Original subtitles

(CHURCH ORGAN MUSIC PLAYING)

(CHATTERING)

-Good morning. -Good morning.

-Good morning. How are you? -|'m very well.

WOMAN: Did you enjoy the sermon?

Morning, Betsy. Well, John.

Well, Widow, I hope the rheumatism's better.

-Much better, thank you, Squire. -Good.

Postmaster, a good collection, I hope?

Very good indeed, Squire.

-Try a pinch of snuff. -Thank you, Squire.

Thank you.

I must bid you good day.

Ah, Miss Susan. I hope I see you well?

A fine sermon, Squire Meadows.

Splendid. So much truth in it. I feel a better man already.

Mr Eden's sermons are always beautiful.

They are like he is.

All goodness.

Mr Eden is fortunate to have one so beautiful think so highly of him.

That is more than she has ever said of her poor old dad.

Yes, or of me either.

I love Mr Eden.

Then I would that I were Mr Eden.

I love him as a parson, for his piety,

for... for his charity to the sick, not as...

Not as she loves young George Fielding, eh?

A young pauper with a farm

that can hardly grow enough to pay his tithe.

Grove Farm has not been doing too well of late, eh?

Nor never will with him at the head of it.

Susan.

Shame on you not to have listened to that lovely sermon.

I had eyes and thoughts for no-one but you.

Oh, la, Mr Fielding, is that what you come to church for?

-To let your eyes and thoughts wander? -Oh, but they didn't wander once.

An expensive item for a son-in-law, I'm thinking.

A son-in-law? I don't want him for a son-in-law.

Not if he were the last man in the world.

Which he is not.

Believe me, Farmer, there are men

who would give your daughter a good home

and help her father in hard times.

-We||, young man. -Good morning, Mr Merton.

I'm not so sure that it is such a good morning.

Susan, take a turn with Squire Meadows.

Oh, but, Father, I...

I have a word or two to say to young George Fielding here.

-We||, sir, how's business on the farm? -None too good.

They tell me you're threshing out new wheat for the rent.

They tell you the truth, sir.

And the rent for next quarter will come from where?

I don't know.

Then what the devil do you mean by making up to my daughter?

-I love her. -Love!

Will it pay your rent and feed your horses?

Will it feed you and a wife and children if they come along?

The man who marries my daughter

must show me first one thousand pounds

that he has put away for a rainy day.

-Can you do that? -You know that I can't do that.

Then wipe my daughter from your mind.

That is my last word.

Your answer, Susan?

I thank you, Mr Meadows, for the honour you do me.

But my hand can only go to the man who holds my heart prisoner.

-George Fielding, eh? -I name no names.

No need to. I know. Huh!

What can he offer you compared to myself?

A fine home, money and a position in society

as the wife of a squire and a justice of the peace.

Oh, sir, say no more.

I could never marry you.

I do not love you.

Oh, here comes my father.

I will bid you a good day.

You told me to wait, Squire?

Yes, Crawley.

Course of true love running smoothly?

Not yet, but it will.

Get Farmer Merton's mortgage, which you hold in your name,

and bring it up to my house at once.

It falls due tomorrow, I think.

By then, I shall have thought of some scheme

which may make the fair Susan a little more tractable.

(CHUCKLING)

-Ah, good morning, Farmer Fielding. -Morning, Your Reverence.

-Did you enjoy the sermon? -Your Reverence has never been better.

Ah, it's good to hear that.

Now, let me see. Can you tell me the text?

-Mmm, the text. -What, have you forgotten already?

-Is it possible you never heard? -No, Your Reverence. I...

There was one member of my congregation this morning who never heard a word

because his thoughts were all for a certain young lady,

who shall be nameless.

(CHUCKLING) Your Reverence.

But who am I to blame him? I approve of his choice.

I would have done the same myself.

(CHUCKLING)

Well, Susan, did you enjoy your stroll with the squire?

Why, yes, Father.

-Why, child, what's worrying you? -Oh, Father...

Ah, Your Reverence!

You've not forgotten you're dining with us today?

Forgotten? No. I'm hungry.

But I can't live on love like some young people can.

Huh. Then, if we are ready...

(MAN WHISTLING TUNE)

Tom.

Ah, the Reverend Mr Eden, and Mr Merton, too.

And the fair Susan.

Mr Fielding, I've just got tomorrow's breakfast.

Are you aware, sir, that this is Sunday?

On my honour, I'd forgotten it.

And the fish didn't seem to be aware of it.

Look. Isn't he a beauty?

Under the mill sluice. That's where he came from.

How dare you speak to His Reverence like that?!

I'll speak to His Reverence as I speak to any other man

and pay him the compliment in granting that he is a man,

not a mealy mouthed worm like our Squire Meadows,

who I passed just now.

Squire Meadows!

(SPITTING)

Why, I've better things in here for bait then he.

This is no day nor place for angry words.

I am at your disposal, Farmer. We are behind time as it is.

Come, Your Reverence. Come, Susan.

(LAUGHING)

And how many more scrapes am I gonna get you out of?

Well, I expect you're sorry you got me out of the Middle Dam

when the ice gave way last Christmas.

Ah, don't be silly. I don't want to be reminded of that.

Well, I shall never forget it.

And, one of these days, I hope to repay you.

I don't want repayment.

-Is there anything that I can do? -We||, you're a good listener, Tom,

and I've got no-one else I can tell my troubles to.

Then unload them on me,

and you can tell me them all while we're having dinner together.

Oh, but are we having dinner together?

I hope so, because I haven't any,

and, if you dine alone, you'll have no-one to tell your troubles to.

Yes, you're right.

It's roast pork and apple sauce today.

Ah! I can feel my teeth on the crackling already.

(CHUCKLING) Then come on.

You know, you're getting me talked about, Tom.

You're getting me a bad name.

Already, people are looking at me askance

because I know you.

I suppose I should give you up, but I like you, Tom,

and that's the devil of it.

I'll try not to disgrace you again, Mr Fielding.

(KNOCKING)

-May I come in? -Oh, it's Frank Winchester.

-What brings you here of a Sunday? -Hello, Tom.

Well, I just came to wish you goodbye.

I sail for Australia at the end of this week.

-What, so soon? -Yes, time flies.

Tell me, have you thought about my suggestion?

-What, of coming with you? -Yes.

-And leave the old farm? -Huh!

You wouldn't be leaving much of value.

Well, you're right there.

Between ourselves, unless I can get a renewal of a certain note of hand,

I may have to leave anyway.

-Then why hesitate? -Oh, there are reasons.

Reasons? Or reason?

Ha! And the name of that reason is Susan Merton, eh?

-What does her father say about it? -Oh, unless I can show him

a thousand pounds in the bank, he'll have none of me.

And what chance have you of putting by a thousand pounds in this place?

Come to Australia with me, and, in two or three years' time,

you'll return home with three times that amount.

And leave her all that time?

Better to leave her for three years than have to give her up altogether.

-|'|| give you my answer tomorrow. -But why not now?

It depends on that note of hand.

If I can get it renewed, I'll stay here.

If I can't, I'll go with you.

Is that Farmer Merton's acceptance?

Falls due tomorrow, as you said.

What do you wish me to do?

Present it. He can't meet it, I know.

-And then? -Threaten him with a writ.

-And then? -(CHUCKLING)

They say love always finds a way.

(BOTH CHUCKLING)

Why do you sigh, Miss Susan?

Is it love?

Oh, I was sighing, sir, because of what you've just told us.

-That you're going away. -I shall miss you all, too.

And you mean to bury yourself in Linchester Gaol?

The prison chaplaincy is vacant.

I can do more good to the poor sufferers there

than I can do in this parish.

If I could only land him safely in Linchester Gaol.

As visiting justice, I could use my influence to make him...

comfortable.

You're speaking of who, Squire?

That young puppy, of course, George Fielding.

Gamekeeper Fellowes and the village constable to see you, sir.

Sorry, Squire, to bother you on a Sunday, but...

MEADOWS: What's it all about?

The poachers have been busy again last night.

MEADOWS: Well, have you caught anybody?

Not as you might say "caught anyone", sir, but we've got our suspicions.

We tracked their footsteps to a gap in the hedge

on the borders of the Pathesley crossroads.

'Tis our belief it is one of the cottages hard by, sir.

The Pathesley crossroads...

That's the opposite side of my estate from Grove Farm,

where George Fielding lives.

-Right on the opposite side, sir. -Five miles or more away.

You couldn't have traced those footprints to a gap in the hedge

between my estate and Grove Farm?

Oh, no, sir.

MEADOWS: And you couldn't have traced them further still

to the very gates of Grove Farm itself, eh?

CONSTABLE: No, Squire. Nowhere near.

And you couldn't have caught a glimpse of that poacher

and have identified him as George Fielding, eh?

-I begin to see your meaning, sir. -So do I.

-It is possible, is it not? -Anything's possible, Squire.

'Tis the unexpected what always happens, sir.

I had brought this warrant for you to sign as a justice of the peace

for the arrest of James Badge, the party we suspect.

The name can be altered, can it not?

Aye, Squire. It's only in pencil.

What name shall I alter it to?

George Fielding.

And you'd better get Squire Williams to sign it, hmm?

(DOOR OPENING)

Lawyer Crawley to see you, sir.

Good morning, Farmer. Good morning.

-What can I do for you? -Ooh, quite a lot.

Your acceptance, five hundred pounds. You've not forgotten?

-Due today? -So it says here.

I thought it was not yet for another three weeks.

You thought wrong, Farmer, I'm thankful to say,

and the money will be a real comfort to me.

But I haven't the money by me. You must wait until next week.

Next week? Impossible.

Impossible or not impossible, you'd have to wait.

Ah, that's where we disagree, Farmer.

-I must have that money today or... -Or what?

I shall have to issue a writ against you.

A writ against me?

I've never had a threat like that before.

-I don't believe you mean it. -Not mean it?

You'll soon see whether I mean it or not.

But you know my father will pay.

My dear young lady, my business is with your father and not with you.

-I came here for my money... -Good morning, Farmer.

Miss Susan.

-We||, Crawley. -Good morning.

Why, what's the matter? You seem put about.

Am I intruding at a private meeting?

Oh, no, Squire. As justice of the peace, this will concern you.

I shall be at court later to ask for a writ.

-A writ against whom? -Farmer Merton here.

-Huh. Impossible. -So I would have thought an hour ago.

I shall refuse to sign any such writ.

Pardon, Squire, it's your duty as a justice of the peace.

Well, well, well, well. What is the amount?

Large.

-Five hundred pounds. -Five hundred pounds?

-That's small. -To you, Squire. But, to me...

Your name is good? You can repay?

-In a few months. -There you are, then, Crawley.

What ails you, man?

I want my money now, and I intend to have it!

And you shall have it.

Come, my friend.

I'll pull you through.

Be at my house an hour hence and you shall be paid in full.

Now get about your dirty business or I'll throw you out.

Dom

How can I ever thank you?

I want no thanks from you.

-Shall I give you my note of hand? -No, no.

Your word is your bond as far as I am concerned.

But, as a matter of business, perhaps it would be better.

My father and I will never forget this, sir.

To know I remain in your memory is all that I ask.

Will you stay with us and have a mug of ale?

Served at Miss Susan's hands, that would be a pleasure indeed.

But this money was lent to me by Mr Weir, iron founder of Linchester.

Oh, yes, but that note was purchased by me.

I was about to ask for renewal of payment.

Oh. That application must be made to me, too.

-We||, then, will you? -lmpossible.

Your note must be paid by the end of the week.

But I have no money. You must renew it.

Well, you have stock, farm, furniture.

But if you take those away, how am I to carry on?

You'd be forcing me to leave the place where I was born and bred.

Yes. Doubtless you will find comfortable lodging elsewhere.

I wish you good day.

You have the warrant with you, duly signed by Mr Justice Williams?

-Yes, Squire. -Good. Come along, then.

Wait.

Susan.

We'll give them a minute or two and then take him in front of the girl.

It's well that she should know he's a poacher.

Aye, Squire.

And remember, young Fielding is to think I know nothing of this.

Right, Squire.

But Australia, and for two years.

Whatever shall I do without you all that time?

You'll think of me, as I'll think of you.

We shall never be absent from each other's thoughts.

You won't forget me while you're out there?

Never. And you'll wait for me?

Always.

No other man shall ever speak words of love to me, I swear it.

(KNOCKING)

George Fielding, I arrest you in the name of the law.

-Arrest? What do you mean? -For poaching.

Poaching? I'll never believe that.

Believe it or not, Squire, it's true.

-Do you mean to suggest that...? -One moment. Leave this to me.

You say this gentleman is guilty of poaching.

-Where did the crime occur? -CONSTABLE: On your estate, Squire.

My estate? Impossible.

We traced his footprints from the gap in the hedge

to the snares leading to this farm.

CONSTABLE: So you'd better come along with me.

We've got to put a stop to this poachin'.

-Susan, you don't believe this of me? -Never. Never.

I can't believe it myself, but in face of the evidence...

GEORGE: But surely, Squire, that is insufficient evidence

to convict me of such a crime?

Take no notice of such evidence, Squire. He is no poacher.

-There is but one poacher here. -You're no poacher, Tom.

Have been all my life.

So you see, Mr Squire, Mr Constable, Mr Gamekeeper...

you've got me.

Well? Why don't you take me and let this man go free?

-You confess? -I do.

And another thing I'll swear to.

Mr Fielding was abed of a cold the night you speak of.

-What night are they alluding to? -Tom, this'll mean prison for you.

-Better then prison for you. -I'm innocent.

Then it's just that the guilty should suffer.

And I'm sure that the squire will agree with me?

I'm only too delighted to find a mistake has been made.

TOM: Yes, I'm sure you are.

-Take him away. -Come with me.

(MUTTERING)

(CHUCKLING)

My heartiest congratulations.

I never believed you could be guilty of such reprehensible conduct.

I bid you good day, Miss Susan.

You're out of that danger now.

But you're still leaving me.

Only for two years. And two years'll quickly pass.

Take my locket.

It will remind you.

It'll never leave me.

Well, it's goodbye to the farm, to England.

Goodbye to you.

Goodbye to the old world, success and good luck in the new.

Yes, success.

Oh, and this is to be my prison for the next three months.

(GUARDS SHOUTING)

-Come on! -(SHOUTING)

Line yourselves up!

(SHOUTING ORDERS)

Come on!

(SHOUTING)

Right turn!

-Keep back, there! -Go on, get in line!

Two deaths this week and five more cases of jail fever.

Otherwise the health of the prisoners is good.

-Yes, sir. -Surprising.

You know, I've never been in favour of this separate and silent system.

But the visiting justices have ordered it,

and it's my duty to carry out orders.

Yes, sir.

And I'd rather a prisoner had a few extra lashes with the cat

or a few more hours in the black hole than to lose my job.

Same with me, sir.

(VISITING JUSTICES CHATTERING)

Yes. Do you mean the one in the shop or the one in the carriage?

I picked them up very cheaply, as a matter of fact.

VISITING JUSTICE #2: I thought it was awfully good.

The visiting justices, sir.

-Good afternoon, gentlemen. -Good afternoon.

Surely we're not to be deprived of Squire Meadows' presence today?

No, of course not.

He's merely stayed behind to pass a friendly word to some of his children.

See for yourself.

Don't look so glum.

Smile. Smile.

Getting a little more used to the cat, eh, my friend?

Mmm. Nice, healthy co-lour.

Your stay amongst us seems to be doing you good.

They'll be glad to see you when you get home.

If ever you do.

Ah, gentlemen,

I'm distressed to have kept you waiting,

but I dallied for a minute or two

to speak a few cheery words to my wayward charges.

-Good afternoon, Governor. -Good afternoon, sir.

And how is everything in this splendid institution, eh?

Save for one death and five more cases of jail fever, we're all well.

A death?

One of my children taken from me.

You all know I always look upon the prisoners as my children.

I know you do, sir, and it does you great credit.

Now, then, as I call your numbers, you go in one at a time!

And don't forget when they ask you, you have no complaints,

or you will have some and something to remember!

-Number nineteen! -Number nineteen!

GUARD: Halt!

Stand there before the justices. And take off your hat.

GOVERNOR: "Robinson, Tom. Poaching game.

"One year's hard |ab0ur."

-I think we've met before. -Yes.

GUARD: Say "Your Worship" when you're addressing a justice of the peace.

Do you hear me?

-I heard you. -Yes, and we heard, too.

I think a little discipline is called for.

Just a little discipline.

Yes, make it hot for the blackguard.

VISITING JUSTICE #1: Stop his food. That'll do him good.

I think a few extra turns of the crank, a few hours in the black hole

and a few days on bread and water will meet the case.

Let that be a lesson to you.

And, if that fails, we've always got the cat.

Number nineteen, the visiting justices are hereto inspect the prisons

and to ask if you have any complaint to make as to your treatment here.

-Well... Well, I'd like to... -The prisoner has no complaints.

I'm delighted to hear it.

And I hope that, when we meet again,

you will still have no complaints.

That will be all, thank you.

-Next. -Right turn.

Out.

Number seven!

Halt.

Stand before the justices. Remove your hat.

"Bradshaw, Henry. Housebreaking with violence.

"Sentence, two years' prison. Transportation for ten years."

Ah, Bradshaw. How long have you served?

Fifteen months, Your Worship.

Have you any complaints as to your treatment here?

Oh, no, Your Worship.

Except, if I might make so bold as to say so, Your Worship,

I only wish me sentence here was longer.

And Why, my man?

BRADSHAW: Because, Your Worship, it's been my salvation.

It-It's pulled me up in an evil career

what must have been the ruin of me body,

not that that matters,

but also of me immortal soul, what belongs to me maker.

I've always regarded you

as the most promising of my children.

Oh, God bless you for those words, Your Worship. God bless you.

I only wish that I was staying here all the rest of me life

so as I could learn all of them texts and collects

what the chaplain, God bless His Reverence, has taught me.

I think we might be a little lenient with this prisoner.

-He seems quite penitent. -Yes.

Yes. What do you say?

(VISITING JUSTICES CHATTERING)

We've decided that you need do no more work here

and spend the rest of the time of your sentence in meditation.

He might also have an extra ration of tea and gruel.

-I agree. -|'|| see that that is attended to.

Oh, thank you, Your Worships. And bless ya, every one of ya.

MEADOWS: That will be all, thank you. Next, please.

Come on.

-GUARD #1: Convict number seventy-four! -GUARD #2: Seventy-four!

Halt.

"Harrows, Judith. Extorting money.

"Five years' prison. Transportation for three years."

MEADOWS: Oh, and what has our Judith been doing?

Unruly conduct, Your Worship.

Singing in her cell.

A little too full of the joy of life, eh?

We must curb that.

No doubt, five days of bread and water

will tend to take the happiness out of your disposition.

That will be all, thank you. Next.

Out.

Number fifteen!

Halt. Take off your cap.

GOVERNOR: "Josephs, Matthew.

"Petty larceny. Sentence, three years' prison.

"Five years' transportation."

How old are you?

Fifteen, Your Worship.

Disgraceful.

Petty larceny at fifteen?

What will he be up to at fifty?

He'll be swinging on the gallows before then.

-What did he steal? -A loaf of bread, Your Worship.

Scandalous. Why?

It wasn't for me, Your Worship. It was for my mother.

Why couldn't your mother steal for herself?

She was dying, Your Worship, of starvation,

and I thought she might live if I...

Stuff and nonsense. Where is your mother now?

She didn't get no bread, Your Worship.

She died.

VISITING JUSTICE #2: Hmm. The best thing she could do, too.

I've no patience with people who are starving.

-We dine at four. Suit you? -Admirably, my dear sir, admirably.

MEADOWS: Have you any complaint as to your treatment here?

Well, Your Worship, I think that sixteen hundred revolutions of the crank

is too much for a boy like me.

Oh? And since when have you

been asked to decide what your work is to be?

But I can't do it, sir! Really, I tries my best!

Then you'll have to do better than your best.

Make it eighteen hundred a day.

But I can't do it, sir. Really, I can't.

MEADOWS: Then you'll have to take a rest in the straitjacket.

Oh, no, sir! No, sir! Not the jacket, sir! No, sir!

Don't put me in the jacket! It'll squeeze the life out of me!

-Not the jacket! Not the jacket! -MEADOWS: Take him away.

No, sir! No, sir! Please, sir, not the jacket!

I can't do it! I can't do that!

-Are there any more? -Yes, sir.

Then we have to leave them. I'm feeling hungry.

We have a six-mile drive to do,

and if that sucking pig is spoilt, I'd never forgive myself.

You can safely leave the rest in my hands. Good day to you.

-Good day, sir. -Good day, sir.

Thank you.

Now for a little relaxation.

I think this will be an excellent opportunity

to see that the correct punishment is duly administered

to our untidy friend, number five.

Come, my friend. No time like the present.

(CHUCKLING)

Send them back to their nice comfortable cells.

I have a little matter of duty to attend to.

The prisoners will return to their cells!

-March! -GUARD #2: March!

-Come on, forty-one. Come on. -GUARD #1: Come on, twenty-two!

-Come on, seven! -GUARD #2: Come on. Get a move on.

GUARD #1: Seventy-one, get a move on!

Good afternoon. My name is Eden. I'm the new chaplain.

Oh, good afternoon, Your Reverence. I was expecting you.

Where can I find the governor?

Well, Mr Hawes is with the visiting justices at the moment, sir,

but I'll tell him you're here.

Oh, don't disturb him.

I think I'll just have a look round the prison until he's ready to see me.

Well, step this way, Your Reverence. I'll be glad to show you round.

What a cheerless, comfortless place it is.

Well, they ain't been put in hereto be comfortable, you know, Your Reverence.

Why are all these galleries wired in like this?

Well, there were so many of 'em used to try and do theirselves in

by chucking theirselves over that we had to do something about it.

Are they as wretched as all that, that they prefer death to prison?

Wretched? No.

They only did it to give us trouble.

What curious construction. Why is it built like this?

Proper labour saving, you know, this is.

Why, one warder up there with a gun's got 'em all ways.

But do they really shoot at them?

Well, the orders is to aim at their legs,

but you know how it is, Your Reverence,

when you've got a gun in your hand and you see something running,

the sportsman what's in us all gets the better of us, don't it?

(LAUGHING)

-Where are all the prisoners? -We||, they're at dinner now.

-Like to see one of 'em feeding? -Yes.

-What's he eating? -Oh, he's on punishment, he is.

He's on bread and water.

But for the rest of 'em, seeing as how it's Wednesday, it's skilly.

What's skilly made of?

Well, that comes under the Official Secrets Act, Your Reverence.

-We ain't allowed to say. -I see.

-Do they get skilly every day? -Lord bless you, no.

We changes their menu every day here.

On Monday, it's skilly. On Tuesday, it's pea soup.

On Wednesday, it's skilly. On Thursday, pea soup.

On Friday, it's skilly and Saturday, pea soup.

And, on Sunday, there's a special treat.

-Yes? -Bean hash.

-Do they look forward to Sunday? -No. They mostly prefer skilly.

But can their health stand such a diet?

It don't matter very much if it don't. We have a fine hospital here.

-Are there many in hospital? -No, they don't stop in there long.

They soon ask to be put back in their cells.

Oh, here comes our principle visiting justice, Squire Meadows.

How do you do?

And so you've left our peaceful parish.

You've come to labour in the vineyards of our county jail, eh?

Yes, I can do more for my fellow creatures in here.

I admire your sentiments.

But remember, it is your duty to minister to their souls only.

Their bodies are in the hands of the governor and the visiting justices.

The justices visit once a month, I believe.

I come here nearly every day.

This jail is my hobby.

I regard the prisoners here as my children.

Naughty children, it is true, who have to be punished.

But, believe me, it hurts me more than it hurts them.

But, you know what it is.

If you spare the rod, you spoil the child.

Why is there no number on that door?

MEADOWS: That is our black hole.

The most effective of all our punishments.

It is dark in there. No light, no furniture.

And it is silent, too. As silent as the tomb.

In there, you are shut off from your fellow men.

No sign of life reaches you.

After one hour, so I've been told,

you lose all count of time.

The seconds drag on and seem like hours,

the hours days, the days years.

After one day in there, I've seen the most violent man emerged

as cowed and broken as a whipped dog.

It is horrible, awful.

And without a hand being laid on him.

All done by kindness, as it were.

-Oh, let me get away from here. -By all means.

Have you seen our labour yard yet?

-No. -Then allow me to be your guide.

SUSAN: I wonder where he is now.

MEADOWS: He's been gone nearly two months.

With favouring winds, he should be about here.

In another month, he will arrive at Sydney.

And when shall I hear from him?

He said he would write to me from the Cape

and send his letter by some homeward-bound East India men.

From the Cape, he said?

Two weary months.

I don't know how I could have supported myself

but for your kindness and frequent visits.

I have done nothing.

You have comforted me by speaking of him.

Would I had been able to do more.

Would I had been able to help him when he was pressed for money.

But I'd just assisted your father and it was not in my power.

I shall never forget your kindness to me. Never, never.

Please, don't mention it.

So he said he would write from the Cape, eh?

Then his letter should be here before long.

But, Squire, you won't prosecute me.

It's the first time I have ever tampered with any letter

that has been placed in my charge.

It is not the first time. It's the third.

I set three traps for you, and you fell into them all.

It will mean prison for me!

Have mercy on me, Squire. Have mercy.

A man that can tamper with letters three times can do so again.

No, Squire, never again. Never again!

And I say yes. And I mean yes.

Now, a letter will arrive here shortly from the Cape of Good Hope.

Addressed to you?

No, not addressed to me, but I require it.

And also all subsequent letters that come from Australia.

You will bring them to me here directly with your own hands.

Yes, Squire.

(SIGHING) Oh, George.

When shall we meet again?

Susan, when shall I see you again?

♪ Once I was hap-hap-happy

♪ Now I am miserable ♪

Two weeks to do his eighteen hundred revolutions, has he?

Put him in the jacket.

Do you hear me?

Take him away.

Put him in the jacket.

♪ Once I was hap-hap-happy

♪ Now I am miserable ♪

-(CHUCKL|NG) -J' Once I was hap-hap-happy

-J' Now I'm mis... miserable... ♪ -Eighteen hundred and...

0H6.

Eighteen hundred and...

two.

Eighteen hundred and...

three.

Hour's up.

Eighteen hundred and...

four.

Eighteen hundred and four? You've only got eighteen hundred to do.

I'll check you out.

Eighteen hundred and four's right.

Well, well, you are a glutton for work, ain't you?

Better give him extra weight tomorrow.

-He's got ten pounds already. -Then you'd better give him twelve.

-Yes, sir. -(CHUCKLING)

Now take him to his cell to rest.

So that he'll be nice and fresh when I want him again.

-(CHUCKLING) -Number nineteen, stand up.

Come on!

(CHUCKLING)

♪ Once I was hap-hap-happy

♪ Now I am miserable ♪

Give him another bucket of water.

What are they doing?

Some more water. That'll bring him round.

He'll be all right now.

Good for a few more hours. We'll come back later.

And if you start shamming again, my friend, the worse it'll be for you.

I regard them all as my children, my naughty children.

And what is better for children than a little punishment now and again?

It don't do none of 'em any harm.

Save me! Save me!

Father! Father!

Why did you die? Why did you die?

What's this? What have the swine done to you?

Let me alone!

Let me alone or they'll give it to me worse and they'll give it to you, too!

-You'll die. -Oh, if only I could die.

I'm not altogether satisfied with the condition of the cells.

Is your discipline getting lax, Governor?

They're... They're coming back again.

See? There's a door open.

Oh, so this is how we occupy our spare time

when we're not on the crank, is it?

You devil. You fiend! You inhuman fiend!

I think the black hole is needed, eh, Mr Hawes?

Something that'll give us time to think

and bring us to our senses.

Keep 8W3)'-

You're driving me to murder. Keep away, I say!

Is there no mercy, no compassion, no Christianity in this hell?

In the name of the Christianity he calls upon, hold your hands.

What place is this? Is it a prison or a torture chamber?

-Are you men? Are you human beings? -Stand back in the name of the law.

The law? What law is this?

The law which is administered not by you, my friend,

but by me as justice of the peace.

I see no justice and no peace here.

-Take him to the black hole. -No! No, I... You...

Release that man.

You forget, my dear friend, that I am in command here.

Take him to the black hole.

Twenty-four hours will cool him down

while we deliberate as to what his punishment shall really be.

Not the black hole. Mercy! Mercy!

MEADOWS: Take him away.

No!

(YELLING)

Put him back in the jacket.

Wait.

My boy, what have they done to you?

Your face and hands are blue and you're so cold.

Don't worry about me, sir.

They've done their worst.

Is there no-one here to obey my orders?

Put him back in the jacket, I say.

Don't lay a hand on him, I command.

-By what right? -By the right of my calling.

His body may be yours to do with what you will,

but his soul is in my keeping.

Stand back.

He is about to meet the justice of the peace

before whom we all must stand someday.

He's right. He's almost gone.

That's two this week.

Lucky this ain't a butcher's shop. They don't take stock in here.

What does one prisoner matter more or less?

Come, Mr Hawes. We have work to do elsewhere.

How do you feel now, boy?

I don't feel nothing no more.

I don't seem to be here at all.

I can see your face, but that's a long way off.

What's your name?

Josephs.

Matthew Josephs.

Mother always used to call me Matty.

But she's gone.

They call me number fifteen in here.

I shall call you Matty if I may.

Thank you, sir.

Poor Matty.

Say that again, sir.

That's the first kind word I've heard spoken to me for years.

Poor little Matty.

Not poor now, sir,

'cause my sentence has been reduced.

I'm free.

(WHIMPERING)

Those eyes.

Looking at me.

Laughing at me!

No! I'm going insane!

(TAPPING)

What's that?

Who's there?

Answer me!

(TAPPING)

Who's that?

Who's that?

-My boy. -Who calls me?

The prison chaplain who tried to save you but who failed.

-Where are you? -Here. Can't you hear me?

Where? There? Are you there?

-Yes, here. -Oh. Oh, don't go away.

-Don't go away. -I won't leave you.

-|'|| stay with you. -Oh, thank you, sir. Thank you.

Oh. What o'clock is it?

Half past twelve.

-Night or day? -Night.

And you've... you've given up your sleep for me, sir?

Oh, you're a real Christian.

I try to be. How do you feel?

Oh, I'm all right. Don't worry about me.

But don't leave me. Please don't leave me.

I'll stay with you.

Oh, thank you, sir.

Oh, please say something so that I can hear your voice.

Lead, kindly light, amid the encircling gloom.

Lead thou me on.

The night is dark and I am far from home.

Lead thou me on.

Came last night, Squire.

Oh?

(CHUCKLING)

I'm getting uneasy, Squire, about all these letters I'm handing on to you.

It ain't legal.

You've done other things in your life that haven't been legal.

As long as I say nothing, you're safe. But if I choose to speak...

I didn't mean that, Squire. I didn't mean that.

Then don't argue with me. Get out.

Yes, Squire.

Get out!

(CHUCKLING)

"My dear Susan, I know that you have waited a long time,

"but at last I've been rewarded.

"I've struck gold, plenty of it,

"and I'm now coming home aboard the Sunflower

"as fast as wind and sail can bring me,

"with seven thousand pounds' worth of gold dust in my belt."

-Bad news, Squire? -The worst.

Young George Fielding is coming back home a wealthy man.

(LAUGHING)

What is there to laugh at?

I'm sorry, Squire. I can't help it.

After all the trouble you've taken to win the girl.

Yes, and I shall win her yet. And you must help me.

Oh? Do you want me to plead for you?

I have a better scheme even than that.

You must be in Great Farnborough next market day.

Oh, I'm always there on market day.

-Then you must spread the news abroad... -Mm-hmm.

MEADOWS: ...to the villagers that George Fielding...

They do say as how he have found gold in Australie,

so much as he don't know what to do with it all.

Then he'll be 00min' home

and makin' Miss Susan Merton his bride.

Not if he don't wanna commit bigamy, he won't.

For Why?

'Cause he have found hisself a bride out there and took to hisself a wife.

In that there Sydney as they do call it. Though I don't know for why.

Cebert, where did you pick up all this news from?

I don't pick it up.

It be throwed at me from mouth to mouth.

Oh, Betty.

-No letter for me at the post office? -No, miss.

Oh, I... I can't believe it.

Still no news.

-There's news, miss, but... -But what?

Oh, miss, it mayn't be true, but they're all sayin' it.

Pray to heaven it ain't true.

Betty, you frighten me. What do you mean?

Well, miss...

Mrs Johnson and Mrs Bartholomew were talking down at the inn

and they said that...

-We||, Merton, how are you? -My dear Squire.

-Sit down. -Thank you.

I'm sorry you should have had the trouble to come here.

-I was just about to call on you. -Oh, is that so?

I hadn't forgotten the date, or that loan of five hundred pounds

you were good enough to grant me a year ago today.

Is it a year ago today?

God bless my soul, how time flies, eh?

But, er... hadn't you remembered?

-On my word, no. -I have the money here.

It's been a bit of a squeeze, but a promise is a promise and, er...

But, my dear farmer, if it suits you better,

why not renew the bond for another twelve months?

That is indeed kind of you, but, er... the interest.

-I want no interest from you. -But I couldn't allow...

That is for me to say.

If I had my way, I would ask you the favour

of destroying this bond altogether.

Then, er... you have the bond with you?

Yeah. Er... Quite a coincidence. Have I your permission?

No, no, sir. I've always met my obligations.

And from one on whom I, er... have no claim.

True. Were I but related, I should have insisted.

But there, there. The dear child has made her choice.

And who am I to try and come between them?

-Then you have not heard the news? -What news?

The whole village has it. I thought that you...

I've heard nothing.

It is said that young George Fielding has found gold.

And is coming back home to claim his bride?

No. Has found a bride out there.

Never. I'll not believe that.

But, believe me, it's true.

(TUTTING)

Poor child. My heart bleeds for her.

-You are generous. -I am human.

But surely there must be some mistake.

It is to your advantage, my advantage, there be no mistake.

Poor child. How is she taking the news?

At first she was prostrate with grief, and now her wounded pride...

Poor child.

I'd like her to show some spirit, take her revenge.

How can she? In what way?

Don't you see this is your chance?

She is so grateful to you for what you have done for me.

I'll send for her. You speak to her yourself.

Free.

At last, free.

Thank you, sir, for all you've done for me.

I shall never forget.

I never forget a kindness or a wrong.

But there's one I'll never forgive. Squire Meadows.

We should forgive our enemies.

Goodbye, my b0)'-

Goodbye, sir, and thank you.

(EXHALING)

You will make me the happiest of men.

I can never love any man but George.

Even though he has broken my heart.

But I am grateful to you for all your goodness to my father and I.

And of affection and respect...

I will be content with those.

For I know that when we get to understand each other,

love will surely follow.

So she's off with the old love and on with the new pretty quick.

Aye, the young ones don't wait long for anything these days,

hurrying and scurrying about.

Aye, it's them there new steam railway trains what's doing on it.

Rushing around at fifteen and twenty mile an hour.

No wonder folks can't live their lives calm and peaceful like we dds.

That's right, but I did think as how she'd wait a bit longer

for young George Fielding.

MAN: Don't talk so daft. It'd be he who ain't waited for her.

Getting married so soon in them there foreign parts.

-I don't believe that's true. -We||, who be you, young man?

I'm a friend of George Fielding's. I know him well.

I know he wouldn't look at any woman but Susan Merton.

Why, if it ain't Tom Robinson.

Him as was given a year in Linchester Gaol

for poaching on Squire Meadows' preserves.

Well, damn me. So it is.

-A jailbird? -That's what he be.

I ain't sittin' suppin' no beer in a room with a jailbird.

Neither don't I.

Most likely we'll find better company at the Black Horse.

Aye, we'll go along to the Black Horse.

I ain't going to be seen with no jailbird.

(CHATTERING CONTINUES)

(LAUGHING)

Good day, sir. Good day. And what can I get for 'ee?

-A pint of brown ale. -A pint of brown ale it shall be.

Why, it is Tom Robinson what went to jail for poachin'.

-There be other inns in Farnborough. -We||, I fancy this one.

Well, I don't fancy thee and that's straight.

I can't refuse to serve 'ee, for that's the law,

but 'ee'll please me by drinkin' up quick and clearin' off quick.

That'll be tuppence, and I want money now.

And you'll have it now.

Tell me, is it true that Miss Susan Merton is about to marry?

It is. And then?

-Who is it she marries? -Squire. And then?

-Not Squire Meadows? -Have 'ee any objection?

-I have. -Then 'ee'd better tell Squire, not me.

Now, if 'ee'll drink up and clear out, I'll be better pleased.

Oh, Betty.

Betty, have I done right?

Well, miss, what does your father do when a horse has a swollen leg?

He applies a blister, don't he?

And the one swellin' takes the other away.

Well, that's what you're doin', dear, ain't you?

But perhaps he isn't married after all. Suppose there's some mistake about it.

Oh, no, miss, there can be no mistake.

Squire Meadows has been to all the trouble to find out

and he says it's true.

-But suppose he... -Oh, no, miss.

He's an honest and straightforward gentleman. You can trust him.

(KNOCKING)

What is it? Who is it?

-Lawyer Crawley to see you, sir. -What do you want?

Everything ready for the wedding tomorrow?

-Yes. What are you grinning at? -(CHUCKLING)

What amuses you?

-All the guests invited? -You know they are.

Don't you think you'd better have the doors guarded

in case some that you haven't invited should try to force their way in?

-What the devil do you mean? -We||, it's always a wise precaution.

What's at the back of your mind? What do you know?

Oh, I know nothing. And hearsay isn't evidence in court of law.

Then what have you heard, if you must be so precise?

I got it from a bagman

who'd just come on the new railway line from Southampton.

Got what?

He said that the barque Sunflower had just put into port from Australia

and on board was a young man who, from his description,

rather resembled George Fielding.

Did he say it was George Fielding?

Well, he said it looked like him, although he'd never spoken to him.

He heard him book a room at the Dolphin for the night

and order post horses for the morrow.

-That is today. -Post horses? For where?

Oh, he didn't hear that.

How long does it take to post from Southampton to here?

Well, with the roads as they are now, er...

maybe two days?

Two days...

-The Wedding's fixed for twelve o'clock. -Yes.

Well, maybe you'll be married before he arrives. If it is he.

(CHUCKLING)

What a fortunate thing

he didn't know about that new railway line from Southampton.

If he should arrive first...

GEORGE: I don't understand, Tom. You say she never received a letter from me?

-TOM: So I've heard. -But I wrote to her every week.

I should complain she never wrote to me.

-We||, I'm sure she must have done. -Then someone intercepted our letters.

Yes, that's just what I think.

-Have you told her so? -No, I haven't spoken to her.

I've forbidden the house since I've been in jail.

Yes, I know. Poor old Tom. But poaching...

lneverpoached.

I saw that Squire Meadows wanted to lay the charge on you, so I confessed.

-To save me? -After all, you saved my life.

-Why shouldn't I save your reputation? -Tom.

But why should he want to lay a charge against me?

Don't you see? To discredit you in Susan's eyes.

And I'm sure it is he who has been intercepting your letters.

-GEORGE: But what is Susan to him? -TOM: Well...

-He's going to marry her. -What?

Now, now, keep calm.

It's her father who has persuaded her.

-When does this marriage take place? -Tomorrow morning.

Then I'm still in time.

-Oh, I'll break his neck. -No, no. Be careful how you act.

He is a justice of the peace and you don't know the power he has.

I just had a taste of it in there.

No, George, we'll talk this over.

An hour won't make that difference.

We'll have a drink, and then you can go along to Merton's farm.

-You here again? -Yes.

Oh, and me, too. Don't you remember me?

George Fielding?

-Well, I be jiggered! -(CHUCKLING)

Mr Fielding back from them foreign parts. And how are you?

-|'m fine, thanks. -|'m glad to see you again.

But I'd like to see you in better company.

Tom is a friend of mine. If you don't like him, you don't like me.

No, no, Mr Fielding. I didn't mean that. No offence.

All right. Can I have a room here tonight?

To be sure, Mr Fielding. I'll speak to the missus.

-Yes, and bring us two noggins of rum. -Certainly, Mr Fielding. With pleasure.

But, er... perhaps you'd like to speak to the missus yourself

and she'll show you the room.

Yes, I would. Come on, Tom.

Meadows has bought her. That's what he's done, Tom.

Thank goodness I can overbuy him. Look.

Her father said I had to have a thousand pounds to marry her.

Well, I've seven times that amount.

I changed my gold into bank notes at Southampton yesterday.

-You struck gold and no mistake. -I certainly did.

-Fortune was on your side. -Yes. Well, let's drink to it.

(GASPING) My word, that's strong.

There's life in the drink of the old country yet.

Yes.

Still, that's just what you needed.

Well, here's to the squire and confound your enemies.

Pshew! Yes. That was strong.

GEORGE: I didn't realise I was so tired.

TOM: Neither did I.

You must tell me about... about your experiences

on the other side of the world.

(CLATTERING)

(CHUCKLING)

I'll watch it for you.

(CHUCKLING)

CRAWLEY: Squire!

What the devil's the matter with you?

What's the matter with you? Are you mad?

-And why mad? -You were going to burn these?

-Why not if I choose? -If you don't want them...

-You think I'd keep them as evidence? -Evidence of what?

Ah.

How did you come by these notes, Squire?

I took them from George Fielding.

A little sleeping draught in his drink did the trick.

So you stole them. What for, if you're only going to burn them?

MEADOWS: I wouldn't risk keeping them.

CRAWLEY: Oh! I'll take the risk, but don't burn them. Don't burn them!

MEADOWS: And if I give them to you, you'll go at once?

CRAWLEY: At once. At once.

MEADOWS: And never tell a living soul where you got them from?

Never! I swear.

As promised, I return your note of hand.

If I were a more cautious man, I should keep it till after the ceremony.

No, no, the morning of the wedding was the agreement.

-Besides, we can trust each other. -'Course we can.

I'm sure we can.

Do you know what slanderous tongues are saying?

That I have sold my daughter.

MEADOWS: No. Huh! Well, I must go to the church.

How is it the bells are not ringing?

They were ordered to ring as soon as the parson came into the town.

Came into the town? Why, he lives next door to the church.

Ah, that's a pleasant surprise for you.

-The Reverend Eden is to officiate. -Mr Eden?!

What business is this of his?

He is now chaplain at Linchester Gaol.

He has no right to leave there without permission of the visiting justices.

I gave him no such permission. I shall demand an explanation of this.

I did it on my own responsibility. I thought that you would be pleased.

Pleased? I, pleased? How dare he?!

(KNOCKING)

Why, Mr Fielding!

Out of the way, Betty. I must see her at once.

-George Fielding! -Susan!

-George! -What is the meaning of this?

-That's what I should like to know. -I came back, as I said I would.

Then you can go back once more.

For a whole year, you neglected my daughter.

Wrote her not a line. Broke her heart for all you cared.

-And now you think... -I wrote her every week.

-As I did to you. -But I never received your letters.

Nonsense! What became of them?

What do letters matter? Now, they're beside the point.

I agree with you. What does it matter if they wrote or not?

All that affair is finished.

Besides, I hardly think Mr Merton would like his daughter

to become the bride of a penniless adventurer from Australia.

Oh, so that is what you think I am. A penniless adventurer.

Then let me undeceive you.

You said a thousand pounds for the hand of your daughter, sir.

Well, I've seven times that amount.

We'll believe that when we see it.

You shall see it, sir, and now.

(CHUCKLING)

What's this? It... It's gone.

I... I've been robbed.

That disposes of that. A bluff, sir.

And you think you can hoodwink us like that?

GEORGE: I tell you, I've been robbed.

Well, if you will associate with thieves and poachers...

Tom. He was the only one that knew that it was there.

Oh, but surely he wouldn't...

(CHURCH BELLS RINGING)

Listen. The bells are ringing forth.

Come, Susan. We are wanted at the church.

-You shall not go. -Oh, and who will stop me?

You are found out at last, my young friend, for what you really are.

A fraud.

Susan, can't you see through him?

He sends you letters which are never received.

He has seven thousand pounds of which he's been robbed.

Fine tales to tell the woman you say you love.

-Susan, will you believe me? -Yes, George.

Oh, yes, she believes you.

But you are not dealing with credulous schoolgirls now.

You're face to face with men of the world

who know you for what you really are.

What has your life been since you left these shores?

Who have been your companions?

Transported criminals and cutthroats.

I've no doubt you've learned some pretty tricks from them.

And you brought back money. Tah!

Who would look in your pockets for hidden gold?

Here he is! Caught red-handed with the notes in his possession.

-Do you recognise these? -(GROANING)

-These are mine. -No, no.

-And you stole them. -I didn't steal them.

-They were given to me. -And who gave them to you?

-A visiting justice of the peace. -It was him, not me.

Don't proceed against me. I'll tell all I know.

-|'|| turn queen's evidence. -MEADOWS: You rat.

-You dirty rat! -He's got a pistol!

Yes, I have got a pistol.

There's only one bullet in it.

Which one of you is going to have it?

So you've caught me, eh? But you'll never cage me.

Do you think that I've lied, robbed, cheated, intercepted letters,

only to fall into your hands?

(CHUCKLING)

My congratulations, George Fielding.

I've lost. You've won.

Yes, you've won the bride you've waited for so long.

(CHUCKLING)

And as for you, my dear Susan, I have a wedding present for you.

(CHUCKLING)

The ring I shall never place upon your fingers.

And I've a wedding present for you, too, George Fielding.

Would you add murder to your other sins?

Stand back. You dare not fire now.

There's your man. Take him away.

Squire John Meadows,

you stand condemned in the eyes of the world

and you shall meet your just reward.

And, in the lonely hours of retribution,

bear in mind that it is never too late to mend.

(CACKLING)

-He's mad. -Yes! I am mad!

Mad with hatred and revenge.

(LAUGHING)

Do you hear them, Susan? The bells!

They're ringing out for your wedding!

(LAUGHING)

They send you a message, Susan.

Do you know what they say?

You don't? Then I'll tell you.

(LAUGHING)

"He'll break your heart! He'll break your heart!"

(CACKLING)

"He'll break your heart! He'll break your heart!"

(CACKLING)

Fourteen hundred and fifty-five.

Fourteen hundred and fifty-six.

Fourteen hundred and fifty-seven.

What was it that parson said?

"It's never too late to mend"?

Fourteen hundred and sixty.

Fourteen hundred and sixty-one.

Fourteen hundred and sixty-two.