Animal Protector (1989) - full transcript
[music playing]
Move it.
Move it, boys.
Come on!
Come on, Smedley.
Come on, boys, move it.
Move it!
Quicker!
Come on!
Come on, boys.
Come on!
Come on there.
Come on!
Come on, boys.
Come on!
Come on!
C squad present
and correct, sir.
Two minutes down on
yesterday, Sergeant.
Konzuk It's not good enough.
No, sir.
Stand easy.
When you men go into action,
You'll be crossing rivers
at night under enemy fire.
The success or
failure of an advance
will depend on your efficiency.
Think about that.
Smoke break-- five minutes.
Squad-- aten-cion!
You mob.
You broke your mother's heart.
But you're not breaking mine.
Break up.
If we have to go for another
bloody swim because of you.
It ain't Smedley's fault--
That bloody son of a bitch.
Easy to be tough here, ain't it?
What are you saying, Smiler?
Back here ain't up there, is it?
We know why he ain't at
the front line, don't we?
We have to do
better than this.
It's Smedley, sir,
never make a soldier
in 100 years, that lad.
Well, he has no
choice in the matter.
He tries hard
enough, Captain--
just not cut out for it.
None of us has a
choice, Sergeant.
There are no choices here.
Push!
Push!
Heave.
Come on, lads.
Come on, lads.
OK.
Come on, faster.
To give you a hand, sir.
Thank you, Captain.
Adams, sir.
McGuire.
Come on!
Come on!
Come on, Smedley--
who's the angry boy?
You want to speak to the
private on deployment?
Don't count on it, son.
Take your place.
One, two, three!
Heave!
One, two, three!
Heave!
One, two, three!
Heave!
Come on, guys!
One, two, three!
Heave!
Hey, anytime you girl
guys need help, just
call the Camp Kingston boys.
Somebody is in there.
Why didn't he help?
A prisoner can't have any
contact with men who may be
ordered to shoot him, Captain.
SOLDIER: Come on back.
We'll do it again.
I need to say, can
I give you a ride?
Going to the same place?
No, thanks, Major.
I'll stay with the men.
They need the exercise.
Bye!
Bye, guys.
Later.
Corporal?
Can I have a cigarette?
Get lost, kid.
Can I have--
I'll take the truck in, sir.
Carry on, lads.
Can I have a
cigarette, soldier?
Cigarette, mister.
You got a big
sister for me, sugar?
Screw off you little bastard.
Hey!
Left, right, left,
right, left, right, left.
Left, right, left,
right, left, right, left.
[horn]
You two beauties get out
of here if you don't want
to end up where he's going.
Cops, they're all the same.
Yeah, army cops are
meaner than civvy cops.
If they shoot him here, do
you think we'll get to watch?
They ain't going to
shoot him here, he's done.
All the corps guys
are all the same.
They like to
[inaudible] breakfast.
It's their job.
So what's the news?
The brought in
a prisoner, sir.
A German?
No, sir, one of ours.
Name of Jones--
desperate bastard, sir.
Pardon my French, sir.
Going to shoot
him down like a dog.
Shoot?
You're an absurd little man.
FREMONT: That's what they said.
You're pig ignorant Fremont.
Plugging the guy
don't make no sense.
Sense?
You're in the army, Macartney.
Yes, bow, like a mad dog.
Yeah?
Well, this is a
hell of a situation.
Yes, it's the last thing we need
at this stage of the campaign.
It's a farce.
Ottawa can't possibly
confirm the death sentence
under these circumstances.
HARFIELD: We'll know tomorrow.
It's a foregone
conclusion, right?
HQ has recommended leniency.
The Yanks have a prisoner too.
And they had an MP shot
dead in the incident.
Yes, by their man.
As I understand
it, this Jones is
just technically an accessory.
But if the Americans
execute their boy, well,
it could be more
than a technicality.
This is military business.
We're not going to
be shoved around
by a bunch of pen-pushing
seat warmers in Ottawa.
I hope you're right, Colonel.
Ah, this is our chaplain--
Captain Dumont-- Major
McGuire, Provo Corps.
Captain.
They're stuck on the prisoner.
You shouldn't listen
to rumors, Padre.
[music playing]
Will you turn that
down, will you?
The men can't hear themselves
think or pray with that racket.
What a disaster
area, our Padre--
some kind of S case--
a bad time in Normandy.
Who didn't?
Anyway, until we
hear from Ottawa,
we have to assume that
the sentence stands.
You're not saying it's
going to happen here?
It's bloody ridiculous.
My men are ready to go
into action at any day now.
Think of the effect on morale.
I know how you feel, Colonel.
You have very little choice.
The first order of
business-- an officer
to head up the special detail.
[singing]
[inaudible] platoon.
Quick march.
Left, right, left, right,
left, right, left, right, done.
Left, right, left,
right, left, right, done.
Left, right, left, right, done.
Squad halt!
Sergeant, I'll just
be a couple of minutes.
Squad-- Squad will
advance right turn!
Squad order arms!
Squad in arms, ease!
That easy.
Here comes your lady friend.
[speaking french]
How are you?
Ah, very good.
[speaking french]
[speaking french].
Je suis dog tired.
I am dog towered?
[speaking french]
OFFICER: Get those
kids out of here.
Beat it!
HARFIELD: He's a good man--
Brigadier Adams' son, you know?
Lots of tradition there.
I see he ran into some
trouble at the landings.
That's behind them now.
MCGUIRE: There's no doubt
as to his reliability.
On the contrary, he has
every incentive to make good.
He's my best
officer no question.
Well, incentive
is half the battle.
Cold shower, Johnny?
Just the thing.
It solves all your problems--
especially problems of a
libidinous nature, so I'm told.
Is that right?
- I wouldn't know.
No frustrations, Johnny?
It sounds like
repression to me--
repressive Captain Adam
declared let's up and Adam.
(SINGING) His men don't like
him, because he made them
swim up and down ad infinitum.
That's pretty good, eh.
Very funny.
Seriously, I think
you're doing a great job.
By the time your boys
are ready for action,
they'll be the best
runners in the army.
Excuse me, Captain Adams, sir.
The Colonel wants to
see you right away, sir.
SOLDIER: Why don't you
lay off him, Buxton?
You know why.
He spooked out in the
middle of an attack.
His men paid the price.
They call it shellshock.
I've got another word.
The man's sentence
hasn't been confirmed, sir.
That's not the point, John.
We have to organize
a firing squad,
and I want you to command it.
- When will we know?
When Ottawa
decides to tell us.
Surely we can wait
until word comes down.
I'm afraid that's
not how it works, John.
As far as we are concerned,
the execution is going ahead.
Arrangements must be put forth.
This is a voluntary
position, sir?
In a manner of speaking.
Sir, I think I--
I think I prefer to decline.
Nobody likes this, John.
We'd all prefer to
decline, as you put it.
Excuse me, Colonel.
We don't expect an
immediate decision, John.
Take a little time.
Think about it.
Sir.
HARFIELD: That
will be all, John.
Seems I was wrong.
Not necessarily.
He refused point blank.
Colonel, we're asking him
to supervise the shooting
of one of our own men.
I'd be more worried
if he'd agreed.
[radio playing]
John, John, just a minute.
You, uh, left your radio on.
You like Bach,
don't you, Johnny?
You know I do.
The Colonel thinks
Bach is a rocket.
Bach stops the Colonel thinking.
Is that good or
bad would you say?
It depends what
he's thinking about.
Very true, John.
Today, I heard him refer to
pen-pushing seat warmers.
What a turn of
phrase the man has?
Are you coming to dinner?
Well, after I've looked
in know our guests, Jones--
is that his name?
- Why ask me?
You were summoned--
also present, Major McGuire--
Provo Corps.
I can't discuss
this, Philippe.
They say the boy's
facing a death sentence.
It's not confirmed.
[music playing]
Enjoy your dinner?
There's nothing
wrong with army grub.
Better than that
frog slop, eh?
Snails?
Escargots?
Jesus!
So what's the
scoop on this Jones?
I'll tell you something--
I wouldn't waste a
bullet on scum like that.
I just slit the
bastard's throat.
HARFIELD: It's an uncomfortable
situation to say the least.
For the moment,
we're stuck with it.
There's not much chance of
it coming off, is there, sir?
MCGUIRE: I'd say that
second guessing civilians
is an exercise in futility.
If this was the
First War, Jones
would 6 feet under by now.
We are more
civilized these days.
I believe we are, yes.
Of course, from
another standpoint,
shooting our own boys does
make a kind of sense--
saves transport costs.
What do think, John?
I think your
sympathies are misplaced.
HARFIELD: Jones was
involved in the murder
of an innocent man, Padre.
Indirectly.
An accessory is as guilty as
the man who pulls the trigger.
You know that.
I find that
guilt and innocence
are easy to confuse in wartime.
MCGUIRE: Really?
for me, the distinctions
are clearer than ever.
HARFIELD: As I was
about to say, there'll
be a lot of rumors
flying around,
and I'd advice you all
to say nothing to the man
until we've got word
down from above?
Ah, but how far above?
I was referring to
Ottawa, Padre, a higher
authority as your department.
John, I'd like a word with you.
Well, well, Johnny
boy is in the hot seat.
I just wanted to say, Captain.
Your reaction to our request
was perfectly natural.
Hmm, there's
your credit, John.
But if you were to take it
on, it'll do you some good--
wipe out that other
business, you know?
Just give it some thought.
I'm thinking about it, sir.
[cheers]
Come on, boys!
Come on, boys.
Now!
Go!
Take it.
Move!
Go!
Get off the soil, man.
I don't know about you guys.
Come on!
Wake up!
Smedley, wake up.
Come on!
Come on!
Come on!
Yeah, yeah, go!
Good sense, Smedley.
[cheers]
Run, Smedley,
run for everybody.
Yes, go, go, go, go!
[cheers]
It's a jolly good show, John.
And they shouldn't
take it so seriously.
It's only a bloody game.
We're preparing
these men for combat.
BUXTON: By kicking
a ball around?
Bullshit.
Out there where the
bullets are real,
luck and guts are
all that count.
Luck and guts.
[cheers]
Major, I don't
think I'm your man.
Or we're all the
army's men, captain.
And I guess that's
not really apropo.
I know you've had a
tough time of it, John.
But whether we decide to help me
or not, it has to be put away.
You don't want to talk
about it, you don't have to.
Fact is, I can hardly remember
anything about the land mines.
It'd be best.
Oh, relax, will you?
Yeah.
SOLDIER: Ow!
Brains all over the shop.
Bullshit.
Bullshit.
SOLDIER: Blew away
three Yank MPs.
Just goes to show there's
some good in everybody.
Get it right.
It was one MP killed
and two just winged.
Jones shot the wounded guy.
Yeah.
Blew his pecker off.
I swear to God.
Jimmy told me.
The hell I did.
Crap arists, the two of you.
The bastard deserves
this bullet anyway.
Just for going AWOL?
Leaving his pals to face the
music is a lousy thing to do.
You might think different
when you get up there, Greg.
Let me at him.
Pow!
Splash!
Yes!
Cut it out, Greg.
[music playing]
MCGUIRE: Captain Dumont?
Yes?
Major.
I get rid of the racket.
No, that's all right, Captain.
It's uh-- it's pleasant.
[music playing]
Thank you.
What can I do for you?
We crossed swords
last night, Captain.
You annoyed me.
And I'm sure my reaction
was unbearably pompous.
You are friendly
with John Adams.
If you're asking
for my cooperation.
I'm asking for your opinion.
You obviously know
the situation.
The sentence is upheld.
We should have heard
something by now.
We haven't.
It's not a good sign.
God.
I'm afraid I can't afford
the luxury of outrage, Padre.
My concerns are more pragmatic.
If Jones is to be--
DUMONT: Pay the capital penalty?
Shot.
Let's not mince words.
If Jones is to be shot, it
must be done efficiently.
Yes, I know that
sounds callous--
inhuman.
I want influence, John.
Padre, I don't want to push
anybody into doing anything--
quite the opposite.
I need to feel
secure in my choice.
I can't help you at all--
sir.
MCGUIRE: I see.
Well, I wish I could wash my
hands of it so easily, Padre.
[music playing]
Oh.
I was hoping to run into you.
You should control your
sense of humor, Philippe.
It doesn't go down
all that well.
But this Jones situation
is a joke, isn't it?
A bit of play
acting for the boys.
I don't know what
you're talking about?
They won't actually
go through with it.
I have no information
on that score.
How about a shrewd
deduction, a logical inference,
a wild guess?
You're talking to
the wrong person.
That's good.
I was afraid you might
be the right person.
A little light reading, Padre?
Hah, you wouldn't begrudge
selling these harmless little
fantasies.
No, my old pal
Macartney donated it.
I was going to drop
that in for Jones.
But maybe it's not
such a hot idea.
I'm not very
concerned about Jones.
I mean, the men from this camp
are headed for the front line.
Half of them will never
date another girl.
I can't get misty eyed
about bloody Jones.
Points taken, John.
Come and listen to
music some time.
KONZUK: Come on!
Come on, boys, faster.
Faster!
Cover.
You're under fire.
Let's go.
[gunfire]
Come on.
Come on, boys.
[spit]
Come on, Greg.
Go, Blair.
Next!
Your men down!
Go!
Come on.
Come on!
Come on!
[gunfire]
You're under fire-- under fire.
Come on!
Come on!
Come on, Smedley.
You can do it, Smedley.
Come on, Smedley.
Come on, Smedo.
Come on, Smedley.
Your buddies are dry, Smedley.
They can't move
till you're over.
SOLDIER: Come on, Smedley.
Come on, Smedley!
Come on.
You-- get out of here.
Chase him off.
You heard-- get going.
Come on, Smedley.
Come on!
You can't stay there.
[gunfire]
These are real
bullets, Smedley.
[gunfire]
You're dead.
Your pals are dead.
[gunfire]
Hey, you, get out of here.
[gunfire]
Hey, get away from there.
Come to me.
Don't move!
Don't touch that.
Stop!
[explosion]
[music playing]
Oh, my dear god.
Awful.
I'm afraid there's
something else.
Ottawa has upheld the sentence.
I don't believe it.
I'm telling you.
They're going to send
that boy up against a wall
and shoot him.
Are you going to help those?
You'll do this thing.
You'll pull the trigger?
I'll make my own decision.
The Yanks are
taking a hard line.
They'll have their man
executed before the week's out.
So we have to follow suit.
It's a political decision.
Jones was fairly tried
and unjustly convicted
don't forget.
Anyway, it's water
under the bridge now.
We have our orders.
So--
Sir, if it is a
volunteer post--
Technically John,
nominally take my meaning.
Turn it down, I
look like a fool.
You'll look like a
bloody coward again.
I'm sorry, I shouldn't
have said that.
Please, sit down for god's sake.
John, no officer in this army
had a more distinguished career
than your father.
He was quite an
inspiration to me.
Your own record is exemplary,
of course, except for--
I'm familiar with
the report, sir.
Commanding a firing
squad is the most
difficult and painful
duty an officer
can be asked to perform.
John, if you see this through,
this report will be obsolete--
a dead issue.
And I could go
back into action.
I guarantee you'll be
restored to the active list.
But the time to make
a decision now, John.
We can't wait.
I'll do it, sir.
You understand this
is a voluntary duty.
Yes, sir.
I volunteer, sir.
Good man.
Good man.
Splash.
Come on, man, join us.
Thank you, John.
I know it wasn't an
easy decision to make.
And I am, uh, sorry
about the loss of your man.
It tells me something about
what we're up against.
To, uh, everything
going smoothly.
Have you seen Marie?
Anybody see Marie?
[french] She's gone.
Can't blame her, poor kid.
Hey, the one thing in
Jones's favor, you know?
You won't have to eat much
more Camp Kingston slop.
Right?
It's not right.
It's not.
You can make your
own choices in life.
You get caught, you pay.
I heard he just
missed a damn curfew.
Yeah, well, I already cut
some poor brother's throat.
Yank MP.
And he shot him.
But before that, he was in
some kind of gang in Marsen--
Marseneis?
Marseilles, George.
And it was Rouillon.
GEORGE: Hey, if it's not Adam
to oversee the firing squad,
I guess we'll get someone else.
Yeah?
Think about it, Mac Jones
ain't going to shoot himself,
is he?
If it's not an
order, no thanks.
I've killed maybe six of them.
I don't follow you, sir.
My father-- he
wasn't the first to go.
He used to say, until
you killed your man,
you don't know your
ass from your elbow.
Well, I've killed a half dozen.
I never get a taste for it .
Some guy that likes
it, can't do the job.
You lost a brother, Sergeant.
Sir, yeah, bloody mess--
any kids?
So your wife's
alone back home.
She must be lonely--
worried.
KONZUK: All the wives worry.
Excuse me, sir, but is
there a point to this?
If you volunteer
for this operation,
you'll be back in Montreal
before the end of the month--
long leave.
The work will be over
before you get called back.
OFFICER: Left, right, left,
right, left, right, go!
[music playing]
ADAM: Privates
Blair, Dodd, Dorn,
Freemont, McCartney,
Martineau, Malloy,
Patizo, Schneider, Zabrowsky.
Detail, attention!
Special detail present
and correct, sir.
Thank you, Captain.
Stand easy.
Men, you are all fine
soldiers, which is why you've.
Been chosen for this duty.
You must know that you
will never face a more
difficult mission than this.
And we will show
our appreciation
in some tangible manner.
I'm confident that
each one of you
will live up to the highest
traditions of the army.
Any questions?
No?
Good.
Carry on, gentlemen.
The operation is scheduled
for dawn on Friday.
Till then, you'll be
learning and perfecting
the drills involved.
Any questions so far?
Sir, the Colonel
said something about--
about appreciation, sir.
We haven't worked
out the details yet.
I imagine some leave
before you go into action.
Is this duty an order, sir?
Yes.
Yes, it is.
Anybody else?
This is a lousy job.
No question.
If we do it right, we
don't get any thanks.
If we screw it up,
everybody pays,
especially the condemned man.
I'm sure I don't have to
spell that one out for you.
Your first responsibility
is not to me, or to Captain
Adam, or even the army.
Your first responsibility
is to that man.
Carry on, Sergeant.
Squad.
Atten-tion!
Outside.
Fall out!
Private Dorn,
please stay behind.
Are you questioning
the order, private.
DORN: I joined up to
fight the Germans, sir.
ADAM: When you joined the
army, you accepted its rules.
I'm a Quaker, sir, but I
thought it was wrong we didn't
do our bit against Hitler.
So they sort of kicked me out.
But this is still
against my beliefs.
You've made a brave decision.
Don't throw it all away now.
We've lost this one.
Let's not waste any more time.
If you disobey this
order, you'll be
arrested and court-martialed.
I know that, sir, but I
got to refuse the order.
Friday-- four days.
This time next week
we'll be on leave--
I wouldn't be in your
shoes, sweethearts.
Think of me next
week, pal, getting
my leg over a sweet and
juicy little mademoiselle.
I'll think of
you, pal, next week.
That's enough.
You go and correct your kit.
Excuse me, soldier.
Hey, guys, look who's coming.
We're through with
training, Smitto.
Think of us next time you're
taking a dip in the river.
Hey, what happened with Dorn?
I just saw him march
stuff on the dock.
I knew it was going
to cop out on us.
No guts?
No, he's in the crapper.
[horn]
Hey, get moving!
Quick!
Come on, Fremont.
Hey, move it.
SOLDIER: See you, Smedo.
Yeah!
See you, Smedley!
Hey, Smedley.
Smedo, Smedo.
[singing]
We need another man, Sergeant.
Yes, sir.
- Any ideas?
- Well, I think that--
What about O'Donnell?
Good choice.
Sir, permission to speak, sir?
I'd like to volunteer, sir.
Make up the strength, sir.
I don't think so, son.
Why are you
volunteering, Private?
The job has to be done, sir?
Make up the strength, sir.
Once you get out
of training, sir.
You must have heard the fellows.
No, sir.
Not true, sir.
Sorry, Sergeant.
Sorry, sir.
I can't do it, sir.
Roll up!
Roll up!
Roll up!
Roll up!
Get 'em now.
Your lucky day, you
idle little man.
The boys of the front would
give their right ball to have
nice, new weapons like these.
Private Blair, 630-75x.
Your new lady friend, soldier.
Keep her warm.
Cherish her.
Private Ryan, 874-68l.
And make sure
you keep it clean.
Otherwise, you'll
be in up to here.
Well, this is nice--
very nice.
Yeah, the Sarge
said we got to be
separated from the other guys.
Makes you wonder
who is the prisoner.
This is the rich boys.
What did I say?
[inaudible], Sarge.
What a craphole.
What more do you want?
Me?
I want to be worked over by
a big, fat, sloppy whore.
And I don't want us to be stuck
here with you ugly bastards.
So I suppose somebody has got
to see the job's done right.
You sure these are the
best men you could dig up?
Screw me stupid.
Is that an order, Sergeant?
All right, who's
the comedienne.
Come on, don't be shy.
I like a good laugh as
much as the next guy.
SOLDIER: Smedley?
What are you doing here?
SOLDIER: Smedo?
Lost your map?
Shut up!
Shut up!
Private Smedley is joining
this detail as of now.
Oh dear, oh
dear, oh deary me--
this really is a girl guy camp.
What's the matter sweetie?
Lost your purse?
John Smedley.
Settle in.
SOLDIER: Spare bed
over here, Smed.
Won't be long now, John.
No, not long.
And back home-- your darling
wife waiting with open arms.
Home?
I'm going up the line.
They'll never send you back.
It's in the works.
You can't be serious.
It's very quixotic, John.
But it might be better all
around to settle for home,
you know?
I'm on the active list.
Good luck, John.
John?
I'm going to tell Jones now.
He doesn't know?
Of course he knows.
He just hasn't been informed.
Apparently, that's my job.
But I can't tell him when.
It seems he only gets 12 hours.
Did you know that?
There will be a firing squad.
As you said,
it's your decision.
No.
I'm a soldier.
I have my duty.
I don't want to hear this.
I just thought you might
like to meet the boy--
talk to him.
The regulations absolutely
forbid that, as I'm sure
you know.
Of course, the regulations.
Yes, the regulations.
[music playing]
Yes, this is isolated enough.
If that's what we want, why
do the thing in the camp at all?
We don't want to hide
what we're doing, John.
We don't want make a
circus of it either.
Like hey, look, bullet holes.
You know what?
This site has been used before.
The same job if you asked me.
Firing range.
Maybe that whole wall
will be blown to crap.
Jerry's been here.
Jerry knows this business.
Hey, wait a minute.
What the hell is this?
Maybe that's where
she's been hiding out.
The kid that lived in the camp.
War orphan, I guess.
It was her brother
that got killed.
Well, shall have to
get her ass out of there.
OK, so Jones stands
here-- stands or sits.
Prisoner maybe in an upright
position, strapped to a post,
fixed in the ground if
available, or sitting down
strapped into a chair.
The chair is the easiest thing.
We can get a post--
easy enough.
Yeah, you might as
well be comfortable.
Then we'll need straps,
restraining, leather,
thick, prisoner for the use of.
It's all in here.
With all the rules,
you can't go wrong.
Trust the army for that.
We don't need straps, and
he won't be tied to a chair.
As I said, the posts
are easily arranged.
Yes, absolutely.
He's still a soldier.
He can stand on his own feet.
But we will need stripes.
Carry on, Sergeant.
For Christ's sake.
John, we can hardly blame the
lad if he's weak in the knees.
The squad must have a
fixed target or this
could turn into a shambles.
You think I'm a cold
fish, don't you?
John, our charge is to carry
out the considered decisions
of our superiors as provided
for in the drill manual.
The regulations.
They're not
arbitrary, you know?
They're there to assist
fallible human beings
through an appallingly
difficult task.
Macartney.
Oh, wait, wait.
Let's see.
Whoa.
Whoa.
Oh.
"The Girl We'd Most
Like to Get Pinched By.."
You dirty minded bastards.
Writing on that.
Hey, Smedley.
I'm like-- you
smell like whisky.
I want to ask you something.
You ever had a woman?
Sure.
Sure I have-- several.
SOLDIER: Not like the
dames I got in mind.
There's this place in
Dunkirk I heard about.
For a pair of nylons,
a couple of tarts
will take turns at you
till you're begging,
and I mean begging for mercy.
That's for me.
Could go, huh?
It'll be educational.
What do you say?
[laughter]
SOLDIER: Hey, guys,
here comes the Sarge.
Stand by your beds.
Now, we'll see what you can do.
Outside In two.
Fire.
[gunfire]
Fire!
[gunfire]
Fire!
[gunfire]
Fire!
[gunfire]
Fire!
[gunfire]
Well, on today's
showing, I'd say Jones's
chances are pretty damn good.
Philippe, Philippe.
I want to fix a time for you
to visit the special detail.
I'll visit your boys if
you're looking on Jones.
You know I can't do that.
Are you refusing
to counsel my men?
No.
I have no counsel for that.
Oh, well it's easy
to quibble about words.
For you, maybe.
You've opted for the side
that relies on words--
empty ritual and words.
Empty ritual?
You're a priest.
You do have a duty.
The only duty I
feel is to that boy.
Whatever you think about
me, you can't blame the men.
They're human.
They make decisions.
They follow orders.
Young Dorn was
dragged out of here
this morning because
he wouldn't take part
in your dirty, little drama.
This is not my doing.
I don't blame the man, John.
I'll see them, of course.
What you want me to say to them?
Not so easy, is it?
I have no comfort for them--
over you.
I can't play the
army's game incentive--
Well, better keep away then.
Stay away.
Protect yourself.
You know, I was thinking.
What if you shoot 10
feet above his head?
Then he's a goner.
No, no, no.
Serious.
Suppose everybody, all
of us, shoot to miss.
He dies of a freaking
heart attack.
I can just see you.
Pow!
That's not so funny, you know?
It's not bloody funny!
Take it easy, Fremont.
You know, you're full of it.
About turn!
Ease!
Detail present and correct, sir.
Stand easy.
All right, on the
day at this point,
the live round in one rifle
will be replaced by a blank.
Nobody will know whose
rifle-- none of you.
None of us.
Why do we do this?
So you can always think maybe
you didn't shoot him, sir.
Then you don't have
to feel guilty, sir.
Right idea.
Wrong words, soldier.
Since You're carrying out
the due sentence of law,
guilt doesn't enter into it.
All right, everybody's in place.
The prisoner will be brought in.
His eyes will be covered.
He won't see you.
Put a bag over his head.
MCGUIRE: We must finish
this as quickly as possible.
Captain Adam will
give four orders--
present, load, aim, and fire.
Only the last one will
be given verbally.
Sergeant.
Present-- load, aim,
present, load, aim--
Present-- load, aim,
present, load, aim--
questions?
What do we--
I mean, how do we aim, sir?
There will be a marker.
On him, sir?
Yes.
Now, we'll walk through the
drill from the top stopping
before the final command.
Sergeant?
Squad!
Atten-tion!
Yes, I'm going
to see our men now.
Thanks, but well
perhaps tomorrow
might be a better time.
The night before the big day.
That would be the best time.
Tomorrow night.
I have to tell Jones he
has 12 hours to leave.
Also, that in those 12
hours, he can have anything
he likes to eat, and drink,
and smoke within reason.
Can you give me any
guidance there, John?
What's a reasonable last supper?
Philippe, that's unworthy.
You're right.
It was cheap.
Get some sleep, John.
I'm fine.
I'll come with you.
No you won't.
Get some rest.
[music playing]
I have a difficulty.
My faith-- my belief--
teaches that every
life is sacred.
Thou shalt not kill.
But that's a bit
stupid, ain't it?
I mean, in a war,
defending your motherland
and all that baloney?
You really think it's baloney?
Padre.
DUMONT: Where the
hell have you been.
A little espionage, sonny?
No, sir.
We-- yes, sir, we just wanted
to see what he looked like, sir.
And--
Well, he's a nasty
looking fellow, sir.
We never saw him.
I'm glad too.
[music playing]
[horn]
What the hell has happened?
Take it easy, Johnny.
One of our trucks at a
mine just down the road.
Are you sure you're all right?
Yes.
Yes, I'm fine.
[music playing]
Come in.
Get yourself outside that.
[cough]
The Ninth-- performed live.
[radio static]
I can't tune in Berlin
clearly on this.
Berlin?
Yes.
DUMONT: Beethoven's "Ode
to Joy" performed by Nazis.
I guess that's
ironic, Philippe.
No, it's a message.
It looks to a world
beyond this madness.
But the horror is
there in every note.
Tension.
Listen, it's insane.
They play it as if
there were doomed.
Dead.
Dead men looking for
redemption at the last moment
of recorded time.
Listen.
It's insane.
[radio static]
ANNOUNCER (ON RADIO):
The secret weapon
described as a fiery beam
capable of destroying
an area over a mile long
in one devastating blast.
DUMONT: I was reading about
another wrinkle we have now--
fire bombs full of a
sort of burning oil.
And did you read about
Hitler's death camps?
They say hundreds
of thousands gassed.
DUMONT: I'm sure we are
on the right side, John.
But back there on the
beaches, I buried so many
bodies and parts of bodies.
Sometimes, when I look at
the boys here, all I can see
is meat--
just meat.
Jones wants to shake hands
with the men on the squad.
ADAM: You know
that's impossible.
Yes.
I thought perhaps you
might represent him.
Shake his hand, John.
Look him in the eyes.
I can't.
DUMONT: Don't you owe
him even that much?
All I owe him is to
see it done decently I
can't leave this job to the
likes of Sergeant Mortlake.
Is it just a job then?
The army is my
profession like my father,
all my family for generations.
It's a pledge.
You're doing this to
live up to your father?
Would he be proud of you, John?
Yes, I think he would.
About turn!
Pick up arms!
Squad right rest.
Eyes front!
Firing squad-- present
and correct, sir.
Thank you, Sergeant.
The prisoners is in position.
I-- sorry, sir.
Well, you know the drill.
The sergeants will now run
you through it until you're
split second perfect.
Carry on.
That should do it.
Wife?
Fiancee?
I just got married
before I was sent here.
That's good-- good
to have someone.
Yeah, I guess so.
Jenny Mae, we got engaged,
because I didn't want
her going with a certain guy.
Queens.
I don't know.
She sure is getting
to a lot of dances.
I'll take two, two cards.
My grandmother is in Warsaw.
The Nazis are killing
all the Jews there--
all of them-- all the Jews.
But there's a
lot of propaganda.
It's probably just that.
I've never seen anybody dead.
You'll see plenty.
He killed my brother.
SOLDIER: Stick it, Molloy.
Harvesting-- sleeping in the
wheat, the lazy little bugger.
He ran the combine right over.
Yeah, and that's it.
OK.
Yeah.
An accident.
What's up, Maury?
Mary!
SOLDIER: Whoa!
Jesus!
SOLDIER: Snap out of it, Maury.
SOLDIER: Don't
fold up on us now.
SOLDIER: Get the Sarge.
Sergeant.
KONZUK: What's the problem?
SOLDIER: Sorry, Sarge!
I've got the--
KONZUK: The lad's epileptic.
Come on.
To the latrine, quick.
Clear out!
Give him some air.
I'm sorry, Sarge.
You heard.
Give him the blanket.
Calm down.
Calm down.
I have seen this 100 times.
Come on.
It's OK.
Just I couldn't stop.
I wasn't scared or anything.
Like I say, it happens
to everybody at one time
or another before a battle.
So you've got that to come.
Know what I say.
This war is going to be
over sooner than you think.
I don't want to go home and
say all I did in the fighting
was shoot one of our own men.
Listen.
What you've got to
think is this Jones
is a bloodthirsty bastard--
lousy deserter.
Shut up.
I'm starting to think combat
is better than this job.
You guys think combat is
ring around the rosies, eh?
I'll tell you, it's noise
beating at you till you
want to burrow in the earth--
like a worm-- like a
bloody maggot boys.
When it stops, then it's worse--
much worse.
Something's going to happen.
Boom!
It happens.
And you're still in
one piece, maybe.
But the guy next to
your buddy-- he's gone.
He's not there.
He ain't anywhere, eh?
And his guts are
all over your boots.
KONZUK: Enough,
for Christ's sake.
I can tell you all you need to
know about Jones in two words.
Dolally tap.
That's limey for nuts.
Dolally tap crazy, whacked out.
That's your friend, Jones.
Dolally tap.
No, no, as you were.
Excuse me, sir.
I was just on my way out, sir.
I, uh, just wanted to make
sure there were no problems.
Our correct--
Yes, sir.
ADAM: Good.
It's hard to relax, isn't it?
Mug of tea, sir?
It's fresh--
Yeah, sure.
KONZUK: If you want
to sit down, sir.
Martin--
I can't talk to you now, John.
It's 12 hours.
I'll tell him for you.
I'll tell him.
Going to visit
the prisoner, sir?
That's not your
concern, Sergeant.
It's not a good idea, sir.
It makes it too personal.
Excuse me, Sergeant.
It's against regulations, sir.
It's my duty to point that out.
Could you get the
hell out of my way?
At ease.
I want to see the prisoner.
Sir, Private Jones, sir.
You're Jones.
Sir.
I didn't think there
would be any harm, sir.
No.
No, not at all.
Captain Adam.
Yes, sir.
Chaplain, sir.
He said you might look in, sir.
Did he?
It's tomorrow.
Yes, sir.
I sort of guessed that.
ADAM: If there's
anything you want--
Sir, I was thinking
maybe General Farmer could
put a word in for me, sir.
Why General Farmer?
Well, sir, the
general came to HQ one
time when I was on guard duty.
I knew who he was.
He was in a big staff
car, but I wouldn't let
him until he said the password.
Sarge-- Sergeant Trent--
he said I was in big trouble.
The general-- he has my name.
And he said, Private Jones,
one damn fine soldier.
So I thought maybe--
Private.
What's your name anyway?
Jones, sir.
Oh, Danny, sir, Daniel.
General Farmer
can't help you, Danny.
No, sir.
I guess he wouldn't remember.
ADAM: Danny, you don't
seem to be the sort
of man to get in this--
this mess.
I did wrong, sir.
I know that.
Yes, but desertion
and accessory to murder.
Why?
Sir, I was on a
day pass in Rouillon
with Pedley and Driscoll,
these buddies of mine.
But they picked up--
well, they met a couple of
girls, sir and left me to it.
So I just walked
about for a bit.
And then I ran into
Frazier just like that.
Frazier?
R. Frazier, sir.
I guess you don't know him.
Frazier-- he's a real card.
Well, we went to
this sort of party,
and I had a few beers, sir.
I admit that.
Next thing there was
shots fired somewhere.
Then this guy ran out--
shoved a gun in my hand.
I had never seen him before.
I see this MP--
Frazier.
He's down.
He's dead.
Frazier.
He can make you laugh.
Then these Yank MPs ran out,
and that was it for me, sir.
Changes you, doesn't it?
Leaving home, war, all that.
I don't just mean
learning things.
It makes you
completely different.
See things.
Do things that don't fit--
don't belong in
your life at all.
I never saw her action, sir.
We didn't get that far.
What you used to be--
how much of that is
left when you go home?
Well, my dad has
had shellshock.
One time in a thunderstorm,
we found him at the top
of a tree crying like a baby.
You do understand
about this, Danny.
It can't be stopped.
Not now.
I know that, sir.
Do you believe in God, Danny?
Well, sir, the chaplain says--
Not the bloody chaplain.
You.
I guess I do, sir.
Don't you feel
anything about this?
Don't you hate us?
I'm always-- and you, sir.
You have to follow
orders, don't you?
General Farmer
was right, Danny.
You are a damn fine soldier.
[music playing]
OK, men, it's time now.
Sir?
The train, sir?
Of course.
Right dress.
Left, atten-cion!
Quick!
March!
Left, right, left,
left, left, left, left.
One, halt!
The squad will advance--
right, hut.
Squad order arms.
Squad dressing.
Right dress.
First man, one step forward.
One step forward over there.
Second man wants to step back.
All yours, Sergeant.
Eyes front!
Squad ground arms!
[inaudible] turn.
Five paces, step forward.
March!
Keep your eyes to the front.
SOLDIER: Left squad!
Prison escort, halt!
Prison escort, left turn.
Escort, right turn.
Ahead march.
"Private Daniel Jones of the
Alberta Fusilliers having been
tried by field
general court martial
and found guilty as
charged has been sentenced
to die by firing squad.
Sentence will now
be carried out."
The sould if the
servant Daniel--
Daniel Jones.
Sir, get it over, sir.
Get on with
it, man.
Sir, I refuse.
What, Captain?
I refuse the order, sir.
I refuse the order.
You have to give the order, sir.
Take over, Major.
Forget it, Colonel.
It's too late now.
Squad-- unload.
This way, Captain.
[music playing]
Danny.
It's OK, Danny.
Danny?
It's OK.
[music playing]
Move it.
Move it, boys.
Come on!
Come on, Smedley.
Come on, boys, move it.
Move it!
Quicker!
Come on!
Come on, boys.
Come on!
Come on there.
Come on!
Come on, boys.
Come on!
Come on!
C squad present
and correct, sir.
Two minutes down on
yesterday, Sergeant.
Konzuk It's not good enough.
No, sir.
Stand easy.
When you men go into action,
You'll be crossing rivers
at night under enemy fire.
The success or
failure of an advance
will depend on your efficiency.
Think about that.
Smoke break-- five minutes.
Squad-- aten-cion!
You mob.
You broke your mother's heart.
But you're not breaking mine.
Break up.
If we have to go for another
bloody swim because of you.
It ain't Smedley's fault--
That bloody son of a bitch.
Easy to be tough here, ain't it?
What are you saying, Smiler?
Back here ain't up there, is it?
We know why he ain't at
the front line, don't we?
We have to do
better than this.
It's Smedley, sir,
never make a soldier
in 100 years, that lad.
Well, he has no
choice in the matter.
He tries hard
enough, Captain--
just not cut out for it.
None of us has a
choice, Sergeant.
There are no choices here.
Push!
Push!
Heave.
Come on, lads.
Come on, lads.
OK.
Come on, faster.
To give you a hand, sir.
Thank you, Captain.
Adams, sir.
McGuire.
Come on!
Come on!
Come on, Smedley--
who's the angry boy?
You want to speak to the
private on deployment?
Don't count on it, son.
Take your place.
One, two, three!
Heave!
One, two, three!
Heave!
One, two, three!
Heave!
Come on, guys!
One, two, three!
Heave!
Hey, anytime you girl
guys need help, just
call the Camp Kingston boys.
Somebody is in there.
Why didn't he help?
A prisoner can't have any
contact with men who may be
ordered to shoot him, Captain.
SOLDIER: Come on back.
We'll do it again.
I need to say, can
I give you a ride?
Going to the same place?
No, thanks, Major.
I'll stay with the men.
They need the exercise.
Bye!
Bye, guys.
Later.
Corporal?
Can I have a cigarette?
Get lost, kid.
Can I have--
I'll take the truck in, sir.
Carry on, lads.
Can I have a
cigarette, soldier?
Cigarette, mister.
You got a big
sister for me, sugar?
Screw off you little bastard.
Hey!
Left, right, left,
right, left, right, left.
Left, right, left,
right, left, right, left.
[horn]
You two beauties get out
of here if you don't want
to end up where he's going.
Cops, they're all the same.
Yeah, army cops are
meaner than civvy cops.
If they shoot him here, do
you think we'll get to watch?
They ain't going to
shoot him here, he's done.
All the corps guys
are all the same.
They like to
[inaudible] breakfast.
It's their job.
So what's the news?
The brought in
a prisoner, sir.
A German?
No, sir, one of ours.
Name of Jones--
desperate bastard, sir.
Pardon my French, sir.
Going to shoot
him down like a dog.
Shoot?
You're an absurd little man.
FREMONT: That's what they said.
You're pig ignorant Fremont.
Plugging the guy
don't make no sense.
Sense?
You're in the army, Macartney.
Yes, bow, like a mad dog.
Yeah?
Well, this is a
hell of a situation.
Yes, it's the last thing we need
at this stage of the campaign.
It's a farce.
Ottawa can't possibly
confirm the death sentence
under these circumstances.
HARFIELD: We'll know tomorrow.
It's a foregone
conclusion, right?
HQ has recommended leniency.
The Yanks have a prisoner too.
And they had an MP shot
dead in the incident.
Yes, by their man.
As I understand
it, this Jones is
just technically an accessory.
But if the Americans
execute their boy, well,
it could be more
than a technicality.
This is military business.
We're not going to
be shoved around
by a bunch of pen-pushing
seat warmers in Ottawa.
I hope you're right, Colonel.
Ah, this is our chaplain--
Captain Dumont-- Major
McGuire, Provo Corps.
Captain.
They're stuck on the prisoner.
You shouldn't listen
to rumors, Padre.
[music playing]
Will you turn that
down, will you?
The men can't hear themselves
think or pray with that racket.
What a disaster
area, our Padre--
some kind of S case--
a bad time in Normandy.
Who didn't?
Anyway, until we
hear from Ottawa,
we have to assume that
the sentence stands.
You're not saying it's
going to happen here?
It's bloody ridiculous.
My men are ready to go
into action at any day now.
Think of the effect on morale.
I know how you feel, Colonel.
You have very little choice.
The first order of
business-- an officer
to head up the special detail.
[singing]
[inaudible] platoon.
Quick march.
Left, right, left, right,
left, right, left, right, done.
Left, right, left,
right, left, right, done.
Left, right, left, right, done.
Squad halt!
Sergeant, I'll just
be a couple of minutes.
Squad-- Squad will
advance right turn!
Squad order arms!
Squad in arms, ease!
That easy.
Here comes your lady friend.
[speaking french]
How are you?
Ah, very good.
[speaking french]
[speaking french].
Je suis dog tired.
I am dog towered?
[speaking french]
OFFICER: Get those
kids out of here.
Beat it!
HARFIELD: He's a good man--
Brigadier Adams' son, you know?
Lots of tradition there.
I see he ran into some
trouble at the landings.
That's behind them now.
MCGUIRE: There's no doubt
as to his reliability.
On the contrary, he has
every incentive to make good.
He's my best
officer no question.
Well, incentive
is half the battle.
Cold shower, Johnny?
Just the thing.
It solves all your problems--
especially problems of a
libidinous nature, so I'm told.
Is that right?
- I wouldn't know.
No frustrations, Johnny?
It sounds like
repression to me--
repressive Captain Adam
declared let's up and Adam.
(SINGING) His men don't like
him, because he made them
swim up and down ad infinitum.
That's pretty good, eh.
Very funny.
Seriously, I think
you're doing a great job.
By the time your boys
are ready for action,
they'll be the best
runners in the army.
Excuse me, Captain Adams, sir.
The Colonel wants to
see you right away, sir.
SOLDIER: Why don't you
lay off him, Buxton?
You know why.
He spooked out in the
middle of an attack.
His men paid the price.
They call it shellshock.
I've got another word.
The man's sentence
hasn't been confirmed, sir.
That's not the point, John.
We have to organize
a firing squad,
and I want you to command it.
- When will we know?
When Ottawa
decides to tell us.
Surely we can wait
until word comes down.
I'm afraid that's
not how it works, John.
As far as we are concerned,
the execution is going ahead.
Arrangements must be put forth.
This is a voluntary
position, sir?
In a manner of speaking.
Sir, I think I--
I think I prefer to decline.
Nobody likes this, John.
We'd all prefer to
decline, as you put it.
Excuse me, Colonel.
We don't expect an
immediate decision, John.
Take a little time.
Think about it.
Sir.
HARFIELD: That
will be all, John.
Seems I was wrong.
Not necessarily.
He refused point blank.
Colonel, we're asking him
to supervise the shooting
of one of our own men.
I'd be more worried
if he'd agreed.
[radio playing]
John, John, just a minute.
You, uh, left your radio on.
You like Bach,
don't you, Johnny?
You know I do.
The Colonel thinks
Bach is a rocket.
Bach stops the Colonel thinking.
Is that good or
bad would you say?
It depends what
he's thinking about.
Very true, John.
Today, I heard him refer to
pen-pushing seat warmers.
What a turn of
phrase the man has?
Are you coming to dinner?
Well, after I've looked
in know our guests, Jones--
is that his name?
- Why ask me?
You were summoned--
also present, Major McGuire--
Provo Corps.
I can't discuss
this, Philippe.
They say the boy's
facing a death sentence.
It's not confirmed.
[music playing]
Enjoy your dinner?
There's nothing
wrong with army grub.
Better than that
frog slop, eh?
Snails?
Escargots?
Jesus!
So what's the
scoop on this Jones?
I'll tell you something--
I wouldn't waste a
bullet on scum like that.
I just slit the
bastard's throat.
HARFIELD: It's an uncomfortable
situation to say the least.
For the moment,
we're stuck with it.
There's not much chance of
it coming off, is there, sir?
MCGUIRE: I'd say that
second guessing civilians
is an exercise in futility.
If this was the
First War, Jones
would 6 feet under by now.
We are more
civilized these days.
I believe we are, yes.
Of course, from
another standpoint,
shooting our own boys does
make a kind of sense--
saves transport costs.
What do think, John?
I think your
sympathies are misplaced.
HARFIELD: Jones was
involved in the murder
of an innocent man, Padre.
Indirectly.
An accessory is as guilty as
the man who pulls the trigger.
You know that.
I find that
guilt and innocence
are easy to confuse in wartime.
MCGUIRE: Really?
for me, the distinctions
are clearer than ever.
HARFIELD: As I was
about to say, there'll
be a lot of rumors
flying around,
and I'd advice you all
to say nothing to the man
until we've got word
down from above?
Ah, but how far above?
I was referring to
Ottawa, Padre, a higher
authority as your department.
John, I'd like a word with you.
Well, well, Johnny
boy is in the hot seat.
I just wanted to say, Captain.
Your reaction to our request
was perfectly natural.
Hmm, there's
your credit, John.
But if you were to take it
on, it'll do you some good--
wipe out that other
business, you know?
Just give it some thought.
I'm thinking about it, sir.
[cheers]
Come on, boys!
Come on, boys.
Now!
Go!
Take it.
Move!
Go!
Get off the soil, man.
I don't know about you guys.
Come on!
Wake up!
Smedley, wake up.
Come on!
Come on!
Come on!
Yeah, yeah, go!
Good sense, Smedley.
[cheers]
Run, Smedley,
run for everybody.
Yes, go, go, go, go!
[cheers]
It's a jolly good show, John.
And they shouldn't
take it so seriously.
It's only a bloody game.
We're preparing
these men for combat.
BUXTON: By kicking
a ball around?
Bullshit.
Out there where the
bullets are real,
luck and guts are
all that count.
Luck and guts.
[cheers]
Major, I don't
think I'm your man.
Or we're all the
army's men, captain.
And I guess that's
not really apropo.
I know you've had a
tough time of it, John.
But whether we decide to help me
or not, it has to be put away.
You don't want to talk
about it, you don't have to.
Fact is, I can hardly remember
anything about the land mines.
It'd be best.
Oh, relax, will you?
Yeah.
SOLDIER: Ow!
Brains all over the shop.
Bullshit.
Bullshit.
SOLDIER: Blew away
three Yank MPs.
Just goes to show there's
some good in everybody.
Get it right.
It was one MP killed
and two just winged.
Jones shot the wounded guy.
Yeah.
Blew his pecker off.
I swear to God.
Jimmy told me.
The hell I did.
Crap arists, the two of you.
The bastard deserves
this bullet anyway.
Just for going AWOL?
Leaving his pals to face the
music is a lousy thing to do.
You might think different
when you get up there, Greg.
Let me at him.
Pow!
Splash!
Yes!
Cut it out, Greg.
[music playing]
MCGUIRE: Captain Dumont?
Yes?
Major.
I get rid of the racket.
No, that's all right, Captain.
It's uh-- it's pleasant.
[music playing]
Thank you.
What can I do for you?
We crossed swords
last night, Captain.
You annoyed me.
And I'm sure my reaction
was unbearably pompous.
You are friendly
with John Adams.
If you're asking
for my cooperation.
I'm asking for your opinion.
You obviously know
the situation.
The sentence is upheld.
We should have heard
something by now.
We haven't.
It's not a good sign.
God.
I'm afraid I can't afford
the luxury of outrage, Padre.
My concerns are more pragmatic.
If Jones is to be--
DUMONT: Pay the capital penalty?
Shot.
Let's not mince words.
If Jones is to be shot, it
must be done efficiently.
Yes, I know that
sounds callous--
inhuman.
I want influence, John.
Padre, I don't want to push
anybody into doing anything--
quite the opposite.
I need to feel
secure in my choice.
I can't help you at all--
sir.
MCGUIRE: I see.
Well, I wish I could wash my
hands of it so easily, Padre.
[music playing]
Oh.
I was hoping to run into you.
You should control your
sense of humor, Philippe.
It doesn't go down
all that well.
But this Jones situation
is a joke, isn't it?
A bit of play
acting for the boys.
I don't know what
you're talking about?
They won't actually
go through with it.
I have no information
on that score.
How about a shrewd
deduction, a logical inference,
a wild guess?
You're talking to
the wrong person.
That's good.
I was afraid you might
be the right person.
A little light reading, Padre?
Hah, you wouldn't begrudge
selling these harmless little
fantasies.
No, my old pal
Macartney donated it.
I was going to drop
that in for Jones.
But maybe it's not
such a hot idea.
I'm not very
concerned about Jones.
I mean, the men from this camp
are headed for the front line.
Half of them will never
date another girl.
I can't get misty eyed
about bloody Jones.
Points taken, John.
Come and listen to
music some time.
KONZUK: Come on!
Come on, boys, faster.
Faster!
Cover.
You're under fire.
Let's go.
[gunfire]
Come on.
Come on, boys.
[spit]
Come on, Greg.
Go, Blair.
Next!
Your men down!
Go!
Come on.
Come on!
Come on!
[gunfire]
You're under fire-- under fire.
Come on!
Come on!
Come on, Smedley.
You can do it, Smedley.
Come on, Smedley.
Come on, Smedo.
Come on, Smedley.
Your buddies are dry, Smedley.
They can't move
till you're over.
SOLDIER: Come on, Smedley.
Come on, Smedley!
Come on.
You-- get out of here.
Chase him off.
You heard-- get going.
Come on, Smedley.
Come on!
You can't stay there.
[gunfire]
These are real
bullets, Smedley.
[gunfire]
You're dead.
Your pals are dead.
[gunfire]
Hey, you, get out of here.
[gunfire]
Hey, get away from there.
Come to me.
Don't move!
Don't touch that.
Stop!
[explosion]
[music playing]
Oh, my dear god.
Awful.
I'm afraid there's
something else.
Ottawa has upheld the sentence.
I don't believe it.
I'm telling you.
They're going to send
that boy up against a wall
and shoot him.
Are you going to help those?
You'll do this thing.
You'll pull the trigger?
I'll make my own decision.
The Yanks are
taking a hard line.
They'll have their man
executed before the week's out.
So we have to follow suit.
It's a political decision.
Jones was fairly tried
and unjustly convicted
don't forget.
Anyway, it's water
under the bridge now.
We have our orders.
So--
Sir, if it is a
volunteer post--
Technically John,
nominally take my meaning.
Turn it down, I
look like a fool.
You'll look like a
bloody coward again.
I'm sorry, I shouldn't
have said that.
Please, sit down for god's sake.
John, no officer in this army
had a more distinguished career
than your father.
He was quite an
inspiration to me.
Your own record is exemplary,
of course, except for--
I'm familiar with
the report, sir.
Commanding a firing
squad is the most
difficult and painful
duty an officer
can be asked to perform.
John, if you see this through,
this report will be obsolete--
a dead issue.
And I could go
back into action.
I guarantee you'll be
restored to the active list.
But the time to make
a decision now, John.
We can't wait.
I'll do it, sir.
You understand this
is a voluntary duty.
Yes, sir.
I volunteer, sir.
Good man.
Good man.
Splash.
Come on, man, join us.
Thank you, John.
I know it wasn't an
easy decision to make.
And I am, uh, sorry
about the loss of your man.
It tells me something about
what we're up against.
To, uh, everything
going smoothly.
Have you seen Marie?
Anybody see Marie?
[french] She's gone.
Can't blame her, poor kid.
Hey, the one thing in
Jones's favor, you know?
You won't have to eat much
more Camp Kingston slop.
Right?
It's not right.
It's not.
You can make your
own choices in life.
You get caught, you pay.
I heard he just
missed a damn curfew.
Yeah, well, I already cut
some poor brother's throat.
Yank MP.
And he shot him.
But before that, he was in
some kind of gang in Marsen--
Marseneis?
Marseilles, George.
And it was Rouillon.
GEORGE: Hey, if it's not Adam
to oversee the firing squad,
I guess we'll get someone else.
Yeah?
Think about it, Mac Jones
ain't going to shoot himself,
is he?
If it's not an
order, no thanks.
I've killed maybe six of them.
I don't follow you, sir.
My father-- he
wasn't the first to go.
He used to say, until
you killed your man,
you don't know your
ass from your elbow.
Well, I've killed a half dozen.
I never get a taste for it .
Some guy that likes
it, can't do the job.
You lost a brother, Sergeant.
Sir, yeah, bloody mess--
any kids?
So your wife's
alone back home.
She must be lonely--
worried.
KONZUK: All the wives worry.
Excuse me, sir, but is
there a point to this?
If you volunteer
for this operation,
you'll be back in Montreal
before the end of the month--
long leave.
The work will be over
before you get called back.
OFFICER: Left, right, left,
right, left, right, go!
[music playing]
ADAM: Privates
Blair, Dodd, Dorn,
Freemont, McCartney,
Martineau, Malloy,
Patizo, Schneider, Zabrowsky.
Detail, attention!
Special detail present
and correct, sir.
Thank you, Captain.
Stand easy.
Men, you are all fine
soldiers, which is why you've.
Been chosen for this duty.
You must know that you
will never face a more
difficult mission than this.
And we will show
our appreciation
in some tangible manner.
I'm confident that
each one of you
will live up to the highest
traditions of the army.
Any questions?
No?
Good.
Carry on, gentlemen.
The operation is scheduled
for dawn on Friday.
Till then, you'll be
learning and perfecting
the drills involved.
Any questions so far?
Sir, the Colonel
said something about--
about appreciation, sir.
We haven't worked
out the details yet.
I imagine some leave
before you go into action.
Is this duty an order, sir?
Yes.
Yes, it is.
Anybody else?
This is a lousy job.
No question.
If we do it right, we
don't get any thanks.
If we screw it up,
everybody pays,
especially the condemned man.
I'm sure I don't have to
spell that one out for you.
Your first responsibility
is not to me, or to Captain
Adam, or even the army.
Your first responsibility
is to that man.
Carry on, Sergeant.
Squad.
Atten-tion!
Outside.
Fall out!
Private Dorn,
please stay behind.
Are you questioning
the order, private.
DORN: I joined up to
fight the Germans, sir.
ADAM: When you joined the
army, you accepted its rules.
I'm a Quaker, sir, but I
thought it was wrong we didn't
do our bit against Hitler.
So they sort of kicked me out.
But this is still
against my beliefs.
You've made a brave decision.
Don't throw it all away now.
We've lost this one.
Let's not waste any more time.
If you disobey this
order, you'll be
arrested and court-martialed.
I know that, sir, but I
got to refuse the order.
Friday-- four days.
This time next week
we'll be on leave--
I wouldn't be in your
shoes, sweethearts.
Think of me next
week, pal, getting
my leg over a sweet and
juicy little mademoiselle.
I'll think of
you, pal, next week.
That's enough.
You go and correct your kit.
Excuse me, soldier.
Hey, guys, look who's coming.
We're through with
training, Smitto.
Think of us next time you're
taking a dip in the river.
Hey, what happened with Dorn?
I just saw him march
stuff on the dock.
I knew it was going
to cop out on us.
No guts?
No, he's in the crapper.
[horn]
Hey, get moving!
Quick!
Come on, Fremont.
Hey, move it.
SOLDIER: See you, Smedo.
Yeah!
See you, Smedley!
Hey, Smedley.
Smedo, Smedo.
[singing]
We need another man, Sergeant.
Yes, sir.
- Any ideas?
- Well, I think that--
What about O'Donnell?
Good choice.
Sir, permission to speak, sir?
I'd like to volunteer, sir.
Make up the strength, sir.
I don't think so, son.
Why are you
volunteering, Private?
The job has to be done, sir?
Make up the strength, sir.
Once you get out
of training, sir.
You must have heard the fellows.
No, sir.
Not true, sir.
Sorry, Sergeant.
Sorry, sir.
I can't do it, sir.
Roll up!
Roll up!
Roll up!
Roll up!
Get 'em now.
Your lucky day, you
idle little man.
The boys of the front would
give their right ball to have
nice, new weapons like these.
Private Blair, 630-75x.
Your new lady friend, soldier.
Keep her warm.
Cherish her.
Private Ryan, 874-68l.
And make sure
you keep it clean.
Otherwise, you'll
be in up to here.
Well, this is nice--
very nice.
Yeah, the Sarge
said we got to be
separated from the other guys.
Makes you wonder
who is the prisoner.
This is the rich boys.
What did I say?
[inaudible], Sarge.
What a craphole.
What more do you want?
Me?
I want to be worked over by
a big, fat, sloppy whore.
And I don't want us to be stuck
here with you ugly bastards.
So I suppose somebody has got
to see the job's done right.
You sure these are the
best men you could dig up?
Screw me stupid.
Is that an order, Sergeant?
All right, who's
the comedienne.
Come on, don't be shy.
I like a good laugh as
much as the next guy.
SOLDIER: Smedley?
What are you doing here?
SOLDIER: Smedo?
Lost your map?
Shut up!
Shut up!
Private Smedley is joining
this detail as of now.
Oh dear, oh
dear, oh deary me--
this really is a girl guy camp.
What's the matter sweetie?
Lost your purse?
John Smedley.
Settle in.
SOLDIER: Spare bed
over here, Smed.
Won't be long now, John.
No, not long.
And back home-- your darling
wife waiting with open arms.
Home?
I'm going up the line.
They'll never send you back.
It's in the works.
You can't be serious.
It's very quixotic, John.
But it might be better all
around to settle for home,
you know?
I'm on the active list.
Good luck, John.
John?
I'm going to tell Jones now.
He doesn't know?
Of course he knows.
He just hasn't been informed.
Apparently, that's my job.
But I can't tell him when.
It seems he only gets 12 hours.
Did you know that?
There will be a firing squad.
As you said,
it's your decision.
No.
I'm a soldier.
I have my duty.
I don't want to hear this.
I just thought you might
like to meet the boy--
talk to him.
The regulations absolutely
forbid that, as I'm sure
you know.
Of course, the regulations.
Yes, the regulations.
[music playing]
Yes, this is isolated enough.
If that's what we want, why
do the thing in the camp at all?
We don't want to hide
what we're doing, John.
We don't want make a
circus of it either.
Like hey, look, bullet holes.
You know what?
This site has been used before.
The same job if you asked me.
Firing range.
Maybe that whole wall
will be blown to crap.
Jerry's been here.
Jerry knows this business.
Hey, wait a minute.
What the hell is this?
Maybe that's where
she's been hiding out.
The kid that lived in the camp.
War orphan, I guess.
It was her brother
that got killed.
Well, shall have to
get her ass out of there.
OK, so Jones stands
here-- stands or sits.
Prisoner maybe in an upright
position, strapped to a post,
fixed in the ground if
available, or sitting down
strapped into a chair.
The chair is the easiest thing.
We can get a post--
easy enough.
Yeah, you might as
well be comfortable.
Then we'll need straps,
restraining, leather,
thick, prisoner for the use of.
It's all in here.
With all the rules,
you can't go wrong.
Trust the army for that.
We don't need straps, and
he won't be tied to a chair.
As I said, the posts
are easily arranged.
Yes, absolutely.
He's still a soldier.
He can stand on his own feet.
But we will need stripes.
Carry on, Sergeant.
For Christ's sake.
John, we can hardly blame the
lad if he's weak in the knees.
The squad must have a
fixed target or this
could turn into a shambles.
You think I'm a cold
fish, don't you?
John, our charge is to carry
out the considered decisions
of our superiors as provided
for in the drill manual.
The regulations.
They're not
arbitrary, you know?
They're there to assist
fallible human beings
through an appallingly
difficult task.
Macartney.
Oh, wait, wait.
Let's see.
Whoa.
Whoa.
Oh.
"The Girl We'd Most
Like to Get Pinched By.."
You dirty minded bastards.
Writing on that.
Hey, Smedley.
I'm like-- you
smell like whisky.
I want to ask you something.
You ever had a woman?
Sure.
Sure I have-- several.
SOLDIER: Not like the
dames I got in mind.
There's this place in
Dunkirk I heard about.
For a pair of nylons,
a couple of tarts
will take turns at you
till you're begging,
and I mean begging for mercy.
That's for me.
Could go, huh?
It'll be educational.
What do you say?
[laughter]
SOLDIER: Hey, guys,
here comes the Sarge.
Stand by your beds.
Now, we'll see what you can do.
Outside In two.
Fire.
[gunfire]
Fire!
[gunfire]
Fire!
[gunfire]
Fire!
[gunfire]
Fire!
[gunfire]
Well, on today's
showing, I'd say Jones's
chances are pretty damn good.
Philippe, Philippe.
I want to fix a time for you
to visit the special detail.
I'll visit your boys if
you're looking on Jones.
You know I can't do that.
Are you refusing
to counsel my men?
No.
I have no counsel for that.
Oh, well it's easy
to quibble about words.
For you, maybe.
You've opted for the side
that relies on words--
empty ritual and words.
Empty ritual?
You're a priest.
You do have a duty.
The only duty I
feel is to that boy.
Whatever you think about
me, you can't blame the men.
They're human.
They make decisions.
They follow orders.
Young Dorn was
dragged out of here
this morning because
he wouldn't take part
in your dirty, little drama.
This is not my doing.
I don't blame the man, John.
I'll see them, of course.
What you want me to say to them?
Not so easy, is it?
I have no comfort for them--
over you.
I can't play the
army's game incentive--
Well, better keep away then.
Stay away.
Protect yourself.
You know, I was thinking.
What if you shoot 10
feet above his head?
Then he's a goner.
No, no, no.
Serious.
Suppose everybody, all
of us, shoot to miss.
He dies of a freaking
heart attack.
I can just see you.
Pow!
That's not so funny, you know?
It's not bloody funny!
Take it easy, Fremont.
You know, you're full of it.
About turn!
Ease!
Detail present and correct, sir.
Stand easy.
All right, on the
day at this point,
the live round in one rifle
will be replaced by a blank.
Nobody will know whose
rifle-- none of you.
None of us.
Why do we do this?
So you can always think maybe
you didn't shoot him, sir.
Then you don't have
to feel guilty, sir.
Right idea.
Wrong words, soldier.
Since You're carrying out
the due sentence of law,
guilt doesn't enter into it.
All right, everybody's in place.
The prisoner will be brought in.
His eyes will be covered.
He won't see you.
Put a bag over his head.
MCGUIRE: We must finish
this as quickly as possible.
Captain Adam will
give four orders--
present, load, aim, and fire.
Only the last one will
be given verbally.
Sergeant.
Present-- load, aim,
present, load, aim--
Present-- load, aim,
present, load, aim--
questions?
What do we--
I mean, how do we aim, sir?
There will be a marker.
On him, sir?
Yes.
Now, we'll walk through the
drill from the top stopping
before the final command.
Sergeant?
Squad!
Atten-tion!
Yes, I'm going
to see our men now.
Thanks, but well
perhaps tomorrow
might be a better time.
The night before the big day.
That would be the best time.
Tomorrow night.
I have to tell Jones he
has 12 hours to leave.
Also, that in those 12
hours, he can have anything
he likes to eat, and drink,
and smoke within reason.
Can you give me any
guidance there, John?
What's a reasonable last supper?
Philippe, that's unworthy.
You're right.
It was cheap.
Get some sleep, John.
I'm fine.
I'll come with you.
No you won't.
Get some rest.
[music playing]
I have a difficulty.
My faith-- my belief--
teaches that every
life is sacred.
Thou shalt not kill.
But that's a bit
stupid, ain't it?
I mean, in a war,
defending your motherland
and all that baloney?
You really think it's baloney?
Padre.
DUMONT: Where the
hell have you been.
A little espionage, sonny?
No, sir.
We-- yes, sir, we just wanted
to see what he looked like, sir.
And--
Well, he's a nasty
looking fellow, sir.
We never saw him.
I'm glad too.
[music playing]
[horn]
What the hell has happened?
Take it easy, Johnny.
One of our trucks at a
mine just down the road.
Are you sure you're all right?
Yes.
Yes, I'm fine.
[music playing]
Come in.
Get yourself outside that.
[cough]
The Ninth-- performed live.
[radio static]
I can't tune in Berlin
clearly on this.
Berlin?
Yes.
DUMONT: Beethoven's "Ode
to Joy" performed by Nazis.
I guess that's
ironic, Philippe.
No, it's a message.
It looks to a world
beyond this madness.
But the horror is
there in every note.
Tension.
Listen, it's insane.
They play it as if
there were doomed.
Dead.
Dead men looking for
redemption at the last moment
of recorded time.
Listen.
It's insane.
[radio static]
ANNOUNCER (ON RADIO):
The secret weapon
described as a fiery beam
capable of destroying
an area over a mile long
in one devastating blast.
DUMONT: I was reading about
another wrinkle we have now--
fire bombs full of a
sort of burning oil.
And did you read about
Hitler's death camps?
They say hundreds
of thousands gassed.
DUMONT: I'm sure we are
on the right side, John.
But back there on the
beaches, I buried so many
bodies and parts of bodies.
Sometimes, when I look at
the boys here, all I can see
is meat--
just meat.
Jones wants to shake hands
with the men on the squad.
ADAM: You know
that's impossible.
Yes.
I thought perhaps you
might represent him.
Shake his hand, John.
Look him in the eyes.
I can't.
DUMONT: Don't you owe
him even that much?
All I owe him is to
see it done decently I
can't leave this job to the
likes of Sergeant Mortlake.
Is it just a job then?
The army is my
profession like my father,
all my family for generations.
It's a pledge.
You're doing this to
live up to your father?
Would he be proud of you, John?
Yes, I think he would.
About turn!
Pick up arms!
Squad right rest.
Eyes front!
Firing squad-- present
and correct, sir.
Thank you, Sergeant.
The prisoners is in position.
I-- sorry, sir.
Well, you know the drill.
The sergeants will now run
you through it until you're
split second perfect.
Carry on.
That should do it.
Wife?
Fiancee?
I just got married
before I was sent here.
That's good-- good
to have someone.
Yeah, I guess so.
Jenny Mae, we got engaged,
because I didn't want
her going with a certain guy.
Queens.
I don't know.
She sure is getting
to a lot of dances.
I'll take two, two cards.
My grandmother is in Warsaw.
The Nazis are killing
all the Jews there--
all of them-- all the Jews.
But there's a
lot of propaganda.
It's probably just that.
I've never seen anybody dead.
You'll see plenty.
He killed my brother.
SOLDIER: Stick it, Molloy.
Harvesting-- sleeping in the
wheat, the lazy little bugger.
He ran the combine right over.
Yeah, and that's it.
OK.
Yeah.
An accident.
What's up, Maury?
Mary!
SOLDIER: Whoa!
Jesus!
SOLDIER: Snap out of it, Maury.
SOLDIER: Don't
fold up on us now.
SOLDIER: Get the Sarge.
Sergeant.
KONZUK: What's the problem?
SOLDIER: Sorry, Sarge!
I've got the--
KONZUK: The lad's epileptic.
Come on.
To the latrine, quick.
Clear out!
Give him some air.
I'm sorry, Sarge.
You heard.
Give him the blanket.
Calm down.
Calm down.
I have seen this 100 times.
Come on.
It's OK.
Just I couldn't stop.
I wasn't scared or anything.
Like I say, it happens
to everybody at one time
or another before a battle.
So you've got that to come.
Know what I say.
This war is going to be
over sooner than you think.
I don't want to go home and
say all I did in the fighting
was shoot one of our own men.
Listen.
What you've got to
think is this Jones
is a bloodthirsty bastard--
lousy deserter.
Shut up.
I'm starting to think combat
is better than this job.
You guys think combat is
ring around the rosies, eh?
I'll tell you, it's noise
beating at you till you
want to burrow in the earth--
like a worm-- like a
bloody maggot boys.
When it stops, then it's worse--
much worse.
Something's going to happen.
Boom!
It happens.
And you're still in
one piece, maybe.
But the guy next to
your buddy-- he's gone.
He's not there.
He ain't anywhere, eh?
And his guts are
all over your boots.
KONZUK: Enough,
for Christ's sake.
I can tell you all you need to
know about Jones in two words.
Dolally tap.
That's limey for nuts.
Dolally tap crazy, whacked out.
That's your friend, Jones.
Dolally tap.
No, no, as you were.
Excuse me, sir.
I was just on my way out, sir.
I, uh, just wanted to make
sure there were no problems.
Our correct--
Yes, sir.
ADAM: Good.
It's hard to relax, isn't it?
Mug of tea, sir?
It's fresh--
Yeah, sure.
KONZUK: If you want
to sit down, sir.
Martin--
I can't talk to you now, John.
It's 12 hours.
I'll tell him for you.
I'll tell him.
Going to visit
the prisoner, sir?
That's not your
concern, Sergeant.
It's not a good idea, sir.
It makes it too personal.
Excuse me, Sergeant.
It's against regulations, sir.
It's my duty to point that out.
Could you get the
hell out of my way?
At ease.
I want to see the prisoner.
Sir, Private Jones, sir.
You're Jones.
Sir.
I didn't think there
would be any harm, sir.
No.
No, not at all.
Captain Adam.
Yes, sir.
Chaplain, sir.
He said you might look in, sir.
Did he?
It's tomorrow.
Yes, sir.
I sort of guessed that.
ADAM: If there's
anything you want--
Sir, I was thinking
maybe General Farmer could
put a word in for me, sir.
Why General Farmer?
Well, sir, the
general came to HQ one
time when I was on guard duty.
I knew who he was.
He was in a big staff
car, but I wouldn't let
him until he said the password.
Sarge-- Sergeant Trent--
he said I was in big trouble.
The general-- he has my name.
And he said, Private Jones,
one damn fine soldier.
So I thought maybe--
Private.
What's your name anyway?
Jones, sir.
Oh, Danny, sir, Daniel.
General Farmer
can't help you, Danny.
No, sir.
I guess he wouldn't remember.
ADAM: Danny, you don't
seem to be the sort
of man to get in this--
this mess.
I did wrong, sir.
I know that.
Yes, but desertion
and accessory to murder.
Why?
Sir, I was on a
day pass in Rouillon
with Pedley and Driscoll,
these buddies of mine.
But they picked up--
well, they met a couple of
girls, sir and left me to it.
So I just walked
about for a bit.
And then I ran into
Frazier just like that.
Frazier?
R. Frazier, sir.
I guess you don't know him.
Frazier-- he's a real card.
Well, we went to
this sort of party,
and I had a few beers, sir.
I admit that.
Next thing there was
shots fired somewhere.
Then this guy ran out--
shoved a gun in my hand.
I had never seen him before.
I see this MP--
Frazier.
He's down.
He's dead.
Frazier.
He can make you laugh.
Then these Yank MPs ran out,
and that was it for me, sir.
Changes you, doesn't it?
Leaving home, war, all that.
I don't just mean
learning things.
It makes you
completely different.
See things.
Do things that don't fit--
don't belong in
your life at all.
I never saw her action, sir.
We didn't get that far.
What you used to be--
how much of that is
left when you go home?
Well, my dad has
had shellshock.
One time in a thunderstorm,
we found him at the top
of a tree crying like a baby.
You do understand
about this, Danny.
It can't be stopped.
Not now.
I know that, sir.
Do you believe in God, Danny?
Well, sir, the chaplain says--
Not the bloody chaplain.
You.
I guess I do, sir.
Don't you feel
anything about this?
Don't you hate us?
I'm always-- and you, sir.
You have to follow
orders, don't you?
General Farmer
was right, Danny.
You are a damn fine soldier.
[music playing]
OK, men, it's time now.
Sir?
The train, sir?
Of course.
Right dress.
Left, atten-cion!
Quick!
March!
Left, right, left,
left, left, left, left.
One, halt!
The squad will advance--
right, hut.
Squad order arms.
Squad dressing.
Right dress.
First man, one step forward.
One step forward over there.
Second man wants to step back.
All yours, Sergeant.
Eyes front!
Squad ground arms!
[inaudible] turn.
Five paces, step forward.
March!
Keep your eyes to the front.
SOLDIER: Left squad!
Prison escort, halt!
Prison escort, left turn.
Escort, right turn.
Ahead march.
"Private Daniel Jones of the
Alberta Fusilliers having been
tried by field
general court martial
and found guilty as
charged has been sentenced
to die by firing squad.
Sentence will now
be carried out."
The sould if the
servant Daniel--
Daniel Jones.
Sir, get it over, sir.
Get on with
it, man.
Sir, I refuse.
What, Captain?
I refuse the order, sir.
I refuse the order.
You have to give the order, sir.
Take over, Major.
Forget it, Colonel.
It's too late now.
Squad-- unload.
This way, Captain.
[music playing]
Danny.
It's OK, Danny.
Danny?
It's OK.
[music playing]