MAN: It's late November.
The rising wind.
Everything just waiting for the monsoon.
Downriver in Bangkok harbour stands a freighter
getting ready to ship a cargo you can't load at any port.
That cargo is a man - a man with a lot of past
and right now, very little future.
Let me introduce myself.
Worthington's my name... or Stanton or Greene.
Take your pick. I've used them all.
20 years in exile here. It's a long time.
You can? help it. The memories come crowding in.
Fragments half remembered. Long lost things.
Broken dreams.
They take me back, back into a past I tried so hard to bury.
Back to a time when I was Captain Harold Stanton,
son of General Angus Stanton, 'The Lion of Dunkirk'.
I was 20 years old when war broke out.
Nothing I'd ever learned on the playing fields of Eton
could have prepared me for what I found.
Three years as a prisoner of the Japanese.
But I can't tell you what happened in that camp, not yet.
It's enough to say that honour and courage were in short supply.
But that was the war - well, part of it, anyway.
My father led his men to glory.
I found fear and disgrace.
When it was over, I went home to England...
"to a court martial.
The court finds you, Captain Harold Stanton, guilty
and sentences you to be cashiered.
March out the accused.
There was nothing left in England, not for me anyway.
Couldn't wait to leave the place.
I suppose you'd call it running away.
Running away.
Except, of course, you take yourself with you, don't you?
Like a shadow.
Only the scenery changes.
Egypt first, then Rhodesia. Aden for a while.
Suddenly I find myself middle-aged in Australia
working for some big anonymous law firm.
It suited me fine.
It was one of those places where you charge like a lawyer
and work like a clerk.
Another country, another identity.
I'd just read 'Our Man in Havana'.
As a name, Graeme Greene seemed common enough.
Graeme, can I see you a minute?
Right.
I've got a few clients I'd like you to meet.
Who are they? They're graziers from Broken Hill.
I didn't realise, of course, but the people I was about to meet
were going to change things forever.
Graeme, I'd like you to meet Sir Richard and Lady Faulkner
and their daughter, Miss Catherine Faulkner.
Mr Graeme Greene -
our Graeme Greene, of course, not anyone else's.
It was a joke he told whenever he got the chance.
He didn't find it half as funny as I did.
Had no trouble, not with the title search.
He read law at Cambridge.
You must excuse me.
Well, now, Sir Richard, how can I help?
We own a property, a very large property. You may have heard of it.
Guard bridge. Guardbridge. Oh, yes.
Anyway, in recent times,
we've managed to acquire four of the adjoining properties.
There is, however, a fifth property...
Are you following me, Mr Greene?
Oh, yes. Yes, indeed.
For many years we've been under the impression
that it was owned by a consortium.
Now we have reason to believe that there may have been some change.
So what we'd like you to do is make a thorough investigation
and find out exactly what the situation is
so that we can make them an offer.
I see. Yes.
(Giggles)
What is it?
Nothing.
(Giggles)
(Sings) ♪ Who can explain it'? ♪ Who can tell you why'?
♪ Fools give you reasons
♪ Wise men never... ♪
♪ Try. ♪
(Sings) ♪ Joyful and triumphant
♪ Oh, come ye
♪ Oh, come ye to Bethlehem... ♪
LADY FAULKNER: One spade. Two hearts.
Pass. Three hearts.
Pass. Four hearts.
Pass. Pass.
Father, you're the dummy again.
Father normally has to play the dummy.
Hard to find a good dummy.
We're lucky. Richard's very good at it.
I can see that. ( BELL PEALS )
Oh, dear.
My father always had the lights doused at 10:00.
When we put the power on, we saw no reason to change.
You probably find our ways a little strange.
Oh, not at all.
But that's one of the things I can't abide about the world today.
Change for the sake of change. Anything of value just thrown away.
Mother... Oh, be quiet, Catherine.
You've asked Mr Greene here to meet us.
There's no point in wasting his time.
We're very lucky, though. We have Guardbridge.
In a way, it's a world unto itself - an older world, Mr Greene.
A better world. Indeed.
Goodnight. 'Bye.
Goodnight. Goodnight, Father.
Goodnight, dear.
'Night. 'Night, Catherine.
I'll show Mr Greene to his room.
It's alright, Mrs Cameron. I can do it.
Come on. I want to show you something.
We've only got a minute. The lights go out at quarter past.
Alright.
Open it.
(Giggles) That's cheating. It's not Christmas.
Go on. Quickly. No. No, I'll open it tomorrow.
I'm warning you. Don't open it in public.
(Laughs) You're just teasing.
Alright. If you say so.
You're not, are you?
It's French, it's silk... and I have no idea if it fits.
Hello. Morning.
Have a good break? Yes. Yes, I did.
It was really very, um...
When did this come? Yesterday.
Oh.
Mr Greene?
Mr Greene, Mr McNair wants to see you.
Oh, yeah...
One of the girls recognised your photograph.
Graeme Greene.
That was cheeky.
I suppose you had quite a laugh out of my little jokes.
I'm sorry I lied to you.
Law degree from Cambridge? That was a lie too, I suppose.
The piece of paper I presented to you in Graeme Greene's name,
yes, that was a lie, but not my qualifications.
I am, in fact, a lawyer.
All the more reason why I can't condone it.
I didn't mean any harm.
I wasn't trying to defraud anyone.
I was just sick of it, that's all. You understand?
I didn't expect any sympathy from England, but, you know,
my own father never, ever forgave me.
Not ever.
So it says.
Well, I'll come back tonight, if you don't mind.
I'll pack the rest of it up tonight.
More private.
Well, thank you. You've always seemed to me to be a very decent man.
Good luck.
RECEPTIONIST: Oh, Mr Greene, telephone call.
Mr Greene.
(PHONE RINGS)
Guard bridge.
Can I speak to Miss Faulkner, please?
Who shall I say is calling'? Graeme Greene.
Good morning, sir.
Hold the line. I'll put you through.
A phone call, madam, Mr McNair.
LADY FAULKNER: Hello? Darling, it's me...
This is Catherine's mother, Mr Stanton.
Lady Faulkner...
I'm very sorry to read about your father -
sorry and surprised.
Obviously I must explain. That's why I'm calling.
Is Catherine... I'm afraid not.
She's asked me to request that you don't call again.
Well, I just want the opportunity. Surely...
Mr Stanton, Catherine has packed up all your gifts.
She'll return them by tomorrow's post.
But that won't be necessary. Let me talk to her, please.
I'm sorry, Mr Stanton. She's made it quite clear.
She says she's been deceived.
She doesn't wish to speak to you again - not today, not ever.
Lady Faulkner, I need your help. Please.
Goodbye, Mr Stanton.
(KNOCK AT DOOR)
LADY FAULKNER: Catherine?
Just a minute.
Catherine, I'd like to speak with you.
Catherine?
What did Mr McNair want?
To apologise. He was very embarrassed about employing him.
He said he had no idea. So what's happened?
The man's gone, of course.
Gone? Where?
Why should we care? He's gone. That's all that matters.
I do, Mother, I care.
For heaven's sake, Catherine, the man's a fraud.
He's probably on a plane already.
No...l think he would've called.
Not if he had any shame, he wouldn't.
Read it again if you don't believe me.
He sacrificed his own men. He was court-martialled.
No wonder he had to lie about his name.
Who knows what else he has to hide. Read it!
Oh, yes, I know.
He had the manners and he had the accent.
But that was window-dressing, wasn't it?
Say what you like.
I know he cared about me.
Cared about you?
Just ask yourself this, Catherine.
Why should a man like that care about you?
(Sobs)
Do you call a few flowers and a couple of presents caring?
I don't.
I'd call it an investment
and this would've been the dividend - Guardbridge.
It wasn't like that. Of course it wasn't.
Don't you see'?
That's the very heart of the deception.
The girl should never suspect, not even for a moment.
Of course, I must take part of the blame.
But I did try to warn you. Yes. Yes, you warned me.
Every time anyone showed the slightest interest in me,
you warned me.
All I've ever done is try to protect you.
If you had listened to me,
you wouldn't have made such a fool of yourself.
People are laughing at you, Catherine.
All our friends, they're laughing at you.
Anyway, there's only one thing to do, isn't there?
We'll put it behind us, won't we'?
Say it, Catherine. Won't we'?
I want you to put together everything he ever gave you.
I want the flowers you pressed,
cards he sent you, the Christmas present.
That sketch.
Everything. Understand?
(Sobs)
And, Catherine, I won't mention this again,
but I also want the other gift.
Don't look at me like that, child.
The gift Mrs Cameron saw him giving you.
The secret one.
I'll phone as soon as we get there. Yes, madam. Of course.
(DOORBELL CHIMES)
Good morning, Mr Stanton.
I'm afraid Miss Faulkner is not at home.
Please come in.
STANTON: Catherine! Catherine!
Miss Faulkner asked me to send you this.
As you're here, it'll save me the postage.
Where is she?
I'm sorry, Mr Stanton. I must ask you to leave - now.
Mr McNair, this is Catherine Faulkner.
Good afternoon. How are you?
I was hoping you could help me. Certainly.
I need to contact Mr Greene... Mr Stanton - whatever.
I thought you might have an address. Somewhere to send his mail perhaps?
Well, er, just hold on a minute.
Nope, nothing, I'm afraid. He just packed his bags and left.
To be honest, I think a man who changes his name
is pretty determined not to be found.
Yes, I see. Thank you. My pleasure.
It's ironic, isn't it, Doctor?
I was brought here to forget,
now I'm going to be reminded of it for the rest of my life.
What about the father? Could you marry him?
Possibly.
If I could find him.
We were very happy.
He walked out on me, Doctor, and I haven't heard a word.
He might as well be dead.
Come to that, so might I.
I'm worried about her. She's very depressed.
It's not surprising.
I should have thought it was a natural consequence of shame.
What I'm saying is if no-one wants this child
I could arrange for it to be dealt with.
She's offended against God once - I won't have it done twice.
Do you think that's fair?
Of course I do.
Let her have the child...
...and every day it can stand as a testament to her foolishness.
BOY: What a chicken! MAN: Beauty, isn't he, eh?
Well, what do you think?
Daddy, look at that girl.
(CHICK CHIRPS)
What do you think of this little fella?
You want to pat him?
Daddy, Dad, why is she running away?
Where's my daddy?
Beg your pardon, child?
Please, may I ask a question?
That's better.
Where's my daddy?
I'm not really sure.
Perhaps you'd better ask your mother.
Your father's dead, Katrina.
He died before you were born.
Is he coming back?
Shouldn't think so.
No, he isn't.
Who put this into your head?
What was he called?
Graeme. Hal, I think.
It was Graeme. Grandma's just making a joke.
Yes, I'm just making a joke.
It's not a very funny joke.
Morning. Morning, sir.
Flowers are looking great. Uh, thank you.
Your mother has asked for you.
She's in the sitting room.
I'd like to introduce my daughter, Katrina.
This is Mr McNair.
Katrina. Hello.
Sit down, dear.
Perhaps Mr McNair would like some more tea?
Oh, yes. Thank you.
What have you been doing up there?
Working.
What sort of work do you do?
I build things.
20 years old and what do you think she builds?
I build doll's houses.
Look at Mr McNair when you speak to him.
Not just houses, though.
They're mansions, complete with little people -
mother and father, brother and sisters.
A proper family.
I'd like to see one.
No, mother's right. it's silly. it's just a hobby.
Not everyone thinks so.
Queen Mary collected them - beautiful things.
There's one on display at Windsor Castle, I believe.
Historians say it's a priceless record of the period.
Now, who would have thought that'? A doll's house.
Still, that's often the way, isn't it?
The most underrated things turn out to be the most valuable.
Well, I don't know what historians would make of these.
There's even one of Guardbridge, except it doesn't have any windows.
What sort of house doesn't have windows?
Well, I don't know.
You like reading?
Answer Mr McNair.
Yes.
What sort of things?
Oh, different things.
History, novels.
Tell Mr McNair what you like most.
Romances, Mr McNair. My mother means romances.
Mills & Boon, that sort of thing.
I'm sorry.
(inhales deeply)
If you'll excuse me.
She suffers from asthma.
I'm afraid few people realise how debilitating it can be.
Not just physically.
You must forgive her. It's very difficult for her.
They've come around to thinking that asthma's a nervous thing.
Is that what they've told you?
Well, I don't have much faith in doctors. I never have.
She was always sickly, even as a child.
That's why I kept her here.
This has been her school, her home, her whole world.
She knows almost nothing of life outside of here.
Don't underestimate her.
I think you'd be surprised how fast she could adapt.
God willing, she won't have to.
There's no reason for her to ever leave Guardbridge.
We're still a wealthy family.
Yeah, but is...is that the life you want for her?
Of course.
It's a better life, a safer one.
In the end,
a much happier one.
I'm sorry, I can't agree.
You don't have to.
I'm her mother. Her welfare is my concern.
And I'm just a lawyer.
Oh! Oh, no, of course not, Mr McNair, you're the family lawyer.
That's why I've asked you here.
I need to appoint a guardian, a trustee.
Someone to administer her affairs.
Well, surely you do that.
Yes.
But I'm talking about the future.
There's no harm in planning. That's the advice we lawyers always give.
I also need to make a will.
I'm sorry. Is it...'?
Cancer, yes.
Does she know'? No, no.
Nor should she - not yet.
You're going to have to tell her.
I know,
but...as you probably realise,
my daughter and I - we don't share an easy confidence.
No.
There's one other thing. I've always done my best to protect her.
She believes that her father - my husband -
she believes that he died.
I don't see any reason to disillusion her.
Of course.
Mr McNair would like to change for dinner.
Show him to his room, please.
No, I...I'll stay.
KATRINA: It's my great-grandfather's room.
Sir Richard Faulkner's, Alice Faulkner - Grandmother's -
all of them left exactly as they were.
A sort of tradition. That's right.
That's why the rich have such big houses, Mr McNair.
After so many generations
you need something the size of Buckingham Palace
just to accommodate the memories.
(Chuckles)
Yes, of course. Otherwise they'd just get by with a bungalow.
And this one?
That's mine.
Ah, hmm.
Home of the doll's house.
Yes. As I said, I'd like to see it.
You don't have to be polite, Mr McNair. Not now.
You misunderstand me. I meant it.
You made this? Yes.
The furniture? Mmm.
That's remarkable.
Absolutely remarkable.
You're a very talented young woman.
What do you make of my Guardbridge, Mr McNair?
Well, it...certainly is an interesting work.
You mean...peculiar?
A little bit odd?
I think you've got the makings of an artist.
You're being polite again.
Ah! You paint too.
Just a bit.
Grandmother always said I inherited it from my...father.
I don't think she approved.
Cigarette?
My mother doesn't allow it.
Do you always do what your mother says?
Mostly.
Aren't children supposed to?
Up to a point.
Why are you here, Mr McNair?
Family matters.
Your mother thought it was time
to put some things in order, that's all.
People think I'm stupid, Mr McNair.
Just because...I'm awkward...
...and I get nervous.
And there are a lot of things that I don't know, but...
...but I do know one thing.
People don't always say what they mean.
What about you, Mr McNair?
Why are you really here?
Well, you've put me in a difficult position.
Your mother's asked me to keep her confidence
yet I don't want to lie to you.
She's dying, isn't she?
That's why you're here. What makes you think that'?
She makes some excuse, she goes to Sydney,
she sees a doctor - not just any doctor -
a specialist.
I know this because I found the card.
And then you show up.
I know my mother, Mr McNair.
Is that what's happening?
Yes, your mother's dying.
(Breathes heavily) She has cancer.
...for as much as it hath pleased Almighty God
of His great mercy to take unto Himself
the soul of our dear sister here departed,
we therefore commit her body to the ground.
Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust.
(CRICKETS CHIRP)
(MUSIC-BOX MELODY)
(Whispers) Graeme Greene.
Mrs Cameron!
Yes, Miss?
I was looking for a picture of my father.
I beg your pardon, Miss?
(Clears throat) A picture...of my father.
We don't have any, not here.
When your father died
your mother removed them all because she couldn't...
Yes, I know that.
That's part of Guardbridge history, the authorised version.
But what about the unauthorised version - the truth?
Who was Graeme Greene?
He's an author, isn't he, Miss?
Of course. How stupid of me.
Famous author comes to Guardbridge, gives my mother silk lingerie
and nobody thinks any the more of it.
Who was Graeme Greene, Mrs Cameron?
You know, don't you?
I only know what your mother told me.
And what was that'?
That she loved your father and she lost him.
But he never died. He did. For her.
I couldn't cry at the funeral. It wasn't in me.
But I cried when I read that.
Such a waste.
One day she's in love and then...nothing.
She never writes another word.
It's...it's almost as if she died back then.
So who was he, Mr McNair?
Who was Graeme Greene?
Well, as it says, he worked here.
According to the gossip, he courted your mother.
And then?
Well, there was a scandal.
Something about the war - he'd been court-martialled, I think.
Anyway, he was less than he appeared -
a bit of a con man, I suppose.
I had to let him go. And that was that.
Nobody heard any more - at least not your mother.
Was he my father? In a court, probably not.
In this room'? Who else was there?
So that's it. Katrina...Greene.
Well, no, not exactly. Greene wasn't his real name.
What do you mean? What was it?
I wish I could remember.
His father was a knight or soldier - something like... Hold on.
PHONE: Yes, Miss Howell here.
Oh, Miss Howell, I want you to go down to Archives.
Yes?
You're looking for the employment records of about 20 years ago.
The one I want is Greene. Mr Graeme Greene.
Like the author?
That's right, Miss Howell. Just like the author.
Suppose you find him -
and I take it that's your plan -
what then?
I don't know.
Well, I don't mean to be unkind, but he may not enjoy being found.
He could look at you and say, “So what?”
Yes, I know. He...he could.
Assuming, of course, he's still alive.
That's occurred to me too, but what else can I do?
I mean...at the moment I...I'm sort of lost.
I think I told you this once before.
You're a very talented young woman.
Thanks. Is that the one, Mr McNair?
Yes, that's it, thank you.
Nothing.
(Chuckles) Of course, silly of me.
Stanton. Hal Stanton.
His father was a general at the line of Dunkirk.
Ah, Stanton.
Three sons, Edward - deceased, James and Harold.
Hal for short.
8O Essex Square, Belgravia.
Well, there it is. Well, the family, at least.
I'm sure they can tell you if he's still alive,
maybe even where he is.
That's if you're sure you really want to know.
What would you do?
Well, if I was young again and had the whole of my life ahead of me
and I was quite wealthy, I'd go to London tomorrow.
And if it didn't work out I wouldn't give a damn.
I'd go to the Victoria and Albert Museum
and I'd look at the dolls' houses.
Thank you.
Good luck.
(PHONE RINGS)
MAN: Mr Fleming, the phone!
(Murmurs) I'm going blind, not deaf.
Good morning, Stanton residence.
Mr James Stanton, please.
Whom shall I say is calling'?
He doesn't know me. My name is Katrina.
I'm...his niece.
I'm sorry. You have a wrong number.
Mr Stanton does not have a niece.
Mr James Stanton has a brother - Harold Stanton.
Yes. Harold Stanton is my father.
Hold the line, madam.
Good morning. Miss Stanton, is it?
Yes.
I think perhaps we should meet. You have the address?
Yes, I do.
Shall we say at 4:00, then? At 4:00.
Everything seems to indicate he's my father.
It looks that way, doesn't it?
You say they never married? No.
Seems nobody much marries anymore.
I have a daughter of my own. She lives with a chap.
I don't like it, but what can you do?
Nothing, I suppose.
So where? Where is he, Mr Stanton'?
We grew up together, Hal and I, in this house.
He was my elder brother. I loved him dearly.
But if he were to knock on that door now,
I'd turn him away without a moment's pause.
That's not idle talk. Many years ago, I did just that.
I don't know what happened then, but as you say, it was many years ago.
Some things never fade.
He broke the old man's heart.
Our father was a soldier.
But more than that, he believed that rank brought with it
not only privilege, but responsibility.
In his eyes, Hal was a coward.
And in yours?
In mine, long ago, he ceased to be a member of this family.
That is why I could turn him away as you would a stranger.
I don't understand all that. All I know is I want to meet him.
Which one is he? Which one's my father?
He's gone, young lady.
Hal Stanton no longer exists.
No-one by that name ever lived in this house.
I've come all this way and you're not going to tell me where he is?
If you'll excuse me, there's nothing to be gained by this.
I'll have Fleming show you out.
You've been with the family a long time?
Uh, yes, miss.
You knew my father?
I knew Mr Hal.
I came to see Mr Stanton because I needed some help.
I know what you want, miss.
Where is he, Mr Fleming?
I don't know.
And if I did, I couldn't tell you.
This house has been my home.
I understand, but I do think I have some right to know...
Whatever you may think, miss, no-one will thank you for dragging this up.
Not me, not Mr James, least of all the man you claim's your father.
I didn't come here to drag anything up.
I came here because it's the only place I could start, that's all.
Correct me if I'm wrong,
but I think he told you it's none of your business.
Didn't he?
Yes.
So there's an end of it.
I'll leave you my address in Australia.
You never know, something might turn up.
Or better still, somebody might change their mind.
When do you leave, miss?
As soon as possible.
I've only got one more thing I have to do.
What is that'?
See a doll's house.
Good afternoon. How can I help?
I'd like to change my booking, please.
To when?
Tomorrow, if possible.
Not at Easter, I'm afraid. The flights are all full.
(Types on keyboard)
Next time I can do is the 29th of March.
Eight days'?
OK.
I've changed your booking to the 29th,
and wait-listed you for anything earlier.
Please keep checking. You might be lucky.
I think maybe she is.
I'm cancelling London to Sydney, two days time.
I couldn't help overhearing. I hope you don't mind.
They're only economy, if it's OK.
No, I don't mind.
I wonder if between us, we can help this young lady.
We don't usually operate that way.
There is a system,
and the cancellations usually go to people on the top of the list.
Systems. The trouble with systems is they're so unyielding.
I bet this one doesn't even know it's Easter.
Come on, Gail.
Make her holiday.
If you promise not to tell a soul. It's my job.
Whoa.
I'm Arkie. Arkie Ragan.
Katr... Katrina Stanton.
(Clears throat) Katrina?
That's nice.
So, where are you staying?
The Heygate.
I know it. I had a drink there once. Still paying it off.
Can I walk you?
You don't have to do this.
You've done enough.
It's no trouble. I'd like to, really.
(SHIP HORN BLOWS)
You seem very quiet.
Oh.
That's just me, I think.
Nothing wrong'?
No.
I'm just not very good at this, um...
Uh... (Gasps slightly) ..I'm not used to a...
It's OK.
Excuse me.
I get asthma. (Wheezes) It's silly.
(Gasps) I'm sorry.
(Laughs) It's embarrassing!
No! Don't say that.
And don't even think it.
I know it's hard. I know it's frightening.
But you mustn't let guilt come into it.
You don't have to get embarrassed for my sake.
Look. See that'? Needle marks.
Diabetes. Twice a day.
I'm damned if I'm gonna let it embarrass me.
So let's have no more excuses, OK'?
(Weakly) Yeah. OK?
OK.
So, how long have you been here?
Two days.
And you're leaving already? You must really like it!
How about you?
Oh, I live here now.
I came on a job about five years ago.
I'm a news photographer.
I usually travel the world,
taking those pictures that manage to spoil your breakfast.
Anyway, I liked it here.
It's a lot more civilised than New York.
Who do you work for'?
Highest bidder. Freelance.
Oh. So why were you going to Australia?
Kakadu, the Kimberleys, the Rock.
And then Jane, the girl I was going with, broke her leg.
I don't know anyone in Australia.
Don't want to spend four weeks alone.
So at least here we can limp around together.
You must look a sight.
So, how did you hurt your leg?
Car accident or what?
Oh, Jane's was. She did hers in Hammersmith.
I got mine in Afghanistan.
Well, uh, anyway.
Thank you.
As I said, no trouble.
No, not just for the ticket.
For the walk.
And for talking sense...about this.
Look, if you ever do make it to Australia,
um, I live a long way out, but it's a big house.
“Guardbridge.”
Yeah.
Thanks.
(ELEVATOR DINGS)
Goodbye.
Yeah.
(PHONE RINGS)
Hello? MAN: Hi. It's me.
Where are you?
I'm in a phone box around the corner on Fleet.
Listen, uh, I was just wondering if maybe you'd like to go for a drink.
A drink? Yeah. You know, a drink.
OK. Sure. That'd be nice.
Great. Uh, downstairs?
Yeah. I'll see you in a minute.
OK.
'Bye.
ARKIE: What brought you to London?
Family things.
I was looking for a relative.
Thanks. No luck, huh?
No. Not really.
I don't think he wanted to be found.
Are you sure you looked hard enough?
I don't think anyone just disappears.
Was it a close relative?
I never knew him.
What did you know about him that was certain?
His name?
I know what it was. I'm not sure now.
Job?
He was a lawyer.
And a soldier.
OK, which army? British.
Then that's where you start.
Everybody leaves clues.
So, you wanna try it? Wanna give this theory a shot?
I'd love to.
But are you sure you've got the time?
Yeah, I've got time. First thing tomorrow morning.
OK.
Harold Stanton. Captain.
Born Essex Square. Commissioned April 12, 1939.
Another pip in, uh, November.
Is this the one?
What else?
Court-martialled, August 14, 1946.
Dishonourable discharge.
That's about it.
Couple of lines on a card.
Hardly does it justice, does it?
Does what justice?
Well, it was a big thing back then.
They were in a Japanese prisoner of war camp.
Eight chaps had spent a year planning an escape.
The night they were going, he informed on them.
The Japs beheaded the lot.
He must have wished the war would never end.
ARKIE: What happened then, after the court martial?
Nothing here.
A lot of fellas wanted him shot. I remember that.
But I suppose strings were pulled.
You know how it is - they always stick together.
It was in all the newspapers.
August 14, 1946.
Who was he?
He was my father.
I guess you'll be a while, then.
Yeah.
OK.
I'll call you later.
I've read all about it.
My father grew up in Bangkok and then he went back there as a soldier.
He's living there now, isn't he?
That's a pretty long bow to draw.
I'm asking you a question, that's all.
Is he in Bangkok?
You've done the reading. You seem to know everything.
Not everything.
I do know that he is not as guilty as you believe.
He never denied telling the Japanese.
I know what happened in the court.
I've studied the case. I know the defence backwards.
If the Japanese hadn't been told, there would have been reprisals.
Dozens of his men might have been killed.
Exactly! Everyone said so.
No, not everyone.
Especially not the court.
They rejected that defence.
The rules of engagement make it clear -
a soldier's duty is to escape.
Eight men died trying to do their duty, thanks to him.
He is still your brother.
You can say anything you like. You can't change that.
I've told you before...
...Hal Stanton no longer exists.
Every time I mention his name, you get upset.
Why, Mr Stanton'? Just tell me that.
Why?
(PHONE RINGS)
Hello?
MAN: Miss Stanton, would you take a call from reception?
Alright.
James Stanton. I'm downstairs in the foyer.
Would it be possible to have a word with you, Miss Stanton'?
Yes. Please, come up.
Come in. Thank you.
This won't take a minute.
Miss Stanton...
Er, Katrina, I've just come to tell you that you were right.
In Bangkok is a firm of solicitors.
The family have dealt with them for years -
ever since grandfather was ambassador there.
Every month, they forward an allowance to my brother.
Exactly where he is, I have no idea.
He may not even be in Thailand.
But they are the people who can contact him.
(PAPER RUSTLES)
If he wants to see you, well, that's up to him.
I can't do much more than that.
Thank you.
Er, there's just one more thing.
If you should ever see him, would you tell him...
...er, tell him that his brother says hello.
You were right. I do think of him often.
Well, just tell him that, will you?
What, you're leaving us already?
No, I'm just trying on a few things.
I'm being taken out for dinner tonight.
Oh, you've met a young chap?
Hm! Well, good for you.
Don't know all that much about clothes.
Oh! My daughter knows about that.
I'll get her to call you.
No, it's not important.
Nonsense! She's your cousin. I'm sure she won't mind.
Her name is Sarah. Well, at least to me.
Down in Bond Street, she's known as Imelda.
She was born to shop.
It's such a shame you're not going to be here for the weekend.
I'd have loved you to come down to Hampshire with all of us.
Clive's house is gorgeous. Actually, he's gorgeous too.
And Jeremy and Tara are brilliant.
You'd love Jeremy. He's absolutely obsessed about the outback.
He'd talk horses and sheep and cows with you all afternoon.
Hi.
( RAIN PATTERS )
(Speaks indistinctly)
So, tomorrow you leave.
Straight through or will you stop in Bangkok?
I'd like to,
but they say that all the flights from Bangkok to Sydney are full.
So I guess I'll just go home.
Write to the lawyers from there.
Easter at Guardbridge?
That's very good. You remember.
I won't forget.
You could stay, you know.
For a while, maybe. I...l don't know.
Or I could go with you.
To Australia?
Yeah! I mean, I still want to see the place.
I still want to photograph it.
But...what would Jane say about that'?
Jane's a friend of mine. We work together sometimes.
She writes the articles. I take the pictures.
It's a professional relationship.
The flights, though. They're all full.
To Australia and America, maybe. But I bet we can get to India.
Then what?
Pick up a connecting flight from Bombay.
Could we do that'? Sure.
It might take a couple of days, but we could have Easter there.
You have to see Goa.
It's on the Arabian Sea, south of Bombay.
I've never seen the falls at lguacu so I can't say for sure,
but Goa may just be about the most beautiful place on earth.
It's where Portugal meets India and all the world falls in love.
(KNOCK AT DOOR)
Arkie? Yo.
It's open.
Hi. Hi.
Ready? Yep.
Got everything'? You've checked? I think so.
Uh, there's something I have to say to you.
What?
Please don't get upset.
No. Just tell me.
Oh, God.
Happy birthday.
It's not my birthday.
Merry Christmas?
What?
Will you please just take a look at this thing
before I make a total, complete, utter fool of myself?
OK. Good.
A suitcase!
Oh!
You said you were interested in photography,
so I thought you might like this for the trip.
You shouldn't have spent this.
Yeah, well, I thought, if you wanted,
uh, maybe I could teach you, if that was OK.
And, I mean, I'd like to.
That'd be fantastic.
Yeah.
Thank you.
(TRAFFIC HUBBUB)
Here, if you want to get it all in, you're gonna have to use this.
Hold that. Wow!
You should be learning how to do this.
I know!
Happy'? Yep
Ah! Mr Rogers. Welcome.
Almost! Ragan. Arkie Ragan.
Oh, yes! Of course. Ragan.
Forgive me.
OK. What have you got for me, Mirnal?
Oh, you're lucky. We've just the one room left.
Only one. Damn. We needed two.
You want to try somewhere else?
It's the best!
Magnificent view of the beach.
It's beautiful.
ARKIE: That's fine. Thanks. We'll take it from here.
God, I love it here!
Have you been here a lot? Yeah, a few times.
Have you been here with other girls?
Sometimes.
Jealous?
Yeah. Good.
So, what do you want to do?
I don't know. What do you want to do?
Well, we could go down the beach, take our first swim together.
Yeah, we could do that.
Or we could go for a walk.
Sounds good.
Yeah. I thought maybe we could go up to the Old Fort.
You know, it's only four miles...uphill.
90-degree heat.
(Men cheer)
I missed you.
You were fast asleep.
You should have woken me.
You'd have hated it. It's a hell of a climb in the dark.
I'll take you up later if you like.
So, how was it? Well, good for me.
I like the dawn light, so I take shots of sunrise wherever I go.
One day I'll publish it - 'Dawn Across the World'.
That'll never work.
Gotcha. (Laughs)
Want to head back up the hotel?
Hey, Kat? Yeah?
Mind if I throw my new lens in your case?
No, that's fine.
OK, thanks.
(Shrieks)
You used all the hot water!
Sorry!
Do you want this left out or not?
Um, no, leave it in.
OK.
What about via Bangkok? Can we go that way?
I thought you said you were going to write?
Yeah, but Easter's almost over. We might get seats now.
Yes, Bombay to Bangkok is possible.
We don't want seats to Bangkok. Why not, if we can go that way?
It's no trouble, is it?
I hate Bangkok!
Look, it'll be the middle of summer.
The place has got the worst traffic in the world,
air pollution like you wouldn't believe.
You've got asthma, Kat.
It is not designed for easy breathing.
It'll only be a day or two. I don't mind taking the risk.
Is this better - Air-India to Bangkok on Wednesday?
Yes.
Then a Qantas flight the following day.
Oh, great! OK.
(Laughs)
But can we book the baggage straight through?
We might as well avoid some of the hassle
if we're only gonna be there for one day.
Sorry - change of airline.
(Speaks Thai)
Have a pleasant stay.
(CAMERA CLICKS)
Telephone, sir. It's for the lady.
Madame? Yes. Thank you.
Right, let's see. 2,3...
(PHONE RINGS)
Good afternoon. Carlisle & Carlisle.
Hello, my name's Katrina Stanton. Could I speak to Mr Carlisle, please?
Could you hold a moment, please?
(PHONE BUZZES)
Richard Carlisle.
Hello. Um, I'm ringing about a client of yours, Mr Hal Stanton.
I'm not sure I can help you. What is it you want?
His brother gave me your number. He said you act as his banker.
And who exactly am I talking to?
My name's Katrina Stanton. Hal Stanton is my father.
Um, I'd rather not discuss this over the phone.
Do you have my address?
Yes, I do.
I should be free in an hour if you'd like to come round then.
OK. Goodbye.
(Speaks Thai) (Replies in Thai)
My instructions are clear. They haven't changed in 20 years.
I can't give out any information
without the express permission of my client.
Yes, I know. But you can tell me if he's in Thailand.
No, I can't tell you anything.
All I can do is let him know you called and want to see him.
Beyond that, it's up to him.
But I'm only here for a day. Well, I can get a quick answer.
So he must be close.
Not necessarily.
MAN: Afternoon, Richard. Hello, Bob.
You haven't seen Bill Worthington, have you?
I saw him last in the reading room.
Always reading, that fellow.
Best-read man I've ever known.
(Both chuckle)
Come on. (Groans)
UP you get.
(Laughs)
Better?
Much, thank you.
It's the heat, you know.
It's not. It's the booze.
Yes, you're probably right.
This is important, isn't it? I can tell.
Yes.
Charm's just dripping off you.
They've stopped the money, have they?
No, the breweries are safe.
Oh. They will be pleased.
I had a visit today.
From a girl - an Australian. She's quite attractive.
How nice for you.
She said she was your daughter.
Go on.
She's using your name. I mean, your real name.
Her mother was...Faulkner, I think.
Yes, Catherine Faulkner.
They live at a station, whatever that is.
A railway station, I suppose.
Called Guardbridge.
Well, is it true?
I don't know. Possibly. How old is she?
21 next month.
The age is right.
How could I tell'?
I mean, prima facie, yes, it's possibly true.
What's her name? Katrina.
Bloody awful name.
So, what do you want me to do?
Do I have a legal obligation?
I expect you know more about Australian law than I do.
Did she say what she wanted?
Just to meet you.
You're right, of course. The heat has nothing whatever to do with it.
The only drinking problem I have...
...is that I can't get enough of it.
You could hardly call it an unqualified success.
My life, I mean.
Hal, what do I do?
You say no. Say it's not true.
You tell her her mother and I were just acquaintances.
You know the sort of thing, Richard. You know what to say.
You want me to lie?
Yes, I want you to lie.
I want you to earn your money for once.
I want you to act like my lawyer, not my bloody judge.
(SPLASH!)
CARLISLE ON PHONE: No, he won't meet you.
He says he has no children,
therefore no interest in discussing it.
But didn't you tell him I'm only here for a day?
I'm sorry. My client gave me strict instructions.
I can't enter into any debate about this.
Well, why didn't you tell him that...'?
I'm very sorry.
That simply has to be the end of the matter.
Goodbye.
Idiot!
Who? The lawyer or your father?
I mean, I don't think I'm asking too much, do you?
All I want to do is meet him.
Put yourself in his shoes.
He hears nothing for 20 years, then someone rings him in Bangkok
and claims to be his daughter.
Wouldn't you be a little suspicious?
Mmm.
I should write to him.
No, don't rush it.
Wait till you're in Australia.
Then you can write the whole thing out -
extracts from the diaries, photocopies, pictures.
Make it a real dossier.
Yeah. You're right.
We should never have come here.
Forget it. We'll be on a plane in a couple of hours.
No more hassles.
We'll be home free.
No! (Chuckles)
OK.
(WOMAN SPEAKS THAI OVER P.A. )
Tickets and passport, please. OK.
(Speaks Thai) (Official replies in Thai)
This your luggage? Uh-huh.
Could you please step over to X-ray machine?
ARKIE: OK.
I'll meet you over at the counter.
No, both of you, please.
Thank you. OK.
That's the lady's camera bag. It's got film in it.
X-ray won't hurt it. I know.
But I've heard that before.
Would you mind opening it for the gentleman here?
Sure.
The camera here's got fast film in it.
It is safe, you know.
Thanks.
Thank you. (Speaks Thai)
Here?
Yeah, you try there and I'll go over to this one.
Hi. Thank you.
Are you carrying any gift or parcel on behalf of another person?
No.
Did you pack your bags yourself?
Yes.
Have you at any time left your luggage unattended'?
KATRINA: No.
Smoking or nonsmoking?
Um, I'm with him,
so if I could have two seats together in nonsmoking, that would be great.
Yes. 19A and 19B'?
Thank you. Thank you.
She's given us 19A and 19B in nonsmoking.
Well, you go down to Immigration and join the next queue.
I'll see you down there in a minute.
Gate Nine. Gate Nine.
WOMAN: Morning. Good morning.
So, you've got 19B, nonsmoking.
Uh, no. If it's OK, can I get a seat in smoking'? On the aisle.
Um, aren't you two travelling together?
No. We just met.
OK.
Are you carrying any parcels or gifts on behalf of another person?
No, I am not.
Did you pack your bags yourself? Yes, I did.
Have you at any time left your luggage unattended'?
No, I have not.
OK.
Excuse me, Miss Stanton.
I'm with the Customs police. Can you come with me, please?
KATRINA: Pardon? Please, come.
What's the problem? You must come. Don't worry.
Arkie? Arkie!
(Speaks indistinctly) KATRINA: Arkie!
Here, let me take that.
(Both converse softly)
(Speaks Thai)
I'm sorry?
(Repeats Thai phrase)
I'm sorry. I don't understand.
What's wrong'?
I have a friend. He's waiting out there.
(Speaks Thai)
I'm sorry. I don't understand what you're saying.
(Man speaks indistinctly)
Please, I don't know what's going on here.
Neither do I, but we'll work it out, won't we'?
What's the story?
(Speaks Thai)
The major wants to know, is this your bag'?
Yes. Yes, it's her bag.
KATRINA: Who are you? I'm a friend.
Are...are you with the Customs'?
No, I'm with the Australian Federal Police,
attached to the Thai Government, Narcotics Bureau.
Narcotics?
That's right, Narcotics.
Wha. . . '? (Customs official speaks Thai)
Let's get on with it. Open your bag, please.
I'm meant to be meeting someone. I've got a plane to catch!
Miss, you won't be meeting anybody.
The only people you'll be meeting are this gentleman and myself.
Now, open the bag.
OK.
Are you alright?
(Speaks Thai) (Replies in Thai)
Combination.
I need my Ventolin.
Can I have...'?
You'll get that when I get the combination to the bag.
Combination?
Uh...it's four-seven-two.
Four. . . '? Seven-two.
Four-seven-two.
Nikon. (Speaks Thai)
Is that your camera?
Lens. Yes.
Is that your lens?
(Speaks Thai) Yes.
Are they your films? (Whispers) Yeah.
(Loudly) Are they your films?
Yes! (Gasps)
(Coughs) Arkie?
Arkie!
(Speaks Thai)
(Pants) I need my Ventolin!
Ohh! Ohh!
(Gasps)
Merry Christmas.
(Speaks Thai)
(Translates) “I, Supan Sara, being a major in the Royal Thai Police,
“charge you, Katrina Stanton,
“with possession of a trafficable amount of a proscribed substance.
“To wit, over 140 grams of heroin.
“It is my duty to warn you that the penalty for such an of fence
“is death."
Do you understand me?