Hillary (2016) s01e01 Episode Script
Standing Tall
GRASS RUSTLES BIRD CALLS CHANTING CHANTING INTENSIFIES ALL CONTINUE CHANTING CYMBAL CLANGS INSTRUMENTS RESOUND [PLAYS OFF NOTE.]
SENTIMENTAL MUSIC CHEERFUL MUSIC Turkey Istanbul.
Who knows what the capital was called before the first world war? Hmm? Somebody? Anybody? Hillary.
You should know this.
Your father was wounded at Gallipoli.
- Constantinople, sir? - Yes, Constantinople.
Correct.
The only boy with brains.
Teacher's pet.
- Just cos you're dumb.
- CHILDREN CHUCKLE TRANQUIL MUSIC - Hey, Ed.
- Hi.
Wanna come eeling? [SIGHS.]
I can't.
Sorry, Moana.
Mum says we have to come straight home after school.
Someday, maybe.
Someday.
TRANQUIL MUSIC CONTINUES GATE SQUEAKS - Hi, Mum.
- Edmund, your father wants to see you.
I think you know what it's about.
He's waiting for you.
UNSETTLING MUSIC - THUD! - Ow! - THUD! - Ow! - THUD! - Ow! - THUD! - Ah! Admit it, Ed.
I know it was you.
Just say you stole the grapes, and I'll stop.
- THUD! - Ow! - THUD! - Ah! - THUD! THUD! - Ow! Ow! - Damn you, Ed! - STICK CLATTERS [SNIFFLES.]
Did ya say it was me? - Did ya? - Nah.
- Does it sting? - Yeah.
PLAYFUL MUSIC What do you reckon? Shall we destroy the evidence? Oh, merciful Lord, bless this food, as we remember those less fortunate than ourselves, who through no fault of their own are denied seats at the tables of plenty.
Amen.
OTHERS: Amen.
- Would you like me to make you something else, Ed? - No.
Do you know what's happening in America right now, Ed? The poor can't afford food, but rather than sell it at a price they can afford, they burn it.
People are going hungry, and they're burning food.
How are we s'posed to know what's going on in the rest of the world? We're the only family on our street without a wireless.
There's a very good reason for that.
Tell us! It's embarrassing.
- Why can't we have a wireless like everyone else? - Because, young lady, you're frivolous enough already, without listening to propaganda and mindless radio serials.
You're better than that.
You all are.
The Hillarys read.
- The headmaster said Edmund's very advanced for his age.
- Mm.
He completed the curriculum two years ahead of everyone else.
The local children, they're rough types, and Ed's a sensitive boy, as you know.
Mr Sullivan thinks he should go to Auckland Boys' Grammar.
Who'd do his jobs around here? Well, if you're a day boy, he could take the train every day and do his chores after school.
Did Mr Sullivan have any suggestions on how we're s'posed to pay for all this? What about Rex? Will Rex have to go to Auckland Grammar School now too? Rex is more practical than Edmund.
He likes doing things with his hands, and the local technical college will suit him better.
Mr Sullivan thinks if Ed set his mind to it, he could be a bank manager or an accountant.
Splendid.
The very men Jesus threw out of the temple.
SOFT, CHEERFUL MUSIC CHEERFUL MUSIC BUILDS WHEELS CLATTER, SQUEAK TRAIN HISSES TRAIN RATTLES SOFTLY BELL CLANGS WHISTLE TRILLS Very good! There we go.
Nice! Very nice with those knees! Get off that rope! What did I say about feet? You have a go.
I said, 'Don't use your feet!' Were you not listening to me? Get over on that bench.
[BLOWS WHISTLE.]
Change it round! Come on! Let's get a little pace in there! [BLOWS WHISTLE.]
Hold it! Get down from there! - What's your name boy? - Hillary, sir.
Can't hear you! Don't mumble! Hillary, sir.
Look at you, Hillary.
Your ribs poke out, and your spine needs straightening.
You're deformed! Over there with the rest of the cripples and misfits.
BOYS LAUGH I wouldn't laugh, if I was you.
All right, back into it! [BLOWS WHISTLE.]
Go! Let's go! Come on, put some effort in! Keep those knees together! [TYPES.]
INTRIGUING MUSIC BUILDS MAN READS: Our rope was not long enough for us to abseil down, and the idea of climbing down without support from above was not to be contemplated.
Therefore, we just had to reach the summit.
INTRIGUING MUSIC CONTINUES BOYS LAUGH READS: 'Driving snow stung my eyes.
My lungs burnt with every step.
Bitter cold squeezed the marrow of my bones like a vice.
I was dying, and I knew it, and the mountain knew it too.
She didn't care.
Why should she? - I was the intruder who, unbidden - FOOTSTEPS APPROACH DOOR OPENS, FOOTSTEPS APPROACH DOOR CLOSES, FOOTSTEPS RECEDE - WHISPERS: That was close.
- WHISPERS: Can't hear you.
I'm fast asleep.
[CHUCKLES.]
GENTLE MUSIC BOYS LAUGH Hey! Cut that out, you two! If you drop one of those, there'll be hell to pay.
BOYS LAUGH I mean it! Do you know what time it is, Percy? These boys have got school tomorrow morning.
We're nearly finished.
Have you asked your father yet? Asked me what? Ed's class is going on a school trip to Ruapehu, and he wants to go with them.
How much will this cost? - I could pay for it.
- With what? Pocket money you owe me, working most days, every weekend and every holiday since I was 6.
Well? - I'll think about it.
- You owe me.
- It's only fair.
- Ed, I said I'll think about it.
BOYS CHATTER WHEELS SQUEAK UPLIFTING MUSIC TRAIN HISSES All right, boys, here we go! UPLIFTING MUSIC CONTINUES - We're one short.
Who's missing? - Hillary, sir.
Hillary! Where the hell do you think you're going, boy?! [PANTS.]
ADVENTURE MUSIC [PANTS.]
- It's an amazing sight, isn't it, sir? - [PANTS.]
I suppose it is.
When people write about mountains, sir, it's always 'she' and 'her'.
Why is that? [PANTS.]
I don't know, boy.
I can't answer that.
Maybe it's because they're beautiful.
[PANTS.]
Maybe it is.
Maybe it is.
BEES BUZZ If we knock this off today, we won't need to come back tomorrow.
Christmas day, that's big of him[!.]
- It's the thought that counts.
- [CHUCKLES.]
What are you up to tonight, Ed? I'm going to a party.
You wanna come? No.
I'm gonna go to the flicks - if we get out of here on time.
[CHUCKLES.]
I wouldn't count on it.
Charles.
- Kia ora, Ed.
- Hi, Moana.
- How many? - Just one, please.
- Just the one? - Yes, please.
- That's two shillings, thanks.
How's university? - Not going any more.
- Oh.
- I didn't like it much.
I'm working on the honey farm now with Dad and my brother.
So might see you round, then? Yeah.
WOMAN CLEARS THROA - Sorry.
- [CHUCKLES.]
- Hi.
- Hey.
'GOD SAVE THE QUEEN' PLAYS For the second time in a quarter of a century, the manhood of New Zealand has heard and answered the call to arms, and as they parade, the people of Wellington give their boys a stirring farewell.
MILITARY BAND MUSIC PLAYS Think of leaving your home 14,000 miles away to fight for a principle and the sentiment, and admire the gallantry of New Zealand's volunteers.
- That was really good.
- Yeah.
Very impressive.
Thank you.
- Thank you.
- Thanks.
- Thanks, Moana.
- Thank you.
Dad's opposed to conscription, doesn't think we should go to war.
My brothers are enlisting in the army.
I put my name down for the air force.
- What does your father think about that? - I haven't told him yet.
Well, I wouldn't leave it too long if I were you.
You know nothing about war, Ed.
War is an exercise in futility and barbarity! You keep on going on about peace and justice.
War is none of those things! War is against the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Keep going on about war, but this war is different.
The Great War was a needless waste of life.
This is different.
Everybody is out doing their bit, and I'm stuck here! I should be out doing my bit! Ed, beekeeping is a reserved occupation.
You can do your bit for your precious war effort working here with me.
I'm sorry, Rex.
they only allow one exemption per family.
Then you should've asked me first.
For God's sake, Ed, stop grizzling and be grateful.
I'll register as a conscientious objector.
They'll put you in a detention camp, Rex.
You're in for a tough time.
Let's hope it's a short war.
Excuse me.
GENTLE MUSIC Without me around to set the pace, you'll probably be working Christmas days from now on.
[LAUGHS.]
Strewth! Weighs a ton.
Dad put in a can of honey.
Don't worry, I'll be fine.
SORROWFUL MUSIC Mr Fraser saw a lot of the boys now back from Crete when he was in Egypt before coming here.
MILITARY BAND MUSIC PLAYS MAN IMITATES CHICKEN MAN: Chicken.
[IMITATES CHICKEN.]
- Bloody coward, Hillary.
- Too right.
[IMITATES CHICKEN.]
Get out of it, chicken.
[IMITATES CHICKEN.]
- Cut that out! - PEOPLE IMITATE CHICKENS Ed, ignore it! Don't go! - Yeah, get outta here! - [IMITATES CHICKEN.]
LOW, TENSE MUSIC [BANGS DASHBOARD.]
THUD! Temper.
I wanna do something with my life, June.
I wanna make something of my life.
I wanna climb mountains, I wanna go fight for my country, I wanna- You have to stand up to him.
I did, and I got the radio.
Eventually.
GENTLE MUSIC MOREPORK CALLS IN DISTANCE Can I have a word, Dad? Yes.
Now that the season's kaput, I thought I might knock off the maintenance and head down and see Rex.
Your brother would appreciate that, I'm sure.
REFLECTIVE MUSIC BIKE IDLES STIRRING MUSIC STIRRING MUSIC BUILDS PEOPLE CHATTER, LAUGH Cheers.
Name your poison.
Just, uh, water.
[CHUCKLES.]
I'll pretend I didn't hear that.
I'll get you a beer.
Maybe a shandy, just a small one.
- Not from down here, eh? - Auckland.
Yeah, I thought so.
Hey, Jim, more of your people have escaped.
Jim Rose, Auckland Alpine Club.
Ed Hillary.
Do a bit of tramping, climbing, do you Ed? You should join the club.
Well, I'm just a beginner.
Need to learn the ropes.
This is the man that you need to talk to.
Mick here's one of the best guides in the country.
[CHUCKLES.]
Gidday.
- Ed.
- Hang on.
PEOPLE TALK EXCITEDLY Looks like they bloody did.
Come on, line 'em up.
WOMAN: Congratulations.
Clearly the war isn't dangerous for them.
Get a couple of days off, what do they do? Grand traverse of Mt Cook, that's what.
Mad bastards.
Guess they won't be paying for drinks tonight, eh? [WHISTLES.]
- [BLOWS, WHISTLES TUNE.]
- KNOCK AT DOOR Yeah? [WHISTLES TUNE.]
- Uh, good morning.
- Morning! Are you available for lessons.
Why not? - Got an ice axe? - No.
Not really, no.
You'll need a big bugger.
Help yourself.
That's gonna weigh a ton when you get tired.
[LAUGHS.]
Christ, doesn't matter.
Won't be doing much today.
Just the basics.
SNOW CRUNCHES Hold your bloody horses! I'm trying to demonstrate something here.
Why don't I lead for a bit, give you a breather? I think I got the hang of it.
It's not as easy as it looks.
SNOW CRUNCHES How's that? Not bad for a beginner.
SNOW CRUNCHES [SIGHS.]
Right.
SNOW CRUNCHES UPLIFTING MUSIC SNOW CRUNCHES Whoa! That's me.
I'm done.
I might go a bit higher.
Suit yourself.
Jesus.
UPLIFTING MUSIC UPLIFTING MUSIC INTENSIFIES That was fun.
How much is this? You can keep the bloody thing, on one condition.
- What's that? - Promise me I'll never have to share a rope with you again.
MELANCHOLY MUSIC DOOR OPENS Rex.
Ed.
How you keepin'? Box of birds.
Good.
June knitted you a pullover.
- Goodo.
- And Mum got you some poetry books.
[CHUCKLES.]
And Dad insists you need some more honey.
Very good.
Thank them for me.
I will.
Rex, there's something I wanted to tell you in person.
I'm not happy with the direction my life's taking.
I, on the other hand, uh Hm.
I'm leading this godawful existence trying to keep Dad happy, and you know what that's like.
And? And I'm having serious doubts about pacifism.
You wouldn't be human if you didn't, Ed.
More than doubts, really.
- I think pacifism's a wonderful ideal, I really do.
- Get to the point.
I've enlisted in the air force.
[SIGHS.]
You selfish bastard.
I've spent four years in this shithole, eating the stinking food and looking through barbed wire because of you.
I've lost all my friends.
I send them letters.
Most of them come back unopened or covered in shit.
And this is all because grammar boy here didn't have to go to war.
I'm sorry Rex.
I really am.
You have to follow your conscience, and I have to follow mine.
It's time I started running my own life.
LOW, FOREBODING MUSIC Have you told him? Brave enough to go to war, but not brave enough to tell your own father.
Good luck.
DOOR OPENS - DOOR CLOSES - How could you do this to your brother? How could you be so selfish?! And for what? To go to war! No matter how noble and righteous the cause, son, trust me, I know.
War makes coarse beasts of every man.
I witnessed decent men engage in savagery.
I saw weak men descend into barbarism.
And I saw young me of great promise snuffed out like candles.
I've made up my mind.
I'm going.
If I've been a hard taskmaster, Ed, it's because I wanted to make you strong and prepare you for a harsh world.
There's great promise in you.
I couldn't bare to see that snuffed out.
Please, God, come back to us in one piece.
SOFT, INTRIGUING MUSIC [STRUMS CHEERFUL TUNE.]
[CONTINUES STRUMMING TUNE.]
Must be bloody good, mate.
You've read it a thousand times now.
It's Nanda Devi by Eric Shipton.
This is the greatest book on climbing in the Himalaya's ever written.
That's my page.
Thank you[!.]
[WHISTLES.]
Auckland Grammar, eh? Jesus, mate, the fines are gonna be bloody huge on this one.
[LAUGHS.]
SPEAKER FEEDBACK WHINES PA: Attention, please.
Attention! Here we go.
Brace yourself, Ed.
Another warning on the perils of catching clap.
- You wouldn't listen to me, though, would ya? - At 1400 hours, the Japanese formally surrendered.
The war is over! - MEN CHEER - Whoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo! [LAUGHS.]
Hey, boys! [LAUGHS.]
SOMBRE MUSIC Good one, lads.
All right? Been saving these for ages.
SOMBRE MUSIC Here you go, mate.
Come on, take it.
The war's over! - We're celebrating, mate! - I left it too late, Ron.
- What? - I stuffed it up for Rex.
All right, suit yourself.
PLANE FLIES OVERHEAD We should be getting back.
Yeah, might as well.
Nothing's biting anyway.
You think they're gonna send us home? Who knows? Bloody freezing in Invercargill right now, so they can take their time for all I care.
Cessation of hostilities is not too bad, I reckon.
A topless, dusky maiden each and life would be complete, eh? If you say so, Ron.
Jeez, Ed! Get out! What the hell?! Ah! - BOOM! - [SCREAMS.]
Ed! Ed! Ed! OMINOUS MUSIC CHEERFUL MUSIC - Passing to beyond, mate, if that's any help? - Yeah, that's me.
- Well, there you go.
Bit crowded in third class.
- Thanks.
Gidday, squire.
- George Lowe.
- Ed Hillary.
Nice to meet you.
Yeah, likewise.
[BANGS ON ROOF.]
- So you climb a bit, do ya? - A little bit.
Yeah, I thought I might have a crack at Beaumont, if you wanna tag along.
- As long as you don't slow me down.
- I'll do my best.
[CHUCKLES.]
You know, I don't think the mountain's going anywhere.
GENTLE MUSIC So, what happened to your back? Got fried in Guadalcanal when I was in the air force.
Flying? - Fishing.
- Fishing? Petrol tank exploded on the boat, and I very foolishly fell on top of it.
Fair enough.
GENTLE MUSIC - Let's knock off as much as we can.
- [PANTS.]
This is easy.
- Tomorrow's gonna be the real bugger.
- BOTH PAN Bloody hell.
GENTLE MUSIC CONTINUES You all right?! Climb a bit, do ya?! - BOTH LAUGH - Great work, George.
- You too, Ed.
- BOTH LAUGH - [SIGHS.]
- [LAUGHS.]
Yeah.
Oh.
[SIGHS.]
BOTH PAN [LAUGHS.]
- That's good steps, Ed.
That's great steps.
- Thanks.
What time did we set off this morning? 5.
30.
You ever thought about the Himalayas? [SIGHS.]
[LAUGHS.]
As a matter of fact, I have.
I've got some friends.
They're planning an expedition to Mukut Parbat.
Don't s'pose you'd be interested, would ya? Could be.
It'd be a fair few months off work.
Think you can do it? I think so.
[CHUCKLES.]
What do you do? I'm a teacher.
Kids pretty much teach themselves these days.
[CHUCKLES.]
And you? I'm a beekeeper.
- Oh, they'll be fine.
- [LAUGHS.]
SERENE MUSIC
SENTIMENTAL MUSIC CHEERFUL MUSIC Turkey Istanbul.
Who knows what the capital was called before the first world war? Hmm? Somebody? Anybody? Hillary.
You should know this.
Your father was wounded at Gallipoli.
- Constantinople, sir? - Yes, Constantinople.
Correct.
The only boy with brains.
Teacher's pet.
- Just cos you're dumb.
- CHILDREN CHUCKLE TRANQUIL MUSIC - Hey, Ed.
- Hi.
Wanna come eeling? [SIGHS.]
I can't.
Sorry, Moana.
Mum says we have to come straight home after school.
Someday, maybe.
Someday.
TRANQUIL MUSIC CONTINUES GATE SQUEAKS - Hi, Mum.
- Edmund, your father wants to see you.
I think you know what it's about.
He's waiting for you.
UNSETTLING MUSIC - THUD! - Ow! - THUD! - Ow! - THUD! - Ow! - THUD! - Ah! Admit it, Ed.
I know it was you.
Just say you stole the grapes, and I'll stop.
- THUD! - Ow! - THUD! - Ah! - THUD! THUD! - Ow! Ow! - Damn you, Ed! - STICK CLATTERS [SNIFFLES.]
Did ya say it was me? - Did ya? - Nah.
- Does it sting? - Yeah.
PLAYFUL MUSIC What do you reckon? Shall we destroy the evidence? Oh, merciful Lord, bless this food, as we remember those less fortunate than ourselves, who through no fault of their own are denied seats at the tables of plenty.
Amen.
OTHERS: Amen.
- Would you like me to make you something else, Ed? - No.
Do you know what's happening in America right now, Ed? The poor can't afford food, but rather than sell it at a price they can afford, they burn it.
People are going hungry, and they're burning food.
How are we s'posed to know what's going on in the rest of the world? We're the only family on our street without a wireless.
There's a very good reason for that.
Tell us! It's embarrassing.
- Why can't we have a wireless like everyone else? - Because, young lady, you're frivolous enough already, without listening to propaganda and mindless radio serials.
You're better than that.
You all are.
The Hillarys read.
- The headmaster said Edmund's very advanced for his age.
- Mm.
He completed the curriculum two years ahead of everyone else.
The local children, they're rough types, and Ed's a sensitive boy, as you know.
Mr Sullivan thinks he should go to Auckland Boys' Grammar.
Who'd do his jobs around here? Well, if you're a day boy, he could take the train every day and do his chores after school.
Did Mr Sullivan have any suggestions on how we're s'posed to pay for all this? What about Rex? Will Rex have to go to Auckland Grammar School now too? Rex is more practical than Edmund.
He likes doing things with his hands, and the local technical college will suit him better.
Mr Sullivan thinks if Ed set his mind to it, he could be a bank manager or an accountant.
Splendid.
The very men Jesus threw out of the temple.
SOFT, CHEERFUL MUSIC CHEERFUL MUSIC BUILDS WHEELS CLATTER, SQUEAK TRAIN HISSES TRAIN RATTLES SOFTLY BELL CLANGS WHISTLE TRILLS Very good! There we go.
Nice! Very nice with those knees! Get off that rope! What did I say about feet? You have a go.
I said, 'Don't use your feet!' Were you not listening to me? Get over on that bench.
[BLOWS WHISTLE.]
Change it round! Come on! Let's get a little pace in there! [BLOWS WHISTLE.]
Hold it! Get down from there! - What's your name boy? - Hillary, sir.
Can't hear you! Don't mumble! Hillary, sir.
Look at you, Hillary.
Your ribs poke out, and your spine needs straightening.
You're deformed! Over there with the rest of the cripples and misfits.
BOYS LAUGH I wouldn't laugh, if I was you.
All right, back into it! [BLOWS WHISTLE.]
Go! Let's go! Come on, put some effort in! Keep those knees together! [TYPES.]
INTRIGUING MUSIC BUILDS MAN READS: Our rope was not long enough for us to abseil down, and the idea of climbing down without support from above was not to be contemplated.
Therefore, we just had to reach the summit.
INTRIGUING MUSIC CONTINUES BOYS LAUGH READS: 'Driving snow stung my eyes.
My lungs burnt with every step.
Bitter cold squeezed the marrow of my bones like a vice.
I was dying, and I knew it, and the mountain knew it too.
She didn't care.
Why should she? - I was the intruder who, unbidden - FOOTSTEPS APPROACH DOOR OPENS, FOOTSTEPS APPROACH DOOR CLOSES, FOOTSTEPS RECEDE - WHISPERS: That was close.
- WHISPERS: Can't hear you.
I'm fast asleep.
[CHUCKLES.]
GENTLE MUSIC BOYS LAUGH Hey! Cut that out, you two! If you drop one of those, there'll be hell to pay.
BOYS LAUGH I mean it! Do you know what time it is, Percy? These boys have got school tomorrow morning.
We're nearly finished.
Have you asked your father yet? Asked me what? Ed's class is going on a school trip to Ruapehu, and he wants to go with them.
How much will this cost? - I could pay for it.
- With what? Pocket money you owe me, working most days, every weekend and every holiday since I was 6.
Well? - I'll think about it.
- You owe me.
- It's only fair.
- Ed, I said I'll think about it.
BOYS CHATTER WHEELS SQUEAK UPLIFTING MUSIC TRAIN HISSES All right, boys, here we go! UPLIFTING MUSIC CONTINUES - We're one short.
Who's missing? - Hillary, sir.
Hillary! Where the hell do you think you're going, boy?! [PANTS.]
ADVENTURE MUSIC [PANTS.]
- It's an amazing sight, isn't it, sir? - [PANTS.]
I suppose it is.
When people write about mountains, sir, it's always 'she' and 'her'.
Why is that? [PANTS.]
I don't know, boy.
I can't answer that.
Maybe it's because they're beautiful.
[PANTS.]
Maybe it is.
Maybe it is.
BEES BUZZ If we knock this off today, we won't need to come back tomorrow.
Christmas day, that's big of him[!.]
- It's the thought that counts.
- [CHUCKLES.]
What are you up to tonight, Ed? I'm going to a party.
You wanna come? No.
I'm gonna go to the flicks - if we get out of here on time.
[CHUCKLES.]
I wouldn't count on it.
Charles.
- Kia ora, Ed.
- Hi, Moana.
- How many? - Just one, please.
- Just the one? - Yes, please.
- That's two shillings, thanks.
How's university? - Not going any more.
- Oh.
- I didn't like it much.
I'm working on the honey farm now with Dad and my brother.
So might see you round, then? Yeah.
WOMAN CLEARS THROA - Sorry.
- [CHUCKLES.]
- Hi.
- Hey.
'GOD SAVE THE QUEEN' PLAYS For the second time in a quarter of a century, the manhood of New Zealand has heard and answered the call to arms, and as they parade, the people of Wellington give their boys a stirring farewell.
MILITARY BAND MUSIC PLAYS Think of leaving your home 14,000 miles away to fight for a principle and the sentiment, and admire the gallantry of New Zealand's volunteers.
- That was really good.
- Yeah.
Very impressive.
Thank you.
- Thank you.
- Thanks.
- Thanks, Moana.
- Thank you.
Dad's opposed to conscription, doesn't think we should go to war.
My brothers are enlisting in the army.
I put my name down for the air force.
- What does your father think about that? - I haven't told him yet.
Well, I wouldn't leave it too long if I were you.
You know nothing about war, Ed.
War is an exercise in futility and barbarity! You keep on going on about peace and justice.
War is none of those things! War is against the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Keep going on about war, but this war is different.
The Great War was a needless waste of life.
This is different.
Everybody is out doing their bit, and I'm stuck here! I should be out doing my bit! Ed, beekeeping is a reserved occupation.
You can do your bit for your precious war effort working here with me.
I'm sorry, Rex.
they only allow one exemption per family.
Then you should've asked me first.
For God's sake, Ed, stop grizzling and be grateful.
I'll register as a conscientious objector.
They'll put you in a detention camp, Rex.
You're in for a tough time.
Let's hope it's a short war.
Excuse me.
GENTLE MUSIC Without me around to set the pace, you'll probably be working Christmas days from now on.
[LAUGHS.]
Strewth! Weighs a ton.
Dad put in a can of honey.
Don't worry, I'll be fine.
SORROWFUL MUSIC Mr Fraser saw a lot of the boys now back from Crete when he was in Egypt before coming here.
MILITARY BAND MUSIC PLAYS MAN IMITATES CHICKEN MAN: Chicken.
[IMITATES CHICKEN.]
- Bloody coward, Hillary.
- Too right.
[IMITATES CHICKEN.]
Get out of it, chicken.
[IMITATES CHICKEN.]
- Cut that out! - PEOPLE IMITATE CHICKENS Ed, ignore it! Don't go! - Yeah, get outta here! - [IMITATES CHICKEN.]
LOW, TENSE MUSIC [BANGS DASHBOARD.]
THUD! Temper.
I wanna do something with my life, June.
I wanna make something of my life.
I wanna climb mountains, I wanna go fight for my country, I wanna- You have to stand up to him.
I did, and I got the radio.
Eventually.
GENTLE MUSIC MOREPORK CALLS IN DISTANCE Can I have a word, Dad? Yes.
Now that the season's kaput, I thought I might knock off the maintenance and head down and see Rex.
Your brother would appreciate that, I'm sure.
REFLECTIVE MUSIC BIKE IDLES STIRRING MUSIC STIRRING MUSIC BUILDS PEOPLE CHATTER, LAUGH Cheers.
Name your poison.
Just, uh, water.
[CHUCKLES.]
I'll pretend I didn't hear that.
I'll get you a beer.
Maybe a shandy, just a small one.
- Not from down here, eh? - Auckland.
Yeah, I thought so.
Hey, Jim, more of your people have escaped.
Jim Rose, Auckland Alpine Club.
Ed Hillary.
Do a bit of tramping, climbing, do you Ed? You should join the club.
Well, I'm just a beginner.
Need to learn the ropes.
This is the man that you need to talk to.
Mick here's one of the best guides in the country.
[CHUCKLES.]
Gidday.
- Ed.
- Hang on.
PEOPLE TALK EXCITEDLY Looks like they bloody did.
Come on, line 'em up.
WOMAN: Congratulations.
Clearly the war isn't dangerous for them.
Get a couple of days off, what do they do? Grand traverse of Mt Cook, that's what.
Mad bastards.
Guess they won't be paying for drinks tonight, eh? [WHISTLES.]
- [BLOWS, WHISTLES TUNE.]
- KNOCK AT DOOR Yeah? [WHISTLES TUNE.]
- Uh, good morning.
- Morning! Are you available for lessons.
Why not? - Got an ice axe? - No.
Not really, no.
You'll need a big bugger.
Help yourself.
That's gonna weigh a ton when you get tired.
[LAUGHS.]
Christ, doesn't matter.
Won't be doing much today.
Just the basics.
SNOW CRUNCHES Hold your bloody horses! I'm trying to demonstrate something here.
Why don't I lead for a bit, give you a breather? I think I got the hang of it.
It's not as easy as it looks.
SNOW CRUNCHES How's that? Not bad for a beginner.
SNOW CRUNCHES [SIGHS.]
Right.
SNOW CRUNCHES UPLIFTING MUSIC SNOW CRUNCHES Whoa! That's me.
I'm done.
I might go a bit higher.
Suit yourself.
Jesus.
UPLIFTING MUSIC UPLIFTING MUSIC INTENSIFIES That was fun.
How much is this? You can keep the bloody thing, on one condition.
- What's that? - Promise me I'll never have to share a rope with you again.
MELANCHOLY MUSIC DOOR OPENS Rex.
Ed.
How you keepin'? Box of birds.
Good.
June knitted you a pullover.
- Goodo.
- And Mum got you some poetry books.
[CHUCKLES.]
And Dad insists you need some more honey.
Very good.
Thank them for me.
I will.
Rex, there's something I wanted to tell you in person.
I'm not happy with the direction my life's taking.
I, on the other hand, uh Hm.
I'm leading this godawful existence trying to keep Dad happy, and you know what that's like.
And? And I'm having serious doubts about pacifism.
You wouldn't be human if you didn't, Ed.
More than doubts, really.
- I think pacifism's a wonderful ideal, I really do.
- Get to the point.
I've enlisted in the air force.
[SIGHS.]
You selfish bastard.
I've spent four years in this shithole, eating the stinking food and looking through barbed wire because of you.
I've lost all my friends.
I send them letters.
Most of them come back unopened or covered in shit.
And this is all because grammar boy here didn't have to go to war.
I'm sorry Rex.
I really am.
You have to follow your conscience, and I have to follow mine.
It's time I started running my own life.
LOW, FOREBODING MUSIC Have you told him? Brave enough to go to war, but not brave enough to tell your own father.
Good luck.
DOOR OPENS - DOOR CLOSES - How could you do this to your brother? How could you be so selfish?! And for what? To go to war! No matter how noble and righteous the cause, son, trust me, I know.
War makes coarse beasts of every man.
I witnessed decent men engage in savagery.
I saw weak men descend into barbarism.
And I saw young me of great promise snuffed out like candles.
I've made up my mind.
I'm going.
If I've been a hard taskmaster, Ed, it's because I wanted to make you strong and prepare you for a harsh world.
There's great promise in you.
I couldn't bare to see that snuffed out.
Please, God, come back to us in one piece.
SOFT, INTRIGUING MUSIC [STRUMS CHEERFUL TUNE.]
[CONTINUES STRUMMING TUNE.]
Must be bloody good, mate.
You've read it a thousand times now.
It's Nanda Devi by Eric Shipton.
This is the greatest book on climbing in the Himalaya's ever written.
That's my page.
Thank you[!.]
[WHISTLES.]
Auckland Grammar, eh? Jesus, mate, the fines are gonna be bloody huge on this one.
[LAUGHS.]
SPEAKER FEEDBACK WHINES PA: Attention, please.
Attention! Here we go.
Brace yourself, Ed.
Another warning on the perils of catching clap.
- You wouldn't listen to me, though, would ya? - At 1400 hours, the Japanese formally surrendered.
The war is over! - MEN CHEER - Whoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo! [LAUGHS.]
Hey, boys! [LAUGHS.]
SOMBRE MUSIC Good one, lads.
All right? Been saving these for ages.
SOMBRE MUSIC Here you go, mate.
Come on, take it.
The war's over! - We're celebrating, mate! - I left it too late, Ron.
- What? - I stuffed it up for Rex.
All right, suit yourself.
PLANE FLIES OVERHEAD We should be getting back.
Yeah, might as well.
Nothing's biting anyway.
You think they're gonna send us home? Who knows? Bloody freezing in Invercargill right now, so they can take their time for all I care.
Cessation of hostilities is not too bad, I reckon.
A topless, dusky maiden each and life would be complete, eh? If you say so, Ron.
Jeez, Ed! Get out! What the hell?! Ah! - BOOM! - [SCREAMS.]
Ed! Ed! Ed! OMINOUS MUSIC CHEERFUL MUSIC - Passing to beyond, mate, if that's any help? - Yeah, that's me.
- Well, there you go.
Bit crowded in third class.
- Thanks.
Gidday, squire.
- George Lowe.
- Ed Hillary.
Nice to meet you.
Yeah, likewise.
[BANGS ON ROOF.]
- So you climb a bit, do ya? - A little bit.
Yeah, I thought I might have a crack at Beaumont, if you wanna tag along.
- As long as you don't slow me down.
- I'll do my best.
[CHUCKLES.]
You know, I don't think the mountain's going anywhere.
GENTLE MUSIC So, what happened to your back? Got fried in Guadalcanal when I was in the air force.
Flying? - Fishing.
- Fishing? Petrol tank exploded on the boat, and I very foolishly fell on top of it.
Fair enough.
GENTLE MUSIC - Let's knock off as much as we can.
- [PANTS.]
This is easy.
- Tomorrow's gonna be the real bugger.
- BOTH PAN Bloody hell.
GENTLE MUSIC CONTINUES You all right?! Climb a bit, do ya?! - BOTH LAUGH - Great work, George.
- You too, Ed.
- BOTH LAUGH - [SIGHS.]
- [LAUGHS.]
Yeah.
Oh.
[SIGHS.]
BOTH PAN [LAUGHS.]
- That's good steps, Ed.
That's great steps.
- Thanks.
What time did we set off this morning? 5.
30.
You ever thought about the Himalayas? [SIGHS.]
[LAUGHS.]
As a matter of fact, I have.
I've got some friends.
They're planning an expedition to Mukut Parbat.
Don't s'pose you'd be interested, would ya? Could be.
It'd be a fair few months off work.
Think you can do it? I think so.
[CHUCKLES.]
What do you do? I'm a teacher.
Kids pretty much teach themselves these days.
[CHUCKLES.]
And you? I'm a beekeeper.
- Oh, they'll be fine.
- [LAUGHS.]
SERENE MUSIC