Episode 171 of Prisoner Cell Block H. Pre-advert gate slams, incidental music and Network 10 logo have been restored as originally broadcast.
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00:00It might just help you to know that you do have a lot of friends who really care about you.
00:06Yeah, you're not one of them.
00:14If you need anything, just ask.
00:22Judy, please. Look, we can go into the city. I've got at least a dozen friends who will set you up.
00:26And when things settle down, we can have another try.
00:29You want to get those changes to the system, don't you?
00:32Yes, but I...
00:33Well, then.
00:36I'm afraid not, honey.
00:38Look, I've got to go and do this myself.
00:42You've been terrific, and I really appreciate everything you've done, but it's my battle, okay?
00:49You look after yourself, yeah?
00:59Excuse me, I'd like to see Mrs. Davidson.
01:12Have you an appointment?
01:13No, but I think she'll see me.
01:15You're with that current affairs program, aren't you?
01:17That's right.
01:18Well, Mrs. Davidson doesn't give interviews.
01:20She might, if you tell her that I've received a tape from Judy Bryant.
01:24She's made a number of accusations that I think Mrs. Davidson would like to answer.
01:28Have you told the police?
01:29If you know where she is, I...
01:30Yes, well, I thought I did, but I got there too late.
01:34Now, do I get to see Mrs. Davidson, or do I have to assume that what Bryant says is true?
01:40I'll just check and see if she's not too busy.
01:42What accusations has Bryant made?
01:45You'll have to watch tonight's program to find out.
02:02It's me, Helen.
02:03Judy!
02:04Shh, don't advertise it, love.
02:05Oh, what are you doing here?
02:06How'd you find me?
02:07Well, there were only one or two Helen Smart's in the phone book,
02:09and only one with model after her name.
02:11Oh, I knew it wouldn't pay to advertise.
02:13Look, I've got to talk to you, but not here, okay?
02:15Yeah, ah, okay.
02:17Um, give me a minute, then follow me up.
02:19Flat six.
02:20Six, okay?
02:20Okay.
02:41Why did you have to pick on me?
02:50I thought you'd be out of the country by now.
02:52Well, I need a place to stay, you know, just so I can get myself organized.
02:54There's no way not here, no.
02:56Mm-mm.
02:57Come on, love, you're the only one I can turn to.
02:59Judy, I helped you escape.
03:01I did everything I said I would, but I don't recall saying you could use my place as a halfway house.
03:05Well, you live here alone.
03:07Yes, but it also happens to be my place of employment.
03:10I've got customers coming over here.
03:13Well, cancel them.
03:15Look, uh, this'll help cover your losses, huh?
03:18No, I can't do that.
03:20They'd go somewhere else and I'd lose them for good.
03:22They're not going to settle for Rabbit when they can have Mink.
03:26Why don't you have that much confidence in yourself?
03:27All right.
03:31Oh, I could do with the rest anyway.
03:34Yeah, so could I.
03:35I'm bushed.
03:36Well, I thought you'd be out of Melbourne by now.
03:39Well, I tried.
03:40The police were on my trail, so I had to backtrack.
03:42Well, where have you been staying?
03:43Your face has hit the front page of every newspaper.
03:45I was staying with friends.
03:47What a shame you had to leave.
03:50I met this guy called Wally on the road, you know.
03:52He just wanted to help.
03:53He was a really nice guy.
03:54The sort of guy who wouldn't hurry to fly.
03:56Then I had to go and get him arrested.
03:59Oh, great.
04:00That just leaves me to go.
04:01No one will know I'm here, I promise.
04:04You know, since Sharon got murdered,
04:06it just seems that everyone I get involved with,
04:08I botch things up for.
04:10Well, that makes me feel a whole lot better, I'm sure.
04:13I got talking to Wally's daughter.
04:16She gave me some good ideas, you know.
04:18She made me believe that maybe I can do something good for once in my life.
04:21Tell things how they really are.
04:23That'll get pigs like Gillespie and Stuart.
04:26I don't know how I'm going to do it, but I'm going to try.
04:30And I can tell you one thing,
04:31I won't go back into that prison until they damn well listen to me.
04:34I've got too many scores to settle.
04:36It seems an extremely defamatory item to show.
04:47Of course, I will have to see it for myself.
04:49Oh, naturally.
04:50But it is important we hear your views.
04:52Mr. Hopkins, have you any idea why Bryant would send a tape like that to you specifically?
04:57Well, I'm doing a story on another of your prisoners, Lizzie Birdsworth.
05:00She could have thought my sympathies would swing her way.
05:03And have they?
05:04In a case like Mrs. Birdsworth, yes, indeed.
05:07A 72-year-old woman with a bad heart, convicted years ago for something she didn't do.
05:14Now, tell me, can you see the justice in that?
05:17Her last conviction was for manslaughter.
05:19What do you suggest?
05:20Release her because of her age?
05:21Well, she certainly shouldn't be in a prison.
05:23If anything, she'd be better off in her home.
05:25I'm glad you came to see me, Mr. Hopkins.
05:27I intended to discuss the matter with you.
05:29Lizzie is a special case.
05:31If your campaign is successful, it could quite possibly kill her.
05:36Is this some sort of a whitewash?
05:38Like it or not, Mr. Hopkins,
05:40this is the only home Lizzie has had for the last 20 years.
05:43Her only known family is in America.
05:45If she is released or put in a home,
05:48you could be sentencing her to a life of insecurity or loneliness.
05:52Where is the justice in that?
05:54And if you'd done your homework, Mr. Hopkins,
05:56you would know that when Birdsworth was released,
05:59she deliberately got herself in and out of trouble
06:00until they were forced to put her back in here.
06:02You see her as some sort of a plug for prisons, do you?
06:05We are not responsible for the women ending up in here,
06:07and we do try to rehabilitate them.
06:09In Lizzie's case, it has not been easy.
06:11I'd like her to tell me that herself.
06:13Very well.
06:16But you realise she's been very ill.
06:18I won't upset her.
06:21Could you bring Lizzie here, please, Miss Bennet?
06:29Now, about this interview for this evening's programme,
06:34will you do it?
06:35That will depend entirely on the department's approval.
06:38Yes, well, I don't think the department would like to see
06:40a one-sided point of view any more than you would.
06:43Birdsworth, you're wanted in the governor's office.
06:48Can't you get a bit of peace and quiet around here?
06:50What did you say?
06:52Nothing.
06:52On your feet!
06:54I'm not going, I'm crook.
06:57You wouldn't be smoking if you were that sick.
06:59Besides, it's not good for your heart.
07:01It's the only pleasure I've got left.
07:04The sooner it kills me, the better.
07:06You know there's a reporter who's trying to get you released.
07:09Yeah, what do you want to stick his flaming nose in for?
07:11He wants to see you.
07:14Yeah.
07:16Maybe he can get me out.
07:18Then I'll be rid of you, wouldn't I, Miss Bennet?
07:21And where would you go?
07:23Somewhere where I could die with dignity.
07:25You don't get none of that in here.
07:27And you think being in a home will be any better?
07:29What?
07:30I'm not dying in any old person's home.
07:34If you behave like a geriatric, you'll be treated like one.
07:38They won't let you stay in Wentworth if you're that sick.
07:41You want to waste away, lie down and die, go right ahead.
07:45But it won't be in here because we can't look after you.
07:48Yeah.
07:48Nobody wants you when you're old.
07:53Age has got nothing to do with it.
07:56It's how much of a burden you want to be.
07:58And the way you're going, you'll talk yourself into it.
08:02I've got nothing to look forward to anyway.
08:04I haven't even got many good memories to look back on.
08:13Are you coming with me?
08:15Or do I tell them you're too ill?
08:21I'll see them myself.
08:23I don't want you speaking for me.
08:25You'd like to have me put down, wouldn't you?
08:27I haven't got much time left in me, Mr. Hoskins.
08:36Mr. Hopkins.
08:37And I don't expect anyone to do anything for me.
08:39But the worst thing would be to die in prison.
08:42I mean, what would my little granddaughter think?
08:45All I want is a chance to make up for all the bad things I've done.
08:50So you don't want to stay in Wentworth?
08:53Oh, you know, you're one of the nicest young fellows.
08:57I've ever met.
08:59You shouldn't have to worry about an old crow like me.
09:02Now, I just want you to know that there are a lot of people on the outside who care.
09:05And I think I can help.
09:07Well, if you want to do something,
09:09maybe you could get me one of them visa things so I could get into America.
09:13Lizzie.
09:14I'm not an old woman, Mr. Hoskins.
09:18I couldn't do any harm to them yaks.
09:21I mean, I'm on me last legs.
09:23I wouldn't get into any strife.
09:24All I want is to see me family once more before I go.
09:29Oh, I'm sorry, Mrs. Birdsworth, but there's nothing I can do about that.
09:33It doesn't have anything to do with me, really.
09:36Then trying to get me out of here has got nothing to do with you either.
09:40But it could mean leaving all this behind you.
09:43I mean, living in a bit of comfort.
09:46I've got nothing and no one to go out to.
09:50And if I can't be with Ellen and Josie, I might as well rot in here.
09:55And if I do get out, I'll make bloody sure they'll send me back.
09:59Birdsworth!
09:59Lizzie, that's enough.
10:00Take her back to her cell, please, Miss Bennett.
10:02You see what you've done?
10:05My old ticket could give up on me any minute and all you want is to throw me out into the street.
10:10Don't ever do it, Meardsworth.
10:11And I didn't ask you to stick your bloody nose in.
10:15And I reckon that TV show of yours just stinks.
10:18I'm sorry, but I told you, Lizzie is rather special.
10:27I think it would be a mistake to go on with your campaign, don't you?
10:31Yes, well, you're probably right, Mrs Davidson.
10:34But I'm not going to let this drop entirely.
10:36If this is your idea of rehabilitation, then I warn you.
10:41I think I'll enjoy our interview this evening.
10:44So will I.
10:45Yeah, thanks.
10:48Thanks a lot.
10:50How did I find out?
10:52Well, let's just say I had inside information.
10:55Oh, I don't believe it.
10:57They're going to show my tape tonight.
10:59Whoopee.
11:00And what do you mean by that?
11:02Oh, come on, Helen, wait till you see it.
11:04I really laid everything on the line.
11:06Gillespie and Stuart are going to get it right between the eyes.
11:08Well, then I could do your own TV show.
11:10Oh, don't be like that.
11:12Look, once it's shown, people are going to believe me.
11:14They're going to start asking questions.
11:16And when they do, they're going to have to reopen Sharon's case.
11:20You know, then Jock Stewart will go down for murder.
11:22They might even name a prison after you.
11:24Oh, come on.
11:25You've been inside yourself.
11:26You know what it's like in there.
11:28The minute we have a legit complaint against a screw, we're the ones that cop it.
11:31We've got no rights.
11:33We've got no privacy.
11:34We've got no proper facilities.
11:35No one cares about us because no one knows the truth.
11:39Well, this time they're going to find out.
11:41So just keep your wisecracks to yourself.
11:42Listen, Judy, you don't have first rights on hating blokes like Stuart and Gillespie, you know.
11:47The authorities aren't going to lift a finger on the say-so of an escaped crim.
11:51And even if they do, there'll be ten pigs like them to take their place.
11:54Look, I don't want to know about it.
11:55I don't want to hear or see of Wentworth again, okay?
11:58You mean with the job you have, you don't think you'll end up back in there?
12:01Well, it didn't stop you coming to me for help.
12:06I'm sorry, honey.
12:11It's just that when I go back inside, I'm going to go back for a long time.
12:16You know what that means?
12:17I want to make sure that when I go back, I go back to something that's decent.
12:23I want to know that all this has been worthwhile.
12:26It's the last chance I'm going to get.
12:29And I've got a lot to make up for.
12:31Okay, now wait a few minutes before you start the fighting.
12:38Don't get too carried away.
12:39Well, no biting this time.
12:42But she's still going ahead with it.
12:43And this is even after he made a complete fool of himself over the Lizzie business.
12:47Did he say what was on the tape?
12:48He didn't have to.
12:49I can well imagine the lies Brian's come up with about Wentworth.
12:52And us.
12:53I'm surprised they're letting it go to air.
12:55Unless it's just for sensationalism.
12:56Well, at least Mrs Davidson's agreed that the women shouldn't see it.
12:59Yes, I'll get Mr Humphrey to move it.
13:01Good.
13:01Oh, sorry, Mrs Boris didn't catch that.
13:03When you finish there, Sid, would you mind giving me a hand moving the television out of the recreation room?
13:07Not at all.
13:09At least it's taken some of the pressure off Lizzie.
13:11For once, that temper of hers seemed to do some good.
13:14Yes, it shows she hasn't given up entirely.
13:16But she's stubborn.
13:17And if she's made up her mind, she doesn't want to go on.
13:21What do you think we should do?
13:22Well, I think...
13:23Why don't you look where you're going?
13:28What's the idea of picking Lizzie out and telling her she can't go to America?
13:30Yeah, the shock could have killed her.
13:32Well, I was only having a chat to her.
13:34Well, we were not going to tell her until she was back on our feet.
13:36Oh, I'd make up, sir.
13:37Not on purpose.
13:38Well, maybe you can make up for it.
13:40Yeah.
13:41Lizzie likes to watch TV and she can't do that if you're going to shift it, can't she?
13:45That's not.
13:45I don't want to be a patient.
13:46What do you know about that?
13:47I know everything that goes on around here.
13:50A few extra duties might keep you both out of trouble.
13:53Well, look, the damn thing's on the blink again.
13:57Some television repairman you turned out to be.
13:59I thought she said you fixed this the other day.
14:01Yes, yes, I did.
14:03Well, it's lucky you came in when you did, because now you can fix it properly.
14:07Have you two finished yet?
14:08Nearly, Mrs Morris.
14:08Well, give me a move on with it then.
14:10Sid, could you take a look at it, please?
14:11I think what we need is a new set.
14:13Do you reckon old Gillespie's come back to haunt us, B?
14:17Last time it went on the blink, Sid reckoned someone had been tampering with it, didn't
14:20you, Sid?
14:21I put two and two together and came up with Gillespie.
14:24You've got a very vivid imagination, Smith.
14:26Yeah, I won't be able to fix it tonight, Mrs Morris.
14:29Oh, come on.
14:30The television won't hurt you.
14:33There are other things you can do.
14:35I like the movie.
14:38Like watching Jude on TV.
14:41I have with me in the studio this evening, Mrs Erika Davidson, who is the governor of
14:59Wentworth Detention Center.
15:01Good evening and welcome to the program.
15:05Judy Bryant escaped from Wentworth ten days ago.
15:09She is described as dangerous.
15:11And anyone knowing her whereabouts should inform the police immediately.
15:15Now, a videotape recording was delivered to this channel in which Miss Bryant has made
15:20certain accusations against the Wentworth Detention Center and its administration.
15:26First of all, we'll have a look at some excerpts from this tape and then I'll ask Mrs Davidson
15:31to comment on them.
15:32I'm Judy Bryant.
15:36I'd like to say something about the way that they treat women at Wentworth.
15:40But first, I'd like to say that I just didn't escape for the hell of it.
15:44I escaped because I couldn't take what they were doing to us in there.
15:47Recently, an inspector called...
15:50What the hell?
15:52They didn't say his name.
15:53The only way I can describe what he was doing to us is that he was turning it into a concentration
15:58camp.
15:59There were armed guards everywhere.
16:02We were being stood over every second.
16:05There was no recreation.
16:06We couldn't even move around the prison like we used to.
16:08And if we said anything about it, we were locked in solitary or we'd be given filthy jobs to
16:14do or we'd have our privileges taken away from us.
16:17And by privileges, I mean simple things like watching television or buying a packet of cigarettes.
16:24Now, they call that rehabilitation.
16:27They say it's just to help us.
16:30Well, I say it's nothing other than sadism and repression.
16:36They've done it again.
16:37Say his name, damn you.
16:39Say his name.
16:40Would you like to comment on that, Mrs. Davidson?
16:42Apart from being exaggerated, I am pleased to say the points raised are no longer valid.
16:47You mean action was taken because of the referred to gentleman's harsh treatment?
16:51Not at all.
16:52His position was only a temporary one.
16:55Then why was this gentleman put in such a responsible position?
16:57Ruff!
16:59Show him crime or listen!
17:01No one is saying the prison system is perfect.
17:04At times, it is imperative...
17:05Should I make mince made of you, Jude?
17:06The tight security and discipline were experimental, but are no longer in effect.
17:13But these conditions did exist.
17:16Briefly.
17:16But you must remember, Mr. Hopkins, that dealing with such a large group of women under these circumstances,
17:22at times it is necessary to introduce disciplinary measures.
17:26All right.
17:27Apart from these occasional experiments, what's being done about rehabilitation, or do you only
17:34see Wentworth as a form of punishment?
17:37Not at all.
17:38We have always held courses from sewing to typing.
17:43They fail from time to time because of the women's lack of interest and bad attendance.
17:47But we are hoping to remedy that shortly.
17:51The Education Department has appointed a teacher to Wentworth.
17:54And as from tomorrow, we will be incorporating regular classes in general education.
18:01That sounds encouraging.
18:03Do you reckon it's true, Bea?
18:05I don't know.
18:05It could be just soft soap.
18:07Hey, Lizzie, that means we might be able to start studying.
18:10Won't be much good to me at my age.
18:14But what about the business when we get out?
18:16I won't be getting out.
18:17Take a look at this.
18:19A few months back, a friend of mine called Sharon Gilmore was murdered at Wentworth.
18:25Now, I know who murdered her because he admitted it to me.
18:29She was murdered by an officer called...
18:31Nothing was done about it except for him to be transferred.
18:37An innocent woman was murdered by an officer and he got away with it.
18:41Well, and what do you have to say to that, Mrs. Davidson?
18:44They're not going to let me finish.
18:45Shh! They can't do this to me!
18:48And there was a coroner's inquest.
18:50But there was nothing to show it was anything other than accidental death.
18:54Then why was the accused officer removed?
18:56For his own protection.
18:58The prisoners often get grudges against the staff and they can become quite violent.
19:04So, in actual fact, the staff are far more vulnerable than the women.
19:09Oh, I'm sorry, love.
19:12I tried to warn you.
19:13You can't beat the system.
19:14Oh, can't I just.
19:17Now, if they won't do something about him, I will.
19:20Like what?
19:21You knew Jock Stewart before he came to Wentworth, didn't you?
19:24Come on now, Helen.
19:25You used to call him the Highland Flinger.
19:27He used to bash up the girls in the massage pollers, remember?
19:31Yes, so what?
19:32So tomorrow you're going to find him for me.
19:35Oh, no way.
19:36Come on, Judy.
19:37I don't know what you've got in mind, but just leave me out of it.
19:40I'm sorry to say this to you, Helen, but tomorrow you are going to check out the pollers and find him, or you're liable to find yourself back inside charged with harbouring a criminal.
19:58Morning, ladies.
20:00Morning, Mr Humphrey.
20:02Oh, I cleaned up my tools a bit last night so you won't get your hands dirty.
20:06Oh, that was very considerate of you.
20:09Might I ask what you're doing with those?
20:11Oh, do you like them?
20:12I grew them myself.
20:13I could bring you some if you like.
20:15I meant what are they for, Mr Humphrey?
20:16They're for Mrs Birdsworth.
20:18Yeah, I know.
20:19I'm probably not supposed to, but I did her a terrible hurt yesterday.
20:24Broke her heart telling her she couldn't go to the States to see her family.
20:28Yeah, my stupid old coot doesn't know when to keep his trap shut.
20:31I know I can never make up for what I did, but it was the only thing I could think of.
20:38I'll make sure she gets them.
20:40You're a very kind lady.
20:42Huh.
20:48Birdsworth, what are you doing?
20:52Oh, just trying to fix the TV, Miss Bennett.
20:56You should know better than to play around with things like that.
20:58You could get yourself electrocuted.
21:02It's against regulations, but you might as well give them to yourself.
21:06Excuse me, Mrs Birdsworth.
21:08I thought you might like these.
21:12You know, my wife died many years ago.
21:16My son and daughter are grown up.
21:19I'm even a grandfather.
21:22But they have their own lives to lead, and I can't expect them to see me often because
21:26they live a long way off, too.
21:29I haven't seen them for eight years.
21:31But they write when they've got the time.
21:34Well, what I'm trying to say, it's not easy not knowing when you're going to see somebody
21:41you love again.
21:43It's kind of like the first time your kid's left home.
21:48The hardest thing in the world is knowing when to let go.
21:53But I reckon I'm not telling you anything new, Mrs Birdsworth.
21:56You know, it's the first time in 35 years that a gentleman has given me flowers, Mr Amphrey.
22:13Seed.
22:14Please.
22:15Well, that didn't take long.
22:26No, all the girls know him.
22:28He's been doing the rounds.
22:29Last few weeks, he's been a regular at Doris's.
22:32Goes there maybe twice a week.
22:34You've done real well.
22:36Okay.
22:37So now you know where he hangs out.
22:38What are you going to do about it?
22:40Just hang out in the streets until you find him?
22:42You show your face out there for two minutes and you...
22:45Don't worry.
22:45I've got it all worked out.
22:48Listen, honey.
22:49I know how you feel about Jock Stewart.
22:52He's a pig.
22:53But what's it going to get you?
22:55Another couple of years, that's all.
22:58You're talking about murder, Judy.
23:00Uh-uh.
23:02I'm talking about settling an old debt.
23:12Oh, this isn't going to work.
23:17I can't make a silk G-string out of a flannel jockstrap in a few hours.
23:21Flannel jockstrap.
23:22I like that.
23:23I've got to remember that one, eh?
23:26Oh, come on.
23:27Don't be so pessimistic.
23:29Just dress me up so no one will recognize me and leave the rest to me.
23:32You don't know what you're letting yourself in for, Judy.
23:34Well, you said yourself I can't go wandering around the streets, didn't you?
23:38Now, if this is the only way that I can get Stewart, I'm going to do it.
23:42Anyway, I might be lucky.
23:44He could be my first client, eh?
23:45You haven't even got the job yet, and I don't know...
23:48Will you look at the way he's standing?
23:51Could you stand like a lady and not like a bloody wharfie?
23:54Walk around.
23:55Go on, walk.
24:01Oh, that's bloody fantastic.
24:03The only thing you'll attract will be a Butch Sheila that comes along.
24:06Good, yeah.
24:08We're dealing with men, Judy.
24:10Men.
24:10M-E-N.
24:11Look, will you get off my back and just tell me what to do for crying out loud?
24:17Watch me.
24:25All you can do is make jokes.
24:27Look, assuming you get the job, and I doubt that,
24:30Stewart could have changed places.
24:32Do you think you can hack it until you find him?
24:35It's one thing talking about it, Judy, and another thing doing it.
24:38Yeah, I know.
24:39Do you?
24:40And if you find Stewart, do you think you've got it in you?
24:43Look, I always joke when I feel cornered, huh?
24:47Now, let's just try this again.
24:48See how I'm going.
24:49Yeah.
24:59It's better.
25:00But I hope you're a fast learner, Judy, in more ways than one.
25:09Poor old fella.
25:10He must get lonely spending so much time by himself.
25:15I don't hear him complaining.
25:16Well, at least he's got his health.
25:18He still doesn't seem like the type who'd give in when things don't go his way.
25:22Unlike you, Birdsworth.
25:23Oh, Miss Bennett, I'm sorry for yelling at you like I did yesterday.
25:30You saved me life.
25:32Not that it's worth saving, but at least you meant well.
25:36You've got no one to blame but yourself for being in here.
25:39And as you keep reminding us, you're 72 years of age.
25:43One would think by now you would have learned to face up to your responsibilities.
25:47And telling your family the truth might be a start.
25:50You said to me once that if people didn't accept you the way you are, they're not worth two bob.
25:56Well, I reckon Ellen and Josie are worth more than that.
25:59And whichever way you look at it, I'm going to be a burden to them and to everybody else.
26:07People can be a burden at any age.
26:08They don't need to be old.
26:10They can talk themselves into being an invalid because they're too afraid to stand on their own two feet.
26:15They like to cling.
26:17To live off your sympathy so you don't have a life of your own anymore.
26:21So full of self-pity that they make everyone feel guilty about even being happy.
26:26You're talking about your mum, aren't you, Miss Bennett?
26:28And you, if you're not careful.
26:31You see, she didn't know when to let go either.
26:37Oh, by the way, just because we've had this little chat, don't think for one minute that you can take advantage of me.
26:44I'm not going to put up with your poor old woman routine.
26:47You'll be treated like the rest of the women.
26:50Miss Bennett, when have I ever tried to con you?
26:58Morning.
27:09Morning.
27:10David Andrews, I'm with the Education Department.
27:12Hi, it's the teacher.
27:13Jim Fletcher, Deputy Governor.
27:14Pleased to meet you.
27:15I didn't know there'd be any men working here.
27:17Didn't the department fill you in?
27:19Oh, too rushed.
27:20I wasn't expecting to start till next month.
27:22Yes, have you got any way of locking this thing up?
27:25I've got a wheel lock.
27:26Then you'd better use it.
27:31How long have you been teaching in prisons?
27:33As of tomorrow, it'll be exactly one day.
27:39Mrs Davidson will explain the details to you, but basically you'll be subject to the same rules and regulations as the rest of the staff.
27:46David Andrews from the Education Department.
27:48This is Miss Vera Bennett, one of our senior staff.
27:51How do you do, Mr Andrews?
27:52David or Dave will do.
27:53We never call each other by our first names, Mr Andrews.
27:56Not while we're on duty.
27:57I'm here to learn as well as to teach.
27:59Then might I suggest that you keep up your appearance as much as possible?
28:03Casual clothes will only make the women think that we're just as casual in our jobs.
28:06Well, I didn't think clothes necessarily made the teacher, but I'll try to remember.
28:10If you just sign in over here.
28:13Let's put there what time you arrive and do the same when you leave.
28:15I'll take you around to see Mrs Davidson.
28:18Could I drop these into the classroom first?
28:20Well, we don't actually have a classroom as such.
28:22You'll be doing a teaching in the library, but if you leave them here, I'll make sure they're transferred over.
28:26I see.
28:27I was expecting.
28:28Well, not to worry.
28:30There's no better place than a library for learning.
28:31The department doesn't waste time and money building facilities for programs that usually fail, Mr Andrews.
28:36And going on past experience, I'd say you'll be back teaching in surroundings that suit you most before you know it.
28:45The education department thinks very highly of you.
28:49However, I must admit you're much younger than I expected.
28:53What made you apply for such a position?
28:56Well, I've been teaching in a lot of working class areas.
28:59Tough schools.
29:00Most of the kids have got sisters, mothers, someone they know who's been in prison at one time or another.
29:04Most of their problems stem from home.
29:06So I thought that if I could help to cure the cause rather than the complaint...
29:10Educate the mothers first.
29:11It's worth a try.
29:13You mustn't be disappointed if the attendance is not what you expect.
29:17We can't force the women to go to you.
29:19Even though most of them have a very low scholastic achievement, they don't like admitting this in front of the other women.
29:25Once I tell them the advantages, I'm sure I'll get their confidence.
29:30You realise you will be regarded as one of the staff and answerable to the regulations.
29:35However, you will not have the authority to hand out punishments.
29:38So if you have any problems, refer them to me or with a senior member of staff.
29:43Yes, Mrs Davison?
29:44Now, if you need any background information about the women, we'll give it to you.
29:47But don't make a habit of discussing sentences.
29:49And certainly don't discuss the inmates or the staff in front of the other prisoners.
29:54That sounds reasonable.
29:55Now, if you need to bring anything into the prison, anything at all for the women's use, pens, biros, we'll have to check it first.
30:01Now, never give out your cigarettes, food, anything at all to the women.
30:03And certainly don't pass out any messages without authority.
30:06You won't be able to absorb everything in one day, Mr Andrews, so if you have any doubts, just check.
30:13I feel like I'm the one who's going back to school.
30:15Just don't underestimate the women.
30:18You have quite a responsibility, and it's important that these classes are a success.
30:23It's not too late to change your mind.
30:29All right, I'll go through it once more.
30:32Try not to talk too much to the customer.
30:34You'll find that he'll know what it is that he wants.
30:37So just pretend you know what you're doing.
30:39Now, if he doesn't know what he wants, well, use your imagination.
30:44For heaven's sake, don't look bored.
30:46Make him feel like he's the only man in the world.
30:48Well, maybe with a bit of luck, I might find someone that wants to sit up and talk all night, you know?
30:52I'm a hell of a good listener.
30:53I hope you're good at a few other things.
30:57Look, loosen up.
30:59You're not going to get the job if you look like a 40-year-old virgin.
31:02I can't help that.
31:03I am.
31:06Tell me you're kidding.
31:08Please, tell me you're kidding.
31:12Oh, hell.
31:13Turn around.
31:18Let me get a good look at you.
31:27A bit broad in the beam, but not bad.
31:30Let's see your teeth.
31:33What is this, the horse trials or something?
31:34Oh, come on, Doris.
31:36Banner's been with one of the top houses in the cross.
31:38She's certainly not used to taking inspection.
31:41What made you leave Sydney?
31:43Oh, you know, change a scene.
31:45You're clean.
31:46Hey, would I introduce you to anything but the best?
31:49No drugs, no trouble, just a simple girl who likes her job.
31:54What do you specialize in?
31:56Oh, you name it.
31:59I'll give you a trial run.
32:01The house gets 45% of what you earn.
32:04If I get one complaint, out you go.
32:08Well, I haven't had a complaint yet.
32:09I've got some clients coming in this afternoon.
32:14You might as well start straight away.
32:16I'm glad you changed your mind, Lizzy.
32:28You never know, you might learn how to write their memoirs like you always wanted to.
32:31Yeah.
32:32I mucked up me life and everybody else's.
32:36You know, it's a pity we drummed up all that work for old Sid.
32:38We spent more time fixing things and less time bragging about how...
32:42Leave him alone.
32:44A man like him has to be kept busy.
32:47Anyhow, I don't reckon he's got a mean bone in his whole body.
32:50Oh, my, my.
32:52Quiet!
32:55He looks young enough to be me grandson.
32:58Yeah.
32:59This is Mr Andrews, our educational officer.
33:01As you know, all women serving sentences are entitled to classes ranging from a minimum of one half day a week to a maximum of five half days a week.
33:10I expect you all to give him your full cooperation.
33:13How much you benefit from these classes is entirely up to you.
33:17I'll leave it with you, Mr Andrews.
33:19Good luck.
33:21Good afternoon, ladies.
33:22Hi.
33:23Sit down, won't you?
33:24Well, I suppose the best place to start is to explain what this is all about.
33:29I'm glad to see so many of you interested.
33:30Oh, we never knocked back a chance to be rehabilitated.
33:34Well, actually, I'm not here to rehabilitate.
33:36You see, the word rehabilitation means restore to its previous condition.
33:40Now, we prefer to think that we've got a program that's much more beneficial.
33:43We want to give you a whole new start.
33:45Best way to do that for me is let me out tomorrow.
33:47My way might take a bit more time, I'm afraid.
33:52Now, the basic program areas are basic education in reading, writing, spelling and arithmetic,
33:59general education studies.
34:00Later on, we'll introduce you to tutors in more specialized areas such as typing, child care, sex education.
34:07You haven't taken us anything on that score.
34:09That's what got most of us in here in the first place.
34:12Yes, well, then we have French, Greek, cookery, fashion and design, music, pottery and other craft activities.
34:27Now, our aim is to provide educational opportunities in a wide range of skill development and personal growth areas,
34:32including academic, social, recreational and vocational.
34:35Development of personal awareness, esteem, confidence and appropriate social attitudes is our main aim.
34:41What's he on about, Bea?
34:42Oh, no.
34:45We'll concentrate on human relationships and personal development, pre-release courses and career education,
34:52recreational and creative arts programs.
34:54Oh, boy, I hope you teach better than you talk, Summy.
34:57Otherwise, we're all going to walk out of here more ignorant than we came in.
35:00Yeah.
35:11You don't look terribly happy, Mr. Andrews.
35:39I hope they didn't give you too hard a time.
35:41Not their fault.
35:42I went at it a bit too eagerly.
35:43Got ahead of myself.
35:44Some of these women can't even read properly.
35:46The only thing they need to know is how to look after their families.
35:49They've got no intention of learning.
35:51Tomorrow will be different.
35:52I'll try a different approach.
35:54They're like children, really.
35:56I know the kids at school like to try out a new teacher.
35:58Once I establish my authority and win their trust,
36:01you see, I have to give them the desire to want to learn, to improve themselves.
36:04They don't want an education, Mr. Andrews.
36:06Some of these women haven't done a hard day's work in their lives,
36:09and they don't intend to.
36:10You're not dealing with ordinary housewives.
36:12There's murderers, prostitutes, drug addicts.
36:15Not one of them can be trusted.
36:17And the more ideas you put into their heads, the worse they'll become.
36:20Thanks for your help, Miss Bennett.
36:22It isn't easy starting off in a job like this.
36:24Just talking about it, it helps.
36:26Well, I...
36:27I really appreciate you letting me talk to the women alone like that.
36:30I know that in some prisons.
36:32Well, the officers tend to inhibit everyone by remaining in the classroom.
36:35But you've been most understanding.
36:38I think we should give him another chance.
36:40And then, if he doesn't get any better,
36:42well, he's a nice enough young bloke,
36:43maybe he'd like to do a few favours for some of the girls who are a bit hard up.
36:47Yeah, well, I reckon he's too smart for his own good.
36:50All them big words, he's just showing off.
36:52Yeah, well, he could have fooled me.
36:54I saw the way you were eyeing him up and down.
36:57I didn't.
36:58Oh, well, he looks OK, but he's a lousy teacher.
37:03Just cos he's kind of cute, well, that doesn't mean nothing.
37:07I don't believe my ears.
37:08Did I just hear Lizzie almost laugh?
37:11Hey, Doreen, did you hear anything?
37:12Could have been a cough, but...
37:14Yeah, must have been.
37:15After all, what could a person on their last legs find to laugh at?
37:18I'm not dead yet, you know.
37:20Well, Lizzie, welcome back to the land of the living.
37:23Maybe it's because you've started to tell the truth for once.
37:26Makes you feel better, eh, Lizzie?
37:28Yeah, it does, as a matter of fact.
37:30But I can't tell them the whole truth,
37:32else the screws will find out that I didn't kill Kay White.
37:35Yeah.
37:36What have you told them?
37:37Oh, just that I'm not getting out when I thought I was
37:40and that it was an accident and I had a rotten judge.
37:44Here, here.
37:44You and Josie deserve a nice fella to look after you.
37:50So you make sure that you're happy.
37:53Because if you're not happy when you're young, you never will be.
37:56Just knowing you're happy is all that I could ever ask.
37:59And one day when you feel like coming back for a holiday or something,
38:03I'll be waiting.
38:04Oh, my love, Lizzie.
38:08That's real nice, Lizzie.
38:11You've got to know when to let go.
38:17I can't say the clients have been over-enthusiastic.
38:20But there again, no one's complained.
38:23So the job's yours.
38:25Thanks.
38:29Same time tomorrow, then.
38:44I hope we manage to please you today, Mr Stewart.
38:48You're on a low-class dive, a low-class horse.
38:54They all disgust me.
38:58If you didn't pay so well, I'd...
39:03You let me know if that pig ever gets too rough on you, sweetie.
39:08I'll stick one of the boys onto him.
39:14Feeling better?
39:17Here, get this into you.
39:18Aren't you working tonight?
39:25I thought you could use someone to talk to.
39:28Yeah, sure.
39:29How was work today, Jude?
39:31Everything going all right at the brothel, honey?
39:34No one's making you go back, you know.
39:37I don't know how you can look at yourself in the mirror.
39:41Easy.
39:42I've got my self-respect.
39:44Self-respect?
39:45You do this out of choice, for crying out loud.
39:49It's a job.
39:50Pays well.
39:52Most of my clients treat me well.
39:56And it's the only thing I know how to do best.
40:00The only one that can take away your self-respect is yourself.
40:03Are you trying to tell me you like what you do?
40:06This might surprise you, but I do.
40:08Get out of it, Judy, before it destroys you.
40:14Go on, and you'll end up hating yourself as much as you hate Jock Stewart.
40:19No one's worth that, no matter what they've done.
40:24All right?
40:25You want to sink as low as him?
40:27Go right ahead.
40:28But you're the one that's going to have to live with it.
40:30All of it.
40:32I've already sunk as low as I can go.
40:36But I'm taking him with me.
40:38The idea of these tests is to give me an idea of what you know.
40:50How far advanced you are.
40:54Come on, ladies.
40:55There's nothing to be afraid of.
40:56I'm the only one who's going to see the papers.
40:58I expect it to be your own work.
41:01Doreen, isn't it?
41:02Oh, yeah, Mr. Andrews, but I wasn't cheating on us.
41:04I was just looking to see if B got the answer right.
41:08Are you having difficulty answering these questions?
41:10This is kid stuff.
41:12Yes, well, I thought I'd start you off on something simple, just so that you could get the feel of it.
41:16Oh, I've got the feel of it all right.
41:18Yeah.
41:19What good's knowing the capital of Japan if we can't even get a visa to go and have a look?
41:25Look, when I ask you to do something, I expect you to do it.
41:27I'm not here to waste my time.
41:29And neither are we.
41:30I need to know what areas you'd be best suited to.
41:33So you reckon we're going to be left in here folding sheets for the rest of our lives?
41:36Is this going to help me get a job?
41:39Well, no.
41:39Well, it's a waste of flaming time.
41:42But you're not seriously thinking of working?
41:44I'm not finished yet, you know.
41:45And if Sid can do a good day's work, there's nothing stopping me either.
41:50All right, all right.
41:51Why don't you tell me what you'd all like to be when you get out?
41:57I'd like to be a bus driver.
41:58So I could run down smart-ass young teachers who seem to imagine that anyone on the inside
42:04has got the brains of a one-year-old.
42:06All those words you were using yesterday.
42:09Esteem.
42:11Confidence.
42:12Personal assurance.
42:14You know, you ought to learn what those words mean before you start trying to teach them.
42:21Don't suppose I could borrow a cigarette, could I, Mr Andrews?
42:25You get all you need from the buy-up.
42:27Well, didn't you pick up the rules quickly?
42:29Shame you didn't pick up some common sense to go along with that brain of yours.
42:43Do you mind if I join you?
42:44If you like.
42:45Have you worked here long, Miss Bennett?
42:53Quite a few years.
42:54I need your advice.
42:57I can't seem to get through to the women at all.
42:59I gave them an aptitude test today to see if they've got a flare in any one direction,
43:02but they wouldn't do the papers.
43:04They're not going to do something like that in front of the others.
43:06They'd be too ashamed to admit how stupid they are.
43:09You mean I should give it to them individually?
43:11If you can be bothered.
43:13But if you're looking for results, you'll be wasting your time.
43:15Oh, they're cunning, all right, but not too bright.
43:18And what about this Bea Smith?
43:19A ringleader.
43:20She thinks she's brighter than she really is.
43:22She won't do a test paper because she can't afford to lose face in front of her lackeys.
43:27I'll keep that in mind.
43:28I tried being firm, but it didn't seem to work.
43:31And you mustn't have meant it.
43:32They're very quick to pick up whether it's an act or not.
43:34Look, would you mind if I occasionally checked with you about the women or where I'm going wrong?
43:40I need someone to talk to, and you've been great.
43:44Well, no, I don't mind.
43:46I think I'll be able to give you quite a bit of good advice, Mr Andrews.
43:49And now that we're alone, any chance I can get you to call me David?
43:54Well, I don't see why not.
43:56I'm Vera.
43:57Hi.
43:57Well, well, well.
44:07Isn't it amazing what a few flowers do for a person?
44:10Yeah, but maybe it's got something to do with where they came from.
44:13Do you have to sneak up on me like that?
44:15Can't a person spend some time on her own?
44:17Oh, and sneaky to boot.
44:19Now, what do you suppose might cause that, Doreen?
44:22Well, I think Lizzie's found a boyfriend.
44:25Look, he's talking.
44:27And I saw the way you're eyeing off that pipsqueak who calls himself a teacher.
44:33That's a lie.
44:34And I was just feeling sorry for him, if you must know.
44:37Anyway, stop changing the subject, Lizzie.
44:39Now, have you got a soft spot for Sid or not?
44:42He's all right.
44:43Well, at least I've got someone to talk to me own age.
44:46Oh, talking about old times, huh?
44:48Chatting away about the Depression.
44:50We've got better things to talk about than that.
44:53Yeah, I bet.
44:54No, I was just beginning to feel me old self again.
44:59I might even come back to laundry tomorrow.
45:02Aren't you going back to the classes, Lizzie?
45:04What?
45:05Not while that young whippersnapper rules the roosts there.
45:08What about you, Bea?
45:12Does it matter what I do?
45:14Listen, love, if you think you can get something out of those classes, well, go ahead.
45:18Doesn't matter what anyone else says.
45:20Okay?
45:20We didn't expect you back quite so soon, Mr. Stewart.
45:39You're going to have to learn not to take such a great interest in your clients, Liz.
45:42It's just that I like to look after my special customers.
45:46If I'd known you were coming, Sully isn't here, you see.
45:51We'd better get somebody else, then.
45:53Yes, of course.
45:54If you'd like to wait in there, I'll see you all well looked after.
46:28Not a worry in a while, Doris.
46:41You know, when you first escaped, I thought you might have come after me.
46:46I didn't think you'd forget that very easily.
46:50Now it looks like I got you just where I want you, Lassie.
46:58Jeremy, I thought you were like you, that very easily you were named.