www.able.co.nz Captions were made with the support of NZ On Air. Able 2017 MAGICAL MUSIC LAUGHTER GENTLE MUSIC (Breathes heavily) That shit! (Calls) Hello! (Calls) Hello! (Both giggle) So, did you ask him? Yep. He said fine. Oh, good. (Laughs) It's OK with your mum, right? Yeah, she doesn't care. She's working. Isn't she coming up this weekend? I don't know. So, uh, how cute is he? Spit it out. Oh, he's kind of gorgeous. Yeah? He's like a cousin but not really. He wants to be a forest ranger. Good. We'll...set a fire and he'll rescue us! (Laughs) Yeah. You should have seen the look on your face. I've never laughed so hard! I can't believe you even said that. Hi, Gulliver. How you doing, boy? (Whinnies gently) Hey, Pilgrim. Come here. (Whinnies) Hey, babe. You're such a beautiful boy. What are you thinking, huh? What are you thinking, boy? You want to go for a ride? Let's go for a ride. Come on, boy. Come on. POIGNANT MUSIC (Dials number) PHONE RINGS Hello. It's me. Hi. Hi. So, what train are you taking? Um...I should be in by 2:00. OK. You want me to pick you up? No, I'll take a cab. Grace go riding? Mm-hm. What shall we do about dinner? I hadn't thought. We can try that place... PHONE RINGS Oh, hang on. They're here, so... I'll let you go. Figure it out when you arrive, OK? Yeah, OK, OK then. 'Bye. PHONE RINGS Hello. (Both laugh and gossip) Where are the paintings? We can't see her work. We're trying to... We can change the colour and... But we NEED to see the paintings. She's an artist. What's her going rate? Gotschalk. The legal department's on it right now. David. You spoken to Felton? Yes, we're suing. Well, is that absolutely necessary? It'll make it a bigger story. Am I on the speaker? He signed an agreement not to talk to the press, then libels me by saying I faked the figures. You're not going soft on me? Nothing like a good public feud. Exactly. DELICATE MUSIC That kid Adam? Yeah. Uh-huh! Very cute! I think you'd make a good couple. I don't think so. I do. Are you serious? I think he's cute. (Both continue chatting) I think you have a crush on him. (Laughs) All right, let's take a short cut. Let's take a short cut. We can't even read it. Friday is free. Right, OK. No, no, no - we have to re-shoot this. (Sings) # I said it... # It's Zack. # I said it, I said... # It's Zack! I swear to God it's Zack. # It's, it's... # Zack, Zack. All right, let's start again. Fine, fine. Ready? (Both sing) # I met him at a party # And he told me how to drive # He said he liked to do it backwards... # (Whinnies) # I said it's, it's, it's... # Come on. Judith. (Sings) # I said it's, it's, it's... # Come on. Gulliver, Gulliver, up. Up, Gulliver. (Whinnies desperately) Judith! Hey. No. No, no, no. Grace, look out! AHH! Grace! J...Judith! Grace! SOMBRE CLASSICAL MUSIC (Voice echoes) Hello! LAUGHTER ECHOES (Whinnies) No. Gulliver! Gulliver! Stop! Hold it, Gulliver! Gulliver! Come on. HORN BLASTS (Whinnies in terror) TYRES SQUEAL (Whinnies desperately) TRUCK ROARS SILENCE PHONE RINGS INDISTINCT ANNOUNCEMENT OVER P.A. What? Judith's dead. And what about Grace? She's in pretty bad shape. It's a multiple trauma. Where is she? She's still in the O.R. O.R.! What for? It's...it's... It's a needle shaft tib-fib fracture with vascular compromise. Blood supply to the lower leg... They have to take part of the leg off. Which leg? The right leg. TENSE MUSIC Oh, Jesus. (Snorts) Just take it easy. This is going to be tough on both of us. Let's not make it any harder than necessary. (Whinnies frantically) (Shrieks) (Breathes rhythmically) MONITOR BEEPS (Murmurs) Judith. That bag's almost empty. They'll be in to change it. Leave it up to these people... Excuse me. My daughter needs a new I.V. Yes, we have her down. I'd like it taken care of now, please. Have to stay on top of these people constantly. I'm sorry. Thank you. Thank you. We should let her get some rest, and I have to change the bandage. Come back in a few hours and see how she's doing. POIGNANT MUSIC Mrs MacLean? Mrs MacLean, you have a call on line two. Take it there. Hello. Annie, it's Liz. How's Grace? Her leg was very damaged and they had to remove it. Oh, God. Annie, I'm so sorry. Listen, I...I know you're being hit with a lot. It's hard to think about anything else, but I have to talk to you about Pilgrim. Hello? Yeah, I'm here. I've never seen an animal with these injuries still breathing. I'd like your permission to put him down. It's really the best thing... Ah, ah...you mean shoot him? Annie. Well, um... Um...look, Liz, the doctor's here right now. I can't...make this decision on my own. I understand that but... Just do what you can. Whatever I do, this horse won't be the same. I don't know. It's Grace's horse, so when she... It's not right to... I cannot deal with this now, Liz. If you need a yes or no then don't do it. Just...just...just do what you can for him, OK? Right. Animal should be put down. Anybody can see that. What did he say? Nothing. He's just going off duty. Well. That's important information, huh? Christ. Doctors, huh? I'm going to get to know all the nurses' names. (Whispers) It's good...it's good to know they're... (Sobs) I'll get some of her things. I'll go. No, I'll go. You stay. In case she wakes up. GENTLE MUSIC LOUD THUMPING (Shrieks) SOFT MUSIC HORNS BEEP You guys go on ahead. I'll be up by Christmas. I meant to tell you I got those tickets for the Knicks game. Good. Want to come, Annie? No. You could go with a friend, Grace. Yeah. Want to eat something else, honey? We'll order it. No, I'm just not that hungry. You should try to eat anyway. It's the only way... Said I wasn't hungry. Want to watch some television? I think she should finish first. Maybe. I just... I... I can't. Here. I'm sorry. No, Dad. I got it. Got it. Sorry. You've got to stop doing that. What? Helping her all the time. Running to her every time she trips. Anticipating her. You know, Annie... ..this didn't just happen to you. ALARM RINGS Hi, Grace. Hi. I don't care what he told you. The man's a liar. He's an actor, for God's sake. He'd do anything to get a cover. Grace. What happened? It doesn't matter. I just... I don't want to come back, that's all. What are you going to do? You have to go to school, sweetheart. I said no. I don't want to go back. I said I want to go home. Grace, listen to me. Hmm? Your leg's healing and you have to give the rest of you time too. Is that your version of a pep talk? You're not staying home all day feeling sorry for yourself. You'll get up and figure this out. Fine. It's still early. What's your next class? Gym. MUTED ROCK MUSIC SONG: # It don't mean a thing # Without an attitude # Now, now, now # Attitude... # ROCK MUSIC STOPS GENTLE MUSIC What is it, sweetheart? I want to see Pilgrim. THUNDER ROARS Hello. Hi. Hi. It's so good to see you. How are you doing? She's doing just great. I'm fine. Watch your step. Mind how you go. It's muddy back there. Back there? Wh...wh...what do you mean? Why isn't he in the barn with the other horses? Well, Grace, you see... ..Pilgrim just isn't the same horse that he used to be. Matter of fact, maybe now's not the best time to see him. I really want to see him. (Pilgrim whinnies) Can you open it, please? Hey. Hello, beautiful boy. Oh! (Snorts) Oh! (Snorts) (Whinnies aggressively) (Gasps) No, no, no. Grace. No, no, no! Grace. No! Leave me alone! Here. Grace. Grace! Mr MacLean...I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. (Grace sobs) (Sighs) You should have told her, Annie. This animal is beyond help. Annie, can I have your permission now to put him down? No. And get me every publication on riding, racing, breeding. Everything. PHONE RINGS Medical publications as well, veterinarian journals. Say it's me and I want it now. Hold on. Gotschalk. I'll call him back. He's heading to the airport. Lucy, I'll call him back. Just get me what I want. ANNIE: A million years before man, they grazed the vast, empty plains, living by voices only they could hear. They first came to know man as the hunted knows the hunter. Long before he used horses for his labours... ..he killed them for meat. The alliance with man would forever be fragile... ..for the fear he'd struck into their hearts was too deep to be dislodged. Since that Neolithic moment, when a horse was first haltered... ..there were those among men who understood this. They could see into the creature's soul, and soothe the wounds they found there. The secrets uttered softly into troubled ears. These men were known as the whisperers. It's perfectly shot, perfectly cropped, perfectly laid out, and I am so bloody bored. Start again. Thank you. Would you excuse me for a moment? Hello? Yeah. This is Tom Booker. I got a message you called. Hello, Mr Booker. It's Annie MacLean from 'Cover'. You know, the magazine. Well, thank you for returning my... Is there something I can do for you, ma'am? Yes, I read this article about what you do for people with horse problems. Truth is, I help horses with people problems. (Laughs) Whichever way you want to put it. This article said you were a... you were a horse whisperer. Oh! They said that, huh? A whisperer. Hmm. And I was hoping you'd come to New York and take a look at my daughter's horse and possibly... I'm sorry, but I'm afraid you misunderstood whatever it is you read. That's not exactly what I do. I mostly conduct clinics. Could you visit New York just for the day? I'm not doing them now. I'm heading to Montana. I have a ranch to run. I'd pay your fare. First class. First class to Montana's a waste of good money. If you give me a time when you're available... Am I being too polite? When I say no in Nevada, does that mean yes where you are? I'm sorry for your situation. There's nothing I can do. I'm sure there's some fine horse doctors back east. But I don't want a horse doctor. I hope everything goes OK with your horse. It's not my horse... Goodbye now. Grace? Grace, it's Mom. Grace? Grace... Are you all right? I've decided about Pilgrim. Oh. I think we should put him down. It's not fair to let him suffer. Well, I think that's... Maybe you should put me down too. What? I'm not much use any more. MACHINE BEEPS You're getting a fax. DISTANT SIRENS WAIL DOOR CLOSES You're up late. Is it? How was dinner? Is Grace asleep? Yeah, I think so. Yeah, I think so. Nothing we haven't heard before. Just louder this time, that's all. So, why did you go? One of us had to. They're still our friends, Annie. Listen, I have a thought. What do you think we go someplace warm, the three of us? Bermuda or the Bahamas or, well... Hmm, nothing. I don't know if Bermuda would be such a good idea. Grace would have to wear summer dresses or shorts. Of course, of course. What is it? I want to take Pilgrim out to see this horse guy. Drive him out to Montana. (Scoffs) No, I'm serious. Wait...I thought you didn't like the way he sounded on the phone. I didn't. I want to take Grace. You're kidding. We can stay at motels. Have you made arrangements? No, just checked out a few things. Wait a minute. Drive a crazed horse... He's not crazed, Robert. I can't just leave. I'm not asking you to! I'll go. By yourself? You can't take care of Pilgrim. He'll be sedated. I know some things about horses. And the magazine? I'm in charge! I can oversee from Montana. What about Grace? The doctor says she needs stability. I can't say HE'S being all that effective with her! Are you a psychiatrist? It takes time. I don't care! I cannot sit here and pretend everything's all right. I am not pretending. I am trusting... We are losing... we are losing her! I don't care what the doctors say. They don't know her. I don't care if this doesn't sound rational. Nobody is suggesting anything better! I can't explain it, Robert. I have this feeling. I know it's the right thing. Why, Annie? I just know it. Does this, er... cowboy vet know that you're coming? Yeah. What if Grace doesn't want to go? She will if you think she should. You think it's best if I don't come? No, that's not what I said. Daddy? I don't want to go. A little more! A little more! (Pilgrim whinnies) Watch it. Get behind him. Hold it! Get back! Watch it! Why don't you get inside and...? MAN: We're doing the best we can. We love this kind of horse! (Pilgrim whinnies) Maybe we should give him another sedative. We did. Take it! Take it! Get out of here! LOUD THUMP You got a gun, just in case? Of course not. It's probably best. You may want to shoot yourself halfway through Ohio. SONG: # Stick a neckbrace on vacation # It's a new thing Stand up, organise # Don't want to chain your television... # PEACEFUL MUSIC TRUCK MOTORS ROAR TRUCK HORN BLARES (Whinnies) Grace, are you hungry? Do you want to stop for lunch? I don't care. I want to find a place before it gets dark. What do you think? Grace? Doesn't matter. Lucy, what I'll do is see if there's a fax at the motel... LOUD THUD FROM TRAILER Oh, wait, hang on. Got to go. 'Bye now. Grace? Do you want to put your music on up here? (Faintly) Grace! Do you want to put your music on up here? MAN ON RADIO: When you purchase your vacuum cleaner... SECOND MAN: The agricultural and farm use headlines... THIRD MAN: ..insecticide for small grains, it's important to always read and follow label instructions... FOURTH MAN: The sinner man was rejuvenated in the grace of the Lord. He was washed. Mmm! Grace, look at this! Do you want to see that? I don't care. (Whispers mockingly) I don't care. Oh, it'll be fun. We haven't seen any of the sights yet. It's history... When I was 13, I used to love doing this. You were never 13, Mom. Oh. Great idea, Mom. Now what? How long is this going to go on? What? You know what I mean. CAR BEEPS Do you want us to go back home? What are you asking ME for? You didn't ask me if I wanted to come. Now I get to decide? Sorry. Do you know who I'm doing this for? I'm doing this for you. Bullshit! It's all about you being right! We don't work for you! I don't believe this! How come Daddy didn't come? What do you mean? You know everything. Figure it out. Your father had to work. Yeah, right. Would you please stop acting like... You are amazing, you know? You act like I don't live in that house. You think I don't know what's happening? I'm not five! You're acting like it! How long are we away? I don't know. Yeah? What if this guy can't... I DON'T KNOW! I don't have all the answers. No, you just act like you do. SOMBRE, MELANCHOLY MUSIC (Sobs) 1 You OK, ma'am? Yeah, I'm fine. That young lady's getting a little worried. Oh, sorry. Sorry. Goodnight, ma'am. 'Night. CAR BEEPS You buckled up? Mm-hm. Are you cold? A little. MAN ON RADIO: You may have seen the kennel club champion rewarded with a box of chocolates the other day. SONG: # I can't get you out of my mind... # WOMAN: Winter weather got you down? Wilson Travel is offering charter packages to sunny Orlando, Florida... MAN: Looks like lots of precipitation overnight. Great Falls, an inch and a half... SECOND MAN: He had an epiphany! Paul had been transformed by the grace of God, a new creation in Christ! Here's a man who completely... MAN: I'll go down yonder. Gee, this place looks like fun. Don't they believe in signs around here? What would they say? 10 miles to Big Rock, 20 to Bigger Rock? (Lightly) No! Great trip, Mom. I'm having so much fun. I think I should turn here. Yeah. Those rocks over there - much more interesting. COUNTRY FIDDLE MUSIC MAJESTIC MUSIC THUNDER RUMBLES Will you take a look at Bronty's foal, Dad? Sure, as long as she don't mind. A kid at school said we should've imprint-trained him. Says if you do it when they're born, they're easy to handle later on. That's what some folks say. There's a guy on TV that does it with geese. These baby geese all grow up thinkin' his plane's their ma. He flies and they just follow. You hear about that, Uncle T? Yeah, heard about it. What do you think about all that stuff? I'll tell you, Joey. It might be all right for geese to think they're airplanes, but horses can't fly. Are we expecting company? You know who it is? Nope. Mr Booker? (Both) Yeah? Tom Booker? Annie MacLean from New York. We talked on the phone. I had a hard time finding the place. There are NO signs. There are plenty of signs, just not many are printed. Why do I get the impression you're just not driving through? I want you to look at my horse. It won't take long, and if you feel the same way, then... You thinking of personally driving me back east? No, no, no. (Laughs) I brought him along, and my daughter too. We're at the Lazy J Motel. You hauled him all the way out here? Well, yeah. I had a trailer. He didn't run alongside the car. By yourself? Mm-hm. Ma'am, I appreciate the pains you've gone to. Please don't do the 'shucks, ma'am' thing again. I have just driven a few thousand miles for a few minutes of your time. I've brought him all the way here. Just look at him. If you feel the same way, I'll be on the road, gone. OK? Deal? We're at the Lazy J Motel. Whenever you're free. You don't have to call. Jeez! KNOCK AT DOOR Mom, the door. ANNIE: No. Only barely. No services. There's one doctor in town. I managed to find a therapist for Grace. I had to drive about two hours. Mm-hm. Mm-hm. Did they have colour directions? Yeah? I'm Tom Booker. Is your mother around? She's on the phone. She'll be right out. Mom. There's a cowboy here. This is not Gotschalk's business. Why is he interfering with this? I told him I'd take care of it. I said so, and I will take care of it. I just have to get settled here. Well, put it in a memo and I'll sign it. Is this your first time in Montana? ANNIE: Ridiculous. Completely ridiculous. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. I can imagine. I can imagine. Then why did you go to meet him alone? Secretly? That's fine. No! Really? I can't believe that! Is she going to be long? Probably. She's on the phone 23 hours a day. What does she do? She's an editor. Editor? Oh, ah! Just in case she hasn't told you, which she probably hasn't, I don't want to be part of this, OK? ANNIE: Thank you. (Hangs up phone) Hi. Sorry about that. Grace, this is Mr Booker. Did you look at Pilgrim yet? I was going to look now. Would you like me to come? I'm going that way. Doesn't matter. Grace, do you want to come? To look at Pilgrim? Probably best she stay behind, anyway. Howdy, Lester. Howdy. Going to see that horse? Yeah, I thought I might. Hope you got insurance. That dirty sonofabitch. (Pilgrim shrieks and snorts) Hyah! Hyah! (Whinnies angrily) (Snorts) Shh, shh, shh. Well, you're the closest anyone's ever gotten. I have to be honest with you. I still feel you've made a long trip for nothing. But before I even think about it... ..I need to know something right now. It's a question for Grace. Working with a horse, it's no good just ME doing it. The owner's involved too. That'll be complicated. Make it as complicated as you like. She's the one that's going to ride him. Am I right? Hey? Right? Now, here's the deal. I don't know if I can do anything. But I'm prepared to give it a go, if you'll help. You have a problem with that? Isn't it, like, obvious? Not to me. Either you want to or you don't. I'll talk to Grace. Excuse me. With all due respect, this is her decision, not yours. I don't want to waste anybody's time here. Mostly mine. Well, nothing else to do around here. That's not good enough. I can't help you. What do I have to do? I said, what do I have to do? Well, what does she want? To take care of her horse? Something like that. And they're staying in the motel? The Lazy J. Pass the butter? Not exactly a tourist stop. What about the girl? Doesn't she go to school? I don't know. She's got a lot of nerve showing up here. Dragging that poor animal and that child all the way... Honey? Don't eat with your fingers. Frank, don't you think she's got a nerve? Hell, I don't know. According to Tom, she's pretty determined. Must have thought it was worth it. Yeah, well... They'll want feeding, being out here all day long. I don't think so. They're going to drive 40 miles for a hamburger? Mixed salad. What? I believe women from New York eat mixed salads. Ain't that right, Tom? I believe so. That's just what we need. A vegetarian from New York on our cattle ranch. TAPE PLAYER: A great traveller, distinct from a really good one, is a kind of introspection. As she covers the ground outwardly, so she advances towards fresh interpretations of herself inwardly. And this is the quality which lends Freya Stark's books the poetic density which is their special cache. Moreover, it is this quality which makes them fresh and striking. PIANO CONCERTO PLAYS COUNTRY SLIDE GUITAR (Snorts) (Whinnies) (Whinnies aggressively) LIVELY GUITAR MUSIC Is that a good place to quit? Gotta move it out, but that's about it. Still a ways from getting a leg over. THUNDER RUMBLES What's he doing? Is this some kind of physical therapy? MOBILE PHONE RINGS (Pilgrim neighs) Hello? Hello? Michael! No, you're breaking up. Hold on. Hold on. Let's not start a fight. Joe, give me the rope. Lester, pull him back. We'll never get him outta there. I'll go in after him. Mr Booker, I'm really not comfortable with you taking these risks. Oh, God! Hey! Hey! Pilgrim! Let him go! Let him go. Does that hurt you? Only when I kick somebody. Don't you go to school? Taking a break. Don't you? School term's out early for us so we can work the ranch. Look at him out in the pasture. He must have been a big, beautiful-looking horse. How was he to ride? Excuse me. I've chores to look after. (Clears throat) Are we in the way? Should we leave? I guess we'll go, then. (Sighs) (Whinnies gently) From now on, leave your phone somewhere else. Miss MacLean? Will you and your daughter stay for dinner? Joe, take off your hat at the table. I've told you! Dear Lord, we are humbly thankful for these gifts. For the blessings on our home, our family, and our guests. And bless those that aren't as fortunate. Bless all God's creatures. Amen. ALL: Amen. Want some roast beef? Yes, thank you. Thank you. Want some milk? Yeah. Thanks. Old Hank got us a couple more men to move the cattle. What kind of cattle do you raise, Mr Booker? Well, we run a mixed herd, but mostly black baldies. Er...what are those? Black Angus Herefords. Instead of straight Herefords. Oh, Black Angus. Of course. And what's... what's the difference? They suit the weather better. Their udders are black, not pink. Their udders are black, not pink. They don't burn with the sun bouncing off the snow. They make good mothers. Our daddy raised straight Herefords. You know, that's interesting. I've always wondered, every time I go into a restaurant what's the difference between a regular steak and a Black Angus steak? I can't taste the difference but I'd swear one's more tender. I didn't know there was much difference between cows. But I've never been on a cow farm before. It seems the bulls have the best time. Just laying around the fields, waiting for someone to ask them to do their work. You get born a bull, you got a 90% chance of getting castrated or served up as hamburgers. On balance, I'd choose being a cow. (All laugh) (Chuckles quietly) Yeah. Hey, young man! DIANE: Get back up to bed! So, how's the Lazy J holding up for you? Oh, it's fine. I still can't get used to how dark it gets, though. When I leave the ranch, I hold my breath until I see the motel. By golly, that's a lot of drive time. You know, Tom... ..while you're working on that horse of theirs, Annie and Grace should move into the old Creek house. Nobody's using it. It's silly to be driving back and forth when she don't know her way around. That's kind of you, but really, we're fine. I know the Lazy J. It's as good as falling down. Frank, they're already all settled in. And anyway, I'm sure they want their privacy. It's got doors, Diane. It's private as can be. Tom? I've got no problem with it. It's up to Annie. It'd be great for when my dad comes to visit. Where IS your dad, honey? He's at home. Working. Er, I don't know. Um... Is it worth it? How long will you work with Pilgrim? That depends on Pilgrim. I know. Me too. When are you coming to visit? Yeah, there'll be plenty of room, 'cause we're moving to the ranch. They've got a cute house by the creek. It's really pretty. OK. OK. I love you too. Hold on. Dad wants to talk to you. Hi. She sounds like she's doing all right. How is she? Yeah. I think she's getting more comfortable on the ranch. It's the only reason I said yes to this move. Well, that makes sense. So, how are YOU doing out there in Marlboro country? Is the magazine complaining at all? Nothing I can't handle. Lucy says Gotschalk's plotting, but what's new? So, when are you coming home? I asked him that myself tonight and he doesn't know. Mmm. I miss you, Annie. Yeah, I know. We miss you too. Goodnight. 'Night. Did you ask him to come visit? You already did. Do you want me to help you pack? Hi. Howdy. What's he doing? He's trying to get him to hook on. How's it going? RUSTIC FIDDLE MUSIC (Whinnies) (Whinnies) (Whinnies) (Whinnies) DRAMATIC MUSIC MAJESTIC MUSIC Ya! Ya! Get, get! SHOUTING, WHISTLING VIBRANT GUITAR MUSIC Hey, you over there! Want to make yourself useful? Hey, Hank! Yeah? I think you got a volunteer here. Wanna take her? VIBRANT COUNTRY MUSIC Where's Grace? Grace? You OK? Cocktail hour yet? What? I said, is it cocktail hour yet? Come here a sec. You handled that pretty well. It's time you started earning your keep. When you're not doing your therapy, I'd like you to help with the horses. Think you can handle it? It's not a question, is it? Nope. OK. Whoa! (Man sings) # I was out walking one morning at Fort Benton # Spied a cowpuncher come a-loping along # His hat was pulled back and his spurs was a-jingling # As he was loping, he was singing this song # Ee-i-oh, la di da di... # LAUGHTER, CHATTER He had a flat on his little pick-up... You know you shouldn't swim in the river. Marie made the best pie. Cherry pie. As luck would have it - he didn't have all the luck - the jack slipped and fell right on that rock he called a head. (All laugh) Is he OK? He rearranged his scalp about 12 inches, but he'll be all right. ..a place where he can raise horses, have a whole separate life. My grandson Joe is named for him. Somebody told him about a place called Stocket. He got on his horse, rode over there, got off, walked as far as possible one way, turned around and walked as far as possible the other. Then he decided that's where he was going to settle. And that's where we raised Frank and Tommy. Where do you call home? She's from New York, Mom. Um... Well, I was born in London, but I'm from all over, really. My father was a diplomat, so we moved constantly. Why, that sounds very important. No. No. He was a wonderful man. He died when I was 12. But we...we lived all over the world. It's not the same as... as knowing a place like this. Sometimes...people carry it more on the inside than the outside. DIANE: I suppose I could gather up some cups and plates. You guys done with these? Yeah. OK, give me that. This family has quite a history. DIANE: Yeah. It's a story all right. I love how she calls him Tommy. Yeah. Always did. I think she always favoured him. (Chuckles softly) She loves telling this story about when he was two years old, he ran off, and they found him sleeping in the barn between two giant hooves of a Percheron stallion. He said that horse was protecting him and nobody could convince him otherwise. BIRDS TWITTER CAR DOOR CLOSES INSECTS CHIRRUP (Children giggle) Why do you always wear that hat? Because it fits my head. Want to try it on? TOM: What do you want me to do? What do you call that? Watch. OK. One more time. Do you want to sit around here? Here. So you can watch this. OK? Put your feet up. (Giggles) OK? OK? Loop's knotted, right? Looks like the only way to get it off is to break the touch, right? Now watch. Are you watching? Watch carefully. Again! Again! Again! One more time! No. I don't fall for that one, boys. Now, you guys get on in. (Boys laugh) Here. Oh. (Chuckles) What? Do you ever sit still for just a minute? Well, you sit still for too long in New York and you get renovated. Why is it, Mr Booker, that sometimes I feel you're laughing at me? I don't know. Why? No. You're supposed to say you're NOT laughing at me. I see. You do both sides of the conversation. It's a man's world, Mr Booker. Most women have to. You can call me Tom. Maybe I am laughing a little bit. I figure since you're here, it'd be nice to relax into the place. Mmm. Yeah. Well, it's beautiful country. And I could see having some kind of a...vacation place, a retreat, but I don't know how you do it full-time. Don't you miss the rest of the world? What's there to miss? If you've never lived in the city with...with museums and theatre and...and restaurants and music, well, I can't explain. Well, does Chicago count? You lived in Chicago? That's where I met my wife. You...you were married to a woman in Chicago? Yeah. Really. A woman. No, I'm sorry. I didn't... I didn't... No, I'm sorry. I was studying engineering and she was studying music - the cello. I once heard her play a Dvorak concerto. I thought it was the most beautiful piece of music I'd ever heard. Hmm. So...just who's laughing at who here? BIRDS TWITTER Jogger, huh? I don't jog, Mr Booker. I run. That's lucky for you. The grizzlies around here mostly go for joggers. Are you sleeping OK in that house? Well, I don't sleep well anywhere, but the house is fine. (Horse grunts) Oop. I have a way with animals. That's all right. He's just young. Hold out your hand. Just a little lower. So he can get the smell of you. He's beautiful. How come you don't ride any more? Hmm? Grace told me you used to ride. She did? Yep. Oh...uh...I don't know. Uh... No time, I guess. I thought it was supposed to be spring. Enjoy the day. You too. HORSE SNORTS AND WHINNIES HORSE WHINNIES Come take a ride with me. Can you drive? I'm not old enough. It's never too soon to start. Get in. Uh...I...I can't. I don't have all day. (Clears throat) This one? Mm-hm. (Starts engine) Now, right pedal's the gas. The other one's the brake. Oh. I don't think I can with my, um...with my leg. There's only one way to find out. Put it in 'D'. Now give it some gas. OK. We know you can. You've just got to feel how much. Now, again. Try it again. There you go. Nice. Real nice. There's a road up the end. Turn on to it. COUNTRY GUITAR MUSIC Now just follow this. Nothing to it. I'm gonna close my eyes for a little while, so keep going till you run out of road. Uh...I...I don't think I can. Don't question if you can. You are. Where did you get Pilgrim from? We bought him in Kentucky. Me and Mom took a trip there to see him. That must've been special. Yeah. Are you afraid of anything...Tom Booker? Oh, growing old. Not being much use. Hey, Grace. Hmm? What went on out there with Pilgrim? See, Grace, I got a problem. When I work with a horse, I like to know its history. Most of the time, a horse can tell you the whole story. But sometimes, they get so messed up that you need more to go on. I don't know how you feel about talking about it, but if you don't feel like it, I understand. But if I'm gonna figure out what's going on in his head... ..it sure would help me if I understood exactly what happened. You know, not today. Whenever you feel like it. I'll leave that up to you. Uh-oh. The answer's no. You haven't heard the question yet. You'd be doing me a real favour. I got all these young colts that need riding. Rimrock here, he's feeling kind of left out. Poor thing. He'll be grateful... ..and he'll take real good care with you. Is this how you're going to make me pay my phone bill? No. No, ma'am. That part's extra. (Horse snorts) Oh, I brought you a hat. Oh, I have a hat. I know. I've seen it. I think my stirrups are too long. No, they're fine. Just relax. Just centre. Yeah. Just sit in a bucket. It's all coming back. I mean, I'll be fine. OK, well, I'll stop talking then. No, I didn't mean that. You know, I've never ridden Western before. Yeah, but he doesn't know that. Just sit the horse. Yeah. You have a nice seat. You're doing fine. Thank you. GENTLE MUSIC (Horse whinnies) (Laughs) You look good. You feel OK? Yep. Want to pick it up? Yep. OK. MAJESTIC MUSIC Watch your reins. Give him some room. Let him do the work. MAJESTIC MUSIC CONTINUES OK? Are you OK? Yep. Let's go. GRAND MUSIC THUNDER RUMBLES THUNDER RUMBLES I envy your mother. I do. It must be great...to be her age and to be at that point in life when you have no more guesswork. No more impossible decisions to make. And anyway, it doesn't matter, because all the wrong turns that you made are as valuable and as...as...as cherished as the things that you did right. I... Oh, it must be such a relief. There must be such peace in that. You don't have to wait to be her age for that kind of peace. Yeah, but how would you know, unless it was all behind you? Do you have it? Sometimes. Not all the time, but sometimes. When? Waking up on the ranch in the morning knowing what I'm supposed to do that day. Knowing I'm home. Mmm. I wake up and I don't know a damn thing. Was I... (Sighs deeply) Was I right to bring her here, away from what's familiar, away from her father, her friends? The more I try and fix things, the more everything falls apart. Maybe you should let them fall. No, I can't. Why? THUNDER RUMBLES Do you think I was right to come? I can't answer that, Annie. Mmm. Well, I'll know soon enough. If I've made a mistake, Grace will let me know. She's a strong kid. She gets that from somebody. Thank you for all you're doing - you and your family letting us stay at the house. It wasn't getting much use. What was your wife like? She had reddish hair. Not...not quite, almost. It depended on the light. She had green eyes... ..and when she played, that was it. Something just went right through me. I'd never heard music like that played before. And the way she looked when she played it. And then one day, she looked at me that way, and that was it... ..for both of us. I knew she didn't want to be a rancher's wife. I wanted to try it. I thought she could give music lessons to the kids in town, maybe. And that our kids would grow up with my brother's kids and play together. But...she wasn't happy here. "Too much space," she said. So why didn't you stay in Chicago? Wasn't enough space. It just wasn't meant to be. But how did you know...for sure? Knowing's the easy part. Saying it out loud is the hard part. Mmm. It seems so obvious now, doesn't it? "We weren't right for each other. If only we knew then." I didn't love her 'cause it was right. I just loved her. GENTLE MUSIC THUNDER RUMBLES For whatever it's worth, Annie, it took a lot of guts for you to come here. Lift your leg. 1 HORSE WHINNIES OWL HOOTS (Cow bellows) Come on. Come on. (Moos) GRACE: Hey, Joe. Hi. Would you let me ride your horse? Have you talked to Tom about it? Of course I have. I don't know. You sure Tom said it's alright? You gonna give me a hand or what? You sure? Come on! OK. Easy. Hold it. Whoa. (Grunts with effort) Got it! Got it. I can do it. Here. (Horse whinnies) Are you OK? (Children laugh) Hey! You better not say anything! (Blows raspberry) (Giggles) I thought there were too many forks, so I just... Oh! You look really pretty. Thanks. Does anybody want something to drink? PANS CLATTER AND CRASH ANNIE: Shit! (Both snicker) Shh! I'd better go give your mom a hand. Oh, yeah. Everything under control here? Um...no. Not really. Um...it's been so long since I've done this, I've forgotten... And I couldn't find any Parmesan cheese. It's an easy crowd, as long as it's hot. Can I do anything? Er...just make yourself comfortable. I AM comfortable. Well, um...in this case, you can bring in the...pasta. You missed a button. Thank you. I'll have another round of that spaghetti, if I may. Oh, of course. Thank you. I like the sauce. Maybe I could get the recipe? It's from a jar. Oh. (Laughs) Well, now... You know, I...I...used jar sauce once. I don't believe it was near as good as this. Isn't that right, Frank? No. No. You've got to know which brand to pick. I sure would like the name of this one. Mm-hm. Annie, you've given me a rare night off. Ooh, you're touching on a sore subject here. Diane's got these big dreams in her head about getting away to... Gosh, what was it? Greece? Morocco? Morocco. One of these places where women wear masks and everybody's in robes... Well, we could use a vacation. I'm going to Branson for the wedding. You don't know how to play this! Hey! You do not! Frank, you know, Branson, Missouri is not exactly Morocco. I got family there. Got no family in Morocco - far as I know. (Chuckles) You had a turn! Was not! Was so! Boys, settle down. You're just showing off! Shut up, stinky! You're the one that's stupid! Boys... Letting her fall off her horse! You turd! I saw him in the pasture! Hey, boys! You turd! Did you go riding? FRANK: Up you get. DIANE: Right now. Out the door. JOE: I didn't start it! DIANE: Right now. Come on. Annie, I'm so sorry. They're just tired. We should get them home to bed. Say goodnight and thank you. Dinner was delicious. Goodnight and thanks. Thank you. Say thank you. Thank you. Joe, did Grace try to ride? You should talk to Grace about that, ma'am. If I did anything wrong, I'm sorry. Mm-hm. Don't let her turn you away. (Knocks) Grace. Is everything alright? Did you try riding again? Yeah. Does that mean I'm cured? Nobody's trying to cure you. I just want to say I think it's great that you're riding again. And I think I know why you needed to... Yeah, you know everything! (Sighs) Stop it. Why won't you let me talk to you? Why are you so angry with me? Whatever I do, it's wrong. Whatever I say, it's wrong. Now you know how it feels. I...know that I'm hard on you sometimes... Right. I'm sorry if that makes you feel this way. But I only push you because... Because if I'm a perfect daughter, you're the perfect mother. I don't deserve that! I don't push for me. I push for YOU, so you don't spend your life not knowing where you belong. Well, you've done a great job. (Sobs) (Brokenly) No-one wants me. Who's ever going to want me like this? Oh! (Whispers) Oh, sweetie. Who's ever going to want me like this? Nobody will! Oh! (Sniffles) I know it sometimes doesn't seem this way but I do understand what you're feeling. When I was your age, my mum and my dad died. I felt like I'd lost everything and I'd be all alone. (Sniffs) And...and I've got you. I used to pray every night that you and Dad would have another kid, so I wouldn't have to be so... ..special. I...I know. And I know how...how hard it must be to have lost your best friend and have your body be different from how you'd like it to be. But one day...somebody will look at this extraordinary woman that you'll become and all they will see is how much they love you. That's all I see. PHONE RINGS Yeah? Hello, this is AT&T Conference Service. Is this Annie MacLean? Yes. You have a conference call with Mr Gotschalk and Mr Phelpton. (Mutters) Mr Phelpton. One moment, please. OK, I'm ready. (Horse snorts quietly) SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC (Whinnies) (Snorts) I've been waiting for you to come back. Are you hungry? Judith was, um... telling me about this boy. I never even got his name. We were going to go around the railroad bridge. (Tearfully) We were laughing about something. I don't know what. And, um...her horse fell and Judith's foot was caught in the stirrup. And she was so scared. (Sobs) And next...I saw this truck coming around the turn. And it was honking, trying to get us to move. And I...I tried to grab her reins and...to get her horse to move out of the way. And the truck started to skid. And it...there was no time to do anything. It ran right into Judith. And she just... ..disappeared. And then it came at Pilgrim and me. And Pilgrim reared up at the truck. And I fell off. But Judith... (Sobs) Oh, God, Judith! I'm so sorry, Judith! (Voice echoes) Grace! (Weeps) I'm not going to tell you it's going to stop feeling this bad. But I will tell you that you didn't do anything wrong. Same thing could've happened to me, or to Frank or to Joey. And it doesn't make any sense to try to figure out why these things happen. There was a boy from the Blackfeet Reservation, used to do some work around here for a while. 16, strong kid. Good kid. He and I were really, really good friends. One day he went swimming and dove head-first into the lake. Went right into a rock... ..and snapped his neck. Paralysed him. And then after the accident, I'd look in on him from time to time. But he wasn't there. It was like his mind, his spirit - whatever you want to call it - just disappeared. The only thing left was just anger. Just sort of as if the boy I once knew just...went somewhere else. I know where he goes. I know you do. Don't you disappear. You do whatever you have to do to hold on. I tell you one more thing. You know when Pilgrim reared up against that truck? You know what I think? I think that damned horse loved you so much, he was trying to protect you. That's what I think. SOFT, UPLIFTING MUSIC MUSIC SOARS (Whinnies) GENTLE MUSIC GENTLE MUSIC ANNIE: Got to do it like this. No, no. I'll show you. Want to see it again? Yep. Can you do it without smiling? Yep. No, you can't. It's not possible. Try me. I can feel the muscles right here. (Giggles) (Both chuckle) Must be nice to have a few days off work. Yeah! Yeah. It's more than a few days, though. I'm not an editor any more. It's time I said it out loud. They fired you? No. No, it's more like...uh... Yeah. They fired me. You don't seem too upset about it. (Laughs) Delayed shock. Or maybe not. I'm sure I can...talk my way back in there or get another magazine someplace. But...maybe I... It's just I'm not sure I...want to. Well, I guess you don't have to figure it out till you get home. TOM: See, when you hit like that... Yeah. It's not going to do any good. But if you hit down toward the ground, the ball goes down and then like that. Did you always know this is the life you wanted? Well, I was a rancher's daughter. Guess it's not too far to go to becoming a rancher's wife. Yeah. Yeah. Frank's a good man. Oh, they don't come better. I don't deny there are times I think about all the things I won't have. Maybe I'd get to see Morocco. Probably not. Did Tom have many girlfriends after his divorce? Annie, I'm not good at this sort of talk. Goes around and round something, never gets to it. So let's just say what it is. Tom means so much to this family. Don't you go looking here for whatever it is you're looking for. Don't make him go through something it took him so long to get over in the first place. I don't think Tom would do anything he didn't want to do. He's a good man. Ooh, he's got a gift. Comes from heaven above, I swear. But he's still just a man. COUNTRY GUITAR MUSIC # Little raindrops glisten # On the painted Indian flag # Honey child, the woman loves you true # The muddy road is brown and still # As far as you can see # Honey child, the noontime... # SOFT, SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC Couldn't, um... ROMANTIC, SPIRITUAL MUSIC There's something I need to know. Are you sure? I gotta get back. PLEASANT MUSIC MUSIC BUILDS Dad! Dad! It's a pleasure. Welcome. Hi, Diane. Hello. I'm Frank. Hello, Frank. Oldest boy, Joe. Hi, Joe. This is Mr Booker. Tom. Hi, Tom. It's a pleasure. I want to thank you for the way you took in my girls. I can already see a difference and I'm...very grateful to you. Dad, did you notice? No cane. I know. It's amazing! Can we show him Pilgrim, Tom? You bet. Let's go get your bags. FRANK: Need a hand, Annie? See you later. ROBERT: So at this point, I'm sure I'm lost. I stop by this store and ask if anyone knows the Booker ranch and this nice older gentleman with a bandage on his head gave me directions. (All chuckle) Sweet Jesus. That's Henry Van Oaker. I'm surprised you didn't wind up in Mexico. (All chuckle) Once when Dad was in India, he got lost way, way up in these mountains. When he finally got back, everyone said he'd discovered a new route and they redid the maps. Now how did you end up in India, Robert? Right after college, I was in the Peace Corps. That's where he met Mom. Tell them about when Mom went looking for 'tubab'. No. Oh, Dad. Come on, Dad. Well, Mom was a writer, and, um...Dad knows the rest. She was a journalist for an English periodical. What was it called? 'Cambridge Monthly'. Right. And she decided to go to India all by herself, without knowing a soul. She had no place to stay, but she was told to look up tubab. She comes my door with a suitcase and typewriter, and asks where tubab is... and I said, "Right here." She said, "You're Two Bob?" I said, "No, my name is Robert. and yes, I am." (All laugh) And that was how we met. Small bed. Maybe I should sleep in the barn. (Laughs briefly) You're allergic to hay. I...I apologise for the surprise, but the days added up yesterday and... You don't have to apologise. You have every right to be here. (Sighs) You were right to bring her here, Annie. Well, there's been plenty of times I wasn't so sure. You must be tired, huh? Yeah. INSECTS CHIRRUP BIRDS CHIRP ROBERT: I can't believe it's the same horse. We still have a ways to go. So...how much longer do you think? Like I told your wife, it's up to Pilgrim. Uh-huh. MUFFLED COUNTRY MUSIC JAUNTY COUNTRY MUSIC MUSIC CONCLUDES (All cheer and applaud) Dad, want to come dance? Please, Dad! SLOW COUNTRY MELODY (Sings) # Daylight has found me here again # You can ask me anything but where I've been # You should know the reason why I've called # I was looking for a soft place to fall.. # GUITAR INTERLUDE # Looking for a soft place # Nothing more than a small taste # Other love had ended long ago # Looking for a place to hide # A warm bed on a cold night # I didn't mean to hurt you # No, no, no... # VIOLIN CONTINUES TUNE # Looking out your window at dawn # Baby, when you wake up, I'll be gone # You're the one who taught me after all # How to find a soft place to fall. # APPLAUSE DRUM POUNDS VIBRANT COUNTRY MUSIC BIRDS TWITTER This summer it's really pretty. Hey, Tom, after I doctor those cows, should I put them in the upper or lower pasture? Oh, upper. You grew up here? This is where you're from? HORSE WHINNIES Is this how it's going to be now, huh? We don't speak to each other? I'm speaking to you now. Say something. No. Why? I can't get in the middle of this. You ARE! He's a good man. I never said he wasn't. I can't change my feelings. Figure out what you want. Do you know what YOU want? Yes. I'm trying real hard not to get lost in this. I never expected to feel this way again. Annie, this is where I belong. This is who I am. Is this what you want? Yeah. Are you sure? Yeah. Can you tell that to your family? To Robert? To Grace? If you had a chance to go home and change things...would you? You can't ask me that. It's not that simple. It is. It's not fair. No, it's not fair. DOOR UNLATCHES AND SLIDES GENTLE MUSIC There's something you've got to do tomorrow, boy. BIRDS TWITTER (Pilgrim snorts) (Pilgrim snorts) (Snorts and whinnies) (Whinnies) It'll be OK, Grace. Just hang on there a minute or two. Tom will get him alright. (Whinnies loudly) (Whinnies) (Whinnies) (Snorts) (Pilgrim snorts) GRACE: What are you doing? We'll have to do something different, Grace. It's not gonna hurt him...right? Nothing we've done has hurt him. Grace, this is Pilgrim's chance... ..and it's yours too. OK. Everything will be alright. Come on. (Snorts) (Whinnies) Come along. (Snorts) (Whinnies loudly) That's enough! Stop! SOMBRE MUSIC (Sobs) (Snorts) (Pilgrim whinnies) (Snorts softly) (Snorts softly) Grace, this is where you come in. (Gasps) Come on. OK. I want you to get down in the dirt. Grace... ..I want you to come over here and sit next to me. But...but...why would he let me...? Grace, look at him. Look at him. He's OK. And you never did anything to let him down. No, I can't. Grace, listen. You've got to do this. Trust me just one more time. Do what? I want you to come over here and sit next to me. Start right here where the neck is and the head and stroke it. (Snorts softly) That's it. That's it. That's it. Go on ahead. GENTLE MUSIC (Whinnies softly) (Sobs) Grace. We're going to show Pilgrim how to help you get on him. Because there's a point where neither of you will need me any more. And we're there. I'm not asking. Put your leg over the saddle here. Attagirl. TENSE, PURPOSEFUL MUSIC Now, we're going to rock him up. (Grunts throatily) (Snorts calmly) (Sighs) SERENE PIANO MUSIC (Whinnies) WONDROUS MUSIC (Laughs) TENDER MUSIC (Giggles) Dad. ROBERT: Honey, you were wonderful. Hey, there. Get ready to go home? Mm-hm. Is Tom around? No. He went to Sheridan to get some horses. He left last night. Um... When's he coming back? Oh, I don't rightly know. Let me know when you need some help loading Pilgrim, OK? Yeah. What time's your flight? 12:15. The Bookers want to leave for the airport by 9:30. You sure you want to drive Pilgrim back? Well, I already know the way. It's not like I have a job to rush home to. To tell you the truth, I could use the time alone. When are you planning to start? I guess I'll leave when you and Grace go. May I make a suggestion? What? Take your time. What's the matter? You look like there's something wrong. I'll tell you something, Annie... ..I stood there looking at that horse and I swear I felt the same thing was happening to me. And I have two choices. I can either fight the way things are... ..or accept them. See, er... ..I always knew I loved you more. It didn't bother me. I guess I felt kind of lucky, a little amazed, that a woman like you would want to be with a man like me. I guess I thought if I could do everything right, if I was the best husband I could be, the best father... Even being a good lawyer only mattered because of what it meant for us. If I could do all that, it wouldn't make any difference if we love each other the same or not. I didn't ask for more. I told myself I didn't need any more. But... ..the truth is... ..you don't know how you feel about me. You don't know if you want a life with me any more. And...the truth is... ..I don't want you to come home until you do know... ..one way or the other. OK? (Sighs) GENTLE, POIGNANT MUSIC Thanks, Joe. Yep. Goodbye, Annie. Good luck to you. Thank you. And...and you too. Alright, everybody in. Frank, we all set? I believe so. I can't believe he's not here to say goodbye. He probably got held up. DIANE: No, sweetie. The truth is he's not real good at goodbyes. Come to think of it, he's not too good at hellos either. Are you ready? Just a sec. Mmm! When will you be home? In a few days. I'll miss you. If I get lost, you know where to send the search party. You could be just about anywhere. I'll call you, OK? Goodbye. WISTFUL ACOUSTIC GUITAR WATER TRICKLES GATE CREAKS He going back inside the trailer or running alongside it? I just wanted to be here when you left. I don't want to leave you. (Sobs) I don't want you to. Just a few more days. And then? (Sniffles) Why did this happen? I don't ask those questions, Annie. And I didn't ask to love you, but I do. I'll always have that with me. Tom... ..can we go for one last ride? Hmm? Yeah. I'll saddle them up. POIGNANT MUSIC CAR ENGINE STARTS (Chuckles softly) MOMENTOUS MUSIC DELICATE, WONDROUS MUSIC Captions were made possible with funding from NZ On Air. TVNZ Captioning 2008