Original subtitles

Dearest mum.

Well, you may have heard we've been having

a rather hot time of it in the Dardanelles.

We were under a lot of fire,

the air being thick with bullets and metal

that you had half-expected to be hit.

Well, we've been here a month now

and are settling in nicely.

I suppose you would have heard

that poor old Charles didn't even make it ashore.

But at least he's safe back in Egypt.

My luck held out, I haven't had a scratch on me,

so don't worry about your soldier boy as I'm doing well

and the enemy takes good care of us.

Stretcher-bearers, we need stretcher-bearers now!

We're all friends and comrades here

and we manage to have a bit of fun and a laugh

despite the situation.

You're a bastard, Smith.

Anyone ever told you that?

Once or twice.

Herbert.

You want a nice chop, mate?

Course I do.

Go on, then.

It's my way of welcoming you, chums.

It's good.

Now you'd agree one good turn deserves another, right?

Watch out, mate.

I just need someone to pop over to outpost number two,

see Corporal Jessup, and pick up a few things for me.

Are you game?

What will I say if they ask me why I'm there?

Well, tell them you're lost.

Happens all the time.

Corporal Jessup, give him this.

Off you go, good man.

And keep your bloody head down.

I hear that Charles

is tucked up in a hospital in Alexandria.

It is a shame he's missing out on this big adventure,

but probably for the best.

At least he is safe and sound.

I expect to move out tonight, so,

good luck, old chap.

Oh. -Alright.

Haven't got the knack yet, shaking cack-handed.

How's the leg?

Ah, good as new.

Could've bonded on a bit.

Stayed tucked up with a nice hot cup of Bovril.

Here they are, my ministering angels.

Charles, I'm so glad I caught you.

You remember my friend, Lorna.

Good afternoon.

We're gonna get married, aren't we, sweetheart?

Any day now.

We ares, doon as the war's over.

You're going back to Gallipoli, aren't you?

I'll be a bit more careful where I put my feet next time.

What about William?

A message for him?

Please give him my kind regards.

I hear from the men he's always in the thick of it,

doing God's work.

Course he would.

Come back safely, you hear me?

I hear and obey.

They're quite different.

That's all we have in that size.

Mum wanted them the same.

Did you notice we're having a war, Arthur?

Well, yes.

And where do you think your ma's buttons came from?

Germany? -Full marks!

I, um...

Yes, I

should probably

consult.

Goodbye, Miss Smith.

Excuse me.

The poor boy.

He's quite enamored of you, Cissy.

I don't care about Mr. Arthur Buttle.

I want a real man, in uniform.

Good morning, Miss Penrose.

Dress gloves are now an extra tuppence a pair.

Violet's come to take me to tea.

That's right, so I have.

We're a bit busy.

Oh, we want to discuss how we might contribute to the war.

Father was rather keen we should all be involved.

Now how is Sir Henry?

Well, I trust.

Very well.

Please, do give him my best regards.

Off you go, then.

The Suez connects the Red Sea to the Mediterranean.

It's an important waterway.

Yeah, yeah.

And you really do need to brush up on Europe.

What for?

I'll be leaving school soon.

I meant the war.

If you waited, we could sign up together.

That's three years, it might be over by then.

But you have to wait for me, it wouldn't be fair.

Hey, Mueller.

Kaiser Bill. Piss off, Tom.

Go on, make me. -Leave him alone.

The German's throw little Belgian babies

up in the air and run 'em through with bayonets.

My father told me.

George is as German as I am. -Is that right, Schmidt?

We're going.

I just, uh, ripped it.

Speak English, mum.

Don't be silly.

We're New Zealanders, we live here.

The boy has a point.

You want me to forget my home?

Forget Dresden?

It was just a town.

It is a city of history and culture.

You know, Schiller was born there and Wagner.

Who cares about stupid composers?

And I'm not a bloody German.

A landing was effected at three points

on the Gallipoli peninsula.

Must we have the newspaper at the table?

Let the boy be, he's interested.

Harry must be there.

I bet he's right in the thick of it.

For heaven's sake.

On the board, Awa, the bread board.

Yes, ma'am.

I know Bea has a soft spot for that girl

and her brother, but honestly.

Good evening.

Sorry I'm late.

Now you're here, can we please get back

to what I was talking about?

Cissy has an important proposition.

Is there any bread? -Richard!

Ah, here we are.

Thank you, Awa.

You can start work on the kitchen, I'll be out shortly.

Violet and I were talking today about

how to do our bit for the war wounded,

like Charles in Belgium.

Do you even know where Belgium is?

It's in Europe.

And Violet insisted I should run as a Carnival Queen.

What do you think?

What's that got to do with me?

I need a trade or a business to sponsor me

in time to promote the cause.

No, no, no, now is not the time.

I'm short-handed enough as it is.

If Cissy wants to contribute, why not let her?

Carnival Queen sounds like fun

and we could all do with a bit of that.

Contribute!

Help our soldiers!

Donate to the war wounded.

Sign a pledge and support the war effort?

Pledge for the Carnival Queen?

Thank you, ladies.

Donate to the war wounded?

Thank you.

Well, don't you look the picture?

It's all for our boys.

Cissy would do anything for the soldiers.

You're horrid and I hate you.

Miss Penrose.

Good afternoon.

Good afternoon, Mr. Featherston.

My future sister-in-law, Miss Cissy Smith,

and her brother James and his friend George.

James and I met at your party.

Pleased to meet you, Miss Cissy Smith.

Would you care to make a donation, Mr. Featherston?

What's it for?

The war wounded.

And sign a pledge for the Carnival Queen.

I meant, does one get anything in return?

Guy Featherston, charity is its own reward.

Ah, but just down the road,

the girl from the Foodmakers Association

is giving a kiss for every pledge she receives.

Then so will I.

Give a kiss, I mean, for your florin.

Cissy.

Now for my reward.

I'd say that's worth a deal more than a florin.

Miss Penrose.

Miss Cissy Smith.

Gentlemen.

He didn't sign the pledge.

Over here, sir.

Thank you, private.

Good to see you, Manaki.

Smith.

It's Private Mark Smith.

That's right, sir.

Oh, I see.

Best brother I ever had.

Well, half brother, that is.

Right, glad to see you decided to muck in.

How's the leg?

Good as new.

Christ's sake, hold it still, man.

We'll both be maggot food.

He's making a bomb.

Abdul's fond of lobbing grenades into our trench

and we'd love to return the favor.

Only, the army seems to have forgotten

to send us any bombs, so we're making our own.

Ingenious.

Sir.

Bea sends her love.

And I have some letters for you from home

and a fruitcake from mum, I believe.

Everyone's terribly impressed

that you're here, doing your bit.

I'm sure dad's very proud of you, too,

though he's not one for writing.

Is that what they think?

That I'm here to do my bit?

There's no shame in a chap changing his mind.

Truth is, King and Empire didn't cross my mind.

Not one jot.

I joined up because a jealous husband was out for my blood

and I was flat broke and, well,

it sounded like a bit of a lark

but apart from some interesting ladies in Wazia,

so far the adventure's been a bit of a fizzer.

Right.

Well, at least mum and dad don't know that.

They can go on being proud.

I really don't give a rat's what they think.

Shall I mention you to mum when I'm writing?

Up to you.

You'll get used to it.

I'd better leave for watch.

Look after yourself, Harry. -I'll be right.

You look after yourself.

Alright, come on, Harry,

you know you've been using me.

Come on. I earned this pillow.

Harry, I'd kill for some kip, man.

And put your lice all over it?

Well, they can be mates with your lice.

Here he is.

I have a bet how many Turks he bagged.

Go on, for the pillow.

Alright, uh, four.

No, wait, six.

Okay, final word. -Yep, six, it's six.

Hang on.

Five, it's five.

I say four.

Harry's right.

Thank you.

And to show my deep appreciation,

my freshest onion. Tinny bugger.

Herbert?

You wanna earn yourself a can of genuine Irish stew?

Yeah, I'll say.

Run on down to the cove, run it by the south point,

find a sailer there, Jacob.

He's a fat bloke and he'll have a note for me

concerning a crate of medicinal brandy.

I'm on it.

Oh, hang on.

You'll need this.

Head down, keep your head down, you bloody...

It's okay.

It's alright, we easy.

Should we move him?

Look, it's alright, mate.

We're gonna take care of you, okay.

See, now look what you've done.

You've gone and got yourself the pillow.

Christ, Herbie, I mean some blokes will do anything

to get their own way but I don't mind, mate.

Okay, you keep it, you keep it, mate.

Even though I walk through the valley

of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,

for you are with me.

Your rod and staff, they comfort.

Well, come on.

They behave like war is a party.

No, Ida, they're young, let them have some fun.

Who's next?

C'mon, it's for our fine men.

It's only for duty.

I'm game. -Well, prove it.

What about you, sir?

Actually, I was wondering what it might

cost a chap to take a walk with you.

Hey, Kaiser, there's nothing here for you.

This is for patriots, not stinking Huns.

George.

George, come inside, at once.

Poor old George, needs his mummy to protect him.

Anywhere, anytime.

You're on.

George.

Speak to the constable.

It's not necessary, I know Tom's father.

I'll sort this out in my own way.

My brothers are away, in the war.

Well, two of them are, and Bea's a nurse

but Richard has to stay to run the store for dad.

Oh, God.

Sorry, I do go on a bit.

Bea's always saying...

I think you're wonderful.

Quite the most interesting girl I know.

Really?

It makes everything so dashed unfair.

What's wrong?

I'm to go to Trentham to train as an officer,

then it's off to war.

From the very first moment I saw you,

I felt there was a powerful bond between us,

did you...

Did you feel it, too?

I think so.

Oh, God, have I just made an ass of myself?

Yes.

No, I mean,

sorry, I just...

If you don't feel the same way,

tell me, so I'm not left to hope.

But I do.

I mean, I like you very much.

Are you really going to be an officer?

It's a family tradition.

How wonderful.

My grandfather was in the Crimea,

my father a Major in South Africa.

As the oldest son, I have a duty.

May I write to you, Miss Cissy Smith?

Yes, of course.

And will you let me make my pledge to you now?

Because you will be the most beautiful Carnival Queen.

Yes.

Oh, God, I'm so sorry, I...

That was inexcusable.

I'm a fool and now I've frightened you.

No, it's alright, I didn't mind.

But I do need to be getting home now.

Of course.

But tell me first,

tell me you forgive me?

I forgive you, 'course I do.

Then I am the happiest man alive.

Sugar?

We'll do our own.

James mentioned that you were in a moving picture.

Something about a Maori princess.

Yes, sir.

Fascinating.

Actually, just get on with this.

A business opportunity has recently presented itself.

I see.

A supplier of mine has told me

the clothing manufacturer lives in a spot of trouble.

The owner's a fool, a drunkard and a gambler.

You'd have to be not to make money at a time like this.

It's easy as putting up prices.

The laws of supply and demand...

Must be tempered with justice and sympathy.

You left the day-to-day running of the shop to me

and I'm doing as well as I can

but we need to make provisions for the future.

What have you come to ask me?

Well, I,

I'd like to borrow to buy the factory.

Absolutely not.

But there's an opportunity here.

We are shopkeepers.

Served us well, I see no reason to change.

Yes, but surely we can make something...

We've just had some news.

Charles has returned to Gallipoli, to the front.

Now, I've,

I've not told your mother yet,

but all this talk of dead and wounded,

we'll probably need to rally 'round.

Yes.

Of course.

I know Charles will be alright.

He's strong and he's brave.

Yes, you're right, of course.

I must be brave like Charles.

I'll write to him now and let him know

he's in all our prayers.

Is there something the matter?

I was thinking,

it's true what everyone says, that war changes everything.

Yes, it certainly does.

Can I ask you something?

Do you ever wish you'd been familiar

with Charles before he left?

I don't know.

Every day there are more and more casualties

and what if what happened to Charles is more serious than...

I have thought about it.

Of course.

And if Charles doesn't come back,

then yes, I would live my life in regret.

I've looked into my heart and I cannot believe

that God would think it a sin.

How could He?

None of that matters 'cause Charles will come back to me

and we will wed and everything will be alright.

Of course, it will.

Why ever did you ask me that?

No reason.

It just popped into my mind.

Because of our brave boys and because

Richard is arranging something.

Are you sure the banner will be in the newspaper?

You can move now.

Be certain to mention that Miss Cissy Smith

has been selected as a finalist for Carnival Queen.

And sponsored by the Haberdashers Association

and our store, of course.

Excuse me.

This is my fiance, Lieutenant Charles Smith.

He was seriously wounded at Gallipoli

but despite his wounds, has bravely returned to the front.

Violet has been in my ear

about assisting the younger Miss Smith.

I thought, perhaps, a ball.

That's very generous of you, sir.

Oh, one must do what one can.

I understand you've been asking after the ins and outs

of Duds & Duds, the clothing manufacturer.

I've made some inquiries.

It would be a canny investment

if you were thinking of going into military apparel.

Yes, I had considered it.

Only considered?

Well, it's a large investment

and if the war were to suddenly end...

It doesn't seem likely.

Well, my father believes it may be over by Christmas.

I believe that both parties have already committed

too many resources now to settle for second place,

whatever the outcome.

But you do expect we will win?

To suggest otherwise would be disloyal.

The truth is, no one can say for certain,

so in the meantime, I suggest you buy the factory

and take full advantage of the situation.

Well, unfortunately, my father doesn't share my ambition.

Then perhaps you should strike out on your own.

I have friends in cabinet.

When certain contracts are being considered,

I'll know where to direct them,

as long as we keep this to ourselves.

Yes, of course.

Thank you, Sir Henry, I'm very grateful.

Oh, well.

I have no doubt that one day you'll return the favor.

Will that be all?

I just had to see you, before...

I've received my orders, I'm leaving for camp.

When?

Tomorrow evening, my darling.

I'll write to you every week.

Meet me tomorrow. -I beg your pardon?

Come and have tea with me.

I'm staying at the rooms of a friend of mine.

Will there be anyone else there?

It would mean the world to me to have you all to myself.

I don't know.

I would give the world to have more time with you,

my darling, but tomorrow evening I'll be on my way

to Trentham and there's nothing

I can very well do about it.

But if you choose not to, I will understand.

Four o'clock.

I'll be waiting.

Michael Blunt, the father of young Tom,

you came to see him.

I wanted to talk to him about his boy

but he wouldn't listen.

Bertie.

Oh, Constable Price.

Good afternoon.

What is going on?

Tom Blunt has complained of being bullied by your son.

That is a shameful lie.

How long have you both been residents in New Zealand?

Over 20 years.

Do you still maintain contact

with your family in Germany?

We write to each other with news

and for special occasions.

And you, Mrs. Mueller, do you have contact with family?

We're so busy.

I haven't heard from them in such a long time.

Can I ask why you urge all these questions?

We have to be sure that we're not harboring German spies.

Spies?

Us?

If you could write down the names

and addresses of your parents and any close family for me.

My parents are dead.

I'm sorry to hear that but if you wouldn't mind,

your brothers or sisters.

Certainly.

And you, laddie.

Make sure you stay out of trouble.

Stop it.

Stop it!

George.

Leave me alone!

Cozy.

Whereas we of the lowly ranks

have to dig into the side of the trench.

What do you want, Harry?

Got a letter from mum.

I was hoping you could send it on.

There's a ban on letters.

We're only allowed to send field service post cards

but you're an officer, so...

Those rules are there for a reason.

To stop mail falling into enemy hands.

What, you think the Turks don't know we're here?

That's not really the point.

What do you think they'll find out from me?

That I miss mum's baking, or a lot of dribble

about how we're all getting along famously,

having a jolly adventure?

You can read it if you don't trust me.

That won't be necessary.

I'll get it off today.

Thanks.

I mentioned that you're back from hospital, fit and well.

I appreciate it.

Strike terror into the Turks

if they get their hands on it.

Well, I better get back.

Rumor is we're making another push for Hill 60 tonight.

Don't wanna be late for that.

Good luck, Harry.

Don't need it.

Funny, I had a feeling all along I'd be alright.

I saw a chap die the other day.

Yeah, seen a lot and you can't let it get to you, but

this one was young, not even 18.

He was eager to please.

He reminded me of you.

I mean, you know, he was a good sort.

A decent chap, and if he'd been able to grow up,

he would have been decent,

a good husband and father, as you will undoubtedly be.

So good luck and no hard feelings, alright, sport?

None whatsoever, brother.

You can let Awa know

her brother is in good spirits, as we all are.

We're having another crack at the Turks soon,

so my next letter might be from Constantinople.

All ammunition to be removed from magazines!

There will be no firing until we reach the top!

Bayonets only!

If we're gonna do this, let's do it now.

Listen up, lads!

Right, men, this is it.

Stay with your platoon leader as best you can.

If you lose sight, just keep heading

for higher ground but keep moving.

Whatever you do, you keep moving.

Oh, come on, come on, come on, let's go.

Don't give them time to recover.

For Christ's sake, hurry up, man.

Hey, Robbie, you still owe me 20 quid.

Shit.

You right, mate?

Let's lay dogger for a bit.

Just wait it out down here.

Your orders are to take that hill.

Bayonets against machine guns, it's bullshit.

Then load up now, but go on.

For Christ's sake.

Jesus.

Comrade, you alright there?

Now, you men go on.

There's a Turkish gun 30 yards to the right.

Hey, that's an order.

Give it a rest, sir, we're all in the same boat.

Yes, sir.

Help him out if you can.

What?

That's what we're here for, isn't it?

Kill or be killed.

What are you doing?

Stupid Maori bastard.

Stop this fight!

I got one!

I bloody well got one!

Christ, that hurt.

Hey, come on, let's go back down.

I don't think I can.

I'll find a stretcher-bearer.

No, don't, don't leave.

It hurts.

It really hurts.

Just rest.

Who did this to you?

Was it that boy again, Tom?

I gave it back to him in spades.

I have decided something.

We will leave this place.

What are you talking about?

They don't want us here.

So we will go home.

To Dresden.

I'm a New Zealander, mum.

I was born here.

You are our son.

You do what we say.

I'll never go to Germany, ever.

I'd rather die.

Speak to him, Bertie.

Tell him!

My mother just doesn't understand.

No one understands you, George.

Hey.

I'm sorry I was rough with you.

Tom is a josser.

I can cope.

You're so tough, James.

That's what I like about you.

You know, I'm gonna sign up, soon.

I can pass for 20.

You can't, you have to wait for me.

I'll wait for you.

Over there.

Promise?

I'm shocked to hear that he was so rude to you.

George is normally such a good boy.

Oh, good morning, James.

How are you?

Very well, thank you, Mrs. Mueller.

Have you seen George?

No.

When?

Yesterday evening, perhaps?

We had an argument.

He did not come home.

Please, you must tell me.

Answer Mrs. Mueller, James. -I haven't seen him.

Not since after school.

Can I go now, please?

Off you go.

20, you reckon? -Last January.

And what kind of a surname is Mueller?

I, George Mueller, do swear that I will serve our King

and do right to all manner of people

after the laws and usages of this realm

without fear or favor of fictional ill will, so help me God.

I'm sure there was a shorter explanation, but

well put, soldier.

George!

Where are you going now? -Mum.

I have to go out for a little while.

Violet asked to meet at her house,

she had some ideas for the ball tonight.

Unless you want me to stay?

No, no, go on, don't keep her waiting.

Alright, ta-ta.

Violet!

I was on my way home and I thought

I would just be sure that we had not forgotten anything.

Are you on your way out?

Hello, Violet. -Hello, Mrs. Smith.

Weren't you meeting Violet at her house?

I was, but now she's here.

Oh, no, what have I forgotten?

Nothing, I just wanted to talk about something important.

Oh, yes, of course.

The shoes for the ball.

I really can't decide. -Show them to me.

Ah, young people today.

What is going on?

I know we didn't arrange to meet.

I would remember that.

I know, I'm sorry, I was confused.

About what?

I've been thinking about what we talked about,

how war upsets everything and the old rules don't apply

and that we need to be kind to our men

who might die in some ghastly, foreign place

even if it means...

You know what I mean.

Not really.

I was on my way to meet Guy Featherston.

But why?

Oh, no, Cissy.

Well, it has to be today, before he goes to war.

Violet, don't be horrid.

I'm sorry, my dear.

Guy is not going to war.

He is, he's leaving tonight. -Yes.

He's going to his father's law practice, in Christchurch.

No, it can't be.

Guy Featherston is a liar and a cad

and you wouldn't be the first.

Oh, Lord, you haven't already?

No.

We only kissed.

Thank God.

You mustn't make a bad character of yourself,

whatever you do.

Dear, I feel such a fool.

Please, now.

Alright, you have to tell them back at the boats

that until we clear this room here,

we can't have anymore taken off, okay,

unless they're listed as critical.

William.

Bea.

Got a light, mate?

Ah.

Thanks.

A friend of your brother's is here.

They tell me he was absolutely fearless in attack

but, his luck ran out.

Manaki, oh, God.

He was out in No Man's Land

for a day and a night.

The Turks presumably dressed his wounds,

but he lost a lot of blood.

Orderlies, here, quickly!

It may be a waste of a bed.

That is for me to decide.

I would be the last one to argue with you.

Take this man to Ward 3 as quick as you can.

It's very good to see you, William.

Bea, wait.

Uh...

But there's more bad news, I'm afraid.

Your brother, I...

When they found Manaki, he wasn't alone.

Bea, I'm so sorry.

I'm sorry.

Dearest Mum and Dad.

I know by know that you have heard

that Harry has been killed in action.

Everyone assures me that he died a hero's death.

Well, mum, I should finish up now

and cheers to all at home.

And don't worry about me, mum.

The lads are all in high spirits.

It's a right old adventure.

You're loving son, Harry.