Original subtitles

(dramatic music)

(train whistle blowing)

(baby crying) (ominous music)

- Jaime, go get your father!

Go and get your father!

Get him!

Help me!

Help me!

(woman crying)

(train whistle blowing)

(majestic music)

(gentle upbeat music)

(building majestic music)

(gentle upbeat music)

(gentle music)

- Tom.

Just leave it with that other bunch.

- Timber!

- Look out, she's going the wrong way!

- [Man] She's going your way Fergus!

(men shouting) (dramatic music)

- Bit of a close one huh?

- Thanks.

- Mister Ross?

- Yeah?

- I'm sorry I've got some bad news.

- Is it the baby?

- He's very ill.

We've been sent to fetch you.

- You can take my horse.

You okay to ride?

- [Fergus] Yeah thanks.

- I'll ride with you then.

Follow me.

(downbeat music)

- [Students] Four 12s are 48.

- Thanks Danni.

So we're up to our five times tables,

and I'd like you to write them out.

- Jessie, wake up.

- When you've finished that, I'd like you all

to write out your six times tables, all right?

- [Danni] Jessie.

- Jessie Ross's...

- Come on Jessie wake up.

- Jessie Ross, Jessie could you come here please.

Jessie?

Could you come here please?

Danni take over the class.

- I'm sorry miss, about falling asleep.

I was up all night with the baby, it was sick and...

- That's all right Jessie.

- [Students] Seven ones are seven.

Seven twos are 14.

- I have to tell you something.

- [Students] Seven threes are 21.

Seven fours are 28.

Seven fives is 35.

Seven sixes are 42. (gentle downbeat music)

Seven sevens are 49.

Seven eights is 56.

Seven nines are 63.

Seven 10s are 70.

- For as much as it has pleased almighty God

of his great mercy to take unto himself

the soul of this dear child he departed,

we therefore commit his body to the ground.

Earth to earth, ashes to ashes,

and dust to dust.

In the sure and certain hope

of the resurrection to eternal life.

Through our lord, Jesus Christ.

Amen.

- [Mourners] Amen.

(gentle downbeat music)

- Poor child.

I can't believe that nothing could've been done.

I'm glad we were able to bring him back

from the desert land.

It's a hard land, I don't know how we go on at times.

- [Matt] Yeah but we do go on,

because of what it gives back to us.

(woman crying)

- Three specked apples and a bag of broken biscuits.

Thruppence please ma'am.

There's, one penny change.

Call again.

- Thank you.

- I'm sure she will.

- Hmm?

- Call again.

- Ah.

Sick and now dying.

They're all in a bad way down there laying those tracks.

It's the women and kids you gotta feel sorry for.

Not a penny to bless themselves with some of them.

- Well they work hard enough, don't they get paid for it?

- They don't get paid until the job's done.

- What do they live on?

- Oh you see they've got these coupons.

They're drawn against the final checks.

- And the coupons are only good for company shops?

- Yes.

- [Frank] Morning.

- Morning Frank.

- Do you have this in my size?

- Oh we'd have to send up from Melbourne

for that Mister Black, wouldn't we?

Still, I wouldn't have thought you'd be wanting

to wear that for sometime.

- Oh.

No, of course.

Still, we can't go on mourning forever can we?

- No word of your father?

- No.

- I'm really sorry.

- Ah well.

What will be, will be.

Order that jacket for me would you Temple?

And make it two, one in green.

I mean, we still have our social obligations don't we?

- I hear it was you that got the contract

to supply the beef for the railroad workers.

- That's right.

Nice little sideline.

I'm putting in a bid to supply timber for the ties as well.

- You're a bit late, we supply the timber.

- For the moment.

- We do have a contract Frank.

- In writing?

Excuse me, I'm expecting some guests on the coach.

- Sad to lose one's father.

- Isn't it just.

- See you saddle side Rob.

- Thanks.

(dramatic music)

(gentle downbeat music)

- Morning John.

What's this, leaving home?

(laughing )

- No, just some clothes and things for Jessie.

She hasn't even got a pair of shoes.

I thought I'd surprise her.

- Danni everyone likes to receive gifts,

but sometimes they might get offended

if they think it's given out of charity.

You know, pity.

- Don't you think I should?

- I just want you to be sensitive to her feelings

and not get too upset if she takes it the wrong way.

- But she hasn't got any shoes and,

I've got this really nice pair

that dad brought home from Melbourne.

They don't fit anymore, but they're almost new,

and I really thought she'd like them.

But I mean if you think she'll be offended.

- No no no, it's a lovely idea.

I'm sure she'll be pleased to get them.

- Miss Holloway.

- [Charlotte] Frank.

- [Frank] Charlotte, it's wonderful to see you again.

- Aren't you going to help mummy?

- Forgive me.

Lady Cecily.

Did you have a pleasant journey?

- If you don't mind two days in excruciating pain.

Bad food, and flies.

- Frank my boy.

Let me look at you.

Yes.

Dreadful business about your father.

And no more news I suppose?

- None.

Still we mustn't let that dampen our spirits must we?

You were his friends and I will do all in my power

to make you stay at Balmorel as enjoyable

as if he were here himself.

- I tried to have a word to that

Ha skins fella from the railroad.

He wouldn't see me though.

- Oh yeah?

- I wanted to talk to him about the timber contract.

- Well we negotiated that arrangement, it was a fair deal.

- Well I was gonna ask him to put it in writing.

- We shook hands on it Rob.

- [Rob] Yeah I know.

- Well a man's word's his bond.

- Well I don't think Frank Blackwood's is.

What about the deal to supply

the beef to the railroad workers?

How'd Frank get that?

- Well we tendered a fair price.

Frank obviously offered a better one.

- That's not what I heard.

Frank's price was double ours.

It's highway robbery.

Or corruption.

(downbeat music)

- [Frank] Let's get this over with Ha skins.

- I don't know a lot about cattle Black wood but,

well if you say they were all prime beef, who am I to argue?

- Exactly my sentiments.

Well, an extra guinea a beast?

- There's been a lot of complaints from the workers.

They say a lot of the last batch were stringy and tough.

Old cows.

- Lean meat.

They'd complain if it was turkey.

- Well, they also say it's too dear.

They really can't afford it.

- All right.

An extra 10 shillings a beast?

Including your usual 20% of course.

- That sounds fair.

Very fair.

- I thought you'd agree.

Now, let's talk about the timber.

- Ah, that might be a bit difficult Frank.

We already have an agreement with Mister McGregor you see.

- I know about the agreement.

And two other things Ha skins.

Firstly, these little bribes...

- Ah.

Commission s.

- Bribes you are getting from me will make you a rich man.

- Hardly rich Frank, I admit...

- And secondly.

Since my father's death,

I am now the master of Balmorel Station,

and I'd appreciate it if you'd address me,

as Mister Black wood.

- Of course.

Mister Black wood.

(ominous music)

- Now, verbal contracts are worthless.

Let's find a pen and paper

and we'll strike a deal for that timber, hmm?

- [Kathleen] Matt, what brings you up here?

- Just happened to be riding by, thought I might drop in.

- Really?

- Hope I'm not interrupting anything.

- No, not at all.

- Good.

Where's Michael then?

- He's at the printing office, earning his pocket money.

- Ah, good.

Boy that age needs his independence.

(gentle music)

I'm riding down to the railroad tomorrow.

By which your property in the next few days.

- I've been expecting them to pick up

the contracts from me for access to my land.

- [Matt] You haven't signed yet?

- Well I agreed verbally.

Why, is something worrying you?

- Oh, it's probably nothing really.

Just heard some gossip about that Ha skins man.

You know the railroad constructions manager?

- The only route the railway can take

through Paterson's Ridge is through my land.

- Oh I might be worrying about nothing.

- It's nice that you worry for me.

And that you care.

- And I'd like the opportunity more often.

(train whistle blowing)

(downbeat music)

- I'm not taking that scrawny bit of rubbish.

Look at it!

There's not an ounce of met on it,

I've got five mouths to feed!

Four.

- Take it or leave it.

I haven't got all day.

Next.

And if you don't like my meat,

you can take your railway vouchers to the butcher in town.

See what he'll give you for 'em.

- That is your homework, and class is dismissed.

- Jessie are you feeling all right?

- Yes, I think I am.

- You're not offended about the shoes?

- They're the nicest shoes I've ever had.

- I'm glad they fit.

Misses O'Neil.

- Hmm?

Jamie, will you pop outside?

I'll be there in a minute.

Jessie?

Danni, run and fetch the doctor.

- Doctor Cameron's not here,

he left for Melbourne last week, dad said.

- It's all right, it's all right.

Get on your horse and go and find Jessie's dad.

Move!

- Yes, I'm sorry, I'm going.

(dramatic downbeat music)

Misses O'Neil!

Misses O'Neil!

Kathleen!

Jamie!

- Don't know if it's quite right.

The boy should be in mourning.

- We all mourn in our own way.

I'm sure Oliver would've expected us to pay our respects.

- Is that what you call this?

- Frank, you'll never get it through from that angle.

You've given me the easiest shot imaginable.

You're not playing badly on purpose are you?

- Definitely not.

Just finding it hard to concentrate.

Do you think your parents approve?

- Of what?

- Nice silver.

Expensive.

- Pity there's so little breeding to go with it.

- Believe me Cecily, titles aren't half as important

as a fat bank account.

Not where Charlotte's concerned anyway.

- [Frank] Charlotte.

There's something I want to say.

- Oh dear.

- You realize now that my father's gone,

I'm master of Balmorel.

So I wondered, I mean, I hoped,

that you and I, well that you, would condescend...

- Look!

It touched, aren't I lucky?

- He mightn't want her if she doesn't stop cheating.

- Oh don't be absurd John.

He's besotted.

Besides, everyone cheats at croquet.

(gentle music)

- I'm afraid you're too good for me.

- Perhaps I am.

(downbeat music) (child coughing)

- Kathleen?

What is it?

- I can't be sure but when Michael was little

he had similar symptoms.

- So, what do you think it is?

- I don't know for sure but it resembles diptheria.

- Well we definitely need a doctor.

I'll get Rob on it.

(gentle music)

(thunder crashing)

- Are you sure about this?

- Ah, no, Dad just doesn't wanna take any chances.

In the meantime I think we should

keep this to ourselves, all right?

- Rob.

- Frank.

- I believe there's a telegram for me?

Diptheria?

- Your sister's coming home.

- I'd rather have diptheria.

- I don't think you should say anything

about diptheria Mister Black wood.

People might panic.

- I think the people of Paterson's Ridge

have the right to know.

(downbeat music)

- It's all right Jessie.

It's all right Jessie.

It's going to be all right.

(downbeat music)

- Misses O'Neil!

Kathleen O'Neil!

- Could you keep an eye on things for awhile?

I won't be long.

- [Misses Harris] Misses O'Neil!

- It's all right Colin.

It's all right.

(gentle downbeat music)

Is there something I can do for you ladies?

- Those kids in there have got diptheria.

We want them out of our town, and away from our kids.

- We don't know what's wrong with those children,

but whatever it is I'm certainly not turning them out.

- You don't own the school!

It belongs to the town.

- That's right, it belongs to the town.

A town that has no hospital.

- It's still our school,

and while you got those sick kids in there,

our kids are missing out on their education.

- There's nowhere for them to go.

If you're Berty was sick Misses...

- I'd keep him home and look after him.

- And so would the parents of these children

if they had somewhere decent to house them.

Have you seen the tents they live in?

The conditions?

- That's not our problem.

Our problem's our own kids.

Not every bobtailed, muddy-faced larrikin

who comes trailing along with the railroad.

- I don't think you mean that.

And I don't believe you do Misses Coots,

or you Misses Smith, or you Jane Whitely,

or you Misses Harris, in spite of what you say.

- Then you'd better believe it.

Our kids come first.

Mine and Misses Coots,

and Jane Whitely's and Misses Smith's,

and pretty words aren't gonna turn us away from our duty.

- [Woman] Help me, my child's sick!

(gentle downbeat music)

(dramatic music)

- [Matt] Ha skins!

I want a word with you.

- [Mark] Ah, Mister McGregor.

Just the man I wanna see.

- Yeah, same goes for me.

- 'Fraid we're not in the market for anymore cattle.

Mister Black wood supplies all our beef.

- Yeah, I've seen the beef that Mister Black wood supplies.

- If it's about the timber,

I'm afraid I've got a bit of bad news there too.

I've been asked to renegotiate.

- By Frank Black wood I suppose?

- That's none of your business.

- It's not about the timber.

These cattle are a gift to your workers and their families.

All you have to do is butcher them and distribute the meat.

- Very generous of you.

- And I want something done

about the supplies for the people,

and you can fix those tents too.

- Why do I get the feeling there's an or else in all this?

- Because if those cattle don't end up

where they're meant to,

and nothing's done about the tents or the water,

as member of parliament for the high country,

I'm not only bringing the matter

to the attention of the Commissioner of Railways,

I'll personally take it out on you, and your thugs.

- That's not very parliamentary language Mister McGregor,

and I don't know how much notice the commissioner would take

of a man who was still smarting

about losing out on a couple of railway contracts.

- Well, we'll see.

- And as for these gentlemen,

there are plenty more where they come from.

So you're welcome back anytime.

- You'll be seeing me.

(downbeat music)

- [Mark] What are yous blokes looking at?

- Get back to work!

Come on!

Get on!

Go on Ross, you heard what I said.

Get back to work.

- I've taken just about as much as I can from Ha skins.

Matt McGregor said those cattle were for us.

We didn't have to pay for them!

- Get back to work you lot!

If you don't stick to the schedule, you won't get paid.

(ominous music) (pained groans)

- That's enough.

You can think of that as your severance pay Ross.

You're fired.

(downbeat music)

(gentle music)

(children coughing)

- Colin.

It's all right.

Have you seen Emily?

- She was here a little while ago.

She's not feeling very well.

- Colin, Colin.

- Emily!

I'm gonna take her home.

- Yes.

(gentle downbeat music)

- [Matt] Let's get her into bed.

- I'll look after her.

How far away is the doctor?

- Another day, maybe two.

- I left the sulky at the road.

- Don't worry about it, I'll fix it.

(suspenseful music)

(horse whinnying)

Hey, what's the matter girl?

What's all the fuss about?

(suspenseful music)

Anyone in here?

Hello?

Who is it?

Fergus.

- I'm sorry Matt.

I don't want anyone to see me coming.

You're the enemy now.

- What have they done to you mate?

- It was the cattle that did it.

The cattle that you brought.

- Those cattle were a gift.

- Yeah well, Ha skins thought different.

If we wanted 'em we had to pay.

That was the last straw.

I'm afraid I got up on me soapbox and called for a strike.

- And he brought in the heavies.

- Yeah, oh!

(groaning in pain)

Oh yeah, and he's brought more up from Melbourne by train.

He's expecting a lot more trouble from you.

- Yep, and he's not gonna be disappointed.

- Let it be Matt.

The men wouldn't strike.

You can't feed your family when

you've been half beaten to death.

When you've lost your job.

- Dad, you've got to do something.

- No.

No more Matt.

I'm sorry.

But you've already done enough.

(gentle downbeat music)

- Colin.

How's Emily?

- She sent me out.

I can't seem to help her.

- Dad's gone in to meet the coach with Rob.

They think the doctor might be on it.

- Pray he is.

(dog barking) (man shouting)

- Doc.

- Hello Matt.

- Sorry to drag you out here like this.

- That's all right.

Rob.

- You wanna clean up?

Put your luggage in the hotel?

- First thing's first, I'd like to see the children.

- I'll take care of this.

- Thank you.

- This way, they're in the schoolroom.

- What are those women doing?

- Waiting for your diagnosis I'm afraid.

And if it's what they think it is,

who knows what they'll do.

Kathleen.

Cameron's here.

- [Kathleen] Thanks Matt.

- Hello.

- Hello Doctor.

- You look tired Kathleen.

Is there anyone who could relieve you?

- Oh I'm all right.

- There's women outside who could help.

I see.

Fear makes us all a bit irrational.

- Especially when the fear's for our children.

- Can't really blame them I suppose.

- No I don't blame them.

(gentle downbeat music)

- Could you come with me Frank?

There's something I think you ought a see.

- I have guests Rob.

- I'm only gonna ask you once,

and then I'm gonna put you in the sulky myself.

- [Frank] It happens to be very inconvenient.

- Well if that's the way you want it.

Excuse us.

- No.

One moment that's all.

Important business.

An hour or so, my man will take care of you.

Charlotte.

(gentle music)

(suspenseful music)

- Friends.

This gentlemen as most of you know is Doctor Cameron.

Now he's come a long way to care for our children.

- They're not our children Matt McGregor.

- No they're not your children Misses Harris,

they're just a handful of sick kids

whose fathers just happen to be working in our district.

- We've got nothing against the kids.

It's our own we're worried about.

Our own.

Go and look at the cemetery Matt McGregor

and see how many kids have been buried there over the years.

Kids who died from diptheria.

- You won't listen to me.

Listen to the Doctor.

- I know you're all worried, and I'll be brief.

There is no sign, none whatsoever, of diptheria.

(relieved murmuring)

The children are suffering from an infection

that was mildly contagious but not dangerous.

However, almost without exception

they are all under nourished.

- It's a pretty sorry state of affairs

in a country where good food is so abundant.

(crowd murmuring)

- Now Doctor Cameron assures me,

that none of your families are in danger.

- Now, if you'll excuse me I have work to do.

- You can all go home.

- One moment Kathleen O'Neil.

I may be quick to criticize others,

but at least I acknowledge my own mistakes.

We've misjudged you, and I apologize.

If you need any help here, I'd be happy to assist.

- Thank you, that's very gracious of you.

Please.

- Come on Frank.

- I'm not going in there, they're sick.

- I don't have to drag you.

- I catch everything.

It's my chest.

I'm susceptible.

- [Rob] This is who you've been making money from.

This is what malnutrition does.

Make you feel good?

Would you like to hold a baby Frank?

- No, I wouldn't.

Can we go now Rob, please?

- Sure.

I think you've got the message.

(baby crying)

(train whistle blowing)

- Here they are.

You're fired Ross.

I already told you you're not welcome here.

The same goes for you McGregor.

MP or not, you're trespassing on railroad land.

- I told you those cattle were a gift.

- Really?

I must've misunderstood.

- I also told you what would happen

if the conditions around here weren't improved.

- Some sort of threat wasn't it McGregor?

Something about beating me up?

Me and my thugs.

As you can see, I've brought a few more of them up.

Now get on your horse and get off this land.

Or we'll throw you off.

- I'll go when I've finished what I came for.

(blows impacting) (dramatic music)

(gun firing)

- But you haven't signed them.

- I don't intend to.

I'm afraid your railway stops at my boundary.

- But we have an agreement, a verbal agreement.

- Yeah, just like the agreement

you had with me over the timber.

- But unless you allow us to go through your land...

- [Kathleen] You won't have a railroad.

- But we can, negotiate.

If you want more money,

I'm sure we can come to some arrangement.

- It's not more money that I'm after.

- Just name it, just name your terms.

- Of course we'll want it in writing,

but, we can begin verbally.

Firstly the accommodation for your workers,

the tents for example,

perhaps you'd like to sit down Mister Ha skins.

We could be here for some time.

(gentle music)

(upbeat music) (crowd murmuring)

- You drive a hard bargain lady.

- You do pretty well yourself.

- You know you could've asked for more money.

- I'm happy with the price, it's fair.

- Well maybe as an independent woman,

you might want to reconsider your options.

- [Kathleen] Meaning?

- You ought a look around for a better catch.

- [Kathleen] Oh, not a chance.

- That's a relief then.

(horse whinnies) (men shouting)

Kathleen, I want you to name the day.

I want to take you to Langarra to be my wife.

- I've already said I would.

- Yeah, some time ago.

Maybe I should've got that in writing.

- Matt.

I've been thinking about it too.

I have and,

I do love you and I do wanna marry you.

I'm just not ready, there's still so much I wanna do.

I have to make a success of the newspaper.

I don't think I'm ready to leave the farm.

Not just yet.

Do you understand?

- Yeah.

Yeah I think I understand.

- I don't wanna be like so many women

who are totally dependent on their husbands.

- I just want you to set a date,

I mean it doesn't have to be now or soon even.

I just want something I can plan for.

- Well, we will, but not just yet.

Will you let me do this?

- Yeah.

You know I will.

(train whistle blowing) (upbeat music)

- [Fergus] Come on Jamie, end of the line.

(upbeat band music) (crowd murmuring)

- On the occasion of the arrival

of the first railroad train to Paterson's Ridge,

we call on Matt McGregor to drive the last spike.

- [Man] Three cheers for Matt McGregor!

Hip hip!

- [Crowd] Hooray!

- [Man] Hip hip!

- [Crowd] Hooray!

- [Man] Hip hip!

- [Crowd] Hooray!

(crowd applauding and cheering)

- [Misses Harris] How about Kathleen O'Neil?

Give her a go!

- Oh.

Fergus.

- [Man] There you go Fergus.

- [Man] You earned it Fergus.

You've earned it.

(crowd applauding and cheering)

(train whistle blowing)

(upbeat music)

(train whistle blowing)

(gentle music)

- Oh thanks sweetie.

Getting a bit cool out there was it?

- [Danni] You know she's been sick Colin.

- That's what we wanted to talk to you about.

There's nothing wrong with Emily.

The doctor's given her a clean bill of health.

- Yeah, well we had gathered that.

- But there's something else.

(gentle music)

- Emily.

Oh you wonderful thing.

- Congratulations son, well done, well done.

- Congratulations. - Congratulations Emily.

Ah, congratulations.

- Could somebody tell me what's going on?

- You're gonna be an uncle.

(laughing )

(gentle upbeat music)