Original subtitles

Next man.

Right, you'll do.

When faced by an armed and determined enemy,

first you...

And either you bash him one or you stick him in the belly.

If you want to be real nasty, you?

Tread on his blank blank fingers.

Right!

Next man.

You'll do. - Let's try that again.

You've had your treat, let someone else have fun.

Proper airborne, weren't you, Canada?

Didn't you hear me, Evans? What about the other boys, Sarge?

I don't want to be too selfish.

Come on. Right.

When faced by an armed and determined enemy, first you...

Either you bash him one or you stick him in the belly.

If you want to be real nasty, you?

If you want to be real nasty, you?

Right! Gordon.

He's leaving himself wide open, watch.

I am, am I?

Come on.

When faced by an armed and determined enemy,

first you... Argh!

Just a minute.

What's your name?

McKendrick, Sir.

The British Army appreciates your generosity

in donating gratuitous lessons in hand-to-hand combat.

As it happens, the army's already prepared a manual

based on some actual experience in real fighting.

In future you will cooperate with your instructors

and refrain from exhibitions of circus gymnastics. Is that clear?

Perfectly, sir.

Who's that new geezer over there?

Don't ask me, I've never seen him before.

He don't seem to like our Canada.

Fall out.

Carry on, Sergeant. Very good, Sir.

If you can.

Next man.

How long is it now, Flash?

I was born up here.

That sergeant must be Dracula's big brother.

I'm afraid it's all my fault.

You ain't even queasy. How come, Canada?

I'm a rollercoaster man.

They've completed, Sir.

Thank you, that was most instructive.

Thank you, Sir.

If a little bothered. Excuse me, Sir?

Yeah.

As you've only just arrived and I've er...

You're saying?

Well, somebody who'd been here some time might be useful to you, Sir.

For instance?

You'll need a second in command for that special stunt, Sir.

Young man, "stunt" is a word I do not like.

Not when applied to a military operation.

Slip of the tongue, Sir. The Chief Instructor said he put a word in.

He did. It's a word I wouldn't care to use, but we'll see.

A falling object descends earthwards at the rate of 32 feet a second,

accelerating to the maximum speed of 176 feet a second.

That's what I call descending.

You'll be all right, Alf. As long as you land on that big head of yours.

Green light on, action stations, Number One, and er... Hold it!

What, may I ask, are you doing up there?

Practising.

If you want to be polite to a regimental sergeant major,

you address him as "Sir".

Practising, Sir.

Get down from there before I take you to the guard room!

Two volunteers to put him on his bed.

You and you. At the double!

Ooh, my leg.

So you're what they're turning out as soldiers these days.

I wanted to see for myself.

Mm.

Mm-hm!

A horrible lot of little men.

Thank God we've still got a navy.

Let's take a look.

... I'll kick him in the...

First balloon jump 0600 hours, tomorrow.

Got it?

Balloon jump?

Look it up, Taffy.

What does it say?

Oh, balloons.

The preliminary reports on the use of balloons

for initial jumps are generally favourable.

Due to the lack of the impact of the slipstream on the body,

the tendency of the pupil to twist and somersault is almost eliminated.

That's nice.

The jumper has to fall a far longer distance

before his parachute becomes fully opened.

This delayed opening produces an additional thrill.

You lucky people.

The phenomena known as a Roman Candle

in which the parachute leaves the bag but fails to open in time...

Lay off, will you?

Canada?

Yeah?

What's a "Roman Candle"?

A chute that doesn't open.

Did you ever see one?

Yeah, I saw one.

What happened to the bloke?

Got to sleep, will you? I'm bushed.

Miss?

May I have another, please?

What's wrong with this one?

It's ex-tac, different from the others.

You're lucky. It's what the pilots and instructors usually have.

Change it, will you? Hurry up, you.

Well, the customer is always right.

Though we do happen to pack about 50 parachutes a day, at least.

Don't get sore.

Oh, I'm not sore.

I suppose it's natural for a chap to be a bit edgy before his first jump.

Is it? Everybody is.

It's nothing to do with, well, being frightened, you know?

That's interesting.

There, now you can stop worrying and relax.

It's a special I keep on one side.

It's the best chute I ever packed.

Good.

I wouldn't like to have to repack it on the way down.

Hey, what's your name?

Gardner.

What Gardner?

Just Gardner. Working girls don't have Christian names.

I haven't seen you around.

I don't get around.

Oh, officer material?

I said we work here.

On your way, Mr Maple Leaf.

Left, right, left, right...

Squad halt! One, two.

Fall out.

Take the ropes, Corporal Dawes.

All right, who's going to have the first go?

No ugly rush now.

All right. We'll have to pick out volunteers for the first stick.

Canada, suppose you show us how it's done? You like doing that.

Yours, Corporal Dawes.

You, Evans.

Gordon. Come on, Stubbins.

Each man check his release box.

Easy now.

Nothing worse than blokes hitting their boxes at the same time.

It sounds like the Salvation Army on a Sunday afternoon.

You've nothing to worry about, they're smashing parachutes.

They ought to be at �60 a piece.

Morning, Bill. Morning.

All right, you gentleman aloft. We're ready.

We are ready.

He's ready.

So are we.

Gentleman, I don't like your colour. You look a little green.

What colour would you like? Suppose you surprise me.

0K, Number 0ne, a good parachuting position.

Action station Number One.

Jump when I touch you on the shoulder.

Are you ready? Go!

There goes my first one.

Reach up high on your front left webs.

Pull down steadily now.

Your head well forward, feet together.

OK, hold it.

OK, Number Two.

Right. Go!

OK, Number Three.

Stand by, Number Three.

Ready. Go!

Look at mine.

Oh, the silly, clumsy clot.

OK, Number Five.

They're not a bad bunch. I've seen worse.

Gardner!

From now on I'm in business strictly with you.

Nothing like an old, established firm.

Heavy.

Hm. How about a drink tonight?

I might be able to manage... Have a nice trip?

You didn't have to push me.

No offence, just trying to help.

I don't need that kind of help.

What makes you such a ruddy hero?

It just ain't natural.

If he puts his hands on me again I'll brain him.

How about that drink?

Thank you, but this firm doesn't mix business with pleasure.

Gentlemen, we don't know one another very well yet.

This morning you start your training and we can start to find out.

Now for myself.

Information, I'm a professional soldier.

The intention.

I propose to remain a professional soldier when this war is over.

I propose to remain a professional soldier when this war is over.

Than the men you're fighting, it's as simple as that.

Now, this morning you make your first jump from an aircraft.

Are you aware that parachuting,

is described as dicing with death in the sky.

It's a revolting phrase and quite apart from that it's grossly untrue.

Parachuting, in any case, is just a means to an end.

It gets you into battle, no more.

After that, you're an ordinary soldier.

Now remember that. You're soldiers not stuntmen.

To get your wings you'll do seven jumps.

After that, you'll jump whenever ordered.

A refusal means 84 days detention

and your wings stripped off in front of the Colonel.

So if any of you has any idea that he doesn't want any part of this,

now is the time to say so.

It's no disgrace either.

Not now.

Good.

Carry on.

Sir. All yours, Mr Aldridge.

Split, on left, turn!

Left-right, march!

Left, right, left, right...

What was that? The engine changed its noise.

I means the pilot's throttling back.

Yes, that means we've got to get ready.

Prepare for action.

Nothing to it, my lads.

88 jumps I've had and loved every one of them.

Just like falling off a log... Only further.

Watch the red light.

Action stations, Number One.

Come on now, action stations.

All right, I'll tell you what I'll do.

I'll jump first so I can show you what a piece of cake looks like.

Open doors. Sergeant, take over as dispatcher.

Right.

To think we get paid extra for this.

Quite the swindle if you ask me.

Stand by. Green light on. Go!

Just like falling off a log.

Action stations, Number Two!

Come on now, any one of you.

Come on now, this is an order.

Do you hear me? If you don't jump now, you'll never make it later.

Action stations, Number Two.

Take your hands off me or I'll drag you with me.

That's more like it. Action stations, Number Three.

Gol

Number Four.

Go!

# Now come sit by my side If you love me

# Do not hasten to bid me Adieu

# Just remember the poor parachutist

# Who is doing his job just for you

# Now stand by with your glasses All ready

# Drink a health to the men Of the skies... #

Here's to the memory of a fine, brave man.

I remember the smile on his face as he went.

What you trying to do, turn this into a wake?

If you two girls go and sit over there, I'll get your drinks.

"Easy as falling off a log" he said.

Look, he made 88 jumps, the odds caught up with him.

Look, he made 88 jumps, the odds caught up with him.

Because he was a right guy.

He'd tell you to drink that beer instead of crying into it.

Let's have a game of darts.

You two go ahead. I'm all right.

I don't care for darts, maybe it'll make him more cheerful.

May I sit down?

It's a free country.

Wow, that's a rousing welcome. What did you expect a 21-gun salute?

Make it 48, will you?

I heard about this morning.

About Breton.

Let's talk about something else.

I was wrong about you. I thought you were like the others.

Scared inside and covering up.

But you're not scared, are you?

Sure I am.

No you're not.

You know what they say around here?

There are two types of men who jump.

Those who are crazy and those who are scared.

You're neither and I don't think I like it.

Another drink?

You pride yourself on it, don't you?

It's important to you. Very important.

What?

Being brave all the time. Loads of physical courage.

What is this, truth or consequences?

You're quite right, let it pass.

I didn't know you were interested.

It's purely academic, I assure you.

You don't look academic to me.

Mr McKendrick, it may interest you to know that a great many women

are not partial to the superman type.

They prefer a little human weakness.

A little humility.

Look...

...everybody's scared of something.

That coming from you could be quite an admission.

I gather you two gentlemen know each other.

Pinky, this is Mr McKendrick.

Pleased to meet you. Sit down, McKendrick.

Here is the news.

It was announced from Washington today

that President Roosevelt has transferred 50 American destroyers

to His Majesty's government as part of a Lend Lease grant.

Lend Lease.

In exchange, leases have been to the United States

for the construction of airfields and naval bases

in British Commonwealth Territory as part of America's Defence Programme.

Defence.

What are the Yanks defending?

Who's shooting at them?

That's right.

50 stinking tin cans.

Lousy old tubs that ain't been at sea since WW1.

A nice profit they'll make.

America will fight, you'll see.

They'll fight.

Fight to the last Englishman.

Last Welshman too.

They're all right when it comes to talking war,

when do they start fighting it?

What about right now?

You sound like a bloody Yank yourself.

Stop it, stop it, all of you!

And what's going on in here, may I ask?

You horrible little man!

You're all in close arrest.

Sergeant.

Left, right, left, right, left, right, march.

Halt!

Next lad.

Quick march! Left, right, left, right...

Next man take your place.

Anybody got a razor blade?

What do you want it for?

Think he's going to cut his throat? I like, Private Dawes.

You're lucky to get busted. Look at that bloke, Hitler.

He was a corporal ain't doing him much good.

You've got something there.

Is that correct, McKendrick? No, Sir. I started it.

Anything to add?

No, Sir.

Very well.

Striking a superior is a court-martial offence.

Corporal Dawes says that he started it.

So, I want to find out what really happened.

You go back under close arrest.

Private McKendrick, about turn!

Private McKendrick, about turn!

Give me his service record, Sergeant Major.

Yes, Sir.

Angry man, that one.

Some get that out of them, Sir.

Anger's good sometimes in a fighting soldier. Properly directed.

Are you suggesting that he be given special treatment?

On the contrary, Sergeant Major.

Let me see now.

Enlisted Montreal.

Place of birth... Los Angeles.

Anything else, Sir?

College two years.

Profession, just says "aircraft industry", that's all.

Any previous military experience, Sir?

None listed.

Pretty vague, huh?

I suppose when you're short of men you don't ask questions.

Ask the security boys to run a special check on him.

Yes, Sir.

He interests me.

Hi, there.

No prison pallor, I see.

What's this, Ladies Rehabilitation Society?

No, I've been waiting here to apologise.

Well, well.

Not to you, not now, but, well, to the United States.

We accept your apology.

Look. I came here with good intentions and at another time

I might admit you had provocation the other night,

but for a grown man to...

Well, it's positively disgraceful and I ruined my best pair of nylons.

Have you any idea what nylons cost these days, if you can get them?

Whatever it was, it was worth it.

So help me, next time I have a bottle I'll launch that guy.

Hold it!

Keep trying, Plotski.

Poletski.

What's the matter, Cookie?

I got my walking papers. They're sending me back to my old unit.

You'll be the best cook in the British Army.

Not me. I've applied for a transfer to the Commandos.

Hey, you've got something there.

Not a hope, McKendrick.

I couldn't possibly agree to a transfer.

Look. Do you realise what it costs to train just one parachutist?

Over �5,000.

If I transfer you, what have we got for our money?

Absolutely nothing.

There are two ways a man can get out of here,

by refusing to jump or feet first.

Is that final, Sir?

Of course, you could refuse to jump.

All right, you can fall out.

This is Gordon, Sir.

Your wings.

Thank you, Sir.

You're from Canada? I'm very glad to see you here.

Thank you, Sir.

Where do you come from?

London, Sir. Yes, I suppose I should have known.

Your wings. Thank you, Sir.

Company, eyes left!

You've been rehearsing this for months on mock-ups of the terrain.

It should be as familiar to you as the back of your hand.

Only, this is the real thing.

Operation Pegasus goes tonight.

You all know its purpose.

It's to bring back a piece of German radar equipment

that's been helping to shoot down our bombers.

To recapitulate for the last time.

Our first group will take the house and the radar post,

Meanwhile, we will hold off the Gerry garrison in the farmhouse.

Our second group will take and hold the beaches where we'll join them

until the Navy can take us out.

Any questions?

Any suggestions?

Right.

You men come from a lot of different places and a lot different units,

but you have certain things in common.

Original Roman legions.

You are well armed.

I think you've been well trained.

You've got a full moon and a rising tide.

The rest is up to you.

Good hunting.

Everyone report to the parachute issuing room in half an hour!

Sirl

What's that?

Oh. One of the girls wrote it.

"...Let no parachute sidle or slump...

"For today we go warring together,

"And my soul...

"...will be there at the jump."

It's rather good?

I wouldn't know, poetry is not in my line.

Why do you always have? Stop talking there!

Right. Out on the tarmac, you men.

Move yourselves.

Let's begin.

Deck 'shun!

Quick march!

Company, halt!

All right, fall out.

I'm sorry for the man who hears the pipes

and who isn't born in Scotland.

Standby to enplane.

Enplane.

Climb aboard, boys.

Good luck to you. I'll see you back at the camp in the morning.

I hope so, Sir.

Listen, everybody.

This is Flight Sergeant Box.

He's our radar dismantling expert.

Take a good look at him.

All right, sit down there.

Our job is going to be to take very good care of him.

I'll be taking too bloody good care of myself, thank you.

My, my, what a nice little lace doily.

Look at him.

No nerves.

Sleeps through it all.

One more crack like that it'll be no teeth.

That's enough of that.

Save all that for the Jerries.

I think the men are getting a bit on edge, Sir.

You think they're the only ones?

Did I ever tell you about the Ghurkhas when I was in India?

Wonderful little soldiers.

When I asked for volunteers to jump, the whole battalion stepped forward.

So I told them about their conditions of training

and that they'd do their first jump from 1,000 feet.

There was absolute uproar.

Then finally, their subedar major, he's the equivalent of the RSM,

stepped forward and said, "Sahib, the men are not easy in their minds.

"They would rather do their first jump from 500 feet."

"Look", I said, "At 500 feet the parachutes mayn't have time to open.

A broad grin spread over his face.

"Ooh, Sahib," he said,

"we didn't realise we were going to have parachutes!"

Thank you.

I never thought it was that funny, myself.

Just crossing the French coast. Throwing you out in a few minutes.

Thank you.

Prepare for action.

One last word. All wounded have to be left just where they are.

Get in and out as quickly as you can. That's all.

Well, good luck, everybody,

if all else fails just tread on their blank blank fingers.

Where you go, I go.

Dawes.

Corporal Dawes?

My legs. My legs!

Quick as you can, Sergeant Box.

Well, why don't you kiss it? Get a ruddy move on yourself, man.

Engelander!

Sergeant Box, how much longer are you going to be?

It's nearly five to six. It'll be dawn soon.

Hurry up. Don't you know there's a war on? And you, Sergeant Box.

Quick, we don't want to keep the Navy waiting.

All right, Sir, just coming.

You two stick close to Sergeant Box, don't let him out of you sight.

Yes, Sir.

Hurry up, will you?

Hurry down those ropes!

Fire!

Come on, get this fellow out of here, into the cave.

Any luck with this machine?

Not a whisper. If the Navy find us in this soup...

What's happening to the Navy?

Looks like a long swim home.

Do you swim?

More and more of the Germans.

Watch out for that Jerry!

I'm going to have to take a chance. Your pistol, Sergeant Major.

Thank God for the Navy.

Get down to the boats.

Come on there. Hurry upl

Come on at the double, get a move on!

Sergeant Box and his party, hurry, hurry! Get a move on!

Don't play around in the bloody sand, you bloody fools!

All the other boats are loaded, Sir.

All right, all away.

Take it away.

I thought you weren't going to make it.

So did I. We met a German destroyer outside the port.

Here you are, boys. Ta.

Thanks.

Well, what was it like?

I don't know, very foggy.

The Germans?

Oh, I couldn't understand a word they said.

Here.

Corporal Dawes?

Yes, he's behind the screen.

He's still under a sedative, so please don't stay too long.

Thank you.

Hello, Corporal.

Who is it?

Blimey, it's the Yank.

How do you feel?

Still dopey,

otherwise I'm in the pink.

What I came to say is...

Leave off, will you? It could have happened to anybody.

How are the boys?

Well, they're fine. Can I get you something?

Not a thing.

Sure now?

Sure, I'm fine.

Except, my feet...

...they're very cold.

Do you think you could tuck that blanket in for me?

I can't reach it from here.

Sure.

Ooh, that's much better.

Oh, they'll get warm in a minute.

I'd... better go and let you get some sleep.

Give my love to the boys.

Tell them I'll be jumping with them in a fortnight.

Sure. I'll see you in the morning.

Better men than you have felt like that.

I thought you British were all for the stiff upper lip

and that sort of thing.

We're for a lot of things you might be surprised at.

You're not kidding.

What's this with the handkerchief tying it to my chute?

What's that supposed to mean?

Oh, just an old English custom.

Everything's a custom here.

I don't understand you people.

No, and I don't understand you.

So why should I ever expect you to understand me?

Wait!

Here's something you'll understand.

Henceforth, the new official head gear will be worn at all times

unless expressly directed otherwise by a higher authority.

Signed, J Wilcox DSO MC Lieutenant Colonel

for Major General Commanding First Airborne Division

Right, fall out, front rank.

Draw issue.

Seven and one eighth, please. Right.

Seven and a half for me, please. Seven and a half.

Well, put them on. Now doesn't the style suit you?

Put it on straight, man. You're not in a ruddy fashion parade.

Size seven.

Very becoming, Sir.

Well, anyway, get your hair cut!

McKendrick, come here!

You're wanted. Commanding officer's, right away.

Come in.

You sent for me, Sir?

McKendrick, grab a chair and sit down.

I have an army council instruction to raise more officers.

I've sent your name in.

Nothing to worry about.

You go before a selection committee, but that's a pure formality.

I er, I don't want a commission, Sir.

It's not a question of what you want, McKendrick.

The army needs officers, I think you will make a good one.

So does Captain Langton. That should be enough.

Sir, there's no regulation that says I have to take a commission.

There's no regulation,

but if a man has initiative and the power to lead,

as I believe you have, he has an equivalent responsibility.

Think it over.

I have, Sir. There are others who'd make better leaders.

What's the matter, McKendrick? Don't you like officers?

There's no regulation about that.

No disrespect, Sir, but I'm a private,

I take orders, let somebody else give them.

I see.

Very well, that's all.

Good old Dakotas.

They don't look any better than our beat-up old Wellingtons.

They do to me, honey.

We come out like gentlemen to the door.

Oh, you cutie.

He's talking about you, darling, not me.

Morning, McKendrick.

Where's the wing commander?

Search me, mack, I'm a stranger here myself.

Who's in command of this squadron?

Inside. Hey, Shorty! Front and centre.

My name's Hamilton. Sorry we're late, we're all a little punchy,

no shuteye for the last 36 hours.

Been on manoeuvres with the airborne guys over Ireland.

So I heard.

Hey, bud, catch.

Thanks, mack.

I thought someone should salute someone around here.

Where'd you get that bonnet, Mamey?

Sorry, but nobody laughs at the red beret twice.

Excuse me.

Take that cabbage out of that silly face.

I don't have to, limey.

You wanna play?

Say, I know you.

Kelly Field. You were the guy that was flying that...

Come on, Penny. Well, what did he mean?

Some mistake.

But he sounded as if he knew you. Didn't he?

Got his wires crossed.

What's this?

Cinderella's pumpkin.

Where did you get it?

A little game called 'poker'.

Does it go?

We'll soon find out.

We children used to hate leaving here when the holidays were over,

nowadays, we never seem to come to the place.

Where would you get the time?

I suppose you're right.

Gee, it's good to be in a house again.

We forget that you're miles and miles away from home.

You must miss not having your own home to go to.

We miss a lot of things.

You ought to do that more often. What?

Smile. It suits you.

Put a match to the fire, would you? Sure.

The wood shouldn't be damp, Mother was here a fortnight ago.

That's something I could miss, cheerfully.

Oh, don't close it completely.

I...

I want to look out.

At what?

Oh, the sky, the guns.

We should do this more often.

It suits you.

Thanks.

Mm, I... better go and make some tea.

Everything stops for tea in England.

Not always.

Steve?

Hm?

Why didn't you ever tell me?

Tell you what?

I believe you're in some sort of trouble.

If you believe that, you'll believe anything.

No, I believe you're hiding something.

What have I got to hide?

That American sergeant today, the one you picked a fight with.

I picked a fight?

He made fun of the beret.

Anyway, he seemed to know you.

You seem to know an awful lot about technical flying,

or so the boys who jump say.

And that funny ring you wear,

American officers wear that too, I noticed it today.

You gotta belong to the FBI.

Tell me.

There's nothing to tell.

Why the ring?

S. McKendrick.

Serial number 4-7-5-3-2.

Go on, Canada, go on.

I was flying a B-24, testing rockets.

Bob Murray was my... He was my co-pilot.

Bob, I used to call him Robbie.

He and I were as close as any two guys could ever be.

He was crazy about his wife and his kids.

I practically lived at their house.

One day, we were coming in on a target, I was testing rockets.

A rocket got caught in the tube.

I got to thinking about Robbie...

...and his wife and his kids.

I knew I could land it without exploding it...

...but I got to thinking about them and I told him to jump.

He didn't want to, he wanted to ride it down with me.

I told him to jump because it was an order.

He jumped and he...

He Roman candled.

Yeah.

Yeah, he Roman candled.

I had to tell his wife.

I'll never forget the look on her face.

That's when I handed in my resignation.

But why?

It wasn't your fault. You gave the proper order.

Yeah, that's what the war department said, that's what they all said,

You can give too many wrong ones.

You filled in quite a few blanks, why you're here in this regiment,

why you don't want to take a commission again.

Where'd you hear that? Things get around.

You know, you should have accepted, all that's over and done with.

So what?

Let's drop it.

I wish I could help you.

You can.

No more true confessions.

Don't blame me for all of it.

I don't. I guess I'm just a sucker for candle light.

The man with the camouflaged heart.

A winter kit?

That means snow.

I wonder where we'll be invading next? Switzerland?

Not if they advertise it on the board.

McKendrick?

Come on in a minute.

Yes, Sir.

Carry on with what you're doing, Sergeant Major.

Come in, McKendrick.

Stand easy.

Thank you, Sir.

Well, it's nice to have one's judgement proved right occasionally.

You know what I'm talking about?

No, Sir.

I think you should.

Withholding information about previous service on enlistment is

quite a serious offence, but I don't think I'll take any action.

Sir, who gave you this information? Strictly confidential.

I think I know.

I'd like to talk again about that commission.

I still feel the way I did, Sir.

McKendrick, you've got to grow up someday.

You can't run away from responsibilities,

even the smallest ones.

If you do, one fine day,

whether you're wearing three stars, three stripes or nothing at all,

the men are going to look to you and when they do,

I hope to heaven you don't let them down.

Yes, I hope to heaven you don't.

That seems to be all.

Sir, I...

Yeah?

Now that the US is in the war I'd like to join one of my own outfits.

It's the same war. Would you take a commission in your own outfit?

No, sir. I'd stay a dogface.

You may as well stay where you are. Yes, Sir.

Sergeant Major?

Send the file back to Security and say thank you for the information.

And, Sergeant Major, while you're about it,

make me out an application for transfer to the American army.

But don't take his name off the commission list.

What's the matter, darling?

You want to be an officer's girl.

I suppose I shall have to be some day.

Not mine.

Darling, I don't see any sense in making an issue out of

a simple thing like this.

What you told Colonel Snow?

Snow?

You had it all figured out,

a heart-to-heart talk, that'd fix everything.

I didn't tell the Colonel anything.

That was between you and me, nobody else.

Look, I haven't spoken about you to anybody.

I don't believe you.

Whether you did or you didn't, you know too much about me.

Perhaps I do. At least I know it's time you grew up

and stop nursing that pet phobia of yours, you pathological hero!

So long, baby.

Wakey, wakey!

Off the down, you lads, rise and shine!

Draw your winter kit from the quartermaster's stores.

We leave in one hour from now.

Stand by your beds, turn out the contents of your pockets.

Got to be particular what the Jerries find on you

if you're taken prisoner or find you dead. Questions?

Yes, sir. It's Sunday to... Well?

Well, I had my plans.

So has the Army. They usually win in cases like this, especially tonight.

Let's have a look, what have you got?

Nice little crate you have. Fine, fine. These your children?

Yes, Sir. Fine looking boys, they seem.

Thank you, Sir.

Would your Lordship like a nice cup of tea

brought to him in bed this morning?

Move yourself, son.

Next man. Are you going to stay in bed all day too?

Hey, did you hear what he said?

He called you "Son".

What do you want me to call him?

Daddy?

Cut the comedy and give me a chute.

Well, I've got a spot of news for you.

Three hours ago, we began the invasion of North Africa.

The first Army has already landed successfully near Algiers

and is moving east towards Tunis.

Sergeant Major. Sir.

Now, our particular objective

is the airfield here.

So it looks as though we'll not need our snow gear.

We refuel at Gibraltar,

and leapfrog 350 miles ahead of the Army to take this airfield

and destroy it before the Jerries can get there.

They want it as badly as we do.

They're probably rushing reinforcements there now.

So this is a race that we cannot afford to lose.

Get those chutes clear. Right, Sir. Come on, my stick.

Come, Sergeant Major.

Boys, get going. Get the stuff out of here.

Form a chain.

Who's aircraft is this? Mine. Worst luck.

It's a write-off. Your boys will have to wait for the next lift.

That may not be for days. Sir?

Sorry, old boy.

Yes, Jimmy?

They want us to enplane, sir. Get them cracking.

Sergeant Major, get them aboard. Bad luck.

Battalion, enplane!

Nothing for it, children.

Turn in your chutes.

How about it, sir?

Not a chance. Forget it.

Hey, you're both under close arrest.

Heaven help me, so am I. Come on, let's go.

Come on!

Holy cats, look at those crazy beefeaters.

You're asking for a court martial. Yes, sir. We're very sorry, sir.

I ought to throw you all off the plane.

Wait till we're over that airfield.

Shut that blasted door or we'll never get airborne.

Message for you, Sir.

Stand by for the red light.

Green light on! Go!

All right, get these prisoners away.

Get this ready for demolition.

Rendezvous at the end of the airstrip.

Yes, Sir.

You two sappers. Over here.

Get your charges out. We're going to blow all this stuff up.

If you can delay till the very last minute, till the Jerries get here,

it'll give us just that much longer.

We'll have a go, Sir, don't you worry.

Sergeant Major!

Sir? Ready to move.

Fall in, in the rear. Fall in.

Advance.

Get down!

Looking for us?

They're setting up a road block.

If we can get them across this road it'll be all right.

Run for it. Make smoke.

Sergeant Major, let me help you. I'm all right. Get me off the road.

Medic. Look after him.

Freeze!

Freeze!

You're right in the middle of a minefield.

Did you get that? A minefield.

Stay just where you are.

Don't move your feet.

Get a knife or a bayonet and start probing around you.

Halt!

Englishmen.

You out there in the minefield.

Keep the smoke going, boys.

This is your last chance to surrender.

No escape is possible.

Fire three shots and we will come for you.

Otherwise, in exactly three minutes

we open up with mortars and machine guns.

Three minutes.

Poletski's found a German container, Sir.

McKendrick, go and help, there might be some medical supplies in it.

Yes, Sir.

Anything I can do to help? No, Sir, I think I can manage.

How is that container?

It's coming, Sir.

Some Schmeissers and a funny looking gadget.

Faust patrone.

If that was a cup of tea now it would be some use.

Two minutes.

Englishmen, why are you so stubborn?

Shall I tell him there's a stubborn Yank here too, McKendrick?

Look, Sir, this is a rocket-type bazooka.

I think we can make a pathway...

Fire this on the ground...

And exploded the mines... Yes. What do you think?

It might work.

We'd have to supplement the bazooka with grenades.

One minute.

It's worth trying.

I can't move fast with this leg,

but I'll give you covering fire from here. Go out and try.

Fifty seconds.

I repeat.

No escape is possible.

This is your last chance to surrender.

What are you waiting for? Forty seconds.

You had to face it some time, it was in the cards from the beginning.

I told you before you've got to grow up some day.

What if it won't work?

What if these men get?

When are you going to stop running away from that?

Thirty seconds.

Maybe you're right, Sir.

Over to that shell hole over there.

I need ammunition for this bazooka.

Twenty seconds.

Are you still with us?

Good.

I've sent McKendrick out to try and blast a path through the minefield.

Ten seconds. In sections.

See if you can knock out that armoured car.

Then have a go at the mortar.

Yes, Sir.

Fire.

Try and get that mortar, I'll cover you from here.

You're the expert. But you pick out the targets.

Try for that rock.

Keep your heads down.

Down.

Fire.

It works.

More to your left.

All right.

Down.

Fire.

Keep your heads down.

Let's try here.

Ready?

Got it.

Down. Fire.

We've made it.

We've made it. You were right, it did work.

You go on ahead, I'm going back.

Sergeant Major.

We're going to get out of here.

Sir, Sir.

Don't try to move.

Take it easy.

Take it easy.

Come on, Sir, the way is clear.

Can we move him?

Do you hear them, Sir?

Do you hear them, the pipes?

Do you hear them, Sir.

We'll be all right.

We'll be all right.

I'm sorry for the man who hears the pipes...

...and who is nay...

Listen.

Listen.

They're coming.

Like you said.

They're coming.

Listen! Listen!

LISTEN!

You don't need to shout.

Nobody does.

I've been saving this till the proper time.

Your application for transfer to the US Airborne, endorsed.

Your application for transfer to the US Airborne, endorsed.

I've been wondering how long.

I should think about that commission.

I will, Sir.

Give me a hand down, will you?

Yes, Sir.

All right, fellows, ready to move?

Sergeant Majors? Yes, Sir.

Sorry for the man who hears the pipes...

...and wasn't born in Scotland.

Come on.