Snowy River: The McGregor Saga (1993) s02e16 Episode Script
Flight of Fancy
(soft whimsical instrumental music) It's not going to fly, Michael.
(train whistle bellows) Wool? Why would anyone be shipping wool out of cattle country? 22 bales on their way to the northern markets.
(laughs) Oh naturally you bought you it at a good price.
Naturally.
And that price did include getting in my lane? It included delivery.
Then you're gonna need some help.
Astute as always, Rob.
Thanks for offering.
- If your fathers not too busy.
- Oh I'm a kettle man.
I don't know much about selling wool.
Must be a bit up and down, a bit like flying a kite.
Matt.
Now Rob, off then.
We go and help the kids.
See you at the bank, 12 sharp? Very sharp if you ask me.
(uplifting instrumental music) (horse whinnies) Sorry.
Fool kid.
It wasn't my fault.
[Henry.]
Hello down there.
Can you lend a hand? Hello? Easy, easy, easy.
Can you help me down there? Lend a hand would you? [Woman.]
It's coming down.
Coming down where? (people chattering) [Henry.]
Help, could I have some help please? Grab hold, would you? Could I have a hand over there? (tense instrumental music) Here we go.
Look, come on chaps, grab a hold, would you? You alright? I couldn't get the air out fast enough.
Rip cord froze.
Where's the rest of the crew? - What crew? - I wired ahead for six strong men.
Well I'm sorry I can't help you there.
You'll have to take it up with the telegraph office.
I didn't get the opportunity to take it up with anybody.
(laughs) - Matt McGregor.
- Henry Faulkner.
So, this is Digg's Rest, eh? Beautiful part of the world.
Digg's rest is 50 miles from here, sir.
North or south? To the east, sir.
Oh, well navigation was never a strength.
You gotta take it easy.
You took quite a knock there.
Oh the flesh may be weak but the skull is bulletproof.
You can really fly.
Can't we all? (soft classical music) The rains have changed, Kathleen.
You never know what they'll blow in.
Even tomorrow's news.
Well I think a small article would be in order.
Speaking of orders.
What a wonderful idea.
You wrote these yourself? With Emily.
Traditional hymns just don't seem to catch the essence of life up here.
If the good lord had intended us to change our hymns, he would of instilled them with your essence a long time ago.
James, times are changing and we have to change with them.
There's a world exhibition in Melbourne.
200 copies, is it Colin? Yes.
Colin, you're anticipating a rush on the church or you have a wider audience in mind? Well.
I see.
Any profit from the hymns will go back to the church.
Of course.
Will you can pick them up tomorrow.
Thank you.
Mom, we have to help Henry.
Henry who? Mr.
Faulkner, the ballon man, it's wrecked.
Just slow down.
Now tell me.
The man in the balloon, he crashed.
His gear's wrecked and he needs help.
He said we could all fly.
Oh did he now? I don't suppose we can just leave him sitting there so perhaps you should get the dray and help him load up.
Thanks mom.
Oh that's just what this town needs, a little excitement.
Wouldn't you agree, James? I have never regarded excitement as high on my list of priorities, Kathleen.
(chuckles) (soft whimsical music) Well thanks for all your help.
I'd be only too happy to um.
No, no.
If there's anything else you need, you just ask.
Already to go.
Thank you.
Well the blacksmith, I'll need to discuss repairs.
Yeah Michael will show you how to get there.
We'll follow up in the dray.
Well if there's anything I can do to repay your kindness.
Don't worry about it.
Well show the man.
But what about school? It will still be there.
(laughs) It's a fine looking saddle.
It would last a man a lifetime.
I'm paying it off.
Another seven shillings and I earn it.
Well persistence, Michael.
I'm sure you earn it sooner than you think.
Oh Michael O'Neil.
That's cast iron, you see.
Too hot or too cold and it cracks.
Now the brazier hasn't been a problem, but the extractor.
What is it exactly? It's the extractor.
It's old fuel re burner.
Oh you don't say.
Does that make it fly? Indirectly.
The cold produces heat and gas.
The heat inflates the balloon, the gas is drawn off by this cylinder here and recycled for a secondary burn.
Extra heat, extra energy, extra height.
If it's iron, we can cast it.
I admire your spirit, sir.
And I'll be admiring your purse, sir.
Hang the expense.
Michael, you should be in school.
But mom, Matt said it was okay.
Oh did he? Michael's efforts have been much appreciated and I hope well spent, madam.
I don't believe we've met.
Kathleen O'Neil.
Where are my manners? Henry Faulkner.
Michael's handsome looks are no accident of nature.
Yes well you've caused quite a stir in town.
You might find some of us distracted from our normal selves, neglecting our work.
Like school for example.
Mom, Matt said it was School, now.
My fault entirely, Ms.
O'Neil or may I call you Kathleen? Mrs.
O'Neil will be fine.
Where are my manners today? The newspaper? Inspiring the public imagination and a woman journalist.
Something this country sadly lacking.
Well actually.
You were saying? Well I was saying that I own the newspaper.
Nothing on the scale that you might be used to, of course.
An editor then? More power to you, Mrs.
O'Neil.
Something smells good.
Will you join me? So you can really smell the Devonshire tea from that far away? I'm sure you could smell a good story from twice that distance.
What are you thinking? That you might contribute some interesting observations for our local paper.
On how not to land a balloon? Shall I take that as a yes? How could I possibly refuse you.
So why would anyone fly from Adelaide to Melbourne? Secret mission, perhaps.
Ah a mission to the world exhibition more likely.
Very astute.
Surely there were more comfortable ways to travel? Ah they've all been done before.
They're too slow.
Speed fires the imagination, Ms.
O'Neil.
Mrs.
O'Neil.
Oh of course, how could I forget? Perhaps it was your imagination? So you were saying? About what? Imagination.
Oh yes, well the exhibition in Melbourne will be full of people with imagination.
People with ideas.
The 20th century is just around the corner.
Can you imagine what it will be like? I'm sure you can.
The machines will do all our work for us, our medicines will cure the incurable, we'll live for 100 years.
And fly in balloons? We'll fly the air in great ships of canvas and steam.
These flying ships, Mr.
Faulkner, they wouldn't just carry people? No, no they'll carry the trade of a life we haven't yet imagined.
Goods, chattels, your sons children.
They'll fly around the world from city to city as they choose.
If the good lord had intended us to fly, he would of provided us with wings, sir.
Or equipped us with webbed feet, sir.
Mr.
Faulkner.
Call me Henry.
Ah, I see you two have met.
Oh yes.
Mr.
Faulkner's agreed to an interview.
I thought we agreed to go over some papers at the bank, 12 sharp.
Oh I'm sorry, I lost track of time.
Well as long you don't lose track of dinner tonight.
No of course not and Mr.
Faulkner will come too.
Most generous.
After all, it's not very often we have an aeronaut in town, is it? No, it's not.
(soft guitar music) I'll need you at the printery tomorrow.
200 hymn sheets for Colin McGregor.
Good.
The way you've been working soon you'll have enough saved for that saddle.
At the end of the month.
What do you think about Henry, mom? I've asked him a lot of questions and I didn't get many answers.
Kids at school say he's been above the clouds too long.
They say he's moonstruck.
Yes well you can make that decision for yourself.
Get a move on, we're late.
I expect you'll find life pretty dull around here.
Still it won't be for long.
No, simple repairs.
You know passing over country like this, you forget what you're missing out on.
Yeah.
I suppose that's why Kathleen invited you over for dinner.
She's a very interesting woman.
I'm looking forward to meeting her husband.
She's a widow.
The meeting might prove difficult.
Actually I think there's something you should know here.
It's uh.
Ah, company's coming.
Kathleen, Michael.
Thought you might of asked Mr.
Faulkner to say grace.
Why is that, Rob.
Well if him flying so high and everything, I thought he might of been closer to the heavenly source.
More qualified for the job.
If the good lord intends men to fly he has my enteral gratitude.
It must be quite an experience up there.
Different perspective.
So quiet.
Expect when you crash.
Its not his fault, Rob.
The extractor cracked.
Well give me a good horse any day.
At least they don't make mistakes.
Oh we wouldn't learn without mistakes.
Nothing would ever change.
I agree, aim high.
I mean you might fall short but aiming too low, there'd be no progress.
Exactly, well change is more than mere accident.
It's a force every bit as powerful as the wind.
What would you change around here? What would you like to change? For example, improving trade prospects in the area.
Alright, well I've seen the pattern before.
Wheat takes over the lower plains and the cattle are pushed higher up.
So to change, you need something that suits both areas, something to fill the gap.
I don't know, sheep for example.
I've been thinking the same thing.
Well then you've had a good idea, Kathleen.
I'd like to move now and on a scale that's gonna be economically viable.
Well, sheering takes time and mutton can't be shipped far.
Well steam clippers sheer twice as fast and I've even heard of a refrigerated ship that took mutton to England that arrived as fresh as the day it left and sold at 10 times local price.
Look, I've got nothing against change, but it needs to be tethered.
Now building up Langara was too much hard work to risk it's future on a whim.
Maybe it's time we did our weather observation, hm? Beautiful sight, Michael.
A sliver lady riding the clouds.
Could a balloon ever get to the moon? Not a balloon, no.
Such powers of attraction.
A little like your mother.
She hasn't got enough time to go to the moon.
Do you think anyone will ever get there? One day, somebody will design just the ship for the job.
Ships can't fly.
Ships can sail on water.
Different ships will sail on air, why not? I don't know.
When I was not much older than you I drew pictures of flying ships.
Kept them all in a book.
I've still got it.
Can I see it? Of course.
We could show your mother.
She doesn't know anything about flying.
When can I see the book? Tomorrow.
I'm bringing it around in the morning.
I get the feeling that grin means something.
Oh let it pass.
No, I think I'd rather know what it means.
Well you didn't have to go through all that, did you? I mean if you're going to talk about sheep, fine, talk to me.
We were talking about sheep.
Yeah after you gave him the nod.
You think I set that up? Kathleen, I'm a reasonable man.
Look, they were Henry's words out of Henry's mouth.
He has ideas.
Yeah and you've taken a quite shine to him, haven't you? What is that supposed to mean? Look the man's only in town for one day and And what? Well one minute he's full of ideas and the next, the next his arms are full you.
Just because he carried me over a puddle.
I'm just telling you what I see.
Now we are engaged, aren't we? I'm glad you can see my point of view.
What's that supposed to mean? It means that you'll understand why I've invited him to stay here.
What here, Langara here? We can hardly have him stay with me.
I mean we are engaged, aren't we? (soft tense classical music) Do you think Custer will have the repairs done in time? He has to.
Time is the one thing I lack.
You have ridden before, haven't you? Once or twice.
I'm sure they all work on the same principle.
Yeah well old Jose knows his way into town and back.
No, no I prefer this one.
Spirited, it's how like them.
Yeah, I'm getting the picture.
You know, a young widow like Kathleen seems such a waste of a fine woman.
She's engaged to be married.
Even more of a waste.
What sort of a life can she have out here married to some bumbling oaf? Oh some of the local oafs do alright.
Breeding more oafs I suppose.
She's marrying me.
(chuckles) And I wouldn't want anything to get in the way of that.
No, quite.
Thanks for the horse.
(soft classical music) Kathleen, good morning.
Good morning.
I promised young Michael I'd bring over a book.
He hasn't stopped talking about it.
Are you having a great deal of success with that kite? It goes crazy.
I'm not surprised.
I'd go crazy too if I was a kite without a respectable tail.
A tail only makes it heavier.
Could we borrow some old rags? I think we need to make some modifications.
In the kitchen, Michael can show you.
Much appreciated.
You're welcome.
They could fly anywhere.
Well their ideas, Michael, never tested.
But yes, machines like those will fly one day.
How could anything heavy stay up on the air? That's a good question.
Harmony.
Harmony with the wind and graces.
A demonstration, perhaps.
You see all wind is air, some moves slowly and some more quickly.
We must try and find a harmony.
I want you to watch this most carefully.
You see? It doesn't fall directly to the floor for a moment, it has harmony.
We must try and create that harmony and then stabilize the moment.
Why is the air so important? I mean you can't see it.
See it? You can hear it, feel it, smell it.
It's everywhere.
Clouds, thunder, lightening, energy.
A more practical demonstration perhaps.
Well you see now that's good.
The winds caught it and the tail gives it stability.
That's lovely.
Now that's what I call a kite.
Mom the professor gave me a book where flying.
Said I could keep it.
It's fantastic.
Well make sure you look after it.
I can't wait to finish it.
Now the wind has, now run with that.
That's good, good boy.
It seems that Michael's taken quite a shine to you.
He's an intelligent lad.
I must admit, I'm coming to enjoy my fiasco in Paterson's Ridge.
I'm sure the sentiment is mutual and thank you for your generosity.
No, there was a selfish motive.
Selfish? My passion is aeronautics.
If I can influence someone to carry that passion into the 20th century, so much the better.
What more could I ask for? I don't know.
Now, the interview.
You didn't talk much about your past.
Well I don't look to the past.
I look forward to the future.
Always the future.
Mr.
Custer will be waiting on specifications for the repairs.
I should go.
Perhaps we could talk another time? For your article? Of course.
I could think of nothing more pleasant.
Good day.
Bye.
(soft classical music) Now there you are.
It's been awhile since this well was used.
The water level dropped away.
It's too hard drawing it up.
Where there's a will there's a way, Mr.
Custer.
No problems with that extractor.
I can repair it alright.
Recast it.
I said I could fix it.
No, no recast it.
Take all the time you need.
Not in a hurry to get to Melbourne? Well the exhibition can start without me.
I'm enjoying my time here.
You're friendly people.
Oh the best.
Besides, I might have a crack at that well.
Why would you do that? To prove it can be done, sir.
Runs pretty deep.
Oh distance is only limitation.
It can be overcome.
It's your money.
(laughs) Well it's a windmill gentleman.
I've seen them in Queensland.
They've been used to ground grain in Europe for centuries.
It's quite simple, really.
Not the only thing that's simple around here.
(laughing) Alright, give the man a chance.
There's always room in the world for a new idea.
Quite so, Mr.
Custer.
Quite so.
(laughing) (people chattering) Not chance, mate.
Hello Robert.
Mr.
Faulkner.
200, finished mom.
And another six pence for the saddle, I believe.
All donations gratefully accepted for (mumbles).
Give it, Rob.
- So how did you enjoy last night? - It was good.
I'm not sure about this Henry fellow, though.
What do you mean? I think he's really interesting.
Flight of fancy? That's the title of a book he gave Michael.
Flight of fools, I reckon.
He's come up with some scheme.
He reckons he's gonna draw water from the old well at the stables.
With the help of the wind.
Well that's a great idea.
It means the horses can have water whenever they want.
If Henry thinks he can then I'm sure that at some time in the future it's possible.
Well he's already started.
Somebody with ideas and vision comes to town and he ends up a laughing stock.
Henry's right.
And he isn't troubled by small minds either.
Bye.
Bye.
I know he's right, mom.
Hey Michael, is the mad professor going to teach you to fly? (laughing) It must fly.
If it won't, I'll make it.
Stormy Wilson, there was a man who could ride a horse.
Yeah he sure could.
Seven shillings to go if I remember rightly.
- You're almost there.
- Almost.
So how much would you be paying up today then? Nothing.
There's a few things I want to get first.
Let me give you hand, Mr.
Faulkner.
Easy George.
Mr.
Faulkner did say he's paying us by the hour.
Money's often the simplest means to an end.
Means justifies the ends, I reckon.
(laughing) Henry, I hear you're bringing water to the stables.
I wish I were.
I'm sorry? Oh the winds going to have to take the credit for that.
Oh.
You look like you've worked up an appetite.
Would you care to join me for lunch? You're too kind, Kathleen.
Good.
Oh and by the way, Colin McGregor's collection of hymns.
He asked if he could impose on you for a critique.
Me? Don't tell me you're building the worlds biggest kite.
It's nothing.
It looks like an awful lot of nothing.
Look, it's for mom.
It's no big deal, okay? I've got to get going.
Well I've got some free time this afternoon.
If you want to go riding.
I could help you with Regret.
Yeah alright.
Thanks, Danni.
Hi, Sweetie.
George, Mr.
Faulkner still around? He's around the back I'd keep my eye on him if I was you.
Oh there you are.
Hello Matt.
We were just having some lunch and discussing astronomy.
It's fascinating.
I'm sure it is.
Yes I must get back to work.
Find these chaps I'm paying them by the hour.
You'll have to excuse me.
Thanks for the lunch.
Pleasure.
So, what's he building? He believes he can pump water from the old well.
A windmill to be precise.
Faulkner's folly if you ask me.
Well an experiment perhaps, not a folly.
There is a difference.
Oh really? He makes you feel uncomfortable, doesn't he? Well that's one way of putting it.
Because he had different ideas and a different way of going about them? Because he sits around having lunch with my fiancee while half the towns hooting their heads off.
Oh Matt McGregor, I do believe you're jealous.
Me? If you can't accept me offering my support and my friendship to somebody You hardly know the man.
I'm not asking you to back my judgment.
Who said I wasn't backing your judgment? I'm asking you to accept it.
(upbeat whimsical music) I thought you were coming over this afternoon? We were training Regret.
Sorry, I forgot.
Get him saddled up and we'll get to work now.
There's something I have to do.
I'll help you.
I have to do it by myself.
What is it exactly? Nothing, I helped you with your stupid kite, I try and help you with your horse and now you're too busy doing nothing.
You're are so inconsiderate, Michael.
Come on.
By the hour, Mr.
Faulkner.
With the possibility of a bonus.
(soft tense instrumental music) (upbeat whimsical music) I think we're just about done, Mr.
Custer.
Aye but what have we done, Mr.
Faulkner? (laughs) It's got nothing to do with me being jealous.
Oh what has it got to do with, Matt? It's got to do with the fact that he's only staying here in the hope that you'll leave with him.
How exactly? And we be into a balloon with the first aeronaut I meet, happily whisked away to a new life.
Honestly, Matt.
Morning, Kathleen.
Mr.
McGregor.
Oh dear.
He'll be embarrassed for weeks.
Now do you think it matters that we're arguing a lot? Not as long as we know where we stand.
And where is that exactly? Hello? Am I interrupting something? No, not at all.
Good, well the windmill's finished and the extractor's been repaired.
Oh and by the way, Colin's hymns, I don't know, they have a certain lyricism, rhythm.
People should hear them.
Yes.
And I was rather hoping you'd do me the honor.
What honor is that, Henry? Well the balloon.
I thought you might to be in it although I should warn you that if she breaks free, there's no guaranteeing where we'll come down.
Well a chance like that doesn't come every day, does it? I'd be delighted.
Hi.
Hi.
Doing nothing again? Don't be mad at me, Danni.
Why should I be mad at you? Little boys need secrets.
Have to do things alone.
They really like to hide things.
Oh give me that.
You're not planning on flying one of these things? And why would do that? You are.
Well you've got another thing coming, Michael O'Neil.
You either stop this plan right now or I will.
You can't.
Mr.
Custer won't like you taking his seed.
I paid him for it.
Does your mom know your flying to the moon? Henry's right and I'm gonna prove he is.
How, by killing yourself? Don't be so stupid, Michael.
They're all the ones that are stupid and you're just like them.
(people chattering) (soft uplifting classical music) It's looking good.
It's looking absolutely fabulous.
I thought Danni and Michael would of been here to see this.
I am not laughing at him, Michael.
Henry said air ships were only ideas.
They only work in books.
Well I've made one and it's gonna fly.
I know it is.
Michael.
Don't go snitching.
Well everything seems to be in order.
So this is it then? I'm running out of reasons to keep me here.
I'm sure you'll think of one.
(laughs) Dad.
Michael, he's gonna kill himself.
I saw him, he's built.
Slow down, slow down.
Now what's happened? He's built a machine from the professor's book.
He said he's going to fly it.
They were only sketches.
Where did he go? He wouldn't tell me.
He'll need a launch site.
A cliff, a steep slope of some kind.
What about the reservoir? He know his way up there, doesn't he? What about Chapman's Bluff? Yeah or any other half a dozen places.
Well we're not gonna stop him by talking.
We stand a better chance of spotting the boy from the air.
I'll take the ship up.
You two, head up to Razorback.
I'm coming with you, I know the area.
(tense classical music) (triumphant adventurous classical music) Look over there.
I can see something.
Keep looking.
I'll stoke up the brazier.
What on earth? What's the problem? The burners gone out.
Ventricle levers jammed.
It's choking down the fire.
Kathleen, I can see him.
Where? Where? Over there.
That's the bluff.
My boys are heading in the wrong direction.
We're moving away from him.
Do something, Henry.
That's got it.
Henry, how do we get over there? Well without heat, we're gonna sink like a stone.
You got any alcohol in that medical kit? Hospital brandy.
That will do.
Now we need some cloth to burn.
My petticoat.
[Henry.]
Ideal.
There's a western wind that blows this time of year.
If we get across that ridge, it should take us toward Michael.
Jolly good.
Hurry with that, quickly.
(dramatic classical music) That's got it.
Alright, stand back.
It's working.
That's got it, going up.
Altitude increasing.
Over there.
It's the only place he could jump.
We have enough altitude.
Okay this is the ripcord.
Pull this hard when you want to land but hang on, it's going to be rough.
Well you're the expert on rough landings.
Practice makes perfect.
Yeah just right there.
Alright hold on.
Now.
(dramatic classical music) Michael! [Matt.]
Michael.
You didn't think I was gonna fly it myself, did you? They're designs, Michael, for controlled experiments.
Out here, you have no idea.
Buts that why I brought the bag of wheat.
So it could fly without me.
(laughs) Very smart, Michael.
Not bad at all.
You've done a great job putting it all together.
I don't remember a wheel in any of my drawings.
I thought it might save some energy.
Save having to carry it around.
It could build up more speed.
Excellent.
I'm sure I've seen that wheel before.
Great minds think alike.
(laughs) Well, now that we're here, there's now harm in giving it a try, huh? Matt.
It's an experiment.
Why not? Yes, there's something very familiar about that wheel.
No I think the wheel's already been invented, hasn't it Henry? Let's see what she'll do huh? (upbeat classical music) Okay, let's just take it slowly huh? Watch your step there.
Here we are.
Ready? [Both.]
One, two, three.
(laughs) Oh it flew.
Yeah not very far but it certainly did fly, Michael.
The wheel barrow.
It was the wheel from the wheel barrow.
Very inventive.
Congratulations, Michael, you made it fly.
Flexible saplings.
You see, now I thought now rigid spurs.
The saplings seem to be the key.
Flexibility, well done.
Yeah rather clever really.
Takes after his mother.
It will be my great pleasure.
They'll be singing your hymns at the exhibition tonight.
- Oh thank you, I really appreciate it.
- No, no thank you.
You've given me the idea, air mail.
Think of the possibilities.
Well good luck.
Thank you.
I hope you can carry a few extras.
Scones, I thought you'd smell them coming.
Thank you.
You now Matt, I think you're right.
Change does need to be regulated.
If it hadn't been for the good sense of young Michael here, I might of endangered his life.
Well you got me thinking too and if you can't change, you won't grow.
So maybe directions are key.
Not one of my stronger points.
I'll have to leave that in your capable hands.
Now Michael, that idea of yours, the flexible spurs instead of the rigid ones, how'd you feel about selling that idea? Sell it? Well six shillings suffice? Six shillings, well that's only one shilling less than what I need for the saddle.
Then you have some work to do.
Look after the 20th century for me.
Good bye, Kathleen.
Goodbye, Henry.
I hope you won't think I'm being indelicate but you two really shouldn't delay.
You should be together.
Don't delay it any longer you're so well suited.
Well we'll work at it.
Good luck.
Thank you.
Stand back.
(whimsical classical music) Goodbye, thank you all.
Thanks for everything.
Goodbye.
[Michael.]
Hey it's working.
Henry was right.
I knew he could do it.
Oh he's not a bad fella.
I thought so.
Smart, good looking, plenty of charm.
Yeah I could see how you'd fall for him.
Who said I fell for him? Oh change the subject.
To what in particular? Whatever.
Wool, yeah wool.
I have a few ideas I want to run past you.
Well I can't wait to hear.
(soft light classical music)
(train whistle bellows) Wool? Why would anyone be shipping wool out of cattle country? 22 bales on their way to the northern markets.
(laughs) Oh naturally you bought you it at a good price.
Naturally.
And that price did include getting in my lane? It included delivery.
Then you're gonna need some help.
Astute as always, Rob.
Thanks for offering.
- If your fathers not too busy.
- Oh I'm a kettle man.
I don't know much about selling wool.
Must be a bit up and down, a bit like flying a kite.
Matt.
Now Rob, off then.
We go and help the kids.
See you at the bank, 12 sharp? Very sharp if you ask me.
(uplifting instrumental music) (horse whinnies) Sorry.
Fool kid.
It wasn't my fault.
[Henry.]
Hello down there.
Can you lend a hand? Hello? Easy, easy, easy.
Can you help me down there? Lend a hand would you? [Woman.]
It's coming down.
Coming down where? (people chattering) [Henry.]
Help, could I have some help please? Grab hold, would you? Could I have a hand over there? (tense instrumental music) Here we go.
Look, come on chaps, grab a hold, would you? You alright? I couldn't get the air out fast enough.
Rip cord froze.
Where's the rest of the crew? - What crew? - I wired ahead for six strong men.
Well I'm sorry I can't help you there.
You'll have to take it up with the telegraph office.
I didn't get the opportunity to take it up with anybody.
(laughs) - Matt McGregor.
- Henry Faulkner.
So, this is Digg's Rest, eh? Beautiful part of the world.
Digg's rest is 50 miles from here, sir.
North or south? To the east, sir.
Oh, well navigation was never a strength.
You gotta take it easy.
You took quite a knock there.
Oh the flesh may be weak but the skull is bulletproof.
You can really fly.
Can't we all? (soft classical music) The rains have changed, Kathleen.
You never know what they'll blow in.
Even tomorrow's news.
Well I think a small article would be in order.
Speaking of orders.
What a wonderful idea.
You wrote these yourself? With Emily.
Traditional hymns just don't seem to catch the essence of life up here.
If the good lord had intended us to change our hymns, he would of instilled them with your essence a long time ago.
James, times are changing and we have to change with them.
There's a world exhibition in Melbourne.
200 copies, is it Colin? Yes.
Colin, you're anticipating a rush on the church or you have a wider audience in mind? Well.
I see.
Any profit from the hymns will go back to the church.
Of course.
Will you can pick them up tomorrow.
Thank you.
Mom, we have to help Henry.
Henry who? Mr.
Faulkner, the ballon man, it's wrecked.
Just slow down.
Now tell me.
The man in the balloon, he crashed.
His gear's wrecked and he needs help.
He said we could all fly.
Oh did he now? I don't suppose we can just leave him sitting there so perhaps you should get the dray and help him load up.
Thanks mom.
Oh that's just what this town needs, a little excitement.
Wouldn't you agree, James? I have never regarded excitement as high on my list of priorities, Kathleen.
(chuckles) (soft whimsical music) Well thanks for all your help.
I'd be only too happy to um.
No, no.
If there's anything else you need, you just ask.
Already to go.
Thank you.
Well the blacksmith, I'll need to discuss repairs.
Yeah Michael will show you how to get there.
We'll follow up in the dray.
Well if there's anything I can do to repay your kindness.
Don't worry about it.
Well show the man.
But what about school? It will still be there.
(laughs) It's a fine looking saddle.
It would last a man a lifetime.
I'm paying it off.
Another seven shillings and I earn it.
Well persistence, Michael.
I'm sure you earn it sooner than you think.
Oh Michael O'Neil.
That's cast iron, you see.
Too hot or too cold and it cracks.
Now the brazier hasn't been a problem, but the extractor.
What is it exactly? It's the extractor.
It's old fuel re burner.
Oh you don't say.
Does that make it fly? Indirectly.
The cold produces heat and gas.
The heat inflates the balloon, the gas is drawn off by this cylinder here and recycled for a secondary burn.
Extra heat, extra energy, extra height.
If it's iron, we can cast it.
I admire your spirit, sir.
And I'll be admiring your purse, sir.
Hang the expense.
Michael, you should be in school.
But mom, Matt said it was okay.
Oh did he? Michael's efforts have been much appreciated and I hope well spent, madam.
I don't believe we've met.
Kathleen O'Neil.
Where are my manners? Henry Faulkner.
Michael's handsome looks are no accident of nature.
Yes well you've caused quite a stir in town.
You might find some of us distracted from our normal selves, neglecting our work.
Like school for example.
Mom, Matt said it was School, now.
My fault entirely, Ms.
O'Neil or may I call you Kathleen? Mrs.
O'Neil will be fine.
Where are my manners today? The newspaper? Inspiring the public imagination and a woman journalist.
Something this country sadly lacking.
Well actually.
You were saying? Well I was saying that I own the newspaper.
Nothing on the scale that you might be used to, of course.
An editor then? More power to you, Mrs.
O'Neil.
Something smells good.
Will you join me? So you can really smell the Devonshire tea from that far away? I'm sure you could smell a good story from twice that distance.
What are you thinking? That you might contribute some interesting observations for our local paper.
On how not to land a balloon? Shall I take that as a yes? How could I possibly refuse you.
So why would anyone fly from Adelaide to Melbourne? Secret mission, perhaps.
Ah a mission to the world exhibition more likely.
Very astute.
Surely there were more comfortable ways to travel? Ah they've all been done before.
They're too slow.
Speed fires the imagination, Ms.
O'Neil.
Mrs.
O'Neil.
Oh of course, how could I forget? Perhaps it was your imagination? So you were saying? About what? Imagination.
Oh yes, well the exhibition in Melbourne will be full of people with imagination.
People with ideas.
The 20th century is just around the corner.
Can you imagine what it will be like? I'm sure you can.
The machines will do all our work for us, our medicines will cure the incurable, we'll live for 100 years.
And fly in balloons? We'll fly the air in great ships of canvas and steam.
These flying ships, Mr.
Faulkner, they wouldn't just carry people? No, no they'll carry the trade of a life we haven't yet imagined.
Goods, chattels, your sons children.
They'll fly around the world from city to city as they choose.
If the good lord had intended us to fly, he would of provided us with wings, sir.
Or equipped us with webbed feet, sir.
Mr.
Faulkner.
Call me Henry.
Ah, I see you two have met.
Oh yes.
Mr.
Faulkner's agreed to an interview.
I thought we agreed to go over some papers at the bank, 12 sharp.
Oh I'm sorry, I lost track of time.
Well as long you don't lose track of dinner tonight.
No of course not and Mr.
Faulkner will come too.
Most generous.
After all, it's not very often we have an aeronaut in town, is it? No, it's not.
(soft guitar music) I'll need you at the printery tomorrow.
200 hymn sheets for Colin McGregor.
Good.
The way you've been working soon you'll have enough saved for that saddle.
At the end of the month.
What do you think about Henry, mom? I've asked him a lot of questions and I didn't get many answers.
Kids at school say he's been above the clouds too long.
They say he's moonstruck.
Yes well you can make that decision for yourself.
Get a move on, we're late.
I expect you'll find life pretty dull around here.
Still it won't be for long.
No, simple repairs.
You know passing over country like this, you forget what you're missing out on.
Yeah.
I suppose that's why Kathleen invited you over for dinner.
She's a very interesting woman.
I'm looking forward to meeting her husband.
She's a widow.
The meeting might prove difficult.
Actually I think there's something you should know here.
It's uh.
Ah, company's coming.
Kathleen, Michael.
Thought you might of asked Mr.
Faulkner to say grace.
Why is that, Rob.
Well if him flying so high and everything, I thought he might of been closer to the heavenly source.
More qualified for the job.
If the good lord intends men to fly he has my enteral gratitude.
It must be quite an experience up there.
Different perspective.
So quiet.
Expect when you crash.
Its not his fault, Rob.
The extractor cracked.
Well give me a good horse any day.
At least they don't make mistakes.
Oh we wouldn't learn without mistakes.
Nothing would ever change.
I agree, aim high.
I mean you might fall short but aiming too low, there'd be no progress.
Exactly, well change is more than mere accident.
It's a force every bit as powerful as the wind.
What would you change around here? What would you like to change? For example, improving trade prospects in the area.
Alright, well I've seen the pattern before.
Wheat takes over the lower plains and the cattle are pushed higher up.
So to change, you need something that suits both areas, something to fill the gap.
I don't know, sheep for example.
I've been thinking the same thing.
Well then you've had a good idea, Kathleen.
I'd like to move now and on a scale that's gonna be economically viable.
Well, sheering takes time and mutton can't be shipped far.
Well steam clippers sheer twice as fast and I've even heard of a refrigerated ship that took mutton to England that arrived as fresh as the day it left and sold at 10 times local price.
Look, I've got nothing against change, but it needs to be tethered.
Now building up Langara was too much hard work to risk it's future on a whim.
Maybe it's time we did our weather observation, hm? Beautiful sight, Michael.
A sliver lady riding the clouds.
Could a balloon ever get to the moon? Not a balloon, no.
Such powers of attraction.
A little like your mother.
She hasn't got enough time to go to the moon.
Do you think anyone will ever get there? One day, somebody will design just the ship for the job.
Ships can't fly.
Ships can sail on water.
Different ships will sail on air, why not? I don't know.
When I was not much older than you I drew pictures of flying ships.
Kept them all in a book.
I've still got it.
Can I see it? Of course.
We could show your mother.
She doesn't know anything about flying.
When can I see the book? Tomorrow.
I'm bringing it around in the morning.
I get the feeling that grin means something.
Oh let it pass.
No, I think I'd rather know what it means.
Well you didn't have to go through all that, did you? I mean if you're going to talk about sheep, fine, talk to me.
We were talking about sheep.
Yeah after you gave him the nod.
You think I set that up? Kathleen, I'm a reasonable man.
Look, they were Henry's words out of Henry's mouth.
He has ideas.
Yeah and you've taken a quite shine to him, haven't you? What is that supposed to mean? Look the man's only in town for one day and And what? Well one minute he's full of ideas and the next, the next his arms are full you.
Just because he carried me over a puddle.
I'm just telling you what I see.
Now we are engaged, aren't we? I'm glad you can see my point of view.
What's that supposed to mean? It means that you'll understand why I've invited him to stay here.
What here, Langara here? We can hardly have him stay with me.
I mean we are engaged, aren't we? (soft tense classical music) Do you think Custer will have the repairs done in time? He has to.
Time is the one thing I lack.
You have ridden before, haven't you? Once or twice.
I'm sure they all work on the same principle.
Yeah well old Jose knows his way into town and back.
No, no I prefer this one.
Spirited, it's how like them.
Yeah, I'm getting the picture.
You know, a young widow like Kathleen seems such a waste of a fine woman.
She's engaged to be married.
Even more of a waste.
What sort of a life can she have out here married to some bumbling oaf? Oh some of the local oafs do alright.
Breeding more oafs I suppose.
She's marrying me.
(chuckles) And I wouldn't want anything to get in the way of that.
No, quite.
Thanks for the horse.
(soft classical music) Kathleen, good morning.
Good morning.
I promised young Michael I'd bring over a book.
He hasn't stopped talking about it.
Are you having a great deal of success with that kite? It goes crazy.
I'm not surprised.
I'd go crazy too if I was a kite without a respectable tail.
A tail only makes it heavier.
Could we borrow some old rags? I think we need to make some modifications.
In the kitchen, Michael can show you.
Much appreciated.
You're welcome.
They could fly anywhere.
Well their ideas, Michael, never tested.
But yes, machines like those will fly one day.
How could anything heavy stay up on the air? That's a good question.
Harmony.
Harmony with the wind and graces.
A demonstration, perhaps.
You see all wind is air, some moves slowly and some more quickly.
We must try and find a harmony.
I want you to watch this most carefully.
You see? It doesn't fall directly to the floor for a moment, it has harmony.
We must try and create that harmony and then stabilize the moment.
Why is the air so important? I mean you can't see it.
See it? You can hear it, feel it, smell it.
It's everywhere.
Clouds, thunder, lightening, energy.
A more practical demonstration perhaps.
Well you see now that's good.
The winds caught it and the tail gives it stability.
That's lovely.
Now that's what I call a kite.
Mom the professor gave me a book where flying.
Said I could keep it.
It's fantastic.
Well make sure you look after it.
I can't wait to finish it.
Now the wind has, now run with that.
That's good, good boy.
It seems that Michael's taken quite a shine to you.
He's an intelligent lad.
I must admit, I'm coming to enjoy my fiasco in Paterson's Ridge.
I'm sure the sentiment is mutual and thank you for your generosity.
No, there was a selfish motive.
Selfish? My passion is aeronautics.
If I can influence someone to carry that passion into the 20th century, so much the better.
What more could I ask for? I don't know.
Now, the interview.
You didn't talk much about your past.
Well I don't look to the past.
I look forward to the future.
Always the future.
Mr.
Custer will be waiting on specifications for the repairs.
I should go.
Perhaps we could talk another time? For your article? Of course.
I could think of nothing more pleasant.
Good day.
Bye.
(soft classical music) Now there you are.
It's been awhile since this well was used.
The water level dropped away.
It's too hard drawing it up.
Where there's a will there's a way, Mr.
Custer.
No problems with that extractor.
I can repair it alright.
Recast it.
I said I could fix it.
No, no recast it.
Take all the time you need.
Not in a hurry to get to Melbourne? Well the exhibition can start without me.
I'm enjoying my time here.
You're friendly people.
Oh the best.
Besides, I might have a crack at that well.
Why would you do that? To prove it can be done, sir.
Runs pretty deep.
Oh distance is only limitation.
It can be overcome.
It's your money.
(laughs) Well it's a windmill gentleman.
I've seen them in Queensland.
They've been used to ground grain in Europe for centuries.
It's quite simple, really.
Not the only thing that's simple around here.
(laughing) Alright, give the man a chance.
There's always room in the world for a new idea.
Quite so, Mr.
Custer.
Quite so.
(laughing) (people chattering) Not chance, mate.
Hello Robert.
Mr.
Faulkner.
200, finished mom.
And another six pence for the saddle, I believe.
All donations gratefully accepted for (mumbles).
Give it, Rob.
- So how did you enjoy last night? - It was good.
I'm not sure about this Henry fellow, though.
What do you mean? I think he's really interesting.
Flight of fancy? That's the title of a book he gave Michael.
Flight of fools, I reckon.
He's come up with some scheme.
He reckons he's gonna draw water from the old well at the stables.
With the help of the wind.
Well that's a great idea.
It means the horses can have water whenever they want.
If Henry thinks he can then I'm sure that at some time in the future it's possible.
Well he's already started.
Somebody with ideas and vision comes to town and he ends up a laughing stock.
Henry's right.
And he isn't troubled by small minds either.
Bye.
Bye.
I know he's right, mom.
Hey Michael, is the mad professor going to teach you to fly? (laughing) It must fly.
If it won't, I'll make it.
Stormy Wilson, there was a man who could ride a horse.
Yeah he sure could.
Seven shillings to go if I remember rightly.
- You're almost there.
- Almost.
So how much would you be paying up today then? Nothing.
There's a few things I want to get first.
Let me give you hand, Mr.
Faulkner.
Easy George.
Mr.
Faulkner did say he's paying us by the hour.
Money's often the simplest means to an end.
Means justifies the ends, I reckon.
(laughing) Henry, I hear you're bringing water to the stables.
I wish I were.
I'm sorry? Oh the winds going to have to take the credit for that.
Oh.
You look like you've worked up an appetite.
Would you care to join me for lunch? You're too kind, Kathleen.
Good.
Oh and by the way, Colin McGregor's collection of hymns.
He asked if he could impose on you for a critique.
Me? Don't tell me you're building the worlds biggest kite.
It's nothing.
It looks like an awful lot of nothing.
Look, it's for mom.
It's no big deal, okay? I've got to get going.
Well I've got some free time this afternoon.
If you want to go riding.
I could help you with Regret.
Yeah alright.
Thanks, Danni.
Hi, Sweetie.
George, Mr.
Faulkner still around? He's around the back I'd keep my eye on him if I was you.
Oh there you are.
Hello Matt.
We were just having some lunch and discussing astronomy.
It's fascinating.
I'm sure it is.
Yes I must get back to work.
Find these chaps I'm paying them by the hour.
You'll have to excuse me.
Thanks for the lunch.
Pleasure.
So, what's he building? He believes he can pump water from the old well.
A windmill to be precise.
Faulkner's folly if you ask me.
Well an experiment perhaps, not a folly.
There is a difference.
Oh really? He makes you feel uncomfortable, doesn't he? Well that's one way of putting it.
Because he had different ideas and a different way of going about them? Because he sits around having lunch with my fiancee while half the towns hooting their heads off.
Oh Matt McGregor, I do believe you're jealous.
Me? If you can't accept me offering my support and my friendship to somebody You hardly know the man.
I'm not asking you to back my judgment.
Who said I wasn't backing your judgment? I'm asking you to accept it.
(upbeat whimsical music) I thought you were coming over this afternoon? We were training Regret.
Sorry, I forgot.
Get him saddled up and we'll get to work now.
There's something I have to do.
I'll help you.
I have to do it by myself.
What is it exactly? Nothing, I helped you with your stupid kite, I try and help you with your horse and now you're too busy doing nothing.
You're are so inconsiderate, Michael.
Come on.
By the hour, Mr.
Faulkner.
With the possibility of a bonus.
(soft tense instrumental music) (upbeat whimsical music) I think we're just about done, Mr.
Custer.
Aye but what have we done, Mr.
Faulkner? (laughs) It's got nothing to do with me being jealous.
Oh what has it got to do with, Matt? It's got to do with the fact that he's only staying here in the hope that you'll leave with him.
How exactly? And we be into a balloon with the first aeronaut I meet, happily whisked away to a new life.
Honestly, Matt.
Morning, Kathleen.
Mr.
McGregor.
Oh dear.
He'll be embarrassed for weeks.
Now do you think it matters that we're arguing a lot? Not as long as we know where we stand.
And where is that exactly? Hello? Am I interrupting something? No, not at all.
Good, well the windmill's finished and the extractor's been repaired.
Oh and by the way, Colin's hymns, I don't know, they have a certain lyricism, rhythm.
People should hear them.
Yes.
And I was rather hoping you'd do me the honor.
What honor is that, Henry? Well the balloon.
I thought you might to be in it although I should warn you that if she breaks free, there's no guaranteeing where we'll come down.
Well a chance like that doesn't come every day, does it? I'd be delighted.
Hi.
Hi.
Doing nothing again? Don't be mad at me, Danni.
Why should I be mad at you? Little boys need secrets.
Have to do things alone.
They really like to hide things.
Oh give me that.
You're not planning on flying one of these things? And why would do that? You are.
Well you've got another thing coming, Michael O'Neil.
You either stop this plan right now or I will.
You can't.
Mr.
Custer won't like you taking his seed.
I paid him for it.
Does your mom know your flying to the moon? Henry's right and I'm gonna prove he is.
How, by killing yourself? Don't be so stupid, Michael.
They're all the ones that are stupid and you're just like them.
(people chattering) (soft uplifting classical music) It's looking good.
It's looking absolutely fabulous.
I thought Danni and Michael would of been here to see this.
I am not laughing at him, Michael.
Henry said air ships were only ideas.
They only work in books.
Well I've made one and it's gonna fly.
I know it is.
Michael.
Don't go snitching.
Well everything seems to be in order.
So this is it then? I'm running out of reasons to keep me here.
I'm sure you'll think of one.
(laughs) Dad.
Michael, he's gonna kill himself.
I saw him, he's built.
Slow down, slow down.
Now what's happened? He's built a machine from the professor's book.
He said he's going to fly it.
They were only sketches.
Where did he go? He wouldn't tell me.
He'll need a launch site.
A cliff, a steep slope of some kind.
What about the reservoir? He know his way up there, doesn't he? What about Chapman's Bluff? Yeah or any other half a dozen places.
Well we're not gonna stop him by talking.
We stand a better chance of spotting the boy from the air.
I'll take the ship up.
You two, head up to Razorback.
I'm coming with you, I know the area.
(tense classical music) (triumphant adventurous classical music) Look over there.
I can see something.
Keep looking.
I'll stoke up the brazier.
What on earth? What's the problem? The burners gone out.
Ventricle levers jammed.
It's choking down the fire.
Kathleen, I can see him.
Where? Where? Over there.
That's the bluff.
My boys are heading in the wrong direction.
We're moving away from him.
Do something, Henry.
That's got it.
Henry, how do we get over there? Well without heat, we're gonna sink like a stone.
You got any alcohol in that medical kit? Hospital brandy.
That will do.
Now we need some cloth to burn.
My petticoat.
[Henry.]
Ideal.
There's a western wind that blows this time of year.
If we get across that ridge, it should take us toward Michael.
Jolly good.
Hurry with that, quickly.
(dramatic classical music) That's got it.
Alright, stand back.
It's working.
That's got it, going up.
Altitude increasing.
Over there.
It's the only place he could jump.
We have enough altitude.
Okay this is the ripcord.
Pull this hard when you want to land but hang on, it's going to be rough.
Well you're the expert on rough landings.
Practice makes perfect.
Yeah just right there.
Alright hold on.
Now.
(dramatic classical music) Michael! [Matt.]
Michael.
You didn't think I was gonna fly it myself, did you? They're designs, Michael, for controlled experiments.
Out here, you have no idea.
Buts that why I brought the bag of wheat.
So it could fly without me.
(laughs) Very smart, Michael.
Not bad at all.
You've done a great job putting it all together.
I don't remember a wheel in any of my drawings.
I thought it might save some energy.
Save having to carry it around.
It could build up more speed.
Excellent.
I'm sure I've seen that wheel before.
Great minds think alike.
(laughs) Well, now that we're here, there's now harm in giving it a try, huh? Matt.
It's an experiment.
Why not? Yes, there's something very familiar about that wheel.
No I think the wheel's already been invented, hasn't it Henry? Let's see what she'll do huh? (upbeat classical music) Okay, let's just take it slowly huh? Watch your step there.
Here we are.
Ready? [Both.]
One, two, three.
(laughs) Oh it flew.
Yeah not very far but it certainly did fly, Michael.
The wheel barrow.
It was the wheel from the wheel barrow.
Very inventive.
Congratulations, Michael, you made it fly.
Flexible saplings.
You see, now I thought now rigid spurs.
The saplings seem to be the key.
Flexibility, well done.
Yeah rather clever really.
Takes after his mother.
It will be my great pleasure.
They'll be singing your hymns at the exhibition tonight.
- Oh thank you, I really appreciate it.
- No, no thank you.
You've given me the idea, air mail.
Think of the possibilities.
Well good luck.
Thank you.
I hope you can carry a few extras.
Scones, I thought you'd smell them coming.
Thank you.
You now Matt, I think you're right.
Change does need to be regulated.
If it hadn't been for the good sense of young Michael here, I might of endangered his life.
Well you got me thinking too and if you can't change, you won't grow.
So maybe directions are key.
Not one of my stronger points.
I'll have to leave that in your capable hands.
Now Michael, that idea of yours, the flexible spurs instead of the rigid ones, how'd you feel about selling that idea? Sell it? Well six shillings suffice? Six shillings, well that's only one shilling less than what I need for the saddle.
Then you have some work to do.
Look after the 20th century for me.
Good bye, Kathleen.
Goodbye, Henry.
I hope you won't think I'm being indelicate but you two really shouldn't delay.
You should be together.
Don't delay it any longer you're so well suited.
Well we'll work at it.
Good luck.
Thank you.
Stand back.
(whimsical classical music) Goodbye, thank you all.
Thanks for everything.
Goodbye.
[Michael.]
Hey it's working.
Henry was right.
I knew he could do it.
Oh he's not a bad fella.
I thought so.
Smart, good looking, plenty of charm.
Yeah I could see how you'd fall for him.
Who said I fell for him? Oh change the subject.
To what in particular? Whatever.
Wool, yeah wool.
I have a few ideas I want to run past you.
Well I can't wait to hear.
(soft light classical music)