All language subtitles for The Far Pavilions (Peter Duffell, 1984) Part 5.english

Throughout that time in India,
the British were in a continual state of war

with the fiercely independent tribes
along their northwest frontier.

[gunshot]

[gunshot]

[gunshots]

An extraordinary regiment was raised
to deal with them.

It was named...
The Corps of Guides,

and it's headquarters
were here at Mardan.

Composed entirely of native volunteers,
Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims,

and led by a handful of
specially selected British officers,

they wrote some of the
most glorious chapters

in the annals of military history.

In 1865 I had the honor
to be Commandant,

which was when
this story really began.

...Yes, yes, Ash-Baba,
we are playing a game,

that your name is Ashok,
and that you are my true son.

What is your name,
my son?

Ashok.

Yes.

[Having discharged the
bitter duty of seeing]

[the love of his life
married to the]

[dissolute Rana of Bhithor,
Ash made the long]

[journey north,]
back to Mardan.

[Meanwhile, across the
frontier in Afghanistan,]

[war had broken out again,]

[and the Guides were on active service.]

Charge!

[Cannons firing]

[Sabers clashing]

[Bugles blaring]

[Wally views the devastation]

[and the dead]

Permission to fall out, sir.

I say to you all...

Well done!

Carry on, Mr. Hamilton.

Dismiss the men to quarters,
and see to the wounded.

Wigram's dead.

Yes, I know.

And 26 others,
apart from the wounded.

All the same, Wally,
you've put up a fine show.

We shall just have to hope,
that the political wallahs

make sure such
sacrifice is not wasted.

Well, Major Cavagnari
will see to that.

There's not another man alive
that knows the Afghan mind better.

Major Cavagnari, I'm in
no position to accept

a British mission in Kabul.

What the devil do you
think this war was all about, man?

I cannot guarantee
its safety.

You're talking about
your own capital.

But you don't
understand.

My country is
deeply divided.

I, myself, am not yet
established as Amir.

Very few of my troops have
actually experienced defeat

at the hands
of the British.

They will see no reason
why I should permit you

to establish a permanent
British mission in Kabul.

I'm not here to bandy words,
Yakub Khan.

Either you accept it,
and get you people to do so,

or we shall
go to war again.

And this time we won't stop

until we've annexed
Afghanistan for good.

And at that point, you put
our own puppet on the throne.

That's why I wanted
to talk to you alone.

It's a case of
heads, we win,

tails, you lose.

Never mind about
being humiliated.

If you want to remain
Amir of Afghanistan

you go out there

you smile

you sign

and you make damn sure
that when our British mission

is established in Kabul,
it doesn't come to any harm.

How did you
manage it, sir?

Waded in like some
second class head man.

It seems to agree with him.

Like he has
when you head the British mission

Yours very truly.

It's all arranged
with the Viceroy.

the KCSI into the bargain.

Major, Sir, Louis Cavagnari.

How d'you like
the sound of that, eh Jenkins?

Very well, sir.

My congratulations!

Hmm.

Is that damn
Conjuruity?

I believe so.

We'll get along famous
now that it's all settled.

You'll see.

Well, you're going to have
to get used to

being bearer to a
lieutenant again, Gul Bas.

They did not let you retain
the rank of captain, then?

No.

Nor the pay either.

They should have done,
after all you achieved in Bhithor.

And I managed to miss the war.

Well, well.

Thank you, Gul Bas.

[Knocking]

Come in.

Wally!

It's good to see you.

It's good to see you, too.

And congratulations,
by the way.

On what?

Oh, come on.

You of all people,
cannot be offhand

about having won the
supreme award for valor.

No, I'm not.

But to tell you the truth,
I'm a bit down in the dumps, I mean.

What with Wigram
being killed, and everything.

Still, let's hear about you
Val Chevyhoff.

Did you fall in love
with the princesses?

As a matter of fact,
I did.

And was the sentiment
reciprocated?

Yes, it was actually.

I do believe you're serious.

We were, Wally.

Very.

And it didn't work out?

No.

I'm sorry.

But it couldn't
really, could it?

You've just
joined the majority.

I had hoped you'd
be less prejudiced.

What me, an Irishman?

Do you want to
tell me what happened?

I saw her married, didn't I?

To an old man,
she didn't want.

And who didn't
want her.

Yes, well.

What can I say?

Not a lot, obviously.

I see I'm going to
have to cheer you up.

Did you know that
Cavagnari has

asked me to command
his escort?

It's the chance
of a lifetime, Ash.

And it's another long step
towards my field marshal�s battle.

Not that I'm counting any
chickens before they are hatched.

If you've got any sense,
you'll pray that this particular

clutch turns out
to be addled.

What d'you mean
by that?

Don't you read anything
but poetry, Wally?

You know I do.

Well, then you ought to know
that we're exactly the same

position we that were in at
the end of the first Afghan war.

After an enormous waste of blood,

we've left every part of Afghanistan
bristling with our enemies.

That's why this mission
ought to be called off.

Well, it's too
late for that!

Put stone,
delayed, then,

long enough for us to convince
the Amir and his people

that we do not intend to take over
their country as we took over India.

Oh, rot!

The Amir's agreed
to accept the mission.

Under duress.

And if you think his people
have accepted, you're wrong.

Then, they'll have
to lump it, won't they?

Come on, once we're
there, we'll win them round.

Cavagnari will twist
them around his little finger.

I've been there, Wally,

and I think you'll find
the Afghan far less susceptible

to Cavagnari's charm
than you seem to be.

They view our present
withdrawal as a retreat.

so why should
they let us set up a

permanent mission
in Kabul?

Wigram used to say
he wouldn't be in your shoes

for anything in the world.

Because you didn't
know where you belonged.

I think he was wrong.

I think you've taken sides.

And it isn't us
that you've chosen.

There's no point
in my saying anything else, is there?

You can say what you want,

you won't get me to turn
to down command of the escort

if I'm lucky enough
to be offered it.

That bloody medal's
gone to your head.

Go to hell!

When did this happen?

Oh, I was promoted Resaidar
in the field at the battle of Fatehabad.

You must be very proud.

Almost as proud
as our father.

Have the members
of the escort been selected, yet?

Not officially.

Well, don't do anything stupid,
like volunteering for it, will you?

We, your friends,
are no longer boys.

We are grown men, who
can make up their own minds.

Zarin.

Zarin.

So long, Sahib.

'Farewell, my lord,

'and my life.'

[The Palace of Bhithor]

A present for me?
Where is it, Highness?

Take me to him, now!
Quickly!

It is not right that Shushila Rani
should be so indulged.

Thank the gods for permitting
her to find happiness in a marriage,

which she sought to avoid,
and dreaded so greatly.

All the less reason for her to cause
you to be treated in this way.

Confined in these
two wretched rooms.

Your dowry,

and even your
trousseau taken away.

That's not Shu-shu's fault.

Your Highness summoned me?

Oh, I did?
I wonder why.

The message was
that you had a present for me.

Oh, ha, ha.

It's only a little trinket.

A mere bauble.

Show it to me!

But of course.

Here.

It is beautiful

Don't be impatient.

What do I get
in its stead?

My thanks.

For this?

My grateful thanks?

Oh. Hm.

I do believe
you're teasing me.

Perhaps......a kiss?

That might do....

...for a start.

It is said that the eunuchs, who
wish to make trouble between you,

whisper to her that the Rana
admired tall women, such as you.

Because they're more like boys.

And this allows to jealousy.

This is not her doing,
I tell you.

She knows I want nothing
less than to please the Rana.

Besides, she loves him.

I do not think so.

You've never
understood her.

No, it's you who have
never understood her.

Truly, I do not believe that
Shushila-Bai love anyone

but Shushila-Bai.

Or ever has.

You are wrong,
and I'll hear no more of this.

Now go.

As you please.

I must ask you
to accept my resignation.

All right, Victor.

Right you are, sir.

Sit down, Ash.

Thank you, sir.

Cigar?

No, thank you.

I have to
ask you, why?

Well, who was it that wrote if a man
cannot keep pace with his companions,

perhaps it is because
he hears a different drummer.

Let him step to
the music he hears.

I haven't the
remotest idea.

Neither have I.

Anyway, sir, I think
that time has come for me.

I'm grateful to for
being so frank with me,

but I can't say
I'm entirely surprised.

What'll you do?

Take up where my
father left off, I imagine.

Wander about a bit, and
eventually produce some tome

on even less familiar
dialects of Hindustan.

In two volumes?

Ideally.

Very well.

If your mind's made up,
I won't attempt to alter it.

I'll accept you resignation,
and I'll see that there're

difficulties are put in the way
of your leaving the Army.

Thank you, sir.

In return...

I would ask you...
to do something for me.

Or rather.....
for the regiment.

Well, of course, sir,
if I can.

Will you adopt
native disguise?

And go to Kabul,
as an intelligence agent,

for the Escort of Guides?

Provided, of course, that this infernal
British mission becomes a reality.

Can't you get
that stopped?

I'll do what I can, but I
doubt it'll be enough.

Of course, if the mission
is abandoned

I'll let you know
straight away.

And you can regard yourself
as a civilian from that moment.

And if it isn't abandoned, sir?

Then I would ask you to remain in
Kabul as long as the Guides are there.

You can lodge with one
of our pensioners.

Serdan Nachman Khan,
he's 100% reliable.

As soon as the escort is
relieved by another regiment

you are free to go.

Will you do that?

[Escort of Guides
arrive in Kabul]

Look at them.

They're like a bunch
of children on a school treat

crowding up
for a slice of the cake.

Since we're outnumbered
even by the ruffians lining the route

there's not assembly the great
big comfort to me.

Suppose we turn
out to be the cake!

[Bugle call]

This should serve our
purpose well enough.

Please be so good as to
establish our presence, Mr. Hamilton.

Yes, sir.

[Escort entering compound]

Company.....halt!

Company.....halt.

Dismiss the mean, sergeant.

Infantry....dismissed!

Well,....what did you expect?

The Russians, when they came,
numbered many more,

and they wore rich furs
and great boots of leather.

It was, indeed, a great
Timasha, but this...

this was a poor show.

For many of those
who watched were saying,

how is it possible that a
government which could not

afford to send a proper embassy

will be able to pay the Amir
soldiers all they are owed.

But, where did they get
that idea, Nachban Khan?

There was no mention
of that in the treaty.

Was there not?

Myself, I can only tell you that,
half Kabul believes that Cavagnari

is here to finance all that
his soldiers need from the Amir,

and that is the reason
they were dismayed by

how small a train
he has brought with him.

and at once began to doubt
if it was true,

that he had come
laden with riches.

Well, now that we are here,
I hope your people

won't find us quite so
trepacious ogres as they feared.

That is my wish, also.

I assure you that I,
personally, and all

the members of my mission
will do everything we can

to foster the most
cordial relations

between our two
great nations...

eh, our two great,
and need I say

proudly independent
nations.

[Clock chimes]

Asper Seuce would've done
us rather well on this occasion

don't you think, Jenkins?

Indeed, sir.

This place give me
the creeps, Rosie.

If those chaps up there
decide to pick us off

they can do it
as soon as wink.

Minutes to Plenipotentiary:
Kabul to Viceroy Simla,

Had interview with Amir,
and exchanged presents.

All well.

Splendid.
Send it off.

I'd be less worried
if Sir. Louis hadn�t said

that if his death resulted
in the frontier line being changed

he'd die a happy man.

This place is indefensible.
I must talk to him.

Circulate the pork, Mr. Killy.

Sir.

Sir. Louis, I must advise
you to ask the Amir to provide

us with alternate
accommodation.

As to the question,

it would be grossly
discourteous to the Amir.

I'm bound to say, sir,
that there's precious

little anyone can do
to make it safe against attack.

Any attempt to do so
would be just as grave

an insult to our hosts.

Sir.

Tell him Jenkins.

The point Sir. Louis seeks
to establish is that it would

take an army to
guarantee our safety.

Precisely.

I didn't remon so as
not to provoke the Afghans.

Our only alternative
is to trust our hosts.

In the circumstances,
it's no bad thing that the

residency should be so
accessible.

Let people walk in and out.

Our first duty is to establish
friendly relations.

And I want no one
turned away,

and nothing done that may suggest

in any way that we wish
to keep you at arms length.

Gita?

Rani Sempa?

Who are you?

My name is Permila Dehbi.

I'm sorry to have
to tell you,

that the Dai Gita has met
with an accident.

Oh, no.

Take me to her.

You will only
distress yourself.

It is not a pretty sight.

Take me to
the senior Rani.

I am sorry Rani-saba.

I wish to see her now.

That may be,
but the senior Rani

does not wish
to see you.

[Door closes]

[Bugle call]

Forward!

If the Russians should
decide to occupy Kabul,

this is the way
they would come.

Lieutenant Pelham Martyn, sir.

So you're the romantic
character, that young Mr. Hamilton

here has been
telling me about.

I take it you know of
Sgt. Major Kelly?

Should do.

I patched you up
the last time you

came back from
one of these jaunts.

Yes, of course.
Hello, Rosie.

And Mr. Jenkins, my
secretary and political advisor.

I don't think
I've had the pleasure.

I think you should know
that the Harati regiments

are back, and are
on the rampage.

Ho, ho, ho.

Curs bark, they don't bite.

Oh, they bite
all right, sir.

Particularly when
they believe you have

their arrears of pay.

Even if I had the funds,
I'm hanged if I'm going

to pay Her Majesty's enemies.

You're liable to be
hanged, if you don't sir.

Oh, they could only
kill four or five of us,

and our deaths
would be avenged.

I suppose being natives,
the 77 men comprising

your escort don't count.

You mustn�t let me
detain you from your duty,

to inform Mr. Hamilton
of any intelligence that

you have managed
to gleam.

Sir.

An opinionated young man,
but a brave one.

To be a spy takes
a lonely sort of courage.

Good lord, yes.

Mind you, he was always
apt to fly off the handle

as far as the
natives were concerned,

but that's his upbringing.

There could be
something in what he says.

I mean, if the Afghan
army is really looking to us

for its arrears of pay....

It's in for a shock!

That's it
and all about it.

[Native speech]

[Nachman Khan]
They have been told,

they can only have one month's pay.

They mean to take the remainder.

Telegram from
the Viceroy, sir.

'You are hereby authorized
to pay the Amir's troops,

'should you judge
this advisable.'

I'm damned if I do!

Avadar!

Leave that gate open.

Let them come in.

Sir!

No one fires
unless I give the order.

[Guard]
Open the gate!

[Crowd roars outside]

[Continuous roaring]

Dear God, please
don't let them open fire!

Habuda, make sure none
of your men fire

unless I give the order.

Yes, sir.

I want six men.

Sir!

Sergeant, dress your
men along here.

[Native speech]

[Rebels roar]

[Rebels enter
demanding pay]

Are you sure it's
a good idea, sir,

to go out there
and speak to them?

Certainly. They're not
likely to leave until I do.

We really cannot put
up with this ridiculous

home disturbance
any longer.

There sounds to be
an awful lot of them, sir.

What hells that
got to do with it.

My topien, Maldeen.

But, sir, if
you go out...

My dear boy,
I'm really not in my dotage.

What have you
all come here for?

What is it you want?

Here, you.

You seem to be
the ring leader.

Step forward.

What is the meaning
of this shameful gaturau,

and how dare you
come battering

at the doors
of an officer

who's a guest
of your Amir,

and under His
Highness's protection

[Native speech]

He says the Amir
won't pay them, sir,

and they want
the money from us.

[Crowd roaring]

I grieve for you.

But what you ask
is impossible.

I cannot interfere
between you and your ruler.

I have not the
power to do so,

and it would not
become me to attempt it.

I'm sorry.

[Angry response]

Barbarians.
Not a jot of discipline.

Get back!

That's good, fellows.
Back!

Back!

Hamilton Sahib!

There's fighting
in the horse lines.

[Crowd becomes angry]

[Fighting begins]

[Crowd begins to
attack Escort Guides]

[First gunshot]

Steady men.

Volley fire.

Aim atop their heads.

Fire!

[Fighting subsides]

They're going, sir!

Only to rearm
and regroup, I'm afraid.

Right, we'll have those
gates closed now, Sergeant.

Yes, Sahib!

That foraging party
back yet?

No, Sahib!

[Gate closes solidly]

I think, Jenkins, I'd better
send a message to the Amir.

It's high time he detailed
some responsible person

to control this rubble.

[Preparing message]

[Escort Guides
await trouble]

[Medical center
prepares for wounded]

Hamilton Sahib, messenger
has returned.

Let him in, Sergeant.

[Open gate command]

A message from
the Amir, Sahib.

Take it to
Cavagnari Sahib.

Sahib.

"As God wills, I am
making preparations."

Making preparations!
Good God!

Is that all he
has to say?

[ The Amir] My gisbut is bad.

What can Allah
ask of me?

Your tears
won't help them.

[Cries of returning
rebel army]

[Escort prepares
for attack]

[Battering ram]

Volley fire!

Fire!

Fall back!

Fall back!

Volley fire!

Fire!

Fall back!

Volley fire!

Fire!

Back to
form double line.

Double time!

[Indiscriminate gunfire]

[Escort falls back]

[Escort falls back]

[Drawing sabers]

[Hand to hand
fighting]

[Escort retreats into
building and closes gate]

[Foraging party
returning]

Halt!

Pelham Sahib!

Come quickly,
they're mobbing the Residency.

[Native commands]

[Rebels press attack]

[Cavagnari hit]

Are you all right, sir?

What?
Who's that, Jenkins?

Oh, only a scratch.

But it makes my
head swims like the devil.

You don't need
Kelly, sir?

No, of course not.

He's got far more
important things to do.

See if you can find
me a clean shirt,

will you Jenkins?

See if you can fold these
wounds up for me, will you?

Yew!

Oh!

Jenkins!

Bring up brigade!

[Aston brings in
Reserve brigade]

[Ashton shoots his
way into the foray]

Give them covering fire!

No, Pelham Martyn.

Ash!

Thank God
you're here.

Drop it and get
your men up here.

If Cavagnari were
to agree to pay them

there's still time.

Don't be daft, Ash!

You know what these beggars
are like once their blood's up!

Easy does it, sir.

Easy does it.

I'm done for,
you know, Kelly,

Aw, no sir, sir.

Jenkins?

Sir.

Oh, there you are.

You will let my wife
know, won't you?

Yes sir.

Cavagnari's dead, Hamilton.

What the bloody hell's
the Amir doing?

He's not alone, knows,

but if there's anything useful,
he'd best do it a bit quick.

They seem to have
gone very quiet.

I have no supplies left.

No lint, no drugs,
no bandages.

Hamilton Sahib.

Look there!

[Cannons rolling
into the compound]

What are we going
to do now, sir?

We're going
to have to take them.

Organize covering fire.

No!

I'm coming with you.

No, Ash.

I must have
one line officer here.

You game, Kelly?

Of course.

Come, then.

Jenkins, load these up.

[Calling soldier]

[Door blasted open]

[Rebels attack]

[Escort Guides soldiers
attack to capture cannon]

Pull!

Back, back.

[Rebels overcome
and counterattack]

[Guides close door]

[Amir] There's nothing
I can do.

Nothing.

If I go out there.

They will kill me!

It is better that you
should die,

than disgrace Islam.

There is neither hem,
nor fringe, nor border

to the mercy
of Allah.