Original subtitles

CHILDREN CHATTER EXCITEDLY

MAN: Nearly got an outside edge there.

Oh! Good! And another...

He might hit the next one.

Yes! There's an outside edge!

It's to the backward square leg! And, yes - he's out!

(Woman whispers) Daddy's asleep.

MONDO ROCK'S 'COME SAID THE BOY' PLAYS

OK. Go on, kids.

Go on!

(Children giggle)

Oh!

(Children squeal)

You little rascals!

UPBEAT BLUES GUITAR MUSIC

The first parcel today and the rest next week.

I was going to put into futures.

WOMAN: Gentlemen, after eight months of stimulating negotiation

you are now telling me

you want to change the financing model we agreed to in March

because it no longer suits your client's corporate structure.

And, coincidentally, what she proposed

just happens to create a huge stamp duty liability for my client.

Correct? Unfortunate, but yes.

Gavin, there are 29 hours before

the financing structure collapses.

If we don't close the deal by then,

the tax incentive disappears.

My client's left without a deal

and your client is left with a 20 million tax problem.

Sorry, Laura. That's how it has to be.

I've got a 48 million cheque in the school satchel here.

We're one clause away.

Surely it's in your client's best interests to accept the deal.

I think I'm in a better position to advise my client, thanks, Gavin.

And my advice to him at present would be not to accept.

Let's reconvene here at 5:30 tonight.

We will have made a final decision.

We don't need six hours.

It's pretty simple - yes or no.

You may well be right.

We'll all know for certain at 5:31 tonight.

What a creep! Is he bluffing? No.

Bad timing - you facing Tony at the partners meeting tomorrow.

Call for you! Take a message.

Tell Mary to call the Deputy Chief Magistrate's office and cancel lunch.

Get Greg and Peter to meet with me.

We'll somehow reconfigure the stamp duty.

Laura, you got a mo'? Always, Tony. Give me five.

Jack called. Give him a ring, will you?

Every time he goes interstate he calls me constantly!

That's so sweet! It is when you're not busy.

Perhaps, given the time constraints, we should accept the offer

and cop the stamp duty.

Yeah. That's an option.

Move that point there. Do you mind?

It's not an option I'd be recommending -

not without really exploring the alternatives.

Laura, your husband called. Said it was urgent.

I got that message already.

Michael's anxious to tie this up. I understand.

But our client realises the stamp duty's almost 2 million,

half what he was getting after the legal fees.

I need you two to look into some issues.

I'll draw the corporate structure on the whiteboard.

Laura, Rupert Gibson's here to see you.

Who? Your son.

Laura! Just give me a few hours, Tony.

I will sort it out.

Rupert, what are you doing here?

Did school get out early?

Yeah. Sort of.

It's always great to see you,

but you couldn't have picked a worse time.

The deal I've been setting up for months is about to fall over.

Yep. Which is very bad.

It's really important. Right.

I don't think I'll be getting home till very late, and Dad's interstate.

I'll get Colleen to organise food for you guys.

Yep. Um... there's this thing at school.

You know Brendan and Byron?

They got into an argument...

Can it wait, darling? Yeah. It can wait.

I want to hear. OK.

Would you like an ice-cream? OK.

Simon, didn't you get my message? Lunch is cancelled.

I received your message at the cafe.

G'day, Rupe. Hi, Simon.

I'll get someone to drive you home.

I'm sick of being cancelled by my ex-friend,

so I got Pastelli's to make a picnic lunch

so I could eat while watching my ex-friend work.

Seared tuna on basil mash with a side salad.

Have you nearly finished Gwenda? Just a touch too much basil.

GWENDA: It's 15 pages! I need to proof it.

How's yours? I realise that!

Jack's company won the Helman Towers construction.

Oh! So he's solvent for a change?

And - don't tell a soul - Tony's offering me a partnership tomorrow.

He does realise you're a woman?

It's not guaranteed, especially if this deal fails.

Having a family young means you're 10 years behind everyone else!

You've made up for lost time. So it appears.

If it falls over, I could still make you a magistrate.

There's a thought! It'd be half the hours I'm doing.

And a third the money.

I can just see you now

sitting in judgment over druggies and peeping Toms,

mixing it with humanity.

I deal with people every day.

No, you deal with lawyers. It's quite different.

Name one thing you do that puts you in touch with the general public.

Amnesty International.

Doesn't count. What else?

Well, lots of things!

Rupert's tuckshop. I help out on that with the other parents.

Nonsense! Last time it was your turn, you sent Gwenda!

Did she tell you that? Don't worry.

I'm the same. Ordinary people scare me.

I like ordinary people...

..I think.

In that case, just say the word

and you can be magistrate for Pearl Bay.

There's a vacancy there at the moment.

Pearl Bay.

I think the previous incumbent died of boredom.

Jack and I had a fabulous holiday once in Pearl Bay

when the kids were young.

God, yes. I remember that story.

Sell everything! The house! The Cortina!

Jack and I have found paradise!

I had sunstroke. It was a passing fancy.

Like me.

No. You left me.

You turned gay, remember?

Only way I could become deputy chief magistrate.

Here it is, Laura.

Time for me to vanish.

At last! Thanks for lunch.

This is such a worthwhile relationship!

Perhaps we could go over some...

Where's Dad? Don't know.

Has Mum rung?

No, but Colleen brought around some crab meat

and an oily thing that looked like vegemite.

I chucked that in the bin.

I'll cook you something. It's alright.

I had some potato chips.

Mum's not coming home until late.

Oh, yeah? Well, what's new?

MAN ON ANSWERING MACHINE: Laura, darling, it's Jack.

I desperately need you to call me.

Not on my mobile. It's not with me.

Call, um... What is it?

..96463388.

And a man called Norton Chilvers will answer

and he knows where I am.

Laura, please! This is so urgent.

I'm not going to be home tonight.

Have you told Mum about school yet?

No.

I will.

You better. She's going to kill you.

(Sighs)

Is it yes or no?

No.

But I have come up with a restructure

that eliminates the stamp duty liability

and protects both parties.

Hmm? I presume it's legal.

It does require you give us an indemnity should there be problems,

but I've discussed it with two of the partners and the risk is minimal.

I think that's for my client and I to decide, thanks.

Of course.

Take your time.

I'll leave you with it.

Hello. I'd like to leave a message for Mr Jack Gibson.

Sorry I couldn't get back to you.

I've had the day from hell but I think I've won.

I'll shout you a meal. KNOCK AT DOOR

Joining us?

EMOTIONAL PIANO MUSIC ON TV

MAN TALKS SOFTLY ON TV

LAURA: Rupert, what are you still doing up?

Have you eaten?

Yeah.

Where's your sister?

Oh, she's sulking in her room.

She said she didn't want to talk to anyone

and she'd rather be an orphan.

Oh, alright. Did Dad phone?

He left some message about not coming home tonight.

That's why he was calling me. I'm going to bed.

Come on!

Mum, there's this thing school wanted me to tell you.

Can it wait? No worries.

Good. I'm bushed.

I'm sorry I was so late.

Big day. I'll make it up to you this weekend.

Guess what. They're making me a partner tomorrow.

Mum, wake up!

You're late!

Oh! The alarm didn't go off!

What day is it? Er... Tuesday.

Why didn't you call me?

I'm being promoted! CAT SHRIEKS

Mitzi! You've jumped on the cat! CAT MOANS

RUPERT: What's going on?

I think you've killed her!

Nonsense. I hardly touched it.

She's gone all flat. She's not moving.

Have you killed Mitzi? No!

Oh, God! I have killed it.

I don't know. She's still breathing, isn't she?

Yes. Yes, I think it is.

It's going to be OK.

No, it's not. She's just lying there!

Cats just go quiet for a while and then they're OK.

Tonight I'll take it to the vet. She'll be dead by then!

Cats have nine lives. It's a scientific fact.

You won't let Mitzi die? But it's a really big day for me!

She's frothing at the mouth.

Would you do this to me?

Presumably I wouldn't jump out of bed and land on you.

If Mitzi dies, I'm going to hate you forever.

Come on! Let's get moving, please!

We're not the ones who jumped on the cat.

I didn't jump on the cat.

I got out of bed quickly because the alarm failed.

Gwenda, I am stuck here

and your job is to buy me a little bit of breathing time.

Good! Yes, I will call Jack when I get a chance.

He should be here now.

I'm allergic to the damned cat anyway.

It's not good, I'm afraid, Mrs Gibson.

It looks like she's got a dislocated hip

with a possible ruptured spleen and kidney bruising.

I mean, you've done considerable damage.

Alright.

Now, we can operate. So you can fix her?

Mm-hm. It could prove very expensive.

Oh, well. Look, I'm really sorry, kids.

Mum, she can be fixed!

Yes, but you heard. It'll cost a fortune.

How much?

Ooh, about two. Hundred?

No - thousand.

Miranda, Mitzi was a stray.

She's had a good life.

Yeah, well, that's more than I've had.

What do you use to kill her?

A lethal injection.

Can we see her first?

Sure. I'll go and get her.

Do you take plastic?

Excuse me, do you own the BMW in the lane?

Yes. Someone's clamping your wheel.

Hello, Gwenda? You're not going to believe this.

They clamped my wheel outside the vet surgery.

I had to wait 15 minutes to get a taxi.

But, listen, I'm right outside. Tell Gavin and Tony I'll be there soon.

Obviously, I'm taken aback.

This is completely unexpected and very thrilling.

There are, however, a couple of things I would want clarified.

Oh, crap!

Oh, Laura. Please come in.

(Clears throat) Morning.

Would you like some coffee?

Or perhaps you need something stronger?

Sorry I'm late.

(Softly) Gwenda probably told you why.

Yes.

I just want you to know

that, um... everyone in this room feels badly, very badly.

It's just going to cost a lot.

If the firm can help, even financially...

(Scoffs) How much could a new hip on a cat cost?

I'm talking about your husband.

Jack?

What about him?

Marcus panicked.

He got the inside whisper about some gold stock

and invested most of our advance on it.

He gambled with Government money?

He probably thought it was our only chance.

We weren't doing it for us.

We were just trying to get ourselves out of trouble.

Oh, Jack!

Where is Marcus? Venezuela probably.

The crazy thing is if he'd taken the money out the day before

it would've worked.

Did you know what he was doing?

Don't start grilling me. No, I'm not, Jack.

I'm just trying to understand.

What's to understand? It doesn't matter whether I knew.

I'm the company director and I'm liable.

Did Marcus make you sign anything?

I sign things all day.

I could've signed the Geneva Convention for all I know.

I'm an engineer. You said he was smart.

I didn't say let him illegally invest Government funds!

(Sighs)

When can you come home?

I'm before the bail magistrate on Friday.

Because Marcus has disappeared, the bail will be a fortune.

It's only a surety. We'll be OK.

We can always put up the house.

We can't.

I'm afraid I took out a second mortgage on it.

And a little more.

I was trying to keep ahead of our creditors.

With our money?

With the house that we live in with our children

for a company I have no involvement with?

Yes.

(Gasps) Why couldn't you be like every other shonky businessman

and put things in the kids' names?!

You weren't even THAT smart!

Why didn't you talk to me?

For the first time in ages, you were actually proud of me.

Jack, I am your wife!

You couldn't even find time to ring me when I got arrested.

I spent a whole day in prison before you noticed.

Well, I've explained that.

Yes, of course. You were busy.

I'll arrange to get you representation.

Don't bother.

It's almost a relief to be here.

Why don't you take a few days off until things settle down?

I'm fine. It's just a silly misunderstanding.

Jack's business partner shot through, leaving him in the ditch.

He's absolutely innocent. I'm sure he is.

Tony... I want that partnership.

Perhaps we can talk about it when things have calmed down.

No. I want to talk about it now.

Right now.

OK.

You haven't got it.

(Scoffs) This is a law firm.

You can't convict a man without a trial.

Anyway, I have nothing to do with my husband's business.

It isn't just Jack.

The other partners didn't want you.

It's because I'm a woman, isn't it?

As a matter of fact, we're giving it to Pamela.

She joined the same time you did.

I know she's not as smart.

But she's friendly.

She's built up a good client base.

And what have I been doing?

Crotcheting socks?

Pamela can afford to give the job her total concentration.

You mean she's single and doesn't have any kids!

I didn't say that.

(Holding back tears)

Tony, this firm gets every minute of my life.

Everyone in Australia knew my husband was in prison before I did.

As for my children, I never see them.

I've spent the last eight months

worrying about some dreary man and his aluminium extrusion company.

POIGNANT BLUES GUITAR

I'm gone before they get up

and I'm home after Rupert's gone to bed.

I'm their mother in name only.

I might as well not have had them.

TONY: Laura?

Are you alright?

Laura?

DOORBELL RINGS

(Weeps) I'm sorry, Trudi.

I didn't have anyone else.

The kids get home soon. I don't know what to say.

Tell them Jack loves them.

How is he?

I just keep trying to understand.

Jack. Is he alright?

I'm so angry! Why didn't he talk to me?

In one day my whole life has crashed! One day!

Lives don't crash in one day.

It started with the bloody cat!

No, wait. The alarm.

It started with the alarm!

If the alarm had gone off, I wouldn't have trodden on the cat.

You've been heading for this for years.

You're my sister! Be supportive!

You've been a mess since joining that law firm.

You're so driven, you don't notice anyone else!

You couldn't even turn up to Mum and Dad's 40th because of a hangover!

I had no idea you felt like this!

You don't know how I feel, full stop!

Oh, well. Go on then.

Tell me. Complete my day.

I knew about Jack's trouble and couldn't do anything!

He wouldn't let me tell you

because he hates you thinking he's a failure.

I don't think he's a failure. You think everyone is!

And the pressure you put on poor Rupert! I...

When...

Did Jack tell you that?

I don't think I can handle this.

You'd better go. I love him, Laura.

I didn't know what to do.

I care about you, but... Please go!

We're lovers.

Would you excuse me? I think I'm going to be very sick.

We didn't plan it. It just happened!

(Retches and coughs)

Of course you planned it!

You don't suddenly wake up in bed with someone!

I'm going to be sick again.

False alarm.

I don't want to see you again.

I don't want you coming near me or my kids.

I want you right out of my life.

PHONE RINGS

JACK: Hi, you've rung the Gibson household.

Feel free to leave us a message or try Laura at work.

WOMAN: Hi, this is Dr Varney.

We ran into some complications with Mitzi

and we had to put in a steel plate.

Could you please call me?

DOOR OPENS RUPERT: Mum!

Mum! Hi, guys!

How are you?

Uh... we know about Dad.

Everyone does.

Why didn't you tell us?

I'm really sorry. I just...

He says he's innocent.

Well, of course he is.

Don't you believe him?

Yes. Yes, I do.

Dad wouldn't lie.

No.

Will they bash him?

No. He's a white collar criminal.

Well, when can we see him?

Oh, I don't know.

I want to see him now. So do I.

Yes. Yeah, I know.

It's just difficult.

It's, um..

He'll be out on Friday.

Friday?!

Mum, you're a lawyer. Get him out.

It's a process, darling.

I'm trying. Yeah, it looks like it!

It'll be OK.

Everything will work out.

Mum, I've been kicked out of school.

Me, Brendan and Byron cheated on a test.

Why?

Because you hate me failing.

Remember the maths test where I got everything wrong

because I didn't read the instructions right?

You said that if I didn't concentrate better

I'd get run over by a truck by the time I was 13.

Did I?

Want to watch some telly with me?

NARRATOR ON TV: A floating hunting machine,

stalking its prey relentlessly.

Then, without warning, the shark strikes.

This most majestic of sea creatures

is a study in containment of power.

Do you think Dad will really be OK?

Its powerful jaws with razor-sharp teeth

threshing from side to side, devouring its victim mercilessly.

(Gasps)

(Pants)

I'll find out how we can see him after school.

LAURA: You guys can stay home and play if you like!

I'm 16. I don't play.

And I've got a French exam.

No-one in this country speaks French.

Take your brother to a movie or something.

FUMBLING

(Breathes heavily)

(Pants)

Hello, Mum and Dad!

Come here.

(Grunts)

Gotcha!

Whee! Whee!

JACK: You know, I think he enjoys that.

LAURA: Go up and see Miranda.

Off you go!

JACK: Come on, sea nymph. Give me a kiss.

Rupe, Mummy will help you with the sand castle.

Do you remember this place, Miranda?

No.

LAURA: heaps of sand... all over Miranda grew.

JACK: Look here, darling.

Hands, so she can't scratch her nose.

Is this a good holiday, or not?

What do you think?

This is the most wonderful...

I don't remember any of this.

It was a great holiday.

Must've been the last time we all went away together.

(Makes kissing sounds) (Jack laughs)

I've sent messages. I've faxed her.

I've been around to her house.

I've got a boardroom waiting for an explanation

of set-offs and derivatives.

I could call the police, Tony.

Perhaps you could ask Pamela to cover?

She is the new partner, isn't she?

MIRANDA: What is it?

I just wanted to ask...

..straight out, no lies...

..of your school friends and just people in general...

..am I the worst mother you know?

Probably.

Go back to sleep.

I can't sleep.

I want to see Dad.

OK.

For two days, she's been wearing your flannel pyjamas

and that gown she was giving to charity.

She's losing it, Dad.

She tried to kill Mitzi.

We had Jatz biscuits for tea last night.

You've gotta get out, Dad. I'll be out tomorrow.

They'll realise they've got the wrong guy in a few months.

In the meantime, you two have to be really good for Mum.

OK?

Could you tell her I'd like to talk to her?

Alone, thanks, pal.

Are you really gonna get a tattoo, Dad?

Yeah. One on each hand - saying 'Panda' and 'Rupert'.

Yes?

Hi.

What do you want, Jack?

Trudi's filled me in - I don't think there's much to say anymore.

You've taken just about everything.

I'm sorry.

Yeah. I'm sure you are.

I didn't deserve this.

I honestly didn't think you cared all that much.

I thought you'd lost interest in me.

I certainly have now.

You're a weak man, Jack.

You're a hard woman, Laura.

I want a divorce.

JACK ON VIDEO: I give you the perfect view.

'I'LL BE GONE' BY SPECTRUM PLAYS

Let's sell up everything and buy this place.

And live forever, right on the beach.

And I'll build houses for other people

and grow vines for us.

I don't think you grow grapevines on sand.

And what about my new job?

'I'LL BE GONE' CONTINUES

The Madwoman of Shalott.

Are you OK? How are the kids holding up?

Oh, good, good.

The magistrate's job in Pearl Bay - has that been filled?

I don't think so. I want it.

(Laughs) Yeah, sure you do! No, I'm serious.

What you need is a holiday... or possibly medication.

How hard could it be?

Drunks, bad drivers, spats between neighbours, a bit of crash and bash.

Hell of a lot easier than asset securitisation.

No. Please!

No. Yes!

GWENDA: You're a city person - you won't last five minutes.

Take some time off and think about it.

I've already thought about it.

They don't make proper coffee in the country.

Oh, of course they do.

Can you do one last favour?

Call Pearl Bay Real Estate Agency and put them through.

Pearl Bay? Where's that?

PHONE RINGS

Laura! I've been trying to reach you for days.

I've spoken to the partners.

You're in!

It'll be formalised at the next meeting.

Thanks, Tony. But no, thanks.

But... No, that's very sweet.

But I just so don't want it anymore.

Well, don't be too hasty.

You may regret this.

I've got enough regrets to last me a lifetime.

You can do one thing for me.

You can help Jack.

He'll need somebody very good and you're the best.

Sure.

There's the number.

The answering machine says

the hours are between 10:58:00.000... 00:-2:00.000

(Scoffs) Nice job!

Country life, Gwenda.

Country life.

PHONE RINGS Hello, Laura.

Bob Jelly - proprietor of Bob Jelly Realty.

Yes, hello. What properties do you have available for rental?

That depends on your price, Laura.

If you're looking for a hippie dwelling I'm not your man.

No. I'm coming for work. I'll buy something eventually.

I need to check out the area.

Laura, it's a very tight market up here.

Nobody ever wants to leave.

You might be better off buying somewhere instead of renting,

interest rates being so low.

What sort of a home are you after? G'day, Mickey!

I stayed, years ago, in a little house owned by the Cosgroves.

Small place, secluded, bush all around,

with a fantastic sea view.

That's the kind of thing I'd like.

Well, Mrs Gibson, this may well be your lucky day.

That house is coming up for auction. You're joking!

When are you thinking of getting here?

I can't get there before the sixth.

Oh, what a shame. The auction's on the fourth.

That's too soon. Can't the auction be delayed?

Afaid not. There's lots of interest in that place.

Does it look the same? Just as you remember it!

One of the best locations around.

Old Mrs Cosgrove has passed away, unfortunately,

and the present owner's only selling because he's strapped for cash.

Isn't it a gem of a property? Oh, yes.

(Chuckles)

I'll tell you what I'll do - I'll send you some photos.

You'd get them before the auction.

Um... OK, OK... um... yes.

With the house, the view, and I want dates on the photos.

No problem. I'll shoot some film.

I'll need a copy of the title and the contract.

No problem. MIRANDA: What's going on?

I'll call you back, Mr Jelly. RUPERT: Are we moving?

OK. Gather round.

Family conference time. Come on.

What's that?

Where we talk through things as a family.

Except somebody's missing.

Things have to change.

Don't you see?

Everything that's happened in the last few days

has happened for a reason.

I miss out on a job I burn myself out trying to get.

Your father's arrested and he's lost most of our money and he and Trudi...

Rupert's suspended from school. And you tried to kill Mitzi.

Yeah, the cat got injured, yes.

But what I'm saying is, it's all happened for a reason.

It's saying I've failed, I cannot go on this way.

We have to change!

Why do WE have to change?

To be a family again, we must go back to the last place we were one.

Back to where it went wrong.

We're not going back to Grandma's again, are we?

No.

We're moving to Pearl Bay.

I am going to be their next magistrate.

You're going to be a judge... in a country town?

You'd be terrible! Everything's leading us there!

It started with this ridiculous joke Simon made.

Now the very house where we were all happy is for sale.

I wish I could remember it.

It's a chance for us to be together as a family,

to talk and play.

I told you, I'm 16 - I don't play.

We can grow and cook our own food.

You can cook? I can learn!

What about Dad? He's always wanted to live there.

We'll go up first. We'll be the trailblazers.

I shouldn't have told her she was the worst mum in the world.

RUPERT: She's not the worst.

I was just pissed off.

Kyle Norton's mum's the worst.

She wouldn't let him go to Steve Ross's party

because she thought he might get lice.

I don't want to change schools. I'll never see my friends again.

You hate school.

You think it's stuck-up and you don't have any friends.

(Sighs) Maybe.

But I know where I stand here.

Moving could be good.

Do you think they have sharks at Pearl Bay?

JACK: And now, Laura Gibson,

that plucky little Australian with the winning smile,

moves towards the phone.

This is the big moment, ladies and gentlemen.

(Laura clears throat) As you can see, I'm ringing up Simon.

Whereupon I will inform him

that I've thrown in the big new job as a corporate lawyer

to spend time with my family and my gorgeous, suntanned husband.

I will instruct Simon to sell up everything we own.

JACK: That's my girl.

The photos are great - exactly as I remember it.

Now, Bob, just confirming the arrangements...

Goodbye, house.

Goodbye, bedroom. Shh! Shh!

Power of attorney's in place?

Goodbye, corner stool.

Goodbye, lemon tree. Shh! Rupert, please!

Now, Bob, if all goes well,

you'll get the contract to him after the auction

and I'll authorise signature.

Goodbye, Michelle. Cross your fingers!

Auction's about to start.

She's gone mad.

My mother's gone mad.

What am I bid for this charming house?

125,000, I have on the right. Against you, sir, at 130,000.

Yes, I'm taking 5,000 bids, ladies and gentlemen.

135,000. I have 135,000.

140,000 from the man in the green hat.

Are you bidding, madam? LAURA: No.

No. OK, I have it at 140,000. 145,000.145,000.

150,000 from the man in the green hat.

BOB: Sir, you know a bargain!

Will you take it in thousands? Yes.

OK, 151,000.

I have 151,000 on the phone.

I'll take it in thousands.

152,000. Thank you, sir. I have 152,000.

LAURA: 153,000. 153,000 on the phone.

154,000. Thank you the man in the green hat.

I call it once at 154,000. Going twice at 154,000.

155,000. 155,000.

Goodbye, swimming pool.

155,000 - on the phone. 156,000 - thank you very much.

156,000 on my right.

I have 156,000 on the right.

No, no. I'm out. It's too high.

Laura, you're out, are you?

Listen, just hang on a moment, will you?

Kevin, the bid's with you at 156,000.

Is it or isn't it?

Don't waste my bloody time.

Laura, you're in luck. It was a time waster.

The bid's still with you at 155,000.

At 155,000 for this magnificent coastal retreat.

I call it once! I call it twice... at 155,000.

And it's sold to the lady on the phone!

Thank you, ladies and gentlemen.

And thank you very much for attending.

Laura, if you get in touch with your bank manager...

We're broke!

CAR HORN BEEPS

Paradise, here we come!

Hi, Dad. Hi, kiddos.

Are you coming with us?

I'm sorry, I can't.

Why can't you come? (Sighs)

You can live with us like Mrs Doubtfire.

No, pal. I've gotta stay in town.

But I'll come as soon as I can.

Well, why can't we all stay here?

Let Mum go and we can all stay together.

It's impossible, Panda.

I'll call you guys every single day.

Hey! Stop moaning, you two.

Give us a kiss.

ACOUSTIC GUITAR PLAYS

ELECTRIC GUITAR ACCOMPANIES ACOUSTIC GUITAR

LAURA: Oh, it's so beautiful, isn't it?

Peace and tranquillity! Just around this corner...

RUPERT: Mum. Look at that divine little bridge.

RUPERT AND MIRANDA: Mum!!!

What?

Mum, what's that fence there for?

SEAGULLS SQUAWK

Excuse me. I need to get across the bridge into Pearl Bay.

Over there.

No. It's not possible, I'm afraid.

It looks OK to me.

Put your scuba gear on, then.

It got hit by a water spout five years back.

But how do I get across?

Oh, you go back about 40km through Philandie,

you cross the Gearie Bridge

and you come back about 40km the other side and it should be there.

That's 80 kilometres!

I can see the town!

You can try driving across. Keep your wipers on, though.

Bit of a hole in the middle.

How do I get there again?

I'll come with you. Oh, no, no.

That won't be... No trouble.

MAN: Morning! Morning!

This really isn't necessary. Careful!

Is this sleeping or can I use it for bait?

RUPERT: She's on medication. Mum stood on her.

There's no need. Truly it's...

No troubles.

I sometimes go hitchhiking just for company.

I'm Laura. Miranda, Rupert, this is...

Diver Dan. Diver Dan.

Will we just call you Dan?

No. You can call me Diver if you like.

What's that scratching noise?

Mud crabs. I've got five beauties in the bucket.

Can they get away?

I wouldn't brake suddenly.

GUITAR MUSIC CONTINUES

We've bought a house in Pearl Bay.

Really?

It belonged to a lady called Cosgrove.

Mm-hm.

That's an interesting purchase.

MIRANDA: Mum, it's a caravan park.

This isn't it. This isn't the place.

It is. The caravan park's been here for four years.

No. There's no caravan park.

There's a forest! Well, it looks like a caravan park.

DOG BARKS

Not as bad as I thought!

Coat of paint, a bit of hammering. It's fixable.

So, this is paradise?!

This is what we chucked in everything for?

Why would they board up the windows?

Some bikies lived here a few years back.

(Whispers) They were trying to hide their dope plants.

Mum, there's a naked lady here.

OK. Don't unpack the car, we're not staying.

We're gonna find something else.

I wonder if you could tell me

where something called Robert Jelly hangs out.

Um, probably in the council chambers.

And where would they be? The pub.

The pub?

Yeah, there was a flood here some years back.

Oh, it's just temporary.

The point at issue... the point at issue

is that the Port Deakin Council won't put up a cent for the bridge.

They don't want it - we want it.

A new bridge is the single most vital need

confronting this community today.

Without it, we're a stranded civilisation.

The Avenue of Honour could do with lopping again.

Kevin, can you try and stay with the bigger themes?

We've got a lot more to worry about than a few stray twigs.

Put it on next week's agenda, mate.

Will do, Bob.

Now, look, I apologise for having a dream, OK?

I apologise for having a view

of where this town can be in 10 years time.

I'm looking for the council meeting, please.

Laura Gibson.

Yes?

Well, hello!

And please don't tell me that's Miranda all grown up.

And little Rupert.

Yes, that's them, alright.

And... Jack.

Is he with you? No.

I'm sorry, I'm at a loss. It's been a difficult few days... weeks.

Meredith Monahan.

You were here... oh, gosh... March, 1989.

You had dinner here twice. And you remember that?

Oh, yes. I never forget a face.

I'm looking for somebody called Robert Jelly.

Oh. He's out the back.

Bob started waffling on

about the bridge getting struck by an electrical storm

so I came out here.

I thought it was a water spout. Who said that?

Somebody called Dan. Oh, Diver Dan.

Yes, that too. They're talking about it out there.

But you're not supposed to interrupt.

No, I'm sure I'm not.

I'm sorry for standing with a clear view of where...

Sorry, madam. This is a private meeting.

You would, of course, be Robert Jelly!

It's a private council meeting.

There's a caravan park behind my property.

I manage it. You must be Laura Gibson.

Welcome to our little community, Laura.

You have swindled me and my family out of a great deal of money.

I don't see how, Laura.

You didn't say my home's in a caravan park.

You never asked me. I sent you several photographs.

None of them had motorhomes in them.

If I'd known you wanted shots... There are caravans in my backyard!

There would be, Laura. It's a caravan park.

Would you stop calling me Laura?!

The place is a dump!

I thought you'd stayed there before.

I thought it funny you'd buy it unseen but I assumed...

What shall I call you?

You assumed nothing! You took me for a ride.

Other people wanted to buy the place.

Kevin was at the auction.

Am I right? Mmm.

Mrs Gibson, not a matter for here.

Pop by tomorrow, I'll see what I can do.

Although I must say, it's not looking good.

You better sort this out.

MELLOW GUITAR PLAYS

(Splutters)

KNOCK AT DOOR

Hello. Diver filled me in on your problem.

We only had mixed grill on tonight,

but I've curried the sausages and I hope the chips won't be too soggy.

Oh. Thank you.

Oh. Moving's horrible.

That's why I've never done it.

SUBDUED ELECTRIC GUITAR PLAYS

No-one there. I'll call back.

JACK: Hey, come on.

The truth. Tell the camera.

Jack.

The timing's wrong.

My career's just starting. This job offer won't happen again.

Let's not stay here.

Let's... let's... let's go back to the city,

work there for two years and then come back.

Believe me, darling, I really do want to come back.

Please turn the wretched thing off, will you?

Come on, Jack!

BIRD SQUAWKS

GENTLE MUSIC

MUSIC BECOMES PURPOSEFUL

SONG: ♪ Ooh

SQUEEZEBOX CONTINUES TUNE

♪ Ooh, ooh, ooh

♪ Don't want to live in the city

♪ My friends tell me I'm changing

♪ The smell of salty air is what I'm chasing

♪ You'll probably think I'm mad

♪ But it feels good to me

♪ 'Cause from now on I'll live as close as I can to the sea. ♪