Original subtitles

Sure you're not imagining it. No, it runs right on my arm.

When you turned it on?

Yeah.

You sure it was a shot?

What else could it be?

Heart attack.

Very funny.

Want to go show coffee?

What did you do today, boss?

Want to go show coffee?

fixing that?

What did you

do

today, Tony?

Don't tell tales.

You might have got a shock.

Yes, Liz.

It ran straight up my arm.

Straight.

Very exciting shit to me.

the hell do you think you're going?

Fair go, fella. I had the right of way.

Look at the size of the street you came out of, you fucking idiot. This is a

main highway.

It's got nothing to do with it. I had the right of way. Now, the law says. I

don't give a stuff what the law says, fella. Use your common sense.

Don't shout at me, mate. Who the bloody hell do you think you are? Who the

bloody hell do you think you are?

You tradesmen, you're all the same, aren't you?

What's being a tradesman got to do with it? You reckon you own the bloody place?

What's being a tradesman got to do with it?

Well, I didn't say it did, did I?

What the fuck are you on about?

That pleasant manner of yours must get you a lot of business, pal.

Get stopped.

I'm only too willing to concede the point, Hans. Only too willing.

Well, look, we're sitting here discussing poetry and books and plays to

and share our experience, right?

But there's no trust.

Because we all know we're competing against one another.

And we know that at the end of the year, someone's going to wave a magic wand

and say, he passes, he fails, or he gets second -class honors.

I'm only too willing to concede the point.

In fact, it's even worse than that.

Sorry, mate.

That's all right.

In fact, it's even worse than that.

On what criteria do I judge who passes, who fails, and who gets second -class

honours?

Amount of research?

Freshness and originality of approach?

It's all subjective.

If it weren't for the fact that the authorities seem to demand permanent

grading, I'd abolish exams completely.

Bullshit.

Well, it's bullshit, isn't it?

You weren't even here from the start of the discussion, Peterson.

I didn't hear what went before, but the last bit was bullshit.

Well, if there wasn't a grading system, how would anyone decide who got to be

professors of English?

I'm only an associate professor.

It'd be difficult, wouldn't it?

Perhaps the answer is that we shouldn't have any English professors or

literature departments.

I'll drink to that.

I'm afraid I don't think exams are pointless.

I'm quite sure that one intelligent and sensitive person can recognise the work

of another intelligent and sensitive person.

I wish I had your confidence, Jane.

But they've done a lot of studies which show that one academic is just as likely

to judge a given set of papers completely differently from another.

Well, where does that leave us?

How do you mean? Our exams.

Your end -of -the -year exams?

Yeah.

Ah, well, two or three people will look at your work.

So you can be sure the decision won't rest with any one person.

Now, who's done their reading?

Annie?

What did you think of the poem?

I liked it.

Liked it a lot.

What about the comparison between a woman and a summer's day?

Liked it too.

Do you think you two could possibly transact your business elsewhere?

Didn't you find the comparison a little obvious?

Not.

But it was a beautiful comparison.

What do some of you others think?

I'm not ripping you off. That's what it cost me, man.

In case you two didn't know, these tutorials are not compulsory. If you'd

do something else, please go.

I think the comparison is meant to be ironic, Professor.

So do I.

But then again, we may be wrong and Annie may be right. Who knows?

Only kicked out of your husband's tutorial, man, huh?

Mm -hmm.

What are you doing?

Rolling a joint. I'm trying to.

Can you roll?

Where did you get it from?

Heinz got it from me.

You realize you could go to jail for two years?

Any smell?

You realize you could go to jail for two years?

Relax.

I've got to have these papers marked by tomorrow. There's 120 students waiting

on them.

You go right ahead.

What are you supposed to feel?

Doesn't do a thing for me, I'm afraid.

Ten dollars I paid for this stuff.

It does nothing for me.

Ten dollars.

What's it supposed to do? Get you all sexed up?

No, it makes you relaxed.

Doesn't make me relax. It makes me feel sick.

Where? My stomach.

That's because you don't smoke. It's got nothing to do with the grass.

You can't get enough of it, can you?

You can't get enough of it,

can you?

Are you busy?

Hello, Peterson.

I didn't realise.

We were just discussing a project.

I just wondered if you have the latest issue of Southerly.

It really is terribly dark in here.

Where are you having lunch?

Well, I'm easy.

Meeting here, that's good.

What's it about?

Fair enough, but I'd like to get some ideas at this stage.

We could go on talking all day, but I'd like to get some ideas.

Is it all right if we stay?

We're discussing the case of the woman with three kids who's just been jailed

for 18 months for performing a sex act in public.

Have you read about it?

She did an amateur strip act at a Bucks night and let three men have intercourse

with her in front of all the others.

What we're objecting to is that the three men weren't even charged.

She must have been a bit of a slut to let them do it.

Why should she have to control herself and not the men? That is exactly the

of attitude that causes discrimination.

I think most of us are agreed that this is a particularly glaring example of the

type of sexual double standard that women are subjected to.

And I think we should mount some kind of protest against it immediately.

I think we should all send telegrams to the Chief Secretary.

Oh, that'd do a lot of good.

It's a start.

Look, I've been writing letters and sending telegrams for three years and

cheap bugger all.

What we ought to do is get out there in the commerce lawn and perform a sex act

in public.

That'd force the bastards to act.

Look, I'm not joking. That's exactly what we should do.

Oh, be serious.

I am serious.

Let's force the other side to take action for a change.

Look, it's one thing for the Bathurst to jail a working -class mother of three

for 18 months.

Just let's see what they do with a university graduate whose father's a

Court judge.

Are you volunteering personally, Moira?

Yes, if nobody else will.

Look, it's absolutely incredible that a woman can be jailed for 18 months when

she hasn't harmed anybody.

There was a man who only got nine months for attempted murder the other day.

Well, it'll certainly get a reaction, but it's a pretty extreme step.

Well, it's a pretty extreme case of victimisation.

Do you realise what you'd be letting yourself in for?

Yes. Eighteen months, if they're game.

When did you...? Well, right now. Today.

I think it's important that we get it in the evening news.

What does everyone else think?

I don't think it's the wrong point of publicity.

I think it'll be great. I think it'll really shake them up.

Well, let's put it to the vote, then.

All those in favour, say aye.

Aye.

Against?

Right.

Well, we'd better start organising it.

What sort of sex act did you have in mind?

Intercourse.

Well, we'll... Who?

What about one of those two?

Not me.

You've got to be joking.

Look, there's no joke when you're in jail for 18 months with three kids to

support.

Look, I understand your argument, but I don't feel strongly enough about it to

spend 18 months in jail.

Well, wear a mask.

Wear a bloody bag over your head for all I care.

All we need is someone who can do the job.

Oh, he's your man.

Can you or can't you?

Would you have me believe you'd go out there on the commerce lawn and do it?

Yes, I would.

I'll call you bluff in a minute.

It's no bluff.

I'll phone the newspapers.

See how bright she is when she gets out there.

I feel like a fucking idiot.

You look like one too.

Do you want to go through with it?

Why aren't they a bit smoother?

There's no more brandy.

Against the...

I mean, shut up.

Did you see how many people were out there?

Ah, what a cop -out!

We came to see the floor show!

Look, it's just till I get started.

Yeah, well, look, it better be, otherwise we'll rip the bloody thing

You're quite attractive, eh?

Do you know where that comes from?

What course are you doing?

Oh, actually, I've been quite excited.

You think you'll be able to do it?

I'm trying.

I'm doing law.

How about you?

Thank you very much.

You like it?

It can be very time consuming.

I know it was you. The whole campus knows it was you.

I hope they bloody well catch you.

Thanks.

What did you think you were trying to prove?

It was a protest.

I didn't realise you had such a well -developed social conscience.

There was a woman with three kids who got two years jail for having sex at a

Bucks night.

Do you realise who that was you were fucking, or didn't you bother to

names? Of course we did.

It was Moira.

Moira... Moira Winton, who, for your information, is a bloody little

nymphomaniac who'll do anything for kick.

I don't care what you say. It's ridiculous to jail someone for two years

public sex act.

We all do it in private. What's so harmful about it?

How did you get to be involved?

That's what I want to know.

I suppose you were just strolling along and were suddenly gripped with a

terrible sense of injustice, which made you feel you just had to do something

about it.

And there, lo and behold, was Moira Winton lying on a mattress, just waiting

someone to help her make her point.

I went to a meeting.

They voted. They needed a man.

So you volunteered?

No, they asked me.

Moira Winton asked you?

No, they all asked me, all the people who voted.

She's so bloody irresistible that you couldn't have said no?

I didn't think she'd go through with it.

Why don't you give up this course and go and become a porno movie star?

It suits your temperament and aptitudes perfectly.

You finished?

I made you a laughing stock, you realise that?

Do you have time to help me with an assignment or don't you?

If not, I'll go.

Whose assignment?

Your husband's.

Why did you come here?

What? To the office?

To the university.

At your age.

Why shouldn't I?

I spent 15 years crawling around under houses putting in power fucking points.

Why shouldn't I?

You're obviously getting nothing out of it.

Intellectually.

You say that.

Well, you aren't. You just aren't.

I passed last year every bloody subject.

Yes.

Well, what are you talking about?

You got a lot of help.

Aren't I allowed to come and get help with my work? I thought that's what I

paying fees for.

Oh, forget it.

No, bugger it.

Is there some reason I shouldn't come in here and talk over my work with you?

No. Well, what are you on about?

You were pushed through in history and pushed through in English.

Bullshit. I marked your English paper.

Well, if it didn't deserve to pass, you shouldn't have passed it.

It was borderline.

Was it worth a pass or wasn't it?

Well, was it or wasn't it? I don't know. It was borderline.

Probably was.

Oh, I'm sorry.

It would have got through without me, I'm sure.

Tony, we need to spend some time together. Could we get away for the

Not this weekend.

I promised to go to Annie's 21st.

So did I.

Is that the guy?

Who?

The one in the dark suit.

Hmm.

Looks like a car salesman.

He is.

Tony Peterson.

I know that face anyway.

I'm Carl Stevens.

And his father. Pleased to meet you.

Well, I suppose this has been said to you many times, but I'm going to say it

again.

You're one of the finest footballers that ever put on a jersey.

Thanks. I mean it.

Have a beer.

Would you care for one of these?

Here you go. Thank you.

You're looking lovely, Dr. Kent.

Look, you must meet some of our other guests.

Do you know the Petersons?

I didn't tell you, of course.

My wife, Lizzie, is Professor Charles Kent.

Dr. Patricia.

Please, Charles and Patricia.

Patricia taught me English last year.

And I'm doing one of Charles and Sissy.

I bet your children are very bright.

We don't have any, I'm afraid.

Tony tells me you have two little girls.

That's right.

And what are their names?

Debbie and Carol.

Debbie's five and Carol's three.

Tony's got a photo of them. Would you like to see it?

I don't think I'd... Yes, of course. We'd love to see it. Go on.

There's a lot of their father in both of them, don't you think?

Actually, Debbie's quite bright. She's started reading words already.

She must have got it from her father because I'm stupid.

Have you met Walter?

Do you know he's a fully qualified lawyer?

They wouldn't recognize his qualifications out here. Isn't that

That's why he's filling cards.

You're a fool. You could have made a fortune out of your name.

Why didn't you go into business?

I am in business.

How long does it take you to make $50?

Depends.

Well, I can make it in five minutes if I'm smart enough.

Now, that's what selling's all about.

And that's why you're crazy if you don't use your name before people forget it.

Now, we got Gary Eaton with us.

And to be quite frank, he's not half the salesman I am, but he sells just as

many cars.

Well, good for him.

Look, no.

I mean, fathers like to bring their sons along and pretend they're one of Gary's

old friends. You know, just to big -note themselves.

Well, Gary plays along with it and he sells a lot of cars.

Look, um, I'm running the show down there now.

So, uh, why don't you come down and have a talk to me while the name of Tony

Peterson still means it?

Oh, mate, he was one of the greatest of all times. They're not likely to forget

him in a hurry.

I've been up at this sort of deal by every little pussy businessman in the

Shove it up your arse.

You got something against money?

It's fussy about the way I earn it, that's all.

Now, can I have your attention for a minute, please, ladies and gentlemen?

Now, this may come as a surprise to you, but Mr. and Mrs. Stevens didn't ask you

here tonight and serve you all this fine food and drink just because they like

to see people enjoying themselves.

No, no, no.

The other reason is that their very beautiful daughter, Annie, whom I have

good fortune of knowing quite well, has just turned 21.

There were nearly two reasons for celebrating tonight.

A maid of ours reckons there's a party here tonight.

Who?

Tony Peterson.

I'll get him.

Oh, not to worry.

I'll see him ourselves.

Walter?

Well, I suppose this is the night when Annie passes out of our control and does

what she pleases.

Her mother thinks she's been doing what she pleases since she was six months

old.

Seriously, though, we're very proud of her, Annie.

I said they knew you.

Bullshit. Now they go to university.

Thank you.

I'm going to have to ask you to leave.

What's the hassle, man? It's cool.

No hassle. It's just a private party.

Private?

Then how come there's all these people?

They were invited.

We're not hurting anyone, man.

You're the one that's causing the hassle, man.

Pushing us around.

Now listen, chaps, we don't want any trouble.

Will you please leave?

Get out of my house this instant!

Come on.

Wake up.

Come on, Debbie.

Come on.

What a lovely cake.

21.

Happy birthday, Annie.

Oh, what you do that for?

Well, I thought that's where the table was.

It isn't.

It's there.

Oh.

Well, let's move it, stick man, so I don't make that sort of mistake again,

We're just rearranging the furniture.

What do you reckon, stick man?

Looks a bit fucking unbalanced, doesn't it?

I reckon that fucking thing there's a problem.

Stop it, all my good crystals in there.

Don't worry, missus, we'll take every fucking care, won't we, fellas?

Don't ring your local station. They won't come at all. Not if they know it's

Here, Grandpa.

I'll do it for you.

I haven't been to a ball for years.

You look gorgeous, sir.

We're not too bad for a pair of our matrons, are we? What do you think of

Right up to the minute, the fashion states.

I'm no country bumpkin.

I think it's revolting.

Revolting? It's beautiful, Susie, isn't it beautiful?

See, it's beautiful. You people have got no taste.

Stop being so vain and compliment your guests on how she looks.

Oh, yes, Susie, you look great, really great.

So do you, Marge.

You ought to wear a dinner suit more often. Yes, it does suit you, love.

Ben, what about me?

Very beautiful tonight, Mrs. Blunden. I beg to say that to them all.

Oh, I beg your sincerity to stop and sweat.

Oh, you're a big, sleepy young lad. Are you local?

No, I'm from the city.

Oh, are you enjoying yourself?

We're all very friendly up this way. We're all very friendly.

Seriously, now, really seriously, this is the best thing that we've ever done.

Seriously.

Seriously.

Now, listen. Don't chuckle, don't chuckle. Don't chuckle. This is the best

I have ever done, and I will say it right here and now.

Without a moment's hesitation, that I would never go back to the city again,

never.

Now, I have got a proposition to put in here.

Now, listen to me. Take me seriously.

Seriously.

I have got more business up here than I can handle.

Now, what do you think of that?

Seriously,

I have got more business up here than I can handle. Now, look.

Why don't you come up here and we'll go on a partnership?

Eh? How about that?

Why the fuck would I want to come up here?

Eh?

Because I've got more business than I can handle.

I know. You've got the education thing.

That's good. But what are you going to do when it's all

finished? When I get my degree,

I'll be a

teacher.

Teacher?

I can earn twice as much as a bloody teacher.

That's not the point.

Care to take at any knucklehead?

You called me a knucklehead? I'm not a knucklehead. Don't you call me a

knucklehead? I did not call you a knucklehead. You're getting too big for

boots, fella. Too bloody big for your boots.

I've been thinking a lot about you lately.

Eh?

Thinking about you lately.

About me?

Mm -hmm.

I had a dream about you.

What sort of dream?

A beautiful dream.

You just don't find me attractive, do you?

I've tried that for years.

You just don't find me attractive, do you? You never have.

That is not true.

That is definitely not true.

Really?

Really.

Eh?

I tell you, he's changed, you know.

No, he hasn't.

He has, you know.

What makes you think he's changed?

I don't know.

I'm trying to think.

Yeah.

Yeah, he called me a knucklehead.

I don't think he would have meant it.

He meant it all right.

Look, are you sure it's all right for you two to sleep out here on the couch?

Of course.

Sure.

You two have a bed and we'll have the couch. I wouldn't dream of it.

Sure.

Marge! Where's that bloody coffee?

You... I need time on the minute.

You take it easy. For Christ's sake, take it easy.

There was nothing in it, you silly bastard.

Get outside.

Get outside.

For Christ's sake, there was nothing in it. Why have you come? I saw you on the

plane. Get out there.

I don't care how big you are, mate. Try to stretch your teeth all over the

place. All that university of yours does is teach you how to have a go at your

best mate's wife. Well, I think it stinks.

That's my opinion.

their beer hoses out more often.

Excuse me, mate.

I hope you don't mind me interrupting, but me and me mate have got a little bet

running. Are you Tony Peterson?

That's right.

Now, we had it all worked out. No worries.

As soon as Pete looked like getting the ball, I got up the wing and he stepped

past it to me in the pocket.

God, he was a deadly passer. Was he ever.

Well, it worked like a charm during the year.

We hit the grand finals, they tagged me with two extra men.

Couldn't move.

Everywhere I bloody moved, there they were.

Peter had to give up on me, concentrate on the Cinderline.

It cost us a flay.

Why'd you quit?

Was it just the money?

Not really.

Just got bored.

Have a couple for me.

Well, I won't do it.

And I won't bring it.

Tony,

someone's stolen our boat.

Shit.

Really? Yeah, it's usually moored right there.

Is there someone in by road?

Who's that?

Those are the Martins. I don't suppose they're mine.

Not me.

stage.

I thought you were at a conference in Armadale. And I thought you were

a quiet weekend at home.

I want a word with you.

I just want an explanation.

Any explanation of why you had to tell me such a squalid pack of lies.

Ha! You have the effrontery to criticise me after your behaviour.

There is some difference between my behaviour and yours, whether you can see

or not.

There is. Then I'd be glad if you could enlighten me.

At least I didn't tell you I was going to some mythical conference.

You don't have to, do you? You just have sex with him on your office floor, like

a whore.

Who told you that?

It's common knowledge.

Isn't it?

Get out.

Just take the boat and get out.

Why should I get out?

This is my place. I found it. You would have settled for some jerry -built

project out on the peninsula.

I'm sorry, but I don't feel inclined to leave.

You've spoiled everything, you know.

Beautiful view, isn't it?

I just can't stand the thought of you knowing. It makes me sick to my stomach.

Beautiful view.

I will never be able to touch him again.

Brandy?

Napoleon Brandy with your coffee.

Listen.

Don't hear anything.

Complete silence. Incredible, isn't it?

What did you tell your wife?

Told her Charles had lent me a cheque so I could get away from her or finish my

assignment.

Only the truth.

Do you think she knows anything?

Hasn't she noticed any change in you?

Do you still sleep with her as much?

I don't know, just asking.

I don't sleep with Charles as much now.

Since I met you.

In fact, I hardly sleep with him at all.

Do you still enjoy making love to Susie?

You do, don't you?

That's right, yeah.

Surely.

How much more enjoyable am I?

Ten percent?

Twenty percent?

You tell us, I say.

No.

Just very interesting.

I mean, man.

All the way you can have sex with me, Susie, Maura and Lincoln. It's very

interesting, that's all.

Another coffee?

Is that Beethoven?

Mozart.

Right.

I, uh, seem to recognise a tune from someone.

It uses background music to the film Elvira Madigan.

Remember? About a Swedish army captain who fell in love with a tightrope walker

and left his wife and family.

That's right.

And they both died to death.

That's right.

Great film.

You liked the photography.

Yeah, didn't you?

Why not?

It reminded me of a cigarette commercial.

I liked it.

Well, I must admit, Alfira's death was very moving.

Ten pounds overweight, dying of starvation.

It was great photography.

And the camera can't lie. If that's the way the countryside is, that's the way

it is, isn't it?

Is there something more to our relationship than just the thrill of a

on the office floor?

Oh, Louise.

I'm sorry, but I find it very hard to understand how you can still enjoy

love to your wife.

I feel quite cold towards Charles now.

It's just because you've never felt anything more than like warm time, I

suppose.

You're right. I am jealous of Susie.

What are those stories?

What stories?

About making a fat five of your friends.

No.

I wish it wasn't me either.

I only did because it would get you excited.

It wouldn't make me excited because it makes you excited.

I don't think we really need it, do we?

This is why I'm making love.

Not as much.

Will you talk to me a little bit?

Mm -hmm.

We can take our time for things, too.

We can just stroke each other's arms.

What's going to happen about you and Charles?

I think I'll leave him.

I've been working up the courage to do it for years.

I might have a baby.

I looked after you while you had it.

What do you mean?

I couldn't look after myself.

I mean support you.

Financially.

I'd only be out of action a month or two.

What about the kid?

I put it in the university grave.

Are you serious?

Yes, I think so.

You're stupid.

What are you getting so uptight about?

It doesn't put you under any obligation.

What the hell do you want to have a baby for?

That doesn't answer that question, is there?

I'm built that way, I suppose.

Everybody's built that way.

What if it's a boy?

What if it is?

I'll need a father.

What's that with a girl?

Well, there'll be plenty of men around for the kid to identify with.

My father and brothers.

It's easy for you to say I won't be obligated.

What if I feel obligated?

I won't be asking you for any money, if that's what you mean.

I might want to see the kid.

That'll be up to you.

You're mad.

Stupid.

Irresponsible and stupid.

She can hardly breathe.

She was very quiet all afternoon. I should have realized something was

Where's Frederick? He's coming.

How long ago did you ring?

About an hour.

Where the fuck have you been?

Can I get you anything, Ray?

Uh, yes, thanks, Susie.

Uh, brandy.

could die waiting for you.

One just did.

Sorry, mate.

What's the matter with Debbie?

Upper respiratory.

Give her a shot of antibiotic.

I love Italians, but I wish they weren't so emotional.

Heart attack fell the poor bastard, but I'm sure it was the noise that got him

eventually.

This should help.

If she has any more trouble with her breathing than she's having now, give me

ring and take her straight to Footscray and District.

Thanks, sir.

We've run out of brandy, so I poured you a whiskey.

Oh, you're beautiful.

She'll be all right.

Go to bed, love. I'll watch her.

It's all right.

You get a bit.

Reading's almost back to normal.

Good.

What's the matter?

Oh, it's just getting a bit much, that's all.

What?

You're never home.

I had to finish an assignment.

When you are home, you're always in a bad mood or tired or irritable.

You never even talk to me nowadays.

Well,

you can't blame me if I wonder where it's all heading.

Pete says you won't be able to get a job with an arts degree.

He says you could earn twice as much money as an electrician.

Is that all I want to hear, money?

It mightn't be important to you, but I'm sick of scrimping and saving to put you

through your bloody university.

I haven't bought myself a new dress in two years.

The kids are starting to look like street urchins.

And I know that isn't important in your scale of values.

But I've got to mix with people who look down their nose at you if your kids

aren't dressed properly.

I'm sick of being poor.

Shit.

What?

He murdered his sister too?

Yeah.

But she was mentally retarded.

Yeah.

A whole book about a guy who murders retards.

You have to try to understand his state of mind.

What's the matter, Annie?

Did you fail an assignment?

What's the matter?

If you persist in talking, I shall have to ask you to leave.

Right.

Is someone in the family ill?

This is the last warning I'm giving you, gentlemen.

Keep on.

The girl's upset.

It's a beautiful car, but I really didn't want to go this home. It's only

one owner, madam.

In fact, the list price for this model is over $9 ,500.

Oh, excuse me a minute.

Well, what can I do for you, gentlemen?

We've just been speaking to Annie.

Oh, yeah?

Well, she's pretty upset.

Has she told you what's happened?

Yeah. Well, she shouldn't have.

Why not? Because it's private. It's between the two of us.

Look, fellas, I'm a bit strapped for time at the moment. Walter.

Why do you want her to have an abortion?

Look, I don't think that's any of your business.

Look, I can understand it if you don't want to marry her, but you're engaged.

I understood you were practically about to send out the invitations.

Yeah, why can't you put the marriage forward?

Look, the problem is that I don't want any children, right?

Well, not for at least five years until after we're married, right?

Look, I don't like the colour of the upholstery. Have you got one in red?

I'll be with you in a minute.

Now, I made that very clear to Annie even before we were engaged.

Now, did she tell you that?

Yeah, well, that might be a very good plan.

But the fact is she happens to have got herself pregnant right now.

With your help, I presume.

And she just doesn't want to have an abortion. Why not?

Well, I don't know. But she obviously feels very strongly about it. Yeah,

I feel pretty strongly...

I feel pretty strongly about it, too. I come from a family of 11 kids and I'm

not having my children. Look, man, I'm not interested in your family history.

You just can't force someone to have an abortion.

Listen, if I'm going to get married, mate, I'm going to start it off on the

right foot or not at all. You must really care an awful lot. Calm down, you

will you?

This will give us no way.

I understand how you feel, believe me.

I understand how you feel. I drive you mad at times.

The world's got too many people already. My brother's got four.

That's right.

That's right.

I don't suppose you can be logical about things all the time, though?

That's right.

See... Once they get a little thing growing inside them, they get all

about it.

And they get protective about it.

Now, if you had have insisted on that abortion, she might have resented it for

the rest of your life together.

Yeah?

Yeah. Hmm.

It's soothing.

brings home six sparrows and feeds them warm milk.

What's that got to do with it?

Here.

Well, it's the same thing.

That's right.

It's the maternal instinct.

She won't even let me put a mousetrap in the kitchen.

I'm sorry about this morning.

I didn't mean all that stuff about us being poor.

What's that you're reading?

Crime and Punishment.

What's it about?

A disturbed young man.

Can I read it after you?

Why?

I could discuss it with you.

So we have something in common.

What made you bring that up?

Well, if I don't make some sort of effort to keep up with you, you'll start

find me dull.

You're so stupid.

If you're ever unhappy with me, you're telling me... I'm not.

No, but if you are... Well, what would you do?

If I told you something like that?

I don't know.

But I'd just like you to tell me, that's all.

Why don't you develop some interest of your own? Then you wouldn't be so bloody

dependent on me.

I am dull, aren't I?

No, you're not.

It's just that you should develop some interest. I mean...

Think about getting a job when the kids are older.

A job?

Well, what would you do if something happened to me?

Don't say things like that.

But what if I was run over by a truck or ran off with some other woman or

something? Don't say things like that.

It could happen, couldn't it? I mean, we can't see into the future.

Don't say things like that. It makes me shudder.

I've got a face.

book.

A whole

economy is built

on greed.

Everybody's taught grab what they can when they can.

And all they grab is junk in any case.

I don't think people are as stupid as you think they are. I didn't say they

stupid. They're just misled.

Well, most of the people I know spend their money pretty wisely.

Come on.

What about the Lindsays?

$1 ,200 on wall -to -wall carpets.

I suppose the fact that they have three weeks holiday in Queensland every year

is stupid, too.

Quite frankly, I can't think of better places to go than the Gold Coast.

Well, I tell you what, when you haven't had Otter Day for six years, the Gold

Coast doesn't sound too bad.

I'm sorry, but whenever I offer an opinion round here, I get jumped on.

I'm sorry, we do tend to get a bit bombastic at times.

This is one of the books you have to read.

Crime and Punishment.

Have you read it yet?

Mm -hmm.

You like it?

Well, it's a bit gruesome.

As you understand his state of mind, it makes sense.

I've never read it.

What's the problem?

You know my history with women.

I certainly do.

It's not like that.

Like what?

I'm seeing another woman.

Does Susie know?

She wants to have my kid.

The other woman?

Yeah.

She wants to have your baby.

Yeah.

She's pretty smart. She's got a PhD.

What's that got to do with it?

How would you feel if some woman wanted to have your kid?

Flattered.

No, seriously.

How would you feel?

I suppose I'd wonder why she wanted my baby and not me.

What do you mean?

Well, the way you're putting it, all she wants out of you is your spermatozoa.

She doesn't want to break up the marriage.

Would you break it up for her?

Still seem pretty fond of Susie and the kids.

Well, if I give her a kid, it'll be because I think she loves me. Because

what she wants.

I'll bloody well take some responsibility for it, too.

Your own family as well?

Yes.

Well, there doesn't appear to be any problem, does there?

You're being sarcastic.

Yes. Don't you think it'll work?

No.

But then again, I've got terrible judgment.

The older I get, the less certain I get about anything.

I've seen marriages saved by adultery, split by fidelity.

I've seen children of gentle parents grow into bastards and children of

turn into beautiful human beings.

So don't pay too much attention to what I say.

I'm getting to feel there aren't any rules anymore.

What do you do?

Place your trust in God?

To tell you the truth, I don't believe in him either.

Did you know your mother hid a draft resistor in here for seven months?

Set him up in the vestry. He had to move out whenever there was a wedding.

It's all right for you.

And you've been married to an intelligent woman all your life.

All I ever hear from Susie is children, cost of groceries.

I mean, I love my children. I eat my groceries.

I'm sick of hearing about it day in and day out.

Right?

Are you feeling guilty or something?

Well, it's true, isn't it?

Susie is dumb.

One thing you've got to ask yourself in all your cogitations, have you noticed

how my voice takes on weight and authority the minute I step into the

Is why you married Susie in the first place.

What are you getting at?

I'm not sure.

Well, what are you getting at?

Perhaps, and this is not going to make me very popular,

Perhaps one of the reasons might be that you're no Einstein yourself.

I knew you were going to say that.

That's what you've always thought, isn't it?

It surprised you when I passed all my subjects last year. It surprised the

of you, didn't it?

I don't know about your mother, but it certainly surprised me.

Damn near restored my faith in God.

For your information, I intend to pass this year, next year, and I may even go

on and do an honours year after that.

I was only joking, son. Your mother and I are both very proud of you.

Don't carry on like the Oracle.

You haven't even read Duxley yet.

Guess what's happened?

What? Guess.

You've been promoted.

Yeah, hardly. Charles is barely speaking to me.

Look, before I get sidetracked and change my mind, there's something I want

tell you.

What, love?

Well, if you really want that baby, let's go ahead with it.

No, I mean it.

I want it too.

I don't know what to say.

As far as I'm concerned, you can start as soon as you like.

Well, that'd be great, but we might have to postpone it for a little while now.

But I thought you wanted it straight away.

Yeah, well, unfortunately, something's come up.

What?

Look, look.

I'm really pleased that you feel the way you do.

And we certainly will have that child. But I've got a job at Oxford.

A job?

But I didn't even know you'd apply.

Yeah, well, it was such a remote possibility that I didn't even bother

mentioning it.

Must have been the last two papers I wrote in Jacobean Drama.

It's a very strong Jacobean department.

How long will you be gone?

Well, it's a... It's a permanent appointment, but I can't imagine me

longer than a year or two.

It's really beautiful of you to offer to father my child, Tony.

I mean it.

Would you like some coffee?

Okay.

Tea?

How about we go and have a beer?

For Christ's sake, you're dehydrated or something.

No, I just thought you might like a drink, that's all.

I'm sorry about the... About what?

About the results.

They are.

But didn't you know?

No.

Oh.

Or was it me already?

I'm not sure. I think...

It's

not official yet.

But you did very, very well.

Not official?

My God, of course they're out today, aren't they?

Here, I am bringing you in here to pass on a bit of confidential news, and it's

already on the notice board.

In that case, I can congratulate you officially.

Thank you.

You'll obviously go on to postgraduate work.

I hope so.

Is there any point in me asking you if you'd like to come to California with me

over the vacation?

I'm addressing a seminar at UCLA.

Thank you, Charles, but I promised to spend some time with my parents.

You'll do your postgraduate work here.

I hope so.

Sorry, Peterson, I'm busy.

I wonder if you could leave us for a minute, please, Janie, darling.

Peterson, I said I'm busy.

No, it's all right. I'll go.

Stay where you are, Janie.

Leave us, Janie, dear.

Who are you ringing?

The security officer.

Put it down.

You realize what you've done, don't you?

You're referring to your exam results.

What the fuck else would I be referring to? You can repeat the year. There's

every chance you'll be readmitted.

I saved enough money for three years, not four.

I'm sorry, we can't take financial factors into account when we're marking

exams.

How many people looked at my papers?

It went through the normal marking procedures.

I want to see it.

I'm sorry.

Your final exam becomes the property of the department.

Is that one of your rules?

It's on the regulations.

I don't care if it's in the regulations or not. I wrote it. I want it.

Get out of this office at once. Who do you think you're talking to? Get out of

this office at once!

I want it, Charles.

It's the property of the department.

You realise what you're doing, don't you?

Yes.

I'm looking for my fucking exam paper.

I got an F.

Are the results up?

I failed, didn't you know?

No.

No, I didn't.

Can you glance through it?

Give me an opinion.

Is that your paper?

How did you get it?

I took it.

Can you read it for me?

You should have talked to me before you wrote it. It's one of my areas.

Oh, no.

Is it an F?

I'd give it a borderline D.

A bear path.

You realise that my opinion isn't going to do you any good?

Who else would have looked at it?

What do you mean?

I mean, apart from Charles, who would have looked at it?

No one, I expect.

I thought at least two members of staff were supposed to look it all way.

Well, that's a theory, but none of us seem to get round to it.

I'm a pretty gullible prick, aren't I?

Are you sure it's worth a pass?

It's not going to do you any good one way or the other. I just want to know

my own peace of mind.

Well, I think it's a pass, but I couldn't be certain.

Well, there it is in black and white. Is it a pass or isn't it? It is impossible

to be that certain.

Christ almighty!

You've been asked to go to Oxford. What's in there is in your special area.

you don't know, who the fuck will?

There are some things you can never be certain about.

No.

Look, I'm sorry about this Oxford thing happening so quickly.

But I didn't give myself a dog's chance of getting it. I thought you might at

least have discussed it with me.

What, the job?

Going to England.

It was a bit of a shock to come in here and find you typing out your acceptance.

I'm sorry, I just didn't think.

I thought I was the first man to ever make you really feel something.

Any idea how hard it is to get a job at Oxford?

Do you realize that every time they advertise a position, they get up to 2

applicants? Charles has been trying to get a job there for the past 10 years

hasn't even got as far as an interview.

Oh, I'm very sorry, but I'm going.

It's the best two years of my life.

Wasted.

Nothing's ever completely wasted, mate. And, you know, the only thing that the

study of literature has ever successfully achieved is to keep a vast

academics happily arguing as to what is the real significance of the Tempest.

And the real significance of the Tempest is that it is Shakespeare's worst

fucking play.

Yeah, well, I don't like it much either. Why haven't they got the guts to say

it? Hey.

It'd be the most significant journal article written in years.

Three words.

Just three words.

Temper is shit.

Hey.

You can quiet him down a bit.

You haven't got a brother who's a library attendant, have you?

Just quieten it down, fella. You're making more noise than a Chinese

You ever been to a Chinese brothel? Just quieten it down. A Chinese brothel, for

your information, my good man, is run with absolute decorum.

You've been asked to leave and you have refused.

Yes, sir.

Do you mind coming with us down to the station?

Yeah.

Tony, cut it out, mate. You're Tony Peterson, aren't you?

So what?

Think you're above the law or something?

How would you like to get your head knocked in?

Do you realise I've got enough to charge you on court counts already?

You know what I think?

Huh?

Tony Mays.

pick a fight when you're drunk. Oh, darling.

How did it happen?

I dropped my guard, didn't I?

I'll call Dr. Frederick.

call the police.

No, don't do that.

Why not?

It's overworked.

What? For a minor thing like this.

I don't think it's minor.

You could have been killed.

Tossed in the car?

The car?

She was so confident.

Well, I shouldn't have been, should I?

I failed.

It doesn't make any difference to me, love.

You tried your best. That's all that counts.

My dad used to say, there's no disgrace in failing as long as you know in your

own heart that you tried your best.

Your dad was a very wise man.

Yeah, he was, too.

Well, it sounds like a pretty stupid philosophy to me.

If you try your best and you still fail, it can only mean one thing.

You are a dumb prick.

Don't swear, Tony. The children might hear.

I am a dumb person.

All it means is you're just not cut out for it.

You've had a difficult year, love.

We both have.

We could do with a holiday.

Huh?

Pete and Marjorie have done for the weekend. It would be an ideal

smooth things over.

Smooth things over?

Smooth things over?

I'll fuck her on the kitchen table.

I think you'd better go to bed, love.

How much did you drink?

Tony, I had this beautiful dream that year.

I'll bring it to you on a tray.

I didn't hear you come in.

I started early so I could get it all finished today.

I love watching skilled people work.

In another generation, all your art of things will be gone, I suppose.

Everything will be disposable and throw away.

It's a pity, don't you think?

Mm -hmm.

You must do a lot of your work outdoors.

Mm.

You've got a beautiful suntan.

This is like me not... for my complexion, the shadowed livery of the

sun to whom I am a neighbour and near -bred.

Bring me the fairest creature northward born, where Phoebus fire scarce thaws

the icicles, and let us make, etc., etc., etc.

Shakespeare?

Merchant of Venice, Act II, Scene I.

It's amazing.

What? Your knowledge of Shakespeare.

I'm an honest English graduate.

Really?

Haven't you heard of the Graduate Club?

I have, actually, yes.

There are men with doctorates of philosophy driving taxis around this

madam.

These are strange times we live in.

Yes.

I was reading this book about future shock the other day.

Would you like a cup of tea?

It says that marriage such as we know it is bound to disappear.

Which room are we going to do next?

Bedroom.

Do you know where it is?

No.

I'll show you.

Would you like a cup of tea first?