British
government paid a lot
of money for the tests
and if news about the incident
got out and about,
a lot of money
would be wasted.
Commissioner:
And when he addressed you,
how would you describe
the way
in which he spoke?
Well, he spoke to us
like they always spoke to us.
Like a little pommy turd
speaking to the colonials.
Telling us
what we had to do,
or else.
- Your Honor.
- If I were you, Mr. Hooking,
I'd quit while I was behind.
[ people murmuring ]
Commissioner:
Or else what?
He reminded us
that we'd signed
a secrecy act.
If we broke it,
we could go to jail
or be put to death.
[ people murmuring ]
Commissioner:
Mr. Ballantyne, you were
stationed for some weeks
- in a camp
in the forward area...
- Excuse me.
...of the Maralinga
test site.
Ballantyne:
Yes, sir, that's right.
Don't get involved.
Leave it to us.
Commissioner: Even at the time,
you thought it was odd that
everything was so open.
Don't get involved?
My father was murdered.
It's our job.
We have the resources and--
Listen to me. Listen.
Just hear me.
I've been doing
some thinking about this.
Now, just-- just tell me
if I'm right or wrong.
You don't have
to say anything.
We cannot divulge
any information.
You don't have to
divulge anything.
Just tell me if I'm right
or wrong, all right?
Ballantyne:
We'd always find Aboriginals
on the wrong side of the fence.
Okay, well, um...
I think my father
saw something
or filmed something
he wasn't supposed to.
And whatever that film was
has got some major bearing
on this, right?
- Listen--
- Well, you haven't
said no, have you?
I want to find out
who killed him
- and why he was killed.
- Just listen to me.
This thing is a damn side
bigger than you think.
You do not have all
the pertinent information.
It's a political
minefield
and you go blundering about,
you could mess it up.
Just leave it
to the people who know--
No way, man. Come on.
What would you do?
You find out
your father was murdered,
what would you do?
Commissioner:
Call Mrs. Trilby Tjapalijarri.
Walemari:
I want you to tell it
to all the people here,
what did you think you saw?
Tjapalijarri:
We thought we saw
the great white s-snake
clearly digging
water out.
- Was it a big noise?
- Loud noise.
- And-- and what
did you call it?
- Puyu.
- Walemari: Puyu.
- Excuse me?
Uh, the-- the black mist,
Your Honor.
Please go on.
So, would you
tell the court again
about the puyu?
What-- what was it?
A sticky black cloud.
Walemari:
And where did it come?
Tjapalijarri:
Fell on the trees,
on the ground.
Mm-hmm.
And what happened
to the people?
The people became sick.
Vomiting, sore eyes.
- Walemari: Right.
- Tjapalijarri:
And some died.
There were deaths?
It's taboo, Your Honor.
My people aren't allowed
to speak of the dead.
It would help, in the event
of compensation
to your people.
Compensation?
You killed their dreaming.
Commissioner: I see
Mr. Hooking has something
to entertain us with.
Do you wish to
cross-examine the witness?
No, Your Honor.
But given the opportunity
to say anything at all,
I should like to express
the disadvantage we all suffer,
with due respect
to my learned friend,
in not being versed in tribal
Aboriginal mythology.
And to restate
our strong objection
at anecdotal evidence
and the reliance upon that
from choice witnesses.
Yes, we've heard
you before on that.
Your Honor,
my people assert
that members of their family
and tribes died.
Tribal custom prevents them
from talking about it.
Your Honor, we keep
hearing of reports
of sickness,
blindness, and death
from areas which we contend
could not possibly
have been affected.
But where is
this hard evidence?
[ chattering ]
Trebilcock:
Denton?
Trebilcock:
Call me anytime,
day or night.
- That was him.
- Who?
The ASIO bloke.
It's all come out
about the plane.
- Mm.
- Nothing about a body.
Look, I saw the photos.
- You sure?
- Of course I'm sure.
I'm off.
But I want to know
everything that happens.
- Okay?
- Sure.
See you.
[ elevator bell dings ]
Denton?
Yeah?
- Carl Denton?
- No, his son.
Thought you were
too young.
We saw your father's films
of the bomb tests.
He spent a lot of time
with my people.
Do you, uh, have
an interest in this?
Perhaps.
What sort of interest?
Don't know yet.
Is your father
still alive?
No, he died
in, uh, 1953.
Pity.
I would've liked
to talk to him.
Anyone who was there.
It's our word against
the, uh, experts.
After all...
we're only
simple tribesmen.
Anything might help us.
The smallest memory,
souvenir.
- [ elevator bell dings ]
- Anything.
[ man coughing ]
It'd be in here,
somewhere.
[ laughing ]
- Listen, I got a date,
somewhere around--
- Eh?
- I've got a date somewhere
around the beginning--
- What?
Around the beginning
of November 1953.
- November 1953?
- Yeah.
November 1953,
put your hand up.
[ laughing ]
We close at 6:00.
If you're not out by then,
I'll man a search party.
[ laughing, coughing ]
Gotcha.
[ coughing ]
Yeah.
He printed 400 feet
of positive stock.
Isn't that unusual
for a cameraman to process
and print his own material?
No. Army stuff, see?
Top secret.
We weren't allowed
to touch it.
Army blokes did
all their own stuff.
Ha. Afraid there were Reds
hiding in the darkroom.
[ laughing ]
Yeah, thanks
for your help.
Hey!
How is your father?
- He died.
- Give him my regards.
What subject?
The British A-bomb
test in the '50s.
Oh, the Royal Commission biz,
I've got to imagine, huh?
Besides,
it's classified anyway.
You need ministerial
permission.
Uh, but this is
where they're stored.
Classified.
Oh, there is one other.
It's a film about
basic training.
Where is it?
Y-yeah, it's, um...
"A Day in the Life
of a Regular Soldier."
It was made
in-- in 1959.
Look, I know it's late,
but if you could just
tell me if it's here,
I'll know whether it's worth
coming back tomorrow.
All right.
All right.
Now, what was it called again?
"A Day in the Life of..."
- "Of a Regular Soldier."
- "...a Regular Soldier."
- 1959.
- That's right.
- Thanks for your help.
- Mm-hmm.
No, the computer's down--
[ whistling ]
[ door opens ]
[ light switch clicks ]
[ sighs ]
Shit.
[ keyboard clicking ]
[ beeping ]
[ music playing ]
Narrator:
The eyes of the world
are on Maralinga,
a remote village on the edge
of Australia's great desert,
as man's most
revolutionary discovery,
the atom bomb,
is tested.
The veil of secrecy
is lifted for the visit
of the Australian
prime minister Mr. Menzies,
who finds that
the atomic atmosphere
is developing healthy,
young Australians.
At the site itself,
last-minute preparations
are completed.
Construction
of dugouts and trenches
for the protection
of scientific instruments
to record the blast.
Dummies are dressed and placed
in strategic spots
to test the effects
of the exploding atom
on military clothing
and equipment.
Weather conditions
are just right,
so the valiant carrying
this awesome weapon
heads for the target.
The firing control desk
flashes its message.
The countdown begins,
and it's backs to the blast.
Ten, nine, eight,
seven, six, five, four,
three, two, one.
[ explosion ]
Our Australian servicemen
get the best view of all,
only a mile
from ground zero.
A triumph for British
scientists
and the Australian
technicians
who made possible
the tests at Maralinga.
[ keyboard clicking ]
[ keyboard clicking ]
Bastards.
[ muttering ]
[ keyboard clicking ]
You beauty.
[ projector whirring ]
[ projector stops ]
Man:
You were told, then,
to say that the atomic cloud
was a raincloud?
Well, it was suggested.
So you were instructed to lie
to the Australian public
and in fact
to cover it up?
Man #2: Yes.
Man #2:
And subsequently,
Sir William Penney,
the director of the tests,
expressed concern--
Look, I found a film.
I'm not sure what it is.
It's deserted huts,
vehicles, army stuff,
but there's no name
to identify what it is.
X200.
Just a coordinate
on a map.
A top-secret facility.
They demolished it
straight after the bomb tests.
- When can I see it?
- Tonight.
Look, come to my place
after about 10:00.
I'll write it down
for you.
Man:
Whereas the observed
trajectory
three hours
after the explosion
was quite the opposite.
Yes, it's quite
a variation.
There must've been a wind change
in the upper atmosphere.
You can't always
predict them.
To your knowledge,
were there any settlements
in the path
of the atomic cloud?
No.
[ Dom chattering ]
Harvey:
Look at this.
They just fled.
- [ Dom chattering ]
- Shh.
Shh.
That's it.
[ sighs ]
- You don't know
where this camp is?
- No.
Well, all we do know
is whoever was there
left in a hurry.
- Why?
- Easy. Avoid some
sort of danger.
Unplanned event?
Accident?
Yeah, yeah,
like an atomic bomb
going off.
Well, that would be incredible
if there were some proof.
- What do you think that is?
- That is some empty buildings.
Look, there's
gotta be more.
He shot 400
feet of film.
Now, there's
340 there,
so there's 60 feet
still missing--
60 feet.
Now, that could be
the proof for everything
the British are denying.
That could be.
That could be
the story of the year.
It could be more
than that, you know?
What are you going
to do with that?
It goes with me.
Woodward
and Bernstein, eh?
- Leave me the copy.
- Why?
Precaution.
You never know.
All right, swap.
This for dinner tonight.
You don't give up,
do you?
On one condition.
Change your shirt
and have a shower.
You're on.
Molly's, 7:00.
Harvey:
G'day.
So...
we struck gold.
Eh?
The film.
Oh.
Right.
How come you blokes
missed it?
You didn't make
any copies, did you?
No, cut me off
at the pass.
It's not all there,
you know.
Well, the last couple
of minutes are missing
and that's just a print.
I couldn't find
the negative.
I am impressed.
If you ever feel like
a change in career...
Nah, I'll leave that
to you fellas.
[ laughs ]
[ men laughing ]
Harvey's voice:
G'day. This is Harvey Denton's
answering machine.
If you'd like to leave
a message after the beep,
I'll get back to you.
- [ machine beeps ]
- Pat: Hello. It's me.
Listen, I can't make it
to Molly's at 7:00.
I'll be there about
8:00, okay? Bye.
[ phone ringing ]
- Pat Denton here.
- Pat, about din--
I'm out, but my answering
machine is always in.
- Shit!
- Please don't
waste your call.
- Leave a message
after the beep.
- [ beeps ]
[ chattering ]
[ camera shutter
clicking ]
[ tires screeching ]
Aah!
[ grunting ]
[ grunting ]
- Aah!
- [ knife clatters ]
Aah!
[ train rattling ]
[ gunshot ]
Newscaster:
For Jim Weimer
and Steve Thomas,
the legacy of Maralinga
could be an early grave.
To be blunt,
neither of them
have long to live.
Man:
The cancer rate
in our members,
as the British
test bears,
is four times greater
than the normal
civilian population.
Four times greater,
and I'm one of them!
[ dial tone ]
Man:
You believe that much radiation
will cause death?
[ chatter continues
on TV ]
Man #2:
A short time
after it happened,
I developed this rare
form of cancer.
- Right down here.
- [ phone ringing ]
It's cobalt therapy.
- Trebilcock: Yes?
- Trebilcock?
Now look, what in
Christ's name's going on?
Denton, hold on.
Where are you?
Now, those hoons,
who the hell are they?
They're not mine!
It's the British!
They want to
destroy the film.
Now whatever you do,
don't move till
we get there.
Where are you?
Denton?
Where are you?
Denton!
...finishes hearing
evidence this week.
But there still
may be hope.
A test veteran claims
to have solid evidence.
His name
is Prosper Gaffney,
and we have him
on the phone right now
from Nimman Brook
in South Australia.
Hello, Mr. Gaffney.
You claim to have evidence
which will expose
what really went on
during the tests in the '50s.
[ Gaffney, distorted voice ]
I said before we started,
I didn't come
to talk about that.
- Man: Yes, but you said that--
- Gaffney: Are you daft?
I said the time will come
and the whole world will know.
I'm here to talk about
the Royal Commission
because it's a farce.
Nothing will come of it.
It's a whitewash.
And they'll all
burn in hell--
Menzies and Attlee
and Lord Penney.
Man:
In the British Parliament,
Mrs. Thatcher--
Gaffney:
And she can burn, too!
We'll all burn together.
Man:
This evidence
that you claim to have--
Gaffney:
Burn in hell.
And the fires
won't be hot enough.
Not enough to make up
for the sins
of the thousand years
of burning.
Not in a thousand years
of burning!
Dom on phone:
Hey, you were going
to show cartoons.
Harvey:
Sorry, old mate,
but this is important.
I have to do it
for my dad.
Well, you'd do it for me,
wouldn't you?
- Dom: Yeah, I suppose.
- Good boy.
Now listen.
Put your mom back on, Dom.
Eh, and, Dom, Dom.
Listen, I really
love you, son.
Pat on phone:
Where were you?
I waited an hour.
They murdered him,
the ASIO guy!
- [ kids clamoring ]
- What are you talking about?
- Harvey:
Outside the restaurant.
- [ children singing ]
Harvey:
Look, I can't talk.
Your phone's
probably bugged
or something.
But just make sure
someone's with you and Dom
all the time, okay?
Harvey,
what's happening?
It's the film!
They want the film.
The tape.
- They destroyed it.
- Who?
The British, ASIO--
I don't know yet.
Harvey?
We're a team,
aren't we?
- Harvey?
- Yeah?
Take care of yourself.
Yeah, don't worry
about me.
I do.
Excuse me, um,
I'm looking for
Prosper Gaffney.
Thank you.
[ helicopter blades
whirring ]
[ Gaffney, distorted voice ]
What do you want?
Are you Prosper Gaffney?
You're disturbing
my work.
Piss off.
Out.
You left a message
on my telephone machine.
Who told you that?
I recognize the voice.
What voice?
I don't know you
from Adam.
Why would I leave you
any bleeding message?
That's what
I want to find out.
I don't suppose
you've got a name?
Harvey Denton.
Well, Mr.--
Mr. Denton.
I'll not be the one
to spoil the good name
of outback hospitality.
So you can stay
the night.
And then you
can bugger off
back to wherever it was
you sprung from.
Bloody awful,
isn't it?
Hey! What are you doing,
you silly old black bastard?
Blind as a bloody bat.
One of them, uh,
mushroom clouds
got him.
What do you mean?
He was downwind of one
of these bomb tests.
Most of his mates
died young.
He lost his eyesight.
Now, me...
I have a throat cut.
[ chuckles ]
Now, you worked
on the tests.
Worked on 'em?
I chose all
the bloody sites.
Didn't I, Charlie?
I came out with
the other Brits.
A specialist.
I chose the exact spot
to let them off.
The exact spot.
Ground zero.
We were having
the time of our lives.
Splitting
the mighty atom
for queen and country.
Then we saw
the first one blow.
It was as if
the earth cracked open
and we'd released
the fires of hell.
Smashed the bush.
Not a living thing
in miles.
And that great big
black cloud...
Eh, Charlie?
The scientists cheered
and danced a jig.
And Charlie
and all his lot
got the legacy.
One mighty
explosion.
And he paid for it
for the rest of his life.
The day of retribution
is upon us.
And we shall all burn.
Burn in hell...
for eternity.
Harvey:
Do you know
what's on the film?
I'll take it
to the commission.
That's a circus.
The Aboriginal legal guy.
Black man in
a white man's suit.
Don't trust anybody.
That's where your father
made his mistake.
- [ chattering ]
- [ dog barking ]
[ chattering ]
[ speaking native language ]
[ baby crying ]
[ speaking
native language ]
Gaffney:
They've only
just come back here.
[ speaking
native language ]
He says he knew
your father.
He was a good friend
of your father.
Your father and I...
we got lost.
It was the devil's work.
As soon as I saw
the place, I knew that.
Keep a big place
like that secret.
Something unnatural
was going on there.
The Geiger counter
was almost off the scale.
The silly buggers.
They thought
of everything
except the winds
changing.
I wanted to piss off,
but your father...
he wanted to take
some shots.
I stayed on guard
by the Jeep...
with Charlie there.
He was gone
a long time.
When he came back...
it was really strange.
He wouldn't tell us
what he'd seen, but he--
he told me not to mention
we'd ever been near the place.
A week later,
he came back
and he--
he wanted me to drive him
to the bush again.
He was in
a great hurry.
When we got to where
we were going, he--
he told me to stay...
by the Jeep.
He had a box...
that he wouldn't let
out of his sight.
But I snuck a look at it
while he was asleep.
There was
a film can in it.
I didn't have
to guess what it was.
A few days
after we got back
to base...
he was transferred.
And we never
saw him again.
They murdered him.
[ helicopter blades
whirring ]
[ distant explosion ]
[ distant explosion ]
Wake up!
Wake up!
- Wake up!
- What?
Where's Charlie?
He would never
let a fire go out.
Probably gone for
a piss or something.
Go find him.
- Hmm?
- Now!
Hang on.
I just woke up.
- [ groans ]
- [ wind howling ]
All right,
all right!
They're out there
somewhere.
- Who?
- The bastards
who killed Charlie.
He fell down
a gully, didn't he?
Wake up, man.
He heard something.
He could hear a flea
fart at half a mile.
They're out there.
[ sighs ]
You can't get--
get any further
with me on your back.
Go to that
dry stream there.
At the top
there's caves there.
It's in there.
Safer than
a bank, eh?
Nobody comes here
except the blacks.
And they would
never go in there.
It's... sacred.
[ flashlight clicks ]
[ bats screeching ]
Harvey: Hey!
We found it!
We found it!
[ helicopter blades
whirring ]
[ alarm blaring ]
It's the negative!
All of it, 400 feet!
[ engine starts ]
I.D. please, sir.
What are American
soldiers doing out here?
Under the Joint
Facilities treaty,
this property
is under the jurisdiction
of the government
of the United States
of America.
Piss off.
- Harvey:
Driver's license do?
- Soldier: Thank you.
Harvey:
It's okay.
They'll check with ASIO.
Gaffney:
Listen to me!
[ soldier speaking
indistinctly ]
I told them.
I said we'd stumbled
on something.
I didn't know
what he shot.
And they said
he'd be transferred.
He was my mate.
[ soldier speaking
indistinctly ]
I was drunk.
Nothing changes.
Only the accents.
And the bloody uniforms.
We're leaving.
- What are you doing?
- Drive!
I mean it.
- Pull over!
- [ gunshot ]
Get out.
Get out? What are
you talking about?
I know what
I'm doing.
Out!
Here, take this.
Do it.
For your father
and for
the rest of us.
I never rang you.
That wasn't me.
Don't trust anyone.
[ soldier speaking
indistinctly ]
Whoa! Get!
[ engine revving ]
[ chatter ]
[ phone ringing ]
Pat's voice:
Hello. Pat Denton here.
I'm out, but my answering
machine is always in.
[ receiver clicks ]
I got the negative,
all of it!
They came to the station.
There's a D-notice.
- We've gotta get a print made.
- Don't give it to me.
- We'll do it
back at the station.
- No, they'll only take it!
- Look, they won't
even know we're there.
- There's no time now.
- What do you mean,
there's no time?
- There's no time!
- Ugh, look.
Where's your car?
- You don't understand!
- I do!
You don't understand!
- What's the problem?
Do you know what people
have been through for this?
- Just listen! Just listen!
- Aw, piss off, will ya?
- Come on, we've gotta go!
- They put a D-notice
on the film!
It'll be buried
forever.
Let him go!
Look, the commission
is winding up.
They've only got
about an hour to go.
In there is
your only chance.
- Let's go. Let's go!
Grab the camera!
- Man: Grab what you can.
I'll take that.
No way.
Excuse me. Would you
mind telling me what
all this is about?
- Switch that off!
- Could you give me
your name?
Under what authority
are you detaining this man?
Just switch off
that camera!
Excuse me. Would you mind
telling me who you rep--
...cooperation from
the British government
in regard to the question
of availability
and access in it
to assist.
And claims of my government
being obstructionist have been
- unwarranted and unfair.
- I've got it.
- Hooking: Every effort--
- Commissioner: What is this?
[ people murmuring ]
I've got
important evidence.
It's the film I told
you about, Mr. Walemari!
Commissioner:
What the hell's
happening here?
Walemari:
Your Honor, this could
be vital evidence.
Order!
[ people chattering ]
Somebody tell me
what's going on!
I've got a film
and it's important evidence
for this commission,
Your Honor.
You're in contempt!
Your Honor, I request
an adjournment--
- Please, Your Honor!
- Commissioner: Shut up!
Shut up!
Everybody, shut up!
[ chatter stops ]
This is my commission.
You'll listen to me.
Look, this is
important evidence!
- Would you believe me?
- In these chambers I decide
what's important.
There are procedures
for presenting evidence.
That's what I want to do,
but they're trying to stop me
because they know
what's on this film!
What have you got?
It had better be bloody good.
- This evidence cannot be
accepted at this time!
- Quiet, you!
This film proves
that it's all lies!
- [ people murmuring ]
- Where was this film taken?
It was taken at Emu Field
near Maralinga.
[ people murmuring ]
Under the terms
of this commission,
it is neither right
nor proper at this stage--
The outcome
of this commission
will decide that.
Is that it?
Yes, this is the film.
Trebilcock:
Your Honor?
This film comes under
the Military Secrets Act,
signed by Prime
Minister Menzies,
and it is therefore
classified.
- Bullshit!
Don't listen to him!
- That's enough, that's enough.
You are acting
in an official capacity,
Mr. Trebilcock?
Bailiff.
Bailiff,
the film, please.
All right.
You can have the film.
But it has
to be printed.
Now, I wanna be there
when it's printed
and I want
Mr. Walemari with me.
You, sir, accompany me
to my chambers.
This commission will adjourn
until further notice.
Bailiff:
All rise!
[ people chattering ]
So you haven't actually seen
what's on this film.
Well, that's the negative,
but I've seen part of a
print struck from that.
Your Honor, obviously I cannot
allow anyone to see this film
until it's been
viewed by us
and we've determined
its security status.
If Mr. Denton's right
about what's on this film,
it could affect my findings.
Now, if you seize the film,
I'll subpoena it.
Too many people
know it exists.
The legal battle's
going to hold me up
and it'll be bad publicity
for you fellas.
What I'm suggesting
is I view the film--
Hang on, that's my film
and I've got a right
to see it.
The film belongs
to the government.
It can only be viewed
by an appointed agent
with a security clearance.
I am an appointed agent.
So what I'll do
is I'll view the film
and then report to you.
Can you do that
straight away?
I can't tell you
what's on the film,
but I can tell you
if I'll be subpoenaing it.
Mr. Trebilcock.
Nothing.
There was no image.
The laboratory said it
was long-term exposure
to radiation, cobalt-60.
You're advised
to have a medical checkup
as soon as possible.
No.
That can't be true.
Let me see it.
What have you done?
You've done something to it.
You swapped it over,
you bastards!
What have you done
to the fucking film?
They've swapped it!
Look!
I'll expose this,
I'm telling you.
If it's the last fucking
thing I do, I'll expose it.
Go home and forget
about it.
The film was
all that mattered.
We both lost.
Now just go home
and forget about it.
- Who are you?
- None of your business.
Well, where's
Mrs. Berkowitz?
She moved out a few days ago.
I'm the new tenant.
Could you get out
of my way, please?
You're a bloody spy,
aren't you?
You tell Trebilcock
I know what's going on.
No more of his bullshit.
You tell him that, all right?
You tell him
to leave me alone!
Newscaster: Then
at a press conference after
the final round of talks,
the prime minister confirmed
that the American lease
on the U.S. secret
installations base
at Pine Gap
would be renewed.
The Royal Commission into
the British nuclear tests
wound up
its investigation today
after sitting
for over 11 months.
We now cross live
to our commission reporter,
Pat Denton,
who was there
for the final session.
It's been
an emotional last day
- at the nuclear test inquiry.
- [ machine beeps ]
- Time seems to have run out...
- G'day, this is Harvey...
...for Aborigines
and test veterans.
And yet, unanswered
questions still hang
like a nuclear cloud
over the whole
Australian-British
joint test project.
Martin over phone:
Harvey, Martin here!
Where on earth are you?
If you don't get
your tail down here--
Pat:
Did British neglect
lead to injury and deaths?
Will they spend
the billions of dollars
necessary to clean up
their deadly mess?
Well, whatever the outcome,
it appears that Aborigines
and test veterans
may once again
be the innocent victims
of a secret political agenda.
- [ machine beeps ]
- A few hours ago, a man
disrupted the inquiry...
- G'day, this is Harvey...
- ...claiming he had a film
proving British deceit.
Official sources later
announced it was a hoax...
- Dom on phone: Dad...
- ...but would give
no further details.
- Dom: She said I might
get squashed by a truck.
- This is Pat Denton.
G'day, matey.
Listen, don't worry about
what your mother said.
We'll all sit down and talk
about it, all right?
Well, great!
When did you get back?
Oh, just a little while ago.
Did you find
your dad's film?
Actually, Dom,
something happened to it.
What happened, Dad?
Dad?
I tried to find out.
I...
I did try.
I'll explain it
to you later, Dom.
I'm really tired.
[ steam whistling ]
Dom: Nan said
you were brave.
Dad?
What happened
to my grandfather?
He just died, matey.
When?
A long time ago.
He tried to help
some people.
You see, fathers,
they're just like
everyone else.
They die.
Dad, will you
come home?
Yes, Dom.
Yes, I am.
When?
- Hang on.
- Dad?
Dad?
Dad?
[ teakettle whistling ]
[ music playing ]