Original subtitles

Michael!

You'll be late for work again, Michael.

I was looking out for Dad.

No movement this side of the crossing.

Oh, roads are bad this time of year and don't make for a fast journey.

Now, you hurry yourself along.

Galaxy siren's long gone

and Mr Aitkens has a demand for punctuality.

I won't be comin' home for dinner.

'Coming'! Always sound your 'G's.

Yes, Mum.

Hey, Dave!

Whoa there! Whoa!

Got some customers this morning.

Alright, where are you going? Fishing? Alright, put it in there.

Whoa there, son! Whoa!

Right, lads — shankses pony from here on.

Oi, I expect two plump little fishies for me trouble.

If we're lucky. You'll be lucky.

Still think Betty would if I asked her.

She might if your voice broke.

Jeez, there's Sergeant Quilty.

Hope he doesn't dob us in.

Nah. Dad says he's a friend of the working class.

G'day, young Doolan!

Passed your dad about a mile down the track.

Thanks for letting me know, Mr Quilty.

He'll be at the crossing directly. He has a big load up.

Very charitable of Mr Aitkens to give you the day off!

You off? Yep.

Dad's coming home.

Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey! Easy! Get in, Tiger!

Oh, go, you beauties!

Get up there! Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey!

Get in there! Yeah!

Get in there, boys! Hey!

Get up! Get up, Tiger!

Come on there, get in!

Whoa, Tiger! Whoa there!

Whoa, Tiger.

Get up, Tiger! Get up there!

Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey!

In there. In there, Tiger!

Oh, go, you beauties!

Get up there!

Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey!

Get in there! Hey, hey, hey!

Get in there, boys.

Get up! Get up, Tiger!

Hey, hey, hey! Get up there.

Hey! Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey!

Hey, hey, hey!

Get up, Tiger!

Oh! Go, you beauties!

Get up there. Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey!

Get in there! Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey!

Get up! Get up, Tiger!

Hey, hey, hey, hey!

Hey, get up there!

Get up there! Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, Tiger!

Get up! Get up there!

Get it running! Keep it moving!

Keep 'em moving!

Hey, hey, hey, hey!

Hey, Tiger!

You not working today, men?

Is the mine closed?

The fish are biting, Mr Doolan.

Yeah. What is it, Michael?

Trouble with the boss?

Yeah. Aitkens and I aren't hitting it off too good.

I thought as much. Never could abide bosses meself.

Still, there's no cause for alarm until the axe falls, Michael.

And even if the worst should happen,

just remember that us Doolans is no stranger to the sack.

We've been sacked by better men and bigger bastards

than your Mr Aitkens,

and we're still around like bad smells on a quiet night.

Though it might be best not to mention it to your mother.

She tends to worry about such matters.

Hey there, get over!

Ah! Paddy!

And there's me girl come to meet me! Paddy!

Ha-hal! Paddy!

Gracious me! What will people think?

Tossing me about.

Here, Tiger!

Paddy! Hello, Mother.

Here. Take the old bonny her tobacco.

Oh, no! Michael!

Alright, I'll go,

but I wish she wouldn't spit all over me when she's talking.

Hello, Kit Cameron.

Come on, Tiger. Steady. Steady.

Come on, boys. Get them bags down.

Ah, been a rough trip, Jen.

Dust! Huh! I've yet to see worse dust.

Road's as dry as a lime burner's armpit.

Got my salt, buddy?

Yes, I have, Rob, and more as well.

I'll take what I can.

Hey, come on, Michael.

I hear Will's no longer working with you, Paddy.

That's right, Rob.

He's taken up the stockwork with Clark at Timbooran.

So you have a new offsider?

Michael? He's at the Galaxy mine.

The Galaxy?

Do you like it? It's not bad, Mr Dalgleish.

Surprised to hear it.

You're a horseman like your father, not a bloody mole.

Right.

I'm looking for a lad his age.

He's a good job at the Galaxy mine, Mr Dalgleish — an apprenticeship.

Well, if he should leave, I'll give him a job. He'll get good training.

He'll be staying at the mine, Mr Dalgleish.

I'm keen to see him in a trade.

Well, if you should change your mind, remember my offer.

Watch the dust, Paddy. Oh, thanks, Rob.

OK, get the tarp back.

Paddy, you should tell Mr Dalgleish to mind his own affairs.

I wouldn't want to work for him, anyway.

Jenny, girl, I got something for you.

I thought you'd like to make yourself something pretty for the dance.

Oh, it's lovely, Paddy. Really lovely!

I'll be the belle of the ball. Thank you.

Now, here's a small thing for you, Michael.

Now, you can blow your hardest, but not too much spit, mind.

It knocks out the works. Here, that's the way.

Paddy?

Paddy...

Will's home. He is?

Just for the night. Oh...

He's happy, Paddy.

And he's grown so brown and healthy.

He never spoke about coming in with me?

No.

There's naught to be said, then, is there?

God love me. This is a dry old argument.

And me with a throat that dry me tonsils are seized!

Come on, boys.

I'll shout you both a sars at Mrs Allen's

once we get this thing unloaded.

Up you go. Don't be late home, then, Paddy.

And don't go filling these boys' heads with your wild tales.

I seen this fella in Normanton drink a bottle of rum for a bet,

go out on the boardwalk and die.

You're having us!

Now, why should that be?

I've been almost half dead meself after a lot less than that.

Blow me! It's young Eric.

That's Eric Haywood. Remember Eric?

Just come back from the war.

Eric Haywood? You know — Tom's son.

The age of speed, they calls it.

Speed enough in a horse for me.

Hey!

Hey, young Mick, how are you? Good. How are you?

What is that? That is a clankster.

Eric, come in for a drink. Come on. A drink?

Yeah, why not? A drink first and a drive next.

You look absolutely fantastic!

What — are you going to church?

Hello, Mr Doolan. Good day to you, Eric.

Dad sends his best.

He's not coming back, then. No, they can't do anything for him.

Poor old Tom.

So, you sold the team.

Yeah.

Hey, Eric? Yeah?

How about a spin?

Yeah, alright.

So long, Mr Doolan.

Alright, where are we going? The weir.

Fair go! You'll snap me axle.

The weir? Yeah!

Tiger, steady!

Alright, the weir!

Where are we going? The weir!

Right!

Coming home now, Dad?

In a little while, Michael. You go on home.

You won't be long?

Just wet me whistle, that's all.

I'll unharness the horses.

No, you go on home like I told you.

Aye, he's still a marshall in Croydon,

but he didn't mind his P's and Q's.

Come on, Tiger. Get up. Come on.

Up, Biddy!

Michael!

Goodnight, me beauties.

I'm ready to dish up, Michael. Will your father be long?

He's having a drink. Just a quick one, he said.

Then you better fill the tub. He won't want a bath.

There's no use kidding yourself, Mum. You know he'll be full.

Will, I won't have that kind of talk. He told Michael he wouldn't be long.

Do you want me to go get him? No.

Don't do that. He'll not like it.

He's talking, most likely.

You know how he talks on.

I'll fill the tub.

Eric Haywood's back, driving a lorry.

That Eric always was a go-ahead lad.

Does Dad know? Course.

Now, here's Paddy.

You see, Will? You mustn't always be thinking the worst of your father.

Jenny, girl! Paddy!

Hello, boys! Will! Good to see you. Ha!

Oh, Michael, Michael!

I thought for a minute there some rogue had pinched me team,

until I realised.

You're a good lad, Michael.

The poor bloody horses will thank you instead of me

for seeing they had a drink.

Michael was saying Eric's back.

Oh, yes. He's back.

Opening up a motor garage in the main street,

they were saying in the pub, and trying for the mail contract.

Is that all?

I expect he'll want to do a bit of carrying on the side,

make ends meet.

I'll ask you again, Will. Come in with me.

What wages are you thinking of paying?

You know I can't pay wages.

You can't expect the boy to work without wages, Paddy.

He's earning good money with Mr Clark.

Am I talking about wages?

I'm talking about a partnership!

Profits! He'll share the profits.

Now, listen to me, Will.

I'll get one of them artist fellas to paint on the side of the wagon,

all fancy-like in gold lettering, 'Doolan and Son'.

You'll share everything, Will, boy.

You'll earn far more than you'll get in wages

working for that toffee-nose Clark.

There'll be no profits, Dad. No profits?

For Christ's sake, listen to me. No, listen to me for a change.

Eric's no fool. He knows the future's in motors.

Ah, that's silly talk. I was only telling a fella...

There you go. Always telling, never listening.

Supposing the boy's right, Paddy. No!

There's no reason why you couldn't buy a lorry.

It'd be fair competition then.

I'm not frightened of competition.

You could learn to drive a lorry, Dad.

What — sell the team it's taken me a lifetime to build up?

Oh, no. No, I'll stick to what I'm good at.

It doesn't hurt to move with the times, Dad.

At least think about it.

We could have the electricity now.

Everyone says it's a wonder.

Electricity? Bad for the eyes and bloody dangerous too, I warrant.

Look at Barty Long. Burnt his house down.

He was smoking in bed.

With the electric light on!

Electricity! Rubbish.

He's just pig-headed. Say that again!

You heard.

I'd bust another man wide open for saying that!

If you won't see reason, Eric will run you off the road,

and if that don't concern you, think of Mum.

You've no cause reminding me of my responsibilities!

She's mine too! Even more so if you're put off the road.

By Christ, I'll make you...

Easy on, Paddy. You're a bit hot-headed.

Now, apologise to your father, Will, or leave the room.

I'll be off. And glad to go too!

Yeah, get out of it!

He's getting too big for his boots.

Good thrashing wouldn't hurt him.

He's too old for that, Paddy.

Yeah.

I'd hate to ever see Paddy Doolan humbled.

No.

Ah, it's a strange world, Jen.

Back home in Ireland, a man with just a donkey would be wealthy.

A man with horses like them would be a king.

I only know horses.

There's other work.

I've no schooling.

Still, I've got me wind and a strong back and the best little wife in all the world.

That's my fortune.

Come on, let's eat.

Good morning, me boy. Good morning.

And what have we got there?

It's a pie for Granny.

Where is she?

I think you'll find her round the side.

That's where she'll be, round the side.

Well, you're a rotten old devil.

Oh, the old dear. Oh.

We had such a time.

There's no shock in denial, but...

Oh, 'tis me darlin' little Michael come to see his old granny,

and me thinking it was your old bastard of a grandfather.

What are you doing with those stones?

Stones? Oh, stones. Oh, stones, is it?

I was thinking it was the eggs I was gathering.

Oh, 'tis a dotty old woman I'm becoming, Michael.

Yes, a dotty for sure.

But come on in, me boy. Don't worry about it.

I want to show you something. Not now, Granny.

I've gotta go to work. Oh, for sure, for sure.

But it's just one little minute I'll be keeping you. Just one.

I tell you what, you'll have me sacked.

Here it is, me boy.

Oh, wait a minute.

Cloth for me shroud.

But surely you're not thinking of perishing, Granny?

Oh, but I will be, Michael, one day soon.

A wonder it is I've not been laid of a grave long ago,

the way your bloody old grandfather has always gone at me.

Here, you take it. You take it home to Jenny.

She'll be making it, yes. You take it.

Come on, darlin', take it home.

Take it. Take it, dear.

That's a good boy.

Now, Jenny will make it high at the neck, I'll be having it,

and gathered full, like.

I want me old bones to lie comfortable.

Hang onto him, son. That's it.

Too good for you, Will. I'll ride him again.

Are you hurt? Only me wrist.

Thank God it ain't broken.

So you were riding one of the young horses?

It was the brown colt that threw me but he won't get a second chance.

You young chaps are all the same.

Full of skites.

I'm sure he's not skiting.

I'm terrified of horses.

You'll never make a bush woman, my dear.

You should rest that arm, Will.

Just there.

Soak your wrist in the water a moment.

My husband tells me you're missing the race meeting, Will.

Ah, yes, Mrs Clark.

But our horses are racing.

I'm not a betting man, Mrs Clark.

Then there's the dance.

Haven't you a girl?

Fact is I'm not hitting it off too well with my old man at present.

Oh, surely it's not too serious.

He'd skin me if I gave him half a chance.

Oh, dear.

Well, let's have a look at that wrist.

You may go now, Bo-Bo.

She's a pretty child, don't you think?

Yes, Mrs Clark.

It's rare to find beauty out here.

Mum says that. Though she's talking about town.

The town certainly is a ghastly place.

I should hate to live there.

I'm terribly sorry. That was quite tactless of me.

It's true enough.

Mum would leave if she could.

She'd like it out here with a garden and everything.

She's always liked fine things.

You make me feel quite ashamed.

I didn't mean to! No, please.

I know I should be more content.

I suppose it takes a while to get used to the bush.

I mean, there's not much doing in these parts

except for the races and the odd dance.

My husband doesn't dance.

There'd be plenty of fellas who'd...

Thank you, but my husband prefers to go straight home after the races.

That's a shame.

Well, it's a man's world in the bush.

There's nothing here for a woman except submission.

My only purpose is to produce heirs for all this.

Sometimes I feel just like another of his broodmares.

You must think me very spoilt and silly.

No, Mrs Clark.

I guess things will pick up.

I hope so.

I better be getting along.

Yes. You should lie down and rest till the pain eases.

I will. Thanks, Mrs Clark.

The missus asked me to bring you smoko.

Thanks. Put it there.

Are you taking it off?

Too bloody tight.

That better now, Will?

Yeah. Thanks.

I've gotta go now.

And thanks for the tea.

Are they providing you with room service now?

She's a real good-looker.

She's class. It's something most of 'em don't have.

Fancy her in your swag, Will?

Of course not.

Oh, come on.

Well...

Think yourself a bit of a lover, then?

I can take it or leave it.

I reckon you'd be a hit of a sheikh in town, eh?

Had lots of women, Will? Oh, lay off, Sam.

I just want to hear if the boy's as good with women

as he reckons he is with horses.

I can hold me own.

Had a bit of trouble with that colt this morning.

A horse like that should be easy for an experienced man.

Come on, you blokes.

You shouldn't have taken the bait.

Why has he turned snaky on me all of a sudden?

Can't you see? The silly coot's sweet on that Bo-Bo.

Gets a bit stroppy if she looks at anyone else.

Too bad.

Boss tells me you're not going in for the races.

That's right. What's the reason?

Have you fallen in love with this place?

Or is it your old man you're scared of?

I'm not scared of him.

You're fighting with him, from what I hear.

Don't be too critical, boy.

Paddy's alright.

Drinks a bit, I grant you.

But don't judge him too harsh, Will.

Come on, let's go to work.

I'll get my hat.

Hello.

Hey, what do you say to a sars, huh?

Nice day, Quartpot. Not bad, Paddy.

Hey, that's a fine whip. It is.

I might be looking for just such a whip.

Let me know if you ever want to sell it.

Fine whips ain't cheap.

Ah, no. But what sort of price would you put on it?

Just for argument's sake, like?

She ought to bring a quid, I reckon.

A quid, eh?

But seeing it's you, Paddy, you can have it for 15 bob.

Oh, no, no. A quid seems fair.

Thanks very much. A quid!

God bless you, Paddy.

Poor old devil.

Used to be the best saddler in town until the grog got him.

A quiet day, Kevin. It is, Paddy.

Though the heat and the drink flowing,

I can't promise it will stay so.

Oh, well, that's life. True enough.

That's a fine whip.

Yes, I'm fixing young Will up with a decent whip.

He's taken up the stockwork, you know.

Hmm, so I've heard. Hey, Paddy, you seen that man before?

No.

Looking for someone?

No.

Come far? Yes.

Would you be staying or passing through?

I'll stay a couple of days.

Care to step inside for a drink, then?

I, ah... l don't drink. Thanks all the same.

Fine horses. Yes.

Thoroughbreds, I'd be thinking.

Yes.

He don't drink, he don't talk,

and he's on the best-looking piece of horseflesh

seen in town this side of Christmas.

And with a race meeting coming up.

Very naughty.

Don't go near the horses.

I won't frighten them.

You going to enter the Cup?

Oh, I might. The gelding's got pace.

You want someone to ridework?

Who? You?

I'm good with horses.

God, I'd be crazy.

I only bloody asked.

Had breakfast?

No.

Here. It's fresh.

Real meat.

Can't stomach salt beef.

It makes me retch.

Race you to the fence, mister!

No racing!

I said you could exercise the mare and I meant it.

And stop calling me 'mister'. My name's Chad.

Righto... Chad.

16 to 1 for Pedro. 10 to 1, Honey Breeze.

I've got 7 to 4, Barrow.

J Pack up your troubles in your old kit bag

♪ And smile, smile, smile

♪ While there's a lucifer to light your fag

♪ Smile, boys, that's the style

& What's the use of worrying? It never was worthwhile

♪ So pack up your troubles in your old kit bag

♪ And smile, smile, smile. ♪

& It's a long way to Tipperary

♪ It's a long way to go

♪ It's a long way to Tipperary

♪ To the sweetest girl I know... ♪

I wouldn't mind that ride you've got in the last.

No, no.

Michael's enjoying riding for you, Mr Logan.

I'm glad to have him. He's a fine horseman.

Not from these parts? No.

You're a professional racing gentleman, then, are you, Mr Logan?

No.

I'm a thief, Mrs Doolan.

I beg your pardon?

I'm a thief.

Horses, cattle — you name it, I've stolen it.

But don't let it prevent you from backing these beauties.

Good day to you.

What did he say?

That he's a bloody horse thief, ya deaf old buzzard.

Good on him! I've known a few in me time.

Ain't a plan devised a smart man can't change.

I beg yours, Mr Doolan?

Oh, pay no attention, Kevin.

The old man's rambling something awful. It's the heat.

Here, Mother, take the old fella down the pub.

Buy him a round. Keep him in the shade.

Alright, dear. Come on.

Hey, could I interest you in a lager?

Aye, you could, Paddy. Alright, come on.

I Paddy!

Michael shouldn't be associating with such a man.

Oh, steady on, Jen.

Where am I gonna get all me good tips without a son in the game?

Righto, Kevin.

Here, put this on Highlight for me.

Right.

..on the big race. There you are. £5 to £1, Handler Jim.

Bob! Bob! £10 to £5, Yankee Night.

Bob! Bob! £30to £101it is.

Bob! Winning form. Yes?

What'll you give me on Highlight?

I'll bet you 2-1, Highlight. Oh, give us three.

Alright, just as a favour. I'll bet you £30 to £10, Highlight.

Dad, mind this. Alright.

Michael, come here.

Give us the good oil now.

I like the look of Logan's horses but what's their chances?

I don't know. But I'd back Highlight in the second.

He's a chance. Good luck.

Ladies. Hello, Eric.

Mr Haywood. Mr Doolan.

Eric.

Hey, Billy, two more of the same here, please.

Come on, Paddy. We've got to put some money on.

Plenty of time.

Don't you want to see your boy ride the winner?

Oh, yeah.

Go! They're off!

Come on, me boy!

Come on, me son! Come on, Michael.

Ride him up, boy! That's it, Michael!

Good on you, son. Good on you.

Well ridden, Michael. You showed them the way.

Thanks.

That big gelding... What's his name? Pharaoh?

He's in the Cup, ain't he? Yeah.

What are his chances? Oh, I'm not sure.

Don't give me that. You must know! I don't!

Yeah!

Steady, Pharaoh.

Do you want me to put a bet on for you, Chad?

I think I'll stick to my 30 quid. Pharaoh's a bit nervous today.

Whoa there, boy. He might settle down, eh?

We won't bet on it.

Bob, now, what price are you giving me Pharaoh?

6-4, Pharaoh. 30 quid.

£45 pounds to £30, Pharaoh. You've got it.

Thank you. Thank you.

Hold it! Hold it! Whoa!

Horse is a little bit toey, that's all. It's part thoroughbred.

GO!

Did you see that?

The scoundrel pulled it!

Oh, that thieving rogue!

Hush, Paddy. I'm sure it was an accident.

Accident be damned! I had 30 quid on that horse.

Well, there are other races.

No, no, no, no, no. I'm done with gambling forever, Jenny, girl.

I'm a stranger to luck.

Oh, by Christ, there's no luck about that.

That was villainy!

I was told that horse was a certainty by that treacherous Michael.

Where the hell is he? God, I'm the father of a tout!

Paddy, don't let it spoil the day. No, no. No, I won't, Jenny.

I'll run along and have one little drink just the same.

The bar's a friendly place and a drink don't cheat.

G'day, young Doolan.

Interested in motor cars?

Just looking.

Climb up, if you like.

I wouldn't mind driving a lorry.

Yeah? I'll give you a lesson sometime.

No, thanks. Dad would kick me to death.

Yeah, your dad.

You know, I haven't had a chance to talk to your father.

Which is a pity, seeing as we're in the same business.

Will says you'll put his team off the road.

Oh, for Christ's sake! The amount of carrying I do won't hurt.

I'll talk to him.

I wouldn't just now.

How about a drink? They have soft stuff.

Alright. A sars, then.

& Mary, Mary

♪ Plain as any name can be... ♪

Cheers. Thanks.

That's brewed from goat's piss, mate.

Try a real drink.

Ah, there's my son.

Fine bloody company he keeps, my son — horse thieves and cheats.

Let me buy you a drink, Mr Doolan.

And upstarts.

Upstarts with bloody lorries

pushing in where they're not bloody well wanted.

I want to talk to you about that.

Oh, well, that's different, my son.

They tell me that you're going to run me off the road.

That's not true, Mr Doolan.

Your dad and I were old mates, Eric.

I looked after you when you were a little boy

and you're going to run me off the road.

Whatever you say, Mr Doolan. Don't walk away!

Ohl

Am I being offered violence?

Don't try anything, Mr Doolan.

I'm no longer a kid.

Well, in that case, I'll let you take the first swing.

I'm getting a little too old for all this preliminary sparring about.

Go on, mate. Bounce one off his crust.

Dad. Keep out of this.

Dad! Get out of it!

Go on. Go on. Go on. Don't wait.

Go on, Eric.

Beauty!

It's on!

It's a fight!

Oh, look here! Mind now, would you?!

There's a blue in the bar!

You stay right out of it!

Keep it going, Paddy. You're killing him.

Mr Quilty! Mr Quilty, tell them to stop!

My man's in there.

Ah, Mrs Doolan, they'll stop when they run out of wind.

There's no use me risking me neck, now, is there?

Nobody gets hurt in a drunken brawl.

Eric Haywood's not drunk.

Come on. Give us a hand with the horses. Come on.

Ahh!

Mr Doolan! Mr Doolan, let's get out of here.

Someone's liable to get hurt.

Looks a good place to get a smashed nose.

Just a few drunks working off their bad feeling.

That's what I'm gonna be, eh?

How do you work that out?

You're laughing at me. No.

Many a top man started from nothing.

And there's a start for you.

Thanks.

I wouldn't mind coming with you, Chad.

What? After telling me what a big shot you're going to be?

No, you stick to your trade, mate.

Taking up with strays like me will get you nowhere.

So long.

And always listen to advice.

Even though you don't take it, always listen.

Ah, Jenny! Ah, God.

To think I let young Eric have the first swing.

I must be getting soft in the head.

Easy!

He's got a punch like the kick of a bloody mule.

He only wanted to be friendly.

Friendly?

Something in my stomach feels it will never be the same again.

Friendly, is it? Yes.

There. That should do you.

Right. Where's me suit?

Oh, jeez!

Where do you think you're going?

Dancing. With you, Jenny, girl.

You're going nowhere except bed.

Oh, come on, Jen. It's the race-meeting ball.

I'm fit enough to dance the whole night away.

Ahh! Oh.

Oh, Jenny, I'm sorry.

My brawling's cost you the dance.

It certainly has that.

Willl

What do you want?

What are you doing here?

The missus sent you these.

Tell her thanks.

You having a nice talk to Patsy?

Talk to a cat? I'm not that bad.

Bo-Bo? Yes, Will?

Stay with me?

Not now. The missus will know.

When? Later.

Later tonight, Will.

That's a damn queer thing.

Stampers have stopped.

That's the fire bell!

Hey! Hey!

Hey!

There's been a fall at the Galaxy. Michael!

This way, fellas!

He's gone.

Oh! Oh!

Oh! Jen! Jen! Jen!

Ohl

Michael!

Was anyone killed?

Four so far, Paddy.

Jack Trembath was one of them.

Another was a dago. Joe someone.

I don't know.

Poor Annie Trembath.

She's only a child.

Go and see if there's anything you can do for her.

Annie!

Could you get a stretcher?

Tell him to look at this one first. Alright.

Dr Moon, hurry!

No, no. Easy, easy.

Look out, missus!

Oh, is it true? Is it true what your old man's been telling me?

That 20 souls have been lost in the mines?

Not 20, Mother. Four.

Four, is it?

And him telling me 20.

Oh, the lying old bastard!

Oh, Father! Oh, forgive me. I'm so sorry, Father.

It's not natural.

I'm that used to the noise of the stampers.

It seems like the end of the world.

& The upper class will rue the day

♪ They took the workers rights away

♪ Though traitors shrink and cowards sneer

& We'll keep the red flag flying here

& We'll raise the scarlet standard high

♪ Within its shade we'll live or die

♪ Though traitors shrink and cowards sneer

♪ We'll keep the red flag flying here... ♪

We've been sacked!

But you're an apprentice.

It doesn't matter. The mine's closed.

She weren't paying. The fall was all they needed to close her.

Where are you off to? The men are meeting at the pub.

You stay right here. You're too young to be going to meetings of that sort.

Hell, Mum. I'm a union man.

We workers stand united, Mum.

I was sacked in "98.

For what, I can't remember.

It will be the end of the town, Paddy.

And hard for us.

Now, there'll still be pickings with the change, Jenny.

The pub won't shut and there's stores for the stations.

Although, I grant you, I may travel a bit light now and then.

Mary! It's way past teatime!

And me gob's gone dry.

For the sake of peace, I'll get it.

Impatient old devil.

It's alright, Dad.

Jenny will get your tea.

Now, would you like a fill of tobacco?

Paddy! Come here!

What is it?

Go to her, Paddy. Quickly.

Oh, God.

Shoo! Shoo! Shoo!

Get out of here!

It seems fitting somehow.

Now the heart's gone from the town, it's as if she wanted no part of it.

No...

More likely had too much of a good thing at the wake.

Mary!

By Jesus, you never looked better in your bloody life.

Going to town, Will?

That's right.

Expect to be away long? No.

Running out on your responsibilities, are you, Will?

They accepted my favours, my kindness,

and then behind my back they behave like animals.

You can't prevent it.

This is a brutish country.

You're letting it become an obsession.

They have to go.

The lad's a good stockman.

Sack the girl, if you must.

I thought you liked it out there.

A man can change his mind, can't he?

How do you know you'll get a job with Mr Dalgleish?

Work's not easy to find now.

You didn't come in because of Sam Brookes.

There's something else, isn't there?

I told you. I had an argument.

I don't know what your father will say.

Things aren't so good here now

with the old man and the house and Paddy finding it harder to get work.

It was a comfort to have you in a good place, Will.

Don't fret, Mum.

I'll find another job.

I don't know.

I wish you'd tell me what the trouble is.

Have you been sacked, William?

No, I haven't been sacked.

Ah, it's a holiday you're taking for the sake of your health, is it now?

What are you doing home? None of your business.

Oh, so it's you they're talking about.

What do you mean?

Very naughty.

Go to hell.

Excuse me, Mr Dalgleish.

Mr Dalgleish. What is it?

If you've got a minute, I'd like to speak to you.

Speak away.

Could you give me a job? I've all the men I need.

I've had experience at Timbooran.

Oh? Then why did you leave?

That's my business.

It'd be mine if I employed you.

Look, I'm sorry I spoke out of turn, Mr Dalgleish.

It's got nothing to do with work.

You can speak to Mr Clark.

Look, Will...

..you're set in your ways.

I need a young lad I can teach my way.

I'm sorry to have taken up your time, Mr Dalgleish.

Will!

That young brother of yours has been laid off, hasn't he?

That's right. I'd give him a job.

I don't think Mum will agree.

You see, she has her own ideas for Michael.

So have I.

G'day, Will. G'day.

Wanting something? Nah.

Just looking.

What are you doing?

Giving her some oil.

You interested in motors? No.

Don't know nothing about them.

Listen, I'm taking a run out to the smiths.

You doing anything? No.

Come along, then.

How are things going? Oh, I can't growl.

Plenty of work around.

The fact is I could do with another man.

Trouble is I can't find anyone to come in with me.

People are slow to accept change, you know.

Yeah, I know.

Ever driven a car?

Christ, no. Haven't been in one before.

Want to give it a go?

Oh, come on.

I'd run it up a tree or something.

No, you wouldn't.

Not if you went slow.

Yeah. Alright. Good.

Not bad.

I could pick it up.

You still at Timbooran?

Yeah.

They have a nice car. Hudson 6.

In town this morning.

Brought in a dark girl that tried to do herself in.

They say who?

Nope.

Had enough?

I have a crook hand.

Needs opening.

Does it pain? Not much.

Aren't you the Doolan boy?

That's me. Will.

You work on Timbooran, don't you? That's right.

They brought someone in from Timbooran today, didn't they?

Yes. A black girl.

Is she alright?

She's dead. Poor child.

Oh, here. Put your head between your knees.

You must be very sensitive to pain?

Are you better now?

Yes. Thank you.

How did she die?

You knew her?

I'd seen her around.

She miscarried...

..and died of a haemorrhage.

You'll have to speak with him, Paddy.

He'll be too embarrassed to talk to me about it.

He won't listen to me.

You know what things are like between us.

Please try.

You're his father too.

I didn't think you'd wear it so hard, Will.

How did you know?

Hmm. Small town.

Jesus.

Well, you'll hear nothing from your mother or me.

You thinking about clearing out?

I don't know.

Well, don't.

Running away never made anything easier.

I'll get a job out of town.

Mightn't be easy.

People can be harsh judges.

You can still come in with me.

You're just using this mess I'm in to make me join you.

No. Well, I won't, Dad.

I'm gonna make something of myself

and to hell with everyone!

You see?

Now, what did I say wrong?

Oh, Paddy.

Ah. Ah...

God strike me down for being such a fool.

I know you always mean the best.

It's just...

Yeah.

Anybody there?

Hey.

You said you needed another man.

Yeah, that's right.

Well?

How do I do?

Pad.

Pad.

Pad.

Pad!

Come on.

G'day, Paddy.

You wouldn't have the price of a rum, would ya?

Yes, I would.

Enough for a bloody bottle.

Bad enough having to travel at night half the time.

My own bloody son's conspiring against me!

The boy's got to work.

He could've worked with me!

Bloody Judas. Ingrate.

It's what I might have expected of ya —

going over to the other camp, bitin' the hand that fed ya!

Well, you'll not live here!

So, get, you lily-livered mongrel, before I lose my temper.

I'm drunk, Michael.

I'm full as bloody Chloe.

Oh, so it's to be a dry argument, is it?

You're a good lad, Michael.

Better than that mongrel brother of yours — Will.

I'd call him a bastard if it weren't an insult to your mother

but that's what he is.

I never thought to breed a thing like that.

It's your fault for leaving Timbooran.

Things were bad before that.

It's over that black girl, eh?

Who told you that? It's all around town.

Well, you heard wrong.

You should have stayed at Timbooran.

Young Michael's the one! He wouldn't let me down!

It's alright.

There you go again, sticking up for a young lout.

It wouldn't do him harm...

Should have stayed at Timbooran.

You'd better not. Remember Eric Haywood.

Shut your gob, woman, or I'll knock you down!

You mongrel.

Paddy, no!

Do something, Michael!

Paddy, no! Paddy, no!

Oh, God!

Michael, stop them!

Get up. Get up!

Ohl

Michael... Paddy, don't!

Michael, me boy.

It's me, Dad.

And if it's a fight you want, then I'm ready.

I've got no fight with you, Michael.

I never thought I'd ever see this, Paddy.

You know how it is with me, Jen, when me temper gets out of bounds.

That was bloody silly of you to set on me like that, Will.

And me with me temper up and drink in me.

But you've got more guts than I thought, all the same.

Jenny...

Jenny, girl.

Let him go, Michael.

What are you doing, Dad?

You can see what I'm doing.

And why the hell aren't you in bed?

I was looking out for you. Oh.

Your mother sent you. No, she didn't.

I wanted to find you.

You did?

Well, I'm alright.

No need to worry about an old sod like me.

Where are you going?

I'm off to the coast.

I'm taking the horses to sell.

Here, you're cold.

Get inside to bed, for God's sake.

I never thought you'd sell the team.

Well...

I'll come with you.

No, I can't take you, Michael.

But we'll get together one of these days.

You're coming back.

I don't know.

There's nothing to come back for.

Hey, hey, hey.

I pinched it off you.

I had it in mind to take it with me but you found me out, Michael.

You take it. No, no, no.

I gave it to you, it's your present.

Bought it from Croydon.

Same time you bought the material for Mum.

Yes, so I did.

Please, Dad.

Well, alright.

Just for old time's sake.

Well, I'd better be off.

The moon's a kinder travelling companion than the sun.

Take care of your mother for me.

Don't forget now.

I'll watch you go.

Here over! Hup!

Young Doolan. Kenny.

Mr Dalgleish.

Any news of your father?

He's still on the coast.

That so?

What's he doing for a living now that he's sold the team?

He's putting together a droving plan.

I'm going with him.

That's a pity.

I was about to offer you a job.

Jeez, I've got a big mouth.

Well, I'm not proud.

Mr Dalgleish!

Morning, Mrs Dalgleish.

Morning, Michael.

Get those hands out of your pockets.

No-one who works for me mooches around without their bloody mitts.

Get me? I get you, Mr Dalgleish.

And no-one gives me lip.

Now, have a mug of tea if you want it, then get the cows in.

I'm no bloody rouseabout.

Mr Dalgleish.

You said you'd teach me stockwork.

You never said anything about having to chop wood and milk cows.

It isn't fair, Mr Dalgleish.

I didn't come here for that.

Let me out with the other men.

I'm not gonna stay cooped up around this house.

You're as full of wind as a bloody balloon.

I employed you and you'll do as I say.

Let me out with the other men, then.

I can ride a rough horse. Maybe you can.

But you'll do as I say and that's the end of it.

Have I to chop wood and milk cows every day?

You have.

Come here.

Get that bloody surly look off your face.

Now, get this into your nugget.

If my son had lived, I'd train him the same way as I'm training you.

No different.

I liked your face and I think you'll amount to something.

But you've got one hell of a swelled head.

Just take it easy and we'll get along.

Right, Mr Dalgleish.

Uh, look, I'm sending some horses down to the coast for the sale.

The drover's gonna need a hand to round them up.

Think you can handle that? Yeah.

Alright. Come and meet the drover.

Chad!

Michael!

You said you'd not been this way before, Mr Logan.

Not to this holding, Mr Dalgleish.

You do have references, Mr Logan? Of course.

Chad used to work for Dad buying and selling heavy horses.

Yes.

I saw your dad on the coast a few weeks back.

You did? Whereabouts?

In the pub.

Did you speak to him? Oh, just a few words.

I'm not a drinking man.

Did he say anything about coming home?

Not that I recall.

He said we'd get together one day.

He'll write when he's ready, I expect.

No.

Dad can't read or write.

Mum did all his letters.

I'll have a look at those horses.

All being well, I'll leave first thing in the morning.

Good.

Go with him.

We'll lose him, Rob.

Michael!

I'm riding the boundaries. I want you to come with me.

Mr Dalgleish.

It's broken. It's been cut.

There's tracks here. More than two men riding.

Four of the bastards.

My neighbour Burns and his three mongrel sons.

There's plenty of cattle tracks too.

I'll tell you what they've been doing.

Cutting out. Cutting out the young cleanskins.

They've got cheek.

Cheek.

They'd come at murder if it suited them.

Will you tell the police? The police?

There's evidence here.

Evidence enough for you and me, maybe, but not the law courts.

Come on. Let's see where they've taken them.

Come on. Through you go.

Bastards.

Will we let them out?

The bastards have branded them.

I can't prove they're mine.

There must be something we can do.

What I'm going to do is my business.

Now, look. You'll say nothing of this to anyone.

Get me?

You can trust me, Mr Dalgleish.

I want you to go back and muster up any of our calves you can find

and take them back to the yards.

What about you? Never mind about me!

I'll meet you back at the yards. Come on.

Get up.

Well, where are the cattle?

I lost them. You lost them?!

They got amongst the timber.

Oh, a fine bloody stockman you'll make.

I kept on riding. I wanted to find them.

Well, never mind what you wanted to do.

What happened then?

I came to the river and followed it upstream.

Why?

You must have known you wouldn't have been able to get home that way.

I went there because I remembered going there once before.

With you, Mr Dalgleish.

And what then, Michael?

I came to the jumpup

and then to a set of yards, Mr Dalgleish.

And what did you see there, Michael?

Come on. What did you see?

Nothin'. I never saw anything at all, Mr Dalgleish.

Give the young fool a meal.

Yes?

I waited until you were alone.

I'd like my cheque, please, Mr Dalgleish.

Not because of today. You were fair.

I should never have left the mob.

I read your mind this morning, Michael.

I have to stick by Dad.

I understand.

Mr Dalgleish...

I went back to the yards this afternoon

because I thought you were in trouble.

I thought as much.

You did say they'd come at murder if it suited them.

Go easily, son.

And don't try and jump all your fences at once.

Say goodbye to Mrs Dalgleish for me.

She'll miss you.

Oh, Michael.

Be sure your Mr Logan gets me a fair price for my horses.

Molly.

Yes?

Ah... two cold beers, thanks. Make 'em pints.

You 21 yet? Near enough.

Well, near enough's not good enough for me.

We've got a very strict sergeant here.

I only want to get the dust out of me throat.

Well, you can do that at the creeks.

Come on, Molly.

I could be having a drink while you're carrying on like that.

Yeah — and you ought to know better

than to bring an underage in, Chad Logan.

He followed me in like a dog.

Come on, slip him a small one. I won't dob you in.

Well...

You can have one. And that's all.

G'day, son. G'day.

I was wondering if you'd seen my dad around, missus.

Answers to the name of Paddy Doolan.

Can't say it rings a bell.

He's tall and has a moustache.

Sounds like any number of my regulars.

He plays the mouth organ when he has a few.

Well, there was a big chap in a while back.

He came in with some of the fellows from a logging camp.

He played the mouth organ something lovely,

till the drink turned him nasty.

That sounds like him. Do you know where he went?

Oh, that I couldn't say.

Why? Does your mum want him?

No.

I want him. We're to get together.

Well, don't lose heart. He'll turn up one fine day.

And then you'll be wishing he was off again.

I know that sort.

Now, come on. Drink up and get going before the sergeant catches you.

I'd like to see the belts, please.

Anywhere around here they use horse teams?

No, they're finished.

Though I here they're still using bullocks for the timber.

You sure they're not using horses?

I wouldn't know, mate.

I'm looking for my father. He's a teamster called Paddy Doolan.

Yeah?

Well, if he's working a team these days,

the only place he'd be is the timber.

There's not many use horses on these roads.

Bullocks ain't so nervy. They don't bolt like horses.

Well, here you are. Paradise.

Thank you.

Hey, Tiger!

Get up there!

I knew you'd never sell Tiger.

Michael?

Michael! Michael, me boy.

Hell, Dad, you'll have me embarrassed.

Oh.

Oh, by God. You're growing as tall as them bloody trees.

Well, come and meet me mates.

It's not every day a man has the chance to show off his son.

The drinks is on me, fellas.

On account of this reunion between my son Michael here and me.

Oh, I'm bloody glad to see you, Michael.

Though you got no business tracking me here.

Dad? Yeah?

Mum's worrying about you.

Why didn't you let us know once you'd settled in?

Michael, you know I'm no hand with a pen.

She cares for you, Dad.

Well, of course she cares. Always will.

A better little woman no man ever had, and me not fit to black her boots.

I'll see my girl again one of these days.

Christ knows when.

Ah, God, this is more like a bloody wake than a celebration.

Here! We're going to drink to my Jenny.

The sweetest little girl in the gulf.

To Jenny. To Jenny!

Come on. We're going to have a bit of a dance here.

Oh, no, come on back.

You're supposed to be bloody partying.

Where the hell are you all going?

How about a little dance? Ah, get out of me kitchen, Paddy.

Jig along to bed. You're no fun at all.

I've been thinking, Michael, I might drop a line to Jenny.

How about we do it together?

I'll think of the words and you do the writing. Hmm.

I'll... I'll ask her to join me here.

We take a little cottage in the town.

Oh, she'd like it here, Michael. It's green and cool.

And we'd be together, just like old times, eh?

And I've got an idea for you and me.

We'll be partners. Doolan and Son. Teamsters.

How's that, Michael? Hmm?

Doolan and Son.

And in time, we might get a second team.

And I'll find one of them fellas to paint on the side of the wagon,

all fancy-like in gold lettering, 'Doolan and Son, Teamsters'.

Yeah.

Here!

We'll drink again

on account of the partnership between Michael and me, hmm?

Ah. Doolan and Son. Teamsters!

Come on, Dad. Let's go to bed.

I haven't finished the bloody bottle.

Goodnight, mate. 'Night, then.

I'll make it happen.

One of these days, we'll get together.

Come on, lad. I'll help you get him to bed.

Switching over to lorries? Aye.

When did they tell him?

Boss give him his notice last pay.

Come on, old fella. Come on.

Easy, fellas.

Oh, God help me, boys. I'm full as a bloody bull.

He'll have a thick head in the morning, I warrant.

Goodnight to you.

Thanks.

Morning, Dad.

By God, it's heavy this morning.

What is? My bloody head.

Well, you had your fair share of booze last night, eh?

Oh, well. Special occasion.

But we'll get together again one of these days

and really paint the town red.

You and me and the fellas.

Last night you said we'd be partners.

And we forgot to write the letter.

What letter?

You said we'd write to Mum asking her to join us here.

I did? We could do it in town.

As a matter of fact, Michael, I'm thinking of finishing up here.

Doesn't pay to stay too long in the one place.

Where will we go?

Oh, I'll head north a bit.

I hear there's some carrying work further up the Cape.

I'll write when I'm settled.

Dad, why don't you sell the team and come home with me?

And who's the best bloody teamster in the north?

You are, Dad. Right.

And as useful as tits on a bull without the team, so...

..I figure it's best if me and my lovelies stay together.

Get up, Tiger!

Something coming, Dad.

Dad! Lorry coming. Pull over.

To hell with the bloody lorry.

Dad. Dad!

Get over, you idiots!

Get out of the way, Dad. Dad! Dad!

DAD!

Stop!

Come on, son. Come on.

Come on, Michael.

Hey, hey, hey, hey. No.

It would have been quick.

There's a thing we want to do for Paddy.

We've all put in for a headstone, you see.

Thank you.

The thing is that we have to have an inscription

and we'd like you to say what you'd like for the wording.

Wording? Well, a verse?

Well, sometimes they put "Rest in Peace",

except it's writ in Latin.

I could get it from the priest.

No.

I want you to have them put this —

"Patrick Doolan. Teamster."

"Patrick Doolan. Teamster." And that's all?

It's what he would have wanted.

Alright.

Alright. Thank you.

Where to now?

I could stick with you, Chad.

Now, I've told you before about taking up with strays like me.

So long, Chad.

He was coming back, Mum.

He was getting some money together so he could go droving.

He had to have time to think.

That's what he said.

I'm glad he was coming back.

He cared for you, Mum.

We cared for each other.

Here I go getting all... silly and sentimental.

Take these.

Take them. Dad would have wanted it.

I better be goin'.

It's a long ride.

'Going'. Sound your 'G's, Michael.

Yes, Mum.

Morning, Mr Dalgleish.

Oh, are you busy, Mr Dalgleish?

Yes. Aren't you?

Here. Here what?

Got you a present. A present?

Something useful. A belt.

I've got a belt. What do I want with a belt?

Mr Dalgleish... What?

Never mind.

Michael?

It's a damn fine belt.

Get up there, Smokey. Get off.