In the Heat of the Night A Place to Call Home

It shames me to say

I was never very close to the boy. I all but abandoned him.

You do have a way with him. I'm not sure I have.

There's nothing more natural than a mother's love.

You're a fascinating woman, Elizabeth.

Please don't presume to know me.

You like him, don't you?

Well, that's neither here nor there, since our acquaintance is at an end.

SHE PANTS

Regina is using James' secret as a weapon to ensure her continued presence at Ash Park.

I will return to the farmhouse.

And give me the dirt on those boozy openings of yours.

And if I refuse?

Our arrangement is terminated, which will make a certain member of your family very happy.

Regina.

"'Beware the Friendless Female', by Carolyn Bligh."

SHE SCREAMS

Argh!

-We're having a baby.

-No! YOU'RE having a baby.

I try to be him again.

The man I was.

SHE GASPS

HORSE WHINNIES

Mmm...hm!

Ah, you're making up for lost time, aren't you?

No - Livvy, Livvy, it was a joke!

-No, I shouldn't have come. I don't know what I was thinking.

-Yes, you do!

"If the farmers are going to be able to stay on the land...

"If we want the farmers to stay on the land,

"they need our support."

SHE GASPS

"The farmers need someone who's willing to fight for them.

"Who's willing to fight for them."

SHE GASPS

Sarah?

Are you all right?

-What's wrong?

-It's just a cramp. It's nothing. I'm fine.

I'll drive you to work.

BIRDSONG

You're up early. How was the ride?

Fine.

Did you sleep well, darling?

I was up all night, thinking about Father's meeting today.

Who's this meeting with?

He's going up to the city

to meet with the press officer for the Country Party.

Black Jack McEwen arranged it.

It's all about to kick off.

Newspapers. Radio.

I am not sure I'm ready. All that attention.

Darling, it'll be fine.

With you and me by my father's side, we'll be an unbeatable team.

I do love you - you know that, don't you?

Thank you for the lift but I'll be fine.

Of course.

PHONE RINGS

Ah!

Mrs Nordmann.

Oh, such a brisk morning!

Ah!

Dr Duncan. A hand.

Doris, I'll take it from here.

SHE GASPS

DOOR CLOSES

TRACTOR NOT STARTING

Come on!

HE SPEAKS ITALIAN

Gino, please - just stop it. This is crazy.

I can fix it.

My family have three perfectly good tractors.

I know they'd be more than happy to let you borrow one.

Please, cara, this is my business. I'll sort it out.

Why are you being so pig-headed?

Gino!

Don't walk away from me!

I'm going into town to pick up parts.

And now you're throwing away good money

instead of swallowing your pride and asking my family for help.

The vines need watering. I need you to get started on them before it gets too hot.

You said I could work on my novel today.

Is your novel going to put food on the table?

Huh? Keep a roof over our heads?

Well, it could, if I ever had a chance to actually work on it.

Anna.

This vineyard is our future.

That's YOUR dream, Gino, and I support you on it.

But when do I get to have mine?

Ah!

So no cramps or spotting before this morning?

I was a fool to think my body could carry a baby full-term.

It's not over yet.

I'll get you a single room for some privacy,

but you're on strict bed rest.

And if the cramping doesn't stop?

We'll try an alcohol drip.

Slow the contractions. Hopefully stop them altogether.

Thank you.

You know the upside to all this.

That alcohol drip's going to leave you completely legless.

Is there anything else I can get you?

Rene.

I'd like him to be here, whatever happens.

Is Mrs Nordmann all right?

Yes. Um, she only wants to see her husband right now.

Doris.

Yes, Dr Duncan?

Could you do me a big favour and go to Roy's

and ask him to bring Dr Nordmann to the hospital?

But of course. I shall go there straight away on my trusty steed.

Is there anything else you'd like me to tell Dr Nordmann?

I'll go. It'll be faster.

No offence, George, but I'm not sure that's such a good idea.

Please. I insist.

CAR ENGINE

ENGINE STOPS

Mrs Standish.

Mrs Standish, I've brought your laundry down from the house.

Mrs Standish, what's happened?

Your hand!

You should really see a doctor, ma'am.

If you go now, you could catch Mr Bligh.

-What are you talking about?

-He telephoned, from the hospital.

He's cancelled all his meetings in the city.

-Has he taken ill?

-No, no, he's right as rain.

Is it the baby?

Oh, no - George is well over his cold.

-He's been chattering away all morning, blowing raspberries.

-Oh, shut up.

George wouldn't miss a meeting about his political career over a trifle.

It's too important to him.

Did he happen to mention a Mrs Nordmann, by any chance?

Yes. He said something. Maybe that she's taken ill.

Let's hope it's fatal, whatever it is.

-ROSE LAUGHS

-You do say such funny things, ma'am!

Of course I'm disappointed.

I had a little surprise planned for you.

But I suppose it can wait.

SHE GIGGLES

I miss you.

Bye.

Um, Jack's not coming back tonight.

Some emergency at the hospital.

I don't know why you don't just marry the man

instead of carrying on like a pair of lovesick adolescents.

That's exactly why I won't marry him.

It keeps it far more exciting.

I'd SO miss your disapproving looks!

So, what have you planned for your day?

Will you be going to see Mr Goddard at the refuge?

Er, no.

Then you can come to an exhibition opening with me.

They're unveiling a mural down at the Rocks.

-Sounds ghastly.

-I've invited Sir Richard.

-Oh, Carolyn - you didn't! KNOCK ON DOOR

-Oh, that will be my lift.

Simon. Would you go? I need to get my camera.

Oh, you must be Caro's mum. I'm Simon.

Simon Hallow, the actor.

Carolyn will be with you presently.

SHE SIGHS

Carolyn, you cannot invite a man like Sir Richard to one of your avant-garde soirees.

Oh, Mother, really!

Despite his overt vulgarity, your brother is relying on him to support his campaign.

I would say he's brash, rather than vulgar,

and I think a trip to the Rocks is exactly what he needs.

-Where's Simon?

-Oh, he's...

Mother!

Oh!

Simon, darling.

Mwah! Ignore my mother's rudeness.

-Last chance!

-Oh...

Rene.

HE SPEAKS IN FRENCH

SHE SPEAKS IN FRENCH

How far along is she?

Must be at least four months.

I didn't think the Frog'd have it in him.

I reckon she might lose it, though.

Marjorie Carlin, where is your respect for privacy?

Talking out of school about one of your own.

You have no idea what Mrs Nordmann

may be going through, none at all!

In France, they used to use a drug, a hormone synthetique.

Ah, in my opinion, those drugs can do more harm than good.

And the alcohol, this method - you have good results?

Sarah?

Is the baby mine?

Please, I need to know.

Yes.

Does Rene know?

Yes.

But we'd decided to raise it as our own.

HE EXHALES

Were you...ever going to tell me?

No.

Why would you ever keep something like this from me?

Our baby?

It doesn't matter now, anyway.

Er, George, we need to start an intravenous.

KNOCK ON DOOR Carolyn, what have you forgotten now?

Mr Goddard, I...I'm afraid you've wasted your time coming here.

Your children may find you formidable,

but you don't scare me.

Not one bit.

Well, then, please keep it brief.

I'm too old for these games, Elizabeth.

I'm sorry if I offended you yesterday.

But I...

I like you.

I don't meet many people I can genuinely say that about,

but I can say that about you.

And I'm not the only one.

All the men have been asking after you.

Now you're telling tales.

They've been wondering when you're coming back to play the piano.

I'm sure there are plenty of pianists in Sydney who can entertain the men equally well.

But they're not you.

Please, tell the men I'm sorry to disappoint them

but I've decided to return home.

My son George is entering the political arena

and I'd like to be there to offer my support.

Oh.

Really?

I thought you said you were finished with interfering with your children's lives.

Well, unlike you, Mr Goddard, I am not the type to abandon their child.

You're right.

I shouldn't have wasted my time coming here.

But just for the record...

..there isn't a day when I don't miss my son.

Not one day.

A mural on a public street could hardly be called high art.

If it were up to me, I'd have the whole thing whitewashed.

Waste of public funds.

But write something good

and I'll include it in the weekend arts review.

I have to say, I was shocked when you printed my last piece,

especially as I didn't write a single word you asked me to.

You surprised me.

I like a woman who surprises me.

So are you going back to Ash Park, or are you staying in town?

I'm in the city. I have an apartment here.

How convenient.

As you're in town, you should come and have dinner with me tomorrow night.

I'm sorry, I have plans. Jack's in town.

Bring him along.

SHE CHUCKLES

KNOCK ON DOOR

DOOR OPENS

Sorry to interrupt, sir. Mr Fox is here to see your father.

Henry.

It's good to see you again.

Country life keeping you busy, I see.

Yes, frightfully so.

I was checking the hospitals in the area.

Thought I'd check in on the patient, see how he's faring.

Oh, er... Father isn't here right now.

James, I'm just heading out.

Darling, you didn't tell me we were expecting company!

It was an impromptu visit, Mrs Bligh.

-Olivia, please.

-Olivia.

But I assume if your father's out, then he's well and truly on the mend, so...

Oh, you're not leaving, are you?

Well, at least stay for some tea.

James, I can't believe you didn't offer Mr Fox some refreshments.

-The poor man must be parched.

-Yes, terribly parched.

Please forgive my dreadful lack of hospitality.

I shall send Rose in with a fresh pot of tea.

You won't be joining us?

Would it be awfully rude if I went for my portrait sitting?

It's my last session. I really can't wait for the whole thing to be over and done with.

No, you go. I'm...sure we'll manage without you.

Hmm!

So, how is your father's foray into politics?

I don't envy him.

You've had a Mr Reg here?

-Oh, mate! Do you have to cheat?

-You did!

-You did!

-I didn't!

Hey, hey! Break it up!

Break it up, break it up! Or you're out - both of you.

Hey!

Look, we found him under a bridge. He'd been there a day or two.

Reg had a daughter somewhere.

I'll see if I can track her down.

-Let her know.

-All right, mate.

-Thank you.

Oh, Sarah.

I've...

I've spent the past 20 years raising someone else's child.

But I know that...

..I could never stand back and watch...

..someone else play father to mine.

I...

I...

SHE MOANS

And I've done my best to respect your marriage,

and to...

And to leave you alone.

Oh, but this... This...

This baby, it changes everything.

You fight for it, Sarah.

Fight for this.

DOOR OPENS

Mr Bligh! You can't be here.

I have every right to be here!

-George, you need to leave.

-I'm not going anywhere!

-Hey, hey!

George, it's not the time.

No! This is my baby.

It's my child.

Get out!

All of you!

I just wanted to come in person to tell you,

this, whatever this is, it has to stop.

This is not who I am.

I see.

One last drink?

Isn't it just a little early?

Ah, it's never too early.

Anyway, you can't make a toast without wine. It's bad luck.

To Olivia...

who walks with the beauty of the night,

and cloudless climes and starry skies.

I shall miss you.

Will you?

You never married?

I'm married to my work.

I quite enjoy my reputation as an eligible bachelor.

It allows me a certain freedom.

I did have a companion...

..for almost eight years.

But he died.

I'm sorry.

Was he...

Your companion...

..was he a doctor?

Yes.

Made it easier.

To the outside world - we were just work colleagues.

And...he was married.

A marriage of convenience, as they say.

His...

His wife was more than happy with her own arrangements.

Have I shocked you?

JAMES SIGHS

James, there really is no need to be unhappy.

If I've given you some impression that I'm unhappy,

it's completely untrue.

I'm a happily married man with a wife and child I adore.

Oh, of course.

Of course.

If I've misinterpreted things

or caused offence, I'm...

I'm deeply sorry.

If you're ever in Sydney...

..or you need a friend.

DOOR CLOSES

PIANIST PLAYS: As Time Goes By

No-one seems to want to sing today.

Er, we had some bad news today, about one of our own.

Oh, I'm so sorry.

No, please. Keep playing.

How about it, lads?

For Reg?

In honour of his passing.

SHE BEGINS: # We'll meet again

ALL JOIN IN: # Don't know where

# Don't know when

# But I know we'll meet again

# Some sunny day

# Keep smiling through

# Just like you always do

# Till the blue skies

# Chase the dark clouds far away. #

Er, maybe you could try sitting on the chaise.

Perhaps if you showed me what you've come up with so far,

I could understand what you want from me?

Um...

Is this it?

Well, that's just reference sketches.

I... I like to do a lot of these before I begin painting.

What are these sketches?

They're just more character references.

You know, I like to explore the different aspects of a person.

Can I see them?

Ah, you don't want to see those. They're... They're just rough.

Not my best work.

Did you force her to take her clothes off?

Answer me.

I didn't have to force her to do anything.

Did you sleep with my wife?

That's probably the one thing I haven't done with her.

Hey! Wuh...

Hang on! Let's not blow this whole thing out of proportion.

It was just meant to be a bit of fun.

Fun?

Olivia!

How could you?

After everything we've been through.

James. Please!

You promised me that you would stand by me.

That we would work on this marriage together.

-You told me I was enough.

-You are!

Then why have you been sneaking around behind my back,

whoring yourself out with Lloyd?

-And who else, Andrew Swanson?

-No!

I don't believe you.

James, I swear on my life, this was the first time,

the only indiscretion.

Indiscretion?

Indiscretion? Look at yourself!

I never meant it to happen! It was a stupid mistake.

Darling, I swear. I don't love him.

You don't love him? So, what, that makes it all right, then?

-It was just...

-It was just what?

It was just what?

It was just a bit of fun?

How very bohemian of you!

BABY CRIES

Please, could you just lower your voice?

Everything I have done for you, and this marriage,

all the pain and suffering so I could be a husband to you.

So we could be a family.

And... and you just throw it all away for some degenerate lowlife.

LOUD BABY CRIES

So this is it, then.

Is this our arrangement?

Please!

James!

I don't want some sordid arrangement. I want you!

I have always wanted you.

But you never wanted me.

DISTANT BABY CRIES

CRYING CONTINUES

SHE SHAKES THE DOOR

BABY GURGLES

George.

Rose?

Rose!

Rose!

Where's Georgie?

ROSE!

BABY CRIES

Sh, little one.

DOG BARKS

BABY CRIES

BABY WHINES

I couldn't walk no further, not in this cold.

Please, can you take us to the station? Please?

I know you.

It's Rose, isn't it?

From Ash Park.

Is that baby Georgie you're holding?

Rose, why don't I take you back to Ash Park?

No, I'm not going back there.

BABY CRIES

Look, I don't know what's happened to make you so upset.

But you need to give me the baby. Then we can take him back to his parents.

They're not fit to be his parents. He deserves better than them.

BABY WHINES

Rose, it's cold. Let's get Georgie home.

You're not taking him away from me.

Rose, his mother will be worried sick.

I'm Georgie's mother, not her.

BABY GRIZZLES

BRAKES SQUEAL

ENGINE STOPS

SHE GASPS

-Oh, Livvy!

-It's Georgie. He's been taken.

-I know.

-I don't know what...

-I know.

-I don't know what to do!

It's all right, it's all right. I'll take you to him.

I'll take you to him, darling.

It'll be fine.

Rose.

Why don't we go in the house, huh? Where it's warm?

SHE WHIMPERS

-Please, let me help you.

-Stay away from me.

I know what you're doing.

I know you think I'm crazy...

..but he's mine.

And I can prove it.

They took him away from me at the hospital because I wasn't married.

I thought he'd have a better life at Ash Park.

But that's no place for my son.

Rose.

-The birth certificate. You must have read it.

-Stay away from us!

Gino?

I need to talk to Rose.

Alone, if I may.

I'll be right outside.

Rose?

ROSE WHIMPERS

Please don't do this.

We need to take Georgie home.

It's late and it's cold.

Don't make me notify the police.

You're not taking him from me again.

He's my son.

-I'll tell them. I'll tell them the truth!

-(All right.)

(All right.)

What is it that makes you think he's yours?

I know my own son.

I knew - as soon as I saw him at Ash Park.

I knew I'd found him.

But you know that can't possibly be true. Georgie is my little boy.

-Stop lying!

-I'm not lying.

I gave birth to him on the 21st of January at a private clinic in Sydney.

You never gave birth to him.

It was me, screaming in that room,

tied to that bed, all alone.

He's my son.

And I can prove it.

Rose?

What happened?

What happened during the birth?

Do you even remember it?

Of course I remember. I remember everything.

Even though they covered my face up with a sheet, so I couldn't see.

I knew...what was going on.

And they told me this was...punishment for my sins.

They kept on and on at me.

Called me a stupid girl.

"One final push, you stupid, stupid girl!"

They kept on and on at me.

"Push." And I was trying.

I was trying to push and then...

And then it all went quiet.

He didn't cry, did he?

He didn't cry.

And he was...so still.

And...and...so, so blue.

I know.

-SHE SOBS:

-Oh!

Oh, God. What have I done?

SHE SOBS

No-one should ever have to go through what you did.

Especially not alone.

SHE SOBS

DOOR OPENS

What do you think happens to babies after they die?

Do you think my baby's trapped in limbo?

No.

I don't believe God could be that cruel.

Will they go to heaven, do you think?

Yes. I'm sure.

Are you going to hand me over to the police, for taking him?

No.

No, I'm not.

Let's go home.

BABY GRIZZLES

I can't really at the moment.

I will. You too.

All right, then, I...

Yes, yes - we'll talk soon. Thank you, Carolyn.

Carolyn hasn't heard from him.

But I'm sure James will be back.

SHE WEEPS I'm sorry. I shouldn't be crying in front of you.

Nonsense. Nonsense.

George.

You don't think he's gone off and done something?

No.

He's angry, that's all.

You had an argument.

Unless there's...there's something you're not telling me.

No.

No, there's nothing.

Eight hours without cramps.

Blood pressure's good.

Think you're out of the woods.

You know, I think you're going to have a little fighter on your hands.

Oh, it's determined to be here, that's for sure.

Next two weeks, you're on a strict bed rest regime.

You are not to attempt to do any work,

or ride your bike. Just rest.

You have my word.

Time you got some rest, too.

You need to look after yourself, especially now you're going to be a father.

Roy is waiting outside. We should go.

Oh, I'm so glad I caught you both. These are for you.

This is a tonic I give all my mothers-to-be.

It's to keep your iron levels up.

Oh, it's very kind, Doris.

Look, I hope I'm not speaking out of school,

but I just want you to know how glad I am that you and Doctor Nordmann are going to have a family.

It never happened for Mr Collins and myself.

We went through many heartaches, so I do understand a little of what you've just been through.

And rest assured, I shall be the soul of discretion.

Until you're ready to tell the world your joyous news.

Thank you.

HE EXHALES

It's Reg's funeral on Friday.

Just going to be me and a few of the men.

I wasn't able to locate the daughter.

Well, surely we can rustle up a few more.

Give the man a decent send-off.

He served his country, after all.

And paid the price.

Er...would you mind?

-I'd like to be there.

-Oh, that'd be wonderful.

Reg would have liked you.

A man of great discernment, was he?

Absolutely.

BRAKES SQUEAL AND ENGINE STOPS

ROY EXCLAIMS: Ah!

Now slow down there.

Precious cargo onboard! HE LAUGHS

-There we go.

-Thanks, Roy.

DOG BARKS

DOG PANTS

Hello, Lucky.

Sarah, you need to go and rest.

Who's for a cup of tea, then? Get that kettle on, eh?

That'd be lovely, Roy.

KETTLE FILLS WITH WATER

DOOR SHUTS

George, I wasn't expecting you.

-Is James here?

-No. What's happened?

Do you have any idea where he may have gone?

I need to know if you've...

said something that may have driven him away.

Of course not.

I said I would never say anything to hurt the poor boy.

I know after everything Carolyn said you won't believe me,

but I truly care about James.

And you.

If he contacts you, let me know.

I need to know my son's safe.

Of course. I'll start making enquiries.

We will find him, George.

James.

You said if I ever needed a friend...

Of course, come in.

-She's sleeping.

-That's good.

There's a cup of tea there for you.

And a couple of those scones, too, before I polish them all off.

I'd better go and do some work. You'd better have a rest, mate.

You're looking a bit ragged around the edge yourself.

DOOR CREAKS

-VOICES ECHO:

-'I have every right to be here!'

'George...'

IMAGINARY WHIRRING NOISE

IMAGINARY WHIRRING SOUND CRESCENDOS AND STOPS

Rene!

Why are you here?

I told you to stay away.

Please, let's sit down and talk.

No, you stay away from us. From my wife.

Rene, calm down, please!

S...stop talking. SHUT UP!

Ooh, ugh!

Argh!

Rene! Let her go! Let her go!

SHE GASPS

Sarah!

SHE GASPS