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  • 2 days ago
First broadcast 9th December 1984.

The women all prepare to go home, and say goodbye to Alice as she sets sail for England.

Jean Anderson - Lady Jocelyn 'Joss' Holbrook
Stephanie Cole - Dr. Beatrice Mason
Ann Bell - Marion Jefferson
Jonathan Newth - Brigadier Clifford Jefferson
Elizabeth Chambers - Mrs. Domenica Van Meyer
Patricia Lawrence - Sister Ulrica
Lizzie Mickery - Maggie Thorpe (as Elizabeth Mickery)
Elspet Gray - Phyllis Bristow
Preston Lockwood - Stephen Wentworth
Damien Thomas - Jake Haulter
Claire Oberman - Kate Norris
Emily Bolton - Christina Campbell
Cindy Shelley - Alice Courtenay
Zienia Merton - Nun

Category

📺
TV
Transcript
00:00¶¶
00:30Right, everyone, come and have a look.
00:38Another shipping list.
00:41Oh, any of our orders?
00:44At long last, yes.
00:45Mary and Joss Beatrice are off next week and you soon after.
00:49Yippee!
00:50What about me?
00:52You're even better off.
00:53They've managed to find you a berth with Cherry and the others.
00:56But they're going tomorrow.
00:58That's right.
00:59You mean I'm going tomorrow?
01:01I knew it was on the card, but I didn't want to raise your hopes till I was sure.
01:04Tomorrow?
01:05Oh, crikey.
01:06Hey, hey, listen, I'm going home tomorrow.
01:08Oh, no, I've just seen you on the right now.
01:10Alice has just heard that she's sailing tomorrow.
01:13Took you at your word, Biff, as I got them to squeeze her in.
01:15Splendid.
01:16And what about the rest of us?
01:17Good news there, too.
01:19Don't tell me we've finally got a passage.
01:21A week today on the SS Ranchi.
01:24Holy smoke!
01:25Yes, Joss Holbrook.
01:26So you can stop telling everyone that Rathwee stands for retention of all prisoners of war indefinitely.
01:35Do you go next week, Marion and Beatrice?
01:37And Joss, too.
01:38And I sail the week after.
01:39And Colonel Jackson has gone up country.
01:41I shall be all alone.
01:42Oh.
01:43I'll still be here in Singapore anyway.
01:46Not for long.
01:47You have only until December to put in for your free passage.
01:50I shan't be putting in for it.
01:52Oh, you've definitely decided then.
01:53You're not going back to England?
01:54For a visit, perhaps, one day.
01:56But this is my home.
01:58You are fortunate.
01:59I have nowhere.
02:00My husband dead and my house destroyed.
02:02You don't know that.
02:04Oh, yes, I do.
02:05Every day more Dutch arrive from Java and Sumatra.
02:08I know that my beautiful house has been burnt to the ground by those native upstarts.
02:13Just as I know that poor Jan is dead.
02:15Even if I must wait forever for some stupid piece of paper to prove it.
02:19Better I had died in de Kempt.
02:21You mustn't talk like that, Metro.
02:23Haven't you any relatives in Holland?
02:25No, none.
02:26What about your husband's family?
02:28Yeah, the famous Van Mayers we've heard so much about.
02:31Well, of course, they would welcome me with open arms.
02:34I have lived out here since I was a girl.
02:36I am too old to start again, love.
02:38What's this about age all of a sudden?
02:40You're not that old.
02:41No, you were in your prime.
02:43In years, perhaps, but after all the time...
02:46Mrs. Van Mayer, have you heard?
02:47I'm leaving tomorrow.
02:48I hope by the time you have arrived, you will have learned more tact.
02:51I beg your pardon?
02:52You may be going home, but I shall be left without anyone.
02:55Except for Christina.
02:56And Maggie.
02:57You'll have Maggie.
02:58Yeah, she's staying.
02:59Maggie and I are not exactly birds to a feather.
03:05Not, won't you?
03:06Are you all right?
03:08I heard you in the bathroom.
03:09Must have been something I ate.
03:10Or yet another hangover.
03:14I might as well tell you.
03:15You're pregnant.
03:17You guessed.
03:19You called it intuition.
03:19You could have said something.
03:23I got the impression I wasn't meant to know.
03:26Beatrice took a sample to the hospital to be sure.
03:28She's the only one I've told.
03:31Might one ask who?
03:33Someone from the men's camp.
03:35They only went with him once.
03:38Victory celebration.
03:40Before they flew the Frenchies in, presumably.
03:42Aye.
03:43Did they?
03:44Top priority.
03:45Got it from someone on the switchboard.
03:47Were all those camps full of half-starved men?
03:49You know what they say about death and potency?
03:51Well, this woman was potent, all right.
03:55Funny thing is, I wouldn't know him if I saw him.
03:57Never even asked his name.
04:00You're someone like that.
04:02If not, don't worry.
04:03I have a contact that's helped a few girls out of a similar spot.
04:06She's medically qualified, so there'll be no risk.
04:07Stop your bloody contacts!
04:11You think you can fix everything, don't you?
04:14A word in the right ear and Bob's your uncle!
04:17Well, it just so happens I don't want fixing up!
04:21Old SS ranchy.
04:23Fancy.
04:24Monica and I sailed out on a good old piano.
04:27Much of a joyride crammed in with all those troops.
04:30Well, at least we're going.
04:32I'll be able to sort out my affairs.
04:34You can see a decent eye man in London.
04:36Yes, ma'am, he has pretty sound.
04:38Second opinion never hurt.
04:39Pouching at straws was never my forte.
04:42Well, I suppose we'll put ashore at Colombo, Bombay.
04:45Sue is, too.
04:47Take about five or six weeks.
04:50We'll be home for Christmas.
04:51At times we said that in camp.
04:53Hmm.
04:54Cozy memories of holly and plum pudding.
04:57The reality is rather less enticing.
05:00Christmas with Father and the parish worthies.
05:02Comfort yourself, it can't be worse than mine.
05:05Where will you spend it?
05:06My brother Foxy, I suppose.
05:09Blow by blow of each campaign.
05:12Toast to Winston.
05:13Actly derided.
05:15Can't even have a decent argument with him.
05:17He hasn't the brains of a bed bug.
05:19Not that he isn't an intellectual giant compared with some of his cronies in the Lords.
05:23Well, sympathy will be the worst thing.
05:26Terrified, Al.
05:27And let the side down.
05:29Pocket a piece of turkey without thinking.
05:32Snapple somebody else's mince pie.
05:35A vicar's daughter up to stealing.
05:37But in camp, we called it initiative.
05:41Yes.
05:41Well, in camp, everything was different.
05:43We are doing all we can.
05:45Then why is there no word?
05:48Communications between here and the islands are not all they might be.
05:51Can you not get them to take my case as a priority?
05:54After all, you are not dealing with a nobody.
05:56The fair males are a highly respected...
05:58Look, strictly speaking, you are not our responsibility.
06:02The Dutch authorities do nothing either.
06:04They have their hands full.
06:06Poor devils.
06:06Refugees are pouring in.
06:08If Jan could only see me now.
06:10His beloved wife a displaced person.
06:12Oh, it's not as bad as that.
06:14He would turn in his grave.
06:16If he has one to turn in.
06:18We are doing our best.
06:20Your husband's name is on the list of missing persons.
06:22Sooner or later, come in.
06:23Sooner or later, we are bound to hear something.
06:25Oh, good morning, Brigadier.
06:27Oh, please, don't get up. I'm sorry to interrupt.
06:30Can you spare a moment?
06:31Yes, yes, of course.
06:32Mrs. Van Mare was about to go.
06:36I've just dropped Marion off.
06:39Then I will go and talk to her while I can.
06:41Soon I shall be losing all my dear friends.
06:43I'm sure they'll miss you too.
06:45It is kind of you to say so.
06:47Of course.
06:48If you were to be abandoned as well as I,
06:51we will have to comfort each other.
06:55Do you imagine that was a proposition?
07:05Do you see who I see?
07:07Where?
07:08Ulrika.
07:09You sure?
07:10There are other ones in Singapore, you know?
07:12Not with a bottle like that.
07:14Hey!
07:15Ulrika!
07:15Ulrika!
07:18Joss, here, please.
07:20Hello there.
07:21I thought it was you.
07:22I decided to follow your suggestion, Joss,
07:24and see for myself the work that your friend is doing.
07:27Trying to do more like.
07:28A pill struggle, isn't it, Bea?
07:30I shall say.
07:30No funds, no drugs, no decent premises.
07:33Try getting anything out of the authorities.
07:34That's outrageous the way these people are treated.
07:36It has been helping us.
07:38Quite indispensable.
07:39I don't know about that.
07:43It's not a bit risky being out on your own, Ulrika.
07:45Especially around here.
07:47I did have another sister with me, but I have mislaid her.
07:51Given her the slip, you mean?
07:54If you want to be careful, though,
07:55a woman from the hotel was attacked in Anxiang Road,
07:58had a watch and jewelry stolen.
07:59I'm nothing to steal.
08:01Doubt if anyone would attack a nun.
08:04Habits of protection.
08:06My father used to say the same thing about his dog collar.
08:08It is a protection, and at the same time, it is a barrier.
08:14Sometimes I think I could help people more
08:16why not to be separated from them by this uniform.
08:20Do you stop Dorothy turning to you?
08:22Kate, when Tom died?
08:24It's because they had known me in the camp.
08:26I was not wearing always my habit.
08:29I remember you at the beginning.
08:31How you loathed getting it dirty.
08:33You used to start it with rice water.
08:35In the end, I was glad to wear something ordinary.
08:38And only that kerchief round my head.
08:41And you're one of us.
08:42Yes.
08:43Which is why you asked to leave the camp.
08:48Perhaps I was wrong.
08:51You wouldn't be thinking of chucking it in, would you?
08:59I'm glad you caught up with me.
09:01I wanted to return the stress you lent me for the funeral.
09:04Keep it if you like. It hangs on me.
09:06Well, you'll soon put on some weight.
09:07Not from what one hears about the rationing in England.
09:09Keep it, anyway.
09:11It suits you.
09:14Thanks.
09:17Next week.
09:18It's unbelievable, isn't it?
09:20I'll be glad to go now.
09:23So will I.
09:24Except for missing all of you.
09:26These last weeks since we've been here, they haven't seemed real somehow.
09:34Even Tom.
09:35I still expect to wake up being summoned to Tenko.
09:41That's why I want to get back home.
09:42Fix up my training.
09:43Start to look forward.
09:45Well, it's different for you, of course.
09:46You've already picked up the strings, being at home with Clifford.
09:49Everything back to normal.
09:50I suppose you'll be returning quite soon, once you've seen Ben and your mother.
09:54Not sure.
09:56Clifford's staying on in Singapore, isn't he?
09:58Yes.
10:00We're not altogether certain of our plans.
10:04Hello, Dominica.
10:05Clifford told me you were here.
10:07How are you?
10:08How would you be in my shoes?
10:10I think I'd better get cracking.
10:12Bye, Kate.
10:13Bye.
10:15Uh, still nothing concrete about Yarn, then?
10:18No, it is too bad.
10:19If he cannot be alive, he might at least be properly dead.
10:22Come, sir.
10:25Come.
10:26Morning.
10:27Oh, Mr. Howe, isn't it?
10:28This is what you might call the waiting room.
10:30Office-cum-surgery.
10:31Bless you.
10:35Ah, doctor.
10:37Just the person I wanted.
10:38There's a child I'd like you to look at.
10:40Well, don't mind the rest of us, will you?
10:43Well, sister will recover.
10:44Good show.
10:44Morning, sister.
10:45I don't like the look of them.
10:46Get cracking on the rest, will you, Holbrook?
10:49Call me by myself.
10:50Hang over from that dreadful school of his.
10:54Well, either that or he actually thinks I'm a chap.
10:57Do all these people come to him for help?
10:59It is a quiet morning.
11:01Should have seen it the day those neuters were shot.
11:04Dr. Mason is going to examine, AJ.
11:07He's complaining with a sore throat.
11:08He has difficulty swallowing.
11:09He's got ulcers on his larynx.
11:10Well, I shall need to wash my hands.
11:13The doctor won't be a minute.
11:14Ah, actually!
11:15Oh, excuse me.
11:16And you can get out of here.
11:17AJ doesn't want to catch your coat.
11:18Oh, it's nothing.
11:19No more do I.
11:21After a day in bed, wouldn't you give any harm?
11:22Day in bed?
11:23My dear woman, that's the laugh.
11:24Don't you, dear woman, me?
11:25In any case, my bed's in here.
11:27Well, we could always move it outside.
11:28When will the first time someone slept in the temple?
11:30Well, I can't possibly sleep in the temple.
11:32You look like death warmed up.
11:33Oh, you keep out of this, Holbrook.
11:35I'm damned if I will.
11:35It's not even as if you were needed.
11:37Right, there's Beatrice and me.
11:38And I also.
11:39Now, look here.
11:40You're right, Mr. Venbert.
11:41You should not be working.
11:42Damn women ganging up on me.
11:44Go on, out.
11:46Thanks God I wasn't in your camp.
11:47So, conditions aboard are not too bad.
11:52Darn side better than they were to begin with.
11:54We had complaints galore about the wrap-wee arrangements on the Almanzora.
11:57So I gather.
11:58Seem to be sorted out now, though, more or less.
12:00And the internees will be well briefed, I take it, before they arrive in England.
12:05Oh, yes, yes.
12:06They'll be given talks so they'll know what to expect.
12:09Then, of course, there'll be the practical, excuse me, practical problems to deal with.
12:14Queries about money matters, medical treatment, housing.
12:18Well, some of them will have to be given temporary accommodation here as well as financial assistance.
12:21Well, at least Marion won't have all that to worry about.
12:23No, she's one of the lucky ones.
12:26Or not that anyone could be more concerned about the welfare of the others.
12:29Perhaps at the expense of her own.
12:32No, I don't mean her material well-being.
12:35I was thinking more of her mental condition.
12:38Has she said anything to you?
12:40About what?
12:41Evidently not.
12:43The fact is that she's been more affected by this whole business than I realised.
12:47Mary?
12:48She seems unable to adjust to our old way of life.
12:53No, it's more than that.
12:54It's as though she's unwilling to adjust.
12:56I'm sure that's not so.
12:58It's almost a month since we've been back together now.
13:00It'll take more than a month to get over what they do.
13:02I realise that and I have tried to make allowances.
13:05I honestly don't think that I've made unreasonable demands.
13:08But as a brigadier's wife, there are certain things.
13:11She seems to resent my work.
13:18Did you know that she visited Yamauchi?
13:20No, I didn't.
13:21Went up to Changi without even telling me?
13:22How do you think that looked?
13:23Well, you know how tongues wag.
13:32Marion was always such an asset before.
13:35And it does make a difference in the army.
13:40Like it or not, one's wife having the right approach.
13:44I don't imagine I'd have got where I have without her.
13:48Give it time.
13:49I'm prepared to give it time.
13:51It's she who isn't.
13:53She's talking about staying on in England.
13:57You mean for good?
13:58She says that our marriage is washed up.
14:02Glory be, I've no idea.
14:03Of course, we try to keep up appearances.
14:06I'm so sorry.
14:08I just hope that once she's back home away from the others,
14:10she'll snap out of it.
14:11As long as they're around, it just reminds her of that wretched camp.
14:16Quite frankly, I don't think you'll solve anything
14:17by trying to make her forget.
14:19It happened.
14:21Question of learning to live with the fact.
14:23Both of you.
14:27Why couldn't it have been me?
14:28I'm still of her.
14:32Excuse me.
14:33Wrapway office raffles, yes.
14:36Yes, yes, that's right.
14:38No.
14:38What name did you say?
14:41Oh, yes, yes.
14:43We do have a Mrs. Van Mare here.
14:47Good boy, AJ.
14:49Would you mind waiting outside for a moment, please?
14:54That's it.
14:56I won't keep you a minute.
14:57I'll keep you a minute.
14:57Oh, Ulricha, could you ask Joss to come in here a moment, please?
15:02And then you can bring the next patient in.
15:08She's gone down to the food office.
15:10Oh, botheration.
15:12I wanted her to go to the hospital with AJ and his mother.
15:16I could take them.
15:18Are you sure?
15:19I wish to be of use.
15:20Oh, all right.
15:20Then, well, I'll just give you a note.
15:22I may have to throw your weight about a bit.
15:26I'm sorry.
15:27I'll kick up a fuss.
15:29Insist that AJ gets seen straight away.
15:31Otherwise, I'll be kept hanging about all day.
15:34Without wishing to be guilty of the sin of conceit,
15:36I think I'm quite good at throwing about my weight.
15:39Yes.
15:39What is wrong with the boy?
15:41Looks like the early stages of leprosy.
15:47It was my idea that Alice should go back early with the other girls.
15:50Well, we dare not take any more risks.
15:53Not that I didn't warn her.
15:54The nicest young men give them provocation become as animals.
15:58Poor little Alice.
15:59Of course, you or I would have known how to handle the situation,
16:02but then we are women of the world.
16:04Mind you, I myself had quite a task keeping Colonel Jackson at bay.
16:09I should have talked to her in the camp about men and so on.
16:12In the camp, there was no need.
16:13Oh, she's over it now.
16:15The young and most resilient.
16:17Who is it?
16:18Only me.
16:20Oh, hello, Marion.
16:21Dominica, we have just had a call from the Dutch Raqui.
16:25You have news of young?
16:26Some refugees arrived yesterday from your part of the island.
16:30And they have proofed it he is dead.
16:32On the contrary.
16:34It seems he's very much alive.
16:42Can I come in?
16:44Yes.
16:49You're home early?
16:50Just came by with a bit of gossip.
16:53Were you friends again?
16:54Yeah.
16:55Sorry I went for you like that.
16:57I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions.
16:59It's just the thought of abortion.
17:00You're not Catholic, are you?
17:01You don't have to be Catholic to care about an unborn child.
17:05Touche.
17:06Well, if it's a question of finding someone to adopt, I don't...
17:09It isn't.
17:09I want to keep it.
17:18I've already lost one baby.
17:22I didn't know.
17:24I don't broadcast the fact.
17:26It was a long time ago.
17:27Just...
17:27Just after me father died.
17:30I thought you were only a kid then.
17:33Old enough to be pregnant.
17:36What with the...
17:37Shock of dad committing suicide and everything.
17:41I miscarried.
17:43Everyone said it was for the best.
17:45Only I didn't think so.
17:46You know this room's yours for as long as you want it.
17:51And if you need any money to tidy your...
17:52Thanks.
17:56It would even get hitched if it'd help.
17:59No strings of course.
18:02But it'd give the baby a name.
18:03I can never make you out.
18:15Thanks to us.
18:18Think it over anyway.
18:20To Dominica and Jan.
18:22To Dominica and Jan.
18:23She will very soon be reunited.
18:26Yeah.
18:27Thank you all.
18:28Spade, spade.
18:29Oh, be fair.
18:31I just thought Dominica say something.
18:32I'm sorry, I cannot.
18:34But now, stop the words.
18:36I don't believe it.
18:37First time in three and a half years.
18:38Ah!
18:39Never mind.
18:40Come and have another drink.
18:44Why don't you six to have not heard for six?
18:47I expect you felt the same when Cliff had turned up.
18:51Yes.
18:52Where is it by the way?
18:54He's working late.
18:57What about Stephen?
18:59Where's he?
18:59Confined to barracks.
19:01Bees orders.
19:01He's got a stinking cold.
19:04I'm not sure.
19:04I'm not getting it now.
19:06Well, in that case, you'll stay away tomorrow too.
19:09Oh!
19:09Oh, the sod you'll leave, Joss.
19:11Oh, I mean it, Joss.
19:12I'm not sure I'll leave you from the first of the week.
19:15Look, you want to be fit to sail with us next week, don't you?
19:18Don't think you're packing me off to bed.
19:20I'm a worse patient than Stephen.
19:21Oh, you don't have to tell me that.
19:23What I suggest is that you and he take yourselves off tomorrow somewhere.
19:26Good idea.
19:27It's the weekend after all.
19:29The problems of the native population don't cease at weekends.
19:32No, and neither are they eased by you breathing germs over them.
19:36I can manage perfectly well on my own.
19:38She's right, Joss.
19:40Oh, I'll think about it.
19:44See that she does too.
19:45She's looking a bit seedy.
19:47And I know that's where Stephen's had a day off since he left Changi.
19:50Excuse me, Beatrice.
19:51I have the pleasure.
19:53Maggie says you're the Tango Queen.
19:55It's no use she won't.
19:56She says her tangoing days are over.
19:57When did I say that?
20:00I'd be delighted.
20:03That's what she told me yesterday.
20:05Maybe she's feeling more of my own self now.
20:10It must be awful to know you're going by.
20:19She's learning to take things from day to day.
20:22All I can think about is the future.
20:24You've got one to think about.
20:26Yes.
20:27I can't wait to get back and start finishing school.
20:30Finishing school?
20:32What didn't I show you?
20:33Just for a term before I'm sent here.
20:37That is afraid that after the camp there may be some rough edges.
20:40That's what I sure hate most.
20:44People looking at me and knowing.
20:46You'll be all right.
20:47You're going to make a lovely day, Beatrice.
20:50That's what mummy always wanted for me.
20:54Perhaps I could invite your son to my coming out dance.
20:58He's not much younger than me, is he?
21:00No.
21:00No, he isn't.
21:01Oh, well, that's settled then.
21:03I'll make sure he's put on my list as soon as I get home.
21:06Oh, there's so much to look forward to.
21:08Will your husband be coming over to fetch you?
21:10No, he has to remain out yet to look after his business interests.
21:13But the doctor at the office explained that he wishes me to join him as soon as things are more settled.
21:18Your house is still intact.
21:19It seems so.
21:20I told you so.
21:21All your problems are over.
21:23Yes.
21:24Dominica, may I have this dance?
21:25Ooh.
21:26It could be my last chance before your husband whisks you away.
21:28I'm afraid I must decline and feel a little shaken.
21:31It's the shock of it all.
21:32Yes, such wonderful news.
21:34We'll go out for a while.
21:36Excuse me.
21:36Fancy, Metro, capable of genuine emotion.
21:41Fancy, Metro, capable of genuine emotion.
22:06Fancy, Metro, capable of genuine emotion.
22:20Still up?
22:22Yes.
22:24How were the celebrations?
22:26Quite jolly.
22:28Dominica, still stunned by the news.
22:30She was so certain he was dead.
22:32And all the time he was doing very nicely, thank you.
22:35You don't know that?
22:36Hm.
22:37Helping the Japanese with administration.
22:39It's pretty obvious what that means.
22:41There's no point talking about it.
22:43I'm going to be...
22:43You won't talk about anything, will you?
22:45We only end up bickering.
22:46Even about our future.
22:47There's nothing to be said.
22:48Yes, there is!
22:51You may be content to throw 20 years of marriage down the drain,
22:54but I'm not.
22:55Do you think it's what I want?
22:57Do you think I wouldn't give anything to turn the clock back?
23:00Then for God's sake, Marion, why?
23:02Because I've changed.
23:04My feelings, attitudes,
23:05everything's different.
23:06It's no use pretending.
23:08For the last three and a half years,
23:10I've been someone...
23:11I've been a person in my own right.
23:14I can't go back simply to being...
23:16My wife?
23:16A decorative stooge with no opinions of her own.
23:20You were never that.
23:21Not far off.
23:22The camp made me realize that I...
23:24Oh, blast the bloody camp!
23:26It wasn't just the camp.
23:28It started before then.
23:30You know it did.
23:30I was all set to go back to England in 41.
23:32Because you were worried about bed.
23:34Not only that.
23:35Even then I was fed up with a life out here.
23:37I told you.
23:38I felt redundant.
23:39It was only the invasion that stopped me going.
23:42A chance to be useful for once.
23:43I thought your feelings for me had something to do with it.
23:45Of course they did.
23:47I still love you, Marion.
23:50I don't think so.
23:51I think you love the person you'd like me to be.
23:56And I can't.
23:57Not anymore.
23:59I am sorry.
24:04So you're going to get on that boat next week
24:07without even trying to salvage our marriage.
24:10I'm sure we can still make a go of it.
24:12Like we have so far.
24:14It's not just me who's changed.
24:16You have too.
24:16Perhaps all those years with just the army,
24:19it's taken its toll.
24:20The only way we could make things work
24:22is by starting again from scratch.
24:25Well isn't that worth talking about?
24:30So you're turning me down.
24:33Don't sound so relieved.
24:37I did mean it.
24:38I know.
24:40You don't want to be lumbered with a wife.
24:42Cramp your style on the wind.
24:45Thanks for offering.
24:48Are you still welcome to the room?
24:50I shan't need it.
24:52I'm going back to England.
24:54Where are the others?
24:55If Phyllis can wangle it.
24:57I had a word with her tonight.
24:59What a hope, she said.
25:01Until I told her the reason why.
25:03And she started buzzing around like an oversized mosquito.
25:06Well, if there's any problem, just let me know.
25:08Don't tell me you've got a contact on the SS Ranchi.
25:13I used to work for the P and O.
25:16Brinette!
25:17I bet you've even got contacts up there.
25:19Funny you should say that.
25:21There's this chap called Peter.
25:22We used to do some fishing together.
25:24Shut up, you!
25:24We used to do some fishing together.
25:24We used to do some fishing together.
25:24Shut up, you!
25:25Hmm.
25:34We might have made a go of it.
25:36Not a hope in hell.
25:39When your time comes, you'll end up with a nice, rich widow.
25:44Pity Van Maer still isn't in the running.
25:46Mm-hmm.
26:10Please, I wish to see Sister Ulrica.
26:30Sister Ulrica isn't here this morning.
26:32Indeed, Sister Ulrica is seldom for her.
26:35You know when she will be back.
26:36But Sister Ulrica, it's never easy to say.
26:41Where is she gone?
26:46She's escorting a child to the leper colony.
26:49Not that dreadful place.
26:52It was at her own request.
26:53I could not bear to look at them. Such terrible sights.
26:57They are all God's children.
27:00I suppose so.
27:03Do you wish to leave a message for her?
27:04No.
27:06It does not matter.
27:09I just wanted to speak to her.
27:14Perhaps I can help.
27:19No, thank you.
27:21You see, Sister Ulrica is also a friend.
27:24I don't want to go getting off anywhere.
27:31Too bad.
27:32It's all arranged.
27:33Christina's coming in to help me.
27:34But I'm perfectly all right now.
27:36It's not you I'm thinking of.
27:37It's Joss.
27:38What's wrong with Joss?
27:39For one thing, she's caught your wretched cold.
27:41Oh, Lord.
27:41For another, she's worn out.
27:43She hasn't said a thing to me.
27:45Of course she hasn't.
27:46When did you ever know Joss, admit to human fallibility?
27:49The moment she got to raffle, she should have put her feet up, did she?
27:51Oh, no.
27:52And why?
27:52Because you whisked her off here.
27:54Well, she didn't take much whisking.
27:55That's beside the point.
27:57Joss is like me.
27:58She's a get up and go.
27:59Yes, well, today I suggest you get up and go somewhere slightly more congenial than this dump.
28:04Dump?
28:05Well, it deserves a decent break.
28:07Oh, bully.
28:09Hang it, man.
28:10She won't be here to take out this time next week.
28:13Nor she will.
28:14Right, no more arguing.
28:17Beatrice?
28:18Hmm?
28:19I suppose she hasn't said anything to you about...
28:23There's no chance she'll come back to Singapore.
28:25Now, why on earth would she want to do that?
28:28Hmm.
28:29Good question.
28:30Right, then that's settled.
28:32Well, don't just stand there.
28:33Go and get changed.
28:33Change?
28:35Well, you can't take her out looking like a scarecrow.
28:38And hurry up.
28:39She'll be here any minute.
28:49Turned out of my own place.
28:51Cheek of the woman.
28:52She was a bit high-handed.
28:54That's Beatrice when she gets a bit between her teeth.
28:57She's right, though, I suppose.
28:58It's time we had a break.
29:00You're always telling me what a slave driver I am.
29:02Well, where should we go?
29:05She suggested the Botanic Gardens.
29:07Shows how much she knows.
29:10That's been left in such a state even the monkeys have left.
29:13Same with Caton Park and Kebbell Golf Course.
29:15A mass of dumps and dugouts.
29:18Nips were never happy unless they're burrowing.
29:19Hmm.
29:21We could try further appeal, I suppose, if the public transport's up to it.
29:26Oh, bless you.
29:27Oh, blasted.
29:28Got your cold.
29:30You know something, Holbrook.
29:31You're the only woman I've ever known with an honest adult's knees.
29:34You do pay the nicest compliments.
29:37Get it off.
29:42I'd still attend functions if I came back.
29:46I'd entertain if necessary.
29:47What I'm saying is that in itself wouldn't be enough.
29:53Hmm.
29:54You'd need something to occupy you.
29:57A part-time job, perhaps.
29:59Well, there is something that could occupy you full-time.
30:06What's that?
30:08We could have another baby.
30:13Well, you've always said that your happiest time was when Ben was little.
30:19Yes, it was, but I...
30:22Oh.
30:25Can you honestly see it happening?
30:29Not if we continue to sleep in separate rooms.
30:35Oh.
30:36I didn't mean that.
30:48I'm not exactly in my first flush, am I?
30:51My mother was your age when she had me.
30:53She hadn't gone three and a half years without having a period.
30:56I may not be able to conceive anymore.
31:03Even if it were possible,
31:05I don't think that would solve anything.
31:10It would make up for missing so much of Ben's childhood.
31:12I don't think that would make up for you.
31:16No.
31:18Nothing would make up for that.
31:24I do understand, you know.
31:27What?
31:29You're resenting the fact that I was able to be with him.
31:32I don't.
31:33Yes, I do.
31:40Sometimes.
31:43You think I wouldn't have changed places?
31:45The thought of your going through all that while I...
31:48sat on my backside in an office.
31:50That doesn't matter, Clifford.
31:54Of course it matters.
31:57Is that why you've waged your own personal war against Yamalchi?
32:04I shall never understand why you defend him.
32:06For all the things I didn't put in my diary.
32:17For the things that made him a person.
32:20For the times he treated me as a human being.
32:24While to that monster Sato, we were no more than animals.
32:27It didn't make me less hungry.
32:30But it did give me a little dignity.
32:32But the punishments, the deprivations.
32:37He acted under orders according to his lights.
32:41Isn't that what the army requires?
32:44Duty first, instant obedience.
32:46Not necessarily without question.
32:49There are times when, even as a soldier,
32:52you can't use duty and obedience to absolve you from responsibility.
32:56If I'd been in that situation, I hope...
32:59I hope I would have questioned what I was being ordered to do.
33:03I think Yamalchi did question.
33:23In different circumstances, you might have respected him.
33:26Situations weren't dissimilar, either.
33:32He felt equally humiliated.
33:35Stuck in the jungle with a load of women.
33:40He missed his wife and family, too.
33:45He has a daughter and a baby grandson.
33:51They lived in Nagasaki.
33:53He'll probably hang.
33:59Yes.
34:02He probably will.
34:16More notes in Chinese for you to decipher.
34:18Hmm, a housing problem.
34:21I'll write out a card.
34:23Oh, another Chan.
34:25Same family as the other one.
34:28You know, if I can just keep
34:29Joss and Stephen out of the way for one more day,
34:32we might end up with a workable filing system.
34:34Hmm, certainly save time.
34:36He might come in every now and again after we've gone.
34:39Make sure he keeps it up.
34:40I may be working here anyway.
34:42I hope to do some teaching.
34:44He was talking about starting lessons.
34:46He wants to run them for adults as well as for children.
34:49So many are literate.
34:51His father was a teacher, wasn't he?
34:53Yes, and a nice smart school for whites only.
34:56All I learned, he taught me at home.
34:58I was lucky to have someone to teach me.
35:01What chance of most of my people?
35:03Things may improve.
35:05Not unless we fight for it.
35:07It suits the British, doesn't it?
35:11Without education,
35:12how can the Chinese hope for any political power?
35:15I've changed.
35:16Remember you at the beginning,
35:17little Christina,
35:17wouldn't say boo to a goose?
35:20Like my mother.
35:21Gentle, loyal, unquestioning.
35:24You know,
35:26if she'd still been alive,
35:28she'd been out there too in the streets,
35:29cheering the British soldiers in with tears of joy.
35:32Like most of the Chinese.
35:33Seeing their return as a sign of freedom
35:35instead of another form of oppression.
35:37Do you rather they behaved like that independence rabble?
35:41Of course not.
35:42I think they're both wrong.
35:44That's why it's important for people like me
35:46to do something positive.
35:50Blance would have been pleased.
35:51She was always telling me to be myself.
35:54Only up till now,
35:55I didn't know what that was.
35:56Unlike me.
35:58I was so certain of my position.
36:00Whereas now.
36:02What will you do?
36:03Well, I suppose I'll find me some sort of job
36:05when I get back.
36:06Until such time as I have to pack it in.
36:10Still be able to do something, surely.
36:12Blance for the blind aren't exactly two a penny.
36:15Without my sight,
36:16what would I be good for?
36:17Listening?
36:18People come to you,
36:20tell you things
36:20they wouldn't be able to tell anyone else.
36:21Because I'm a doctor.
36:23No, not just that.
36:25You know, Bea,
36:26three and a half years ago
36:27we wouldn't have confided in you.
36:29You terrified us all.
36:31But now we talk to you
36:32not only because you're a doctor,
36:34but because you're you.
36:42This is a topping idea of yours.
36:45Bit of a trek.
36:47Worth it.
36:47I haven't been here since Lord knows when.
36:54Well, it hasn't changed much.
36:59Extraordinary the things the Japs did keep up.
37:04Why this?
37:06Not the Botanic Gardens.
37:07Well, why keep up St Andrew's church,
37:10yet strip the one in Ulrich's condom?
37:13Why preserve the Raffles Museum and Library,
37:17yet use all the club records and books for scrap paper?
37:20Oh, the Nips were never known for their consistency.
37:23Don't you suppose we'll never fathom the blighters?
37:26Shall we take the weight off our feet?
37:28Wouldn't say no.
37:30Oh, these shoes are murder.
37:32Beatrice would have me posh up.
37:36Well, you look rather fetching in your Sunday best.
37:39Damned uncomfortable.
37:42Still, I'll have to get used to it, I suppose.
37:44My glad rags.
37:46Old Foxy would burst a blood vessel
37:48if I turned up in Eaton Square in my Jap boots.
37:50That's how I shall think of you
37:54when you've gone, in those boots.
37:56And that dreadful old hat.
37:59That hat I'd have, you know,
38:00saw me right through the war.
38:01And looks like it.
38:03Yours isn't much better.
38:10It'll seem strange not having you around.
38:13No one to have slanging matches with.
38:15Not many people you can have a decent round with
38:17without their taking umbrage.
38:18Even Monica could get huffy at times.
38:24Remember the way she used to bristle?
38:26And go pink about the gills.
38:32Oh, well.
38:33With any luck,
38:34we'll be able to resume hostilities in March.
38:37Or thereabouts.
38:39Depending on how long it takes me
38:40to sort things out with the legal bods.
38:43You mean you are coming back?
38:44If I'm going to invest in a new centre for you,
38:49I want to see it underway.
38:51Oh, didn't I tell you?
38:53Decided to put cousin Lizzie's money to good use.
38:57That'll mean
38:57finding larger premises,
39:00organising new equipment,
39:01and doing battle with the authorities.
39:03Too much work for one.
39:06Oh, Joss.
39:09My sainted aunt.
39:11He used my Christian name.
39:14We should have met years ago.
39:18Just as well we didn't.
39:20It would be a disaster.
39:21I think by
39:2370,
39:25I'm just about ready to put up
39:27with the foibles of the other sex.
39:38By the summer,
39:39things will be less hectic for me.
39:42Trials will be well underway.
39:44Military
39:45shouldn't start handing over
39:46to the civilian authorities.
39:48We'll be able to spend more time together.
39:50If I had a job,
39:51it wouldn't matter so much.
39:53I just can't sit at home anymore
39:54watching the servants.
39:55Well, I'm sure we can find you something.
39:58No, no.
39:59Not a time for her.
40:00I mean, something worthwhile.
40:01If I did come back,
40:02I could...
40:03What's the matter?
40:07Isn't that Dominica?
40:12God, can't we ever get away from them?
40:15Come on, before she spots us.
40:17No, Clifford.
40:18I think I ought to have a word with her.
40:19But you only saw her last night.
40:21It's not like her to be out on her own.
40:23Marion,
40:23we are trying to sort out our own
40:25problem.
40:26You realise we'd be stuck for the afternoon
40:28if we have to stop now.
40:29There's something wrong, I'm sure.
40:31It's always the same, isn't it?
40:33They must come first.
40:34Why must you always make it a choice?
40:40I'll wait over there.
40:41Hello, Dominica.
40:57Marion, what are you doing?
41:01Clifford and I, we've been for a walk.
41:05What's wrong?
41:07Nothing.
41:08I also have been for a walk.
41:12There is something.
41:14I can see.
41:15I dread to go back.
41:20I mean, home to the island.
41:24Because of its associations.
41:26No, because of him.
41:28Why could he not have died?
41:29You were shocked?
41:34No.
41:36Not shocked.
41:39I'm dreadfully sorry.
41:41I never loved him.
41:44But even at the start,
41:46my family had little.
41:50Marrying a van meyer
41:51meant worth the position.
41:53And for that,
41:53I put up with the rest.
41:57And of course,
41:58he thought it upon me then.
42:00I was young, pretty,
42:01and knew how to flatter him.
42:02He is 15 years older than me,
42:09and was never attractive.
42:11He also expected me
42:12to give him a son.
42:14And when it was not so,
42:16it was my fault.
42:18It could not be his.
42:20Fat pig.
42:25Now he dislikes you
42:26as much as I dislike him.
42:29Oh, no, Dominica.
42:30I'm sure that's...
42:31It's true.
42:31Why else did he not
42:32make inquiries for me?
42:34You probably did.
42:36I mean, you know what
42:37the muddle was
42:37over Clifford, you mean?
42:38But Clifford came at once.
42:40He cared as much as you did.
42:45You're so lucky, Marrying.
42:46You have everything.
42:49Well, I must return to that.
42:54You don't have to go back?
42:57Oh, yes, I do.
42:58Without him, I have nothing.
43:01I cannot live without my comfort.
43:05You did in the camp.
43:09In the camp of the stiff.
43:13I had all of you.
43:14I have to go back.
43:15I have to go back.
43:16I have to go back.
43:16I have to go back.
43:17I have to go back.
43:18I have to go back.
43:18I have to go back.
43:19Someone at last.
43:22Oh, hello, Maggie.
43:25Where's everyone got to?
43:27Prodigal returns,
43:27or even a curry puff,
43:29let alone a fatted calf.
43:30You're moving back?
43:31Oh, for the last week and all that.
43:33By the by,
43:34I'll be sailing with the rest of you.
43:35Will you change your mind?
43:36All right.
43:37I'd like the baby to be born in England.
43:39I think you're wise.
43:40Best to be amongst your own kind.
43:42I hope that it's going to be easy for you anyway.
43:45I'll cope.
43:47Well, you keep in touch with me, won't you?
43:49Let me know if there's anything I can do.
43:51I might ask you to be godmother.
43:53I don't think I'd be the most appropriate person.
43:55I've forgotten.
43:57Well,
43:58or may I have to?
43:59Something.
44:00Yes, yes, I'd like that.
44:02So,
44:02how are you feeling?
44:04A bit better.
44:06I've been staying off the drinks and fags,
44:07like you said.
44:08Good girl.
44:09Not those on this one.
44:12I guess you weren't going to be on your own.
44:14Still,
44:15perhaps in time you'll find someone.
44:17Everyone's trying to marry me off.
44:25I know marriage isn't everyone's cup of tea.
44:28It wasn't mine,
44:29but when there's a child involved...
44:31I had a sort of marriage,
44:32once.
44:34Was that when you were pregnant last time?
44:36Yes.
44:38What happened?
44:40I told you, it miscarried.
44:41To the man, I mean.
44:44Is this some sort of interrogation?
44:46No, of course not.
44:47I'm sorry.
44:47It's none of my business.
44:51He died.
44:55Killed himself.
44:56But isn't that what happened to your father?
45:04Yes.
45:04But you're going to be a little more than a child.
45:14I've grown enough to nurse my mother through consumption.
45:18Look after the little ones.
45:19Keep house.
45:20Keeping house is one thing,
45:21but to take advantage of a child.
45:24You're all the same, aren't you?
45:25Casting your middle-class judgments.
45:29What do you know about seven people crowded into two rooms?
45:34Pitting down for warmth as much as anything.
45:36Fair amount.
45:37Not until camp.
45:38No, not at first hand, admittedly,
45:39but when you've been brought up in a slum parish,
45:41you learn a thing or two.
45:43A doctor's life isn't exactly protected.
45:45I have known cases like yours,
45:47but under whatever circumstances,
45:49the thing I can't forgive is the breach of trust.
45:53What about their crime?
45:55The do-gooders.
45:57We were a happy family till they stepped in.
46:03She split us up.
46:07Put him in prison.
46:10Poisoned the kids' minds.
46:11Well, I find that equally unforgivable.
46:17He hung himself in his cell.
46:21That's when I lost the baby.
46:30I suppose he did it out of shame.
46:34Or love.
46:38Maybe...
46:39Maybe he wanted to set you free.
46:43Well, he didn't.
46:47Since then, I've never...
46:52I've always stuck to one-night stands.
46:56Maggie...
46:58He wouldn't have wanted that for you.
47:00Going through life without anyone to care for.
47:03Well, I've got someone now, and I...
47:06My baby.
47:08Oh, I can't wait to see Foxy's face
47:20when I tell him I'm coming back here.
47:23To fritter away your money with the natives.
47:27And to set up house with an elderly roué.
47:29We should just about make his Christmas.
47:32Oh, damn nose.
47:35Thanks.
47:35Hey.
47:41I've just had a brainwave.
47:42Hmm?
47:43I shan't spend Christmas with Foxy.
47:46I'll invite Beatrice down.
47:48She's dreading being stuck with all those god-botherers.
47:51Hmm.
47:52Splendid idea.
47:53Ply her with enough brandy,
47:55you might even persuade her to come back, too.
47:57Just what I was thinking.
47:58She'd be no end of help setting up the clinic.
48:01Yes, and she loathes the prospect of some tame job.
48:03Oh!
48:04No, devil!
48:05Don't you dare!
48:07Get!
48:07Get!
48:07Get!
48:08Get!
48:09Ah!
48:09Ah!
48:10Ah!
48:11Ah!
48:12Ah!
48:12Ah!
48:13Ah!
48:13Ah!
48:13Ah!
48:14Ah!
48:14Ah!
48:14Ah!
48:15Ah!
48:16Ah!
48:16No, you all right?
48:19Do I bloody well look all right?
48:21thank you for one awful moment what you were going to ask her back here I realized there's
48:30a limit to your endurance actually I felt quite sorry for for Dominica to be silent all the way
48:36back to Raffles had a word with Beatrice she'll keep an eye on her drink not now that's another
48:44thing that's going to be different when I come back I'm cutting down on the gin I'm glad you
48:49said when it was only if earlier we'll make it work hope so at least we had something good there's
48:58something to build on not like Dominica why don't we go out for a meal tonight what about old horns you
49:05said you had some paperwork well we can wait till tomorrow all right I'll wear that new dress you
49:10like damn it's all right May better not be Smithers Jefferson oh hello yes she is hold on just a
49:26moment for you Phyllis Bristow hello Phyllis what's that what happened oh yes yes of course yes thank
49:48you for letting me know it's Joss there's been an accident apparently she was attacked by some
49:55thug how bad is it bad enough for to be in hospital Clifford I'm sorry but I'll drive you over there
50:18you
50:21you
50:25you
50:27you
50:29you
50:31you
50:33you
50:35you
50:52you
50:54you
50:56you
51:15you
51:17you
51:19you
51:21you
51:44you
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