The Tuttles of Tahiti

Getting close to Vaipopo, Chester. I said you'd come back.

You can't stay away from Tahiti

not a Tuttle, anyway.

Take it easy, Manu! I don't want to damage this box.

That's the last bump. We're near Vaipopo.

Oh, it's Vaipopo all right.

Turn off your lights, Manu.

-Chester, what's in that box you're hiding?

-Nothing much.

-It's the same old place.

-Looks good, huh?

I've been round the world, and no place looks as good.

-It hasn't changed, has it?

-No.

And I hope it never does.

-SOMEONE SNORES

-Listen, Manu.

-It sounds like music.

-The Tuttles sure know how to sleep.

-They know how to live.

That's Jonas! Sound your horn.

-HONK!

-Enough.

-Leave that.

-I want to know what's in it.

-Turn on your lights.

HE SPEAKS TAHITIAN Jonas, you've got a visitor.

-Get the house up.

-Who is it? What is it?

-Hello, Jonas.

Don't you know your own son?

Chester?

-Yes, Jonas.

-Chester!

Mama! Nat! Carla! Everybody! He's come back! It's Chester!

Mama! Nat! Carla! Everybody!

He's come home! It's Chester!

-Chester...

-How are you, Jonas?

-I couldn't see in the lights.

Didn't you hear me? I can hardly believe it.

-Me too.

-Grandma will be glad to see you.

-I'll be glad to see her.

-Chester!

-Nat!

-Glad to see you back.

-I'm glad to be back.

-Chester.

-Ru!

-My baby brother, Ru!

-I'm as big as you are now.

-You're bigger. Much bigger.

-Away!

Sanda! You crazy loon!

-Is that the way to treat your brother?

-You're not going again?

-No.

-HE SPEAKS TAHITIAN

-Ben!

THEY ALL SHOUT EXCITEDLY

-One at a time.

-Hio!

-Chester, it's good to see you.

-Remember our little boy?

-Not the way he is now. Hello, Riki.

-This is Andre.

-No, Moa. THEY ALL LAUGH

-Maitu.

-Yohana, Maitu.

-THIS is Andre.

-Hello, Chester.

-It sure is good to be with you.

Mama Ruau.

THEY SPEAK TAHITIAN

-Oh, Grandma!

-I dreamed of this, Chester.

Prayed for it often and often.

-I'd hardly know you if I met you in town.

-Why would you be in town?

How would the family get on with you away for even a day?

-EXCITED CHATTER

-I see most of the furniture's gone.

-I see old Nat Tuttle's still here.

-Did you see any Tuttles in America?

-I went to see them in Massachusetts.

-Let him talk. Who did you see?

I found Morton Tuttle's house, but he was away on business.

Morton Tuttle... That would be Nathaniel's great grandnephew.

-No, Morton is the son of Noah.

-And Noah was Nathaniel's brother.

-No, Noah was Nathaniel's cousin.

-LAUGHTER

-You're sure.

-Yes, Jonas.

-How can you remember all that?

-Who's this?

-My, what a beautiful girl you are! What's your name?

-That's...er...

-Her name's er...

-That's Horace's daughter, Georgette.

-That's right, Georgette.

-Georgette, what a beautiful name! Georgette, I'm your Uncle Chester.

-Hello, Uncle Chester.

-Say, and who's this young fella?

-That's... He's...er...

-Don't ask him. He's my grandfather. Right?

-Right.

-But he never remembers.

There are so many of them. What's the difference? They're all Tuttles.

-What's going on? We heard the noise at our house. Chester!

-Hello, Effie.

-I thought you'd never come back.

-You got married?

-This is Paki.

-Glad to meet you, Paki.

-HE SPEAKS TAHITIAN

-He's a Low Island man.

-He's the best I could do.

-Well!

-Tupa!

-Chester!

-How are you?

-Good to see you.

No cook compares with you. How about a sample?

-Haven't you eaten?

-No.

-That's a fine welcome(!)

We've got wine. What have you got in the kitchen?

-Bananas.

-The Chinamen in town will make a sale at any time.

We got 460 francs for that haul of fish.

That's right!

No. We've got to keep this to pay back Dr Blondin.

You still owe Dr Blondin money?

Now, Chester, we've been paying him back more or less.

I've tried not to bother him again by selling furniture and things,

but we've had to borrow again.

-We must pay our debt to Dr Blondin.

-ALL: Why?

We have to pay it back even if we have to eat clams.

What kind of a homecoming is this?

Effie's right. Dr Blondin would be the first to say we have to give Chester a party.

-I know, Jonas...

-Do you have any cash, Chester?

Not much... Let's see...

-One...four francs.

-You must have worked hard to earn all that in three years(!)

What about the party?

-ALL: Yes!

-Well, Mama?

-We must welcome Chester.

CHEERING

-I don't know what we're going to do now.

-Don't worry, Mama. We'll manage.

You shouldn't have bet on that cockfight!

I almost forgot. Mama, Jonas, don't worry about Dr Blondin. I've got something that will make us rich.

We've nothing to worry about.

-What are you talking about?

-Wait here.

Remember, everyone, we've got to keep this a secret.

-Oh, Manu, we're out of gas. Will you...?

-Sure, Jonas. I'll go.

Get 10lb of cheese, two dozen loaves, plenty of butter and mustard pickles.

Chester likes mustard pickles.

Go and sit down. Go and sit down.

Sit down.

Remember, now, not a word to anyone.

Tuttles of Tahiti, may I present the pride of the seven seas,

San Francisco's gift to the chicken coop, the one and only...

-Black Eagle.

-THEY ALL GASP

Oh, weitimua!

There's the answer to our troubles.

-If he's as good as he looks, we're rich!

-Wait till you see him work.

HE SQUAWKS LIKE A CHICKEN

THEY GASP IN AWE

-What do you think?

-If Emily hears of him, she'll call off the match.

-Emily won't hear about him.

-When's the match?

-10 days.

-Her bird's good.

-Her bird's good!

-I wouldn't be too sure.

What do you mean?

-We've got the Black Eagle from San Francisco.

-Take my word for it.

No Tahiti bird stands a chance.

We have to keep quiet if we want to surprise Emily.

-She'll bet every franc she has.

-We'll take her bets.

I wish to make an announcement.

We're going to clean Emily out.

-What are we going to bet with, huh?

-Fish. Big ones and little ones.

-That's right.

-We'll need a big haul.

-Every day till a week from Sunday.

-We'll catch enough for a good bet.

-Well, Jonas, it's all I've come home with.

-It's enough, Chester.

-Shall we put him to bed?

-I'll do it.

# Emily's going broke that day

# We'll pay the doc without delay

# Chester's made us rich and gay

# And all the Tuttles will yell hooray!

TAHITIAN CHORUS

# We've a rooster that's a king

# He can fight like anything

# When Emily Teo yells foul play

# And all the Tuttles will yell hooray!

TAHITIAN CHORUS

# We'll go fishing in the deep

# What we'll get, we'll sell real cheap

# We'll bet the money on the fray

# And all the Tuttles will yell hooray! #

TAHITIAN CHORUS

-You put him to bed, Jonas?

-The hens looked at him and two fainted!

# Once we've paid all our debts

# We'll buy gas and cigarettes

# We'll sing and feast the little long day

# And all the Tuttles will yell hooray!

TAHITIAN CHORUS

# All this wealth, you may depend

# We owe to our fine, feathered friend

# He'll get chicken feed that day

# And all the Tuttles will yell hooray! #

TAHITIAN CHORUS

COCK CROWS

COCK-A-DOODLE DOO!

HE SIGHS CONTENTEDLY

-If we catch 75 bonito, that isn't much, is it?

-Let's say 100.

No, 75. Nat, what would that bring us this time of year?

-What would what bring?

-75 bonito.

-Who's got them?

-We're gonna have them before the day's over.

-75 bonito?

-10F each, that makes...

-750F. Each day for ten days' fishing.

-That'll make a nice bet.

-Gulls!

-BOTH: Where?!

There!

That's bonito they're feeding on.

-There's a million francs' worth!

-Away to Emily's!

-With Black Eagle!

Come on, bonito! Try to twist another knot out of her.

ENGINE BANGS, RATTLES...AND DIES

Get her started.

Something's wrong with the engine.

-Out of gas.

-What?!

I don't understand. We had half a tank yesterday.

­ Half a gallon more would have done.

-What's the use?

-There's something funny here.

We had half a tank of gas. Do you think somebody swiped it?

-Jonas?

-He'd never do anything like that.

We've still got nine days. Get some sail on her. There's enough breeze to get home.

Let's see, nine times 750... Nine times seven is 63...

200 bonito, 10F apiece... that makes 2,000F... Ten days' fishing...that's 20,000F.

-I'll look at the furniture section later.

-I haven't finished your hair.

-It'll do. I must be there when the boys get in.

-Aren't you going to Emily's?

That depends... Maybe I ought to drop by.

-To say hello.

-To make your bets for the fight.

-Oh, Mama, I've never grown up to you, have I?

-No.

-You always think I'm sneaking off to do something wrong.

-I know it.

-Don't you worry.

Oh, I'm not worried.

Riki, come get your hair cut.

Jonas, you've got no gas.

Ain't got no gas! Hear me, Jonas? You got no gas.

You got no...

COCK CROWS

-Hapu, what do you think?

-I've never seen a finer bird.

-He's a champion.

-Does Jonas know he's Australian?

No. He'd cancel the fight if he did.

That's Jonas.

Emily!

Hide him. I don't want Jonas to see him.

Emily! Emily!

Hello, Jonas.

It's nice seeing you. Sit down, won't you?

Hapu, two drinks. Put a lot of ice in them.

-I hear Chester's back. How is he?

-You'd hardly know him, Emily.

It's a pity he got in so late. We'd have asked you over to celebrate.

You need no help for that. I hope his years away were successful.

Well, maybe they have and maybe they haven't. It's hard to know just yet. Thank you.

Excuse me.

A feather.

An iced drink is among the greatest inventions. How's your bird?

I have 40 kilos of ice sent down each week. And YOUR bird, Jonas?

I got 40 kilos last month and forgot to tell the boys to take it off the truck.

I suppose your bird's in training?

I haven't seen him in days. He's in such poor condition.

Oh, dear. We are unlucky, aren't we? Mine's losing weight too. I don't know what's wrong.

Maybe we should call off the match.

-Maybe we ought to.

-It would be a pity to call it off.

Yes, after all, we did fix the date.

-How much you want to bet?

-10,000F.

-That's a lot for a sick bird.

Where did you get it?

-The bird?

-No, the money.

Oh, I haven't exactly got the money yet, but I...

-SHE LAUGHS

-I'll have it. The boys are fishing.

-1,500F a haul. I should get 15,000F. I'm not going to bet all that.

-Oh, no, no, no.

-All right, let's make it 15,000F.

-Jonas Tuttle, will you ever change?

-It's as good as cash.

I can't put my cash against that.

-All right, I'll put up my vanilla crop.

-You know what you're saying?

-It's worth over 15,000F.

-10,000.

-If the boys catch the fish, the vanilla deal's off.

-All right, it's a bet.

-It's a bet.

-Goodbye, Emily.

-Goodbye, Jonas. Oh, by the way, where did you say your bird came from?

Oh...er...I didn't say, but it really doesn't matter.

No, it really doesn't.

-What was that?

-What was what?

-There.

-A feather.

-Oh.

HE WHISTLES CHEERFULLY

Goodbye, Emily.

Goodbye.

SHE LAUGHS GLEEFULLY

Chester!

-Look who's there, Chester.

-Isn't that Tamara?

-It certainly is.

Tamara, I can't believe it.

You ARE Tamara, aren't you?

You're all grown up!

Isn't she the most beautiful...?

-I...I didn't think you'd remember me.

-I almost didn't. When I left,

you were just a kid, but now,

you're a big girl.

-You've been gone a long time.

-I certainly have.

I...I was afraid that...

after seeing all those pretty women all over the world...

I travelled a lot and looked around, if that's what you mean,

but isn't it funny that I should come all the way home to...

You sure are a big girl, Tamara.

-Do you remember what you said before you went away?

-Sure I do.

-Wasn't it something about...about you waiting for me?

-Yes, Chester.

-And I'd marry you.

-Yes, Chester.

I'm glad you waited.

-Your mother said something about money and providing for a wife...

-I don't care about that.

Maybe you don't, but people should. At least that's what your mother...

Tamara, do you mind waiting a few more days? Ten days to be exact.

After three years, ten days isn't such a long time.

You sure are a big girl, Tamara.

HE WHISTLES CHEERFULLY

Hello, Mr Jensen. I'm taking six cans of gas.

I'm taking six cans of gas. We shall need it.

-My boys are going fishing.

-No cash, no gas.

-There'll be cash. My boys are out fishing now.

-There are fish and there are fish.

-Jonas? >

-How did the fishing go?

-Did you take the gas out of the boat?

-What happened?

-Tell him.

We found a huge school of bonito and ran out of gas.

Excuse me. I have some business.

I know it was you. You should be ashamed.

-It was a mean trick.

-I knew you did it.

-It was all your fault!

-The best fishermen in Tahiti(!)

I only took that much gas. It couldn't have... Well, I...

-We need money to bet with...

-How can we fish without gas?

-What?

Looks like you'll have to see Dr Blondin.

Tell him it's the last time. >

That's what I always tell him.

-That's what I need.

-A 25% deposit,

and I can order it. You can pay the rest in instalments.

-25% is 25,000F. I haven't got it.

-Why, Dr Blondin?

-Why?

Ah-ha. With your permission, I'll tell you why.

You squander your money on... For instance, on the Tuttle family.

You don't understand. Jonas is my friend, and I like to help him.

I suppose because you'll think I'm crazy I envy how they live.

-The point is, would you like to get your X-ray machine?

-Yes, certainly.

-And help your friend too?

-Of course.

Land is the Tahitians' most sacred possession. Show him his obligation.

-A mortgage...

-No. I wouldn't touch his land.

-Nobody wants to,

but if he signs, he has an incentive to work for something. He HAS to pay, and he will.

-But I...

-It will do him a service.

And that way, I'm sure I'll... YOU'LL get your money,

and I'll be willing to advance the 25%.

-KNOCK AT DOOR Come in.

-Oh, I'm sorry, Doctor.

-If I'm in the way, I'll...

-Oh, not at all, Jonas. Come right in.

Come right in. In fact, we were just talking about you.

-Hello, Jonas.

-Doctor.

Sit down.

Thank you. I'm kind of tired.

What brought you to town?

Oh, I've had a bad day, Doctor.

The boys went fishing and as near as nothing got the biggest bonito catch in years.

They got to the edge of the school and got out their rods

when the engine died. No more gas.

Mm-mh.

See here, Jonas, I'm going to give you a straight talk. You need it.

-Uh-huh.

-Your boys are the best fishermen.

-We all know that. You should be one of the richest families on Tahiti.

-Think of the mouths I have to feed.

You are the most wasteful, lackadaisical, improvident lot in the whole of Tahiti.

-Uh-huh.

-What do you do with the fishing money? Where does it go?

I don't know. It goes, that's all I know about it.

-It goes to entertain every Tom, Dick and Harry while the food holds out.

-You wouldn't have us be mean?

Do you ever consider what you owe me?

I've got it all down at home.

I'll tell you, Jonas. Over 17,000F.

Oh, dear, that is a lot of money.

You'll get it back when we get twisted around, every franc.

-You've been saying that for a long time.

-Doctor, permit me.

-Jonas, you'd like to pay the money back, wouldn't you?

-Oh, yes.

I'm sure you agree that your obligation should be in legal form

and its payment provided for within a definite period of time.

Oh...yes. Yes. Don't you think so, Doctor?

Now, the best way would be for you to sign a mortgage on your property.

-That's a good idea! I don't know why I didn't think of that myself, Dr Blondin.

-That's fine.

-Now, sign here, please.

-But, Jonas, you have to work hard to pay it off.

-Oh, that'll be easy.

-Well, I hope so, Jonas.

I think I have done a good job for you and Jonas.

I'll order your X-ray machine. Now, gentlemen, I must run along.

-Goodbye, Doctor.

-Goodbye, Mr Jensen, and thank you.

Good day.

-You understand what you have done?

-Oh, yes, Doctor.

-You must work hard.

-Remember, you MUST.

-I won't forget, Doctor.

Good.

Goodbye, Jonas.

Goodbye, Doctor.

-Something else, Jonas?

-No, no, there's nothing else.

JONAS SIGHS

-Jonas...

-Yes, Doctor?

-Your toe.

-It's wiggling.

-It's stiff. The weather... It's not functioning.

-What is it you want, Jonas?

-Oh, I hate to bother you, Doctor, but...

-Stop wiggling your toe.

-No gas?

-A week's good fishing and we'll pay you.

I should have known as soon as... I'll see to it that you have enough for a week's fishing.

This is the last loan you'll get from me,

toe wiggling or no toe wiggling.

-It is the last time, Doctor.

-Here's 500F.

-Thank you.

Don't be surprised if I'm back in ten days' time to pay it all off.

-How did you get on? Did you get the money?

-What did Dr Blondin say?

-Did you get it?

-Load up ten cans of gas.

-Did you get the money?

-Don't ask questions.

-Wait a minute...

-We're taking ten cans of gas.

-My motto is still the same, no cash, no gas.

-Here's 500F. Full payment.

Boys, from now on, we've got to work.

We've got enough gas for a week's fishing, and we're going to fish and fish until we've...

(Until we have enough for the biggest bet Emily Teo ever took.)

THEY ALL CHEER

-95.

-95.

-96.

-96.

-97.

-97.

-98.

-98.

-99.

-99.

-10,000.

-10,000.

-1, 2, 3, 10,300.

-1, 2, 3, 10,300.

-50.

-50.

-60.

-60.

-70.

-70.

-80.

-80.

-Three.

-83.

-10,383F.

-10,383F.

-Do you mind if he holds it?

-No.

-Will you hold it?

-I'd be glad to.

And now, the vanilla crop. I'm betting the vanilla crop too.

-THEY ALL GASP You sure?

-That must be some bird.

->

-Wait till you see him.

-I'll cover that.

Emily!

Emily! Look what I've got here.

She's carrying the whole house. THEY ALL LAUGH

My bed, wardrobe, sewing machine and my bicycle. How much?

Does Paki know? Where's your husband?

-He's gone to Low Island.

-Does he know you're betting this?

-Maybe, maybe not. How much?

-3,000F.

I'm sure I'll get it back. It's a bet!

Wait till Paki hears about this. 3,000F.

-How much for this stick, Emily?

-You can't bet that.

Everybody's betting and I want to too.

­ Hey, look what's coming!

Take it easy. Don't break it.

-Don't worry, Grandma, we'll bring it back.

-Bring it here.

-Emily, how much?

-I could use this. 50F.

-A mandolin, guitar, hat box and two chairs.

-200F.

How about the gramophone? Also 200F.

-300F.

-All right, 300.

How much, Emily?

-75F.

-How about the lamp?

-500 for my guitar?

-One at a time.

Choti, you take the small bets. Hapu, get the bird.

Chester, the Black Eagle.

-Chester, I hope you win.

-Thanks.

I bet my mouth organ. I bet my mouth organ. I got 7 cents for it.

Show the man, Chester.

THE CROWD MURMURS

-Well, Emily, shall we just take the money?

-That's no Tahiti bird.

I never said he was. Chester brought him from San Francisco.

Hapu,

show OUR bird.

ALL: Ooh!

That ain't no Tahiti bird.

Did I say he was? I've had him for three months. He's from Australia.

-Mai tai?

-Ei,

mai tai.

-RU SPEAKS TAHITIAN

-It's all right.

EMILY'S COCK CROWS

(Come on, Black Eagle.)

Heramai.

Steady, old man. Steady.

I've won! I've won! I've won! I tell you, I've won!

HE SPEAKS TAHITIAN Thank you.

Hapu, start loading the stuff.

I knew I'd win, but not this much and so easy.

-Thank you, Jonas.

-You won, Emily.

THE CROWD LAUGHS

I want my mouth organ back, Jonas. I want my mouth organ back, Jonas.

Mama, the blackest day in the history of the Tuttles.

COCK CROWS

Black Eagle(!)

-A GUITAR PLAYS IN THE DISTANCE

-Say, do you hear that?

->

Yeah. That sounds like my guitar!

-I brought this for you.

-It's mine, isn't it? I mean, WAS mine.

-It's yours again.

-No. Your mother won it fair. Tell her thanks.

-Oh, but I can't.

-She doesn't know I took it.

-Oh, Tamara.

It's good to hear you play again.

I guess you're wondering when we'll get married.

Yes, Chester.

Yes, Chester, when are we?

I don't know, Tamara.

-I'm going away, back to the States to start again.

-You're going away?

-I've got to get a job where they pay you.

-Why do you talk that way?

Is it because you lost the fight?

No, it isn't the fight. It's everything. It's lugging that bird thousands of miles.

It's feeding him three times a day, calling him pet names and caressing him, staying up when he was ill,

and making everyone bet on him.

It's what I've done to my family.

You'll just have to wait till I come back.

Don't talk like that, Chester.

Please don't.

I had a job in Seattle once.

I'm sure I could get used to it again.

First it was three years, then it was the fight.

Now you want me to wait again!

Well, I won't!

Because I've waited and waited and waited!

Tamara...

-Where's my wife?!

-What do you want?

-Is it true?

-Ah ma mu.

-Did you lose all our stuff?

-Yeah.

-Why, you big, fat...

-THEY ALL LAUGH

-That'll teach him how to talk to me.

JONAS CHUCKLES

EFFIE SCREAMS

PAKI: My sewing machine! THEY ALL SHOUT

-Good morning, Nana.

-Good morning, Dr Blondin.

-Where is your son?

-On the veranda.

-Jonas!

Good morning, Doctor. I am glad to see you.

My toe's been bothering me again.

Jonas, I'm completely disgusted with you.

I intended to pay back every cent. I was never so sure of anything.

You can be sure of another. I have very little money, and your mortgage is out of my hands.

-Mortgage?

-Yes, a mortgage.

Jonas, have you mortgaged Vaipopo?

Yeah, but it's only temporary.

Does that mean we lose our home if we can't pay?

-What's a mortgage?

-Sure it does.

-Why didn't you tell us you'd signed a mortgage?

-I got twisted around and I forgot.

-I'm sorry about this. I thought Jonas would tell you.

-Never mind, Doctor. We should pay our debts.

-We should.

-Mama...

JONAS SIGHS

Listen, Jonas, losing Vaipopo would kill Mama Ruau.

-You have to fish in earnest now.

-We can do that, Doctor.

-But it's... Well...er...

-What is it, Jonas?

-I'd rather not talk about it.

-No gas?

Since you put it that way, Doctor...

Again.

This IS the last time, Doctor.

-See the mess I got you into?

-Leave it to us.

-We'll get the fish.

We're going to fish and fish until we've paid off every franc we owe Dr Blondin.

Yes, fish and fish. He's a...

Well, they're all good boys. We'll change.

-We can twist it around.

-Sure we can!

Good, Jonas, good.

What luck! 25 miles out and no birds. Mariba, Papa.

Maybe I could spot fish. Go on, bring us luck.

Come on up, Riki. You're the lookout now.

-Uncle Chester, let me look alone.

-Find some fish.

-We should go back.

-It's getting late.

-We're not going back without fish.

-If we have to, we'll sleep out here.

-What if we don't have enough gas to get home?

-We'll sail.

Hey! Birds!

Out there! The kid's right!

-There they are.

-Take her around, Ru.

You're a real pearl. I told you he'd bring us luck!

-Give me one.

-Come on, tuna!

THE WIND WHISTLES Looks like dirty weather making up.

What are you doing up so late, Jonas?

I just couldn't sleep. Something I ate.

-What are you doing out here?

-I'm a little worried.

There's nothing to worry about. They're just sleeping out.

-They've done it many a time.

-This is Riki's first trip.

Mama? Mama? Mama?

-What are you up to?

-There's a bad blow on.

-It doesn't mean anything.

-It does when it's blowing offshore.

Mama, stop worrying. Get back to bed.

-There are more Tuttles buried in the sea than in the ground.

-You go to sleep.

I'll be upstairs in a moment.

Come along.

She won't stand this much longer.

Hey, Ru,

get some of this water out.

Any news?

-Jonas, come in for some tea.

-No. They're waiting for me at Vaipopo.

-Don't give up hope, Jonas.

-No.

Dear God,

our four sons are gone

Nat, Chester,

Fana, Ru...

and our little grandson, Riki.

It was your will that they should be taken.

I must believe that.

We shall be a lonely family without them.

Please, dear God, give us strength to bear our loss.

Hey, Chester...

-It's amazing how she kept above water with her mast gone.

-Imagine abandoning a ship like this.

-Chester.

-Yeah? What do you want?

-What did you find?

-Canned goods, bicycles, furniture, lumber and 250 drums of gas.

-Great!

-Oh, my!

-That's the most I ever heard of!

-12,500 gallons.

-It would keep Zimba going forever.

-The owner should reward us for finding it.

-Maybe 10-15,000F.

-Can we find out who the owner is?

-Sure.

-WE'RE the owners.

-What?!

-He's gone nutty.

-An abandoned vessel is ours if we find her.

-You're kidding.

-No.

-You're not serious?

-Sure I am.

-Swear.

-Pra umau.

But, there's a catch.

We have to get her to port. If someone tows us, they get a cut.

-Anyone who helps gets a share.

-The Zimba can tow her.

-Sure she can!

-We can do it!

We've got enough gas. We'll take her in.

-Sure we will!

-Fana, Ru, get the gas. Nat, throw me a tow.

-Think we'll make it?

-We'll move her. She'll move even if I have to take a rope and swim.

Where's Mama Ruau? Where's Mama Ruau? The boys are back!

Jonas! Jonas! Jonas!

Jonas!

-Your boys are safe!

-They're coming in the Zimba, towing a ship.

-The boys are back!

-You have to hurry.

-Are you sure?

-A man saw them with a telescope.

-All of them?

-Yes, all of them, from Nat to Riki.

-What are you waiting for? Come, Jonas.

Let's go.

THE ENGINE SPLUTTERS AND STOPS

-What is it, Jonas? What are you waiting for?

-No more gas!

THEY ALL LAUGH

Well, let's go get MY car.

Chester's there too! Look out there!

Chester!

Nat, Fana, Ru, look who's out there!

That's Jonas!

That IS him! ALL: Jonas!

Well, that's your Zimba, Jonas.

Ah-ha, Chester's on it.

THEY ALL SHOUT AT ONCE

How many times have I told you to stay down?!

Eolana, Jonas!

We're all right, all of us. How's the family? Mama Ruau? Tamara?

-Look what we found. Hello, Jonas.

-Hello, Chester.

Thank you, Mr Jensen, for bringing Jonas out.

Climb aboard, Jonas. I'll be with you in a while.

THEY SHOUT IN TAHITIAN

Come on.

-Break out the line. We'll help pull her in.

-All right, Mr Jensen.

-Mr Jensen, no towline! No towline.

Won't the family be glad to see us?

THEY ALL SPEAK AT ONCE

-What do you think we'll get for it?

-We own it.

-Hello, Fana.

-Hiranoi, Jonas.

-And Nat.

-Jonas.

-And Ru.

Hirana, Jonas.

Hi, Riki.

Well, you've...sure kept us waiting, boys.

It took us a while to pull her in, and she's ours.

Don't let Jensen secure his line!

-What...? Mr Tuttle!

-Off you go, Mr Jensen.

Help!

-Why did you do that?

-He wanted to secure a towline.

-But you want help.

-No. She's all ours if we get her in.

-All ours?

-If someone helps, he gets half.

-Ohhh!

Help!

Can you swim back to your own boat, Mr Jensen?

-I want to make an offer for the boat.

-What?

-I've a business proposition.

-Oh, a proposition. Throw him a line, boys.

-Can you see what's happening.

-Yes. Why would Jensen go swimming now?

Don't struggle, Mr Jensen. Just relax.

I'm sorry, Mr Jensen. We'd no idea.

-My ears are so sensitive!

-I'll talk loud. Speak up, boys, so Mr Jensen can hear.

-A-aa-aachoo!

-Now...

-It's a pretty lucky find.

-LOUDLY:

-She's loaded with gas, which is a blessing.

-Please, I can hear.

-The boys are taking a drum of gas to Vaipopo now.

-They can't do that.

-Why not?

-We salvaged the boat. It's all ours.

True, but there are legal complications,

and eventually, if you're lucky, you'll get a share.

-How long will it take?

-A few months.

-Months?!

-THEY ALL TALK AT ONCE

Jonas...

I've been checking over the manifest of the Charlotte's cargo.

I'm prepared to offer a nice price for your interest.

You'd buy her before everything's settled?

I'm a gambler by nature, and I'm ready to pay cash.

HE SNEEZES

-Shut the door.

-Get a blanket. Keep him warm.

-Thank you. What do you say to...

No, I'll make it more. I don't know why, but I'll increase the offer.

-That's very kind of you.

-I'm a gambler.

200,000F.

All right, all right, I'll make it 250,000F.

-Eh? What do you say?

-Er... Well, it isn't up to me, Mr Jensen.

The boys found it.

You're the head of the family. Anything you say is fine.

-It's yours, Jonas.

-Just a second. 300,000.

I don't know what to do. I think we ought to ask Mama.

I'm a busy man, and have lots to do.

Excuse me. I'll make it 400,000.

That is definitely and positively my last offer.

Go on, Jonas. Get him.

JONAS MUMBLES

-Maybe we ought to sell.

-Sure, Jonas.

Oh, here we are. Now...

This... No, that isn't it...

This is... Mm-mm.

Ah-hah. It's yours, made out to you.

I have full responsibility, and everything here belongs to me.

Er... Er... What do we do now?

If I were you, I'd go to the bank with that.

THEY MUTTER IN TAHITIAN

-Do you think it would be all right if I fold it?

-I think so.

Now we go to the bank.

Hello, Mr Tuttle.

This is a large one. Jensen, huh? Do you want to cash it?

I suggest that you deposit it.

It will give you a record of your business transactions.

-I don't know.

-Of course he doesn't. That's why you must do as he says.

-What do you say?

-I'll take cash. I don't want no cheque book.

-It's better to have a record.

-THEY ALL ARGUE

-Will you listen to me, Jonas?

-I AM listening.

Make it earn more money. Buy stocks and bonds.

Oh, I've got to have 18,462F in cash.

-That's for Dr Blondin.

-Good, Jonas.

-All right, Mr Tuttle.

-Will you listen?

-We'll take cheque books.

-You'll want a joint account?

-Whatever's easiest for you.

-Have it your own way, but you'll be just as broke as you ever were.

THEY ALL SPEAK AT ONCE Would you step this way, please?

Here are your cheque books.

You have to sign right there, and this card.

Here's your 18,462F.

-Can I go now?

-Oh, yes.

-Come along, Mama.

-The others will have to sign too.

Oh, Mama, it'll be good to get this done.

-Hello, Martha.

-Hello.

-Is the doctor in?

-Didn't you hear?

-No.

-He's on Mangareva. There's a flu epidemic.

-Oh.

-Something I can do?

-I wanted to see him personally.

-I'm glad the boys got back.

-Thank you, Martha.

-They say you're the richest family in Tahiti.

-Yes, I suppose we are.

Goodbye, Jonas. Goodbye, Mama Ruau.

-What do we do now?

-We'll have to wait till he gets back.

-Yes, Jonas.

-Jonas...

-Hello.

-I hear you've got some money now.

-Sure.

-You pay this bill?

-Sure.

Mama, the boys will take you home.

-I'll attend to this.

-What about the money?

-That'll be safe with me.

-You write cheque?

-Sure. Got a pen?

-Yeah, I got pen.

-Come on, sit down.

-Jonas, I have a bill also.

-Hello. Sit down.

-Jonas, my friend...

That's the one I'll buy.

That's the latest style. I don't know which to take!

We'll take them all.

I need 25,000F down if I start work on the new boat for you.

-25,000F?

-Let me. You wrote the others.

Hello, Mr Riki. Arshim, you got candy?

A lot of candy? Can I have candy for everyone? Yes, Mr Riki.

Jonas, I've been expecting you. Step right here.

-Oh, a new catalogue! May I?

-That's what it's for. Keep it.

-Thank you.

-Get your business settled?

-Everything's in order.

-I got Dr Blondin's money, but he's away.

-He's in Mangareva.

Pay me and I'll give you a receipt.

I got the money from him. He's the one who gets it.

This is larger than the old one. It's got a lot of new things in it.

I want a Magnifico carpet sweeper. It sweeps clean with a clean sweep.

Jonas, I have the item.

I want a large one. Perhaps I'd better have a medium-sized one too.

Large and medium-sized.

And...oh, I want that concertina.

-Uh-huh.

-Make it a couple.

-Two.

-Make it six. The others will want one.

-Uh-huh.

-Oh, and Mr Jensen, you know my house at Vaipopo?

-Of course.

-I want to furnish it. You've got the goods here?

-Yes.

I've a lot of furniture, and what I don't have, I can order.

I want 1,000m of hog fence, and crockery and linen and chairs.

Oh, and send me a few bird cages. We might catch some.

-Oh, I beg your pardon.

-It'll be 5F.

-I want the biggest brass bedstead you've got.

-I have a beauty.

I want it as a wedding present for Chester and Tamara.

Now, Jonas, I can do all this for you, sure,

but I must have a 25% downpayment on all I order.

Mr Jensen, all we need is a pen.

Ah-ha!

Lift it up. Mind your head, Sally.

What are you doing in there? Get out.

Start to get this cleaned up. Throw the rubbish out that window.

-Well, Mama, what do you think?

-You spent a lot of money.

-We've got a lot 400,000F.

-I can't imagine that.

-Take it over there.

Jonas, there's something I wish you'd do. Do you know Niro?

-I've done that, Mama. He's got his land and 10,000F. I did it this afternoon.

-You're a good man.

-Take that upstairs.

-Now, if only Dr Blondin were home and we could pay him...

You're always worrying about something. We've got the money.

Well, if you ask me, it's going to look all right.

-Your mother will be happy we've got a house.

-She'll love it.

-There's nothing like a wedding to solve problems.

-Jonas, I have a letter for you.

Morning, Tau.

-Are you coming to the wedding tonight?

-I wouldn't miss it for anything.

-Ah...Fana...

-What is it, Jonas?

-I'm going to give you a cheque.

-I want you to go to the bank. We need another 80F.

-Yes, Jonas.

SINGING IN TAHITIAN

Chester, congratulations. Tamara, yo-laya.

-Yo-ran. Eat and drink.

-No, no, Jonas.

THEY SPEAK CANTONESE

-You have a drink, Emily.

-Baku.

-I can't believe it.

-Yes, Chester, we're married. I'm really your wife.

What is this going on?

-What are you fellas doing?

-Order is order.

Mr Jensen say take everything. We say we do it, OK?

-Why would he do that?

-You see, No.1 cheque no good. Mr Jensen angry.

No.2 cheque no good, Mr Jensen very angry.

No.3 cheque bounce. Mr Jensen say take back EVERYTHING.

-The bank must have made a mistake.

-Banks don't make mistakes.

You've spent the 400,000F. I knew it, I knew it, I...

Tamara... Tamara!

CHEERING

I'm leaving! You're not going to stay another minute!

Not another word! Mother, I'm married!

You're not going to be here another minute.

I don't know how we did it. 400,000F all gone.

-I just can't understand it.

-It was fun while it lasted.

I just can't believe we've spent all that money.

Fana, Chester, you two, get your used cheque books.

-I didn't save mine.

-I tossed them away.

-I don't know where mine is.

You're a pack of loafers. There's no common sense among you. And I'm as bad as any of you.

I'd be surprised if I wasn't the worst!

Do you miss your wife, Chester?

Oh, I don't know.

-You don't know?

-That's what I said.

I don't understand. I don't understand.

400,000F just like THAT!

-JONAS SIGHS

-What's that, Riki?

-What's what?

-That tune.

-Nothing. I was just playing.

-Sounds good.

-Maybe we could make something out of it.

-Let's try.

-Hello, Mr Jensen.

-Hello, Jonas.

-Did your men forget something?

No, you forgot to pay your mortgage. It's overdue.

I borrowed the money from Dr Blondin, and I'll give it to him.

-I see, I see.

-Dr Blondin signed the mortgage over to ME.

-Oh...

-It makes no difference if you pay him or me,

but since Dr Blondin is out of town and it's overdue... You understand?

-We've got the money all right.

-Do you want me to wait here?

No, come in. I'll get it for you.

Business is business.

Where's my catalogue? Where is it?

-The money was in it. Where is it?

-What is it, Jonas?

I can't find it!

-Mama, the money isn't here.

-Where did you leave it?

-Where's that money?

-I thought so.

-You don't believe me?

-I drew it out first thing and put it in the catalogue.

-The point is you haven't it now.

-No.

-What?!

Start looking for it, all of you! It must be somewhere!

I'm a busy man. You should have it by tomorrow morning. If not, business is business.

-Give him a cheque, Jonas.

-Mm-hm(?)

Goodbye.

-Mama, we must find the money.

-Yes, we must.

Start looking for it, will you!

EMILY: Tamara... Tamara...

I've been up for hours, waiting for you.

Tamara. Yes, Mother.

What are you up to? Are you staying in bed all day?

I had a wonderful dream last night, Mother.

I dreamt that Chester came.

You met him outside and forgave him. That was a wild dream!

Then, he came in here, and...

I was sleeping.

Even though I was half asleep,

I remember how he took me in his arms, kissed me and...

Oh, he kissed me...and then...

And that's all I remember

< about my dream.

Go on, child. Oh, Mother, I...I...

There you go.

-Where will we hang that?

-We'll find a place. It's got two big rooms.

There, there, Jonas. Come away now.

Here, Jonas.

BLACK EAGLE CROWS

Mama, do you like eagles?

I think we're going to have an eagle for lunch.

Chook-chook-chook-chook-chook.

Chook-chook-chook. Come on, baby.

Come on, come on, come on, come on. Chook-chook-chook-chook. Chook-chook-chook-chook.

-BLACK EAGLE SQUAWKS

-Mama!

Mama!

Mama!

Mama!

HE SHOUTS IN TAHITIAN

Dr Blondin's money! I found it under the veranda!

So we don't have to move?

-We don't have to move.

-CHEERING

I'm going into town right away to pay Dr Blondin.

Chester! Chester!

-Tamara! Jonas, we're going with you.

-I'll go anywhere with you, Chester!

Come on, Tamara. There's always room for one more.

ENGINE RATTLES AND STOPS

Whoa! What's the matter? What do you think you're doing?!

-Hello, Manu.

-Hello, Chester. Hello, boys and girls.

Chester, look what I've got. Isn't that marvellous?

Oh, Chester! What do you think of it?

200, 300, 400, 50, 60, 2.

18,462F.

And that includes the money I borrowed from you for gas.

Do you know, Jonas? I can't tell you how happy this makes me.

-Not for the money, but because of Mama Ruau and Vaipopo.

-Yeah.

Mr Jensen didn't believe me when I said I'd lost it.

-I

-did, Jonas.

Thank you. I borrowed from you and haven't always paid you back as I should,

but I've never lied to you.

Well...

I might as well be going.

Is the money all gone?

Every cent, but I've paid my debts.

Jonas... Jonas... 400,000F!

Yeah, I know. I know we've been fools but, Doctor,

the way I look at it is us Tuttles weren't meant to have money.

All we'll have is fun, and that's the truth.

We can't hold on to money, whether it's 40F or 400,000F. All I know is that it goes.

-Yes, but...

-When we found out there wasn't any left

you'll think we're crazy we were relieved.

Is that wrong, Doctor?

No-one can answer that, Jonas.

No.

-Well, goodbye, Doctor.

-Bye. Are your boys fishing?

They will be when we get twisted around.

-A week's fishing, we'll be all right.

-Out of gas?

I couldn't accept a loan. I've paid everything off

-and I don't want to start again.

-As you say, Jonas.

Something wrong with your toe again, Jonas?

Hmm?

Oh, no, it's nothing serious.

I suppose it...

All right, Jonas, here's 500F. It will buy you gas for a week.

-If you insist, Doctor, but I'm going to pay it back.

-I insist.

-HE LAUGHS

-Now, this IS the last time.

Goodbye, Doctor.

-Goodbye, Jonas.

-And you can count on one thing.

-This won't be bet on fighting cocks.

-Good, Jonas.

-Did you see Dr Blondin?

-Yes.

-Everything straightened out?

-Yes.

-Good. Let's get home and tell Mama.

-Where did we get the gas?

-Manu gave us a couple of gallons.

-Good old Manu!

-What's that?!

-We bought it.

-I gave him my bracelet.

-No more fighting birds.

-THEY ALL PROTEST

-No, no, no, no.

-From now on, we're going to work.

-ALL: Oh, Jonas!

We can always take him home and eat him.

Er...Chester...

do you think that would have a chance with Emily's bird?

-Sure! Like that!

-What if Tamara should tell her mother?

Oh, but I wouldn't, Jonas. I'm a Tuttle now.

JONAS WHISTLES CHEERFULLY

THEY SING IN TAHITIAN

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd