Wild Boys (2011): Season 1, Episode 10 - Episode #1.10 - full transcript
Mr John Dangar,
formerly of Old East Road, Hopetoun.
Broke his neck falling into a ditch.
The Ryan family,
formerly of Old East Road.
Murdered.
Arthur and Jane Shepherd,
formerly of Old East Road.
Died in a house fire.
All from Old East Road.
Don't you think that's
some kind of strange coincidence?
And?
Do you not think
that's worth investigating?
(GROWLS)
Oh!
Who are you? What do you want?
Last warning, old man.
Pack up your stuff and clear out!
I'm not going anywhere.
Burn it.
You mongrels.
Alright, boys.
Let's go.
- Ha, it's Catherine. Yes.
- Hello, Frederick.
Oh, what a nice surprise.
And unexpected, which makes sense.
If it was expected,
it wouldn't be a surprise, would it?
Frederick, I want you to
meet my friend, George Jenkins.
(CLEARS THROAT)
George.
Frederick.
George is having a bit of trouble.
What kind of trouble?
Someone's trying to
run me off my land.
Who?
Oh, a bunch of fellas.
They came around last night.
A real nasty mob.
- They shot at me.
- Why?
No idea.
Last warning, they told me.
Fuller won't do anything.
He's too busy
protecting the rich from bushrangers
to care about
the tribulations of the poor.
DAN: (SINGS)
♪ I am wild and fearsome boy
♪ Dan Sinclair's my name
♪ My gun is known across the land
♪ Deadly is its name
♪ I rob the rich
♪ To feed the poor... ♪
(SCOFFS)
When have you ever fed the poor?
(LAUGHS)
You sure it's your gun
that's known across the land?
(LAUGHS)
Do you mind?
I don't even know
what we're doing here, Cap.
I mean, I'm not a gun for hire.
I am a fearsome bushranger.
Oh, yes, you're a hard man,
alright, Daniel.
Doesn't mean you can't help people
less fortunate than yourself,
once in a while.
Yeah, but we don't even know
this old codger. Jack?
Maybe not.
If it's going to score
the Captain here some points
with the woman he fancies,
then who are we to deny him, Dan?
(CACKLES) Yes.
Come on.
- These the fellas?
- Yeah.
They don't look so tough.
Yeah.
Conrad, Daniel.
This here's Jack.
Old George.
Just George.
No need reminding me
I'm not long for this world.
It's all I got.
Now, that watch hasn't been going
for a few years.
My wife gave it to me.
I'm sure somebody will give you
a few bob for the silver.
I'm sure she wouldn't want you
giving it away.
She won't mind. She's dead.
All the same, keep a hold of it.
And the coins.
You hang on to the money.
I figure if you take my money,
there's more chance of doing the job
that I'm paying you for.
Fair enough.
(SOFTLY) Come on, Jack.
What are we doing here?
This old bloke's gripe -
whatever it is -
it's got nothing to do with us.
Come over here, girls.
These are my angels.
Louisa and Molly.
- Afternoon.
- Hello.
- How are you? Conrad.
- Dan.
Think you'd better bring that
broody hen round.
I'll take her head off and
you can put her in the pot tonight.
Here. Hey, away you go.
I suppose we'll be staying
for supper.
- Now you want to stay for supper.
- Why not?
Oh, Mrs Barrett.
Seen this?
It's a load of nonsense.
Oh. If you say so.
This rubbish
is the last thing we need
with the railway commissioner's
man arriving.
Who?
His name's Henderson.
He's coming in on the coach
from Sydney tomorrow.
I'd like you to put him up here.
Of course. This is a hotel.
He's here to look over the town,
see if we're worthy of being
a stop on the main southern line.
Don't worry.
I'll show him a fine time.
Free grog, free...
..entertainment.
It can count towards
the favour you owe.
- LOUISA: Here you go.
- DAN: Thank you very much.
FREDERICK: Nothing like
a home-cooked meal.
For you?
Oh, thank you, my dear.
Oh, chookie stew.
Second only to lamb's head
and tripe, in my books.
Tripe? I'd rather eat my own guts.
That could be arranged.
- Thank you, miss.
- You're welcome.
Grace.
Lord,
for what we are about to receive,
make us truly grateful.
Amen.
ALL: Amen.
I hope you don't mind me saying so,
but, I mean,
you must have started pretty late.
With the family, I mean.
The girls mustn't be more than 20.
I'm 21.
Turned 20 in the spring.
Louisa and Molly
were my sister's girls.
She died of the consumption in '52.
I've been raising them
as my own ever since.
And couldn't have asked
for a better uncle.
Hear, hear.
The stew's delicious.
Thank you very much.
ALL: Mmm. Mmm.
Sure beats possum.
I had some interesting tucker
the other day.
It was a couple of American diggers.
They stuck their saveloys
between buns.
Called them hot dogs.
Who in their right mind
would eat dog?
Oh, no, they don't eat dog, Cap.
They just call it that.
- Why?
- I don't know.
- What's in them?
- Don't know.
So it could be dog.
I love saveloys.
There's nothing quite like a thick,
juicy sausage to fill you up.
(COUGHS)
(LAUGHS)
That was so...
Dan. (GRUNTS)
(CHUCKLES)
Shh, shh, shh, shh!
(WHISPERS) Did you hear that?
Listen.
(HORSES NEIGH)
(WHINES, GROWLS)
No. That's just horses.
I put the horses in the back
paddock. That came from out front.
(BARKS)
(SCREAMS)
(SCREAMS, WHIMPERS)
Get a bucket!
(SCREAMS)
Molly, come on!
Help them with the buckets, girls.
- Bucket, get the bucket!
- Stay low.
- Quick!
- That's it, girls, that's it.
Keep those buckets coming.
Quick!
OK!
- Get the water on the fire!
- Warned you, old man, didn't I?
Now we're going to burn you
to the ground.
Yeah.
This house isn't gonna burn!
Come on!
Keep your heads down!
(GRUNTS)
Get the water on it. Come on!
(SCREAMS)
They're out back, they're out back!
Get over here!
Come on. Let's get out of here.
Yah! Yah!
Come on!
Yah! Yah!
That's right!
You run, you cowardly dog!
Have you got a death wish?
- That was Frank Butler.
- Was it?
What would Frank Butler have
against Old George?
I don't know.
But he's going to be coming back.
Yep.
I just don't see how
charging after them
is a smart thing to do here, Jack.
What would you do, Dan?
Well, safety in numbers.
We just reinforce the house.
We stay here.
We wait for them to come back to us.
And he comes back
with twice as many men,
we run out of bullets,
and then what?
Well, there is one other option.
No.
We got paid to do a job, Dan.
(SOFTLY) But we just give
the money back, mate.
Jack. Let's talk about this.
No, Cap. Enough talk.
Frank Butler will be back
unless we get to him first.
Dan and I will go to Inferno Creek.
Someone there will know
where he's holed up.
What do you want us to do?
Stay put. Fix up the house.
Keep an eye on George and the girls.
Yeah, well, what if you don't
come back tonight, Jack?
Then we'll be back tomorrow.
Dan.
Boys.
So it's just the two of us
against the Butlers, hey?
Make a great verse in your song.
Yeah, well, it's just a pity
I won't be here to sing it.
OK, everyone, everyone.
Positions!
Music, music. Play, play.
Yes.
Um, Mr Henderson,
welcome to Hopetoun.
Uh, James Fife, mayor
and commissioner of crown lands.
I must say it's an honour
to welcome a gentleman
of such merits and importance
to our town.
Can you shut them up, please?
I'm here to look over the town
and move off tomorrow.
Nothing more, nothing less.
Is this my lodgings?
Uh, yes, it...
May I introduce Mrs Mary Barrett,
who's the proprietor
of this fine establishment.
Let's get this straight, Mr Furf...
Fife.
I won't be bought or swayed,
cajoled, seduced
or in any way influenced.
I'm just a simple man,
just doing a simple job.
(CLEARS THROAT)
How many guest rooms?
Uh, seven rooms. Eight at a pinch
if Tommy bunks in with me.
Is this is the only place to stay?
No, but it's the nicest.
Tommy, take Mr Henderson's bag up to
room number one.
It's our best room.
I want no such favours.
Standard room will do.
You must be parched
after the long coach ride.
Let me get you a drink.
Perhaps a whiskey, rum, brandy?
I don't drink. Water will suffice.
Water, yes.
Oh, sorry,
I'll fetch some fresh.
That's perfectly adequate.
(CLEARS THROAT)
Oh, Ruby!
This is Mr Henderson,
a gentleman from Sydney.
He'll be a guest with us overnight.
Oh, I would love to hear
all about Sydney.
Oh, tell me, what are the ladies
there wearing this summer?
Wouldn't know.
Fashion is my wife's domain.
She's at home running the household
and caring for our three children,
as is a woman's proper place.
I'll see my room now.
What do we have here, Sergeant?
Gold-diggers, sir.
Found dipping into
an adjoining claim.
(YELLS)
Great struth!
You won't get written up in the
papers by catching claim jumpers.
Sir?
The mayor's on my back for a scalp.
Some bigwig's here from the city
and he wants
dead bushrangers on display.
They're also into sly grog.
Found this in their tent.
Where'd you get this?
I asked you a question.
Inferno Creek.
Sly grog shanty.
(MAN GRUNTS)
MAN 2: Don't come back!
Inferno Creek, hey?
So this is where
Frank Butler drinks.
If he doesn't,
someone will know
where he's holed up.
I wonder
if they run a card game here.
Dan.
Yeah?
Only thing you gamble with
at Inferno Creek is your life.
Rum, two.
Looking for Frank Butler.
You know him?
You know where I can find him?
Looking for a fella
called Frank Butler. You know him?
(SNORTS, SPITS)
Take that as a no.
20-deck poker, fellas.
Mind if I take a seat?
I'm callin' it.
You flamin' cheat!
Arggh!
(SCREAMS)
(LAUGHS)
I don't think
this is gonna work, Jack.
You look closely,
one of those blokes is a lady.
Name's Gracie O'Reilly.
Runs jobs with boys of her own.
Sometimes shares a bed
with Frank Butler.
Gotta get out of here.
She's leaving.
Let's follow her.
Oh, that's alright.
I think I might know
where she lives.
Oh, Dan.
You see her?
Uh-uh.
I'll tell you what,
I'm surprised we can't smell her.
(THUD!)
(WOMAN SCREECHES AND GRUNTS)
(YELLS) My eyes!
Oh, my eyes! Get off me!
(GRUNTS)
(SHOUTS)
Get off him! Get off him.
(WAILS AND GRUNTS)
Gracie!
Where's Frank?
- Oh, she scratched my eyes!
- Gracie, tell me where Frank is.
I've got no idea where that
good-for-nothing mongrel is.
- I'm blind.
- Quick! Trigger's getting heavy!
- He's lying doggo somewhere.
- Where?
Haven't seen him for days.
He's probably holed up
with some other tart.
What's Frank and his gang
up to in the Old East Road, huh?
- If I tell you, what's in it for me?
- Cash.
- Hey, that's our money.
- Money first.
Now tell me what you know.
MAN: Gracie!
Who are you?
There's traps!
I don't pay you boys
to bring the traps down on me!
- How'd they get here?!
- They were casing Inferno Creek.
- They must have followed us here.
- Open fire!
How we gonna
talk our way out of this one?
(GLASS SHATTERS)
Oh!
I don't think Fuller's
in the mood for talking.
- Window?
- Window.
(GRUNTS)
(WHISPERS) Go.
(HORSE WHINNIES)
The train will come in from
the east, parallel to the river,
which means it can stop anywhere
along the way and fill up its boiler.
Now, the station itself
will be at the heart of the town,
with access both to the diggings over
here and to the commercial centre.
Do you have an interest
in photography?
Matter of fact, I do.
My family poses for a portrait
every Christmas
to send to my wife's family
in England.
A pictorial history
of our lives in the colony.
Marvellous invention.
Not a patch on the steam engine,
mind you.
Ah, Emilia, this is Mr Henderson,
the railway commissioner's man.
Nice to meet you.
I need to speak to you urgently.
Ah, it can wait.
It's about the recent deaths
on Old East Road.
I've just heard George Jenkins
was harassed last night
by a gang of rogues.
(LAUGHS) My daughter has
a vivid imagination.
I got her a job here
and now everything's a story.
Would you care to join us for lunch?
My cook is preparing black duck
and magpie goose.
That wouldn't be appropriate.
Good day to you both.
(LAUGHTER)
(WHISPERS)
What?
What's going on?
Fuller's killed
a couple of bushrangers.
They're hanging
down at the police station.
Watch the bar, Ruby.
Well-known bushranging scum.
Just happy that I can help
make Hopetoun a safer place,
and you can quote me on that.
(CROWD CHATS AND LAUGHS)
Look at her!
Must be a relief.
Don't tell me you approve of this.
Putting them on show
like sides of beef to be gawked at.
No, I don't.
Fuller wants to send a message.
Have to follow orders.
- Service! I need some service!
- Sorry, Mr Henderson.
Sorry.
I'm afraid all this excitement's
been a bit of a distraction.
Excitement? A distraction?
Is that what you call that?
That vulgar display -
dead men and a woman, bullet-ridden.
I feel ill. I need a drink.
Not water, woman. Rum. Give me a rum.
And another.
The girls have been a big help.
Couldn't have managed this place
without them.
You never thought about moving on,
George?
They'll have to carry me out.
Hey, Frederick.
Yes, George?
I'm glad you
and your mates are here.
It's a pleasure.
Mr Jenkins!
I'm Emilia Fife.
I know who you are.
Your father's a scoundrel.
No Fife is welcome here.
I work for the 'Hopetoun Gazette'.
Catherine Bell told me about
some trouble you've been having.
I was hoping I could maybe
write a story about it.
I think it looks pretty good
in your hair like that. (LAUGHS)
Emilia.
What are you doing here?
We've just been milking the goat.
Milki...! I bet you have.
Forget it, Mr Jenkins!
I'm sorry for wasting your time.
And mine.
- Get out of my way!
- Wait a minute, wait a minute.
You're being silly.
I came here on important
journalistic business.
Instead, I find you here
with that farm girl!
We were just milking.
No, it's not what you're thinking,
whatever it is you're thinking.
We're here so we can
protect this family.
Protecting them?
From the men who are trying
to run them off their land.
That's why I'm here. I'm trying to
find out who's behind it all.
OK, well, I can tell you that.
That's good.
Someone must be paying Frank Butler.
I reckon him and his gang
can do their dirty work for them.
Yeah, I don't see what
difference it makes, Jack.
Not really got anything
to do with us.
He's trying to kill Old George.
Makes sense he helped
kill the Ryans as well.
Oh, you've got to let that one go.
Dead and buried, Jack.
It's been a long time.
The bullet in your side -
that one's healed, hasn't it?
It's not about my revenge.
Well, you're going to have to
enlighten me on this one.
Is it about the truth?
Is that what it's about?
See, the truth is,
is that the Butlers are a bunch
of murderous, thieving bastards.
But they didn't rob the Ryans, Dan.
They're not trying
to rob Old George.
Yeah, but I don't see
what difference it makes!
I mean, Butler could be anywhere.
He could be holed up.
I don't know where he is.
We can't just make him come to us.
You're not just a pretty face, Dan.
Hey, where are you going?
Going to do exactly what you said!
Going to make Frank Butler
come to us.
Oh, I don't like this, Jack.
(GLASS BREAKS, PUNCHES THUD)
(CHEERING, LAUGHTER)
(GUNSHOT)
Got a message for Frank Butler.
You tell him that Jack Keenan
knows all about the killings
on the Old East Road
and that Keenan reckons
he's a gutless coward.
And if Butler wants
to prove otherwise,
he'll be at Corduroy Gap
tomorrow at noon.
How was that?
Nice touch.
HENDERSON: Fill her up, pretty lady.
Maybe you've had enough,
Mr Henderson.
It won't be enough
until I've permanently erased
those disgusting images from my mind.
Just pour the drink, woman.
- Ah, Mr Henderson.
- Oh, God.
Glad to see you enjoying
the hospitality of our fine town.
You've a barbarian, Furf,
and your "fine town" is nothing
but a refuge for savages.
If you think my railway is coming
within 100 miles of this cesspit,
you are stupider than you look.
Oi.
(MUTTERS)
(BURPS)
Give him five minutes
and then send up Ruby.
I don't think he's in
any fit state for that.
Five minutes.
(KNOCK AT DOOR)
Mr Henderson?
(SNORING)
Oh.
Oh, you're so pretty.
Oh.
(KNOCK AT DOOR)
What are you doing in here?
- What's this?
- My new story.
This time, I want my name on it.
I'm your editor, Emilia.
I set the type.
In this office, that makes me God.
Has it got anything new to say?
Only that it names those responsible
for the deaths on the Old East Road.
Alright, you can have your by-line.
The Butler gang?
- You sure about this?
- Yes.
- Where's your proof?
- Eyewitnesses.
George Jenkins.
As well as Jack Keenan's gang.
(LAUGHS) A half-blind old man
and a bunch of bushrangers?
If I print this,
I'll be a laughing stock.
No, it's fact!
What makes you think the newspaper
business is about facts?
Mayor.
The Butler gang are responsible
for the killings.
Oh, not more of this nonsense.
It's the truth!
Well, if it makes you any happier,
I'll have Fuller look into it.
And I'll check
every single fact personally
before I print a word of it.
Where's that photographer fella?
Here you go.
Tomato juice should help.
I put some rum in it.
Rum?
Hair of the dog.
Tried and true remedy.
Mr Henderson.
(GRUNTS)
It's a lovely day outside.
I thought I'd show you my
proposed site for Hopetoun station.
That'd be a waste of time.
I've made my decision.
Given your love
of the photographic arts...
..I thought this
might be of interest to you.
A fascinating addition
to your pictorial history
of life in the colony.
I expect your wife's relatives
would very much like to see THAT.
Ah!
What do you want, Furf?
It's Fife!
And you know very well what I want.
Mr Fife!
Mayor...you can't do this!
- I'd say it's already done.
- It's not right!
- Then why did you help me do it?
- What?! No, I...
Plied him with brandy, sent one of
your girls up to his room...
I didn't know what
you were planning!
Of course you did, because you
don't wanna see this town disappear
when the gold runs out, do you?
Your fine hotel
reclaimed by the bush
and you and Tommy forced to
wander the countryside like gypsies?
Is that the sort of future
you want for your boy?
Because that's exactly what will
happen if we don't get the railway.
So keep your petty scruples
to yourself.
What time do you reckon it is
right now?
- About 10:00, give or take.
- Yeah?
There's this, er, Goulburn mail
carriage that comes in at noon.
Oh, we could hit that, Jack.
We'd have to forget
about the Butlers, though.
You can hit that if you like, Dan.
I'm not forcing you to stay.
(LAUGHS MIRTHLESSLY)
Oh, so what's your big plan, then?
We're just gonna ask Frank really
nicely for a full confession -
tell us who's paying him off?
I figure I put
enough pressure on him,
he'll tell us what we wanna know.
And after he tells us
what we wanna know...?
I shoot him.
Yeah, you're really good at
planning things on the run, Jack.
You know what your problem is, Dan?
Mm-hm?
By the time you've finished
planning stuff out,
I've already finished doing it.
Your problem is you're doing stuff
before I finish planning it out.
(DISTANT GALLOPING)
Listen to that.
It sounds like...
..sounds like Butler's
brought his whole gang with him.
Shh, shh, shh.
(WHISPERS) Fuller's
setting up an ambush.
Oh, jeez.
So it wasn't just Butler
that got the message, then?
What if Fuller and Butler
are working together?
- What do you mean?
- Think about it.
What if it was us that Fuller
was after at Gracie's shack?
And what if he's just here now
to keep us busy?
To give Butler a clear run.
- Clear run?
- At Old George.
(MEN SHOUT)
(HORSES NEIGH)
MAN: Nice shot!
It's only a matter of time, Captain.
We're running out of powder.
Come on, Jack. Where are ya?
(GUNSHOT)
Ya!
Ya! Come on!
Ya!
(GUNSHOT)
Reload!
Right, got it.
(GLASS SHATTERS)
Jeez!
George, get away from the door.
George!
George!
Uncle George! George!
Get down! George, get back here!
Now!
MAN: Take him!
Argh!
- Here. Shut that door!
- Uncle George!
He's hit.
(GASPS)
- Help him, help him.
- You alright?
- Wally, get some bandages!
- Oh, it's OK.
He just nicked me.
Don't fuss. Help the boys.
Mm, good morning, sir.
I trust you slept well.
Mr Henderson.
You know I didn't order that woman.
And when called upon,
you will defend my reputation.
TOMMY: New barrels, Mum.
Oh, just roll it into the store.
There's a good boy.
You know Fife set me up...don't you?
I'm afraid I know
nothing of the sort.
Now, if you'll excuse me,
I have to go pay the cooper.
Then you leave me no other choice.
(GASPS)
(GRUNTS)
Get outta here.
I don't suppose anyone could
organise my coach to Stanley?
You can walk.
Mm-hm.
MAN: Come out, old timer!
(GUNFIRE)
- How many bullets you got left?
- Two.
(GUNFIRE)
We're out.
I've got an old Brown Bess
and a Charleville musket
I keep in the henhouse.
You've got a Charleville musket?
In the henhouse?
I keep 'em loaded.
Here, take this.
I'm going for the guns.
- No, I'll go, I'll go.
- I'll go! I can run faster.
Let me do this.
Be careful, lad.
MAN: There's one!
Argh! Oh!
Over there by the sheds! Shoot him!
(BOTH GRUNT)
Where ya goin'?
MAN: Ya!
We can take 'em!
(CLICK! CLICK!)
(CHUCKLES)
Butler...
..you mongrel!
(GUNFIRE)
(GROANS)
Go on. Gee up!
(GROANS)
Get on, get on!
EMILIA: George! No, no!
(SOBS) No! No! Uncle George!
No!
(ALL SHOUT AND SOB)
(DINGO HOWLS)
Mr Harris!
I've rewritten the story, sir.
There's been a further development.
Doesn't matter.
I'm closing the paper.
What? Why?
There are dark forces at work.
You don't understand.
I might have given in to them
temporarily,
but I will return,
I assure you of that.
W-where are you going?
I'm going to Sydney
to follow up a lead.
What lead?
I can't tell you what it is
at the moment.
But your theories
have given me a hunch.
And if they prove to be correct,
it'll make a very exciting story.
(HORSE NEIGHS)
Gee up!
MAC: 'Night, Mary.
'Night, Mac.
Slow night.
Not much point staying open.
I can take a hint.
'Night, Mary.
Mick...thanks for today.
Seems lately you're always bailing
me out of some scrape or another.
What happened today with that
railway fella - it's not your fault.
You didn't have any choice.
Goodnight.
Mick...
..do you have to go?
I thought you wanted to close up.
I do.
I had a clear shot
at Frank Butler today.
My gun jammed.
Don't be too hard on yourself, lad.
Sometimes things
happen for a reason.
Really?
What was the reason for the Ryans
getting murdered, Conrad?
Or the reason for Old George
taking a bullet in the chest,
defending his property?
- What was the reason behind that?
- Oh, Jack...
Jack...
..kid didn't mean it like that.
Yeah, come on, Jack. You know that.
That bullet was meant for me,
anyway.
Yeah, well...don't you
worry about Frank Butler.
He's going to get his.
And so is Fuller
if he's in league with them.
Hey.
(CHUCKLES) I reckon
it's about that time.
Where are you mutton-heads
going this time of night?
Well, after a big day, Cap,
I don't know about you,
but, you know, it's nice to have
a little bit of entertainment.
(LAUGHS) You taking him
to a brothel?
I'm taking him
to better than a brothel.
Be careful.
(CHUCKLES)
Come on, mate.
Look after him.
Mind if I camp out here tonight, Cap?
No.
No, no, you're welcome here, Jack.
Goodnight.
Sleep well. (GRUNTS)
All you've gotta do is just stand
there and look menacing, alright?
But if anyone does anything...
..you better draw first.
I-I'm not that quick on the draw.
Oh, alright.
- Show me.
- What?
- Your draw. Go on, show me.
- I'm not gonna draw.
I look like an idiot!
One, two, three...
You're fine.
A big strapping lad like you's
got nothing to worry about anyway.
(CHATTER, LAUGHTER)
Hey, fellas. Mind if I join?
(MEN MURMUR ASSENT)
Raid! It's a raid!
- Dan, what do we do?
- Go, go, go!
Run, run, run!
(GLASS SMASHES)
formerly of Old East Road, Hopetoun.
Broke his neck falling into a ditch.
The Ryan family,
formerly of Old East Road.
Murdered.
Arthur and Jane Shepherd,
formerly of Old East Road.
Died in a house fire.
All from Old East Road.
Don't you think that's
some kind of strange coincidence?
And?
Do you not think
that's worth investigating?
(GROWLS)
Oh!
Who are you? What do you want?
Last warning, old man.
Pack up your stuff and clear out!
I'm not going anywhere.
Burn it.
You mongrels.
Alright, boys.
Let's go.
- Ha, it's Catherine. Yes.
- Hello, Frederick.
Oh, what a nice surprise.
And unexpected, which makes sense.
If it was expected,
it wouldn't be a surprise, would it?
Frederick, I want you to
meet my friend, George Jenkins.
(CLEARS THROAT)
George.
Frederick.
George is having a bit of trouble.
What kind of trouble?
Someone's trying to
run me off my land.
Who?
Oh, a bunch of fellas.
They came around last night.
A real nasty mob.
- They shot at me.
- Why?
No idea.
Last warning, they told me.
Fuller won't do anything.
He's too busy
protecting the rich from bushrangers
to care about
the tribulations of the poor.
DAN: (SINGS)
♪ I am wild and fearsome boy
♪ Dan Sinclair's my name
♪ My gun is known across the land
♪ Deadly is its name
♪ I rob the rich
♪ To feed the poor... ♪
(SCOFFS)
When have you ever fed the poor?
(LAUGHS)
You sure it's your gun
that's known across the land?
(LAUGHS)
Do you mind?
I don't even know
what we're doing here, Cap.
I mean, I'm not a gun for hire.
I am a fearsome bushranger.
Oh, yes, you're a hard man,
alright, Daniel.
Doesn't mean you can't help people
less fortunate than yourself,
once in a while.
Yeah, but we don't even know
this old codger. Jack?
Maybe not.
If it's going to score
the Captain here some points
with the woman he fancies,
then who are we to deny him, Dan?
(CACKLES) Yes.
Come on.
- These the fellas?
- Yeah.
They don't look so tough.
Yeah.
Conrad, Daniel.
This here's Jack.
Old George.
Just George.
No need reminding me
I'm not long for this world.
It's all I got.
Now, that watch hasn't been going
for a few years.
My wife gave it to me.
I'm sure somebody will give you
a few bob for the silver.
I'm sure she wouldn't want you
giving it away.
She won't mind. She's dead.
All the same, keep a hold of it.
And the coins.
You hang on to the money.
I figure if you take my money,
there's more chance of doing the job
that I'm paying you for.
Fair enough.
(SOFTLY) Come on, Jack.
What are we doing here?
This old bloke's gripe -
whatever it is -
it's got nothing to do with us.
Come over here, girls.
These are my angels.
Louisa and Molly.
- Afternoon.
- Hello.
- How are you? Conrad.
- Dan.
Think you'd better bring that
broody hen round.
I'll take her head off and
you can put her in the pot tonight.
Here. Hey, away you go.
I suppose we'll be staying
for supper.
- Now you want to stay for supper.
- Why not?
Oh, Mrs Barrett.
Seen this?
It's a load of nonsense.
Oh. If you say so.
This rubbish
is the last thing we need
with the railway commissioner's
man arriving.
Who?
His name's Henderson.
He's coming in on the coach
from Sydney tomorrow.
I'd like you to put him up here.
Of course. This is a hotel.
He's here to look over the town,
see if we're worthy of being
a stop on the main southern line.
Don't worry.
I'll show him a fine time.
Free grog, free...
..entertainment.
It can count towards
the favour you owe.
- LOUISA: Here you go.
- DAN: Thank you very much.
FREDERICK: Nothing like
a home-cooked meal.
For you?
Oh, thank you, my dear.
Oh, chookie stew.
Second only to lamb's head
and tripe, in my books.
Tripe? I'd rather eat my own guts.
That could be arranged.
- Thank you, miss.
- You're welcome.
Grace.
Lord,
for what we are about to receive,
make us truly grateful.
Amen.
ALL: Amen.
I hope you don't mind me saying so,
but, I mean,
you must have started pretty late.
With the family, I mean.
The girls mustn't be more than 20.
I'm 21.
Turned 20 in the spring.
Louisa and Molly
were my sister's girls.
She died of the consumption in '52.
I've been raising them
as my own ever since.
And couldn't have asked
for a better uncle.
Hear, hear.
The stew's delicious.
Thank you very much.
ALL: Mmm. Mmm.
Sure beats possum.
I had some interesting tucker
the other day.
It was a couple of American diggers.
They stuck their saveloys
between buns.
Called them hot dogs.
Who in their right mind
would eat dog?
Oh, no, they don't eat dog, Cap.
They just call it that.
- Why?
- I don't know.
- What's in them?
- Don't know.
So it could be dog.
I love saveloys.
There's nothing quite like a thick,
juicy sausage to fill you up.
(COUGHS)
(LAUGHS)
That was so...
Dan. (GRUNTS)
(CHUCKLES)
Shh, shh, shh, shh!
(WHISPERS) Did you hear that?
Listen.
(HORSES NEIGH)
(WHINES, GROWLS)
No. That's just horses.
I put the horses in the back
paddock. That came from out front.
(BARKS)
(SCREAMS)
(SCREAMS, WHIMPERS)
Get a bucket!
(SCREAMS)
Molly, come on!
Help them with the buckets, girls.
- Bucket, get the bucket!
- Stay low.
- Quick!
- That's it, girls, that's it.
Keep those buckets coming.
Quick!
OK!
- Get the water on the fire!
- Warned you, old man, didn't I?
Now we're going to burn you
to the ground.
Yeah.
This house isn't gonna burn!
Come on!
Keep your heads down!
(GRUNTS)
Get the water on it. Come on!
(SCREAMS)
They're out back, they're out back!
Get over here!
Come on. Let's get out of here.
Yah! Yah!
Come on!
Yah! Yah!
That's right!
You run, you cowardly dog!
Have you got a death wish?
- That was Frank Butler.
- Was it?
What would Frank Butler have
against Old George?
I don't know.
But he's going to be coming back.
Yep.
I just don't see how
charging after them
is a smart thing to do here, Jack.
What would you do, Dan?
Well, safety in numbers.
We just reinforce the house.
We stay here.
We wait for them to come back to us.
And he comes back
with twice as many men,
we run out of bullets,
and then what?
Well, there is one other option.
No.
We got paid to do a job, Dan.
(SOFTLY) But we just give
the money back, mate.
Jack. Let's talk about this.
No, Cap. Enough talk.
Frank Butler will be back
unless we get to him first.
Dan and I will go to Inferno Creek.
Someone there will know
where he's holed up.
What do you want us to do?
Stay put. Fix up the house.
Keep an eye on George and the girls.
Yeah, well, what if you don't
come back tonight, Jack?
Then we'll be back tomorrow.
Dan.
Boys.
So it's just the two of us
against the Butlers, hey?
Make a great verse in your song.
Yeah, well, it's just a pity
I won't be here to sing it.
OK, everyone, everyone.
Positions!
Music, music. Play, play.
Yes.
Um, Mr Henderson,
welcome to Hopetoun.
Uh, James Fife, mayor
and commissioner of crown lands.
I must say it's an honour
to welcome a gentleman
of such merits and importance
to our town.
Can you shut them up, please?
I'm here to look over the town
and move off tomorrow.
Nothing more, nothing less.
Is this my lodgings?
Uh, yes, it...
May I introduce Mrs Mary Barrett,
who's the proprietor
of this fine establishment.
Let's get this straight, Mr Furf...
Fife.
I won't be bought or swayed,
cajoled, seduced
or in any way influenced.
I'm just a simple man,
just doing a simple job.
(CLEARS THROAT)
How many guest rooms?
Uh, seven rooms. Eight at a pinch
if Tommy bunks in with me.
Is this is the only place to stay?
No, but it's the nicest.
Tommy, take Mr Henderson's bag up to
room number one.
It's our best room.
I want no such favours.
Standard room will do.
You must be parched
after the long coach ride.
Let me get you a drink.
Perhaps a whiskey, rum, brandy?
I don't drink. Water will suffice.
Water, yes.
Oh, sorry,
I'll fetch some fresh.
That's perfectly adequate.
(CLEARS THROAT)
Oh, Ruby!
This is Mr Henderson,
a gentleman from Sydney.
He'll be a guest with us overnight.
Oh, I would love to hear
all about Sydney.
Oh, tell me, what are the ladies
there wearing this summer?
Wouldn't know.
Fashion is my wife's domain.
She's at home running the household
and caring for our three children,
as is a woman's proper place.
I'll see my room now.
What do we have here, Sergeant?
Gold-diggers, sir.
Found dipping into
an adjoining claim.
(YELLS)
Great struth!
You won't get written up in the
papers by catching claim jumpers.
Sir?
The mayor's on my back for a scalp.
Some bigwig's here from the city
and he wants
dead bushrangers on display.
They're also into sly grog.
Found this in their tent.
Where'd you get this?
I asked you a question.
Inferno Creek.
Sly grog shanty.
(MAN GRUNTS)
MAN 2: Don't come back!
Inferno Creek, hey?
So this is where
Frank Butler drinks.
If he doesn't,
someone will know
where he's holed up.
I wonder
if they run a card game here.
Dan.
Yeah?
Only thing you gamble with
at Inferno Creek is your life.
Rum, two.
Looking for Frank Butler.
You know him?
You know where I can find him?
Looking for a fella
called Frank Butler. You know him?
(SNORTS, SPITS)
Take that as a no.
20-deck poker, fellas.
Mind if I take a seat?
I'm callin' it.
You flamin' cheat!
Arggh!
(SCREAMS)
(LAUGHS)
I don't think
this is gonna work, Jack.
You look closely,
one of those blokes is a lady.
Name's Gracie O'Reilly.
Runs jobs with boys of her own.
Sometimes shares a bed
with Frank Butler.
Gotta get out of here.
She's leaving.
Let's follow her.
Oh, that's alright.
I think I might know
where she lives.
Oh, Dan.
You see her?
Uh-uh.
I'll tell you what,
I'm surprised we can't smell her.
(THUD!)
(WOMAN SCREECHES AND GRUNTS)
(YELLS) My eyes!
Oh, my eyes! Get off me!
(GRUNTS)
(SHOUTS)
Get off him! Get off him.
(WAILS AND GRUNTS)
Gracie!
Where's Frank?
- Oh, she scratched my eyes!
- Gracie, tell me where Frank is.
I've got no idea where that
good-for-nothing mongrel is.
- I'm blind.
- Quick! Trigger's getting heavy!
- He's lying doggo somewhere.
- Where?
Haven't seen him for days.
He's probably holed up
with some other tart.
What's Frank and his gang
up to in the Old East Road, huh?
- If I tell you, what's in it for me?
- Cash.
- Hey, that's our money.
- Money first.
Now tell me what you know.
MAN: Gracie!
Who are you?
There's traps!
I don't pay you boys
to bring the traps down on me!
- How'd they get here?!
- They were casing Inferno Creek.
- They must have followed us here.
- Open fire!
How we gonna
talk our way out of this one?
(GLASS SHATTERS)
Oh!
I don't think Fuller's
in the mood for talking.
- Window?
- Window.
(GRUNTS)
(WHISPERS) Go.
(HORSE WHINNIES)
The train will come in from
the east, parallel to the river,
which means it can stop anywhere
along the way and fill up its boiler.
Now, the station itself
will be at the heart of the town,
with access both to the diggings over
here and to the commercial centre.
Do you have an interest
in photography?
Matter of fact, I do.
My family poses for a portrait
every Christmas
to send to my wife's family
in England.
A pictorial history
of our lives in the colony.
Marvellous invention.
Not a patch on the steam engine,
mind you.
Ah, Emilia, this is Mr Henderson,
the railway commissioner's man.
Nice to meet you.
I need to speak to you urgently.
Ah, it can wait.
It's about the recent deaths
on Old East Road.
I've just heard George Jenkins
was harassed last night
by a gang of rogues.
(LAUGHS) My daughter has
a vivid imagination.
I got her a job here
and now everything's a story.
Would you care to join us for lunch?
My cook is preparing black duck
and magpie goose.
That wouldn't be appropriate.
Good day to you both.
(LAUGHTER)
(WHISPERS)
What?
What's going on?
Fuller's killed
a couple of bushrangers.
They're hanging
down at the police station.
Watch the bar, Ruby.
Well-known bushranging scum.
Just happy that I can help
make Hopetoun a safer place,
and you can quote me on that.
(CROWD CHATS AND LAUGHS)
Look at her!
Must be a relief.
Don't tell me you approve of this.
Putting them on show
like sides of beef to be gawked at.
No, I don't.
Fuller wants to send a message.
Have to follow orders.
- Service! I need some service!
- Sorry, Mr Henderson.
Sorry.
I'm afraid all this excitement's
been a bit of a distraction.
Excitement? A distraction?
Is that what you call that?
That vulgar display -
dead men and a woman, bullet-ridden.
I feel ill. I need a drink.
Not water, woman. Rum. Give me a rum.
And another.
The girls have been a big help.
Couldn't have managed this place
without them.
You never thought about moving on,
George?
They'll have to carry me out.
Hey, Frederick.
Yes, George?
I'm glad you
and your mates are here.
It's a pleasure.
Mr Jenkins!
I'm Emilia Fife.
I know who you are.
Your father's a scoundrel.
No Fife is welcome here.
I work for the 'Hopetoun Gazette'.
Catherine Bell told me about
some trouble you've been having.
I was hoping I could maybe
write a story about it.
I think it looks pretty good
in your hair like that. (LAUGHS)
Emilia.
What are you doing here?
We've just been milking the goat.
Milki...! I bet you have.
Forget it, Mr Jenkins!
I'm sorry for wasting your time.
And mine.
- Get out of my way!
- Wait a minute, wait a minute.
You're being silly.
I came here on important
journalistic business.
Instead, I find you here
with that farm girl!
We were just milking.
No, it's not what you're thinking,
whatever it is you're thinking.
We're here so we can
protect this family.
Protecting them?
From the men who are trying
to run them off their land.
That's why I'm here. I'm trying to
find out who's behind it all.
OK, well, I can tell you that.
That's good.
Someone must be paying Frank Butler.
I reckon him and his gang
can do their dirty work for them.
Yeah, I don't see what
difference it makes, Jack.
Not really got anything
to do with us.
He's trying to kill Old George.
Makes sense he helped
kill the Ryans as well.
Oh, you've got to let that one go.
Dead and buried, Jack.
It's been a long time.
The bullet in your side -
that one's healed, hasn't it?
It's not about my revenge.
Well, you're going to have to
enlighten me on this one.
Is it about the truth?
Is that what it's about?
See, the truth is,
is that the Butlers are a bunch
of murderous, thieving bastards.
But they didn't rob the Ryans, Dan.
They're not trying
to rob Old George.
Yeah, but I don't see
what difference it makes!
I mean, Butler could be anywhere.
He could be holed up.
I don't know where he is.
We can't just make him come to us.
You're not just a pretty face, Dan.
Hey, where are you going?
Going to do exactly what you said!
Going to make Frank Butler
come to us.
Oh, I don't like this, Jack.
(GLASS BREAKS, PUNCHES THUD)
(CHEERING, LAUGHTER)
(GUNSHOT)
Got a message for Frank Butler.
You tell him that Jack Keenan
knows all about the killings
on the Old East Road
and that Keenan reckons
he's a gutless coward.
And if Butler wants
to prove otherwise,
he'll be at Corduroy Gap
tomorrow at noon.
How was that?
Nice touch.
HENDERSON: Fill her up, pretty lady.
Maybe you've had enough,
Mr Henderson.
It won't be enough
until I've permanently erased
those disgusting images from my mind.
Just pour the drink, woman.
- Ah, Mr Henderson.
- Oh, God.
Glad to see you enjoying
the hospitality of our fine town.
You've a barbarian, Furf,
and your "fine town" is nothing
but a refuge for savages.
If you think my railway is coming
within 100 miles of this cesspit,
you are stupider than you look.
Oi.
(MUTTERS)
(BURPS)
Give him five minutes
and then send up Ruby.
I don't think he's in
any fit state for that.
Five minutes.
(KNOCK AT DOOR)
Mr Henderson?
(SNORING)
Oh.
Oh, you're so pretty.
Oh.
(KNOCK AT DOOR)
What are you doing in here?
- What's this?
- My new story.
This time, I want my name on it.
I'm your editor, Emilia.
I set the type.
In this office, that makes me God.
Has it got anything new to say?
Only that it names those responsible
for the deaths on the Old East Road.
Alright, you can have your by-line.
The Butler gang?
- You sure about this?
- Yes.
- Where's your proof?
- Eyewitnesses.
George Jenkins.
As well as Jack Keenan's gang.
(LAUGHS) A half-blind old man
and a bunch of bushrangers?
If I print this,
I'll be a laughing stock.
No, it's fact!
What makes you think the newspaper
business is about facts?
Mayor.
The Butler gang are responsible
for the killings.
Oh, not more of this nonsense.
It's the truth!
Well, if it makes you any happier,
I'll have Fuller look into it.
And I'll check
every single fact personally
before I print a word of it.
Where's that photographer fella?
Here you go.
Tomato juice should help.
I put some rum in it.
Rum?
Hair of the dog.
Tried and true remedy.
Mr Henderson.
(GRUNTS)
It's a lovely day outside.
I thought I'd show you my
proposed site for Hopetoun station.
That'd be a waste of time.
I've made my decision.
Given your love
of the photographic arts...
..I thought this
might be of interest to you.
A fascinating addition
to your pictorial history
of life in the colony.
I expect your wife's relatives
would very much like to see THAT.
Ah!
What do you want, Furf?
It's Fife!
And you know very well what I want.
Mr Fife!
Mayor...you can't do this!
- I'd say it's already done.
- It's not right!
- Then why did you help me do it?
- What?! No, I...
Plied him with brandy, sent one of
your girls up to his room...
I didn't know what
you were planning!
Of course you did, because you
don't wanna see this town disappear
when the gold runs out, do you?
Your fine hotel
reclaimed by the bush
and you and Tommy forced to
wander the countryside like gypsies?
Is that the sort of future
you want for your boy?
Because that's exactly what will
happen if we don't get the railway.
So keep your petty scruples
to yourself.
What time do you reckon it is
right now?
- About 10:00, give or take.
- Yeah?
There's this, er, Goulburn mail
carriage that comes in at noon.
Oh, we could hit that, Jack.
We'd have to forget
about the Butlers, though.
You can hit that if you like, Dan.
I'm not forcing you to stay.
(LAUGHS MIRTHLESSLY)
Oh, so what's your big plan, then?
We're just gonna ask Frank really
nicely for a full confession -
tell us who's paying him off?
I figure I put
enough pressure on him,
he'll tell us what we wanna know.
And after he tells us
what we wanna know...?
I shoot him.
Yeah, you're really good at
planning things on the run, Jack.
You know what your problem is, Dan?
Mm-hm?
By the time you've finished
planning stuff out,
I've already finished doing it.
Your problem is you're doing stuff
before I finish planning it out.
(DISTANT GALLOPING)
Listen to that.
It sounds like...
..sounds like Butler's
brought his whole gang with him.
Shh, shh, shh.
(WHISPERS) Fuller's
setting up an ambush.
Oh, jeez.
So it wasn't just Butler
that got the message, then?
What if Fuller and Butler
are working together?
- What do you mean?
- Think about it.
What if it was us that Fuller
was after at Gracie's shack?
And what if he's just here now
to keep us busy?
To give Butler a clear run.
- Clear run?
- At Old George.
(MEN SHOUT)
(HORSES NEIGH)
MAN: Nice shot!
It's only a matter of time, Captain.
We're running out of powder.
Come on, Jack. Where are ya?
(GUNSHOT)
Ya!
Ya! Come on!
Ya!
(GUNSHOT)
Reload!
Right, got it.
(GLASS SHATTERS)
Jeez!
George, get away from the door.
George!
George!
Uncle George! George!
Get down! George, get back here!
Now!
MAN: Take him!
Argh!
- Here. Shut that door!
- Uncle George!
He's hit.
(GASPS)
- Help him, help him.
- You alright?
- Wally, get some bandages!
- Oh, it's OK.
He just nicked me.
Don't fuss. Help the boys.
Mm, good morning, sir.
I trust you slept well.
Mr Henderson.
You know I didn't order that woman.
And when called upon,
you will defend my reputation.
TOMMY: New barrels, Mum.
Oh, just roll it into the store.
There's a good boy.
You know Fife set me up...don't you?
I'm afraid I know
nothing of the sort.
Now, if you'll excuse me,
I have to go pay the cooper.
Then you leave me no other choice.
(GASPS)
(GRUNTS)
Get outta here.
I don't suppose anyone could
organise my coach to Stanley?
You can walk.
Mm-hm.
MAN: Come out, old timer!
(GUNFIRE)
- How many bullets you got left?
- Two.
(GUNFIRE)
We're out.
I've got an old Brown Bess
and a Charleville musket
I keep in the henhouse.
You've got a Charleville musket?
In the henhouse?
I keep 'em loaded.
Here, take this.
I'm going for the guns.
- No, I'll go, I'll go.
- I'll go! I can run faster.
Let me do this.
Be careful, lad.
MAN: There's one!
Argh! Oh!
Over there by the sheds! Shoot him!
(BOTH GRUNT)
Where ya goin'?
MAN: Ya!
We can take 'em!
(CLICK! CLICK!)
(CHUCKLES)
Butler...
..you mongrel!
(GUNFIRE)
(GROANS)
Go on. Gee up!
(GROANS)
Get on, get on!
EMILIA: George! No, no!
(SOBS) No! No! Uncle George!
No!
(ALL SHOUT AND SOB)
(DINGO HOWLS)
Mr Harris!
I've rewritten the story, sir.
There's been a further development.
Doesn't matter.
I'm closing the paper.
What? Why?
There are dark forces at work.
You don't understand.
I might have given in to them
temporarily,
but I will return,
I assure you of that.
W-where are you going?
I'm going to Sydney
to follow up a lead.
What lead?
I can't tell you what it is
at the moment.
But your theories
have given me a hunch.
And if they prove to be correct,
it'll make a very exciting story.
(HORSE NEIGHS)
Gee up!
MAC: 'Night, Mary.
'Night, Mac.
Slow night.
Not much point staying open.
I can take a hint.
'Night, Mary.
Mick...thanks for today.
Seems lately you're always bailing
me out of some scrape or another.
What happened today with that
railway fella - it's not your fault.
You didn't have any choice.
Goodnight.
Mick...
..do you have to go?
I thought you wanted to close up.
I do.
I had a clear shot
at Frank Butler today.
My gun jammed.
Don't be too hard on yourself, lad.
Sometimes things
happen for a reason.
Really?
What was the reason for the Ryans
getting murdered, Conrad?
Or the reason for Old George
taking a bullet in the chest,
defending his property?
- What was the reason behind that?
- Oh, Jack...
Jack...
..kid didn't mean it like that.
Yeah, come on, Jack. You know that.
That bullet was meant for me,
anyway.
Yeah, well...don't you
worry about Frank Butler.
He's going to get his.
And so is Fuller
if he's in league with them.
Hey.
(CHUCKLES) I reckon
it's about that time.
Where are you mutton-heads
going this time of night?
Well, after a big day, Cap,
I don't know about you,
but, you know, it's nice to have
a little bit of entertainment.
(LAUGHS) You taking him
to a brothel?
I'm taking him
to better than a brothel.
Be careful.
(CHUCKLES)
Come on, mate.
Look after him.
Mind if I camp out here tonight, Cap?
No.
No, no, you're welcome here, Jack.
Goodnight.
Sleep well. (GRUNTS)
All you've gotta do is just stand
there and look menacing, alright?
But if anyone does anything...
..you better draw first.
I-I'm not that quick on the draw.
Oh, alright.
- Show me.
- What?
- Your draw. Go on, show me.
- I'm not gonna draw.
I look like an idiot!
One, two, three...
You're fine.
A big strapping lad like you's
got nothing to worry about anyway.
(CHATTER, LAUGHTER)
Hey, fellas. Mind if I join?
(MEN MURMUR ASSENT)
Raid! It's a raid!
- Dan, what do we do?
- Go, go, go!
Run, run, run!
(GLASS SMASHES)