Original subtitles

[gunshot]

[thud]

[gunshots]

[screaming]

[gunshots]

[gunshots continue]

[blast]

Okay, you guys, the Yanks are here.

(male #1) 'Don't go! It's a Jap trick!'

Come on! You've been here three years!

Head for the main gate.

Yanks!

Take him.

Come on, guys!

(male #2) 'Come on, fellas, get to the main gate.'

Get to the main gate, boys. Come on.

Come on, boys.

Hurry up. Come on, fellas. The main gate.

Come on, the main gate.

Get to the main gate. Come on, right this way.

Come on, boys. Get to the main gate.

Get to the main gate, fellas. Hurry up.

[indistinct]

Come on, men. Hurry it up.

Keep moving, men. Hurry it up. Come on.

Hurry it up. Come on.

We'll send a man back as soon as we're in the clear.

Okay, captain. We'll take care of them for you.

Come on, give that man a hand, will you?

[distant chattering]

[chattering continues]

(male #3) 'Banzai!'

(male #3) Banzai!

-'Banzai!' - 'Banzai!'

Banzai!

- Banzai! - 'Banzai!'

(male #3) 'Banzai!'

[gunshots]

Well, that's the first round.

They'll be back.

[engine revving]

[blast]

- Captain. - Yeah.

It's all clear. You can withdraw now.

- Good. Jack! - Yes, sir?

We're pulling out.

Come on.

[blast]

* California, here I come *

* Right back where I started from *

* Where bowers of flowers bloom in the sun *

(male narrator) The men you are about to see are actual survivors

of three terrible years in the Jap prison camp

at Cabanatuan.

(woman on radio) 'For two weeks, Filipino troops'

'have held their front in Bataan without relief.'

'And for ten days and ten nights'

'they have been withstanding the unceasing attacks'

'of General Homma's 200,000 men.'

Don't we know it.

'Why do you fight? This is not your war.'

'America brought you into it.'

'For every American who dies in Bataan'

'seven Filipinos shed their blood.'

'Americahas abandoned you.'

General, what do you think our chances are that..

That help is on its way? Nothing we can bet on.

'What good is liberty to the dead?'

'Filipinos'

why do you fight?

Look toward the sea.

Your liberators come

to restore your homes and your loved ones.

'Filipinos, look toward the sea.'

Scotty.

Any word of a concentration on our left?

No, sir. Nothing to indicate one.

But we have time for aerial reconnaissance before dark.

Yes, we got time alright, but no air corps.

It burned out a bearing.

- Get Colonel Madden. - Yes, sir.

(woman on radio) 'Filipinos, why are you rotting in foxholes?'

'You have no arms.'

'You're dying by the thousands of malaria.'

'Your homes are being destroyed.'

Colonel Madden. Headquarters on the phone.

'Spare your homeland.'

Colonel Madden speaking.

They're attacking about every hour, sir...as usual.

Joe, something may be pulled against your end of the line.

Put that company of Philippine scouts on alert

but don't commit them to action

unless the situation becomes desperate.

- 'Well, what's up, sir?' - I wish I knew, Joe.

- Where's Captain Bonifacio? - He went to the cliffs, sir.

- Colonel, sir. - Yes.

That woman on the radio, she was his sweetheart, sir.

I know.

- Roberts. - Yes, sir.

I'm going up the cliffs. I'll be gone ten minutes.

- Take over. - Yes, sir.

- Hello, Andres. - Oh.

Hi.

- Just passing by, I suppose. - No, I want to talk to you.

Oh, won't you make yourself at home?

Cigarette?

Thanks.

I'm sorry, I can't offer you anything better

than these crude native cigarettes.

That's alright.

I've been smoking them for years.

- Find them to my taste. - Good.

You'll forgive me if I don't pour you a martini. You see--

- Stop acting like a schoolboy. - What do you mean schoolboy?

Only a schoolboy would expose his men

like you did this morning.

I know it's tough when the woman you love goes over to the enemy.

- But you can't let her-- - That's none of your business.

That's right. But risking these men's lives is my business.

Keep it up and you'll have the whole company wiped out.

This is a dirty war we're fighting.

- We gotta fight it right. - What do you want me to do?

Act like a soldier.

Remember, you're in command of a company of men.

You've got the responsibility of their lives in your hands.

What is it, Bernessa?

Major McKinley third battalion reports

Japs are making mass attack, sir.

Get back to your company. Hold them on the alert.

And don't do anything until you get orders, understand?

Yes, sir.

By the way, for this morning's action

I'm recommending you for the DSC.

- Colonel, sir. - Yes, Bernessa?

Captain Bonifacio, how is it with him, sir?

Okay. We'll have to keep an eye on him.

Yes, sir.

[airplane approaching]

[gunshots]

Get McKinley on a wire.

[explosion]

How much ammunition do they think we've got?

(McKinley) 'Major McKinley speaking.'

Madden speaking.

What are you guys celebrating down there, New Year's?

That's real ammunition you're shooting.

'That's real Japs we're shooting at, sir.'

At this rate, you'll use up our nine-day supply in two hours.

'They're not coming at the usual rate. They're coming in waves.'

McKinley, there aren't that many Japs.

'Sir, I suggest you come down and see for yourself.'

[click]

[explosion]

- Take over, Roberts. - Yes, sir.

I am going to see for myself.

[explosion]

[blasts]

[gunshots]

See what I mean, sir?

[gunshots]

[blasts]

They're actually bridging that barbed wire with their bodies.

A bridge of dead.

- Are you alright, sir? - I'm alright.

Didn't know there were that many Japs.

- Where's McKinley? - Second one got him, sir.

[blast]

Let's get out of here!

[insects chirping]

- How goes it, Felipe? - Okay, colonel, sir.

(woman on loudspeaker) 'Filipinos.'

'This is your countrywoman, Dalisay Delgado'

'speaking to you.'

'I speak to you from my heart.'

'Must America have the last drop of your blood?'

'Lay down your guns.'

'The empire of Japan is waiting to welcome you in a Japanese--'

- Take it easy! - But--

We haven't got ammunition to waste on loudspeakers.

Get down.

'Peace, prosperity and freedom await you'

'as soon asthis war ends.'

'You must not fight.'

'The odds are against you.'

'The Japanese have more men than..'

- Hello, Carlito. - Hello, colonel.

- How's the army? - Okay, colonel, sir.

Take good care of it. I'm keeping an eye on your guitar.

Thank you, sir.

'Filipinos, there is no honor in this fight.'

What do they call the DSC you're getting for today's action?

I'll trade that medal for one shot at the loudspeaker.

No deal. Can't always do what we like.

I got orders to report to Corregidor.

- What for? - I don't know.

I'm to turn over my command to Colonel Roberts.

- Can I go with you? - We lost McKinley today.

You'll take over his battalion.

[blast]

'We must work with them.'

'We must show that we're worthy of their help.'

'We must stop this senseless war once..'

[blasts]

Hi, colonel.

- Did the chow get here? - Yes, sir, colonel.

Good.

Andres

I, uh...I know every man in this outfit by his first name.

I've known them since they were kids.

Don't worry about them, colonel.

'You have your lives and your honor.'

'Lay down your arms.'

[gunshots]

[announcement stops]

Colonel Madden reporting, sir.

Colonel.

Hello, Joe.

Hello, Skinny. It's good to see you.

- Have a seat. - Thank you.

We're going to make fast talk.

Where's, uh, General MacArthur?

How are things going at your end of the line, Joe?

We could use a little more food.

We're running out of horses and mules, but we'll get by.

Sure, you will.

[blast]

American.

The last.

[blasts]

You're building me up for something, Skinny.

Let's have it.

- You're going out, Joe. - Where?

To organize general guerrilla resistance.

And leave my scouts?

You can't do that to me, Skinny. I've spent most of my life--

Joe, the President just ordered General MacArthur to Australia.

Oh.

[blasts]

Well, then I guess I can leave the scouts.

I don't have to tell you

what the boys of Bataan have gone through.

They've been bothered especially with planes.

They've pinned us down until we're helpless.

We've been combing them out of our hair. We're..

Anything you can do to relieve the pressure, Joe.

We'll do the best we can.

- Haven't got much time. - What about men?

Well, you'll have to take potluck.

There are a few men in the hills already scattering of scouts

and Philippine troops that have been cut off

ROTC boys we couldn't equip and a few civilians.

Here's a map reference to a small group

near the town of Balintawak.

You'll leave by PT boat at midnight.

That doesn't give me time to get back to my men, does it?

- No, it doesn't. - I have my sergeant with me--

Sure. Take him along.

And, uh...one thing more.

You'll have a source of information

you have to guard at all costs.

It covers over Radio Manila.

Radio Manila?

Yes, it's the girl Dalisay Delgado.

Oh, yes, I know the stuff she's broadcast is poison

but it would've gone on the air anyhow.

She's doing more harm than the Jap guns.

Harm?

It was a tip from her

that kept your reserve company of scouts out of action

that saved the whole front.

Last night, she warned us about Yamashita's arrival.

Well, that'll be good news to...to a friend of hers.

Uh, Joe.

Nobody knows anything about this except you and me

now that General MacArthur's gone.

- It'll have to stop there. - Yes, sir.

The way to make contact with her is set out in your orders.

It's vital that the guerrilla movement

be organized in case..

You won't have any trouble. They're a great people.

They are, sir.

- So long. - So long, Skinny.

Be seeing you.

To His Excellency, General Homma

soon to be conqueror of Bataan.

Thank you.

If the Chief of Intelligence

can spare his beautiful companion for a moment

I will talk with her.

I have heard you on the radio, Miss Delgado.

I am deeply impressed by your good sense.

Thank you, Your Excellency.

You may be the instrument

of sparing your people much unpleasantness.

I have worked hard for that end.

You must continue.

The liberation of the entire Philippines

is now merely a matter of days.

Let us hope so.

In all confidence, Miss Delgado

we Japanese look upon you Filipinos

as nephews and nieces.

You have been out of our East Asia family for too long.

'We are waiting to embrace you'

'to welcome you back into the fold'

'providing you behave yourselves.'

We shall be very good, Your Excellency.

I'm certain you will.

But remember, we are kindly

but not indulgent.

We shall not hesitate

to spank the unruly ones.

Thank you, Miss Delgado.

[birds chirping]

The third or American period of occupation

began with the Battle of Manila Bay

and will be terminated

by a grant of independence, July 4, 1946.

'These are the main phases of our history.'

'What, then, was Spain's contribution'

'to the Philippines?'

'Maria?'

The Spanish brought us the holy faith

the Blessed Virgin, and the saints.

Quite right, Maria.

The Spaniards brought us Christianity.

And now, what would you say America gave the Philippines?

- Soda pop. - Hot dogs.

- Movies. - Radio.

Baseball.

Perhaps the first of my pupils

has a better answer.

Señor Bello.

America told us that men are free

or they are nothing.

Since then, we have walked with high heads among all men.

Thank you, Señor Bello.

But at first, the Filipinos did not feel that way.

They resisted the American occupation.

And then what happened? Theresa?

- We were beaten. - We were not.

Americans cannot beat Filipinos.

My brother Ramon licked every American in the USA

at a 118 pounds.

Facts, Maximo. We must stick to facts.

I seem to recall

that Ramone lost his fight for the championship.

We was robbed.

Perhaps I should ask you about a Filipino who was not beaten.

What were the last words of General Del Pillar

to those who left him behind?

I..

I am..

(Bello) 'I am surrounded by fearful odds'

that will overcome me and my gallant men.

But I am well pleased with the thought

that I die fighting for my beloved country.

Go you into the hills

and defend it to the death.

[cheering]

[silence]

[birds chirping]

Is, uh...this everybody?

Yes, sir.

[speaking Tagalog]

I was told I'd find some Philippine scouts among you.

Corporal Cruz, 26th Cavalry

Philippine scouts, reporting, sir.

Good, Corporal. Anyone else?

- Where are you men from? - Mostly from Balintawak, sir.

Ever handle guns?

Just bolos, eh?

Our fathers used them well, sir.

How well I know.

I guess you understand we're taking on a job

that would be tough for trained men.

We're gonna blow up a gasoline dump

on a Japanese airfield 50 miles the other side of Balintawak.

There will be four to five hundred Japs on the field.

How many?

(Joe) 'Four or five hundred.'

Four or five hund..

A mere trifle, like we say.

We'll start tonight after dark

that oughta put us at the airfield by dark tomorrow night.

Between now and sundown

Sergeant Bernessa will give you instructions.

Listen to him carefully and do exactly as he says.

Take over, Sergeant.

Yes, sir.

Things look rough, huh?

A little rough.

In that case, smell this stew.

Go ahead. Smell it.

Ever smell anything better than that in your life?

Never.

In that case, taste it.

Why, it's a masterpiece, Bindle.

You taste there the fruits of two days panhandling

all of which goes to prove that nothing is wasted.

People could look at me and say, "Bindle Jackson, hobo."

But without 20 years experience on the road

could I make up a mulligan like that?

Never.

If I could only shoot.

Colonel

strictly from a point of view of scientific curiosity

what would you say our chances are?

Of blowing up the dump or getting back?

Well, uh, both, especially the latter.

Fair.

Fair. You wouldn't say good?

Not if you want me to tell you what I think.

Very interesting, isn't it?

Not, come to think about it

that I have any seriously pressing engagements.

Colonel, did you have a good life?

Fine life, Bindle.

Especially here on the islands. And you?

Oh, I can't complain.

You know, that's the worst part about war.

You meet somebody, you get to know them

wham, you never see them again.

You see something, but you never know how it ends.

Be, uh, nice to know right now

how all this is going to end, wouldn't it?

It certainly would.

You will bow to the Japanese officer

as representative of His Imperial Majesty!

Lower!

Fellow Orientals

the hand of His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor

has put an end to your domination

by an exploiting and arrogant American race.

It will next put an end to a system of education

designed to impress upon you a sense of inferiority.

Señor Bello.

Step forward, please.

As principal of this school, you will haul down the flag.

Señor Bello

unless you haul down the flag, you will hang in its place.

[dramatic music]

[thud]

You contempt..

For the last time, Señor Bello--

Señor Bello, haul down the flag.

I speak to you in the name of every man, woman, and child

in the United States.

[praying in Latin]

[dramatic music]

- Alright, Bernessa. - Yes, sir.

- Let's get under way. - Yes, sir.

[drum beats]

Break it up.

[drum beats continue]

(female #1) 'He was so little'

not a healthy child.

He hated Americans because his father

had fought with Rinaldo.

It is Miss Barnes.

(Miss Barnes) 'I gave him an apple.'

It was the first he'd ever seen.

And then we became friends.

Oh.

Here, lady, you'd better sit down.

No.

Ah.

(Joe) 'What happened?'

(Maximo) 'The Japs came into Balintawak"

He was not a brave man.

He was too terrified even to speak.

But when they ordered him to haul down our flag

he could only shake his head.

And then they hanged him

in the schoolyard

in the presence of his pupils.

It was a bad thing to look at.

I am Miss Barnes, schoolteacher.

Who are you and what is your rank?

- Colonel Madden, ma'am. - Colonel, is it?

Then I'm sure you'll know what must be done.

'When you attack the village'

'attend especially to the Japanese Captain.'

'It was he who gave the order.'

We're not attacking the village, Miss Barnes.

You're an American, are you not?

It was your flag he refused to lower, not his.

Village isn't much out of our way, colonel.

Our only chance at getting that gasoline dump is by surprise.

Yes, but--

Attacking that village puts the whole countryside on alert.

I'm thinking of 70,000 men on Bataan.

How do you fellas feel about it?

(male #4) We think you're right, sir.

Are you proposing, sir, to leave this crime unavenged?

We fight for the Philippines, not for revenge.

- Bernessa? - Yes, sir.

- We're moving out immediately. - Yes, sir.

Now, you stay here with Miss Barnes.

You'll find food and blankets in the lean-to.

Take good care of her till we get back.

Take care of her, indeed.

You think I'd stay here for a moment?

You can't go back to the village.

And furthermore, young man, I am not accustomed

to being ordered about by every young popinjay in uniform.

- The men are ready, sir. - Goodbye, Miss Barnes.

Colonel.

You really are not returning to the village?

Really not.

Then I shall give you Buenaventura Bello's epitaph.

Someday you may come back into the village of Balintawak again

and put it over his grave.

"The place matters not.

"Cypress or laurel or lily white

'"scaffold or open plain'

'combat or martyrdom's plight."

'Those words were written by Jose Risaldo'

'the Philippines' greatest hero'

'on the night before he was executed by the Spaniards.'

Remember those words. Carry them in your heart.

'So that wherever men fight for freedom, it may be said.'

"Here lies Buenaventura Bello.

Schoolteacher of Balintawak."

- Colonel. - Yes.

What are our chances now?

- Good. - Funny thing. So would I.

[birds chirping]

Hold it up.

There's Mount Maravelas ahead.

We ought to be two hours from the airfield.

We better split up. Check your watch.

Bernessa, that is Mount Maravelas, isn't it?

Yes, sir.

We should hear gunfire from Bataan.

Yes, sir.

- Cruz! - Yes, sir.

Hold this group here. Keep 'em under cover.

Bring along four men. We'll take a look-see.

[distant gunfire]

[distant shouting]

[shouting continues]

Scouts.

[screaming]

[indistinct chattering]

Give me a hand.

- Bernessa. - Yes, sir.

Post some guards.

[speaking Tagalog]

- What happened? - Bataan has fallen.

[indistinct chattering]

Seventy thousand men. How could it happen?

- We're beaten. - The Japs have beaten us.

Hunger and sickness beat us, not the Japs.

Why didn't America send food and medicine?

'Why didn't America help"

Maybe you can still get away. There is no more army here.

Now, the fighting will be done in Australia, sir.

Maybe there will be fighting here.

Maybe the people will want to fight.

Sure. The people will fight.

Against thousands of Japs? After they've beaten our armies.

We've fought that way before. We've never been conquered.

With bolos against machine guns?

If schoolteacher can die for the American flag.

We can fight for the Philippines.

We must have a hope. We cannot die for nothing.

You remember the name, Andres Bonifacio?

Every Filipino does.

If he sent a call, would people answer?

- Bonifacio's dead. - But his grandson is alive.

Among those prisoners.

[speaking Tagalog]

Maybe we'll be able to find him, sir.

[distant shouting]

[dramatic music]

[drumbeats]

[drumbeats continues]

That's for you, captain.

- Alright, set him down. - Don't set him down.

Take him into the lean-to. Put him down carefully.

He's a very sick man.

[speaking Tagalog]

Which one of you calls himself the cook?

'Me.'

I want hot water and clear broth.

Do you make broths? Don't pretend if you don't.

- Well, I-- - Good. Hurry off.

Maximo, get these men some water. They're thirsty.

Yes, ma'am.

Cook!

Cook, that's a petticoat you're gaping at.

- You've seen one before. - Yes. But not lately.

Hurry with the broth.

Who is he?

He's the grandson of Andres Bonifacio.

No wonder you carried him so carefully.

Those men are waiting for you.

- Where you from? - From the north. Lingayen.

- I've come to fight. - We come from Batangas.

- We've come to fight too. - Good.

Plenty of fighting to be done. You bring any news?

They say the Japs have taken Bataan.

I know. How about Corregidor?

They don't say about Corregidor.

You can do most good if you return

and tell everyone the war hasn't ended yet.

Now, the people must fight. We need men.

We have no arms.

- Where did you get this? - Killed a Jap.

Kill more Japs and get more guns.

When you have men in arms, send your leaders to me.

You'll know where we are. Good luck.

- Thank you. - Be careful.

We'll drive all the Japs out.

'We'll chase them out of Balintawak.'

(Madden) 'Sure you will, Maximo.'

Maximo, hurry to the village. Try to find some eggs.

Don't forget those papers. Hurry now.

You know what this will mean for the people?

Reprisals and terror.

It's always been an all-out war.

Now there's no pretense about it.

You can't inflict this on them. They've suffered too much.

I'm...making arrangements for you to leave the island.

You can't ask me to leave. My children are here, my work.

Know what they do to Guerrillas?

If Filipino women can endure it, I can.

- 'No. I'm afraid--' - Besides..

You need someone to nurse him.

'At least until he's better.'

We'll see.

Oh, uh..

Miss Barnes...you spoke of an epitaph for Señor Bello.

- Yes, I did. - Get it ready.

We're going into Balintawak tonight.

[door opens]

(Madden) 'Colonel Roberts?'

(Andres) 'Last time I saw him he was still alive.'

How about Alfonso?

He was in pretty bad shape.

He was still going.

There was a rumor about taking our entire outfit

to the same prison camp.

- You haven't eaten a thing. - Sorry, ma'am. I'm not hungry.

You can't get your strength back if you don't eat something.

Here's some real chicken broth. If you knew the trouble--

Sorry, ma'am.

I don't know what I'm going to do with him.

- 'Have you seen Maximo?' - He hasn't come back yet.

Well, I can't imagine what's happened to him.

And Jose Lopez and Tomas Rinaldo?

They left for Balintawak yesterday.

And they haven't come back yet.

He just won't eat. I don't understand it.

He's been through a pretty rough experience.

Yes, but his pulse is normal. His eyes are clear.

- What is his trouble? - Among other things, a woman.

A woman. This certainly isn't the time for that sort of thing.

He's gotta get her out of his mind.

Sometimes it isn't that easy.

(Bindle) 'We spend the winter in Palm Beach.'

- Doing what? - 'Oh, taking it easy.'

- Have you seen Maximo? - No, ma'am.

Or Jose Lopez? Or Tomas Rinaldo?

No, ma'am.

- Let's see. Now, where were we? - Taking it easy.

In Palm Beach, Florida, USA.

Ah, yes. So we spend the winter in Florida.

Then we hop a train, a streamliner, mind you.

- Nothing but the best for us. - We still don't buy tickets?

Who buys tickets?

'We hop off at New York for the opening ball game.'

- 'Crash a few shows.' - Say, Joe.

- Yes, Joe. - When do we work?

Never.

I sure I'm going to like the USA.

Say, where you been? Pickle puss has been looking for you.

Oh, okay.

'I know a place in New York that makes hot dogs a foot long.'

- 'A whole foot long?' - With relish and mustard?

- 'The works.' - Mm.

Maybe you're wondering how we get money to buy hot dogs.

There's ways and means of getting money without working.

- Strictly legal, mind you. - Where have you been?

The idea of a grown man talking like that before these boys.

- What have you there? - A radio.

Radio?

Hey!

[speaking Tagalog]

Say, colonel, look. A radio!

Where did you pick it up, in Balintawak?

No. I stole it from the Japs.

(woman on radio) 'Every man, woman, and child'

'in the district will be wiped out.'

'Filipinos, do not resist.'

'For every Japanese life, we pay with 10 Filipino lives.'

'Sixty Filipinos were executed today.'

'I now read the names of those who paid with their lives'

'for the recent disorders.'

'In Balintawak, for the murder of four Japanese officers.'

'Forty Filipinos were executed"

- Forty men. - 'Tomas Rinaldo, age 28.'

'Felipe Luiz, age 16.'

'Juan Dios, age 30.'

'Pablo Quincaro, age 19.'

- 'Ramon Cuenca, age 35.' - That's my father.

They killed my father!

(Barnes) 'Maximo.'

[crying]

[crying continues]

The war hurts everybody.

Rest a while. Then we'll send you back to Balintawak.

- Your mother will need you. - But I'm coming back.

You said I could.

Sure, Maximo.

(man on radio) 'Two submarines appeared in the Gulf of Mexico'

'and sank two American vessels.'

'In Burma, British/Chinese forces continue to withdraw.'

'Last night, after six days of ceaseless cannonading'

'by the Japanese, the fortress of Corregidor in Manila Bay'

'and Forts Hughes, Drum, and Frank'

'were surrendered by general Jonathan Wainwright.'

[indistinct chattering]

The news is a little tough.

Tough?

We're licked, Joe.

Licked? When is a nation licked?

Military textbooks say a war is over

when the objectives are taken.

The United States fought your grandfather.

We found the textbooks were wrong.

Were they?

You fought the Spaniards for 300 years.

Then the American came.

And few revolutionaries called "The Catapunan"

took everything we threw at them.

Fought us to a standstill with bolos and clubs.

Now the Jap's here.

What would've happened if we hadn't fought the Spaniard?

My grandfather hadn't called out the Catapunan.

- You'd be slaves. - What are we now?

I've been doing lot of thinking these last few days, Joe.

I wondered why you saved me out of thousands of prisoners.

- You picked the wrong guy. - I picked Andres Bonifacio.

I know you did.

Now you expect him to announce that Bonifacio's back.

To arms, Filipinos! Remember the Catapunan.

Kill the Japs, even if you'll be killed 10 to 1, 20 for 1.

When there aren't any men, then women and children, uselessly.

- Uselessly? - Alone, we're helpless.

Where are all those American warships we were promised?

Where are those American guns and planes?

- Why didn't they come? - I don't know.

- Promise us they'll return. - No, I can't.

I should urge them on to more slaughter?

It's easy for you. They're not your people.

I don't mean that, Joe.

I know you're a better Filipino than I am.

Maybe you should've left me prisoner.

We've taken too much these last few months.

Sure.

A guy can only take so much. Then he loses something.

I know.

I've seen too much.

We don't know if the Americans are coming back or not.

A guy's got to have something to live for

before asking others to die.

Sure.

After a while you..

You lose something.

Andres, you feel strong enough to go to Manila?

- Getting rid of me? - Yes. You don't belong here.

I'm willing to fight.

You got to believe in what you're fighting for.

Maybe if you go to Manila

you'll find something that will change your mind. Will you go?

Sure.

I wanna get a message through. Got a contact there.

We'll get you a monk's robe.

You'll go to the chapter house of the Dominicans.

Ask for the prior. Tell him you want to hear a confession.

[soft music]

(Dalisay) To intercede for the soul of Andres Bonifacio.

Who has passed from this world.

May he be set in a region of peace and light.

Through our lord and savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

You have come from the prior?

'You have come from the prior?'

- Andres. - Dalisay?

- Is it Dalisay? - Andres, Andres.

I thought you're dead.

'Andres, they're watching us. Be careful.'

- I must look at you. - 'Don't.'

There must be some place we can talk.

'Dalisay?'

- 'You haven't gone?' - No. I'm trying to think.

There's a little park behind the church.

Wait a few moments after I go. I'll meet you there.

[leaves rustling]

Dalisay.

Darling.

We have only a few moments together and I'm crying.

You haven't changed a bit.

You're just as I remembered you a thousand times.

Can't tell you how much I wanted this moment. How I wanted to--

[match strikes]

Is there someplace we can be alone?

Where? Where?

They cast a long shadow.

I don't care. I can't leave you now that I found you.

'What good can we do now?'

Maybe the Americans will come back someday.

- I'll come back with them then. - No.

We're not waiting for anyone to come back.

We don't want freedom as a gift.

We want it as something we fought and die for.

- I'll kill him if he returns. - I've got to go now.

You're throwing away our happiness.

- Come away with me. - Are you with Madden?

Yes. We're at Balintawak.

When can I see you again? When can I come back?

Don't come back ever. Maybe I'll be able to come to you.

We must fight, Andres.

- So you came back. - Yeah. I saw Dalisay.

- Good. - You've known about her, huh?

- Yes. - Why didn't you tell me?

Ever thought I'd wanna know the woman I love wasn't a traitor?

I was under orders, orders that might affect

the safety of every American and Filipino on the island.

Don't talk to me about the Filipinos.

Mention freedom around them, they don't stop to think.

They walk empty-handed into machine guns.

But you and I, Joe, we should know better.

We should think about our chances.

You and Dalisay have gone out of your heads.

Okay, Andres, we're crazy. We and 17 million Filipinos.

- Why did you come back here? - 'Cause I'm crazy, too.

I want to keep fighting Japs.

Although I know it's mad. Don't get me wrong.

No one's gonna use my name to encourage people

to kill themselves faster than the Japs are doing it.

I'll fight until Dalisay decides to join me.

After that, we're getting out of here as fast as we can.

Alright, Andres, if that's the way you feel about it.

We'll do the best we can without you.

But just between us lunatics, I think we'll win.

[speaking Tagalog]

[speaking Tagalog]

[guns firing]

[indistinct chattering]

But what is being done?

Your Excellency, we cannot find the enemy.

We send 100 men, and they see nothing.

We send 10 men, and they don't come back.

We have set up severe reprisals, Your Excellency.

- Reprisals. - 'Your Excellency.'

Your Excellency, you must let me resign.

A dead man cannot serve the Japanese

no matter how hard you try.

Look, they came into my bedroom while I was asleep.

And they painted this on my pillow. Right next to my..

To my throat.

This is a sign of war. This is my death warrant.

You're in no danger. We'll provide sentries.

I'm the chief of police. Had four sentries all night.

You're under our protection.

Protection?

Did you protect the mayor of LaGaspy?

Or the commissioner of Moyalas or the commiss--

Six whole divisions at your disposal.

And you couldn't even protect our friends.

All you could think about was reprisals.

Send in Miss Delgado.

You have my personal guarantee of safety.

- You may go. - Thank you, Your Excellency.

They might have just as easily have slit my throat.

Miss Delgado, tell Colonel Coroki

why we have failed to win the Filipino people over.

I wasn't aware that--

The guerrillas have the complete aid

and sympathy of the people.

We're interested only in a frank answer.

There's no advantage in cooperating with the Japanese.

A man obeys all the Japanese laws.

When he's taken at random and shot

his neighbor will think, it does no good to obey.

He might as well die fighting.

You're a conquered people.

What do you expect, independence?

That's not a bad idea.

Miss Delgado, Tokyo has graciously

consented to grant full independence

to its little nephews and nieces.

'You will see the advantage of cooperating with us.'

Why, we'll hold these islands with only two divisions.

The granting of independence

must be an impressive occasion.

You will help us, Miss Delgado?

It will be a great honor, Your Excellency.

Perhaps, it would be a good idea

to hold the ceremonies at Balintawak.

It's the birthplace of Philippine independence.

An intelligent suggestion.

The arrangements will be left in Colonel Coroki's hands.

To avoid any possible interference with the ceremony

I suggest you keep the place secret.

We wish to make that a memorable occasion, colonel.

It will be a most memorable occasion, Your Excellency.

Yes.

Make it memorable, colonel. Most memorable.

You can find room for this.

Captain, everything's alright in Balintawak.

- What did you tell them? - What you told me to say.

Tell me exactly.

Told them not to do anything to tip the Japs off.

Do their business, and do what the Japs said.

And when the shooting started, scram.

You said the Japs promised independence?

- Yeah. - What did they say?

- Nothing. - Bernessa, get all the men.

- Yes, captain. - Private Cuenca?

- Yes, sir? - You accomplished your mission.

He deserves a red star.

Red star, indeed.

In his last composition he spelled liberty

with a "u" instead of an "e."

[drumbeats]

You know, colonel, it'll only take one informer

to tip this whole deal off to the Japs.

That's right.

What of it?

Oh, nothing. Just thinking out loud, I guess.

I don't know what I'm standing around for with so much to do.

I've outlined a course of study for the children.

Tell them they must keep up on their studies.

They must brush their teeth twice a day

and eat lots of greens.

I'm leaving with Colonel Madden.

- But I'm going along. - That's out of the question.

You must take charge of the children.

But he promised me. He said I could be a scout.

Yes, I did, and--

You're playing at war too much for your age. I think--

- I'm going to be a scout. - You mustn't--

If you don't mind, he's still my pupil.

Now, get that nonsense out of your head.

- I'll get the outline. - I'm not going back.

Maximo, if you insist on this stubbornness

I'm afraid I'm going to have to leave without saying goodbye.

I'm going with you.

Maximo.

Come here.

Sit down.

Miss Barnes loves you very much.

I know. I'm sorry, but I want to go.

You can't.

After tomorrow, Japs will be chasing us night and day.

We'll have to move fast.

We'll sleep in swamps, have days without food.

Sounds okay to me.

But you're much too important to risk.

You're the guy we're fighting this war for.

- I'd rather be a scout. - This thing won't last forever.

After it's over, you're going to have to build and plan.

You'll help make the Philippines a great nation.

You did promise me.

You even called me Private Cuenca.

Alright.

I'll tell you what I'll do.

I'll make you a full colonel.

Gee.

The first thing an officer has to learn

is to take orders and obey them to the letter.

Remember what Miss Barnes said?

Take charge of the kids and make them keep up in their studies.

Stay out of trouble. Got it?

Yes, sir.

Okay, colonel.

- I'll be seeing you. - Yes, sir.

(man on mic) 'In a few moments, we'll be on air.'

'In the meantime, here are the instructions'

'for those gathered in this park.'

'You are enjoined to obey strictly'

'the following regulations.'

'One, do not show any flag but the Japanese flag.'

'Two, at the appropriate times you will shout banzai, loudly.'

'And with enthusiasm, three times.'

'Three, do not make any suspicious movement.'

We are about to broadcast.

There will be a complete silence unless otherwise indicated.

People of the Philippines, we're broadcasting from Balintawak

'the birthplace of Filipino freedom.'

'Seventeen million Filipinos are gathered around their radios'

'all over the island, invited by the Japanese government.'

'Today, the seeds of Filipino and Japanese friendship bloom.'

'This day will live forever in every true Filipino.'

People of the Philippines, we now bring to you

His Imperial Highness, Prince Ito.

Banzai!

Banzai!

Banzai!

The Filipino nation will be included

in the greater east Asia cold prosperity sphere.

Therefore, by virtue of the authority

of His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor of Japan.

I hereby proclaim to the world

the full and complete independence

of the republic of the Philippines.

Banzai!

Banzai!

'There is lavish cheers obtained from the people of Balintawak.'

'His imperial highness, Prince Ito, has retired.'

'Miss Dalisay Delgado's crossing the platform'

'and will raise the first flag of the new Philippine Republic"

'The guard of honor will fire a volley'

to commemorate this historic event.

[gunshots] Take cover!

Follow me!

This is Dalisay Delgado speaking to you.

For the first time I'm able to speak the truth.

The Japanese have offered us what they call independence.

Let this be our answer.

Take cover!

'Take cover!'

Fire at the radio. Destroy it!

'Cover Bonifacio.'

Resist the Jap invader. Head for the hills.

Let's get out of here.

[gunfire]

Cease firing!

Cease firing!

Lieutenant, assemble the men, round up the civilians.

This is what we get for granting them independence.

I told home this gesture was foolish.

'This is no way to handle Filipinos.'

'I knew the girl wasn't to be trusted.'

'From now on we'll smash them before they resist.'

- Get out after them. - Where do I look?

Anywhere, but find them, especially the girl.

I want them hounded until every one is brought back to me.

Let me go. Let me go. Let me go.

Let me go.

Your Excellency, I saw this boy direct a crowd off the field.

I caught him as he was trying to run away.

Where did you get this?

Where did you get this?

Where are their headquarters?

Talk!

Where did they go?

Don't.

I'll show you.

I'll show you where they went.

Alright.

You know what I've been thinking?

Wouldn't it be nice if we were on that road up above

and had a bunch of Japs caught down here?

We could pick 'em off like ducks in a shooting gallery.

We'd murder them.

Hold it up.

Here, catch your breath.

We could come down that road

and catch the Japs like rats in a trap.

They wouldn't have a chance.

I'm alright.

[speaking Tagalog]

Come on, honey.

There they are. Stop at the head of the canyon.

I know what you're thinking.

- You do? How come? - I'm psychic.

What's that?

Take cover!

Boy, could we murder them.

Stop it! Stop it!

[screaming]

[machine gun firing]

Maximo.

Maximo.

- Maximo. - I won't tell.

I won't tell, I won't tell.

It's Miss Barnes, Maximo.

They didn't get you, did they?

No, dear, they didn't.

They took my eagle away.

- Miss Barnes. - Yes, dear?

I'm sorry I didn't say goodbye.

I'm sorry I didn't learn to spell liberty.

Dear God.

Whoever learned it so well.

Colonel Madden.

Australia has been trying to get you, sir.

- Where is your radio set up? - This way, sir.

[speaking Tagalog]

About two weeks, sir.

I think a razor, sir.

Thank you.

Bernessa, we're going on ahead.

We're gonna have to leave you, I got word from headquarters.

- We're going, aren't we? - No, we have to move fast.

Your best bet is break up into small groups

and head for this spot in northern Leyte.

American submarines have been putting in there.

- What's up, Joe? - I don't know yet.

Maybe something big.

Well, good luck.

Goodbye, colonel.

Oh, Joe.

Yes?

Good luck.

Thanks, Andres.

I'll be seeing you.

[birds chirping]

Hey!

Bernessa.

'Santo.'

- Pepe. Captain. - Bernessa, how are you?

- We had word you were coming. - Where is Colonel Madden?

Headquarters sent for him, they took him to Australia.

He'll be back soon.

There's a camp ahead, it's not very far.

Come on, let's go.

Thank you, Bernessa.

Glad to see you. I'm Captain Bonifacio.

Welcome, captain. We're glad to see you.

What are these people doing here?

They're waiting for the submarine.

There are thousands more with their families all over here.

These people look like they're starving.

Why don't you spread over the countryside?

We must stay together.

There's rumor that the action's taking place here.

You'd risk lives on a rumor?

The rumors we hear are true.

How long have you been waiting for this submarine?

- Two weeks. - Two weeks?

How much food do you think a submarine can bring

if it comes?

Not much food, but many guns.

- Have you had any word? - Not yet.

We've been sending two men out in a boat.

They fly an American flag and wait.

Maybe a submarine will see them.

What if a Jap plane sees them?

Then we send two other men.

Why are you puzzled? Aren't you a Filipino?

Hey, whose idea was it to volunteer for this job?

Yours.

I must have been delirious for lack of food.

Well, maybe I'll dream me up a nice steak.

Dream me one, too.

How would you like it?

Medium rare.

Coming up.

Hey, submarine!

Submarine!

Hey, submarine!

'Submarine!'

'Submarine, submarine.'

[cheering]

'Andres. Andres.'

Captain Bonifacio.

- Hello, Andres. - Hey, hiya, Joe.

Hey, you look naked.

Well, you're all set.

You're going out.

I'm not leaving, Joe.

I belong here.

This is Commander Wait of the United States navy.

He has some good news for you.

'I heard so much about what you've been doing'

I finally persuaded headquarters to let me take this mission

so I could see for myself.

I don't deserve to bring you this news

but...I'm proud that I am.

Two and a half years ago, we promised the Filipino people

we'd come back.

Well, we're coming.

'On October 20, at 10:00 in the morning'

'the soldiers of the American army will land on Leyte.'

The navy will prepare the way.

Two hours before the actual landings

there will be heavy navy bombardment on all landing areas

part of my job is to get all Filipino civilians in the areas

to evacuate nine days before d-day.

That will give the Japs an idea where to expect the landings.

There's noting else we can do. We can't risk civilian lives.

There haven't been civilians here since the fall of Bataan.

It'll save American lives and help make the landing safe.

Our people will not evacuate.

(male #5) 'That's right.'

I'm sure glad you guys are on our side.

Well, that won't be necessary. Headquarters has sent me here

to help you do a job that's more important, if we can do it.

'The moment naval bombardment begins'

'the Japs will know the exact locations of our landings.'

'They'll immediately try to rush reinforcements'

'to those spots.'

The only road capable of handling heavy transport

runs through the village of Balog.

If we can block that road, and hold it

the Japs can't get through in time.

How long do we hold them?

From 8 a.m. when the bombardment begins until 11:00.

'By that time Macarthur's beachhead should be secure.'

Okay.

But the army doesn't expect to have forces

at Balog until 2:30.

Which means 6 1/2 hours

before we can figure on any help.

Okay.

- Is that all, sir? - I think so.

- You don't have much equipment. - We'll get more at Balog.

There's a Jap supply depot there.

That's nothing but open country, nothing but rice paddies around.

We know.

What this amounts to a surprise attack in broad daylight

in open country where the Japs would expect something.

That's right. It won't be easy.

I think you can report to headquarters commander

that the mission will be accomplished.

Yes, sir. Sir, do you have any idea how it's gonna be done?

Sure.

So I can tell my grandchildren, how will you do it?

Trickery, commander, sheer trickery.

As a matter of fact an old Filipino trick

that I learned the hard way

from Captain Bonifacio grandfather.

[birds chirping

- Any sign of anything? - No, Your Excellency.

Have you checked the undergrowth over there?

Yes, Your Excellency. Nothing suspicious.

It's very strange, civilians are evacuating this area.

- Double the sentries. - Yes, Your Excellency.

[explosions]

[gunshots]

[speaking Tagalog]

[gunshots continue]

Get down, you idiot!

Give me another clip.

[gunshots continue]

One more to go.

I'll take the first one.

- You got a grenade, Bernessa? - I'm all out, sir.

Hey, Bindle!

Yeah?

How's your pitching arm?

[gunfire]

[machine gun firing]

Come on. Let's get to work.

Japanese land mines, sir.

Andres, some land mines.

Now plant them forward so they won't mess up our tank traps.

Put Santos in charge of TNT for the bridge.

- Santos, come on. - 'Yes, sir.'

- Bernessa. - Yes, sir.

Get about 20 men. We'll pick out some defense positions.

Yes, sir.

What do you got here?

Nothing big enough to stop a tank, colonel.

'Miss Barnes.'

They're bringing back the books they hid

while the Japs were here.

[bell tolls]

And our boys are landing now.

[cannon fire]

[explosions]

[birds chirping]

[explosion]

[gunfire continues]

This is it.

[machine gun firing]

Fire at the parapet.

Captain Jackson reporting, sir. Ready to take over.

- They're all yours. - Yes, sir.

Hey.

You're three minutes late.

Andres.

I brought you something.

Free Filipino soil.

You better get this arm bandaged.

There's still lots to do.

And there's plenty more where that came from.

(narrator) The blood, sweat, and tears have not been in vain.

Freedom is on the march again.