Can You Hear Me? (2024) Movie Script
When now I hark back
to those last November days.
When the world was still at war.
I cease to wonder why, or
how he returned.
Perhaps it was our love
that willed it so,
or in the depth of loneliness,
somewhere in my heart
I willed him into being.
One thing is certain.
His spirit was more than
an incarnation of my desire.
Mystery lies all around us.
No matter what
you choose to believe,
Mystery is constant.
And on mystery
we can depend.
My dearest Sis,
How I long to see
the white cliffs of home.
And how I yearn to sit by the
hearth together as we used to.
I don't have long now,
we're about to go over the top,
but we're all in
good spirits here.
General Haig's modus operandi
is for an eight-day preliminary
artillery bombardment,
which he believes will decimate
the Hun's defenses.
We're told we won't even need
our guns after that.
So, with any luck,
I'll be home in a fortnight.
How overjoyed I'll be
to see your smiling face
at the station.
Good morning.
The wounded were
delayed at Dover.
Yes. Thank you.
Have you seen my boy?
He was reported
missing a month ago.
What's his name?
Thomas.
Thomas Perkins. He's
my grandson.
Pierson,
Peters,
No, I don't see him
on the casualty list.
I'm sure he's making
his way to you right now.
Oh! Miss Annabel!
Don't fuss, Ben.
If our soldiers can toil
through the mud and clay,
I can certainly
suffer a little rain.
Oh, Miss Annabel.
Master Fredrick didn't
make it then?
Suppose he's a goner!
I won't have you upsetting
Miss Annabel with that kind of
talk, Mary.
Is the pursuit of glory
really worth the risk?
Glory?
Who said anything about glory?
It's our freedom.
Oh.
Anyway,
you heard Winston.
The war will be over
in a couple of weeks,
and I'll be home before
you know it.
Rummy.
Annabel.
Annabel.
Fredrick.
Are you there?
Freddy! Is that you my boy?
Are you there?
Freddy wasn't on the train
Father.
He must have been delayed.
You must go and wait
for him again.
Tomorrow.
Why did they all have to go off
and fight?
As if getting killed was
some sort of game.
Would you have...
England surrender
her sovereignty?
Her people?
Their voice?
To a foreign ruler?
To one whose
desires and cares are not
born of England or
- shaped by her love?
- No.
But before Gallipoli,
Churchill told the boys
at Blamford
they'd be home in two months.
That was almost two years ago!
When will the bloodshed end?
We must win this war, Annabel.
No sacrifice
could be more noble.
They deserve our gratitude.
I am grateful.
I just never imagined
with Freddy's disability
he'd be sent to fight in France.
You must pray for a
swift return.
How he passed the medical exam
I'll never know.
It would have brought
dishonor to this family
had he not done this duty.
Please tell me you didn't
use your influence
to bring his posting
about father.
He could get into
terrible trouble!
I'm well aware of his failings.
This isn't about Fredrick's
pride.
It's about yours.
He'd do anything to
earn your approval
if he thought it could win
your love.
Cosy.
Sorry.
I didn't mean to startle you.
I was just...
We met at the station.
I'm-I'm Samuel.
Yes, I remember.
You were very kind
to help old Mrs. Perkins.
Hm. Yeah.
Anybody would have done
the same.
Oh, I doubt that.
You have low expectations
of your fellow men.
Perhaps I do.
But it prevents me
from being disappointed.
Hm.
Well, I'm flattered that you
recognize me at all then.
With that accent,
how could I help it?
You English folks
sure know how to make a
visitor feel welcome.
I only meant that
being the only
foreigner in the parish, it
makes you sort of a mystery.
Oh, I'm uh
here on leave
before heading to the front.
Mystery solved.
You were waiting for someone
at the station.
- You didn't?
- No.
That doesn't mean
Yes, I know.
Where's your fianc fighting?
Are all American men
this inquisitive?
He's my brother.
Which part of America
do you come from?
Are all English women
this inquisitive?
Actually, I was born here.
My mother moved me to America
when I was a baby.
Oh!
So your mother's English?
So you're not all heathen?
So how does it feel?
Returning to the place
from whence
your kinfolk came?
Give me some time.
I'll let you know.
Pleasure to meet you.
A foreign gentleman
bought these for you, Miss.
Has he gone?
Oh, a postcard came for,
you Miss Annabel.
Who's it from?
There were no King George
Stamp on the corner of the card,
Miss, so I'm guessing it comes
from master Fredrick in France.
- Has my father seen it?
- No.
I thought
it best to keep it for thee.
What is it, miss?
It says,
"I'm a prisoner of war
in Germany.
Do not reply to Berlin.
Await further information."
Your brother's alive.
Let us be grateful for that.
Don't let my father
hear about this.
Father?
This picture of your mother
was taken the year we wed.
You're so alike.
You have so much of her spirit.
Your mother, God rest her soul,
would never forgive me
till the dying day if she knew
I brought about your brother's
posting.
Now, what is this
I hear from Ruth about you
wanting to join the
Women's Land Army?
Well
with food supplies being cut off
from mainland Europe,
we women have to do our bit.
I would, uh,
let the girls of the village
worry about that.
Your place here at home.
My girl.
You'll send you're only son
to risk his life
in the service of his country.
Yet, you forbid your daughter
from doing her duty.
That is my last word
on the subject, Annabel.
What did he say?
He won't hear it.
Heaven forbid
I should do something useful.
Forgive me for saying it, miss,
but if that's how you feel,
then I don't think you should
let him stand in your way.
Chances are he'll have forgotten
all about it
by the morning.
Afternoon!
What are you grinning at?
Grinning at you, miss.
The war makes the most
unlikely laborers.
I suppose it's my uniform
you find so amusing.
Actually, I find it refreshing
to see a woman wearing trousers.
I'm not making a very
good job of it, I'm afraid.
That can be remedied.
May I?
Trick is to let the pitchfork
do the work.
Just got to push in here
with your foot.
Like that.
And then lift.
Ah!
There we go.
Jackpot.
Hey, wait, wait.
Give me your hands.
Here, put these on.
It'll help.
Thank you for the flowers.
What flowers?
You got a little, uh.
Try it.
Give it a go!
It was awfully kind of
to help us today.
Not really.
See, it's uh
It's my land.
An estate
I recently inherited, so...
I guess you were helping me.
I should be thanking you.
You're Sir William's heir?
He had no surviving
relatives, so
left it to me
out of kindess
to my late mother.
Bartender, I'll have a gin
and a
A whiskey, please.
Whiskey. For my
pants wearing friend.
Anyway, you needn't thank me.
But, uh. My father would never
allow it if he knew.
Well, there's plenty of work at
my house that your father
would approve of.
I guess.
You know, these
medieval manors, they
take a lot of tender
love and care, so
it takes some time before
it's fit for family living.
Is there a problem
here, bartender?
Yes, just cuz all our young lads
are in France
fighting for their lives,
Don't get you Yanks the right
to come over here
and take advantage
of all our womenfolk.
What do you think, boys?
Yeah!
We agree?
He's not taking advantage
of anyone.
Look,
I don't think you want to upset
my friend here.
She's very tough, and
she will defend my
Is that right?
Oh!
Come on.
Drinks here are terrible.
Ouch.
You're hurt?
I'm all right.
You should feel sorry
for the other guy.
His rent just went up.
I saw him earlier on
my property.
I'm his landlord.
Ignorant fools.
He deserved everything
you gave them.
But I won't have you getting
yourself injured for my sake.
I think we should probably
avoid one another from now on.
Well, I'll find that
quite impossible,
you see
because I think I'll fall
in love with you.
Don't.
Annabel!
Are you there?
Father?
Father!
Annabel.
I'm here father.
I'm here.
Your brother!
What about him?
I should have never...
He left of his own free will,
father.
Miss Ann
Anna
I wanted to offer
my condolences.
I, uh...
I heard about your father.
Thank you.
It was a deliverance.
He suffered a lot in the end.
I know how hard it is.
I recently lost my own mother.
I'm so sorry.
I had no idea.
That's why I came back here.
See the place where she grew up.
I'm told loss gets easier.
There's a line in the old book.
"And this too shall pass."
If philosophy taught me
anything, it's
never to take time for granted.
Each moment we share with those
we love is a gift.
Every memory a blessing.
Life is fleeting.
Who knows what tomorrow
will bring.
Do you want to dance?
Here?
Life is fleeting.
One, two, three.
One, two, three.
Sometimes I lose my footing
in the mud.
Really?
How many men do you dance out
here with in the woods?
Post Mary!
Thanks Samuel.
- Anything for me?
- Just the one miss.
Thank you Mary.
Dear Sis,
forgive my not being able
to write to you
sooner as I would have wished.
According to the War Office,
as British prisoners of war,
we're only entitled
to write a mere
two letters a month.
But the reality,
I'm afraid, is much dependent
on the compassion
of the German camp commandant,
who seems to have replaced
any vestige of Christian charity
with a strange, chilling
indifference
towards his fellow men.
Though, they do
give me the light work
on account of my wounded leg.
Attention!
Aufmerksamkeit!
Enough!
You should have stayed at home,
in England.
Here it is.
Oldest tree house in the world.
We used to love to play here
as children.
You and the young
Princess Victoria?
I didn't have
you down as a history scholar.
Oh
came across it while I was
flicking through a book
in my library.
You know, now that this place
belongs to me, I thought I'd
learn all its secrets
and stories
in case I want to settle down
here one day.
- Oh!
- Ah!
Come on!
It's magical.
Memories of make believe.
Ask me again.
What?
What it's like to be back.
How does it feel?
Returning to the place
from whence your kinfolk came?
It feels incredible.
Is this what you're looking for?
I've already given you
my heart and my virtue.
What else can I offer you
but the shirt of my back?
You're hat!
It's okay, just leave it.
You don't suppose he heard us?
- I hope not.
- Otherwise we've put him to sleep.
It's so peaceful up here.
I hardly know we're at war.
All those ploughed pastures
used to be filled with ponies.
My heart breaks
to think of them now.
Burdened with the broken bodies
of our wounded.
Chattels of war
on the Western Front.
Necessary evil, I suppose.
Survival sometimes
means sacrifice.
The alternative is being starved
into submission.
Do you suppose life
will ever return
to the way it was?
I hope so.
But if Germany wins this war.
That life you love
will be lost forever.
Everything feels so uncertain.
There's one thing
that is certain.
My love for you.
Annabel,
this ring belonged to my mother.
It brought her great joy.
I hope it brings you even more.
Annabel, please.
I don't want to wait.
Marry me before I go.
Yes.
Saturday.
Saturday.
Do you suppose
Freddy will like him?
In my day,
you had to court a girl.
Love had to be earned.
Still, I suppose
time changes everything.
No, Ruth.
War does.
It's hard to explain.
When I'm with him,
there's a deeper
kind of empathy.
For the first time in my life,
I feel heard.
I, Samuel Silverbirch,
take you,
Annabel Isadorra Cressett,
to be my wife.
I promise to be true to you
in good times, and in bad.
In sickness,
and in health.
I, Annabel Isadorra Cressett,
take you Samuel Silverbirch
to be my husband.
I promise to be true to you.
In good times, and in bad.
In sickness,
and in health.
I will love you and honor
you all the days of my life.
You may kiss the bride.
No.
If only there was more time.
Shh. It's okay.
It's okay.
Hey, hey!
It's okay, my love.
Don't be afraid.
It's only the dream that died.
As all dreams do in waking.
Thank you.
For what?
For marrying me.
Sending the soldier off to war
with something
to hold on to.
You're worth the fighting for.
Or the surviving for.
Promise me you'll stay alive
and you'll come back.
There's nothing
you could ever give me
that's more precious
to me than time.
I promise you this.
Wherever I may go,
wherever this war takes me,
my soul will never leave
your side.
Or this heavenly drafty
old place.
I love you.
That's my train.
I have to hurry.
Come on.
Careful, my love.
Careful.
If only there was more time.
I'm sorry.
I didn't want our goodbye
to be rushed like this.
Come on.
Hold the train!
Hold the train.
- I have to get on.
- No.
No, I can't let you go.
This isn't goodbye.
We'll see each other again.
Remember, you promise.
I vow that
we'll see each other again,
and we'll walk that wonderful
Ridgeway
once again, my love.
God in heaven, let him return.
Let our tale resume together.
Please Lord,
just bring him home to me.
That's all I ask.
Just bring him home.
Sam,
Thanks for letting me borrow
your rosary.
Yeah, anytime.
Hope you said
a couple extra for me.
Oh come on, oh no,
hey, hey, hey!
Annabel!
Now, where would
you like your breakfast, miss?
Oh, I'll have it here.
What time is it?
The clock seems to have stopped.
Oh, it's about eight miss.
Golly, it's nippy.
Here are master Samuel's
clothes, miss.
The flowers from
my bridal bouquet.
Wasn't it sweet
of Ben to remember?
Goodness knows where he found
in this time of year.
I'll hang them in
this wardrobe, shall I?
What?
Oh, don't worry.
I want Ben to get
the local lads
to move the wardrobe first.
It'll be strange
sleeping in father's old room.
Look, miss Annabel.
So that's where you've been
hiding, Jemima.
I, I-
think I'm overtired, Mary.
Perhaps I'll
go and rest.
Right you are, miss.
Ruth?
I didn't hear you come in.
You're beautiful.
It's beautiful.
I'm afraid I forget
the time when I'm playing.
Keep going.
Annabel.
Can you hear me?
Annabel.
You're here.
You came back.
You're really here.
Can't believe in myself.
Samuel.
How did you, I mean,
what did you
Oh, that's just it my love.
I don't remember how I got here.
My memory is a haze.
You're just tired
from traveling.
You'll feel better
in the morning.
I hope so.
Everything feels so fragmented.
Well,
What's the last thing
you remember?
I remember...
We were advancing forward
over no man's land.
And then
we found ourselves
under heavy artillery attack.
I, I don't know.
Everything else is just a blank.
What does it matter?
When I closed my eyes,
I was picturing you beside me,
and now you are.
Where's the mistress?
What do you mean?
Bursting in all of a sudden
frightening Monty
out of his bed.
She's gone to the village
to post a letter.
And right pleased Master
Fredrick will be to get it.
- When did she leave?
- Why?
What's the matter with you?
Sommet queer.
The clouds yonder.
A fly to roost.
Flew over the house
they are deserting the rookery.
What of it?
It's a bad omen.
That's what, there's no doubt.
No, don't you, nor you Mary,
go bothering the mistress
with all this nonsense?
Does it hurt still?
I don't feel it at all.
Do you suppose that's normal?
Did you see this one?
No, no, no.
Thank you.
You asked for me, miss?
Yes.
Is Ben quite well?
What is it?
What's wrong?
I don't feel well.
I am
I think I'm going crazy.
Something's troubling you.
Whatever it is, you can tell me.
It's something.
I just remembered something.
It made me grateful
that I'm home,
that's all.
Monty?
Come on, Monty.
Come on. Come on love!
Good boy.
Now we don't want you to stay
out in the cold, do you?
Come on, come on then.
And has the mistress been
down yet?
No.
Nor is she likely to be
any time soon.
Master Samuel's returned.
So soon.
And has the war
changed his appearance much?
I wouldn't know.
I've not seen him.
Huh.
Nor will you, I don't expect.
They've been keeping
themselves to themselves
since he got home.
Ain't touched his food.
I don't suppose the war
leaves men with an appetite.
Well, I think we should keep
his being back to ourselves
for now.
You're not suggesting
the master is a deserter.
Where's Monty?
Dog's been acting
strange all day.
Ah, Ben!
Good day, father.
I don't usually see you
until the Sabbath.
Have you come to converse
with our Lord? Or
is there something I may help
you with, perhaps?
Well, a bit of bullets,
I might say.
That is to say,
I do have a question.
Go on.
Well, the church
speaks of the Holy Ghost.
Yes. The angel of the Lord
- who appeared unto Mary.
- Aye.
But what about the lost
souls of menfolk of
hauntings and the like?
Well,
ghosts ratify rather than refute
the theory of the afterlife.
Even the Bible gives credence
to such claims.
It does?
In the Old Testament,
Maccabees
tells the story of Judas.
Maccabeas,
the great Jewish patriot,
who encountered the ghost of
Aeneas, a dead high priest.
We believe
God will permit a soul
of the departed to manifest
before mankind.
Aye. But to what purpose?
It is believed
their desire may be to
to warn, instruct, or to affirm
the eternal nature of love
to a loved one left behind.
The spiritual bonds
that bind the living to the dead
are deep and mysterious,
but they're also unbreakable,
for they are rooted
in the body of Christ,
who embraces the living
as well as the dead.
Oh!
Ruth? Mary?
Ah. Tea time.
Have you seen my wife?
The mistress is at the doctor's.
I hope she's all right.
Just the one then.
Is that a fruitcake, Ruth?
It smells like
tobacco in here again.
Oh, stench!
Open the window, will you, Mary?
What did the doctor say?
That Mary will need
to let my dresses out.
You're going to be
a father, Samuel.
I can't tell you
how that makes me.
Now, a piece of us to live on.
Annabel, there's something
I need...
I need to explain to you.
Something
you have to understand.
No there isn't, Samuel.
There may have been a moment,
when you first returned,
when I doubted you.
But even then, in my heart,
I knew it couldn't be true.
You're not a deserter.
Annabel, please.
I need to tell you. Listen. I
You need to hear this. Please.
You're about to tell me
that you're
abandoning us to go back
and be killed.
Please, Annabel.
Play a song for me, Samuel.
When you're away,
I long to listen to you play.
Can I help thee?
There's a rumor in the village.
This house is harboring
a deserter.
Well, the mistress ain't here.
You best come back tomorrow.
I think today might be better,
don't you?
When do you expect her?
- I couldn't say.
- Oh.
Taken off together, have they?
Samuel!
Samuel, it's over!
The war is over.
They signed it
this morning in Paris.
Can you believe it?
On the eleventh hour
of the eleventh day
of the eleventh month.
Carnage over.
Till the bell tolls.
It's okay, it's okay.
I got you, I got you.
Hey, hey, hey!
Fa-Father.
Forgive our sins.
Pardon me from pergatory.
For I would forgo the
the promise of eternity
just to see her face
just one more time.
If only until the bell tolls.
We must celebrate!
I'm a little overwhelmed
to celebrate at the moment,
Annabel.
There'll be plenty of time
for celebration.
Our lives have just begun.
I know nothing about that.
But the war's over!
Haven't you heard?
What do you know about the war?
I suppose you know desertion
is an offense against the realm,
His Majesty
King George the fifth,
and it is a hanging offense.
And sending brave young lads to
their slaughter
is a sin against
against our Lord,
the King of heaven.
Well, I've had a word with our
Lord, the King of heaven,
and it seems He's
one deserter short.
And do you know what?
I've got a funny feeling
he might just be here.
What are you doing here?
This is private property.
Go about your business.
We're here to see
justice is served.
We've no time for traitors
anywhere,
- especially in these parts.
- Aye or cowards.
You'll find no deserters
under this roof.
My brother Fredrick
was taken prisoner
some time ago.
His letters
are on the fireplace.
Shall I get them?
If you would.
- Mrs. Silverperch!
- Yes?
A telegram from the War Office.
Thank you.
Ben told me about your meddling.
You foolish girl.
Annabel!
Annabel!
Oh!
No.
No.
Get up.
Get up!
Get up!
Get up!
I won't leave her.
I won't!
I can't.
I can't.
Come along my child.
Let's get you home.
He's with the angels now.
How did you know?
When I saw you talking
with an absent friend.
I know it was more
than make believe.
Don't worry about it.
Don't worry.
Don't worry.
That poor soldier
looks like he's far from home.
No he isn't.
No he isn't!
Annabel
Oh, you're here!
Oh, you're really here?
I didn't imagine it.
Oh...
Of course I'm here Sis.
Don't be so silly.
They're coming.
Oh, oh, oh!
Well, I'm blessed.
Bless my soul, Master Fredrick!
It's good to see you,
Ruth old girl.
Oh! Mary lit a fire in the
bedroom.
Take her on up now.
Mary, be a peach, would you?
Run me a bath?
Oh, he's at it already!
It's good to have you home,
Master Fredrick!
Annabel's always been
a fanciful girl.
Right now
she's raving about phantoms
and the dead walking among us.
I've called for the doctor.
But I'm hoping you might be able
to shed some light on
what's been going on here, Ben.
I won't leave her!
I won't!
Take care of her.
Tell her...
I will keep my promise.
Wherever I go, my soul
will never leave her side.
I promise.
Oh, I couldn't.
But thank you, Ruth.
You heard the doctor.
You're to build your strength
for the time ahead.
I have a while to go yet.
I'll just leave it here then.
How are you feeling?
My heart aches.
And a drowsy numbness pains
my sense.
- Did you manage to sleep?
- I slept.
That's good.
Is it?
My dreams are prayers
that won't come true.
And when I wake,
the cold reality
dawns with the light of day.
You're not alone, Annabel.
Last night
I saw him.
Samuel.
He said he'll keep his promise.
He will always be
watching over you.
And he'll always be with you
because you will always
carry him with you
in your heart.
And in time,
it will grow less painful.
When?
When even in sleep,
loss won't let me forget.
Your suffering is a testament
to the love you shared.
It's a love
not everyone is lucky enough
to find.
We must give your child
the life that Samuel died for.
Mother, where did
the soldier go?
Which soldier?
Did you speak to him?
I showed him my
pet it pirouette.
Have you seen him before?
Yes.
What's his name?
I think perhaps you know.
It's my time
To face the final curtain
That day
when you just know for certain
Thank God
It all is ending like this
'Cause I have already been to heaven
With you
I've had a life worth living
It's sad
But trust me when I promise
I'll become
Their inspiration
Keep on breathing
There's no need to dwell
Dry your eyes
Hold your head up
Though I am leaving
It's not a farewell
Love won't be silenced
Even when we're apart
If you need guidance
I'm that voice in your heart
Speaking to you
So let's hope
Every word's coming through
Can you hear me?
Life won't divide us
My soul is always near
I'll be the whisper
Living inside your ear
Talking to you
So let's pray
Every word's getting through
Darling
Can you hear me?
I look back
And start to count each blessing
I missed
While busy years were passing
It's too bad
I thought I had forever
But I swear
I'll be close
There in spirit
Keep on breathing
There's no need to dwell
Dry your eyes
Hold your head up
Though I am leaving
It's not a farewell
Love won't be silenced
Even when we're apart
If you need guidance
I'm that voice in your heart
Speaking to you
So let's hope
Every word's coming through
Can you hear me?
Life won't divide us
My soul is always near
I'll be the whisper
Living inside your ear
Talking to you
So let's pray
Every word's getting through
Darling
Can you hear me?
Can you hear me?
Can you hear me, now
Darling
Can you hear me?
to those last November days.
When the world was still at war.
I cease to wonder why, or
how he returned.
Perhaps it was our love
that willed it so,
or in the depth of loneliness,
somewhere in my heart
I willed him into being.
One thing is certain.
His spirit was more than
an incarnation of my desire.
Mystery lies all around us.
No matter what
you choose to believe,
Mystery is constant.
And on mystery
we can depend.
My dearest Sis,
How I long to see
the white cliffs of home.
And how I yearn to sit by the
hearth together as we used to.
I don't have long now,
we're about to go over the top,
but we're all in
good spirits here.
General Haig's modus operandi
is for an eight-day preliminary
artillery bombardment,
which he believes will decimate
the Hun's defenses.
We're told we won't even need
our guns after that.
So, with any luck,
I'll be home in a fortnight.
How overjoyed I'll be
to see your smiling face
at the station.
Good morning.
The wounded were
delayed at Dover.
Yes. Thank you.
Have you seen my boy?
He was reported
missing a month ago.
What's his name?
Thomas.
Thomas Perkins. He's
my grandson.
Pierson,
Peters,
No, I don't see him
on the casualty list.
I'm sure he's making
his way to you right now.
Oh! Miss Annabel!
Don't fuss, Ben.
If our soldiers can toil
through the mud and clay,
I can certainly
suffer a little rain.
Oh, Miss Annabel.
Master Fredrick didn't
make it then?
Suppose he's a goner!
I won't have you upsetting
Miss Annabel with that kind of
talk, Mary.
Is the pursuit of glory
really worth the risk?
Glory?
Who said anything about glory?
It's our freedom.
Oh.
Anyway,
you heard Winston.
The war will be over
in a couple of weeks,
and I'll be home before
you know it.
Rummy.
Annabel.
Annabel.
Fredrick.
Are you there?
Freddy! Is that you my boy?
Are you there?
Freddy wasn't on the train
Father.
He must have been delayed.
You must go and wait
for him again.
Tomorrow.
Why did they all have to go off
and fight?
As if getting killed was
some sort of game.
Would you have...
England surrender
her sovereignty?
Her people?
Their voice?
To a foreign ruler?
To one whose
desires and cares are not
born of England or
- shaped by her love?
- No.
But before Gallipoli,
Churchill told the boys
at Blamford
they'd be home in two months.
That was almost two years ago!
When will the bloodshed end?
We must win this war, Annabel.
No sacrifice
could be more noble.
They deserve our gratitude.
I am grateful.
I just never imagined
with Freddy's disability
he'd be sent to fight in France.
You must pray for a
swift return.
How he passed the medical exam
I'll never know.
It would have brought
dishonor to this family
had he not done this duty.
Please tell me you didn't
use your influence
to bring his posting
about father.
He could get into
terrible trouble!
I'm well aware of his failings.
This isn't about Fredrick's
pride.
It's about yours.
He'd do anything to
earn your approval
if he thought it could win
your love.
Cosy.
Sorry.
I didn't mean to startle you.
I was just...
We met at the station.
I'm-I'm Samuel.
Yes, I remember.
You were very kind
to help old Mrs. Perkins.
Hm. Yeah.
Anybody would have done
the same.
Oh, I doubt that.
You have low expectations
of your fellow men.
Perhaps I do.
But it prevents me
from being disappointed.
Hm.
Well, I'm flattered that you
recognize me at all then.
With that accent,
how could I help it?
You English folks
sure know how to make a
visitor feel welcome.
I only meant that
being the only
foreigner in the parish, it
makes you sort of a mystery.
Oh, I'm uh
here on leave
before heading to the front.
Mystery solved.
You were waiting for someone
at the station.
- You didn't?
- No.
That doesn't mean
Yes, I know.
Where's your fianc fighting?
Are all American men
this inquisitive?
He's my brother.
Which part of America
do you come from?
Are all English women
this inquisitive?
Actually, I was born here.
My mother moved me to America
when I was a baby.
Oh!
So your mother's English?
So you're not all heathen?
So how does it feel?
Returning to the place
from whence
your kinfolk came?
Give me some time.
I'll let you know.
Pleasure to meet you.
A foreign gentleman
bought these for you, Miss.
Has he gone?
Oh, a postcard came for,
you Miss Annabel.
Who's it from?
There were no King George
Stamp on the corner of the card,
Miss, so I'm guessing it comes
from master Fredrick in France.
- Has my father seen it?
- No.
I thought
it best to keep it for thee.
What is it, miss?
It says,
"I'm a prisoner of war
in Germany.
Do not reply to Berlin.
Await further information."
Your brother's alive.
Let us be grateful for that.
Don't let my father
hear about this.
Father?
This picture of your mother
was taken the year we wed.
You're so alike.
You have so much of her spirit.
Your mother, God rest her soul,
would never forgive me
till the dying day if she knew
I brought about your brother's
posting.
Now, what is this
I hear from Ruth about you
wanting to join the
Women's Land Army?
Well
with food supplies being cut off
from mainland Europe,
we women have to do our bit.
I would, uh,
let the girls of the village
worry about that.
Your place here at home.
My girl.
You'll send you're only son
to risk his life
in the service of his country.
Yet, you forbid your daughter
from doing her duty.
That is my last word
on the subject, Annabel.
What did he say?
He won't hear it.
Heaven forbid
I should do something useful.
Forgive me for saying it, miss,
but if that's how you feel,
then I don't think you should
let him stand in your way.
Chances are he'll have forgotten
all about it
by the morning.
Afternoon!
What are you grinning at?
Grinning at you, miss.
The war makes the most
unlikely laborers.
I suppose it's my uniform
you find so amusing.
Actually, I find it refreshing
to see a woman wearing trousers.
I'm not making a very
good job of it, I'm afraid.
That can be remedied.
May I?
Trick is to let the pitchfork
do the work.
Just got to push in here
with your foot.
Like that.
And then lift.
Ah!
There we go.
Jackpot.
Hey, wait, wait.
Give me your hands.
Here, put these on.
It'll help.
Thank you for the flowers.
What flowers?
You got a little, uh.
Try it.
Give it a go!
It was awfully kind of
to help us today.
Not really.
See, it's uh
It's my land.
An estate
I recently inherited, so...
I guess you were helping me.
I should be thanking you.
You're Sir William's heir?
He had no surviving
relatives, so
left it to me
out of kindess
to my late mother.
Bartender, I'll have a gin
and a
A whiskey, please.
Whiskey. For my
pants wearing friend.
Anyway, you needn't thank me.
But, uh. My father would never
allow it if he knew.
Well, there's plenty of work at
my house that your father
would approve of.
I guess.
You know, these
medieval manors, they
take a lot of tender
love and care, so
it takes some time before
it's fit for family living.
Is there a problem
here, bartender?
Yes, just cuz all our young lads
are in France
fighting for their lives,
Don't get you Yanks the right
to come over here
and take advantage
of all our womenfolk.
What do you think, boys?
Yeah!
We agree?
He's not taking advantage
of anyone.
Look,
I don't think you want to upset
my friend here.
She's very tough, and
she will defend my
Is that right?
Oh!
Come on.
Drinks here are terrible.
Ouch.
You're hurt?
I'm all right.
You should feel sorry
for the other guy.
His rent just went up.
I saw him earlier on
my property.
I'm his landlord.
Ignorant fools.
He deserved everything
you gave them.
But I won't have you getting
yourself injured for my sake.
I think we should probably
avoid one another from now on.
Well, I'll find that
quite impossible,
you see
because I think I'll fall
in love with you.
Don't.
Annabel!
Are you there?
Father?
Father!
Annabel.
I'm here father.
I'm here.
Your brother!
What about him?
I should have never...
He left of his own free will,
father.
Miss Ann
Anna
I wanted to offer
my condolences.
I, uh...
I heard about your father.
Thank you.
It was a deliverance.
He suffered a lot in the end.
I know how hard it is.
I recently lost my own mother.
I'm so sorry.
I had no idea.
That's why I came back here.
See the place where she grew up.
I'm told loss gets easier.
There's a line in the old book.
"And this too shall pass."
If philosophy taught me
anything, it's
never to take time for granted.
Each moment we share with those
we love is a gift.
Every memory a blessing.
Life is fleeting.
Who knows what tomorrow
will bring.
Do you want to dance?
Here?
Life is fleeting.
One, two, three.
One, two, three.
Sometimes I lose my footing
in the mud.
Really?
How many men do you dance out
here with in the woods?
Post Mary!
Thanks Samuel.
- Anything for me?
- Just the one miss.
Thank you Mary.
Dear Sis,
forgive my not being able
to write to you
sooner as I would have wished.
According to the War Office,
as British prisoners of war,
we're only entitled
to write a mere
two letters a month.
But the reality,
I'm afraid, is much dependent
on the compassion
of the German camp commandant,
who seems to have replaced
any vestige of Christian charity
with a strange, chilling
indifference
towards his fellow men.
Though, they do
give me the light work
on account of my wounded leg.
Attention!
Aufmerksamkeit!
Enough!
You should have stayed at home,
in England.
Here it is.
Oldest tree house in the world.
We used to love to play here
as children.
You and the young
Princess Victoria?
I didn't have
you down as a history scholar.
Oh
came across it while I was
flicking through a book
in my library.
You know, now that this place
belongs to me, I thought I'd
learn all its secrets
and stories
in case I want to settle down
here one day.
- Oh!
- Ah!
Come on!
It's magical.
Memories of make believe.
Ask me again.
What?
What it's like to be back.
How does it feel?
Returning to the place
from whence your kinfolk came?
It feels incredible.
Is this what you're looking for?
I've already given you
my heart and my virtue.
What else can I offer you
but the shirt of my back?
You're hat!
It's okay, just leave it.
You don't suppose he heard us?
- I hope not.
- Otherwise we've put him to sleep.
It's so peaceful up here.
I hardly know we're at war.
All those ploughed pastures
used to be filled with ponies.
My heart breaks
to think of them now.
Burdened with the broken bodies
of our wounded.
Chattels of war
on the Western Front.
Necessary evil, I suppose.
Survival sometimes
means sacrifice.
The alternative is being starved
into submission.
Do you suppose life
will ever return
to the way it was?
I hope so.
But if Germany wins this war.
That life you love
will be lost forever.
Everything feels so uncertain.
There's one thing
that is certain.
My love for you.
Annabel,
this ring belonged to my mother.
It brought her great joy.
I hope it brings you even more.
Annabel, please.
I don't want to wait.
Marry me before I go.
Yes.
Saturday.
Saturday.
Do you suppose
Freddy will like him?
In my day,
you had to court a girl.
Love had to be earned.
Still, I suppose
time changes everything.
No, Ruth.
War does.
It's hard to explain.
When I'm with him,
there's a deeper
kind of empathy.
For the first time in my life,
I feel heard.
I, Samuel Silverbirch,
take you,
Annabel Isadorra Cressett,
to be my wife.
I promise to be true to you
in good times, and in bad.
In sickness,
and in health.
I, Annabel Isadorra Cressett,
take you Samuel Silverbirch
to be my husband.
I promise to be true to you.
In good times, and in bad.
In sickness,
and in health.
I will love you and honor
you all the days of my life.
You may kiss the bride.
No.
If only there was more time.
Shh. It's okay.
It's okay.
Hey, hey!
It's okay, my love.
Don't be afraid.
It's only the dream that died.
As all dreams do in waking.
Thank you.
For what?
For marrying me.
Sending the soldier off to war
with something
to hold on to.
You're worth the fighting for.
Or the surviving for.
Promise me you'll stay alive
and you'll come back.
There's nothing
you could ever give me
that's more precious
to me than time.
I promise you this.
Wherever I may go,
wherever this war takes me,
my soul will never leave
your side.
Or this heavenly drafty
old place.
I love you.
That's my train.
I have to hurry.
Come on.
Careful, my love.
Careful.
If only there was more time.
I'm sorry.
I didn't want our goodbye
to be rushed like this.
Come on.
Hold the train!
Hold the train.
- I have to get on.
- No.
No, I can't let you go.
This isn't goodbye.
We'll see each other again.
Remember, you promise.
I vow that
we'll see each other again,
and we'll walk that wonderful
Ridgeway
once again, my love.
God in heaven, let him return.
Let our tale resume together.
Please Lord,
just bring him home to me.
That's all I ask.
Just bring him home.
Sam,
Thanks for letting me borrow
your rosary.
Yeah, anytime.
Hope you said
a couple extra for me.
Oh come on, oh no,
hey, hey, hey!
Annabel!
Now, where would
you like your breakfast, miss?
Oh, I'll have it here.
What time is it?
The clock seems to have stopped.
Oh, it's about eight miss.
Golly, it's nippy.
Here are master Samuel's
clothes, miss.
The flowers from
my bridal bouquet.
Wasn't it sweet
of Ben to remember?
Goodness knows where he found
in this time of year.
I'll hang them in
this wardrobe, shall I?
What?
Oh, don't worry.
I want Ben to get
the local lads
to move the wardrobe first.
It'll be strange
sleeping in father's old room.
Look, miss Annabel.
So that's where you've been
hiding, Jemima.
I, I-
think I'm overtired, Mary.
Perhaps I'll
go and rest.
Right you are, miss.
Ruth?
I didn't hear you come in.
You're beautiful.
It's beautiful.
I'm afraid I forget
the time when I'm playing.
Keep going.
Annabel.
Can you hear me?
Annabel.
You're here.
You came back.
You're really here.
Can't believe in myself.
Samuel.
How did you, I mean,
what did you
Oh, that's just it my love.
I don't remember how I got here.
My memory is a haze.
You're just tired
from traveling.
You'll feel better
in the morning.
I hope so.
Everything feels so fragmented.
Well,
What's the last thing
you remember?
I remember...
We were advancing forward
over no man's land.
And then
we found ourselves
under heavy artillery attack.
I, I don't know.
Everything else is just a blank.
What does it matter?
When I closed my eyes,
I was picturing you beside me,
and now you are.
Where's the mistress?
What do you mean?
Bursting in all of a sudden
frightening Monty
out of his bed.
She's gone to the village
to post a letter.
And right pleased Master
Fredrick will be to get it.
- When did she leave?
- Why?
What's the matter with you?
Sommet queer.
The clouds yonder.
A fly to roost.
Flew over the house
they are deserting the rookery.
What of it?
It's a bad omen.
That's what, there's no doubt.
No, don't you, nor you Mary,
go bothering the mistress
with all this nonsense?
Does it hurt still?
I don't feel it at all.
Do you suppose that's normal?
Did you see this one?
No, no, no.
Thank you.
You asked for me, miss?
Yes.
Is Ben quite well?
What is it?
What's wrong?
I don't feel well.
I am
I think I'm going crazy.
Something's troubling you.
Whatever it is, you can tell me.
It's something.
I just remembered something.
It made me grateful
that I'm home,
that's all.
Monty?
Come on, Monty.
Come on. Come on love!
Good boy.
Now we don't want you to stay
out in the cold, do you?
Come on, come on then.
And has the mistress been
down yet?
No.
Nor is she likely to be
any time soon.
Master Samuel's returned.
So soon.
And has the war
changed his appearance much?
I wouldn't know.
I've not seen him.
Huh.
Nor will you, I don't expect.
They've been keeping
themselves to themselves
since he got home.
Ain't touched his food.
I don't suppose the war
leaves men with an appetite.
Well, I think we should keep
his being back to ourselves
for now.
You're not suggesting
the master is a deserter.
Where's Monty?
Dog's been acting
strange all day.
Ah, Ben!
Good day, father.
I don't usually see you
until the Sabbath.
Have you come to converse
with our Lord? Or
is there something I may help
you with, perhaps?
Well, a bit of bullets,
I might say.
That is to say,
I do have a question.
Go on.
Well, the church
speaks of the Holy Ghost.
Yes. The angel of the Lord
- who appeared unto Mary.
- Aye.
But what about the lost
souls of menfolk of
hauntings and the like?
Well,
ghosts ratify rather than refute
the theory of the afterlife.
Even the Bible gives credence
to such claims.
It does?
In the Old Testament,
Maccabees
tells the story of Judas.
Maccabeas,
the great Jewish patriot,
who encountered the ghost of
Aeneas, a dead high priest.
We believe
God will permit a soul
of the departed to manifest
before mankind.
Aye. But to what purpose?
It is believed
their desire may be to
to warn, instruct, or to affirm
the eternal nature of love
to a loved one left behind.
The spiritual bonds
that bind the living to the dead
are deep and mysterious,
but they're also unbreakable,
for they are rooted
in the body of Christ,
who embraces the living
as well as the dead.
Oh!
Ruth? Mary?
Ah. Tea time.
Have you seen my wife?
The mistress is at the doctor's.
I hope she's all right.
Just the one then.
Is that a fruitcake, Ruth?
It smells like
tobacco in here again.
Oh, stench!
Open the window, will you, Mary?
What did the doctor say?
That Mary will need
to let my dresses out.
You're going to be
a father, Samuel.
I can't tell you
how that makes me.
Now, a piece of us to live on.
Annabel, there's something
I need...
I need to explain to you.
Something
you have to understand.
No there isn't, Samuel.
There may have been a moment,
when you first returned,
when I doubted you.
But even then, in my heart,
I knew it couldn't be true.
You're not a deserter.
Annabel, please.
I need to tell you. Listen. I
You need to hear this. Please.
You're about to tell me
that you're
abandoning us to go back
and be killed.
Please, Annabel.
Play a song for me, Samuel.
When you're away,
I long to listen to you play.
Can I help thee?
There's a rumor in the village.
This house is harboring
a deserter.
Well, the mistress ain't here.
You best come back tomorrow.
I think today might be better,
don't you?
When do you expect her?
- I couldn't say.
- Oh.
Taken off together, have they?
Samuel!
Samuel, it's over!
The war is over.
They signed it
this morning in Paris.
Can you believe it?
On the eleventh hour
of the eleventh day
of the eleventh month.
Carnage over.
Till the bell tolls.
It's okay, it's okay.
I got you, I got you.
Hey, hey, hey!
Fa-Father.
Forgive our sins.
Pardon me from pergatory.
For I would forgo the
the promise of eternity
just to see her face
just one more time.
If only until the bell tolls.
We must celebrate!
I'm a little overwhelmed
to celebrate at the moment,
Annabel.
There'll be plenty of time
for celebration.
Our lives have just begun.
I know nothing about that.
But the war's over!
Haven't you heard?
What do you know about the war?
I suppose you know desertion
is an offense against the realm,
His Majesty
King George the fifth,
and it is a hanging offense.
And sending brave young lads to
their slaughter
is a sin against
against our Lord,
the King of heaven.
Well, I've had a word with our
Lord, the King of heaven,
and it seems He's
one deserter short.
And do you know what?
I've got a funny feeling
he might just be here.
What are you doing here?
This is private property.
Go about your business.
We're here to see
justice is served.
We've no time for traitors
anywhere,
- especially in these parts.
- Aye or cowards.
You'll find no deserters
under this roof.
My brother Fredrick
was taken prisoner
some time ago.
His letters
are on the fireplace.
Shall I get them?
If you would.
- Mrs. Silverperch!
- Yes?
A telegram from the War Office.
Thank you.
Ben told me about your meddling.
You foolish girl.
Annabel!
Annabel!
Oh!
No.
No.
Get up.
Get up!
Get up!
Get up!
I won't leave her.
I won't!
I can't.
I can't.
Come along my child.
Let's get you home.
He's with the angels now.
How did you know?
When I saw you talking
with an absent friend.
I know it was more
than make believe.
Don't worry about it.
Don't worry.
Don't worry.
That poor soldier
looks like he's far from home.
No he isn't.
No he isn't!
Annabel
Oh, you're here!
Oh, you're really here?
I didn't imagine it.
Oh...
Of course I'm here Sis.
Don't be so silly.
They're coming.
Oh, oh, oh!
Well, I'm blessed.
Bless my soul, Master Fredrick!
It's good to see you,
Ruth old girl.
Oh! Mary lit a fire in the
bedroom.
Take her on up now.
Mary, be a peach, would you?
Run me a bath?
Oh, he's at it already!
It's good to have you home,
Master Fredrick!
Annabel's always been
a fanciful girl.
Right now
she's raving about phantoms
and the dead walking among us.
I've called for the doctor.
But I'm hoping you might be able
to shed some light on
what's been going on here, Ben.
I won't leave her!
I won't!
Take care of her.
Tell her...
I will keep my promise.
Wherever I go, my soul
will never leave her side.
I promise.
Oh, I couldn't.
But thank you, Ruth.
You heard the doctor.
You're to build your strength
for the time ahead.
I have a while to go yet.
I'll just leave it here then.
How are you feeling?
My heart aches.
And a drowsy numbness pains
my sense.
- Did you manage to sleep?
- I slept.
That's good.
Is it?
My dreams are prayers
that won't come true.
And when I wake,
the cold reality
dawns with the light of day.
You're not alone, Annabel.
Last night
I saw him.
Samuel.
He said he'll keep his promise.
He will always be
watching over you.
And he'll always be with you
because you will always
carry him with you
in your heart.
And in time,
it will grow less painful.
When?
When even in sleep,
loss won't let me forget.
Your suffering is a testament
to the love you shared.
It's a love
not everyone is lucky enough
to find.
We must give your child
the life that Samuel died for.
Mother, where did
the soldier go?
Which soldier?
Did you speak to him?
I showed him my
pet it pirouette.
Have you seen him before?
Yes.
What's his name?
I think perhaps you know.
It's my time
To face the final curtain
That day
when you just know for certain
Thank God
It all is ending like this
'Cause I have already been to heaven
With you
I've had a life worth living
It's sad
But trust me when I promise
I'll become
Their inspiration
Keep on breathing
There's no need to dwell
Dry your eyes
Hold your head up
Though I am leaving
It's not a farewell
Love won't be silenced
Even when we're apart
If you need guidance
I'm that voice in your heart
Speaking to you
So let's hope
Every word's coming through
Can you hear me?
Life won't divide us
My soul is always near
I'll be the whisper
Living inside your ear
Talking to you
So let's pray
Every word's getting through
Darling
Can you hear me?
I look back
And start to count each blessing
I missed
While busy years were passing
It's too bad
I thought I had forever
But I swear
I'll be close
There in spirit
Keep on breathing
There's no need to dwell
Dry your eyes
Hold your head up
Though I am leaving
It's not a farewell
Love won't be silenced
Even when we're apart
If you need guidance
I'm that voice in your heart
Speaking to you
So let's hope
Every word's coming through
Can you hear me?
Life won't divide us
My soul is always near
I'll be the whisper
Living inside your ear
Talking to you
So let's pray
Every word's getting through
Darling
Can you hear me?
Can you hear me?
Can you hear me, now
Darling
Can you hear me?