Original subtitles

Rose.

My mother.

She thinks we're in a storybook with a happy ending.

It's not like that.

It's not like you read in books.

The words explain.

Tell you what to expect.

God save our gracious king.

Protect his little thing.

Grow up.

Gotcha! School's over, huh?

All summer, I saw the changes in the clouds passing in front of the sun, the

water sifting suddenly from blue to grey.

It was like after the rain, muddy, slippery, me putting my foot down and

nothing's there.

Guess we should leave the beds, eh?

For the night?

Bank.

She understands one thing.

Cash.

Thirteen years.

I'm not a farmer.

I belong in the bush.

Alex, you gave your word.

We're going to Napinka.

I don't even know if Joe's still there.

It doesn't matter.

There'll be work there, school.

A place to start over.

Whoa!

Told you we weren't moving.

August 2nd, 1929.

After traveling four days, finally we arrive in Nipinka.

Rose, looking out big with her eyes.

Me too.

People with their hands open.

Chances. jumping off at us from the dusty street.

Good day to you, Mr. and Mrs. Alex Lesperance.

Welcome. Bonjour.

God bless you.

Any place to live around here?

People moved away a couple of months ago.

It shouldn't take that much to fix up.

You working steady these days?

A little here, a little there.

I'll go make some tea.

Thank you.

But I also believe that right now it's important to look after what we've got

the best we can.

My vote's still with adding on to the pool.

So are you Genting and you neighbors?

One,

two, must be three children.

Three too many, if you ask me. Oh, they don't look about. Try telling that to

the people down Deloraine Way.

Breeds are rubbing them blind down there.

There's one other thing to discuss.

The Krawchuks.

They're asking for relief.

Oh, I'm in no mood to discuss the Krawchuks. Well, I guess I'll head on

the McDonald's place.

The wife is hoping to put in a bid for the china.

The McDonald auction.

That today?

Might as well give the town to the bloody half -breeds.

Is that man going to sing all night?

Doesn't matter.

I'm not going to let you sleep all night either.

You don't have to go.

I have to.

We need money.

You can find work here. There's no work in this place.

Look at Joe.

A whole year.

Joe DeLorme doesn't know what work is.

He's a changed man.

He belongs in the bush.

You could come with me.

What for?

Wander around the countryside like gypsies?

Digging the Seneca, picking stones?

While the children grow old too soon?

No education.

No chance for them.

Hey, you out there, shut up!

Shut up!

My bones ache all over.

When the Princess Victoria was a little girl, her teacher told her that someday

she would become queen of our land.

This did not make her proud.

She simply put her hand into that of her teacher and said, I will be good.

This promise she kept.

For the rest of her life.

You're rude.

I missed you by a mile.

I could have got you if I wanted.

I just got me a rabbit right between the eyes.

You're a goddamn liar.

The old lady's making stew right now.

Sure she is.

Chicken stew.

Where'd you get it anyway?

Why don't you come out with me tonight and find out?

Hell, I'd love more fun than reading that stupid book.

A lot, you know.

You'd better go.

So long, Queen of France.

I'll miss you.

You watch the children.

Make them be good.

They'll be good.

Stay away from the tunnel.

You've got the big ten -year -old wolf.

And they're always watching where they're setting traps.

My heart was big to go with him and learn how to sniff out those traps.

But I knew that I had to stay and take my chances here with Rose.

He's not coming back, is he?

What a thing to say. Of course he's coming back.

We're putting the carpet for the horse.

The Pink is just one small town.

You don't know if the Good Road board will even agree.

They'll do it.

How can you be so certain?

The board's willing to talk.

They'll divert the highway right beside the track if council agrees.

How much?

20 % of the diversion cost.

It's not in the budget.

I think we have to take a chance. The town won't grow.

If that road doesn't come this way, we might as well all pack up and leave.

Smoke?

The Queen of France.

You know what happened to the Queen of France?

What?

She went and lost her pants.

Did you come for the flowers?

I can spare it.

She said only two cups.

Oh, I got lots.

I can spare it.

I'll leave to your mom.

She never seems to have time for a visit.

They keep bringing her sewing.

Sometimes she stays up all night to keep up.

She heard from her old man yet?

No. I guess he's still looking.

Yeah, everybody's looking.

Nearly everybody, anyway.

Arthur, Paul, and me.

Our feet were itchy.

The kind of day when my friends and me back home would build a raft, pull

the creek.

At least we had the train.

Something different.

People coming, going.

Could you kids stay out of the way, please?

Goldilocks. White from eating too much porridge.

Living in the shade too long.

Immigrants.

We're different, Rose said. Not better.

Besides, even the king, his royal behindness, he farts too.

I'd rather you kids didn't play around here.

Come on.

You having trouble?

No, nothing I can't handle.

You sons of bitches!

I'll get the mountains on you!

Run the road through like they did at Deloraine.

You'll be gone tomorrow!

Yes, it's just right you can't see the men at all.

Here.

Careful now. I promised Mrs. Harvey I'd be finished today.

Good afternoon, Mrs. Harvey.

I'm Flora Lesperance, Rose's daughter.

It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance.

Yes, thank you.

I'd love to join you for biscuits and tea.

Oh, hello.

I brought your mother's coat.

I was expecting your mother.

But never mind.

Let me see.

Which one are you?

Flora. I'm Alice, and this is Todd. He likes frogs.

I think frogs are disgusting. Don't you?

It's a splendid job.

Flora what?

Let's brew.

Let's barren?

What a wonder.

I can't see the tear at all. Wait right here. I'll be right out.

Wahab's third summer had brought him the stature of a large -sized bear,

though... Here, you eat.

Start here.

Wahab's third summer had brought him the stature of a large -sized bear, though

not nearly the bulk and power that in time were his.

He was very light -colored now.

And this was... You read very well, Flora.

Have you gone to school, then?

Do you like school?

Yes. I like school.

I know, dear.

See that your mother gets this, will you?

Aw, does she have to go home already?

Can't she stay for a while?

I suppose she can.

If she wants to.

She wants to, don't you?

How come you're not wearing shoes?

These are shoes.

They're funny.

Alice, mind your manners.

Stand up.

Mrs. Williams gave it to me.

Yes, take in the neck.

Mrs. Harvey wouldn't make Alice wear this.

Well, you can't wear that to school.

Hello, Flora. Hello.

I saw your fire.

The wife sent me over, thought you might like these for a little treat.

It's a nice evening.

Tell her thank you.

You folks planning on staying at Napinka for long?

Could you tell me, do you think there's any work to be had around the town?

I could inquire.

There could be some housework.

No, for my Alex.

Well, now, that's possible.

Well, there's talk of something opening up on the roads. I could... Let you

know. See what I can do.

Say, I... I thought I should warn you. It might be a good idea not to let your

children get too chummy with that lot.

Yes, I know.

Well, I see you're having a camp out.

What have you been cooking?

Smells quite good.

It's none of your business.

Paul!

Get in the house.

Now.

Let's go. We've got five of them.

It's time for bed, all of you.

Go now.

You, you're just like your father.

You're going to get us into a fine pickle.

It's not fair.

We can't hang around his train station, but he can come here.

He brought us a gift.

And some good advice. You stay away from the Delormes. Why should I? We're no

different than they are.

I beg your pardon?

Like the chicken, didn't we?

Go to bed.

I didn't know the chicken was stolen.

I know.

Things would be better once Dad comes.

He's not coming.

Why?

He sold the team.

He's up north.

He wants us to come to him.

When?

We're not going.

But why?

He's such a goose.

Trapping, cutting bush.

But that's all I know, he says.

Because he hasn't tried anything else.

Where is he?

Around La Paz.

He found a place, he says.

But for how long?

We'd only have to move again.

Besides, you'd have to go to a reserve school.

At least we'd be together.

My children don't belong in a reserve school.

Whose house is this?

It was just here.

Well, can we stay here for as long as we want?

Bring me some of your paper.

I'll write to him, make him come back.

Rose, she was still thinking the clouds would open, that the storm would pass

around us.

But my father, he knew what he could hold in his hand, what was solid.

And if thunder should roll across the roof, he just went out quick and took

lid off the rain barrel.

There's more to life than trapping.

The people in town treat us kindly.

They throw their garbage onto our yard.

No wild Indians here.

I'm just all the time sitting with my feet together, afraid to tip off the

chair.

Stop staring.

Stop playing.

Daddy gave it to me for my birthday

Why

do

you have so many?

I don't know, don't you?

My mother used to be a teacher.

What did your mother used to be?

My goodness, Alice, you do ask a lot of questions.

Time to clean up, children.

Little women.

When I was your age, I must have read this book six or seven times.

If I lent you this book, you'd take good care of it, wouldn't you?

You may borrow it.

Are you looking forward to going to school this year?

Yes. You're not lending her my favorite book.

Come now, Alice.

You just finished reading it.

Make sure your mother gets the money now.

Why can't she get her own book?

How?

They're poor people, Alice. They barely have enough to eat. Never mind books.

You mean she's hungry?

I'm sure she is.

They all are sometimes.

Gentlemen, we agreed.

If we spend anything this year, it'll be on an addition to the school.

For God's sake, Robert, your daughter Lucy, she'll have three ready to go

Eh, that's true enough.

You know as well as I do there's men walking around this town with their

in their pockets since the mill shut down.

That's why we need the road.

There won't be any development or jobs without it.

She imagined herself acting the part of a fine lady and still got on pretty

well, though the tight dress gave her a side ache.

She was flirting with her fan and laughing, when suddenly she stopped

For just opposite, she saw Laurie.

I'm glad you came, for I was afraid you wouldn't.

Don't you like me so?

Why not?

I don't like butts and feathers.

Meg walked away, saying petulantly, I think you're the rudest boy I ever saw.

Where did you get that?

Mrs. Harvey.

She lent it to me.

She says I read pretty good.

Well then, read something.

I know they will remember all I said to them. And when I come back, I may be

fonder and prouder than ever of my little woman.

My little dear.

Little.

Goodness.

Every time I look at you, you've grown.

Almost the same age I was when your father came courting.

Mrs. Williams asked if I had the time to do a bit of scrubbing.

We talked about the school.

It'll be opening soon.

Smell.

Carbolic.

This is to make us wash our whole bodies in it.

Cat's pee.

Cat's pee.

That's what he used to say to me.

Rose.

where you and dad came courting.

Hey, you!

Too young.

Fourteen, like you.

When I think of it now, I should have stayed in school.

I don't like him playing around over there.

Have you chopped the wood as I have?

I'll get around to it before night.

I don't go by seeing our time.

Seeing our time, just like its father.

When he puts his mind to it, he can do the work of two people.

I like a bit of the other one.

September 8th, the first day of school.

Mama sat up all night, but it's finished.

It looks almost new, like a dress Alice would wear.

The day was bright, clean, like a sheet of paper set down in front of me, and I,

about to pick up a pencil.

and put my mark on it.

John Stevenson.

William's brother?

Yes. Don't tell me you're seven already.

Six and a half, but I was assured there'd be no problem. Shouldn't be. If

like his big brother, looks like a clever fellow.

I'm going to keep my eye on you.

Name?

The Lesperons, children.

Lesperons, Lesperons.

Name doesn't seem to be here.

Are you resident in Topinka?

Resident?

You mean, do we live here?

Of course.

Is your name on the provincial elector list?

Have you ever voted?

Well, my husband isn't here.

I don't think he voted anywhere.

Well, that's it then.

We live here.

Just over there, beyond the train station, right next to the Delormes.

There's not a lot I can do, then.

You're not a resident.

You're just squatting, living on government property.

Check with us later.

Sometimes we allow non -residents to attend if we have the space.

Wait here.

But you're not really in the town.

The house is on the road allowance.

It's property the government set aside for roads when they're needed.

So we'll have to get a place.

In town.

I'll speak to Mr. Harvey.

If a plate comes open in the school, he'll see to it that Flora gets in.

And in the meantime, I wouldn't mind, if you like, I'll work with Flora so she

doesn't fall behind.

Thank you.

I'll do what I can, but I can't promise.

But surely, you have influence. It's not that simple.

There are other newcomers. Take the Bergstrasse's, for instance.

Charles, that's not fair.

They don't live in the town either.

Bergstrasse is a hard -working man.

And Flora's a clever girl, Charles.

What chance will she have if we don't give it to her?

I'll see what I can do.

You know where this goes?

So, you're almost finished. Good times.

Goodness, you are a fast reader.

Did Mrs. Black visit your mother yet?

Yes, today.

Good. I suggest that she go.

Your mother does a fine job.

Bye. Bye.

I was wondering, what happens when they put in a new road?

Well, I'm not sure what you mean.

Like, in Deloraine, does something happen? People have to move out or

Well, I haven't heard.

I could ask Mr.

Harvey. No, it's all right.

Bye. Bye.

That's wrong.

4 times 5 is 20.

You have to remember to count by 5.

Let me see what you've done.

I was never any good at arithmetic.

You sure I can have it?

I can get lots more.

You better not keep it.

So, what you guys up to?

Same as always, splitting wood.

So, how much they give you for it?

You get five cents a bundle.

Wouldn't catch me doing that shit.

And what do you do all day?

Come with me and find out.

You're not finished yet, mister?

Paul? And you'll let them get on with their work?

Mama?

He's a mischief. Pack of trouble.

The sisters used to tell us, idle hands make light the devil's work.

And when you're done, I have an errand for you.

When Dad comes back, I'm going to get me right on that train.

If I had one of them horses, I'd go out and find him.

Well, we don't, and you don't know where he is anyway.

I could hitch me right on that train. I could find him. Don't say that.

I told you to give that back.

You're not the queen of France. Stop talking like Roger DeLorme. Give it to

God damn it. Be good. We have to be good. Don't you understand anything?

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

Sherlock would not accept or accept the money.

Accept.

He spoke nice, nicely to us.

He spoke nice.

All cool?

Bye -bye.

Miss Edwards wanted me to remind her about the mother's meeting at school

Oh, I'm sorry, Alice. I can't go today. Flora's coming over.

But I told her you would go.

Not today.

All the other mothers are going to be there.

And the three.

Promise. Big words in hard times.

Well, Chas, I'm just as much for the school as you are.

It's getting late. Call for the question.

Oh, I'm getting out of being an inter -cattle.

Would you look at that Bergstresser?

Now, that Rusky is holding his head above water by reason. Check that for

and eaten lard and bread.

That rule will come in handy for shipping.

Question?

Four?

Okay.

Carried. Well, that's it, gentlemen.

Sometimes you have to be willing to give a little to get a lot.

Let's hope the taxpayers think so, too.

They will. They will.

He spoke nice.

That's not correct. It's he spoke nicely, Flora.

He spoke nicely to us. That's right.

Oh, is it that time already?

I'll put the kettle to boil.

Just finish the last three here. I'll be right back.

It was a long meeting.

There was a lot to talk about.

And?

Well, they were determined to have that damn rose.

So the school will have to wait.

The surveyors will be beginning in a couple of weeks.

What will the rose do?

To find another place.

And as for that other lock, good riddance to bad rubbish, that's what I

There's nothing available in town.

You know that.

And as for that man of hers, who knows when he's coming back.

Poor Flora.

I put so much time into her. The people got fed up with all the thievery.

What was this, children weren't responsible for that? You know that.

shame, Gertrude. I realize that.

If only they could all be like Flora.

It was like after the rain, the earth sticky, muddy, sucking at my feet so

I couldn't make them go where I wanted, so that I could hardly lift them, put

one foot in front of the other.

Shit.

Alice,

what's he doing here?

Oh, that's Peter Bergstrasse. He started yesterday.

But they said if there was space...

Know why they didn't let you guys come to school?

Why?

Because you eat gophers.

You and your dream.

It's gonna snow if it don't rain, eh?

I said it's gonna snow.

Who cares?

Give me that thing.

Hey,

you little boogers!

And he kept on coming after me after his suspenders broke, pants down around his

feet.

He fell flat on his kisser.

That was a close one.

You gotta admit, though, this is way more fun than going to school.

Ain't the end of the world.

Why worry about a bunch of jerks?

Something's happened. I just know it.

She's a big girl. She can take care of herself.

I'll go find it. No.

One missing is enough.

This one's mine.

She's my favorite.

I ain't never gonna eat really.

Wish Alex was here.

Oh.

God.

What have you done to her?

Big trouble. My chickens.

Had to make a fire. Chicken's gone.

No.

It's not true.

How'd they find that boy?

Is it?

Flora?

I told you to stay away!

Stay away!

You ruined all our chances.

We never had any chances.

My mother, she couldn't finish the end of the story, but she'd already started

new one, determined that this one will have a happy ending.

What can he be thinking?

My children going to school with a bunch of Indians.

I wonder what's going to happen to the Delores.

They'll be gone soon.

How do you know this?

Town's putting in a new road.

Well, then it's just as well Roger isn't with him.

He'll be better off.

In a reform school?

At least he'll learn a trade, then.

You didn't give that back.

I figure I earned it.

No fine lady in a fancy gown.

No Indian dressed in buffalo skin.

Just me.

Watching where they're setting the traps.

And learning my way around them.

They'll never get me.