(light orchestral music) (projector clicking) (grand orchestral music) (dramatic orchestral music) >> Agnes: Six degrees north of the Equator in the heart of East Indies lies Sandakan, the tiny capital of British North Borneo.

In Sandakan in 1941 there were 15,000 Asiatics, 79 Europeans, and one American.

I was the American.

My name is Agnes Keith.

I was born in Oak Park, Illinois and graduated from the University of California at Berkeley.

My husband is Harry Keith, a colonial official of British North Borneo.

Borneo became my home when Harry and I were married, and it was in Sandakan that I bore one child and lost another.

And it was in Sandakan that we waited, 45 white men, 24 wives, and 11 children, through the anxious days of 1940 and '41, certain only of one thing, that sooner or later Japanese guns would join in the thunders of war, and Japanese troops would come down through the East Indies.

The men waited because it was their duty, the women because it was their choice.

(dramatic orchestral music) >> Hey, Jack.

Hey, Jack.

Hey, Jack.

>> What's he doing, teasing that ape?

>> Oh, no, Doctor, they're much friends now.

>> Is Mrs. Keith in?

>> Yes, Doctor.

>> Will you tell her I'm here?

>> Yes, Doctor.

>> How are you feeling, young fella?

>> Fine, Dr. Bandy.

>> Had any fights yet?

>> Yes, sir.

>> That's a good lad.

How big was he?

>> Wasn't a boy.

>> You can't start to early at that sort of thing.

What did you do, wallop her?

>> I ran all the way home.

>> Splendid, Georgie.

>> And then her brother ran me all the way back.

>> The filthy bully.

>> Trying to corrupt him again, are you?

>> Not in the least, boy's got to learn to protect himself against women.

>> Inside, Darling, it's time to get washed up for luncheon.

>> Come on.

Let's go.

>> Bye, Dr. Bandy.

>> Bye, young fella.

Trip her up next time.

>> Well, what's the verdict?

>> Which would you like, a girl or another boy?

>> Then it's definite.

>> How do you feel, all right?

>> Well, mornings, you know.

>> Perfectly normal.

Nothing to be done about that about.

Drop into the office the first time you're downtown, and we'll go into details.

How does Harry feel about it?

>> I haven't told him yet, now thank you.

I wanted to wait until it was definite.

>> You weren't afraid, were you?

>> Afraid of what?

>> Afraid to tell him.

>> Well, of course not.

Why should I be?

>> The situation, I mean, the war and all that.

>> Oh, do you really think they'll come?

>> I'm afraid I do, eventually.

>> I can't believe it.

I really can't.

>> Well, uh, I hope not, of course, but I think we ought to be prepared for it anyway.

>> But how?

How can you prepare for it?

I'm really ashamed to think of what I might do if they came.

>> Well, if the Japs were to come here, you'd probably have to drag me down out of those hills.

>> I know that's where they'll find me.

>> Oh, no, you won't be here anyway.

The government will clear out all you women and children.

That gives me an idea.

I played Charley in "Charley's Aunt" a couple of years ago.

I wonder what I did with that dress?

That's what I'll do this very night, by George.

I'll dig out that dress and try it on.

(chuckling) Goodbye, Agnes.

>> Goodbye, Doctor, and thank you.

(light orchestral music) >> How'd you like to take a little trip, Darling?

>> A trip where?

>> Home, back to the States, you and Georgie.

>> Are you beginning to worry, too?

>> No, not altogether, but it is liable to get a little rough out here, no need taking too many chances, you know.

>> Oh, I don't want to go.

I don't want to leave you.

I want to be with you whatever happens.

>> What about Georgie?

>> We'll have to send him out, I guess.

But I've made up my mind about myself.

I'm sticking with Papa.

>> No matter what Papa things?

>> No matter whatever.

>> What about the government, would you listen to it?

>> Oh, if the government puts me out, then I'll have to go, but not otherwise.

>> All right, then, we'll leave it up to the government.

You know, I never knew before that you were a woman of steel.

>> Oh, I'm not.

I'm a woman of tinfoil.

I'm scared to death already.

You're just my Bill, I guess.

>> Name happens to be Harry.

>> Oh, yes, of course.

I forgot.

Just my Harry, I meant.

>> You have very nice hands, Darling.

>> Still?

>> Always.

Shall we go in?

Oh, uh, Ah Yin tells me Doc Bandy was here this morning.

Anything wrong?

>> No, no, I, I just wanted him to look at George's throat.

(upbeat orchestral music) >> Announcer: Newsflash.

Newsflash.

We interrupt this program to tell you that the Japanese have attacked the American naval base at Pearl Harbor in the Hawaiian Islands.

This is all the information we have at the moment.

(upbeat orchestral music) (dramatic orchestral music) >> Agnes: And then we waited.

For five weeks from that December morning, we waited for the voice of command and authority to give us our orders.

On January 11th, we got them.

>> Announcer: To all British subjects in the state of North Borneo, the enemy occupied Jesselton this morning and may be expected in me Sandakan at any hour now.

You will be doing your duty by remaining at your posts.

Meet the enemy.

Resist passively.

Do not cooperate.

We are sorry, but we cannot help you.

(explosion booming) (rain falling) >> A nice night they picked for it, too.

>> Very inconsiderate people.

>> Two-four-seven, please.

(phone ringing) >> Hello.

>> Did you have the radio on?

>> Yes, I heard it.

Is there any sign of them, yet?

>> No, but have a guard on the point to let us know.

No need to worry too much, yet.

It may all be very simple and routine.

We're going down to the dock to show them that we're not armed.

You are to take Georgie straight to Government House.

All the women and children are to gather there and stay under orders until we know what's what.

You understand?

>> Yes, I'm packing now.

But when will I see you?

>> I'll catch up with you later.

And try not to worry, dear.

I, I know everything's going to be all right.

How is Georgie?

Has he noticed anything yet?

>> No, he's a little angel, very pleased to be up so late.

>> Harry: Give him a big hug for me, and tell him I'm counting on him to help his mum.

>> All right, Darling.

Harry, listen, be very careful, will you?

>> Don't worry, dear.

I won't do anything foolish.

And I'll see you a little later.

Goodbye, Darling.

>> Did they come, Missus?

>> No, not yet, but any minute know I guess.

>> What you intend to do, Missus?

>> I don't know, Ah Yin.

I don't even like to think about it.

What about your friends?

>> Very good friends, when times comes, they take me over to the hill.

No one find me.

>> Come here, Darling.

(dramatic orchestral music) >> They're coming around the point.

>> What did the guard say?

>> They're coming in motor launches, but the boy couldn't tell how many.

>> It doesn't matter, 1,000, 10,000, makes no difference.

>> Should we start, gentlemen?

>> Might as well do the honors properly.

(dramatic orchestral music) (all shouting) >> You want me to stay, Missus?

>> No, no, Ah Yin.

You go home quickly.

Thank you.

Here Georgie, take your panda.

Goodbye.

(dramatic orchestral music) (dogs barking) >> I'd put my wristwatch away, if I were you.

>> Oh, thank you.

I intended to.

(shouting) (gun firing) >> What, what is it, Mommy?

What was that gun?

>> Shh, you have to be quiet, darling.

>> But what was it?

(dogs barking) (speaking foreign language) >> Charles, Charles- (speaking foreign language) Charles.

I'm sorry.

I don't understand Japanese.

>> Get away from me, you dirty Jap.

>> Charles.

(speaking foreign language) >> Mother, Mother, Mother!

(soldiers laughing) >> Okay, stand up everybody!

When Japanese officer enter, stand up, everybody, and bow to officer.

Bow!

Bow to Japanese officer!

(all murmuring) >> And why isn't there any petrol here?

>> We dumped it.

Those were my orders, and I obeyed them precisely as you obey yours.

>> What do you mean orders?

You are not a soldier.

You are a civilian.

You told me so yourself.

>> I am a civilian, but I am also an official, subject to the orders of my government.

>> And what else did you destroy?

>> Certain pieces of machinery, some boats, a few bridges- >> And your stocks of oil, too, I suppose?

>> All of it.

>> And you still expect to be treated as a civilian?

>> I had my orders.

>> You had your orders from a General in Singapore, and they were military orders.

You have probably committed 40 acts of war in the past 24 hours, and yet you stand there and try to tell me you are a civilian, that you are all civilians so that it doesn't count.

What do you take me for, a complete fool?

>> The rules of war defining a civilian and civilian rights are perfectly clear, and I'm sure you're quite familiar with them.

I'm asking for nothing that I'm not entitled to.

And if I may say- >> Never use that voice to me again.

>> Now, wait a minute.

You have absolutely no right- >> Perhaps you had better understand this now, at the very beginning.

I will take none of your British arrogance, none of it!

We are in charge here now, the Nipponese army.

You understand that?

Now, bow to Japanese officers.

Bow!

(speaking foreign language) >> Mrs. Keith?

>> Yes?

>> Mrs. Agnes Newton Keith?

>> Yes.

>> Other peoples, go your home.

Stay your home.

Mrs. Keith, you come with me.

>> Come on, darling.

>> No!

No baby, you come alone.

>> Oh, no, I won't leave him.

I can't leave him here alone.

>> Leave him.

Soldier take care.

Good soldier take care.

>> I won't leave him.

He's too small to be left alone.

>> I'll take him home with me.

Is that all right?

>> Anybody take him all right.

You come quick with me.

>> He'll be all right.

Don't worry.

>> Mommy- >> No, darling, now be a good boy.

Mommy will be home right away.

>> Come on.

(knocking) (speaking foreign language) >> Mrs. Keith.

>> Come in.

Sit down, Mrs. Keith.

You have a child, haven't you?

>> Yes.

>> A son, George, where is he?

>> I left him with a friend.

The lieutenant wouldn't let me bring him in.

>> I have two sons.

>> Agnes: Really?

>> Two sons and a daughter, how old is your boy?

>> He's four.

>> My youngest, it is three.

But he's quite big for three.

People often take him for four.

>> Really?

>> You'll have to bring your little boy to see me sometime.

I'll tell him about Japan, how little boys live there.

And I have some pictures too.

I'll show him.

(guns firing) That will be over soon.

They are just cleaning up a bit.

I read your book about Borneo, Mrs. Keith, "The Land Below the Wind."

>> You did?

>> In the Japanese edition, I like it very much.

>> Agnes: Thank you.

>> You were very sympathetic with Orientals.

>> Of course, I've lived out here for several years now, and I've come to know them quite well.

>> It's not usual, you know.

Where is your home in the States, Mrs. Keith?

>> California.

>> I living in America for four years.

I went to the University of Washington.

>> Agnes: I was at Berkeley.

>> I went down to Berkeley, too, many years ago for a football game.

You murdered us.

Cigarette?

>> Thank you.

>> And we were the favorite, too.

I took even money and I gave two points to one fellow.

>> That's too bad.

You should have put your money on the crew.

>> That's right.

We had always good crews.

Have we a copy of your book here, Mrs. Keith, the American edition?

>> Yes.

>> I would like very much to have one autographed.

>> Well, I don't see how you could have picked a better time to ask for one.

>> I am sorry.

You think it's too impolite this way?

>> Oh, not at all.

I don't get enough requests for my autograph- (guns firing) to quibble over the circumstances.

>> And would you also mind writing in it that you give it to me, personally?

>> Certainly.

>> I would appreciate that very much.

I will right the name for you, Michio Suga, Colonel Michio Suga.

I think I will read it again, too.

>> Is that all?

>> That's all.

>> Colonel?

>> Yes?

>> May I ask you something about the men?

My husband, what are you going to do with him?

>> That will be attended to in time.

Goodbye.

(suspenseful orchestral music) (speaking foreign language) >> Agnes: This, then, was occupation by the enemy.

Business as usual, they said.

Carry on with your lives and your work.

At the end of one month of such civilized consideration, I no longer had my secret.

>> I think she'll be all right now.

If she wakes up during the night, give her another tablet.

I'll ring you in the morning.

>> Thank you, Doctor.

Thank you very much.

>> Goodnight, Georgie.

>> Goodnight, Dr. Bandy.

>> Goodnight, Harry.

>> Goodnight, Doctor.

Why didn't you tell me, dear?

>> It just seemed too much on top of everything else.

I couldn't.

>> My poor darling.

>> Maybe it's just as well.

One less problem to handle.

>> What is it, Mommy?

>> I'm afraid we're not going to have a little baby brother after all.

>> What about a little baby sister?

>> No, no little sister, either.

>> But next Christmas maybe?

>> I'm afraid not, darling.

For a while, it'll have to be just us, that's all, you and Daddy and me.

>> That's all right, Mommy.

I didn't want anybody else, anyway.

>> Oh, my baby.

(dramatic orchestral music) (suspenseful orchestral music) Is there any sign of the truck yet?

>> Soldier: Come soon.

>> We'll be out here on the veranda.

>> Soldier: Okay.

>> You use this?

>> Yes, thanks.

>> We've still got a few more minutes, even if they're on time, which they probably won't be.

>> Sit here.

>> Oh, darling, darling.

>> Oh, now, now.

>> Have you heard anything at all where we're going?

>> Nothing it means anything.

>> They'll maybe make some kind of provision for children.

>> He's pretty sturdy.

That's one good thing.

>> He's still so little.

(car approaching) Oh, dear, I'm so scared.

>> I know, dear.

I know.

Everybody is.

>> Agnes: I'm scared to be without you.

I, I need you so bad.

I just won't know what to do without you.

>> What's the matter with Mommy?

(Agnes sobbing) >> Mommy's all right.

She just doesn't feel very well.

(Agnes sobbing) Where's that Yankee spirit?

(car approaching) (dramatic orchestral music) (speaking foreign language) (light orchestral music) >> Goodbye, my darling.

>> Goodbye, sweetheart.

>> I love you so much.

>> We'll come out of this, sweetheart.

I know we will.

(speaking foreign language) Fine.

How about it, young fellow, a big hug for Daddy?

>> A hard one?

>> Certainly, the hardest one you can give me.

Goodbye, son.

>> Bye.

>> You're going away with Mummy for a little while.

Don't forget Daddy, will ya?

>> Ready?

>> We're going.

>> Very sorry.

>> Thank you.

>> Just listen to what Mummy tells you and stick close to her at all times.

>> Yes, Daddy.

>> And wait here a moment.

We'll all go out together.

>> Can you handle all that?

>> Yes, I think so.

(dramatic orchestral music) >> Soldier: Let's go.

>> Goodbye, Son.

>> Goodbye, Daddy.

(speaking foreign language) (speaking foreign language) (speaking foreign language) (speaking foreign language) (dramatic orchestral music) (speaking foreign language) (thunder crashing) (speaking foreign language) (babies crying) >> Agnes: This was Berhala Island, where for nine months the white women and children of Sandakan were grounded in the field and hunger and degradation that were to be there's throughout their imprisonment under the Japanese.

And here we began to know for the first time the cruelest of all suffering that war brings to women, emptiness, the gnawing, lonely, hopeless emptiness of life without love.

At Berhala, we knew it twofold because our men were nearby, only a few hundred yards down the road in their own compound.

And now and then, we could see them, a glimpse anyway, on their way to or from their work in the fields.

And now and then, if one were willing to run the risk of a beating... (dramatic orchestral music) (speaking foreign language) >> Soldier: You forget to bow.

(speaking foreign language) >> I'm sorry.

>> How is he?

>> Still a little feverish.

>> Did you sleep at all, darling?

>> A little.

>> Good.

>> You're going, aren't you?

>> I want to, if George is all right.

>> You must.

I'll take care of George.

He'll be all right.

>> But he looks so sick.

>> You don't look only too well yourself.

>> Oh, I'm all right.

>> Considering those rubber vegetables we had last night.

>> If you go, will you ask him about Jacques?

>> Of course.

>> And Roppie?

>> I'll ask about everybody.

>> But tell him about Joyce, will you?

Tell him she's getting along all right.

>> Do you think you could give him a message for Freddie?

>> Yes, of course.

>> Well, would you tell him to tell Freddie that my cough is a great deal better.

He worries so, you know.

>> I'll tell him.

>> And Joe, too, don't forget.

I saw him on the road The other day.

He looks so thin.

>> I'll make a list this evening of all the messages, and I'll bring back the news for everybody.

>> Beatings for everybody, too, I suppose.

>> We were not speaking to you, if you don't mind.

>> Perhaps not, but you're proposing something that's likely to get us all in trouble.

You know very well if she were caught, the whole camp would be punished.

>> Will you keep your voice down.

>> Oh, tell her to go jump in the ocean.

Agnes hasn't even spoken to her husband for five months.

And if she's got a chance to be with him for a few minutes, now I think she ought to grab it like a shot.

>> Henrietta: It doesn't matter what happens to the rest of us, I suppose.

>> She's not going to get caught.

Others have done it and got away with it.

>> I do not care to be beaten because some disgusting woman cannot do without her husband for a few months.

>> I wish I could tell you what I think of you for that.

>> Why can't you keep your big mouth shut?

You make more noise and more trouble than any other five women in the camp.

>> Every time one of you women sneak through that fence, you endanger every other person in this camp, and I refuse to be quiet about it.

>> All right, then, why don't you go and tell the sergeant now?

>> Sure, and why don't you give him a great big kiss while you're about it?

>> I have no intention of doing anything more than my duty.

>> Here he is now.

Tell him, why don't you?

(speaking foreign language) >> Well, if it isn't old Frogface.

>> Betty.

>> Oh, that's right.

You haven't met this one yet.

The Sergeant doesn't understand one word of English, do you, Repulsive?

(speaking foreign language) Oh, you cute little bucket of swill.

(speaking foreign language) (speaking foreign language) Isn't he a stinker?

>> Oh, yes, indeed, you can tell that even from this distance.

>> Are you sure it's all right?

>> Certainly.

Oh, Henrietta- >> I'm not interested, thank you.

>> Haven't you something to tell our little garbage blossom?

>> I will take no part in in this insanity, no part whatever.

>> Hey, Sarge, you see that woman over there?

Mrs. Henrietta Tattle-Tale Thomas, well, that woman sneaks out of the camp every single night and meets Tojo- >> Tojo?

>> -Tojo, under the palm trees.

>> Mrs. Sommers- (laughing) (speaking foreign language) Oh, nice dog.

(speaking foreign language) (frogs croaking) >> Agnes: Betty.

>> I think I'll get in with him.

>> You don't mind?

>> Of course not.

Agnes, you're burning up.

You sure you can make it?

>> I've got to make it.

>> Don't you think you better try another night?

>> No, it's got to be tonight.

He'll be waiting for me.

>> He'd understand, darling.

>> I've got all those messages, too.

I can't disappoint everybody.

>> Mrs. Keith, good luck.

>> Thank you.

(metal clanging) (animal chittering) (birds cooing) (wind howling) (animal cooing) >> Harry.

(birds squawking) (animals chittering) Harry.

Harry.

Harry.

(monkey screeching) (sobbing) (birds squawking) (animal squawking) (breathing heavily) Harry, Harry, I'm sick.

I'm very sick.

(crying) Please help me, Harry.

Harry.

(wind howling) (thunder crashing) >> George: Mommy.

>> Georgie, Darling, oh, dear God, Sister Rose, what can we do?

What is it do you think?

>> Woman: Malaria.

He's burning up.

We'll have to call the captain of the guard.

This child's terribly sick.

>> Betty: We can't until Agnes gets back.

>> Woman: Can I help?

>> Betty: Have you any Quinine?

>> Woman: Why, no, I, I haven't.

I'm sorry.

>> Betty: Isn't there something we can do just 'til she gets back?

>> Woman: Go to the captain and ask him for some Quinine.

Some in your hand, you don't have to tell him who it's for.

>> Betty: That's it.

I'll just say it's for one of the children.

>> Woman: And hurry, will you?

(thunder crashing) (speaking foreign language) >> Captain: What you want?

>> Betty: I want some quinine, Captain.

Quinine, one of the children is ill. >> Captain: Doctor give you quinine.

You see doctor tomorrow.

>> Betty: But he needs it to now, Captain.

He's very ill. >> You Mrs. Sommers?

>> Yes.

>> Captain: You know have a child.

Who is the child?

>> Betty: Mrs. Keith's.

>> Captain: Why not she come?

Why you come?

>> Betty: She's ill, too.

>> Captain: I no have quinine.

See doctor tomorrow.

>> Betty: Tomorrow might be too late, Captain.

Can't you send me to the doctor for some now?

It's not far, and they're very ill. >> Ill, like die?

>> They are truly.

>> Captain: We go see how ill. >> Betty: No.

>> Captain: Must see first.

Must not wake doctor unless very ill. >> Betty: But that's not at all necessary.

You don't have to go to all that trouble, really.

>> Captain: But ill like die, you say.

>> Betty: Yes, they are, but you don't have to go.

You can send me.

I'll explain to the doctor.

>> Captain: I'll go with you.

>> Betty: Can't we go directly to the doctor?

Please don't go in there, Captain.

It would upset them very much.

They'd be very frightened.

Don't go in, please.

>> Captain: We will see.

>> Woman: Here, Captain.

>> Captain: I get doctor.

He have plenty quinine.

(whistle blowing) >> Soldier: All ladies, all children, will be transferred from this camp this afternoon.

Must be ready two o'clock.

Be cheerful.

Keep up good spirit and morale.

(dramatic orchestral music) >> Agnes: Where to?

We had our choice of three rumors, to a wonderful new camp with electric lights and beds, to be repatriated, to the officers' brothels.

All we knew for certain was that the men were not being transferred with us.

(dramatic orchestral music) >> Woman: There's Rocky!

>> George: It's Daddy, Mommy.

Look, Mommy, it's Daddy.

>> Soldier: You see?

Japanese kind to people.

Wives can say goodbye husband.

But no kissing, see?

Must not kiss.

Now, make snappy, please.

(all chattering) (dramatic orchestral music) >> Harry: Oh, Georgie, my, what you've grown.

You really have.

How are you feeling?

>> George: I'm hungry, Daddy.

>> Agnes: Oh, no, Darling, you can't be.

You've just eaten.

No, he's not doing badly at all.

Now, you mustn't worry about that for a minute.

>> Harry: How are you, Darling?

>> Agnes: We were both quite sick for a while, but we're fine now.

>> Harry: Are you sure you're all right?

>> Agnes: Oh, absolutely, Darling.

They treat us very well, really.

>> Harry: Do you, do you have any idea where you're going?

>> Agnes: No.

>> Well, perhaps you'll go to one of the big camps.

You'll have it better there.

I have a little going-away gift for you.

>> George: For me, too, Daddy?

>> Harry: For both of you, be careful.

Don't let the guards see.

Don't look for much.

You know, there isn't much chance to shop around here.

>> Agnes: Thank you, Sweetheart.

Whatever it is, we need it.

>> Betty: Did you get the eggs?

>> Man: Yes, Darling, where did you get them?

>> Betty: From a little man at the dock.

>> Man: Oh, how wonderful.

Now, don't cry.

Smile at me.

>> Betty: I can't help it.

>> Jim: Did you get the quinine?

>> Woman: No, I didn't.

Did you send some?

I mean, we need it so bad, Jim.

>> Jim: I'm trying, here, here.

>> Woman: We don't know where, oh, look what Daddy's brought.

Mann Hello, Joyce.

Hello, Baby.

>> Woman: Where are you going to go?

>> Man: I don't know, Darling.

>> Woman: Are you over the Malaria?

>> Tony: Yes, Darling, I'm fine now.

>> Woman: Tony, is Freddie ill or something?

>> Tony: I thought you knew.

Freddie was turned away last week.

>> Woman: No, no, I didn't.

Darling, will you please, I'm not brave.

>> Agnes: Have you heard anything about yourself?

>> Harry: Oh, I'll be all right.

Got to have someone do the work, you know.

>> Agnes: Are you eating?

You look so thin.

>> Harry]: I was getting a little fat, remember?

>> Oh, no, you- >> Be careful, Darling.

You'll fall.

Darling, don't cry.

>> George: I had eggs when I was sick, Daddy.

>> Harry: Eggs?

Why, you little monkey, no wonder you're growing up, living off the fat of the land.

(whistle blowing) (all chattering) >> Soldier: Say goodbye, please.

Must go now.

(all chattering) >> Harry: Give me your hands.

Give me your hands.

>> Agnes: It's not much of a way to say goodbye, is it?

>> Harry: It won't be for long, honey.

We'll see each other again soon.

Goodbye, Son.

>> George: No, Daddy.

>> Agnes: Be very careful, darling.

I love you, darling.

>> Harry: I love you.

(all chattering) >> Soldier: Take last look, babies.

May be goodbye for long time.

>> Agnes: They're going to kill him.

It's the last time I'll ever see him.

They're going to kill him, and he knows it.

I'll never see him anymore.

(dramatic orchestral music) (speaking foreign language) >> George: Can we see the present now?

>> Agnes: I think so.

Wasn't this nice of Daddy?

They're handkerchiefs.

>> George: Is that all?

>> Agnes: Oh, but aren't they pretty?

Look, that's mosquito netting.

Now, wasn't that clever of Daddy?

>> George: You mean Daddy made this himself?

>> Agnes: Yes, he's becoming quite a seamstress, isn't he?

>> Harry: "Take care of our little son.

I love him because he is you.

He is ours.

He is you and I that must live.

Although our bodies may die, I know there is something between us that will never die."

>> Agnes: Never.

(dramatic orchestral music) These 10 days at sea, bound for we knew not where, were, I believe, the worst.

At that moment, I hated the human race, not just the enemy, but mankind.

That this, to helpless, innocent children, should still be possible, what hope was there for such an animal?

(dramatic orchestral music) This was it, Kuching, the great dump heap of prisoners in the East Indies.

And this was the women's camp, isolated and segregated from the many men's camps that were scattered among the hills around us.

(dramatic orchestral music) >> Man: War will last 10 years!

>> Agnes: That was the first thing we heard at Kuching.

>> Man: War will last 10 more years!

>> Agnes: Then we heard it again.

>> Man: War will last 10 more years!

>> Agnes: Again and again and again, but by then we knew that while the war might, we wouldn't, not on one cupful of thin rice gruel, five tablespoons of cooked rice, occasionally a bit of green, and tea once a day, not through the long days of work beyond our starved strength.

(dramatic orchestral music) (dramatic orchestral music) Perhaps not through the occasional cruelty.

>> Soldier: Stick out tongue, quick.

(laughing) >> Agnes: Not even with, now and then, little acts of kindness.

>> Doctor: For you and son.

>> Agnes: Thank you, Doctor.

(dramatic orchestral music) So in the course of time, life was reduced to one simple, stubborn purpose, to keep alive.

(George whimpering) (dramatic orchestral music) >> Betty: "To avoid punishments and beatings the ladies should presume themselves to endeavor, with passive behavior not negative," Lieutenant Nekata."

(whistling) The Lieutenant must have learned his English at Harvard.

>> Soldier: Mrs. Keith, you will please bathe and put on a dress and report to Lieutenant Nekata's office with your child as quickly as possible.

>> Agnes: Yes, sir.

>> Betty: Quickly as possible.

>> Soldier: Hurry, please.

>> Man: Mrs. Keith, come in, please.

>> Michio: How do you do, Mrs. Keith?

This is a great pleasure.

>> Agnes: How do you do, Colonel?

>> Michio: Well, I'm afraid I'm your jailer again.

>> Agnes: So I see.

>> Michio: Yes, I am now in command of all of the prison camps in Kuching.

>> Agnes: I suppose I should congratulate you.

>> Michio: Thank you, and this is George, isn't it?

>> Agnes: Yes, that's right.

>> Michio: Oh, he is a big boy.

How are you, young man?

How do you feel?

>> George: I'm hungry.

>> Michio: Oh, really?

Well, we'll have to do something about that.

Can't have nice little boys like you going around hungry.

You know Lieutenant Nekata, your camp commander, I suppose?

Mrs. Keith is a very celebrated writer in America.

I have read her book myself, personally.

Sit down, Mrs. Keith.

Have a cigarette?

>> Agnes: Thank you.

>> Michio: Keep the package.

>> Agnes: Are you quite sure you can spare them?

>> Michio: Don't mention it.

I have something of a surprise for you.

>> Agnes: Where on Earth did you get it?

>> Michio: Out of your house.

Haven't forgotten your promise, have you?

>> Agnes: No, no.

(crowd shouting) (speaking foreign language) >> Michio: Australian prisoners.

Why do the Australians always seem to be just a little more aggressive than necessary?

Uh-huh, "To Colonel Michio Suna, a lover of beautiful letters, Agnes Newton Keith."

You are really too kind, Mrs. Keith.

>> Agnes: Not at all.

>> Michio: That will be all, now, thank you.

(speaking foreign language) >> Man: Quickly, please, quickly.

(speaking foreign language) >> Agnes: Well, that was about the quickest literary tea I ever saw.

>> Man: Hey, outside, outside.

>> Agnes: All right, all right.

>> Betty: Agnes, a miracle happened.

I beat Mrs. Gulliver to the garbage, tonight.

>> Agnes: Oh, wonderful.

What did you get?

>> Betty: That's a bit of pineapple, I believe.

I don't know what that is, but it's quite good.

>> Agnes: Potato top, isn't it?

>> Betty: Is it?

>> Agnes: Aren't you having any?

>> Betty: No, I've had buckets of it.

That's for you.

Go right ahead.

>> Agnes: I wonder if I should wake him?

>> Betty: No, don't.

I have a piece of banana for him.

Let him sleep now, and give him this in the morning.

>> Agnes: Oh, you're a darling, Betty.

What would you say this was?

>> Betty: Is there a bone in it?

>> Agnes: No, yes, yes, a flat one.

Did you find a fish?

>> Betty: Only the head.

>> Agnes: That's what it is, a fish head.

It couldn't taste better, really.

>> Betty: Which isn't the cooking in particular, I just wash the stuff and dump it in the pot.

I don't even know what some of it is, sometimes.

Most of it I recognize, of course.

What some of it is, I simply can't to imagine.

>> Agnes: It's all food, isn't it?

>> Betty: That's it.

>> Agnes: I, I don't know what George and I would have done with- (thudding) >> Man: Woo, woo, woo- >> Agnes: What's that?

>> Man: Woo, woo- >> Betty: Well, it's not an owl.

I can tell you that.

>> Tweet, tweet, twoo.

>> That's even worse.

Right here at the bottom of the fence, look.

>> It's the Australians.

>> Hey, lady- >> Agnes: Cut it out, fellas.

There's a guard out front.

You'll get us in trouble.

>> Man: Oh, tell me again, lady.

Tell me again.

I just want to hear you talk.

>> Agnes: You get out of here.

>> Man: Did you hear that, Sarge?

That one's for me.

Come on down here, lady.

Let's take a look at you.

>> Agnes: Please, fellas, if the guard hears you, we'll really be in trouble.

They'll cut our rations again.

>> Man: Listen, sister, we ain't even talked to a dame in months.

That guard don't bother us.

>> Man: Now, you don't have to worry about him.

He sticks his nose in here, we'll slit his ruddy throat.

>> Man: You come down here, Tootsy, and I'll give you a lipstick.

(laughing) >> Agnes: I wouldn't interest you, really.

I'm much too old and much too tough for you.

>> Man: How old?

>> 60.

>> Man: 60, well, what's the matter with 60?

I thought you meant about a hundred or something.

>> Who are they?

>> It's the Australians.

>> Man: What about the other one?

How old are you?

>> Me?

>> Yes, not that it matters, but how old are you?

>> Woman: Oh, I'm nearly 70 now.

>> Man: Nearly what?

>> Woman: I said, I'm nearly 70 now.

>> Man: 70?

What have we gotten ourselves into, the old ladies home?

(laughing) >> Man: Ah, they're kidding us.

They sound like a couple of babes to me, both of them.

>> Woman: Hey, how about some of those lipsticks down here?

>> Man: Okay, baby, any time you want to come down to pick 'em up.

>> Agnes: Oh, no, boys, now look.

Now look, I'm terribly sorry, but this is really too dangerous.

Now go away.

>> Man: You try to run out, and that's when we throw a couple of rocks through your window.

>> Oh, come on.

>> We've had a rough time of it, lady.

We need a little relaxation.

>> Agnes: Well, if we stay here, will you behave?

>> Man: Behave?

Lady, we're behind a barbed wire fence.

(ladies laughing) Look, Sarge, thousands of 'em.

>> Man: And us without a wire cutter.

>> Man: As far as the eye can see, nothing but dames.

Come on down here, lady.

>> Man: Come on down, toots, and I'll give you a lipstick.

>> Man: Hey, wait.

There, can't you smell it now?

I can't smell anything.

>> Man: It's perfume, I tell you, ladies' perfume.

Come on.

(all chattering) >> Agnes: Betty, this is awful.

I'm scared to death.

>> Woman: Hey, you got lipsticks, too?

>> Man: No need for them, cutie pie.

You want one?

>> Woman: Sure, throw me one.

>> Man: Here's two.

Come and get 'em.

>> Woman: Go on, get 'em.

>> Woman: Will you go with me?

>> Woman: No, don't do that.

>> Man: Here's two for you, too, sister.

Come on.

(all chattering) (all chattering) >> Man: You know something, I think we could get out of this trap.

>> Man: Yeah, why not?

>> Agnes: Oh, don't you do that.

You'll get killed.

>> Man: Not us, lady.

We've been sentenced to death twice already, both of us.

>> Man: We're what they say, eternal.

>> Agnes: Betty, can't you think of anything?

>> Betty: Look, fellas, aren't you married?

Haven't you got wives back home?

>> Man: No, strictly bachelors, both of us.

You don't think we'd go calling on strange ladies if we was married, do ya?

>> Agnes: You're making all this trouble for nothing, 'cause we're not going to have anything to do with you.

>> Betty: And besides, we're missionaries.

>> Missionaries?

>> Both of us.

>> Man: I wouldn't mind being converted tonight.

>> Man: Me, neither.

(guns firing) (screaming) (dramatic orchestral music) >> Agnes: Nearly two years had passed since Harry and I had said goodbye to each other across the ditch in Berhala, nearly two years of wondering if he still loved or not.

Nobody could tell me.

Nobody seemed to know.

Alice knew about Frank.

He had been beheaded.

A guard told her.

And Secily knew about Larry.

They had taken her to see his poor, thin body.

His hair had turned white.

(dramatic orchestral music) But George and I didn't know.

That's why our eyes were always on the road that led from the men's camps.

It was strictly forbidden to look at the men.

But what did that matter when any day, any minute, he might pass by.

♪ There's a long, long trail a-winding ♪ ♪ Into the land of my dreams ♪ ♪ Where the nightingales are singing ♪ ♪ And a white moon beams ♪ ♪ There's a long, long night of waiting ♪ ♪ Until my dreams all come true ♪ ♪ Till the day when I'll be going down ♪ ♪ That long, long trail with you ♪ ♪ God save our gracious king ♪ ♪ Long live our noble king ♪ ♪ God save the king ♪ ♪ Send him victorious ♪ ♪ Happy and glorious ♪ (wind howling) (thunder crashing) >> Betty.

Betty.

>> George: Is it morning already?

>> No, Darling, you go back to sleep.

Mommy's going to get Aunt Betty's wash off the line before it starts to rain.

(thunder crashing) (Agnes screaming) Let me go!

(screaming) Let me go!

Let me go!

Betty!

>> Agnes!

Agnes!

(sobbing) (dramatic orchestral music) >> Agnes: The next morning, I made the gravest mistake of my entire imprisonment.

In my shock and agitation, I forgot the first of all laws for prisoners of war, the man with the gun is always right.

>> Attention.

>> Hello.

>> Hello.

>> Hello, Jenny.

>> How do you do, Mrs. Keith?

>> How do you do, Colonel?

>> How did you get those?

>> I got those when I was attacked by one of your soldiers last night.

>> What do you mean?

>> I was attacked by one of the guards last night, violently attacked.

It wasn't in the way of punishment of any sort.

It was attempted criminal assault.

>> I can hardly believe this, Mrs. Keith.

>> Well, it's the truth.

I know I'm a prisoner, but I believe I have the right to protest against such an experience.

And I believe I have the right to demand your protection.

>> If another person had total me this, I wouldn't have believed it.

Come to camp headquarters at 10 o'clock.

I want to talk to you about it.

>> Thank you, sir.

>> Well, that did it.

Now we're in for it.

>> It didn't happen to you.

You don't know what it's like.

>> Complaining won't undo it.

You'll still be mauled, but now the guards are going to be very angry and take it out on all of us.

>> You can't win.

You should know that by now.

>> You invite soldier?

You say, hallo.

You say, come here.

>> Agnes: No, I didn't.

I never saw him until he grabbed me.

>> You lie.

>> Japanese not like white woman.

You invite soldier.

>> Agnes: I'm not a young girl, Lieutenant, and I'm not flirtatious.

>> Flirtatious?

(speaking foreign language) >> I did nothing whatever to attract this soldier.

I don't even think he could see me in the dark.

He attacked me because I was helpless and a prisoner.

>> You know this soldier's face?

>> No, I can't identify him if that's what you mean.

It was too dark, I tell you.

>> Too dark?

Not even know if soldier there, huh?

>> It was a soldier, all right.

>> Not Chinese fella from outside?

(speaking foreign language) >> I believe what you say, Mrs. Keith, and I'm very sorry it happened.

I apologize to you for him.

>> Thank you, Colonel.

>> You may go now.

>> Do you think that's the end of it?

>> I don't think so.

Just wait 'til the colonel gets out of camp.

(speaking foreign language) >> Suga?

(speaking foreign language) (speaking foreign language) (speaking foreign language) >> Mrs. Keith, come with me please.

(speaking foreign language) (speaking foreign language) >> Look at these men.

Now which one?

>> I told you I couldn't identify him.

I haven't the faintest idea what he looked like.

>> Not there, huh?

>> I don't know.

I couldn't tell if he were.

(speaking foreign language) >> You come with me.

(speaking foreign language) Sit here.

To make false charge against a Japanese soldier is to die.

You know that.

>> Yes.

>> You want to die?

>> No.

>> Then why do you lie?

>> I haven't lied.

I've told you the truth, but I know there's nothing to be done about it.

I can't identify the man, and I haven't any witnesses.

I'm perfectly willing to drop the matter.

Won't you let me do that?

>> Very serious to make false charge against a Japanese soldier.

>> The charge wasn't false.

I'm sorry I made it, but the charge wasn't false.

>> You sign this.

No, no, no read, just sign.

>> Of course not, I can't sign anything I haven't read.

>> You sign.

Everything be okay.

>> I'm sorry.

I can't do that.

Either I read it, or I can't sign it.

>> Okay, read, then sign.

>> I can't sign that.

It's not true.

>> It is order.

I say sign it.

>> I won't do it.

If I did, you'd have the right to kill me for falsely accusing a Japanese soldier.

I won't do it.

>> No, no, you sign, nothing happen.

>> No, I won't because it's not true.

(speaking foreign language) (screaming in pain) Please.

(speaking foreign language) (speaking foreign language) (gasping) (sobbing) >> You sign now?

>> Agnes: No.

>> You want more trouble?

>> Agnes: No, I, I won't sign away my life.

(speaking foreign language) (speaking foreign language) >> All right, then, that's all.

You go now.

But do not talk about this.

You understand?

>> I understand.

>> Must not say anything about this.

Very bad for you if you do.

>> Agnes: I won't talk.

I promise.

>> All right, then, get out.

>> Agnes, they beat you.

>> No.

>> What did they do?

>> Nothing.

>> Well, as long as they don't send for you again, you're probably all right.

>> Oh, oh, please, darling, be very careful.

>> Want me to do your work for you tomorrow, Mommy?

>> Thank you, Darling.

I'll be all right in the morning.

>> Is it all over now?

>> I guess so.

>> I'm glad, Mommy.

>> Man: Mrs. Keith.

>> Agnes: Yes?

>> You will report to Lieutenant Nekata in his office at 10 o'clock this morning.

>> Agnes: I'll be there.

>> Betty: Can I do anything for you, dear?

>> Sit here, Betty.

Don't ask any question.

>> I won't.

>> If anything happens to me, will you do what you can for George?

>> I will.

>> I don't know about Harry .

I don't want to leave my little boy without somebody who's interested in him.

He's still such a baby, you know.

>> I'll take care of him, dear.

>> Oh, there's probably nothing to it.

I'm just being stupid.

>> George: Mommy.

Mommy.

>> What?

>> I bumped my head under the house.

>> Well, let's see.

Oh, now it's all well.

>> You're all dressed up, Mommy.

You look beautiful.

>> Do I really, Darling?

Mommy can always depend on her big boy to say something nice.

>> Where are you going?

>> I'm going to headquarters to see somebody.

>> Will you be back soon?

>> I think so, pretty soon.

But if I'm late for supper, you go to Aunt Betty, and she'll take care of you.

>> George: Mommy, you're hurting me.

>> Oh, I'm sorry, darling.

Mommy just loves you so much.

>> What's the matter, Mommy?

>> Nothing, I just felt like hugging you, that's all.

You don't mind, do you?

>> No, but you hugged so hard.

>> All right, we'll try it again, and this time I promise not to hurt you.

Now you give me a kiss.

(sobbing) >> George: Mommy, you promised.

>> I'm Mrs. Keith.

>> Go in.

They are waiting for you.

>> Sit down.

You think last night?

>> Agnes: Yes.

>> You sign now, huh?

>> No.

(ominous orchestral music) (speaking foreign language) >> What's the matter, Mrs. Keith?

Are you all right?

>> Oh, yes, thank you.

I, I just felt a little weak for a moment.

>> Mrs. Keith very helpful to close case, sir.

>> She's willing to drop the charge, I believe, and say nothing further about the matter.

>> That's right.

>> I am very pleased, indeed.

>> Drink.

Feel better.

Just sake.

>> Agnes: And then on March 25, 1945 at 10 minutes past 10 in the morning.

(explosions booming) (siren wailing) >> They're ours.

Betty, they're ours!

>> They are ours.

(all shouting) >> They're ours.

Look at those planes.

They're ours!

♪ They'll be coming in the airplanes when they come ♪ ♪ They'll be coming in the airplanes when they come ♪ ♪ They'll be coming in the airplanes ♪ ♪ They'll be coming in the airplanes ♪ ♪ They'll be coming in the airplanes when they come ♪ (whistle blowing) (all screaming) >> They will never come!

They never will come!

Japanese army will never let them.

They will throw them back into the sea.

They will never come.

Never!

Never!

Never!

(dramatic orchestral music) >> Agnes: And they didn't, not for months, not for centuries it seemed.

And now, of course, the rumors were even wilder and more terrifying.

>> Woman: Did you hear about your husband?

They're sending the men on a march.

They're sending the men on a march.

They're sending the men on a march.

(voice whispering) (dramatic orchestral music) (grand orchestral music) (siren wailing) >> Mrs. Keith.

Mrs. Keith?

>> Agnes: Yes?

>> You will report to headquarters at once, please.

Hurry, please.

>> Go in, please.

>> How do you do, Mrs. Keith?

>> How do you do, Colonel?

>> Won't you be seated?

>> Thank you.

>> I hope you don't mind.

I wanted to talk to you for a few moment.

>> Of course.

>> I hope that you would understand.

I have, I have no more family, now.

>> No.

>> My hometown was bombed last week, and they are all dead, now.

>> Oh, I'm terribly sorry, Colonel.

Where was it, Tokyo?

>> No, we used to live in Tokyo, but after the Doolittle Raid, Mrs. Suga worried so much about the children that last year I got the permission for them to move to Hiroshima.

>> I wish there something I could say to offer you some comfort, but I know there isn't.

>> We had been married 15 years last month, and we had three of the dearest children you could imagine, two boys and a girl.

One of the boys, the youngest, was just a little younger than George.

>> I remember.

You told me.

>> Oh, you remember, really?

>> Yes, you told me in Sandakan.

>> He was a year younger, but he was almost as tall.

>> I remember that, too.

How old were the others?

>> The oldest boy was just 12.

Jo Jo, the little girl, was eight.

She was not very pretty, I suppose, but she was a darling child, gentle and motherly.

It's very strange to sit here and think that I will never see them again.

Oh, I don't mean to bother you with my troubles when you have so many of your own, but I felt that of all of the people here, you would be the one most likely to understand.

>> I think I do, Colonel.

Whatever the rest is, there's no difference in our hearts about our children.

>> Thank you, Mrs. Keith.

Thank you very much for coming.

>> Goodbye, sir.

(speaking foreign language) (speaking foreign language) >> Boy: This is good.

Let me have some more, Georgie.

>> Michio: George?

>> Hello, Colonel.

>> What are you doing?

>> Eating something.

>> Michio: What is it?

>> What does it say?

>> Are you really so hungry?

>> Yes, sir, but I'm not as hungry as I was, though.

>> I am.

>> I'm not.

>> How would you children like to come with me to my house in Kuching and have a little party with lots to eat?

>> Now?

>> Why not?

We'll have a little celebration together, just the four of us.

Shall we?

>> Oh, boy, a picnic.

>> Betty, have you seen George?

>> He was with Suzy a few minutes ago and Colonel Suga- >> George: Hey, Mommy!

Hey, Mommy.

>> George!

George!

Was Colonel Suga in that care?

>> Colonel Suga, yes.

>> Oh, dear God, no.

Oh, no.

(speaking foreign language) >> George: Oh, boy.

>> Now, children, this is it.

Go up the steps, George.

>> George: Come on, Suzy.

(speaking foreign language) >> Over there, flowers.

>> Oh, look at them.

>> I'm going to take that one home for Johnny.

They're pretty.

Ooh, look at that red.

(speaking foreign language) >> Children, pick some if you wish.

>> All: Thank you.

>> Still hungry, George?

Come on.

Dig in.

It's all right.

Eat all you want.

It's all yours.

>> Boy: Mm, this is good.

>> George: I want some cake.

>> Suzy: I want some cake, George.

Give me some cake, George.

(sobbing) >> Boy: Mmm, this is good.

>> Agnes: And so at last came the day, September 11, 1945.

And this was how it dawned, with a strange calm and quiet.

(light orchestral music) >> Where are the guards?

They're gone!

The guards have gone!

The guards have gone.

They've gone.

They've gone.

The guards have gone.

They're gone!

(grand orchestral music) (all chattering) >> They've freed everybody!

The men are coming, too.

(grand orchestral music) (all chattering) >> They're coming!

The soldiers are here.

(siren wailing) (car horns honking) (all chattering) >> Will we see Daddy?

>> Darling, I hope so.

>> Did you, did- Did you, did you see Rocky?

>> Joe!

Joe!

Oh, dear.

(sobbing) >> Back here, lady.

Everybody inside.

(indistinct) ♪ Praise God from whom all blessings flow ♪ ♪ Praise him all creatures here below ♪ ♪ Praise him above the heavenly host ♪ ♪ Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost ♪ ♪ Praise God from whom all blessings flow ♪ ♪ Praise him all creatures here below ♪ ♪ Praise him above the heavenly ♪ >> My arms are tired, Mommy.

♪ Praise Father, Son ♪ >> I guess it's no use.

♪ Holy Ghost ♪ (light orchestral music) >> Here, here comes somebody.

>> Luke!

>> Ah, Harry!

(grand orchestral music)