Original subtitles

Get ready!

One, two, three!

Stop!

One, two...

Where did this bunch of rats come from?

KILL ROMMEL

Crew ready! Back-up crew ready.

These are artillerymen. There were killed by shrapnel.

Just what we need.

Can you have more luck?

- Does it make you laugh? - No.

I've checked the uniforms, the documents and personal belongings.

Allright.

I made sure that the uniforms have holes on them

that correspond with the victims' wounds, Captain.

- Put them on the car. - Yes, sir!

- Are you ready, Lieutenant? - I've been ever since, Captain.

I don't know your set of rules, but you must adress me as

- ''Captain''. - I'll try..., Captain.

You'd better try!

- We're on the first line! - On an exposed outpost.

In this area you can hardly speak of a first line.

Why aren't they shooting at us?

Do you see those hills?

That's where the Germans are.

That's very far!

It's a matter of taste! To me they're always very close.

These are mines?

Yes.

Corporal, you're driving through the minefield.

Some fields are not genuinely mined.

That's right.

But what if this one was?

We know all of them.

Stop!

Binoculars!

Follow me, Lieutenant!

- We'll stay here until 2 o'clock. - What about the Germans?

They're close-by.

Where are you going?

To see the Germans.

There's no need for you to see them...,

and for them to see you.

Calm down.

You'll find time to see them. They're not that attractive.

Have a calm watch, Sergeant.

It's going to be windy Do as we did.

You're making a mistake. You'll realise it when you wake up.

The troops will move according to the plan.

That is all, General Von Thoma.

Allright, Westphal.

It's the only solution, but I don't like it.

- The lack of fuel is unnerving. - It's on the way.

3 tankers have left the ports in Naples and Taranto.

But will they make it?

It's the Field Marshall's greatest concern.

That's why he travelled to Italy.

He wanted to make sure that, despite the extreme circumstances,

Marshall Kesserling would send us the supplies by planes.

- Will our Junkers 88's make it? - That's not the only problem.

The plan's success depends also on the time it takes to cross the minefields.

- Connect me with the 21st brigade. - We should set out tonight

in order to attack at dawn.

Is this feasible? The English have laid thousands of mines.

We'll try to identify them.

- I've got through. - Hello!

Time to wake up, Lieutenant.

Wake up, Morris!

We're in Africa but I've never felt so freezing cold.

Stubbornness comes at a high price.

Come closer! You, too, Cooper!

I'm always lucky.

Hurry up!

Put him inside the tank.

What exactly are we doing?

The wreckage near the enemy line is an excellent vantage point.

What will the two corpses observe?

Silence! The enemy is near and you don't have to comprehend everything.

I didn't come here to be the gravedigger's helper

but to learn.

So learn to follow orders without questioning them.

Obedience also means following orders without understanding them

and not doing anything on your own.

Don't worry!

Quick! Get in the car!

Did you see that?

Yes.

Fire!

They'll hit him!

Do something, you bastard!

Faster!

What do we do?

Don't move!

I'm always lucky.

Where is this madman going? He'll jeopardise the whole plan.

It's no use. Leave me here.

Fire!

They saw him. That's already enough.

Don't move!

Careful, we'll carry him.

- You were born lucky, you know? - Why?

This whole area is riddled with mines.

- I saw no signs. - There aren't any.

Only we know where the mines are.

Why did you disobey an order?

What are you talking about? What order?

I had to let him die like a dog?

You'd better remember: An order is an order!

Yes, Captain.

What?

You murderer!

- No, Sergeant, it's not you business! - I'm afraid it is!

Get out of the way. He's going to pay for this.

Let him go!

We have better things to do than to listen to this nonsense.

It's going to be difficult to go on foot.

Take it easy!

Move it, Morris. Th Germans are closing in.

- Don't you bury the dead? - The Germans'll do it. We have no time.

- There's something wrong. - What?

They weren't the first to use the wreckage to observe the area.

I know.

We even found an accurate plan of our units.

Exactly! And a map of their minefields!

Doesn't it seem strange?

They had to cross their own minefields to reach the wreckage.

- They had plans. It's logical. - Yes, logical!

Too logical!

It's logical that there was ammunition in the vehicle

and the explosion rendered the corpses unidentifiable.

It's logical that the maps didn't burn as they were inside a metal box.

But I demand that these maps are tested in pracice.

- It's impossible. - Why?

The English would've noticed.

Even if they did, then what?

They would've realised we have their maps and verify their authenticity.

We wouldn't have able to attack by surprise.

A tactical surprise is our only hope if we ever want to

reach Alexandria before the English strengthen their forces.

The success of our plan depends on how quick we can cross

the minefields.

Crossing them in 5 hours would be a miracle.

This is the very miracle, General.

What if it isn't?

The Marshall is counting on us.

We must do everything not to let him down.

- Congratulations, Lieutenant. - It's too early for that.

We don't know if the Germans took the bait.

Let's hope they did.

We must delay the enemy's movements to allow General Montgomery

to regroup his forces.

Besides, I have nothing against cocking a snook at Rommel.

He's fooled us many times. Who lead the action?

Captain Hull.

I've heard of him.

- He's said to be brave. - And cunning.

A valuable trait.

The enemy offensive is near. There are too many signs.

We're prepared.

We've set up several diversion groups behind the enemy lines.

They're small, but very effective.

They'll be useful.

Our sources confirm that Rommel will soon return to Africa.

- Did you take that into account? - Of course.

It's all up to whether his plane lands at the

- emergency airfield in Barca. - Who will lead the action?

Captain Hull.

Tomorrow I'll send him to the base in Umm er Zemm.

- Is Captain Hull on leave? - No, there has been an incident.

Please, sit down, Lieutenant.

The comission has conducted an investigation

and questioned the witnesses.

Present here was also Colonel Bradock,

the leader of the American military mission.

We invited him to participate in the investigation

so that you, a foreign army member, could stand a fair trial.

The comission has considered the actions of Captain Hull to have been

completely tantamount to the orders he had received.

However, it found no justification

for your behaviour.

You didn't follow your superiors' orders

and endangered your entire group.

Your reckless action broke the rules of discipline.

As an American soldier

you are not subject to the British martial law.

Therefore the comission considers your presence in the forces

of His Majesty's to be undesirable

and will hand over this opinion to be army's command.

That is all.

Stop, they're looking at us.

I don't care about them.

Disregarding the comission's opinion and letting you stay would be

viewed as criticising Captain Hull.

The only person who can speak for you is Captain Hull.

Will you ask him?

I'd rather be cursed than ask this bastard to forgive me.

To hell with His Majesty's Army!

Where are you going?

To get wasted!

I'll show these weenies how a real man gets drunk.

Goodbye!

There's one for you, too, buddy!

Whisky!

No water!

More!

Come in!

How do you do?

What are you doing?

After all, we are married.

We still are?

The divorces of servicemen are not granted temporarily.

I forgot.

I can let go of this privilage.

- You came here to request it? - No, I gave up.

Why?

It wouldn't be unique to say that I had made a mistake.

You didn't.

From your point of view, you're right.

You need a strong man, who you could rely on.

And Richard Hull, an official of the "Strong Philipps & Son" company,

has disappointed you.

You're being unjust. This wasn't a place for you.

You mean that now I'm in the right place? You're wrong.

An army conducting war operations isn't a place for anyone.

It's an exceptional situation, in which I may seem

different than I really am.

You're talking strangely. I don't understand.

It's simple!

Two features characterise a good militaryman: mediocrity

and obedience.

I have them both.

I do what they tell me to, I respect all taboos,

I obey my superiors

and demand my subordinates' obedience.

Just what I did when working for the company.

As you see, I haven't changed.

For a moment I wanted to punch him in the face in front of everyone.

You would've regretted it...

For about 2 years.

Now I will regret it for my entire life.

And now they make me apologise to him.

Why not? It'd be a good thing to do.

- Allright? - Sure!

You weren't right.

Hull was following orders.

Maybe you and me would've acted differently

but it doesn't matter.

And I would've...

What did you do as a civilian?

I worked as a journalist for "Dallas Times".

Have you ever published a disclaimer?

No, in Texas they immediately shoot at us.

I see.

We do it differently.

People have time to think everything over.

Go ahead!

If you get seriously wasted...

... you may find courage to do it.

Vick!

Excuse me, I must leave you.

Good moment for a chat.

What a nice couple we are - a rejected woman and an embittered man.

I don't know which is the worse.

I didn't abandon you.

True. It wasn't you who asked for a divorce. But that's beside the point.

Which woman would put up with your coldness?

You've never loved me.

I always have.

You know it well.

But because of your superstitions and pride love just wasn't enough for you.

''There is no real love without respect''.

It's worth explaining what do you mean by ''respect''.

Until you turn into a bellicose half-god

you won't feel confident, will you?

As I said, no.

This situation has nothing to do with my past.

This time I'm not wrong.

I don't know what to do with a half-god.

A woman needs a man

to love with all his faults and weaknesses.

You must understand it.

But I can't explain it to you.

Maybe a different person and circumstances will help you understand.

That's my wish for you and me.

Marjorie!

The same as usual?

No, I need something stronger.

Whisky with no water!

More!

May I join you?

No!

I'd rather be alone when I must get drunk, madam.

Do you have to?

Yes, madam.

Please, stop repeating ''madam''.

You don't want to drink whisky with water and you

don't want me to call you ''madam''.

A kindred spirit! Sit down, please.

You no longer want to be alone?

No,

I no longer follow my rules and permit you to access

the holy intimacy of my alcoholic indulgence.

Please, sit down.

Did you stop drinking?

No! I'm gathering strength.

Important reasons force me to soak my throat

with whisky tonight.

What are these reasons?

Sister!

Don't exaggerate!

Revelations are dangerous.

I could even start crying.

You don't want that to happen?

Of course not.

I could regret it. I have my pride.

I'm an expert on male pride.

What are you doing? Let's go! Fresh air will do you good.

To hell with fresh air! It could make me sober.

Let's sit down, then.

Where are we going?

Stop it!

My legs are shaking but my hands are in order.

Fine, sister!

You defended yourself bravely and your honour is saved.

The ''prince'' of bores!

Let me go.

Where are you going? To the bore?

That's my husband, you idiot!

What?!

- Are we ready? - Yes, sir!

Hey! Where are you going? Stop!

This jeep was supposed to take me to the airport.

You're not going to the airport. You're coming back to Umm er Zemm with us.

Command asked me what I thought about your staying here.

My opinion was positive.

Isn't it what you asked Colonel Bradock about?

I thought I needed...

When will you learn obedience? Get in!

All the time north!

Be careful, it's the enemy zone.

Yes, Sergeant.

The area is clear. Set it up!

Real men don't drink this.

But you must wait before you can show off again.

Make fun of me, I deserved it.

Still defensive.

When will you finally realise that we have nothing against you?

If you don't, then explain it to me...

What?

Why hasn't anyone told me where we are going?

Maybe because you haven't asked.

We're going to Barca.

Where?

It's a town on Djabal Achdar There's an airfield there.

We have to destroy planes?

Also. But it's more important that we wreck great havoc

and make them raise an alarm. Many groups received this order.

How far is it?

About 600 miles.

600 miles?

Africa is not as large as Texas but it's not that small either.

Fine, that's what I wanted.

600 miles!

Stooop!

Get out!

Guards, take your positions!

- Move it, lazybones! - Officer, come here!

You too, Lieutenant Morris!

Yes, sir!

We're here, 10 miles away from Barca,

which is our destination.

The airfield is 2 miles away from Barca.

Only one road connects it with the town.

- The road doesn't concern us. - Why?

I suppose we would attack from the outside.

What makes you suppose so?

- It seems logical. - Exactly!

That's why we'll do otherwise. Pay attention!

All defense forces are on the outer part.

They aren't near the city. That's why we'll drive through it.

To surprise them we must act quick and decisive.

- We have to destroy planes? - There won't be many.

It's an emergency airfield.

Our main goal is different: to kill a man.

A man?

Rommel.

- Rommel? - Exactly!

Is it certain that he'll be in Barca tomorrow?

His security and limousine have just arrived there.

- That's all we know and it should be enough. - Yes, sir.

Sa ida.

- Do you want to say something? - We must kill Rommel. Is that our goal?

I've already told you.

It means that the whole Afrika Korps will be after us.

It's very likely.

Likely?

I think that only a few of us will survive.

Maybe even no-one.

No-one?

Not even you! Don't count on it.

Just as I expected.

Let's hope that what our informant said is true.

And if it isn't?

We'll fire him if we have time to.

Run them over!

Take the grenades, quick!

General!

That's him! After them!

Quicker! Move it!

Drive closer!

Come on!

Damnit!

It's not Rommel! Who is this?

Mistake, Englishman! It's a General of the medical corps.

The Marshall's on the frontline. You'll soon find out.

Move it!

Stop!

On this side, quick!

Careful, another one!

Damn Germans!

Vance is wounded!

Take care of Vance!

An awful wound but he'll make it.

Pass me the scissors.

Hurry up. They're following us.

We have to go!

I see them.

Drive slower. Don't get closer yet.

They're quicker on this terrain.

- They're sly. - Are they catching up?

No, but they want to push us onto a flat and open ground.

Then they'll attack.

It's them! Slower.

Don't strain the clutch.

They've turned. 30 degrees!

I can't lose them.

- Should I get closer? - We'll be on open ground soon.

Understood.

- Why don't we wait for them? - No, it's no use.

Take cover!

I can' get closer.

Aim low, at the fuel tank.

Fire!

Fire!

Damn them!

Leave the vehicle!

What are you doing here?

You left the Lieutenant alone with a wounded man?

- Aren't you alone with a wounded? - It's none of your business.

I'm surprised, Lieutenant. Who made you turn around?

I did it of my own accord.

Be careful!

It's a German geodetic point.

Did you hear the prisoner?

Captain, he says that 30 miles away from here is El Abiar.

I know.

- There is an Italian field hosptial there. - So what?

Unless we head there right away, the Sergeant will die.

It'll be your fault, Lieutenant.

Mine?

You still haven't answered my question.

Why did you come back?

Didn't Lieutenant Madison explain to you...?

He did. He even tried to stop me.

But in Texas we have a saying: ''Everyone or no-one''.

It's a foolish reasoning.

If you haven't turned back,

only Atwell and I would've taken part in that action.

Now, to rescue him, we must all surrender.

Is this the way you reason in your country?

It's a great mistake to judge the rules of war

on the basis of moral standards. It's not like this.

The faster you understand it, the better!

Let's go!

If we go straight, he'll die.

Silence, Sergeant. No-one has asked you. Move!

One more!

It's no use. Leave him alone.

I must do everything I can.

Sergeant Atwell has died, according to your order.

Attwell was an excellent soldier...

and he would've criticised your idiotic behaviour.

Give it to me. I'm skilled at this.

No-one is alive.

Morris!

Fine!

A rope!

- Gasoline. - There isn't any more.

This was Major Stanfield's unit. There is his corpse.

They must've ambushed them when they came to get supplies.

Strange, how could Stanfield let them ambush him?

There is nothing we can take.

Let's go! The Germans will be back.

How do you know?

They didn't bury the bodies?

They wanted to save the wounded. But they'll return.

They might've been in a hurry, but they forgot to make holes

in the water and gas tanks.

- We wouldn't have either. - That's true.

- But how will we make it? - There should be enough fuel.

What about water? And food? And what if we run out of fuel?

I wish you stopped asking so many questions.

I gave an order.

Yes, sir!

Wait a moment!

You can traverse the desert with no water, no food and no fuel

but without me. I'll stay here and wait for the Germans.

You look like a reasonable fool.

I think you've realised that I tolerate no discussion.

Shoot me, then.

I'll do it unless you hurry up!

Water!

Complain to the Captain!

Hold on, Corporal. These are the last drops.

We demand a security code.

- What code? - We don't know it.

We must save the car! At all costs!

The tyre!

Get down!

Quick!

Leave me here!

Take the water.

Carefully!

How do you feel, Captain?

Neither of us can walk. Rescuing us was a waste of time.

Probably...

but I've decided to send the prisoner to get help.

As long as I'm alive, you're not making decisions.

Make one yourself.

What can we do?

O.K. I'm merely a trainee.

Awaiting orders, Captain.

There is a road a few miles east of here

that leads from Siwa to Marsa Matruh.

Can you capture a car?

I can try.

What about him?

Tie him up.

Sergeant!

A change of plans.

I'll tie you up and look for help myself.

What? You must be joking!

I'm leaving you with the wounded. I can't act otherwise.

- You think that I could... - Will you let me tie you up

or do I have to use force?

Go ahead, Lieutenant.

I hope you know what you're doing.

- Who is this? - What will you do with him?

- It's an Englishman. - Do you want to kill him?

No, I'll send him to a prisoner-of-war camp.

He'll die unless we help him. Bring me the water!

And leave this gun.

There's a canteen under the seat.

You said there was no more water.

Let's go!

What do you want to do?

He walks with a gun, too. This is an obsession!

The canteens, quick!

What do you want to do? It's 200 kilometres to the frontline!

What a swine!

Don't move!

You're leaving us here! On the desert!

Without water! You swine!

Hurry up!

Lieutenant Madison is dead, isn't he?

The bandage fell off 4 hours ago.

He bled to death.

Tieing me up was a brilliant idea.

The goat died because the wolf was tied up.

I did all I could to free myself

but I couldn't make it.

You know how to make knots!

Is he dead, too?

No.

What a pity!

What about Lieutenant Madison?

He's dead.

That's too bad!

Why aren't you protesting as usual?

This time I protest!

An excellent plan, Captain!

Quiet! I didn't ask you.

I'll say it anyway!

It was a great idea to have me tied up!

What if Lieutenant Morris had died? What would've happened to us?

You were wounded, I was tied to a pole like an Indian.

If he was a goat and I was a wolf

then you're a complete idiot!

Quiet!

What's gotten into you, Sergeant? Stop it!

Fine, I will! I have no choice.

Stop!

What is it?

Won't we burry him?

The Field Marshall is on the first line.

All armoured units must set off at the designated time.

Of course.

Were enough minefield plans handed out?

- Yes, Colonel. - That's all, General.

May God help us!

This junk won't drive through a depression.

We would have to drive near the enemy positions.

This could be done only at night.

If we set off immediately, ... maybe we'll make it.

I see. I can't sit on the back.

But this time I won't let you tie me up.

He would know how to solve this problem, wouldn't he?

Maybe he'd shoot me in the head?

Well, do it, then!

It wouldn't be the first time, would it?

There's another option: you'll drive. Get in!

Who said that I'd listen?

This.

A convincing argument.

Drive! And no tricks!

What now? Where are we going?

It'a a part of their fortifications.

This means that their defences are close-by.

- Forward! - No! There are mines.

We can't stand here.

There, where the artillery shoots.

Stop!

Where are you going?

Don't you know that this passage is open only for

our armoured vehicles?

Stop!

Drive or I'll shoot you.

There must be plenty of Germans.

There they are!

- Don't stop! - I'll do it. - Don't you dare!

Lieutenant, get ready to replace him.

Go faster!

Accelerate!

Minefield! Turn right!

Damn it!

Alam-el-Halfa ahead. Drive east!

I'd like to but he has different plans.

Hurry up. We must get out of here!

Get out!

Start working.

There's going to be a battle here.

How fun!

He hit the caterpillar.

Any wounded?

I don't think so.

Mines! Give me the map!

It was a trap! That's what I thought.

Well, will this wreckage move?

It's an Italian car. It always does.

Only 3 cylindres are working, but it should be enough for now.

- Where are we going? - As I said - east!

Get back! EVeryone!

- The route is clear, General. - Too late. We have a 3-hour delay.

Move it!

Waste no time!

Hurry up! Don't stop!

The English!

What are you doing? Where are you fleeing, you fool!

- That's where we must go. - They're ahead of us. - It doesn't matter!

You were right, Captain.

They weren't after us. Take a look.

The Germans! Turn! Go back!

Where are we going?

Drive between our tanks!

Forward!

Like this!

Faster, faster!

It's no use. We failed to surprise them.

Orders are to retreat.

- Why did you stop? - It wasn't me, it was him.

What happened now?

The connecting rod is broken, just as I expected.

Are you sure nothing can be done about it?

Try scarying him with a pistol. Maybe he'd listen to you?

- You're wounded. - No, it's nothing.

Damn!

The Captain's been shot again. Help me!

What a misfortune! Just what we needed.

Pass me water and a blanket.

There's no other way but to go on foot.

I think so, too.

Your infantry units should be there.

Good luck, Lieutenant.

Wait a moment! Where are you going all alone?

North. I can make it. My comrades are there.

What about him? He can't walk.

He'll stay here. We can't drive him, so he'll die here.

The rules of war aren't moral, are they?

See, Lieutenant? He's consistent.

No, such a reasoning is pointless.

I agree but that's what he says.

Besides, why can't everyone fend for themselves?

Sergeant, stop!

The same thing again?

You think that guns can solve all the problems?

I'm not staying. I'll return to my people.

You can always shoot me in the back.

What are you doing?

I'm taking you with me. At least I'll try to.

It's nonsense! Sentimental stupidity!

Everyone or no-one, which usually means...

no-one.

Leave me here and save youself.

That's an order, Lieutenant!

That's an order! Leave me here!

Do you know my response?

Get off my back, will you?

Didn't I tell you? You're exhausted.

You can save yourself, but without me.

That Italian Sergeant turned out to be more intelligent than you.

I would be grateful if you could tell me

why do you insist on rescuing me?

You're wrong. I don't care about it.

Why, then?

Because of stubbornness!

Pure, stupid, human stubornness!

I understand.

I believe that it's what you really think.

Three days ago...

I was surprised when somebody told me

that we often don't understand our thoughts.

Now I know that this person was right.

We always need someone or something to explain our thoughts to us.

You were convinced that my forcing you to stay

was an act of vengeance.

No! I just wanted to prove

... that my attitude towards you isn't based on personal feelings.

And I still...

think that you aren't suitable for the special forces.

I see that you're having fun, Lieutenant.

That's fine. God helps happy people.

Why did you come back?

I'm also not suitable for the special forces.

Let's get down to work!

Maybe we could handle it together?

Everyone or no-one, Lieutenant?

It's not only Texas where this adage is common.