(DISTANT HOWL) (Neighs) (Neighs) (TENSE MUSIC) (Whinnies) (Snorts) (Neighs fearfully) (GUNSHOT ECHOES) (UNEASY MUSIC) (MUSIC BECOMES PENSIVE) (WHIP CRACKS) Are they wild horses, Dad? No, they're not brumbies. Someone's gone to a lot of trouble to put that mob together. You won't find better anywhere. (Chuckles) It's the man himself. Jim Craig. From Snowy River? That's him. A long way from home. (PEACEFUL MUSIC) (HORSES WHINNY) BOY: I'll look after him. JIM: Thanks, son. You're cracking on the pace, Jim. You going back for good? Yep. (Sighs) I've been away long enough. Yeah, I suppose so. But still, you'll be missed in these parts, Jim. Thanks, mate. Well... (Exhales) I've got my stake together now. Not a bad one, either. They're the best I've seen. For thousands of miles. You going to breed them? Mmm. Eventually. See, before I left home, I let that old wild stallion and his mob loose again. And now I'm going to let him cover these mares. Big plans. Spare me that, mate. Was it Denny that ran down that stallion, Mr Craig? Jim. Yep. That's him, alright. About due for a rest, I reckon. Remember old, um...Harrison? He had a daughter, didn't he? (Chuckles) Jessica. Right. Right. Well, I suppose that's as good a reason as any for going home in a hurry. (Chuckles) (Laughs) (Laughs) (HOOFS THUNDER) (MAJESTIC MUSIC) Captions were made with the support of NZ On Air. www.able.co.nz Able 2019 (WHIP CRACKS) (WHIP CRACKS) JIM: What are you after, Seb? Rabbits? Or something bigger? Depends. I thought I'd come up and see if the place was alright. Thanks. Why the rifle? Insurance. A few funny things have been happening up here lately. Like what? Cattle and horses spooked. They must reckon we've been poddy-dodging. Stealing cattle? Surely not. Well, no more than usual. Only as much as you can eat, anyway. That's right. It's traditional. No, it's more likely some big nobs down below have finally woken up to this droughtproof grazing up here and want to grab a bit. They've been serving us with papers. What, legal papers? Oh, I don't know. Found a good use for them, though. (Laughs) Someone took a shot at your old stallion last week. What? He's alright. Back with his mob. Who was it? We don't know. It could've been anyone who's blamed him for every horse gone missing over the past 20 years. That's just about everybody. Yeah, well, he's not exactly house-trained, is he? Anyway, now you're back for a while... Back for good, Seb. Just one more thing to do. Hope things go the way you want them to down there, mate. Mmm. Well, let's get a fire going. It's good to have you home! (SENTIMENTAL MUSIC) (CATTLE LOW) (Sighs) (THUNDERCLAP) (Man yells indistinctly outside) Jessica! Mr Simmons tells me you've been riding that colt again. Now, I employ a jockey to do that. I know. But...I get the faster times. Is that true? Where is this great jockey you begged me to hire, Simmons? He's off trying to lose some weight, Mr Harrison. I see ` he gets fat off my beef, then I have to pay him while he tries to lighten his carcass? Now, listen to me, Simmons. I want that colt flying by this weekend. Do you understand? Flying! These are my home grounds. I intend to win that race! That's all. Get that jockey into condition. (Mutters) Lousy weather. (Groans) Old and cold, Jess. Old and cold. I want you to change into something more feminine before lunch. We have guests. Oh? Who? Patton. Oh, Mr Patton. I should have guessed that. I mean, percentages and balance sheets and interest rates make such fascinating conversation. Oh, his son will be there too. Well, good. Alistair should liven things up a bit. And when you're running this place, you'll be damn glad I made you sit in on all these business meetings, lady. Me? Mmm. Run the place? (Chuckles) I thought all I had to do was... ..show a little bit of petticoat and snare somebody eligible so he could run it. Or think he does. Yeah, like I think I do, right? Now, listen, Jess. Wear plenty of frills. If we're going to keep this place growing, we're going to need Mr Patton. (Mutters) And his loans. (Nickers nervously) You have a rest, old mate. Time to teach one of these youngsters a thing or two, eh? (CHILDREN YELL EXCITEDLY, BAGPIPES PLAY IN DISTANCE) Well, this is a first-class turnout, Harrison. Does you credit. Thanks...Patton. I was talking to some of the other families just now. We're all impressed. We must see more of you. Well, I'll drink to that. I'll get it. I can get my own godda... (Clears throat) See to Mr Patton's glass... You know, once the bank has decided to back you ` and I'm sure my directors will see that is a mere formality ` great things are possible. (Chuckles) Well, I'm looking forward to it. Mind you, if our ties extended beyond...mortgages, I would say the sky's the limit. Well, it's an interesting proposition, Patton. But of course, that's up to Jessica. Of course. Oh, excuse me... Uh, Colonel Hawker? Someone I'd like you to meet. Harrison, Colonel Hawker, Indian Army. Well, I'm pleased to meet you, Colonel. How do you do? Colonel Hawker comes down from India every year and faithfully buys up the best cavalry horses in the country. He means his own, of course. (Chuckles) Well, anyway, you'll be pleased with this year's draft. Despite the poor season, I could still give you 500. Good. New lines coming through strongly. Excuse me. Here, you. Look after the gentlemen. Interesting man. Has he been here long? 20 years, more or less. Don't know a lot about him. Yankee originally. Made a bit of money on gold diggings. Not exactly a first-class background! Not like us, eh? No, indeed. I believe your family came from the Percys on the Scottish border. They most certainly did. Mine were the Monmouths. Really? Yes. My lot used to hang your lot. As cattle thieves. (HORSE NEIGHS) This, Mr Simmons, is the problem. HARRISON: Jessica. You want the horse to win or not? Let the jockey handle it! (Clears throat) Mr Simmons? Where is our fat jockey this morning? Uh...he took some medicine, so he had to go to the, um... He'll be back in a minute. He should stay there, for all the bloody good he'll do. Ah. Miss Harrison. Mr Patton! Hello. Excuse me. (Clears throat) Charming girl. Oh, she has a mind of her own. The best sort, Harrison. It's the high-stepping fillies that make the best mares, eh? (Chuckles) (MARCHING BAND PLAYS) Harrison. Father. Come on, Harrison. This is going to be worth watching. (BIRDSONG) (MARCHING BAND PLAYS IN DISTANCE) (APPLAUSE) MAN: Ladies and gentlemen. The regimental trophy holder, Lieutenant Patton, will now demonstrate the skill-at-arms course. (SCATTERED APPLAUSE) Ya! (CHEERING) (ENTHUSIASTIC CHEERING, SCATTERED APPLAUSE) (CHEERING) (TRIUMPHANT MUSIC) (SOFT MUSIC) * (CHAMPAGNE CORK POPS, PEOPLE CHEER) I'm awfully sorry. It's alright. You missed. I...take it you're looking for the stables? No. For Jessica Harrison. Have you seen her? Er...well, yes, but... Who would be asking for her? Oh, that was good riding out there. My name's Jim Craig. Oh, the one we've heard so much about. Could be. You were a bit lucky that day, Craig. Mainly old stagers there, I hear. (Men chuckle) Everyone was invited. You're out of your class here, Craig. HAWKER: Afternoon, Mr Patton. Sir. Mr Collins. Good afternoon, sir. Harry Hawker. Jim Craig. (MAN SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY OVER P.A.) Uh, could you spare me a minute, Jim? I noticed your horse. I was coming over for a closer look. He's a good type. Learning quickly. Just the one? No, I've got about 100 of them. Really? Uh, will you excuse me, Harry? It was good to meet you. And you. Where the devil is Summer Cloud? Oh, already out there. Bit overanxious, eh? (Chuckles) Not a good sign. Anyway, I wouldn't fuss about that. My Highland Laddie's obviously got the edge on your fellow. It's easy to say, Patton. I've got �100 to back that up, Harrison. �500. Done. (GUNSHOT THUNDERS, HORSES NEIGH) (CROWD YELLS) Come on! Damn it! What the hell's that bloody jockey doing?! He's moving. He's moving! Come on! Come on! (SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC) Come on! (All cheer) (CHEERING) You lost. Thank you. Good horse, that. Yeah, I know. I broke him in. (CROWD GASPS) What the devil do you think you're doing out there with professional jockeys? You might've been killed! The jockey was missing. Oh, and you just happened to be available? It's... SIMMONS! Simmons, where is that bloody jockey? He's here, Mr Harrison. S-somebody locked me in the outhouse! (Sighs) Simmons... You're sacked. You're both sacked! SIMMONS: Suits me. Working for you two's like being caught in a meat grinder! (Sighs) Now, I want you to go in the house and change. Right now. Jess? Congratulations. (TENDER MUSIC) Thanks. (Mouths) Hello, Jess. Well, Craig. Been a long time. G'day, Mr Harrison. I don't recall having invited you today. No, I came to see Jessica. Perhaps I could come back tomorrow. Well, you're not welcome here, Craig. Today, tomorrow... ..any time. (Quietly) Oh. I'm sorry to hear that. Tell me, do you still speak for Jessica too? I don't argue with drifters. Father... please. Come with me, Jess. Jess, I... ..I know it's been a long time, but I've got a start for us. (Softly) Have you been thinking of me, then? That's good. HARRISON: Jess! Jessica! (Quietly) I know you hicks are slow on the uptake, Craig, but you're setting a record. I don't know who you think you are, but you're not part of this, so keep your mouth shut. You've been away too long, Craig. You don't know who's part of what. Change your clothes, Jess. Get off this property. Now. There are better ways to make your point, Jim. (THOUGHTFUL MUSIC) (Men laugh) (PURPOSEFUL MUSIC) Ya! (CHEERING) Get up! (Hisses) (CHEERING) (TRIUMPHANT MUSIC) I think you'd call that a live prisoner. (LAUGHTER) (Chuckles) (TENDER MUSIC) * It was more than just a loutish display. It was open contempt for the values on which this community is based. Perhaps now you'll understand why we must get rid of that riffraff up there and acquire the mountain grazing areas for the benefit of the valley. (Chuckles) It's easier said than done. Don't be too sure. I aim to have a bill before the House this session. And in view of our other undertakings, I'm sure I can count on your support? What you're saying is I support you or I have problems with the bank. Is that right, Patton? Well...a fraction bold, old man, but...I see you get the general drift. (Taps carriage) (HAUNTING FLUTE MUSIC) (THUNDER ROLLS, RAIN PATTERS) (ROMANTIC MUSIC) (WHOOSH!) (STEAM HISSES) (WHISTLE BLOWS) (JAUNTY MUSIC) (All laugh) (Irish accent) Oh, blimey! You're enough to make a saint swear. No saints around here, Father. Otherwise, you could do the loaves and fishes thing with pound notes and give me something decent to work with! (All laugh) You miserable sinners. When this is finished and any of you come to confession, you'll be laughing on the other side of your faces. When that's finished, we'll be too old to commit sins. Now, I'll give you all a fair choice. Either get on about your business or contribute to God's work with your labour or your cash. Oh. You must be new around here. Been away for a while. But there used to be only a small mine here. Yes. Yes, an old fellow named Spur grubbed most of his life away here. And after he died, they found it ` 50ft from his shaft. Found what? The mother lode. 1,000ft down. Pity they don't dig as deep into their pockets. (STEAM HISSES) (Children yell and chatter indistinctly) Jim! G'day, Seb. Where the hell have you been? I've been looking for you. Come have a beer. SEB: G'day, Mrs Darcy. Hello, Sebastian. This is Jim Craig. Hello, Jim. Hello. (Sighs) So it didn't go too well down there? I didn't think they'd put out the red carpet. With old Harrison, it was more like a red rag to a bull. (Sighs) Well, we all know they'd like to run us right out of the High Country. Mmm. What are the boys doing about that? Nothing. They reckon if you don't stir the possum, it won't bite you. (Sighs) What CAN we do? (MELANCHOLY MUSIC PLAYS ON PIANO) (Plays rallentando) (Plays poignant finale) I'm glad to hear you're playing the piano again. It's been too long. Do you think, maybe, you could play some other tune? It's not a tune. It's a sonata. - Well, whatever the hell it is! - (PIANO STRINGS VIBRATE) You're pining away over that drifter Craig. You're just wasting your time. Jim ISN'T a drifter. What else would you call him? The man disappears into the mountains for months at a time. No-one ever sees him or hears from him. (Quietly) Whatever he is, he won't be back here, Jess. Now, I thought you accepted that. (Sighs) (Exhales) You haven't been outside this house in days. Everyone's been asking for you. (Sarcastically) Oh! I thought this is where you wanted me. Looking decorative, waiting for the suitors to call. One HAS called. Alistair Patton. Called every other day, and I'm running out of excuses. Then don't make excuses. Tell him I won't see him. That's fine with me. Either way. How you both treated Jim was disgraceful. The subject is closed! Now, I am sick to death of hearing about Jim Craig. Well, I am not! Craig doesn't belong here. He could NEVER belong here. You do. Oh. And so does Alistair Patton, I suppose? Affections are all related to houses and property, are they not? God, you can be so aggravating! Obviously a chip off the old block! Because I don't care a hoot in hell about the Pattons, junior or senior! And you know it! Well, neither do I! Then what the hell are we arguing about?! (THUNDER RUMBLES) (DOGS BARK DISTANTLY) MRS DARCY: Jim? JIM: Morning. Are you leaving today? No. Not yet. I want to check into the affairs of an old friend. Spur? You know, I bet he's still smiling away to himself up there. How's that? He willed this place to all the battlers and fossickers that have ever grubbed around these hills. That's not playing the game by the rules. (Chuckles) Gets worse. You see, none of these people work for bosses. And that's something the landed gentry can't digest. Well...long live Eureka Creek. (Chuckles) Excuse me. I came to talk to you. (BIRDSONG) (Chuckles) Couldn't believe it when I saw you again. It was like an illusion. I want to know why you were away for so long, Jim. I told you. To get a start for us. (Scoffs) Why is accumulating things so damned important? Because I've seen the lack of it. And I don't want that for you. (Sighs softly) Things change. Is there someone else? They've all made plans for me ` with Alistair Patton. I'm not going through with it. But I can't come up here with you. Why not? My father. He needs me now more than he ever did before. (Sighs) And...the Pattons are the most powerful family in the district. If we were together, they would break him. And then they'd come after you and everybody up here. Your own people would turn against you and I would be the cause. You're taking too much on yourself, Jess. No. I've given this a lot of thought. It'd drive us apart, Jim. (WISTFUL MUSIC) * (STEAM HISSES) JESSICA: "Dear Father, I have to go and see Jim. "Please don't be angry with me. I must do this my own way." Are you just going to stand there and let her go? Would you mind if I ask why? (Shakily) For a lot of reasons. Oh, really? MAN: It's better all round this way, Jim. Better for whom, Jake? Why not just say it straight out? Better for your own interests. Oh, and better for Harrison's own selfish interests too, no doubt you've been told. Oh, yes, Jim. He was always very good at looking after number one. Just leave things as they are. Broaden your minds. Have another beer. Have two! (DISTANT HORSES NEIGH) (PEACEFUL MUSIC) (Neighs wildly) (TURBULENT MUSIC) Yah! Hah! Hah! (MUSIC STOPS DRAMATICALLY) Jess, I'm not going to let you go like this. We're not going to mess up our lives doing what other people think is right. Listen to me. You've thought of me, your father, almost everyone else. Alright. But what about YOU? What do YOU want? (GENTLE MUSIC) I want you. (SOARING MUSIC) Alright. You two can head on back. Let's go home, Jess. The time's passed for that, Harrison. Let's talk straight. Jessica, are you coming with me or not? Father, please, don't do this. Now, you can't have it both ways. Not this time, Jess. Either come with me now... ..or stay here with him. Can't you understand I love you both? It's me or him, Jess. It doesn't have to be a choice. Jess? I want to be with Jim. Alright. (Chuckles bitterly) Alright, stay with him, then. You're just like your mother. (SERENE MUSIC) (MAJESTIC MUSIC) (SERENE MUSIC) (ROMANTIC MUSIC) (BIRDSONG) * (Plays lively tune) (GENERAL CHATTER) Right, Jack. (Chuckles) Having a good time, love? (Replies indistinctly) Well, look who's here! MAN: Where's the bloody silver spoon? Well, what did Daddy give you for Christmas this year, mate? A healthy dislike for dimwits. (SILENCE) - I'll shout for the bar. - (SCATTERED CHEERING) What do you want? What have you got? Everything. Well, we'll start with a rum. See where we go from there. I've missed you. Where have you been? Don't worry about it. Just concentrate on what you know best. (MEN LAUGH DRUNKENLY) Haven't seen you around for a while. Looks like I'd better buy a drink. I might have something for you that could triple that roll. (GENTLE MUSIC) (Horses snort) I think we could count on bringing down about 60 foals from those Walers. And there are eight good yearling fillies in the brumby mobs. (TENSE MUSIC) (KNOCK AT DOOR) Harry. (MAGPIES WARBLE) (HORSE NEIGHS) HAWKER: They're good. Very good. Are they for sale? 30 or 40. We want to keep most for breeding. Look, my job is to supply large numbers of remounts every year, regardless of conditions. That's why I deal with people like the Pattons. They're big suppliers. They have guaranteed numbers. So you're not interested in small lots, then? Well, to put it bluntly, it's not worth my while. As good as these are. Wait a minute. What if we're not talking about small lots? How about a guaranteed 100 a year? Every family up here can turn off six horses as good as these in a year. That'll bring the numbers up. Yes, but I'm looking for quality. I want better than stock horses. Well, the mountain horse is bred for quality. You won't find better doing horses anywhere. Well, you'll need a lot of cooperation. The people up here tend to go their own way. You needn't worry about that. Jim's very good at getting people to see things his way. Alright. I'll be back in a week. If you can show me the numbers, we'll talk contracts. Right. (HOOFS PATTER INTO DISTANCE) (Man whistles) Here! Hey! Giddy-up, now. Whoa! JIM: Let's block them up here. MAN: Hold them. Righto! That brown horse, Charlie. Yeah? And, uh...the tall bay mare there should do. You certainly go for the best. That's what I promised him. Hmm. Drop them off at the new yards and I'll see you next week with a cheque. Righto. Altogether, that's 74. Great. We'll go over to Bryce's now. (OPTIMISTIC MUSIC SWELLS) (FIRE CRACKLES) Come on, darling. If you fall asleep there, I'll never move you. (Inhales) I never believed I could feel so tired and so happy at the same time. You should take it a bit easier. You know, all my life I've been judged by who I am. Up here, it's just what I am that matters. You've always had that. You know how good it feels. You've earned it. I'll keep earning it. (Neighs powerfully) Did you know that Craig is trying to undercut us with Hawker? Not afraid of a little competition, are we? He's a slimy bastard. He's got them all eating out of his hand up there. That's the first time I've heard you pay him a compliment. If you call it that, Collins. Who'd want to be the leader of the hairy unwashed? (Men laugh) It's time we paid him a visit. Why? Let him know we're serious. People like that should not be allowed to stand in the way of progress. (Men murmur in agreement) Have you spoken to your father about this? I don't have to. A nod's as good as a wink. We're all looking for action, right? (Men mutter) MAN: Yes. This is stupid, and it's wrong. Worse, it'll bounce back on you. (THUNDER ROLLS) Ask him about his real motive. Like Jessica Harrison. MAN: Shut up, Collins. Yellow streak, Collins. Gutless. If that's the way you want it, I'm waiting. I'll save my energies for Craig. (THUNDER RUMBLES) (Men chuckle) I'll see you at the Debutante's Ball. (Men laugh) (Men comment and laugh) (GALLOPING HOOFS APPROACH, MEN WHOOP AND CONVERSE ROWDILY) Whoa! (Horses snort and breathe heavily) MAN: What is it? I heard something. (UNSETTLING MUSIC) (Neighs) Settle them down! (Horses snort and nicker uneasily) There's nothing here. Arrgh! (Neighs wildly) (Men laugh) (Groans) (Men jeer) Very funny. (Men chuckle) Well, come on, let's go! (Horse neighs wildly) (Exclaims) (Continues neighing) (Groans) (HOOFS THUNDER) (Neighs) * (BIRDS SCREECH) Come on. You've already lost two hours of light. Did you hear about last night? No. Alistair Patton and a mob of his mates ran into that stallion of yours. Oh, yeah? Young McKay was killed. We'll talk to you alone, Jim. We'll both hear what you have to say. You were warned this might happen. Bringing HER up here. McKay's death is a consequence. How do you figure that? It was bound to happen. Now those rich bastards will use it as another stick to beat us with. You put it all on Jessica? That's not right, Jake, and you know it. We're being mindful of our families. She should go back to where she belongs. We're staying here. Well, it's your problem ` and you fix it on your own. And you shoot that stallion... ..or I will. (TENSE MUSIC) (Slams door) (Horse neighs) (MELANCHOLY MUSIC) I liked Jamie McKay. And such a happy... Don't, Jess. Now he's dead. You mustn't blame yourself. Can't you see? It's turned out exactly as I said it would. No. It's got nothing to do with US. They made their own decisions. Will you stop trying to tell me that we are not responsible for OUR own decisions?! If you hadn't stopped me going home, this wouldn't have happened! Jessica. (MELANCHOLIC MUSIC SWELLS) I'll be back in a while, alright? (Nickers) (Snorts) (DISTANT CROW CAWS) (Horse whinnies) (MAJESTIC MUSIC) (Snorts) (Neighs) (Neighs) (Neighs) (Snorts quietly) (Neighs) (People chatter) Do you want to earn some money? Depends. 100 horses. Yours... ..when they're over the border. Worth a fortune. Settling a score, are we? Does it matter? Yeah, I prefer straight-out business. If we start immediately, we can't fail. I'll need a token to convince the boys. Bullshit. You could buy them for a beer. But...to show you... (Removes money from wallet) (Places note on table) Done. How far? About 10 minutes. Jess... She's not here, mate. Where is she? I don't know. When I got here, the place was empty. Where are you off to? To find her. Where? Back down, I think. In case I'm wrong and she comes back, will you stay here for a bit? Sure. Thanks. See you. (STIRRING MUSIC) (MUSIC BECOMES DARK) You've got to help me with this, Harrison. Why don't you go to the police, Patton? That's what they're for. I don't want the police mixed up with this. Uh, you know the country up there. I want you to lead a party and bring Alistair back. You mean you want me to stop him from doing something stupid. Bring Alistair back and I'll make sure that your loan goes straight through. How is it every conversation with you sooner or later turns to money? None of this would've happened if you'd been capable of controlling your daughter! No, it's not Jessica who's rampaging around up there like some spoiled child. Your daughter is responsible for Alistair's state of mind! She lied to him. Led him on. Played the coquette with him. (Exhales) You know, you're a very lucky man, Patton. In another place and not so very long ago, you'd be dead right now. (CLOCK TICKS) I'm going to make allowances because of the worry your son has caused you. (SMASH!) My daughter's been the only honest person in this whole affair. We're the ones who tried to twist every advantage out of it. And now, I've been patient enough with you, Mr Patton. Here's your loan application... ..and there's the door. You're finished with the bank. (Chuckles) (Grunts) (LOW-LEVEL CONVERSATION) That's a different story altogether. (Chuckles) (TENDER MUSIC) I must love you. Couldn't get any further than Eureka Creek. (MUSIC SWELLS) (HOOFS THUNDER) (GUNSHOTS) Ya! MAN: Someone get a doctor! (Men mutter) (STEAM ENGINE RUNS IN BACKGROUND) Seb. Are you alright? Nothing that a bit of horsehair and green gum sapling won't fix. What happened? They were driving away your horses, mate. What? They ran straight over the top of me. Who? I recognised Alistair Patton. There was a fair mob of them. Get him inside. MAN: One, two, three. (Groans) NOW do we start to fight them? The scores are even. One of theirs for one of ours. That's your own son! I'm talking about all our sons. All our women and kids. Oh, no! (GRAVE MUSIC) You can't let him go alone. Whoa! (TENSE MUSIC) Come on, Den. (Nickers) I need YOU for this one. (DETERMINED MUSIC) (Snorts) Right. Come on, Den. (Hisses) Get up! (HORSES NEIGH) Tell them to ease up a bit. Nobody's going to be troubling us out here. (DRAMATIC MUSIC) Ha! (Hisses) Come on! (Grunts) Get up! Come on, Den. That's it. Whoa, lad. MAN: That's Craig. ALISTAIR: He's outsmarted himself up there. There's no way down. Hmm. Don't forget who he is. HA! (MAJESTIC MUSIC) Ha! (SUSTAINED FRENCH HORN NOTE) (Grunts) (TENSE DRUMBEAT) (Breathes steadily) (TRIUMPHANT MUSIC) (Groans) (Grunts) (GRIM MUSIC) You killed him. Maybe. I want to make sure. No bloody fear! Let's get out of it! * (THUNDER RUMBLES AND CRACKS) (LEAVES RUSTLE) (THUNDER CRACKS) (Groans softly) (Groans) (BIRDS TWITTER, THUNDER RUMBLES) (Groans) (Breathes painfully) (GRIM MUSIC) (Sobs softly) (Voice breaks) Oh, no. Not you. What have I done? (Softly) What have I...? I'm so sorry. My poor old friend. (Sobs) (Screams) (MELANCHOLY MUSIC) (Exhales) (HORSE NEIGHS) (Nickers) (Neighs) (Neighs loudly) (HOOFS THUD) (Neighs) (Pants) (Nickers) (Pants) (Grunts) (Neighs) Get back! Go on! Get back! (Neighs) (Cocks gun) (Snorts, lows softly) (POIGNANT MUSIC) Whoa, big man. (Pants) Whoa. (Squeals) Yeah, you know me, don't you? (Pants) Now... (Pants) ..I need your help. (Squeals) That's it. I'm not going to hurt you. (Squeals) Just stand. That's it. (SOFT MUSIC) (Grunts) I'm going to touch you now. (Snorts) Come on, you wild old thing. Good. Good man. (Snorts) Whoa. Whoa. (Neighs) Look at this. (Nickers) Have a look at it. Just have a look at it. Come on. It's alright. (UPLIFTING MUSIC) (MUSIC SOFTENS) Good boy. Good. (Neighs wildly) Whoa! Steady. Steady, now. Steady, now. Steady, now. Just stand. Alright. (Nickers softly) (POWERFUL MUSIC) (Snorts) (Neighs wildly) Oh! (Grunts) (HOOFS THUD) Get back here, you... (OWL HOOTS) (OWL HOOTS) (HORSE NICKERS) (UNCERTAIN MUSIC) (TWIGS CRACK) (Nickers) (Snorts) (SOFT OPTIMISTIC MUSIC) (Snorts) (Nickers) (GENTLE MUSIC) (BIRDSONG) (ROUSING MUSIC) (Horse pants heavily) (HOOFS THUNDER) Easy, boy. Easy. (GENTLE MUSIC) (MUSIC SWELLS) Well, let's go! Alright! (ACTION MUSIC) ALL: Ya! (All yell, whistle) MAN: That's it! (SINISTER MUSIC) Right. (Men laugh) Come on, hurry up. * (All chivvy horses, whistle) (WHIP CRACKS) Yeah. (ROUSING MUSIC) (Men yell) (Man whistles) (Man hisses) (WHIP CRACKS) MAN: They're on to us. There's hundreds of the bastards. (Man yells) Ya! Get out of here. MAN: Come on! Come on! (WHIP CRACKS) Come on. Come on. (EXCITING MUSIC) (Horse pants) (WHIP CRACKS) (Men whistle, shout) (MUSIC SOFTENS) (MUSIC GATHERS PACE) Downriver! (Men shout, laugh) (Men whoop, cheer) Wait! Split up! We'll get round in front of them. (Hisses) (DISTANT LAUGHTER) (TRIUMPHANT TRUMPET MUSIC) Let's get out of here! Get around them! (HORSE WHINNIES) MAN: Get in there! (WHIP CRACKS) (Men grunt) MAN: Look out! (HORSE WHINNIES) (Grunts) Come on! (HEROIC MUSIC) (Horse whinnies) (Grunts) Ya! Ha! Ha! (MUSIC BECOMES TENSE) Ya! (Nickers) (Yells) Arggh! (Groans) Ya! (Groans) Get up! (Horses whinny) (Horse nickers) (Grunts) Ooh! (Grunts) (Groans) (Breathes heavily) (WISTFUL MUSIC) (Sighs) (Horse nickers) (Nickers gently) (TENSE MUSIC) (Neighs wildly) (Grunts) No! No! (Grunts) (Neighs wildly) It's alright. (Softly) Alright. (TENSE MUSIC BUILDS) (Whimpers) (MUSIC QUIETENS) (Groans) (DIGNIFIED MUSIC) (GENTLE MUSIC) You're the best, old man. You should be free. (TENDER MUSIC) (Nickers gently) Off you go. (Nickers) (Squeals) (STIRRING MUSIC) (Neighs wildly) (Chuckles) (SENTIMENTAL MUSIC) It's alright now, Jess. (GENTLE MUSIC) (Groans contentedly) Thank God. (Sighs) You know, I really missed you, Jess. I missed you too. I was wrong. And I was stupid. I'm sorry. (Chuckles) Never heard you say that before. (Chuckles) But you're here. You're both here. Nothing else matters. (GENTLE MUSIC) (Neighing, nickering) (Neighs powerfully) (Neighs) (Neighing) (Neighing) (Nickers gently) (STIRRING MUSIC) Captions were made with the support of NZ On Air. www.able.co.nz Able 2019 (STIRRING MUSIC CONTINUES)