All language subtitles for The.Man.From.Snowy.River.S02E12.The.Recruits.WEB-DL.DDP2.0.H.264-squalor

(drum roll)

(horns playing)

- [Man] Fire!

(applause)

- Not a lot of choice
here, Captain Farrell.

- Patience, Clegg.

It's one of the virtues.

- Oh, Jimmy, sorry.

- Are you going to the display, Rob?

- We're not gonna lose
you to the army, are we?

- Did you hear that cannon?

I reckon it can fire 20 miles.

- 20 miles, huh?

That's some gun.

Just as long as you're
on the right end of it.

- Yeah. Right.

(cannon blast)

- Hello, Jimmy.

- Hi, Mrs. Annie, a delivery for you.

- My fabric finally arrived. Thanks.

- Did you see them?

- Yes, and heard them.

- Don't they look grand?

- Yes they do, but you
know, soldiering is more

than just colorful uniforms,
and fancy riding, Jimmy.

- Yeah, I know that.

Bye, Mrs. O'Neil.

Mr. Gleason.

- Bye, Jimmy.

- Do the power of good to watch a troop,

going through it's paces.

- Don't you think an article
on the recruiting squad

might only encourage some
of the local boys to join?

- [Annie] Not when I've finished with it.

- I sincerely trust you
won't be saying anything

that could embarrass the newspaper.

- My newspaper will be saying
the truth, Mr. Gleason.

- Which is?

- That the recruiting for
men to fight a British war

in a country where we
have no business being.

- Exactly.

(drum roll)

(horn playing)

- Bad luck, my fried.

But you can always inquire
with Sergeant Clegg

about the infantry.

(people talking)

Anyone else care to test his skill?

I was led to believe that the horsemen

of the high country were
this nation's finest.

Will no one seek to serve Her Majesty,

and earn himself some glory?

How about you, sir?

That's a fine-looking mount there.

Care to test your skill?

- [Rob] Morning, Ms. Whitney.

- Faint heart never won fair lady, sir.

- Go on, Rob.

Show the captain what a
high-country cattleman can do.

- It's not as easy as it seems.

- Ever cut out brumbies?

- No.

- Well, that's not as easy
as it first looks, either.

(drum roll)

(horn playing)

(people cheering him on)

(applause)

- You next, Frank?

- Well, you certainly have a steady hand,

and a keen eye.

And you've a fine seat on a horse, too.

Her Majesty's cavalry
could use a man like you.

- Would I get a commission?

- I don't see any reason why not.

You're obviously from fine family.

- My father's Matt McGregor.

- I've heard of him.

And you are?

- Rob. Rob McGregor.

- Captain Jack Farrell.

- The cap's a dashing figure.

- Yes.

We should be getting back.

(people talking)

- Maybe you'd like to inspect
the enlistment papers, sir.

- I think that's a little
premature, Sergeant Clegg.

- Untold adventure awaits a young man,

if he's man enough.

- I've no doubt he is,
but I'm sure Mr. McGregor

can make up his own
mind, without persuasion.

- I better be getting back home.

Perhaps we'll meet again.

- No doubt.

Good day, Mr. McGregor.

- Think he'll sign, Captain?

- Give him time, Clegg.

Give him time.

(bucolic music)

(orchestra music)

(bucolic music)

- Took your time with that telegram.

- The army's in town.

They're recruiting.

- Yeah, and we're out here, working.

- Sorry.

- Well, that telegram, any reply?

- Oh, yeah.

- When you're finished out here,
stable's need knocking out.

I've got work to do.

- What does he call this, then?

- (unintelligible) next week.

- Why do you always have to
be the understanding one?

- Private, how do you
feel about going to fight

in the Sudan?

- I'll do whatever I'm ordered to do.

- But did you know that
you were going to war,

when you enlisted?

- Enlisted, that's one word for it.

- What are you saying?

Are you saying you were forced?

- Ma'am, anything I can do for you?

- Not at the moment.

Thank you, Sergeant.

- You don't talk to
civilians, unless I say so.

Especially not inquisitive young ladies,

who work for newspapers.

Understand?

- Yes, Sergeant Clegg.

- Press gangs don't exist anymore, Ruth.

Are outlawed years ago.

- So was bank robbing.

That didn't stop Ned Kelly.

- Perhaps you misunderstood him.

- No, and I didn't misunderstand
the sergeant, either.

He doesn't want me talking
to the enlisted men.

- Then maybe you should
talk to the senior officer.

- Captain Farrell.

He's trying to get Rob McGregor to enlist.

- Rob?

- He seems interested.

- That spectacle they put on
was nothing but pure show.

I'm sure Rob recognized
it for what it was.

- I hope so.

I don't know about the others, though.

- Then the sergeant tried
to get me to join up.

- I think you'd look very
dashing in a uniform, Rob.

Don't you, Emily?

- I'm sure some ladies might think so.

(laughing)

- What if it was a cannon?

Instead of a brass ring
dangling from a tree,

what if it was a cannon?

- Well, it was just a bit of fun, Dad.

- Well, you can count yourself
lucky you got Lingara.

You don't need to join the army.

- Oh, I don't know.

What do you say, Colin?

Why don't we both join up?

Become men of the world.

You can be the army chaplain.

(laughing)

- I have enough to do here.

- Well, you both do.

Starting with that fence
in the lower paddock.

Needs fixing before we start losing stock,

and you'll have to do without me.

I've got a stack of parliamentary
papers I have to read

before house sits next week.

And, while I'm away, you can
finish branding that hood.

There's plenty here to keep you busy,

without galloping all
over the countryside,

playing soldiers.

(orchestra music)

- Morning.

- What a fine morning it is, for some.

Even army life's not this hard, Rob.

- The answer is no.

- You haven't heard the question yet.

- I'm sure I can guess what it is.

- Is the tea hot?

And the ocean was like a sheet of glass,

as far as a man could see.

- Sounds beautiful.

- Words don't do it justice.

You had to be there.

You could be there.

- My life's here, Jack.

- Your life, Rob, or your father's?

You're out here bending
your back for what?

So that everyone can tell your father

what a grand property he has?

What's in it for you?

- Well, it will be mine one day.

- What? When you're 40?

Don't get me wrong, Rob.

Your father's a fine man,
and I respect all he's done,

but isn't it time you
made your own decisions?

I'm not saying you should
turn your back on Lingara,

but five years of your own,
surely you deserve that.

- Five years.

- In the service of the
queen, and I can promise you,

people, places, and
adventures, the likes of which

you've only ever dreamed.

You'll come back here satisfied
that you've done something

for yourself.

- Make it sound so easy.

- It is easy.

- It's not just Lingara.

- There's a girl.

- Maybe.

(speaking French)

- There'll be other girls, lots of them.

- Not like this one.

- Well, I must be getting back to town.

Thank you for the tea.

- You're a good salesman, Jack.

- Only because I believe in what I sell.

You'll think about what I said?

- This is getting worse and worse.

- Father never had any trouble.

- I'm not Father.

- That is obvious.

- Won't be a moment.

Captain Farrell!

- Don't tell me you've joined up, Frank.

- Don't be ridiculous.

I invited him to lunch at Belmoral.

- You've asked me.

- I would have thought you'd be pleased.

- When?

- Tomorrow.

You should be in your element,

entertaining an army officer.

- Very well.

If you've invited him,
then I'll invite someone.

- That won't be necessary, Victoria.

- Who would you least
like to see at Belmoral?

I'll invite Rob McGregor.

- You'll do nothing of the sort.

- I will.

- Then I'll invite the
American girl, Ms. Whitney.

Boys.

(train whistle)

- [Clegg] You should talk
to Captain Farrell, Miss.

- Yes, but he's not here, and you are.

And besides, I'm much
more interested in talking

to the private soldier,
than the privileged ranks.

- Oh, ask your questions, then.

- Do you think that every
young man should have a stint

in the army?

- It's a great builder of character.

- I'm sure you can attest, Sergeant,

and am I right in suggesting that the men

of the high country haven't
exactly been willing recruits?

- It's a little slow at
present, but we have quite

some interest.

- Perhaps military service
should be compulsory.

- I was persuaded to join up myself.

Hasn't done me any harm.

Best thing ever happened to me, the army.

- So, what you're saying
is that some young men

should be made to join
up, for their own good?

- You're talking imprisonment.

That sort of thing don't happen no more.

We're only interested
in those brave fellows

that are willing to serve the queen.

Now, if you'll excuse me, Miss.

- Thank you for your time, Sergeant.

Hello, Jimmy.

Hope you're not thinking about joining up.

- Sergeant said if I came back,

might let me fire a cannon.

- There's more to the
army than firing cannons.

- Sergeant said the army's like a family.

- But I thought the town was your family.

- Well, everyone's good to me.

Just never had a real family.

(orchestra music)

- Goodnight, Matt.

- Goodnight, Michael.

He's growing fast.

Won't be long before he's leaving home.

- You're a comfort.

Matt, all evening, your mind
has been somewhere else.

- I'm sorry.

It's Rob.

I think I'm losing him, Kathleen.

- To the army?

- He hasn't been the
same since they arrived.

I've never seen him so restless.

- You can't expect him to wait
around until he's middle aged

to inherit Lingara.

You can't blame him.

- So, what do you think I should do?

- My mother always said,
"Give your children

"two lasting things."

One is roots.

And the other, wings.

You can't hold him back.

- I don't want you to take
sides in this, all right?

- I'm not.

I'm facing reality.

- I'd better be heading off.

- Matt, try and see it
from his point of view.

- Yeah, thanks for dinner.

Night.

- Goodnight.

(crickets chirping)

(horn playing)

- [Clegg] Who goes there?

- Jimmy Wilkes.

Gave me quite a start.

- Ah, yes, the young gunner.

Are you a drinking man, Jimmy Wilkes?

- No, sir.

Well, just a nip at celebrations and that.

- Well, you're in luck, me lad.

Tonight, the army's celebrating,

and the drinks are on us.

(orchestra music)

- I knew it.

- What?

- I just came from the camp.

- What happened?

- I was right, Kathleen.

- Right about what?

- About Clegg.

About the army.

They've press ganged him.

- Press ganged who?

- Jimmy Wilkes.

- Private Wilkes is not permitted to speak

to civilians without permission.

- This is outrageous!

You forced him to sign.

- However, in order to
set the record straight.

Private Wilkes, step forward, please.

Now, Private Wilkes, will you kindly tell

these ladies whether you signed
on of your own free will?

- That's right, I did.

- It's all right, Jimmy.

You can tell us the truth.

- But I am.

- You want to be in the army?

- Yes.

- Now, if you don't mind,
ladies, Private Wilkes

has mess duty.

Follow me, Private Wilkes.

Ladies.

- He's scared, Kathleen.

You can see it in his eyes.

What are we gonna do?

- We need to go above Clegg's head.

- Captain Farrell, let's go.

- I think this requires
a different approach.

(orchestra music)

- [Man] I'll take the horse, sir.

- Captain Farrell.

- [Farrell] Good morning.

- Matt McGregor.

- Of course, Rob's father.

- Yes.

Unfortunately, I'm here
in an official capacity.

I don't know if you're aware,

but I'm a member of
parliament for this area.

- Yes.

- There have been certain
allegations about the manner

in which you've been conducting

your recruitment campaign.

- Allegations?

What allegations?

- Well, there've been some
suggestions that at least one

of your new recruits is
here against his will.

- Would you be so kind as to tell me

the young man's name?

- Wilkes, Jimmy Wilkes.

- Clegg.

- Sir.

- Bring me the recruitment
papers on Wilkes, if you will.

- Sir.

- Mr. McGregor, perhaps
you can tell me the source

of these allegations.

- Oh, I don't think that's
necessary at this point.

- You must understand
that it is not uncommon

a day or two after having signed on

for some of these recruits to
experience certain regrets.

- I understand what you're saying.

In this case, it would seem the young man

may have been coerced
into signing his papers.

- I can assure you, Mr. McGregor,
that there is no coercion

in this unit that I am aware of.

- Yes, well, coercion
can mean different things

to different people.

- Yes, it can.

No doubt, you are aware
that I've spoken to Rob

about a career in the colonial army.

Some people might
consider that I am trying

to coerce him.

Let me assure you, Mr.
McGregor, Rob will make up

his own mind.

It would be wrong for me, or anyone else,

for that matter, to attempt
to influence him in any way.

- I've never stood in the
way of any of my children.

- Thank you, Sergeant.

- His recruitment papers, sir.

- These papers are in order, Mr. McGregor.

Signed and dated.

- Yes, but I'd like to see him,

if you don't mind.

- Clegg.

- Private Wilkes!

- Hello, Jimmy.

- Mr. McGregor.

- Well, you surprised us
all by joining the army.

- Yes, sir.

- It was your decision, was it?

- Yes sir.

- No one forced you into it?

- No, no sir.

- Is this your signature, Private Wilkes?

- It's a bit shaky.

- A simple yes or no
will suffice, Private.

- Yes, sir.

That's my signature.

- Do you have any more
questions, Mr. McGregor?

- No, that's all for the present.

- [Farrell] You're
dismissed, Private Wilkes.

- Well, I apologize if I've
caused you any inconvenience.

Good day, Captain.

- I understand why you
did this, Mr. McGregor.

Do you know anything about
these allegations, Clegg?

- That newspaper woman.

She's trying to stir up trouble.

- All our new recruits are volunteers?

- Such as we have.

We've not been very successful, Captain.

- Thank you for the reminder, Sergeant.

Nevertheless, there'll be no
coercion while I'm in charge.

Remember that, Sergeant.

- Sir.

You'll not last long, boy.

You'll see.

- Could he have been intimidated.

- Maybe.

He wasn't about to tell me.

All he said was that he wanted to enlist,

and the paper's prove he has.

- But he's scared of Clegg.

They're all scared of Clegg.

- I'm sorry, but the law is the law.

There's nothing more I can do.

- The army's not the place for Jimmy.

- Well, if it's what he wants.

- Would you say the same if it was Rob?

(stirring music)

- You ride very well, Ms. Black wood.

- Thank you, Captain.

- I must say, I was rather surprised,

and I hastened when delighted
to receive this invitation.

- It was Frank's idea, Captain.

- I see.

- Unfortunately, I'm afraid you don't.

My dear brother, Frank, invited you,

in the hope that I would
fall madly in love with you,

and run away to become an army wife.

- Well, let me make it
clear from the outset,

that my intentions are entirely honorable.

- I'm sure they are.

I just thought you'd prefer to know.

- Thank you for your frankness.

- So, why do you think we were invited?

- Oh, I don't know.

Probably Victoria's way of
getting back at her brother.

- Well, if you don't
know why we're invited,

then why'd you accept?

- Because Victoria told
me you were coming.

- Thinking about joining up, aren't you?

- Well, what would you
think about that, if I did?

- I would think you are
making a terrible mistake,

but it doesn't have
anything to do with me.

- It does, you know?

- Has to be your decision, Rob.

- I just feel like I've been
living in my father's shadow

for a really long time,
and I'd like to make

my own way, you know?

- I do know.

I came halfway around the
world to make my own way.

I'm not sorry.

- And when the sun rose,
the desert was empty.

They'd taken all their dead.

It was like the battle had never happened,

like it was all a dream.

- A dream or a nightmare, Captain Farrell?

- [Farrell] You're right, Ms. Whitney,

war is a nightmare.

- And what would you know
of wars, Ms. Whitney?

- I know what my father
and my uncle lived through.

They fought in our American Civil War,

and they will never let
me forget the suffering

that they saw there.

- So, you're a pacifist, then?

- Absolutely.

- Well, maybe we can all make some peace.

- Is this a battle we
haven't heard about, Robbie?

- Ms. Black wood, the Chronicle
has taken an exception

to our recruiting campaign.

- Not the campaign, Captain
Farrell, the tactics.

- What tactics?

- Let's just say they're
not entirely honorable.

- Just because Jack's a soldier,

doesn't mean he approves of war.

- Well, why carry a
weapon, if you don't intend

to use it?

- A newspaper can be a weapon
in some people's hands.

- Freedom of the press is the cornerstone

of democracy.

- Well, I'd say you shouldn't start a war

with a newspaper, then.

- Not bad.

How long you staying in
Parison's Ridge, Jack?

- We strike camp tomorrow.

(birds chirping)

For those who may want to come.

- Cattle have escaped
from the lower paddock.

Through the fence you
said you were fixing.

- Well, I started working on it yesterday.

- Yeah, the cattle got out this morning.

- I had something else to
do today, something for me.

It's Sunday, all right?

- You think the cattle care?

Working on the land's not a job.

It's a way of life.

We all know that.

You have your day off.

- They have Sunday's off in the army.

(rattling)

- Ms. Whitney, you gotta help me.

- What is it?

- He's after me.

- Clegg.

- I told him I don't want to be a soldier.

- Sh, it's okay. Calm down.

The night that you signed
the recruitment papers,

tell me how he did it.

Jimmy, tell me.

- I can't remember.

- What do you mean, you can't remember?

- I was drunk.

He got me drunk.

I wasn't going to join, I wasn't.

Then, this morning, he yelled at me,

and he hit me.

Please, help me.

(thunder)

- I'll get him.

- No, that's all right.

- Good rain.

- Yeah.

We need it, huh?

- Dad.

- Look, I'm not holding you back, Rob.

I think the army's a fine
and honorable profession.

In fact, I'd be proud of any son of mine

who wanted to make it his career.

- But...

- I know I've been a
bit tough on you lately.

It's just that I, I can't believe

that's what you really want.

That you're gonna leave all this.

- Well, all of this is all I know.

I mean, maybe after
experiencing another life,

I might look at all this differently.

- I'd lay odds on it.

(tender music)

There's something else.

- What?

- Well, you're my son, and
I don't want you to go.

- Well, I'm sorry, Dad,
but I've already decided.

(thunder)

- What more can I say then?

If you're going to be a soldier,

just make sure you're a good one.

- Thanks.

- Better go and tell the others.

- I've made up my mind.

I've decided to join up.

- My Rob.

(crying)

Not fair.

(tender music)

- Where is he?

- I beg your pardon.

- Wilkes.

Did he come running to you?

- Why would he come here?

- Nobody runs out on the army.

- Why would he run away?

He just enlisted.

He's an eager and willing
recruit, isn't he?

Or is there something you're
not telling us, Sergeant?

- I'll give him until
the morning to come back.

If he doesn't return by
then, he's a deserter,

and we still shoot deserters in the army.

- You should be safe in here.

Take this.

I'm gonna bring you some
food in the morning.

Now, stay here, until I
come for you, all right?

(orchestra music)

- Morning, Mr. Gleason.

- Good morning.

- Ruth's not here?

- No, she just scurried
off, all very secretive.

- Scurried off where?

- Well, she didn't say, but last seen,

she was heading towards
the railway station.

- Jimmy.

(orchestra music)

- Rob, and what can I do for you?

- You can lend me a pen.

- Ruth.

- Kathleen, it's Jimmy.

He ran away last night.

Clegg got him drunk, he coerced him.

That's how he got him to sign up.

- Where is he now?

- I don't know.

I hid him in the warehouse,
but he's not there now,

and Clegg's out searching
for him with a dog.

- Come on.

- Wilkes, I see you.

Wilkes, come back here!

(barking)

- There he is!

Get Farrell.

- Wilkes, come here!

- I'm very pleased to
have you aboard, Rob.

- Thanks.

Kathleen. Kathleen.

- Rob, it's Jimmy.

Clegg's chasing him, and
now, Ruth's gone after them.

(barking)

(tense music)

- Give him to me now, or he's in trouble.

- You're the one who's in trouble.

- He's a deserter, and I'm
taking him back, anyway.

You are hindering an officer
of Her Majesty's Army

in the execution of his duty.

- Is it your duty to
beat helpless young men,

and press people into service?

- Clegg, report, Sergeant.

- Sir, this man is a deserter.

- What do you have to say
for yourself, Private?

- It's all right, Jimmy.

It's all right.

Tell him how Clegg forced you to enlist.

Tell him how he hit you.

- Is this true, lad?

- Yes, sir.

- Go back to the camp.

We'll sort this out there.

No one's going to make
you stay in the army,

if you don't want to.

- Come on.

I shall be reporting you to the commandant

as soon as we get back to Bendigo.

You'll be lucky ever to
see your stripes again.

- None can blame me for doing my job.

And you countersigned all the papers.

- Without knowing how those signatures

had been obtained.

- If it was left to the officer class,

nothing would get done in this army.

I run this squad, me, while you're busy

prancing about with the local gentry.

Captain, my eye.

You are not fit to clean my boots.

Well done, sir.

You know what happens to an officer

who strikes an enlisted man?

- Get out of my sight, Clegg.

- Come on, boy.

Come on, we're leaving.

- What do they do to a new
officer who hits an NCO?

- A court marshal, with a
certain dishonorable discharge.

That is, if I had
accepted your enlistment.

- What are you doing?

- You've just demonstrated
what I suspected

the first time we met.

You're too independent to be a soldier.

- I've made my decision, and
I'll accept the consequences.

- Look, Rob.

In my own way, I did coerce you.

In some respects, I
behaved as badly as Clegg.

- Well, you know, you're
losing a good officer.

- I know, but it seems
to me your heart is here.

(drum roll)

(horn playing)

- Aren't you glad you're
not going with them?

- Yeah.

Never really wanted to
be a soldier, anyway.

- That'll teach you to
stay away from hard liquor.

- [Farrell Thank You you for
your hospitality, Black wood.

- I'm disappointed in you, Farrell,

running off like this.

Playing hard never won a fair lady.

- They don't come any
fainter than yours, Frank.

- Victoria.

- Safe journey, Captain.

Perhaps we'll meet again under
less trying circumstances.

- I hope so.

(orchestra music)

- So, Rob, are you sorry
to be staying behind?

- No, I think Farrell was right.

My heart's here.

(bucolic music)