Bomb Girls s02e01 Episode Script

1 You should see the girls who work the factory floor.
They actually make something that matters! You told us you worked in an office; That was the deal.
I earned the right to stand with these woman.
Your new name is Kate Andrews.
Run Marion, run! Whatever you're running from, you're safe here now.
A man like Marco Moretti should not be working in the factory; It's a disaster waiting to happen.
I'm not ready to face the world again.
I thought maybe you might have some work for me in the office.
I was telling Marco that there's a factory girl might be in the family way.
- I hope your girl is happy with the news.
- Her life's over.
You always wanted me in this war Gladys.
James, I'm not looking for a hero.
I've seen your scars Kate, I know he put them there.
You have a new life here.
Now I want my family back.
Goodbye.
What about Kate? She's back where she said she'll never go.
I'll help you find her.
Come on Bets we got a war to win.
(Anita O'Day singing "Watch the Birdie" by Roy Eldrige) Watch the birdie and take a camera candid shot.
Watch the birdie, come on and give it all you got.
Watch the birdie, just look around and pick a spot and hold it.
Watch the birdie, just strike a funny pose a while.
Watch the birdie and you can beat that pose a mile.
Watch the birdie, and let me see your pretty smile and hold it.
This has to be my last, Daddy.
I'm late for my shift at the bomb factory! You're the face of Witham Foods we have to get it right.
You realize I'm only any good to you as long as I actually keep this job of mine.
I wouldn't dream of slowing you down.
Our ad campaign's whole point is that this war is our family's war too.
"At Witham's, we're with 'em!" That's very good.
Joining us at the club this evening? I'm meeting friends from the factory.
Really? what is it, dear? Beer and pretzels at the pig and poke? That's right, I'm "with 'em", Mother! Hey you, get out of the way.
Watch the birdie and take a camera candid shot.
Watch the birdie, come on and give it all you got.
Watch the birdie, just look around and pick a spot and hold it.
Ladies! We're working with explosives.
Metal can spark and sparks can explode.
Clear.
The way you describe it, they sound honest-to-god happy with you working here.
Let's just say they figured out what side the Witham's bread is buttered on.
And your fiance? Wish I could tell you.
Doesn't he write? Sure, but then the censors go to town.
Drives me crazy, not knowing what he's doing or when he'll ship out.
I'm in the dark here, and I don't like it.
James is in officer's training, princess.
If he's already dodging bullets, we're in real trouble.
Ladies, we have some visitors today.
A delegation from the U.
S.
and China is touring the plant.
If you're called upon to demonstrate, let's show our guests what we women can do.
America and China here? why? We don't need to know why, Miss Witham, we just need to do our part.
Clear! Miss McRae, a word? I'll keep the crew on a tight leash today, ma'am, don't you worry Mr.
Aikins received this from a man who claims his daughter worked here.
"Deviant freak"? This man accuses you of, making improper advances toward the girl, he wants you fired.
This is a lie, Mrs.
Corbett.
You have no idea what this is about? A Marion Rowley? No! no.
It's disgusting.
And it's a lie.
That's good enough for me.
Clear.
The general should know, this is one of a dozen lines at Vic Mu going non-stop, every day but Sunday.
How many bombs has the factory built? Nearly two million.
Making Victory Munitions one of the largest manufacturers in the commonwealth.
Miss McRae, explain what you're doing.
Packing shell casings with propellant, cordite.
That chemical smell burning your nose tells you it's powerful stuff.
Enough propellant to take out an aircraft.
Each shell holds a cylinder, that we fill with liquid amatol This is what does the damage.
Once the amatol has cooled, shells are joined to casings on the crimping line.
Most of our munitions are anti-aircraft which our american friends will appreciate.
You'll excuse me for a moment, please.
Continue Miss Witham.
My fiance, he's an officer's training down at Fort Benning.
I love the thought of our bombs getting to him.
The General asks how your fiance feels about you doing such dangerous work.
Well, don't women work China's bomb factories? They did, until the factories were obliterated by the Japanese.
Of course.
So then we move to quality-control, where we check for spurs, alignment and imperfections, Ventilation in here is the pits.
Matron's supposed to enforce the rules.
How come we got a pregnant woman round cordite? Marco, for God's sake.
Just calling them as I see it, Lorna.
Let's each of us mind our own business.
Are you still trying to tell me the baby's not mine? What's the issue? It's Downsview, sir.
They say it's urgent.
The air force calling here? Harold Aikins.
Good Lord.
Is this a drill? People, we need to evacuate, move! Get our guests to the safe-station.
No sir; This is real.
Carol, get the girls into the tunnels.
What's going on? There's an unknown plane in the restricted fly-zone headed straight for the plant.
The train.
They've been loading boxcars all week.
Good Lord there's a thousand tons of explosive on it.
Mr.
Aikens, are you coming? Soon.
I need to get that train away from the city.
Downstairs! Buchinsky! Help me shut this down.
Wait! Hold it! Hold it! Hold it! Dotty Anderson They got spotters all over the city.
They musta saw a German aircraft.
Or it's the Japs.
Who knows what's coming at us? Hitler's got U-boats in the St.
Lawrence.
They sunk a ferry off the coast of Labrador.
Clearing the way for the goddamned Luftwaffe.
Don't spook yourself.
It's crazy-talk.
Crazy? Was Pearl Harbour crazy? Buster, You're taking up oxygen, Shake a leg and help me here.
I'm afraid I don't know your name.
It's Kai Low.
"Kai Low" what does that mean? I dunno.
What does "Witham" mean? Your english is really quite good.
My father is a marine, married my mom in Shanghai.
You're an American interpreter.
.
? I'm with the U.
S.
army.
Why? You liked me better all Confucius and chop suey? I sure put my foot in it upstairs.
I really know nothing about China.
China's been fighting the Japanese for the last ten years.
For us, their first hit was just a few months back, in Pearl Harbour.
And Hong Kong, a lot of our men died there.
Even more are prisoners of war.
Well, if they treat the Canadians like they do the Chinese, those prisoners will have a hard time surviving, Miss Witham.
But there are international laws.
Laws mean nothing if they're not observed.
Hilter's got himself one nasty ally.
It's only the train shunting! Pulling out of the yard.
Is this okay? Yeah it's okay.
Corbett here.
Coast is clear, folks.
Back to business.
Air Force says, false alarm.
Thanks.
Anytime.
Nice talking to you, Miss.
Hey, if you're the praying type, pray the Red Cross reaches your prisoners of war.
Pray your fiance never reaches Japan.
Hey you alright? Apologies, the word is a newsreel photographer just flew himself into a lot of hot water.
This way gentlemen.
I can manage, thank you.
Don't be silly, let me help.
Vera, please! Don't make me say it.
What? You can't go in with your you-know, scar.
This is a big deal.
We don't need red flags over safety and whatnot.
Just, go file.
I can handle luncheon.
You seem pretty shaken up.
Just tired.
Took a walk last night.
In February? I still go out most nights.
Kate.
Were you looking for her? Nope.
I worry about her too.
So Betty! Seen you and Ivan Buchinsky cozying up in the tunnel.
What's the scuttle, you staking a claim? Buchinsky's all right.
Ladybug, he's a man between fifteen and fifty.
If you won't jump him, I will.
Betty's not jumping on anyone.
Why would you say that? Cuz you're not that kind of girl.
Yes I am.
Consider my claim staked.
I heard Gladys Witham was up to stump a while back.
What'd she do, take a trip to Chestnut Street? I just kept thinking down there, what if I never see my kids again? Can't imagine how scared you'd be in your condition.
And Bob what's he say about it all? Haven't told him yet.
It was hand-to-mouth on his pension before I got this job.
I'm waiting for the right time to quit.
Of course! I'd be happy to, proud to! Absolutely! No, thank you! Bets! I just spoke with the Red Cross, thought I might canvass for them, raise funds for our prisoners of war.
Wanna hit up folks at the Jewel Box? Sure, I'll be there anyway.
Got a date with the Slav.
Ivan? You mean a holding hands and kissing kind of date? Yep.
So be there, okay? Case I need a quick getaway.
Sure.
What are friends for? Little Bamber's got a baby four month old.
Husband overseas, never seen it.
She leaves it at the Sally Ann.
They look after children there now.
Well I guess somebody has to.
Mothers doing war-jobs.
Imagine.
Mom good news.
I passed my admissions test.
I might actually get into medical school! Sheila, that's wonderful.
Look at this letter.
"Every indicator of a fine candidate.
" Well of course they accepted her.
Why wouldn't they? They got the room.
All the boys are overseas Bob! "Space" has nothing to do with it Dad.
I earned those grades fair and square.
Of course you did, Sheila, I am so proud of you.
I'm going up to Ellie's, use the phone.
Did you have to? We can't afford this, Lorna.
You couldn't give the girl one minute of happiness? Your figure's changing.
What's that? Dozing off on the couch every night.
It's no different than when you carried the twins.
I know you, Lore, and I know the signs.
So I've gained a bit of weight Am I supposed to believe it's mine? What? Our relations being what they are, it would have to be a bloody miracle.
No I'm not pregnant.
Not a chance.
(Andrew Sisters sing "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy") He was a famous trumpet man from old Chicago way He had a boogie style that no one else could play He was the top man at his craft But then his number came up and he was gone with the draft He's in the army now, a-blowin' reveille He's the boogie-woogie bugle boy of Company B The Maple Leafs, will take the cup, no question! Players like Don Metz and Syl Apps? What about Turk Broda? In goal? There's beauty, and then there's Turk.
The Captain seemed to understand Because the next day the Cap' went out and drafted a band And now the company jumps when he plays reveille I seen you, you take pride in your work.
What are you gonna do with all the money you're making? Truth? Buy a house.
My own house.
A house.
You don't think I'm cracked? I think girls like you are going to be running this place before the war is over.
I hope it's not too late.
No, no, it's just a surprise.
What can I do for you? I want my old job back on the line.
Sorry, but I had to ask and I can't talk about this at the factory.
Things aren't working out upstairs? Seems I'm not much of an office girl.
You're gaining experience, Vera.
You'll be glad to have it down the road.
I'm normally so much tougher than this, but I just My husband's at the legion, there's a pot of tea on the go.
I shouldn't have bothered you at home.
It's easy for vain and foolish girls to be cruel.
You're more capable than that whole knot of ninnies combined.
Thank you, ma'am.
Just today I heard loose talk of Gladys Witham taking a three-day weekend.
Oh that was just a dirty rumour.
Gladys was never Oh of course not.
They were saying something about goings-on, on Chestnut Street? Yeah, there's a place, a girl in trouble can get things looked after That's terrible, what we've come to.
There's another girl at the factory, same predicament.
I might go check this place for her, see if it's appropriate.
Chestnut Street's a rough neck of the woods.
I can swing a mean handbag.
Mrs.
Corbett? If you're gonna go, I'll go with you.
Hello everyone, hello?! We won't interrupt the party long We're taking collection for the Red Cross, help our boys in Japanese POW camps.
It's terribly grim for soldiers over there, so please, please, give what you can! Open up, folks this won't hurt a bit! Vera? I don't think we It's okay.
We're here now.
Go on; Away with ya now.
You in or you out? How'd you make out? A whopping dollar-fifty.
That's double what I got.
This is a travesty.
Can I get you ladies a drink? Yes! I'll try a shandy.
Unless of course you'd rather leave.
Oh, I don't need a rescue.
Ivan's great.
Really? You mean that? Betty, aren't you leading him on? Why would you say that? You're telling me your heart's in this? This is what girls do.
They date boys.
And don't get arrested, and they keep their jobs and don't have the whole bloody world thinking they're "deviant freaks.
" Betty, I never No you didn't.
So don't go telling me where my goddamned heart is.
Ladies, drinks Cheers.
Actually, I got an early morning.
Ivan? how 'bout a lift home? Aww yup.
Another bit for your cause.
Mr.
Lo! What're you doing here? I meant to jump off the streetcar at your Chinatown, but I blinked and missed it.
Dance? Yes, I dance.
This girl you know, how far gone is she? Is she's quick? The flutter of life, she felt it yet? Oh no.
No, it's early weeks yet.
A tea of pennyroyal, tansy and cotton root.
That will bring on her flow.
I'll need to examine the girl before I give anybody anything.
This girl.
well, you see, she's quite young, like many I expect you meet I will not treat a woman I haven't examined.
If it's just a tea, couldn't you I don't take chances with a woman's health.
You either bring her to me, or you'll have to find some other way to stop the baby.
That's fine, I'll let her know.
Mrs.
Corbett.
I never should have Mrs.
Corbett! She gives you a bunch of herbs.
You boil down a pot of water to a quart, you drink it in one go.
Tastes like hell.
Feels like you're gonna heave or burst or both.
You cramp real bad, you bleed it out and it's done.
And this girl? Tell her not to be afraid.
Cause she's the one that has to live with it.
Whichever way it goes.
Darling why do you look so sad, I wonder if it could be that bad Come home to me, when the world has been unkind You're a good dancer.
For a Chinese guy? No for an American.
My mom taught me.
She worked in a cabaret in Shanghai's international settlement.
We could hit the town, or just stay inside And the Japanese what do they do? You don't want to know Yes I do.
please.
The Chinese army had just retreated the Japanese started shelling us civilians who were left behind.
I watched the wounded die on dance floors not much different from this one.
And the Chinese refused to surrender? Japan does not respect surrender.
It's a different kind of war.
We either win or we die.
let me take it off your mind She's got a man in there.
You sure I should be up here? I felt like I was crossing enemy lines, A fellow up here after ten o'clock.
Wow.
You drink like a sailor Betty? Betty.
Betty, Betty, Betty.
Whoa What? Am I doing it wrong? No.
No It's just, we both had a lot to drink.
I want us both to remember your first time.
It is your first time Yeah.
We take our time, much as you need.
Well I better get going while I still can.
Night.
If last night is any indication, it'll take months, years before I can raise decent funds for the Red Cross.
What did you expect, passing the hat amongst jitterbugging soldiers and giddy factory girls? Your mother's right, Gladdy.
That's not how real money gets raised.
That's why I think we should throw a proper fund-raising party.
People bring cash, clothes, food We are not asking guests to dig in their attics for musty old bay blankets.
Mother, you can assemble a soiree in a snap.
With your guest-list we'd raise a hundred times what I made last night.
"At Witham's we're with'em," remember? If you really meant it, being part of the great fight then please.
What if you had a son over there? All right, Gladdy.
And how do you propose to inspire their generosity? You forget your daughter's a war-worker.
Believe me, I haven't.
But you'll attend as a Witham not a factory girl.
They need to see how much we're doing Find another way to inspire our guests.
What's a benefit soir-ee? It's a society party.
Like in the Philadelphia Story.
All food and donated comfort items will go to the Red Cross for our boys in prison camps.
And for us common people, there's bingo friday in the rec hall.
"Common" hardly.
We're the women behind the men who will win this war.
Please say you'll come.
What the heck how many chances do I get to wear my good dress? Except you might be more effective, in coveralls.
Who goes to a fancy party, in pants? My parents' friends have no idea what it really takes to fight a war.
Blue shift girls in uniform, showing we're with the boys that'll make 'em dig in their pockets.
Do we get champagne? Yes.
You're on.
I hope we're not too late.
That bus sure doesn't run up this way very often.
Unless you're a maid or a gardener you wouldn't be needing one.
Holy doodle this is something This isn't the back door! You're damn right.
Well get in here, that way.
Where's Betty? Taxi! Taxi! Brothers and sisters! You may hide a dark heart from others, but you cannot hide your sinfulness from the Lord! Forsake your wickedness or taste His wrath and burn in everlasting fire! It appears we face a demon.
Bastard what've you done to her? I brought her back to the grace of God.
There's no God here, Mister.
Betty, you need to go.
You don't mean that.
The stuff you wrote in that letter, it's lies.
I have a boyfriend now! What letter? Father? He's trying to ruin me.
You're well along the road to hell.
For they are an abomination in You shut up! The sight of the Lord! Touch me again and I will kill you.
Police! Police! Betty, walk away he'll hurt you.
I don't care, let him try.
He'll hurt me, or worse.
Go, go! Thank you.
Thank you.
We'll organize these in piles, bundle them up later.
Thank you.
Have you seen Gladys yet? Probably fixing her turban Or trying a different look.
Someone got to wear her best dress.
Oh don't hate me.
It was the deal I had to strike with my mother.
Good evening.
Thanks for inviting me.
Nice digs for a working girl.
Thanks for coming.
I want our guests to hear first hand what our boys are facing overseas.
Wow.
Look who's the pin-up girl.
Betty Grable, eat your heart out.
I don't believe this.
Miss Witham, hello.
Kai Low, May I present Mr.
Sharpe, regional chairman for the Red Cross.
A pleasure.
Isn't our lovely lady a wonderful advocate? Indeed she is.
There's such an urgent need for food and medicine overseas.
The Red Cross is sincerely in your family's debt.
Please excuse me.
You're unveiling your ad campaign now? A plum audience.
Isn't it the cat's? This is a charity event! And a perfect occasion to launch Witham's new brand.
Daddy, a fund-raiser's no place for some crass publicity stunt.
Eye on the prize, dearest.
You're taking in money for a worthy cause.
I didn't sign my friends up for this.
It's the Red Cross representative you should focus on.
Now, we have press from all the daily papers.
Be proud you're netting a nice fat cheque for those prisoners.
Here are some words you're gonna wanna to say.
Sit up.
You're not quick? No.
Nothing yet.
You don't have much time.
You said you see a fair number like me? More than one's been left a gift when their husband goes overseas.
Working women with their shoulder to the wheel.
And there's those who shore up their loneliness and wish they hadn't.
I suppose war's a bad time for babies.
Yup.
Look what the cat dragged in.
Shove it, powder-puff.
Where's Gladys? Over there.
Betty! you're late.
I found Kate.
Kate, is she okay? Her old man's put her on a corner, spouting his malarkey.
We gotta save her, once and for all.
"Save" her? Yeah she'll listen to you.
You got a way of handling these things.
I've been ambushed here, I can't leave these girls now.
I have to say a speech.
Can we go tomorrow? Tomorrow she'll be long gone! Please.
Kate is a grown woman.
Surely if she wanted to leave, she could.
No.
She can't.
But you could if you wanted to.
Betty, wait! I can't believe this is how you treat your friends.
Bets, that's not fair.
"Fair"? You said you'd help.
I have to stay the course and play my part.
I see they're playing you right back.
Gladys, You're everywhere.
Guess you're not here for the coffee.
I've come to talk about the baby.
Look, I know I'm the father, Lorna.
It's okay.
I couldn't tell you, I needed to keep a clear head.
I'm sorry.
I can't raise another child.
Are you sure you're making the right decision? No.
But I'm the one who lives with it.
So tell me what are you doing here? One more time Before you go kiss me one more time Lorna, it's okay.
So I will know That you are mine And that you love me so So kiss me One more time Mr.
Red Cross looks like he's happy anyway.
Mother practically has her tongue in his ear.
I'd swear they're trying to snag a food contract from the Red Cross? Well if that's a crime, then the whole world's doing it.
I want to be the good daughter.
You know what Confucius would say? I've no idea.
Yeah neither do I.
But I can tell you from my view, straddle two worlds long enough, you end up nowhere.
Smile, dear.
Think of your prisoners.
Your father will say a few words.
Then up you go to present our family donation, four hundred dollars.
Did Daddy snag a contract? Which contract is that? A supply-contract with the Red Cross.
I saw you working them, Mother.
It's not enough to go and shine a spotlight on Witham Foods, you have to funnel every penny raised back into your own pocket? The Red Cross has to buy the food from someone.
Everything's business with you! You there! Vivian, Vanessa Vera.
Run 'round and make sure everyone has champagne for the toast.
The world is not your staff, mother! What kind of bubble do you live in? The same one as you! This business buys you the privileges you pretend to hate.
You want to be of help? Start with your own family.
my own daughter Gladys, from the munitions factory.
So with no further ado, I'd like to introduce the heart behind this fundraiser, My daughter, Gladys Witham.
Our enemy taught us how much we value the freedoms we took for granted.
They taught us how, when we bond together, there's nothing we can't accomplish.
But we aren't all together.
Our boys were taken from us and until they return home safe, they need our help.
So I am pleased to announce we've raised $6,300 tonight, led by a donation from Witham Foods of three thousand dollars.
Three thousand dollars? Every penny raised goes not to food, but to crucial medical supplies delivered by the International Red Cross.
Lets raise a glass to our boys and to ourselves, and to all we've done together.
Cheers.
You crossed the line.
Medical supplies? The deal was Food, your food.
But buying your way to a contract doesn't come cheap.
Sorry.
Clever girl.
I hope you're proud.
You have to decide whose side your on.
Oh I have.
You stood up to that darkness, Marion.
Your mother would be proud.
I'd sure like to see her.
We'll visit her soon.
The sanitarium up in North Bay is doing her a world of good.
And, the boys? The boys, with your aunt.
Just remember Marion, a little more money and a little more faith and you know what.
The land of milk and honey.
Kate.
Betty Please.
Let me help you.
I gave my daughter life, you will not destroy it.
It's nothing but lies that you tell her.
Mom's not sick in hospital, is she? This jezebel filled you with poison.
She left.
Couldn't stand it anymore! Do you want the truth? Do you want the truth?! Your mother is dead.
And I'm all that you have.
No no, you're lying! Marion, it was to protect you You lied to me, just so I would stay with you, It was so you wouldn't suffer.
Living with you.
.
is misery, every day of it.
You shut it now.
You shut it!! No I won't shut it.
Get off of her.
It's me you want, come and get me.
Let her go! Stop! Oh my God.
C'mon You can stop, Betty.
He's dead.
He seems so small.
You stay here.
I'll get the police.
We're not doing that.
It's the right thing.
We owe him that.
No.
We don't owe him a thing.
It's okay, I feel you.
I'm sorry.
Let's go find her.
(Billie Holliday sings "I'm Pulling Through") Kate.
You're back! Are you all right? You're safe? When I was stranded came your helping hand Lonely, hurt I had not known which way to turn 'Til you said, "That's bad, no tears, just laugh and learn" I'm pulling through and it's because of you You made me see how lovely life could be Lifted up my heart and made me count the cost To find I'd gained, not lost.
I'm pulling through and it's because of you I'd do the same for you if your turn came Hope it never will For I've been through the mill I won't forget this debt I'm pulling through