All language subtitles for itsnevertolatetomend

(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.