Oscar and Lucinda 1997

In a small Australian town, young Lucinda Leplastrier (character name) is forever changed when she receives a Prince Rupert’s Drop, sparking an all-consuming passion for glass that would stay with her throughout her life. The sudden loss of her parents leaves her a wealthy heiress after her guardians sell off the vast farmland that was once her family’s home. With her newfound riches, Lucinda purchases a glass factory and soon finds herself drawn to the world of high-stakes gambling, introduced by her accountant.

Meanwhile, a young Oscar (actor name), raised as a Plymouth Brother by his father, begins to question his faith after receiving a divine sign that prompts him to join the Anglican Church. As he delves deeper into his studies, he’s introduced to the world of betting and becomes incredibly successful, using his winnings to fund his education and donating the rest to those in need. He eventually earns a scholarship to study in New South Wales, where he meets Lucinda on board a ship, sharing her secrets about gambling. As they engage in a game of cards together, Oscar’s unease grows as a storm brews outside.

In New South Wales, however, Oscar’s luck takes a drastic turn when he loses his scholarship due to his inability to curb his addictive behavior. He finds himself at the doorstep of Lucinda, who offers him a chance to work in her glass factory. Inspired by a model of a glass church she shows him, Oscar becomes determined to create an actual replica, betting that he can deliver it by Good Friday. Lucinda agrees to join him in this endeavor, with each staking their inheritance on the outcome.

As the stakes grow higher, Oscar’s expeditionary journey takes him over land, led by Mr. Jeffries, due to his irrational fear of water. However, this journey soon takes a dark turn as he witnesses Jeffries committing atrocities against Indigenous Australians and is eventually forced to defend himself in self-defense, taking Jeffries’ life after the latter attacks him.

Despite his success in delivering the glass church, Oscar’s emotional toll becomes apparent upon arrival. He is left in the care of Miriam Chadwick, who takes advantage of his vulnerability, leaving him weakened and traumatized. As he struggles to come to terms with his circumstances, Oscar finds solace in prayer within the glass church itself. Unfortunately, his exhaustion gets the better of him, and he falls asleep, only to be drowned when the church – resting precariously on a barge floating on water – sinks.

As Miriam bears Oscar’s child, the Reverend Dennis Hasset intervenes, burning the papers that confirm their wager, determined to prevent Lucinda from inheriting her wealth. Shortly after giving birth, Lucinda passes away, leaving her son in the care of Lucinda herself, who raises him as her own.