I Know Where I'm Going

When Joan was only one year old,

she already knew where she was going.

Going right? Left? No, straight on.

When she was five, she was writing:

"Dear Father Christmas, I don't want a doll

"and I don't want a big red ball.

"What I want is a pair of silk stockings,

"and I mean silk, not artificial."

She was 12 before she got her first pair of silk stockings.

And they WERE artificial.

See? All the other girls are waiting to catch the bus.

Look at her. Here she comes, straight for the milkman.

Is she going to get a lift?

She is.

At 18, she's a working girl, and still knows what she wants.

A boy wants to take her to the movies twice a week if she lets him.

She would rather have dinner at the best hotel in town once a month.

There she is, that tall, skinny girl.

Will he take her? He will.

She's 25, and in one thing she's never changed.

She still knows where she's going.

-Good evening, Miss Webster!

-Good evening, Leon.

Hello, darling.

I thought you were spending your holiday at home.

Sorry, but you see me nearly every weekend. Did you bring my money?

Here you are.

£47.10s.9d. Sign the receipt and count the money.

-You don't mind my taking it all out?

-It's your money.

As your bank manager, I'd like you to leave the account open.

As your father... No, thank you.

-Have something! A sherry.

-The usual for you, Miss Webster?

Thank you.

-What do you mean, "The usual"?

-Gin and Dubonnet.

-You've no consideration for my position.

-Be reasonable.

All these girls here have fathers with positions.

But not bank managers.

Thank you, miss.

Darling...

Please stop being a bank manager for once.

Just be my father for tonight.

Joan, I've come all the way from Eccleshall.

I don't like being seen in such expensive places.

-Clients will say...

-Daddy! I'm going to be married.

What?!

-Your table, Miss Webster.

-Thank you, Fred.

Let's go in, darling. Bring your drink.

Diamond, eh? Who is he?

That's your works pass.

-You can't marry Consolidated Chemical Industries.

-Can't I?

There's no other name on this except your own and...

-You can't mean...

-I do.

Robert Bellinger is one of England's wealthiest!

Anything wrong with the soup, Miss?

We were talking. It's cold now. Will you take it away?

Look here, Joan. Stop acting.

You're not Lady Bellinger yet.

You'll come with me to the station?

-Tonight?

-I'm picking up the Scotch Express.

-Going to Glasgow?

-The Western Isles.

-Got your ticket? There'll be a queue.

-All arranged.

I'm going to an island called Kiloran.

It's in the Hebrides and it takes a day and a night to get there.

It's his island and we're going to be married there.

-Have you ever been there?

-Often.

-What?!

In my dreams. He's told me all about it.

There's an old house. The war's a million miles away.

There are the famous sands, and sheep and birds,

and grey Atlantic seals.

Bellinger must be nearly as old as I am.

And what's wrong with you, darling?

-Come on, Daddy, let's dance!

-No, Joan.

Come on, Daddy, you can dance. You taught me to dance!

Good evening, Hunter.

Good evening, Miss Webster. Follow me.

TRAIN ENGINE BUILDS UP STEAM

-I hope you will be comfortable.

-< Thanks, Mr Hunter.

-I prevented them putting you over the wheel.

-It's lovely.

-Tea in the morning?

-Please.

-We get in at 6:30.

-Shall I call you half an hour before?

-Yes, thank you.

-It was clever of you to get a sleeper.

-Sir Robert's orders, Miss.

-Not easy these days.

-We have our methods, sir.

-This is my father.

-How do you do?

Here is an itinerary I prepared at Sir Robert's wish. Please study it.

At Glasgow, change to Buchanan Street station.

Mr MacAllister, a director of the metalworks,

will meet you on arrival.

You arrive at Oban at 11:30.

-Just leaving, sir!

-Oh, bless me. Excuse me.

-Goodbye.

-Goodbye, Hunter.

-WHISTLE SHRILLS

-Goodbye, Daddy darling!

I'll be back in a week.

Goodbye, my darling. God bless you.

My best wishes for your future happiness.

Darling, don't worry about me! I know where I'm going!

# I know where I'm going

# And I know who's going with me

# I know who I love

# But the dear knows who I'll marry...

# Some say he's black

# But I say he's bonny

# The fairest o' them all

# My handsome, winsome Johnny

# I know where I'm going

# And I know who's going with me

# I know who I love

# But the dear knows who I'll marry... #

'You can't marry Consolidated Chemical Industries.'

'Can't I?'

Do you, Joan Webster,

take Consolidated Chemical Industries

-to be your lawful wedded husband?

-I do.

And do you, Consolidated Chemical Industries,

take Joan Webster to be your lawful wedded wife?

PARP!

Good evening, Lady Bellinger.

-TO THE RHYTHM OF THE TRAIN:

-Everything's arranged. Everything's arranged. Everything's arranged.

-Charged to your account, madam?

-13:50, 13:50, 13:50...

Madam looks divine!

-We'll send it, then. We'll send it, then.

-500 guineas! 500 guineas!

Lady Bellinger's car!

CHORUS OF VOICES: Charge it, charge it, charge it, charge it, charge it!

# You take the high road and I'll take the low road

# And I'll be in Scotland afore ye... #

Next station, Gretna Green.

You're over the border now.

-Glasgow Central!

-Oh! Yes?

There's a gentleman and the station master to meet you.

-Miss Webster?

-Yes.

-I'm MacAllister.

-How do you do?

-This is Mr Tinning.

-How do you do?

-A grand day.

-It is.

-Ye'll need all your time to get to Buchanan Street.

ENGINE STARTS PUFFING

Miss Webster?

I'm David MacBrayne's agent. It's a fine day.

-Miss Webster.

-How do you do, Captain?

-I had a letter about you. It's your first visit to the Isles?

-Yes.

It's a sublime day.

CRASH OF THUNDER

-Miss Webster?

-Yes?

-Get in quickly from the rain.

It's a pity about the day. An hour ago it was very pretty.

Ach, but it never stays fine for very long on the Isles.

-You'll get used to it. Are you for Kiloran?

-Yes.

-Is it far to Port Erraig?

-Quite a step if you walk.

Only 40 minutes if you have a car, and you have a car.

Port Erraig is yonder, behind the trees.

-The castle is the ancient home of the Maclaines.

-Where are they now?

In Erraig House, but they're all dead or in New Zealand.

-There is only Catriona Maclaine.

-Is anyone allowed in the castle?

-Anyone except the lairds of Kiloran. There's a curse on them.

-What for?

If they ever set foot across the threshold... It's a strong curse.

Co tha sin?

Hear ye!

I'd better go down.

-Will I take them for you?

-I can manage.

I'll wait. Ruairidh may not want to go to Kiloran in this weather.

My fiance's coming over to fetch me.

The rich gentleman in spectacles is your fiance?

-Te ur Steiniste Hotel. A thousand blessings on you both.

-Thank you.

But in a fog like this one coming,

-your fiance won't see better with six pairs of spectacles.

-Goodbye!

-Beannachd leat.

-BOTH AT ONCE:

-Good evening.

-No crossing today.

-Isn't that the boat from Kiloran?

-No.

And if she was, it's not today she'd be getting back.

That's the ferry boat. Pity you didn't keep Iain's car.

Why should I keep it?

-To go to Tobermory to spend the night.

-I'll spend it on Kiloran.

Would you like to wait up at The House? I know the people.

It's been arranged for the boat to meet me and I'd better be here.

Good.

It's the big house up the brae.

-Chi mi sa mhadainn thu, Ruairidh Mhor.

-Feasgar math a Chill Orain.

Bi faiceallach a Chill Orain.

Is it Gaelic you're talking?

Yes, m'lady. What would it be but the Gaelic?

-MOANING SOUND

-What's that noise?

-That would be the seals singing.

-The seals?

Yes, they like the warm, foggy weather.

If my boat doesn't come, will you take me?

No, I will not, m'lady.

"Port Erraig, 5:15pm.

"The motorboat from Kiloran will meet Miss Webster..."

Good evening.

I'm looking for The House.

You'll see a wee gate.

-Up the brae.

-Thank you.

Hello!

May I be the first to welcome you to these marble halls?

I was going down to get you. You've met the colonel.

My name's Barnstaple.

-The greatest hawk trainer...

-Falconer, Torquil!

-The greatest falconer in the Western Isles.

-In the world!

Catriona, our hostess, is out.

She's no idea we're here but she'll find a corner for us.

-Bless her. A grand girl!

-I've known her since childhood. Married an Englishman - Potts.

He's in the Middle East, kids are at boarding school. How's business?

Fair. I've got a new line.

Eagles. I've trained a golden eagle for seven months.

Hunting with it like a hawk?

Ha-ha! That's shaken you!

-I'd like to see it.

-I lost him four days ago.

-I haven't got him back.

-Where was he last?

-Gorrie's Leap.

I tried him with rabbits and he lost interest.

He disappeared off in a cloud.

Every day I'm after him, treading the mountain.

I'll get him back.

HOUNDS BAY

SHE WHISTLES

Catriona!

Here's the dear girl now!

Torquil!

Gaol mo chridhe!

Mrs Potts!

-Gur toilichte a tha mi d'fhaicinn.

-Rum stuff, this Gaelic.

Still got those half-starved hounds? How do you feed them?

We live off the country - rabbits, deer and stray hikers.

What do you expect me to do, eat them myself?

How's that for bone?

Look at that head.

Torquil, it's good of you to come and see an old bag like me.

-Hello.

-She's a fellow traveller to Kiloran.

I see. Ruairidh wouldn't take you over.

No, but I love you just the same.

I came over on the midday bus to see you.

-This is Miss...

-Webster.

-Miss Webster.

-How do you do?

Sorry I didn't see you before.

-You'll stay tonight?

-I don't want to be any trouble.

-It's no trouble!

I haven't heard any intelligent female nonsense for months.

Besides, there's nowhere else you could go.

You won't have to sleep on the floor. The men will.

I suppose you noticed the place was knocked about a bit.

Well, it did look a bit...bleak.

No wonder. I've only just got rid of the boys.

-What boys?

-The RAF, of course.

I've had them for two years. 80 of them.

Surely they'll compensate you?

They've been very fair about that.

Apart from trying to sell me their concrete foundations.

They'll pay a lump sum or do the place up after the war.

Which will you take?

That's the question, Torquil, my boy. Maclaine versus Potts.

-Up the Maclaines! Beatha no bas!

-Beatha no bas!

Will you have a dram?

-Certainly.

-Help yourselves. We'll get dinner.

Leave those rabbits alone.

The colonel says you're a dead shot these days.

I have a tip to improve your own shooting.

Scrounge some cartridges from the local controller.

Find a sitting rabbit. Take aim.

Say, "If I don't shoot this rabbit, I don't eat."

-You don't miss.

-And she doesn't.

-What's your other name?

-Joan.

Mine's Catriona.

Can you skin a rabbit?

-Slainte mhath.

-Bung-ho!

That's a queer girl.

-What do you know about girls?

-Not a thing.

-That's as much as I do.

Taming a woman must be worse than taming an eagle.

It can't be done, old boy. It can't be done.

-How's the war treated you?

-Not bad.

-I saw the world.

-Been home?

-Not in four years.

-Staying long?

-Eight days.

-Not much.

PANS CLATTER

There's two ways to skin a rabbit. I only know the wrong way.

Colonel, you're wanted.

On parade!

HE WHISTLES

Hear any bells, either of you?

I thought for a moment it was the old boy back again.

-Colonel!

-Right!

What did he think he heard?

His eagle.

A little odd, isn't he?

Who isn't?

Oh, it's Kiloran!

It looks huge.

Six inches to the mile.

If the wind gets up, it'll soon blow the fog away.

-Sounds as if it is.

-Are you staying long?

-A few days.

-Know anyone there?

-Mm-hm.

-It's a fine island.

-I know.

-Have you been before?

-No, but I've heard all about it.

-Do you know it well?

-I've known it for 29 years.

I shouldn't have thought you as old as that.

Four years older.

Are you staying on the island?

I've got eight days' leave. I want to spend it there.

Do you know Sir Robert Bellinger?

No, I've never met him.

Does he know you're going to Kiloran?

-No. Do YOU know him?

-Very well.

-Nice chap?

The nicest.

-I'd like to meet him.

-You will on a small island.

-It's not so small.

-I heard you can walk it in an hour and a half.

You can if you want. But there are better things to do.

-Such as?

-Shoot grouse, fish for salmon,

bathe in Kiloran Bay, picnic at Pig's Paradise.

-Where's that?

-On the north shore.

There's an eagle's eyrie there on Bein Breac.

-I promised to take the colonel.

-The colonel's going?

-He has a permit.

-So one does need one?

-In wartime for ordinary visitors.

-I'm staying at the factor's house.

-Is Kiloran House near the lake?

The loch, yes.

-A KNOCK AT THE DOOR

-Who is it?

-It's me.

I've just been outside. It's much clearer.

With luck we can cross in the morning.

-Thanks for telling me.

-See you in the morning.

-Good night.

You can see the trees now.

-In half an hour you'll be able to see the shore.

-I'll be asleep.

There's a grand view of Kiloran - the north-east end.

At sunrise, light shines on the bay. You see people walking about.

Have you a match or a lighter?

Thanks.

Thank you. Are you engaged?

Yes.

I'm going to be married on Kiloran.

It's an honour for Kiloran.

-May your pulse beat as your heart would wish.

-Thank you.

-Is it to be soon?

-Tomorrow, weather permitting.

-Any beams in your room?

-Yes, why?

Count them before you go to sleep and your wish will come true.

-Only the first night under the roof.

-Pity the people in modern houses.

-Good night.

-It doesn't work if you don't believe in it.

One...two...three...four...five...

Please, Lord, don't let the wind drop, and let it blow the fog away.

THE WIND HOWLS LOUDLY

STORM FORCE WINDS ROAR

Good morning, Miss Webster.

Good morning!

Your counting beams certainly worked.

But you wished too hard.

-What's the matter?

-We had a gale warning.

What will that mean?

Ruairidh Mhor will tell you.

How long will the gale last?

-Just as long as the wind blows, m'lady.

-It could be a day or a week.

It looks so near. In half an hour we could be there.

In a second you could get from this world to the next.

-Can I speak to the island?

-By radio, from the coastguard.

-Can civilians still use it?

-Yes.

-Where is the coastguard post?

-Tobermory.

-Can we get a car?

-We can go by bus.

Ruairidh, we'll be at the Western Isles Hotel.

-We're a bit of a strain on Catriona's household.

-Of course.

All right, then. Breakfast?

Cheer up.

I'm all right.

WATERFALL ROARS IN TORRENTS

-It's very difficult.

-It's crazy!

-It was a compromise.

-The Post Office wanted it up the hill, Catriona down below.

-Why here?

It was a dry summer when they put it here, but when it rains... Hello?

-It's all right, you have a big room.

-What about YOU?

-I have a small one.

My chance to see the castle. You must have been inside lots.

-No.

-Haven't you really?

Are you coming in now?

-I don't think so.

-You needn't be afraid of the curse on the castle.

-What have you heard about that?

-I know it's on the lairds of Kiloran.

I don't know if the future wives of the lairds are involved.

But I'll risk it.

Coming?

I'd better introduce myself.

I am MacNeil of Kiloran.

And I am the Laird of Kiloran.

Sir Robert Bellinger has only rented it for the duration.

I see.

It's not much different. It's his for the time being.

Are you afraid?

My father never entered the castle, nor my grandfather or his father.

Nor will I.

How can you stand it? Aren't you curious?

No, it's always been like that.

Shall we go?

Excuse me, sir. Are you not MacNeil of Kiloran?

-Yes.

-Bha thu ceart a Sheumais.

I knew you when you were a boy. I knew your father.

My wife is from the island. From Raisbuie.

-Katie Clark.

-Katie Clark?

Then you're John MacAllister.

Yes. You have your father's memory.

Are you back for good, Kiloran?

-Only a week's leave.

-Oh, dear.

-But it won't be long.

How is everybody on Kiloran?

Well, now...

They're fine. They're very fine.

My son was telling me about the rich man on Kiloran.

Him that is your tenant - like a little king, he is.

My wife's second cousin, Hector MacCodrum,

was working up there the entire spring on a swimming pond for him.

-A swimming pool?

-A dhuine, a dhuine, what foolishness!

And the whole wide open sea to be swimming in!

-And the loch.

-Money spent is money earned.

My wife's second cousin was not complaining.

Peat does not fall from an empty creel.

He has no care of money, the rich man of Kiloran.

He brings salmon from the mainland. These waters are full of them!

Who fishes for salmon on Kiloran?

But who would, when there's no-one to buy?

He has to buy before anyone will fish.

THEY LAUGH

Chan eil cuileagan air Cill Orain.

But can he no' fish for himself?

No. He has the finest tackle from Glasgow,

but the fish don't know him.

Yes, yes.

The fish do not know him.

What are all the guns for?

We're losing lambs. An eagle's been seen. A golden eagle.

-I could hardly wish them good hunting.

-Hardly.

-You didn't mind what they said?

-It was nonsense.

Why not build a swimming pool? I like them.

-It's a matter of taste.

-Exactly.

I also call the fishmonger if I want salmon,

instead of wading knee-deep in water for them.

-Really?

-Really.

It's the second-biggest whirlpool in Europe. It lies just off Scarba.

Corry means cauldron, or whirlpool.

Breacan was a prince of Norway.

-He sought to marry the daughter of the Lord of the Isles.

-Hulloo!

Hulloo, Pole Star. Hulloo, Pole Star. Hulloo!

The Lord of the Isles refused to give away his daughter...

Because he was a Scotsman.

..except on one condition.

Prince Breacan must anchor his galley in Corryvreckan

for three days and nights.

The catch was that he thought he'd be drowned.

It's terrible when the tide's running, whirlpools form,

and you can hear the roar for miles.

I bet he anchored, though.

What he did was to go straight back to Norway.

He asked the old men, and they told him to take three anchor ropes.

One of hemp, one of...

-Flax.

-Flax. Thank you, Mrs Beaton.

And you'll know well what the third rope was made of.

The third rope was made of the hair of maidens

who are faithful to their lovers.

-Go on.

-The maidens gave their tresses and Prince Breacan sailed.

The first night the hemp rope broke, the second night the flax rope did.

The third rope held fast.

-The third night...

-'Hello, Tobermory. Hello, Tobermory.

'Isle of Kiloran speaking. Isle of Kiloran speaking. Over to you.'

Hello, Kiloran. Hello, Kiloran.

Tobermory speaking. Tobermory speaking.

Miss Webster's here to talk to Sir Robert Bellinger.

Stand by, please. Stand by, please.

In there, my dear.

Hello... Robert.

Joan speaking.

I'm here in Tobermory. I had a very good journey.

Isn't it a shame about the weather?

If you want Sir Robert to answer, say, "Over to you."

Over to you.

'Hello, my dear. Robert speaking.

'I'm glad to hear your voice, at any rate.

'We're all ready and waiting here.

'Cartier delivered the ring, I hope. I hope you like it.

'I take it Hunter saw you off? Over.'

Of course, Robert. Everything was lovely.

What's wrong with your voice? Have you a cold?

'Hello. No, no, I haven't got a cold. Do I sound as if I had?

'Have you got a pencil? Write down a telephone number.

'2-3-6. 236, have you got it?

'It's the Robinsons' number, they've rented the castle at Sorne.

'Robinson's done a lot of work for me, he's the best.

'So's his wife. They're the only people worth knowing.

'They'll be glad to put you up.

'I'll be over to fetch you as soon as the gale blows out. Over.'

I'll phone them, but I'd rather stay in a hotel.

You don't mind, do you? Over.

'Right, my treasure. Do just as you like.

'Joan, Major Foster, MacNeil's factor, is here.

'He wants to talk to Mr MacNeil. Is he there?

'I thought he was in the army. Over.'

Hello, Robert. He's here, and he's in the navy.

Well, goodbye... Robert.

I hope to see you tomorrow. Over.

'Cheerio, my pet.

'It'll be a quiet wedding.'

HE CHUCKLES

'But full of surprises, I promise you. Chin up!

'You can always ring 2-3-6.

'This gale can't blow for ever. Goodbye. Goodbye.

'Go ahead, Foster.'

'Foster speaking. Hello, Kiloran.

'Good to hear you're back, even if stuck in Tobermory.

'Is there anything you want done? Over.'

Hello, Foster. I expect the trout to jump into the creels,

and the game to perch on the end of your gun.

I'm longing to talk things over.

'Slan leibh a Chill Orain. Goodbye, Tobermory. Over.'

Goodbye, Kiloran. Goodbye, Kiloran.

-How much is that, Mrs Beaton?

-It's ninepence each.

-Thank you.

-I'll not can change that for you.

-Here you are.

-I'll pay you back at the hotel.

She wouldn't see a pound note from one day to another.

-Are people here very poor?

-No, they just haven't got money.

-It's the same thing.

-No, it's quite different.

Any messages?

-No, Mr MacNeil.

-Shall we go in?

Mr MacNeil...

Yes?

-I want to ask you something.

-Anything.

Do you mind if we sit at separate tables?

-You do understand, don't you?

-Of course I don't mind.

-We are strangers, not introduced.

-You understand why I ask?

You're the most proper young lady I've met.

I take that as a compliment.

Please, God...

Please let the gale drop.

I must get over to the island tomorrow.

You know that I must.

It's blowing great guns!

The wind's shifting all the time, from south-west to north-west today!

Where is it now?

Blowing from every point of the compass!

If it settles in the north-west... But you know all that.

Poor beggar! I bet you're fed up to the gills.

I'm a patient man. I can wait.

Listen, Colonel, you'll get into trouble.

Eh? Blast the waterfall!

Speak up, there's a good chap!

What?

Big bird, my foot! It's my eagle!

That's what I mean. They're after it with shotguns.

Ignorant clods! If they touch a feather, I'll gore 'em!

I christened him Torquil. You don't mind, do you?

-He reminds me of you.

-Thanks... What?

As to this outrageous accusation, I shall refute it!

If lambs are gone, it's a fox or a wildcat.

-I don't know...

-Village bumpkins believe eagles carry off children

with satchels on their backs.

Absolute poppycock!

Don't do anything rash. Ring tomorrow.

Hello, Peggy.

It's an awful pretty day, Kiloran.

It is. Is Miss Webster about?

-She's away.

-Away? Where?

She was away in Iain Joseph's car before eight o'clock.

She went to Erraig, then came back.

She used the telephone, and was away in the car again.

The family will be down in a moment, madam.

What's your name?

- Morning, miss. - Who's she? - Miss Webster's to see Mrs Roberts.

Can I offer you anything, Miss Webster?

-No, I've had breakfast.

-Are you Joan Webster?

-Yes.

-Aren't you marrying Sir Robert Bellinger?

-Yes. Do you mind?

-I don't mind.

He's rich, isn't he?

-Well, I haven't counted his money.

-Are YOU rich?

No.

Can I have the afternoon off? Martin, I'm playing bridge with Mrs Crozier.

MARTIN: So it's all right. MADAM: What do you mean?

I wanted to spend the evening at Achnacroish. What do you mean?

Did Mrs Crozier ask you to make a four? I'm invited by her head gardener.

There's a ceilidh for his diamond wedding.

Fancy being married to you, Adam, for 60 years!

All right. We leave at four... Adam!

Isn't Robert having breakfast with us?

No, I said Robert's fiancee was coming.

This is wonderful!

My dear, we'll be such friends.

That man woke me and mumbled something.

If I'd known you were here, I'd have been down.

- What's your name? It'll soon be Lady Bellinger. - Her name's Joan Webster.

You know everything.

You're stranded. Have you brought your luggage?

-Open a guest chamber for the future Lady Bellinger.

-Really, I...

I'm one of Robert's oldest friends, and you'll become his wife.

Let's have a look at you. Oh, yes. You'll pass. With honours.

That reminds me, we need a fourth at bridge.

We going this afternoon to old Rebecca Crozier's.

-Do you play?

-No.

-Oh, this generation!

Cheril plays, but we're not in her class.

She says we play a stingy game.

Ooh, fairy stories at breakfast.

Are you coming with us to see Auntie Crozier? It depends.

That's too bad of you! You promised! Daddy's a witness.

Well, how are you, my dears? Come in. Come in.

Rebecca, you look wonderful! Murdoch, light the lamp.

I'm sorry to have kept you standing in the wind.

Cheril.

-Who is this charming lady?

-She's marrying Robert.

I congratulate him.

How do you do?

Put down your things, everybody.

MRS ROBERTS: How can you manage with three people in Achnacroish?

Guests give so much work.

REBECCA: Not MY guests, my dear.

Torquil, my friends have taken Sorne.

The English Family Robinson.

-This is Joan Webster.

-How do you do?

-How do you do?

-I hope you have a long leave.

-Six more days.

-It's far enough from the war here.

-Anything else, ma'am?

No, thank you, Murdoch.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and half for the little one.

Torquil, this lady will be mistress of your house for the duration. PLATE CLATTERS

I hope you'll be happy there.

-I shall be.

-Are you owner of Kiloran?

Really? How interesting!

We nearly took Kiloran ourselves, but we found it a little expensive.

Your agent asked an enormous rent for it.

That's the only income I get from it.

For three years' rent, I can live there for six.

-That's Highland economics.

-Cream?

-Yes, please.

If I let my house, I'd never live to enjoy the money.

You'll outlive us all. Achnacroish breeds Methuselahs. Look at Campbell.

Your gardener who's giving the ceilidh? A diamond wedding - a start on you.

-I'll catch up.

-I shall put in an appearance.

But bridge first.

Bridge first.

-Ever seen any Highland dancing?

-Never.

You should see our Oban gathering in peacetime.

It's not so famous as Braemar or Inverness. But it has a quality.

-You came through Oban?

-Yes, that lovely harbour and green island.

Imagine it full of yachts, big and small. There's racing and the games.

And at night... At night they give a ball.

You can't imagine what a wonderful sight it is.

The assembly rooms are all hung with special hangings in dark red.

And the women wear tiaras - those that have them.

And the place blazes with jewels.

And the men... The men are more splendid than the women.

They wear velvet doublets and scarlet waistcoats,

lace cuffs and jabots,

their buttons of gold and silver, their cairngorms,

buckle shoes and filibegs of every colour.

The pipes play and we dance...

We dance all night,

till the sun shines through the curtains.

Lovely.

What does "filibeg" mean?

The little kilt, as worn nowadays.

What about bridge? Joan doesn't play.

-Do you play, Mr MacNeil?

-No, I'm sorry. No.

BAGPIPES PLAY "'S Ann An Ile"

You can see more from the ladder.

Go up further, this lady wants to come up.

Better?

One, two, three, four. One, two, three, four.

Martin, it's a schottische, not a minuet!

Three pipers over from the mainland.

WOMAN: Och, that was fine!

Do you think you could dance the schottische?

-I think so.

-Good.

-I suppose we ought to go back.

-No hurry.

PEOPLE SING MOUTH MUSIC

# Mac-a-Phi, turn yourself around Loch a' Pheorain

# Mac-a-Phi, turn yourself around Loch a' Pheorain

# Hi-ri-ri, and michty me! The cows are in the corn

# Mac-a-Phi, turn yourself around Loch a' Pheorain

# Mac-a-Phi, turn yourself around Loch a' Pheorain

# Mac-a-Phi, turn yourself around Loch a' Pheorain

# Hi-ri-ri, and michty me! The cows are in the corn

# Waking, Mairi bhan mo chridh'

# Looking far away to sea

# Ho-ro, Mairi bhan mo chridh'

# And home will come the bonnie lads and hi-ri-o-ro-hi... #

Friends and neighbours! 100,000 blessings on my father and mother.

They are 60 years married today. Peace and happiness be with them.

The pride of the great clan Campbell!

# The Campbells are coming, o-ho, o-ho

# The Campbells are coming, o-ho, o-ho

# The Campbells are coming, to bonnie Lochiel

# The Campbells are coming, o-ho, o-ho

# The Campbells are coming, o-ho, o-ho

# The Campbells are coming, o-ho, o-ho

# The Campbells are coming to bonnie Lochiel

# The Campbells are coming, o-ho, o-ho. #

ALL: Speech, speech!

Come on, Mr Campbell!

No, no.

SINGLE FEMALE VOICE: # Gu robh tu...

# Gu robh tu...

# Air leth gorach

# O-o 's tu...

# Gu robh tu... #

(How about going outside for our own ceilidh?)

# O-o 's tu

# A rinn mo leonadh... #

Oh, Kenny!

I went down to Erraig this morning.

-I know.

-I went into the Moy Castle.

Did you?

-Shall I tell you what it's like inside?

-Yes, please.

It's just as you told me in the story.

I saw the hall where MacNeil feasted and the dungeon in the wall.

It's awful.

And on the ramparts at the top there's a stone...

With a curse written on it.

-You've been inside.

-No, but I was young once. I had a nanny.

-No?

-Mm-hm.

Anyway, I've read it.

-It's a terrible strong curse.

-IMITATES ACCENT:

-Terrible.

Now you know why MacNeil dreads to enter the castle.

Careful!

Kenny, don't be silly.

It's only you I love.

You do?

# ..gum b'fhearr na churrag

# No or no crun... #

THEY ALL HUM THE LAST NOTE

Thigibh a-staigh airson ur ti!

Come and get it! Scones? Aye.

Is it not MacNeil of Kiloran?

-Yes, and you'll be a Campbell.

-John Campbell.

I'll tell my father you're here. He'll be proud.

Don't. A MacNeil at a Campbell ceilidh?

Haoidh!

# 'S truagh nach robh mis' ann an eilean mo chridh'

# Eilean mo ghradih far an d'araicheadh mi... #

Later on, Hughie! Later on!

Alisdair...

Ho-ro, Mo Nighean Donn Bhoidheach.

# Ho-ro, mo nighean donn bhoidheach... #

That's a fine song - Nut-Brown Maiden. Do you know it?

Tune up, pipers!

It goes...

Ho-ro my nut-brown maiden...

Hi-ri my nut-brown maiden.

Ho-ro ro, ro, maiden...

You're the maid for me.

PIPES PLAY VIGOROUSLY

Kiloran! Is that yourself, sir?

Is this how to treat an old friend on his diamond wedding?

We didn't want to intrude, Mr Campbell.

-Length of good life to you.

-Thank you indeed, Kiloran.

Intrude, is it?

You and your lady come and meet Mrs Campbell and have a dram.

-I must go.

-You can't go now.

It's going to be a grand ceilidh!

Thank you, but Kiloran knows I must get back.

-Kiloran knows nothing of the sort.

-You must see the dancing.

I saw perfectly well from here.

You've seen nothing yet. We've got three pipers - three!

They were ordered by the rich man on Kiloran.

It was my luck they couldn't get there. The gale stopped them.

Cheer up. They are YOUR pipers.

How do you do, Mrs Campbell?

This is Miss Webster...

-Good night!

-Excuse me, miss...and you, sir.

May I say you were the best dancers at the ceilidh?

Thank you, Martin.

Please... Please, God.

You know how important it is for me to get to Kiloran.

Please...

Let the gale drop.

Or let me get to the island somehow.

Please.

Please.

'Eil thu laidir?

Beir air seo dhomh.

-Morning, Bridie.

-Hello, Kiloran.

-Hello, Kenny.

The wind's bagging a bit.

It's not blowing nearly so hard.

Tomorrow we'll be crossing to Kiloran.

-Or maybe the day after.

-Not today?

Himself is going to Tobermory by bus to see the dentist.

If he doesn't go now, who knows when the next gale will be?

Only then has he the time.

I saw you at the ceilidh.

-How old are you, Bridie?

-I'll be 17.

You'll be marrying soon.

When the right man comes along.

How old are YOU, Kenny?

-18.

-Not thinking of taking a wife?

Oh, I'll be called up soon.

Anyway, I'd have to wait another three or four years.

Why's that, Kenny?

-It takes money to get married.

-How much?

-£20.

Himself is asking that for a share in the boat.

-Who?

-Ruairidh Mhor.

-Father.

I'd have thought he'd have given you a share as a wedding present.

If Kenny can buy half, he'll get the other half free.

Good day to you, m'lady. Good day to you, Kiloran.

-I wish it was.

-Och, it will be.

Yes, it will be.

A HOWLING GALE BLOWS

Yes, it will be. I am not saying it isn't blowing as much as it was,

but it is near the end of it.

It is like the sun, m'lady.

It seems always biggest just before it sets.

-You're a poet, Ruairidh Mhor.

-Can we cross today?

-No, no, m'lady. No.

-Will you stand by in case it drops?

I'll pay you for your time, of course. You said it might blow down.

It's very important. I must get across.

I'll pay you anything you ask.

I will take you to Kiloran as soon as it is humanly possible.

And I will not be wanting extra payment for that.

We'll be up at The House.

And I will be in Tobermory. Fine doings, indeed!

That girl is so foolish, she is a woman already!

DOG BARKS

-Who is it?

-The islanders.

Stay for lunch - curried rabbit.

-The colonel's doing it.

-Good.

-Hello, Joan.

-Hello.

Hello.

-Torquil?

-Yes?

Will you do me a very great favour?

Yes.

Will you help me to get to Kiloran?

If I had a fair-sized boat. But I haven't even a small one.

But Ruairidh would listen to you.

If you asked, he'd try to get me there.

-You're wasting your leave.

-I don't mind.

-You love Kiloran!

-You haven't been there for years.

-I don't mind.

-DOOR SLAMS

-You won't ask him?

-You don't understand.

It's his duty to take us. If he could, he would. Can't you wait?

I can't ask him to risk his life, or yours.

He's been out in a gale often enough.

-If a ship was in danger...

-It's different when people need help.

What?

-I

-want help desperately.

PLATES CLATTER

-Do you think it'll blow out tonight?

-I don't think so.

-It's most unlikely.

-Great news!

Torquil the eagle is found, his name's cleared.

It was a fox that killed the lambs, the shepherds saw it!

The old boy's safe on Gorrie's Leap.

I'm off later with a lure. Gad, I hope I get him back!

-Are you coming?

-I'd like to.

What about YOU?

We'll be back by teatime.

I think I'll stay here.

WHISTLE SHRILLS

-Any sign of your godson, Torquil?

-No.

But I can see something else.

HE WHISTLES

So that's it.

There should be a law about trees!

You know, Torquil...

Potty!

Please, ma'am,

-I'd like speak to Miss Webster.

-Bridie wants to speak to you.

It's about the boat. Don't be taking it out.

-Himself will murder Kenny!

-I'll look after your father.

Kenny's taken out the boat before.

But himself would never go out in a south-westerly gale!

But it's blowing out. Your father said it's going down.

-He'd not take it out today!

-But Kenny will earn money.

Do you want to wait four years to marry him?

Well, I would, then, if it has to be.

-Some folks can't be waiting a day to satisfy their passions.

-What?

Some folks want to drown fine young men and break poor girls' hearts,

-just to be bedded a day sooner.

-Get out!

I'll get out when I please! Who are you to give orders?

You come from the city with airs and graces and heart of stone.

You think our lives don't matter,

and yours is so important!

-SHE SOBS

-But you don't understand.

Bridie, don't cry.

You think I could stay safely here, but I'm not safe.

I'm on the brink of losing all I ever wanted since I wanted anything.

What do you think you're doing?!

I'm after taking Miss Webster to Kiloran.

You'll lose Ruairidh's boat and drown. Don't be a fool!

-How much did she pay you?

-£20.

-Now who's the fool?

-I'll make it up to you. Give back her dirty money.

Och, Kiloran, I can't do it! I promised!

She made me promise, and that's the truth of it.

-Oh, Kiloran!

-Where's Miss Webster?

-She's in the flat.

Don't let her take Kenny!

Go on, say something.

I will. Are you a complete fool?

-Well?

-How dare you speak to me like that?!

You were told not to sail by folk who've lived here all their lives!

Ruairidh and Kenny said it's dropping.

-What else would Kenny say? You BOUGHT him!

-Don't shout!

The lad has never seen £20 in his life.

If you must commit suicide, why do you have to come here?

You're insulting!

-Stop bothering about me!

-What about Kenny, Bridie,

the lifeboat crew that'll have to save you, and their wives?

-Do you think I'm here for YOU?

-I'm not interested in your reasons!

Are you interested in anything but yourself?

-I know how to mind my own business!

-That won't do here or on Kiloran.

Have this island, and have Kiloran!

Then, you won't be in any hurry to get there.

You can't think you know more about these waters than Ruairidh.

Why didn't he take you? Because he's stubborn?

He wanted to go to the dentist!

Oh, go ahead, then!

And drown yourself!

DOOR SLAMS

-You heard?

-They heard you in Tobermory.

-Torquil...

-Mm-hm?

They'll never make it.

If I lock her in, she'll jump out of the window. She's stubborn.

She doesn't know the danger. You're the last person to stop her.

Aye?

She's running away from YOU!

Say that again.

Hold on there!

Give me that case.

A Mhoire, stiuir mo ghaol-sa dhachaidh sabhailte.

Are you the praying type?

Sometimes. Are you?

Always. If we can stay on course and upright, we have a chance.

Aren't we on course?

Every mile nearer Kiloran we're two miles nearer Scarba.

-Is that dangerous?

-Yes. Corryvreckan.

The whirlpool?

You never finished the story about the Norwegian prince.

What happened to the rope made from the hair of faithful maidens?

It held until the tide turned. Nothing is stronger than true love.

Are you feeling sick?

Oh, no.

No, I'm all right. Go on.

But one maiden was untrue to her lover, only one.

When that strand broke, the rope broke with it.

Kiloran!

Get down under the hood and hang on!

HOWLING WIND INTENSIFIES

Don't worry about that. Get under!

Look out!

Hang on!

Ohh! My dress!

ENGINE CUTS OUT

Bail!

ENGINE FAILS TO START

This is the way to bail!

The engine's washed out. I've got to take it apart.

-What can

-I

-do?

-Keep bailing!

And praying.

Keep it up.

Clean that.

DISTANT RUMBLING GETS LOUDER

Corryvreckan.

WIND INTENSITY INCREASES

Lift the cover!

Hurry up!

If I can get her started before the tide turns, we have a dog's chance.

The tide's still with us. We'll do it yet.

Now...pray!

ENGINE STARTS UP

Your credit must be good in heaven!

They know a good prayer when they hear one!

Eisd! Tha iad a' tighinn.

Taing do dhia gu bheil iad sabhailte.

Thigibh mun cuairt gu taobh an fhasgaidh.

So, ye're back.

Dhachaidh, a nighinn.

Big, strong man(!)

Bath and bed. There's a fire in my room, and that's where you'll sleep.

My dear chap, my very dear chap!

-You've missed the experience of a lifetime!

-Have I?

-You have!

A new chapter has been written in the history of falconry!

-You've got him back?

-Ah! Listen to this.

He was up on the warren and came to the lure like a lamb...a hawk.

The gillie suggested a hunt for the fox, so we went off up the tulloch.

By gad, we found the fox, and by Jimmy Christmas he caught it!

Who?

Torquil! Torquil the hunter! Torquil the fox hunter!

He got the blighter as if it were a rabbit and killed him stone dead.

Dog fox! 20 pounds if he's an ounce!

I'll have the brush mounted for you, old boy. NOW what do you say?

-Where is he?

-There! Over the door!

Isn't he a pippin?

Torquil, come on! HE HOOTS

Lu-lu-lu-lu!

Tally-hi!

Well, get on to him! HE WHISTLES

You must think I'm awful.

I don't think anyone's...awful.

-Even when I'm breaking my neck to marry a rich man?

-So what?

I thought you didn't care about money.

Who says so?

I'd swim to Oban for £10.

Glasgow for £20.

And what about Torquil?

He'd do it for £15.

But I thought that you, and Rebecca Crozier and Torquil

were perfectly happy without money.

What else can we do?

Well, you could sell Erraig, and Rebecca could sell Achnacroish.

Torquil could sell Kiloran.

Yes...

But money isn't everything.

Now go to sleep.

Thank you.

Good night, Catriona.

And if you count the beams...

your prayers will come true.

I'm not praying tonight.

Torquil...onto your perch.

That's it.

Torquil!

You greedy swine!

I can't do anything with my hair.

I wonder what happened to my wedding dress.

A mermaid will marry in it.

How's Kenny this morning?

Butter wouldn't melt in his mouth. He's helping Ruairidh.

-Who's for Kiloran?

-Not the colonel, he has his eagle back. Not Kiloran.

The only passengers I can see are you...

and three pipers.

Is the boat coming?

Yes, it's coming.

I'd better go down and meet him.

Always the little lady, doing the right thing.

I'm sorry I can't change myself.

You're all right as you are.

Bye-bye, Mrs Potts. Time for the bus.

Goodbye, Catriona.

And thank you for everything.

Will you do something for me?

It depends.

I don't care where or when,

but somewhere, sometime, have the pipers play Nut-Brown Maiden.

It might be done.

-Will YOU do something for ME before I go away?

-It depends.

I want you to kiss me.

'Now, Mr Torq, I've told you a thousand times...'

'Once upon a time, hundreds of years ago,

'MacNeil of Kiloran took a beautiful wife from the mainland.

'But she was in love with a cousin of hers...

'a Maclaine who held Moy Castle.'

'After a year and a day, when her husband was ravaging the mainland,

'she escaped from Kiloran and took refuge in Moy Castle with her lover.'

'One black night, Kiloran came.

'He besieged and took the castle,

'and killed every soul except the two lovers.'

'There's a deep dungeon just off the banqueting hall.'

'It's a well, with nine feet of water in it,

'and a rounded stone, just big enough for a man to stand on -

'or drown.'

'Kiloran stripped the two lovers,

'chained them together and threw them in the dungeon.'

'He sat in the great hall,

'feasted and mocked them while they held one another above the water,

'till their strength failed and they dragged one another down.'

'Before she died, the woman cursed Kiloran,

'and every future MacNeil of Kiloran,

'if they should ever cross the threshold of the castle.

'There's the curse.

'It's carved in stone on the ramparts...'

'there to this day.'

'It's a terrible strong curse.

'It goes...'

' "This is the curse of Catriona Maclaine of Erraig.

' "My curse on MacNeil of Kiloran, and every MacNeil after him,

' "if he shall ever cross the threshold of Moy,

' "never shall he leave it a free man." '

PIPES PLAY "Ho-Ro My Nut-Brown Maiden"

Hoy!

Hoy!

I was lying to you.

I'd rather swim in the sea than in a swimming pool.

-I know.

-I'd rather catch salmon in a stream if somebody teaches me how.

I know.

I'd rather see Kiloran in Ruairidh Mhor's boat after the hell I raised.

-I was lying to you, too. I'm not afraid of this place.

-I know.

' "Never shall he leave it a free man.

' "He shall be chained to a woman to the end of his days.

' "And he shall die in his chains." '

# I know where I'm going

# And I know who's going with me

# I know who I love

# But the dear knows who I'll marry

# I have stockings of silk

# Shoes of fine green leather

# Combs to buckle my hair

# And a ring for every finger

# Some say he's black

# But I say he's bonny

# The fairest o' them all

# My handsome, winsome Johnny

# I know where I'm going

# And I know who's going with me

# I know who I love

# But the dear knows who I'll marry. #