- 2 years ago
SEVEN LITTLE AUSTRALIANS - Episode 3 - "Consequences"
Originally broadcast 9th September 1973
SEVEN LITTLE AUSTRALIANS was a 10 part television mini-series based on Ethel Turner's best selling 1894 novel that aired on ABCTV in 1973 between 26th August to 28th October 1973 winning a Gold Logie for Best New Drama in 1974.
Story synopsis - Klassic 1880s Australian drama concerning a strict army widower taking on a new wife & attempt to control difficult situations caused by seven mischievous children.
Cast - Barbara Llewellyn as Meg Woolcot
Mark Clark as Pip Woolcot
Anna Hruby as Nell Woolcot
Jennifer Cluff as Judy Woolcot
Tania Falla as Baby Woolcot
Mark Shields-Brown as Bunty Woolcot
Christian Robinson as The General
Leonard Teale as Captain John Woolcot
Elizabeth Alexander as Esther Woolcot
Ruth Cracknell as Martha
Produced by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in association with ETHEL TURNER PRODUCTIONS and the AUSTRALIAN FILM DEVELOPMENT PRODUCTION
Television soundtrack composed by Bruce Smeaton
Arranged by Geoff Hales and Bruce Smeaton
Played by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
Original story by Ethel Turner & Adapted by Eleanor Witcombe
Executive Producer - Charles Russell
Directed by Ron Way
Originally broadcast 9th September 1973
SEVEN LITTLE AUSTRALIANS was a 10 part television mini-series based on Ethel Turner's best selling 1894 novel that aired on ABCTV in 1973 between 26th August to 28th October 1973 winning a Gold Logie for Best New Drama in 1974.
Story synopsis - Klassic 1880s Australian drama concerning a strict army widower taking on a new wife & attempt to control difficult situations caused by seven mischievous children.
Cast - Barbara Llewellyn as Meg Woolcot
Mark Clark as Pip Woolcot
Anna Hruby as Nell Woolcot
Jennifer Cluff as Judy Woolcot
Tania Falla as Baby Woolcot
Mark Shields-Brown as Bunty Woolcot
Christian Robinson as The General
Leonard Teale as Captain John Woolcot
Elizabeth Alexander as Esther Woolcot
Ruth Cracknell as Martha
Produced by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in association with ETHEL TURNER PRODUCTIONS and the AUSTRALIAN FILM DEVELOPMENT PRODUCTION
Television soundtrack composed by Bruce Smeaton
Arranged by Geoff Hales and Bruce Smeaton
Played by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
Original story by Ethel Turner & Adapted by Eleanor Witcombe
Executive Producer - Charles Russell
Directed by Ron Way
Category
πΊ
TVTranscript
00:30I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry
01:00I'm sorry
01:31He thought it was for the best.
01:33The rest of us were sure it was for the worst.
01:36So, that Monday, Miss Rule was like a house of mourning.
01:46That's right, knock all the paint off it.
01:48Bridget!
01:49We haven't forgotten anything, have we?
01:51You know he's making a mistake.
01:52Oh, Martha, I've tried.
02:01Come, come, Esther, or we'll miss the train.
02:04Where is everyone?
02:05I'll fetch them.
02:13You see, going away is just the first step to becoming a millionaire.
02:17Please, children, Judy, your father's waiting.
02:20Auntie, will you take him down for me?
02:22Come on.
02:31Judy, please, don't blame me.
02:33Dear wicked stepmother, I don't blame anyone except myself.
02:37Serves me right.
02:39Anyway, everyone says the mountains are quite heavenly this time of year.
02:43Helen!
02:44Esther!
03:00Come on.
03:31Father.
03:34If you let me stay, I'll never do another thing to anger you.
03:38And you can thrash me ever so hard.
03:40Please, Father John.
03:42We'll be gone.
03:43We'll behave, sir, I promise.
03:45Please.
03:47Let us stay, John, please.
03:50What kind of foolishness is this?
03:53Good heavens above, this isn't a wake.
03:55The girl's not going to prison.
03:57The girl's not going to prison.
03:59It's a first-rate, confoundedly expensive school.
04:02Other girls would give their right teeth to...
04:06Come along, Judy.
04:08Time, tide, and the New South Wales Railways wait for no man.
04:28Hold it, steady man!
04:39May the luck of the Irish be with you, Esther.
04:42Look after him, Judy.
04:48Brandy snaps for the train.
04:50Get up!
04:58Get up!
05:02Come on, get up!
05:06Get up, you! Don't worry, old girl!
05:57BIRDS CHIRP
06:28Judy!
06:29Oh, Esther, are you...
06:30Are you getting the most fearful hot water?
06:32Was that the doctor's sulky?
06:34What do you think? Ethel Murchison's got them too.
06:36Good.
06:37Judy!
06:39Measles are horrid.
06:40Not if they get us sent home.
06:42Really, you've been talking about nothing but going home since you arrived.
06:45Do you think they'll send us home?
06:47I don't know.
06:48I must go home, Marion. I've got to.
06:51It's been two whole months.
06:53Pip told me the poor little general just cries and cries.
06:56And Nell is impossible with him.
06:58And Baby's been wetting her bed.
07:00And Meg's gone all jammy and won't have a thing to do with them.
07:03For goodness sake, they can look after themselves.
07:05They can't. They can't.
07:07They'll all go to pieces.
07:10Judy!
07:11Wait!
07:14Judy, you are an idiot.
07:16You've already had one imposition today for running.
07:19I have to get away from here.
07:21I want to go home. I have to.
07:24I could fix it all.
07:25The general and Nell and Meg and that stupid, idiotic, giggly old...
07:40Hello, Esther.
07:45Another letter from Fiz.
07:47There's this one.
07:49But it's from the school. An address to father.
07:52No doubt he'll find out how Judy is when he gets home.
07:54If he tells us.
07:55I'll bet those old crows at the school have stopped her writing.
07:58Pip!
07:59I told her to get a day girl to send one.
08:05Esther, it's been three weeks since we've heard from her.
08:07I know.
08:11Meg home?
08:12It's her French lesson today.
08:13She'll be home on the four o'clock ferry.
08:15Stupid old McCarthy, I suppose.
08:17Older this makes friend.
08:25At your age.
08:26I was only...
08:28Really, Martha.
08:29Is that the shopping list?
08:31All I wanted for myself was some thread.
08:33All right, then. I'll send Bridget.
08:36Dinner will be late, but...
08:37And the captain's coming home early.
08:40You bully.
08:55It's strange, isn't it?
08:57Just that letter and none from Judy.
09:10She's going to buy me that little queen dress that I was telling you about.
09:13You should go to the ballet, Martha.
09:15I will.
09:25Thank you.
09:26Mr. Graham, you're quite ultra-sharp.
09:28N'est-ce pas, Marguerite?
09:30D'orΓ©gal.
09:31Let me see.
09:32Andrew Courtney, you mind your own business, civil play.
09:38My heart is thine.
09:40You beast.
09:42There, Mr. Graham.
09:43That's how I treat your heart.
09:45Oh, cruel, cruel woman.
09:47She is eating me alive.
09:49Silly.
09:50What shall I say, Marguerite Sherry?
09:52Come, Miss Walcott.
09:53Come, Miss Walcott.
09:54Own up.
09:56I haven't looked.
09:57What about me?
09:59Marguerite, ma petite, d'orΓ©gal.
10:02Come to my arms.
10:04Oh, isn't he awful?
10:06Miss Walcott, they await you.
10:09Excuse me, please.
10:10May I pass?
10:16Sorry, Eleanor, old boy.
10:18Que la terre.
10:19Pity your brother has such a minimum of manners, Mr. Courtney.
10:22Old's all right.
10:23Just getting a bit old.
10:33But, Miss McCarthy, this is appalling.
10:35Are you sure?
10:36Monsieur, you've foretold us today.
10:37He's going to Melbourne, so no more French for a month.
10:42No more trips on the ferry twice a week.
10:44No more for a whole month.
10:47How are Jim and I going to exist?
10:49Yes, don't you have my heart?
10:50Silly.
10:51But look here.
10:52Why don't we meet anyway?
10:54Well, next Friday, say.
10:56Just for a little walk and a talk.
10:59We couldn't.
11:00Father wouldn't.
11:01Oh, Marguerite, you are too up on time.
11:03After all, we could chaperone each other.
11:05Let's meet in the paddock behind your orchard.
11:07Truly, if my father saw us.
11:09Oh, Friday's your father's late night, isn't it?
11:11No one can see from your place or from ours.
11:14Make it half past six.
11:15Still light, but discreetly dimming.
11:19For just an hour.
11:21Well, you do promise to come?
11:22Of course she does.
11:26Yes.
11:27The back paddock, by the old red gum.
11:28Six-thirty next Friday.
11:30And don't forget.
11:34Meg, please come.
11:37I'm going to ask you for something on Friday, and do you think I'll get it?
11:40What?
11:42A kiss.
11:47Aren't they just too awful?
11:49Marguerite, you're not blushing.
11:52I don't think...
11:54I really don't think we should...
11:55You're just twelve.
11:56Not a bit over twelve.
11:58Really, I have a good mind to tell Andrew to bring a baby's ration.
12:02My dear, quite a conquest.
12:04By far the handsomest of the Courtney boys.
12:07Oh, I thought he...
12:09The other one looked quite nice.
12:11In a way, mushery, really, but so...
12:14Très bon.
12:15N'est-ce pas?
12:20Messy, messy.
12:21Oh, baby dear, you look a mess.
12:24Is that awful Aldous coming into our place?
12:27I'm just making coffee, baby dear.
12:29Aldous.
12:32You're going to read that story like you promised us?
12:35Well, um...
12:36Three little pigs and a bad wolf.
12:38Perhaps tonight, dear baby.
12:40You said now.
12:42Oh, do run along, children.
12:44Marguerite and I are busy.
12:46Her name's not right.
12:48Her name's not Marguerite.
12:50I want the three little pigs now.
12:53Oh, dear, on fondant terrible.
12:56Hen.
12:57You're a terrible old hen yourself, Aldous McCarthy.
13:00And I wish a great big giant would come and blow you to the middest part of the sea.
13:05Oh, you little, you little...
13:07Go away, both of you.
13:09No one tells our stories no more.
13:13Oh, I'm terribly sorry, Aldous.
13:19Here, I'll take your things.
13:24Meg?
13:25The general shut himself in a cupboard.
13:27Well, for goodness sake, Neil, get him out.
13:29I can't. He just won't listen to me.
13:34Martha, will you go and see to the general?
13:37Miss Trudy never had any trouble with him.
13:39If you want her afternoon tea, it's all cleared away.
13:43I'm afraid you're too late.
13:44It's all right, Martha.
13:46Your father's early night, you know.
13:48Yes, I know.
13:49Was there any mail?
13:51That's all.
13:53Really, the servants these days.
14:00Meg?
14:01Oh, hello.
14:02Hello.
14:03Meg, I'm worried about Judy.
14:05She'll be all right.
14:06Then why haven't we heard?
14:08I don't know.
14:17Why didn't you let me send that letter?
14:19Indeed, with all those terrible lies.
14:22They weren't lies.
14:23I said if I didn't go home, I'd die, and so I will.
14:26Making a small measles outbreak sound like the bubonic plague.
14:32My dear, you know it's against the rules
14:34to give letters to day girls to post.
14:36We had no option but to confiscate it.
14:39And indeed, probably saving your father
14:42Helen, have you been so mistreated here?
14:46I must go home.
14:49I think your father knows what's best for you.
14:52But he doesn't.
14:53He never does.
14:54Child.
14:55But you...
14:56You are dismissed.
14:59I wonder if her father does know best.
15:02He's a man.
15:06Where's your tape measure?
15:12Orders.
15:14Orders.
15:15Orders.
15:16Orders.
15:17Orders.
15:18Orders.
15:19Orders.
15:20Orders.
15:21Orders.
15:22Orders.
15:23Orders.
15:24Orders.
15:25Orders.
15:26Orders.
15:27Orders.
15:28How long must I go on like this?
15:30You mustn't dream of taking it off.
15:32After a bit you just won't feel it.
15:37Oh dear, 20.
15:38You've only managed three inches.
15:40Isn't that enough?
15:42Marguerite, 18 or 19 at the very most.
15:45That's if you want a really fashionable shape.
15:48We must get it in.
15:50My dear, your very first designation.
15:52Isn't it exciting?
15:54Orders.
15:55Honestly, I don't think I should go.
15:57Marguerite, if you don't come I'll never forgive you.
16:01But we must do something about your figure.
16:04Oh, quel gros, ma petite.
16:06Sure.
16:07Dear knows you can't help being as poor as church mice,
16:10but there's no need to be entirely demurred.
16:18Oh.
16:25Oh.
16:41It's stale as ditch water since you left, Fiz.
16:44We don't seem to have half the fun.
16:46And we all get split up.
16:49Father's got to send for you.
16:55It appears there is an outbreak of measles at the school.
16:57Oh, John, is Judy all right?
16:59At the moment, yes.
17:01The missus Burton feel that she should not be exposed to the epidemic.
17:06In short, they wish to know whether she should be sent home.
17:09Well, of course she should.
17:12There are other alternatives and indeed considerations.
17:15John, this is her home.
17:19You must come home, Fiz.
17:22You must.
17:27Judy.
17:29Judy.
17:31Miss Burton wants you.
17:35I'm going home, you see, I'm going home.
17:42No, Helen, I'm afraid you are not to go home.
17:45No, Helen, I'm afraid you are not to go home.
17:48We have received a reply from your father in today's post,
17:51and he says he would much prefer you to accept Mrs. Otley's kind invitation to stay with them at Katoomba.
17:57But it's only a bit over three weeks before the holidays.
18:00And if I go there for two weeks, what sense is there in coming back for just a week?
18:05Helen, your father wishes you to remain here at school for the holidays.
18:09The holidays?
18:11So you will return here after the quarantine period.
18:14I don't want to go home.
18:15Would you wish to expose your family to infection?
18:18I must go home.
18:20Helen, we must abide by your father's decision.
18:34Don't lose the tickets, dear.
18:36Your mother will meet you at the station, and I shall meet you on your return.
18:41The 2.30 from Katoomba on the 24th.
18:47Oh, dear, quickly!
18:49Oh, the tickets!
18:51Now, do get inside, don't call any strangers,
18:56and don't get out to any other station,
18:59and don't lean out of the window!
19:12Isn't it wonderful?
19:14Oh, holidays weeks early.
19:16It's awful, but I'm glad Edith Medway got measles.
19:19Poor thing.
19:21Oh, Judy, we'll have a simply marvellous time, I promise.
19:24I know you wanted to go home, but honestly, we'll make up for it.
19:27How much have you got?
19:29How much?
19:30Money.
19:31Oh, about two shillings, I think.
19:33Will you lend it to me?
19:35Of course I will.
19:36But you won't need it in Katoomba.
19:38I told you, Marion, I'm not going with you to Katoomba.
19:42But...
19:44Seven shillings from Blackheath.
19:46That leaves about one and threepence ha'penny.
19:50Judy!
19:51Marion, for goodness' sake, we're almost there.
19:53I'll pay you back.
19:59Two and four.
20:01That leaves three and sevenpence ha'penny.
20:03Heaps.
20:04But what are you going to do?
20:06Sydney.
20:07Heaps.
20:08But what for?
20:09To get me home.
20:10But you can't.
20:11I mean, Mummy's waiting for us at Katoomba.
20:13I'm only going as far as Blackheath.
20:15Tell her the plan was changed and I went home after all.
20:18But Miss Burton...
20:19Won't know a thing.
20:20I'll be returning with you on the 2.30 from Katoomba on the 24th.
20:24Only I'll catch it at Sydney.
20:26But your father...
20:27What the eye can't see, the captain can't grieve, can he?
20:30But, Judy, you mustn't. You can't.
20:32I can if you keep your mouth shut.
20:34Are you my friend?
20:36Judy, you know I am.
20:37Then swear you'll keep quiet.
20:39Please, Judy.
20:40Or I'll never speak to you again.
20:43I swear.
20:45See it wet, see it dry, cross your heart and hope to die.
20:49See it wet, see it dry, cross my heart and...
20:53Judy!
20:54Spit.
20:55It's not sealed until you spit.
21:01Good.
21:04Good.
21:35Four hours?
21:36That's right.
21:37Next through to Sydney, 1.55pm, day train from Orange.
21:40Stopping only Katoomba, Penrith, Strathfield.
21:43You're lucky.
21:44Doesn't usually stop here.
21:46After Katoomba, it doesn't stop until Penrith.
21:48Non-stop, straight down the mountains.
21:50Headed to Sydney, 5.05pm on the dot.
21:52Just in time for the 5.30 ferry.
21:54Go on.
21:57Here.
21:58That's for Katoomba.
21:59Can't stand the place.
22:01Can't stand the place.
22:04How much is it to Sydney?
22:05To you?
22:06Seven bob.
22:08Do you want a ticket?
22:09No, I'll get it later.
22:13Do you know what it feels like to have just escaped from prison?
22:16I don't know.
22:18What were you in for then?
22:20Murder.
22:21I killed off a hundred schoolgirls and five or six teachers in cold blood.
22:25Go on.
22:27Bodies?
22:28No, just the headmistress's head.
22:31Can I leave it here?
22:32I want to look at the view.
22:35You're sure it won't bite?
22:37No, it just groans every now and then.
22:39Hideous.
22:41Well, I'll watch it.
22:43Hey, wait a minute.
22:47I don't need these anymore.
23:01I don't need these anymore.
23:31I don't need these anymore.
24:01I don't need these anymore.
24:31I don't need these anymore.
24:32I don't need these anymore.
25:01I don't need these anymore.
25:28I fail to see why you are still worried.
25:30There's been no word from her.
25:32Good Lord, she's being well looked after.
25:33The Otleys are excellent people.
25:37In my opinion, I made the only decision possible.
25:40If she came home, it would be twice as hard to send her back.
25:43But surely the children would...
25:44I mean for me, damn it.
25:47Does no one consider that I might miss the girl?
25:53Dear John, why do we always underestimate you?
25:57Must everything be spelt out?
25:59John, she must be terribly hurt.
26:01Write to her.
26:03A kind letter.
26:06I'm sure Helen at least understands my reasoning.
26:11Very well, my dear.
26:13I shall write as you say.
26:26I shall write as you say.
26:56I shall write as you say.
27:26I shall write as you say.
27:27I shall write as you say.
27:28I shall write as you say.
27:29I shall write as you say.
27:30I shall write as you say.
27:31I shall write as you say.
27:32I shall write as you say.
27:33I shall write as you say.
27:34I shall write as you say.
27:35I shall write as you say.
27:36I shall write as you say.
27:37I shall write as you say.
27:38I shall write as you say.
27:39I shall write as you say.
27:40I shall write as you say.
27:41I shall write as you say.
27:42I shall write as you say.
27:43I shall write as you say.
27:44I shall write as you say.
27:45I shall write as you say.
27:46I shall write as you say.
27:47I shall write as you say.
27:48I shall write as you say.
27:49I shall write as you say.