The Brigand of Kandahar (1965) - full transcript

Hey Ito.

- Come here.
- Go away Rattu, I'm busy.

Hey Ito, I've something to tell you.

You don't have any work to do Rattu?

Thank you Ito, right over my back.

See who that can be Ito.

Tell Connelly memsahib,
I wish to speak with her.

- Get rid of your servant.
- Ito.

Nearly a week ago I presented you with an
ultimatum, I'm still waiting for your answer.

I've thought about
your ultimatum Captain Boyd.

I intend to convey it
to Robert Case on his return.



That should be at any
moment, you made a wise decision.

You leave me with no alternative of course.

- Why is so vindictive?
- I don't like wives who cheat.

Especially with half castes.

And I don't like half castes
who masquerade as officers.

I suggest you complain to the
War Office who appointed them.

Your behaviour is
made that quite unnecessary...

in this instance, at any rate.

Is ironical that your husband...

should volunteer for
special mission with your lover.

- Don't you think?
- Will you leave me please?

Ito, help me to dress.

- What is it?
- I think it's Lieutenant Case.

- Any sign of Connelly?
- No sir.



Warn the sentries and send
Case to me as soon as he gets in.

Sir.

Case...

- Where is Captain Connelly?
- He was captured sir.

- Alive?
- Yes sir.

We were ambushed and became separated.

And you escaped, eh?

- How?
- I got away under cover of darkness.

I see. All right, make your report.

Countrymen numbers are sure growing daily...

and the Gilzhai now have
a new and formidable leader.

- They call him Eli Khan.
- So they are getting organized.

- What do you know of this man?
- Very little sir.

Except that he was educated in England.

He's reputed to be
slightly mad, but wily as a fox.

His headquarters
are a closely guarded secret.

We're badly under strength.

To meet a full scale attack
we'll need help from Fort Lakhan.

- They're about three days' ride from us.
- I don't think Eli Khan is ready yet sir.

But when he is, he'll attack one fort
at a time, beginning with Kandahar.

If I may suggest sir, I think there is
still time to evacuate the civilians.

I don't require your
advice Mr Case, you may go.

One moment.

You say you were
separated from Captain Connelly?

Yes sir.

Then how do you know was taken?

- I used these.
- You saw him but you didn't go his aid?

Are you saying that an officer of your
resources failed to conceive any action...

that might've resulted
in Captain Connelly's rescue?

Answer my question.

Why did you send me on this mission Colonel?

To die like a hero or to bring
back information you require?

I ordered you to answer my question.

There might've been one chance in a thousand.

I considered I had
no right to take that chance.

Thank you.

- May I presume to say sir?
- Well?

He's the only officer at Kandahar who
could've failed to come to Connelly's aid.

That surely was his first duty, he'd every
right to take the chance, however slim.

Then, what can we expect from a half caste?

- I was also wondering...
- Go on Captain Boyd.

Whether his concern for the civilians
extends beyond the wife of Captain Connelly.

Elsa?

- Rattu, leave us.
- Sahib.

- Elsa, you shouldn't have come here.
- I'm sorry.

The other day, Captain Boyd came to see me.

He told me he was going to inform Tom
about us unless you resign your commission.

- Captain Boyd said that?
- You haven't a chance Robert.

You never did have, they hate you.

Resign my commission?

Forgive me Robert, but I've decided
that I want to try and save my marriage.

It's too late Elsa.

- What do you mean?
- Tom isn't coming back.

- You mean...
- He was taken by the Gilzhai.

- Oh, god.
- Mercifully, he was killed instantly.

- Are you telling the truth?
- Yes.

Robert...

- Oh, Robert.
- Elsa.

He had no idea of what was between us.
We didn't cause his death by falling in love.

He went out on a
special mission and he was taken.

- It was his time to die.
- Spoken like a true soldier.

You came back.

You condemn me because
I don't inflict myself with conscience.

It was you who came back.

A coincidence or a convenience?

- Is that what you really think?
- That's what everyone will think.

- Elsa.
- I wish I'd never set eyes on you.

Because of Tom?

Or because people suspect that you
love a half Indian officer who had the...

impertinence
to push his way up from the ranks?

I have orders to
place you under close arrest.

- On what charge?
- Cowardice in the face of the enemy.

Bring in the prisoner.

Prisoner escort, attention.

Slope arms.

Quick march.

Halt.

This court finds you guilty of an act
of cowardice in the face of the enemy...

in that you deliberately and with malice
aforethought deserted a brother officer...

relinquishing him to the mercy of the enemy.

Have you anything to say
before sentence is pronounced?

The accusation is false, I am innocent.

The Court pronounces upon you
the sentence of ignominious discharge...

and a term of ten years confinement
in one of her Majesty's prisons.

- Remove the prisoner.
- Prisoner and escort, about turn.

Quick march.

Left wheel.

Halt.

- Who goes there?
- Rattu.

- What is it Rattu?
- Up there the air whispers softly.

You fellows have an odd way
of asking for a breath of fresh air.

Help yourself.

Ten years in the glasshouse, eh Mr Case? Must
be hard on a man who's used to his freedom.

Still, if it's any consolation they do
say they may take you back into the ranks...

afterward whether you like it or not.

I wouldn't mind betting there'll be
a reception committee waiting for you.

You know, it's quite
a novelty, being able to talk to a...

- Quickly sahib.
- But Rattu...

No talk, please come.

Hurry sahib.

Sahib.

- We rest sahib.
- I think we better start heading south.

We're too close
to the Gilzhai territory for my liking.

The horses very tired sahib, a few minutes?

All right.

It is all right sahib.

Hitala wants you to know, he's your friend.

- I'd like to know why.
- You'll find out when you meet Eli Khan.

- Eli Khan?
- My master.

- My name is Eli Khan.
- Yes, I gathered that.

And yours, Robert Case.

Sit down, condemned by your
own people to ten years in prison.

Of course, I find the
English such a barbarous race.

We ourselves do no such
things, we just kill each other.

These are two of my chiefs.

You wonder why they fight?

- Yes.
- They quarrel.

One of them will die, perhaps two.
And that will please my people.

Do you not think it is an interesting idea?

It's a pity the English do not supply
such good sport for their people.

All the time I'm thinking of
something new to keep my people happy.

You not very talkative.

I was wondering what you had
in mind for me, by way of sport.

We will discuss that later.

In the meantime I want you
to accept my hospitality.

Eli Khan?

- You seem surprised?
- I'm surprised being alive for so long.

Do not gaze on the dark
side of the moon my friend.

So, you 're alive, be thankful to Allah.

- You seem to know a lot about me.
- I have eyes and ears and my servant Rattu.

I was under the impression he was my servant.

He helped you to escape from
prison, didn't he? Be thankful, Englishman.

This my sister Ratina, you
wish to be introduced to her?

She's as wise as
she's beautiful, but she's deceptive.

She has claws and
teeth like a mountain cat. Ratina.

This is the Englishman I was speaking to
you about, he wishes to be introduced to you.

I am deeply honored.

Would you be interested
to know why you're still alive?

- Very interested.
- Because you're a good soldier.

But you've no one to fight
for and no friends to return to.

- True.
- There always new friends.

You'll find many here amongst the Gilzhai.

I make you a proposition, join me in
my fight against those who betrayed you.

- Join you?
- Why not?

- There is hatred in your eye Englishman.
- Yes, there is hatred.

- But not for me.
- No.

This is where you belong Englishman, you
belong amongst the people of the Gilzhai.

- I adopted the British.
- On the contrary.

My informants tell me that the British
adopted you and then betrayed you.

And if they catch you now, they'll kill you
regardless of whether you join me or not.

- You want to die Englishman?
- I've no fear of death.

- This I believe.
- If I join you...

I shall want mercy for
civilians and all prisoners taken.

Allah has guided your decision.

The people of the Gilzhai are slow
to anger but mighty in their wrath.

Together we shall stamp
the English Raj into the dust.

We shall show mercy for
civilians and all prisoners taken.

- What are these games he's teaching them?
- That is not a game my beautiful.

It is a military formation
known as the British Square.

It is good to learn
some of the tricks of the enemy.

- You trust this man?
- Like my own brother.

- You killed our brother.
- That is why I'll trust him.

Six men watch him every day and every night.

One wrong move and he will join our brother.

- How long do we wait Eli?
- Until I am ready.

- Our people are growing restless.
- There is an English saying Ratina.

Run not, until you've learned to walk.

Allah will tell me when to run.

One way or the other.

A troop of Lancers is been
sighted heading towards the fort.

It's probably a relief force from Lakhan.

- How many?
- A hundred men.

It is nothing.

All the more to die when we destroy Kandahar.

I've no intention of waiting to be attacked.

On the open plain one
Lancer is worth twenty Gilzhai.

I intend to send our patrols deeper
into enemy territory and draw them out.

Remember this gentlemen...

the enemy isn't ready for an all out fight
but they can never resist a skirmish.

In this way we will
drain away their strength.

- Captain Boyd.
- Sir.

A and B Troops
will proceed at dawn to Khyber Pass.

- Case...
- My compliments to Colonel Drewe.

Is it possible that this,
this brigand is training them?

Yes sir, I think this is possible.

They're certainly using some of our tactics.

As I suspected, a savage
will always return to his own kind.

All the time he was in the hills
he was conspiring with Eli Khan.

With him is gone knowledge of our
dispositions, our strength and our methods.

At all costs he must be
found and brought to justice.

I want villages searched, destroyed if
necessary, prisoners taken and questioned.

Extreme measures to be used
to discover this man's hideout.

No sign of him here sir.

- How many prisoner?
- Six sir.

- All right, we'll move on.
- Sir.

Connelly?

- Rattu, come here.
- Sahib?

Where is this man come from?

He lives in the pits sahib,
where we keep the prisoners.

That was one of your men,
in case you didn't recognise him.

I did, just.

I asked him whether he'd prefer
to fight a starving tiger or fight for me.

He preferred to fight the tiger.

Oh, he fought very well, but when
he lost the use of one of his arms...

I decided to spare
his life, so I shot the tiger.

That was magnanimous of you.

I'm curious to know why you didn't
make me the same proposition.

- Why should I challenge your pride?
- It isn't too late.

I've made the same mistake before.

You 'II be of far more use to me with your
heart full of hatred for your own people.

Oh but, perhaps you care to come
and look at some more of my prisoners.

Nobody can escape from here
unless they go into the camp.

If they reach this far, then
my people throw rocks at them.

Oh, they all like an escape, it gives
everybody such great entertainment.

Except for the prisoner.

We had another British soldier
who was here for a long time.

I gave him the chance to fight
for me, he said he'd rather die.

So he died.

Eli Khan, this
man is suffering a living death,

- Let him die too, swiftly, with a bullet.
- No, my friend.

While he lives he serves as a warning.

- You think I'll betray you?
- No.

But not if you don't love me.

If you did love me, I wouldn't trust you.
I trust only hate.

- I trust your hatred for the British.
- Not for the British, for one man.

That wouldn't be Colonel Drewe?

- You wish to kill him?
- I intend to kill him.

You're a man after my own heart.
We will grow to love each other.

Like I love my brother.

Ratina.

Come on, hurry it up.
Get a move on, look lively.

- Prisoners ready to move off sir.
- Thank you color Sergeant.

- We'll move on to the next village.
- Sir.

Message received from Peshawar sir.

Well, I thought you said
this man had already arrived?

Yes sir, he's outside now, but you
know how they are at Peshawar.

The event first, then the information.

- All right, color Sergeant, send him in.
- Sir.

The Colonel will see you now sir.

- Mr Marriott, this is Colonel Drewe.
- How you do sir?

- Well, sit down Mr Marriott.
- Thank you.

I've been requested
to accord you certain facilities.

- Perhaps you'll enlighten me about yourself.
- Yes sir, thank you.

My newspaper sent me out here about
a year ago, on a roving commission.

Most of that time I spent
on the north-west frontier, just...

traveling around
from one outpost to the other.

With an idiot servant as a bodyguard.

Up to now we've been ambushed
twice, but somehow we're still here.

In short sir, I'm here
to report the war and any...

side issue that might be of
interest to our readers back home.

Such as the court martial of Lieutenant Case.

See who that is Ito.

- May I speak to Connelly memsahib?
- The gentleman may come in Ito.

I'm sorry to trouble you but...

- My name is Jed...
- Mr Jed Marriott of the London Times.

News travels fast at Fort Kandahar.

Yes Mr Marriott, news travels fast
when there's little else to do but talk.

- Do sit down.
- Thank you.

I hope you'll excuse this intrusion
and the subject I'm going to broach.

It's a subject I'm sure
that's still quite painful to you.

Go on.

I refer of course
to the sad loss of your husband.

Is the death of one soldier of such great
interest to readers of the London Times?

I understand that your husband
was deserted by a fellow officer.

- Who has since defected to the enemy.
- That is correct.

- You knew this man?
- I did.

May I ask how well you knew him?

I mean, did you know him well enough
to form a judgment of his character...

- and the justice of his sentence?
- What are you insinuating Mr Marriott?

- Well, nothing but...
- Let us get to the point, shall we?

You are a news reporter,
you're searching for a good story.

You already heard
something to whet your appetite.

My suggestion is that you continue to
probe for information in officer's mess.

You will hear more gossip there than you
will ever experience in Mayfair tea parties.

I'm sorry, I, I seem to give an offense, I...

don't quite understand why or how.

Unless of course I've accidentally
touched on something intimately personal.

All I hoped to hear from you was an opinion.

Quite unofficial, of course.
Just something to give me a lead.

You see, some of the
officers have suggested that...

Lieutenant Case was not the sort
of man to desert a brother officer.

The evidence was circumstantial.

- I just wondered...
- If I would verify that opinion?

Or not. According to your just views.

According to my just views, Case is guilty.

I see.

I must say, your
reference to gossip intrigued me.

But I really am only
interested in the basic facts.

The hard facts of life
and death here on the frontier.

Thank you for your help.

I've twenty prisoners for questioning sir.

I'll join you in the
guardhouse in a few minutes.

You've never seen this
man, but you've heard of him?

- No sahib.
- You're lying.

Some of your people have seen him.
Haven't they talked about him to you?

- No sahib.
- Next.

If you don't tell me the truth
I'll fine you 200 rupees.

I am a very poor man sahib, I have no money.

Then I'll have you beaten
in front of your wives.

- Sahib, I know nothing.
- All right, next man.

If you tell me where the Englishman
is hiding I'll give you 200 rupees.

- I don't know sahib.
- And a herd of goats.

- I know nothing sahib.
- Alright, take him away color Sergeant.

If you don't tell me the truth
I'll fine you 200 rupees.

- No sahib...
- Where is the Englishman?

If you tell me where the Englishman is hiding
I'll give you 200 rupees and a herd of goats

I'll give you 200 rupees
if you tell me where the Englishman is.

If you don't tell me the truth
I'll fine you 200 rupees.

You've never seen this man,
but you've heard of him? You 're lying.

Some of your people have seen him.

- Well?
- They're too scared to talk.

They know if we
find Case we'll find Eli Khan.

That is precisely why
they must be made to talk.

- Give me your pistol.
- Sir?

Your pistol, pistol.

Colour Sergeant,
bring me a prisoner, any prisoner.

Stand him up against that wall.

Stand aside gentlemen.

Now...

I want to know
where the English sahib is hiding.

I don't know sahib.

- Talk.
- I don't know sahib.

The next bullet is for you.

Talk.

No sahib, I have a wife
and many children sahib.

- Then talk.
- Not here sahib.

They'll kill me, not here sahib.

Take him to my quarters color Sergeant.

Oh gentlemen, this is Mr Jed
Marriott of the London Times.

He's come to the north-west
frontier to report our activities.

- I hope he hasn't find life here too dull.
- Colonel.

- May I ask you a question?
- You may.

Would you've killed that man
if he hadn't been prepared to talk?

Yes Mr Marriott, I would've killed him.

This is undoubtedly
where Eli Khan has pitched camp.

A cave, high up in the
hills, due west from Kandahar.

If it's approached from
the south along the goat track...

there is a good chance of
penetrating it without being seen.

According to him this area isn't
patrolled because it's almost inaccessible.

Well, I won't deny that whoever
undertakes the operation may...

stand only one chance in three of survival.

I shall want six volunteers.

One officer, one NCO and four men.

The objective...

to eliminate the traitor Robert Case
and if possible Eli Khan himself.

I should remind you gentlemen...

that the death of Eli Khan
and his accomplice Robert Case...

may shorten the war in this frontier.

Any questions?

I imagine the number required
will be exceeded by volunteers.

- I request permission to draw lots.
- Granted.

- I have a request to make sir.
- Well?

Permission to accompany the expedition.

Colonel, I've knocked
around the frontier for over a year.

I can handle a gun and I have no dependents.

Very well, but I accept
no responsibility for your safety.

Dismiss.

Right, come on.

You shall decide
how they will die Englishman.

We made a bargain, have you forgotten?

Oh yes.

Mercy to all prisoners taken.

- Starting next week.
- Starting now.

Rattu.

They're not to be harmed, you understand?

The noble sahib is spoken, take them away.

May I talk to you?

My name is Marriott, of the London Times.

- First I'd like to thank you.
- Don't be over elated.

- Eli Khan has a convenient memory.
- I'm a born optimist.

I ought to warn you, if you plan
to make one move I wouldn't approve of...

you might as well
start writing your own epitaph.

I came out here to write
about the war, to report the facts.

Incidentally, I've heard quite a lot about
you but I want your side of the story.

Drewe calls you a brigand and a
traitor, I'd like to find out about that.

Hitala.

Give this man a place
to sleep, put a guard on him.

If he or anyone tries to escape, shoot them.

Sahib, it was one of the prisoners.
He disobeyed your orders, I shot him.

- Was that one of our men?
- No, one of yours.

- There's no doubt whose side you're on.
- You talk too much Marriott.

It's only by talking to people that
I can draw the truth out of them.

Look, I heard about your court
martial, I thought it was a tough verdict.

But does that justify what
you're doing now, as a soldier?

I am no longer a soldier.

I was degraded, on a trumped up charge that
would never prevail in a civil court of law.

The judges were my enemies.

I'm curious about one thing.

You tried to fit into a society
to which you only half belonged.

Wouldn't you know they never let you make it?

- I believed there is justice.
- But you were proud of your uniform sir?

Very proud.

But the vultures started
pecking away at that pride.

Right.

Now I'm back where I started, with the people
who won't blame me for being half white.

Did Elsa Connelly blame you?

What are the facts
about Elsa Connelly and the...

husband that went
away with you on special mission?

I see.

The vultures have been talking to you.

Get back to your quarters Marriott.

You know what I've been
doing for last twelve months?

I've been writing about puppets.

Soldiers in uniform to be killed or to kill.

To love, to hate, to obey
the noble British Raj.

Well, I've had all that Case and so have you.

Now, give me something I can write about.
Something that might help us both

I've nothing else to tell you.

Connelly was reported missing believed
killed in action. Now, is that the truth?

Yes. Good night Marriott.

- Did you at any time?
- Good night.

I hope we can talk again,
in between battles perhaps.

Good night.

Englishman.

The pit must've a fascination for you.

You come here every day
and every day you pass my cave.

I don't wish to disturb you.

Why you come so much to the pit?
Where there is only the smell of death.

Each day brings us nearer
to the final battle.

Good news.

Rattu tells me that 400 men from Gaza have
moved into the hills north of Kandahar.

The men from Ghaza are men
of peace Eli, they're no good to us.

I write to teach them the ways of war.

If they don't wish to learn, then they will
make good rifle practice for the Gilzhai.

- When will you return?
- Before the new moon.

The men of the Gilzhai are tired of waiting.

If I give them the
word, they will follow you.

Have you the courage to lead them?

Why you want to
destroy him? He's your brother.

So was the brother he killed.

You can do what you like now.

I heard there was
a British officer down here.

Why did you kill him?

If you were like he was
would you want to live?

- Did he beg you to kill him?
- He couldn't beg.

So you did it to save him
from further suffering, eh?

Yes.

Did the fact that he was Elsa Connelly's
husband help you in this painful decision?

So he was the husband? I thought so.

Connelly was
reported missing three weeks ago.

This man was taken
prisoner around about that time.

- I hope you can settle your conscience.
- I've no problem with my conscience.

Would you like the widow to know?

I'll show you you're wrong Marriott.

Before Eli Khan returns I'm going to
send you back to Fort Kandahar.

You can tell Colonel Drewe that he
have safe conduct for the evacuees.

That includes Mrs Connelly.

- He won't believe you.
- Then it's up to you to persuade him.

I'll have to convince myself first.

Anyway, what is this going to prove?

It proves that if I shot Connelly to get
him out of the way I'd hardly put Elsa...

beyond my reach for all time.

She deserted you too, didn't she?

But I don't think you've forgotten Elsa
Connelly, that's why I don't trust you.

- I've forgotten her Marriott.
- That'll be to be hard to prove.

See, I've met her.

And she's quite a lady.

Hard to get out of the system.

You were so flattered to be loved by a lady.

You're a very serious, must learn to smile.

That's better.

I'm waiting for your answer, you remember?

Ratina, your brother spared my life.

- I know it feels like to feel betrayed.
- It won't be you who has betrayed him.

Rattu has gone with him.

And Rattu hates him as much as I do.

Eli will never return.

But you have returned to your own people.

I'd like a word with you.

I've decided to agree to your proposal.

You can leave at sun-up.

I'll give you an escort as far as the plain.

Englishman.

I'm trusting you, I hope I won't be sorry.

Give me one good
reason why I should trust him.

I think I can satisfy you Colonel.

He's not interested
in killing civilians, just you.

We share a mutual ambition.

All right Mr Marriott, I'll give
the matter my consideration.

- Now, will you excuse us?
- Certainly.

Gentlemen, I have some news for you.

A relief force left
Peshawar yesterday at noon.

In view of this circumstance
I feel I can spare an escort...

party to accompany the civilians.

You think that Case will keep his word sir?

After what Marriott's told us,
I'm inclined to believe he will.

Murdering a few civilians
holds no military objective.

Arrange for them to leave immediately.

Detail one NCO and six Lancers
to accompany them as far as Keela.

Yes sir.

Sahib, many people, people from Kandahar.

- Soldiers?
- Yes sahib, civilian people, also.

- Who are they?
- Mostly civilians.

English?

Traders from the fort and their
families, I said they could go free.

Those who come from
Kandahar belong to the English.

- No one from Kandahar shall live.
- We fight soldiers, not women and children.

Only I will decide who will fight who.

Go and destroy them Englishman.

- Go now.
- I said no.

Then I will.

I said they will follow you,
but when I tell them and not until.

Now release me.

Hitala, bring my horse
and thirty men to go with me.

You don't love the British.
So why do you try to protect them?

Halt, dismount.

Tired?

I'm all right, thank you Mr Marriott.

Ambush, take cover.

Fire.

Mr Marriott, Mr Marriott.

One prisoner Englishman.

- Murderer.
- I didn't order the attack Elsa.

- I was powerless to prevent it.
- You gave Marriott your word.

I believed I could keep my word...

but circumstances were against me.

Circumstances don't make you a
murderer and I'm referring to Tom now.

- Marriott told you?
- Yes.

- Then he must've told you why I killed him.
- He told me what he believed.

But you were guilty of Tom's murder...

from the moment you allowed
him to be taken by these savages.

You were powerless
to prevent that too, weren't you?

You never been
powerless to save your own skin.

Hitala, take this woman and shoot her.

Is she your woman?

- No.
- Then why must she live?

Eli Khan.

Don't you think you
should welcome your brother?

And how are the claws
of my sweet gentle sister?

- My claws are always sharp Eli.
- As sharp as Rattu's knife?

Keep out of sight as much as you can.

Don't attempt to leave,
you wouldn't stand a chance.

300 men are on their way
Englishman, more are soon to follow.

He died with the knife
he used to try to kill me.

Somebody must've offered him a reward.

I wonder who that could be.

Today the civilians
tried to leave Fort Kandahar.

- And how many did you kill my gentle one?
- All, except an Englishwoman.

- Hitala, wine.
- She is very beautiful.

I think you should see her.

Giusep, bring Englishwoman.

We ride against the British.

When Eli? When do we attack?

Before the next sun rises above the hills.

She's mine, take her away.

She stays.

With me.

You changed since I've been away.

I don't think I like that.

I'll give you a chance to keep
your woman, we fight, bring swords.

I'm going to kill you slowly Englishman.

It's all right, how the devil you get away?

Too busy watching
the fight, Case and Eli Khan.

Mr Marriott, the Gilzhai are
riding against the fort tomorrow.

Come on.

The woman ran away during the fight.

English...

Why did she desert you
while you fought for her?

- She has no love for me.
- You regret this?

No.

She was the last link with
people I imagined were my own.

Now she's gone, the link is broken forever.

It is Allah's will.

Welcome.

You are chief of the Gilzhai.

- When you are ready we attack.
- I'm ready.

- Tomorrow then.
- Tomorrow.

I pray to Allah that we will be together.

Allah always answers my prayers.

We'll be together.

Always.

If what you and Mrs Connelly tell us is
correct, we must assume a full-scale attack.

And you will be out numbered
at least ten to one Colonel.

Thank you Mr Marriott, I'm aware of it.

- Colour Sergeant.
- Sir.

Request all officers
to report to me immediately.

Sir.

Company, halt.

Take aim, fire.

- Colour Sergeant.
- Sir?

- Signal both flanks to advance.
- Sir.

Forward.

Get to your horse Englishman, save yourself.

Look...

Colour Sergeant, get
your section and follow me.

Sir. Number one section, on the double, move.

Spread out, color sergeant come with me.

Sir.

- Get the others.
- All of you, over here.

Deploy the men around the base of the rock.

- And start climbing.
- Sir.

You take the left,
Jones and Cooper to the right.

You two follow me.

Hold your fire.

- You 're leaving now Mr Marriott?
- Yes Colonel.

Well, I wonder what memory you'll
take back with you of Fort Kandahar.

Just the memory of one man.

A man whom I saw destroyed, piece by piece.

A man who served his regiment well...

but had the audacity to believe
that his allegiance would be recognised.

Especially by his commanding officer.

A man who had the temerity to love
but committed the sin of being discovered.

And whose shade of skin
set the seal on his betrayal.

Oh, it's all right Colonel, I shan't
be sending that story to my paper.

In fact, I shan't
be writing about you at all.

I shall write about the
brave men who serve under you.

The men who think that
you are great, who trust you.

The men who fight
for what they believe is right.

And who will carry the flag as long as
they are alive to breathe the free air.

That's something worth
writing about, don't you think?

Goodbye Colonel.