Answer Me, My Love A Place to Call Home

-It won't be easy carrying your dead child to term.

-My baby!

Dr Jarvis finds a girl in trouble with an imminent delivery.

As soon as she goes into labour, you're induced,

and you emerge with a bonny bouncing babe in your arms.

I understand now why it meant so much to you to learn about Anna.

It's a miracle to me.

They say your husband's alive.

A photograph taken by my man.

Yes, it is him.

I must go to him.

I'd fight if there was a point, but there's not.

Gino and I have set the date of our wedding,

and you are not invited.

You're not welcome to stay again.

If it seems right, you bring him home.

-I couldn't do that.

-If it's right,

you have to.

WOMEN ARGUE IN FRENCH

WOMAN SCOLDS CHILD IN FRENCH

BABY CRIES BEHIND DOOR

VOICES SPEAKING FRENCH BEHIND DOOR

SIREN APPROACHES

SIREN RECEDES

Sarah!

Rene!

No!

SHE KNOCKS

Forgive me.

I wanted to spare you.

I know.

Who did find him?

Dr Duvalier.

-Etienne?

-Two months ago.

His first day on a new post

he sees a man in a ward for the war damaged.

He thinks, "It cannot be. He is dead."

But it is Rene.

He had been there for six years.

Brain-damaged, not talking.

Perhaps not wanting to. They do not know.

Jean Manais saw him shot.

Perhaps a tired guard, one with a conscience maybe.

I don't care what state he's in.

I need to see him.

Which hospital?

He is with me now.

Here.

Rene.

George.

George?

SHE SNIFFS Wake up.

Hmm?

HE GRUNTS QUIETLY

-This is the first time he hasn't managed to get to bed.

-Where is he?

-In the sitting room.

-What's wrong?

-Oh, nothing that concerns you.

-Is it Father? I'll help.

Anna, he doesn't need the added shame of your seeing him this way.

Don't pretend you care about his feelings.

It's all right. I'll see to it.

Anna, stop.

Stop! She's right. He'd hate for you to see him like this.

I told you, I don't need protecting.

I'm thinking about him, not you.

And this war you've declared on Grandmother is not helping. Anna!

Anna! An...

Go upstairs.

-She did this.

-Listen to me.

Look, every time you attack her it feeds his anger

and every night he has to come down here and drown it.

If you can't control yourself with Grandmother you need to leave...

..for his sake.

Come on. Time for bed.

-Sarah...

-Put your arm around me.

Come on.

-No...

-You fell asleep.

I'm all right.

It's...it's my little girl.

Don't you ever listen?

And so to bed.

Was there a point to sitting here?

I like feeling close to him.

Your brother-in-law?

The worms had Elaine long ago. Why not?

Don't let me forget to stay in your good books.

Do what I'm paying you for and there'll be no cause for concern.

Bed for us too, I think.

How many beds are there at this farm of yours?

Spare me your tawdry innuendo.

Drive!

-Duty calls.

-Stay!

It's tempting.

Thank you for a wonderful night.

There's an irony in your concern for Mother's heart,

given this week suggests she doesn't have one.

I'm biting my tongue with Anna. Don't you start too.

-Tell George I'll drop by.

-Come now.

I'd rather not rub his nose in our happiness.

Life goes on. He knows that.

Right at this moment? Not so sure.

-Good morning.

-Good morning.

Glad you're both here.

I'm pleased you've decided to join us.

I won't be staying.

I wanted to apologise for my behaviour of late.

-There's no need.

-Please.

There is. It won't happen again.

I'm pleased to hear it.

I'm sorry that you had to see me like that.

You're not the one who should be apolog...

-Anna!

-It's true.

Anna was thinking of moving in with Aunt Carolyn. Weren't you?

I'm happy to stay if you need me,

but things might be better if I'm not here.

I don't want to drive you out.

It's not you.

Your aunt will be glad of the company, I'm sure.

A wise choice.

Don't.

Excuse me.

Your father's apology, Anna's departure, both to the good.

She makes me sick.

You two at it again?

She breaks his heart and then she just sits there

blaming everyone else for what's happening.

You're upset. I understand. But you've got to...

-I hate her!

-No, no, you don't.

-Yes, I do.

-You're getting carried away.

I'm not a child, Jack.

Fine, but whatever you're feeling,

just remember your grandmother hasn't been well.

-Go easy on her.

-I hope it kills her.

-Anna!

-We'd all be better off!

Stop it! Stop acting like a spoilt bloody brat.

-You can't talk to me like that.

-Well, someone has to!

-You've got no right to...

-I have every right!

You're not my father!

I'm her doctor.

And I'm your friend.

If you're in there, my darling, I won't give up on you again.

Dr Jarvis has found a suitable girl,

the perfect candidate, he says.

Did he say when it might be?

Any time now.

It all feels very real suddenly.

It will be soon.

What will happen to my baby?

It will be taken away. It will be as if it never was.

A proper burial surely?

-What we're doing is illegal.

-But I can't just...

As hard as it is, you have to be strong on that.

I should pack for the hospital.

Be ready.

Everything all right there, Mr Bligh?

Checking the fences.

-Have you heard from Missy?

-I don't expect to.

You know, if you have a mind to,

there's always a cold beer with your name on it at my place.

No need to mag.

I think I've overdone the alcohol.

I might take you up on a cuppa, though.

Righto, then.

I brew her up pretty strong.

I'll see you.

Well, it's up. How about some time away, huh?

No, I have to face the consequences of my actions,

and the only way to resolve matters with George

is to bring things to a head.

Even if it kills you?

You're being Shakespearean.

Any niggles at all, I want to know.

Do you know the greatest irony in all of this?

I returned from Sydney with a new admiration for Miss Adams.

I was close to accepting her.

If not for Regina's discovery, I would have.

Well, have you told George?

Oh, it would simply sound like a grovelling plea for forgiveness.

Well, what if in the long run he doesn't forgive you?

Then I shall have to consider doing the unthinkable. Hm!

G'day!

I heard it was sold.

That's right.

I'm Roy Briggs. I've been looking after the place.

Now, no offence, old mate, but you look like a bit of a city slicker.

So if you want to get rid of any of this stock, just give us a hoy.

I'm not the owner.

Mrs Standish is.

Mr Briggs, I believe.

No doubt Miss Adams mentioned me.

Too right she did.

He's interested in the cows.

Not that one, I'm not.

Warm country welcome.

If you're worried about getting in the way, then don't.

Jack and I love having you here.

You and Jack, it all happened very suddenly.

Love can be sudden.

So intense so quickly.

Yes.

I've had the silliest thought.

Yes?

Nothing. It...it feels good to be away from Grandmother.

I'm sure.

I know what you're gonna ask. It's gonna have to wait.

You said a week and it's been a week.

-I know...

-We need to fill Sarah's position.

-We're understaffed.

-We're managing.

Just.

We need to face facts.

I'll put the word out.

I will.

Alma!

-Dr Duncan, I saw you come...

-Are you sick?

Uh, no. I have had a touch of the collywobbles.

But it's Miss Carolyn I'm worried about.

It's probably none of my business,

but as a friend of Mrs Bligh's her concerns are mine.

The point, Doris?

I presume she's ill - Miss Carolyn?

Not that I know of.

You see, I was delivering pamphlets for the CWA

and I couldn't help but see your car

pulling away from the cottage so early - naturally I thought she'd taken ill.

I can't imagine another reason.

I was leaving the cottage because I stayed the night.

Carolyn and I are seeing each other.

As for Sarah, I'm guessing she's not coming back.

Anna and Gino are still getting married.

George is a broken man

and Elizabeth Bligh has more trouble than she knows what to do with.

Miss anything?

No, that was very thorough, not that I care to know.

Good. Do us all a favour and stay out of it.

The last thing that family needs is gossip.

Indeed.

What was that about?

No-one likes a stickybeak, Alma, dear.

Hello, George.

I know I'm not welcome, but as we'll be neighbours...

Neighbours?

I signed the deed on that quaint little Walker farm.

And there's someone I'd like you to meet.

George Bligh, Adam Farrell.

Adam's come to give his opinion on my purchase

and I've come to value his opinion.

-Mr Bligh.

-Mr Farrell.

We've had a rather whirlwind week, haven't we, darling?

-We met on the flight home.

-I see.

I'd love your advice on the property

if at all possible, the...practicalities.

I'm no use on that count.

I know you love fixing things and Lord knows it needs fixing.

I'm surprised you thought it appropriate.

I want to be close by, close to my only family.

It can be made cosy, I'm sure.

Nice to meet you, Mr Farrell.

George, wait.

I accept you may never forgive me,

but please don't prevent my seeing James and Anna,

and the little one when it comes.

We'll see.

That gives me hope.

Would you mind if I freshened up?

Of course.

Keep Adam company.

She regrets deeply what happened.

I'm glad she has someone concerned about her. Excuse me.

You cannot seriously intend living there.

It can be made habitable with George's help.

It gives me reason to see him.

And this new man is what?

Some misguided attempt to make George jealous?

I'll be appealing to a far more potent emotion than that.

How are things with you two? Healing the rift?

-Would you please leave?

-Clearly not.

Do you have any idea how completely tiresome this is?

How completely tiresome you are?!

I've softened him more in 10 minutes than you have in...

Get out!

Go on. Did you hear me?

Leave! Enough!

My pills...

Oh...

It's in your best interests to support me.

This, uh, town you wrote of...

Inverness.

It seems very special to you.

It healed my soul.

What is his name?

How would you...

Would you permit me to take Rene there?

-To Inverness?

-To heal.

Let us...hope you have reason to.

Shh, you're safe now.

Thank you, Colleen.

-Livvy.

-Good morning, darling.

You're up early.

I couldn't sleep.

Is everything all right?

I just wanted to hear your voice.

I'm glad,

as long as you're enjoying yourself and relaxing.

Well, you are, aren't you?

Yes, yes, of course.

Prudence and I thought we might go to Call Me Madam.

It's the newest musical.

Oh, that sounds fun.

-James...

-There is something wrong. I'm coming to get you.

No, don't.

Really, I am fine. I just...

I miss you.

I miss you too.

But it's grim here.

Better you're somewhere happy.

I love you.

More than anything.

I love you too.

You've eaten already.

I couldn't sleep.

Livvy sends her regards.

Prudence Swanson is spoiling her rotten.

That's good.

Thank you, Son.

I'd like a word with your father, if I may. Uh, alone.

-I'm expected at the sheds.

-Please!

Oh, George, if you have something to say, say it.

This petulant avoidance is simply prolonging the inevitable.

If I said what I really wanted to

it would be the last conversation we ever had.

Your papa will forget in time.

-Pardon?

-Your father.

What about him?

Well, that is who you're thinking about?

In a way.

I don't know. I've had a strange thought.

What is it?

It just makes sense of so many things,

but if I say it and I'm wrong they'll feel so stupid.

I'm off into town! Need anything?

No, thank you!

I'll see you soon.

Wait. Wait.

Tell me I'm not crazy.

I'm not, am I?

Don't make me ask, please.

Jack?

Yes.

He is.

Well, this is more than I'd hoped for.

George.

I'm glad I caught you.

I've been thinking about what you said

and, uh, you're right.

The blame does lie with Mother.

That means more than you'll ever know.

And I...I would never keep the children from you.

Thank you.

If not friends, at least not enemies?

-Tea?

-That's all I came to say.

Nice to see you.

That's a weight off my mind. Thank you.

It's so isolated here. I worry about her staying alone.

It's a safe community.

Even so, I feel better knowing that you're there. If required.

You really are earning your salary.

I do not envy you, my dear. Really, I don't.

All that endless kicking and wriggling!

It's like a Mexican pinata being struck from within.

I couldn't wait to be rid of Andrew. Oh-ho!

Mmm, does that sound ghastly?

You understand, of course.

I'm sure.

Oh.

I've got it!

Swanson residence. Andrew speaking.

The men never understand, of course.

Oh, Andrew's father was quite cavalier.

I'm sorry?

He was quite cavalier.

I can't imagine why I expected him to be otherwise.

Oh, I mustn't be such a dreary cynic.

Oh, your James is so adorable and so attentive.

You know, it's quite charming, the way he looks at you.

-Ohh!

-Oh, my dear.

-Ohh!

-Oh!

I'm sure it's nothing.

I'll send for an ambulance.

-Quicker if I drive.

-Oh, darling.

It may be a false alarm and I don't want to worry anyone.

Oh, if you're certain.

I'll telephone from the hospital if there's anything to report.

-Well done.

-There's somewhere I need to go.

But we're expected.

It's on the way.

Dear Heavenly Father,

I don't know if you're still listening.

But if you are, please bless the soul of our child.

Take our poor baby into your arms.

Forgive me for what I am about to do.

I know it's wrong,

but it's for James, for our marriage.

Please understand.

Amen.

What is it? What's so urgent?

Two and two's finally made four, my darling.

FRANTIC SHOUTS

Rene.

The young woman has gone into labour so we're going to induce you now.

What's going to happen?

You're going to give birth exactly as you would to a healthy baby.

And the girl, does she know where her child is going?

Only that the infant will find a good home.

She'll be looked after financially.

It is imperative this remains a secret.

Discretion is as important for us as it is for you.

Now let's get you to the labour ward.

I'll telephone James at the appropriate time.

Thank you.

Thank you for everything.

Now you must be strong, Mrs Bligh.

There's rough water before we make the harbour.

Good luck.

Don't look when they take the little one away.

I would have told you straightaway if it had been just about us.

I know.

Sometimes you have to put other people's feelings ahead of your own.

Yes.

Go on.

No matter what you feel right now towards your grandmother,

don't forget you love her

and you always will.

I think I just gave you my first piece of fatherly advice.

I think you did.

She needed this...

..to help stop her hating.

What?

When we first met, I thought,

"I know exactly what she sees in him."

You're very handsome.

But you're so much more than that.

I sold you short. You're a fine man.

I'm returning to Sydney.

George came to see me. He offered an olive leaf.

I'm sure the branch will come,

which, sadly, he seems disinclined to extend to you.

I'm your only hope, Elizabeth. You'll see that soon enough.

I'll see you at Anna's wedding.

Oh, that's right - you're not invited.

Regina informs me you have softened somewhat towards her.

George?

Oh, for goodness' sake, will you talk to me?

No.

Oh, so you're just going to drown

whatever it is you're feeling with that?

That will not help you to forget her.

I'm not drinking to forget HER.

Please just leave.

No, not until we've had this out.

-Leave!

-I'm not going anywhere.

-Please!

-No!

Do you want to know why I'm drinking?

I'm drinking because I finally see who you are and it repulses me.

I'm drinking, Mother, to drown my hatred for you.

What made you like this?

Did Father not want you? Did you repulse him as well?

So you poured all of your misery into us.

-A mother sacrifices for...

-A mother loves!

She wants joy for her children.

You? You can't bear to see us make our own choices...

That's not true.

..because if they do make us happy

it simply highlights what a desperately unhappy life

you've made for yourself.

KNOCK AT DOOR

Pardon.

Oui, merci.

He will improve.

My tears are for you, not him.

This is what I had feared.

You are tied to him now. There is no hope.

A week ago I thought he was dead. There's always hope.

You must face the truth.

He will never be the man you loved. Never.

I won't let you sacrifice everything out of duty.

-It's not duty. It's love.

-Is it?

Or the memory of love?

That life, that precious time with him is gone.

Please, Sarah, I beg you, go home.

Go back to your new love, to your happiness, to your hope.

Oh...

Oh, my dear friend.

You asked my permission to return with him.

I give you my permission to return without.

SHE SCREAMS That's it! Good girl!

DOOR OPENS

DOOR CLOSES

It's Sarah.

Can you hear me?

Please, Rene. Please.

Hello. James Bligh.

Father! Father!

The baby, it's coming.

I'm sorry. I would ask you to come, but...

Darling, I understand.

You go with my blessing.

DOOR OPENS

No, no.

I don't know if I can.

It's all right.

It's a boy.

Is...is he...

He's perfect.

Whoa!

To the new Bligh!

Now you're an aunty.

Congratulations, old man.

Oh, my darling.

Your son.

SHE SOBS

HOOFBEATS ON STREET

Good morning, my love.

Sarah?

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd

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