Original subtitles

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[music continues]

- How do you fellows manage - To look so comfortably, Vickers?

We may look it, sir,

but we're not.

- They say the first 40 years - Are about the hardest up here

on the frontier.

After that, you get used to it.

Really?

[man shouts]

Troop, halt!

Excuse me, sir.

[bugle sounds]

- [man speaking - In foreign language]

What's the matter, Pearson?

- One of the lead horses - Of the supply cart

has broken a leg.

(Vickers)

to do. Carry on.

Well, you know what

Give me the gun.

- Sorry, sir.

- Well, of all the impertinence.

- That vulture... - Happens to be a royal falcon.

- almost certainly belonging to - His Highness Surat Khan, sir.

Oh. Oh. Oh.

Forgive me.

- They look pretty much - Alike in the distance.

- Quite a natural - Mistake to make.

Oh, a devilish awkward one.

Hardly an ingratiating way

for a home government man

- to present himself in a delicate - Mission to the Surat Khan.

Oh, I don't know, sir. After

all, you might have missed him.

Oh? Oh, yes, yes.

Troop, walk march.

[bugle sounds]

[speaking in foreign language]

His Highness is awaiting you.

His Highness Surat Khan,

Amir of Suristan

offers a prayer of gratitude

- that you have been preserved - In your journey

- and places his household - And all in it

- at the disposal - Of the illustrious envoy

of her most gracious

Majesty Queen Victoria.

May I extend her majesty's

warmest greetings, Amir Sahib?

Permit me to present

captain Geoffrey Vickers

'cornet James Randall'

'cornet Charles Barclay'

cornet Lawrence Pearson

of the 27th Lancers.

Vickers..

it's good to see the face

of an old friend again.

- One of the best marksman, it - Has ever been my good fortune

- to entertain, - You know, sir Humphrey.

Your own hunting

skill, Amir Sahib

compels me to deplore

my poor marksmanship.

You British..

so adept at diplomatic graces

that even my own race

bows to your finesse.

Gentlemen..

- I would be inconsiderate, - Indeed, to insist on

any lengthy court formalities.

Shall we dispense with them?

Delighted.

[clap clap]

[music playing]

- You're welcome, Vickers. - Thank you, Your Highness.

I regret as deeply

as you, sir Humphrey

- that so far the negotiations - Should have proven

so barren of results.

While it is regrettable,

- we must remember - That the treaty

- by which your foster father - Received annually

- a sum of money - From my government

for his extraordinary services

ceased automatically

to exist on the occasion

of his death.

- For myself, I shall do my humble - Best to accept with grace

this sudden withdrawal

of financial support.

And may I not add further

that my government

looks forward hopefully

to continued friendship

with its neighbors

the tribes of Suristan?

- Of course, I shall - Endeavor to convince

the nawabs and maliks

of Suristan

- that the action - Of the British Government

is not to be construed

as unfriendly

calm their natural

resentment and curb

any active reprisals they

might so easily contemplate.

I am confident that your

Highness' praiseworthy efforts

will be rewarded with success.

Let us hope that your

confidence is justified.

You know, sir Humphrey

confidence is

an admirable quality.

We so seldom appreciate it

fully, until it is withdrawn.

[Pearson chuckles]

time I was in Bengal'

'You know, the first

I saw a falcon break a lamb's

back. Beastly birds.

- Yes, I think I'll send - One back to my family.

- Just the thing for - A Mayfair drawing room.

Ancient sport of kings falconry.

The appeal lies in its cruelty.

I'd take a potshot against

a tiger in long grass any day.

They're man-eaters, you know.

- Only a savage would prefer - This sort of thing.

[clears throat]

Quite so, Vickers.

Quite so.

- Why, your Highness, - I meant, of course...

No, no, no, no. I dare say

you're perfectly justified.

However, the Suristanis are

an ancient race of people.

- They cannot so easily - Forget their

ancient tribal ways of life.

- Thank you, sir. I trust - You'll accept my apology.

Oh, please,

please, please.

Boris.

[speaking in foreign language]

Gentlemen, let us

go in to dinner.

- Uh, by the way, - Sir Humphrey

- you'd do me the honor if - You and your gentlemen

- were to join me tomorrow morning - At a leopard hunt I've arranged.

We start at sunrise,

the traditional hour.

[instrumental music]

[drum beats]

[men shouting]

[elephant trumpeting]

Fine fellow, the Khan.

There's a man who can take

a loss with good grace.

Yes. I don't think I could lose

£150,000 a year with grace.

Great Scott, Vickers!

- Nobody but the home government - Were supposed to know anything

of the real reason behind this

diplomatic visit of mine.

- Sorry, sir, but up here - On the frontier

- there aren't many secrets - An officer in my position

- doesn't get to know - Sooner or later.

Besides, I've come to know

the Khan pretty well.

Then you must know the situation

has been a devilish,

delicate one.

- However, I am - Quite confident

that he won't trifle

with our friendship.

Besides, the man's a gentleman.

- Anyone can see that.

- Yes, of course, sir.

Yes. Anyone can see that.

[drums beating]

[men clamoring]

[leopard growls]

[leopard growls]

- You have the honor, - Sir Humphrey.

- The Khan wants you to - Take first shot, sir.

Huh? Oh. Oh.

Thank you. Splendid.

[gunshot]

- Missed him by a hair, sir. - Bad luck.

[gunshot]

[speaking in foreign language]

Fine shot, sir.

- (Humphrey) - 'Excellent marksmanship, sir.'

- [Surat Khan speaking - In foreign language]

[elephant trumpeting]

[shouting in foreign language]

[growls]

[growls]

[leopard growling]

[gunshot]

Sahib.

- [men shouting - In foreign language]

- Are you hurt, Your Highness? - No, not at all.

- Brilliant shot, Vickers. - It was worthy of you.

- It was a lucky one.

- I shall never forget it.

- My gratitude - Will be eternal.

[instrumental music]

[speaking in foreign language]

- Well, goodbye, darling. - Goodbye, dear.

- Now, remember, you simply - Must be back early if we're

- to be ready for the governor - General's ball tonight.

Oh, the ball, yes.

I suppose you feel quite capable

- of taking care of yourself - Among all these...

Oh, how silly.

A responsible lady of my years

is perfectly safe anywhere.

Yes, I suppose so.

Well... goodbye.

[speaking in foreign language]

[instrumental music]

[speaking in foreign language]

- Elsa, I'm so glad - You were able to come.

Your message said it was urgent.

It is.

What's the matter?

- My brother arrives - In Calcutta today.

How do you know?

- Word came through from - Headquarters last night.

- Now you'll understand why it was - So urgent for me to see you.

Geoffrey's coming here.

Elsa, there's something

I must know.

- You do love me, don't you?

- Oh, Perry.

- I know we tried to - Be loyal to Geoffrey

- by hiding our real feelings - But now he's coming back

and we can't go on pretending.

You do love me,

don't you?

Oh, Perry, I've tried so hard

not to, but I do love you.

- I knew it. - I'm still engaged to Geoffrey.

- We must tell him - The moment he gets here.

- I mean, I must tell him. - It's my responsibility.

- When he knows how we feel, - He won't stand in our way.

- But supposing - He doesn't understand.

He will. Darling, I know

him better than anyone.

I've got to tell him. It's

the only decent thing to do.

Yes.

Yes, it is.

- I must be getting back now. - Father'll be worrying about me.

Yes. You're right. Will I see

you tonight at the ball?

Yes, Perry, tonight.

(Charles)

the strategic importance'

'It's only now that

- 'of the situation - Becomes apparent.'

The safety of the northwest

frontier hinges on Lohara

- which is the base for - The three advance garrisons

- of which Chukoti - Is the most important.

- 'Therefore, two - Of our ablest officers'

'must command at

Lohara and Chukoti.'

- I've had to transfer - Woodward because I'm afraid

he's too well on in years

for an active command.

You see, with Surat Khan just

across the Suristan border

- in a position to make - The approach to

the pass uncomfortable

I feel confident that with

you, Campbell, at Chukoti

- and you, Warrenton, at Lohara - We should be able to handle

- any aggressive complication - That may arise.

- Captain Vickers, sir. - Oh, show him in.

- Yes, sir. - Just a moment.

- Captain Vickers, 27th lancers, - Reporting for duty, sir.

- (Charles) - 'Been expecting you, Vickers.'

- The war office is sending you on - A very important mission.

Oh, splendid, sir.

- You're going on an expedition - To buy cavalry horses

in the Tatar countries.

Oh.

- Does that mean we're - Preparing for war, sir?

- Whatever it means, you're - To deliver the horses

you've purchased to our fleet

at Batum on the Black Sea.

From there, they're to be

shipped to the Crimea.

- That clear?

- Yes, sir.

Oh, Warrenton, Campbell,

you know Vickers.

Yes, of course. Geoffrey, my

boy, how very nice to see you.

Glad to see you, too, sir.

- How do you do, Vickers? - How do you do, sir?

- Have you seen Elsa? - Not yet, sir. How is she?

- She'll be very happy - To see you. I know.

- I can hardly wait until - I see her, you know.

- Good morning, sir.

- Good morning.

- Oh, Captain Vickers. - Yes?

Your brother is here, sir,

inside with Sir Charles.

- Oh, yes. Thank you.

- Yes, sir.

- 'Geoff.'

- Perry!

I'm glad to see you, you old

diplomatic globetrotter, you!

- It must be more than a year - Since we last met.

- Come in here, Geoff. It's quiet. - I've something to say to you.

- I bet you have. I have at least - A million things to say to you.

- Every one of them - Are vital important.

- Well, let's go inside. - Oh, I can't just now.

- I've got an urgent appointment. - Tonight and tomorrow

we can talk our heads off.

But just now, see you later.

- So, you see, it depends - On you, gentlemen.

- And I thought I was well - Acquainted with the situation.

- But I don't quite - Understand Surat Khan's

presence in Calcutta, sir.

And this dance that

the governor general

- is giving in his honor at - The government house tonight.

- Flattery is the food of fools, - But now and then

- your men of wit will - Condescend to take a bit.

I see. Flattery and friendship,

so to speak.

Surat Khan, deviling us

up on the frontier

- seems to be doing precisely - What the Russian Czar

is doing in the Balkans.

- You've read the news - Dispatches about the Cossacks

plundering outlying

Turkish villages.

- Mmm. It's an old - Trick, you know.

- Deviling your - Neighbor into a war.

- One would almost think that - There's Russian influence

at the back of Surat Khan

- what with Russia's vital need - For open-water seaports

amongst other things.

- You'll act only - On orders from Sir Benjamin.

I understand, sir.

I want you to understand,

also, that it's imperative

there should be no incident

that could cause

a frontier war at this time.

We must maintain peace,

at any cost.

- [man shouting commands - In foreign language]

(male ♪1)

'Major Gordon and Mrs. Gordon.'

'Sir Archibald McMurray.'

'Lady McMurray.'

'Miss Veronica McMurray.'

'Sir Charles Miller

and Lady Miller.'

- (Warrenton) - 'You remember Major Barrett.'

- Oh, Major Barrett.

- And, Lady Pelham, my wife.

Lady Pelham, good evening.

- And this, my dear, - Is Colonel Campbell

- who leaves tomorrow to assume - Command of the Chukoti Garrison.

- Colonel Campbell, I am pleased - That we have met at last.

- Benji, kindly stay here. - My dear, I was just going to...

- The refreshment room - To get a drink.

- I know then you'll - Be upset all night.

Here. Take a pill.

- Life with you is just one - Blasted pill after another

uh, my love.

- [chuckles] - Just like a child, Benji.

No idea of what's good for him.

- I hear you have a beautiful - Daughter, colonel.

- You must let me take her - Under my wing at once.

- About to be married, - Isn't she?

That's splendid. You must

let me choose her trousseau.

- You're a widower, - Are you not?

- I am, Lady Warrenton.

- Well, I always say.. Benji.

- Yes. I know. - Take another pill.

Elsa, darling.

You look so lovely.

I'm sorry I missed you

at the house.

I'm sorry, too, Geoff.

- Why, it's been so long, I hardly - Know what to say to you.

- We'll have plenty - Of time now, though.

I hate these separations.

[instrumental music]

You didn't tell him, did you?

I haven't had a chance.

Oh, I hate this deception.

Elsa, darling, they're watching.

(male ♪2)

Amir of Suristan.'

'His Highness Surat Khan,

'Count Igor Volonoff.'

'His excellency

the Wazir of Suristan.'

'The Nawab of Dajal.'

- Hold. Take charge, - My friend. I'm on duty.

Take charge of what?

- My! How you've changed.

- For the better, I hope.

I always liked the cavalry.

- May I have a word - With you, sir?

- Hmm? Certainly.

- Surat Khan's just arrived.

- He's got a Count Igor Volonoff - With him.

Ah, Volonoff. That's

a juicy, clever gesture.

- Ostentatiously flirting - With Russia, eh?

Two strings to his bow.

Ah, well, we'll see.

- Of course, it might be - Just a coincidence.

The sun might rise in the West.

Well, I'll finish my drink.

- I have a cowardly aversion - Io meeting reptiles socially

- till I've had at least - One sherry and bitters.

- Good evening, Sir Charles, - Captain Vickers.

Good evening, Your Highness.

- Sir Charles Macefield, - May I have the pleasure

of presenting Count Volonoff?

Captain Vickers, Count Volonoff.

- How do you do? - How do you do?

- How do you do? - How do you do?

- It's pleasant, Your Highness, - To find you in

these frivolous surroundings.

Well, Sir Charles, since your

kindly government has spared me

- the burden of dispensing - Its annual appreciation

- to my countrymen, - I am blessed with more leisure.

Ah, well, come with me.

I'll present some really

amusing people to you.

- There's my daughter now.

- She's entrancing.

Elsa is a fine gal.

- And the gallant young - Cavalier who holds her

so tenderly in his arms,

her fiancé, of course.

Oh, certainly not.

- But she is engaged. - You said she...

To Captain Geoffrey Vickers

of the 27th.

That's merely his brother

a diplomat of sorts,

seconded from his regiment

- for duty with the political - Department.

- Oh, dear. - How silly of me.

- They do seem to be enjoying - Each other's company.

Let's get away from here, Elsa.

Charming and motherless.

- Well, as I always say, - Colonel, it's never too late.

- I must start looking - Around right away

- to find a suitable - Wife for you.

- Really, Octavia. You must - Be a little more guarded...

Keep quiet, Benji.

Colonel Campbell has just been

begging me to find him a wife.

- Now, what particular quality do - You most admire in a woman?

The quality of silence.

Now, colonel,

you're flattering me

just as dear Lord Melvin did.

- once when we sat - Next to each other

- in an intolerable - Guildhall banquet

"Lady Warrenton," he said

"You have the power

to drive men mad."

I can believe that.

Forgive me.

What a dull dog the colonel is.

Hasn't a word to say

for himself. Benji.

I love you so much, Elsa.

You look so beautiful.

I can't stand this any longer.

- We've got to find a way to - Tell Geoffrey tonight.

Yes, yes. I know, I know.

- We shouldn't be seen out - Here together, you know.

- This place is full - Of scandalmongers.

But I had to see you alone.

- We can't go on - Deceiving Geoffrey like this.

- Darling, I know, - He'll understand.

- He's a great fellow. - He's human.

- It's just because of that - We mustn't hurt him

any more than we can help.

Let me tell him in my own way.

After all, it's

my responsibility.

- When he knows - How we really feel

he can't think that

we're in the wrong.

Wrong? It's only wrong

if we don't tell him.

- Let's face the truth. - We're in love with one another.

We always will be.

- (Campbell) - Elsa.

- You will return to - The ballroom at once.

May I say, sir...

I am not interested

in what you have to say.

- There can be no excuse for a man - Who is disloyal as to trifle

with the affections of

his brother's fiancée.

- I forbid you to ever see or - Speak to my daughter again.

- I am not being - Disloyal, sir.

Elsa and I love each other.

Love? Cheap infatuation.

'You deserve a good thrashing.'

Perry, please go.

- And as I doubt that you have - The courage to inform

your brother of this treachery.

- Rest assured - That I shall tell him.

- My brother knows me too well to - Accuse me of treachery, sir.

- Elsa, I'll see you again - Before you leave for Chukoti.

One moment, Captain Vickers.

- Even though you've been seconded - For the political service

you still retain your army rank.

Well, sir?

Therefore, you will do as I say.

- If not, I shall have you - Recalled to England

for gross insubordination.

Very well, sir.

Elsa, I am at an absolute loss

to understand your attitude.

Father, I love him.

You really believe you love?

I see.

Now I understand the strangeness

- of your behavior - For some time past.

But you must remember..

that you loved Geoffrey

when you accepted him.

He's been away a long time

and now that he's back

you must realize that,

that love is still there

and this is merely

a passing infatuation.

I wish you were right, father.

I've fought

and fought against it

but I love him.

Elsa my dear, I've taken care of

you ever since your mother died.

Let me know what

is best for you.

Geoffrey's a splendid fellow

loves you with all his heart.

you can't wantingly hurt him.

Oh, I don't wish

to hurt Geoffrey.

Of course you don't,

my darling.

- There, now. - Dry your eyes.

Let's forget this

little incident.

And promise when

you meet him tonight

- you'll treat him as though - Nothing has happened.

I'll try, father.

That's a girl. Come.

- Will, Your Highness excuse me? - Why, of course.

- Some beautiful lady is - Waiting, no doubt.

Yes, no doubt.

Excuse me, sir.

- My good friend the gallant - Captain Vickers

once saved my life and as you

know, in my country, Sir Charles

- friendship can be claimed - By friendly actions alone.

Yes. In this treacherous life

it's difficult to know which

is friend and which is foe.

But in the end, one finds out

and the wise man

acts accordingly.

Yes. Are you staying long

in Calcutta, Your Highness?

A few days, I fancy, unless,

of course, the, uh..

Unless what, Your Highness?

- I sometimes think, - Sir Charles

- that a great government - Resembles a beautiful woman

- who, intoxicated with - The power of her own beauty

is apt to withdraw from

a sincere suitor

- the favors she's - Always granted

- and when she finds this - Suitor console himself

with another beauty,

regrets her coldness.

- Interesting. - And what does she do then?

- She claims the privilege - Of any beautiful woman

and changes her mind before

she's lost her suitor forever.

Do you not agree?

The only great government

I'm acquainted with

is singularly masculine.

It makes up its mind

and once having reached

a decision, adheres to it.

I'm afraid we're losing ourself

in a flight of fantasy.

Yes. Perhaps. Yes.

- Oh, Geoff. - Perry, have you seen Elsa?

- Lady Warrenton, this - Is my brother, Geoffrey.

How do you do?

- Now, you are the fiancé - Of that exquisite child.

- Am I right? - You are right.

Captain, I congratulate you.

You must keep an eye

- on this very attractive brother - Of yours.

- I saw miss Campbell - And him dancing tonight.

- The look in his eye - Was anything but diplomatic.

- Uh-huh. - Benji!

Mr. Vickers, never marry

a man with an Indian liver.

Lady Warrenton, I won't.

- Benji!

- Thank heavens.

- Oh, Geoffrey, there's something - I want to talk to you about.

- There's Elsa now. - Wait a minute, old boy.

Elsa, darling, I'm sorry

I missed so many dances.

- You know how these - Diplomatic affairs are.

- Shall we dance now? - I'd love to.

- Do you mind, sir? - Not at all.

- Look around you.

- Why?

- Here, in this one room, you can - See everything that makes

the world go round.

Riches, intrigue,

and all the seeds of mutiny

war, and hatred.

- You know what it all - Means to me?

- What?

- Nothing. Just nothing.

You're the only thing

that's real here.

All I know is that I'm holding

you in my arms and that..

that you're so lovely.

Oh, Geoffrey.

Elsa, I love you.

[whistling]

Hello, old lad.

Glad you came in and waited.

I had to.

Might've missed you completely.

- I'm off again - Tomorrow, you know.

- Are you going with - The Campbells to Chukoti?

No. Worse luck. I'm going

up on the Arabian frontier

to buy a pack of horses.

- We need plenty of 'em, you know, - And good ones.

- Sounds like trouble - On the Balkans.

- That's what I thought too. - I tried to sound out

- old Macefield about it but he - Closed up like an oyster.

However, it must be that.

He told me to hurry, and will I.

You can imagine why.

Geoffrey.. I..

- I've never thanked you - For all you've done for me.

Oh, nonsense, old lad.

- You've been a success. - I'm proud of you.

But something's happened.

I know you'll understand.

Well, what?

I've fallen in love with Elsa.

Oh, I'm sorry, old lad.

How rotten for you.

Yes, but, Geoff,

Elsa's in love with me.

- I don't think you know - What you're saying.

I do, unfortunately.

- We tried not to. - Honestly, we did, Geoff.

I see.

Might I ask what you

intend doing about it?

Has Elsa told you

that she loves you?

- Has she promised - To marry you?

- Yes, but not - In so many words.

- I don't believe it. - You're lying.

This is splendid.

After sniveling to me

about how grateful he is,

my brother tells me

- he's stolen the affections - Of the one person

I love most in the world.

But, Geoff...

- I'm not content with that, - You come here and lie.

- You can't believe that. - Lie and lie.

Listen..

- You'd better get out. - Take your dirty intrigue

- somewhere else, but get out - Of my sight and stay out.

Very well, but let

me tell you this.

I've always looked up to you,

worshiped you as a kind of god.

- I find you're rather - A little man.

- And as far as I'm concerned, - You and old Campbell

- and the whole blasted army - Can go to blazes.

[intense music]

[instrumental music]

- Oh, good morning, sir.

- Oh, Geoffrey. Early visit, uh?

- Yes, sir. I just had my orders, - And I'm setting out.

- I thought I'd come - And say goodbye to you.

- Just to me?

- Well, shall we say the family?

- Elsa's still in her room, - But I'll call her.

- Tell memsahib she's wanted - In the study immediately.

Captain Vickers is here.

[speaking in foreign language]

- You have a very difficult - Job ahead of you.

Yes, I think, sir.

But I'm sure you're equal to it.

- Thank you, sir.

- So goodbye.

- Goodbye, sir. - Come back to us safely.

- And soon. - Thank you.

Oh, Geoffrey.

- What's this I hear? - Are you leaving us so soon?

Yes, I'm afraid so.

I suppose this is what's known

as the luck of the army.

They show you a brief glimpse of

paradise and then take it away.

- As far as in time, - I'll learn to be grateful

for even a few hours with you.

- How long will you be away? - A month, two months.

- Hard to say. There's so much - Trouble going on everywhere

- we've got to be ready - For it when it comes..

- ...but as soon as I - Come back this time

- we're not gonna let - The army or anything else

interfere with our happiness

Our marriage

are we, darling?

Of course not, Geoffrey.

Right. It's a bargain.

Goodbye, my love.

I'll hurry back so fast.

Oh..

Elsa, there's something..

I think I ought to

tell you before I go.

It's rather silly..

- but, last night - After the ball..

Perry came to see me.

He's in love with you.

You know, he's quite impulsive

- and he seems to be taking - This pretty seriously.

I was very stupid about it.

I lost my temper completely.

Now, of course,

I could kick myself.

- But I don't want him to - Be hurt more than necessary.

You needn't worry, Geoff.

- I shan't be seeing - Perry in any case.

Father's being sent to Chukoti

and, of course, I'll go with him

and Perry will soon forget.

Yes, of course he will.

That's just like you, Elsa,

to understand it like that.

I must go now.

- Think of me while I'm away.

- I will.

Goodbye and good luck.

Goodbye, my love.

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

They're moving along fine.

Hope we miss that

storm behind us.

- Hope we miss any - Other sort of trouble.

I don't understand, sir

- why these northern tribes - Are so hostile.

- Since Turkey's - Declared war on Russia

- all these fellows know - That England and France

- are bound to come - On the side of Turkey.

Yes. It's all very cozy.

- You see, these tribesman will - Sympathize with the Russians.

That's it, so if we want horses

we've got to pay their

prices and like it.

[instrumental music]

Troop, column left!

Randall!

- Round out that herd, and let's - Make a start for Batum.

[instrumental music]

It's 60 miles to Batum.

- We hand the herd over to the - Captain of the transport fleet

there and then back to India!

- That's nothing to - Be chirpy about.

- You're doomed to be - Married soon, you know.

- A more pleasant doom never - Faced one of the queen's men.

Ah, this sick sentiment.

- You ought to be drummed out - Of the service for that remark.

- 'Don't mind him, sir.'

- I don't.

Where'd you come from?

- Be glad you came along - For the ride..

- It's the sort - Of thing you'd enjoy.

A real picnic with

everything but red ants

- and I'd rather hoped - For some action.

[gunshot]

Troop, halt!

Here's your action.

Randall, stampede the herd

through that gorge.

- Troop, wheel march. - Gallop!

[gunshot]

Troop, dismount!

Take cover!

[gun shots]

[intense music]

- Get in your positions! - Independent fire

as soon as you're under cover!

[gunfire continue]

[screaming]

- We're outnumbered. - We can't hold on much longer.

- Randall, take command. - If I'm not back in an hour

try to break through for Batum.

- Keep firing as - Long as you can.

- What are you gonna do? - Never mind about me.

You do as I tell you.

Hudson, you and Burke follow me.

Yes, sir.

[gunfire continues]

Here. Fasten this

to your pommel.

- Now, ride off down there - And drag this bush behind you.

- Try and raise enough - Dust to make them think

- half the British army's - Coming up to relieve us. Hurry!

[intense music]

[yelling in foreign language]

[intense music]

[yelling in foreign language]

[yelling in foreign language]

[yelling in foreign language]

[yelling in foreign language]

Alright, boys.

Fold up your army.

- (male ♪3) - 'They're running! - They're running!'

[men rejoicing]

- (male ♪3) - 'Pearson, Pearson, - There's something'

- 'to tell your grandchildren - About if you live long enough.'

[indistinct chatter]

- There's a bad fellow! - Hey, it's my turn.

- Let me have a shot at him. Wait - Till he gets round the rock.

Now, hold it. Wait.

[gunshot]

Captain Vickers!

Geoffrey, am I

seeing things?

What happened?

- They think there's a relief - Force coming up to support us.

I'm terribly sorry, sir.

Thank heaven I missed you.

- Yeah. Lucky for me - You were aiming at me.

Good morning, gentlemen.

- I'm more than pleased - With the brilliant success

of your expedition.

Congratulations, Major Vickers.

Major? Why, thank you, sir.

- I haven't seen it - In orders yet.

You will tomorrow.

- Congratulations, - Captain Randall.

- Captain? Thank you, sir. Shall - I see it in orders, too, sir?

- Yes, of course.

- Sir.

- I'm afraid you'll have - To wait a bit, Pearson.

But good work all the same.

- Now, what do you all say about - Going back to Chukoti?

- We need seasoned - Officers up there.

- I would like it immensely, - Personally, sir.

- He would. He's gonna - Be married soon, sir.

Yeah. So I understand.

We'll see what we can do

- about getting you an - Extended leave later on.

- Why, thank you, sir. - Well, thank you, gentlemen.

Perry.

- 'You sent for me, sir?' - 'Oh, Perry, yes. Sit down.'

- (Charles) - 'Make yourself comfortable, - Won't you?'

Thank you, sir.

The Vickers are

an old army family.

Yes, sir.

I knew your father

at Zanda, Perry.

- You and your brother Geoffrey - Have come along admirably

though as brothers, I expect you

had your little differences.

You know, brothers rarely

avoid these little things..

but they're usually trifles.

- Trifles, sir? - Certainly. Don't you think so?

Well, that is, it's rather

difficult to explain

but, don't you think, sir

we're entitled to settle our

own problems in our own way?

Yes. Yes, perhaps so.

Now, Governor General Delhaussy

requires the presence of

a political man on the frontier

to handle the Suristani

situation.

I've selected you.

- You mean I'm to go - Up to Chukoti, sir?

No. You'll be

Stationed at Lohara.

Chukoti will be the spearhead of

any possible military maneuvers

but your duties will be those

of an official observer.

Is that final, sir?

- I mean, that I'm - To go up to Lohara?

Final. You'll have

so much work to do there

- that you won't have time - To think of anything else.

- 'You'll leave with - A caravan in the morning.'

'That's all.'

Yes, sir.

I understand, sir.

[instrumental music]

Perry.

I'm sorry about the way

things have gone, old lad.

- Elsa can't love - Both of us, you know.

- I'm aware of that.

- Well, then..

- Look here, Geoffrey. We might - As well get this thing

settled once and for all.

- We're not friends, - So why pretend we are?

- All the cards - Are stacked on your side.

Old Campbell's for you

the fact that you got

there first, everything.

I've only one claim.

- Elsa happens to love me, - And only me.

And as long as that's true,

I'm going to fight anyone.

- Perry, I know - You're wrong.

- We can't let something like - This come between us now.

- And besides, you... - I'll get over it. I know.

Well, get this into your head.

- I'm old enough to know - My own mind and Elsa's.

- I wouldn't hang on to anyone - Who didn't love me.

- (male ♪4) - 'This is where we turn off - For Chukoti. Vickers!'

Coming.

- Perry, old lad... - There's nothing more to say.

[instrumental music]

- (male ♪5) - Troop, column left!

[trumpet music]

[instrumental music]

[man call out orders]

Eyes left.

Halt!

- Reporting our return - From Calcutta, sir.

Good, Major Vickers.

Any casualties?

Yes, sir.

One man wounded.

We were fired on several

times, but we expected that.

- Did you return fire? - No, sir.

I'm glad you didn't.

Sir Benjamin's orders

are to maintain peace.

- Pretty difficult orders - To follow, sir, particularly

when they're firing on us.

Yes.

- When you've been soldiering - As long as I have

- you'll understand it's best to - Follow instructions regardless.

Yes, sir.

- By the way, - It would be disgraceful

- for an officer to appear before - His Commandant's daughter

in such a condition.

- (Charles) - 'Run along and clean up - And come back to my office.'

Yes, sir.

Troop, face left about!

Walk march!

[instrumental music]

- Ask Miss Campbell to come - To my office immediately.

Halt!

Fall out the officers.

Prepare to dismount!

Dismount!

Dismissed.

[dramatic music]

- Captain Sahib! - Prema!

- Up you go.

- Thank you, Sahib.

- Look, I brought you back - A new salute. Watch.

- How do you do it? - Like this.

[laughing]

Try it on the general.

Well.

Miss Campbell left

- with the first patrol - This morning, sir.

Confound it.

Well, uh, yes.

That's all. That's all.

- Why didn't Elsa - Tell me of this?

- That girl's a complete - Mystery to me. Outrageous!

- She knew perfectly well - You were arriving today.

Pardon, sir?

- Elsa left for Lohara - This morning.

- Lady Warrenton - Might be ill, sir.

She might have sent for her.

- Not that I'm aware of, - And what if she were?

'That's no excuse.'

- (Lady Warrenton) - 'You don't mean to tell me..'

- Well, well, you must have had - A long and tiresome journey.

A nice cup of hot tea will

really refresh you, my dear.

I'll never forget my appalling

honeymoon trip

with darling Benji.

You remember, dear? Benji!

- Yes, dear? Be with you - In a minute, dear.

Here's some nice cold

water to take your pill.

- I thought I might drink a little - Toast to our delightful guest.

- Keep me awake all night? - Well, you're wrong again.

- I hope you and Sir Benjamin - Didn't mind

my coming uninvited like this.

- Certainly not. - Delighted.

Mind? We're enchanted.

- (Lady Warrenton) - 'By the way, how - Is that ravishingly'

'handsome fiancé of yours?'

- (Benjamin) - 'Young Vickers. - Due here today.'

- (Lady Warrenton) - 'No, Benji, you're all muddled.'

- Elsa is engaged to the - Other brother, Godfrey.

Geoffrey, dear.

- Some cake? - No, thank you.

So the brother is coming.

Well, well, well!

That is a coincidence.

My dear, you remember the

appalling ball in Calcutta?

Well, I was convinced that you

and he were, uh.. So to speak.

- (Benjamin) - 'Pay no attention - To my wife, Miss Campbell.'

- She has two - Obsessions in life.

Giving me pills

and scandalous intrigue.

Captain Vickers, Sahib.

Thank you.

Lady Warrenton .

Glad to see you, Vickers.

Sir Benjamin.

Elsa! Why, this is a surprise.

How are you, Perry?

- (Benjamin) - 'Good trip, my boy?'

Don't be absurd, Benji.

- There's no such thing - As a good trip in India.

- One either travels in - Comparative discomfort

or in complete discomfort.

Mine was complete.

- You two children want - To be alone, I know.

You must tell Elsa

all about Godfrey.

Geoffrey, dear.

- All about your brother, - Though, why you're not

green with jealousy of him

for annexing this adorable

creature, I can't imagine.

Come, Benji.

- Oh, please don't disturb - Yourself, Lady Warrenton.

Elsa and I will take

a stroll. Shall we?

Yes.

No, no, no. Not out there.

Not on the veranda.

There. In the summer house..

- Where the birds - Are singing

and the flowers

are burgeoning.

- Across the veranda - And down the walk.

- Really, Octavia. Your constant - Innuendos are intolerable.

- You fully embarrassed - Young Vickers

and the Campbell girl,

not to mention me.

- Why can't you resist - Poking your nose

- into other people's - Private affairs?

- Is nothing sacred to you?

- Yes, Benji, dear. Your liver.

- It's wonderful of you - To come here like this.

- When I saw you just now, I - Couldn't believe it possible.

- Why did you - Take such a risk?

I had to.

I've tried to force

myself to forget you.

I've even tried to hate you,

but I love you.

I always have,

and I always shall.

Darling.

Poor father.

- You see, he's right - From his point of view.

- He made me promise - To try to get over it.

I did try for three months,

but I failed.

So I threw away all common

sense and came here to you.

To make sure that..

- That you're ready to face - Everything with me.

- My love for you - Is even stronger

more part of me than ever.

I was sure of it.

- Tomorrow I must go - Back to Chukoti

- And tell father - And Geoffrey that

whatever happiness there is in

me to give must be given to you.

[instrumental music]

Parades, left!

Troop, halt!

[bugle call]

Stables. Coming?

Parade left,

Column left. March!

- Report the return - Of the convoy, sir.

Very good.

Sir Benjamin's

compliments, sir.

You've had a scrap.

We were fired upon by the

Suristanis in Kohrud pass.

- Well, you had - Your orders?

- Yes, sir. My patrol - Withdrew in good order.

But we lost a man.

Lancer Wentworth.

Wentworth?

That's all, Barclay.

Anything else?

Well, sir. The Khan..

That is, if I may...

- Yes, of course. - Go on.

- Well, you see, sir, - We ran across

- a caravan coming - Down from the pass.

There was a Hindu merchant.

- He'd just been to visit the - Suristanis, and well, he has it

- on good authority - That the Suristanis

are preparing for an attack.

- An attack? - 'Yes, sir. On Chukoti.'

Oh, come, come, now, Barclay.

The Khan wouldn't dare.

You must be mistaken.

That's all.

Yes, sir.

Soldiers.. Old women,

that's what.

- I feel that Barclay's - Information is accurate, sir.

What, you also?

- Alright. - Presuming it is.

- Why this garrison? Why Chukoti? - Answer me that, Vickers.

- The Khan's wise - Enough to know, sir.

- That an attack on Chukoti now - Will ignite the entire frontier.

Why, the infernal scoundrel.

- Then he must know - The home government's

feelings about a border war.

That's it exactly, sir.

- Also the fact that England's - About to go to war with Russia.

Attack now, sir.

- Strike the first blow, - And you'll crush him.

- Vickers, you will parade your - Men in full marching order

- ready to move - Off at once.

Yes, sir.

[bugle call]

[speaking in foreign language]

Goodbye, Mary.

Company.. March!

- Troops are ready - To move off, sir.

Stand at ease, gentlemen.

I have received the following

from General Headquarters..

"To the Officer Commanding

Chukoti Garrison..

- "Upon receipt of this - Order, you will dispatch

- "all available men - Under your command

to brigade headquarters, Lohara,

to take part in maneuvers."

Maneuvers?

At this time, sir?

Sir Benjamin's orders, Vickers.

- He knows more of the situation - Than we do.

- Major Jowett, you will be - In command of the troops.

Captain Cary, Cornet Gordon,

Cornet Barclay will go with you.

- 'The rest of you will - Remain in the Garrison.'

Those are my orders

from Sir Benjamin.

That's all, gentlemen.

- Beg your pardon, sir.

- Yes. What is it?

- Sending the men off - To Lohara on maneuvers now

leaves us with hardly one

company of infantry here.

- Obviously, it's - Strategic to put on

- a display of force - For the Suristani tribes.

More effective than bullets.

But that leaves Chukoti

almost entirely undefended.

Boldness. That, my boy,

is the essence of strategy.

But the women

and children, sir.

Jowett's wife and child,

Elsa, the sepoys' families.

Nothing to worry about.

- We have plenty of men - Left here to defend them.

- We haven't enough men left. - You can't take...

- Major Vickers, - You've had your orders.

I've had mine.

That's all.

Yes, sir.

Parade right!

Parade right!

Parade right!

Parade right!

Forward march!

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

Elsa.

- Oh, it's you, - Geoffrey.

I'm sorry. I didn't

mean to startle you.

- You looked very - Far away just then.

- What were you - Thinking of?

Of a peaceful Countryside

of soft green downs

rolling to a blue sea.

I know. England.

No hot, burning sun.

No eternal treachery

waiting for the unknown.

England. In early springtime.

Ascot, cricket,

punting on the Thames.

- We'll see all that - Together one day.

Just now it..

Seems rather like

An intangible dream.

Little like you, Elsa.

You see... I was rather hoping

you'd be here when I got back.

I was at Lohara.

- Yes, I know. - Your father told me.

There was something I had

to find out

something I had to be

sure of before I saw you.

You found out?

Yes.

- Geoffrey, you want - To make me happy?

- More than anything - Else in the world.

Then you must

know everything.

- I came back from Lohara - Determined to tell you that...

[bullet ricochets]

[intense music]

Major Sahib!

Major Sahib!

Major Sahib!

Tower guard shot!

Suristani. Major Sahib.

- Sound the alarm! Turn out - The guard double quick!

[bugle call]

- Vickers, what's happening? - We're being attacked, sir.

- Suristani? Man the walls. - Yes, sir.

- I've already sent all - The available men there, sir.

- Concentrate your strength - On the main gate.

Send 15 men to the East wall.

Orderly!

[intense music]

[baby crying]

[bugle call]

- Open fire as soon as - You're within range!

- Cornet! - 'Yes, sir!'

- Take 15 men and mount - The East wall!

[baby crying]

[gunfire]

Rapid fire!

We're losing too many men, sir!

- Yes, we're hopelessly - Outnumbered.

- We'd better abandon the wall - Before it's too late.

- The barracks. - We can hold them off

- and get them as they - Come over the wall.

- Give orders - To abandon the wall.

Bugler, sound the retreat.

- Take cover - In the barracks, men!

[bugle call]

[intense music]

[screaming]

- Take cover in the barracks! - Quick, men!

- Get all your wounded - To the medical officer!

Get in the doors

and windows!

- (Geoffrey) - Barricade the doors and windows!

- Elsa, get all the women - And children away

- from the line - Of the windows, quick.

[screaming]

[gunfire]

[gunfire]

[screaming]

Mama!

- Randall! - Yes, here.

- Take six men - And reinforce the rear.

- Issue more ammunition - All around. Quick.

- Yes, sir. - First six men, follow me.

This way. Hurry!

- Hold these windows and cover - An attack from the stables.

- Make every shot tell. - Do you understand?

- Ammunitioneer, ready - To interchange rifles.

- Vickers, how much - Ammunition have we left?

- Plenty, sir. That's the least - Of our troubles.

- It's water that's - The main problem, sir.

Water and this heat.

- We've got to reach - Jowett at Lohara.

- Someone's got - To get through to them.

[instrumental music]

[dramatic music]

Now is your chance.

- The moon's going - Behind some clouds.

- Now, don't forget. - When you reach the river

cut a native boat loose

- the current will carry you - Down to Lohara.

Well, it's easy enough, sir.

- I'll have the troops - Back in no time.

That's the spirit.

- With any luck at all, - You should get over.

- There's very few marksmen - Holding the wall.

Looks pretty clear.

Yes.

Geoffrey, look.

You wouldn't mind giving this

to my family, just in case?

- Looks like a pretty - Cheap one. Does it go?

If you wind it up.

You're an idiot.

Alright.

- I'll give it back - To you tomorrow.

Thanks, old pal.

Good luck.

Come, my boy.

Over you go.

- God be with you.

- Thank you, sir.

- You ready? - Yeah.

[intense music]

[music continues]

He's over the wall.

- In this changing moon, - The Khan won't dare

to make another attack.

Thank god for his

everlasting mercy.

- You look as though you could do - With a few hours sleep, sir.

Oh, yes. Perhaps you're right.

[gunshot]

Sun's up, sir.

We can't hold out

much longer, sir.

- (male ♪6) - 'Major Vickers, sir. Look.'

[intense music]

They're gone.

They're gone, sir.

[gunshot]

- Pearson, what are you doing? - Are you mad?

- Don't you see? They're - Coming over the wall.

- They're coming through - The compound. I can't stop them.

- Shut up! Stop!

- I-I-I...

Shut up!

[sobbing]

That's alright, old fella.

Pull yourself together.

I'm sorry, sir.

The walls are all deserted, sir.

That's very strange.

Possibly some sort of a trick.

- Run upstairs and look - Around carefully.

- White flag, sir. - What?

- They're coming towards - Us now over the hill.

- What are they up to now?

- We'll soon see.

Remove the barricade.

Open that door.

His Highness, Surat Khan,

Amir of Suristan

- Sends greetings - To His Excellency

the Commandant Of Chukoti

and humbly proposes a truce.

'With a request that you

will send Major Vickers'

'to discuss the terms.'

Excellent.

- He's probably missed - A boat from its moorings

and suspects our man got through

and is ready to treat with us.

- I'd better go, sir.

- Yes, of course.

- We accept - His Highness suggestion

- only on the condition that - We hold you as hostage

- pending Major Vickers - Safe return.

I'm sure His Highness

will be graciously pleased

and will understand

your natural caution.

Very well.

- You'll accompany me - As orderly.

Yes, sir.

[instrumental music]

[speaking in foreign language]

- I welcome you, - Major Vickers.

- May the Gods - Of courage and wisdom

- continue to bestow - Their blessings on you.

- Your Highness, I suggest - You come straight to the point.

Really?

- You probably know by now that - Word has reached Lohara..

- ...and the entire - Brigade's on its way here.

How interesting.

Oh, it pains me deeply

- to have to disillusion - You on that score.

- If it's that sepoy you mean... - Yes. Captain Randall.

- Oh, so it was - Captain Randall

- Who so imprudently attempted - To penetrate the lines.

Poor fellow.

'He paid the penalty

for his foolishness.'

He's.. He's dead?

Oh, my friend,

life is sweet and dear

when one cannot have it.

That's why I sent for you.

I'm offering you your life.

My life. Why?

You saved mine, and I

shall never forget it.

- You'll be given a - Horse and safe conduct...

Your Highness, up till now

- the home government - Has chosen to disregard sundry

unfriendly acts of yours.

- By withdrawing - Your forces now

- you'll be making a friendly - Gesture which will almost

certainly lead to the reopening

of negotiations in Calcutta.

- You're not fighting - A single outpost.

- You're fighting - The entire British Army.

- Your logic, my dear Major, - Is overwhelming.

No, my friend.

- I do not think - You seriously believe

that I'll accept your

optimistic suggestions.

After all, have you

not an English proverb

to the effect that possession

is 9/10 of the law?

- Then I take it there's - Nothing more to be said.

On the contrary

- if we are open and honest - With one another

- this matter can be - Settled reasonably.

- Any suggestion you - Might must guarantee

- the safety of the women - And children.

Then the obvious solution

would be an evacuation.

Evacuation?

You mean surrender?

Hardly.

I am perfectly willing

to grant the garrison

a safe escort to Lohara.

- Why, I've every - Reason to suppose

- that will be - Perfectly satisfactory.

- When I went to school - In England, I learned

- your charming custom - Of shaking hands

signifying the completion of

a bargain between two gentlemen.

- Of course, the garrison will - Have to lay down its arms.

What? But why?

As a friendly gesture.

That's utterly impossible.

- It places us entirely - At your mercy.

[clears throat]

Your Highness.

We understand their feelings,

- Very well, then. - With arms.

- I'm sorry. - I won't agree to your terms

under any conditions whatever.

- Take my offer - To your commandant.

The decision is his.

- If my terms are acceptable, - Instruct your colonel

to raise the white flag.

- You should know - The British never surrender.

- Yet their guns - Will be useless to them

- if I may advise, - Your Highness.

I suspected you had a plan.

- Precisely. If Colonel Campbell - Accepts our terms..

And he would be exceedingly

unwise not to..

- It would be - Very simple.

[instrumental music]

Wish you'd think it over, sir.

- I feel we're making a mistake - In accepting the Khan's terms.

- It puts us entirely - At his mercy.

- We're practically - At his mercy already.

- I'm sure you're quite - Mistaken in your suspicions.

- Can you give me - Any tangible reason?

- No, sir. Except that - They offered me

- a horse and safe conduct - For myself only.

- I see no reason - To mistrust him.

- Besides, I've gotta think - Of the women and children.

- That's just it, sir. - We can't trust him.

- Well, we've got - To go through with it.

Alright, get to the first

and second boat there.

[speaking in foreign language]

- Get the people loaded into - The boats as soon as you can.

- You understand? - Yes, sir.

And you take the leading boat

to Lohara. Off you go.

[intense music]

- Put that stretcher - On the raft there.

[speaking in foreign language]

[baby cries]

- Careful! Don't - Overload that boat!

[speaking in foreign language]

[gunfire]

[screaming]

- Out of the boats. - Quickly, now!

Massacre!

[screaming]

He's safe.

- My debt to Major Vickers - Is paid.

[speaking in foreign language]

Drive the rest of them

back into the garrison!

Does it feel better now?

Yes, much. Thank you.

We shouldn't

have trusted him.

- Those poor little kids. - Horrible.

- What's going to happen to them? - He can't murder them all.

No. That would be too much,

even for the Khan.

He'll hold them as hostages.

- That's why we've got to get - To Lohara for help.

It's our only hope.

Look!

It's our chance.

[instrumental music]

[speaking in foreign language]

"Been our refuge from one

generation to another.

- "Thou turnest men - To destruction.

Again thou sayest, come

again, Ye children of men.."

[speaking in foreign language]

- "The days of our age - Are three score years and 10..

- '"And though men be - So strong that they come'

'"to fourscore years,

yet is their strength'

'"then but labor and sorrow,

so soon passeth it away'

'"and we are gone.'

'Turn thee again..."'

[shouting in foreign language]

Major Vickers!

- What are you talking about? - Where did this happen?

- Just now, sir, down by the river - At the north gate.

- (Benjamin) - 'What's the meaning of all this? - Miss Campbell!'

'Geoffrey! Ali!'

- 'Tell Lady Warrenton - Miss Campbell needs her help.'

My dear. Go with Cataro.

- She'll take you - To my wife at once.

Geoffrey, my boy,

This is terrible.

How on earth did it happen?

Chukoti, sir.

The Suristanis attacked.

Hot water and clothes.

Get smelling salts.

My poor, poor child!

- Thought the best - Thing we could do

- would be try and reach - Here for help.

- We will get there in time?

- Yes, if we hurry.

Captain Barnes.

Request Major Jowett

to report to me at once.

- And sound assembly. - Very good, sir.

- The Khan must be holding - The women and children.

As hostages, of course.

We've no time to spare.

- Pack the sepoys in their - Own transport wagons.

We'll bring them along with us.

- You get your arm - Attended to at once.

I'll be with you in a minute.

- Do you mind if I come along? - No, old lad. We'll need you.

[bugle call]

[bugle call]

Halt!

That's strange! The white

flag's still flying.

There are no sentries about.

- Shows every sign - Of being deserted.

- What do you make of it? - Who knows, sir?

- Major Jowett? - Sir.

- Take forward a detail - In skirmishing order.

Very good, sir.

The last six sections dismount

and advance in

skirmishing order!

- I wonder if this is another - Of the Khan's tricks.

Fire a shot.

[gunshot]

No sign of life.

follow me.

Troop, forward. Gallop!

[instrumental music]

[speaking in foreign language]

Prema!

Mezanti!

- There she is - On the steps, sir.

Mary!

[crying]

John!

[crying]

Yara... Yara, come.

They're dead! They're all dead!

Can't you hear me?

They're dead, I tell you!

They're dead! Gone!

Prema!

Prema! Prema!

Prema!

[sobbing]

[speaking in foreign language]

Prema. My little boy's gun.

He wanted a gun

to kill Suristani.

Suristani kill him.

Prema, my baby.

Do you hear me, Prema?

Prema!

Colonel Campbell, sir,

up over the wall.

[somber music]

So that's why

they abandoned Chukoti.

- We've got to follow - Surat Khan. He can't be far.

- Impossible. - They're mountain fighters.

- We don't stand a chance - Against them in the hills.

- But we can't stand - Here doing nothing!

We'll never rest till he's

been made to pay for this.

- India will be too - Small to hold him.

[dramatic music]

These books want to be stored

and the cases made

ready for transport.

And all the official

papers in this box here.

- You'll report to - The Commander in Chief

on arrival at Balaklava.

Good luck, Watson.

Thank you, sir.

Major Vickers, sir.

Oh, Geoffrey, my boy.

- Replacements for the 27th - Have reported for duty, sir.

Good, then you're

ready to embark.

- Never been to the Crimea, - Have you Geoffrey?

They tell me it's

a pestilential hole.

- Seems very strange - To me, sir.

- That the war office should - Be sending the 27th

- to Sebastopol to fight - The Russians.

- Poor devils, - Haven't they been through

enough already at Chukoti?

The Russians?

- Peoples don't wage war against - Other peoples, Geoffrey.

- England is fighting - The tyranny of the czar.

The 27th Lancers

are fighting Surat Khan.

Surat Khan.

- It may interest you - To know that after

the Chukoti massacre,

Surat Khan fled.

- I knew that, sir. - India was too hot to hold him.

- The war department - Happens to know

- that he took refuge - With the Russians

- And is with their - Forces at Sebastopol.

This is worth knowing.

Now you understand

Why the 27th Lancers

have been ordered to Sebastopol.

- Every man will have - A chance for vindication..

- Not only for himself - And for his regiment

But for every sepoy in India.

Now, you better

get along, Geoffrey.

- You haven't too much time - To get your kit ready.

[knock on door]

Yes. Come in.

Why, Elsa.

Geoffrey, I had to come.

Why, what's the matter?

Perry is gone.

Gone? What do you mean?

To the Crimea.

- He was ordered back to his - Regiment, and he sailed two days

- ago with Sir Benjamin - On the first transport.

Oh, Geoffrey, He'll be

killed. I know he will.

- You love him, - Don't you?

I do. I can't help it.

A long time?

I think, since

the first day I met him.

I tried to tell you that day

when I came back from Lohara.

You needn't explain.

I think I've know it,

really, in my heart..

for some time.

I'm sorry, Geoffrey.

It's alright.

Why, it can't be helped.

Quite a natural thing.

He's a grand lad, Elsa.

He'll make you very happy.

- You'll be going back - To England, I suppose.

Yes. I think so.

Oh, you're lucky.

Wish I could go, too.

- Well, I must finish - This stuff up.

Geoffrey, are you going

out to the Crimea, too?

- Yes. Leaving - Almost immediately.

May I help you pack?

Oh, no, thanks.

- I've been giving myself - A crick in the back

all the morning, as it is.

- Elsa, don't worry - About Perry.

He'll be alright.

I'll see that he is.

Goodbye..

And bless you..

Both of you.

Geoffrey, will you

take him a message?

Why, yes.

Tell him..

that I think his brother..

is the finest man

I've ever known.

[instrumental music]

[instrumental music]

[indistinct chatter]

- Sir Charles Macefield's - Compliments to General Scott.

There are no new orders.

- Soon as the war council's - Over, I'll notify him.

Yes, sir.

We must attack Sebastopol.

General Canrobert's anxiety

is perhaps prompted by the fact

that our supplies

are running low.

- Lord Raglan - Understands perfectly.

Can't you see, Lord Cardigan,

the Baltic fleet is useless?

The Turkish fleet..

I regret to say

- has been destroyed - By the Russians at Sinope.

The recent storm has wrecked

not only the Russian fleet

- but the largest - Of the French man-of-war.

You underestimate

our resources, general.

See for yourself.

We have Sebastopol

under siege

- and our forces - Have the Russians

at bay, so to speak.

'Besides, so far

no real opportunity'

'to attack Sebastopol

has presented itself.'

- Alright, captain, - I'll make a note of it.

- Lord Raglan - Can't be disturbed

while the War Council's

in session.

- Take it up with - Sir Charles Macefield.

(Perry)

'Yes, sir.'

Wait.

Alright. Carry on.

Yes, sir.

- My plan to withdraw - The Light Brigade

is perfectly clear

to all of you gentlemen.

Be good enough to issue

the orders, Sir Charles.

I think that's all

we have to discuss.

- Some papers - For your signature, sir.

Hmm?

- Well, these are not important. - Presently will do.

Sit down. I want you

to take a dispatch.

General Headquarters,

Army of the Crimea.

- From His Excellency - Field Marshal

the Earl of Raglan,

K.C.B., commanding...

the Major General

Sir Benjamin Warrenton

K.C.B., no. 1174.

On receipt of this order

you will withdraw

the Light Brigade

'to a point

three kilometers Southwest'

'of its present position..'

'by order.'

- Light Brigade's - Moving back, sir?

Yes. What's surprising

about that?

- Volonoff commands - The Russian artillery

- position on - The heights above

the valley of Balaklava.

Surat Khan's with him.

We know that.

- Don't you think - The men of the 27th

- the men from Chukoti, - Ought to be given

a chance to attack them?

I know how you feel,

every British soldier

would give his life to avenge

the Chukoti massacre

but at this moment,

it's impossible.

- May never be - Another chance, sir.

- You must know - That the Russians

have their strongest batteries

situated above the valley.

- It would take at least five - Regiments for the assault.

- Oh, no, Vickers, - It's suicide.

- That valley, under - The circumstances

is a valley of death.

It would be worth it, sir.

- 600 men attacking - The Russian center

would keep the enemy occupied

- while the combined - French, Turkish

British forces

attack Sebastopol.

Sebastopol taken,

the Czar must sue for peace.

Yes, the entire

Crimea situation

hinges on Sebastopol,

but this is no time

to consider personal

feelings, Vickers.

'Your plan is admirably daring'

'but that's just it,

it's too wild.'

Now, I want you

to deliver this order

personally to the commander

of the Light Brigade.

Is that clear?

Yes, sir.

[dramatic music]

[intense music]

[music continues]

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

Why, what's up, Vickers?

What? Nothing.

- (Bentham) - 'You do look rather odd, - You know.'

Confound you, Bentham, mind

your own business, will you?

I'm sorry. Yes, sir.

[instrumental music]

- (Benjamin) - Now, gentlemen, these - Battles are the finest

of two and a half months.

We've lost hundreds of men

- apart from those who died - From the cold and sickness.

It is, therefore,

imperative that unless...

- Orders from - General Headquarters, sir.

- You'll excuse me, - Gentlemen.

- His Excellency's - Compliments.

- Thank you, - Well, how are things

over at headquarters?

- They've been - Pretty dull here.

- I beg your pardon, sir - That's from the

- Commander-in-chief - It's important.

I see.

- '"Upon receipt of this order, - The Light Brigade will advance'

'and take the enemy position

on Balaklava heights."'

It's come at last.

You, you expected it?

- For weeks, Vickers. - For weeks.

- So you thought - General Headquarters

were the only ones in the know

- But I, too, knew - That Surat Khan

- was with Volonoff - On the Balaklava Heights.

The 27th, the men know, sir?

- Certainly, not. - There'd be no holding them.

Do you mind if I tell them?

- 'You mean, you're - Coming with us?'

Of course.

It's my regiment.

Besides, this is more than

just a fight for me, sir.

And to me, too, my boy.

- Do you think that - I've been able to sleep

since that awful day at Chukoti?

And now, at last..

- Would you mind if I - Spoke to my brother

here in your office, sir?

Certainly not.

Orderly..

go to Captain Vicker's billet

- and request him - To come here at once.

- (male ♪7) - Yes, sir.

Gentlemen, we have

action at last.

- Come with me, I trust - All the units

'are ready to move out at once.'

Oh, I-I thought

Sir Benjamin sent for me.

No. I sent for you.

I want you to take this dispatch

- to General Headquarters - And wait there

until further orders.

Wait at General Headquarters?

- But I've heard the regiment's - Moving forward.

- If I've wait at - General Headquarters

- I'll be out of - The fight altogether.

- You'll deliver it personally - To Sir Charles Macefield.

You understand?

- I believe you're trying - To keep me out of this

deliberately

because of Elsa.

- No. No, Elsa's got - Nothing to do with this.

- You're not in the diplomatic - Service now, you know.

- You're with your regiment - At the front.

You'll obey my orders

immediately.

If I refuse?

You'll be court-martialed.

I see... disgraced either way.

Very well.

[dramatic music]

Bugler, sound assembly.

[bugle call]

(Geoffrey)

Men of the 27th

Surat Khan is on the field

with the opposing

Russian forces.

- The same Surat Khan - Who massacred

the women and children

of Chukoti.

Our chance has come.

Show no mercy.

Let no power on earth stop you.

- Prove to the world - That no man can kill

women and children

and live to boast of it.

Men of the 27th..

our objective is Surat Khan!

Forward!

[indistinct chatter]

13th Dragoons, parade left!

Walk march!

[drum music]

11th Hussars, forward!

Walk march!

[bugle call]

- Captain Vickers, sir. - Show him in.

- Dispatch, sir. - Personal. Urgent.

Thank you.

"They'll attack

the Balaklava Heights."

This is insanity,

General Warrenton is

attacking the Russian artillery.

- They'll be slaughtered, - All of them.

Orderly!

- I must issue - Orders at once

for the Chateau d'afrique

- and the Hebrew Brigade - To support them.

- Let me take it, sir. - Take your fastest horse.

The lives of 600 men

are in your hands.

Yes, sir.

(male ♪8)

27th Lancers, forward!

(male ♪9)

13th Dragoons, forward!

- (male ♪10) - 8th Hussars, forward!

- (male ♪11) - 7th Hussars, forward!

- (male ♪12) - 4th Dragoons, forward!

Walk march!

[bugle call]

[intense music]

[intense music]

- Your Excellency, - The British light cavalry

- are advancing - Against our position.

- We'll cut them down before - They cross the valley.

- No doubt, instruct - Battery commanders

- in positions 37 - And 22 to open fire

- immediately they - Come within range.

Your Excellency.

[bugle call]

[intense music]

[indistinct chatter]

[dramatic music]

[intense music]

[music continues]

[bugle call]

They're deploying the charge.

See for yourself,

Your Highness.

What a tactical

blunder, fools.

- Why, they'll ride - Into certain death!

[dramatic music]

Charge!

They're charging!

What madness.

[cannon fire]

[intense music]

[music continues]

[indistinct chatter]

Onward, men! Onward!

- Why, they've broken - Through the first line

- of batteries, - It's unbelievable!

[music continues]

Steady, men! Hold your line!

[music continues]

Onward, men! Onward!

- Instruct Colonel Plattov, - 14th Calvary

to prepare the counterattack.

Your Excellency.

[dramatic music]

Steady, men! Press on!

[music continues]

- Instruct 14th Calvary - To attack!

Your Excellency.

[cannon fire]

[bugle call]

[intense music]

[music continues]

[indistinct commands]

[indistinct chatter]

[dramatic music]

[cannon fire]

[cannon fire]

[dramatic music]

[intense music]

[screams]

[instrumental music]

Gentlemen, everyone

believes the 600 went

to their death

at an order from me.

- Confound it, man, it must - Have been a mistake.

- I'll stake my life. - You never issued that order.

It was a magnificent blunder.

That one insane clash

turned the tide in our favor.

- But there was - A misunderstanding

wasn't there?

'The orders you gave... '

Were received and carried out.

- Believe me, gentlemen, - I fully appreciate

what you're trying to do for me

- and I'm sorry I have - To disappoint you.

You're shielding someone.

You're a blasted fool,

God bless you.

[instrumental music]

- (Charles) - 'For conspicuous gallantry.'

[instrumental music]

[music continues]