The Sins of the Father A Place to Call Home

-Is the baby mine?

-Yes.

-Does Rene know?

-Yes.

But we decided to raise it as our own.

So, we cart the water over here

and then we water each one of them by hand every day?

One day, we'll get irrigation.

But what about everything else, Gino?

-When...when do we find time to do all the rest of the work?

-Hey.

Everything will be good. Yeah? It'll all work out.

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.

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.

It's Reg's funeral on Friday.

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

Would you mind...?

-I'd like to be there.

-Oh, that'd be wonderful.

This, whatever this is, it has to stop.

Did you sleep with my wife?

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

Argh!

How could you? After everything we've been through.

You told me I was enough.

So, this is it, then?

Is this our arrangement?

-Is James here?

-No. What's happened?

If he contacts you, let me know.

-James.

-You said if I ever needed a friend...

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

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

..someone else play father to mine. I...

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

This baby, it changes everything.

Rene?

I told you to stay away. Shut up!

-Let go!

-Sarah!

'George.

'George?

'George!'

Come on, you dreamer. Up you get.

No time for lazing about, son. There's work to be done!

HORSE WHINNIES

Good morning.

Could someone organise some flowers next to my father's photograph

for my mother's arrival?

-It's the anniversary of his death today.

-Of course.

I've given some thought to what you said postponing the christening.

Now, I can have a word to Reverend Green if you like.

No, please, you were right.

James will return.

Regina.

I'm just here to give Olivia my christening gift -

a silver spoon.

-Are you going somewhere?

-Sydney.

Is it about James? Have you heard anything?

I'm having lunch with Sir Richard.

Be careful of Dicky, George. He bites.

I'm aware of that, but thank you.

CAR ENGINE STARTS

-Rose!

-Oh, good morning, Mrs Standish.

Aren't you a busy little bee, polishing all the silver?

-For the christening.

-Is Master James returning today or tomorrow?

I couldn't be certain, ma'am.

I have an urgent message I need delivered to him.

Do you know where he's staying?

Well, you must have some idea.

Surely Mrs Bligh's in regular contact

with her husband via telephone.

Well, you see, Mrs Standish, there was an argument...

..between Mr James and Miss Olivia.

Miss Olivia was very upset,

and Mr James set off for Sydney straight after.

They say he's at his father's club, but...

But what?

But he's not been answering Mr Bligh's messages.

-Perhaps he's staying with a friend.

-I wouldn't know.

I seem to recall James and the surgeon Mr Fox

were very friendly.

Mr Fox lives in Sydney.

Yes, he does. Such a handsome man. SHE GIGGLES

Well, don't let me keep you, child. All that silver won't polish itself.

To the left.

To the right.

Good.

-And no cramps or discomfort at all?

-No.

-How's Rene?

-Actually, he'd...

..like to know when you're coming in to visit.

He's been quite clear.

I've reduced his sedation over the week. Still on a small dose.

Maybe in another day or so.

Or this afternoon, if you're up to it.

-Is something the matter?

-Come in. We'll talk about it.

-Please just tell me straight.

-DOG BARKS

Well, someone's glad to see you up and about.

-How are you going, doc?

-Good.

I was just saying to Sarah Rene's keen to see her.

I've got to go into town this morning for some supplies.

You could come in with me if you'd like.

Well, I might see you later, then.

Course, if you'd rather not, that's all right too.

-HORN HONKS

-There he is.

The sooner he shakes them up in Parliament, the better.

Thought I might build a cradle for when that baby comes.

It'll all work out all right. You know that, don't you?

If you're worried at first, Rene can take the lean-to for a while.

There's no need for that.

Well, if you want me to come in with you today, you just say the word.

-All right, should we sit?

-Just tell me.

Dis-moi.

You are my wife and you are afraid of me.

Not of you.

Parfois, I am...not...in control.

Of his own thoughts.

Oui. My brain...

I'm going to have the operation.

-I've been speaking to Patrick Kelly over the last couple of days.

-I see.

-He's the best neurosurgeon in Sydney.

-Yes.

He's offered to hold a space on his surgical list.

You both know the prognosis of surgery.

-Kelly and I see it the same way.

-And how do you see it, Rene?

Well, the shrapnel, it is removed in surgery

and...more damage neurological.

Or I die on the table.

Or I make a complete recovery.

This is the one I want.

I am a fighter. We both are.

The risks are too great.

I can't allow you to have the operation.

-It is my decision, Sarah.

-No, it's not.

-Um, Sarah...

-Jack, legally,

Rene would not be deemed to be of sound mind.

He'd be unable to sign the consent forms.

-You know that as well as I do.

-Is it true?

As your wife, Rene, only I can sign the consent,

and I won't do it.

You are afraid of me. I am afraid of me.

When the baby comes, how can I be a father?

I must never be alone with it.

Sarah...

..I can sign it...

..as Rene's doctor.

This is my decision to make. Not yours.

-I won't sign it.

-Sarah...

-It's too risky.

-I cannot take this.

In two years' time, in even one year's time,

who knows how much this surgery will improve. Let's just...

-We'll wait and see.

-Sarah, you know I have...

I will not sign his death warrant!

And neither will you.

'Something was wrong between her and Paolo.

'She couldn't put her finger on it.

'Charmaine had had a blissful visit...

'When she arrived back after the long train journey,

'he'd forgot to meet her...

'The farmhouse felt cold and sad. Paolo seemed even more distant...

'She felt as though she was being punished for something,

-'but what had she done wrong?'

-Anna, come on!

Coming!

You know, if there was an easy way to get these baby vines watered...

And don't forget, after you've finished that,

the patch out the back needs to be tilled, yeah?

-And fertiliser on the beans. It's on my list.

-Yeah.

So is boxing the tomatoes.

Well, boxing tomatoes, boxing tom-ay-toes.

Boxing potatoes, boxing pot-at-oes.

SHE GIGGLES

That was my joke of the day.

-I've got to go to work at Carlo's.

-Again?

-Yeah, I promised.

You're too kind, Gino. This is every day now.

You ride the horse every day.

A thoroughbred has to be ridden every day. You know that.

Isn't that what they're paid for at Ash Park? The stablehands?

-I could drive you to Carlo's.

-No, I'm going to walk.

Just...clear my head.

-You what?

-I've given it a great deal of thought.

Don't think I've made this decision lightly.

I don't give a damn how you made the decision. It's wrong.

You've got pre-selection, so now why would you pull the pin?

My priorities have changed.

George.

George, I like you.

Now, you and I know that all this talk

about Australia being a classless society

is a load of lefty propaganda.

A man like you would be the conduit between the classes.

Hell, you play your cards right, you could be Prime Minister one day.

-Not any more.

-Why?

-My reasons are personal.

-There's no personal in public life.

Does this have anything to do with a married Jewess?

You won't have a political future

if you tie yourself to baggage like that.

As I've said, I no longer want a political future.

It is about the Jew.

My reasons are my own. I ask you to respect that.

I've already started talking to people about you.

Your withdrawal will be a personal embarrassment.

And I apologise for that sincerely.

Bligh can have the bloody bill.

Get your woolly head out of that blasted book.

-I didn't bring you here to read.

-Yes, Father.

Look, you see that fellow over there?

That's Syd Gregory. Played 60 tests for Australia.

And Rogers over there won the Victoria Cross in the Boer War.

If you want to make your mark, you need to pull up your bootstraps,

face the world, be a man.

-Mr Goddard.

-Mrs Bligh.

Oh, Mr Goddard. Heard so much about you.

-All favourable, I hope.

-Mr Goddard, my daughter Carolyn.

Thank you, Carolyn. I'll meet you at the car.

-I hope to see you again.

-Mm.

-You're leaving?

-Returning to Ash Park.

-My great-grandson's christening.

-Oh, a happy occasion.

-Yes.

-When will you be back?

-I'm undecided.

Um, I just wanted to thank you for coming to Reg's funeral.

Oh, these are unnecessary, but thank you.

Well, it meant a lot to the men.

He'd become quite special to them.

And to me.

-They're just flowers.

-I must be going.

Mrs Bligh, when you come back...

..let's continue this conversation.

Come in.

-Mrs Standish.

-Mr Fox.

I hope I'm not disturbing the great surgeon at his work.

Oh, just writing some reports for the medical board.

I welcome the disturbance. Please come in.

It's nice to see you again.

I'm staying with friends in town and it struck me,

I never thanked you properly for saving dear George's life.

-I know a man loves his cigars.

-Montecristo.

Well, I was simply doing what I'm paid to do.

Gifts like this are really not necessary.

-Not necessary, but it's so nice to be appreciated.

-Well, thank you.

I'll be sure to enjoy them with a glass of Courvoisier.

Before I leave you to your accounting,

I have a small favour to ask.

I was hoping you might pass this on to James.

-James...?

-Bligh.

-Why would I be seeing James Bligh?

-James is in Sydney.

He might also wish to...express his gratitude.

And if he does, I ask that you give him this.

Good day, Mr Fox.

Mrs Standish.

I've been trying to find you.

I was hoping we might talk.

After all you've been through in your life,

you deserve for things to be easier now.

Now that you're going to be a mother.

You deserve to feel safe,

so that you can give your baby all the love that you have.

And you will be a wonderful mother. I know that.

One who'll probably be going back to work, knowing you,

-never mind what anyone thinks.

-We'll see.

But your child - our child -

deserves a secure, loving, stable family life.

And we can do that, Sarah. We can raise our child together.

-We can learn to love each other again.

-Please, George.

I'm not saying that we don't look after Rene.

He'll have the very best of medical care.

-He'll still be part of your life.

-I could never do that.

This is our chance for happiness.

-You can do that.

-I'm married to Rene.

I've just withdrawn from pre-selection.

-Our private lives will be our own.

-You should never have done that.

This is what is important now. It has to be. Our child.

We have to give our child the future it deserves.

-A future that we plan together.

-George, stop.

How can you love Rene? He's not the man he was.

You have no right to speak to me like this -

about who Rene was.

We have nothing left to say.

-Welcome back, Mrs Bligh.

-Thank you, um...

-Rose.

Ro...Rose. SHE CHUCKLES

Would you mind putting these in a vase and on the piano

-with something under the vase?

-Yes, ma'am.

-I'll be off.

-I'll get something to eat at the hospital.

-Say hello to Jack for me.

-Try not to cause too much trouble.

-SHE CHUCKLES

Elizabeth.

-It's been so long.

-Olivia. How's our little fellow?

-I've so missed his smiles.

-George is sleeping.

-Ah.

He's not still keeping you awake at night, is he?

-No, no, he's much improved.

-Ah.

Now, I saw the other maids cleaning out the groundsman's quarters.

I'm assuming the artist fellow has left.

-I'd very much like to view the portrait.

-Ah.

We had to ask him to leave.

The portrait was thoroughly unsuitable, I'm afraid.

Oh.

Oh, well, I can't say I'm surprised. He is a friend of Carolyn's

and her taste does tend toward the avant-garde.

-Well, yes.

-Where's James?

-He's in Sydney.

-And when's he due back?

-Today or tomorrow.

Well, let's hope it's today.

You might as well stay.

-"Might as well"?

-SHE LAUGHS

Well, you've got to come back for the christening anyway.

Such a romantic proposition. How can I say no?

You know I'd love to, Jack, but I have a meeting with Sir Richard.

-What was that look?

-No look.

-I'm trying to convince him

to profile some of the newer, more experimental artists.

Well, if anyone can convince him of that, you can.

-With my devious, feminine wiles?

-Well, not so devious.

Are you saying I'm tactless and gauche, Dr Duncan?

You are a thoroughly modern woman, Carolyn,

but Sir Richard's an old-fashioned bloke.

Sir Richard is a pussycat. I can handle him.

But I promise I will be careful if you promise not to be jealous.

-Jealous?

-Mm.

-With this money, power and influence?

SHE LAUGHS Besides,

I've got something he doesn't have.

-You old Romeo, you.

-HE CHUCKLES

-KNOCK AT DOOR

-Excuse me, Mr Bligh.

Mr Briggs is here and asking to see you.

Don't mean to be a bother, Mr Bligh, if it's not a good time.

Course not, Roy. Come in.

I take it by the look on your face you don't want one.

Oh, don't go putting words in my mouth, Mr Bligh.

I see you're back from the big smoke,

so I thought now would be as good a time as any to catch up.

Cheers. I've done just as you asked.

I've spoken to most of the farmers hereabouts,

and I can guarantee you their support,

especially when it comes to that rotten coal mine.

Roy, I appreciate everything you've done for me. I do.

-But I've decided not to run after all.

-Come again?

-I've withdrawn my candidacy.

-But you were a dead cert, Mr Bligh.

There are no guarantees in life.

People round here are counting on you.

They'll have to count on somebody else.

When you spoke, you got everyone all excited for a change.

I'm sure the party will find a better representative than me.

-Who? There's none better.

-Perhaps you could run.

I thought the Blighs were men of their word.

'Don't make me ashamed of you, George.

'I've paid the lady for her services.

'Don't insult her or me.

'George!'

George.

-Mother.

-Hello, George.

-How are you today?

-Well, thank you.

-Today will always be a day of reflection.

-Yes, indeed.

Can I organise someone to take you to father's grave?

No, I can make my own arrangements, thank you.

-Why is James not here?

-He and Olivia had an argument.

Now, I didn't pry, and I trust you won't either.

-I should tell you I've withdrawn from

-pre-selection. Oh...

Please, Mother, spare me the lecture and queen and country.

George, what possible reason...?

-Has this to do with Sarah?

-Why on earth would it?

Mrs Nordmann's concerned with her sick husband.

Probably will be for the rest of her life.

HORSE WHINNIES

It's not what it looks like.

-Oh, is this the new farm hand?

-I'm going to keep Stardust here

so that I don't have to keep going back to Ash Park.

You were right. It'll save me an hour a day.

Oh, no, you're not thinking like a farmer.

Well, forgive me, but that's probably because

I haven't been doing it for very long.

-Where are you going?

-To put her in the shed.

-The shed's full of hay.

-Well, then, we'll have to move it.

No, she stays in the paddock with a blanket.

Gino, I'm trying to solve our problems

-by finding more hours in the day.

-And you brought the problem here.

Why are you being like this?

It's a horse for a mansion, not a farmer's horse.

Well, you didn't marry a farmer.

You married me, and I'm doing my best.

Don't you remember what you said to me?

You said that you don't want me to be like your mamma.

Not tied to the kitchen sink in an apron

working my fingers to the bone.

-But somehow, I think that is exactly what you want.

-No, I don't.

When the hay is sold, I'll put her in the shed.

It's getting cold at night.

-My dear James.

-Reggie.

You received my message.

Please, sit.

I want you to know that,

no matter what choices you've made in your life,

I will never stop supporting you.

Having never been blessed with children of my own,

my dear sister wanted me to think of you as a son.

And I do.

Well, that's exactly what I said to him.

No, I want you to talk to him, make him see some sense.

-What are you doing here?

-We have a meeting scheduled.

Sorry, but I'm too busy to talk about art right now.

I'm trying to sort out this brouhaha your brother's made.

George? What's he done?

Oh, nothing for you to worry about. I'm dealing with it.

Well, when you've dealt with it,

perhaps you'll take the time to read my proposal.

I haven't got the time to read anything.

Not even my own newspaper.

So, when will you? I'd like to discuss my ideas with you.

We'll have to find time outside office hours

to talk about your ideas.

Perhaps tonight, I'll drop by your place.

I make a mean martini. PHONE RINGS

-Perhaps.

-Bennett.

Of course I know. Who do you think told him?

He broke the news to me today at the club.

He didn't give me a reason, did he?

They're not bothered. Was worth a pinch of salt, hmm?

We had an argument. We both said some things.

-I had to leave.

-Is there anything I can do?

-No.

Thank you, Reggie, but...Olivia and I...

..our relationship is complicated.

I know what it's like to be judged for not conforming to convention.

You deserve true happiness.

That's why I can't return to Ash Park, Reggie.

You must. You must.

For your wife and child.

You can live any life you choose,

but that doesn't mean you can forsake your responsibilities.

You sound just like a friend of mine.

It takes courage, James.

And even a courageous man needs a shoulder to lean on.

Let me be that shoulder.

MOANING

Get out. I said, "Get out!"

That...that's disgusting.

You're disgusting.

Hit me back.

I said, "Hit me!" Be a man!

Hit me, George. Come on!

HORSE WHINNIES

KNOCK AT DOOR

-Elizabeth.

-I heard your husband's in hospital again.

I'm so sorry. I thought I'd come and see how you're bearing up.

I'm sure Rene believes he'll practise again.

Go back to being a surgeon?

-I imagine he was a very good one.

-He was brilliant.

No matter how dreadful the conditions of surgery,

he'd just improvise his way through it.

People were in awe of him.

-A remarkable man.

-He was.

Surely, he can be again.

Not without this operation, Elizabeth, which could kill him.

Or cure him.

Is it selfish of me to deny him this opportunity?

Oh, my dear...

..all I know is that you will have given this

a great deal of serious thought.

-You've been so strong through all of this.

-I'm tired.

Tired of being strong.

In my experience, sometimes the strongest thing one can do

is to know when to relinquish control.

Easier said than done, though.

Especially when it involves the destiny of those we love.

-A scarf.

-Oh.

Now she probably has children of her own.

You are a fighter, my love.

Everything is chance.

What were the chances we would survive the war,

find each other again?

You've made your decision,

and I will honour it.

I'm sorry, lad.

Bligh.

He must've been thrown from his horse.

Father? Father?

I'm sorry.

Please, Father. Father!

Now, that is the perfect martini.

Almost makes up for your earlier rudeness.

SHE GIGGLES

Another one? SHE LAUGHS

For a Knight Commander, you're incorrigible.

I've been called a lot worse, mostly from my adoring wife.

Well, we mustn't drink too much. This is a business meeting.

Here's to business.

I want to write about what is happening in Sydney now,

not ten years ago. There's been a real invigoration with the arts

-with all the new migrants coming in.

-Not wogs and balts?

Also known as European immigrants, Sir Richard.

-Oh, enough of the "Sir Richard". Call me Dicky!

-Oh!

KNOCK AT DOOR

Excuse me.

Jack, what are you doing here?

Well, I came to town to brief the surgeon,

thought I'd spend the night.

-Oh, I...

-Not a good time?

-No, no. Come on in.

-What's he doing here?

-It's a business meeting.

Oh, so, this is the business meeting you were telling me about?

No, not exactly. Look, just give me half an hour to get rid of him.

-No, no, no, no. You take all the time you need.

-Jack.

-You promised to be careful.

-And you promised not to be jealous.

-Oh, so, there's something going on I should be jealous of, is there?

-No.

-Great.

-Jack!

Jack!

Why not?

Father...was not the man that he pretended to be.

All that talk of manliness...

..was a bloody charade.

-It was a lie.

-George, what are you talking about?

The day he died...

..I saw him in the stables.

He wasn't alone.

He was with another man.

I hoped you'd never find out.

You knew?

I'm so sorry.

Well, you of all people have nothing to apologise for.

He killed himself because of me.

I...

I confronted him. I...

I said he was disgusting.

Your father fell from his horse.

-It was an accident.

-It wasn't an accident!

George, your father's death had nothing to do with you.

Oh, I can't believe you've carried this burden all these years.

It had everything to do with his own demons.

He was a man who loathed himself.

I was never good enough for him. I was never manly enough.

I was a failure in his eyes.

George, that's not true.

Your father loved you very much.

He was so hard on you because he was the weak one.

You're not him, George.

George, none of this is your fault. None of it.

I made a decision years ago that none of this would be spoken of.

And I was wrong.

Can you forgive me?

So many secrets.

Yes.

Ah-ah-ah. Mm-mm. No more.

-Oh, hey.

-No, not until you've done what you came here to do.

I didn't come here to read some proposal, sweetheart.

Fine. We will discuss it like grown-ups, then.

Didn't come here to talk about art either.

I couldn't give two hoots about bloody art.

-Oh! Well, then this meeting is over.

-You're a beautiful woman, Carolyn.

Oh, don't be a boor.

HE LAUGHS Who are you calling a boor?

-I think I've had enough gin.

-SHE LAUGHS

Whoa, I think you've had enough too, Dicky.

-I like a forceful woman.

-Mm.

Believe it or not, sycophants make me sick.

Now, I want you to pretend you're my equal.

-Well, I am your equal.

-That's a girl.

-Sir Richard, please.

-Actually, you're all woman

and you're driving me crazy.

-HE LAUGHS

-I want you to leave.

Don't pretend this isn't exactly what you want.

You've been playing games with me for weeks.

Come on. Give me a kiss.

No. No.

Oh! You're a real firecracker, aren't you?

Ah. Ah! Let me go.

Ah! I said no.

Ah! Ah.

No-one says no to me. SHE SOBS

I must have slept in. Why didn't you wake me?

Do you want some breakfast?

The vines, they're not growing like they should.

-Gino, what do you mean?

-They should look healthier.

-There was a frost this morning.

-Frost?

Yeah. A frost can kill the baby vines.

We should have planted earlier.

Every day, bella, I look in that corner

and I think, "That's where the winery will go."

Darling, it will. It'll just...it'll take some time.

I better put an extra blanket on Stardust. She might get a chill.

-Forget the horse. Get dressed and help me.

-Gino!

Anna, the vines are our future. That horse is just a pet.

You were wrong about me.

I'm going to be the man you never were.

SHE GASPS

Ah.

SHE SIGHS There you are.

-KNOCK AT DOOR

-Coming.

This is a surprise.

-May I come in?

-Of course.

Hospital's buzzing with the news.

-Rene Nordmann going to Sydney.

-That's right.

-Ooh.

-HE LAUGHS

-What the hell was that?

-I'm sorry.

About last night, that was my fault.

I was a bloody idiot.

I hate it when we fight.

I'm sorry for what I said.

-KNOCK AT DOOR

-Dr Duncan, Mrs Steadman.

-Um...

-I'll let you get back to work.

SHE SOBS

-Morning.

-Good morning.

-Thank you for the invitation.

-Please.

A morning swim followed by breakfast at The Australia Club.

I might have to join.

You'll need a member to nominate you.

I'm afraid they only allow in the best of the best.

I expect that rules me out, then.

I think you'll be in with a sporting chance.

HE CHUCKLES

-So, what are you going to do?

-Haven't decided.

Well, you know what I think.

For what it's worth, I agree with your fabulous aunt Reggie,

and not because she wormed her way into my heart

with a box of Montecristo cigars.

Henry, thank you for being such a good sport,

letting me ramble on about my own problems these last couple of days.

Oh.

I feel like I can talk to you like I can't talk to anyone else.

Well, talk is cheap, James. Actions matter.

Well, hello there. I expect you'd like to take my order.

The boys out front will take you to the station.

-Ah, Mrs Nordmann.

-Doris.

Your health and the health of your baby

is just as important as that of your husband's.

-Does anyone tell you what a wonderful job you do here?

-Oh!

SHE SOBS

-ON RADIO:

-'Ministry of Agriculture said beef prices are likely to rise.

'The Country Party has announced that Mr George Bligh

'will stand for pre-selection for the upcoming by-election

'for the seat of Inverness.'

It's good to hear it from the horse's mouth, George.

We'll talk soon.

Crisis averted.

Now it's time for you to get your skates on.

Do you want to marry him or not?

Gentlemen, I give you the best man

to represent the Country Party for Inverness,

Mr George Bligh.

-THEY TOAST

-Hear, hear!