THE REUNION - SHORT TREATMENT
Baby boomers
behave badly at boys'school reunion. Blakely?
* * *
The 1969 Class
of Pine Grove Boys' High meet for their thirtieth anniversary reunion. Some
have kept in touch over the years; at least one seems to have been forgotten
entirely. Has the event occasioned regression or have many of them simply never
got past the old school ethos? Old antagonisms surface, petty mindedness and
bad play come into effect. However all are not as they were, nor as they
present. Nostalgia, politics, prejudice and alcohol take their toll on the joy
and dignity of the reunion. Conflicts erupt and a desperate predator moves in
on his prey.
We see a cross
section of those who run Australia at play.
THE REUNION
Major - all late forties -
fifty
Geoffrey
Blakeley/Brother Anthony - good looking
Timothy Reginald
Oates ('Daisy') - self-important
'Orbo' Roy
Mackeith - the President of the Old Boys'
'Comet' Martin
Haley - fussy admin type
Steve Donaldson
- Secretary, less fussy
'Steel' John
Rudd
'Laddie' Lachlan
Ladd
'Wino' Horace
McWilliams
'Tommo' Peter
Tomlinson
'Tipper' Hans
Truck - wannabe stud
Tony Passmore -
Treasurer
'Richo' Richard
Richardson - once had killer looks; desperate
Chris Macklin -
drinker, bushie
Leon Smith -
peacemaker
'Rocky' now
Giovanni Graziano - resentful in a dignified way
Robyn Field -
somewhat unlikely transsexual
'Tugger' Greg
Teague - decent doctor, big bloke
Barmaid - been around the block
Waiter Sven -
eighteen to twenty year old god, backpacker
Bishop Colin
Bradley
Vietnam Goshawk
Sabre Toothed
Lyons - ancient retired music teacher
Minor
Hotel Employee
Queeny V/O
Indignant V/O
Irreligious V/O
Huge Yawner V/O
Waiter 1
Head Waiter
Vegan
Goshawk Father
Concerned
Goshawk
Badnews Goshawk
Shocked Goshawk
1st Tugger
Greeter
2nd Tugger
Greeter
Tale Teller
Interrupting
Goshawk (V/O)
Football Goshawk
Scrum Goshawk
Suggestion
Goshawk (V/O)
Good Idea
Goshawk (V/0)
Fighter 1
Fighter 2
Melanesian
School Child - about ten years old
Extras
Few Guests in
Hotel Lobby
Non-Speaking
Goshawks
Waiters
2 smoking
Kitchen Hands
Receptionist
Melanesian
School Children (V/O)
1 INT. HOTEL
LOBBY
EVENING 1
GEOFFREY'S POV
as he enters hotel and crosses lobby towards the Stanley Chasm Room. He sees
the placard announcing
STANLEY CHASM ROOM
OLD GOSHAWKS THIRTIETH
ANNIVERSARY REUNION
DRINKS 7 -7.30 PM
FOLLOWED BY DINNER
GUEST SPEAKER
PROFESSOR T R OATS
DISTINGUISHED SURGEON
A uniformed
hotel employee, stood over by an indignant DAISY OATES and a patient ORBO
ORBISON, is adding an 'e' to
'Oats'. The 'e' is a different sort of lettering and the addition looks
ridiculous.
DAISY (V/O
Jesus, who chose this place? It can't even get a name right? Couldn't we have had it at -
Jesus, who chose this place? It can't even get a name right? Couldn't we have had it at -
(the Intercontinental?)
ORBO (V/O)
It
was a committee decision, Daisy, not everyone could afford ... (the
Intercontinental).
2 INT. STANLEY
CHASM ROOM SAME 2
Still Geoffrey's
POV. The Reception Room is set up
for dinner. The tables are festooned with awful blue, pink and white crepe
paper swathes and mismatched blue paper serviettes. There is an official table
with a mike on it for the after dinner speech. The mike is trailing ribbons of
the blue, pink and white. Some of the GOSHAWKS are looking on while another of
their number pins a newspaper cutting to a notice board already festooned with
cuttings and photos. The bar is grotesque; it is of inconvenient papier mâché boulders lit with red and
yellow lights. Some of the guests are milling around in front of it, the others
are in huddles or moving from one group to another around the room. Nearly all
wear dinner suits and name tags, about four are in special sports blazers. One
rebel is in sixties boys' school uniform with the blue, pink and white tie and
badge, several are in jeans, the VIETNAM GOSHAWK is in a defiant Hawaiian
shirt. We notice BISHOP BRADLEY in his purple vest, sipping an orange juice.
CHRIS MACKLIN, at the bar, is in not very good R M Williams bush drag. Geoffrey's
POV alights on a registration table near at hand. 'COMET' MARTIN HALEY AND
STEVE DONALDSON are sitting behind it, chatting to 'STEEL' JOHN RUDD, 'LADDIE'
LACHLAN LADD, 'WINO' HORACE MCWILLIAMS and 'TOMMO' PETER TOMLINSON. THEY do not
take any notice of Geoffrey.
COMET HALEY
Didn't
you see him explaining why we have to legalise heroin
on television? No wonder he couldn't show his face here. We did get a
reply, more than we got from His Excellency
in Zimbabwe, he couldn't even bother replying.
LADDIE LADD
Who's
that?
STEVE DONALDSON
Bob
O'Brien, he's the ambassador there.
LADDIE LADD
How'd
you know that?
COMET HALEY
I
told him.
STEVE DONALDSON
Everyone
knows. Don't you watch the news?
COMET HALEY
My
niece's boyfriend is in External Affairs, he said - (Bob O'Brien
is a hoot at a dinner party).
WINO MCWILLIAMS
Look
who's over there! That's got to be Greg Teague. (Exiting) Got to see
what he's been up to.
Laddie Ladd
follows.
COMET HALEY
[RISING,
TO STEVE DOANLDSON)] You can watch this. I've got
to be in on this. (EXITING) Look at Tugger, he's the size of
a Sherman.
Steve
Donaldson goes to protest in vain,
glances up at Geoffrey Blakeley but can't resist urge to be with the rest of
the boys as Comet, Steel and Tommo exit.
STEVE DONALDSON
[RISING
AND EXITING. TO GEOFFREY BLAKELEY] Be back in a
minute [DOESN'T RECOGNISE HIM] um ... mate. [INDICATING
DESK TOP] The name cards are there ... Alphabetical.
Help yourself. Be back in a moment.
3 INT. REGISTRATION
DESK SAME 3
Geoffrey
Blakeley goes behind desk and runs his finger down the guest list. He pauses at
some names, looks up as if remembering, continues.
4 INT. REGISTRATION
DESK SAME 4
C U of list
shows most names have been ticked.
Geoffrey picks
up a pen and begins to write his name at the bottom of the list.
5 INT. REGISTRATION
DESK SAME 5
Comet Haley and
Steve Doanldson enter.
COMET HALEY (V/O O/S)
What
are you doing?
GEOFFREY BLAKELEY
Adding
my name to the list.
STEVE DONALDSON
Everyone's
on the list. What was your name again?
GEOFFREY BLAKELEY
Geoff
Blakeley.
COMET HALEY
[NUDGING
GEOFFREY OUT OF THE WAYAND SITTING DOWN;
RUNS FINGER DOWN LIST] No Blake.
GEOFFREY BLAKELEY
Blakeley.
STEVE DONALDSON
Blakeley
... I don't remember any Blakeley.
COMET HALEY
[TO
GEOFFREY BLAKELEY] Did you pay? Tony Passmore said
he banked all the cheques, we made
up the list from the
names he gave us. This is quite an expensive venue, the committee
decided it couldn't bankroll ... We've catered
for eighty.
GEOFFREY BLAKELEY
The
money was taken out of my account.
COMET HALEY
[TO
STEVE DONALDSON] You better go and
get him.
STEVE DONALDSON
[RESENTFULLY]
I can't see him.
COMET HALEY
He's
at the bar.
STEVE DONALDSON
I
can't see him, you'd better go. I'll keep an eye on this.
6 INT. BAR
AREA SAME 6
Bar Area POV of
what has just occurred so that we get a sense of simultaneity, a segue between
previous scene fading out as we pick up on this one. The previous exchange is
just finishing, then we see Comet Haley leaving the group to walk towards us,
Steve Donaldson moving behind registration desk and Geoffrey Blakeley going
back around in front of it. Steve Donaldson is asking Geoffrey how he spells
his name and is checking down the list.
TIPPER TRUCK (V/O O/S)
[TO
BARMAID]They've got you working pretty hard behind
there, they should've put another girl on.
7 INT. BAR
AREA SAME 7
TIPPER TRUCK is
smooching the BARMAID, beside him TONY PASSMORE is in a group of Goshawks including
RICHO RICHARDSON, LEON SMITH, AND CHRIS MACKLIN.
BARMAID
They
would've if you lot had paid for it.
What
would you like?
TIPPER TRUCK
[NOT
VERY EXPERTLEY PLAYING IT FOR ITS EROTIC VALUE]
Oh
... now that's something I like to work out as I go along but as you're
asking, nothing too fancy.
BARMAID
So
we're talking another whisky on the rocks?
COMET HALEY
[COMING
UP TOTHE GROUP. TO TONY PASSMORE] Tony, Tony
mate, we've - (got a bit of a problem at the desk).
RICHO RICHARDSON
[TO
TIPPER, WAVING A NOT SO EMPTY BEER GLASS]
While
you're at it Tipper ....
TIPPER TRUCK
[GLANCING
FROM RICHO RICHARDSON THEN BACK TO BARMAID]
Get your own, this one's mine.
Ribald laughter
from the Bar Area group. The Barmaid moves to other end of bar.
Now
see what you've done.
More laughter.
The Barmaid lets them see she's smiling, that she's a good sport but this is
calculated, she's done this number hundreds of times. Tipper looks very pleased
with his riposte. Richo Richardson moves towards Barmaid to buy another beer.
COMET HALEY
Tony,
we've got a bit of a problem over there, this bloke ... um, Geoff
someone - any of you blokes heard of him?
The Bar Group
looks across at the Registration Desk, draw blanks.
LEON SMITH
Isn't
he the one who was the wicket-keeper that time we
- (played Harold Park High?).
COMET HALEY
[TO
TONY PASSMORE]
Says
he put it on his card but we haven't got his name.
TONY PASSMORE
Somebody's
was denied - (LOOKING AT REGISTRATION DESK
AGAIN) What's his name again?
COMET HALEY
Geoff
... that one - (standing in front of the registration desk).
TONY PASSMORE
Bastard
booked into the hotel too.
Richo Richardson
arrives back with a fresh glass of beer.
CHRIS MACKLIN
Where's
mine? Gees you haven't changed.
RICHO RICHARDSON
What
do you mean by that?
CHRIS MACKLIN
You
were always a tight bastard. Haven't you heard of shouting a mate?
RICHO RICHARDSON
What
time did you get here? Someone told me you've been
propping up the bar since five. I just thought you'd better slow down,
the evening's just begun.
CHRIS MACKLIN
I
got here a bit early, my flight ... What the fuck's it got to do
with you?
RICHO RICHARDSON
All
I'm saying is - (you'd better slow down).
CHRIS MACKLIN
I
thought we were here to have a good time. There's always some wowser
who wants to put the knockers on
things. Who told - (you that? ie that I've been here since five).
RICHO RICHARDSON
The
what? (SMILING) The knockers, did you say?
LEON SMITH
Come
on you guys. [To CHRIS MACKLIN] What's your poison?
CHRIS MACKLIN
[SULKILY,
ALMOST TEARILY] Thanks mate. Anything will do.
[AS LEON SMITH MOVES AWAY TO THE BAR] Oh, I usually
drink Gold Classic - they might have it on tap.
GIOVANNI GRAZIANO
You
seemed to be making an impression over there, Tipper.
RICHO RICHARDSON
Turned
into a bit of a ladies' man, have you Tipper?
TIPPER TRUCK
Don't
know about 'turned'. How're you going on that score Richo? I hear you
and Carolyn parted ways.
COMET HALEY
Steve,
what are we going to do about this bloke? We don't
- (have any record of him).
TONY PASSMORE
Not
now Haley. We've got enough funds. I'll see to it later. There's bound
to be some empty spaces, I heard Jacko
Williams can't make it.
CHRIS MACKLIN
Jack
off. What's his excuse?
Comet Haley goes
off towards registration rather huffily.
8 INT. RECEPTION
ROOM SAME 8
Registration
table POV.
We see Comet
Haley approaching. He turns from a bit insulted to self-possessed, regains his
air of officiousness as he does so.
9 INT. REGISTRATION
TABLE SAME 9
COMET HALEY
[ARRIVING
AT TABLE, TO STEVE DONALDSON] I'll deal with
it. [TAKING HIS PLACE BEHIND TABLE. TO GEOFFREY
BLAKELEY] I'll just add ... (your name to the list).
[T0
STEVE DONALDSON] It's already
started over there. Macklin's
been at the bar since the middle of the afternoon.
He made such a fuss they opened it up for him.
Truck's
upset the Barmaid. Where have they been? We'll be
lucky to get out of this without a sexual harassment case. The Old Boys'
Union won't like the publicity. Tony's useless,
he doesn't even know who's paid and who's staying
in the hotel.
STEVE DONALDSON
That's
bad. That could cause nasty trouble.
COMET HALEY
[GLANCING
UP, WORRIED THAT GEOFFREY BLAKELEY'S OVERHEARING
THIS] Don't get carried away, I can sort it out.
(TO
GEOFF BLAKELEY) What was the name again?
GEOFF BLAKELEY
Blakeley
- it's not there.
COMET HALEY
Just
spell it for me, we'll fix it up later. You paid by credit card
you say?
GEOFF BLAKELEY
It
was deducted.
Comet Hatley
looks at Steve Donaldson and nods with a 'he's hopeless' look towards Tony
Passmore at the bar. He writes as Geoff Blakeley speels his name
It's
'Geoff with a 'G' and B-L-A-K-E-L-E-Y.
STEVE DONALDSON
Geoff
Blakeley, I don't remember any Blakeley. Are you sure you've got the
right year?
COMET HALEY
[LOOKING
PAST THEM, ACROSS THE TABLE] Can I help you,
Miss?
ROBYN FIELD is
in a black suit with a red blouse. She totes an enormous red patent leather
shoulder bag and is shod in matching shoes. Her defiantly red lipstick and nail
polish match her accessories.
ROBYN FIELD
Have
I got to sign on or something?
COMET HALEY
Is
there a problem? Stacey - Stacey Nguyen's been looking
after us.
ROBYN FIELD
I'm
not a member of staff. No problem, I'm a guest.
TONY PASSMORE
I
think there's been a mistake, this is the Pine Grove Boys' thirtieth
anniversary reunion. What were you looking for?
ROBYN FIELD
There's
no mistake Tony. (TO COMET HALEY) Do they still
call you 'COMET'?
(COMET NODS).
Good
... I suppose. I haven't changed my name much - just the spelling.
Robyn leans over
the desk and ponts to a name on the registration sheet.
There
we are 'Robin Field', only now I spell it with a 'y'.
[TURNING
TO LOOK AROUND THE ROOM, SETTLES GAZE ON BAR
AREA]. Bit of luck eh? There's Ladd, isn't it? Lachlan? Laddie, they used to
call him and McWilliams - Wino. Looks
like they're still mates.
Steve Donaldson
looks horrified, flustered, Comet Haley keeps checking the name and looking up
at Robyn Field. Robyn nods at Geoffrey, who nods back. Robyn continues to
search room for familiar faces.
COMET HALEY
We
can't have this, there must be some mistake. I'm a father of ... I've
got my reputation to think of, I'm Deputy Commissioner
- (if the papers heard about this ...).
STEVE DONALDSON
This
is a joke, right?
[TO
ROBYN FIELD] I don't remember you. Who'd you say you were?
ROBYN FIELD
Robin
Field. I just changed the 'i' to 'y'. God, there's Truck, he
used to call me Robin Redbreast. Do they still call him 'Tipper'?
STEVE DONALDSON
[ICY
HOSTILITY] He's over there, by the bar.
ROBYN FIELD
[RETURNING
THE HOSTILE LOOK THEN GLANCING ACROSS TOWARDS
THE BAR] That'd be right.
10 INT. BAR
AREA SAME 10
Group at the Bar
POV. GREG TEAGUE, a burly man, approaches Robyn Field and kisses her on both
cheeks. Greetings, reunions ... Comet and Steve look on dumbfounded. Robyn
Field inquires of Geoffrey's name and introduces him to Tugger Teague who seems
to be saying politely 'Of course, of course I remember you' and shakes
Geoffrey's hand.
11 INT. BAR
AREA SAME
11
The Group is
looking at the scene at the Registration Desk.
CHRIS MACKLIN
I
thought this was to be a no chick zone. Who's Tugger Teague smooching?
TIPPER TRUCK
He
must've forgotten his lunch.
CHRIS MACKLIN
Look
at the size of her, she must weigh nearly as much as he does.
RICHO RICHARDSON
Shit,
take a look at her! It can't be ... Is this a joke or ...?
12 INT. RECEPTION
ROOM SAME 12
Bar POV. Robyn
and Tugger start towards the bar, taking Geoffrey Blakeley with them. Tugger
chats to him.
TIPPER TRUCK (V/O O/S)
Shit,
they're coming over here.
RICHO RICHARDSON
You
can handle it Tipper, Bob Field might be your type.
13 INT. BAR
AREA SAME 13
Robyn, Tugger
and Geoffrey join bar group - Richo, Tipper, Tony, Chris, Leon, Giovanni, Wino,
Laddie, Steel, Tommo. The Barmaid moves back to be in on it and ready to serve.
ROBYN FIELD
]APPROACHING]
Which one of you gentlemen is going to buy
a wom- (an) a lady a drink? It's vodka and tonic.
Tugger continues
towards the bar, turns to Geoffrey ...
TUGGER TEAGUE
What's
yours ... ?
GEOFFREY BLAKELEY
Geoffrey
Blake- (ley). I'll have the same.
Tugger looks a
little surprised, turns back to the bar.
RICHO RICHARDSON
Macklin
was just saying who's that hot chick.
CHRIS MACKLIN
Shit,
Richo, you blokes ....
ROBYN FIELD
And
who was it?
Steel Rudd is
outraged, wants to get away, nudges Leon Smith to join him but Leon ignores him
so Steel Rudd stalks off by himself. Robyn Field watches him go.
LEON SMITH
So
you're batting for the other team now, Fieldie?
ROBYN FIELD
Robyn.
Well, that's one way of putting it, fighting on the other side could be
another.
GIOVANNI GRAZIANO
Isn't
it the era of team work?
ROBYN FIELD
That's
the rhetoric. (HOLDING OUT HER HAND) Good to see you again, Rocky.
GIOVANNI GRAZIANO
It's
Giovanni, always was.
ROBYN FIELD
[SHRUGGING
WHAEVER ... BUT UNDERSTANDING] Tugger and
I met up with Geoff at registration, you all remember
him?
GEOFFREY BLAKELEY
Geoffrey.
Geoffrey Blakeley.
He nods at the
the bar crowd.
RICHO RICHARDSOn
Anyone
else changed anything?
LEON SMITH
That's
really interesting. [TO ROBYN] Now, what made you change your (mind) -
change? Decide to change?
ROBYN FIELD
Who
knows?
Tugger Teague is
at her side with a drink. He has one in each hand, he gives the other to
Geoffrey Blakeley and returns to the bar for his own.
Oh,
thanks. My shout next.
[TO
LEON SMITH] Haven't you changed ... um, I know it's Smith but ... What's
your given name?
LEON SMITH
Leon.
Leonard Smith - Leon.
CHRIS MACKLIN
[LOUD
ASIDE TO EVERYONE] Some change. It'd be hard to beat that one.
GIOVANNI GRAZIANO
So
what've you done with your life, Macklin?
CHRIS MACKLIN
I'm
on the land, Rocky.
GIOVANNI GRAZIANO
Giovanni.
Oh yes, doing what?
CHRIS MACKLIN
A
bit of this, a bit of that. Run a few cattle - mainly for the
vealers. I've got some lovely dogs.
RICHO RICHARDSON
Who's
looking after them?
CHRIS MACKLIN
They're
being looked after, I'm only away a few days.
RICHO RICHARDSON
You
leave Suse up there by herself? That's gallant.
CHRIS MACKLIN
Haven't
seen Sue for a few years now.
RICHO RICHARDSON
Oh?
CHRIS MACKLIN
We
went our separate ways.
RICHO RICHARDSON
Where
is she now?
CHRIS MACKLIN
Last
I heard she was back at uni.
TIPPER TRUCK
What
went wrong?
CHRIS MACKLIN
Shit
mate, I don't know! Who can figure them? I heard you and Penny found
a fork in the road.
RICHO RICHARDSON
Tipper
found a fork in any case, so I heard.
TIPPER TRUCK
Shut
up, Richo. You didn't do so well with Lynette. At least I didn't leave
a couple of kids in the lurch. Still a high
roller, are you?
RICHO RICHARDSON
Listen
Tipper, watch what you're saying. I paid ... I took my kids out. You
don't know what you're talking about. Lynette
became a raving feminist and if my mother had stayed
out of it ... (we might have made a go of it). Anyway,
how is the child bride going?
TIPPER TRUCK
What
child bride?
RICHO RICHARDSON
Lisa.
Lisa, wasn't it? The blond. The blond who went with the Daiwoo.
TIPPER TRUCK
It
was a Lexus. Lisa and I have separated.
RICHO RICHARDSON
Sorry
to hear it.
CHRIS MACKLIN
I
reckon the fucking feminists have a lot to answer for. Last I heard Sue was
- (running with a pack of feral feminists).
ROBYN FIELD
Oh
please.
TIPPER TRUCK
You
should talk! You were married, weren't you? What happened there?
TUGGER TEAGUE
Come
on fellas - and Robyn - we're not here to rake over the ashes, are we?
LEON SMITH
That's
right, we're here to .... (TO GEOFFREY BLAKELEY) Geoff ... Geoffrey...
didn't you come up from the seconds to play
in that match against Manly when Tommo was away?
I remember some bloke ....
From the other side
of the room comes a chant -
Tigger, wigger, rum pa pa,
Hin-ie
slather carapaaa.
Ra!
Ra!
Some around the
bar join in.
Ootoo
wall-ie batter tam,
kreut-zer
bar, give them bam.
Here
comes Pine Grove
Ra!
Ra! Ram!!
14 INT. RECEPTION
ROOM LITTLE LATER 14
About eighty are
seated at the tables in the Reception Room. Orbo Mackeith sits in the centre of
the rectangular Official Table, to his right is Daisy Oates, Bishop Colin
Bradley is to Orbo's left, Steve Doanldson should be at that end of the table
but he is standing, in conference with Orbo. On the other side of Daisy is a
vacant place then Tony Passmore, is at the end of the table. Steve Donaldson
and Orbo Mackeith decide something and Steve leaves the Official Table and
approaches Tugger Teague's (round?) Table. Geoffrey is the central camera
reference point for this table. Geoffrey is seated between Tugger and Robyn
Field. On the other side of Tugger is Richo Richardson then Giovanni, Tipper,
Tommo, Comet, Leon Smith and Chris Macklin is on the other side of Robyn from
Geoffrey (see illustration for both table set-ups).
15 INT. TUGGER'S
TABLE LATER 15
STEVE DONALDSON
[APPROACHING
TUGGER] Excuse me Tugger, could I have a word
with you?
Tugger rises and
falls into conference with Steve a little way away. It is clear Tugger is
rejecting an offer Steve is making for Tugger to take the vacant space at the
official table. Tugger returns to his place and Steve returns to official
table.
COMET HALEY
[PEEVED]
What was that all about, Tugger?
TUGGER TEAGUE
Oh
nothing much. They're worried Andy Swan mightn't make it.
COMET HALEY
What's
that got to do with you?
TUGGER TEAGUE
Christ
knows, mate.
COMET HALEY
Don't
know why they're worried about him, just because he's a judge, doesn't
mean all that much these days. He got into a bit
of trouble over that comment he made ... [LOOKING AROUND] remember?
The thing he said about property settlement
when the wife's been working. Remember that?
No-one wants to
discuss it.
Very
old-fashioned attitude. It wasn't my decision to put him at
the official table. Steve's hopeless. Don't know what they've got
him up there for, he's just the Secretary.
GEOFFREY BLAKELEY
He
organised this, didn't he?
COMET HALEY
So
he's telling - (everyone).
O/S ringing of a
bell.
16 INT. OFFICIAL
TABLE SAME
16
President Orbo
Mackeith is on his feet, Steve Donaldson is ringing the bell.
ORBO MACKEITH
Good
evening ... Good - Could we have a bit of shush please?
There are a few
Shhh's from the audience but most people carry on their conversations.
(LOUDER)
Could I have your attention please? As most of you know, this is - (the
thirtieth anniversary of the 1969 HSC class from
Pine Grove High).
Steve Donaldson
rings the bell violently.
(IRRITATED
GLANCE AT STEVE) I'd like to welcome you all to ...
The audience
noise is gradually subsiding through the following ...
...
the thirtieth anniversary of the 1969 Chapter of the Pine Grove
Old Boys Association. I'd like to welcome you all and wish a good evening
of catching up with old mates some of whom
you mightn't have seen for quite some time. I'd like to just extend a
special welcome to our distinguished Old Boy Timothy
- [GLANCES AT DAISY OATES] Dr Timothy Oates - [AFFECTED,
SELF-DEPRECATING GESTURE FROM DAISY OATES, WHO
SAYS SOMETHING TO ORBO MACKEITH]. Sorry, that's Mr Oates
these days. He seems to have risen above being Doctor to being a mere
mortal again. [DAISY LOOKS ANNOYED AT THIS]
Daisy, as some of you may remember him has made quite a reputation
for himself as an plastic surgeon, following
on from his experiences in Vietnam
as a dentist. But
I'll leave all that to Mr Oates himself for his post prandial address.
17 INT. TUGGER'S
TABLE SAME 17
A WAITER with a
bottle in each hand is offering white or red wine.
CHRIS MACKLIN
[LEANING
ACROSS GIOVANNI MARTINEELI TOWARDS TUGGER TEAGUE]
What's his rep, Tugger?
ROBYN FIELD
To
the right of Genghis Khan. [TO WAITER] Excuse me, just a minute
...
She dives under
the table and surfaces with her shoulder bag from which she pulls a bottle of
red wine.
[TO
WAITER] Would you have this opened for me?
The Waiter takes
the wine and exits.
18 INT. OFFICIAL
TABLE SAME 18
ORBO MACKEITH
I'm sure I'm speaking on your behalf in extending our thanks to
those who put the hard yakka into setting up this evening for us - our
Secretary, Steve here, Steve Donaldson [THERE IS A SPRINKLING OF
APPLAUSE] ... We'll keep our applause till the
end thanks ... Um Treasurer Tony Passmore
[ANOTHER SPRINKLING
AT WHICH ORBO MACKEITH RAISES HIS HAND] and
all the other members of the committee who have worked so hard to
make this night a succ- happen. Gentlemen,
I ask you to be upstanding.
His table all
stand, there is the sound of the room getting to its feet.
[ADDRESSING WAITERS] Everyone got a glass? Gentlemen, the Queen.
The Official
Party raises its glass.
There is a
mixture of shocked silence overlain with a few voices murmuring 'The Queen',
'Her Majesty'.
QUEENY VOICE (V/O O/S)
Oh
thank you.
INDIGNANT VOICE (V/O O/S)
Bullshit!
CHORUS OF INDIGNANT VOICES (V/O O/S)
Yeah,
bullshit.}
On
the Republic.}
Get
rid of her.}
Republic,
yes, Monarchy no.}
You've
got to be kidding.
ORBO MACKEITH
[LOOKING
ALARMED] While you're all upstanding I'll just get the Bishop Colin
Bradley here to perform the necessaries.
Bishop Bradley
rises, he raises his hands to still the room, this is not immediately
effective.
IRRELIGIOUS VOICE (V/O O/S)
Got
religion did you Bradley?
Bishop Bradley
scans crowd in alarm. Composes himself, closes his eyes, bows his head.
BISHOP BRADLEY
Dear
Lord, thank you for bringing us together tonight in witness to your
goodness and grace in preserving our lives and
allowing us to prosper in peace and happiness.
We
would like you to extend your ...
19 INT. THE
RECEPTION ROOM SAME 19
As Bishop
Bradley intones the camera pans the Reception Room. Waiters are still filling
glasses, some of the Goshawks are sitting down, Chris Macklin and Robyn Field
included. The Waiter returns with her bottle opened and she pours herself some
wine, offers some to Chris who raises his glass to find it's already got wine
in it. He downs that and proffers his glass to Robyn. Other Goshawks are looking
around, one is waving across the room at someone he's spotted, one is glaring
angrily ... most have their heads bowed in prayer.
BISHOP BRADLEY
(V/O O/S)
...
mercy to those of us unable to attend through misadventure or
illness. We thank you for extending your forgiveness for our
sins and ask that you bless all those gathered here and their own ...
YAWNING VOICE (V/O O/S)
Huge
melodramatic yawn.
Titters of
laughter.
BISHOP BRADLEY
(V/O O/S)
...
We thank you for your bounty in our lives, for bringing us together
... and for the food we are about
to receive.
20 INT. TUGGER
TEAGUE'S TABLE SAME 20
BISHOP BRADLEY (V/O O/S)
Amen.
Chorus of Amens.
A bread roll flies across and hits Chris Macklin on the head. Immediately, he
is on his feet, roll snatched up, arm back ready to fling it, eyes scanning the
room for his attacker.
21 INT RECEPTION
ROOM SAME 21
Chris Macklin's
POV. The Official Table is sitting down, Orbo Mackeith is leaning across Daisy
Oates to console Bishop Bradley, everywhere others are sitting, pouring wine,
turning to talk to their neighbours, random faces are staring straight ahead or
at the floor as if wondering at the mistake they've made in coming. Chris
Macklin's POV rests on his own table, Tugger rises and goes towards a waiter,
inquires about something. Waiter points to Gents and Tugger heads in that
direction. Robyn Field is observing Tugger Teague. Chris Macklin's POV goes
back to scanning the room for his attacker. We see the HEAD WAITER hurrying the
waiters out with the food to get things under way.
22 INT. TUGGER
TEAGUE'S TABLE SAME 22
CHRIS MACKLIN
[TO
ROBYN FIELD] Did you see who it was Fieldsy?
Robyn Field
shrugs.
Well,
did you?
ROBYN FIELD
No.
It was probably aimed at me. Forget it.
Chris Macklin
has a 'not bloody likely' expression.
GIOVANNI GRAZIANO
[TO
ROBYN FIELD] So you've stayed in touch with Tugger?
ROBYN FIELD
No,
not exactly. We work in the same area. He's a Senior Registrar.
GIOVANNI GRAZIANO
Where?
ROBYN FIELD
St.
Francis's.
GEOFFREY BLAKELEY
What
do you do these days, Giovanni?
GIOVANNI GRAZIANO
I'm
still in Law.
TOMMO TOMLINSON
What
area?
GIOVANI MARTINEELI
I'm
a barrister. Family law.
RICHO RICHARDSON}
[SARCASTIC]
Oh nice.
TIPPER TRUCK}
[TO
GIOVANNI] Shit, mate.
23 INT TOILET
CUBICLE SAME 23
We see hands
manipulating a pethidine phial and syringe, drawing pethidine into syringe.
Then Tugger seated on the toilet injecting himself.
24 INT. TUGGER'S
TABLE SAME 24
Richo
Richardson's POV - Geoffrey Blakeley is clearly smitten by WAITER SVEN. As
Geoffrey raises his hand to take a sip of wine C U of his cufflinks, they are
plain square gold worn smooth with a large ruby in them.
25 INT. TUGGER'S
TABLE SAME 25
WAITER SVEN
Good
evening sirs, my name's Sven, I'm your waiter for tonight. For entrées
we have a choice of beef ravioli with a rich
tomato sauce or stir fried medallions of emu with bok choy and oyster
sauce. (HIS PENCIL POISED OVER A PAD, TO GEOFFREY)
You first, sir ...?
TOMMO TOMLINSON
What
was that again?
CHRIS MACKLIN
I'll
have a dozen oysters.
COMET HALEY
[TO
GEOFFREY] Did he say oysters? I thought he said 'emu'. [LAUGHS].
WAITER SVEN
[TO
CHRIS MACKLIN] Sir, the choice is ... (rich tomato sauce or stir
fried medallions of emu with bok choy and oyster sauce).
26 INT. RECEPTION
ROOM SAME 26
Tugger Teague
enters, Tugger proceeds aross room, tables greet him as he passes - he's a very
popular fellow. All over the Reception Room the Waiters are in trouble over entrée
choices.
27 INT RECEPTION
ROOM SAME 27
Tugger's stoned
POV as he crosses Reception Room. V/O's to emphasise Tugger's distance from the
turmoil.
A Waiter is
standing by as the Head Waiter deals with this.
VEGAN (V/O)
But
I'm a vegan.
HEAD WAITER (V/O)
[TO
VEGAN] Sir, we weren't given any special dietary considerations. I'd
ike to suggest the stir fried emu - it has vegetables
with it.
Another table.
GOSHAWK FATHER (V/O)
[TO
A TABLE OF GOSHAWKS] The littlest tacker's going next year. I want him to
go.
CONCERNED GOSHAWK (V/O)
But
it's a two hour train ride from your place.
GOSHAWK FATHER (V/O)
He'd
better get used to it.
Another table.
1ST TUGGER GREETER (V/O)
Tug,
come and have a drink. Where are you sitting?
Another Table.
BAD NEWS GOSHAWK (V/O)
He
fell off a roof.
His table looks
shocked.
SHOCKED GOSHAWK (V/O)
Where
was this? When?
Another table.
2ND TUGGER GREETER (V/O)
Tug,
mate ... There's room here.
TALE TELLER
Yeah,
he's retired to Cairns. Made a packet in health foods.
28 INT TUGGER'S
TABLE LATER 28
Tugger arrives
back looking blissed. Robyn Field
casts him a worried look. As he sits ...
RICHO RICHARDSON
You
look happy, Tug.
TIPPER TRUCK}
Emu
or ravioli, mate?
TOMMO TOMLINSON}
We've
got emu for dinner, mate.
TUGGER TEAGUE
[TAKING
IT ALL IN IN ONE STONED GLANCE - TO WAITER SVEN]
Emu'll be fine.
CHRIS MACKLIN
[TO
SVEN] I'll have a beer - Gold Classic. I can't eat any of that.
[INDICATING BOTTLES PROVIDED] I can't drink that either.
WAITER SVEN
At
the bar, sir, I can't serve alcohol.
CHRIS MACKLIN
Well
send someone who can, for fuck's sake. What sort of a dump is this?
COMET HALEY
Unbelievable!
If you don't do a thing yourself ... [RISING] I'm going up to see Orbo
about this, it's ridiculous. EXITS.
29 INT. TUGGER'S
TABLE SAME 29
Richo
Richardson's POV so his predatory focus on Geoffrey Blakeley's cufflinks is
established. At the end of the scene Richo is startled to find all attention
has shifted to his attention.
Waiter Sven looks
at Robyn Field for her order
ROBYN FIELD
Ravioli.
Waiter Sven
cannot get Chris Macklin's attention, he's again searching the room for his
attacker. Waiter Sven continues writing down choices. In the background we hear
Leon then Tommo and Tipper order ravioli, Gionvanni Graziano orders emu as the
following takes place.
C U of Geoffrey
Blakeley.
RICHO RICHARDSON (V/O
O/S)
[TO
GEOFFREY BLAKELEY] Nice cufflinks.
LEON SMITH (V/O O/S)
I'll
have the ravioli.
GEOFFREY BLAKELEY
Oh.
(LOOKING AT THEM). Yes. I hardly ever get to wear them.
TOMMO TOMLINSON (V/O O/S)
Ravioli.
RICHO RICHARDSON (V/O
O/S)
Rubies,
are they?
GEOFFREY BLAKELEY}
My
uncle left them to me.
TIPPER TRUCK (V/O O/S)
The
same.
RICHO RICHARDON (V/O O/S)
Did
pretty well for himself, did he?
GEOFFREY BLAKELEY
He
did O K for himself. He was a mining engineer - never made a fortune - not
for himself in any case.
RICHO RICHARDSON (V/O
OS)
It's
often the way.
GIOVANNI GRAZIANO (backgroundV/O O/S)}
I'll
try the emu.
Silence as ...
GEOFFREY BLAKELEY
He
got these on a gig up in Mianmar - it's big gem country.
RICHO RICHARDSON (V/O
O/S)
[
GLANCES AT GEOFFREY'S LAP, CHUCKLES IN AN EROTICALLY INSINUATING WAY] I
can see that.
Robyn Field
clears her throat to draw everyone's as well as Richo's attention to the
situation.
Richo's POV
swings to Waiter Sven. He has finished taking the others' orders and unknown to
Richo, the table has fallen quiet as Sven waited for Richo's attention;
everyone has tuned into his conversation with Geoffrey.
LEON SMITH
[TO
GEOFFREY] Is he still up there?
30 INT. TUGGER'S
TABLE SAME
30
Richo Richardson
looks sprung for a second and then covers it by giving Sven his attention.
RICHO RICHARDSON
[TO
WAITER SVEN] Oh, sorry mate, deep in conversation. I'll have the ... What
was it again?
WAITER SVEN
Ravioli
in a rich tomato sauce or stir fried emu - (with bok choy and oyster
sauce)
RICHO RICHARDSON
The
raviolo'll do.
ROBYN FIELD
[TO
GEOFFREY] I've been promising myself some saphire studs since I got my
promotion.
TIPPER TRUCK
I
reckon you'd need a few.
ROBYN FIELD
What
do you mean by that? I think you've got a bit of a misunderstanding
running there, Tip Truck you fuck, I'm a woman4women
type transexual.
TIPPER TRUCK
A
what?
CHRIS MACKLIN
[NOW DRUNK AND HELPING HIMSELF TO ROBYN'S WINE] Don't listen to them
Rob mate, get some Aussie saphires. They've got beauties up in the Kimberley,
diamonds too, yellow diamonds. Yellow as piss.
31 INT. RECEPTION
ROOM 30 MINS LATER 31
The Waiters are
clearing up after the entrée. The Goshawks have settled down. Some are table
hopping. Some of the tables have tarnished or polished sporting trophies on
them. Pennants for sporting prowess are lying here and there. There is an old
cricket bat autographed by the team and a worn football on another table. The
notice board has a crowd gathered in front of it, pointing and talking. Chris
Macklin is at the bar with a few others. Comet Haley has ensconced himself in
the empty place at the Official Table where he is boring Tony Passmore to
death. Richo is giving his attention to Giovanni, Tommo and Tipper. Geoffrey is
on the outside of this group.
32 INT. TUGGER'S
TABLE MOMENT LATER 32
Richo, Giovanni,
Tommo and Tipper.
GIOVANNI GRAZIANO
[ANSWERING
TOMMO'S INQUIRY] She's finished uni now. She's practising
Law - Company. What are yours up to?
TOMMO TOMLINSON
Mike's
settled down to retail, he's got a steady girlfriend, calls her
his 'partner'. The girl's not much good at the moment.
RICHO RICHARDSON
What's
she doing?
TOMMO TOMLINSON
Finished
doing Medicine, now she's backpacking in Asia.
TIPPER TRUCK
By
herself?
TOMMO TOMLINSON
No.
Her no-hoper boyfriend's with her. Says she wants to practice in that
part of the world. I told Shena we oughtn't to let
her do her work - (experience) what do they call it? - intern thing in Thailand.
They had her working with ... AIDS people
and the like.
Tipper Truck
gets up and starts towards the bar.
RICHO RICHARDSON
[TO
TIPPER] Where're you off to?
TIPPER TRUCK
Looking
for some old mates, that's what we're here for, isn't it?
Tipper continues
on his way.
GIOVANNI GRAZIANO
[GETTING
UP AND CALLING AFTER TIPPER] I'll join you! I thought
I saw Piet Hals. (TO OTHERS) Remember him? Turned out to be a
fantastic architect, did my (cousin's husband's extensions) - Is old
Sabre Tooth really here? Wino told me - (he'd
had a word with him).
TOMMO TOMLINSON
Yeah,
he's here. The old bastard gave me the cane for not doing my homework.
Music! What homework? (Getting up) I'll
come with you.
33 INT. NOTICE
BOARD SOON
AFTER 33
Group of
Goshawks including VIETNAM GOSHAW, Steel Rudd and Wino McWilliams discussing
items pinned on it.
STEEL RUDD
[POINTING
TO A FACE IN AND OLD SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPH] What
happened to ... What's his name again?
WINO MCWILLIAMS
[LOOKING]
Louis Galbraith, isn't it?
VIETNAM GOSHAWK
Vietnam.
WINO MCWILLIAMS
What's
he doing now?
VIETNAM GOSHAWK
Not
a lot.
The group looks
puzzled, then appalled as they realise Louis Galbraith is dead.
34 INT. THE
BAR SAME 34
Group at the Bar
includes Chris Macklin, of course.
Tipper
approaches the bar.
CHRIS MACKLIN
(To
TIPPER) Here you are you fucking shagging bastard. (TO BARMAID) He was
always talking about the sheilas he'd got to do
this and that. Remember that time you told me you got your uncle's secretary
to pull you off? I believed you. (TO BARMAID)
I believed the bastard! I didn't know he was a windbag.
I was naive.
TIPPER TRUCK
You
were the last cab off the rank, mate. So shut up.
CHRIS MACKLIN
At
least ... You know what Sue told me Penny told her?
TIPPER TRUCK
Shut
the fuck up Macklin! Or I'll job ya.
35 EXT. OUTSIDE
HOTEL KITCHEN SAME
35
A couple of KITCHEN
HANDS and a Waiter are smoking. Near them a group of three Goshawks are doing
the same - desperately, furtively, one has cigarette cupped by his hand, they
seem to be on the look out for teachers who might spring them.
36 INT. WOMEN'S
TOILET SAME 36
Robyn Field She
dumps her bag in front of the mirror. C U - examines her make-up, runs fingers
over beard area, takes out a cosmetic case, dabs at her face with a foundation
sponge, takes out lipstick, applies it determinedly, rolls her lips together,
dabs at her eye lashes with mascara applicator. Examines herself. Sighs. Packs
it all away. Gives herself a hard look.
ROBYN FIELD
It's
now or never. Just say it.
Exits.
37 RECEPTION
ROOM MOMENT
LATER
37
ORBO MACKEITH (V/O O/S)
Could
you return to your places please gentlemen? We've arranged for a half
hour between the main course and sweets and
coffee for mingling and catching up.
No-one takes any
notice of him
Tugger's table
POV. Robyn cutting a swathe in her path as she makes her way from the Ladies
back to the table. The Goshawks turn and stare after her, pass comments. She
continues towards Tugger's table oblivious, she looks very determined.
38 TUGGER'S
TABLE MOMENT
LATER 38
Tugger is
talking to Richo and Geoffrey. Tugger and Geoffrey go to stand as Robyn approaches,
Richo looks puzzled, smiles his sly, sardonic smile and goes to stand too.
ROBYN
[SITTING
DOWN] Oh please, I'm not the kind of woman who expects gallantries.
As the three men
are sitting Waiter Sven approaches the table and stands behind Robyn, she
doesn't see him but the others do.
(TO
RICHO AND GEOFFREY) Could you give Tugger and me a moment please?
Tugger looks
alarmed, Geoffrey and Richo puzzled. Then Geoffrey gets she wants a private word
with Tugger. As he goes to stand indicating for Richo to come with him, Tugger indicates
Waiter Sven to Robyn. She turns to Sven who hands her a bill on a saucer.
ORBO MACKEITH (V/O O/S)
[GETTING
IRRITATED] Gentlemen! Return to your seats. The staff are waiting to
take your orders for the main course - fish or
chicken.
There are
scattered (V/O O/S) groans from the Goshawks.
Robyn Field
casts a frustrated glance towards the Official Table then returns her attention
to Sven.
ROBYN FIELD
[TO
SVEN, INDICATING BILL] What's this?
WAITER SVEN
Your
account. For corkage.
ROBYN FIELD
For
what? For opening a bottle of wine? You've got to be joking.
WAITER SVEN
I
am not joking.
ROBYN FIELD
Neither
am I and I'm not paying it. Where's your supervisor?
Richo gets up
and leads Geoffrey away. Tugger also escapes.
39 INT. RECEPTION
ROOM LATER 39
Richo and
Geoffrey are part of a group, including Tommo Tomlinson and Vietnam Goshawk, talking
to an ancient man, this is SABRE TOOTHED LYONS, their old music teacher.
SABRE TOOTHED LYONS
[TO
GEOFFREY] Oh yes, you were the one with the religious parents who wouldn't
let you join the cadet corps. -}We couldn't
have that sort of thing.
ORBO MACKEITH (V/O O/S)
Gentlemen,
if you don't return to your seats some of you will miss out on your
main (course) - Come on you blokes, get a move
on!
Tigger, wigger, rum, pa pa,
Hin-ie
slather, caraparaa
...
40 INT. OFFICAL
TABLE SAME 40
Orbo Mackeith is
holding the mike towards himself. Comet Haley is ineffectually ringing a fork
against a wine glass in time with the chant. Bishop Bradley is glaring at the
room and Daisy Oates, Tony Passmore and Steve Donaldson are conspicuous by
their absence.
41 RECEPTION
ROOM FOLLOWING
ON 41
SABRE TOOTHED LYONS
...
Only boys who joined the cadets could learn a band instrument. (TO
GEOFFREY) What were they, Quakers? I always
said if a man wasn't prepared to fight to protect his - (country).
VIETNAM GOSHAWK
Oh
shut it, you pathetic old war monger, you don't know what you're
talking about.
Turns on his
heel and exits.
TOMMO TOMLINSON
[JONING
VIETNAM GOSHAWK] Yeah, and you caned me for nothing
too, you old fool.
42 INT. RECEPTION
ROOM LATER 42
The Goshawks
have finished the main course. The Waiters are gathering up the plates in an
attempt to hurry proceedings. As the camera pans over them we can just hear the
ringing of Comet's fork against his wine glass.
43 INT.
TUGGER'S TABLE SAME 43
Chris Macklin's
plate is almost untouched, he is pouring himself more wine. A Waiter leans
forward to ask if he's finished, he waves 'yes, get rid of the plate'. Richo is
talking winningly to Geoffrey across Tugger, who is chatting to Giovanni.
Tugger is about to get up to change places with Richo so the crossing
conversations are freed when Robyn touches him on the elbow.
ROBYN
(TO
TUGGER) We either have an informal chat now or it'll have to
be an official one in my office.
Tugger sinks
back in his chair.
44 INT. OFFICIAL
TABLE MOMENT LATER 44
Steve
Donaldson's POV. Robyn and Tugger get up and start to walk across the Reception
Room.
STEVE DONALDSON (V/O
O/S)
[TO
DAISY OATES - OF ROBYN] Look at that! I can't stand that sort
of thing.
45 INT. OFFICIAL
TABLE SAME 45
Steve Donaldson
has just made his comment to Daisy. Orbo is standing, leaning over, tapping the
mike, trying to get everyone's attention. Comet is still ringing his glass.
A sort of
attention is gained as Orbo introduces Daisy Oates.
ORBO MACKEITH
Brother
Old Goshawks, I'm sure we've had a fine time. We'd like to thank the
staff of the Stanley Chasm Room for their fine
service, particularly Miss Tracey Nguyen who unfortunately
couldn't be in attendance herself personally tonight.
I'm sure you've all enjoyed yourself and caught up. I know there's a lot
to say but there is a time limit - oh, the man
in charge asked me to remind you that the bar closes and any of you
wishing to take more refreshment ... He advises
there are several bars at nearby hotels, the Intercontinental
- that might be a bit pricey - which stay open
late or the Taxi Club. Some of you can probably tell us where that is.
Now
I'd like to introduce our Guest Speaker, someone you all remember
I'm sure and someone who's done very well for himself
in the distinguished field of ... surgery.
Most
of you will know him as Daisy - not because he's [FLAPPING WRIST] 'like
that' but ... (LEANING OVER DAISY) how'd
you get the nickname, Daisy?
Daisy rises,
shrugging the question off. Orbo pushes the mike in front of him and starts to
fiddle around adjusting the height but Daisy pushes the mike firmly aside.
DAISY OATES
I
won't be needing that.
Some
of you blokes missed out on a great opportunity. You might remember I
joined the army so they could put me through
Dentistry. Now, I've copped some flack because Vietnam
was on and there were a lot of these protesters about stirring up
trouble. All you had to do was a basic training
and I wasn't a burden on my olds, not as much as some others. You met
great mates too. That didn't make me popular
in some quarters. But you learn to be tolerant. Up in Saigon I got to help
out with some reconstruction - we did the basic
bolting and screwing. -
INTERRUPTING GOSHAWK (V/O O/S)
I
bet.
Some laughter.
DAISY OATES
And
then we'd send then down to Sydney or Adelaide - fine work being done in
Adelaide - for the tidying up. Now I saw an
opportunity. This bloke - old Mike, Colonel Mike Farrell ...
46 INT. GENT'S
TOILET SAME 46
Tugger and Robyn
are taking a piss at the trough, Robyn has her skirt hoiked up in front. They
move to the basins to wash their hands. This time Robyn brushes down the front
of her dress. She scrutinises Tugger in the mirror.
TUGGER TEAGUE
[GLANCING
AT ROBYN IN THE MIRROR] Well what?
R0BYN FIELD
You
know what.
TUGGER TEAGUE
I'm
not sure I do.
ROBYN FIELD
You're
going to make me spell it out, are you?
Tugger looks
down, turns tap off, goes over to hand-drier.
Robyn turns around
to face him, she waits for the drier to finish.
They're
onto you.
TUGGER TEAGUE
[STILL
NOT TURNING AROUND] Who's 'they'?
ROBYN FIELD
Probably
everyone Tugger but what counts is Administration.
Silence
Don't
force the issue.
TUGGER TEAGUE
What
- (issue)? [TURNING TO FACE HER] What's it got to do with Administration?
I'm doing my job, nobody's complained ...
have they?
ROBYN FIELD
Not
yet Tugger. But I'm running the hospital now and I'm not having
it.
She moves
towards him.
You
can beat it, I've seen it done. There are programs.
Silence.
I'm
not having it in my hospital.
47 INT. RECEPTION
ROOMMOMENT LATER 47
Daisy Oates'
POV.
DAISY OATES (V/O O/S)
So
if any of you blokes have wives or girlfriends who could do with
a bit more bounce in their bust remember -
Robyn Field
walks out of Gents and across the Reception Room.
Daisy spots
Robyn.
We
could talk about mates' rates. (CALLING OUT TO ROBYN)
I'm sure Matron Field wouldn't mind personally giving
me a recommendation if any - (of you blokes need reassurance).
The football
flies at Robyn and knocks her wig off. She picks it and the football up.
A few guffaws.
FOOTBALL GOSHAWK (V/0)
You
were supposed to catch it!
Robyn Field
hauls back and is about to hurl it back when she changes her mind and drops it.
SCRUM GOSHAWK pounces on ball and hurls it at Daisy Oates as Robyn Field
continues on her way towards Tugger's table.
48 INT. OFFICIAL
TABLE SAME 48
The football
smacks Daisy Oates in the face.
Shock then some
cheers.
Comet Haley
rushes to see if Daisy is O K.
SUGGESTION GOSHAWK (V/O O/S)
Now
you can get one of your mates to straighten your nose, Daisy.
GOOD IDEA GOSHAWK (V/O O/S)
While
he's at it he can give you a facelift
Daisy pushes
Comet aside, retrieves football and hurls it back into the Reception Room.
49 INT. RECEPTION
ROOM SAME 49
Robyn Field goes
over to Tugger's table gathers up her bag, waves good-bye to her table mates
and exits in a composed way, still carrying her wig.
A Goshawk throws
a chicken drumstick at another table. Chris Macklin is missing this because he
has passed out on the table.
The Head Waiter
is hurrying the Waiters out with trays of sweets and jugs of coffee.
50 INT. LOBBY LATER 50
Tugger is
walking out, he is a very solitary
figure.
51 INT.
RECEPTION
ROOM SAME 51
Steve Donaldson
is leaving with Steel Rudd, Comet is fussing while Tony Passmore closes the registration
table. Tony gives the registration sheet to Comet and heads towards the bar. Richo
is looking on while Geoffrey tries to rouse Chris Macklin at Tugger's table.
Daisy is mixing with some other Goshawks, looking relaxed and happy for the
first time. Giovanni Graziano is showing Wino McWilliams some family photos.
52 INT. TUGGER'S
TABLE SAME 52
Tipper
approaches Geoffrey, Richo and an awakening Chris.
TIPPER
Come
on, let's get this bastard to his room. [HELPING CHRIS TO HIS
FEET] What room number you drunken bastard?
O/S from other
side of the room low chorus of Fight!
Fight! Fight!.
53 INT. OTHER
SIDE OF ROOM SAME 53
Leon Smith is
trying to separate two of the smokers who are now unsteadily shaping up for a
fight - they are drunk.
LEON SMITH
Come
on you blokes, we can sort this out, you're making fools -
(of yourselves).
FIGHTER 1
[DRUNKEN
- TO OTHER FIGHTER] Outside!
54 INT. TUGGER'S
TABLE SAME 54
Tipper is
helping Chris away. They exit.
RICHO RICHARDSON
[TO
GEOFFREY BLAKELEY] What's your room number?
Geoffrey looks
surprised.
GEOFFREY BLAKELEY
I
don't know. Why?
RICHO RICHARDSON
I
was just wondering ...[PULLING OUT KEY] Mine's 706. I think they
put us all on the same floor.
Geoffrey pulls
out his key.
GEOFFREY BLAKELEY
No,
I'm not on the seventh floor.
55 INT. BAR MOMENT
LATER 55
The Barmaid is
finishing her packing up. She looks up as Tony Passmore approaches.
TONY PASSMORE
How'd
it go?
Barmaid shrugs.
No
trouble?
BARMAID
Nothing
I couldn't handle.
TONY PASSMORE
Good.
They can be a rough bunch.
How're
you getting home?
BARMAID
The
usual way. Why?
TONY PASSMORE
I
don't like to think of an attractive woman like you out there alone.
56 INT. HOTEL
RECEPTION LATER 56
Richo is talking
to the Receptionist who is clearly impressed by his looks.
RICHO RICHARDSON
He
left his mobile.
RECEPTIONIST
[CHECKING
SCREEN] It's 802, Mr Richardson.
57 EXT. OUTSIDE
HOTEL KITCHEN SAME 57
The fight is in
progress. It is a pathetic ballet of drunken lurches and hopelessly judged
swipes.
WINO MCWILLIAMS
This
is pathetic, I'm getting out of here.
58 EXT BACK
ALLEY MOMENT
LATER 58
A taxi pulls
away.
C U Wino - he
looks astonished.
59 INT. TAXI MOMENT
LATER 59
The Barmaid and
Tony Passmore are in the back seat.
TONY PASSMORE
A lovely girl like you might have a
close friend - you know, an
intimate girlfriend, wouldn't she?
WAITRESS
[CONSIDERS
THIS] I might. But my ... close girlfriend has rather
expensive ... she's exclusive.
TONY PASSMORE
We
could talk about that together. I'm rather flush at the moment.
BARMAID
[GETTING
OUT MOBILE] Yes, I heard you did well out of tonight.
60 INT. OUTSIDE
ROOM 802 LATER
60
Richo Richardson
is knocking softly. He glances to both sides then tries door. Knocks more
loudly.
61 INT. CAR SAME 61
Two pairs of
dinner suit trouser clad knees, one driving.
STEVE DONALDSON (V/O
O/S)
That
was a disgrace! Can't believe ... Bloody terrible! That was the
last time. I tell you, you won't catch me at - (another of those
things).
A hand comes across
from driving seat and squeezes knee.
I'm
resigning as Secretary.
Close up of Steve
Donaldson and Steel Rudd. Steel is driving, one hand on Steve Donaldson's knee
62 EXT. ROOM
802 MOMENT
LATER 62
Geoffrey
Blakeley just from shower, towel wrapped around his waist, opens the door,
looks surprised.
RICHO RICHARDSON
[GLANCING
UP AND DOWN GEOFFREY] Found you. I thought you
might have some whisky in your fridge, they seem to have forgotten to
fill mine. Felt like a nightcap.
Geoffrey
hesitates, stands back to let Richo in.
GEOFFREY BLAKELEY
I
don't know, I haven't looked, maybe ... (they don't supply whisky).
Retreating towards
bathroom ...
Indicating
fridge.
You
have a look, I'll just put something on.
63 INT. ROOM
802 MOMENT
LATER 63
Richo enters the
room. The bathroom door shuts. He is immediately keenly alert. He glides across
the room towards the dinner jacket lying on the bed, frisks it for wallet - not
there. He turns, sees it on coffee table, gets to it, opens it - it has about thirty-five
dollars in it. He looks annoyed but pockets this, replaces wallet on table.
Looks around again, sees the dinner shirt with the cufflinks still in them on
the bed, gets to them, extracts one from its sleeve, steps back from bed as
bathroom door opens. Geoffrey emerges in a hotel terry towelling bathrobe. He
looks surprised to see Richo near the bed.
RICHO RICHARDSON
[AGAIN
TRYING THE SEDUCTIVE UP AND DOWN THE BODY GLANCE)
Just having a look. Nice room. Mine's
a bit different.
GEOFFREY BLAKELEY
What's
your game?
RICHO RICHARDSON
I
could ask you the same thing.
64 INT. PACIFIC
CLASSROOM AFTERNOON 64
Melanesian
children looking at the board and copying things down.
Sound of a motor
boat.
C U Child
looking out the window.
PACIFIC CHILD
[S/HE
SMILES] Brother Patrick! Brother Patrick has returned
65 EXT.
WHARF AFTERNOON 65
Motorised canoe
with Melanesian at tiller pulls into wharf. Geoffrey gets out. He is wearing travel
clothes. The canoe man hands him a bag. Geoffrey thanks him and waves as the
canoe pulls away. Then he turns to walk up to the school.
SCHOOL CHILDREN(V/O O/S)
[CALLING]
Hullo. Hullo Brother Anthony.
Brother Anthony
aka Geoffrey Blakeley smiles radiantly and waves to the children.
66 EXT. GRAVE
NEAR LAGOON
SUNSET 66
The wooden cross
has ...
BROTHER GEOFFREY BLAKELEY
1952 2001
on it.
Geoffrey, now Brother
Anthony in a white surplice is sitting, communing with the tomb.
BROTHER ANTHONY (aka GEOFFREY BLAKELEY)
Well
Geoffrey, they were like you said.
Cost
me a few dollars and a cufflink.
[PATS
THE CROSS] It was worth it.
FIN
