55 Days at Peking (1963) - full transcript

Peking. China.

The summer
of the year 1900.

The rains are late,

the crops have failed,

a hundred million
Chinese are hungry

and a violent wind
of discontent

disturbs the land.

Within the foreign compound

a thousand foreigners
live and work,

citizens of a dozen
far-off nations.

What is this
terrible noise?



Different nations saying the
same thing, at the same time.

We want China.

Sha-shao!

Separated from
the foreign compound

by only
a wall and a gate,

is the Forbidden City.

Here, in untouchable isolation

lives the Dowager Empress,
last of the Manchus.

Protected by
an army of eunuchs,

she holds court and
consults with her ministers,

mandarins and generals.

You will halt the execution.

But I have orders
from Prince Tuan!

And now you have an order from me.



The nightingale will recover.

The arts of the Court
physician will prevail.

Only yesterday
I listened to its song.

Your Highness.
The execution has been stopped.

- Who?
- Yung-Lo.

Your Majesty,

I come to ask your
displeasure, Divine One.

Take my life instead
of the Colonel's.

We cannot spare you.

It was I who gave the orders
for the troops to fire on the Boxers.

They were burning Christian
missions, killing foreigners.

We have sad news.

The nightingale...

it was your gift.

Do you remember, Yung-Lo?

I have not forgotten.

I live only to serve Your Majesty.

And how does the General's attack on
the Boxer patriots serve Her Highness?

If the Boxers remain unchecked, a dozen
foreign armies will descend on China.

We are tens of millions.
Let them come.

Does the Empress believe that
where the imperial Army has failed,

the swords of the rebel will succeed?

Our Gods are with the Boxers.

The voice of the
nightingale is still.

I hear only
the sound of crows.

Your Majesty,

a violent wind does
not last till morning.

The Boxers have arisen
like the wind and the rain,

and like the wind and the rain,
they will disappear.

May the Boxers be guided
by the will of the gods.

About the Colonel, Your Majesty.

Let his end will be
a sign, to the people

and a warning
to the foreigners.

The Colonel's death
is of no consequence.

But his life has set
my Prince against my General

and this disturbs the
tranquility of the morning.

Let him die
for this offense.

You are concerned, Yung-Lo?

If the Boxers fail,
I will give the foreigners

Prince Tuan's head.

Eyes front, soldier.

All right,
Marines, eyes front!

We're almost in Peking,
the capital city of China.

This is an ancient, and a
highly cultured civilization,

so don't get the idea you're
any better than these people

just because they
can't speak English.

A few of words of Chinese
will go a long way.

Repeat after me.
The word for 'Yes' is 'shih'.

Shih.

- The word for 'No' is 'Bu shih".
- Bu shih.

Remember, it's just the same
here as anywhere else in the world,

everything has a price.

So pay your money and
don?t expect any free samples.

Yes, sir.

Right turn!

Column... Halt!

We going to break that up, Major?

You're gonna stay right here!

- Murphy!
- Yes, sir?

Ni hao.

Please tell the Boxer chief
I'd like to do business with him.

I want to buy
that old man.

But he's Britain, you're American.

Twenty dollars.

Ching Ju!

Tell him I'll only do
business if the old man's alive.

Nothing if he's dead.

Give me double the
amount, do you want?

Forty dollars.

All right.

He's dead.

But he say you
must pay anyway

because you have
spoiled the ceremony.

Nothing doing.

Twenty dollars.

Tell your friend I'm still
willing to do business.

I'll buy
the dead Boxer.

Forty dollars.

Twenty dollars.

- Did you fire that shot?
- Yes, sir.

Nice shooting, Sergeant.

Thank you, Major.

That'll cost you twenty bucks,

out of your pay.
Fall in!

Alright...
Fall in!

- Take them around to the barracks.
- Yes, sir.

- Murphy!
- Yo.

This is it.

Tell the Baroness,
I?m still waiting.

As you know, your Excellency,
I have already sent her a note.

You're the owner of this hotel,
Barak Mont, tell her yourself.

Well, I'll see what there is, Count.

Excellency, please.
Excuse me, Signor.

Barak Mont, in my capacity
as Russian Minister to Peking,

I order you to
get her down here.

As you wish, your Excellency.

But you must remember, she is still
a guest. I cannot order her around.

Excuse me, your Excellency, but I
think you could do with a cold drink.

- And so could I.
- Champagne, your Excellency?

How are you?

It's been a long time.
It's okay. You're beautiful.

Natasha!

Would you like to come
with us to have fun?

Baroness Ivanoff!

Yes, Sergei?

Not enough that you keep me waiting,
now you choose to ignore me.

You are a little
nervous, Sergei.

I suggest something cool to drink

for all of us.

- Sorry.
- It's okay. We'll go ourselves. Goodbye.

Natasha ... I

Thank you.

I try not to talk
about the necklace.

But you are talking about it.

I'm talking to you as Russian
Imperial Minister to Peking ...

Please, Sergei, just speak
to me as my brother-in-law.

Natasha, I've told Mr Bergmann

that your visa has been revoked.

Consequently, you have
no right to remain in this hotel,

Peking or for that
matter anywhere in China.

- You're legally non-existent.
- You're frightening me Sergei.

Where will you go?

To your Chinese friend?

You must hate me, Sergei.

You're wrong, Natasha.

I do not hate you.

Please leave!

You're a fool.

My conscience is clear,

but you have lost everything.

You will end up naked in the streets.

Not entirely naked.

I'll still have the necklace.

Today...

She must be out of here today.

Yes, your Excellency.
I'll take care of it.

Good afternoon, Sir.

I hope I get one of the
rooms with a bath this time.

I'm sorry sir.
Did you have a reservation?

Well, hello there, Lewis.

- Hi.
- Hi.

You're late.

When did you get in Colonel?

- This morning.
- What kept you so long?

We had to walk the last 10 miles.

The railroad isn't running anymore.

Gentlemen, the
railroad isn't anymore.

- Major Lewis!
- Hey Bergmann.

- Haven't you got a room for me?
- All rooms are taken.

- Alright, if you'll wait a short while.
- Fine.

Ah, thanks, Chiang.
Here you are.

Thanks Major, any time you need me.

That's half my life in here, Bergmann.
Take good care of it for me.

And some more of
your life here, Major.

Oh, yeah.

Let me use your waste basket.

Well, they're six months.

Open a letter, you have to read it.

Read it, you may have to answer it.

Lewis!

- Ah, Carlo!
- I miss you!

- Ah Captain.
- You're late.

What kept you so long?

I lost 2 men.
Had to stop to bury them.

Come on Andy, let's
get something to drink.

Alright.

Why don't you try to
get a room here too, Andy.

I want to look up the kid.
Maybe find a place closer to her.

Oh yeah, your little girl.

- How old is she now, anyway?
-11.

No, I guess she's 12 already.

Too rough on her. No mother
and practically no father.

What else can I do?

Now she's with a French mission
and a bunch of Chinese orphans.

You re better than
most fathers at least ...

you try to see her when you can.

Yeah, but leaving her with a mission.
It's not my idea how to raise a kid.

But what do I do?

Take her back to Illinois with me?

All the half Chinese
kid they got in Illinois.

They'd treat her like
a freak back home.

Yeah, she's better off
here among her own kind.

- You really think so, Matt?
- Sure.

May I have your key, Baroness?

I must have a room for
the American officer.

Thank you.

Besides,

you have to live
your own life too.

Excuse me, I've just
had an invitation.

Please do sit down, Major.

Bring your friend.
We can all drink together.

He don't need to
tell us his troubles.

What should I tell you, Major?

Well, that you're
happy I?m with you.

Are you always this direct.

I?m a marine, ma'am.
I don't have much time.

How much time are
you allowing for me?

Now.

Have you found this
approach very successful?

Not really, no.

It's the only one I know.

Keep drinking, Major.

Your tight uniform
will hold you together.

- Clever women make me nervous.
- No, please...

Please don?t go.

What can I offer you?
My life?

My room.

They just gave it to you.

Is that too much to ask?

No, my life isn't
worth much, but ...

hotel rooms in Peking
are at a premium right now.

Do you always offer
your life to strangers?

To a soldier, strangers
make the best friends.

But I?m not in uniform, Major.

I like things fine,
just the way they are.

Major Lewis.

Major Lewis, sir.
A British orderly to see you.

The British Minister's compliment, sir.
He wishes to see you.

He told me to tell you. sir, that your
minister Mr Maxwell is in hospital.

That he's been authorized
from Washington to act for him.

Fine. Tell him I'll be right along
as soon as I get to clean up.

Yes, sir.

Here is your key, Major.

Thanks.

What shall I do with your
belongings, whatever it is?

- Put them back, Bergmann.
- But there's only one room, Major.

Let the Baroness figure it out.
She's a clever woman.

Don?t laugh yet, Major.

It's a very small room.

Well, I've been in
tight places before.

So have I, Major.

- Daddy!
- Teresa!

Daddy!

Daddy!

- Hello, Britten. Good to see you again.
- Good day, sir.

Now wake up, sentries!

Now take a tip from an old soldier.

Whenever you see a Major
of the American Marines,

you will present arms.

And don't forget it!

If this be I,
as I suppose it be,

I have a little dog at home.
He'll know me.

Come in.

I?m, sorry, Arthur.
Are you busy?

Of course I am.
I always am.

Busier than usual?
Or just busy?

Both.

Well, what's the
pressing female problem?

Just this.
Am I to pack or am I not to pack?

Are we going to England?

Do we take our leave
this year or not?

I don?t know.

You don?t know...

So why don't you just pack
and then if we don?t go,

all you have to do is to unpack.

If the men had to do the
packing and the unpacking,

the world would be
a very different place.

- If I had my way...
- What?

You and I would have long since
packed and be miles away from here.

You and I?

That's a comforting thought.

Thank you, darling.

Is it all going to go
up in flames, Arthur?

- Not if I can help it.
- What do you mean?

Let me try and
put it in a nutshell.

If I encourage the policy that the
Great Powers should be tough with China,

that will bring about a situation
where China will become

just another battlefield for
the Great Powers to fight over.

So I think it's wiser if
we accept this temporary

humiliation at the
hands of the Boxers

and hope that by
damping down the fire,

the kettle won't boil over.

And then?

And then, I shall probably receive the
displeasure of American's Government,

and you and I will be retired
upon a most inadequate pension.

You remember what
Napoleon said about China?

I never forget it.

Let China sleep.

For when she wakes,
the world will tremble.

He did say an awful lot, didn't he?

Come in.

- Major Lewis, sir.
- Ask him to wait one moment.

Darling, forgive me. I have to put
on my official face for a little while.

You haven?t
forgotten our soir?e tonight?

Two dozen dozen bottles of
champagne already on the ice.

- Anything else the Sahib will require?
- The first waltz, if you can spare it.

Hmm, let me think about it.

Philip!

Major Lewis, Sir Arthur.

As you were. Do you want to stand up,
or sit down, or walk around the room?

Personally, I need to walk around
the room. Won't you please yourself.

I have a most
unpleasant task to fulfill.

So first of all, I'd like to
congratulations you on

the initiative you showed this
morning with Father Beamish.

Well, we were a little late.

It was most unfortunate
that a Chinese was killed.

- A Boxer?
- A Chinese citizen, Major.

You're not in the
Wild West now, you know.

You don't go around shooting
Chinese like you do Red Indians.

No, sir.

And secondly, I want
to warn you that

any repetition of your
irresponsible behaviour,

could very easily
involve the last remaining

members of the human race in a
conflagration of considerable proportions.

I understand.

And lastly, since your own Minister

is suffering from what might
turn out to be a diplomatic illness,

it's I who will have to tell you

that your presence in this
city is no longer required.

No longer
required by whom?

Major, I'm just relaying a
message from your own Legation.

Personally, I'd be
delighted if you stayed.

Yes, sir.

Look, I suppose you know all
hell is going to break loose here?

If all hell is going to break loose, it
will not be because we have provoked it.

So we'll all just walk softly

and hope for the best.

Even if we walk on our
knees, we can't stop this.

I have just marched
70 miles from Tientsin.

There are Boxers everywhere.

They're killing every white
men, especially missionaries,

and every Chinese
Christian they can find.

And the Imperial Army isn't
lifting a finger to stop them.

The Boxer bandits have
been with us for years, Major.

It could be that you're
unnecessarily alarmed.

Well, the next time I see some

bandits murdering an English
priest, I'll try not to be alarmed.

I've been a soldier myself, Major.
I understand exactly how you feel.

But as a diplomat I have to try
and look at the larger picture.

I wouldn't know
about the larger picture.

I just do a job patrolling the rice
paddies out in the back country.

But I know this much ...

If the Boxers get as far as Peking, you're
going to wish there were more soldiers

in these compounds and
less women and children.

Well, now we've both had our say.

I'll go quietly.

Oh, by the way,

it's our Queen's birthday today,

and we're entertaining tonight.
We'd be delighted if you'd come.

Thank you.

I won't leave Ming behind.
I'll pack him in my case.

Don?t be silly, dummy.
He'd suffocate.

- What's that?
- He won't be able to breathe.

- It's only for five weeks.
- Come on. Let's go and see papa.

May we speak
to you, father?

It's very important.

There are no secret negotiations
in progress at the moment.

What's the problem?

Mother says we can't take
Ming back to England with us.

- I won't leave my dog.
- He's my dog.

- Who feeds him?
- Who taught him to sit up?

He's mine.

I tell you what.
We'll cut him exactly in two.

And you'll each get half.

- Oh Father. Don?t play King Solomon.
- I tried.

Atten...tion!

Shoulder...

arms!

Present...

arms!

Slope...

arms!

His Excellency,
the Minister of Austria-Hungary

and the Baroness Von Riedel.

Welcome, Prince Tuan, to
Her Britannic Majesty's Legation.

I am deeply honored.

His Imperial Highness,
Prince Tuan.

I bring greetings
from our Empress.

You are most welcome,
Your Imperial Highness.

Greeting and felicitations
to your great queen.

May the lion of China
and the lion of Great Britain

live in peace forever.

Our Queen is most touched by the
thoughtfulness and the generosity

of your illustrious Empress.

Your Imperial Highness,

Your Excellencies,

ladies and gentlemen,

the first dance will be
the Military Two-Step.

Magnifique, fabulous.

They should be
around my neck.

Of course, Sophie, you look
positively naked without them.

Shall we walk down the
end of the line, Baroness?

Oh, no. No.
Not yet.

I've been waiting for
this for a long time,

and now I?m enjoying it.

Natasha, you blind
us with your glitter.

Would you recognize me
without them, Sonya?

Major Lewis, I understand you're
going to Tientsin tomorrow.

That's right, Your Excellency.

There is a Russian woman here who has no
transit visa and wishes to leave Peking.

Anyone we know, Sergei?

Naturally it would be her
interest to get to know you,

about her only
chance to reach Tientsin.

It might be...

If you disregard this,

I assure you the Russian government
will remember this conversation.

- Sir Arthur.
- Good evening, Major.

Lady Robertson.

I've been wanting to thank
you personally Major Lewis

for trying to help
poor Father Beamish.

You know the Baroness?

Yes, of course.

It's been a long time, hasn't it.

I know that my husband
has already thanked you.

Yes, I had already
expressed my gratitude.

Sir, may I present Baroness
Ivanoff and Major Lewis.

Your Highness.

You must be the American

who had the unfortunate
encounter with the Boxers this morning.

I'm afraid it was the British
missionary who had the hard time, sir.

My Chinese government
is most distressed.

But you must not conclude
that all Boxers are bandits.

Most of them are
harmless vagabonds.

Entertainers in the market places,

much like the
gypsies in your country.

In fact, Sir Arthur,

I have taken the liberty of bringing such
a troupe to entertain your guests tonight.

Boxers, here?

With your permission.

Of course, Your Imperial Highness.

He wants you
to take this sword

and try to strike him.

Try it, Major. It seems to
be part of the performance.

If I kill a Boxer, sir, does that
create a diplomatic incident?

There is no danger.

I think you've
made your point, Major.

Not quite.

Bravo!

I guess he wasn't
a true believer.

It seems, Sir Arthur, it is your
troops who are invulnerable.

You must forgive us,
Your Highness,

but the Major does not
seem to understand

that here we must play the
game according to Chinese rules.

I apologize, Sir Arthur.

But I don?t think
His Highness came here

tonight to play games.

Good night.

Unfortunately, Sir Arthur,

I must return to my
duties at the palace.

Do not bother to escort me.

Ladies and gentlemen,
the next dance will be a waltz.

May I have a word
with you, Sir Arthur?

Probably an insult to the British and
affront and a challenge to all Powers!

A full report of this outrage
will go to the Kaiser himself.

I just want to assure you gentlemen,
that Her Majesty's Government

is not unduly alarmed by this Boxer
invasion of the British Embassy.

I shall personally lodge a complaint to
the Chinese Foreign Office in the morning.

And what are you
going to do, Sir Arthur?

I don't know what all
of you are going to do,

but I intend to have
a glass of champagne.

You know, I admire Sir Arthur.

He always gives me the feeling
that God must be an Englishman.

We go and we go but
we don't get anywhere.

Why don't we just
go back to the hotel?

- Are you tired, Major?
- Tired? No.

Ready to turn in?
Maybe.

Have you ever been
inside this temple, Major?

I think we could get a
better drink at the hotel.

Very interesting.
Can we go now?

But we haven?t had
our dance yet, Major.

Shall we?

What happens to you in Tientsin?

I'll be entirely
in your hands, Major.

You are in my hands now but you seem
to keep slipping through my fingers.

You know, I think I?ll get you to
take me to San Francisco with you.

Why to San Francisco?

Well, isn't that the place
where they found all the gold.

Just a minute.

What's a trinket like
that worth, anyway?

A lot of money.

Looks like we won't be
leaving today, I'm sure of it.

Just killed the German Minister.

But Matt, we must leave...
I have to leave.

You have to wait.

Your sword, Sir Arthur.

You are well, Sir Arthur?

I am well if you are
well, Your Majesty.

- We are pleased to receive you.
- Your Majesty does me great honor.

We have been informed that the
unhappy death of the German Minister.

The Boxer bandits will be dealt with.

But the anger of the Chinese
people cannot be quieted so easily.

The Germans
have seized Kiaochow,

the Russians have
seized Port Arthur.

The French have obtained
concessions in Yunnan,

Kwangsi and Kwangtung.

In all, thirteen of the
eighteen provinces of China

are under foreign control.

Foreign warships occupy our harbors,

foreign armies occupy our forts,

foreign merchants
administer our banks,

foreign gods disturb
the spirits of our ancestors.

Is it surprising that
our people are aroused?

Your Majesty will permit me to observe

that the violence of the Boxers will
not address the grievances of China.

China is a prostrate cow!

The Powers are are no
longer content to milk her,

now they are butchering
her for her meat.

If China is a cow, Your Majesty,
she is indeed a marvelous animal

that not only gives
meat as well as milk,

but at the same
time grows stronger.

She's learning new arts
of peace from the west.

But China's greatest
virtue is her patience.

And if she will exercise that
now, she will achieve everything.

And if not?

If not,

if the councils of violence
and impatience prevail,

then the blood of
millions will be shed

and the agony will be prolonged.

Would you please go
to the window, Sir Arthur?

There is something I have
arranged for you to see.

I hope you will inform your government

that Chinese justice
is swift and thorough.

Those men are the ones who
murdered Baron von Meck this morning.

Where lies the guilt?

With the one who wields the sword
or the one who gives the command?

You know who gave the command?

With Your Majesty's permission,
I would like to present an eyewitness.

By all means, Sir Arthur.

Major Lewis, Your Majesty.

Evidently, Major,
you are in possession

of secret information
about the Boxer leadership.

It's not much of a
secret, Your Highness.

Please go on, Major Lewis.

I saw the man who commanded
the Boxers this morning.

The one who ordered the
attack on the German Minister.

You would know him?

It was Prince Tuan.

You believe this story, Sir Arthur?

I do, Your Majesty.

And you have come here to ask us
to take action against Prince Tuan?

I?ve come here
with the truth

The truth that is already
known to the German government

and to all the other Powers.

We reject your truth, Sir Arthur.
And your protest.

We are pleased to
inform you that Prince Tuan

is our closest and
most trusted adviser.

Only this morning we appointed
him to head the Foreign Office.

For our part, Your Majesty,
Great Britain wants nothing more

than continued friendly
relations with China.

Because of the protracted drought,

because of hunger and
unrest among my people,

because of the merciless
demands of the foreign powers,

the situation in Peking cannot
be expected to become tranquil.

Therefore we earnestly
advise you, Sir Arthur

that all foreign residents,
including diplomatic personnel,

should leave Peking
within twenty-four hours.

Is Your Majesty
informing me that she is

severing diplomatic
relations with all the powers?

Not at all.

Her Majesty was clear enough.

Her Highness is offering informal
advice for your safety and protection.

- I am in favour of that.
- Major Lewis.

She can't control the Boxers. We'd
better get out before we're wiped out.

Prince Tuan,

you will be responsible to
see that these gentlemen

are escorted safely
to their Legations.

We might do better on our own.

- Do we walk?
- Yes, very slowly.

Keep walking.

Squad!
Come on!

Move in.

- Thought you might need some help, Sir.
- Yes, thank you, John.

Bill, count the votes.

We're waiting for
the American Minister.

Ah, Mr. Maxwell.

Hello.

I'm sorry to drag you
out of your sick bed.

We need your vote,

on whether to stay or leave Peking.

The United States has no
territorial concession in China.

Never asked for and don't want one.

I'm afraid I've to
abstain, Sir Arthur.

I understand, Mr. Maxwell.

I just wanted you to
witness the proceedings.

Well congratulations, gentlemen.
You have all voted to go.

There are nine
votes to leave Peking.

Great Britain has voted to stay.

We'll stay alone if necessary.

But that is not acceptable.

We will all look ridiculous,

if we flee from Peking
and the British remain.

Perhaps there is a
reason why the British

would like to remain here alone.
The only foreign power in Peking.

My friend's calling maybe right.

Perhaps, are there
some private information?

I have made my
position absolutely clear.

Admiral Sydney is
already on his way to Peking

with a force of
several thousand men.

He will be here at
the most in 9 days.

In the meantime, I for one have no
intention of displaying fear of the Boxers,

nor of handing a
victory to Prince Tuan.

If the British stay,
the German stay.

Surely Sir Arthur,

you realise that we here,
must make a decision

in the interest of our
thousands of civilians.

Do you wish to be the one
man who is standing in the way

of that safe evacuation?

I have, of course, appreciated
the risk, Senor Guzm?n.

But I believe if we all stand united

that the Chinese won't
dare mount a serious attack

upon the representatives
of the eleven great Powers.

And if we do all stand firm,

we may preserve peace in China
and indeed in the whole world.

Perhaps you are right, Sir Arthur.

If the other Powers decide to stay,

Austria will have no choice.

Congratulations, Sir Arthur.
It seems the British have won

another bloodless victory.

I take it you?ve now
unanimously decided to stay?

I shall report in my diary that
the first vote was 9 to 1

and that in a friendly spirit
it was then decided

to make the
decision unanimous.

Well, then it's decided gentlemen,
I suggest we call in the military.

This way please, gentlemen.

Sir, Colonel Shiba will
give the majority report.

Considering the military
aspects of the situation,

we have agreed that
with fewer than 400 men,

to defend a perimeter of over 2 miles,

the position is untenable.

We recommend
immediate evacuation.

The Ministers have decided that for
political reasons, we must remain.

So you would have to defend
the area to the best of you abilities

until Admiral Sydney's
relieving force arrives.

Sir, what if the relief
column doesn?t make it?

They have to cover over 70
miles through hostile territory.

We will consider that
situation if and when it arises.

We have 5 main defense sectors.

The wall defended by the
Germans and the Americans,

the west end defended by the
Russians, the British Legation,

the Fu, held by the
Americans and the Japanese,

and the east end of Legation Street,
is held by the Italians and the French.

- Boxers?
- Yeah.

Where are they?
Where the hell are they?

They are all around us. Don't
be nervous. It's their purpose.

Once the shooting
starts, you?ll see them.

Everyone of them will
be outside that wall.

Who's nervous?

No!

No, you can't have them!

But Sarah, we agreed.

We need the books for the barricades. I
thought you'd be the first to understand.

Not the complete set of
the Napoleonic Wars.

Mother just sent them
to you for your birthday.

I have a confession to make.
French history bores me.

English history? Bah!

- Go away. The shop is closed.
- it's Baroness Ivanoff.

I thought all doors in Peking
have been closed to me,

that I'd lost face
in the Chinese streets.

Our Empress has those
same fears, Baroness.

Boxers.

It is hoped her wisdom will prevail.

I have your message, old one.

Your friend thinks
you should leave Peking.

- What friend, old one?
- General Yung-Lo.

It was not possible before.

Your husband's brother
would have accused us

of meddling in
Russian affairs.

And now?

Now...

it makes no difference.

There will be a Boxer attack.

If you should disappear
in the first confusion,

who would be left to point a finger.

At 5 o'clock this afternoon,
the fighting will have begun.

You will meet a man at the
corner of the French Legation.

He?ll be wearing
green peasant jacket.

You will be there?

Ervie, go up on the ramp and
find out how they're coming.

Yes, sir.

Well, it's all we've got.

Sergeant, make those
men get their backs into it.

Right!

- Hey, what the ...
- Hold it.

- Where do you think you're going?
- I?m getting out of Peking.

Don't you know there are
some angry Boxers out there.

They're not angry with me.

We have almost 200
rounds a piece, Major.

- That's 20 rounds each man each day.
- 20 rounds. That's for warming up.

You tell 'em, they'd
better start out warm.

Yes, sir. I?ll tell them.
Start out warm.

Will you get out of
there before I get mad?

Mad Americans inside, mad Boxers outside,
mad Russians all over the place ...

I?ll take my chances outside.

Major, I split the men in 2
platoons. 4 hours on, 4 hours off.

The sergeant will take the first
watch, you take the second.

Right.

I wanted to go to Tientsin with you. But
you want to stay here and play soldier.

I wear a uniform. That's
the job they pay me to do.

Well then, go and do it.

And get out of my way.

Have a nice war, soldier,

a real nice war.

Where do these go, Major?

Now, where do you think they go?
Get up on that wall!

Fire!

I will leave!

Let's go!

Forward march!

- Cease firing.
- Cease firing.

We did it!
We beat them!

What do we do if they come back?

We used more than half
our ammunition today.

How good are you with a slingshot?

A friend of yours, Baroness?

Soldier.
Can you open this door?

Well, you can't go through there, ma'am.
There are Chinese on the other side.

That was a bit of bad luck.

- It?ll be all right.
- I?ll get some help.

- Well, what do you make of her, Major?
- Well father, this is quite a weapon.

What would you call it?

Well, you might say she's a cross
between an alligator and an ostrich.

But we call her Betsy, after
the Dowager Empress of China.

We found this old German gun
barrel and some Russian shells

of approximately
the same caliber.

The gun carriage is Italian,
and the wheels are French.

And that boy over there
is fool enough say you fire it.

I wonder if it will be safer
in front or in the back?

The point is, where is
Betsy going to be fired?

- Sir. Captain Marshall wants you.
- What's up?

Chinese are on top of the wall, Sir.
That's what's up, Sir.

- Well, now we know where Betsy goes.
- You! Over here you!

Get it.

Run!

Cone on, Andy, run!

Sergeant, get in here.

Take cover.
Damn it!

Alright.
What happened?

We tried. There were just too many
of them. They keep right on coming.

Major Lewis.

- How many did we lose?
- Turner got it. So did Spencer.

5 wounded. I don't know about the
Germans. I guess they got it even worse.

I don't know why don?t
they rush us right now?

We wouldn?t stand a chance here.

Maybe they think we?ve got millions
of men and tonnes of ammunition.

Well hell, come morning,
they'll think different.

They?ll roll down those
ramps like Niagara Falls.

We gotta get them off this wall.

We can't.

Andy, if they stay there, they can shoot
down into the whole Legation area.

Like fish in a barrel.

Either we get them off the wall

or we might just as well open
the gates and let them in.

You get the French priest
and meet us in the Legation.

Right.

I don't think they gonna start
anything up here till morning, Sergeant.

And you better hope they don?t.

- No sign of activity, hmm?
- No, sir.

I think they're all asleep.

Well, we'd better not be, Sergeant.

- You'd better wake them all up.
- Yes, sir.

Wake up.

Good morning.

Bonsieur, bonsieur.

Borjono.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Here they come!

Keep going! Come on.
Keep going!

Andy, get down.

Maybe you can tell me one thing,
Major. What are we doing here?

- Why didn?t we get out when we could?
- I don?t know, Harry.

I really don?t know.

Captain Handley tell me
that you re-took the wall.

I suppose you heard...
He died too.

Maybe the Minister can tell
us why the Captain's dead.

And Captain Marshall. From what
I hear, he has all the answers.

That's all, sergeant.

Get on back.

He's a good soldier when he
knows what he?s fighting for.

It's easier when it's
something you can see...

a wall, a hill, a river.

But how can you explain to
them when it's for a principle?

You can't.

Not here in China.

It's too far from home.

I know.

I wont stay.

No!

I won't stay!

Don?t let them to take my leg.

I won't let them take my leg!

Please!
Tell them.

Hold on, soldier.
Hold on.

I don?t want to live half a man.

He's already fainted.

You can go now.

Can you save his leg?

May I stay here with him?

Your dress is a breeding
ground for germs.

Well, what are you waiting for?

Get rid of it and put on a uniform.

Thank you, doctor.

Who's gonna tell her?

The captain's little girl, remember.

Well, it's pretty late now.

I guess we gonna
tell her in the morning.

She might hear about it from
somebody else. That wouldn't be right.

No, I guess not.

- Let's get a drink first.
- Afterwards.

You coming?

- I gotta get back on the wall.
- Wait a minute.

All right.

Where will I find her?

With the rest of
the orphans, in the Fu.

What do I tell her?

Like she was your own, I guess.

Tell her like you'd like
someone to tell your own kid.

- Don't you know which one she is?
- No.

There are so many new
children who just came in today.

Haven?t you have met her?

Yeah once, but ...

I can't remember what she looks like.

I didn?t pay much attention.

Ah, Major.

Look, we're looking
for the Marshall girl.

Ah, of course.
Yes, Teresa ... I heard.

I guess she must
be sleeping, eh?

Maybe you could
tell her in the morning.

Well, I think it's important
that you tell her, Major.

After all, she knows that
you were her father's friend.

I'll wake her.

Ah, here she is.

Here's someone to see you.
A friend of your father's.

Teresa...

Do you ...

- Do you remember me?
- Yes, Major.

I have something to tell you.

Now why don?t the two
of you stay here and talk?

I guess you know
there's been some fighting.

Some ...

I just said I have something
that I have to tell you.

Is it about my father?

Yes.

Is he dead?

Did you know?

Well ...

You knew he was a soldier.

It could have happened any time.

You?ll be taken care of.

You won't have to
worry about anything.

Now, I'll...

I guess you?ll be all right now, huh?

Won't I be going home then?

Home?

To America.
He said he'd take me home.

He did?

When?

Every time.

And just today again.

Well I...

I don't think you'd like it there.

Everything's

very strange.

Things are all different there.
The people,

and the food, and
the houses, the schools.

Anyway, if you want, we
can talk about it some more

you know, few days,
when things quiet down.

I promise.

All right.

All right.

Think she understood?

When a mother dies,
a child feels deserted.

When a father goes away,
even for the best reasons

a child feels abandoned.

Teresa's had more than her fair
share. She understands too well.

I don't know what else
I could have told her?

There's only one language
a child understands.

Love.

Well, she's not mine.

Someone, somewhere said
that every man is the father

of every child.

But I suppose
that it's only true

if you really feel it.

The British Admiral and his forces

are trapped between
Langfang and Anping.

The Boxers do not climb
a tree to look for a fish.

They have done
their work well.

The railway is destroyed
before him and to his rear.

He can neither
proceed nor retreat.

You see, General, the Boxers are
not as useless as you believed.

Your Majesty, it does not
require courage or skill

to rip up a few rails.

The Boxers flee from
the foreign devils.

If Admiral Sydney be
denied the use of the railway,

he will now march on Peking.

I expect him here within the week.

It is true, Your Majesty.

The Boxers are not equipped
to stop such a well armed force.

Only General Yung-Lo's
Imperial troops can do that.

The Imperial troops have no
part in this foolish uprising.

The Imperial troops will do
as Her Majesty commands.

Who is the ...? Who can
make muddy water clear?

Your Majesty.

First, we were told that the Boxers

would destroy all the foreigners
in Peking within two days.

Next, we were assured that no foreign
army would ever even approach the city.

If we commit the Imperial
Army against Admiral Sydney,

we shall be declaring
war on all the Powers.

Our armies, for all their
courage and devotion,

could not possibly win such a war.

The Boxers have
created an opportunity

for a great Chinese victory.

If our troops destroy
the foreign forces,

it will prove to all the world
that China is no longer helpless.

It will be the
beginning of freedom.

Each of you speaks with
the voice of a patriot.

Prince Tuan counsels
a reckless adventure,

General Yung-Lo counsels
prudence and patience.

Prudence and patience for what?

China's condition can
be no worse than it is.

Even if we should
start a war and lose it,

what more can the Powers take from us?

General Yung-Lo,

you will personally command our troops

and turn back the foreign armies.

Stop it, Tommy.

- Go away, Tommy. You?ll wake the baby.
- You can't talk. You're dead.

- Bang bang bang.
- You're not to play at that end.

Bang bang!

Oh, Tommy!

Bang bang!
Uggh!

Tommy!

Mummy! Mummy! Mummy!
They got Tommy! Mummy.

If he dies, he
wouldn't ever been home.

Funny how he used to talk about home,

as if he remembered how it was.

How he said the ducks
was in James Park.

Odd.

He must have picked it up from me.

You never talked to him
about home, did you Arthur?

Yes I did, sometimes.

You know I ...

I have the strangest feeling,
I can't get it out of my mind.

What?
What is it?

Do you think if a child dies in a foreign
place without ever having been home,

that his soul doesn?t rest?

I think it goes into limbo.

An enormous, empty Chinese limbo.

And it wonders their loss and crime.

- He?s not going to die.
- Then why doesn?t he waken up?

The doctor says he's in a coma.

He may not come
around for several days.

The truth is, he may
not come round at all.

He may never come out of it.

Why? Why?

Whom did he sin?
Against whom?

What's he doing
in this foreign place?

Whose ambition is he serving?

Must a child die to serve the ends
of ambitious and powerful men?

Who will gain from his death?

Who would be the happier for it?

How many children must die?

How many people must suffer,
before there is an end to all this?

Don't you see that even the life of
one child is too great a price to pay.

It's too great a price to pay!

- Sarah, try to understand
- Understand what? Tell me!

The pain is not yours alone.

Have you ever been
to England, Baroness?

Yes.

Manchester?

No.

Must be very beautiful?

Don't think you'd call it beautiful.

But, you know how it is,
when you come from a far place.

Go to sleep now.

You might dream of Manchester.
It would be like a visit home.

Count Litnoff is a second
cousin to the Czarina.

You cannot treat him
like a common soldier.

The bullet that hit him was
not afraid of wounding a Count.

The germs in his wound do not care
if he's the first cousin of the Czarina.

He will be treated the same
as any man in this hospital.

Good day, Baron.

I understand you
are here early and late.

A true angel of mercy.

- The wounded man won't be...
- Quiet!

... nursed by anyone else.

You've always known, that
I have a way with men, Sergei.

Even the German doctor
has fallen under your spell.

He can't do without me.

And the Major?

The American Major?

What do you want?

I would like to be present

when he finds out what you are.

You?ll be present.

You?ll be the one who tells him.
You're just waiting for the right moment.

Where?
Where is it?

Right there.

Open it up.

There you are, Sir Arthur. I've got a
message for you from Admiral Sydney.

Good to see you, Reverend Michaelson.

Oh, dear dear.

Now, where have I put it?
I hope I didn't lose it.

- Where did you see Admiral Sydney?
- One thing at a time, Sir. Here it is.

It's in code. I?ll have to get
it deciphered. Come with me.

With a mixed force of
2,200 officers and men

I proceeded by rail as far as Anping.

There I encountered
heavy opposition from

large forces of
Chinese Imperial troops.

I sustained casualties of over 10
percent and considerable loss of material.

It was impossible to
continue toward Peking.

I have been forced to order a retreat
along the Peiho River toward Tientsin.

- 'Signed, Harold Sydney'.
- Why doesn't it say something ...?

What did he say?

You missed you dinner.

I thought you should
have something to eat.

Thank you, Sarah.

- Do you want some more light?
- No, thanks.

Why are we here, Sarah?
You asked me that once.

Why did we stay?
We could have gone.

I?m sorry. I've got no
right to put it that way.

Well, there comes a time
when it's good to ask questions.

I've been lying here for
hours asking myself many.

What questions?

Question.

Who am I?

Question.

What have I accomplished in
20 years in the Foreign Service?

Question.

Am I a successful diplomat, or

a misfit,

suitable only for a
backwater like Peking?

Question.

Am I an honest man who
tried to avert war in China,

or am I an ambitious man who
sought to further his own career?

Question.

Am I a fool who took an impossible gamble,

or a reasonable man who
took a reasonable chance.

I mean what sort of
father and husband am I

to risk everything that I love?

And who am I to play God

with the precious
lives of so many people?

I've been with you, Arthur, as long as
you've been with the Foreign Service.

I know something
about those 20 years,

and something about you.

I know that only an honest
man would ask such questions.

- Excellency.
- I was just leaving, Major.

The Baroness and I
were talking over old time.

Don?t go.

My brother-in-law can't rest.

He has something to tell you.

This is a family matter, Natasha. We
needn't discuss it before strangers.

Stop playing games, Sergei.
Get it over with, now!

We are talking about my dead
brother, the Baroness's husband.

I'm really not interested.

What kind of a man you supposed
he was? Something like me?

Fat, past middle age?

Something like that.

He was the youngest
Colonel in the Russian army.

A brilliant career ahead of him.

The Czar himself had
taken personal notice.

Do you know why my brother died?

No.

Go on.

I can't go on ...
It suddenly seems...

He killed himself because
I was unfaithful to him.

Let's forget it.

The man was a General.

A Chinese General.

Can you imagine yourself
in love with a Chinese girl.

That's not the same, is it?

Well, I guess a man
gets what he deserves.

What the hell can I offer?
A soldier's pay?

Yes.

Well, a soldier's pay
buys a soldier's woman.

An urgent message from
Her Imperial Highness.

And therefore,

in view of the unprovoked
aggression by the armed forces

of Great Britain,
Germany, Russia, France,

the United States,
Japan, Italy and Austria,

under the command
of Admiral Harold Sydney,

the Imperial Chinese
Government demands

the immediate and
unconditional surrender

of the armed forces
of these nations in Peking.

And the surrender
of all their weapons.

We will await your reply.

I believe, Sir Arthur, I can say
without fear of contradiction,

that you are the
architect of our dilemma.

What do you propose now?

I think gentlemen, you
should know the military facts.

We have had
almost 100 casualties,

about 25% of our forces.

Our ammunition is
more than half gone,

the food situation is bad,
medical supplies are non-existent,

and by any reasonable estimate
it will take 4 or 5 weeks

to assemble a sufficient force on
the coast to fight through to Peking.

What is your answer to that?

We are all very well
aware of our own weakness.

I have been giving some thought
to the weakness of the Chinese.

It's quite clear that Prince Tuan persuaded
the Empress to commit the Imperial troops

in hopes of a quick and easy victory.

It's also clear that he
allowed Reverend Michaelson

through the lines with Sydney's letter, in
the hopes that we will promptly collapse.

This ultimatum means that
he has promised the Empress

our immediate surrender.

Now, if instead of collapsing

we show unexpected strength,

and not only hold out,
but attack,

at the very moment
when they least expected,

we might destroy Tuan's
influence with the Empress

and force her to face reality.

I believe this colleague
is a man of faith.

He believes that if we blow our
trumpets, it may cause the walls

of the imperial city to collapse.
Like the walls of Jericho.

How many trumpets do we have, Major?

I don?t know, Baron, but ...

I think maybe Sir Arthur has
a good idea about the Empress.

About the Empress, I hope
you do not misunderstand

any attempt on her life
would be a disaster.

I wouldn?t even know how to
go about getting out of here.

I do not want her killed.

You don't want!

Her death would mean chaos.

We'd have no one with
whom we could negotiate.

We'd be fighting here
in China for 20 years.

Do you have a better idea?

I give you my word, Major.

It would only increase offense to
the Chinese and enlarge the war.

Alright, you fight the wars.

Just let us fight
the battles, will you?

Come on, Colonel.

- What do you think, Colonel?
- This a ...

I?m thinking ...

if you're thinking

what I think you're thinking,

and then ...

I?m afraid ...

I must agree with Sir Arthur.

They're using the big guns now.

That means the Empress has
committed the Imperial troops.

Get everyone into the compound.

Here Sergeant, take the baby.

Arthur,

Tommy's all right!
He's all right.

He just woke up.
He spoke to me.

He's going to live!

- He's going to live!
- Live?

Well, you wanted to avoid
a war and we got a war.

You thought we could
wait for Admiral Sydney.

Sydney is not coming.

Now you think we should attack.
Attack who?

The whole Imperial Army?
And attack with what?

115 rusty guns?

I just got word that Tuan is preparing

an enormous victory
celebration for the Empress

in the Imperial Courtyard for tonight.

I suppose we're all invited?

I still say that we should do
something instead of surrendering,

something that will
make Tuan lose face.

Well, we could blow up the palace.

You know the Chinese have
a very well stocked arsenal

not too far away from Imperial City.

- What happened to that ...
- I know about that.

Right in the middle
of their little party.

I also know it's a mile and
a half through their lines.

I'm not talking about
going through their line,

I'm talking about
going underneath them.

- How?
- Look at your map.

I think we can get to that
house by way of the sewer.

And blow the whole thing up just
when Tuan is telling the Empress

that the foreign devils
are completely defeated.

Right through here.

Of course, how to get back
again is another question.

We...

This couldn't take a military genius,
Major, to crawl through a sewer.

They've got us cut off.

If that goes off now,
we?ll be blown sky high.

I?ve got to cut the fuse.

It's too short.

If we light it now,
we'll never get clear.

Get these two ends joined together.

I suppose Prince Tuan
you have come to report

the complete destruction
of the Legations.

This will be the tenth time
since the end of the last moon.

I have come, Divine One, to
ask Your Majesty's permission

to impeach
General Yung-Lo

as a traitor and a friend
to the barbarians.

It is true he turned
back the foreign admiral,

but he has guns the Boxers need,
and he refuses to lend these guns,

even though Your Majesty commands.

Be silent.

General Yung-Lo.

Despite the empty
promises of the Boxers,

the foreign devils
grow stronger each day.

Even the Forbidden City
is no longer safe.

There is no greater calamity
than to underestimate an enemy.

You will speak to
the foreigners, Yung-Lo.

You will explain to them there
is no greater blessing than peace

and no greater calamity
than lightly engaging in war.

Looks like they've
called off the war, Major?

Throw down the line.

Here, what have we got?

It's a message for each of the
Ministers from General Yung-Lo.

Seems they want a truce.

We really must have spoiled
the Empress's party last night.

She's just as likely to
wake up in the morning

and decide it's a fine
day to finish us off.

What does she say?

'We are greatly disturbed by the arrival
of allied troops at the city of Tientsin'.

Tientsin?

Unless these troops are
withdrawn immediately,

the Chinese government
will consider it an act of war

and will commit forces
of the Imperial Army'

Allied troops in Tientsin.

Apparently, but they must think
we're all dead here by now.

That's only 70 miles away.

Yes.

If only we could get word to them.

You mean if I could get word to them.

Oh, no.

Old soldiers never volunteer.

Natalie.

I?m going away.

- When?
- Right now.

I?m waiting for you, Baroness.

- Where are you going?
- To try and get some help.

Patient is waiting for you!

This is not a reception
hall into Winter palace.

Are you coming back?

Sure, if I can.

Natasha!

Listen ...

What does he want?

Do you think people can change, doctor?

I don't know. That is something I
can't study under a microscope.

- You look wonderful. You shaved.
- You always noticed, Baroness.

Get me some adhesive, please.

I?m going now.

You said that.

Yeah, I know but ...

So long.

Wait a minute.

We never did get a
chance to talk, did we?

Look, I have to go some place but...

I?m coming back.

Like my father.

I?m coming back.
We'll talk then.

All right?

Come on.

Should have another
bottle of ether. Where is it?

- You say that every day, doctor.
- Because I know there was one.

We used it over a week ago.

- And the morphine?
- it's all gone. You know it.

Well,

tomorrow we?ll have to
operate on the Italian regardless.

If he's lucky, he will
faint and feel nothing.

Iodine.

Here, doctor.

This is empty!

Oh, I?m sorry.

Now, don?t stand here.
Get me another bottle.

Oh, but this was the last bottle.

No alcohol, no iodine,
amateur nurses ...

We're in the ... back
in the Dark Ages.

No ether
for anesthetics,

no morphine for pain.

We are in the land of opium and

there are no opiates.

Look out!

Rogers, are you all right?

Major, I?m hurt. I'm hurt bad.

I?ll get you back.

There's death in the weather,
old man, and yet your door is open.

The door open or closed,
cannot protect either of us.

A life ...

and death, old man.

Are they important?

Not to the gods.

There are many men dying.
In pain.

They need drugs.

I do not deal in opiates.

There are others in the city who do.

The Chinese outside the walls are the
only ones who can help you now, Baroness.

Even in war times, old man,

a valuable gift placed high enough

can work miracles.

I want the drugs today.

And a wagon loaded
with fruit for the children.

It's alright, Charlie.
We'll just rest here at ...

Okay. Take it away.

All right, open it up!

How did you do it, Baroness?

Hold your positions.

The truce is over!

It's all right.
We made it.

Get him to the hospital.

- I didn?t make it.
- I heard.

Major, I heard you were back.

Scatter, go on.

Major.

Major, wake up!
Wake up!

The rails ... The railroad
tracks are much closer.

Yeah.

- How close are they?
- Almost up to the wall.

All right.

Get me a shirt.

- Did they tell you about the Baroness?
- No.

She was shot.

What?

I think she'll be alright though.
She's in the hospital.

Major, we'd better hurry.

Yeah... Yeah.

Please don?t take
it so hard, doctor.

You must let me try again, Natasha.

Soon it will be too late.

You?ve done everything you can do.

I must locate the
focus of the infection.

You wont find it with a knife, doctor.

Don?t you want to live?

I have lived.

Don?t think back.

Don't think of anything now,

except of living.

Give yourself a chance.

A chance?

A chance for what?

A chance to do it all over again?

No, thank you, doctor.

If you die, Natasha, all the light
will be gone from this place.

No.

You're the one ...

who makes all the light in this place.

I hope you will
forgive me when I say ...

that in the weeks we have
worked together I have learned

to care for you very much.

I?m glad you said that, Hans.

A woman always like to hear it.

Most men haven?t

the courage to say it.

Hell, they're sure closer
than they were when I left.

If they were planning on bringing up
a big gun, they wouldn?t come this close.

Yeah.

Go get Father de Bearn.

Yes, sir.

So what is it, Major?

Did you ever see
anything like that before?

I certainly have not.

You can't stop that with rifles.

Gotta stop it with something.

Get me those two bronze
urns from the tower there.

And all the coal oil you can
find, and some black powder.

And all the empty champagne
bottles you can find too.

Alright now, put it down
here, and not down there.

Pile up these sandbags. Come on,
higher than that. That's about it.

Now where are those bottles
and the powder? Come on, hurry!

That's it.

Well, a little prayer
and a lot of luck ...

Bad luck.

Bad luck, indeed. You
weren?t praying hard enough.

Now!

Knock it on those soldiers will you.
What's wrong is there?

I'll try harder, next time.

It must be terrible
to be a soldier, Major.

Yeah ...

Sometimes it is.

I've been looking for you.

The Baroness is dead.

Don't you have anything to say?

She didn?t mean
much to you, did she?

Shut up!

- Sorry.
- Let me alone! Let me alone!

I just heard.
I?m so sorry.

Damn!

Well, we bought ourselves
another day, anyway.

Still, it wasn?t
a bad fight, you know.

What time is it?

5.37 a.m.

August 14th, 1900.

How many days
did we hold out?

Fifty-five.

Those guns!
They're not Chinese!

Strange!

They're ours!
It's the relief force!

They're ours!

They're ours!
They're ours!

Water can support a ship.

And water can upset it.

The dynasty is finished.

Listen to them.

They're all playing
different tunes again.

Well, for 55 days
we played the same tune.

Fifty-five days you
held us together.

You started something at that.

Maybe people will
remember it for some day.

- We're ready to march, Major.
- Right with you.

Will you be staying on in China?

Oh, I go where they send me.

How about you?

Oh, I?ll be going home to England.

Retired to private life, I suppose.

A little place in the country
with a dog and a few good books.

Every Englishman's dream, really.

And you, what's home for you?

I don?t know.

I may have to make one yet.

Good luck, Matt.

Right shoulder... arms!

Here, take my hand.

Forward ho!