Snowy River: The McGregor Saga (1993) s01e06 Episode Script

Previously on Snowy River, the McGregor Saga.
Matt's lost love returns to Paterson Ridge in search of the truth.
How much did you ask for? How much to buy you off? Anita, 25 years ago I had a bit of land and a lot of debt and I thought I had you.
Why won't you tell the truth? And Colin's given his life to the church and his heart to the organist.
If you were to go back to Adelaide, I would miss you.
Then I won't go.
Luke discovers riches beyond his wildest dreams.
You found gold in Langara.
I found gold.
But this ain't Langara.
It's Luke McGregor's claim.
And Kathleen may have lost Matt when he rekindles an old flame.
All those years I thought you abandoned me.
I'd never hurt you Anita.
I wanted this for so long.
Exciting isn't it? All these people, all trying to make their fortunes.
And there'll be a lot of 'em disappointed.
There's never enough gold to go around.
But Luke says there's a mountain of it.
We'll see.
Dad, did we order the flour? No.
Don't worry, I'll do it.
See you after school.
Yeah, bye love.
I'll take the watch, but that's not the saddle that I want.
The one I'm after's the only one in the country.
If it's for sale, I'm sure Mr.
Fowler will get it for you.
Good.
Thank you.
It's a great thing for the township, your finding gold, Mr.
McGregor.
From the looks of the rush that's starting, you might be striking it rich yourselves.
If we do, it's thanks to you.
Isn't that right Mr.
Fowler? Luke! Look at you, you're a millionaire.
Well not yet, but soon enough hopefully.
What do you have to suit this for a beautiful young lady Mrs.
Fowler? I've just the thing.
Perfect.
That the last of them? Yep.
Kathleen, morning.
Morning.
Kathleen, I was thinking of riding past your place out to school.
Why? It's nothing really.
Well it's just with all these prospectors moving into the district, well I don't wanna alarm you but Alarm me? I see it as an opportunity.
People will need to buy meat and eggs.
Well most of them are decent people and they'll pay for what they need while they can.
But when the money runs out and they don't find any gold, well an ordinary man can do desperate things when he sees his family go hungry.
You don't need to worry about me Matt, I can look after myself.
Good day.
Well do you have a rifle? Yes, I have a rifle.
Good.
That's really very good Emily.
You're quite talented.
Thank you.
Now if you'd just be still a moment.
I really do think the neckline is quite low enough for someone your age.
Emily, when we have nice shoulders, we should let them gentlemen see them.
I love to dance and we had such beautiful dances in Adelaide.
I'm sure.
Of course all the men would've been lining up to dance with you Emily, belle of the ball.
Dear, I'm so sorry, did I prick you? Thank you for lunch Danni.
I remember you used to pray you wouldn't get caught selling Mrs.
Allenby's apples.
Or that Amanda Mitchell's dad didn't find out what went on in the barn.
What do you pray for now Col? I pray for guidance and wisdom.
And that my little sister will do better at school.
I miss you.
Can't you live at home and just come to church like any other job? Being a minister can't be like just any other job.
It has to be, well a life.
But I'll always help out at Langara.
Do you like it? Yes, I do.
Better than driving cattle? Better than being in the barn with Amanda Mitchell? Danni.
We better not Col.
Danni.
No Col.
- Danni! - Yes Col! Help me Ms.
Cornish, he's gonna kill me.
So I probably would if I could hold her.
Now look what you've done.
You've ruined my reputation with the lady.
What reputation was that? Danni, what have you got around your neck? It's a present.
Luke gave it to me.
It's a pretty expensive looking present.
I've gotta go to school.
He's praying that I do better so I suppose I should make an effort.
Bye.
Good bye.
Bye.
You're very close, you and your sister.
Yes, we are.
I've spent a bit of time mending these hymnbooks.
They were practically falling apart.
Yeah, they certainly were.
What would I do without you Emily? They're as good as new.
And where around the Overflow the reedbeds sweep and sway to the breezes, and the rolling plains are wide, the man from Snowy River is a household word today, and the stockmen tell the story of his ride.
Is this the only poem anyone knows? I for one have had quite enough of The Man From Snowy River.
But he's a legend.
Michael! Even legends need a little rest, Michael.
That's what Mrs.
Hargrove said.
They're going on a picnic.
So where are we going for this picnic? Somewhere we haven't been for a very long time.
Looks like there's someone camping down there.
Well, let's have a look.
Joe Possum.
G'day Matt.
Hey.
How are ya? You're looking well.
How you been? Good mate.
Hi Wirra, nice to see you.
Gee, your daughter's growing up mate.
Mrs.
Anita Hargrove, two good friends of mine, Joe Possum and his wife Wirra.
G'day.
Hello.
So when's the baby due? Pretty soon.
This is Joe's tribal country, so he's brought his wife here so they can have the baby.
It's our dreaming, it's where my people come from.
Taking a bit of a gamble.
Blackwoods don't forget a grudge.
Soon as the baby's born we'll be making tracks.
Blackwood will never know we've been here.
Well, good luck.
We'd better be moving on too.
If there's anything you need, just let me know.
Thanks Matt.
This is where you kissed me for the first time, remember? How could I forget? We were so young, weren't we? And I thought the world was made for us.
Well maybe it was.
Just not the way we planned.
I never stopped thinking about you, you know.
I loved you so much.
I'm gonna make you so happy.
Are they for Victoria? Not bad.
You should keep them for yourself.
They're a present.
Well they'll be wasted.
Why will they? Luke gave her a whole lot of bonnets, a dozen of them.
What would anyone do with a dozen bonnets? I'd keep the reigns Rob.
Really.
Luke's just so rich now.
You can't compete with him.
Thanks Danni, thanks a lot.
Did you get a chance to have a look at that fence I was telling you about? Nah, no, no I'll fix it tomorrow.
You'll be around tomorrow, will you? Nothing social.
Something bothering you two? Us? I caught up with Joe Possum, he's back.
Met him down by the river.
Didn't old Blackwood accuse him of stealing a calf? Threatened to shoot him if he found him.
No, Joe's no thief, he couldn't steal anything.
Wouldn't bother Blackwood.
He just wants a scapegoat.
What's this? A gold nugget.
It's a present from Luke.
That's more than just a present.
It's a message.
And he's using you to deliver it.
No.
It's just that he's rich now.
Yeah and he wants us all to know it.
We're not the only ones that know it.
Every gold hungry prospector in the country seems to be headed our way.
And when the gold goes, so do they.
It doesn't do anyone any good.
Mrs.
Fowler's pleased as punch.
She's doing great business.
Yeah, mainly from Luke.
He's bought half the shop.
You wouldn't be jealous, would you Rob? Why would I be jealous? Are you Dad, jealous? Why of Luke? Finding the gold.
It is on Langara.
Nah, the real world is in the land, Langara itself.
And you're a part of it, part of its future.
I think you should give it back.
But it's a present and I don't want to.
Do I have to Dad, please? Nah, you can keep it.
Seems whether we like it or not, Luke's getting to play a big part in this family.
Luke, it's us.
Why don't you guys get back to work.
Thanks.
Hey guys.
Is this where you found your gold? Now what kinda miner would I be if I told every prospector where I made my strike? But that's what Michael and I wanna do.
Can we do it here? We'd share.
Not today.
We'll be blasting soon.
But, I'll lend you a pick and a shovel and you can do it somewhere else.
Thanks.
What are you gonna do with your gold Danni? Let's find it first.
Just be careful though, alright? Yeah, okay.
You owe that boy the truth Matt.
Now you want me to speak to him.
Make up your mind Jack.
When he first arrived you're warning me away from him.
Well he's struck gold now.
And a wealthy man is more dangerous than one with the seat out of his pants.
So what do you expect me to do? He's still carrying this grudge against you Matt.
You gotta tell him the truth.
He'll find out one day what his father did.
Yeah, well he won't hear it from me.
Not while I'm still alive.
Well that's how long you and the boy will be enemies.
We're not enemies Jack.
He just thinks we are.
Absolutely gorgeous.
There's something else.
You're full of surprises.
It's English.
The finest leather money can buy.
Some rich man in Melbourne had it imported for his lady friend.
But I think his wife found out.
By appointment to the king.
It's beautiful.
I heard about it and he couldn't resist doubling his money, so Let's see how your horse takes to it.
Luke, I couldn't.
My father would die.
And if you think, Mr.
McGregor, that you can buy my favor with presents, you're wrong.
Just try it.
I can hardly ride in the thing myself.
I mean unless you wanna lend me a skirt.
Alright, I'll try it.
But just to see what it's like.
Great.
I'll follow you in the carriage.
It's not much really.
It's just a piece of leather I had lying around.
It's not much really.
It's just a piece of leather I had lying around.
I thought you might like it.
It's nothing much really.
It's just a piece of old leather I had lying around, I thought you might like it.
Rob.
What a nice surprise.
What are you doing out our way? Nothing much, just an old piece of leather.
Pardon? Nothing, I was just coming this way.
I had something to give you.
What do you think of my new saddle? It's English, the finest leather.
It really suits you.
I suppose your dad gave it to you.
No, but he'll go mad I'm sure.
Luke gave it to me.
Right.
You said you had something to give me.
Nothing, just forget about it.
Whoa, whoa.
You two don't get along very well for cousins, do you? You can't choose your relatives.
Looks like a good spot up ahead.
Whoa, whoa! Danni, Danni help.
Hang on Michael! Whoa girl Slow down, pull on the reign, hold on.
Stop! I've nearly go you Michael.
Whoa! Danni! Danni! Danni! I'm afraid that's all we've got.
What do you mean it's all you've got? You haven't got any pants either or belts.
Let alone shirts.
Problem is you take the same size as Mr.
McGregor.
Mr.
Luke McGregor.
What's that got to do with anything? He just came in and bought up the shop.
Mr.
Fowler's out to order new stock of everything.
When it comes up from Melbourne you'll have plenty to choose from Master Frank.
My name is Blackwood.
Mr.
Blackwood.
I'm not some 12 year old schoolboy.
Who's that? I know him.
I swear it.
So strong.
The family resemblance, Alec and his son.
Luke.
You used to look the same.
The man from Snowy River.
Yeah I was a boy then.
What happened to Alec, I never heard.
He went to America.
Luke tells me he died over there.
Still can't believe it.
And his son came back to Australia to make his fortune.
Yeah, so it seems.
Poor Alec.
He always wanted to be rich.
And what does Matt McGregor want? Want to tell me over a cup of tea? I know him from somewhere, I just can't put my finger on it.
What the devil are they doing? Whoa boy, whoa, whoa boy.
Steady, steady.
Trying to steal that horse.
Joe Possum, I remember he stole a heifer! Get outta the way.
Where'd you get this horse? You said if he ever showed up again you'd horsewhip him.
What? Joe Possum.
That's the Langara brand.
Come on, where did you steal this horse? He come running down the road, so help me.
We just grabbed it.
The rider must have throwed off.
Did you see the rider? That's Danni McGregor's horse.
Kathleen! Well this is a surprise.
Mrs.
O'Neil, I was just about to make us some tea.
Would you care to join us? No, thank you Mrs.
Hargraves.
I was looking for Michael.
I thought he went riding with Danni.
But that was hours ago.
I don't like the look of this weather, especially if it moves any further down the mountain.
That's Danni's horse.
Please don't let me get lost.
I want to come with you.
Look, there's no point.
I'm quick at riding alone.
But don't worry, they'll be fine.
Now if I'm not back by dark, I want you to build a bonfire.
Something to guide 'em home.
I sent for Colin and Rob.
Hyah.
I'm sure they're alright.
Matt'll find them.
Yes he will, he's an exceptional man.
Yes he is.
I thought I'd find you at prayer.
I'm frightened Emily.
God will protect her.
I was praying for me.
I was praying for courage.
Danni caught diptheria when she was four years old.
Rob and I were sent to town to be out of danger.
I used to sneak back every night, stand outside her bedroom window.
This one night Old Doc Pierce took Dad out on the veranda.
He was sorry but Danni wouldn't make it to the morning.
Her throat was closing up.
She couldn't breathe.
I made a deal with God.
I said if he spared Danni I would give my life to serving him.
I was 14 years old, I didn't know then what that promise meant.
But Danni lived.
God listened to your prayers then.
Why wouldn't he now? I've begun to doubt that I have the faith or the strength to keep that promise forever.
And you think you're being punished for that? I'm scared this time I have nothing more to give.
That I'll lose 'em both.
God and Danni.
I've watched you with your parishioners.
You may have entered the church to keep that promise, but it was just a shortcut to where you were meant to be.
God is listening to your prayers Colin.
I know it.
We'll find her.
Michael! Danni! Michael? Michael? Michael, you alright lad? You alright? Yeah.
You okay? Come on.
You're coming over here.
You alright? Yeah.
You hang on, okay? Danni! Danni! Hold on.
Matt, Matt is he alright? Yeah, he's fine.
He's just exhausted, that's all.
Here you go mate.
You got him? Yes, let's get him aside.
My.
Okay, okay I've got him.
Michael can you hear me? Yeah Mum.
Michael, it's Mr.
McGregor here.
Where's Danni? She fell down a mine.
I called out to her but she didn't answer.
Where's the mine? Michael, where is it? It's, it's way past Luke's place.
There were wild horses.
She's gonna be alright, isn't she? Yeah.
Yeah, she'll be fine.
She couldn't be dead, could she? Now I want you boys and the rest of the men to cover the lower valleys.
You don't want us to come with you? No we can cover more ground if we split up.
Is she gonna be alright.
Your sister's alive and we're gonna find her.
Find Danni mum.
I'm coming with you Matt.
What about Micheal? I'll stay here with him.
Thank you.
He should sleep now.
Joe? Joe.
Matt.
Joe you gotta help me find Danni.
She's lost.
Yeah, sure mate.
Okay, let' go.
Listen, I won't be long.
Clear as day two ponies went this way.
What is it Joe? They're little Brumbies.
Michael said something about wild horses.
Danni! Danni! Ma'am.
Hello.
I didn't mean to startle you.
There was no one about.
I knocked.
Well everyone else is out searching.
Yeah, that's why I came.
I heard they were looking for Mrs.
O'Neil's boy.
Michael, he's safe, he's sleeping.
Then why are they still searching.
You don't know? Well they're looking for Danielle.
It's Danielle who's lost.
Danni! Danni! This way.
Danni! Stop here.
Danni! Danni! Danni, Danni! Throw us a rope and hurry.
I can just see her.
Joe you go and get some help.
Get the doctor.
Secure to that tree over there, quickly.
I'm going down.
Danni! You! Stop! I knew it was you.
We warned you about coming back here.
I have to get help.
We found the little girl.
Just shut your little lying mouth.
I'm taking you back to my father.
Listen, Mr.
Blackwood, please.
Get off the horse.
Keep going or I'll lash you myself.
The girl, I found the little girl.
Ray! What are you doing? You alright? Yeah, we found the little girl.
Is she alright? We don't know.
They found Danni.
Joe, we'll follow you.
Hyah, hyah, hyah.
Danni.
Danni? Danni.
Danni.
Danni.
Danni? Danni? Danni! It's your dad here Danni.
Hey.
Daddy? You're gonna be alright sweetie.
I'm here.
It'll be alright.
Matt, Matt! Kathleen, she's alright.
Just fine.
Daddy? Can we go home now? Yeah, soon sweetie.
Very soon.
You stay there, I'll stick this around you.
Does it hurt anywhere? Here, I'll get this 'round you.
Here we go, easy does it.
We went looking for gold, for you Daddy.
So you could be rich like Luke.
Sweetie, I've got everything I need.
I love you Daddy.
I love you precious.
Matt's still down there.
Come on Danni, you'll be fine.
Good girl.
Danni, are you alright? - You're okay.
- Yeah, I'm okay.
Here, tie this around him.
Alright, we've got a rope coming.
Here you go Dad.
Is Dad okay? - Is he? - He's alright, he's coming up.
Come on.
You alright? Danni.
Dad.
Luke, wait! Matt! She's alright? She's fine Anita.
Just fine.
Some scrapes and bruises.
That's about it.
Andy, you give me a hand here? Okay.
Down you go love.
Danni? Is she alright? Yeah, she's fine.
Just fine.
She's not gonna blame me is she? I wouldn't think so Michael.
Michael O'Neil, you almost got me killed.
I'll make us some tea.
Kathleen.
Thank you.
For what? Well, for everything.
I rode out to Langara the other day.
You didn't see me, I turned back.
You were with Anita.
So you saw her kiss me I suppose.
It's none of my business.
Kathleen, it didn't mean anything.
For a little while there I thought maybe there was something, but there isn't.
Oliver! Joe Possum's my friend.
He also helped me find my daughter.
I'm just glad Danni's safe.
Come on, come on.
Danni's welfare means a lot to my family.
I'll take care of him.
Frank! I found you.
I've been looking for you.
Something the matter? Anita you spent a whole lifetime without me.
Traveling the world.
It was foolish of me to think it could've been like it was.
I'm sorry.
Why didn't you tell me? I wasn't sure.
But you being here again brought back such good memories.
But we were young then.
We thought we were in love.
We can't bring back the past.
I see.
Anita, I'm sorry.
Anita! Matt McGregor? I thought I could have him back.
Make the past disappear, we'd be happy again.
I don't think that sort of thing happens.
Not overnight anyway.
No.
I was wondering what your plans were, there's not much here to offer a woman like yourself.
I don't have a lot to go back to in San Francisco.
An ex-husband.
It's not easy being a single woman.
I may be comfortably off in Patersons Ridge, but my money won't go very far in a big city.
I'd like to stay here.
Well there's the bank.
You could take an interest in that.
Until I think of something else to do.
Yes, well I have an appointment, a routine matter, with Luke McGregor.
Luke McGregor.
Herbert, Herbert! Herbert.
Why don't you ask him to dinner? Why would I want to invite? Surely you're not considering.
What Herbert? Making Matt jealous.
Good heavens, Luke is, he's just a boy.
You said I should take more interest in the bank.
It's only business, isn't it?