Ep 4. The Mona Lisa Smile

The Mona Lisa Smile is the fourth episode of the first season of the Australian television show A Place to Call Home. Set in the 1950s, the show explores the lives of the wealthy Bligh family and those who surround them in the rural town of Inverness.

In this episode, tensions are high as the annual Inverness charity ball approaches. Sarah (Marta Dusseldorp), the Blighs' new nurse and a former Jewish refugee, is still struggling to fit in with the family and the community. She is shocked when she learns that she will be allowed to attend the ball as a guest of the Blighs, despite her lower social status.

Meanwhile, George (Brett Climo), the head of the Bligh family, is dealing with his own problems. His wife, Elizabeth (Noni Hazlehurst), is still recovering from a recent hospitalization, and their son James (David Berry) is displaying worrying symptoms of the same mental illness that led to Elizabeth's breakdown. As George struggles to keep his family together, he also faces pressure from his political cronies to get involved in their plans for the future of Inverness.

The ball itself is a lavish affair, with the Blighs making quite an entrance in their grand attire. Sarah, who has borrowed a dress from her new friend Olivia (Arianwen Parkes-Lockwood), is equally stunning. However, things quickly take a turn for the worse when Sarah's former employer, the wealthy Jewish businessman Nathan (John Howard), shows up uninvited and causes a scene. His presence reminds Sarah of the prejudice and discrimination she faced in Europe.

As the night goes on, secrets are revealed and tensions continue to simmer. Relationships are tested as the characters confront their fears and their desires. By the end of the episode, some characters have found resolution, while others are left facing uncertain futures.

Overall, The Mona Lisa Smile is a captivating episode that combines romance, drama, and historical significance. It explores important themes such as social class, discrimination, and mental illness, while also showcasing the glamorous lifestyles of the wealthy Bligh family. The episode sets up many plot threads that are sure to unravel as the season continues, keeping viewers engaged and invested in the story.