'I Know Where I'm Going!' (1945) - full transcript

Joan Webster is an ambitious and stubborn middle-class English woman determined to move forward since her childhood. She meets her father in a fancy restaurant to tell him that she will marry the wealthy middle-aged industrial Robert Bellinger in Kiloran island, in the Hebrides Islands, Scotland. She travels from Manchester to the island of Mull, where she stays trapped due to the windy weather. Whilst on the island, she meets Torquil McNeil and as the days go by they fall in love with each other.

When Joan was only one year old,
she knew where she was going.

Going right? Left?
No, straight on.

When she was five,
she was writing,

"Dear Father Christmas,
I don't want a doll,

"and I don't want
a big red ball.

"What I want
is a pair of silk stockings.

And I mean silk,
not artificial. "

She was 12 before she got her
first pair of silk stockings,

and they were artificial.

See? All the other giris
are waiting to catch the bus.

And waiting. Look at her.



Here she comes,
straight for the milk van.

Is she going to get a lift?
She is.

At 18, she's a working girl,
and she still knows what she wants.

A boy wants to take her
to the movies...

twice a week,
if she'll let him.

She would rather have a dinner
at the best hotel in town,

even if he can only take her
once a month.

There she is,
that tall, skinny girl.

Will he take her?
He will.

She's 25 now, and in one thing
she's never changed.

She still knows
where she's going.

Good evening, Miss Webster.

Good evening, Leon.

Hello, darling.



I got your telegram. I thought you
were spending your holiday at home.

Oh, I'm sorry,
but you see me every weekend.

- Did you bring my money?
- Yes. Here you are.

Forty seven pounds,
ten and nine.

Would you sign the receipt
and count the money?

You don't mind my taking
it all out, do you?

It's your own money.

As your bank manager, I'd prefer you
to leave the account open.

As your father, I...
Nothing for me, thank you.

Oh, but you must have something tonight.
He'll have a sherry.

And the usual
for you, Miss Webster?

Bring him a gin and Dubonnet.

You have no consideration
at all for my position.

Oh, darling, be reasonable.
Just think of all these giris here.

They've all got fathers
who have positions.

Not everybody's father
is a bank manager.

Thank you, miss.

Darling...

please stop being
a bank manager for once.

Just be my father for tonight.

Now look here, Joan, I've come
all the way here from Eccleshall,

and you know I don't like
being seen in expensive places.

- You know what my clients will say...
- Daddy, I'm going to be married.

What?

- Your table, Miss Webster.
- Thank you, Fred.

Let's go in, darling.
Bring your drink.

Diamond, huh?
Who is he?

Excuse me.

That's a works pass of the CCI.

You can't marry
Consolidated Chemical Industries.

Can't I?

No other name on this
except your own and...

- You can't mean...
- Just what I do mean.

Robert Bellinger's
one of the wealthiest men in England.

Anything wrong with
the soup, Miss Webster?

Oh, we were talking. It's cold now.
Will you take it away?

Certainly.

- Excuse me.
- Now here, Joan, stop acting.

You're not
Lady Bellinger yet.

Anyway, you'll
come with me to the station.

- Tonight?
- I'm picking up the Scotch Express there.

- Going to Glasgow?
- Further. The Western Isles.

- Have you got your ticket?
- It's all arranged. Everything's arranged.

- I'm going to an Island called Kiloran.
- Where is it?

In the Hebrides. It takes
a day and a night to get there.

It's his island. We're going
to be married there, away from people.

- Have you ever been there?
- Often.

- What?
- In my dreams. He's told me all about it.

There's an old house,
and the war's a million miles away.

There are famous sands and sheep
and birds and Atlantic seals.

Bellinger must be
nearly as old as I am.

And what's wrong with you, darling?

- Come on, Daddy, let's dance.
- No, no, Joan.

Oh, come on, Daddy.
You can dance.

You taught me to dance.

- Good evening, Hunter.
- Good evening.

Follow me.
Excuse me.

- I hope you will be comfortable, miss.
- Thanks, Mr. Hunter.

I managed to prevent them from
putting you over the wheel.

It's lovely, Hunter.

- See you in the morning, Miss Webster.
- Yes, please.

We get in at 6:30. I'll call you
half an hour before, all right?

Yes, thank you.

Very good, Miss Webster.
Thanks, Mr. Hunter.

It was very clever of you
to get a sleeper, Hunter.

Sir Robert's orders.

- Not so easy these days, all the same.
- We have our methods, sir.

- This is my father.
- How do you do, sir?

Here is an itinerary that I had prepared
at Sir Robert's desire.

Would you study it? When you arrive at
Glasgow, you change to Buchanan St. Station.

Mr. MacAllister, director
of the Bellinger Metal Works,

will meet you on your arrival
at the central.

- You arrive at Oban at 11:30.
- Just leaving, sir.

Oh, I must be off.
Excuse me.

- Good-bye.
- Good-bye, Hunter.

Good-bye, Daddy, darling.
Send me a wire.

I'll be back in a week.
Hunter will give you the address.

- Good-bye, darling. God bless you.
- Good-bye, Hunter.

- Good-bye, miss. My very best wishes.
- Don't forget to write.

Darling, don't worry about me.
I know where I'm going!

# I know where I'm going #

# And I know
who's going with me #

# I know who I love #

# But the day
knows who I'll marry #

Itinerary of Miss Webster's journey...

from Manchester
to Isle of Kiloran, Scotland.

Manchester...
departure at 1:10 a.m. From Platform I.

# Some say he's black #

- # But I say he's bonny #
- 12:27 a.m.

# The fairest of them all #

# My handsome, winsomeJohnny #

Go to ship Lochinvar, 1:15 p.m.

Sail for the western...

# I know where I'm going #

# And I know
who's going with me #

# I know who I love #

# But the day
knows who I'll marry #

You can't marry Consolidated
Chemical Industries.

Can't I?

Do you, Joan Webster, take
Consolidated Chemical Industries...

to be your lawful wedded husband?

I do.

And do you,
Consolidated Chemical Industries,

take Joan Webster to be
your lawful wedded wife?

Good evening, Lady Bellinger.

Everything's arranged.
Everything's arranged.

Charged to your account
tomorrow, of course.

We'll send it, madam.
We'll send it, madam.

Five hundred guineas.
Five hundred guineas.

Thank you, madam.

Lady Bellinger's car!

# You take the high road
and I'll take the low road #

# And I'll be in Scotland
before thee #

Next station, Gretna Green.
You're over the border now.

- Glasgow Central!
- Oh! Yes?

There's a gentleman to meet you.
The station master's with him.

- Miss Webster?
- Yes.

- I'm MacAllister.
- How do you do?

- This is Mr. Finney.
- How do you do?

- It's a grand day.
- It is.

You'll need all your time
to get to Buchanan Street.

Here.

Miss Webster?
I'm David MacBraynes's agent.

It's a fine day.

- Miss Webster.
- How do you do, Captain?

Yes, yes. I had a letter about you from
Mr. Lee. It is your first visit?

- Yes, it is.
- 'Tis a sublime day.

- Miss Webster?
- Yes?

Be getting in quickly,
Uncle Bridie.

It's a pity about the day.

An hour ago,
it was very pretty.

Ah, but it never stays fine
for long in the isles.

You'll soon get used to it.
Are you for Kiloran, Miss Webster?

- Yes. Is it far to Port Erraig?
- Quite a step if you walk.

Only 40 minutes
if you have a car,

and you have a car.

Port Erraig is down yonder
behind the trees.

That is Moy Castle, the ancient
home of the MacLaines of Erraig.

- Where do they live now?
- Down there in Erraig House.

Ah, but they'll all be dead now
or in New Zealand.

There will only be
Catriona MacLaine.

Is anyone allowed in the castle?

Oh, yes, anyone can go in, except the
lairds of Kiloran. There's a curse on them.

What sort of curse?

If they should ever set
foot across the threshold,

man, they say
it's a terrible strong curse.

Hear ye!

- I'd better go down.
- Will I take them for you?

- Oh, no, I can manage.
- I'd better wait a wee while.

Ruairidh Mhor may not be willing to
cross over to Kiloran in this weather.

Oh, no, my fiance
is coming over to fetch me.

Oh, so the rich gentleman
in spectacles is your fiance?

Yes.

"Well, well, a thousand
blessings on you both."

Thank you.

But in a fog like the one
that's coming up,

your fiance won't see any better with
six pairs of spectacles than with one.

Good-bye.

- Good evening.
- Good evening.

Oh, bad luck.
No crossing today.

- But isn't that the boat from Kiloran?
- No.

And if she was, it is not today
she'd be getting back, milady.

That's the ferry boat. Pity you didn't keep
lain's car. That's why I was shouting.

But we didn't understand.
Why should I keep it, anyway?

To go back to Tobermory and spend
the night in a comfortable bed.

But I intend to spend
the night on Kiloran.

Oh.

Would you like to wait up at the house?
I know the people.

Thank you. But it's been arranged
for the boat to meet me here,

and I'd better be here
to meet it.

Good. It's the big house
up the bray.

Is that Gaelic you're talking?

Yes, milady.
What would it be but the Gaelic?

-
- What's that noise?

- That would be the seals' signal, miss.
- The seals?

Yes, yes. They like
the warm, foggy weather.

If my boat doesn't come,
will you take me?

No, I will not, milady.

Port Erraig, 5:15 p.m.

The boat from Kiloran
will meet Miss Webster...

Good evening.
I'm looking for the house.

You'll see a wee gate
up the bray.

Thank you.

Hello?

May I be the first to welcome
you to these halls, young lady?

I was just going to get you.
Come on in.

We've lit the fire. You've
met the colonel, I see.

I've had that pleasure.
My name's Barnstaple.

Colonel Barnstaple.

- The greatest hawk trainer...
- Falconer, my dear Torquil.

The greatest falconer
in the Western Isles.

In the worid, old boy.

Catriona's out.
She's our hostess.

She's no idea you and I are here,
but she'll find a corner for us.

She's a grand girl,
bless her heart.

I've known here
since we were kids.

She married an Englishman
called Potts.

He's in the Middle East,
and the kids at boarding school.

- How's business, Colonel?
- Fair. I've got a new line now.

Eagles. I've been training
a golden eagle for seven months.

An eagle!
Hunting with it, like a hawk?

That's shaken you.

Where is it?
I'd like to see it.

Sorry, old boy. I lost him four days
ago, and I haven't got him back yet.

Where did you see him last?

On Golly's leap. I was
trying with rabbits.

And the blighter lost interest,
sailed off and disappeared in a cloud.

Every day I'm out after him. I've trodden
that mountain almost into the ground.

But I'll get him back.

- Catriona!
- There's the dear girl now.

Torquil!

Mrs. Potts!

Brown stuff, this Gaelic.

Still got those half-starved hounds?
How do you feed 'em?

Oh, we live off the country.
Rabbits, dear, a stray hiker or two.

What do you expect me to do? Eat them myself
just when the strain's getting known?

How's that for bone?

Look at that head, eh?

Torquil, it's good of you
to come and see an old bag like me.

- Good evening.
- This is a fellow traveler to Kiloran.

Oh, I see. Ruairidh
wouldn't take you over.

You're right,
but I love you just the same.

I came over on the midday bus
just to see you.

- This is Miss...
- Webster.

- Miss Webster.
- How do you do?

How do you do?

I'm sorry I didn't see you.
It's Torquil's fault.

- You'll stay here tonight.
- I don't want to be any trouble.

Oh, it's no trouble at all.

I haven't heard any intelligent
female nonsense for months.

Besides, there's nowhere else
you could go.

Oh, don't worry. You won't
have to sleep on the floor,

though the men will.

I don't know which way
you came, but I suppose

you noticed the place
was knocked about.

Well, it did look a bit bleak.

Oh, it's no wonder.
I only just got rid of the boys.

- What boys?
- Well, the RAF, of course.

I've had them for two years,
80 of them, no less.

But surely they'll compensate
you for the damage.

Oh, yes, they've been
very fair about that,

apart from trying to sell me
their concrete foundations.

I wasn't having any. No, they'll pay a
lump sum, or do the place up as it was.

- After the war, of course.
- Which are you gonna take?

That's the question,
Torquil, my boy.

MacLaine versus Potts.

- Will you have a draft?
- Certainly.

Help yourself.
We'll get dinner.

We'll make a pie.

The colonel says you're
a dead shot these days.

My dear Torquil, I have a tip
that will improve your own shooting.

After scrounging a few cartridges
out of the local comptroller,

find a sitting rabbit,
take aim, say to yourself,

"If I don't shoot
this rabbit, I don't eat,"

and you don't miss.

- And she doesn't.
- What's your other name?

- Joan.
- Mine's Catriona.

Can you skin a rabbit?

That's a queer girl.

- What do you young chaps know about giris?
- Nothing. Not a thing.

Then you know as much as I do.

Taming a woman must be worse
than taming an eagle.

Can't be done, old boy.
It can't be done.

- How's the war treated you?
- Not bad. Saw the worid.

- Been home much?
- Not for four years.

- Staying long?
- Eight days.

Not much.

There's a right way and
a wrong way to skin a rabbit.

I only know the wrong way.
Colonel, you're wanted.

On parade!

Hear any bells, either of you?

I thought for a moment
it was the old boy, back again.

- Colonel!
- Right!

- What did he think he heard?
- His eagle.

A little odd, isn't he?

Who isn't?

Oh, it's Kiloran!
It looks huge.

Six inch to the mile.

If the winds gets up,
it'll soon blow the fog away.

- Sounds as if it is.
- Are you staying long on the island?

- A few days.
- You know anyone there?

- Mm-hmm.
- It's a fine island.

- I know.
- Been there before?

No, but I've heard
all about it.

- Do you know it well?
- I've known it for 29 years.

I shouldn't have thought you
as old as that.

Four years older.

Are you staying
on the island?

I've got eight days leave.
I want to spend it there.

Do you know
Sir Robert Bellinger?

No, I've never met him.

Does he know
you're going to Kiloran?

No. Do you know him?

- Very well.
- Nice chap.

- The nicest.
- I'd like to meet him.

Well, you're bound to, aren't you,
on a small island like Kiloran?

It's not so small.

I heard you could walk
it in an hour and a half.

I suppose you can if you want to, but who
wants to? There are better things to do.

- Such as?
- Shoot grouse, fish for salmon,

bathe in Kiloran Bay,
picnic at Pig's Paradise.

- Where's that?
- On the north shore.

There's an eagles' aviary there.
I promised to take the colonel.

Oh, so the colonel's going too?

Yes. He's got a permit
from Bellinger.

- So one does need a permit?
- In wartime, for ordinary visitors.

But I'm staying with a factor.
He's got a house on the west side.

Kiloran House
is near the lake, isn't it?

The loch, yes.

Who is it?

It's me. I'vejust been outside.

It's much clearer. With luck,
we'll be able to cross in the morning.

- Oh, thanks for telling me.
- See you in the morning.

- Good night.
- Uh, good night.

You can see the trees now. In half an
hour, you'll be able to see the shore.

In half an hour,
I shall be asleep.

There's a grand view
of Kiloran from here.

At sunrise, the light shines on the sands.
With a glass, you can make out the people.

Have you got a match
or a lighter?

Thanks.

Thank you.
Are you engaged?

Yes. I'm going to be
married on Kiloran.

It's an honor for Kiloran.

Well, may your pulse beat
as your heart would wish.

- Thank you.
- Is it to be soon?

Tomorrow, weather permitting.

- Have you got any beams in your room?
- Yes. Why?

Count them before you go to sleep,
and your wish will come true.

- As easy as that?
- For only the first night.

People in modern houses
don't know what they're missing.

Good night.

I warn you, it doesn't work
if you don't believe in it.

One, two, three, four, five.

Please, Lord,
don't let the wind drop,

and let it blow the fog away.

Good morning, Miss Webster.

Good morning. Your counting
beams certainly works.

Trouble is,
you wished too hard.

- Why? What's the matter?
- We've had a gale warning.

What will that mean?

- Ruairidh Mhor will tell you.
- How long will the gale last?

Oh, just as long
as the wind blows, milady.

It can last for a day.
It can blow for a week.

It looks so near. In half
an hour, we could be there.

In less than a second, you could get
from this worid into the next.

- Can I speak to the island?
- By radio, from the Coast Guard post.

- Can civilians still use it?
- Yes, yes.

- Where is the Coast Guard post?
- Tobermory.

- Can we get a car?
- No need. We can go by bus.

Ruairidh, we'll be
at the Western Isles Hotel.

I think perhaps we'd better
move into the hotel.

We're a bit of a strain
on Catriona's household.

Oh, yes, of course.

All right, then.
Breakfast? And cheer up.

Oh, I'm all right.

- Very difficult.
- Crazy.

It was a compromise. The post office
wanted it up the hill; Catriona, below.

But why just here?

It was a dry summer when they
put it here, and they forgot the rain.

Hello?

- It's all right. You have a big room.
- What about you?

Oh, I have a small one.

Now's my chance
to see the castle.

I suppose you've been inside
hundreds of times.

- No.
- Haven't you, really?

- Are you coming in now?
- No, I don't think so.

But you needn't be afraid
of the curse that's on the castle.

What have you
heard about that?

Well, I know that it's
upon the lairds of Kiloran.

I don't know whether the wives
or the future wives...

of the lairds are involved,
but I'll risk it.

- Coming?
- I'd better introduce myself.

I am MacNeil of Kiloran,

and I am the laird of Kiloran.

Sir Robert Bellinger has
only rented it for the duration.

I see.

There's not much difference.
It's his for the time being.

Are you afraid?

My father never entered
Moy Castle,

nor did my grandfather
or his father, and nor will I.

How on earth can you stand it?
Aren't you curious?

No. It's always been like that.

Shall we go?

Excuse me, sir.
Are you not MacNeil of Kiloran?

- Yes.
- Oh, curse the heavens.

I knew you when you were a boy, Kiloran.
Knew your father well.

My wife is from the island.
Katie Clark.

- Katie Clark?
- Mm-hmm.

Then you're John MacAllister.

Yes, yes. You have your
father's memory, Kiloran.

- And are you back for good, Kiloran?
- Only a week's leave.

- Oh, dear.
- But it won't be long now.

Ah, no indeed.

I'm waiting for the boat.
How is everybody on Kiloran?

Hmm, well, now. They're fine.
They're very fine.

And my son was after telling me
about the rich man on Kiloran.

Him that is your tenant, Kiloran.

Like a little king, he is.

Yes, yes.
My wife's second cousin...

was working up there
the entire spring...

on a swimming pond
he was building.

- A swimming pool.
- Oh, what foolishness.

And the hold wide open sea
to be swimming in.

- Aye, and the loch.
- Money spent is money earned.

Ah, yes, yes. My wife's second cousin
was not complaining.

Meat does not fall from an empty krill.

He has no care of money,
the rich man of Kiloran.

He brings salmon with him
from the mainland.

- The waters here are full of salmon.
- Who is fishing for salmon?

But who would be fishing when
there's no one to be buying?

So he would have to start buying
before anyone would start fishing.

But can't he now
fish for himself?

No, he cannot. He has
the finest tackle from Glasgow,

but the fish don't know him.

Yes, yes, the fish
do not know him, no.

What are all the guns for?

Ah, we're losing lambs.
There's an eagle been seen.

- Aye, a golden eagle.

I could hardly wish them
good hunting.

- Hardly.
- You didn't mind what they said?

I thought it was nonsense. Why
shouldn't one build a swimming pool?

Personally,
I like swimming pools.

- A matter of taste.
- Exactly.

I also prefer to call up the fishmonger
if I want to eat some salmon...

instead of wading about knee-deep
in water, waiting for salmon to pass by.

- Really?
- Really.

"The Legend of Corryvreckan"?

It's the second-biggest
whirlpool in Europe.

It lies just northeast
of Kiloran.

"Corry" means cauldron or whirlpool.

"Vreckan" was a prince of Norway.

He sought the daughter
of the lord of the isles in marriage.

Hello, hello, hello.

- Hello, Coast Guard.
Hello, Coast Guard.

- Go on.

The lord of the isles refused
to give away his daughter.

- Of course. He was a Scotsman.
- Except on one condition:

Prince Vreckan
must anchor his galley...

in Corryvreckan
for three days and nights.

What was the catch?

The catch was that he
thought he would be drowned.

It's a terrible place.
When the tide's running,

whirlpools form and you can hear
the roar for miles.

And that's true.
You can hear it from Kiloran.

I bet he anchored, though.

What he did was to go
straight back to Norway.

There, he asked the advice
of the old men.

They told him to take
three anchor ropes,

one of hemp, one of...
Wait a moment...

- Flax.
- Flax. Thank you. One of flax.

And you know well what the third rope
was made of, Kiloran.

Of course. The third rope
was made of the hair of maidens...

who are faithful
to their lovers.

Go on.

The maidens willingly gave their tresses,
and Prince Vreckan sailed for the Hebrides.

The first night,
the hemp rope broke.

The second night,
the rope of flax broke.

The third rope held fast.
The third night...

Hello, Tobermory. Hello, Tobermory.

Isle of Kiloran speaking.
Isle of Kiloran speaking.

Over to you. Over.

Hello, Kiloran.
Hello, Kiloran.

Tobermory speaking. Tobermory speaking.
Tobermory speaking.

Miss Webster's here to talk
to Sir Robert Bellinger.

Stand by, please.
Stand by, please.

- In there, my dear.
- Thank you.

Hello? Robert?

Joan speaking.

I'm here in Tobermory.

I had a very good journey.

Isn't it a shame
about the weather?

If you want Sir Robert
to answer, say, "Over to you."

Over to you.

Hello, my dear.
Robert speaking.

I'm glad to hear
your voice, at any rate.

We're all ready here,
ready and waiting.

Cartier delivered
the ring, I hope.

I hope you like it.
I take it Hunter saw you off. Over.

Of course, Robert.
Everything was lovely.

Is there anything the matter with your
voice? Have you got a cold? Over.

Oh, no, I haven't got a cold.
Do I sound as if I had?

Now, listen, Joan,
have you got a pencil?

Write down a telephone number.
Are you ready?

2-3-6. 236.
You got it?

It's the Robinson's number.
They've rented the castle.

Robinson's done a lot of work for me,
one way or another.

He's one of the best.
So's his wife.

They're the only people
worthwhile knowing around here.

Ring them.
They'll be glad to put you up.

I'll be over to fetch you
as soon as the gale blows out. Over.

Hello, Robert. I've got the number,
and I'll phone them.

I'd rather stay in a hotel.
You don't mind, do you? Over.

Right, my treasure.
Do just as you like.

I say, Joan, Major Foster,
MacNeil's factor is here beside me.

He's waiting to talk to Mr. MacNeil.
Is he there?

I thought he was
in the Army. Over.

Hello, Robert.
He's here, and he's in the Navy.

Well, good-bye, Robert.

I hope to see you
tomorrow. Over.

Cheerio, my pet.
It'll be a quiet wedding.

But full of surprises, I promise you.

Chin up.
You can always ring 236.

This gale can't blow
forever. Good-bye.

Good-bye.
Go ahead, Foster.

Foster speaking.
Hello, Kiloran.

It's good to hear you're back,
even though you're stuck in Tobermory.

Is there anything
you want done? Over.

Hello, Foster.

Tell Duncan that I expect
the trout to jump

and the krill to perch
on the end of my gun.

I've read all your reports.
I'm longing to talk things over.

-
- Good-bye, Tobermory. Over.

Good-bye, Kiloran.
Good-bye, Kiloran.

- How much is that?
- Well, it's nine pence each, Kiloran.

Thank you very much.

Not can change that
for you, Miss Webster.

- Here you are.
- I'll pay you back at the hotel.

Good.

She wouldn't see a pound note
from one pensions day to another.

People around here
are very poor, I suppose.

- Not poor. They just haven't got money.
- It's the same thing.

Oh, no, something quite different.

- Any messages?
- No, Mr. MacNeil.

- Come on, ladies and gentlemen.
- Mr. MacNeil.

- Yes?
- I want to ask you something.

Anything.

Do you mind if we sit at
separate tables at lunch?

- You do understand, don't you?
- Of course I don't mind.

We are strangers.
Not even properly introduced.

Yes, but you understand
why I'm asking you?

I think you're the most proper
young lady I've ever met.

I take that as a compliment.

Please, God.

Please let the gale drop.

I must get over
to the island tomorrow.

You know that I must.

It's blowing great guns!
The wind's shifting all the time!

It's gone from southwest
to northwest since daylight!

Where is it now? Blowing from
every point of the compass at once.

Ruairidh says they've got
savers in the northwest.

But you know all that
before anybody.

Poor beggar. I bet
you're fed up to the gills.

No, it's all right.
I'm a patient man. I can wait.

Now, listen, Colonel.
You're going to get into trouble.

Eh? Blast the waterfall!

Speak up.
There's a good chap.

What? Big bird, my foot!
It's my eagle!

That's what I'm trying to tell you.
They're after it with shotguns.

Ignorant clods! If they touch a
feather of old Torquil, I'll gore 'em!

I've christened him Torquil.
You don't mind, do you, chap?

- He reminds me of you.
- Oh, thanks. What?

As to this outrageous
accusation, I shall refute it!

If lambs are missing, ten to one
it's a fox or a wild cat!

I don't know
anything about that.

Every village bumpkin
believes the eagles carry

schoolchildren with
satchels on their backs.

Ballocks! Anything!
Absolute poppycock!

Talk it over with Catriona, don't do
anything rash and ring me tomorrow.

Hello, Peigi.

It's an awful
pretty day, Kiloran.

It is.
Is Miss Webster about?

- She's away.
- Away? Where?

She was away
in lain's car before 8:00.

She went to Erraig,
then she came back here,

she used the telephone
and she was away in the car again.

The family will be down
in a moment, madam.

- What's your name?

- Good morning, Miss Cheril.
- Who's she?

Miss Webster has called
to see Mrs. Robinson.

- Can I offer you anything, Miss Webster?
- No, thank you.

- Are you Joan Webster?
- Yes.

You're going to marry
Sir Robert Bellinger?

- Yes. Do you mind?
- I don't mind.

He's rich, isn't he?

Well, I haven't counted
his money.

Are you rich?

No.

Excuse me, madam.
Can I have the afternoon off?

Now, Martin, that's too bad,
but I'm playing bridge.

I see, madam.
Then that's quite all right.

What do you mean?

I'd intended to spend the evening
at Achnacroish myself, madam.

What do you mean? Has Mrs. Crozier
asked you to make a fois?

No, madam. I'm invited by Mr. Campbell,
Mr. Crozier's head gardener.

He's giving a ceilidh.
It's his diamond wedding.

Diamond wedding.
Fancy being married to you for 60 years.

Well, if Mr. Robinson doesn't mind,
I don't. We leave at 4:00.

- Thank you.
- That's all right, Martin.

Adam, surely you told me Robert
was having breakfast with us!

No, my dear. I said that Robert's
fiancee was coming to breakfast.

- Here she is.
- This is wonderful!

My dear, we're
going to be such friends.

That man woke me up and mumbled something.
I had no idea you were here.

I'd have been down in a flash.
What did Robert say your name was?

But we'll be calling
you Lady Bellinger soon.

Her name's Joan Webster.

Good morning, Cheril darling.
You, of course, know everything.

If only we'd known that you were
stranded here. You brought your luggage?

Have the blue guest chamber open
for the future Lady Bellinger, Hooper.

Well, really, I do...

Oh, say no more. I'm one
of Robert's oldest friends,

and you're
going to be his wife.

Now, let's have a look at you.

Oh, yes, you pass with honors.

That reminds me,
we need a fourth at bridge.

We are going this afternoon
to old Rebecca Crozier's. Do you play?

- No.
- Oh, this generation.

Mind you, Cheril plays,
but we're not quite in her class.

She says we play a stingy game,
don't you, Cheril?

Oh, fairy stories at breakfast. Are you coming
with us to see Auntie Crozier, darling?

- It depends.
- Now, that's too bad of you.

You promised.
Daddy's a witness.

Well, how are you, my dears?
Come in. Come in.

Rebecca, darling,
you look wonderful!

Murdoch, you go
and light the lamp.

I'm sorry to have kept you
all standing in the wind.

Cheril.

Who is this
charming young lady?

This is Joan Webster,
who's going to marry Robert Bellinger.

- Oh, I congratulate him.
- How do you do?

Put down your things,
everybody, anywhere.

Undo your own buttons.

How on earth can you manage with three
people in a house like Achnacroish?

- Oh, I always have plenty of guests.
- They give so much work.

Not my guests, my dear.
Torquil, these are friends of mine.

They've taken Sorne.
The English family Robinson.

- How do you do?
- This is Joan Webster.

- How do you do, Miss Webster?
- How do you do?

- Hope you've got a good long leave.
- Six more days.

It's certainly far
enough from the war here.

Plates, Torquil.

- Anything else, ma'am?
- No, thank you.

One, two, three, four, five,
and half for the little one.

Did you know, Torquil, this young lady's
going to be the mistress of your house?

I hope you'll be
very happy there.

- I'm sure I shall.
- Are you the owner of Kiloran?

Really? How interesting. You know,
we nearly took Kiloran ourselves.

We found it just
a little bit too expensive.

Your agent asked
an enormous rent for it.

I'm afraid that's the only
income I ever get from Kiloran.

You see, for three years' rent,
I can live there myself for six.

- That's highland economics.
- Everybody's had tea?

- Rebecca!
- Yes, please.

If I was to let my house, I should never
live to enjoy the money I would get for it.

Oh, you'll outlive us all. Achnacroish
is a breeding place for Methuselahs.

Look at Campbell.

Gardener's giving the Ceilidh.
Martin's invited.

Campbell's diamond wedding.
Quite a start on you, my dear.

I'll catch up.

I shall have to put in
an appearance later on.

- But bridge first. Thank you.
- Yes, bridge first.

Have you ever seen
any highland dancing?

No, never.

You ought to see our
Oban gathering in peacetime.

Of course, it's not so
big or famous as Braymar

or Inverness, but it
has its own quality.

You came through Oban?

Yes. The harbor was wonderful.
And that lovely green island.

Imagine it full of yachts,
big and small.

And there's racing
and highland games all day.

And at night...
at night, they give a ball.

You can't imagine what
a wonderful sight it is.

The assembly rooms are all hung
with special hangings in dark red.

And the women wear tiaras,
those that have them.

Oh, the place blazes
with jewels.

The men... The men are more
splendid than the women.

With their velvet doublets
and scarlet waistcoats,

Their lace, cuffs and jabots.

Their buttons of gold
and silver, their cairngorms.

Their buckle shoes and their filibegs
of every shade and color.

And the pipes play,
and we dance.

We dance all night...

till the sun shines
through the curtains.

Lovely.
What does filibeg mean?

The kilt. It really means
"the little kilt" as worn nowadays.

Now, what about bridge?
Joan doesn't play.

- Do you play, Mr. MacNeil?
- Oh, I'm sorry, no.

- I can't see from here.
- You can see more from the ladder.

Do you mind going up
a little further?

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

Martin, it's Scottish,
not a minuet.

Three pipers. They must've
come over from the mainland.

Oh, that was fine.

Do you think you could
dance the Scottish?

- I think so.
- Good.

- I suppose we ought to go back now.
- Oh, no hurry.

Friends and neighbors, I ask a hundred
thousand blessings on my father and mother.

They're 60 years married this day.

Peace and happiness be with them.

The pride of the great Clan Campbell.

# The Campbells are coming
Hurrah, hurrah #

# The Campbells are coming
Hurrah, hurrah #

# The Campbells are coming
Hurrah, hurrah #

# The Campbells are coming
Hurrah, hurrah #

# The Campbells are coming
Hurrah, hurrah #

# The Campbells are coming
Hurrah, hurrah ##

Speech! Speech!

Come on, Mr. Campbell.

Well... no, no, no, no.

How about you and I going outside
and having a little ceilidh on our own?

A ceilidh!

- I went down to Erraig this morning.
- I know.

- I went into Moy Castle.
- Did you?

- Shall I tell you what it's like inside?
- Yes, please.

It's just as you told me
in the story.

I saw the hall
where MacNeil feasted...

and the dungeon
and the thickness of the wall.

It's awful.

And on the ramparts
at the top, there's a stone-

- With a curse written on it.
- You've been inside.

No, but I was young once.
I had a nanny.

- No!
- Mm-hmm.

- Anyway, I've read it.
- It's a terrible strong curse.

- Terrible.
- Leave me alone.

Now you know why a MacNeil
dreads to enter the castle.

No! No! No!

- Careful.
- Yes, yes, yes.

Campbell, don't be silly.
It's only you I love.

- You do?
- Yes.

Come and get it!

- Buns?
- Aye.

Excuse me, but is you not
MacNeil of Kiloran?

- Yes, and you'll be a Campbell.
- John Campbell of Kiloran.

I must tell my father
that you're here.

You'll do nothing of the sort.
A MacNeil at a Campbell ceilidh.

Hey!

Wait a minute now!

Allister.

That's a fine song.
"Naught Brown Maidens." Do you know it?

Tune up, boys!

It goes,
"A Rome and a brown maiden.

"A ream and a brown maiden.

Row, row, row, maiden.
You are the maid for me."

Kiloran!
Is that yourself, sir?

Is this the way to treat an old friend
on the day of his diamond wedding?

We didn't want to intrude,
Mr. Campbell.

Here's length of good life
to you and Mrs. Campbell.

Thank you indeed, Kiloran.
Intrude, is it?

You and your lady must come in
and meet Mrs. Campbell.

- Torquil, I must go.
- You can't go now.

It's going to be
a grand ceilidh, just grand.

It's very good of you,
but Kiloran knows I must get back.

Kiloran knows
nothing of the sort.

You must see the dancing.

But I saw perfectly well
from here, thank you.

You've seen nothing yet, milady.
We've got three pipers.

Three of'em, just by luck. They were
ordered by the rich man on Kiloran.

Just by luck, they couldn't get.
It was the gale stopped them.

Cheer up.
They are your pipers.

How do you do,
Mrs. Campbell?

This is Miss Webster.

- Good night.
- Excuse me, miss. And you, sir.

May I be allowed to say that you
were the best dancers at the ceilidh.

Thank you, Martin.

Please, please, God.

You know how important it is
for me to get to Kiloran.

Please...

let the gale drop...

or let me get
to the island somehow.

Please.

Please.

- Morning, Bridie.
- Hello, Kiloran.

Hello, Kenny.

- Good morning, Miss Webster.
- Wind's backing a bit.

Uh-huh. It's not blowing
near so hard.

Oh, yes, tomorrow we'll be crossing
to Kiloran, or maybe the day after.

But not today?

Himself is going to Tobermory
by the bus to see the dentist.

- Tooth aching this morning?
- No, but if he doesn't go now,

there's no saying when
the next gale will be.

It's only then
himself has the time.

Saw you at the ceilidh.
How old are you, Bridie?

- I'll be 17.
- You'll be marrying soon.

When the right man comes along.

- How old are you, Kenny?
- Eighteen.

Getting on. Not thinking
of taking a wife?

Oh, I'll be called up soon.

But anyway, I'd have to wait
another three or four years.

- Or even more.
- Why is that, Kenny?

- It takes money to get married.
- How much?

Twenty pounds.

Himself is asking that for
half a share in the boat.

Who's himself?

- Ruairidh Mhor.
- Father.

I should have thought he would've given
you a share as a wedding present, Kenny.

If Kenny can buy half, he'll get the
other half for nothing, right enough.

- Good day to you, milady.
- Good day.

- Good day to you, Kiloran.
- I wish it was.

Oh, it will be.
Yes, yes, it will be.

Oh, yes, yes,
indeed it will be.

Yes, yes, it will be.

Of course, I am not saying it is
not blowing as much as it was,

but it is near the end of it.

Indeed, it is just
like the sun, milady.

It seems always biggest
just before it sets.

- A poet, Ruairidh, boy.
- Do you think we can cross today?

No, no, no, milady, no.

Well, will you stand by
in case it drops?

I'll pay you for your time, of course.
You said it might blow down.

It's very important.
I must get across.

I'll pay you
anything you ask.

I will take you to Kiloran as soon
as it is humanly possible, milady,

and I will not be wanting
extra payment for that.

We'll be up at the house.

And I will be in Tobermory.
Fine doings indeed.

That girl is so foolish.
She's a woman already.

- Who is it?
- The islanders.

Oh, stay to lunch.
Rabbit. Colonel's doing it.

Good.

- Hello, Joan.
- Hello.

Hello.

- Torquil.
- Yes?

Will you do me
a very great favor?

Yes.

Will you help me
to get to Kiloran?

If I had a fair-sized boat.
But I haven't even a small one.

But Ruairidh
would listen to you.

If you asked him,
he'd try to get me there.

- Besides, you're wasting your whole leave.
- I don't mind.

Yes, you do. You love Kiloran.
You haven't been there for years.

I don't mind.

- You won't ask him?
- No. You don't understand.

It's his job to take us across...
his duty, if you like.

If he could, he would.
Can't you wait till tomorrow?

I can't ask him
to risk his life or yours.

He's been out in a gale
often enough.

If a ship was in danger...

It's different when people
are in danger and need help.

Yes, but...

What?

I want help desperately.

Do you think it will
blow out tomorrow?

- I don't think so.
- Do you think there will be a lull?

Great news.
Congratulate me, young lady.

Torquil the eagle is found.
His good name's cleared.

It was a fox killing the lambs.
A shepherd saw it.

- The old boy's safe and sound.
- Found.

I'm off there after lunch
with a lure.

By gad, I hope I get him back.
You coming?

I'd like to.
What about you?

We'll be back by tea time.

I think I'll stay here.

Any sign of your godson, Torquil?

No. But I can see
something else.

So that's it.

There ought to be a law
about trees.

You know, Torquil...

Pot him.

Please, ma'am, I'd like
to be speaking to Miss Webster.

- Bridie wants to speak to you.
- What is it, Bridie?

It's about the boat, miss. Don't
be thinking of taking it out, miss.

- Himself will murder Kenny.
- Nonsense. I'll look after your father.

Anyway, Kenny's a man. He's taken out
the boat alone many times.

But never in a gale!
Himself would never take it out.

But it's blowing out. Your father
said so. It's going down all the time.

- Himself would never take it out today.
- What about the money?

Do you want to wait another
four years to marry him?

Well, I would, then,
if it has to be.

Some folks there are can't be waiting
a day to satisfy their passions.

What are you saying?

Some folks there are want to drown fine
young men and break poor giris' hearts...

so that they can be wedded
one day sooner!

- You'd better get out!
- I'll get out when I please.

Who are you to be giving orders,
you that come to this city...

with your airs and graces
and your heart of stone?

Why should you think that
our lives don't matter at all...

and that yours is so important?

But you don't understand.
Bridie, don't cry.

You think that I'm risking Kenny's life
when I could stay safely here.

But I'm not safe here. I'm on the brink
of losing everything I ever wanted.

What do you think you're doing?

I'm off to take
Miss Webster to Kiloran.

You're off to losing
Ruairidh's boat and drowning.

Don't be a fool, Kenny.
How much did she pay you?

Twenty pounds.
Now who's the fool?

I'll make it up to you. Come on, boy.
Give her back her dirty money.

Ah, Kiloran, I can't do it.
I promised.

She made me promise,
and that's the truth of it.

- Oh, Kiloran!
- Where's Miss Webster?

She's in the flat. Please, Kiloran,
don't let her be taking Kenny.

- Go on, say something.
- I will.

Are you a complete fool?
Well?

How dare you speak
to me like that?

Is it not enough that you've been told
that you cannot sail today?

Ruairidh said it was going down.
Kenny said so too.

What do you expect Kenny
to say? You bought him!

There's no need to shout!

Why, the lad has never
seen £20 in his life.

If you must commit suicide,
why can't you do it in Manchester?

Don't shout at me!
You're insulting!

- And stop bothering about me!
- What about Kenny?

- Well, what about him?
- What about Bridie? What about the crew?

What about their wives?
What about their children?

Do you think I'm standing here
wasting time over you?

- I'm not interested in your reasons.
- Are you not?

Are you interested
in anything but yourself?

I do know how to mind
own business!

That won't carry you far
on this island or on Kiloran.

You can have this island,
and you can have Kiloran!

Fine! Then you won't be
in any hurry to get there.

You can't think you know more
about these waters than Ruairidh.

Why do you think he refused
to take you? Because he's stubborn?

Because he wanted to go
to the dentist.

Oh, go ahead, then!

And drown yourself!

- You heard, I suppose.
- They heard you in Tobermory.

- Torquil.
- Mm-hmm?

- They'll never make it.
- What do you expect me to do?

Lock her in her room?
She'd only jump out the window.

She doesn't realize the danger.

And you're the last
person to stop her.

I?

She's running away from you!

Say that again.

Hold on there!

Give me that case.

Are you the praying type?

- Sometimes. Are you?
- Always.

If we can stay on our course
and right side up, we've got a chance.

Aren't we on our course?

Every mile nearer Kiloran,
we're two miles nearer Scaba.

- Is that dangerous?
- Yes.

- Why?
- Corryvreckan.

The whirlpool.

You never finished the story
about the Norwegian prince.

You said that two ropes broke.

What happened to the one made
from the hair of faithful maidens?

It held until the tide turned.
Nothing is stronger than love.

No, nothing.

- Feeling sick?
- Oh, no.

No, I'm all right.
Go on.

But one maiden was untrue
to her lover. Only one.

And when that strand broke,
the whole rope broke with it.

Kiloran!

Get down under the hood
and hang on!

Don't worry about that!
Get under!

Look out!

Hang on!

Ohh! My dress!

Don't mess about! Bail!

This is the way to bail!

Engine's washed out.
I've gotta take it apart.

- What can I do?
- Keep bailing.

And pray.

Keep it up.

Clean that.

Corryvreckan.

Get the cover!

Hurry up.

If I can get it started before
the tide turns, we've got a chance.

Tide's still with us.
We'll do it yet.

Now! Pray!

Your credit
must be good in heaven.

They know a good prayer
when they hear one.

So, you're back!

Big strong man.

Off and bed.

There's a fire in my room,
and that's where you'll sleep.

My dear chap, my very dear chap,

you've missed the experience
of a lifetime!

- Have I?
- You certainly have.

While you've been messing
about, a new chapter

has been written in the
history of falconry.

- Oh, you've got him back.
- Ah, listen to this.

He was up on the warren and came to the
lure like a lamb... like a hawk, I mean.

Then MacGillivray suggest a hunt for
this fox that's been killing the lambs.

So we went off, and,
by gad, we found the fox,

and by Jimmy Christmas,
he caught it!

- Caught it? Who?
- Torquil!

Torquil the hunter.
Torquil the fox hunter!

Stooped at the blighter
as though it was a rabbit.

Killed him stone dead.
Here he is.

God fox.
£20 of his allowance.

I'm gonna have the brush
mounted for you, Torquil.

Now what have you got to say?

- Where is he?
- There, over the door!

Isn't he a pippin?

Torquil, come on!

Wah, loo-loo-loo!
Tally-ho!

Get onto him!

You must think I'm awful.

I don't think anyone's awful.

Not even when I'm breaking
my neck to marry a rich man?

Oh, what's wrong with that?

I thought you didn't care
about money.

Who says so?
I'd swim to Oban for £10.

Glasgow for 20.

And what about Torquil?

He'd do it for 15.

Oh.

But I thought that you and
Rebecca Crozier and Torquil...

were perfectly happy
without money.

What else can we do?

Well, you could sell Erraig,

and Rebecca
could sell Achnacroish...

and Torquil
could sell Kiloran.

Yes.

But money isn't everything.

Now go to sleep.

Thank you.

Good night, Catriona.

And if you count the beams,

your prayers will come true.

I'm not praying tonight.

Now, Torquil,
onto your perch.

That's it.

Torquil, you greedy swine!

Get... Get off!

I can't do anything
with my hair.

I wonder what happened
to my wedding dress.

A mermaid will marry in it.

How is Kenny this morning?

Butter wouldn't melt in his mouth.
He's helping Ruairidh with the boat.

And who's to Kiloran?

Not the colonel.
He's got his eagle back.

Not Kiloran.
The only persons I can see...

are you and three pipers.

- Is the boat coming?
- Yes, it's coming.

I'd better go down and meet him.

Always the little lady
doing the right thing.

I'm sorry.
I can't change myself.

You're all right as you are.

Bye-bye, Mrs. Potts.
I'm for the bus.

Good-bye, Catriona,
and thank you for everything.

Will you do something for me?

It depends.

I don't care where or when,
but somewhere, sometime,

will you have the pipers play
"A Rome and a Brown Maiden"?

It might be done.

Will you do something for me
before I go away?

It depends.

I want you to kiss me.

Now, Mr. Torquil,
I've told you a thousand times.

Once upon a time,
hundreds of years ago,

MacNeil of Kiloran took
a beautiful wife from the mainland.

But she was in love
with a cousin of hers,

a MacLaine who held Moy Castle.

After a year and a day,

when her husband was away
ravaging the mainland,

she escaped from Kiloran...

and took refuge in Moy Castle
with her lover.

One black night, Kiloran came.

He besieged
and took the castle...

and killed every soul
except the two lovers.

There's a deep dungeon just off
the back of the great hall.

It's a well
with nine feet of water in it...

and a rounded stone...

just big enough
for a man to stand upon...

or drown.

Kiloran stripped the two lovers,
chained them together...

and threw them into the dungeon.

He sat in the great hall...

feasting upon them
while they held one another...

above the water
till their strength failed...

and they dragged one another down.

Before she died,
the woman cursed Kiloran...

and every future
MacNeil of Kiloran...

if they should ever cross
the threshold of the castle.

There's the curse...

carved in stone on the ramparts.

There to this day.

It's a terrible strong curse.

It goes...

"This is the curse
of Catriona MacLaine of Erraig.

"My curse on MacNeil of Kiloran...

"and every MacNeil after him.

"If he shall ever cross
the threshold of Moy,

never shall he leave it a free man. "

- Hi!
- Hi!

I was lying to you.

I'd rather swim in the sea
than in a swimming pool.

I know.

And I'd rather catch salmon in my own
stream, if somebody would teach me how.

I know.

And I'd rather see Ruairidh Mhor
not have the hell I've raised.

I was lying to you too.

- I'm not really afraid of this place.
- I know.

"Never shall he leave it a free man.

"He shall be chained to a woman
till the end of his days...

and he shall die in his chains. "

# I know where I'm going #

# And I know who's going with me #

# I know who I love #

# But the day knows who I'll marry #

# I have stockings of silk #

# Shoes of fine green leather #

# Combs to buckle my hair #

# And a ring for every finger #

# Some say he's black #

# But I say he's bonny #

# The fairest of them all #

# My handsome, winsomeJohnny #

# I know where I'm going #

# And I know who's going with me #

# I know who I love #

# But the day knows who I'll marry ##