Original subtitles

Sergeant Saunders and I have been called back to Division for a debriefing.

All platoon orders stand so get some rest.

Thank you Sir.

Saunders.

Sergeant.

Move over. I'll drive.

Hey sarge.

I hear there's a Limey hospital near Division.

Bring back a couple of nurses will you.

And no male nurses.

(speaking German)

Halt.

Queens pawn.

Resign.

OK Lieutenant. You can park anywhere inside.

You know where we can get a decent meal and a couple of drinks around here.

The Cave, right down the street.

You wanna go.

A bed. Sleep in a soft bed is all I want.

Third building on your right. Ask for Sergeant Elwood. He'll fix you up.

Thanks.

And don't wake me up unless it's absolutely necessary.

(woman laughing and talking french)

(man at table)You gonna keep playing the same thing over and over again.

(Bar tender talking in french)

Je nais parle... Do you have anything to eat?

Pardon?

To eat!

No, I don't want any wine. I...

(woman nearby laughs)

I'm afraid you need a little help, Lieutenant.

Thanks, before I starve to death.

(Woman talks in french to bartender)

What would you like.

What have they got.

Bread and cheese only, I'm afraid.

I'll have some of both.

Have some wine too Amy is really proud of it.

You'll get more bread and cheese if you do.

You're the doctor.

Nurse.

Yes. Aus cie de van, s'il vous plais.

Bien Madam. Pain, fromage et vin.

2 glasses, ah, deux.

No thanks I'm waiting for someone.

Sorry.

Oh. Well, thanks for helping nurse.

You're welcome Lieutenant

Fromage, est la vin de maison de rouge.

Nurse. What do I do now.

Not if the food go wisely.

Wisely? I'm only a second Lieutenant.

No no, Nothing for me.

If you don't he'll take back the cheese and bread.

Alright.

No. Don't tell me. Here's to our wives and sweethearts. May they never meet.

No, I was trying to remember one that a Swedish fella in my platoon taught me.

Mein skol, a la volka fleka skol.

Which means?

Here's to me. And here's to all the pretty girls.

That's very nice, isn't it.

David.

Oh, how are you David.

Fine. just, just fine. Thank you.

I've been waiting for you.

Aren't you going to introduce us.

We just met a few minutes ago. I, I don't even know the Lieutenant's name.

That's odd.

Every yank I ever heard of told a girl his name, where he came from, and how fast he was going to win this war for us all in the first 20 seconds.

Oh David, please.

I don't speak french and the lady was kind enough to help me order from the proprietor.

Now why don't we just let it go at that.

(Air raid sirens are heard)

Vite, Vite.

Alright Everybody off the street.

Don't worry, I'm right behind you.

David, are you just going to stand there.

Let's go.

Why.

That wine cellar's no bomb shelter. A hit up here will be just as bad down there.

What about a near miss up here you could be hit by glass or flying debris.

Then go below, both of you.

Oh David, come on.

Come on,Let's go.

(only noise is a record scratching)

(Airplanes can be heard approaching)

(a bomb whistles and explodes nearby)

(Woman in french, soldier replies "sure baby")

(Another bomb explodes)

la chance, ils ne savent rien de la guerre , n'ont-ils pas.

They don't sound too close.

Bite your tongue.

What's with your Lieutenant. Doesn't he know about bombs.

Yes, he knows about them. He knows too much about bombs.

I keep forgetting the English have had this war a little longer than we have.

It's only been 5 years, but it seems as if we've always been at war.

How long you been at this.

I went into training in...1941.

And the Lieutenant?

He's been at it since the beginning, without rest.

I think he needs one, or was he born with that chip on his shoulder.

Oh, it's a long story.

(bomb whistling, loud explosion)

I think we may have a little time. Want to tell it.

He wasn't like this before.. before Tony was killed.

Who's Tony?

His chum.

They were in the same outfit together.

Tony was killed six months ago.

A week later David walked out on me. Haven't seen him since.

How did you meet tonite.

Ran into a chap who knows him.

Asked him to tell David I was stationed at the hospital here.

By the way, I'm Lieutenant Hanley.

Anne Farel, how do you do.

How do you do.

(another bomb explodes nearby)

(air raid siren sounds again to end warning)

Goodbye Anne. It was nice to have met you.

Goodbye Lieutenant. you're a good listener.

Everything went alright down there.

Everything.

There were 150 injured. and I took care of them all.

Would you like a whiskey.

I'd adore one.

Say corporal.

Yes, pops.

Any idea where I can get a meat and potatoes dinner around here.

Sure, and a carton of cigarettes. No 4 Rudaberry, right down the street from Division.

That I share is done ladyish.

Just as well. Remember me and a third drink. I recite poetry.

Limericks as I recall it.

You're not supposed to recall.

Not those.

It is good to see you again.

Anne, you been in his village for a while Where can I get some more whiskey.

I don't think you can. I'm told even the Americans stopped trying.

I'm sure that's impossible.

David why are you so peevish about the Americans.

They talk big for one thing.

And they die big.

Poetry.

I don't really think you hate the Americans at all. I think you're just bitter. You've got the taste of ashes in your mouth.

What do you expect Dr. Freud.

Don't leave me.

Not like the last time.

Did I.

I guess I did.

Excuse me for that darling.

Why did you walk out on me.

Cause I didn't want to marry you.

Who said you had to.

Your voice...your eyes...your look.

Every kiss..every caress.. every whisper in the dark.

And what were you saying to me.

Ah, I was young, impetuous and in love.

I suspect I was saying the same things but that was ages ago.

Last winter.

Well then darling.

It isn't the same thing.

How much time do you think I have left now, how much now.

All you want.

You're long-overdue for leave Why don't you take one Because Tony's dead.

No.

Because 105 Tony's are dead.

Because I'm the only man in our original group that's still alive In one piece.

Then why don't they let you do something else.

In your line the other calm officers are dead ones and nothing in between.

You're drawn taut as a bow.

Don't you think I don't know it.

That's why I'm here in Lore.

I'm on my way back to London.

Dear David. Why didn't you say so.

Because it doesn't change a thing.

I'll be back taut as a bow in a month.

Is that what you came to tell me tonight.

Yes...Stop waiting.

There's nothing to wait for. Not a thing in the world.

(air raid siren goes off again)

Go on.

Not without you.

Anne, Go on.

No.

(Airplanes and flak noise)

(a bomb whistles and explodes)

(another bomb whistling is heard)

(A crashing sound but no explosion)

David. David, what is it?

It sounded like an un-exploded bomb.

A dud.

I don't know.

David the bomb isn't your worry. You said yourself you're on leave.

It's a mere technicality. How many bomb disposal officers do you think there are in this area.

Major, where did the un-exploded bomb hit. In the church.

Corporal. Give me your flashlight.

What about the Americans Can't they take care of the bomb.

You know there's only a division command post. An anti-aircraft unit. Now stop worrying.

There's no reason to defuse a bomb.

In fact there's no factories no big gun emplacements around. I just explode the bomb where it sits.

Can't someone else to that.

Not as neatly.

(a door closing is heard)

All this damage and it didn't even go off.

All this did was make a little hole in the roof. The rest of the damage was made by an explosion nearby.

May I borrow your torch Major. I'm a bomb disposal officer Lieutenant David Woodman.

Sure Lieutenant.

Sorry it hit the church Father. But lucky it's a dud.

(Father replies in French) De j'amais pas ne parle Anglais.

It's not a dud It's a time bomb.

Oh, great. What can you do about it Lieutenant.

I suggest we clear the area and blow the bomb up ourselves.

And destroy the church.

I'm afraid so Padre. It has to be done.

(Priest replies in french)

I thought you fellows were trained to defuse these bombs.

Major, besides the time fuse,

there's also an anti-disturbance fuse in this bomb. Any shock, jar or vibration can set it off.

I don't think my chances will be very good.

Mon Pere C'est bomb. por detonate a tous times sonsai.

(speaking in French)

What'd he say.

He said that one life is worth more than this building. Since that one life might be mine, I'm inclined to agree.

So do I.

What do you need.

First I want this area cleared for 500 yards.

And I want all traffic going through the area stopped.

All traffic Major.

Alright.

Corporal?

You bet Sir...Right away.

I want 2 boxes of TNT 2 feet of safety fuse and some friction tape and the sooner the better major.

It's on the way.

(noises heard)

Can you move.

If you get this telegraph pole off me.

What are you doing here.

I was in the street when the 2nd raid hit. This looked like as good a place as any.

Move your legs.

AArgh..the left one, I think it's broken.

What have you got in mind Lieutenant.

I'm a bomb disposal officer.

Then why don't you get a crane and get this thing off me.

See that.

I guess I'm luckier than I think.

Not so lucky It's a time bomb.

Then let's get going.

It's also got an anti-disturbance fuse in it.

I can't bring a crane in here� to lift this beam. Or take a chance of the cross beams falling.

I can't bring 10 men in here to shore everything up, or the time fuse sets the bomb off.

And I can't explode the bomb because.

Just what can you do Lieutenant.

No jeeps, nothing past this point, got it.

Is he at the bomb now, the limey?

His girl's at the cafe. I just know there's tools there for him.

Boy I wouldn't want his job.

I don't want anyone in here didn't they tell you.

Let me help you, David. I can take care of the American. I'm a nurse, please David.

There's nothing you can do to help him except clear out of here.

Take her out of here, Major.

No, David.

NOW!

It's a time bomb remember.

Let's go, Miss.

Be so careful David.

That's the name of the game isn't it.

You got everything you need.

You got the morphine syrettes from the doctor.

Oh yeah here.

Thank you.

Good luck.

Luck's got nothing to do with it Major.

Here..the morphine will help.

It'll put me to sleep no thanks.

Don't be foolish.

Are you crazy.

Look mister, you're gonna need all the help you can get right now, morally and any other way it comes.

And I'm no good to you asleep.

What the devil help are you awake.

Well,calling me names ought to help you relax.

Your all cocky are you.

That's one. See how good it feels.

Look Lieutenant. Let's face all the facts we can.

Facts.

Such as.

The bomb You can't handle it.

You're pooped out. Run dry. Tighter than a 1000 knots inside and out.

Who told you that, Anne?

She didn't have to I can see it.

You walk, talk and think like a man who's one inch away from exploding himself.

Now why don't you play it safe Lieutenant. play it smart. Send for somebody who's in better shape.

From where London?

That bomb's not gonna wait to go off you know.

Now, just keep quiet.

Let me get to work.

A rough one, huh.

Just keep quiet.

I would if I thought it would help.

I don't need any help.

I was talking about me. I'm scared stiff

You know, sometimes it helps to keep gabbing.

Sometimes.

Do you know anything about German bombs.

How they work.

No.

This seems like a good time to learn.

Well, for one thing, the two fuses the gadgets on these two side pockets..are armed electrically.

Armed to go off on impact.

Yes.

The bomb is designed to go off on impact in the first place.

Sometimes they aren't.

Why not.

Many reasons.

The Germans call it Schrecklichkeit.

It means frightfulness.

Time bombs make people jumpy.

Either they have to stay cooped up in the shelter until the bomb goes off.

That could be days.

Or they go back to work knowing the bomb could go off at any hour.

Any minute.

Any second.

What about the fuses.

You said they were armed electrically.

Yes.

When the bomb falls away from the plane.

The heads of the fuses come in contact with charged wires.

From then on Bertha here's in business.

What's going on.

Why are you evacuating the place.

There's a time bomb in the church.

Some British bomb disposal officer is gonna try and get it apart before it goes.

Still have to move on Sarge.

Don't worry.

Say where's that place the second lieutenant went to.

The cave. That's right down the street. You can't miss it.

The Cave.

This is the anti-disturbance fuse.

It stops you from picking up the bomb.

And carting it away somewhere in the open to explode it.

How's the fuse work.

I said how does the fuse work.

It's a sensitive coil spring inserted within but not quite touching.

A larger equally sensitive coil spring.

When they vibrate enough to touch one another.

A sudden movement to the bomb.

An explosion nearby.

Even the rumble of a passing truck.

Contact is made.

The bomb goes off.

How nice.

What kept it from going off when it smashed into here.

There's a gadget in the fuse.

A resistance.

It stops the electrical charge from going through to the coil springs.

Until long after the bomb has come to rest.

Happy days.

This is the time fuse.

Under that is the withdrawal fuse.

The third fuse?

The third fuse.

Remove the time fuse above.

And you set off the anti-withdrawal fuse below it.

And the bomb.

The insurance fuse.

Yes.

Except we have a special tool to take out both the time fuse and the anti-withdrawal fuse together.

Did you bring one with you.

Yes.

Have you ever used it.

In school on a dummy bomb.

How'd you score.

Flying colors hundred percent.

There's a paper thin space

Between the bomb pocket

And the two fuses.

The idea is

To slip the cylinder into the space.

Tighten down.

Tightly.

And then slowly.

Ever so carefully..

Bring out both the fuses together.

I guess we might as well give it a whirl.

Suppose we might.

Lieutenant, my legs cricking up.

I could use a cigarette.

You think I'm a coward don't you.

No I think you think that people will call you a coward if you walk out of here.

I think you're right.

Why? I don't call an infantry man a coward because he stops charging when his gun is shot out of his hands.

That's different.

No.

He needs a gun for his kind of war. You need steady nerves for yours.

What are you trying to do.

Talk me into walking out of here.

Makes sense doesn't it.

I mean you gotta make up your mind. Do you go that way out the door or that way.

You admit it beats just standing around.

You've got to make up your mind.

One way or the other.

(Air raid sirens start up again)

(speaking French)

(planes can be heard overhead)

Would a bomb hit nearby set this one off.

Yes.

Unless the anti-disturbance fuse is out.

Well what's it going to be Lieutenant.

(water falling in the bucket makes a steady tapping noise)

(sound of planes is getting much louder)

(a falling bomb is heard whistling)

It didn't go off, did it.

No, no, I don't think so.

This the only saloon in town.

Just about.

I came up here with my platoon leader.

Sure like to find him before this whole town gets bombed out.

Lieutenant.

How about lighting that cigarette for me now.

You know you still have a time fuse to get out of that bomb.

What do you say we get with it.

What's the matter with you.

You think bomb disposal people are the only ones who get killed in this war.

Be a funny thing wouldn't it Lieutenant, If you ended up saving my life.

Not me Lieutenant I just talk about it.

Lieutenant How can I ever begin to, to uh.

That crane would be handy Lieutenant.

I'm getting a crick in my neck.

(Air raid sirens, end of danger)

Right away.

Father what are you doing here.

(french conversation)

David.

It's all right It's all over.

You don't have to worry anymore.

You look after the Lieutenant.

I'll go and see if I can find a doctor.

All right.

Anne.

Yes.

I

(French)

What'd he say.

He said he didn't understand what you were saying but David talked to you all the time and kept your spirits up.

That's right. He saved my life.

Nurse I think I could use a shot of morphine now.

Of course.

How's he doing nurse.

I'm going to get him some morphine.

Doctors on his way.

Hi Lieutenant. I didn't know it was you pinned in here.

Been all over town looking for you. You hurt bad.

I'm all right You get any sleep, Saunders.

Are you kidding. I get more rest up at the front.

Grade green from the engineers. Won't be long now Lieutenant.

Thanks, Major.

You might as well take off now Saunders.

Ah, no I couldn't do that Lieutenant.

I'm gonna stay right here until the medics come. Kinda keep an eye on things.

What you better do is try to get some rest you know.

Get some rest and sleep. That's what you need Lieutenant.

Sleep beautiful beautiful sleep.

Subtitles by Jack T