Own Worst Enemy A Place to Call Home

Elizabeth Bligh, will you marry me?

Yes, I will.

Mrs Douglas Goddard.

ALL: Elizabeth.

In the Catholic Church, annulment is possible

under certain conditions.

It wouldn't just be because I can't have children.

You lied to me.

SHE SOBS

I do love you.

PRAYING IN HEBREW

David Bligh.

How could I love you and deny you that?

You stay right there.

Don't think I won't hurt him.

Give me the excuse.

See me committed - supplies my defence.

Not guilty by reason of insanity.

She's mentally unhinged.

Jack described it as megalomania.

A condition seeded years ago.

BAGPIPES PLAY

They shall not grow old as we that are left grow old.

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them.

ALL: Lest we forget.

LAST POST PLAYS

-RADIO:

-And now we shall observe a two-minute silence.

COUGHING

# Mad about the boy

# I know it's stupid to be mad about the boy

# I'm so ashamed... #

Guard.

Guard!

-Quiet.

-I need to see Dr Samuels as soon as possible.

Please.

CAR HORN TOOTS

You warmongers!

Bloody delinquent.

Just a dreadful boy. Who was that lass?

-I couldn't quite see.

-I'm not sure.

-Tea, Mr Fox?

-I'll have breakfast at the hospital.

-See that's posted with the other mail.

-Yes, sir.

-Come here.

-Not now, Ed.

I'm just saying that it was stupid.

-If they saw me...

-They were too busy looking at me.

..they'll tell Uncle Isaac.

HE IMPERSONATES BUGLE

He'll never believe that all we did was talk.

-I've got to go.

-You'll think about what I said?

You can do it.

Yeah, well, the little mongrel needs the riot act read.

-No respect.

-Not like when you were young, eh?

There were none of them shenanigans.

From what I hear you were a bit of a lad yourself.

Come on. Breakfast.

He is always worse when he's hungry.

-Yes.

-Man can't even have his say.

Once he's fed, he can.

She's got him well tamed.

Someone should give it to that kid.

I'm sure someone will.

George looks trapped.

-We can drop you if you like.

-I'll wait.

That Aboriginal fellow dashed off.

Guess we'll never know where they stand.

-At things like this?

-Sadly.

It changes from town to town.

Come on, mate, do us both a favour.

OK? One or the other. Over there, out of the way.

Is this more than it appears?

Anzac Day's got its share of drunks, but this one takes the cake for an early start.

Why don't you settle him on the bench?

-Respect the day, man.

-Hey, hey.

-I've got this.

-Call the police if he won't settle.

I'll pass that on to the Prime Minister.

The country's going to rack and ruin.

You can't legislate against youthful exuberance.

You should be able to for respect.

I'm sure Sister Nordmann agrees.

-I do.

-As I'm sure Mr Menzies will.

Indeed, indeed.

-Indeed.

-You know that boy, don't you?

-Larry Grey.

-Is he as bad as that would indicate?

Well, I hope not, for Isaac Gold's sake.

Sara.

The dawn service, of course. It explains the hour.

Well, we were passing and I know you're early risers.

I have something to ask Leah, to do with the women's clinic.

It's about one of her friends.

Women's matters, huh?

-In private, then?

-That would be best.

-We'll be seeing you tonight for Shabbos?

-Of course.

Tonight, George.

Leah, Mrs Nordmann is here.

Don't keep her waiting, be a good girl.

I just woke up. You're early.

I saw you. You're lucky Doris Collins didn't.

It's best discussed before tonight.

-Are you going to tell?

-Depends what answers I get.

It's nothing to do with you.

Your Aunt Miriam asked me to look after you.

I can look after myself.

So I assume you snuck out after your uncle fell asleep and Larry

was bringing you home. Yes?

It's because we're going. I won't see him for ages.

It was the first time.

-What were you doing?

-Not what you think!

I don't know what to think!

Does... Does Isaac know that you're seeing him?

He's not Jewish. Of course not.

I do know what I'm doing.

I see girls every day at the clinic who think they're in control

until they're not.

They end up with a child, a reputation or both.

-It'd break your uncle's heart.

-He's dragging me off to Israel!

-He's breaking mine!

-To meet family.

-I don't even know them!

-That's not the point, Leah.

So what? I stayed out.

I shouldn't have come back, then Uncle couldn't drag me off.

Tell him, if you like. I don't care.

Listen, there's no need to upset him,

if you promise you won't do it again.

I'll be on that boat before I get a chance.

I promise.

But it's not fair.

Losing your aunt was pain enough.

For both of you.

I'll hold you to that.

Off you go.

Thank you.

Ah, Gary. I thought we may not see you this year.

I hear you found employment.

Wouldn't miss this for quids, ma'am.

Well, it's a highlight of my calendar, too.

Enjoy your breakfast.

COUGHING

You really should get that seen to.

I'm all right. Morning air.

You think it's OK, him yelling like that?

To his generation, war is Russia and the A-bomb.

Glorifying it seems insane.

There'll be no winners in World War III.

No-one was glorifying anything.

It's respect. Another world war is more likely if we do forget.

That's how the younger generation sees it.

Only yahoos like him.

Oh, God.

We'll have the staff talking the way he's going.

We have Olivia's family wondering at the other end.

Friends write to friends.

Almost every day.

He addresses it Mr and Mrs.

At worst they'll think he has a crush on her.

Or they'll work it out.

We don't need a new head of surgery with that reputation.

-Jack!

-I'll be glad when his quarters are done and he'll be gone.

TYPING

-You're keen.

-I thought of a passage.

-There's coffee.

-Let's see.

When I'm finished - the book, not the passage.

Which is when? You keep avoiding the question.

It's not coming as well as I'd like.

The publisher has a right to chivvy.

-Top up?

-Please.

And your lover has a right to a kiss.

Tell David I love him and not to torment the cats.

-I used to tease animals at his age.

-Then he's his father's son.

I should be finished by mid-afternoon.

-What happened?

-He's drunk as a skunk.

-He's sleeping it off.

-I saw him at the dawn service,

he seemed quite sober.

Hello, sir?

Hello?

Is everything...

All right, I'm going to need some help here.

-Mr Fox said to leave him.

-Mr Fox was wrong.

Quickly!

I'm just going to take you inside, all right?

Get his head, get his head.

Here we go. One, two, three, up.

-Is room two free?

-Yes.

-I told her.

-We have better uses for the bed, Sister.

He can sober up outside.

He's going into a diabetic coma.

I need IV fluids set up immediately and urgent bloods to check his glucose levels.

-Sister, we...

-You'd have seen it if you'd bothered to look,

doctor on duty.

-I think...

-Which you might have if he were white.

Now, Valda.

KNOCK AT DOOR Come.

Oh.

Can you close the door?

We're beyond the need for such caution.

-One would hope.

-Please take a seat.

Thank you for making me a priority.

-I've had a breakthrough.

-Yes?

I was tidying my room this morning, humming.

I suddenly realised what...

Mad About The Boy.

You'll find it somewhere in your notes.

It was my sister's favourite song.

I'd feel fury whenever I heard it.

It reminded you of her?

Elaine and George danced to it the night he proposed.

Our song, she called it.

And this morning?

I found myself humming it...

..and feeling nothing.

Surely that's significant.

One could think so.

It made me review a lot of things, like the word "Jew".

-Ah.

-And Sarah.

I tested them on my tongue.

-This morning?

-After registering the song.

-And?

They didn't taste of hate.

They didn't taste at all.

They're simply words.

I've made a decision.

Yes?

I know you'll be pleased.

Daddy!

Oh, you cheeky monkey!

-Has he behaved himself?

-Yes, sir.

Mummy says that she loves you but you have to stop teasing the cats.

-Where is she?

-Oh, she's very busy.

She had to start work early this morning.

-She told you that last night, remember?

-No.

You were probably too busy teasing the cats.

George! Telephone.

You will want to take this.

I see.

Yes, I... I understand.

I can't get away today.

I'll come tomorrow. Expect me late morning.

Thank you, Doctor.

Nothing for three years.

You've made it perfectly clear you want no contact with Regina.

She's finally offering a divorce.

And she wants to see me.

She's made significant strides, according to her doctor.

-If she shoulders the blame...

-She could be up to her old tricks.

After nothing for so long? Why now?

Then you'll see her?

If Sarah agrees.

Agrees to what?

It's a wonder you're not flying with those ears.

Flap, flap, flap.

I'll risk it.

With her blessing.

No nurse speaks to me like that in my own hospital, no matter who she is.

-Your hospital?

-Yes.

I head surgery, you head general. We liaise as a courtesy.

Those were the conditions under which I accepted the post.

You accepted to be near James.

It was a professional choice with clear terms attached.

We've been tiptoeing around the issue since I arrived.

-Best we face it.

-We can sort that out later.

It's fair to assume Sarah spoke in the heat of the moment.

KNOCK AT DOOR

Yes.

You asked to see me?

How's the patient?

Stabilised.

His blood glucose level was low, caused by severe dehydration.

He skipped breakfast to attend the service.

He was lucky that we caught it in time.

His symptoms were easily confused with inebriation.

-It might have been best if I'd checked.

-Yes. But you made an assumption.

Henry didn't appreciate your tone earlier.

Mr Fox.

Had anyone else snarled at me like that, they'd already be suffering the consequences.

I'll overlook it this time,

but any suggestion of racial prejudice will result in disciplinary action.

Now I'm sure that you expect to be treated as I would treat

any other nurse.

Thank you, Sister.

He's like two different men.

Henry at home and Mr Fox here.

Surgeons. God complex.

They're all sticklers.

Can't be easy for him,

having James leave as soon as he uprooted to be here.

We've been making excuses since he arrived.

Because we like him.

I've never been as keen as others.

Less now he's showing his hand.

This happened before.

I should have paid more attention.

Old black fella, drunk. It goes together right.

I don't recall thinking that.

It helps the conscience not to.

Monitor your condition more closely in future.

It's trying to warm up. It was freezing earlier.

-The service went well?

-Yes.

It was wonderful to see them feeling so proud.

Saint Elizabeth, the patron saint of damaged veterans.

They do have a tendency to idealise me.

Perish the thought you might deserve it!

If anyone's a saint, it's Douglas.

And you, my darling, you've been conspicuous by your absence these

-last few weeks.

-It's a beautiful teapot.

From Morocco.

You're working hard?

I'm finding the second book a struggle, to tell you the truth.

The curse of a bestseller.

-One must follow it.

-The sophomore dilemma.

What about your bottom drawer?

Not House Of Lies, obviously, but your first novel.

-Tender Vines?

-Yeah, the dago experience is in vogue

thanks to They're A Weird Mob.

I thought about it, but...

..it contains too much Gino.

It's too painful to revisit.

So where does that leave you?

Oh. Single divorcee with writer's block and a publisher who believes

she is much further on with her second book than she is.

Consider Tender Vines.

It might help to heal wounds too long in healing.

No sign of him and no idea where he might have gone.

-No-one took his details?

-Well, they were about to when they discovered he'd disappeared.

At least he's stabilised.

He needs monitoring. With his blood pressure and glucose levels he

-could lapse into a coma any time.

-I'll ask around.

-Make it a priority.

-Anything?

-No.

I want you to know that we resolved our misunderstandings.

Whatever his reason for leaving, it had nothing to do with me.

I'm not sure such misunderstandings are so easily resolved, Mr Fox.

You have a lot to learn about country hospitals.

I'm due in theatre.

-Don't prod the lion.

-Well, after what you told me,

it establishes where my loyalties lie.

Elbows off the table. There we go.

Would you like to join me?

-Of course. Go to Dad. There we go.

-That's the boy.

PRAYING IN HEBREW

BOTH: Good Shabbos.

Good Shabbos.

ALL: Good Shabbos.

Having to light the candles because she refuses must hurt him.

He was almost too ashamed to ask me to join him.

You're welcome to our rituals. It's important.

You think it's connected to Miriam's death?

Only partly.

For years she was separated with the TB and...

..now she wants to fit in. Add hormones to that.

A nightcap, I think.

You?

Brandy. Thank you.

Drinking alone depresses me.

Can't be easy for you.

Stuck down here.

I make the occasional dash to the city for a top-up.

With my job's filthy hours... Thank you.

I didn't mean that to sound patronising.

No. No, it's realistic.

-I fill mine as best can. Chin-chin.

-Cheers.

Not always successfully.

Jack told me about today.

My brief is specific -

to create a modern surgical facility.

Jack's hospital meanders along in the past.

As does Inverness.

Well, perhaps both need dragging into the future.

Kicking and screaming.

I support my husband.

As James would me, if he were here.

You must be missing him.

Do you really see this charade as necessary?

It will help Olivia announce their divorce without too many

awkward questions arising.

Her father loathes homosexuals.

Ironic, given his son.

All the more reason for James to go and play the errant husband with the

roving eye for the ladies.

Well, him leaving his wife caused enough conjecture.

I have a point about the hospital.

I don't see why he's so resistant to change.

Goodnight.

Goodnight.

You're sure you're comfortable with my seeing Regina?

Well, we have to listen.

We can't make our choice unless you hear her out.

I have a knot in the pit of my stomach at the thought of it.

Rather you than me.

-I'll see you off in the morning.

-There's no need.

David will want to say goodbye.

Sleep well.

You, too.

KNOCKING

Shh.

-I had to see you.

-She didn't tell.

Have you thought about what I said?

I can't.

-He can't take you away if you're not here.

-Where would I go?

Anyway, I... I promised.

I've got a spot. I'd hide you, you'd be safe.

We can do it.

OK, tomorrow.

I'll bring you back a present.

An elephant?

We'll see.

-Good luck.

-For mother.

From Cook. Give her our love.

Shall do.

Drive carefully.

-Bye-bye.

-Bye-bye.

Nervous?

It's a good thing.

On the face of it.

When could Regina ever be taken at face value?

HORN BEEPS

Can you go with Auntie Carolyn?

Come on. Race you.

Got a beady on your bloke late last night.

Moved here about a week ago into old Tommo's shack.

OK, let's go.

Move over there, old mate.

Mr Gibbs?

Hello?

Mr Gibbs, are you there?

In for a penny.

Frank? Frank!

Hey! Frank!

-Is he dead?

-No, he's unconscious.

Can you bring the truck further up?

-That's it, Frank. Good.

-Strewth.

Focus on the sound of my voice, all right? OK.

Just putting you down.

I need you to swallow this, mate.

Here we go. That's it. Swallow it down. That's it.

OK, come here. That's it. That's it.

I must look drab.

Grooming in here consists of a comb and lipstick, if one is lucky.

Oh, it's my natural colour.

It supports my need to change, don't you think?

As long as you are well.

I work to regain my sanity.

I hope you succeed.

It's why the courts put me here.

She is making great progress.

I trust the family is well.

They are.

Your son?

He's a fine boy.

I regret my actions there.

But that's not why you're here.

Given that neither of us deserted the other,

such desertion is no grounds for divorce.

Ours can only come with blame - either mine or yours.

Should you take it, Sarah and David will be dragged through the mire of

open court. Should I, however...

..what reputation have I to lose?

I no longer derive pleasure from denying you your future.

I will accept full blame.

This is a huge breakthrough for Mrs Bligh.

It's progress we've worked hard to achieve.

Given past manipulations, you're...

..dubious, naturally.

It's no ruse.

It's no attempt to re-enter your life.

Let me pave the way for you to be the father and husband you wish to be.

I'm sure it will aid a further term in parliament, too.

Convey my regrets to all.

I will consider your offer.

Will you come back and tell me in person?

In your own time. Others are involved, I understand.

Bravo.

Help him understand.

How do you know she's not manipulating both of us?

She's been here three years.

The past year in my care.

You last saw her at her trial.

Trust me to know what she's become.

I will need time.

THEY TALK QUIETLY

Thank you.

Thank you.

-Sister.

-Yes, Doris?

I imagined the rear veranda.

For?

Some may feel uncomfortable.

-About?

-Sharing.

Mr Gibbs seems very comfortable.

-I meant...

-I know what you meant.

I speak of others, of course, not myself.

I have no problem with the Aboriginals.

I'm sure you don't.

Back amongst us.

That's twice you've saved me now..

I've earned the right to say "stay put" until you're discharged.

If you feel uncomfortable...

I'm used to it.

I imagine.

I've got to get back to the clinic, so you rest up.

I saw your paintings.

-Yes.

-They're lovely.

It's something I do when I don't have any jobs on.

Should they be left like that?

Inverness big on art thieves?

I'd hate for anything to happen to them.

-They'll be fine.

-I'll lock the place up as soon as I can manage a break.

Don't bother.

Better safe than sorry.

Seems like fine work.

Nurse...

Rest up.

Thanks again.

She's got five kids and she's got better things to do.

Mr O'Rourke, any lump in the breast should be examined by a doctor.

It's hardly even there, it's nothing.

He can decide that.

Look, just scratch out her name, all right?

-She won't be coming in.

-SHE made the appointment, SHE should cancel it.

-Well, I'm her husband.

-And she will need your support.

Is there something wrong?

Yeah. This place.

Making mountains out of molehills.

Your Sheila's husband, aren't you?

Well, not that you'd know it with the weight Lady Muck's been.

A man has rights, you know?

They'll be cold comfort if the lump is serious and not seen to.

-It's hardly even a bump.

-But it's there.

Do you want her death on your conscience?

That's a low ruddy blow.

Another satisfied customer.

You'll let me know when Mrs Partridge arrives?

-She's moved to five. You've got a breather.

-Good.

-That is perfect timing.

-For?

I hope you won't mind me taking a look.

I don't see the harm.

You've got me intrigued.

What do you think?

I've seen a lot worse than this on exhibition.

He's only just arrived?

Tommo's away, I assume Frank knows him.

How un-Inverness.

-He's a good artist.

-Yes.

-Very much so.

-No.

-What?

Oh, my God.

You cannot take it.

That's a signed Namatjira.

-It looks authentic.

-Frank's a private man, it's not our business.

Let me at least photograph it.

His work, too. I have contacts.

Every artist wants exposure.

Well, you can ask him that when he gets out of hospital.

Who is he that he would have that?

He's a returned soldier with diabetes and, until he's discharged,

not to be pestered.

Agreed?

That's the same tone you used with Stan O'Rourke.

It made him snap to.

Well?

Agreed.

Did you like the dawn service?

Pretty good.

Till I started feeling a bit wonky.

You didn't have to stand apart like that.

You're welcome.

By some, maybe.

Same as here.

Just the way it is.

-You've been turned away?

-Not every RSO puts out a welcome mat.

A bullet can't tell the colour of your skin.

We took the same risks.

You tell it to some, Doc.

Jack.

I think I'll stick with Doc, if it's all the same to you.

Doc it is, then.

How'd Mrs Grace go?

Another hour, it would have been peritonitis.

How is he?

I'm keeping him in overnight to be sure.

No need to go in.

My attitude may have contributed to his leaving.

He doesn't need your guilt.

We have to find a way to work together.

We do.

But...it's not going to be by me compromising my standards.

And if you have to write to James so much, post them yourself.

It's getting obvious.

Hello. It's me.

Regarding Tender Vines.

Perhaps I've been wrong.

Let's talk about publication.

It is utter folly.

You'd be playing right into her hands.

-Watch your ticker.

-Oh, don't you talk to me about my medical condition.

-You could do with this.

-Thank you, Douglas.

Sure you don't want something stronger?

What I want is for George to show sense.

Of course you'd like to marry sooner, George, but at what cost?

The current arrangement seems to be working quite well.

There is an election coming up, remember.

I'd be guaranteed pre-selection if this was resolved.

There is nothing that is worth giving her the chance to walk free.

The verdict was not guilty by reason of insanity.

That is why she is locked up.

What Liz is worried about

is that this could help her prove her sanity.

-What if she really is recovered?

-Oh, not again, surely.

How many times can you be duped?

Steady on, Lizzie.

If you agree to this...

..you will rue the day. I'm telling you, we all will.

You think it's the right way to go?

George sounded convinced.

-At least we could move on from this limbo.

-It's done till now.

It allowed David to grow up near his father, but George in the house

and us in the cottage is hardly without its frustrations.

Elizabeth has a point.

Delivered in her best matriarch manner, apparently.

Poor George.

At least you're smiling.

I can't see her being released simply because of this.

I hope Carolyn didn't leave you in the lurch, dashing off like that.

No, her family needs her.

Yeah, her all-purpose excuse.

I think she just gets bored.

Everything OK?

We've been scrapping a lot lately.

-Excuse me, Doctor.

-I'll leave you to it.

Leah did not go to work.

I look at home. Clothes are missing.

Bag. She's run away.

"If we only lived in a world where Olivia's family could accept your

"loving a man who is now her dear friend.

"The role is forced on us by a ridiculous world that makes our love

"shameful and illegal.

"I feel lesser for your absence.

"Take as long as you need.

"All my love to Olivia. You're both missed.

"Henry."

I can post that for you, Mr Fox.

Thank you, Doris, but I need the air.

I've experienced prejudice myself.

So if I displayed any, it was unwitting.

And I apologise.

You?

In my own way, yes.

Well, that must have been tough.

Real tough.

HE CHUCKLES

What's that about?

Just the laugh I needed, Doc.

Jack, what the hell. You got me in a good mood!

The police are keeping an eye out.

They'll talk to Larry. I should have said something, I'm so sorry.

She is Jewish. She cannot deny that.

-What if they can't find her?

-We'll drive around ourselves.

And if we can't find her in time?

-This lad is such a...

-She says it's all innocent.

For how long?

How could I leave?

If we find her, you'll take her with you, of course.

If not, trust me, I will convince her to join you.

Next year in Jerusalem.

I might even bring her myself.

And David?

It's his heritage as well as hers.

Come.

RAISED ANGRY VOICES

You lied to me.

-What if someone comes?

-No-one comes here.

I'm scared.

It's all her stuff.

Who'd have thought loony Regina would ever do us a favour?

It still gives me the creeps.

Even if she is locked up.

Well, I'll stay.

As long as you like.

Go on, sit down.

Right, you... You just stay there, all right?

Just you wait.

# I will spend my whole life through loving you, loving you

# Winter, summer, springtime too, loving you, loving you

# Makes no difference where I go or what I do

# You know that I'll always be loving you. #

-I'll have Poppy prepare the guest room.

-No, there's no need.

I'm heading straight back.

I had to drop something off to a photographer.

-I'm glad you made time for us.

-Douglas!

Welcome.

HE COUGHS

So what's of such photographic importance?

I need some blow-ups for a meeting next week.

I think I have made a huge discovery.

Well, first things first.

-This business with Regina.

-I'm staying well out.

Well, none of us can afford to sit on the fence, Carolyn.

Someone has to talk sense into George.

I will if it's necessary.

I'm incredibly excited.

I may have stumbled across an original...

-Oh...

-Darling?

Douglas?

Water.

Darling, try to stay calm.

Just...

Just breathe. Just breathe.

-Carolyn!

-Coming.

Here, drink this.

Oh, God.

An ambulance. Quickly!

It's all right, it's all right.

Just breathe.

My niece's novel.

It was a great success.

I couldn't bring myself to read it until now.

And why is that?

I felt rage.

Today...

None.

Well?

Nothing as yet.

Try not to dwell on it.

-Patience.

-Its own reward.

Patience.

The doctors are trained not to be duped.

She's a mistress of duplicity.

Well, I'd rather be ruled by optimism than fear.

Fear can be a wise friend.

We've been resigned to this artificial arrangement for far too long.

I want us to stand proud as husband and wife.

As parents.

Sarah?

Isaac, Leah missing.

It's made me realise there's something we have to face.

It may mean there is no wedding.