Gallery: Act 2

THUNDERBOLT AND MARY ANN

ACT 2

1 CABIN INTERIOR DAY – SNOW OUTSIDE

ESTABLISHING SHOT

IT IS VERY COLD AND A FIRE BURNS IN THE CABIN IN THE

MIDDLE OF THE DAY. FRED IS SITTING AT A TABLE WITH

LAMP LIGHT STUDYING A BOOK. MARY ANN IS BUSY AT THE

FIRE ~RRING A POT OF IRISH STEW.SHE IS PREGNANT.

FRED: (SHIVERING)

That sure smells good. Come here and read to me lass.

He reads on slowly

My Cottage

Here have I found at last a home of peace

To hide me from the world far from its noise

To feed that spirit, which, though sprung from earth

And linked to human beings by the bond

Of earthly love, hath yet a loftier aim

Than perishable joy, and through the calm

Tat sleeps amid the mountain solitude,

Can hear the billows of eternity

And hear delighted.

MARY ANN COMES AND SITS ON HIS KNEE

MARY ANN:

I’m pleased you’re reading so well Fred. By the time the baby comes you’ll be able to read to her.

FRED PATS HER STOMACH

FRED:

It’s going to be a boy this time, I’m sure of it. What shall we call him.

MARY ANN:

Well if its a boy, we’ll call him after you Fred. A brother for Jane, will she be pleased, do you think.

MARY ANN:

I’m sure she will.

FRED:

I’ll need to go back on the road again lass.

MARY ANN:

Fred can’t you wait till after the baby comes. I had such a bad time with Moorina.

FRED:

I’ll fmd someone to be with you. Perhaps that friend of Gilbert’s, Louisa Mason, could be with you for a while.

MARY ANN:

I want you with me, not some cast off of Gilbert’s. She’s probably a risk to us if the troopers are looking for Gilbert.

FRED:

No, I’ll make sure of that, I’ll speak to our friends in the force and find out. She’ll

look after you and she can deliver babies – I heard she has birthed more than a few in these parts.

WILL:

My mother’s a midwife!

MARY ANN:

Perhaps she would help

FRED:

I’ll find someone to be here ’til the baby comes.

JANE:

(RUSHING IN THROUGH THE SNOWY DOORWAY)

Daddy, you’re home. Will took me out to make a snowman.

FRED:

I’ve some presents for you.

POINTS TO CARPET BAG

Yes you can open it.

JANE HOLDS UP CLOTH AS MOORINA UNPACKS THE BAG.

LIFTING HER HIGH ABOVE HIS HEAD. YES I’M HOME DARLING. COME AND SHOW ME THE SNOWMAN.

THEY GO OUTSIDE.

MARY ANN

Look after him for me Will. He wouldn’t give me up for all the ladies in the land, though they fall in love with him.

SHE LAUGHS

You’re surprised Will. Its different for me living in two worlds. In my land a man can have more that one wife and still be true. I’d trust him anywhere.

WILL:

I’ll do my best.

FADE OUT.

)

1 EXT BUSH DAY

ESTABLISHING SHOT

FRED AND WILL RIDE UP TO THE WARIALDA MAIL ON ITS WAY TO MAMLLA.

FRED:

Bail Up

WILL:

Git you’re hands up

FRED:

You, driver, hand down those mail bags.

(TO WILL): Get them undone quick Will,

don’t want to waste time, we’ve work to do.

FRED: (DISMOUNTS)

There’s more paper here,

(HANDING BACK THE LETTERS TO THE POST MAN, BOWDEN)

I’ll borrow this saddle sir, if you don’t mind, I have need of it, but it’ll be

returned, you mark my word, I’m a man of my word you know.

(HANDING HIM THE CASH)

Here Will take this lot, will you

FRED:

We’d best be on our way. CUT TO.. (THEYGALLOP OFF)

1 EXT. MANILLA HOTEL DAY

ESTABLISHING SHOT.

FRED GOES TO THE MANILLA HOTEL TO FIND LOUISA, A BAR

MAID AT THE HOTEL, TO ENGAGE HER SERVICES FOR MARY ANN.

FRED: (ENTERING THE BAR)

A drink for a thirsty man. Its a hard day’s work I’ve been doing.

LOUISA: (HANDING HIM A BEER)

It is for the likes of you, I’m sure.

(WHISPERING)

Get out of here before the troopers find you.

FRED:

There’s not many on the road today. And a beer for my young friend here if you please. (WHISPERING). I want to talk to you.

LOUISA:

Will you be wanting anything else Sir, its knock off time. Mrs Hill will be taking over now. I’ve got to git down and bring in the washing, looks like ram.

FRED:

That’s all for now thanks.

(DRINKING THEIR BEERS)

1 EXT. DAY OUTSIDE MANILA HOTEL ESTABLISHING SHOT..

LOUISA IS BRINGING THE WASHING AS FRED COMES OUT OF THE HOTEL. HE APPROACHES HER AT THE WASHING LINE

FRED:

I need to talk to you about Mary Ann. She’s pregnant and I need someone to look after her.

LOUISA:

Well don’t look at me. I’m a respectable woman now and I don’t want trouble.

FRED:

The job pays well.

CUT TO..

(A DRUNK COMES OUT OF THE OUTSIDE LOO, DOING UP HIS

FLY)

and you wouldn’t have to put up with the likes of that.

LOUISA: (HESIT~NG)

Well I don’t know. I’ll think about it and tell you tonight (COYLY) if you’ll come back home and see me then.

CUT TO..

(A MOUNTED POLICEMAN RIDES UP TO THE HOTEL AND DISMOUNTS TYING UP HIS HORSE)

FRED:

Alright, I’ll be back this evening at 10. Watch out for me down by the river near the gorge. There’s a track down there. Do you know it?

LOUISA: (HESITANTLY NOW)

Yes, but what if someone should see me go.

(

FRED:

Be careful you’re not followed.

LOUISA:

Yes, I’ll be there.

(WALKING BACK TO WILL).

FRED:

(POINTING TO HOTEL

We’d best get out of here. I feel like some entertainment before then. How about a drink. We’ll go to Venn’s’ across the river I like the clientele better there.

ACROSS THE RIVER).

WILL: Won’t that be a bit dangerous with out the troopers around?

FRED:

No, we’ll have a bit of fun Will at their expense.

CUT TO..

(FRED AND WILL RIDING DOWN THE FENCE TOWARDS THE RIVER).

1 EXT. VENNISS’S HOTEL DAY ESTABLISHING SHOT..

FRED AND WILL COME OUT OF THE HOTEL AS THE MAIL COACH ARRIVES

CUT TO..

SAME POLICE TROOPER THEY SAW AT HILL’S RIDES UP.

CUT TO..

THE EXCITED PASSENGERS AUG~NG FROM THE COACH

ARE DISCUSSING THE ROBBERY

MRS VENNISS:

The mail’s been held up again.

TROOPER:(RECOGMSING THE STRANGER)

Thunderbolt! that’s him He held up the mail

CUT TO..

THE POLICE TROOPER POINTING HIS GUN AT FRED

..hands up or I’ll blow you to kingdom come.

CUT TO..

FRED AS HE JUMPS ONTO HIS HORSE,

CUT TO..

THE TROOPER FIRES BUT MISSES, FRED DRAWS HIS PISTOL

FRED:

Get down.

(WAVING HIS GUN TO INDICATE)

Over there with the others

CUTTO..

90 FRED DISMOUNTS THEN TAKES THE SADDLE OFF THE POLICE HORSE.

Empty your pockets. Put that watch in my hat with the rest of the valuables.

(THROWS A COIN FROM THE HAT TO WILL)Get me a drink

CUT TO..

WILL AS HE CATCHES A COIN. (TO THE POLICE TROOPER)

allow me to buy you a drink.

TROOPER:

I’ve got to get on my way, I’m due in Tam-worth to see the doctor.

FRED:

Plenty of time for that.

HANDING HIM A GLASS OF BEER UNSTEADILY,

CUT TO…

HE PUTS THE SADDLE ON THE TROOPERS PACKHORSE

CUT TO…

WILL HANDS HIM A BEER.

CUT TO..

A HORSE MAN IN THE DISTANCE.

FRED:

Who the devil’s that?

(TO WILL) This will see us on our way. CUT TO..

HE LOCKS UP THE TROOPER IN THE CELLAR CUT TO..

WILL REMAINS OUTSIDE GUN POINTED AT COACH PASSENGERS.

CUT TO..

FRED COMING OUT AGAIN HE BLINKS IN THE SUNLIGHT

CUT TO..

THEY MOUNT AND RIDE OFF DOWN TOWARDS THE RIVER.

CUT TO..

THE CROWD TALKING EXCITEDLY ABOUT THE ROBBERY AS

A TROOPER ARRIVES IN A BUGGY.

(

DRINKER 1:

Bushranger, after him

DRINKER 2:

Thunderbolt just robbed us,

TROOPER:

Where is he?

CUT TO..

(A DUST CLOUD ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE RIVER)

DRINKER 1: (POINTING ACROSS THE RIVER)

He went over there.

DRINKER 2:

Left a packhorse here.

CUT TO..

(THE TROOPER TAKES OFF IN THE BUGGY AND IS ALMOST OUT OF HEARING DISTANCE)

He locked up Sergeant McKinney

CUT TO..

TROOPER RIDES OFF IN THE BUGGY AND CROSSES THE RIVER

CUT TO..

FRED RETURNS TO THE HOTEL

CUT TO..

RETREIVES THE PACKHORSED

CUT TO..

HEADS OFF IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTIONAS TROOPER RETURN.

DRINKER 1:

He’s beat ya agin. Rode back and picked up ya packhorse while you weren’t lookin.

CUT TO..

PUBLICAN MRS VENNISS COMES OUT OF HOTEL

CUT TO..

(ANOTHER TROOPER ARRIVES)

MRS VENNISS:

They ‘ve locked a trooper in my cellar and I’d thank you to get him out of there.

WIDE ANGLE SHOT..

TROOPERS TALKING OFF TO ONE SIDE,

CUT TO..

DRINKERS LAUGHING AND TELLING JOKES ABOUT TROOPERS

CUT TO..

TROOPER, GOES WITH MRS VENNISS

CUT TO..

TROOPERS COME OUT OF THE HOTEL, MOUNT, AND GO IN THE NEW DIRECTION

TROOPER 2:

He’s half drunk, we’ll easily catch him if we’re half smart.

TROOPER 3.

There he is, (TO HIS HORSE) faster boy.

FADE OUT…

2 EXT THE CHASE RIVERBANK LATE AFTERNOON

CUT TO..

TROOPER 1, TAKES A SHOT AT FRED

CUT TO..

FRED ABANDONS THE TROOPERS PACKHORSE AND UNBURDENED OUTPACES HIS PURSUERS.

DISSOLVE.

(

TROOPERS COME OUT OF THE HOTEL, MOUNT, AND GO IN THE NEW DIRE~ON

TROOPER 2:

He’s half drunk, we’ll easily catch him if we’re half smart.

TROOPER 3:

There he is, (TO HIS HORSE) faster boy.

FADE OUT…

2 EXT THE CHASE RIVERBANK LATE AFTERNOON

CUT TO..

TROOPER 1, TAKES A SHOT AT FRED

CUT TO..

FRED ABANDONS THE TROOPERS PACKHORSE AND UNBURDENED OUTPACES HIS PURSUERS.

DISSOLVE.

CUT TO..

FRED MOUNTS COMBO AND PULLS OUT HIS REVOLVER AND

FIRES AT THE TROOPERS HORSE AS HE GALLOPS PAST LIKE

A ROCKET IN THE OTHER DIRECTION.

CUT TO..

TROOPERS FOLLOW FRED

CUT TO..

FRED GIVES THEM THE SLIP BY HIDING IN A CAVE

CUT TO..

FRED CIRCLES BACK TO WILL AND THEY TAKE A PATH

ALONG THE TOP OF A GORGE A PRECIPICE SEPARATES THEM

FROM THE OTHER SIDE OF THE RIVER.

THEY RIDE DOWN A NARROW PATH LEADING TOWARDS THE RIVER.

1 EXT RIVER GORGE EVENING ESTABLISHING SHOT..

FRED AND WILL RIDE UP TO THE CHASM NOW AHEAD OF THEIR PURSUERS.

WILL:

There’s a ledge.

CUT TO..

A BIG DROP SEPARATES THE LEDGE FROM THE RIVER

BELOW

CUT TO…

WILL LEADS HIS HORSE DOWN THE PATH.

CLOSE UP…

HE TURNS TO SEE FRED RIDING BEHIND.

CUT TO…

FRED LAUGHS AND HIS HORSE STUMBLES AS FRED

CLOSE UP…

RAISES ONE FOOT FROM THE STIRRUP PUTTING HIS WEIGHT

AGMNST THE CLIFFSIDE,

WILL:

For god’s sake be careful Fred.

CUT TO…

THE HORSE REGAINS ITS FOOTING.

CUT TO…

FRED:

There’s only one thing to do Will. Our horses are spent and the odds are they’d fall down if we ride them down the hill

WILL:

What is the game?

FRED:

Watch me, but stay hidden.

CUT TO..

FRED CRAWLS TO TOP OF RISE AND WATCHES TROOPERS

COMING UP THE HILL.

CUT TO..

Troopers riding up the hill

TROOPER 1:

Never say die Jack

TROOPER 2:

I know the country on the other side. They can’t go far for its too broken and the creek will stop them anyhow.

TROOPER 1:

Do you think they will show fight?

CUT TO..

FRED springs up revolver in hand

FRED:

Hands up or you are dead men.

TROOPER 2:

(DROPPING REINS HE PUTS HIS HANDS ON HIS HEAD)

My God he’ll shoot me

FRED:

The hunters hunted. But don’t be afraid young fellow, I would not hurt a hair of

your head – only be off with you, as fast as you can and don’t try to catch Thunderbolt again if you value your skin.

CUT TO..

TROOPERS HEAD OFF

FRED:

(DISMOUNTING)

Take my word for it lad, the police won’t follow us round that ledge. As for the rest, this is not a bad camping ground and if we keep quite for a bit, I’ll be able to keep my appointment with Louisa.

CLOSE UP..

FRED UNFOLDING HIS OILSKIN COAT FROM IN FRONT OF THE SADDLE, A BULLET DROPS OUT.

CLOSE UP..

SHOWING WILL THE BULLET.

FRED:

Hey, that was close Will.

(LAUGHS)

My luck hasn’t run out yet Will. One day it will, but till then we’ll give them a merry chase my lad

FADE OUT….

1 EXT MANILA NIGHT

ESTABLISHING SHOT…

FRED RETURNS TO HIS MANILLA APPOINTMENT WITH LOUISA BY MOONLIGHT.

LOUISA:

Fred is that you?

FRED:

It’s me, quiet now

TAKING HER ARM AND LEADING HER DOWN TO THE RIVER.

I need your help. Will’s hurt. He needs a place to rest up for a while.

LOUISA:

He can’t stay here. The troopers are looking everywhere for you.

FRED:

How long do you think it’ll be before they find out about Gilbert. If the troopers find out about the mail hold up, they’ll put you under lock and key.

LOUISA:

(THOUGHTFULL)

They’ve put Gilbert away before.

FRED:

You’d best come with me and help me look after Mary Ann and Will

FADE OUT…

1001 EXT BUSH NIGHT ESTABLISHING SHOT..

FRED WILL AND LOUISA ARE BACK AT THE GORGE BY CAMPHRE. FRED IS DRESSING WILL’S LEGWOUND.

FRED:

We’d best leave before first light.

WILL:

You should leave me here.

FRED:

Not likely, we’ll head for home via Tam-worth.

LOUISA:

I’ll look after you son once we reach there

WILL:

Mary Ann can mother me

LOUISA:

She can if she wants

FRED:

How’s your leg. Of all the damm bad luck. How did I let this happen to you Will?

WILL:

For goodness sake stop cursing yourself and do something to try and help me. If

101

only I could bathe my leg with hot water. Fred couldn’t you ride somewhere and get a billy?

LOUISA:

There’s not a house within a dozen miles and besides how can we leave you.

FRED:

The fool I am, I’ll have some hot water for you in ten minutes. I’ll get some large river stones if I can find any.

CUT TO..

FRED GOES INTO THE BUSH AS LOUISA BUILDS UP THE FIRE

CUT TO…

HE RETURNS WITH SOME LARGE WATER WORN ROUND STONES.

THROWING THEM DOWN HE SCOOPS OUT THE CENTRE OF THE FIRE (ASH FLIES IN WIND)AND PLACES THEM IN

LOUISA:

What are you doing Fred

FRED:

Give me your coat!

CUT TO..

THEN HE TAKES LOUISA’S OILCLOTH AUSSI COAT AND

PUTS IT IN A DEPRESSION IN THE GROUND WHICH HE

SCOOPS OUT WHICH FORMS A BASIN.

CUT TO…

POURS WATER IN AND WHEN IT HEATS THROWS IN A PEBBLE WHICH HISSES AS STEAM RISES INTO THE COLD NIGHT AIR.

CUT TO…

102

(BATHING THE WOUND)

That should help laddie sleep awhile.

FADE OUT

2 EXT BUSH CAMPFIRE DYING DAWN

FADE IN..

IN DAWN LIGHT THEY PACK UP CAMP AND SADDLE THE

HORSES WHICH HAVE BEEN HOBBLED DURING THE NIGHT.

FRED:

(LIFTING HIM INTO THE SADDLE)

Do you think you can stick on it laddie.

WILL:

I’ll try

FRED:

The police won’t follow us I think. But I must get you to some place where you can lay up as quick as may be.

103

1 EXT BUSH CHASE RAINYDAY

FRED WILL AND LOUISA ARE TRAVELLING THROUGH DENSE BUSH AND MAKING VERY SLOW PROGRESS

FRED:

We’ll have to do better than this Louisa.

LOUISA:

Perhaps we could go along the road for a bit. There’ll not be many out and about in this weather.

WILL:

(DELIRIOUS)

Now how about that. What’s that?

LOUISA:

He won’t be fit to travel at all soon.

FRED:

We’ll try the road for a bit then.

FADE OUT…

104

1 EXT ROADSIDE TRAVELLERS RAINY DAY FRED WILL AND LOUISA SEE TROOPERS ESCORTING A COACH IN THE DISTANCE BEHIND THEM

LOUISA: (FRIGHTENED) What’ll we do Fred?

FRED:

They’ve spotted us now, we’d best bluff our way through

LOUISA:

I’m scared they’ll follow us.

(RAISING HIS HAT AS THEY PASS)

CUT TO..

FRED SLIPS HIS REVOLVER INTO HIS BOOT

CUT TO..

TROOPER’S HORSE FALLS BACK

CUT TO..

FRED NUDGES COMBO ON THE SHOULDER WITH A SPUR AND HORSE GOES INTO A PIGTROT

CUT TO..

TROOPER HAS TO RESUME POSITION AHEAD OF THEM

FRED:

Bob, old man, you ride on to the camping place and get our breakfast ready. I’ll soon come up.

CUT TO..

WILL SPURS HIS HORSE

CUT TO..

TROOPER AS WILL PASSES

105

TROOPER:

Hold on, we’ll all camp together and have breakfast.

CUT TO..

LOUISA TAKES OFF THEROUGH THE TREES AFTER WILL

FRED:

Follow me if you can!

CUT TO..

FRED TAKES OFF IN THE OTHER DIRE~ON

CUT TO..

TROOPERS FIRE AT FRED BYU MISS THROUGH THE TREES

FADE OUT…

106

I EXT BUSH CAMP EVENING

FRED RIDES UP WITH WILL AND LOUISA TO THE CAMP OF A

SYMPATHISER AND DISMOUNTS AND KNOCKS AT THE DOOR.

A ROUGH FARMER ANSWERS PULLING UP HIS BRACES

FRED:

Ted, I’ve a sick lad here and need help, are you willing to give it?

TED:

You know I will. I haven’t forgotten that time you warned me before I got my ticket-of-leave. I shan’t forget that you know. I’d never have got my freedom, if you hadn’t done that.

FRED:

Then hasten to help me. Get the lad down

TED:

He needs a doctor

FRED:

Can Dr Wills be trusted?

TED:

Yes, I think so, I’ll drive into town in the

buggy and fetch him.

TED AND FRED HELP WILL DISMOUNT AS LOUISA RIDES UP. FRED WILL AND LOUISA GO INSIDE, TED HEADS FOR THE SHED WITH THE BUGGY AND HORSE IN YARD.

107

I EXT DOCTORS HOUSE URALLA NIGHT ESTABLISHING SHOT..

THE BUGGY ARRIVES OUTSIDE THE DOCTOR’S HOUSE IN THE

MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT AND TED WAKES THE DOCTOR BY

POUNDING ON THE DOOR.

TED:

Come quickly doctor, its my wife, she’s taken a turn for the worse.

DOCTOR:

Are you sure it can’t wait til morning

TED:

I’m afraid she’ll die in the night

DOCTOR:

Then I’d best come now.

DOCTOR GOES INSIDE TO GET HIS BAG WHILE TED GETS IN THE BUGGY. COMES OUT AND GETS IN BESIDE TED.

108

1 INT BUSH CABIN NIGHT ESTABLISHING SHOT..

FRED AND LOUISA ARE ASLEEP IN THE ONLY BEDROOM AND

WILL IS ON THE COUCH BY THE FIRE. DOCTOR AND TED

ENTER AS FRED JUMPS UP PISTOL IN HAND

FRED:

Scared the life out of me, you did

PUTFING PISTOL AWAY

DOCTOR:

Where’s the patient.

FRED:

It’s Will here that the patient

DOCTOR:

I’ll be no party to deceit

TED:

This man saved my life once before, and the laddie needs your help.

LOUISA:

COMING FROM THE BEDROOM

I’m ill too, and need your help.

CUTTO..

WILL Groans

FRED:

In the name of God, can’t you see he’ll die!

109

DOCTOR:

I want no part of this. I’ll see to the laddie, but you

POINTS TO LOUISA

begone now. I won’t have you watch and I’ll not help you with your evil ways.

FRED:

It’s alright Ted, you watch over the boy

½ and we’ll be gone.

TO THE DOCTOR

THROWS SOME MONEY

Here’s your fee. ON THE TABLE

DOCTOR:

I’ll not have your filthy money.

FRED:

It was earned as hard as yours.

SLAMS THE DOOR AS HE AND LOUISA LEAVE. FADE OUT..

110 I INT. POLICE ST~ON DAY

DOCTOR RETURNS TO POLICE ST~ON IN BUGGY, ENTERS AND WALKS UP TO DESK

CUT TO..

CONSTABLE IS ~NG, LOOKS UP

POLICEMAN:

What can I do for you doc?

DOCTOR:

Bushrangers, I’ve been held at gunpoint

POLICEMEN:

Let me get this straight….

DOCTOR:

I had a call in the night from Ted Clarke…

FADE OUT

111

I EXT BUSH TRACK DAY

WILL AND TED ARE IN BUGGY HEADING DOWN A ROUGH

ROAD. WILL IS IN BACK PROPPED UP AND GIVING DIRECTIONS

WILL:

Down the next track, I don’t know if we’ll get much further in the buggy

TED:

How far is it from here.

WILL:

Not far, about a mile I think.

TED:

We’ll leave the buggy in this clearing.

HE CLIMBS DOWN AND DISENGAGES THE HORSE FROM THE BUGGY.

TED:

Hope no one has followed us. We’ll cover the buggy just in case and go on.

AFTER COVERING THE BUGGY WITH BRANCHES AND BRACKEN, HE SADDLES THE HORSE AND LIFTS WILL ONTO IT AND LEADS IT THROUGH THE BUSH.

112

1 EXT BUSH CABIN DAY

POLICE TROOPERS FIND THE BUGGY AND DISMOUNT

TROOPER 1:

They must be nearby somewhere.

(TO ABORIGINAL TRACKER)

Jackie I want you to follow their tracks.

TRACKER PICKS UP A BROKEN TWIG AND HEADS INTO THE BUSH. POLICE TROOPERS FOLLOW

2 INT. BUSH CABIN DAY

INSIDE THE CABIN MARY ANN IS ATTENDING TO WILL’S WOUNDS.

MARY ANN:

You should be OK in a few days, Will

WILL:

I’m going to see Fred at the races in Grafton

MARY ANN:

You’ll not be going anywhere for a while. Moorina and Jane and I will be going in to town this week. You’ll stay in bed for the present and then if you’re better you can come too.

CUT TO..

TROOPERS AND ABORIGINAL TRACKER HND HOUSE

CUT TO..

MARY ANN HIDES TED IN WATER TANK

CUT TO..

TROOPERS BURST IN..

113

TROOPER:

Where’s your husband?

MARYANN:

How dare you. He’s not here. My son’s ill, can’t you see.

CUT TO..

TROOPERS SEARCH THE CABIN AS JANE SITS WITH WILL

JANE:

Brother, drink this, it will make you better

FADE OUT…

114

1 EXT CHINESE ROBBERY DAY ESTABLISHING SHOT.

FRED AND LOUISA ARE HIDING BESIDE THE ROAD WAITING FOR TWO CHINAMEN GOLD DIGGERS

FRED:

What time did Charlie say they usually go to town

LOUISA:

Two o’clock but its way past that.

FRED:

Maybe they’re not going to come today.

LOUISA:

What’s that?

POINTS TO DISTANCE

FRED:

Yes, that’s bound to be them

CUT TO..

TWO CHINAMEN WITH PIGTAILS GET TO FRED AND WILL

WHO JUMP OUT OF THE BUSHES MAKING A LOT OF NOISE

AND WAVING CLUBS

FRED:

Give us the gold

115

1 EXT CHINESE ROBBERY DAY

ESTABLISHING SHOT..

FRED AND LOUISA ARE HIDING BESIDE THE ROAD W~NG FOR TWO CHINAMEN GOLD DIGGERS

FRED:

What time did Charlie say they usually go to town

LOUISA:

Two o’clock but its way past that.

FRED:

Maybe they’re not going to come today.

LOUISA:

What’s that?

POINTS TO DISTANCE

FRED:

Yes, that’s bound to be them

CUT TO..

TWO CHINAMEN WITH PIGTAILS GET TO FRED AND WILL

WHO JUMP OUT OF THE BUSHES MAKING A LOT OF NOISE

AND WAVING CLUBS

FRED:

Give us the gold

115

CHINAMEN:

No sabbee gold. Allee samee we go along get um lashions on credit. No sabbee gold.

FRED:

What charming innocence. They no sabbee gold Louisa.

(TO THE ORIENTALS WHO ARE VERY RELUCTANT AND EM-BARASSED)

Strip! All your clothes off. Now!

THEY STRIP OFF AND LOUISA SEARCHES THEIR CLOTHES EVEN THE BOOTS BUT CAN’T FIND ANYTHING.

FADE OUT.

2 INT SHOP URALLA

MARY ANN AND TWO GIRLS JANE AND MOORINA GO INTO A

GENERAL STORE IN URALLA TO BUY GOODS. JANE PICKS UP

A BOLT OF CLOTH AND IS EXAMINING IT.

JANE:

It would make a nice dress

MOORINA:

Where would you wear it

JANE:

To the dance of course.

MOORINA:

You can’t go to a dance!

116

JANE:

Why not?

MOORINA:

Nat’l never let you

JANE:

He can’t stop me, he’s not here

MOORINA:

Oh yeah

MARY ANN:

Stop it girls,

(TO THE STOREKEEPER)

I’ll take 10 yards of this muslin please

SHOPKEEPER:

That’ll be 3 shillings and 6 pence Mrs Ward

HE BEGINS TO ~E UP THE PARCEL IN BROWN PAPER WRAP-PING IT AND TYING IT WITH STRING

MARY ANN.

I’d prefer you didn’t call me that. I’m Captain Thunderbolt’s lady to be sure, but unless he turns up soon, I’ll have to find a new settlement in life.

117

SHOPKEEPER:

He’ll probably show up soon. There’s a race meeting on Queen’s Birthday at Graf-ton. Here’s your parcel

MARY ANN:

Thank you

SHE TAKES THE PARCEL AND THEY WALK OUT OF THE STORE WHERE WILL IS W~NG

C WILL:

Guess what?

MARY ANN:

I hope its not bad news.

WILL:

No, the Chinamen got the better of Fred. He didn’t get any gold from them but they sold twenty pounds worth when they got to town. They had it hidden in their pigtails

MARY ANN AND WILL JANE AND MOORINA GO OFF LAUGHING THEIR HEADS OFF.

MARY ANN:

I hear Fred will be at Armidale for the races. You’d best go and meet him there. I’ll be along later.

FADE OUT…

3 EXT INN TREE WITH PLACARD OUTSIDE THE IN~ DAY TRAVELLERS FRED AND LOUISA ARE RIDING INTO TOWN AS THEY APPROACH AN INN

118

FRED:

(DISMOUNTING)

It’s good to see you’re well enough to ride Will.

WILL GOES TO MOVE OFF BUT IS STOPPED AS FRED EXAMINES THE PLACARD

WILL:

Fred, there’s a race meeting in Armidale on

the Queen’s Birthday.

FRED:

A race meeting. Could be a way to replace the coffers. What do you think Louisa?

LOUISA:

Sounds like fun. I can get out of these awful clothes!

SHE SHAKES THE DUST FROM HER RIDING HABIT

FRED:

These clod-hoppers can’t possibly have a horse that would beat Combo.

FRED:

You ride on to Grafton Will, and enjoy yourself as much as you want. You have a few pounds in your pockets, so you ought to put in the time all right. As for me I’ll put up at this pub and see how the land

119

lies. Then I’ll enter Combo for the race and engineer the betting market. If I know what’s what, we’ll make a pot over this deal!

WILL:

But where do I come in?

FRED:

You lad. Why you must come back the night before the races and see the thing through. I don’t want you here with me as your presence might make me suspected. The police know that Thunderbolt is travelling with a boy, and they have our description, though they have never seen us. Another thing Will, don’t recognise me or claim my acquaintance until after the races. We can’t be too careful as I shall be quite a public character you understand.

WILL:

Well yes, but…

FRED:

Have a good time in Grafton lad.

FRED AND LOUISA ENTER THE INN.

4 E)~T’ INN ARMIDALE

ESTABLISHING SHOT..

THE, DAY BEFORE RACE DAY A CROWD HAVE GATHERED IN

THE INN FOR THE RACES. WILL CLAD IN HIS NEW RACING

GEAR, RIDES UP TO THE INN, BUT THE HORSE IS S~ISH

AND BEFORE THE CROWD STARTS BUCKING JUST AS HE IS

ABOUT TO DISMOUNT. HE HAS DIFFICULTY CONTROLLING IT

120

AND INADVERTANTLY SHOWS HIS SKILL TO A WILDLY APPLAUDING CROWD.

DRINKER 1:

Well done, lad

WILL DISMOUNTS AND BOOTS

DRINKER 2:

Bravo

BEGINS TAKING OFF HIS RIDING

INNKEEPER:

You ride well enough to be a jockey

WILL:

I am a jockey

INNKEEPER:

The devil you are! Do you want a mount boy?

WILL:

I don’t mind, but first I need a room

INNKEEPER:

Just step this way, I’ve a room for a rider of your calibre kept aside.

INNKEEPER

(COMING CLOSER):

I’ve taken a fancy to you, and for two pins, I’d mount you on my own horse for the big race tomorrow.

121

WILL:

Haven’t you got a rider?

INNKEEPER:

I have lad, but he is not up to much, and I can’t depend on him for a hard race as I’m afraid its likely to be.

WILL:

( How is that?

INNKEEPER:

(OPENS THE ROOM AND SITS DOWN)

Well I’ll take you right into my confidence. You look honest.

WILL:

Right oh

INNKEEPER:

Its this way, I’ve got a horse here named Skinner, that I’ve been keeping for this big race for months past. No one knows what he can do but me. He’s ugly and rough, but he has a good drop of blood in him and he can run like a machine. I reckoned he was a dead cop until a day or two ago and I’ve backed him for a pot on the quiet.

WINKS

WILL NODS

122

INNKEEPER:

About a week ago a drover chap Fred Blake turned up here one morning on a chestnut and as soon as he heard of the races stays on and what does he do?

WILL:

What of that?

INNKEEPER:

That chestnut is a dark horse as well as mine, boy. That’s what I mean. I haven’t seen him run but I’m afraid of him. I had a good look at him about 2 o’clock this morning while Blake was asleep, and I’m ready to~ bet a heap that he’s a throughbred.

WILL:

You don’t say?

INNKEEPER

That’s why I want a good boy to ride my Skinner and I believe you are the one for my money. It will be worth 5 pound to you, and ten if you win money down

WILL:

I don’t know

INNKEEPER SLAPS WILL HEARTILY ON THE BACK AND SHAKES HIS HAND

123

INNKEEPER:

Think about it overnight!

FADE OUT.

INT WILL’S ROOM NIGHT

ESTABLISHING SHOT..

WILL IS ASLEEP. THE DOOR OPENS AND THE INNKEEPER

SNEAKS IN. HE HAS A CANDLE IN HIS HAND AND PLACES

THE OTHER HAND OVER WILL MOUTH. WILL WAKES IN

FRIGHT.

INNKEEPER:

Shsst

WILL:

What’s up?

INNKEEPER:

It’s the race, I must win or I’ll be broke.

WILL:

It’s too early to ride it yet! What on earth did you wake me up for?

INNKEEPER:

Not so loud. Look here

OPENS HIS PALM TO DISPLAY 5 GOLD SOVERIGNS

INNKEEPER:

How would you like to earn those?

124

WILL:

(NODS HIS HEAD)

INNKEEPER TAKES OUT

Doing what?

A KEY FROM HIS POCKET

(

INNKEEPER:

Slip on your clothes and sneak downstairs into the shed. The horse boxes are just underneath the loft. I want you to shove an armful of barley into that infernal chestnut’s trough. Do that and the COINS are yours.

WILL:

Do it yourself!

INNKEEPER:

I daren’t. If I were spotted I’d be ruined. But a kid like you could do it and never be caught. Even if you were caught you could easily clear out, and I’d always act a friend to you.

WILL:

It’s worth more than Squid. I want 10.

INNKEEPER:

Look I’ll give you 7 quid money now, if you’ll go straight away.

INKEEPER PLACES COINS IN WILL’S HAND AS HE THROWS BACK THE BEDCLOTHES AND GETS UP.

125

6 INT STABLES NIGHT

ESTABLISHING SHOT…

STABLES AT MGHT.

WILL CREEPS INTO THE STABLE.

CLOSE UP..

HE STRIKES A MATCH.

CUT TO..

THE HORSES ARE RE~VE BUT HE CALMS THEM, PATTING THEIR SIDES AND TALKING SOFTLY TO THEM.

HE PUTS THE THE GREEN BARLEY INTO SKINNER’S FEED TROUGH.

CLOSE UP..

THE HORSE WHINNYS AND BEGINS TO EAT AS WILL SLIPS

OUT THE BACK OF THE SHED

126

1 INT INN BETTING SCENE DAY

ESTABLISHING SHOT..

THE INNKEEPER IS TAKING BETS ON THE RACE. SETTLERS

STOPPING ON THEIR WAY TO THE RACES ARE PLACING BETS

ON THE FAVORITES. FRED IS TAKING BETS AND THE INN-

KEEPER HOLDS THE MONEY (IS THE STAKEHOLDER). WILL

SUCCEEDS IN SLIPPING A PIECE OF PAPER INTO HIS HAND.

SETTLER:

I’d like to wager a bet that Skinner will

(Win today

FRED:

I’ll give you 3 to 1 she won’t

GENERAL NOISE AND OTHER BETS BEING PLACED WITH INNKEEPER

(TO WILL WHISPERING)

INNKEEPER:

Place your bets!

INNKEEPER:

Did you succeed lad?

WILL:

(NODDING HIS HEAD IN AGREEMENT) Aye

CUT TO..

FRED GOES OUT THROUGH THE DOOR INTO SUNLIGHT AND

WE SEE HIM TALKING TO A PRETTY GIRL THROUGH THE

DOORWAY.

127

SETTER 2:

Will you be riding today laddie?

WILL:

Yes, I will.

SETTLER 2 MOVES OFF MUTTERING TO A CROWD AND THEY BEGIN COMPLMNING

INNKEEPER:

It’s 3 to 1 on Skinner

DRINKER:

(TO INNKEEPER)

You’ve brung in a dark horse in Skinner. What kind of joke is that, he’s never run a race before.

INNKEEPER:

He’s a good horse and he’s riden by a good jockey.

FADE OUT…

(

128

1 EXT RACECOURSE DAY

ESTABLISHING SHOT..

THE BETTING CONTINUES ON COURSE AND SKINNER 1S3 TO

1 ON.

BOOKMAKER:

Place your bets here

PUNTER:

I’d like 3 to 1 on Skinner.

BOOKMAKER:

There you are sir.

CLOSE UP..

PUNTER HANDS OVER

MED SHOT..

BOOKMAKER WITH BAG HANDS OVER CARD.

CUT TO..

WILL CLOSE BY IS WATCHING AND IS APPROACHED BY

JACK HOLMES

A WAD OF NOTES

JACK:

What’ll you take to ride my Rascal in the

Maiden Plate. I’m only a poor splitter and I

can’t afford to give you much unless you

win, for I’ve put every shilling I have on

the mare.

CUT TO..

THEY VIEW THE HORSE IN THE YARD

129

WILL:

I like her. I’ll ride her for the prize money. Five pounds if she wins.

WILL GOES OVER AND

JACK:

That’s great, you’re riding a winner there boy.

SADDLES THE HORSE

C INNKEEPER:

You’ll not ride another horse, if you won’t

ride my Skinner.

WILL:

Be dammed I won’t!

PUNTER:

Will you back your mount lad?

WILL:

How much are you worth?

WILL TURNS OUT HIS POCKETS AND PRODUCES 19 POUNDS WHICH HE COUNTS OUT.

WILL:

Cover that. And if the mare loses you can take it.

MED SHOT..

LAUGHTER FROM THE ONLOOKERS AND THE STARTLED

PUNTER HAS TO BACK THE HORSE. HE FISHES OUT THE

MONEY AND HANDS HIS STAKE TO THE BOOKMAKER

130

CUT TO..

THE RACE. WILL GETS AWAY TO THE FRONT AT ONCE AND STAYS THERE,

CUT TO..

PUNTERS IN THE RACE CROWD ARE DISGUSTED.

CUT TO..

HIS MOUNT WINS

CUT TO..

WILL AS HE STUFFS FORTY FIVE POUNDS INTO HIS POCKET

CUT TO..

THE CROWD AS THE MAIN EVENT IS CALLED.

CUT TO..

WILL GOES OFF TO MOUNT THE MARE WHILE THE INN-

KEEPER STRUTS IN THE SADDLING PADDOCK WITH SKINNER

TO THE ADMIRATION OF THE CROWD.

CUT TO..

JOCKEY MOUNTING SKINNER IN THE STALL HELPED BY GROOMS

GROOM:

(ONE TO THE OTHER)

Careful he bites

CUT TO..

WILL COMES OUT OF STALL TO HEAR ODDS OF FOUR TO

ONE IN HIS FAVOUR.

CUT TO..

THE EIGHT HORSES LINE UP AND GET AWAY ON THE STARTERS GUN CLOSE TOGETHER.

CUT TO..

131

THUNDERBOLT SOON TAKES THE LEAD WITH WILL CLOSE

BEHIND. WILL TAKES THE LEAD ON THE TURN. ITS NECK

AND NECK ALL THE WAY.

CLOSE UP..

JUST BEFORE THE FINISHING LINE SKINNER DROPS TO THE

GROUND. WILL MANAGES TO ESCAPE A FALL BY JUMPING

AWAY FROM THE HORSE AT THE LAST MOMENT AS IT

DROPS DEAD IN ITS TRACKS. FRED GOES ON TO WIN THE

RACE.

WIDE SHOT.

CROWD COMES RUSHING ON THE FIELD

CUT TO..

INNKEEPER RUSHES UP TO WILL THREATENING AND

SCREAMING. THUNDERBOLT RUSHES IN ON COMBO WITH PISTOL DRAWN

FRED:

Stand back!

INNKEEPER:

Stand back yourself. That cursed boy had stiffened my horse. Look at him.

FRED:

Bah, the thing you wanted to tie on my dog’s tail has been tied on your own that’s all. It would have been alright though if my horse had got the barley, you skunk, eh?

CUT TO..

WILL SLIPS AWAY AND MOUNTS THE INNKEEPERS HORSE IN

THE YARD

132

FRED:

Now hand over the stakes. Perhaps by this you have guessed who I am. If you have not, I may tell you that I am Thunderbolt, so don’t you fool with me if you want to save your skin.

INNKEEPER HANDS OVER A ROLL OF NOTES

FRED:

Come along Jack

WILL AND THUNDERBOLT LEASURELY RIDE OVER THE

STAND AS THUNDERBOLT RAISES HIS HAT TO THE

LADIES FRED:

Ladies, I beg you to pardon me for having in some measure perhaps spoiled the pleasure of your day. I shall however, atone for my fault by ridding you of my presence. I have the honour to wish you a long goodbye.

CUT TO..

THE WOMAN WHO WAS TALKING TO HIM AT THE INN

RUSHES UP.

CLOSE UP..

THUNDERBOLT BENT OVER IN HIS SADDLE TO BOW

GIRL:

Step down to me I have something to tell you. I have heard all that passed over there. But I knew who you were from the first. You are a bad man Fred, but never mind, I must give you warning. Young

133

Burke has just told me that two troopers camped at his place last night. They are bound to be here soon.

CUT TO..

THUNDERBOLT TAKES HER HAND AND KISSES IT

FRED:

You are a brick Nellie. I’ll never forget you for this

GIRL:

Goodbye Fred, ride for your life.

THUNDERBOLT SMILES RAISES HIS HAT AND HE AND WILL HEAD OFF AT FULL GALLOP.

FRED: (TO HIMSELF)

And may my nightmares be untrue. Mary Ann what has happened to you?

CUT TO..

MARY ANN ARRIVES AT THE SPECTATORS STAND AT THE

RACES

INFORMER 1:

You’re too late.

INFORMER 2:

You’ve missed the action Thunderbolt won the Maiden Cup!

FADE OUT…

134

1 EXT ABINGTON STATION EVENING ESTABLISHING SHOT..

THIS SCENE IS TO BE SHOT ON LOCATION AT ABINGTON STATION

WHICH RETAINS THE ORIGINAL DWELLINGS AND STABLES.

CUT TO..

FRED AND WILL RIDE UP TO A NEARBY ST~ON BALALA

AND LEAVING THEIR KNOCKED UP HORSES IN THE BUSH

THEY STEAL TWO THROUGHBREDS.

MOUNTED ON THESE THEY RIDE INTO ABINGTON ST~ON AND GO TO THE COOKHOUSE.

CUT TO..

THE CHINESE COOK OPENS THE DOOR.

FRED:

How about a feed for a weary traveller.

COOK:

FRIGHTENED

No, me no savy.

FRED:

SUSPICIOUS

Ah fong, you know me, I am visiting my friends for a game of cards. What’s wrong?

COOK:

Police are here.

FRED:

Where, I don’t see them?

135

COOK:

With boss

WILL:

We’d best tie him up, so he doesn’t get blamed for our deeds.

THEY GAG AND ~E THE CHINAMAN TO A TREE.

136

1 INT ABINGTON STATION SHEARING SHED NIGHT

ESTABLISHING SHOT..

FRED AND WILL JOIN THE ST~ON HANDS AT A GAME OF

CARDS. THE STAKES ARE HIGH

FRED:

That just about cleans me out, unless you’ll take my horse.

GAMBLER:

Combo?

FRED:

No, the fine throughbred filly I rode here

GAMBLER 2:

A fine looking horse she was too.

GAMBLER 1

I’ll lay down 100 pounds against her. GASPS FROM OTHER GAMBLERS

GAMBLER 3:

I’m out

GAMBLER 4:

Me too

WILL IS LOOKING ON HORRIFIED AT THIS FOOLISHNESS. THE HAND IS PLAYED AND FRED LOSES

FRED:

Damm

137

WILL COMES IN.

FRED:

I’ve lost your mount boy.

WILL:

How could you! What’ll I ride

FRED:

There’s two fine horses in the yard. Though I don’t usually appreciate the quarry’s horses, they’ll do us fine

WILL:

(GASP)

Not the tropper’s horses!

FRED:

(WITH A LAUGH)

Well Will, if the traps don’t soon catch us, we’ll have our turn to catch them.

FADE OUT…

138

1 EXT NIGHT ABINGTON STATION HOUSE AND STABLES

ESTABLISHING SHOT..

FRED AND WILL CREEP UP TO THE LIGHTED WINDOW

CUT TO..

SQUATTER TALKING TO TWO CONSTABLES AND DRINKING

WHISKY.

CUT TO..

THE STABLES WHERE THE POLICE HORSES ARE STABLED

FRED:

(WHISTLING)

Here boy.

THE HORSE COMES TO HIM

CUT TO..

WILL GATHERS A BRIDLE HANGING ON THE WALL.

THEY LEAD THE HORSES AWAY RIGHT UNDER THE

TROOPERS NOSES.

WIDE ANGLE SHOT..

LIGHTED WINDOW IN BACKGROUND

139

1 INT ABINGTON STATION MORNING

TROOPER BURSTS INTO THE ROOM WHERE SQUATTER AND OTHER TROOPER ARE HAVING BREAKFAST

TROOPER:

Our horses are gone

SQUATTER:

What do you mean they’re gone. They must be there

TROOPER:

Come and look

CUT TO..

THEY GO OUT TO THE YARD THE 2 KNOCKED UP HORSES

FROM BARALLA ARE THERE

SQUATTER:

That’s Jack Mundle’s horse

TROOPER:

Where is he?

SQUATTER:

(TO GROOM)

Have you seen Jack?

GROOM:

No. His horse was in the yard when I got up this morning.

140 SQUATTER:

He can’t have vanished. See if you can find him.

CUT TO..

GROOM WALKS OVER TO THE COOKHOUSE

CUT TO..

THE COOK TIED UP AND GAGGED STRUGGLES TO BE HEARD.

GROOM:

Hey boss, over here

SQUATFER:

Ah Fong what happened?

COOK:

Thunderbolt, he tied me up

TROOPER 1:

I’ll get him if its the last thing I do

TROOPER 2:

He’s miles away by now

SQUAT’TER:

I heard his woman complain she’d have to find a job the other day

TROOPER:

To catch a fish, we need a lure. Mary Ann has been seen about at the races. We’ll see

141

if we can find her. Perhaps if we catch her, he might show his hand.

DISSOLVE..

142

1 EXT OAKY CREEK HOTEL DAY

ESTABLISHING SHOT..

A fight between two miners. Fred goes in to make a purchase and as he comes out of the hotel.

MINER:

Make a ring and give us a fair play

FRED:

Oh, I’ll be umpire with pleasure and see you both get fair play. Step out on the grass and fight it out like men.

FRED BEGINS TO PACE OUT A RING WHEN THE HOTELIER COMES OUT

HOTELIER:

Look here you fellows, you’ll have to stop this row. You know there are police in the house.

TWO CONSTABLES COME ONTO THE VERANDAH AS FRED AND WILL HEAD FOR THEIR HORSES.

Hey, you fellas, don’t go away.

FRED:

No more drink for me today thanks old chap. I’ve had enough.

(TO WILL)

Ride for your life, Will.

CUT TO..

THEY GALLOP OFF AS TROOPERS WATCH

2 EXT CREEK RIVER CROSSING DAY

143

ESTABLISHING SHOT..

FRED WILL AND LOUISA COME TO A RIVER. THEY CAN HEAR

THE TROOPERS FOLLOWING THEM.

FRED:

Things are getting a bit hot for us around here. We seem to have struck a streak of bad luck.

WILL:

Its a warning to us to turn from our evil ways.

FRED:

Oh rubbish. Ml the same I wish it would end.

WILL:

Let’s go back to Queensland Fred. We’ll have to cross the river. It’s running a banker.

FRED:

Never mind, its our best chance.

CUT TO..

THEY CROSS THE FLOODED RIVER

We were down the hill in a twinkling and ascending the next.

CUT TO..

THE TROOPERS FIRED ACROSS AT US FROM THE OTHER

HILL WE HAD LEFT.

CUT TO..

144

FRED TRIED HIS BEST TO KEEP ME ABOVE HIM FEARING THE

CURRENT WOULD PROVE BEYOND MY STRENGTH TO

MASTER

CUT TO..

ONCE WE WERE IN MID STREAM MY HORSE, REFUSED TO

OBEY THE BIT AND I WAS SWEPT DOWN BY THE FLOOD LIKE

A STRAW.

CUT TO..

LOUISA’S HORSE WAS STRANDED ON A SHOAL AND URGING

HIM FORWARD WITH THE WHIP SHE WAS SOON STANDING

ON A SPUR OF THE FARTHER BANK.

CUT TO..

FRED BATTLING GAMELY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RIVER

TRYING TO AVOID A HUGE ROCK THAT REARED ITS HEAD

OVER THE SURFACE OF THE SWIRLING WATER.

CUT TO..

COMBO WAS HURLED AGAINST THE ROCK AND COMPLETELY OVERTURNED WHILE FRED DISAPPEARED.

CUT TO..

THE POLICE RACING TOWARDS THE RIVER BANK.

WILL:

If I can only keep them away from the bank for a while by distracting their attention, they will not know Fred is struggling for his life in the water.

CUTTO..

WILL SPURRED MY HORSE ALONG THE BANK AND AROUND THE NEAREST BEND AND THE POLICE FOLLOWED ME.

CUT TO..

WILL QUITE PLEASED WITH THE RUSE, DISMOUNT IN FULL VIEW AND HIDES BEHIND SOME ROCKS.

145

CUT TO..

HE CLIMBS TO PEER OVER THE ROCKS, SEES THAT THEY ARE

TARING TO THE WATER &FIRED AT THEM POINT BLANK.

CUT TO..

THEY DRAW BACK AS IF THEY HAD BEEN BITTEN AND DARTED FOR SOME TREES,

CUT TO..

WILL HEARS HOOF BEATS BEHIND HIM AND TURNS.

FRED:

It’s the third time you’ve saved my life old man. Thanks.

FADE OUT

146

1 EXT ROADSIDE TENTERFIELD DAY

ESTABLISHING SHOT..

WILL LOUISA AND FRED ARE RIDING ALONG THE ROAD

FRED:

(LOOKING IN HIS PURSE)

Will, its a sorry state we’re in. No cash and we need stores or we’ll all go hungry. What do you think lad?

(

WILL:

I say we stop the next passerby and relieve him of his purse

FRED:

(BRIGHTLY)

A fine idea, the next, here’s someone coming see

(POINTING TO DISTANT MIRAGE)

FRED AND WILL APPROACH A RIDER

MR HART:

Gooday Sir and a very fine day it is

FRED:

Where are you going on such a fine day?

MR HART:

I’m racing my mare at Tenterfield race meeting, and you?

147

FRED:

(DRAWING HIS PISTOL) I’m a bushranger and I’ll have you purse.

HART:

(ATTEM~NG TO GET AWAY)

You’ll not have it so easily

FRED:

(GRABBING THE BRIDLE AND POINTING THE PISTOL HIS FACE)

Will. Search him.

WILL DRAWS A PISTOL AND A HUNDRED POUNDS IN NOTES FROM HIS POCKET

FRED:

Get down. Its a fine horse you’re riding and will make us a packhorse

WILL AND FRED GALLOP OFF

FRED:

What’s that?

WILL:

That’s no rider, looks like a mirage to me.

FRED: I’m not sure what it is but its shining.

LOUISA: (COUGHING)

It’s a French horn, oh what fools you are, you’ll not get much from them.

148

FRED:

Louisa, mind you don’t cough now. We

don’t want to scare them off.

LOUISA:

I can’t help it, I’m ill can’t you see?

(RIDING UP TO THE BAND 5 MUSICIANS AND THEIR INSTRUMENTS WALKING ALONG THE ROAD IN THEIR UNIFORMS)

FRED:

(DRAWING HIS PISTOL)

Bail up

BAND LEADER:

What you mean?

FRED:

Hands up!

(STRUGGLING TO GET

HORN PLAYER:

OUT OF HIS INSTRUMENT) How can I?

FRED

Empty your pockets

DRUMMER:

(PUTTING A FEW COINS ON THE GROUND)

Why rob a poor man?

FRED:

(EYEING THE MEAGRE TAKINGS OF THIRTY SHILLINGS)

149

Its a darned poor showing for the effort.

(LAUGHING)

Well if you can’t fill our pockets, at least we can have a tune. Come now, play us a tune.

(MUSICIANS BEGIN TO PLAY A TUNE FROM TRAVIATA, OUT OF TIMING AND OUT OF TUNE)

FRED:

Is that the best you can do?

(WAVING HIS PISTOL AT THEM)

Play me some opera.

CUT TO..

BAND BEGINS TO PLAY SOMETHING

That’s better

(HE BEGINS TO HUM AND BREAKS OUT INTO SONG)

Play that again.

DISSOLVE…

FADE IN..

BAND ARE ~LL PLAYING BUT VERY ~RED NOW AND REPE~NG THE SAME TUNE

FRED:

Well we’ve had fine afternoon’s fun. I

think you deserve to be paid.

BAND LEADER:

Our wives and children would appreciate it.

FRED:

I must have some cash, I’m broke myself. I’ll tell you what I’ll do. I’m waiting for

150

the winner of the Tamworth Races to pass this way. Give me your names and addresses!

PLAYER 2:

What for?

FRED:

(SLOWLY AND CAREFULLY SPELLING THEIR NAMES AS HE WRITES)

I’ll return your money when I catch up with him

PLAYER 3:

(WHISPERING)

We can say goodbye to that.

151

1 E)~ MARY ANN’S HOUSE DAY

ESTABLISHING SHOT

Mary Ann hangs out washing and her 2 children are playing, Moorina on a swing while Jane is pushing her. The house is well hidden, overgrown with vines and nestling in the side of the hill.

CUT TO..

TROOPERS CUT THROUGH THE BUSH AND BURST ONTO THE SCENE

CUT TO..

¼ CHILDREN SCREAM

CUT TO..

MARY ANN TRIES TO RUN AWAY BUT IS HEAVILY PREGNANT

CUT TO..

TROOPER CATCHES HER

TROOPER:

You’re under arrest. You stole some calico from the storekeeper in Uralla

(TO HIS COMPANION)

Search the house!

MARY ANN:

I did no such thing. You can’t search my house. Where’s your authority.

TROOPER 3 GRAPPLES WITH JANE WHILE TROOPER 4 CATCHES MOORINA

TROOPER:

(Holding up his fist to strike her)

My authority’s right here.

152

MARY ANN:

Leave my girls alone!

TROOPER 2:

Show us your receipt if you’re so innocent.

MARY ANN:

I never got a receipt. Tell them Jane, Moorina.. Tell them!

CUT TO..

TROOPER FONDLES JANE WHO SLAPS HIS FACE AS SHE BURSTS INTO TEARS

FADE OUT..

153

1 EXT OUTSIDE TENTERFIELD INN DAY ESTABLISHING SHOT..

FRED & WILL RIDE UP TO AN INN. FRED DISMOUNTS TO READ A WARRANT ON A TREE

FRED:

Seems we’re famous lad.

WILL:

What is it?

FRED:

We’re worth more dead than alive, it seems

WILL:

Read it to me.

FRED:

200 pound reward for the apprehension of

Frederick Ward, otherwise known as

Thunderbolt…

(READING TO HIMSELF)…

200 pound will be paid by the Government for the apprehension of the above

mentioned offender, or if effected upon information received, then one half the regard to the person giving such information and the other money to the person or persons effecting the capture.

(TURNING TO WILL)

Here this applies to you Will

FRED: (READING ON)

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And further that the Government will pay a reward of 50 pound to be similarly divided, for the apprehension of any accomplice of the said Frederick Ward, arrested in his company or associated with him in the commission of crime. The above reward to be in lieu of all other rewards payable by the Government under previous Notice for the apprehension or conviction of this offender. Signed Henry Parkes

FRED:

Lad, this has me worried. I think we should be away before Louisa sees this.

CUT TO..

THEY GO INTO THE INN

CLOSE UP..

FRED PICKS UP A PAPER

MED SHOT

GOES OUTSIDE AND BEGINS TO READ.

FRED:

Police have arrested Mary Ann Bugg, alias Yellow Long ,on a charge of theft and she is to appear in Maitland Court on Friday next.

NARRATOR:

And so I became a celebrity, at the centre of a political storm as Member of Parliament, Dr Dunmore Lang intervened

155

on my behalf. When I gave birth in goal public feeling rose for me and my children locked in Maitland goal, and a loophole was found in the law. We were eventually released, not because we were of Aboriginal descent for there was a great hue and cry in the press when I was able to produce receipts. Bignolds Law of Vagrancy they called it. There was a clause that tribal Aboriginals were excluded but not if persons were associated with thieves. However they decided the case was defective and I was released on the order of the Governor, Sir John Young. That’s how I came to change a white fells law.

156

1 INT POST OFFICE WARWICK DAY

THE GERMAN BAND LEADER COMES INTO THE POST OFFICE

POSTMASTER:

There’s a parcel here for you

BAND LEADER:

I’m not expecting anything. Here, let me see

BAND LEADER GOES OUTSIDE.WE SEE THROUGH THE DOORWAY, AS HE OPENS THE PARCEL, THE OTHER BAND MEMBERS GATHER ROUND AS COINS DROP TO THE GROUND

PLAYER 3:

Well, I never. He’s a man of his word

PLAYER 4:

Thunderbolt must have won the race

FADE OUT

157

1 EXT BUSH CHASE DAY

ESTABLISHING SHOT..

FRED WILL AND LOUISA ARE ON THE RUN.

CUT TO..

THE POLICE TROOPERS ARE FOLLOWING. THEY REACH THE

TOP OF A HILL

CLOSE UP..

FRED TAKES OUT AN EYEGLASS AND WATCHES AS THE TROOPERS GAIN ON THEM

FRED:

Curse the luck What say you Will, shall we dismount and fight it out here to a finish?

LOUISA:

I’m too tired to fight

WILL:

Let’s ride for it first. We can always fight if we have to. Besides its downhill now and we know the country.

FRED NODS AND SETS OFF AT WILD GALLOP DOWNHILL

VIEWED FROM THE HILLTOP. THE OTHERS FOLLOW MORE

CAREFULLY

FADE OUT

158

1 EXT SETTLER’S HOME DAY

ESTABLISHING SHOT..

FRED RIDES UP TO MRS BRADFORD’S ALONE,

CUT TO..

HE DISMOUNTS HURRIEDLY AND KNOCKS ON THE DOOR

MRS BRADFORD:

What do you want?

FRED:

I need your help, not for me for a friend

MRS BRADFORD:

What could I possibly do for the likes of you?

FRED:

Allow a dying woman to breathe her last beneath a roof… in the name of Christian charity

MRS BRADFORD:

But my husband will be home soon

FRED:

Send him for the doctor, tell him you’re ill and he’ll go

MRS BRADFORD: (DISBELIEVING)

Where is this woman?

159

(

FRED:

Not far, I’ll tell you where, but first you must swear on the bible to do her no harm.

CUT TO..

FRED RETRIEVES A BIBLE FROM HIS SADDLE BAG AND

PLACES IT IN MRS BRADFORD’S HAND

FRED:

Swear you’ll do it

MRS BRADFORD:

In the name of God, I swear to do her no harm

FRED:

I left her in a camp about 1/2 a mile away….

FADE OUT

160

1 EXT BUSH CAMP DAY

ESTABLISHING SHOT..

THE BRADFORDS ARE IN A HORSE AND BUGGY DRIVING TO

A CAVE ON THE MOUNTAINSIDE SHELTERED WITH SOME

TREE BOUGHS.

CUT TO..

LOUISA MOANING AND WILL SPONGING HER DOWN

LOUISA:

¼ Who is it? Have you come at last…

MRS BRADFORD:

It’s a friend come to make you comfortable, we’ll take you in the buggy. What’s your name love?

LOUISA:

(IN A MOMENT OF CLARITY) Its Yellow Long

(TO MR BRADFORD)

MRS BRADFORD:

Give a hand love

THEY LIFT LOUISA INTO THE BUGGY

161

(

1 EXT GRAVEYARD STORMY EVENING

ESTABLISHING SHOT..

ITS A BUSH GRAVE MARKED BY A SIMPLE CROSS MARKED YELLOW LONG

CLOSE UP..

THUNDERBOLT COMES TO PLACE A BOUQUET ON LOUISA’S GRAVE,

AS HE SITS BESIDE THE GRAVE , THE FLOWERS FALL FROM

HIS HANDS. HE PUTS HIS ARM AROUND WILL WHO IS

CRYING.

WILL:

Mother, you came with us for my sake, I wish you’d never come. You’d be alive…

CUT TO…

THE SKY AND THE STORM AS THUNDER RUMBLES

CLOSE UP..

HE RUBS THE SACRED CHURINGA BETWEEN HIS FINGERS.

162

1 EXT STANTHORPE RACES DAY ESTABLISHING SHOT..

FRED AND WILL ARE DRESSED AS SHEARERS TRAVELLING TO A COUNTRY RACE ME~NG

FRED:

We’ll use our usual ruse. You as my brother Jack Wardhill will enter “The Chickent1, I’ll place the bets. Give me all the change you’ve got.

WILL:

HANDS OVER THE CASH

We’ll be broke if he doesn’t win.

FRED:

Has he let us down yet?

CUT TO..

WILL AT THE WINDOW OF THE RACE STARTER’S

WILL:

Can I place a late starter in the race

RACE STARTER:

Yes, give me the details..

WILL:

It’s a bay..

CUT TO..

Fred placing his bet

CUT TO..

163

START OF RACE

It is a fair start, the horses are away together.

CUT TO..

Will keeps his horse back till the first half mile.

They plough through loose soil

CLOSE UP..

Will and horse covered in mud.

CUT TO..

Will has fallen behind when they reach firmer ground

CUT TO..

Sits and gains on other horses, as they enter the straight Will uses the whip and the horse leaps forward

CUT TO..

Cheering crowd.

CUT TO..

Horses as he gains the lead and finishes ahead.

CUT TO..

Fred collects their winnings.

CUT TO..

GIVES WILL HIS SHARE AND THEY FILL THEIR BELT POCKETS

FRED:

That’s two hundred pounds apiece.

WILL:

We’re rich ! by honest means as well.

FADE OUT

2 INT INN MORNING

164

ESTABLISHING SHOT..

FRED HAS SPENT THE NIGHT CELEBRATING AND COMES TO

WILL’S ROOM

FRED:

Come and have some breakfast Will, I have something to tell you

WILL:

What’s up Fred?

FRED:

I’ve sold the Chicken.

WILL LOOKS STUNNED

It’s the homesickness lad. I’m selfish, I dare say, but I can’t help myself. Its been coming on for weeks Will and I’ve fought against it all I know. But do what I will I can’t keep away from the New England. There’s danger there perhaps- but I can’t keep away. I know every hill and creek and turn and twist of it, nearly every tree! And all my friends are there – good friends some of them as ever a man had. And then too, there are my wife and kiddies. Don’t be angry Bill.

WILL:

It means going back to the bushranging robbing coaches and the like. I think this might make you content Fred, its a better life here.

165

FRED:

It’s hell being so far away from Mary Ann.

WILL:

Alright Fred, lets go back.

FADE OUT.

166