[Neigh]
Are they wild horses, dad?
Someone's gone to a lot of trouble
to put that mob together.
You won't find better anywhere.
It's the man himself--Jim Craig.
From snowy river?
That's him...
A long way from home.
I'll look after him.
Thanks, son.
You were cracking on the pace, Jim.
You goin' back for good?
Yep. I been away long enough.
I suppose so, but still,
you'll be missed in these parts.
Thanks, mate.
Well, I've got my stake together now.
Not a bad one, either.
They're the best I've seen...
For thousands of miles.
You gonna breed them?
Eventually.
Before I left home,
I let that wild stallion and his mob loose.
I'll 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, all right.
About due for a rest, I reckon.
Remember Harrison? He had a daughter, didn't he?
Jessica.
Right. right.
That's as good a reason as any
for going home in a hurry.
Ha ha ha ha!
Ha ha ha! Ha ha ha!
What are you after, seb--
rabbits... or something bigger?
Depends.
I thought I'd come and see
if the place was all right.
Thanks.
Why the rifle?
A few funny things have been happening.
Like what?
Cattle and horses spooked.
They reckon we've been party-dodgin'.
Stealing cattle? Surely not.
No more than usual.
Only what you can eat.
Right.
It's traditional.
Those big knobs below want a bit of our grazing.
They've been serving us papers.
Legal papers?
I don't know. I found a good use for them.
Ha ha ha!
Someone took a shot at your old stallion.
What?
He's all right.
Who was it?
Could have been anyone who's blamed him
for every horse gone missing.
That's just about everybody.
He's not exactly housetrained, is he?
Anyway, you're back for a while.
Back for good, seb.
Just one more thing to do.
I hope things go the way
you want them to down there.
Let's get a fire going.
Glad you're home.
[Thunder]
Simmons!
[Footsteps]
Jessica...
Mr. Simmons tells me
you've been riding that Colt again.
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?
Trying to lose weight.
He gets fat off me,
then I pay to lighten his carcass.
I want that Colt flying by this weekend.
These are my home grounds.
I intend to win that race.
That's all.
Get that jockey into condition.
Lousy weather.
Ahh...old and cold, Jess.
Old and cold.
I want you to change
into something more feminine before lunch.
We have guests.
Oh? who?
Patton.
I should have guessed.
Percentages, balance sheets, and interest rates
make such fascinating conversation.
His son will be there.
Good. alistair should liven things up a bit.
And when you're running this place,
you'll be glad for these business meetings, lady.
Me...run the place?
I thought all I had to do was show a little petticoat,
and snare somebody eligible
so he can run it, or think he does.
Like I do, right?
And listen, Jess, wear plenty of frills.
If we're going to keep this place growing,
we're going to need Mr. patton and his loans.
[Neighs]
G'day, Denny.
You have a rest, old mate.
Time to teach one of these youngsters
a thing or two, eh?
Well, this is a first-class turnout.
Does you credit.
Thanks, patton.
I was talking to some others.
We're impressed. We must see more of you.
I'll drink to that. I'll get it.
I can get my own, god damn it.
See to Mr. patton's glass.
Once the bank has decided to back you--
and I'm sure my directors will--
great things are possible.
Well, I'm looking forward to it.
If our ties extended beyond mortgages,
I would say the sky's the limit.
It's an interesting proposition, patton,
but that's up to Jessica.
Of course.
Oh, excuse me.
Colonel hawker.
Someone I'd like you to meet.
Harrison, colonel hawker, Indian army.
Pleased to meet you. How do you do?
Colonel hawker comes from India every year
and buys the best cavalry horses.
He means his own, of course.
[Neigh]
Despite the poor season,
I can still give you 500. Good.
The new lines are coming through strongly. Excuse me.
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 some money gold digging.
Not exactly a first-class background.
Not like us, eh?
No, indeed.
Your family came from the percys
on the Scottish border.
Most certainly did.
Mine were the monraths.
Really? yes.
My lot used to hang your lot...
As cattle thieves.
This, Mr. Simmons, is the problem.
Jessica.
You want the horse to win?
Let the jockey handle it.
Mr. Simmons?
Where is our fat jockey this morning?
Um, he took some medicine,
so he had to go to the--
but 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.
Ahem...
Charming girl.
She has a mind of her own.
It's the highest stepping fillies
that make the best mares, eh?
[Bagpipes play]
Mr. Harrison. Father.
Come on, Harrison.
This is going to be worth watching.
Ladies and gentlemen...
The regimental trophy holder, lieutenant patton,
will now demonstrate
the skill-at-arms course.
[Scattered applause]
Ya!
[Crowd cheers]
That's the way!
[Band plays]
[Cork pops]
I'm awfully sorry.
It's all right. You missed.
Are you looking for the stables?
No. Jessica Harrison. Have you seen her?
Well, yes, but...
Who would be asking for her?
That was good riding out there.
My name's Jim Craig.
The one we've heard so much about?
Could be.
You were lucky that day.
Mainly old stages there, I hear.
Everyone was invited.
You're out of your class here.
Sir.
Mr. Collins.
Good afternoon, sir.
Harry hawker.
Jim Craig.
Will starters and riders move onto the track?
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?
Will you excuse me, Harry?
It was good to meet you.
And you.
Where the devil is summer cloud?
Already out there.
A bit overanxious? Not a good sign.
I wouldn't fuss about that.
My highland laddie has got the edge on your fellow.
That's easy to say, patton.
I've got £100 to back that up.
500.
Done.
[Cheering]
Come on!
What is that jockey doing?
It's moving. Come on!
[Cheering]
You lost.
Thank you, patton.
Good horse, that.
Yeah, I know. I broke him in.
Ooh! ooh!
What are you doing out there? You might have been killed.
The jockey was missing.
You just happened to be available.
Simmons!
Where is that bloody jockey?
Here.
Somebody locked me in the outhouse.
Simmons...
You're sacked.
You're both sacked.
Suits me. Working for you two
is like being caught in a meat grinder.
I want you to go in the house
and change... Right now.
Jess...
Congratulations.
Thanks.
Hello, Jess.
Well, Craig...
It's been a long time.
G'day, Mr. Harrison.
I don't recall having invited you today.
No. I came to see Jessica.
I could come back tomorrow.
Well, you're not welcome here, Craig...
Today, tomorrow, anytime.
Oh.
I'm sorry to hear that.
Do you still speak for Jessica, too?
I don't argue with drifters.
Father...please.
Come with me, Jess.
Jessie...
I know it's been a long time,
but I've got a start for us.
You've been thinking of me, then?
That's good.
Jess.
Jessica--
I know you Hicks are slow on the uptake,
but you're setting a record.
I don't know who you think you are,
but you're not part of this.
You've been away too long.
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.
Ya!
[Crack]
Giddy-up!
[Cheering]
You'd call that a live prisoner.
Ha ha ha!
It was more than a loutish display.
It was contempt for our values.
We must get rid of that riffraff
and acquire the grazing areas for the valley.
It's easier said than done.
Don't be too sure.
I aim to have a bill before the house this session.
In view of our undertakings,
I can count on your support?
You're saying i support you
or I have bank problems. Right, patton?
It's a fraction bold,
but I see you get the general drift.
[Thunder]
[Whistle]
Ha ha ha ha!
Oh!
Blimey! you're enough to make a Saint swear!
There's no saints here.
Otherwise, you can do
the loaves-and-fishes thing with pounds!
Miserable sinners!
When you come to confession,
you'll laugh on the other side of your faces.
When that's finished, we'll be too old to sin!
Either get on about your business
or contribute to god's work with labor or cash.
You must be new around here.
Been away.
There used to be only a small mine here.
Yes, a fellow named spur grubbed his life away here.
After he died, they found it, 50 feet from his shaft.
Found what?
The mother lode, 1,000 feet down.
A pity they don't dig as deep into their pockets.
Jim!
G'day, seb. I've been looking for you.
Come and have a beer.
G'day, Mrs. Darcy.
Hello, Sebastian.
This is Jim Craig. Hello, Jim.
Hello.
It didn't go well down there?
I didn't think they'd put out the red carpet.
It was like a red rag to a bull.
We know they'd like to run us out.
What are the boys doing about that?
Nothing.
If you don't stir the possum,
it won't bite you.
What can we do?
[Plays piano]
I'm glad to hear you're playing 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.
Whatever the hell it is!
If you're pining for 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.
No one sees or hears from him.
Whatever he is, he won't be back here, Jess.
Now, I thought you accepted that.
[Sighs]
[Dogs barking]
You haven't been outside this house in days.
Everyone's been asking for you.
Oh! I thought this is where you wanted me,
looking decorative, waiting for suitors to call.
One has called-- alistair patton--
and I'm running out of excuses.
Then tell him i don't want to see him.
That's fine, either way.
You both treated Jim disgracefully.
That subject is closed! I am sick of Jim Craig!
Well, I am not!
He could never belong here. You do.
And so does alistair patton.
Affections are related to property, no?
You are aggravating!
A chip off the old block!
I don't care about the pattons,
junior or senior, and you know it!
Neither do I!
What are we arguing about?
Jim?
Morning.
Are you leaving today?
No...not yet.
I want to check a friend's affairs.
Spur?
I bet he's still smiling away to himself up there.
How's that?
He willed this place to fossickers around these hills.
That's not playing the game by the rules.
[Chuckles] it's worse.
None of these people work for bosses.
The gentry can't digest that.
Well, long live Eureka creek!
Heh heh.
Excuse me.
I came to talk to you.
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.
I told you-- to get a start for us.
Why is accumulating things so important?
Because I've seen the lack of it.
I don't want that for you.
Things change.
Is there someone else?
They've 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.
The pattons are the most powerful family in the district.
If we were together, they would break him.
Then they'd come after everybody here.
Your people would turn against you because of me.
You're taking too much on yourself, Jess.
No.
I've given this a lot of thought.
It would drive us apart, Jim.
Dear father, i had to see Jim.
Don't be angry with me. I must do this my way.
Are you just letting her go?
Do you mind if I ask why?
For a lot of reasons.
Oh, really?
It's better this way, Jim.
For whom, Jake?
You just say it straight out--
better for your own interests.
And better for Harrison's own selfish interests,
no doubt, you've been told.
Oh, yes. He was always very good at looking after number one.
Just leave things as they are.
Broaden your minds.
Have another beer. Have two!
[Neighing]
Hah! hah!
I won't let you go.
Jim.
We're not messing up our lives
doing what others think is right.
Listen to me.
You've thought of me, your father,
almost everyone else.
All right...
But what about you?
What do you want?
I want you.
You two can head back.
Let's go home, Jess.
Time's past for that, Harrison.
Let's talk straight.
Jessica, are you coming with me or not?
Father, please, don't do this.
You can't have it both ways this time.
Either come with me now...
Or stay 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.
All right.
All right, stay with him, then.
You're just like your mother.
All right, Jack. Heh heh.
Havin' a good time, love?
Well, look who's here.
Well, here's the bloody silver spoon again.
What did daddy give you
for Christmas this year?
A healthy dislike for dimwits.
[Crash]
A shout for the bar.
Yay! yay!
What do you want?
What have you got?
Everything.
Well, I'll start with a rum...
And 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.
Haven't seen you around for a while.
I better buy a drink.
I could triple that roll for you.
[Horse sputters]
We can count on about 60 foals from those mares.
There are 8 good fillies.
[Knock on door]
Harry!
They're very good. Are they for sale?
30 or 40.
We'll keep most for breeding.
I 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 turn off guaranteed numbers.
So you're not interested in small lots?
Put 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 hundred a year?
Every family here can turn off
half a dozen horses in a year.
That'll bring the numbers up.
I'm looking for quality, better than stock horses.
The mountain horse is bred for quality.
You won't find better doing horses anywhere.
Well, you'll need cooperation.
People here go their own way.
You needn't worry about that.
Jim's good at getting people
to see things his way.
All right.
I'll be back in a week.
If you show me the numbers, we'll talk contracts.
Right.
[Whistling]
Hey, there!
Giddy-up, there!
Whoa!
Block them up here.
Hold them.
Right-o.
That brown horse, Charlie.
And, uh...
The tall bay mare there should do.
You certainly go for the best.
That's what i promised him.
Drop them off at the new yards.
I'll see you in a week with a check.
Right-o.
All together, there's 74.
Right.
We'll go to Bryce's now.
Come on, darlin',
if you fall asleep there, I'll never move you.
I never would've 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.
[Neighing]
Did you know Craig is trying
to undercut us with hawker?
Not afraid of competition, are we?
He's slimy.
They're eating out of his hand.
That's the first time you've complimented him.
If you call it that.
Who'd want to lead the hairy unwashed?
[Laughter]
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.
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?
Yes!
This is stupid, and it's wrong.
Worse, it'll bounce back on you.
Ask him about his real motive.
Like Jessica Harrison.
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.
Ha ha ha!
See you at the debutante's ball.
Ha ha ha!
Yes, sir! Ha ha ha!
[Yelling]
Whoa!
What is it?
I heard something.
[Neigh]
Settle them down.
There's nothing here.
Ah ha!
[Neighing]
Ha ha ha!
Oh! ha ha!
Very funny.
Ha ha ha!
Well, come on, let's go.
[Neigh]
Oh!
[Neigh]
Ugh!
[Neigh]
We'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.
We'll both hear what you have to say.
You were warned this might happen.
What?
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 beat us with it.
You put it all on Jessica?
That's not right, 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.
[Neighing]
I liked Jim McKay.
He had such a happy--
don't, Jess.
And 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 telling me
we're not responsible for our decisions!
If you hadn't stopped me going home,
this wouldn't have happened! Jessica.
I'll be back in a while, all right?
[Nickers]
[Neigh]
[Nickers]
[Neigh]
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?
I prefer straight-out business.
If we start immediately, we can't fail.
I'll need a tithing to convince the boys.
You could buy them for a beer.
But...to show you.
Done.
How far?
About 10 minutes.
Jess?
She's not here, mate.
Where is she?
I don't know.
The place was empty.
Where you off to?
To find her.
Where?
Back down, I think.
In case I'm wrong, will you stay here?
Sure.
Thanks. see you.
Help me, Harrison.
Why don't you go to the police?
That's what they're for.
I don't want the police in this.
You know the country up there.
I want you to bring alistair back.
You mean you want me to stop him
from doing something stupid.
Bring alistair back,
and your loan goes straight through.
How is it every conversation with you
turns to money?
This wouldn't have happened
if you controlled your daughter.
It's not Jessica who's rampaging 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.
You know, you're a very lucky man.
Not so long ago, you'd be dead right now.
But I'm going to make allowances
because of the worry your son's caused you.
[Crash]
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.
Ha ha ha!
Ooh!
That's a different story altogether.
I must love you.
Couldn't get any further than Eureka creek.
Hah!
Someone get a doctor!
Seb!
Are you all right?
Nothing horsehair and gum sapling won't fix.
What happened?
They were driving away your horses.
They just ran straight over me.
Who?
I recognized alistair patton.
There's a mob of them.
Get him inside!
Ohh.
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, women and kids.
Oh, no!
He can't go alone.
Come on, den.
Need you for this one.
All right. Come on, den.
Hss! giddup!
Tell them to ease up a bit.
Nobody's going to trouble us out here.
Hah!
Hss! come on!
Go!
Giddup!
Come on!
That's it!
Whoa! back!
That's Craig.
He's outsmarted himself up there.
There's no way down.
Don't forget who he is.
Hah!
Ooh!
Aah!
Ooh!
You killed him.
Maybe.
I'm going to make sure.
No bloody fear!
Let's get out of it!
[Thunder]
Ohh.
Mmm.
Oh, no.
Not you.
Oh, what have I done?
Ohh.
I'm so sorry...
My poor old friend.
Aah!
[Neigh]
Get back! Go on!
Get back!
Hold on, big man.
Wait.
Yeah, you know me, don't you?
Now...
I need your help.
That's it.
I'm not going to hurt you.
Just stand.
That's it.
I'm going to touch you now.
Come on, you wild old thing.
Good.
Good man.
Whoa.
[Neigh]
Have a look at this.
Have a look at it.
Just have a look at it.
Come on.
It's all right.
Ooh!
Steady! steady!
Steady, now.
Steady.
Just stand.
All right.
Aah!
Uh!
Get back here, you...
[Bird calls]
[Nicker]
Easy, boy. Easy.
Well, let's go!
Right!
Hah! hah!
Hah!
Woo!
That's it!
Right.
Heh heh heh.
Come on. Hurry up.
[Whips crack]
Hey!
Get!
Get going!
[Whips crack]
They're on to us!
There he is!
Come on! Come on!
Down river!
Ha ha ha!
Yeah!
Woo!
Right! split up!
We'll get round in front of them.
Hss!
Let's get out of here!
Get around them!
Get in there, lads!
Patton! patton!
Look out!
Ooh!
Ya!
Hah!
Ya!
Aah!
Ya!
[Neighing]
Aah!
Oooh.
[Neigh]
It's all right. All right.
Uh!
You're the best, old man.
You should be free.
Off you go.
[Neigh]
It's all right now, Jess.
Ohh, thank god.
Well, I really missed you, Jess.
I missed you, too.
I was wrong...
And I was stupid.
I'm sorry.
Never heard you say that before.
But you're here. You're both here.
Nothing else matters.
[Neighing]