Walter's War (2008) - full transcript
The substantially true story of Walter Tull, a black man whose grandfather was a slave but who was born in Folkestone, Kent, in England, and who, in the years prior to the First World War, was a professional football player for Tottenham Hotspur. However, despite the odd flashback the film focuses solely on his prowess in the war. In 1916 he is a non-commissioned officer, heroically attempting to save comrades and is recommended for training as an officer at a military school in Scotland where he encounters prejudice because of his colour, as well as impressing and dating a local girl. His single-mindedness and desire to be the best impresses the fair-minded Captain Coombes and he ultimately attains his commission. However, he is killed in 1918 and a postscript informs us that, whilst he was recommended for the Military Cross, it was never bestowed upon him.
[soft instrumental music]
[Soldier] Charge!
[gunfire blaring]
[men screaming]
[gunfire blaring]
[bomb blasting]
[men screaming]
[bomb blasting]
-[gunfire blaring]
-[men screaming]
-[bomb blasting]
-[men screaming]
-[bomb blasting]
-[men screaming]
[melancholy strings music]
[melancholy strings music]
[melancholy strings music]
Sergeant?
Sergeant?
Stretcher bearer!
Stretcher bearer!
[melancholy strings music]
-[gunfire blaring]
-[men screaming]
[soft instrumental music]
We have to be 10 times
better just to be equal.
[uplifting choral music]
* Oh send his precious peace *
* To my soul *
* To my soul *
* Who send his precious peace *
* To my soul *
* To my soul *
[gunfire blaring]
[choral humming]
So, how are you feeling today?
Better.
Stronger.
That's my answer definitely.
You don't look it.
Why thank you brother.
Among my letters
yesterday there was.
I know.
An honourable discharge,
there's no shame, Walter.
They've not discharged me Eddie.
They've offered me the chance
to train as an officer.
You're hardly out of
your sickbed Walter.
I'm fine, I'm fine.
You had trench fever.
You were sick enough for
them to send you home.
Well I'm fine now.
You're going to
say no of course.
I've never seen an
officer that, well,
looks like us before
Eddie, have you?
Isn't this something we
should be thinking about?
No.
Come on.
Pa always said aim for the top.
Be second to no man.
You were second to no man
on the football pitch.
It didn't stop them booing
you, dropping you, selling you.
They're asking me to do my bit.
They are asking you to risk
your life again Walter.
You think you can
survive that again?
[soft instrumental music]
[Soldier] Attention!
Gentlemen, welcome to Gailes.
My name is Captain Coombes
and I will be in charge
of your office training
for the next four months.
By the time you leave here
you will be the most
superior of men.
Now I know one or two
of you have seen action
on the front lines,
but here we start again
and we start as equals
with one aim in mind,
to make you officers in the
finest army in the world.
At ease.
I see it was Colonel Haig-Brown
that recommended you
for officer training.
Good man, Haig-Brown.
Look, I shan't beat
about the bush Tull.
I know we're in desperate
need of officers,
but this is a step too far.
Celebrated footballer or not,
I am a man of military law
and it says here on
page 198 to be precise
that officers shall be
of pure European descent.
Page 471, subsection
two, note three
that Negros and other
persons of colour
shall not exercise any
actual command or power.
This is not about
prejudice Tull.
It's simply logic.
A Negro officer would affect
the morale of the men.
Permission to speak sir.
Granted.
I have led white
men previously sir.
Nonsense.
You were a
non-commissioned officer
carrying out orders given
to you by a superior.
Now I can't contradict
my superiors,
but be warned Tull, my job is
to ensure the smooth running
of this camp.
Anything that gets in the
way of that is an enemy,
not just of mine, but
of the entire war effort
and it will not be tolerated.
Do I make myself clear?
Perfectly sir.
Dismissed.
This really is the short straw.
We're in the middle
of bloody no-where.
No man's land.
I'm not looking forward to PT.
Never my forte.
What is your forte?
Nothing much.
Then what are you doing here?
Target practise for Fritz.
My country needs me.
Our country must be desperate.
[Fuller] Stand by your beds.
Why is this bed empty?
May I speak frankly, sir?
Go ahead.
I refuse to sleep in the
same room as a Negro.
Then I suggest
you sleep outside.
Either that or go home
immediately, Hummings.
Either option's fine by me.
Cadet Tull, did you bring
slacks and shirts to match?
No sir.
Do you think I should
dispose of the shoes, sir?
First sign of a good
officer, sacrifice.
Thank you.
Contribution to the
battalion funds.
I expect you to
behave like gentlemen.
[lively drumming music]
We're supposed to be
running not strolling.
We're shaking yesterday's long
journey here from our legs.
We're waking up the mind.
We need to think.
Mr. Tull, you're supposed
to be an athlete.
Faster!
I said faster!
Who's the slowcoach?
Cadet Willis, sir,
a bit of a pudding.
How are the men with Tull?
[Fuller] Too early to say sir.
Anything untoward, let
me know immediately.
Yes, sir.
Mr. Willis you're walking.
This isn't a Sunday stroll.
If Fritz could see you now
he'd be laughing his cock off.
[Willis] I'm trying sir.
Stop now.
Everyone stop, now.
Attention!
Don't ever answer me
back Mr. Willis, ever!
Any of you try that trick,
I'll have you on a seven-day
latrine duty in a flash!
Do you hear me?
[Company] Yes sir!
Get moving.
[men laughing]
Two and half hours,
I'm gonna be sore.
[men chattering]
[soft instrumental music]
My friend, well, he's
simply too shy to tell you
that he thinks you're the
most amazing vision of beauty
he's ever seen.
I happen to agree with him.
You both are, well, both
are simply the Madonnas.
Hennessey, can we get a move on?
I think I love you.
I'm sorry about my friend.
It's fine, it's
rather sweet actually.
Thank you.
You look like you
need a little extra.
I'm Connie by the way.
Walter.
Walter Tull.
Thank you.
What you doing that for?
Doing what?
Being all, you know, with him.
I'm not being anything.
Yes, you were.
You were all.
He spoke to me, I spoke back.
What am I supposed to
do, ignore the man?
Sorry dear boy, Oxford only.
No plebeians allowed.
My father is hardly
what you'd call.
I don't care what
your father is.
This table is full.
God, it's cold up here.
Aye.
They do say however,
it'll get warmer, however.
Or we'll get used to it.
Would you mind terribly if we'd?
Fine.
I understand.
How many of you men have
used a rifle before?
How many of you have
shot at a man before?
As I'm sure you can attest,
it is a totally
different affair.
The first think
you have to learn
is how to hold the
rifle with respect,
with love even, like a woman.
Any of you private schoolboys
held a woman before?
[man laughing]
Did I say something
funny Mr. Hennessey?
No sir.
Mr. Tull, I'm told
you're not stranger
to showing the white
man how it's done.
Come on, let's not monkey about.
Demonstrate for us.
[dramatic instrumental music]
[Crowd] Monkey.
Monkey.
Monkey.
Monkey.
Monkey.
Monkey.
Monkey.
Monkey.
[crowd chattering]
Monkey.
Monkey.
Monkey.
Monkey.
Monkey.
Look, the fans are
calling us the Nigger Team
and the board don't like it.
Best if you sit this one out.
[Crowd] Monkey.
Monkey.
Monkey.
Monkey.
Monkey.
Monkey.
Monkey.
Monkey.
First rank.
Standing position.
Gentlemen, we are all
I assume men of God.
So I do not take it lightly
when I tell you that
this is your bible.
The new SS135 and
SS143 training manuals.
A distillation of everything
we've learnt in
this war to date.
You will read it,
understand it, devour it
and when the time comes
regurgitate their contents
to devastating effect.
Every scenario, every
principle and procedure,
every detail must
become second nature,
embedded, up here.
You will be tested
on every word,
every symbol.
Are you with us Mr. Tull?
[men chattering]
Getting to you already?
Suppose you've had
far worse than that
on the football pitch?
Far worse.
Interesting place
though this, isn't it?
The brightest and the
best, being trained,
so that we can lead more
men to their deaths.
That's very optimistic of you.
Am I wrong?
I mean, you've been there.
So if you feel like
that, why are you here?
My father and my grandfather
were both officers
as much as I hate
it, I have to be.
The question is, why
are you here Tull?
Allowing them to
put the wind up you,
make an ass of you.
No-one's making an
ass of me, all right?
You've seen the scale
of this massacre
and yet you jump when
they offer you the chance
to lead more working
men to their deaths?
I don't question a
Negro being here Tull.
I question why a Negro, treated
as you are in this country,
would want to be here
in the first place.
[soft instrumental music]
Thank you Connie.
You remembered my name,
Yes, it's one word, I'm
not stupid you know.
I didn't say you were.
No, you didn't.
Sorry.
Thank you.
Thank you for opening
the door for me.
It's all right.
So is that how you
ladies do it down here?
Girls taking the lead?
I don't quite understand
what you mean.
You know, opening
doors, saying hello.
If you mean do we have more
manners than the English girls
then the answer's yes.
Well, I'm glad to hear it.
Terribly, terribly
glad to hear it.
So, what do you
well-mannered girls do
on a Saturday night in a
village like this then?
If she's mindful
of her reputation,
she keeps herself to herself.
Oh, reputation, reputation.
I've lost the immortal
part of myself
and all that remains is bestial.
Something my brother would say.
Anyway, listen.
How about you and me find
a town far away from here,
where no-one knows us and
well, we can be free as birds.
Are all you coloured
boys this forward?
I can't speak for
anyone else, but me,
I believe in carpe diem.
What's that?
It's my favourite saying.
It means, seize the day.
What African language is that?
Very ancient, ancient
African language.
Latin.
[laughing]
So what do you say,
are we stepping out?
No, we are not.
But maybe if we happen
to run into each other
at the end of the
day, there's no law
saying you can't walk me home.
You don't just have to lead
your men intellectually,
you have to be superior
to them in every way.
The quickest way to
gain their respect
is to physically impress them.
Go.
[lively drumming music]
The quickest way to lose
their respect is to be weak.
There's always one
that can't handle it,
and I think that's you,
isn't it Mr. Willis?
Mr. Tull!
What do you think you're doing?
Helping my fellow
team member sir!
[Fuller] You will
stop that right now.
Yes sir, I've stopped sir.
Don't play games
with me Mr. Tull.
If Mr. Willis cannot
complete a basic exercise
he should not be here.
Carry on.
[gunshot banging]
What are you doing here?
I came out for some
air, that's all.
Thought maybe you were
waiting to walk me home.
[Connie laughing]
[Walter] Have you
worked here long?
[Connie] Too long.
When the Army opened
this place a year ago
my mate Joanne dragged
me to help her out.
I haven't found the
escape route yet.
So I hear you're quite
the famous sportsman?
No, I don't know about famous.
I mean, I was a footballer,
but I'm a soldier now.
At least till the war ends.
My dad said he
saw you play once.
-Oh yeah?
-Said you were rubbish.
He must have me mixed
up with someone else.
[laughing]
So, have you heard of Rangers?
My team?
Well I can't have
been that rubbish
if they wanted to
sign me, can I?
Is that so?
That is so.
Do you miss it?
I miss the travelling,
but I'm a soldier now,
war moves on, time
carries on till then.
You'll just become an officer
and travel the world that way.
Yeah.
Have you been to many places?
Let's see I was
born in Folkestone,
educated in Bethnal
Green, London.
Sounds posh.
It was an orphanage.
I have been to
Argentina, Uruguay.
-South America?
-Uh-huh.
Yeah, it was a
football tournament.
We only lost one match.
It wasn't my fault, you
can tell your father.
Actually we all got very ill,
so basically they cheated.
-Excuses.
-No they did.
Been to France,
helped dig a trench.
And now I'm in Scotland
doing the same thing.
How about you?
No.
This is it for me.
Gailes, Scotland, it's home.
And this is where I leave you.
What under the bridge?
No, my brother waits
for me just over it.
Ahh.
Well, thanks Connie.
It's been the best conversation
I've had in a long while.
That's because you're
talking about yourself.
Oh yeah.
-We should have some more.
-I'd like that.
Good.
[chuckling]
-Good night.
-See you tomorrow.
-Yeah.
-Goodnight.
We'll talk about you next time.
Good.
Good night.
[soft piano music]
It is the role of the officer
to ensure that the men under
his command follow the barrage
at the correct pace and
at the correct distance.
50 yards is about as
close as we would risk.
So, let's see who knows
their yards from their feet.
On a beautiful
clear day like this,
identifying the 50-yard mark
may not be much of a problem.
However.
[firecracker buzzing]
Like this.
Well, it's a little more
difficult, isn't it gentlemen?
[firecracker buzzing]
Move as quickly as you
can to what you believe
to be the 50-yard mark.
Stick your flag in the earth
and return to first position.
Go.
Remember you have men
on either side of you.
What you think is earth might
be your best friend's big toe.
[rhythmic drumming music]
-[chattering]
-[gunfire blaring]
[Walter] Come on!
Come on Tull.
Well that was a mess,
wasn't it gentlemen?
Mr. Tull, I'm knocking you out
because you've done it before.
That makes the
winner, Mr. Willis.
Hold onto the
celebration Mr. Willis.
You're still a few feet out.
That few feet could
be the difference
between life and death.
10, hut.
You see that?
I just wanted to thank
you for helping me.
And sorry about the other day.
So gentlemen, once again I
say this is all about speed.
Getting the bullets
into the magazine
as quickly as possible.
If the Lewis gunner has to wait,
that could be the
end of your platoon.
Mr. Tull?
Are you listening, Mr. Tull?
Just because you
have done this before
does not mean you do
not have to listen.
Mr. Hummings.
That is useless Mr. Hummings.
A Girl Guide could do
this exercise quicker.
Mr. Tull, replace Mr Hummings.
Parade yourself boy!
I didn't ask Mr. Cooper, what
are you looking at him for?
[soft drumming music]
[gunfire blaring]
-[bombs exploding]
-[men chattering]
What's the matter with you boy?
Get on with it.
Maybe this is all too much
for you, eh, Mr. Tull?
Maybe it is, sir.
Or maybe I just don't like
being called boy or paraded.
Don't be facetious
with me Mr. Tull.
Facetious, sir? I don't
know what that means.
Out!
Out right now!
Do you think this
is the right way
to go about this Cadet Tull?
About what sir?
Don't.
I know what you're
going through Tull.
With respect sir, I
don't think you do.
I have been praised and
promoted for serving our country
and yet I have not be
afforded the respect.
Respect is not handed
out here, it is earned.
How can I earn it?
Fuller speaks to
me as if I'm some--
That is all part of
your training Tull,
your specific training.
You think it'll all
be fine on the field
because men have
followed you before?
Think again.
You are not their
superior officer.
I'm minded to recommend
to Colonel Baxter
that you be released
from Gailes.
Have you nothing to say?
Then I'll give you till Monday.
Dismissed, Mr. Tull.
Dear father, thank you
for the gift of family
and of food,
and
everything else.
Amen.
Amen.
That was very articulate.
We can't all be pillars
of the community, can we?
Don't be jealous now just
because I have a steady job.
Steady job?
You don't take money
from half your patients.
Only the half who
can't afford to pay.
It's a wonder you've got any
food in your house at all.
So how are you feeling?
Fine.
Yeah, everything's fine.
So you're fitting in all right?
They've given me till Monday
to tell them whether or not
I want to stay at Gailes,
and I don't know.
I've never walked out
on anything in my life.
I wish it was as straight
forward as my colour.
But it's more than that.
I keep falling into sweats.
Seeing things I've
pushed out of my mind.
Then you won't be
walking out on anything.
The Rangers are just
waiting for you to return.
I don't care about
football right now Eddie.
I don't care.
That's all you've
got to say to me?
Come home?
What else do you want me to say?
Do you remember when Pa
used to tell us stories
of Grandad in the West Indies?
How do you think
Grandpa survived?
I contend he just
got on with it.
I can't imagine what our
grandfather went through Walter,
but I do know he didn't
choose to be a slave.
He didn't choose his path.
But you, on the
other hand, Walter.
Some might say it chose me.
Well, I'm not one of them.
[soft orchestral music]
What you did was stupid Tull.
You don't trade blow for
blow with the establishment.
You outsmart them,
out think them Walter.
I don't know what your point is.
I've seen the way you
jump when a gun's fired.
The way you sweat
when you remember.
You may fool the others,
but a man who's seen shells
exploding in front of his face
understands why this cannot be
allowed to go on for longer.
The Russian troops are
in mutiny in Petrograd,
there are rumours of
unrest amongst the French.
How long before
it hits our boys?
I don't think it will.
It depends who's leading them.
I want to be an officer
because I know I
can do a better job
than those that led me.
I'm not gonna lead
our men into mutiny.
If I were you I'd
be very careful
who I spoke to in that fashion.
It's very dangerous talk.
So Cadet Tull.
Sir if you could allow
me, I'd like to stay on.
Succeed.
Serve my country
the best way I can.
Is that your honest
feeling Tull?
Yes sir, it is.
Then stay you shall.
Thank you sir.
How do you survive war, Walter?
With the help of the men
around you, I suppose.
Your team
and God.
Can't dodge a bullet, the
bullet has to miss you.
The best way to survive war
is not to think about death.
Even though it's all around you?
So's life, friendship.
It's hard to understand
unless you've been there,
but you'll see.
You find brothers in war.
Men prepared to lay
their lives down for you.
Not just for king,
but for you.
[lively piano music]
* We've watched you
playing cricket *
* And every kind of game *
* At football, golf and polo *
* You men have made your name *
* But now your country calls
you to play your part in war *
* And no matter
what befalls you *
* We shall love
you all the more *
* So come and join the forces
like your fathers did before *
* Oh, we don't
want to lose you *
Cooper!
Cooper
Cooper.
* Go *
* For your king
and your country *
Tull.
* Both need you so *
* We shall want
you and miss you *
* But with all our
might and main *
* We shall cheer you,
thank you, bless you *
* When you come home again *
* Oh, we don't
want to lose you *
Sorry.
Cheeky.
I can't help it.
Look, would you mind terribly
if I didn't walk
you home tonight.
It's just the boys.
I know.
I know, it's important
you stay with the boys.
I'll be fine.
You sure?
I was fine walking home
before you got here, wasn't I?
Yeah.
See you again tomorrow.
Do you honestly think
she'll wait for me?
Course she will.
He's a brilliant
man, isn't he Willis?
A great man and brilliant man.
-Do you really think so?
-I do.
If I was your woman Ozzy.
Let's stop right
there, shall we?
Why?
Why would you stop a man from
showing his true feelings?
Carry on Willis.
If I were you gentlemen
I'd carry onto your beds
and get an early night.
Mills bomb practise
in the morning.
Lots of bangs and whizzes.
It'll feel as if you're
on the front line itself.
Hoo rah.
Gentlemen, this may be the
last time you do this exercise
and there is not a life
on the other end of this
that will not be damaged.
The Mills bomb.
This is live
ammunition gentleman.
I reiterate this is live.
If you mess it up
you lose a limb.
If you lose a limb, you
are no good to your country
or dare I say the wives
you will not attract,
or if by some freak chance
you do, certainly not satisfy.
We don't throw them.
What do we do Mr. Cooper?
We lob them, sir.
Correct.
We lob them taking care not
to hit the overhead parapet
and have them rebounding back
into our own bloody trench.
[laughing]
You may laugh, but it happens
and it's far from funny
when it does, and so
pin out and we let it go.
[bomb banging]
[bomb banging]
[gunfire blaring]
Over to you.
Mr. Hummings.
[dramatic drumming music]
[bombs exploding]
Get down!
Get down!
[bomb blaring]
What are you doing?
I was gonna clear it.
Stupid nigger.
Don't you ever put
your hands on me.
Stop that this instant.
Let him go.
Let him go.
This man saved your stupid
ass and that of your comrades.
If you can't see that,
you have no business here.
Cadet Hummings,
apologise right now.
I said apologise sir!
Bugger this.
Bugger all of it.
That was bloody stupid Mr. Tull.
You should have dived for cover.
If the officer dies
who leads the men?
Consider that test
failed Cadet Tull.
In order to graduate
you will need to pass
every other exam, sir.
First line, first wave consist
of two sections of six riflemen.
-Eight.
-Damn it.
Eight.
Eight riflemen, eight.
Maybe you should stop Walter.
Do I look like I need to stop?
You don't need to
talk to me like that.
Sorry.
It's all right.
I understand, but you're
really pushing yourself.
Can we just do it again please?
You didn't eat today Walter.
Oh come on. Look, you
didn't need to do that.
I'm fine, I'm fine,
would you, I'm fine.
What were you saying
about the riflemen again?
Sorry.
Thank you.
[lively instrumental music]
Building trenches, care
of tools, field geometry,
levelling, obstacles and
machine gun emplacements.
All of these subjects
you will know
like the back of your
hand or you will fail.
There's no shame in failing,
only in not doing your best.
Proceed.
You're quiet.
You're suddenly full of beans.
Take it you think you've passed?
Whatever happens, happens.
I've done my best,
what else can I do?
I'm never gonna see
you again, am I?
After this, after
you've been sent away?
I mean even if you wanted to.
Who's to say you'll
even survive?
Thanks for the
vote of confidence.
Officers are the
first ones over.
The first ones they'll see,
the first ones they'll shoot at.
It's not in your hands.
The bullet has to
miss you, remember?
Connie.
I'm gonna come back.
I'm gonna come back.
I'd better.
Yeah your brother
will be waiting.
I don't have a brother.
I know.
It's stupid, and I'm
gonna regret saying this
the instant it comes out of
my mouth, but don't forget me.
And if you find
that you miss me,
come back.
Come back to me Walter.
How long would you
be willing to wait?
Try me.
[Fuller] Mr. Hennessey.
Yes.
Mr. Cooper.
Mr. Willis.
Thank you.
Well done gentlemen.
Oh I forgot.
Mr. Tull.
[soft instrumental music]
2nd Lieutenant Walter
Daniel John Tull.
Well done Officer Tull.
Thank you sir.
* Private Perks was a
funny little codger *
* With a smile, a funny smile *
* Five feet none, he's
an artful little dodger *
The world's going to change.
You know that, don't you?
Hasn't it changed already?
* He'll have his little joke *
* He can't be suppressed *
* All the other
fellows have to grin *
* When he gets this
off his chest, hey *
* Pack up your troubles
in your old kit-bag *
* And smile, smile, smile *
* While you've a Lucifer
to light your fag *
* Smile, boys,
that's the style *
* What's the use of worrying *
* It never was *
Where are they sending you?
[Walter] Back to
the front I suppose.
I've been meaning to--
Pa gave me this
just before he died.
It was given to him by Grandpa.
He would have wanted
you to have it now.
I know that.
So that wherever you
are, you remember.
Look how far we've come.
Thanks Eddie.
Now just don't
die on me brother.
[laughing]
[soft instrumental music]
[bombs exploding]
All right lads, they're almost
through on the left flank.
They're about to break
through the right.
We hold them until our
last round of ammunition,
not the last man.
Let's show them
what we're made of!
-[men chattering]
-[gunfire blaring]
Go go go!
Go go go.
Keep running.
Go.
[gunfire blaring]
Come on, let's go.
Get up or you die!
Get up!
Get moving!
-[gunfire blaring]
-[men chattering]
[soft instrumental music]
[knocking]
[Soldier] Allow me to say
how popular 2nd
Lieutenant Walter Tull was
throughout the battalion.
He was brave and conscientious.
He'd been recommended
for the military cross
and had certainly earned it.
The commanding officer had
every confidence in him
and he was liked by his men.
Now he has made the supreme
sacrifice Pro Patria
The battalion and company
have lost a faithful officer.
[lively piano music]
* We've watched you
playing cricket *
* And every kind of game *
* At football, golf and polo *
* You men have made your name *
* But now your
country calls you *
* To play your part in war *
* And no matter
what befalls you *
* We shall love
you all the more *
* So come and join the forces *
* As your fathers did before *
* Oh, we don't
want to lose you *
* But we think you ought to go *
* For your king and your
country both need you so *
* We shall want
you and miss you *
* But with all our
might and main *
* We shall cheer you,
thank you, bless you *
* When you come home again *
* Oh, we don't
want to lose you *
* But we think you ought to go *
* For your king
and your country *
* Both need you so *
* We shall want and miss you *
* But with all our
might and main *
* We shall cheer
you, thank you *
* Bless you *
* When you come home again *
[Soldier] Charge!
[gunfire blaring]
[men screaming]
[gunfire blaring]
[bomb blasting]
[men screaming]
[bomb blasting]
-[gunfire blaring]
-[men screaming]
-[bomb blasting]
-[men screaming]
-[bomb blasting]
-[men screaming]
[melancholy strings music]
[melancholy strings music]
[melancholy strings music]
Sergeant?
Sergeant?
Stretcher bearer!
Stretcher bearer!
[melancholy strings music]
-[gunfire blaring]
-[men screaming]
[soft instrumental music]
We have to be 10 times
better just to be equal.
[uplifting choral music]
* Oh send his precious peace *
* To my soul *
* To my soul *
* Who send his precious peace *
* To my soul *
* To my soul *
[gunfire blaring]
[choral humming]
So, how are you feeling today?
Better.
Stronger.
That's my answer definitely.
You don't look it.
Why thank you brother.
Among my letters
yesterday there was.
I know.
An honourable discharge,
there's no shame, Walter.
They've not discharged me Eddie.
They've offered me the chance
to train as an officer.
You're hardly out of
your sickbed Walter.
I'm fine, I'm fine.
You had trench fever.
You were sick enough for
them to send you home.
Well I'm fine now.
You're going to
say no of course.
I've never seen an
officer that, well,
looks like us before
Eddie, have you?
Isn't this something we
should be thinking about?
No.
Come on.
Pa always said aim for the top.
Be second to no man.
You were second to no man
on the football pitch.
It didn't stop them booing
you, dropping you, selling you.
They're asking me to do my bit.
They are asking you to risk
your life again Walter.
You think you can
survive that again?
[soft instrumental music]
[Soldier] Attention!
Gentlemen, welcome to Gailes.
My name is Captain Coombes
and I will be in charge
of your office training
for the next four months.
By the time you leave here
you will be the most
superior of men.
Now I know one or two
of you have seen action
on the front lines,
but here we start again
and we start as equals
with one aim in mind,
to make you officers in the
finest army in the world.
At ease.
I see it was Colonel Haig-Brown
that recommended you
for officer training.
Good man, Haig-Brown.
Look, I shan't beat
about the bush Tull.
I know we're in desperate
need of officers,
but this is a step too far.
Celebrated footballer or not,
I am a man of military law
and it says here on
page 198 to be precise
that officers shall be
of pure European descent.
Page 471, subsection
two, note three
that Negros and other
persons of colour
shall not exercise any
actual command or power.
This is not about
prejudice Tull.
It's simply logic.
A Negro officer would affect
the morale of the men.
Permission to speak sir.
Granted.
I have led white
men previously sir.
Nonsense.
You were a
non-commissioned officer
carrying out orders given
to you by a superior.
Now I can't contradict
my superiors,
but be warned Tull, my job is
to ensure the smooth running
of this camp.
Anything that gets in the
way of that is an enemy,
not just of mine, but
of the entire war effort
and it will not be tolerated.
Do I make myself clear?
Perfectly sir.
Dismissed.
This really is the short straw.
We're in the middle
of bloody no-where.
No man's land.
I'm not looking forward to PT.
Never my forte.
What is your forte?
Nothing much.
Then what are you doing here?
Target practise for Fritz.
My country needs me.
Our country must be desperate.
[Fuller] Stand by your beds.
Why is this bed empty?
May I speak frankly, sir?
Go ahead.
I refuse to sleep in the
same room as a Negro.
Then I suggest
you sleep outside.
Either that or go home
immediately, Hummings.
Either option's fine by me.
Cadet Tull, did you bring
slacks and shirts to match?
No sir.
Do you think I should
dispose of the shoes, sir?
First sign of a good
officer, sacrifice.
Thank you.
Contribution to the
battalion funds.
I expect you to
behave like gentlemen.
[lively drumming music]
We're supposed to be
running not strolling.
We're shaking yesterday's long
journey here from our legs.
We're waking up the mind.
We need to think.
Mr. Tull, you're supposed
to be an athlete.
Faster!
I said faster!
Who's the slowcoach?
Cadet Willis, sir,
a bit of a pudding.
How are the men with Tull?
[Fuller] Too early to say sir.
Anything untoward, let
me know immediately.
Yes, sir.
Mr. Willis you're walking.
This isn't a Sunday stroll.
If Fritz could see you now
he'd be laughing his cock off.
[Willis] I'm trying sir.
Stop now.
Everyone stop, now.
Attention!
Don't ever answer me
back Mr. Willis, ever!
Any of you try that trick,
I'll have you on a seven-day
latrine duty in a flash!
Do you hear me?
[Company] Yes sir!
Get moving.
[men laughing]
Two and half hours,
I'm gonna be sore.
[men chattering]
[soft instrumental music]
My friend, well, he's
simply too shy to tell you
that he thinks you're the
most amazing vision of beauty
he's ever seen.
I happen to agree with him.
You both are, well, both
are simply the Madonnas.
Hennessey, can we get a move on?
I think I love you.
I'm sorry about my friend.
It's fine, it's
rather sweet actually.
Thank you.
You look like you
need a little extra.
I'm Connie by the way.
Walter.
Walter Tull.
Thank you.
What you doing that for?
Doing what?
Being all, you know, with him.
I'm not being anything.
Yes, you were.
You were all.
He spoke to me, I spoke back.
What am I supposed to
do, ignore the man?
Sorry dear boy, Oxford only.
No plebeians allowed.
My father is hardly
what you'd call.
I don't care what
your father is.
This table is full.
God, it's cold up here.
Aye.
They do say however,
it'll get warmer, however.
Or we'll get used to it.
Would you mind terribly if we'd?
Fine.
I understand.
How many of you men have
used a rifle before?
How many of you have
shot at a man before?
As I'm sure you can attest,
it is a totally
different affair.
The first think
you have to learn
is how to hold the
rifle with respect,
with love even, like a woman.
Any of you private schoolboys
held a woman before?
[man laughing]
Did I say something
funny Mr. Hennessey?
No sir.
Mr. Tull, I'm told
you're not stranger
to showing the white
man how it's done.
Come on, let's not monkey about.
Demonstrate for us.
[dramatic instrumental music]
[Crowd] Monkey.
Monkey.
Monkey.
Monkey.
Monkey.
Monkey.
Monkey.
Monkey.
[crowd chattering]
Monkey.
Monkey.
Monkey.
Monkey.
Monkey.
Look, the fans are
calling us the Nigger Team
and the board don't like it.
Best if you sit this one out.
[Crowd] Monkey.
Monkey.
Monkey.
Monkey.
Monkey.
Monkey.
Monkey.
Monkey.
First rank.
Standing position.
Gentlemen, we are all
I assume men of God.
So I do not take it lightly
when I tell you that
this is your bible.
The new SS135 and
SS143 training manuals.
A distillation of everything
we've learnt in
this war to date.
You will read it,
understand it, devour it
and when the time comes
regurgitate their contents
to devastating effect.
Every scenario, every
principle and procedure,
every detail must
become second nature,
embedded, up here.
You will be tested
on every word,
every symbol.
Are you with us Mr. Tull?
[men chattering]
Getting to you already?
Suppose you've had
far worse than that
on the football pitch?
Far worse.
Interesting place
though this, isn't it?
The brightest and the
best, being trained,
so that we can lead more
men to their deaths.
That's very optimistic of you.
Am I wrong?
I mean, you've been there.
So if you feel like
that, why are you here?
My father and my grandfather
were both officers
as much as I hate
it, I have to be.
The question is, why
are you here Tull?
Allowing them to
put the wind up you,
make an ass of you.
No-one's making an
ass of me, all right?
You've seen the scale
of this massacre
and yet you jump when
they offer you the chance
to lead more working
men to their deaths?
I don't question a
Negro being here Tull.
I question why a Negro, treated
as you are in this country,
would want to be here
in the first place.
[soft instrumental music]
Thank you Connie.
You remembered my name,
Yes, it's one word, I'm
not stupid you know.
I didn't say you were.
No, you didn't.
Sorry.
Thank you.
Thank you for opening
the door for me.
It's all right.
So is that how you
ladies do it down here?
Girls taking the lead?
I don't quite understand
what you mean.
You know, opening
doors, saying hello.
If you mean do we have more
manners than the English girls
then the answer's yes.
Well, I'm glad to hear it.
Terribly, terribly
glad to hear it.
So, what do you
well-mannered girls do
on a Saturday night in a
village like this then?
If she's mindful
of her reputation,
she keeps herself to herself.
Oh, reputation, reputation.
I've lost the immortal
part of myself
and all that remains is bestial.
Something my brother would say.
Anyway, listen.
How about you and me find
a town far away from here,
where no-one knows us and
well, we can be free as birds.
Are all you coloured
boys this forward?
I can't speak for
anyone else, but me,
I believe in carpe diem.
What's that?
It's my favourite saying.
It means, seize the day.
What African language is that?
Very ancient, ancient
African language.
Latin.
[laughing]
So what do you say,
are we stepping out?
No, we are not.
But maybe if we happen
to run into each other
at the end of the
day, there's no law
saying you can't walk me home.
You don't just have to lead
your men intellectually,
you have to be superior
to them in every way.
The quickest way to
gain their respect
is to physically impress them.
Go.
[lively drumming music]
The quickest way to lose
their respect is to be weak.
There's always one
that can't handle it,
and I think that's you,
isn't it Mr. Willis?
Mr. Tull!
What do you think you're doing?
Helping my fellow
team member sir!
[Fuller] You will
stop that right now.
Yes sir, I've stopped sir.
Don't play games
with me Mr. Tull.
If Mr. Willis cannot
complete a basic exercise
he should not be here.
Carry on.
[gunshot banging]
What are you doing here?
I came out for some
air, that's all.
Thought maybe you were
waiting to walk me home.
[Connie laughing]
[Walter] Have you
worked here long?
[Connie] Too long.
When the Army opened
this place a year ago
my mate Joanne dragged
me to help her out.
I haven't found the
escape route yet.
So I hear you're quite
the famous sportsman?
No, I don't know about famous.
I mean, I was a footballer,
but I'm a soldier now.
At least till the war ends.
My dad said he
saw you play once.
-Oh yeah?
-Said you were rubbish.
He must have me mixed
up with someone else.
[laughing]
So, have you heard of Rangers?
My team?
Well I can't have
been that rubbish
if they wanted to
sign me, can I?
Is that so?
That is so.
Do you miss it?
I miss the travelling,
but I'm a soldier now,
war moves on, time
carries on till then.
You'll just become an officer
and travel the world that way.
Yeah.
Have you been to many places?
Let's see I was
born in Folkestone,
educated in Bethnal
Green, London.
Sounds posh.
It was an orphanage.
I have been to
Argentina, Uruguay.
-South America?
-Uh-huh.
Yeah, it was a
football tournament.
We only lost one match.
It wasn't my fault, you
can tell your father.
Actually we all got very ill,
so basically they cheated.
-Excuses.
-No they did.
Been to France,
helped dig a trench.
And now I'm in Scotland
doing the same thing.
How about you?
No.
This is it for me.
Gailes, Scotland, it's home.
And this is where I leave you.
What under the bridge?
No, my brother waits
for me just over it.
Ahh.
Well, thanks Connie.
It's been the best conversation
I've had in a long while.
That's because you're
talking about yourself.
Oh yeah.
-We should have some more.
-I'd like that.
Good.
[chuckling]
-Good night.
-See you tomorrow.
-Yeah.
-Goodnight.
We'll talk about you next time.
Good.
Good night.
[soft piano music]
It is the role of the officer
to ensure that the men under
his command follow the barrage
at the correct pace and
at the correct distance.
50 yards is about as
close as we would risk.
So, let's see who knows
their yards from their feet.
On a beautiful
clear day like this,
identifying the 50-yard mark
may not be much of a problem.
However.
[firecracker buzzing]
Like this.
Well, it's a little more
difficult, isn't it gentlemen?
[firecracker buzzing]
Move as quickly as you
can to what you believe
to be the 50-yard mark.
Stick your flag in the earth
and return to first position.
Go.
Remember you have men
on either side of you.
What you think is earth might
be your best friend's big toe.
[rhythmic drumming music]
-[chattering]
-[gunfire blaring]
[Walter] Come on!
Come on Tull.
Well that was a mess,
wasn't it gentlemen?
Mr. Tull, I'm knocking you out
because you've done it before.
That makes the
winner, Mr. Willis.
Hold onto the
celebration Mr. Willis.
You're still a few feet out.
That few feet could
be the difference
between life and death.
10, hut.
You see that?
I just wanted to thank
you for helping me.
And sorry about the other day.
So gentlemen, once again I
say this is all about speed.
Getting the bullets
into the magazine
as quickly as possible.
If the Lewis gunner has to wait,
that could be the
end of your platoon.
Mr. Tull?
Are you listening, Mr. Tull?
Just because you
have done this before
does not mean you do
not have to listen.
Mr. Hummings.
That is useless Mr. Hummings.
A Girl Guide could do
this exercise quicker.
Mr. Tull, replace Mr Hummings.
Parade yourself boy!
I didn't ask Mr. Cooper, what
are you looking at him for?
[soft drumming music]
[gunfire blaring]
-[bombs exploding]
-[men chattering]
What's the matter with you boy?
Get on with it.
Maybe this is all too much
for you, eh, Mr. Tull?
Maybe it is, sir.
Or maybe I just don't like
being called boy or paraded.
Don't be facetious
with me Mr. Tull.
Facetious, sir? I don't
know what that means.
Out!
Out right now!
Do you think this
is the right way
to go about this Cadet Tull?
About what sir?
Don't.
I know what you're
going through Tull.
With respect sir, I
don't think you do.
I have been praised and
promoted for serving our country
and yet I have not be
afforded the respect.
Respect is not handed
out here, it is earned.
How can I earn it?
Fuller speaks to
me as if I'm some--
That is all part of
your training Tull,
your specific training.
You think it'll all
be fine on the field
because men have
followed you before?
Think again.
You are not their
superior officer.
I'm minded to recommend
to Colonel Baxter
that you be released
from Gailes.
Have you nothing to say?
Then I'll give you till Monday.
Dismissed, Mr. Tull.
Dear father, thank you
for the gift of family
and of food,
and
everything else.
Amen.
Amen.
That was very articulate.
We can't all be pillars
of the community, can we?
Don't be jealous now just
because I have a steady job.
Steady job?
You don't take money
from half your patients.
Only the half who
can't afford to pay.
It's a wonder you've got any
food in your house at all.
So how are you feeling?
Fine.
Yeah, everything's fine.
So you're fitting in all right?
They've given me till Monday
to tell them whether or not
I want to stay at Gailes,
and I don't know.
I've never walked out
on anything in my life.
I wish it was as straight
forward as my colour.
But it's more than that.
I keep falling into sweats.
Seeing things I've
pushed out of my mind.
Then you won't be
walking out on anything.
The Rangers are just
waiting for you to return.
I don't care about
football right now Eddie.
I don't care.
That's all you've
got to say to me?
Come home?
What else do you want me to say?
Do you remember when Pa
used to tell us stories
of Grandad in the West Indies?
How do you think
Grandpa survived?
I contend he just
got on with it.
I can't imagine what our
grandfather went through Walter,
but I do know he didn't
choose to be a slave.
He didn't choose his path.
But you, on the
other hand, Walter.
Some might say it chose me.
Well, I'm not one of them.
[soft orchestral music]
What you did was stupid Tull.
You don't trade blow for
blow with the establishment.
You outsmart them,
out think them Walter.
I don't know what your point is.
I've seen the way you
jump when a gun's fired.
The way you sweat
when you remember.
You may fool the others,
but a man who's seen shells
exploding in front of his face
understands why this cannot be
allowed to go on for longer.
The Russian troops are
in mutiny in Petrograd,
there are rumours of
unrest amongst the French.
How long before
it hits our boys?
I don't think it will.
It depends who's leading them.
I want to be an officer
because I know I
can do a better job
than those that led me.
I'm not gonna lead
our men into mutiny.
If I were you I'd
be very careful
who I spoke to in that fashion.
It's very dangerous talk.
So Cadet Tull.
Sir if you could allow
me, I'd like to stay on.
Succeed.
Serve my country
the best way I can.
Is that your honest
feeling Tull?
Yes sir, it is.
Then stay you shall.
Thank you sir.
How do you survive war, Walter?
With the help of the men
around you, I suppose.
Your team
and God.
Can't dodge a bullet, the
bullet has to miss you.
The best way to survive war
is not to think about death.
Even though it's all around you?
So's life, friendship.
It's hard to understand
unless you've been there,
but you'll see.
You find brothers in war.
Men prepared to lay
their lives down for you.
Not just for king,
but for you.
[lively piano music]
* We've watched you
playing cricket *
* And every kind of game *
* At football, golf and polo *
* You men have made your name *
* But now your country calls
you to play your part in war *
* And no matter
what befalls you *
* We shall love
you all the more *
* So come and join the forces
like your fathers did before *
* Oh, we don't
want to lose you *
Cooper!
Cooper
Cooper.
* Go *
* For your king
and your country *
Tull.
* Both need you so *
* We shall want
you and miss you *
* But with all our
might and main *
* We shall cheer you,
thank you, bless you *
* When you come home again *
* Oh, we don't
want to lose you *
Sorry.
Cheeky.
I can't help it.
Look, would you mind terribly
if I didn't walk
you home tonight.
It's just the boys.
I know.
I know, it's important
you stay with the boys.
I'll be fine.
You sure?
I was fine walking home
before you got here, wasn't I?
Yeah.
See you again tomorrow.
Do you honestly think
she'll wait for me?
Course she will.
He's a brilliant
man, isn't he Willis?
A great man and brilliant man.
-Do you really think so?
-I do.
If I was your woman Ozzy.
Let's stop right
there, shall we?
Why?
Why would you stop a man from
showing his true feelings?
Carry on Willis.
If I were you gentlemen
I'd carry onto your beds
and get an early night.
Mills bomb practise
in the morning.
Lots of bangs and whizzes.
It'll feel as if you're
on the front line itself.
Hoo rah.
Gentlemen, this may be the
last time you do this exercise
and there is not a life
on the other end of this
that will not be damaged.
The Mills bomb.
This is live
ammunition gentleman.
I reiterate this is live.
If you mess it up
you lose a limb.
If you lose a limb, you
are no good to your country
or dare I say the wives
you will not attract,
or if by some freak chance
you do, certainly not satisfy.
We don't throw them.
What do we do Mr. Cooper?
We lob them, sir.
Correct.
We lob them taking care not
to hit the overhead parapet
and have them rebounding back
into our own bloody trench.
[laughing]
You may laugh, but it happens
and it's far from funny
when it does, and so
pin out and we let it go.
[bomb banging]
[bomb banging]
[gunfire blaring]
Over to you.
Mr. Hummings.
[dramatic drumming music]
[bombs exploding]
Get down!
Get down!
[bomb blaring]
What are you doing?
I was gonna clear it.
Stupid nigger.
Don't you ever put
your hands on me.
Stop that this instant.
Let him go.
Let him go.
This man saved your stupid
ass and that of your comrades.
If you can't see that,
you have no business here.
Cadet Hummings,
apologise right now.
I said apologise sir!
Bugger this.
Bugger all of it.
That was bloody stupid Mr. Tull.
You should have dived for cover.
If the officer dies
who leads the men?
Consider that test
failed Cadet Tull.
In order to graduate
you will need to pass
every other exam, sir.
First line, first wave consist
of two sections of six riflemen.
-Eight.
-Damn it.
Eight.
Eight riflemen, eight.
Maybe you should stop Walter.
Do I look like I need to stop?
You don't need to
talk to me like that.
Sorry.
It's all right.
I understand, but you're
really pushing yourself.
Can we just do it again please?
You didn't eat today Walter.
Oh come on. Look, you
didn't need to do that.
I'm fine, I'm fine,
would you, I'm fine.
What were you saying
about the riflemen again?
Sorry.
Thank you.
[lively instrumental music]
Building trenches, care
of tools, field geometry,
levelling, obstacles and
machine gun emplacements.
All of these subjects
you will know
like the back of your
hand or you will fail.
There's no shame in failing,
only in not doing your best.
Proceed.
You're quiet.
You're suddenly full of beans.
Take it you think you've passed?
Whatever happens, happens.
I've done my best,
what else can I do?
I'm never gonna see
you again, am I?
After this, after
you've been sent away?
I mean even if you wanted to.
Who's to say you'll
even survive?
Thanks for the
vote of confidence.
Officers are the
first ones over.
The first ones they'll see,
the first ones they'll shoot at.
It's not in your hands.
The bullet has to
miss you, remember?
Connie.
I'm gonna come back.
I'm gonna come back.
I'd better.
Yeah your brother
will be waiting.
I don't have a brother.
I know.
It's stupid, and I'm
gonna regret saying this
the instant it comes out of
my mouth, but don't forget me.
And if you find
that you miss me,
come back.
Come back to me Walter.
How long would you
be willing to wait?
Try me.
[Fuller] Mr. Hennessey.
Yes.
Mr. Cooper.
Mr. Willis.
Thank you.
Well done gentlemen.
Oh I forgot.
Mr. Tull.
[soft instrumental music]
2nd Lieutenant Walter
Daniel John Tull.
Well done Officer Tull.
Thank you sir.
* Private Perks was a
funny little codger *
* With a smile, a funny smile *
* Five feet none, he's
an artful little dodger *
The world's going to change.
You know that, don't you?
Hasn't it changed already?
* He'll have his little joke *
* He can't be suppressed *
* All the other
fellows have to grin *
* When he gets this
off his chest, hey *
* Pack up your troubles
in your old kit-bag *
* And smile, smile, smile *
* While you've a Lucifer
to light your fag *
* Smile, boys,
that's the style *
* What's the use of worrying *
* It never was *
Where are they sending you?
[Walter] Back to
the front I suppose.
I've been meaning to--
Pa gave me this
just before he died.
It was given to him by Grandpa.
He would have wanted
you to have it now.
I know that.
So that wherever you
are, you remember.
Look how far we've come.
Thanks Eddie.
Now just don't
die on me brother.
[laughing]
[soft instrumental music]
[bombs exploding]
All right lads, they're almost
through on the left flank.
They're about to break
through the right.
We hold them until our
last round of ammunition,
not the last man.
Let's show them
what we're made of!
-[men chattering]
-[gunfire blaring]
Go go go!
Go go go.
Keep running.
Go.
[gunfire blaring]
Come on, let's go.
Get up or you die!
Get up!
Get moving!
-[gunfire blaring]
-[men chattering]
[soft instrumental music]
[knocking]
[Soldier] Allow me to say
how popular 2nd
Lieutenant Walter Tull was
throughout the battalion.
He was brave and conscientious.
He'd been recommended
for the military cross
and had certainly earned it.
The commanding officer had
every confidence in him
and he was liked by his men.
Now he has made the supreme
sacrifice Pro Patria
The battalion and company
have lost a faithful officer.
[lively piano music]
* We've watched you
playing cricket *
* And every kind of game *
* At football, golf and polo *
* You men have made your name *
* But now your
country calls you *
* To play your part in war *
* And no matter
what befalls you *
* We shall love
you all the more *
* So come and join the forces *
* As your fathers did before *
* Oh, we don't
want to lose you *
* But we think you ought to go *
* For your king and your
country both need you so *
* We shall want
you and miss you *
* But with all our
might and main *
* We shall cheer you,
thank you, bless you *
* When you come home again *
* Oh, we don't
want to lose you *
* But we think you ought to go *
* For your king
and your country *
* Both need you so *
* We shall want and miss you *
* But with all our
might and main *
* We shall cheer
you, thank you *
* Bless you *
* When you come home again *