L'Chaim, to Life A Place to Call Home

We need help! Regina. Ride to Ash Park. Call an ambulance.

Call Jack! Tell him to hurry.

-George has been shot.

-Oh!

-The bullet's mobile.

-No, I...removed it.

In a moving ambulance?

If George dies, I'm going to make sure your husband hangs.

And if he lives?

I'll tell them it was an accident. You get your mad Jew back.

-Let it go. Let it go.

-Say it! Je t'aime!

-Back away!

-Now!

-Get away from him!

I don't believe a word of what they're saying. It can't be true.

-And what are they saying?

-This unsavoury mistrust of foreigners.

James is a homosexual.

-That's disgusting.

-Must you...

-Father.

-..make such an awful racket?

That poor man wasn't trying to kill George.

-He was about to take his own life.

-You realise Norman will go free?

SHE RETCHES

I'm pregnant.

BABY COOS

BABY CRIES

BABY SCREAMS

SHE BREATHES HEAVILY

KNOCK ON DOOR

Are you hungry? I'm making eggs.

No, thanks, Roy.

Thanks.

They're only dreams.

I get them, too.

MUSIC: Cheveux Dans Le Vent by Jacques Pills

Here is the young prince.

Clean as a whistle, fed and happy.

-Thank you, Rose.

-They'll be here any moment.

I can take that.

How did you sleep?

-George. Let me help you.

-I can manage.

Well, be a gentleman and help me.

You've no idea how I rushed around this morning getting the house ready.

-There's no need for you to go out of your way.

-Regina, leave him be,

the doctor insisted that George is to have complete rest.

-And that is exactly what he shall have.

-Anna.

-I'm so glad that you're home.

-Anna, darling, be careful.

-Oh, I'm sorry.

-Did I hurt you?

-Please, I'm not made of glass.

It's wonderful to see you here.

Feels like we've been gone a lifetime,

not just a couple of weeks.

Ooh! Oh!

Hello.

He's grown so much I can hardly believe it.

Every day, there's something new.

He's so alert now, and he smiles all the time.

You're getting heavy, Georgie Porgie. He's a Bligh.

He'll be walking at eight months, you mark my words.

If I may, I'd like you all to join me for dinner this evening.

-The whole family, mark my return, including Gino.

-Of course.

George, you're recuperating.

I think a tray in your room for a few nights might be a little more prudent.

-We can delay a celebration for a few days.

-No more delays.

I've had enough delays.

And besides, I have an announcement to make, and it cannot wait.

-An announcement?

-You'll hear this evening.

BABY CRIES Shh, shh, shh.

-It's time for the wee un's nap, Miss Olivia.

-And who might this be?

Oh, of course, you haven't met.

This is Rose. She's the new maid.

I wouldn't have survived without her.

-Don't underestimate your own strength, my dear.

-James?

I'd like a word in private.

Anna.

Elizabeth?

We were allies once.

I thought we could be that again.

We both want the same things.

George's happiness, a future for Ash Park.

Do you think, perhaps, we could start afresh?

-Do you take me for a fool?

-Not at all.

George is having a second chance and you're taking yours.

I thought perhaps I might follow suit.

So you'll be leaving Ash Park?

Of course, if that's what George, as the head of this house, wants.

Hmm.

This changes everything, I know.

-We had planned to run Ash Park together.

-It's a big step.

It will put the family under scrutiny,

but the pressure will be greatest on you.

If it's my past failings that concern you, all that is over with.

I'm not worried at all.

Is everything all right, Father?

Just morphine. For the pain.

Doctor's orders.

Perhaps you should have listened to Mr Fox and stayed at the hospital.

I'm fine. Really.

So, James, what do you think?

This is important to you.

It is.

George won't kick her out. He's too kind-hearted.

I can hardly believe the time has come

when I should find a Jewish nurse the lesser of two evils.

Sarah has a second chance with her husband.

You can't blame her for taking it.

And how is your second chance?

-You should invite him to dinner tonight.

-That would be nice.

He asked me to marry him.

Oh, Carolyn, that's wonderful!

Is it not?

I said no. His home is here. Mine is in Sydney.

I understand how hard it is, to imagine sharing a life again.

-You ready, bella? We need to start turning the soil.

-Look!

Look at this.

The washing, it's just ruined. Must have been the bore water.

I should be in the field, with you.

This... This machine was supposed to help, not make things worse.

Hey, hey, hey, hey, don't worry. We'll get it all done, hey?

Mamma and Papa managed, so can we, hmm?

It'll keep until tomorrow, yeah?

But you need a clean shirt for tonight.

Father wants us to go to Ash Park for dinner.

-Tell him we're sorry, but...

-Gino!

-We are not going.

-All because of James?

How can I stand to look at him? It's not natural, what he is.

-It goes against God.

-But what if God made him this way?

Anna, it's an abomination, OK? The Bible says it.

-I wish I'd never told you.

-So do I.

I hope you know how much your support means to me.

You'll always have it, Father.

Look at the pair of you.

As thick as thieves.

We'll be expecting an extra guest for dinner this evening.

Oh. May I enquire as to whom it might be?

-I'll be sure to introduce you when he arrives.

-I see.

I know how frightening this must have been for you, Mother,

and I appreciate you coming back to Ash Park for me.

-I intend to return to Sydney...

-But if any good has come of this,

it's that I've come to understand how fragile life is.

You were right to leave here and begin your new chapter.

And, as head of Ash Park, I'm impatient to begin mine.

FRENCH SONG PLAYS

Remember?

This is the song that was playing when you proposed.

Your father made a toast, wishing us long life, happiness...

..many children.

Rene?

I should get back to work.

Non, ca va.

C'est fini.

I have forgotten it. And you should, too.

SONG CONTINUES

He plays it constantly, you say?

Part of this therapy, from what I can gather.

But why he can't play decent music, I don't know.

If you've all got time to spare, Mrs Sarrell needs her dressing changed.

And Mr Atkin in bed seven couldn't manage to keep his breakfast down.

PHONE RINGS

Sarah, can I see you a moment?

Um, you can tell me it's none of my business.

Since when has that stopped you?

Have you told Rene? About the baby?

-No.

-Well, you should. I think it could help with his recovery.

-Give him something to look forward to.

-I can't.

-Why not?

Because the baby can't be his.

George?

The truth would destroy Rene.

Well, a few more months and you won't be able to hide it.

George must never know.

-He's the father.

-I'm well aware of that.

Sarah...

That's your decision to make.

He won't hear it from me.

Thank you.

RECORD CRACKLES IN RUN-OUT GROOVE

He's not in the building.

We'll search the grounds again.

-He can't have got far.

-I only left him for a moment.

-It's not your fault.

-How long has the Frenchman been missing?

This is not a police matter, Sergeant.

-Well, your nurses seem to think it is.

-He must be found.

-For his own safety, if nothing else.

-You can't blame her.

-The nurses are all a little nervous.

-Rene hasn't done anything illegal.

He can get confused, that's all.

Same way he was confused when he shot George Bligh?

We have the situation under control.

-How many ways are there, out of this place?

-I could show you.

Did he say anything to you, give you any hint of where he might've gone?

Nothing.

He told me he wanted peace.

What if he's gone to finish what he started?

He tried once before.

-No, Rene has a lot to live for.

-I'm not sure he sees it that way.

-I should never have brought him back here.

-This is your home.

And I've all but destroyed it.

You've fixed a lot more than you've broken, you know that.

He's not here.

There he is.

-Rene.

-Oui?

-What are you doing here?

-I need to see George Bligh.

-What for?

We should come back another time. Give George some warning.

-We've found him. Everything's fine.

-Is that so?

-What are you doing?

I've had enough of this. This man belongs in a prison cell.

-You are not taking him.

-Shut up! He's trespassing!

-Let go of him.

-Who do you think you are?!

What on earth is going on?

Nothing, Mr Bligh. I've got it all in hand.

-It doesn't appear that way to me.

-George, this man is out of control.

Why are you harassing my guest?

Sir, this man's absconded from hospital...

He is here at my invitation.

And I won't have him manhandled.

I, uh... I do apologise, Mr Bligh.

It is not me who is owed an apology.

Sorry.

-Beautiful day for some gardening.

-Quite.

-I might take one of the horses for a ride.

-Splendid idea.

Please, whatever it is you've come to say...

Um, I could, uh...

English, my darling.

I... apologise.

I did not wish to...injure.

From what Regina has said, it was an accident, pure and simple.

-Oui.

-Yes.

-Finally, I find you.

-Oh, a nice surprise!

I brought Sarah.

Her and Rene are in with George.

Well, that will be interesting.

And here I was thinking you'd come to see me.

I missed you.

Sarah.

Mrs Nordmann. I owe you a debt of gratitude.

I'm only glad I was there to help.

Me, too.

That was worth the wait.

-Oh, no, I haven't finished with you yet.

-Really?

THEY LAUGH

So, does this mean more time in Inverness?

Oh, Regina is still oozing down the halls, and now George

is making some mysterious announcement at dinner tonight.

-Announcement?

-Mm. You'll come, won't you?

-I will.

But not for George.

Well, I'm not inviting you for George.

Doesn't mean I'm going to marry you, though.

Doesn't mean I'll stop asking.

Gino.

I've never once doubted you.

-Anna...

-Not when my family told me that you weren't right for me,

not when I had to give up the home that I love.

I know, Anna.

I've never asked anything of you, except that you love me.

I'm sorry, Anna.

You don't have to love my family, but you do have to accept them.

Please, will you come to dinner tonight?

OK.

-It's so lovely to see you again, Sarah. I've missed you.

-Thank you. That means a lot to me.

And good to see you're feeling better, Dr Nordmann.

I spoke to Mr Fox.

We plan to liaise during your recovery and, as your doctor,

I'm going to have to insist on some rest.

-Now, Jack, you can't bully me the way you do Mother.

-Just watch me.

I'll leave you. It seems my doctor insists.

-You take care, Mrs Nordmann.

-And you, Mr Bligh.

-There's someone I need to see.

-Of course.

I want to thank you, Regina.

-Thank me?

-For telling the police what really happened.

-I don't need your gratitude.

-Is it the truth?

I've always told the truth,

no matter how unpalatable people might find it.

Did Rene try to kill himself or not?

There would have been such symmetry

if he'd finished what Herr Hitler started.

But then you'd be a widow, and nobody wants that.

You're a fool if you think any of this will make George love you.

You're not welcome here. Don't come back.

HORSE NEIGHS

Everything's all right, Mother.

George has spoken to Dr Nordmann and they've put it all behind them.

I'd like a word alone with him, if you don't mind.

Jack.

Bonjour, Monsieur Nordmann.

-Parlez francais?

-Un petit peu.

I gather our local police have not been very kind to you.

You are still a human being.

And a woman I have come to respect believes in you.

Merci.

This one was given to me by someone very special.

It reminds me of a path not taken.

It is sad for you?

-Sad and sweet at the same time.

-Oui, it is very French.

-Very French.

For Sarah, from Elizabeth.

BABY FUSSES

MEN SHOUT IN GERMAN

HE SHOUTS IN GERMAN

KNOCK AT DOOR

Come in.

Afternoon tea, Mrs Standish.

Thank you. Set it down.

But take the cake away. I want to look my best tonight.

But you always look so lovely.

I look forward to seeing your outfits every morning,

each one more beautiful than the last.

You're quite pretty yourself, in a common sort of way.

This has gone out of style.

I was going to throw it out, but...

..it kind of suits you.

-So nice, but I couldn't.

-I know what it's like to be new to a place.

To feel like you don't belong.

-Am I doing something wrong?

-Not at all.

But if you ever need any advice, come to me.

Thank you. I will.

None of these are exactly the right effect.

What effect are you after, Mrs Standish?

I want to look irresistible.

Indispensable.

You look handsome.

I feel as though I've aged ten years.

Well, in any case, it's only served to make you look more distinguished.

Please.

I always thought Elaine was luckier than me,

but I've realised it's not true.

She chose better.

She chose a man like our father.

Kind, honourable.

Of course, I rebelled and chose the opposite every time.

Those bruises Adam gave me, they...

They weren't the first I've had, by any means.

Surely, you... You don't mean Charles?

I never wanted you or Elaine to know.

I was ashamed.

I didn't want your pity or your...

..disgust.

Regina!

-Sir Richard Bennett has arrived, Mr Bligh.

-Thank you.

Bloody long drive to get out here. I'm parched.

-So glad you could make it, Sir Richard. May I introduce...

-Dickie!

Here's a turn up for the books.

It's a welcome one.

You two know each other?

Charles Standish may have been a decent ambassador,

but he was a bloody woeful poker player.

-May he rest in peace.

-Yes. Regrettable way to go.

Getting blown to bits by the Zionists and all that.

Now, this one had a better poker face than any man's.

I used to enjoy a game of canasta myself,

but no-one in Australia seems to play.

Nothing but convicts and immigrants in this country.

It's the perils of living in a colony.

-Seems to me it's one of the advantages.

-How so?

We can create our own entertainment without

mindlessly following the Continent.

Really? And what entertains a modern woman like you?

The usual things.

Music. Theatre. Art. Books.

You get that sort of thing around here?

Well, I have to say, the annual CWA concert - world-class.

MILD LAUGHTER

Sir Richard?

-Regina, will you join me?

-No, Regina, please.

You two are old friends. I want to hear the war stories.

-Oh, there's not so much to tell.

-Always the diplomat's wife.

-Discreet to a fault.

-You've been resting?

-I thought you were to be trusted.

-Jack's your doctor. He should know when you've had a turn.

-BENNET:

-Everyone has their weakness.

-GEORGE:

-Is that why you're here? To find mine?

-I wouldn't be here unless I already knew yours.

-(Who is he?)

Now I'm looking for the strengths.

Sir Richard owns half the magazines in the country.

-Major newspaper, too.

-Sounds influential.

George is a moral man, a man of his word. There aren't too many like him around.

-Not in politics, I can tell you that much.

-Perhaps there should be.

An idealist. I like that.

Let's see if it lasts.

Our first Shabbat dinner in our new home.

The Goldbergs baked it for us.

Time for the future now.

Menzies bullied the people into voting for him

with all of this Communist rubbish.

Well, you can't deny Communists exist.

Of course they do, but it's the timing of the thing.

-In politics, timing is everything, isn't it?

-Right as usual, Reggie.

Politics should be about uniting the people, not breeding suspicion.

But we do live in the real world.

You're an Italian, aren't you?

What's the Dago attitude?

About politics?

I think that, uh...

..all politicians are as bad as each other.

Couldn't have said it better myself.

ELIZABETH: I remember a time when we didn't discuss politics, or religion,

or money at the dinner table.

-Wasn't it bloody boring?

-On the contrary, Sir Richard.

-I was never bored for a moment.

-Quite right.

We're all utterly uncivilised these days, eh?

My mother has strong views on etiquette.

I don't care how many magazines the man owns, he's boorish.

-Mother, you're just being old-fashioned.

-What's wrong with that?

Well, as long as he can keep a civil tongue at the dinner table.

We've set a new date for the christening.

Now that father's on the mend,

there's no reason to delay it any longer.

Oh, it will be beautiful, I'm sure.

We do hope you'll do us the honour of being Georgie's godparents.

Oh, Olivia, of course! Oh, my goodness!

-No, we can't.

-Gino.

I'm sorry. We thought that...

Please. Ask someone else.

-It's not that we don't want to, it's just that...

-We're Catholic.

-So it wouldn't be right.

-Anna.

Excuse me.

I believe you're all waiting for me to make an announcement.

Really, George? We'd all forgotten(!)

Well, as you know, I've recently spent some time in a

hospital bed, and as I lay there,

wondering what it was I was fighting to live for,

apart from my family, of course,

I came to a conclusion.

What I need is to look beyond my own back yard.

You see, Ash Park benefits if the rest of the community benefits.

And so I've decided to run for pre-selection as a candidate for the Country Party.

And my guest here, Sir Richard, is considering throwing his support my way.

Now, there will be ramifications for all of us.

But if I win, I can make a real difference in Inverness.

I believe I can.

SHE PRAYS IN HEBREW

Amen.

HE PRAYS IN HEBREW

-L'chaim.

-To life.

Many men have come to me looking for my backing.

And I have to say, I rarely give it.

But you, George, you impressed me from the start.

And now I see your home and your family, I understand why.

-To George Bligh.

-ALL: To George.

George, it's not for me to approve or disapprove.

Your choices are your own to make.

I've got no intention of interfering.

I'd like to know what you think.

Oh, thank you.

I've always thought you'd make a wonderful politician,

but I have a couple of reservations.

The scrutiny involved will be relentless,

and possibly damaging, as far as James is concerned.

He's aware of the possibilities,

and I believe he can withstand any pressure.

And I'm hoping Sir Richard's influence can help us on that score.

It's just like Paris.

Rene?

HE GROANS

Rene, what is it? Rene?

HE GROANS AND YELLS IN PAIN

-Is everything all right?

-Call Dr Duncan.

Quick! I need help!

Do you really think he'll be able to get George elected?

George will be getting himself elected.

You'd be foolish to underestimate Sir Richard's influence.

I've read those magazines of his.

They all go on about looking respectable, cooking dinner

and keeping your husband happy.

Clearly you ignored their advice.

-I don't think cooking dinner is the secret, in any case.

-Quite right.

KNOCK AT DOOR

There's been an emergency at the hospital.

Dr Duncan's been called away. Do I tell Mrs Bligh? Is it important?

I'll take care of it, Rose. Thank you.

-I'll telephone you when I know something.

-Thank you, Jack.

What is it? What's happened?

It seems Dr Nordmann's taken a turn for the worse.

Dickie will be expecting a late night. Drinks, cards, cigars.

-Of course.

-I can make sure it's all prepared.

-Thank you.

I do appreciate it.

You were rude.

-I tried.

-Oh, barely.

What harm would it do to be my nephew's godparents?

I cannot stand in front of God when I know what James is.

-James is family.

-Not MY family!

-He's in pain. And I can't get the sedative in.

-What happened?

He was fine, and then out of nowhere, his head...

MAN SHOUTS IN GERMAN

SHE SCREAMS

He's stable.

I'll take an X-ray in the morning and see where we stand, eh?

-He was getting better.

-The shrapnel in his brain

can move at any time.

It doesn't need a trigger.

I can't have this baby.

-Because it's not Rene's?

-I don't want it.

No-one has to know, if you don't want them to.

Rene needs my full attention.

I'll help you.

We'll all help you.

What if...?

What if there's something wrong with it?

-Hey, why would there be?

-I'm... I'm impure.

The Nazis, they...

Whatever they did to you, it wasn't your fault.

How can anything good grow inside me?

I don't know what to do.

-SHE SOBS

-I don't know what to do.

A very successful evening, I think.

Despite the interruption.

Thanks in no small part to you.

Dickie likes the sound of his own voice, is all.

You have to let him talk.

I'm sure Dr Nordmann will be all right.

Of course.

And you...

You will make a very effective politician.

I am somewhat of an expert, after all.

You're not having one?

I'm sure you have much to think about.

-Carolyn, I intend to leave Ash Park in the morning.

-George will be fine.

He's doing very well.

I do, however, feel that I've imposed on Prudence Swanson for too long.

It was perhaps not the best place from which to make a fresh start.

So where will you go?

I wondered about your apartment.

Until I can find something more suitable.

-As long as you need, Mother.

-Oh, thank you, dear. Goodnight.

-Night.

-Did you even consider saying no?

-Of course not.

And if they look into the family?

There are things we wouldn't want people to know about.

Livvie, you worry too much.

The treatment you had with Dr Milson.

The hospital will have records.

-The incident in the barn, what happened on the ship...

-It won't come to that.

-You can't be sure, James!

-Livvie!

People are going to look at us and see a loving husband and wife with a beautiful baby boy.

There will be no need to look any further.

Trust me.

Livvie.

I don't want to just be pretending.

I haven't started the thank-you notes for these wedding presents.

-I'll do the washing. You write the notes.

-Really?

Well, we are husband and wife.

-Together.

-I know.

Some things, Anna... Some things just are the way they are.

But you know what will happen if people find out.

I will not say what James is.

I'm sure James and Olivia will understand.

HE SINGS IN ITALIAN:

# Questa mattina mi sono alzato

# Oh, bella, ciao, bella ciao, bella, ciao, ciao, ciao!

# Questa mattina mi sono alzato

# E ho trovato l'invasor. #

So, I was thinking perhaps a poker evening?

Sir Richard, his associates... So the shine doesn't wear off.

So soon? He'll see through that in an instant.

Of course he will, that's the point.

He'll come, he'll drink, he'll win some money and go away happy.

Thank you, Regina. I'll think it over.

Sir Richard, I do hope you'll stay again.

Dickie, next time, we'll put on a bit more of a soiree.

I'll hold you to that, Reggie. Well, as I said, George, I'm impressed.

-I'm glad.

-You've got the right name, the right house, the right history.

You were shot by a Commie, for God's sake. It reads like a potboiler.

It's bloody marvellous.

The only thing you need, to make you unbeatable,

is the right wife.

-I'm a widower.

-A widower with a broken engagement.

Stop the gossips in their tracks with a top-notch society wedding, huh?

That's my advice.

Rene.

Rene!

Je veux rentrer chez moi!

-You running away from home, missy?

-I'll be back in a few days.

Must be pretty urgent, eh?

Aunt Peg isn't well.

And what about Rene?

Oh, he's got you and Jack looking out for him. I won't be long.

He, uh...

He barely knows I'm there right now.

I could run you down the station if you'd like.

Come on, then.