Snowy River: The McGregor Saga (1993) s01e11 Episode Script

[Narrator.]
Previously on Snowy River, The McGregor Saga.
The high country cattleman railroad Matt into politics.
I'm a cattleman, I know nothing about politics.
You're an honest man and that's good enough for us.
(applause) [Narrator.]
But Oliver has a candidate of his own.
I know you want him to lose, but what do you get out of it if I win? You don't owe me anything.
Shuffle the cards, gentlemen.
I'm in.
[Narrator.]
Luke's in the market for a new house.
And a wife to share it with.
Just one.
[Narrator.]
Matt's son Colin takes a bride.
You ready? It's the happiest day of my life.
(dramatic music) (country music) [Old Man.]
Some young blood, someone new and fresh.
[Rival.]
Yeah well I think you're wrong.
Well I've got a right to have my say.
Yeah but what right's a baby-faced cowboy got, trying to represent us in parliament? You're gonna vote for Matt McGregor, are you? Man who robbed his own brother.
That's a lie, and anybody that knows Matt McGregor will tell you the same! Come on.
Don't you push me! (arguing) [Emily.]
Please Colin, listen to me for a moment.
All I ask is that you consider what Mathew McGregor has done for Patterson's Reach and what he will do when he becomes our member of parliament.
'Bout time Matt spoke up for himself, wouldn't you reckon? Mrs.
McGregor.
Nice to see you supporting your father-in-law in his absence Someone has to tell them the truth.
Well I think you'll find that around here, the truth is what most people believe.
What news do you have for me, Herbert? As you can see, Matt McGregor's been borrowing fairly heavily.
It's almost time for the annual stock sales.
You know how difficult finances can get on those last few months before the checks come in.
Unlike Matt McGregor, I have the foresight to diversify.
Raising cattle may be his life's work, but making money is mine.
Alright Herbert.
You want the capital to expand, I'll go in with you.
But I want my investment back by solidary sets.
Land and cattle, bricks and mortar.
I take it you have the mortgage to back the McGregors now? We're holding the deeds to Langara as security.
Well I'll just leave these documents with you to be notarized.
And Herbert.
No need for McGregor to know who his new benefactor is, is it? (peaceful music) Dad, has Robbie ever mentioned to you about about getting married to Victoria? Married? I don't know, look at him.
[Danni.]
He looks lovesick.
Yeah? Ah, maybe I might have a word with him.
Problem? She's driving me crazy, dad.
I uh, gather we're talking about Victoria? I just think about her all the time.
What does she think about you? Well I don't know, that's just it.
You know, she changes from day to day.
Yeah well they sure can keep you guessing.
Drive a man crazy.
Yeah, well it's working.
[Brother.]
Hey Rob.
Thanks.
I don't want to preach to you, but.
What about Luke? What about Luke? Well just make sure it's Victoria that you want.
And not something else.
What does he mean by that? Well I think he's telling you to look before you leap.
It's not bad advice.
What do you say? I say that I know my son.
And whatever he decides, I'm sure will be the right thing.
(uplifting music) Four gallons of primer, and four gallons of paint.
That should just about do the entrance hall.
The chandeliers will have to be replaced.
Venetian glass is the only thing.
If you say so, Venetian glass.
But I like oil lamps, they're easier to look after.
Luke, a house isn't meant to be easy.
It's meant to be stylish.
If that's what you think.
And elegant.
Like you? Venetian glass? Should I ask what this is costing me? No.
Chen, Frank.
Don't I know you? You used to work here, right? Hah.
You've been holding his hand for him, Chen? A week's work.
We were taking that much in a day before you started playing politics.
The gold is running out.
No.
There are good days and there are bad days.
When I get some more time, we'll get things rolling again, Frank.
Oh yeah, after the votes have been counted.
The honorable Luke McGregor, member of parliament.
Now why do I have problems getting that to roll off my tongue? You just need a little more practice.
What I need is a little help around here, and a little more gold.
If you have trouble saying "the honorable member," how about trying brother? I'd rather die first.
This would be better if it were out in the open.
I think it's burning quite well.
I'm not talking about the fire.
Victoria.
Luke.
Would you stop doing that? I'm sorry, I didn't realize I was doing anything.
Well that's exactly what I'm talking about.
I'm trying to ask you to marry me.
Then why don't you ask me? I just have.
Luke, I don't know what to say.
If you need some time to think about it.
Why would I want time? Say you love me.
I love you.
Of course, you'll have to ask father first.
Of course.
Of course.
(inspiring music) Integrity counts for more than, will you please go away? More than ruthless ambition and avarice! Well that's a bit harsh, isn't it? Ambition, avarice? Where did you read that? Colin, will you please go away, this is important.
But then you'll have no one to talk to.
Sometimes I think I'm wasting my time.
Emily, you know what dad said.
If they want to vote for him, they will.
If women had the vote, perhaps that would be right.
Unfortunately we're dealing with men here.
They'll vote for the man who buys them the most drinks! Matt McGregor? Give me that.
Gimme that! Oh, you want this? (grunting) Alright, you've got my vote.
Just remember to vote next week.
Thank you, folks.
(clanging) Is there something you want to say? I guess that's why I'm here, yeah.
Well do you want to say it? I'm busy.
Rob, you know how I feel about Victoria, right? What's it, Luke? I asked her to marry me, and she said yes.
(grunting) What was that all about? We're cousins.
(hoof beats) (knocking) [Victoria.]
There's no point knocking the door down.
There's no one in there.
Is it true? Is what true? Is it true, Victoria? Robbie, you're my oldest, dearest friend in the world, I Then it is true.
And shouldn't friends share each other's joys? You're marrying him.
Yes, I am.
Robbie, I didn't mean to hurt you.
I hope you'll be happy.
Well this is a lovely idea, Matt, but I thought it was usual to hold the celebration after the election.
I know, this is Rob's idea.
Just a chance to get the whole family together again.
Family? Well I'm honored.
Actually you were my idea.
Where is Rob? Danni, go give your brother a call.
There was a fight in town today.
He wasn't hurt.
It was one of those two-hit affairs.
Rob hit Luke, Luke hit the ground.
I don't have to guess who it was about.
Victoria Blackwood, who else? You haven't heard the rumors, then? Blacksmith's spreading it everywhere.
Luke McGregor and Victoria Blackwood are getting married.
I thought you must have known.
I was going to go into town to try and find him but, uh.
Best to let him get it out of his system.
(knocking) Well? Miss Hatton.
About Tommy, um.
Well I heard.
Well what you heard is probably right.
Well I want to come in.
Go home, you shouldn't be here.
I hear Victoria's been helping you with the house.
Yeah, she's got good tastes.
A house can be an investment in the future.
If used skillfully.
Make this house of yours the social center of the district so the invitation to Luke McGregor's is an invitation to Patterson's Ridge society.
Such as it is.
I'm not much for society.
Neither are most of the men around here, but their wives are, and it's the wives who control the men's vote.
I guess so.
Give them a party.
A victory celebration.
Give them the party, they'll give you the victory.
About Victoria.
I'm asking for your consent to marry your daughter.
Hm.
When the time comes, my daughter will be taken to England.
Where I will personally choose an appropriate partner.
I've already asked her.
I should imagine the chosen man will be a member of the peerage, if not the nobility.
Which you are not.
Victoria's already accepted me.
We thought it was just a formality.
Then you were wrong.
Don't forget your hat on the way out.
(dramatic music) What was wrong with him? He stomped out of here like he'd been horse whipped.
He was.
The presumptuous fool had the temerity to offer marriage to Victoria.
Ah, serve her right, if you ask me.
When do I ever ask you anything, Frank? I tell you.
And I'm telling you this.
I want it known around the district who offers support or votes to Luke McGregor will enjoy my undying enmity.
That's ill will, Frank.
I thought I could operate on him as I would a puppet.
I was wrong.
I'm not going to squander my daughter.
I'll have to break him.
And Victoria won't want a broken man.
Yes sir.
Frank.
I'm making it your responsibility.
Luke McGregor must not win this election.
Do you understand me? Did you have a pleasant ride? Yes, I did.
Why the outburst in brotherly concern, Frank? Did father throw you a word, did he? It was Luke McGregor he threw the word to.
And the word was "no.
" You're lying.
I'll change his mind.
Not this time.
He wouldn't dare.
I'll never forgive him for this.
You're doing a good job.
You want to talk about it? No.
Come on Rob.
What would you know about it? You think I've never had my life turned upside down by a girl? That I've never been hurt like you? Well you've got Emily, haven't you? Well that's right, I do have Emily.
Now.
Yeah, and I got no one.
Until the next girl comes along.
And it just starts all over again.
Hardly seems worth the trouble, does it? It is worth the trouble.
You'll live.
It's alright.
He just needs a little bit more time, he'll come around.
You don't know him.
He doesn't understand this.
He won't change his mind.
Unless after the election, when you're the honorable Luke McGregor.
I haven't won yet.
But he did say member of the nobility, isn't that what he said? I somehow don't think a member of the high country qualifies.
But that's just the start.
A year or two, you could be Premier of the State, how could he object then? Victoria, I want you now.
Not in two year's time.
That's what I want, too.
I love you Luke, you know that.
Then we'll just do it.
Do what? We'll elope.
We'll go to Colin McGregor, and we'll ask him to marry us secretly and there will be nothing your father can do.
I couldn't, Luke.
I couldn't do that to my father.
I come to you at night.
We take nothing of your father's but the clothes you have on and we'd be married.
I don't know.
It's that simple.
Mayor.
You don't seem to be too keen on winning this thing, mate.
Well I did say I'd think about it.
I haven't gone around beating my own drum.
If they want me, they'll vote for me.
You don't sound too enthusiastic about doing their bidding Well if I'm elected, I'll be there to do my very best for the high country.
Now I hope no one's got any doubts about what I'm saying.
My father has got a lot of influence, and some of you owe him a lot of money.
It'd be a shame to make an enemy of him.
Big day.
Luke, good luck.
Kathleen, what's this all about? We're takin up a petition for a woman's rights to vote.
You know there are no arguments against women's suffrage, Matt, only objections.
Would you like to sign? Well I don't see too many signatures.
But then you don't see too many women here either.
Well I don't know, do you think a woman would know what to do with a vote? Where do I sign? Under Colin McGregor? Well at least that's two signatures.
Three.
Charlie, Jim, how would you fellas like to be pioneers? Sure.
Good luck, Dad.
Thanks, I think I'll need it.
You'll find him at the voting booth.
Don't let anyone see you give it to him, do you understand? Nobody.
Except your beloved father, of course.
Pack your gear, you're fired.
Please don't look at that.
Are you seriously contemplating elopement? There was no other way.
Luke does love me, father.
Yes I'm sure he does.
How could he not? Father.
Alright, my dear.
If you must marry him, then I suppose you must.
But not like this.
Not in this underhand, unhappy way.
Not without your father to give you away.
Do you really mean that? If this is truly what you want.
After the election, I will give you the biggest wedding this colony has ever seen.
Ah! Victoria, Luke.
Reverend, ma'am.
Victoria and I have a job for you.
We're getting married.
Oh Victoria, how wonderful.
Congratulations.
Congratulations, Luke.
Thank you.
We'd like it, Colin, if you'd perform the ceremony for us.
Of course.
I'm sure you'll be very happy.
There's weeks of work to go, yet.
We'll have to cancel the party.
Luke McGregor, you will not cancel the party.
No one will care that the painting's not finished, and if there's no furniture, well they can just stand.
You've really got your heart set on this, don't you? Doesn't really matter.
I just thought it would be the perfect time to announce our engagement.
Heh, who needs furniture? It's hard to believe I arrived here such a short while ago with nothing on my mind except a horse race.
And now you've struck gold, you've bought a house, you're about to become a member of parliament.
[Luke.]
And marry the best-looking girl in the high country.
Sorry, the whole wide wide world.
(laughing) Father.
That is the taking from the mine over the last few weeks.
He might as well be digging in our garden.
Hm, not quite.
But with the extra spending on the house, he's obviously feeling the pinch.
So why are you letting her marry him? Daddy, I've just had the most wonderful thought.
We should import a string orchestra to play at the wedding.
Are you joking? Do you know how much that'd cost? I think that would be a wonderful idea, my darling.
And we really should talk about a date.
So much to do.
Yes I've been quite busy myself.
You have? Victoria, this marriage is your choice.
But there are some consequences of it.
That you need to understand.
I want you to read these, and if you accept them, sign them.
What is it that I'm signing? Just formalities but they are of some importance.
And I want you to fully understand what is involved.
This one declares your abnegation to all rights of recourse.
What does that mean? It means, my dear, that you are relinquishing your rights to the Blackwood holdings.
I will also have to take steps to adjust my will.
Why? You know how much I love Bellmorrow.
Victoria, how can you forget so soon Luke's infatuation with Anita Hargraves? I haven't.
She used him, she betrayed his trust.
I have his love now, and his trust.
Luke is fickle, my dear.
He'll marry you today and leave you tomorrow and take everything you possess.
Why did you lie to me? You said we could get married.
Marry him if you must.
But I cannot allow everything, that generations of Blackwoods have built up, to go to Luke as a dowry.
Luke wouldn't expect that, father.
[Oliver.]
But that's exactly what he'll get unless I take steps to prevent it.
He would be legally entitled to your share of Bellmorrow.
I would be failing in my duty to ever allow someone of the McGregor class to own even a piece of Bellmorrow.
Luke doesn't need your money, father.
He has his mines, his house, his investments.
He can support me, we'd be wealthy.
What are these? These are the deeds to the house, the mine, and just about everything else he owns.
I'm sorry my dear, you've obviously been taken in.
But how did you get them? He's put them up as security for the loans.
And now Frank tells me that the income from the mine has fallen so drastically he's unable even to meet the interest repayment.
I don't believe you.
Then believe this.
Luke is bankrupt, my dear.
He has nothing.
And his wife will have nothing.
I really have to admire you, little sister.
It's not every girl who'd be prepared to start again.
Frank.
No servants, no horses, no carriages.
A workman's cottage washing and dieting.
Stop it Frank! Just your precious love, Victoria.
Love will conquer all.
Frank! (sobbing) Shh, shhh sh shhhh.
Wipe that smile off your face, boy.
(melancholy music) They're not my Sunday best, so, just a few stitches would be fine.
I'll put some stitches in you, if you don't keep quiet.
Well hello.
What brings you up here? I just wanted to be the first to pay my respects to the honorable Matt McGregor, MP.
Yeah? Yeah, congratulations.
[Matt.]
Thanks, son.
Congratulations, Dad.
I knew you'd do it.
Well thank you sweetie.
So you're off to Melbourne.
Congratulations.
Rob.
Wonderful news, Matt.
Thank you, Bridget.
It was a landslide.
You could count Luke's votes on one hand.
I'm surprised to hear that.
He was going to give a party to celebrate his victory.
Yeah a big one, but from what I hear, he might be on his own.
That's a pity, after he spent all that money.
Well perhaps we should pay him a visit.
(classical music) I hired you to play, not sit here.
Where's Victoria? I thought you'd turn up.
You'll have to use those to stop me, Frank.
They will.
[Luke.]
Frank, get out of my way.
Stay there, my darling.
You've made your decision.
I have to go to him, just let me go to him, father.
It'll only make things worse.
[Luke.]
Just let me talk to her.
Just tell her I'm here.
There'll be other young men.
The right man for you.
[Frank.]
She doesn't want to see you.
(sobbing) You're lying.
She's not coming.
She's not coming to your party, and she's not marrying you.
(melancholy music) Victoria! Victoria! Come with me! We don't need them, we don't need any of them! Luke.
I have to see her.
My daughter's asked me to speak on her behalf.
She's changed her mind.
She's not going to marry you after all.
I don't believe that.
I will do anything, anything, to protect my daughter and Bellmorrow from an opportunist like you.
I love her.
Sure you do.
But you'd love my money more.
Frank! Show Mr.
McGregor off the property.
This is very kind of you, Matt.
Nonsense, it's family.
Are you sure you want to go through with this? Yep, let's go.
(classical music) (clearing throat) (music stops) Well, my cousins, Daniel, Rob, Colin, Emily.
Mrs.
O'neil and Michael.
And the honorable Matt McGregor, M.
P.
Allow me to introduce my partner, Miss Hatton.
Miss Hatton.
Luke, I just want you to know, there are no hard feelings.
But perhaps you already know Miss Hatton.
The gentlemen, at least.
I know Miss Hatton.
Colin? Now, not the minister, surely? Yes, we've met.
You're embarrassing Miss Hatton, Luke.
Oh really? Then allow me to offer my apologies, I have nothing but respect for Miss Hatton.
She is, as you can see, my guest of honor.
My only guest.
She's not your only guest, Luke.
We're here.
But she didn't come to crow, now, did she? She didn't come to pick over the bones of the defeated unlike my self-righteous, self-important uncle, the man from Snowy River.
Alright, Luke.
I've offered you my hand again, and you've refused it.
We won't bother you any further.
[Luke.]
I don't need you.
I don't need any of you.
I guess not.
I guess you don't need anyone.
Play.
(birds crowing) (classical music) (country music)