Original subtitles

Dear Manaaki, I hope this finds you well

and the army is looking after you.

The Smiths are treating me like family,

and Mrs. Smith is always asking after you.

She has not had much time to teach me how to cook.

But I'm doing well even so.

Bugger.

The truth is, she's not the best.

But it must be hard with nobody, not Annie.

Is there anything else I can bring you?

I'd appreciate more sherry.

Mrs. Mueller has come to call.

Will you come through?

You know I can't.

I'll ask the doctor to look in on you again.

Don't bother.

He doesn't help.

My dear, I just want you to get better.

You threw my boy out of the house

and that's why he went off.

And now he's never coming back.

Hettie, please.

You did it!

I'll inquire if the doctor's free

to see you tomorrow.

You're a good mate.

You brown bastard.

What did you do?

Manaaki.

Manaaki!

Manaaki, can you hear me?

This is a rum do.

Look at this lot.

And this here.

It's a bloody mess.

Manaaki, you're doing nicely.

You're in hospital, you're in Alexandria.

You were having another dream.

A nightmare.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

He maketh me down to lie.

Is it another headache?

In pastures green he leadeth me.

The sister will get you some aspirin.

No, no, no.

No, I'm all right.

I could read to you from Awa's letter.

I can't believe she wrote so much.

Why is that?

She hated school.

All she used to read was catalogs.

Read the part about baking.

All right.

I think of you whenever I see the

blooming dates in the packet with the camel.

Though perhaps they're from the camel.

They certainly taste like droppings.

Hurry it up.

Morning, Sergeant. -Sir.

Lads.

How's the view from up there, Paulie?

Good, sir.

Right.

You all right, old sir?

I just need the latrine, sir.

Bloody hell.

Off you go.

He's not well, that boy.

Oh, he hasn't got the stinking runs.

Tell the men to stand down.

We have new orders for tonight.

Long as it's not the bloody ridge again.

You'd rather be on cued aim's fatigues bombing.

Not me, sir.

Special shipment tonight.

Jesus.

That's a ripe one.

Hurry up, you buggers.

Keep it up, lads.

Move up.

Nice of you to join us.

Important cargo, this lot.

Abdul would be terrified if he found out

what we've got here.

What is it?

Top secret, old boy.

Loose lips.

Are you hit?

I'm not certain, I think so.

It's jam you bloody idiot.

You're all right chum, you're all right.

Sir.

Look at this sack of shit.

Oi!

What do you think you're up to?

I just closed my eyes for a moment...

You're supposed to be keeping watch, not bloody out to it!

Eyes to the front!

We left you behind on account of your pansy constitution

and you risk the lives of everyone here

so you could get some bloody shuteye?

Sorry sarge.

Don't you know this is an offense punishable by death?

You stupid little bastard, you miserable cocksucking...

All right sergeant.

That's enough.

Sergeant Greg is correct.

This is a serious matter.

Now we'll need to report it.

The private charged in this matter

is aware of the gravity of his offending.

He is aware that there are no excuses for his behavior,

and he understands that he put his fellow men

at appalling and undue risk with his dereliction.

But private Cooper is a young man,

from a right-minded family with a genuine wish to atone

for his behavior, and to continue serving his country.

Given his youth and his true remorse,

I respectfully ask that your verdict be merciful.

Hello Charles.

There you are, all done.

Right as a trivet.

Down to the boats.

Will he make it?

Rumor has it you're flying the coop.

Alexandria, probably give someone a kick

up the backside about supplies while I'm there.

Last week we opened up the medicinal brandy,

it was all bloody water.

Christ.

Who would do such a thing?

War brings out the best and the worst.

You really didn't have to chaperone me.

I want to get a look at him, the famous William.

There. -Oh, not bad.

I'll introduce you. -I'll leave you to it.

Don't do anything I wouldn't.

William?

There you are.

It's good to see you. You too.

Please.

I ordered tea and sandwiches. What a treat.

Would you care to?

I'll be mother.

Thank you.

This all seems so ridiculously civilized.

Doesn't it?

Tea?

And even sugar.

It's the little things isn't it, that you miss?

Cissy sent me some eau de cologne for my birthday

but I ended up giving it to one of the ward sisters.

That was kind.

Oh not really.

Some of her boys have gas gangrene.

It helps a bit with the smell.

Anyway, you're somewhere worse.

Yes it is a hole, but at least my patients

generally move on before they're putrid.

Listen to us!

Coarse and beyond measure.

By the way, Manaaki is still here.

I've been doing my best to keep an eye on him.

Perhaps if you had some time you could look in on him?

I could.

It's not a social call.

I was hoping you could give a second opinion.

I could do that.

I want to say how sorry I am about Harry.

Thank you.

In some ways he was lucky.

At least it was quick.

There is that.

There's a man on my ward, he's lost both his legs,

he only has half a face, and

but he's still alive.

It would almost be a blessing if he went.

I know.

When I first got here I used to cry about them,

but not anymore.

Sometimes I wonder if I'm going

to stop having feelings altogether.

I can't imagine that with you.

Has mum seen the doctor again?

Yes.

He said it's her nerves and to keep on taking the tonic.

But really Daddy do we have to keep wearing mourning?

You're worried about clothes at a time like this?

Naturally she's upset, we all are

but it might do her good

if she got out of bed once in a while.

We will remain in mourning until your mother is recovered.

In English, Ida.

No one can hear us.

We live here, and we must speak English.

I made Hettie my mother's.

Cake, Ida.

Cake, go on.

What does it matter?

Go back to the kaiser, you're not welcome here!

Don't Ida.

Tell them to leave us alone.

It's a damn shame.

They came in the night, shouting, throwing rocks.

Did they take any stock? -A few watches.

I hope they look at them and feel shame.

It could've been worse.

These men are not fighting

for king and country, they're cowards.

Sh, Ida. -I'm not ashamed.

We have family doing battle on both sides.

Both sides?

My nephews from Frankfurt.

They are decent young men.

They're Germans.

It's probably best not to talk about this in public.

Why can't I say the truth?

Because there's only one right side.

Surely you know this.

You should get on home.

Keep it low sir.

How are you faring?

Thirsty.

Thanks.

There there.

Only a few more days and it'll all be over.

Sir.

Will my mother need to know about this?

I don't see why.

Thank you sir.

Cissy, what a day at the bank it's been.

I corrected a senior clerk on the matter of his addition.

Can you imagine it?

How very bold of you, Violet.

And Arthur wants to take us

to the pictures on Saturday night.

Don't you Arthur?

If you're agreeable, both of you I mean of course.

Well I suppose it might give me

an excuse to try my new dress.

Violet, what's the matter?

How silly.

The mention of the pictures reminds of Charles.

I miss him terribly.

Of course you do, poor thing.

But his letters aren't the least bit sad

and I mustn't be either.

And now we really must let Arthur cheer us up

with some tea and cake, mustn't we Arthur?

I um, yes.

Good morning Mr. Richard Smith.

How is your mother?

Still a little under the weather.

Pass her my best regards.

I should get back.

We're discussing a motion that alien subjects

be excluded from the public service.

Very laudable.

Ah!

All this bally nonsense about German spies.

It's not as if some German pork butcher in Whanganui

is sending home state secrets.

We could have something to celebrate.

Whiskey?

Just a small one.

I heard word that a government contract

will be coming out soon for uniforms.

Really?

Couldn't you supply say 10.000 army tunics?

Good lord.

I thought you were keen.

Of course.

It will require organization, investment in plant.

Dodds and Dodds was rundown when I took it over.

I'm sure you can get things shipshape.

With a little capital, yes.

Ah, I'd rather my connection

to this venture weren't too obvious.

I've oiled the wheels as best I can,

but I prefer to remain more of a silent partner

on a kind of commission which we could discuss.

I see.

Is this beyond your means?

No, no I just need to put

a few pegs in place, talk to my bank.

That's the spirit.

Got to spend it to make it.

Of course.

Don't be concerned.

This thing will drag on for at least two years, or more.

That long?

Well it's a bad business.

Someone may as well get something out of it.

I'll toast to that.

Well brother, I think about you

and what I owe you, but by the time you come back

I'll make sure we're set up.

Richard will be here shortly.

We need some tea. Yes Mr. Smith.

Has Mrs. Smith taken any breakfast yet?

I was just going to wake her.

Right.

Morning mum.

It's so bright.

Oh it's a nice day, though a little nippy.

I was thinking, you should come to breakfast.

I can't.

Not when I think of poor Harry in the cold ground.

It's hot.

I beg your pardon?

Well it's summer over there.

He never had a proper burial.

There are worse things, like no one knowing

where you died on account of being drowned.

Mrs. O'Reilly down the road?

Lost both her sons last week, torpedoed on a troop ship

but she's up every day taking washing

because she has to.

How sad.

Tears don't grow any.

Now, the sheets need changing, the stove needs blacking

and there's three meals a day to be cooked

and I'm beggared if I'm going to keep doing all of it.

Leave at a time like this?

If you don't get up, you can

have my notice or dismiss me, I don't care.

We'll go through to the parlor.

Mom, how are you?

A little better. -Well that's good news.

Don't fuss, John.

I've got Awa to help me.

We're all very grateful for that.

I'll fetch your tea, sir.

That would be grand.

Consequently, the purchase of Dodds and Dodds

couldn't have been more fortunate, as it turns out.

Despite my clear objections.

I'm about to be offered a military contract.

I see.

Though I'll need to upgrade, buy new machines

to take full advantage.

And how is that my concern?

Well, I was hoping you would reconsider your position

and let me borrow against the business.

Thank you Awa, we are well looked after.

Sir.

Look, I know you don't like risk.

How very perspicacious of you.

But this is guaranteed.

And if the war ends in three months,

then where will you be?

It won't end in three months, I have it on good authority.

From a fortune teller?

Can't you see?

This is the chance of a lifetime.

To profit from misfortune.

Well someone has to look to the future

so that Bea and Charles have something to come back to.

Don't you dare take their names in vain!

It's true!

They are brave and dutiful!

Am I not doing my duty here, right now?

I work every hour that God sends all for the family.

Silence!

We will not speak of this again!

Do you need more tea? -No.

No, I'll be on my way.

I'm glad you're feeling better, Mom.

Thank you dear.

I thought Harry should be back where we can all see him.

I have to admit dear brother,

it's been hard to see much of the future,

but I think things are looking up.

The talk didn't go too well?

You were listening?

I've got ears.

Sounds like you're onto a good thing.

Unfortunately my father is a little conservative.

Well why do you need him?

Well the bank will need reassurance.

Have you anything you can hock?

You've got to put in a penny to get a pound.

You're a clever girl.

Better than being a stupid girl.

Thank you, for what you've done for my mother.

I just got tired of doing all the work.

Is anyone taking care of you while your wife's away?

Lately I've been cribbing at the store,

not that my father would bother to know.

Well, good luck finding your money.

Thank you.

Just follow my finger.

So these headaches, are they controlled with aspirin?

Yes.

That's not true, he has nightmares and night sweats.

I thought I was here to form my own opinion.

Any daytime disturbances, hallucinations?

I'm not mad.

I wasn't implying that.

In fact, you're doing well under the circumstances.

Let's have a look here.

Look he's not concussed, his superficial wounds

are healing well, there's no reason

he can't return to active service.

Not all wounds are visible.

What are you talking about?

I think he's suffering from shell shock.

Aw you've been reading up on Rivers

and his interesting theories.

He wakes up screaming,

he sees things that aren't there.

There is no proof that shell shock even exists.

It's dreams, that's all it is.

Psychiatry is a genuine branch of medicine.

Yes, and I understand this is emotional for you.

I'm not some hysterical girl.

Bea I can't say something just because you want me to.

It would be favoritism.

And we can't condone shirking.

Shirking?

Manaaki was with Harry when he died.

He was courageous, mentioned in dispatches.

I've got a meeting with command.

Oh yes and you're so important

and I'm a silly nurse who knows nothing.

I wasn't saying that.

Manaaki is not a coward!

On this matter we should just have to agree to differ!

Listen to you, like someone shoved a poker up your ass!

I have to go. -So do I.

But I did hope that given our past connection

that you might be more sympathetic.

Bea for God's sake, you asked my opinion, I gave it.

It's not fair to blame me

if you don't like what I have to say.

Why do you have to make everything so damn personal?

Because that's what I feel!

But don't you think...

Blast, never mind!

Say it.

That there's enough grief and misery

that we should be trying to find

some way forward, out of this!

Damn.

I'm not making any sense, am I?

Probably more than you ever have.

Now I really do have to go.

Hettie, so good to see you.

And you.

I know I've rather been letting this side down.

No, no it's fair enough.

Oh.

Don't cry! Sorry.

I've had some bad news.

About George?

No, thank the lord.

He's still somewhere in Egypt.

I received a letter via the Netherlands.

My sister's son, Herman

was killed on the western front.

He was fighting for the Germans?

Yeah of course, he's German.

Only 18 years old.

But he was trying to kill Britains, our side.

What side?

George is on the one side, my sister's sons

on the other side, there should be no sides, no stupid war.

You can't say that, it's sedition.

James.

Don't be rude.

I know I should not say this,

but I don't care if England wins or Germany.

I just want it all to stop.

Oh my dear.

We're closed.

All right, I'm coming, hold your horses.

Good evening.

I made stew.

I thought you might like some for your supper.

Do come in.

Would you care to sit with me?

Certainly.

What happened with your

business opportunity?

I had a more favorable reception

from the bank than my father.

What did they want?

I've taken a mortgage on my house,

not that I'll be telling my wife that.

She wouldn't approve?

She's very frail.

It would upset her.

Well.

Some things are nobody else's business.

Indeed.

Well, that really was delicious.

Will my mother be wondering where you are?

At Bible class, studying the scriptures.

I see.

I've seen you looking at me.

Um.

You want me, don't you?

Goodness.

Say it.

Say that you want me.

God I want you.

Don't you have a fine house to live in?

This is more convenient at present.

It hardly seems worthwhile going home

if there's nobody there.

Is your wife very ill?

She has consumption.

People die of that, don't they?

Yes.

Sometimes they do.

Well, we should make

the most of being alive, don't you think?

So how much money are you going to make with these uniforms?

It should be considerable.

And I'm thinking of expanding into retail as well.

Prices aren't going to go down.

Nothing's going down.

And what are you going to say about your Bible class?

God helps those who help themselves.

An inspiring message.

Isn't it?

You brown bastard, what did you do?

Manaaki!

I didn't mean to surprise you.

Your head's still bad.

I'll ask the sister for some aspirin.

No!

Stop.

Stop what?

You're so good to me.

Naughty boy.

Don't want me looking in on you?

I'm sorry.

I'm so sorry I did it.

You have nothing to be sorry for.

We are all so grateful to you.

You were with him when he died

and a lot of people don't have that comfort.

You're a good mate.

Look at me.

I think it's bad, I think it's bad.

Sorry.

Just rest.

Just rest.

What is it?

It's nothing.

He's a good man, he's done nothing wrong.

That remains to be seen. -What's going on here?

We are investigating a complaint of sedition.

Oh good lord.

My husband said nothing bad.

I am the one who says that war is bad.

Your newspapers are full of lies.

Germans would never do these terrible things you say.

Ida stop, please.

Sorry ma'am, let us by.

Can't you do something?

I'm afraid not.

Ida, go back inside and look after the shop.

Where are you taking him?

Well brother, you won't believe it.

Now Mrs. Smith is teaching me to knit socks for soldiers,

although I pity the poor bugger

who has to wear anything I've made.

You have to keep the tension tight,

or you'll have a sack, not a sock.

Is there anything to eat?

The biscuit tin's empty.

We did two hours of drill, I'm famished.

Do you know what happened to Mr. Mueller?

No.

He was arrested.

If they put him on trial, he'll be locked up for years.

Why?

For saying things about the war!

But he never did, only Mrs. Mueller.

So you do know something about this?

No.

Your father wants to see you.

You say you didn't speak to the police.

That's right. -Then who did?

I don't know!

Violet, the anti-German league?

Violet barely knows them.

You were there when Ida made remarks.

You made it plain that you didn't approve.

What she said was wrong and disgraceful!

The Muellers are our friends!

If I ended up living in Germany

and my home was here, I'd be loyal to my country to the end.

I wouldn't be able to help it!

Rousing words, but you still insist on lying.

I'm not!

Turn around and face the mantle.

I didn't say anything! -Do as you're told!

This is ridiculous!

You do not lie.

You do not make mischief and trouble.

Where's the sixth?

Get out of my sight.

I'm sure he'll be safe.

Yeah but Bertie did nothing wrong.

I know he didn't deserve it.

It must be hard for you, on your own.

I try to keep going I...

But how long, I'm not a watch smith.

I did have a thought.

If it were any help, I could

take over the lease on the shop.

Is that possible?

It's just practical.

I'd need the rooms as well, but I could help you

find somewhere less expensive.

Bless you.

You are such a good neighbor, you're a good man.

G'day.

Thought you'd gone.

I've been discharged.

Back to Gallipoli?

I, I got a letter.

They're giving me a medal, sending me home.

They are?

That is such good news!

I don't deserve it.

Of course you do.

You germy bastard.

Your sister will be so happy

and my mother would love to see you.

I suppose.

You'll feel better about it when you're there,

and it'll give you time to recover.

Bless you for what you have done.

I might have mentioned something to command,

but it wasn't on the grounds of shell shock

which I still believe is bunkum.

That's big of you.

Morale is certainly something which needs to be boosted.

And the odd hero back home

wouldn't go amiss right now either.

I see.

Is that all I get?

No undying gratitude?

Thank you, from the bottom of my fluttering girlish heart.

You really don't give an inch, do you?

You are just as maddening.

How much longer are you here for?

'Til tomorrow.

Damn I'm on duty.

How is this not a reason why?

Well, do take care and give my love to Charles.

I will.

We'll meet again soon I hope.

I hope so too.

Be careful, William.

Thank you.

I really do mean it.

Well done lad.

We look forward to having you back.

Roy, Lewis.

We need more ammunition, get it from below.

Now.

Hey there what are you doing?

Move you bloody idiot, get down!

Get down!

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Cooper, it's with deep regret

that I have to inform you that your son,

private Mark Cooper, died bravely in the line of duty.

Line of duty makes me feel sick.

Well it's what they need to hear.

The poor lad, he was hardly older than my little brother.

Well, I now have a fair idea of what hell would look like,

and who would be in charge.

That's not hell, that's home.

I don't know if you'll get this brother,

but everything is cow pie

and I have hopes of getting myself

a better situation very soon.

I've missed you. Me too.

What's this?

I think you deserve something pretty.

Is this for me or for you?

Well I'm sure we can both get pleasure from it.

Each in our own way.

But I might need a dress to go over it,

or people might be shocked.

Well, yes we can't have that.

Hm?

Hm.

So what are you going to do

about the shop next door?

I'm thinking of going into business

with an associate, a chemist.

You could have pots and potions in your own shop.

I think I'll leave the medicine

and the powders to the expert.

What about face powder, rouge, kohl?

I'm not sure.

No matter how bad things get,

ladies will always want the newest thing

and if you needed a sales assistant,

I might know of someone.

Well, I'm happy to consider your application.

In fact, next door has rooms

that might better suit us.

Poor Mrs. Mueller.

I'm doing all I can to help.

Guilty conscience.

Whatever do you mean?

Oh I don't know.

A word to the police and suddenly a shop is up for lease?

It was only a matter of time before it went under.

Did you think I was blaming you?

I thought it was the anti-German league.

You're a naughty minx.

I'm also very good at keeping secrets.

I like the sound of that arrangement.

Well, I better finish up

but I want you to know that

I haven't forgotten my debt to you.

I'll always look after you, little brother.

And I promise you, that by the time you return

you'll have a home to come to.

Your loving sister, Awa.