1. War began between
Germany and France on August 3, 1911.Copy !req
2. Five weeks later,
the German army had smashed its way...Copy !req
3. to within 18 miles of Paris.Copy !req
4. There, the battered French miraculously
rallied their forces at the Marne River...Copy !req
5. - and in a series
of unexpected counterattacks —
- Detail, halt!Copy !req
6. - Drove the Germans back.Copy !req
7. The front was stabilized...Copy !req
8. then shortly afterwards developed
into a continuous line...Copy !req
9. of heavily fortified trenches...Copy !req
10. zigzagging their way 500 miles...Copy !req
11. from the English Channel
to the Swiss frontier.Copy !req
12. By 1916, after two grisly years
of trench warfare...Copy !req
13. the battle lines had changed very little.Copy !req
14. Successful attacks were measured
in hundreds of yards...Copy !req
15. and paid for in lives
by hundreds of thousands.Copy !req
16. General Broulard, sir.Copy !req
17. - Hello, George. How are you?Copy !req
18. Paul, wonderful seeing you again.
Really wonderful.Copy !req
19. Well, this is splendid. It's superb.Copy !req
20. It's grand, very grand.Copy !req
21. Well, I've tried to create
a pleasant atmosphere in which to work.Copy !req
22. Well, you've succeeded marvellously.
I wish I had your taste in carpets —Copy !req
23. - Oh!
- And pictures.Copy !req
24. You're much too kind, George.
Much too kind.Copy !req
25. - Sit down, George.
- Thank you.Copy !req
26. I really haven't done very much. The place
is much the same as it was when I moved in.Copy !req
27. Paul, I've come to see you
about something big.Copy !req
28. It's top secret and must go no further
than your chief of staff...Copy !req
29. and not to him
unless you can trust his discretion.Copy !req
30. Of course.Copy !req
31. A group of armies is forming on this front
for an offensive very soon.Copy !req
32. Headquarters is determined
to make a complete breakthrough.Copy !req
33. - Why are you smiling?
- I'm really sorry.Copy !req
34. I thought for just a moment I knew
what you were going to say. Please go on.Copy !req
35. I never knew you were a mind reader.
What did you think I was about to say?Copy !req
36. - Something about the "Anthill."
- You are a mind reader.Copy !req
37. Well, it is a key position.
It's in my sector.Copy !req
38. To be perfectly honest,
I've heard some talk.Copy !req
39. You know, there's nothing really secret
around headquarters.Copy !req
40. - Well, what do you think?
- It's the key to the whole
German position in this sector.Copy !req
41. They've held on to it for a year now...Copy !req
42. and it looks as though they'll hold on to it
for another year if they want to.Copy !req
43. Paul, I have formal orders
to take the Anthill no later than the 10th.Copy !req
44. - That's the day after tomorrow.
- That comes pretty close
to being ridiculous, don't you think?Copy !req
45. I don't imagine I'd be here
if I really thought that.Copy !req
46. Paul, if there's one man
in this army who can do this for me, it's you.Copy !req
47. It's out of the question, George.
Absolutely out of the question.Copy !req
48. My division was cut to pieces.Copy !req
49. What's left of it is in no position
to even hold the Anthill, let alone take it.Copy !req
50. I'm sorry, but that's the truth.Copy !req
51. Well, Paul, there was something else
I wanted to tell you.Copy !req
52. However, I'm sure that you'll misunderstand
my motives in mentioning it.Copy !req
53. - What was it?
- Oh.Copy !req
54. You'd be bound to misunderstand.Copy !req
55. However, as your friend,
maybe I should tell you.Copy !req
56. What are you trying to say, George?Copy !req
57. Paul, talk around headquarters is that you
are being considered for the 12th Corps.Copy !req
58. - The 12th Corps?
- Yes, and with that, another star.Copy !req
59. Now, I've pushed it all I can.Copy !req
60. The 12th Corps needs a fighting general,
and you're overdue on that star.Copy !req
61. Now, we both know
that your record is good enough...Copy !req
62. for you to refuse this assignment
on the grounds you've stated.Copy !req
63. No one would question your opinion.Copy !req
64. They'd simply get someone else
to do the job.Copy !req
65. So you shouldn't let this
influence your opinion, Paul.Copy !req
66. - Oh, I'm sorry. Have a cognac?
- No, thanks, Paul, not before dinner.Copy !req
67. George, I'm responsible
for the lives of 8,000 men.Copy !req
68. What is my ambition against that?Copy !req
69. What is my reputation
in comparison to that?Copy !req
70. My men come first of all, George,
and those men know it too.Copy !req
71. I know that they do.Copy !req
72. You see, George, those men know
that I would never let them down.Copy !req
73. That goes without saying.Copy !req
74. The life of one of those soldiers
means more to me...Copy !req
75. than all the stars and decorations
and honors in France.Copy !req
76. So...Copy !req
77. you think this attack is absolutely beyond
the ability of your men at this time?Copy !req
78. I didn't say that, George.Copy !req
79. Nothing is beyond those men,
once their fighting spirit is aroused.Copy !req
80. Paul, I don't want to push you into it
if you think it's ill-advised.Copy !req
81. Don't worry, George.
You couldn't do that if you tried.Copy !req
82. Of course, artillery would make
an enormous difference.Copy !req
83. - What artillery support can you give me?
- Well, I'll see.Copy !req
84. What about replacements?Copy !req
85. We'll see what we can do, but I feel sure
that you can get along with what you have.Copy !req
86. - Might just do it.
- Oh, Paul.Copy !req
87. I knew that I was right to come to you.
You are the man to take the Anthill.Copy !req
88. - Now, as far as that star is concerned —
- That had nothing to do with my decision.Copy !req
89. - If anything, it would sway me the other way.
- I realize that perfectly, Paul.Copy !req
90. Now, when do you say
you see this coming off?Copy !req
91. No later than the day after tomorrow.Copy !req
92. We just might do it.Copy !req
93. Hello there, soldier.
Ready to kill more Germans?Copy !req
94. - Yes, sir.
- What's your name, soldier?Copy !req
95. Sir, Private Ferol, Company "A."Copy !req
96. - Uh-huh. Are you married, Private?
- No, sir.Copy !req
97. - Well, I'll bet your mother's proud of you.
- Yes, sir.Copy !req
98. - Well, carry on, Private, and good luck to you.Copy !req
99. Yes, sir. Thank you, sir.Copy !req
100. - Good morning, General.
- Good morning.Copy !req
101. Hello there, soldier.
Ready to kill more Germans?Copy !req
102. - Yes, sir.
- Aha! Working over your rifle, I see.Copy !req
103. Well, that's the way.
It's a soldier's best friend.Copy !req
104. You be good to it,
and it'll always be good to you.Copy !req
105. Yes, sir.Copy !req
106. Well, uh, good luck to you, soldier.Copy !req
107. - Carry on.
- Thank you, sir.Copy !req
108. Hello there, soldier.Copy !req
109. Ready to kill more Germans?Copy !req
110. Well, is everything all right, soldier?Copy !req
111. All right? Yes, sir, I'm all right.Copy !req
112. Aha. Good fellow.
Are you married, soldier?Copy !req
113. - Married? Me, married?Copy !req
114. - Yes. Have you got a wife?
- A wife? Have I got a wife?Copy !req
115. Sir, he's a bit shell-shocked.Copy !req
116. I beg your pardon, Sergeant.
There is no such thing as shell shock.Copy !req
117. - Have you got a wife, soldier?
- My wife?Copy !req
118. My wife. Yes, I have a wife.Copy !req
119. I'm never gonna see her again.
I'm gonna be killed.Copy !req
120. Get a grip on yourself!
You're acting like a coward!Copy !req
121. - I am a coward, sir.
- Snap out of it, soldier!Copy !req
122. Sergeant, I want you to arrange
for the immediate transfer of this baby
out of my regiment!Copy !req
123. I won't have other brave men
contaminated by him!Copy !req
124. - Yes, sir.
- Carry on, Sergeant.Copy !req
125. You were right, sir. This sort of thing
can spread if it isn't checked.Copy !req
126. You know, General,
I'm convinced that these tours of yours...Copy !req
127. have an incalculable effect
upon the morale of these men.Copy !req
128. In fact, I think the fighting spirit
of the 701st derives from it.Copy !req
129. No, no, Major.
That spirit was just born in them.Copy !req
130. The general is coming, sir.Copy !req
131. - Always a pleasure to see you, Colonel.
- I'm honored, General.Copy !req
132. It's our privilege entirely.Copy !req
133. - Well, quite a neat little spot you have here.
- Colonel.Copy !req
134. I reserve comment on the neatness, sir,
but it is little.Copy !req
135. - Pretty shy on seating
accommodations though.Copy !req
136. More than enough for me.
I never got the habit of sitting.Copy !req
137. Like to be on my feet.
Keep on the move.Copy !req
138. I can vouch for that, Colonel.Copy !req
139. I can hardly get the general behind a desk
long enough to sign an order.Copy !req
140. Well, that's the way I am, you know, Dax.Copy !req
141. I can't understand these armchair officers...Copy !req
142. fellows trying to fight a war
from behind a desk...Copy !req
143. waving papers at the enemy...Copy !req
144. worrying about whether a mouse
is going to run up their pants leg.Copy !req
145. I don't know, General. If I had the choice
between mice and Mausers...Copy !req
146. I think I'd take the mice every time.Copy !req
147. You'll never make me believe that, Colonel.Copy !req
148. Seriously though, if a man's a ninny...Copy !req
149. let him put on a dress
and hide under the bed.Copy !req
150. But if he wants to be a soldier,
then, by heavens, he's got to be one.Copy !req
151. He's got to fight, and he can't do that
unless he's where the fighting is.Copy !req
152. That's my credo.Copy !req
153. I think I have to agree with you,
presenting your case so convincingly, sir.Copy !req
154. And you've never failed
to live up to it, sir.Copy !req
155. - I imagine you'd like
a look around, wouldn't you?
- Yes, Colonel.Copy !req
156. - Well, here's something to see.Copy !req
157. The Anthill. About as good a view
as you can get without actually being there.Copy !req
158. Well, that won't be long now, will it?Copy !req
159. - Ah.Copy !req
160. Ah. Yeah.Copy !req
161. Well, I've seen
much more formidable objectives.Copy !req
162. Much, much worse.Copy !req
163. Well, not something we can grab
and run away with...Copy !req
164. but certainly pregnable.Copy !req
165. - Sounds kind of odd, though, doesn't it?
- Why?Copy !req
166. Well, like something to do
with giving birth.Copy !req
167. Oh, yes. Quite. You're right
on your toes this morning, Colonel.Copy !req
168. Even sharper than usual.Copy !req
169. But we mustn't forget,
the colonel was perhaps the foremost
criminal lawyer in all France.Copy !req
170. - Of course, General.
- Gentlemen, you're both much too kind.Copy !req
171. Tell me, Colonel, how did your relief
come off last night?Copy !req
172. We drew some artillery.
Twenty-nine casualties, sir.Copy !req
173. Yes, I noticed it on the road in.Copy !req
174. Utterly inexcusable. Stupid.Copy !req
175. All swarmed together like a bunch of flies,
just waiting for someone to swat 'em.Copy !req
176. Well, they never learn, it seems.Copy !req
177. They get in a tight spot under heavy fire,
gang up every time.Copy !req
178. Herd instinct, I suppose.
Kind of a lower-animal sort of thing.Copy !req
179. Kind of a human sort of thing,
it seems to me...Copy !req
180. or don't you make a distinction
between the two, Major?Copy !req
181. Oh, yes, uh, very regrettable, of course.
Very. Yes, indeed.Copy !req
182. Uh, Major, would you be kind enough
to excuse us for a few minutes?Copy !req
183. Yes, sir. Of course.Copy !req
184. Colonel.Copy !req
185. Well, Colonel, what do you think of it?Copy !req
186. - What do I think of what, sir?
- The Anthill.Copy !req
187. Colonel, your regiment
is going to take the Anthill tomorrow.Copy !req
188. You know the condition of my men, sir.Copy !req
189. Oh, naturally, men are going to have to
be killed. Possibly a lot of them.Copy !req
190. They absorb bullets and shrapnel...Copy !req
191. and by doing so make it possible
for others to get through.Copy !req
192. - What support will we have?
- I have none to give you.Copy !req
193. What sort of casualties
do you anticipate, sir?Copy !req
194. Hmm, say, five percent killed
by our own barrage.Copy !req
195. That's a very generous allowance.Copy !req
196. Ten percent more
in getting through no-man's-land...Copy !req
197. and 20% more getting through the wire.Copy !req
198. That leaves 65%
with the worst part of the job over.Copy !req
199. Let's say another 25%
in actually taking the Anthill.Copy !req
200. We're still left with a force
more than adequate to hold it.Copy !req
201. General, you're saying that more
than half of my men will be killed.Copy !req
202. Yes, it's a terrible price to pay, Colonel...Copy !req
203. but we will have the Anthill.Copy !req
204. - But will we, sir?
- I'm depending on you, Colonel.Copy !req
205. All France is depending on you.Copy !req
206. Am I amusing you, Colonel?Copy !req
207. I'm not a bull, General. I don't need a flag
waved in front of me to get me to charge.Copy !req
208. I don't think I like your comparison
of the flag of France to a bullfighter's cape.Copy !req
209. I meant nothing disrespectful
to the flag of France, sir.Copy !req
210. Patriotism may be old-fashioned,
but show me a patriot,
and I'll show you an honest man.Copy !req
211. Not everyone has always thought so.Copy !req
212. Samuel Johnson had something else
to say about patriotism.Copy !req
213. And what was that, may I ask?Copy !req
214. - Nothing really.
- What you do mean, "Nothing really"?Copy !req
215. Well, sir, nothing really important.Copy !req
216. Colonel, when I ask a question,
it's always important.Copy !req
217. - Now, who was this man?
- Samuel Johnson, sir.Copy !req
218. All right. Now, what did he
have to say about patriotism?Copy !req
219. He said it was the last refuge
of a scoundrel, sir.Copy !req
220. I'm sorry. I meant nothing personal.Copy !req
221. You're tired, Dax. You're very tired.Copy !req
222. It's you who are exhausted, not your men.Copy !req
223. And it's my fault. I've given you
one impossible task after another.Copy !req
224. - You need rest. You need it badly.
- I haven't said anything
about needing rest, sir.Copy !req
225. And you never would either. Therefore, you're
not going to have any say-so about it, Colonel.Copy !req
226. As from right now,
I'm ordering you on indefinite furlough.Copy !req
227. General,
you can't take me away from my men.
You can't do that to me, sir.Copy !req
228. Not to you, Dax. For you.
For your good and for the good of your men.Copy !req
229. The good of my men, sir?Copy !req
230. If a commanding officer lacks confidence,
what can we expect of his men?Copy !req
231. Naturally, I don't want to relieve you,
but I must have your enthusiastic support.Copy !req
232. Not once have you said
that your men can take the Anthill.Copy !req
233. We'll take the Anthill.Copy !req
234. If any soldiers in the world can take it...Copy !req
235. we'll take the Anthill.Copy !req
236. And when you do,
your men will be relieved and get a long rest.Copy !req
237. Corporal Paris and Private Lejeune
reporting, sir.Copy !req
238. - You took your time about it.
- We prepared as quick as we could, sir.Copy !req
239. We had to alert the sentries.Copy !req
240. All right. You men, at ease.Copy !req
241. This is a reconnaissance patrol —
German wire, machine gun posts...Copy !req
242. identification of bodies.Copy !req
243. There will only be the three of us,
and we're to avoid a fight if we can.Copy !req
244. We go out to the left, and we come back
through Post 6 on the right.Copy !req
245. - Is everything all clear at Post 6?
- All the sentries have
been warned up to here.Copy !req
246. Number 6 will send up flares
at 10-minute intervals starting at 0100.Copy !req
247. - I wanted them every five minutes.
- I told them that, sir.Copy !req
248. The sergeant says
every five minutes is too much.
He says it's certain to draw artillery.Copy !req
249. Quite a strategist, this sergeant.
What's his name?Copy !req
250. I don't know, sir.Copy !req
251. All right. You men wait outside.
I'll join you in a minute.Copy !req
252. Would you mind telling us
the password, sir?Copy !req
253. - Calais.
- Yes, sir.Copy !req
254. - He's fortifying himself.
- It smelled like heaven.Copy !req
255. I can always tell when he's had a few.
He gets sarcastic.Copy !req
256. Well, at least he could have
passed it around, the pig.Copy !req
257. Hey, what's he got against you anyway?Copy !req
258. We went to school together
before the war.Copy !req
259. He thinks I don't have enough
respect for him. He's right.Copy !req
260. If you gentlemen are ready.Copy !req
261. - Colonel.
- Everything clear and understood?Copy !req
262. Yes, sir.Copy !req
263. The lane through our wire
is right out in front here.Copy !req
264. Machine guns are pointing
at the opening.Copy !req
265. - Good luck, men.
- Thank you, sir.Copy !req
266. All right, men. Let's go.Copy !req
267. - What's that?
- I don't know.Copy !req
268. Lejeune, move out and look that over.
We'll cover you.Copy !req
269. Split up a night patrol?Copy !req
270. Move out, Lejeune.Copy !req
271. - I don't like this. Let's get out of here.
- We haven't given him enough time.Copy !req
272. - If we wait any longer, they'll get us too.
- We've got to wait for him.Copy !req
273. He must be dead. Where is he?Copy !req
274. Roget!Copy !req
275. - Well.
- Surprised, Lieutenant?Copy !req
276. Yes, I am. Happily surprised.
I thought you'd been killed.Copy !req
277. You didn't wait around to find out,
did you, Lieutenant?Copy !req
278. Now, look here. What do you mean?Copy !req
279. I mean, you ran like a rabbit
after you killed Lejeune.Copy !req
280. Killed Lejeune?
What are you talking about?Copy !req
281. I don't think I like your tone.Copy !req
282. You're speaking to an officer.
Remember that.Copy !req
283. Oh, well, I must be mistaken then, sir.Copy !req
284. An officer wouldn't do that.Copy !req
285. A man wouldn't do it.Copy !req
286. Only a thing would.Copy !req
287. - A sneaky, booze-guzzling,
yellow-bellied rat —
- Now —Copy !req
288. with a bottle for a brain and a streak of spit
where his spine ought to be.Copy !req
289. - That's enough, Corporal!
- You've got yourself into a mess, Lieutenant.Copy !req
290. Oh, I have, have I?
Well, you've got yourself in a worse one.Copy !req
291. First, general insubordination.
Second, threatening your superior officer.Copy !req
292. Third, refusing to obey an order
and inciting others to do the same.Copy !req
293. Now, how do you think those charges
are gonna look on paper?Copy !req
294. Not half as bad as these.Copy !req
295. Endangering the lives of your men
through recklessness.Copy !req
296. Drunk on duty.Copy !req
297. Wanton murder of one of your own men...Copy !req
298. and cowardice in the face of the enemy.Copy !req
299. Philippe, have you ever tried to bring charges
against an officer?Copy !req
300. It's my word against yours, you know.Copy !req
301. And whose word do you think
they're gonna believe?Copy !req
302. Or l-let me put it another way.Copy !req
303. Whose word do you think
they're going to accept?Copy !req
304. Now, I'll tell you what I'm willing to do.Copy !req
305. So far, all I have written in this report...Copy !req
306. is that you and Lejeune
were killed while out on patrol.Copy !req
307. I'll fix this to read
that you made your way back...Copy !req
308. after becoming separated
during the skirmish.Copy !req
309. - That'll end the matter once and for all.
- You killed Lejeune.
You know that, don't you?Copy !req
310. - I'm sorry. It was an accident.
- You threw that grenade and killed him.Copy !req
311. I'd give anything in the world if it hadn't
have happened, and that's the truth.Copy !req
312. Honestly, I know you don't like me,
but what kind of a man do you think I am?Copy !req
313. - Oh, good morning, Colonel.
- At ease, men.Copy !req
314. I've been waiting for your report,
Lieutenant.Copy !req
315. Well, I think we found out
a thing or two.Copy !req
316. - Everything go well?
- No, sir. Private Lejeune was killed.Copy !req
317. - How'd it happen?
- It's all right here in the report, sir.Copy !req
318. - Well, let's have it.
- Oh, it isn't quite finished yet, sir.Copy !req
319. That's all, Corporal.
You did a good night's work.Copy !req
320. Should feel very proud of yourself.
Go get some sleep.Copy !req
321. Yes, sir.Copy !req
322. - How'd you lose Lejeune?
- Machine gun fire, sir.Copy !req
323. He coughed.
Almost got us all killed.Copy !req
324. Finish that report
and get it to my dugout immediately.Copy !req
325. Yes, sir.Copy !req
326. The artillery starts at 0515.Copy !req
327. First Battalion will move out at 0530.Copy !req
328. When the leading elements
have cleared the German wires...Copy !req
329. the second wave, consisting of
the Second and Third Battalions —Copy !req
330. minus two companies in reserve —
will move out...Copy !req
331. in no case later than 0510.Copy !req
332. Well, that's it, gentlemen.
Are there any questions?Copy !req
333. Sir, is 15 minutes of artillery preparation
all that we can expect?Copy !req
334. The feeling is that any more than that will
give them too much time to get organized.Copy !req
335. What's weather supposed to be like
tomorrow, sir?Copy !req
336. Too good.Copy !req
337. No chance of rain or fog?Copy !req
338. The forecast is for sun all day.Copy !req
339. if, uh — Perhaps I should say
when we take the Anthill...Copy !req
340. how long do we have to hold it
before we can expect any support?Copy !req
341. Well, General Mireau, who, by the way,
will be personally observing the attack...Copy !req
342. has promised us support from the 72nd
by sundown tomorrow...Copy !req
343. which means, of course,
that we'll have to hold all day.Copy !req
344. Are there any more questions?Copy !req
345. Well, gentlemen, good luck, and I'm sure
you'll come through as you always do.Copy !req
346. Let's get some sleep.Copy !req
347. I'm not afraid
of dying tomorrow, only of getting killed.Copy !req
348. That's as clear as mud.Copy !req
349. Which would you rather be done in by,
a bayonet or a machine gun?Copy !req
350. - Oh, a machine gun, naturally.
- Naturally. That's just my point.Copy !req
351. They're both pieces of steel
ripping into your guts.Copy !req
352. Only the machine gun is quicker,
cleaner and less painful, isn't it?Copy !req
353. What does that prove?Copy !req
354. That proves that most of us are more afraid
of getting hurt than of getting killed.Copy !req
355. Look at Bernard.Copy !req
356. He panics when it comes to gas,
but gas doesn't bother me a bit.Copy !req
357. He's seen photos of gas cases.
Doesn't mean anything to me.Copy !req
358. But I'll tell you something though — I'd hate
like the devil to be without my tin hat.Copy !req
359. But on the other hand, I don't mind
not having a tin hat for my tail.Copy !req
360. - Why's that?
- You ought to. That's where your brains are.Copy !req
361. Because I know a wound to the head
will hurt much more than one in the tail.Copy !req
362. The tail is just meat,
but the head — ah, the head is all bone.Copy !req
363. - Ah, speak for yourself.
- Tell me this.Copy !req
364. Aside from the bayonet,
what are you most afraid of?Copy !req
365. - High explosives.
- Exactly! And it's the same with me.Copy !req
366. Because — Because I know that it can
chew you up worse than anything else.Copy !req
367. Look, it's just like I'm trying to tell you.Copy !req
368. If you're really afraid of dying, you'd be
living in a funk all the rest of your life...Copy !req
369. because you know you've got
to go someday, any day.Copy !req
370. And besides, if it's death
that you're really afraid of...Copy !req
371. why should you care about
what it is that kills you?Copy !req
372. Ah, you're too smart for me, Professor.
All I know is nobody wants to die.Copy !req
373. Through to Division, sir. Through to Polygon.Copy !req
374. Everything quiet.
All units report themselves ready.Copy !req
375. Zero-minus two.Copy !req
376. May I offer you gentlemen some cognac?Copy !req
377. - Thank you, General.
- Thank you, sir.Copy !req
378. - After you, sir.Copy !req
379. To France.Copy !req
380. Minus 15, 14...Copy !req
381. 13, 12...Copy !req
382. 11, 10...Copy !req
383. nine, eight, seven...Copy !req
384. six, five, four...Copy !req
385. three, two, one...Copy !req
386. - zero!Copy !req
387. - Sergeant, where's "B" Company?
- I don't know, sir.Copy !req
388. - Where in heaven's name are they?
- On the left, sir.Copy !req
389. Where are the rest?Copy !req
390. Zero-plus one, and they're still
in the trenches. They're not advancing.Copy !req
391. - Yes, sir.
- Miserable cowards. They're not advancing!Copy !req
392. The barrage is getting away from them!
They're still in the trenches!Copy !req
393. Yes, sir.Copy !req
394. - Captain Nichols.
- Yes, sir?Copy !req
395. Order the 75s to commence firing
on our own positions.Copy !req
396. Captain, do you fail to comprehend
the meaning of my order?Copy !req
397. No, sir, but I respectfully ask to —Copy !req
398. Captain, do you fail to comprehend
the meaning of my order?Copy !req
399. - No, sir.
- Then carry it out, Captain.Copy !req
400. Yes, sir.Copy !req
401. Hello, Polygon. This is Division.Copy !req
402. Batteries 1 and 2 commence firing...Copy !req
403. on coordinates 32-58-78.Copy !req
404. Batteries 1 and 2 to commence firing...Copy !req
405. on coordinates 32-58-78. Over.Copy !req
406. General, the battery commander reports
those are our own positions.Copy !req
407. - He says it must be a mistake.
- Confirm the order, Captain.Copy !req
408. Yes, sir. There is no mistake.
The order is confirmed.Copy !req
409. Battery commander respectfully reports
he cannot execute such an order...Copy !req
410. unless it is in writing
and signed by the general. Over.Copy !req
411. General, battery commander respectfully
reports he cannot execute such an order...Copy !req
412. unless it is in writing
and signed by the general.Copy !req
413. - Give me that phone!
- Yes, sir.Copy !req
414. - General Mireau speaking!
- Battery commander speaking, sir.Copy !req
415. The troops are mutinying,
refusing to advance.Copy !req
416. Fire as ordered until further notice!Copy !req
417. With all respect, sir, you have no right
to order me to shoot down my own men...Copy !req
418. unless you are willing to take full
and undivided responsibility for it.Copy !req
419. Captain Rousseau,
are you going to obey my order?Copy !req
420. I must have a written order
before I can execute such a command, sir.Copy !req
421. Supposing you're killed.
Then where will I be?Copy !req
422. You'll be in front of a firing squad
tomorrow morning! That's where you'll be!Copy !req
423. Hand over your command and report yourself
under arrest to my headquarters!Copy !req
424. Roget!Copy !req
425. Lieutenant Roget!
Why are your men still in here?Copy !req
426. It was impossible, sir.
Major Vignon is dead.Copy !req
427. Get these men out of the trenches!
Come on!Copy !req
428. Let's get ready for another try!
Get these men out of here!Copy !req
429. I've tried three times.
Look at all the casualties.Copy !req
430. All right! Let's give it another try!Copy !req
431. Come on! Let's give it another try!Copy !req
432. It's impossible, sir.
All the men are falling back.Copy !req
433. Sir, I respectfully submit to the colonel —Copy !req
434. Pardon, your remarks to me
were very unfair, sir.Copy !req
435. It's just impossible! It's just impossible.Copy !req
436. General, according to first reports,
the attack has failed all along the line.Copy !req
437. The men are falling back to our own trenches.Copy !req
438. Major Saint-Auban, arrange for
the immediate relief of the 701st Regiment.Copy !req
439. Have them sent to the Chateau d'Aigle.
Have Colonel Dax report to my headquarters.Copy !req
440. - Yes, sir.
- Major Couderc, assemble
a general court-martial.Copy !req
441. Have it ready to meet
at 3:00 tomorrow afternoon.Copy !req
442. If those little sweethearts won't face
German bullets, they'll face French ones!Copy !req
443. I ordered an attack.Copy !req
444. Your troops refused to attack.Copy !req
445. Our troops did attack, sir,
but they could make no headway.Copy !req
446. Because they didn't try, Colonel.
I saw it myself.Copy !req
447. Half of your men never left the trenches.Copy !req
448. A third of my men were pinned down
because the fire was so intense.Copy !req
449. Don't quibble over fractions, Colonel.Copy !req
450. The fact remains that a good part of your men
never left their own trenches.Copy !req
451. Colonel Dax, I'm going to have 10 men
from each company in your regiment...Copy !req
452. tried under penalty of death for cowardice.Copy !req
453. - Penalty of death?
- For cowardice!Copy !req
454. They have skimmed milk in their veins
instead of blood.Copy !req
455. Then it's the reddest milk I've ever seen.
My trenches are soaked
with that red skimmed milk.Copy !req
456. - That's just about enough out of you, Colonel!
- I'm not gonna mince words
and stand on protocol —Copy !req
457. Colonel Dax, if you continue in this manner,
I shall have to place you under arrest.Copy !req
458. I believe the colonel has a point,
even though he makes it rather bluntly.Copy !req
459. This is not a trial,
but it does bear certain aspects of one.Copy !req
460. And Colonel Dax, technically,
is cast in the role of the defense.Copy !req
461. In view of the gravity of the charges...Copy !req
462. a court of law would grant him
all possible latitude in presenting his case.Copy !req
463. Latitude is one thing.
Insubordination another.Copy !req
464. I am merely offering an opinion, General.
Please do not feel constrained to accept it.Copy !req
465. I am perfectly willing to accept it,
General Broulard.Copy !req
466. I'm sorry, sir.
I certainly didn't intend to be insubordinate.Copy !req
467. My only aim is to remind you
of the heroism these men have shown...Copy !req
468. on every occasion in the past.Copy !req
469. We're not talking about the past.
We're talking about the present.Copy !req
470. But don't you see, sir?
They're not cowards.Copy !req
471. So if some of them didn't leave the trenches,
it must have been because it was impossible.Copy !req
472. They were ordered to attack.
It was their duty to obey that order.Copy !req
473. We can't leave it up to the men
to decide when an order is possible or not.Copy !req
474. If it was impossible,
the only proof of that...Copy !req
475. would be their dead bodies
lying at the bottom of the trenches.Copy !req
476. They're scum, Colonel.Copy !req
477. The whole rotten regiment —Copy !req
478. a pack of sneaking, whining,
tail-dragging curs.Copy !req
479. - Do you really believe that, sir?
- Yes, I do. That's exactly what I believe.Copy !req
480. And what's more,
it's an incontestable fact.Copy !req
481. - Then why not shoot the entire regiment?Copy !req
482. - I'm perfectly serious.
- Now, Colonel, you're missing
the point entirely.Copy !req
483. We don't want to slaughter the French army.
All we want to do is to set an example.Copy !req
484. Oh, well, if it's an example you want,
then take me.Copy !req
485. - Take you?
- Yes, sir, if it's an example you want...Copy !req
486. one man will do as well as a hundred.Copy !req
487. The logical choice is the officer
most responsible for the attack.Copy !req
488. Come now, Colonel.
I think you're overwrought.Copy !req
489. This is not a question of officers.Copy !req
490. Paul, we don't want to overdo this thing.Copy !req
491. Suppose we just make it a dozen.Copy !req
492. I was talking of a hundred men,
and now we're down to 12.Copy !req
493. Paul, let's not haggle over this thing anymore!Copy !req
494. Let's get it settled once and for all
so that we can all live with it.Copy !req
495. Well, perhaps I was a bit too anxious
to see proper justice meted out.Copy !req
496. I've spent my entire life in the army.Copy !req
497. I've always tried to be true to my principles.Copy !req
498. That's the only mistake
I can ever be accused of.Copy !req
499. I'll settle for this —Copy !req
500. have the company commanders
select one man from each company
in the first wave...Copy !req
501. three in all.Copy !req
502. Well, that's very reasonable of you, Paul.Copy !req
503. The court-martial will meet
at the chateau at 3:00 this afternoon.Copy !req
504. - Will that be convenient for you, General?
- I won't be there, Paul.Copy !req
505. You won't be there?Copy !req
506. No, I think it best
that you handle this matter on your own.Copy !req
507. - Probably so.
- General Mireau.Copy !req
508. If it's at all possible, I'd like
to be appointed counsel for the accused.Copy !req
509. I'll take the matter into consideration.Copy !req
510. I think we can permit that, can't we, Paul?
Of course we can.Copy !req
511. - Consider it settled, Colonel.
- Thank you, sir.Copy !req
512. Well, noon straight up, Paul.Copy !req
513. I hope that you can stay
for lunch, Colonel.Copy !req
514. George, I'm afraid the colonel
won't have time.Copy !req
515. Don't deny it, Paul. You've been hiding
this man, keeping him for your own.Copy !req
516. I think that was very selfish of you.Copy !req
517. Thank you for your courtesy, General,
but I'm afraid there isn't much time
between now and 3:00.Copy !req
518. Of course, Colonel. I shall look forward
to the pleasure of seeing you again.Copy !req
519. - Yes, Captain? What is it?
- You ordered me to report to you here, sir.Copy !req
520. - Captain Rousseau, battery commander, sir.
- Yes, yes, of course.Copy !req
521. I wanted to speak to you
about some of your shells falling short.Copy !req
522. I haven't time to go into it now.Copy !req
523. Report back to your command
until further orders.Copy !req
524. - Yes, sir.Copy !req
525. - Bad stuff. Demoralizes the men.
- I quite agree with you.Copy !req
526. And the best solution
is to shelve him to another outfit.Copy !req
527. A court of inquiry
ought to roast him a bit first.Copy !req
528. Well, in cases like this —
shells falling short —Copy !req
529. I — I always try to avoid an inquiry.Copy !req
530. It gets around among the men
and makes a bad impression.Copy !req
531. No, shelving will be the best discipline
for him, in my opinion.Copy !req
532. - Well, perhaps you're right.
- Oh, uh, would you excuse me for a moment?Copy !req
533. A regimental matter
I want to mention to the colonel.Copy !req
534. - I'll join you in the dining room.
- Splendid. In a moment.Copy !req
535. That will be Captain Sancy,
Captain Renouart and Lieutenant Roget.Copy !req
536. - Yes, sir.
- Have them meet me at regimental
headquarters in half an hour.Copy !req
537. - Yes, sir.
- Colonel Dax.Copy !req
538. - Yes, sir.
- I'd like a word with you.Copy !req
539. Certainly, sir.Copy !req
540. Let's be sensible about this.Copy !req
541. Sensible, sir?Copy !req
542. Listen to me, Dax.Copy !req
543. Drop this fancy talk with me, understand?Copy !req
544. General Broulard seems to think
you're funny. I don't.Copy !req
545. - Now, I want you to drop this affair.
- I beg your pardon, sir. Is that an order?Copy !req
546. Colonel Dax, when this mess is cleaned up,
I'll break you.Copy !req
547. I'll find an excuse
and I'll break you to the ranks. I'll ruin you.Copy !req
548. And it'll be just what you deserve...Copy !req
549. showing such little loyalty
to your commanding officer.Copy !req
550. That's all, Colonel.Copy !req
551. Detail, halt!Copy !req
552. General Mireau feels that the attack
on the Anthill yesterday morning failed...Copy !req
553. because of an inadequate effort
on the part of the First Battalion.Copy !req
554. Each of you is to select
one man from your company...Copy !req
555. place him under arrest and have him ready
to appear before a general court-martial...Copy !req
556. no later than 1500 hours this afternoon.Copy !req
557. The charge is cowardice
in the face of the enemy.Copy !req
558. You have your orders, gentlemen.
Let's carry them out.Copy !req
559. But Lieutenant Roget
killed Lejeune on that patrol...Copy !req
560. and then blackmailed me
into keeping quiet about the whole thing!Copy !req
561. - That's why he picked me.
- Corporal, I understand your feelings.Copy !req
562. But that story has nothing to do
with the charges you're being tried for.Copy !req
563. - Don't you believe me, sir?
- Yes, I do, but who else will?Copy !req
564. You've got no witnesses.Copy !req
565. Besides, such charges against an officer
would only antagonize the court.Copy !req
566. When we get clear of this,
I'm going into the story of that patrol again.Copy !req
567. Sir, in my case, Captain Renouart
had the sergeant draw lots.Copy !req
568. I was picked purely by chance.Copy !req
569. You're lucky. Look at me.Copy !req
570. I was just picked because Captain Sancy
said I was a social undesirable.Copy !req
571. Me, a social undesirable, Colonel.Copy !req
572. - I didn't act like a coward.
Picking by lots — is that fair?
- Neither did I! Major Vignon —Copy !req
573. Gentlemen! You've all
got to understand that the reason
you were picked is immaterial.Copy !req
574. Whatever the reason,
you're on trial for your lives.Copy !req
575. Stick to the stories you've told me...Copy !req
576. and don't let the prosecutor
shake you out of them.Copy !req
577. Now remember, you'll be soldiers
in the presence of superior officers.Copy !req
578. So act like what you are — soldiers.Copy !req
579. And brave ones at that.Copy !req
580. Now, I've been in the room
you'll be sitting in.Copy !req
581. The afternoon sun will be in your faces...Copy !req
582. so don't let it seem as if you're
dropping your eyes in a hangdog manner.Copy !req
583. When you answer questions,
look the judges in the eye.Copy !req
584. Don't whine, plead or make speeches.
That's my job.Copy !req
585. Simple statements — short...Copy !req
586. but make them so they can be heard
all over the room.Copy !req
587. And try not to repeat yourselves.Copy !req
588. I'll do that for you when I sum up.Copy !req
589. Now, we haven't much time.Copy !req
590. The court-martial begins in about an hour,
and I've got notes to look at.Copy !req
591. Good luck.Copy !req
592. - Thank you, sir.
- Colonel, sir.Copy !req
593. On the left, ho!Copy !req
594. Detail, halt!Copy !req
595. Prisoners, right heel!Copy !req
596. On the left, ho!Copy !req
597. Left face!Copy !req
598. The court-martial is open.
The prisoners may be seated.Copy !req
599. This is a general court-martial.Copy !req
600. We shall therefore dispense
with unnecessary formalities.Copy !req
601. These men are charged
with cowardice in the face of the enemy...Copy !req
602. and will be tried for that offense.Copy !req
603. - Mr. Prosecutor.
- Call the accused — Private Ferol.Copy !req
604. Mr. President.Copy !req
605. Will the prosecutor question the witnesses
without even reading the indictment?Copy !req
606. Please don't take up the court's time
with technicalities.Copy !req
607. The indictment is lengthy,
and there's no point in reading it.Copy !req
608. The defense has a right to know
the exact accusations —Copy !req
609. The indictment is that the accused showed
cowardice in the face of the enemy...Copy !req
610. during the attack on the Anthill.Copy !req
611. Proceed, Mr. Prosecutor.Copy !req
612. Call the accused — Private Ferol.Copy !req
613. - Private Ferol.
- Yes, sir?Copy !req
614. Were you in the first wave
during the attack on the Anthill?Copy !req
615. Yes, sir.Copy !req
616. - Did you refuse to advance?
- No, sir.Copy !req
617. - Did you advance?
- Yes, sir.Copy !req
618. How far did you advance?Copy !req
619. To about the middle
of no-man's-land, sir.Copy !req
620. Then what did you do?Copy !req
621. There were machine-gun bullets
landing all around.Copy !req
622. Answer the question.
What did you do?Copy !req
623. Well, I saw that me and Meyer, sir —Copy !req
624. I didn't ask you what you saw.Copy !req
625. The court has no concern
with your... visual experiences.Copy !req
626. - My what, sir?
- Prisoner will reply to the question.Copy !req
627. Yes, sir. What question was it?Copy !req
628. You advanced to the middle of
no-man's-land. What did you do then?Copy !req
629. - Then, sir?
- Did you go back or forward?Copy !req
630. I went back, sir.Copy !req
631. In other words, Private Ferol,
you retreated.Copy !req
632. Yes, sir.Copy !req
633. That's all.
The accused may return to his seat.Copy !req
634. Just a minute.Copy !req
635. Mr. President, I'd like
to question the witness if I may.Copy !req
636. - Proceed, Colonel.
- Thank you.Copy !req
637. Now, Private Ferol, when you reached
the middle of no-man's-land...Copy !req
638. - were you alone with Private Meyer?
- Yes, sir.Copy !req
639. Well, what happened to the rest
of your company?Copy !req
640. Well, I don't know, sir.Copy !req
641. I guess the rest of them
had been killed or wounded.Copy !req
642. And you found yourself in the middle
of no-man's-land alone with Private Meyer.Copy !req
643. Yes, sir.Copy !req
644. Why didn't you attack the Anthill
single-handed?Copy !req
645. Why didn't you storm the Anthill alone?Copy !req
646. Just me and Meyer?
You're kidding, sir.Copy !req
647. Yes, I'm kidding, Private Ferol.Copy !req
648. Thank you. That's all.Copy !req
649. I don't see the point
of this line of questioning.Copy !req
650. Well, I'm attempting to indicate, sir...Copy !req
651. the utter absurdity of the line of questioning
used by the prosecutor.Copy !req
652. Mr. Prosecutor.Copy !req
653. So you freely admit, Private Ferol,
that you retreated.Copy !req
654. Yes, sir. Me and Meyer both.Copy !req
655. I knew we should've took Anthill,
but we came on back.Copy !req
656. That's all.Copy !req
657. The accused may return to his seat.Copy !req
658. Private Arnaud, did you advance?Copy !req
659. Yes, sir, until I was ordered
back to the trenches by Captain Renouart.Copy !req
660. How far did you advance?Copy !req
661. Into the wire, sir.Copy !req
662. The, uh, enemy wire, I suppose.Copy !req
663. No, sir. It was our wire.Copy !req
664. You mean to tell me that you didn't
advance any further than our wire?Copy !req
665. No, sir, I didn't.Copy !req
666. How far would you say that was?
How many meters?Copy !req
667. Well, I advanced as far as I could.Copy !req
668. How many meters?Copy !req
669. Not many.Copy !req
670. "Not many."Copy !req
671. Now, Private Arnaud,
before you were ordered back...Copy !req
672. did you urge your fellow soldiers forward?Copy !req
673. Most of them were dead or wounded before
they got three steps beyond the trenches.Copy !req
674. Reply to the question.Copy !req
675. I didn't urge them on. No, sir.Copy !req
676. Thank you.Copy !req
677. Private Arnaud —Copy !req
678. At ease, please.Copy !req
679. Aside from your sad failure to give throat
to spirited battle cries...Copy !req
680. was your behavior different in any respect
from that of the other men in your company?Copy !req
681. Objection. That's a matter of conjecture.Copy !req
682. Sustained.Copy !req
683. Did any men in your company
get beyond our wire?Copy !req
684. No, sir.Copy !req
685. Is it true that you've been
designated a coward...Copy !req
686. simply and purely because you drew
a slip of paper marked "X"?Copy !req
687. - Yes, sir.
- I don't see that that's significant.Copy !req
688. It's accepted practice in the French army
to pick examples by lot.Copy !req
689. And since this entire company
advanced only a few meters...Copy !req
690. picking by lot
was eminently fair in this case.Copy !req
691. Well, I'd like to point out that this soldier
has distinguished himself...Copy !req
692. in some of the bloodiest battles
of the war.Copy !req
693. With the court's permission...Copy !req
694. I'll read citations for bravery
that he's already earned on two occasions.Copy !req
695. First, citations in the Orders in the Army
for bravery —Copy !req
696. That's immaterial, Colonel.Copy !req
697. The accused is not being tried
for his former bravery...Copy !req
698. but for his recent cowardice.Copy !req
699. Medals are no defense.Copy !req
700. May I call witnesses to his character?Copy !req
701. You may not.Copy !req
702. But you may call witnesses to the effect
that he reached the German wire.Copy !req
703. Mr. President,
no one in the entire regiment...Copy !req
704. got anywhere near the German wire,
including myself.Copy !req
705. Call the next accused...Copy !req
706. if you're through, Colonel.Copy !req
707. Thank you.Copy !req
708. Prisoner may return to his seat.Copy !req
709. So you never even left the trenches.Copy !req
710. - No, sir.
- That's all.Copy !req
711. Corporal Paris,
why didn't you leave the trenches?Copy !req
712. Major Vignon was shot, and he fell back
on top of me, sir, and knocked me cold.Copy !req
713. And were you lying unconscious
in the trenches during the entire attack?Copy !req
714. Yes, sir.Copy !req
715. That's all.Copy !req
716. Have you any witnesses to that?Copy !req
717. No, sir. I guess everybody
was too busy to notice me.Copy !req
718. And there were so many others
lying dead anyway.Copy !req
719. - But you have no witnesses.
- No, sir.Copy !req
720. I only have a rather large cut
on my head, sir.Copy !req
721. That could have been self-inflicted later.Copy !req
722. - Thank you. You may stand down.Copy !req
723. Mr. Prosecutor,
you can make your plea now.Copy !req
724. Gentlemen of the court...Copy !req
725. this case speaks for itself.Copy !req
726. All of us witnessed
the regrettable attack yesterday morning.Copy !req
727. And I submit that that attack...Copy !req
728. was a stain on the flag of France...Copy !req
729. a blot on the honor...Copy !req
730. of every man, woman and child
in the French nation.Copy !req
731. It is to us that the sad, distressing...Copy !req
732. repellant duty falls, gentlemen.Copy !req
733. I ask this court
to find the accused guilty...Copy !req
734. and impose the penalties prescribed
by the Code of Military Justice.Copy !req
735. Thank you, Mr. Prosecutor.Copy !req
736. Colonel, would you like
to make your plea?Copy !req
737. Gentlemen of the court,
there are times when I'm ashamed...Copy !req
738. to be a member of the human race...Copy !req
739. and this is one such occasion.Copy !req
740. It's impossible for me to summarize
the case for the defense...Copy !req
741. since the court never allowed me
a reasonable opportunity to present my case.Copy !req
742. Are you protesting
the authenticity of this court?Copy !req
743. Yes, sir.Copy !req
744. I protest against being prevented
from introducing evidence...Copy !req
745. that I consider vital to the defense.Copy !req
746. The prosecution presented no witnesses.Copy !req
747. There has never been a written indictment
of charges made against the defendants.Copy !req
748. And lastly, I protest against the fact...Copy !req
749. that no stenographic records
of this trial have been kept.Copy !req
750. The attack yesterday morning
was no stain on the honor of France...Copy !req
751. and certainly no disgrace
to the fighting men of this nation.Copy !req
752. But this court-martial is such a stain
and such a disgrace.Copy !req
753. The case made against these men
is a mockery of all human justice.Copy !req
754. Gentlemen of the court...Copy !req
755. to find these men guilty...Copy !req
756. would be a crime
to haunt each of you...Copy !req
757. till the day you die.Copy !req
758. I can't believe
that the noblest impulse of man —Copy !req
759. his compassion for another —
can be completely dead here.Copy !req
760. Therefore, I humbly beg you...Copy !req
761. show mercy to these men.Copy !req
762. The accused will be escorted
back to the guardroom.Copy !req
763. The hearing is closed.Copy !req
764. The court will now retire to deliberate.Copy !req
765. There will be a guard of six men under arms —Copy !req
766. rifles loaded, bayonets fixed —
two men to each prisoner.Copy !req
767. Any sign of trouble,
the prisoners will be instantly covered.Copy !req
768. And if the trouble doesn't subside at once,
the prisoner will be shot on the spot.Copy !req
769. Everything must go off without a hitch
with the least possible delay...Copy !req
770. but it shouldn't be hurried.Copy !req
771. There must be no fumbling around.Copy !req
772. I've been put in charge
and made personally responsible...Copy !req
773. for any lack of order or for any mistakes.Copy !req
774. But you can take it from me that I shall
pass on any blame — and with interest —Copy !req
775. to any one of you who fails in his duties.Copy !req
776. Execution will take place at 7:00
according to the verdict of the court-martial.Copy !req
777. Detail, attention! Dismissed!Copy !req
778. This is compliments of General Mireau.Copy !req
779. - Duck.
- Well, tell him thanks.Copy !req
780. Oh, don't blame me, soldier.Copy !req
781. Hey, ugly, what are we supposed
to eat this with — our fingers?Copy !req
782. The guard says you can't have
any knives or forks.Copy !req
783. Is this supposed to be
our last meal or something?Copy !req
784. It isn't "supposed to be" our last meal.
It is our last meal.Copy !req
785. Hey, this duck is terrific.Copy !req
786. You suppose they put anything in the food?Copy !req
787. First they poison us, then they shoot us?Copy !req
788. I think they put something in it.Copy !req
789. Like what?Copy !req
790. Like, uh — Like something
or make us groggy or something.Copy !req
791. What would be wrong with that
if they did?Copy !req
792. Maybe nothing for you,
but I'm gonna get out of this somehow...Copy !req
793. and I don't wanna be drugged.Copy !req
794. How are you gonna get out —
chew your way through that stone wall?Copy !req
795. Arnaud.Copy !req
796. Colonel Dax, he'll-he'll —
he'll see us through.Copy !req
797. Listen, we gotta get out of here. They're
gonna kill us in a few hours if we don't.Copy !req
798. - Have you got an idea?
- No, but there's gotta be a way.Copy !req
799. How many guards
you think they've got out there?Copy !req
800. They may have a couple of squads.
That's what it sounded like this morning.Copy !req
801. - Maybe they're some of our friends.
- That's the Third Battalion.Copy !req
802. Anyway, right now, we have no friends.Copy !req
803. Why kid yourself?
We're not gonna get out of this.Copy !req
804. Maybe you're not, but I am.
I'll guarantee you of that.Copy !req
805. You see that cockroach?Copy !req
806. Tomorrow morning, we'll be dead
and it'll be alive.Copy !req
807. It'll have more contact
with my wife and child than I will.Copy !req
808. - I'll be nothing, and it'll be alive.Copy !req
809. Now you got the edge on 'im.Copy !req
810. Good evening, my sons.
I'm Father Dupree.Copy !req
811. Is there any news?Copy !req
812. Yes. I'm afraid I bring you
very bad news.Copy !req
813. You must prepare yourselves for the worst.
Colonel Dax asked me to tell you so.Copy !req
814. Oh, mercy! No!Copy !req
815. He's been in telephone contact
with army headquarters...Copy !req
816. but unable to speak to General Broulard
or, for that matter, to anyone in authority.Copy !req
817. - Same way at Division.
No one wants to be found.Copy !req
818. - How much time do we have?
- You have plenty of time yet.Copy !req
819. Certainly more than enough
to prepare yourselves.Copy !req
820. - In nomine Patris...
- In the name of the Father —Copy !req
821. et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti.Copy !req
822. Amen.Copy !req
823. Father, will you take
this letter for me, please?Copy !req
824. - Of course, my son.
- It's to my wife.Copy !req
825. She won't understand this,
and I tried to explain it to her.Copy !req
826. I'll see that she gets it.Copy !req
827. Do you want me to hear your confession?Copy !req
828. Well, Father, to tell you the truth,
I'm not very religious.Copy !req
829. I know you're trying to help,
and I appreciate it...Copy !req
830. but if I started praying now,
I'd feel like a hypocrite.Copy !req
831. Oh, that's an error, my son.Copy !req
832. God is always ready
to listen to your prayers.Copy !req
833. All right, Father.Copy !req
834. - Will you please hear my confession now?
- Yes.Copy !req
835. Have faith in your Creator, my son.Copy !req
836. Death comes to us all.Copy !req
837. In the name of the Father
and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.Copy !req
838. That's really deep.
"Death comes to us all."Copy !req
839. That really is deep.Copy !req
840. Say, Ferol, what's the matter —
afraid your luck isn't going to hold out?Copy !req
841. Well, look. This is — This is my religion.Copy !req
842. O Great Bottle, forgive me my sins,
for now I lay me down to sleep, Bo peep.Copy !req
843. May I drink of you first?
Thank you. Amen.Copy !req
844. I understand your anguish, my son...Copy !req
845. but you must not let it
harden your heart.Copy !req
846. May I tell you something, Father?Copy !req
847. Back in my hometown,
there was a certain little cafe...Copy !req
848. with an amusing sign over the bar.Copy !req
849. It read, "Do not be afraid
to ask for credit...Copy !req
850. for our way of refusing is very polite."Copy !req
851. - Come on, Arnaud, sit down. You're drunk.
- Oh, Paris, leave me alone.Copy !req
852. Come on. Come on, sit down.Copy !req
853. And you, get out of here
with your sanctimonious pat answers.Copy !req
854. What are you hanging around for —
to torture us?Copy !req
855. - No. To help you with all my power.
- Your power? You have no power!Copy !req
856. - Come on, Arnaud, take it easy.
- No, but God has power.Copy !req
857. - Does he? What a laugh!
- You can be saved.Copy !req
858. Saved? I'll be saved!Copy !req
859. Cut it out, Arnaud!Copy !req
860. Arnaud!Copy !req
861. Arnaud.Copy !req
862. Father, get a doctor. Quick.Copy !req
863. That should keep him quiet long enough.Copy !req
864. That's a nasty skull fracture though.
He may not live out the night.Copy !req
865. What are we supposed
to do with him?Copy !req
866. My advice is to tie him to a stretcher
so that he won't slip when you tilt it vertically.Copy !req
867. Surely they won't execute a man
in that condition.Copy !req
868. I'm sorry, Father.
The sentence will be carried out.Copy !req
869. I've already checked
with the general on it.Copy !req
870. If he's still alive in the morning...Copy !req
871. pinch his cheeks a couple of times
before you take him out on the field.Copy !req
872. It may make him open his eyes.
The general wants him to be conscious.Copy !req
873. - Yes?Copy !req
874. - Lieutenant Roget reporting, sir.
- Come in, come in.Copy !req
875. Sergeant Boulanger said
that you wanted to see me, sir.Copy !req
876. Yes, Lieutenant.Copy !req
877. Looks as if we have a pretty unpleasant thing
on our hands in a few hours, doesn't it?Copy !req
878. - You mean the execution, sir.
- Yes, I mean the execution.Copy !req
879. Yes, sir. It's very unfortunate.Copy !req
880. Oh, very unfortunate.
That's just how I feel about it.Copy !req
881. None of us are happy about it, sir.Copy !req
882. How'd you happen to pick Corporal Paris?Copy !req
883. - Well, I — I had to pick somebody, sir.
- That's right. You did.Copy !req
884. Of course, you had no personal motive
in picking Paris, did you?Copy !req
885. Oh, no, sir.Copy !req
886. You picked him because
he was a coward, didn't you?Copy !req
887. - Well, did you or didn't you?
- Oh, yes, sir, I did.Copy !req
888. Well —Copy !req
889. Like you say,
somebody had to be picked.Copy !req
890. - Oh, it was quite a problem, sir.
- Yes, I have the same kind of problem.Copy !req
891. I have to pick someone to be in charge
of the firing squad tomorrow.Copy !req
892. Do you have any objections
to taking the job?Copy !req
893. - Me, sir?
- Yes, you.Copy !req
894. - Well —
- What's the matter? Don't you feel well?Copy !req
895. Well, no — Yeah, l-I feel all right, sir.Copy !req
896. - It's just that I —
- Is it too hot in here?Copy !req
897. - Would you like me to open a window?
- No, sir. No, sir.Copy !req
898. Well, it's — It's just that I've never been
in charge of a firing squad before, sir.Copy !req
899. Oh, there's nothing to it.Copy !req
900. First, you help the sergeant
tie the men to the posts.Copy !req
901. Of course, you offer the men blindfolds.Copy !req
902. And, well, if they want them,
you tie them on, see?Copy !req
903. Now, you — you take your position
with the firing squad...Copy !req
904. you raise your sword —
"Ready, aim, fire."Copy !req
905. Then you draw your revolver out,
you walk forward...Copy !req
906. and put a bullet
through each man's head.Copy !req
907. Sir, I request that I be excused
from this duty.Copy !req
908. Request denied.Copy !req
909. - Colonel, I —
- You've got the job.Copy !req
910. It's all yours.
That's all, Lieutenant.Copy !req
911. - Colonel, if you could just —
- That's all, Lieutenant!Copy !req
912. - Yes?Copy !req
913. - Excuse me, sir. Colonel Dax?
- YesCopy !req
914. My name is Rousseau, sir,
Captain of Artillery.Copy !req
915. What is it, Captain?Copy !req
916. I have something to tell you, sir, that may
have a great bearing on the court-martial.Copy !req
917. Come in, Captain.Copy !req
918. - Well, Colonel, good evening.
- Good evening, sir.Copy !req
919. - Good evening. Come and sit down.
- Thank you, sir. I —Copy !req
920. I am really sorry
to intrude on you in this way.Copy !req
921. Not at all.
Always delighted to see you, Colonel Dax.Copy !req
922. - Will you have a cigar?
- No, thank you, sir, but —Copy !req
923. - Well, I —
- I think you'll find it delicious.Copy !req
924. I must apologize for not inviting you
to join the party downstairs tonight...Copy !req
925. but I'm afraid that it's, uh,
a dress affair.Copy !req
926. Well, thank you, sir, but I must confess
that, uh, this is not entirely a social visit.Copy !req
927. Oh, come, Dax, let's not
go over all that ground again.Copy !req
928. Though, uh, I must admit that,
judging from the casualties...Copy !req
929. the efforts of your regiment
must have been considerable.Copy !req
930. Now, how can you understand that
and allow these men to be shot tomorrow?Copy !req
931. Oh, come, Colonel. You're choosing
to take a rather simple view of this thing.Copy !req
932. The attack was impossible from the start.
The General Staff must have known that.Copy !req
933. Colonel Dax, we think we're doing
a good job running the war.Copy !req
934. You must be aware of the fact
that the General Staff...Copy !req
935. is subject to all kinds of unfair pressures
from newspapers and politicians.Copy !req
936. Maybe the attack against the Anthill
was impossible.Copy !req
937. Perhaps it was an error of judgment
on our part.Copy !req
938. On the other hand, if your men had been
a little more daring, they might have taken it.Copy !req
939. Who knows? In any case...Copy !req
940. why should we have to bear any more
criticism for failure than we have to.Copy !req
941. Aside from the inescapable fact that a good
many of your men never left the trenches...Copy !req
942. there's the question of the troops' morale.
Don't forget that.Copy !req
943. - The troops' morale?
- Certainly.Copy !req
944. These executions will be a perfect tonic
for the entire division.Copy !req
945. There are few things more fundamentally
encouraging and stimulating...Copy !req
946. than seeing someone else die.Copy !req
947. - I never thought of that, sir.
- You see, Colonel, troops are like children.Copy !req
948. Just as a child wants his father to be firm,
troops crave discipline.Copy !req
949. I see.Copy !req
950. And one way to maintain discipline
is to shoot a man now and then.Copy !req
951. May I ask...Copy !req
952. do you sincerely believe
all the things you've just said?Copy !req
953. It's been a pleasure
discussing this with you, Colonel...Copy !req
954. but I'm afraid that I'd better
be getting back to my guests.Copy !req
955. Forgive me for having kept you
from your party.Copy !req
956. Oh, by the way, sir,
have you heard that General Mireau...Copy !req
957. ordered his own battery commander,
Captain Rousseau...Copy !req
958. to open fire on his own positions
during the attack?Copy !req
959. Well, of course the captain refused
without a written order...Copy !req
960. but General Mireau demanded that he
commence firing on our own trenches.Copy !req
961. Again Rousseau refused
without an order in writing...Copy !req
962. but again he was ordered,
and again he refused —Copy !req
963. all in front of witnesses.Copy !req
964. Do you actually believe
this fantastic story?Copy !req
965. Here are copies of the sworn statements
from all the principals involved —Copy !req
966. Battery Commander Rousseau,
Captain Nichols, the artillery spotter...Copy !req
967. the telephone clerk and, uh,
my own deposition.Copy !req
968. What has all this got to do with the charge
against the condemned prisoners?Copy !req
969. A general in a tantrum over the failure
of an impossible attack...Copy !req
970. orders his artillery to fire on his own men.Copy !req
971. Now, this same officer on the same day...Copy !req
972. orders a court-martial in which
three of his men are sentenced to be shot.Copy !req
973. General, what would your, uh, newspapers
and your politicians do with that?Copy !req
974. Colonel Dax, are you trying
to blackmail me?Copy !req
975. Sir, that's an ugly word,
but you are in a difficult position.Copy !req
976. Too much has happened.
Someone's got to be hurt.Copy !req
977. The only question is who.Copy !req
978. General Mireau's assault
on the Anthill failed...Copy !req
979. and his order to fire on this own troops
was refused.Copy !req
980. But his attempt to murder
three innocent men...Copy !req
981. to protect his own reputation
will be prevented by the General Staff.Copy !req
982. Will you pardon me, Colonel Dax?Copy !req
983. I've been rude to my guests too long.Copy !req
984. Detail, halt!Copy !req
985. Order arms!Copy !req
986. Fall out!Copy !req
987. Courage, my son.
The worst is over.Copy !req
988. Good morning, Paris.Copy !req
989. Good morning, Sergeant.Copy !req
990. - How are you today?
- Not too bad.Copy !req
991. How are you?Copy !req
992. You missed some good chow
in here last night.Copy !req
993. What'd you have?Copy !req
994. Have you got a drink for us?Copy !req
995. Take a swig of this.Copy !req
996. It just occurred to me —
A funny thing.Copy !req
997. I haven't had one sexual thought
since the court-martial.Copy !req
998. It's pretty extraordinary, isn't it?Copy !req
999. - Pull yourself together. Act like a man.Copy !req
1000. - Listen, Paris.Copy !req
1001. - Are you listening to me?
- Yes.Copy !req
1002. There will be a lot of dignitaries,
newspapermen out there.Copy !req
1003. You've got a wife and family.
How do you want to be remembered?Copy !req
1004. I don't wanna die.Copy !req
1005. Many of us will be joining you
before this war's over.Copy !req
1006. I don't care.
I don't wanna die.Copy !req
1007. Please save me, Sergeant.Copy !req
1008. I can't save you. No one can now.Copy !req
1009. This is the last decision
you'll have a chance to make on earth.Copy !req
1010. You can pull yourself together, act like a man,
or we'll have to drag you out of here.Copy !req
1011. In the end, it'll all be the same.
It's up to you.Copy !req
1012. Well, let's get busy.
You and Ferol take your coats off.Copy !req
1013. It's no use hanging around here.Copy !req
1014. with the help of thy grace
to do penance and to amend my life.Copy !req
1015. Amen.Copy !req
1016. Why do I have to die? For what?Copy !req
1017. Why do I have to die? Why?
I didn't do anything.Copy !req
1018. We do not question
the will of God, my son.Copy !req
1019. But I fought. I fought.Copy !req
1020. I fought on the battlefield.Copy !req
1021. Why don't they die?
Why not put them to death?Copy !req
1022. You showed courage
in the face of the enemy, my son.Copy !req
1023. Show it now before your own troops.Copy !req
1024. But I'm scared. I'm scared.Copy !req
1025. Oh, Father, I'm scared. Oh, my God.Copy !req
1026. Courage. Brace yourself, man.
Brace yourself.Copy !req
1027. He said, "This day,
thou shalt be with me in paradise."Copy !req
1028. - Really, Father?
- YesCopy !req
1029. Really, Father?Copy !req
1030. I don't understand why —Copy !req
1031. I'll never see nobody again, Father. Please.Copy !req
1032. Courage, man. Brace yourself.Copy !req
1033. - I can't help it.
- Brace yourself.Copy !req
1034. I can't help it, Father.Copy !req
1035. O God, O Almighty God —Copy !req
1036. Oh, Christ! Christ!Copy !req
1037. Grant courage to this man
who is about to die.Copy !req
1038. Strengthen me, God!
Please strengthen me!Copy !req
1039. Why do I have to die, Father?Copy !req
1040. About face!Copy !req
1041. Secure prisoners!Copy !req
1042. Detail, attention!Copy !req
1043. Forward march!Copy !req
1044. Detail, halt!Copy !req
1045. Left face!Copy !req
1046. Please don't.
Please choose me to —Copy !req
1047. "In the name of the French People...Copy !req
1048. "Corporal Philippe Paris...Copy !req
1049. "Private Maurice Ferol...Copy !req
1050. "and Private Pierre Arnaud...Copy !req
1051. "of the 701st Regiment...Copy !req
1052. "having been found guilty of cowardice
in the face of the enemy...Copy !req
1053. "are to be executed by rifle fire immediately...Copy !req
1054. in accordance with the judgment
of the military court-martial."Copy !req
1055. Right face!Copy !req
1056. Forward hut!Copy !req
1057. and blessed are thou amongst women.Copy !req
1058. - Do you want a blindfold?
- Blessed art thou —Copy !req
1059. Yes, Lieutenant. Please.Copy !req
1060. I don't wanna die.
I don't wanna die.Copy !req
1061. Do — Do you want a blindfold?Copy !req
1062. No.Copy !req
1063. I'm sorry.Copy !req
1064. Ready!Copy !req
1065. Aim!Copy !req
1066. - Fire!Copy !req
1067. I'm awfully glad
you could be there, George.Copy !req
1068. This sort of thing
is always rather grim.Copy !req
1069. But this one had a kind of splendor to it,
don't you think?Copy !req
1070. I have never seen an affair of this sort
handled any better.Copy !req
1071. The men died wonderfully.Copy !req
1072. There's always that chance
that one of them will do something
that will leave everyone with a bad taste.Copy !req
1073. This time, you couldn't ask for better.Copy !req
1074. Yes?Copy !req
1075. Yes, Colonel?Copy !req
1076. You wanted to see me, sir.Copy !req
1077. Oh, yes, yes.
Come in, Colonel. Come in and sit down.Copy !req
1078. Oh, Colonel Dax,
your men died very well.Copy !req
1079. - Would you like some coffee, Colonel?
- No, thank you, sir.Copy !req
1080. Oh, by the way, Paul,
it's been brought to my attention...Copy !req
1081. that you ordered your artillery
to fire on your own men
during the attack on the Anthill.Copy !req
1082. - I did what?Copy !req
1083. - Who told you that?
- Colonel Dax came to me last night
with the story.Copy !req
1084. Colonel Dax, I've always known
that you were a disloyal officer...Copy !req
1085. but I never dreamed that you would
stoop to anything so low as this.Copy !req
1086. General, I have sworn statements
from Captain Nichols, your artillery spotter...Copy !req
1087. Captain Rousseau, the battery commander
who refused your order.Copy !req
1088. I think it's infamous,
absolutely infamous.Copy !req
1089. Then there's no truth at all
to the charge made by Colonel Dax?Copy !req
1090. I don't see how you could
even ask me that.Copy !req
1091. You cannot imagine how glad I am
to hear that, Paul.Copy !req
1092. I'm certain that
you'll come through it all right.Copy !req
1093. - I'll come through what?
- There will have to be an inquiry.Copy !req
1094. - An inquiry?
- But it won't amount to much.Copy !req
1095. - Those things never do. The public forgets.
- "Public"?Copy !req
1096. You've got to have the right
to clear your name.Copy !req
1097. You cannot allow such vile insinuations
against your character to go undenied.Copy !req
1098. So that's it.Copy !req
1099. You're making me the goat —Copy !req
1100. the only completely innocent man
in this whole affair.Copy !req
1101. I have only one last thing
to say to you, George.Copy !req
1102. The man you stabbed in the back
is a soldier.Copy !req
1103. Well...Copy !req
1104. had to be done.Copy !req
1105. France cannot afford to have fools
guiding her military destiny.Copy !req
1106. I'm grateful to you, Dax, for having
brought this matter to my attention.Copy !req
1107. Colonel Dax, how would you like
General Mireau's job?Copy !req
1108. - His what, sir?
- His job.Copy !req
1109. Let me get this straight, sir.Copy !req
1110. You're offering me
General Mireau's command?Copy !req
1111. Come, come, Colonel Dax.
Don't overdo the surprise.Copy !req
1112. You've been after the job from the start.
We all know that, my boy.Copy !req
1113. I may be many things, sir,
but I'm not your boy.Copy !req
1114. Well, I certainly didn't mean to imply
any biological relationship.Copy !req
1115. - I'm not your boy in any sense.
- You trying to provoke me, Colonel?Copy !req
1116. - Why should I want to do that, sir?
- Exactly.Copy !req
1117. It would be a pity to lose your promotion
before you get it...Copy !req
1118. a promotion you have
so very carefully planned for.Copy !req
1119. Sir, would you like me to suggest
what you can do with that promotion?Copy !req
1120. Colonel Dax! You will apologize at once,
or I shall have you placed under arrest!Copy !req
1121. I apologize for not being
entirely honest with you.Copy !req
1122. I apologize for not revealing
my true feelings.Copy !req
1123. I apologize, sir,
for not telling you sooner...Copy !req
1124. that you're a degenerate,
sadistic old man...Copy !req
1125. and you can go to hell before I apologize
to you now or ever again!Copy !req
1126. Colonel Dax, you're a disappointment to me.Copy !req
1127. You've spoiled the keenness of your mind
by wallowing in sentimentality.Copy !req
1128. You really did want to save those men...Copy !req
1129. and you were not angling
for Mireau's command.Copy !req
1130. You're an idealist, and I pity you
as I would the village idiot.Copy !req
1131. We're fighting a war, Dax,
a war that we've got to win.Copy !req
1132. Those men didn't fight,
so they were shot.Copy !req
1133. You bring charges against General Mireau,
so I insist that he answer them.Copy !req
1134. Wherein have I done wrong?Copy !req
1135. Because you don't know
the answer to that question...Copy !req
1136. I pity you.Copy !req
1137. Thank you. Thank you, thank you.Copy !req
1138. Now, gentlemen, we have a little
special entertainment for you.Copy !req
1139. Sort of a — sort of a little diversion
as it were.Copy !req
1140. And as my wife always says,
"What is life without a little diversion?"Copy !req
1141. Now, gentlemen, I give you
our latest acquisition from the enemy.Copy !req
1142. - From Germany.Copy !req
1143. The land of the Hun.Copy !req
1144. Gentlemen, a little pearl washed ashore
by the tide of war.Copy !req
1145. Sag den Herrschaften guten Tag.Copy !req
1146. - Guten Tag.Copy !req
1147. Hey! Talk in a civilized language.Copy !req
1148. - It's true the little lady has her limitations.Copy !req
1149. As a matter of fact,
she has absolutely no talent at all —Copy !req
1150. except, that is,
well, maybe a little natural talent?Copy !req
1151. The little lady can't dance,
she can't tell any jokes...Copy !req
1152. and she can't balance rubber balls
on her little nose.Copy !req
1153. - Ah, but she can sing like a bird.Copy !req
1154. She has a throat of gold.Copy !req
1155. - Come on, baby!
- Come on, honey! Sing us a song!Copy !req
1156. - Come on, honey! How about a song?Copy !req
1157. Come on, baby!
Sing us a song!Copy !req
1158. Louder! Louder!Copy !req
1159. - Sir.
- Yes, Sergeant?Copy !req
1160. We have orders
to move back to the front immediately.Copy !req
1161. - Give the men a few minutes more, Sergeant.
- Yes, sir.Copy !req