1 00:01:26,437 --> 00:01:27,961 Firing squad... 2 00:01:28,373 --> 00:01:30,637 present arms. 3 00:01:32,277 --> 00:01:33,869 Hello, creeps. 4 00:01:34,045 --> 00:01:38,175 I was just about to fire off tonight's dead-time story. 5 00:01:38,850 --> 00:01:40,750 It's about a young soldier... 6 00:01:40,819 --> 00:01:43,652 who doesn't want to be in the army anymore. 7 00:01:44,155 --> 00:01:46,316 I can't imagine why not. 8 00:01:46,391 --> 00:01:50,020 I mean, war's a great equal-opportunity destroyer. 9 00:01:53,364 --> 00:01:55,423 Now, where was I? 10 00:01:55,500 --> 00:01:56,592 Oh, yes. 11 00:01:57,468 --> 00:01:58,765 Ready... 12 00:01:59,170 --> 00:02:00,432 maim... 13 00:02:00,505 --> 00:02:02,735 and here's my favorite part... 14 00:02:03,274 --> 00:02:04,571 fire! 15 00:02:05,376 --> 00:02:09,005 I call tonight's tale "Yellow. " 16 00:04:19,610 --> 00:04:21,840 G Flank, hold your ground! 17 00:04:23,314 --> 00:04:25,805 Soldier, you seen the Lieutenant? 18 00:04:27,452 --> 00:04:28,942 Damn! 19 00:04:33,057 --> 00:04:34,183 Soldier... 20 00:04:34,993 --> 00:04:36,824 where's the Lieutenant? 21 00:04:37,428 --> 00:04:38,588 Damn! 22 00:04:49,707 --> 00:04:51,470 You seen the Lieutenant? 23 00:04:51,542 --> 00:04:53,271 Back over there... 24 00:04:55,947 --> 00:04:56,971 Damn! 25 00:04:57,048 --> 00:04:58,640 Goddamn! 26 00:05:14,232 --> 00:05:16,291 - Drink, Sergeant? - Lieutenant, our orders are... 27 00:05:16,367 --> 00:05:18,062 to take that hill. 28 00:05:18,136 --> 00:05:19,797 The charge is stalled. 29 00:05:19,871 --> 00:05:21,668 What are you doing here, sir? 30 00:05:21,739 --> 00:05:24,537 What's that, Sgt. Ripper? You'll have to speak up. 31 00:05:24,609 --> 00:05:28,568 The Germans are shooting the crap out of us. Or haven't you noticed? 32 00:05:28,646 --> 00:05:30,671 We should climb the hill! 33 00:05:30,748 --> 00:05:32,340 You want us to stop? 34 00:05:32,450 --> 00:05:34,645 No, I do not want the men to just stop. 35 00:05:34,719 --> 00:05:37,449 The Huns have us zeroed in. They're cutting us to ribbons. 36 00:05:37,522 --> 00:05:40,457 I want you to order the men to retreat. 37 00:05:40,591 --> 00:05:42,559 I can't do that, sir. 38 00:05:42,627 --> 00:05:45,095 The General ordered us to take that hill. 39 00:05:45,196 --> 00:05:47,960 I'm telling you to retreat. Now do it! 40 00:05:48,032 --> 00:05:50,933 Our orders are to take the goddamn hill. 41 00:05:51,002 --> 00:05:53,402 Damn the orders and damn the General! 42 00:05:53,471 --> 00:05:56,338 We're the ones being shot and killed out here! 43 00:05:58,776 --> 00:06:01,244 Come on, Sergeant. Fire the flare. 44 00:06:04,549 --> 00:06:05,811 Thank you, Sergeant. 45 00:06:05,883 --> 00:06:07,043 Take care of the wounded! 46 00:06:36,047 --> 00:06:40,108 Looks like von Furstenberg is putting all his resources in his left flank, General. 47 00:06:44,655 --> 00:06:48,113 Spotters are reporting patrols massing here, here, and here. 48 00:06:48,593 --> 00:06:50,993 Of course, he may be stealing a page from your book, sir... 49 00:06:51,062 --> 00:06:53,895 - and feigning an attack. - No, that's not von Furstenberg's style. 50 00:06:53,965 --> 00:06:57,366 If he's showing an attack there, that's where he intends to go. 51 00:06:57,502 --> 00:07:00,062 The son of a bitch always does it eins, zwei, drei. 52 00:07:00,972 --> 00:07:03,304 I don't know if we're going to be able to hold out, sir. 53 00:07:03,374 --> 00:07:05,205 Already the Hun artillery positions... 54 00:07:05,276 --> 00:07:06,971 are zeroing right in on our trenches. 55 00:07:07,044 --> 00:07:08,602 Any word from the line yet? 56 00:07:08,679 --> 00:07:09,873 No, sir. 57 00:07:10,548 --> 00:07:13,847 They should be reaching the top of Round Hill right about now. 58 00:07:13,918 --> 00:07:16,216 You think von Furstenberg will buy what we're selling him? 59 00:07:16,287 --> 00:07:17,379 I hope so, Captain. 60 00:07:17,455 --> 00:07:20,219 You see, if the Germans think we're going on the offensive... 61 00:07:20,291 --> 00:07:23,590 they may hesitate just long enough for us to regroup. 62 00:07:24,228 --> 00:07:27,220 Brilliant ploy, sir. If we can stay on that hill. 63 00:07:31,669 --> 00:07:33,899 Sergeant. What's the meaning of this? 64 00:07:34,005 --> 00:07:35,302 Begging the Captain's pardon, sir. 65 00:07:35,373 --> 00:07:37,898 I thought the General should hear my report straightaway. 66 00:07:38,543 --> 00:07:40,033 At ease, Sergeant. 67 00:07:40,511 --> 00:07:41,978 Cigarette? 68 00:07:42,046 --> 00:07:43,604 Thank you, sir. 69 00:07:45,983 --> 00:07:47,211 Well... 70 00:07:48,553 --> 00:07:49,986 how'd it go? 71 00:07:51,289 --> 00:07:54,781 I'm afraid the counterattack up the hill failed, sir. 72 00:07:55,092 --> 00:07:56,684 We never got there. 73 00:07:57,695 --> 00:07:59,219 Never got there? 74 00:07:59,297 --> 00:08:01,788 No, sir. We were forced to retreat. 75 00:08:01,866 --> 00:08:04,198 - Retreat? - Who ordered a retreat? 76 00:08:04,268 --> 00:08:05,701 Well, Sergeant? 77 00:08:05,770 --> 00:08:07,761 Lt. Kalthrob, sir. 78 00:08:09,307 --> 00:08:10,774 Lt. Kalthrob? 79 00:08:12,243 --> 00:08:14,905 Are you saying my son ordered a retreat? 80 00:08:14,979 --> 00:08:16,241 Yes, sir. 81 00:08:18,716 --> 00:08:21,844 My men, sir, what's left of them, are exhausted. 82 00:08:24,055 --> 00:08:26,216 General, if this is the case... 83 00:08:26,290 --> 00:08:28,918 - we may have to concede this battle. - Concede? 84 00:08:29,327 --> 00:08:31,852 I have never given up my entire life. 85 00:08:31,929 --> 00:08:35,490 Now, how would it look to the high command if we don't take that hill? 86 00:08:35,566 --> 00:08:37,466 Maybe we can try one more time. 87 00:08:37,535 --> 00:08:40,003 Let's move B Company up here. 88 00:08:40,905 --> 00:08:42,964 Get B Company on the line. 89 00:08:46,577 --> 00:08:48,568 The line's dead, General. 90 00:08:52,950 --> 00:08:53,939 Dead. 91 00:08:54,018 --> 00:08:56,919 Probably the Germans, sir. They've been sending out patrols. 92 00:08:56,988 --> 00:08:58,751 Probably cut the line. 93 00:08:59,757 --> 00:09:01,122 Captain... 94 00:09:02,193 --> 00:09:04,559 have the Lieutenant take the Sergeant... 95 00:09:04,629 --> 00:09:06,392 a couple of wiremen... 96 00:09:06,597 --> 00:09:08,724 find the break and fix it. 97 00:09:10,101 --> 00:09:11,796 General, with respect... 98 00:09:11,869 --> 00:09:15,396 I don't think it's a good idea to send your son on that mission. 99 00:09:15,973 --> 00:09:17,600 And why is that? 100 00:09:17,808 --> 00:09:21,801 - He's a section lieutenant, isn't he? - I realize that, sir, but... 101 00:09:22,980 --> 00:09:25,414 Sergeant, tell him. 102 00:09:25,583 --> 00:09:29,178 Yes, sir. The Lieutenant, as you know, is my superior officer, sir- 103 00:09:29,253 --> 00:09:31,221 Get to the point, Sergeant. 104 00:09:31,489 --> 00:09:34,151 Begging the General's pardon, sir, I don't know how to put this- 105 00:09:34,225 --> 00:09:37,058 - Just spit it out, man! - He's yellow, sir. 106 00:09:40,831 --> 00:09:42,355 Get him in here. 107 00:09:46,904 --> 00:09:48,394 You wanted to see me? 108 00:09:48,472 --> 00:09:50,872 Have you forgotten how to report? 109 00:09:52,343 --> 00:09:53,640 I see. 110 00:09:59,183 --> 00:10:01,651 Lt. Martin Kalthrob reporting as ordered, sir. 111 00:10:01,719 --> 00:10:02,947 Corporal. 112 00:10:05,222 --> 00:10:06,484 At ease. 113 00:10:07,858 --> 00:10:09,587 Is it true what the men are saying about you? 114 00:10:09,660 --> 00:10:11,992 It depends, sir. What are the men saying? 115 00:10:12,063 --> 00:10:14,463 They're saying, Lieutenant, that you're yellow. 116 00:10:14,532 --> 00:10:16,022 That you're a coward. 117 00:10:16,100 --> 00:10:18,762 The men can say what they like, sir. I don't really give a damn. 118 00:10:18,836 --> 00:10:21,896 - I give a damn. - That is your prerogative, sir. 119 00:10:23,874 --> 00:10:28,538 Is it true that you ordered Sgt. Ripper to signal a retreat this afternoon? 120 00:10:28,612 --> 00:10:31,274 Yes, sir. I saved the company. 121 00:10:31,682 --> 00:10:33,547 If we had continued up that hill... 122 00:10:33,617 --> 00:10:35,881 none of us would be alive now. 123 00:10:35,986 --> 00:10:37,920 There's no way we could have reached the objective. 124 00:10:37,988 --> 00:10:39,785 Lieutenant, the purpose of that attack... 125 00:10:39,857 --> 00:10:43,554 was to pin the Germans down, while the rest of the division fell back. 126 00:10:43,627 --> 00:10:45,720 Well, we fell back anyway. What's the difference? 127 00:10:45,796 --> 00:10:47,388 What's the difference? 128 00:10:47,865 --> 00:10:51,494 The difference is a lot of my men died with bullets in their backs. 129 00:10:51,569 --> 00:10:54,868 Would you have been happier if I'd been one of them? 130 00:10:59,343 --> 00:11:01,334 You know that isn't true. 131 00:11:02,513 --> 00:11:03,946 I don't know. 132 00:11:05,416 --> 00:11:07,884 But I do know I can't kill anyone... 133 00:11:08,052 --> 00:11:10,816 and I certainly don't want to be killed. 134 00:11:11,055 --> 00:11:13,250 But you've got a job to do. 135 00:11:16,227 --> 00:11:17,524 Father... 136 00:11:17,928 --> 00:11:19,725 I don't want to be in the army anymore. 137 00:11:19,797 --> 00:11:21,560 I want a discharge. 138 00:11:21,699 --> 00:11:23,166 - A discharge? - Yes, sir. 139 00:11:23,234 --> 00:11:24,861 I can't do that! 140 00:11:24,935 --> 00:11:27,403 You can't do anything for me, can you? 141 00:11:27,471 --> 00:11:28,631 You never could. 142 00:11:28,706 --> 00:11:32,039 Don't you understand? What you're asking would seriously undermine my command. 143 00:11:32,109 --> 00:11:35,510 - What's that got to do with me? - I'll tell you what it's got to do with you. 144 00:11:35,579 --> 00:11:36,739 First... 145 00:11:37,248 --> 00:11:40,081 you're going to assemble a patrol and lead it to the German lines. 146 00:11:40,151 --> 00:11:41,743 - But I just- - Don't interrupt. 147 00:11:41,819 --> 00:11:42,877 Second... 148 00:11:42,953 --> 00:11:46,047 there's a break in that communication cable out there. 149 00:11:46,223 --> 00:11:48,555 I want you to locate it and repair it. 150 00:11:48,626 --> 00:11:49,752 What? 151 00:11:51,162 --> 00:11:53,289 Sir, with all due respect... 152 00:11:53,664 --> 00:11:55,962 I will put together that patrol for you... 153 00:11:56,033 --> 00:11:58,092 but I am not going out there. 154 00:11:58,235 --> 00:12:00,499 I don't have to. I'm an officer. 155 00:12:00,571 --> 00:12:04,029 God damn it, it's because you're an officer that you must go! 156 00:12:04,108 --> 00:12:05,439 I can't! 157 00:12:06,510 --> 00:12:07,807 I won't. 158 00:12:16,020 --> 00:12:18,284 Martin, listen to me. 159 00:12:20,491 --> 00:12:22,823 I can't give you a discharge. 160 00:12:24,895 --> 00:12:26,419 But if you do this for me... 161 00:12:26,497 --> 00:12:28,465 if you lead this patrol... 162 00:12:29,700 --> 00:12:31,930 I'll transfer you to the rear... 163 00:12:32,236 --> 00:12:34,670 to get you off the front lines. 164 00:12:35,439 --> 00:12:37,566 You're going to transfer me? 165 00:12:37,975 --> 00:12:40,205 If you do this one thing for me. 166 00:13:20,851 --> 00:13:22,842 Any sign of Cpl. Meade? 167 00:13:27,491 --> 00:13:29,356 Corporal, did you find the break in the line? 168 00:13:29,426 --> 00:13:31,656 Yes, sir. About 100 yards out. 169 00:13:31,729 --> 00:13:33,754 Just where that fence doglegs to the left. 170 00:13:33,831 --> 00:13:34,957 Did you see any Germans? 171 00:13:35,032 --> 00:13:36,829 They're all over the goddamn place, Lieutenant. 172 00:13:36,901 --> 00:13:39,529 You want my opinion? The Huns are up to something. 173 00:13:39,603 --> 00:13:43,539 I wouldn't be a bit surprised if the sons of bitches came at us tonight. 174 00:13:43,607 --> 00:13:45,370 Good work, Corporal. 175 00:13:46,844 --> 00:13:48,402 Good luck, sir. 176 00:13:48,979 --> 00:13:51,004 Okay, men. Let's move out. 177 00:14:43,033 --> 00:14:44,398 We all right? 178 00:15:09,560 --> 00:15:11,460 Can you see the break? 179 00:15:13,230 --> 00:15:14,663 Over there... 180 00:15:15,499 --> 00:15:18,468 where that sergeant is crucified on the wire. 181 00:15:19,737 --> 00:15:20,863 Yeah. 182 00:15:22,373 --> 00:15:24,671 Christ! The Germans have moved their lines forward. 183 00:15:24,742 --> 00:15:27,506 What? How do you know? 184 00:15:27,611 --> 00:15:29,272 I can smell them. 185 00:15:32,049 --> 00:15:35,177 Sergeant, I don't see the point of going on now. 186 00:15:35,386 --> 00:15:37,877 I mean, the break is obviously too close to the German line. 187 00:15:37,955 --> 00:15:39,650 I think we should go back. 188 00:15:39,723 --> 00:15:41,156 It's only about 50 yards ahead, sir. 189 00:15:41,225 --> 00:15:43,523 It's too close to the German lines, God damn it. 190 00:15:43,594 --> 00:15:45,289 We're going back. 191 00:15:46,463 --> 00:15:48,158 We got to do this. 192 00:15:48,298 --> 00:15:49,959 You've got to do this. 193 00:15:50,100 --> 00:15:51,499 We need you. 194 00:15:52,002 --> 00:15:53,299 Listen... 195 00:15:53,370 --> 00:15:55,235 why don't you stay here... 196 00:15:55,305 --> 00:15:57,296 guard the rear, sir? 197 00:15:57,374 --> 00:16:01,777 Let the men and me go fix the cable. Someone's got to cover us, all right? 198 00:16:06,650 --> 00:16:09,585 If you see any Huns, blow this. 199 00:16:11,088 --> 00:16:14,546 Yeah, but this thing is gonna give away my position. I... 200 00:16:19,897 --> 00:16:22,491 Okay. How long is this thing gonna take? 201 00:16:22,566 --> 00:16:25,399 Not more than a few minutes, sir, once we find the break. 202 00:16:25,469 --> 00:16:27,300 Right. Make it quick. 203 00:16:37,214 --> 00:16:39,478 Blow the whistle. I'll hear it. 204 00:17:11,014 --> 00:17:12,447 Corporal... 205 00:17:13,183 --> 00:17:15,174 how's that repair patrol coming? 206 00:17:15,319 --> 00:17:16,843 Don't know, sir. Can't see a thing. 207 00:17:16,920 --> 00:17:17,944 Let me have a look. 208 00:17:34,071 --> 00:17:36,198 Come on, you guys. 209 00:18:02,633 --> 00:18:04,897 No report from the patrol yet, huh? 210 00:18:06,937 --> 00:18:08,666 It's still dead, sir. 211 00:18:09,840 --> 00:18:11,808 Hurry up, God damn it. 212 00:18:16,346 --> 00:18:17,779 Hurry up. 213 00:18:23,587 --> 00:18:25,487 Oh, my God! 214 00:18:55,752 --> 00:18:58,448 Lieutenant, what's going on? 215 00:19:03,827 --> 00:19:05,488 Come and get it! 216 00:19:07,264 --> 00:19:08,356 No! 217 00:19:14,838 --> 00:19:17,272 You were supposed to warn us. 218 00:19:17,975 --> 00:19:20,102 Why didn't you blow the whistle? 219 00:19:21,578 --> 00:19:23,842 You were supposed to warn us. 220 00:19:27,217 --> 00:19:29,151 Why didn't you warn us? 221 00:19:30,120 --> 00:19:31,610 Why? 222 00:19:38,662 --> 00:19:40,527 I can't see a bloody thing out there. 223 00:19:40,597 --> 00:19:43,088 It sounded like a couple of German grenades going off... 224 00:19:43,166 --> 00:19:45,430 - a shotgun blast, Mausers. - Jesus. 225 00:19:45,502 --> 00:19:46,969 Don't shoot! 226 00:19:47,771 --> 00:19:49,534 It's Lieutenant. 227 00:19:54,044 --> 00:19:57,013 - Lieutenant, what happened? - Germans everywhere! 228 00:19:58,148 --> 00:19:59,581 They ambushed us. 229 00:19:59,650 --> 00:20:01,914 Ripper and the others, they're all dead. 230 00:20:01,985 --> 00:20:03,577 Corporal, get a stretcher patrol together. 231 00:20:03,654 --> 00:20:05,121 - Perhaps they're only wounded. - Yes, sir. 232 00:20:05,188 --> 00:20:08,487 No! They're dead, for Christ's sake! I saw them die. 233 00:20:09,793 --> 00:20:12,728 The goddamn Germans. They're everywhere! 234 00:20:14,264 --> 00:20:16,027 Where's the General? 235 00:20:16,566 --> 00:20:18,898 They were waiting for us. The German patrol. 236 00:20:18,969 --> 00:20:20,664 - It was an ambush. - Ambush, huh? 237 00:20:20,737 --> 00:20:23,331 Yes, sir. I tried to save the men, sir. 238 00:20:23,573 --> 00:20:26,098 I shot as many of those goddamn Germans as I could. 239 00:20:26,176 --> 00:20:28,406 I just kept firing and firing. 240 00:20:32,082 --> 00:20:34,550 I barely made it back here alive. 241 00:20:45,762 --> 00:20:48,196 You did all you could, Lieutenant. 242 00:20:49,566 --> 00:20:51,363 That's all I can ask. 243 00:20:54,438 --> 00:20:57,305 Now do you know why I had to send you out there again? 244 00:20:57,374 --> 00:20:59,706 I couldn't let those men think you were a coward. 245 00:20:59,776 --> 00:21:03,075 How could I ask of them what I couldn't ask of my own son? 246 00:21:03,947 --> 00:21:06,780 Now you've shown them what you're made of. 247 00:21:07,684 --> 00:21:09,276 You've shown me. 248 00:21:12,556 --> 00:21:14,080 Thank you, sir. 249 00:21:14,591 --> 00:21:17,185 You're still gonna transfer me out of here, though, aren't you? 250 00:21:17,260 --> 00:21:20,354 Of course I will. I always keep my word to my men. 251 00:21:20,697 --> 00:21:23,723 And now, no one can ever call you a coward again. 252 00:21:25,235 --> 00:21:26,930 I'm proud of you, son. 253 00:21:27,004 --> 00:21:29,598 Easy, Sergeant. Easy. 254 00:21:31,375 --> 00:21:32,672 What the hell is going on here? 255 00:21:32,743 --> 00:21:34,608 You yellow bastard. 256 00:21:34,678 --> 00:21:35,736 Get the medics! 257 00:21:35,812 --> 00:21:37,803 - They're on their way, sir. - No! 258 00:21:41,685 --> 00:21:46,520 You goddamn coward! 259 00:21:47,958 --> 00:21:49,619 - Ripper- - No! 260 00:21:53,797 --> 00:21:57,733 He saw the German patrol come around behind us. 261 00:21:58,635 --> 00:22:00,660 He could have warned us... 262 00:22:00,871 --> 00:22:02,361 but he didn't! 263 00:22:03,306 --> 00:22:05,672 - He's yellow! - Martin... 264 00:22:06,476 --> 00:22:08,376 - is this true? - No, sir. 265 00:22:08,578 --> 00:22:11,445 Look, the Sergeant's obviously delirious. 266 00:22:13,750 --> 00:22:15,240 He's a coward. 267 00:22:19,489 --> 00:22:22,686 He gave the Germans his own men. 268 00:22:23,527 --> 00:22:25,324 That is a goddamn lie, sir. 269 00:22:25,395 --> 00:22:27,522 I told you, I shot the Germans. 270 00:22:27,597 --> 00:22:29,087 You're a liar. 271 00:22:29,166 --> 00:22:30,963 You left me there to die. 272 00:22:35,305 --> 00:22:40,208 You yellow... 273 00:22:49,719 --> 00:22:52,347 Medics, see to the Sergeant's remains. 274 00:22:54,691 --> 00:22:56,989 Sir, I'm telling you the truth. 275 00:22:57,060 --> 00:22:59,028 I killed those Germans. 276 00:22:59,362 --> 00:23:02,263 Besides, it's his word against mine, right? 277 00:23:04,668 --> 00:23:07,603 The Lieutenant does have a point there, sir. 278 00:23:09,840 --> 00:23:12,638 Is that the weapon you used to shoot the Germans? 279 00:23:12,843 --> 00:23:14,105 Yes, sir. 280 00:23:33,463 --> 00:23:35,761 This weapon's never been fired. 281 00:23:37,601 --> 00:23:39,193 Arrest this man. 282 00:23:39,503 --> 00:23:40,492 Father... 283 00:23:40,570 --> 00:23:42,265 - Please come with me, Lieutenant. - I'm your son! 284 00:23:42,339 --> 00:23:44,364 - Escort him to the provost. - You can't do this! 285 00:23:44,441 --> 00:23:46,568 - Captain... - I'm your son! 286 00:23:46,643 --> 00:23:49,510 ...notify my officers to report to the church. 287 00:23:49,713 --> 00:23:51,237 What are you doing? 288 00:23:51,314 --> 00:23:55,375 The court-martial of Lt. Kalthrob will commence in one hour. 289 00:23:58,388 --> 00:24:01,585 Captain, has the court reached a verdict? 290 00:24:03,627 --> 00:24:05,754 Yes, sir, we have. 291 00:24:06,062 --> 00:24:07,927 The accused will rise. 292 00:24:15,705 --> 00:24:18,538 The tribunal finds the accused... 293 00:24:19,442 --> 00:24:21,706 Lt. Martin Kalthrob... 294 00:24:22,412 --> 00:24:25,006 guilty, as charged... 295 00:24:25,849 --> 00:24:27,840 with dereliction of duty... 296 00:24:27,951 --> 00:24:29,942 desertion under fire... 297 00:24:30,687 --> 00:24:33,383 and cowardice in the face of the enemy. 298 00:24:35,525 --> 00:24:38,358 According to the dictates of military law... 299 00:24:38,461 --> 00:24:41,396 it is my duty as the commander of this division... 300 00:24:41,464 --> 00:24:44,058 to inform you, Lt. Kalthrob... 301 00:24:44,401 --> 00:24:47,529 that you've been found guilty of the charges lodged against you. 302 00:24:49,005 --> 00:24:52,441 The penalty for this crime is death by firing squad. 303 00:24:58,848 --> 00:25:00,679 In light of our imminent pullback... 304 00:25:00,750 --> 00:25:02,650 sentence will be carried out at sunrise. 305 00:25:02,719 --> 00:25:04,346 Thank you, gentlemen. 306 00:25:05,622 --> 00:25:08,455 Captain, select a firing squad of six men... 307 00:25:08,525 --> 00:25:10,789 and have them report here at 0600. 308 00:25:13,597 --> 00:25:16,088 Take away the prisoner's shoelaces. 309 00:25:16,166 --> 00:25:17,793 I don't want him hanging himself. 310 00:25:25,475 --> 00:25:27,909 You're a disgrace to your uniform. 311 00:25:30,380 --> 00:25:32,473 I never wanted to wear it. 312 00:25:32,916 --> 00:25:34,543 You wanted me to. 313 00:25:45,695 --> 00:25:48,425 General, perhaps you should think about this. 314 00:25:48,498 --> 00:25:50,125 Nothing to think about. 315 00:25:50,200 --> 00:25:51,929 I mean, with respect, sir... 316 00:25:52,002 --> 00:25:53,902 aren't you being a bit hasty? 317 00:25:54,137 --> 00:25:56,765 I won't have cowards in my army! 318 00:26:32,242 --> 00:26:33,834 Hello, Father. 319 00:26:34,544 --> 00:26:36,569 What brings you down here? 320 00:26:37,480 --> 00:26:40,415 You don't mind me calling you Father, do you? 321 00:26:41,785 --> 00:26:43,377 Well, let's see. 322 00:26:43,920 --> 00:26:46,115 You already got my shoelaces. 323 00:26:47,557 --> 00:26:50,185 Capt. Milligan came and took away my belt. 324 00:26:51,428 --> 00:26:53,919 I told him he was wasting his time. 325 00:26:54,297 --> 00:26:57,357 I mean, I'm here because I'm afraid to die. 326 00:27:05,842 --> 00:27:08,811 I don't think he saw the joke, Father. 327 00:27:10,980 --> 00:27:13,414 Martin, this isn't easy for me. 328 00:27:13,483 --> 00:27:16,975 It didn't look too terribly difficult condemning me to death. 329 00:27:18,088 --> 00:27:20,989 The panel found you guilty. I had no choice. 330 00:27:21,124 --> 00:27:23,888 No. I had no choice. 331 00:27:25,462 --> 00:27:26,929 All my life... 332 00:27:26,996 --> 00:27:29,863 everything I've ever done was to make you happy. 333 00:27:30,400 --> 00:27:31,890 To please you. 334 00:27:32,569 --> 00:27:34,469 I wasted my whole life. 335 00:27:36,473 --> 00:27:38,498 I went to military school... 336 00:27:39,008 --> 00:27:40,805 I went to West Point... 337 00:27:41,711 --> 00:27:43,474 and now this. 338 00:27:45,915 --> 00:27:48,145 And all I ever wanted from you... 339 00:27:48,852 --> 00:27:51,286 was just a little pat on the back. 340 00:27:51,654 --> 00:27:52,746 That's all. 341 00:27:53,223 --> 00:27:56,522 A pat on the back. Is that all you ever wanted? 342 00:27:58,728 --> 00:28:00,855 It would have been a beginning. 343 00:28:00,964 --> 00:28:03,592 Can I let you in on a little secret, General? 344 00:28:04,768 --> 00:28:06,998 You were not much of a father. 345 00:28:07,670 --> 00:28:09,638 That makes us even, son. 346 00:28:09,706 --> 00:28:12,231 - You weren't much of a lieutenant. - Why? 347 00:28:13,076 --> 00:28:15,067 Because I'm afraid to die? 348 00:28:15,478 --> 00:28:16,740 Christ! 349 00:28:17,213 --> 00:28:19,545 Two hundred men leave the trenches... 350 00:28:19,849 --> 00:28:21,749 and 30 of them, they come back... 351 00:28:21,818 --> 00:28:24,013 arms missing, legs missing. 352 00:28:24,287 --> 00:28:27,347 Anybody who goes out there and says they're not afraid... 353 00:28:27,424 --> 00:28:29,654 are either a fool or a liar. 354 00:28:29,926 --> 00:28:33,293 But you let fear get the better of you, and everybody knows it! 355 00:28:33,363 --> 00:28:36,264 That is what I'm really guilty of, isn't it, Father? Huh? 356 00:28:37,634 --> 00:28:39,727 That the whole world knows... 357 00:28:39,803 --> 00:28:42,966 that the son of the great Gen. Kalthrob... 358 00:28:43,039 --> 00:28:44,836 is afraid to die! 359 00:28:45,475 --> 00:28:49,275 Well, I am afraid to die! 360 00:28:57,420 --> 00:28:58,682 Martin... 361 00:28:59,122 --> 00:29:00,589 you're right. 362 00:29:01,825 --> 00:29:04,453 I haven't been much of a father to you. 363 00:29:04,561 --> 00:29:07,189 And I wasn't around most of the time. 364 00:29:07,831 --> 00:29:09,264 And when I was young... 365 00:29:09,332 --> 00:29:11,562 I never saw much of my father. 366 00:29:12,602 --> 00:29:15,867 But that's the way it is in military families. 367 00:29:17,340 --> 00:29:20,173 All I ever wanted from you, or for you... 368 00:29:20,810 --> 00:29:23,108 was to see you follow the line. 369 00:29:24,514 --> 00:29:27,381 I was wrong. I see that now. 370 00:29:28,885 --> 00:29:31,615 I was wrong to force you into that mold... 371 00:29:32,121 --> 00:29:33,179 and I'm sorry. 372 00:29:33,256 --> 00:29:36,521 Well, it's a little late for you to be thinking about that. 373 00:29:36,593 --> 00:29:38,652 In about an hour, I'm going to die. 374 00:29:38,728 --> 00:29:39,820 No... 375 00:29:40,430 --> 00:29:42,261 it's not too late. 376 00:29:44,434 --> 00:29:46,402 You're not going to die. 377 00:29:47,070 --> 00:29:48,162 What? 378 00:29:52,275 --> 00:29:54,800 Do you think I'd kill my own son? 379 00:30:01,217 --> 00:30:03,014 Martin, listen to me. 380 00:30:03,820 --> 00:30:07,813 There's always a blank in one of the rifles in the firing squad. 381 00:30:08,424 --> 00:30:11,791 Leaves a question of doubt as to who fired the fatal shots. 382 00:30:11,861 --> 00:30:14,261 And I'm the one who loads the rifles. 383 00:30:15,265 --> 00:30:18,291 This time, I'll load them all with blanks. 384 00:30:18,735 --> 00:30:22,227 When the squad fires, I want you to pretend you're dead. 385 00:30:22,305 --> 00:30:24,364 The division will be moving out almost immediately. 386 00:30:24,440 --> 00:30:26,533 I've already issued orders. 387 00:30:28,711 --> 00:30:30,372 Now, listen to me. 388 00:30:31,381 --> 00:30:33,406 I'll make up a pack for you. 389 00:30:33,750 --> 00:30:36,810 New identity card, some money, rations. 390 00:30:37,153 --> 00:30:39,883 I'll put it in the ditch where you fall. 391 00:30:40,657 --> 00:30:42,784 As soon as the company moves out... 392 00:30:42,892 --> 00:30:44,382 you take off. 393 00:30:45,795 --> 00:30:47,194 Understand? 394 00:30:48,464 --> 00:30:50,830 You're really going to do that for me? 395 00:30:51,401 --> 00:30:52,493 Sure. 396 00:30:53,503 --> 00:30:56,199 But there's one thing I want you to do. 397 00:30:57,240 --> 00:30:59,208 Anything. Anything. 398 00:31:03,012 --> 00:31:05,640 Face that firing squad like a man. 399 00:31:06,482 --> 00:31:09,246 I want you to show them that you have courage. 400 00:31:09,319 --> 00:31:11,719 Show them that you're not afraid. 401 00:31:12,722 --> 00:31:14,314 You can do that... 402 00:31:14,390 --> 00:31:15,914 can't you, son? 403 00:31:16,292 --> 00:31:17,554 Yes, sir. 404 00:31:31,641 --> 00:31:33,040 Port arms! 405 00:31:35,378 --> 00:31:37,312 Present arms! 406 00:32:10,179 --> 00:32:12,773 Looks like a nice day to die, Father. 407 00:33:10,540 --> 00:33:14,067 Firing squad, two steps forward march! 408 00:33:15,611 --> 00:33:17,203 Left face! 409 00:33:22,051 --> 00:33:24,178 Forward march! 410 00:33:32,128 --> 00:33:34,221 Squad, halt! 411 00:33:41,437 --> 00:33:42,904 Right face! 412 00:33:54,083 --> 00:33:57,575 In the name of the American people, the American Expeditionary Force... 413 00:33:57,653 --> 00:33:59,917 the 101st Infantry Regiment... 414 00:33:59,989 --> 00:34:03,117 having been found guilty of cowardice in the face of the enemy... 415 00:34:03,192 --> 00:34:06,184 you are to be executed by rifle fire immediately... 416 00:34:06,262 --> 00:34:09,823 in accordance with the judgment of the military court-martial. 417 00:34:15,171 --> 00:34:17,662 - You want a cigarette? - No, thank you. 418 00:34:18,975 --> 00:34:19,999 But... 419 00:34:20,076 --> 00:34:21,873 I would like a drink. 420 00:34:22,512 --> 00:34:23,877 May I? 421 00:34:25,348 --> 00:34:26,679 Very well. 422 00:34:43,699 --> 00:34:45,564 Blindfold, Lieutenant? 423 00:34:46,869 --> 00:34:47,893 No. 424 00:34:48,838 --> 00:34:50,328 Thank you, Captain. 425 00:34:52,008 --> 00:34:55,444 Do you have anything to say before the sentence is carried out? 426 00:34:59,448 --> 00:35:00,779 Yes, I do. 427 00:35:01,350 --> 00:35:03,113 Very well. Carry on. 428 00:35:12,228 --> 00:35:13,559 I tried... 429 00:35:15,198 --> 00:35:17,063 but I'm not the man my father is. 430 00:35:18,534 --> 00:35:20,764 I'm sorry and I apologize. 431 00:35:21,237 --> 00:35:23,034 My fear of dying... 432 00:35:23,105 --> 00:35:26,199 got in the way of my responsibility to my men... 433 00:35:26,509 --> 00:35:29,478 and the obligations to my commanding officers. 434 00:35:33,883 --> 00:35:36,408 I know now what Shakespeare meant: 435 00:35:37,320 --> 00:35:40,653 "Cowards die many times before their deaths 436 00:35:42,024 --> 00:35:45,118 "The valiant never taste of death but once" 437 00:35:52,101 --> 00:35:53,466 I'm ready. 438 00:35:54,136 --> 00:35:55,899 Firing squad, post! 439 00:36:10,286 --> 00:36:11,947 Thank you, Father. 440 00:36:34,443 --> 00:36:35,740 Ready! 441 00:36:42,718 --> 00:36:43,980 Aim! 442 00:36:54,163 --> 00:36:55,391 Fire! 443 00:37:29,365 --> 00:37:31,560 If you'll permit me, General... 444 00:37:31,667 --> 00:37:33,760 - he died like a man. - Yes. 445 00:37:34,937 --> 00:37:36,996 My son is not yellow. 446 00:37:39,742 --> 00:37:42,176 All right, Lieutenant! We got to move this company out now! 447 00:37:42,244 --> 00:37:44,041 On the double time! 448 00:37:45,181 --> 00:37:47,206 We do have a hill to take! 449 00:37:58,561 --> 00:38:01,587 I guess Martin finally learned his lesson. 450 00:38:01,998 --> 00:38:04,466 No guts, no gory. 451 00:38:08,804 --> 00:38:11,170 Well, got to go, kiddies. 452 00:38:11,440 --> 00:38:13,567 It's time for my shots. 453 00:38:16,012 --> 00:38:17,274 Fire! 454 00:38:20,449 --> 00:38:23,612 Yes. Yes. Oh, yes. 455 00:38:24,353 --> 00:38:26,617 Boy, I get a bang out of that!