Original subtitles

Dr Sutton, sir.

Thank you, Parker.

You've had a long journey, Doctor.

It's worth it to join old comrades.

Help yourself.

Oh, thank you.

Are they all coming?

It's the same crowd, a year older.

Well, what's the news from London?

You haven't heard?

No.

Gordon is dead.

Murdered in Khartoum.

That's no surprise to me.

I said it'd happen years ago when they first sent him to the Sudan. He wasn't hard enough.

They wanted someone like you there. Just what I was going to say.

First time for 100 years, we've no Faversham in the Army. See the mess?

I'm too old, the boy's too young.

My own fault for not marrying sooner.

You remember the boy?

Course I do.

He's 15 years old today.

I'm going to let him dine with us.

That's good.

I don't mind telling you, I'm worried about him.

He goes to the best Army school. I keep telling him of his ancestors.

And I found him this morning reading a poetry book. Shelley, to boot.

I can't understand the boy. Something soft. I don't like it.

I want you to help me lick him into shape. Make him hard.

Gentlemen, the Crimea.

Crimea.

Old comrades. Arnold.

Raglan. Cardigan.

To old comrades.

The Crimea, by Jove.

War was war in those days. Men were men. No room for weaklings.

Take Balaclava, for instance. You fellows remember the position.

These nuts... were the Russians.

Guns, guns, guns.

On the right, the British infantry,

the thin red line.

There was the commander-in-chief.

And here was I.

The head of the old 68th.

Now the right was impassable, the left was blocked.

Behind us was the C-in-C. I realised the position in a flash.

I said "The 68th will move forward."

Immediately, a subaltern came to me, absolutely shaking.

I said "What's wrong, Travers?"

He said "I daren't face those guns." I said "Would you rather face me?"

He looked at me and went off. He was killed at the head of his men like a soldier.

I quite agree. I can tolerate nerves before a battle, but not cowardice.

A soldier at Inkerman was charged by a Cossack.

He raised his musket, fumbled with the trigger then ran.

Lance went through his neck and out his throat.

Best thing for him.

Remember Wilmington?

Fine old service family.

Father killed at Inkerman.

Grandfather blown up with Nelson.

Uncle scalped by Indians.

Splendid record, splendid.

What happened?

Had to gallop through the lines with a message. Paralysed with fright.

AVC went. Killed inside 50 yards.

Adjutant went. Head blown off.

General went himself. Lost his arm. Ruined his cricket.

Yes, I remember now. Disgraced his family.

Father disowned him. After a while, he blew his brains out.

He had the courage to end it.

Courage? Last spark of decency.

There's no place in England for a coward.

Harry!

It's past 11. Time you were in bed.

No, no, no, no, no!

Sit down. It's his birthday. We haven't drunk his health.

Quite right.

Toast to Harry. May he prove the bravest of the Favershams.

To Harry.

Good night, Pa.

Good night, Harry. Good night, gentlemen.

Good night.

Harry!

Just a moment.

You don't remember me, but I remember you when you were small.

I was doctor in your father's regiment in the Crimea.

I knew your mother, too, a great friend of mine.

Please think of me as your friend. If ever you need me, here's my card.

I'm not much use to anybody now,

but if you feel the need, write to me and come to see me.

That's very kind of you, sir.

Thank you.

Good night, sir.

Good night, Harry.

Company,

Halt!

Company,... order... arms!

Company,... stand at... ease!

Ten years ago, General Gordon was murdered in Khartoum.

Until now, that crime remained unpunished.

Today, the Royal North Surrey Regiment is under orders

to join Sir Herbert Kitchener's army for the pacification of the Sudan.

What's Egypt like?

Sand, sweat and sunstroke.

Lovely! When do we start? Not before Thursday?

A month, more like. They've taken 10 years to decide.

Then I can give you these.

Mr Harry Faversham.

Capt. John Durrance.

There's one for you! Thomas Willoughby.

What's all this? Invite to the Burroughs' beanfeast.

Complete with regimental string band and strawberry ices.

My sister Mary's 21 next Thursday. So father's letting himself go.

Champagne? Gallons. Oysters?

In June?

I had oysters at my 21st. I had the good sense to be born in March.

Father's going to be terrific.

He's written four speeches already. He's been rehearsing them.

"My lords, ladies and gentlemen, and officers of me old regiment."

"This is an occasion for double rejoicing."

"I'm proud to announce my daughter's coming of age and her engagement

to the son of me old comrade-in-arms

Mr Harry Faversham

of the Royal North Surrey Regiment."

What, him? - Our own Harry Faversham.

The girl must be mad. Isn't all this rather sudden?

They've been sickening for it for months. Good luck, Harry.

Thanks. - Jolly good luck, Harry.

Good luck.

Thanks, John.

What about this Egpyt business? You can't take her.

The Dervish hang a white man up by his toes.

Disgusting. All your money falls out of your pockets.

I'll see you at dinner.

What do you make of that?

What's come over the lad?

Can't take a joke.

He moons about all day. Reads poetry at night.

If that's love, give me indigestion. Ha!

Oh, well, time to get changed.

See you fellows later.

I'm sorry, John.

I was a fool to joke like that, but somehow I thought it the best way.

It's all right, Peter.

It was for her to decide.

All the same, I wish it had been you.

I'll see you at the mess.

And after all,

there are plenty of other girls.

Plenty - for other men.

Years ago, I fought in the Crimea beside gallant General Faversham,

whose death last year was such a sad loss to us all.

Tonight, I proudly announce my daughter's engagement

to Harry Faversham, my dear old friend's only son.

Bravo, Harry!

Now, ten years ago, when Harry was only a boy,

I raised my glass with a toast: may he prove the bravest Faversham.

Tonight, I raise my glass again to Harry and my daughter, Mary.

Harry and Mary!

Company's now dismissed. The business of dancing will commence.

You're off to the Sudan, Colonel?

Yes. Yes, it's only a minor campaign.

Good. The Army's too soft nowdays.

Too soft?

Not like the Crimea � war was war.

Men were men. No room for weaklings.

Take Balaclava. Remember the position, Doctor?

Too well. I was on the extreme left.

Come sit down, young man.

These nuts were the Russians. Guns, guns, guns.

On the right, the British infantry, the thin red line.

Poor chaps. Not much to eat.

What the devil you talking about?

Transport and supply were shocking.

I meant the line, not the men.

There was the C-in-C and here was I at the head of the 68th...

Sorry Father dragged Egpyt into it.

You tired of Egypt already?

It's at breakfast, lunch and supper.

He knows you're marrying me, not the regiment.

He's not sure about that.

Are you quite sure?

Quite sure.

When we're old and creaky with rheumatism, we'll look back to this.

You'll never be creaky, darling.

Never in your life. We shall creak, with the best.

And through the creaks will come the sound of dance music.

The night and the moon, the scent of flowers. This is a solemn event.

A memory is being born tonight.

It will remain with us forever.

Moments like this are better than any memory.

Memories are best - out of reach of uncertainty and care.

Memories just float by on their own with no shadows on them.

Dance music.

The moon and evening primroses.

You're not going to rob me of my solitary dance?

Sorry, my fault. Your dance going on?

It's just started.

Excuse me, I have a partner waiting.

It wasn't his fault, it was mine. I talk too much. Let's dance.

It's a polka. Don't you like the polka?

It's jerky, like saying goodbye in Morse code.

I'm sorry, John.

No need to be sorry.

It's difficult to explain.

You've nothing to explain. A girl doesn't sit down and write it out.

"Reasons why I love Mr A. Reasons I don't love Mr B."

It's only Mr B who puzzles out the points against him.

It's an impressive list.

Reasons Mary doesn't love John. 1...

Don't, John! - I could list about 40 reasons.

Reason 41 is she loves the other man.

So I crossed the list out.

Thank you.

Harry is a fine man.

And with your help, he'll have a splendid career. You'll enjoy that.

I hope I shall be able to.

I'm sure you will.

I think you'll be very happy.

And I shall always love you.

Oh, John, dear. I'm... so sorry.

Oh, nonsense, I'll be all right.

You're not going to be sorry for anything tonight.

Come and dance that polka. I've just learnt it.

Faversham. See what he wants.

He wants to see you privately, sir.

Oh, very well.

Sir.

Well, Faversham?

I want you to accept this, sir. - What is it?

My resignation.

What do you mean?

I'm resigning my commission, sir.

I don't understand.

I should have done this months ago.

I only accepted a commission for my father. All his family were soldiers.

When he died, my duty was done.

Your duty towards him! What about your duty towards your country?

To do this now, with regiment under orders, two days before it leaves.

Go lie down in a dark room. You'll be OK in the morning.

I've made up my mind, sir.

You'll regret this for the rest of your life.

I've made up my mind.

You're shirking your duty, sir! I refuse to accept it!

It's my right, sir. You can't refuse.

I never thought I'd live to see a Faversham play the coward.

May I go, sir?

Yes. Go!

Sir, the officers are... Well?

..are waiting, sir.

Gentlemen, final orders have just arrived. We leave on Thursday.

We march to Portsmouth and embark at midday.

I've received a telegram from General Kitchener. It says,

"Glad to welcome you to my command."

Very kind.

There'll be one change in regimental orders for the 15th.

Mr Faversham sent in his papers on the eve of active service.

His place will go to Mr Parker, who was to have remained at the depot.

Congratulations, Parker.

John!

I hoped I'd catch you to say goodbye.

Goodbye, sir. - Good luck. Keep on eye on Peter.

I will, sir.

There's a lovely ducks.

Back to your ma now! There you are.

Come on, little Annie.

Goodbye. You look after your ma.

Bye, Fred.

Goodbye, luvvie. Don't take on so.

You look after yourself.

I'm all right, Fred.

It's the kids that'll miss you.

Goodbye, me boy.

Goodbye, Father. - The dog's going to miss you.

We'll all miss you.

It won't be long, sir.

Good luck to you.

Bye, Father.

Bye!

#Should auld acquaintance be forgot

And never brought to mind

Should auld acquaintance be forgot

For the sake of auld lang syne

For auld lang syne, my dear

For auld lang syne

We'll take a cup of kindness yet

For the sake of auld lang syne.

Harry! How wonderful!

But what's happened? Peter left last night.

Father went to see you all off. Is it cancelled? You're not going?

The regiment sailed today. I haven't gone with them.

I don't understand.

We talked about it so often - the futility of this Egyptian adventure.

The wasted time we can never have again.

Harry, what have you done?

I've resigned my commission.

I should've done it long ago.

It's freed me from the life of an imposter.

That's all a man is when he isn't true to the things he believes in.

I believe in our happiness, in being together, the work to be done here.

To save an estate near ruin.

And all the people neglected by my family cos we preferred glory in India, China, Africa...

Excuse me. This has just arrived for Mr Faversham, in your care.

It's marked "urgent".

Mr Thomas Willoughby.

Mr Peter Burroughs.

Captain John Durrance.

Hello, Mary. They had a splendid send-off.

Peter's sharing with John Durrance and Willoughby.

Delighted they're together. Splendid sight, ship going down the Channel.

The men cheering and the crowds... - May I speak to you, sir?

It was cruel to send those.

Cruel, but just.

That's what you think, isn't it?

Why didn't you tell me you planned this?

I don't know.

Perhaps I was afraid to. I don't know.

But we agreed to be honest with each other.

Did you think I'd be proud of you?

I thought you'd understand.

We've spoken so often about this. I thought we understood each other.

We've dreamed about things we'd do if we were free.

Some people are born free. But you weren't born free and nor was I.

We were born to a tradition, a code we obey even if we don't believe it.

We've got to obey it.

The pride and happiness of those nearest us depends on our obedience.

Yes, I understand.

You said it was cruel to send these.

It was.

I deserve them.

You've destroyed yourself, Harry.

Both of us.

Then there should be four feathers.

Stop it. Don't torture me like this.

I'm only being honest. Go on, give me this feather.

Why not? We always promised to be honest. Don't be afraid.

Thank you.

Harry Faversham.

Hello, Doctor.

I thought your regiment had left.

Yes, they had, just like the Guards tonight.

Years ago, I gave you my card in case you needed help.

Remember? - Yes, I remember.

Come for supper at my club.

I'd rather not. It's just...

If you don't mind.

May we go to my rooms, sir? - Of course.

You feel your duty to your home is greater than to African peasants.

There's nothing dishonourable in that, Harry.

If that's the whole truth,

these feathers are an insult, to be treated with contempt.

Isn't that so?

You know it it isn't, just as Mary knew.

Everything I said is true. Yet not the whole truth.

Do you remember the night at my father's house years ago?

The story of an officer who failed to carry a message through fear?

An officer disgraced and hounded out of society,

who shot himself cos his life was ruined?

That story has always haunted me.

Almost every man is haunted by fear.

Fear? My father despised me, believed me to be a coward.

His belief turned fear into reality.

I knew that night, if fate put me in that position, I'd be like that man.

And meet the same end.

I am a coward, Doctor.

If I'd been anything but a soldier, I might have concealed it.

A cowardly soldier is a menace to the men whose lives are in your hands.

When our orders came, I knew fate was closing in, like that other man.

I fought it, believed the reasons I gave for shirking.

I almost believe them now.

I deceived myself but...

I didn't deceive my friends.

The men who sent me these feathers knew me better than I knew myself.

You're wrong, Harry.

You're a man of ideals and great imagination. Perhaps too great.

You've paid a terrible price for your father's insensitivity.

But you're not a coward.

When you refused to live by a code you didn't believe in,

when you stayed true to yourself, whatever the price,

that wasn't the act of a coward, but of a very brave man.

That's why I'm not afraid to leave you here with this.

Because I know you won't use it.

That would be the easy way out.

And you won't take it.

Do you believe that?

Do you believe all you've said?

With all my heart.

Harry, let me help you.

Is there anything I can do?

Yes, Doctor.

There is something.

Yes? - I'm leaving England. I'll write to you from time to time.

But if you don't hear from me for a year, you'll know I'm dead.

If that happens, I'd like you to go to Mary and tell her that...

Tell her I tried to put things right, in my own way.

Can you tell me where you're going?

Yes.

To Egpyt.

Thank you.

Dr Harraz?

I've come from England, from a friend of yours, Dr Sutton.

We served in India! How is he?

He's well and sends greetings.

What may I do for you?

I want to join General Kitchener's army. Help disguise me as a native.

You speak Arabic?

No. Some other native tongue?

No.

His army is 400 miles away across country held by the Dervish.

How can a doctor help you? Except to certify you as mad.

A tribe called the Sengali revolted against the Dervishes.

The Dervish branded them,

cut out their tongues and made them outcasts.

Do you know that brand?

All men know the brand of a Sengali.

Then you understand the reason for my visit.

Young man, you will miss your tongue in many ways.

I'll keep my tongue. They won't look for it once I'm branded.

I can stain your skin,

but I can't imitate the scar that would escape detection.

That I understand.

Is the mission of such importance?

May I stay in your house until the wound has healed?

You are a brave man.

Kitchener wants to force a decisive battle here, Omdurman.

If we can take the city, we'll have won this war.

But the only feasible route is up along the Nile, and it's blocked.

Here - by the Dervish army.

Kitchener wants us to try a diversion,

a bluff to draw the Dervish away from the river into the desert.

While our main forces slip by and up the river.

Exactly. But we can't spare a regiment, much less a brigade.

Only a company.

No 5 Company of the Royal North Surreys. Thank you, sir.

Quick march!

By the left, quick march!

Sengali, eh?

You're becoming overconfident. That was a very bad performance.

No true Sengali would enter with such assurance.

Why was he so frightened?

He's a spy, terrified of betrayal.

For myself, I have no fear.

But I should feel more comfortable if you would now tell me why you're doing this.

Four English people gave me white feathers. They must take them back.

A mad race, the English.

Not so mad. The white feather's the mark of a coward.

I see. And why worry?

Be a coward and be happy.

No, Doctor.

I've been a coward. And I wasn't happy.

Did that man bring news?

Yes. He says the North Surrey Regiment have left Abu Hamed.

By crossing the desert, you could pick them up at the Nile.

Part of Kitchener's forces is going up the river in boats.

They'll be hauled up the cataract by native labour. There is your chance.

Yah, come on!

Come on!

Yah, come on!

Come on!

Come on!

Come on!

The idea of playing decoy is to look stupid and make lots of noise.

Shouldn't be very difficult for you.

Thank you And if attacked, do we fight or run?

Run. Remember,

we're only here for bait. We run as long and fast as we can.

And fight only if we have to, because we'd be badly outnumbered.

Isn't that nice, Peter?

I'm going to start some brush fires. You're in charge.

Peter, see he doesn't fall asleep. I'll be back by nightfall.

Is it true you asked for me for this little job?

Yes. Thanks.

Blimey!

Two men, at the double!

Chris! At the double!

Kitchener?

He wasn't able to speak when you found him?

He was like he is now. No sign of his helmet.

All right, Sergeant.

Will he be all right? I think so. I had sunburn once.

Devil of a headache for weeks. No more.

It's tonight I'm worried about.

Should we break camp? Those aren't the orders.

I'll double the sentries.

I'll take over now.

Brown, put your fire out!

Bill, give us a hand with this fire.

Bring your equipment.

Out with the fires. Quickly!

Peter.

John?

You got me back. Good.

I'm afraid I've had a little too much sun.

Turn the lamp up.

Yes, of course.

There we are.

Hope it can't be seen from outside.

Well, John, you had us worried.

How do you feel?

A bit groggy.

What time is it? About midnight.

I spotted some Dervish and they've spotted us.

We've got to be moving by daylight. Tell Willoughby to double...

He has. We'll be ready. Get some rest.

I will. Call me at once if anything happens. No later than dawn.

Off course. I'll turn the lamp down.

The mules are restless, sir.

So am I. Be glad when the sun rises.

Yes, sir.

Seen anything? No, sir.

Well, keep your eyes open.

Alarm! Alarm! Alarm!

Willoughby!

Arms, present, fire!

Fire!

They'll kill us now.

Or take us to Om and kill us there.

Tom?

Peter?

Peter?

Peter!

Willoughby!

For God's sake, somebody answer me!

Why don't you say something?

Why don't you speak?

Who are you?

Say something.

If you can't speak English, speak Arabic. But speak.

Oh, Mary.

Good evening, Doctor.

How lovely to see you.

I am glad to find you alone, Mary.

I only came here to talk to you. - To me? What about?

Have you heard anything from Harry?

Nothing. He wanted the break to be complete.

I don't know where he is.

I promised to give you a message when I saw him a year ago.

A year ago? I don't understand. - He left England for Egpyt.

Egypt?

For one purpose only.

If he succeeded, you would learn by means that'd need no explanation.

If he failed, he asked me to tell you at least he'd done his best.

He promised to write to show he was still alive.

If I heard nothing for a year, his silence would mean he was dead.

Mary, my dear...

So that's the end.

You think I behaved brutally?

You behaved the only way you could.

I was the coward. I failed him when he needed help.

Perhaps, but no one his could change his mind, once he decided to go.

I could have helped him.

What are you two doing, mooching around out here?

Having a dose of your country air.

Dose of bronchitis, more like. Mary, come in and give us some sherry.

You served here before?

Yes, sir!

Then you know what to expect. You?

Yes, sir.

Married? - Yes, sir.

Children?

Four, sir. When I left home.

This way.

Come on, then!

Easy, now.

Good morning, sir. - Good morning, doctor. How is he?

He'll pull through. - Splendid. He's a fine officer.

I don't want to lose him.

Captain Durrance is blind, sir.

Blind? But surely with rest and care he'll recover?

No. He might have had a chance with immediate attention. It's too late.

The nerves are dead.

It hasn't been cheap.

A company wiped out. Durrance blind, Willoughby and Burroughs dead.

Perhaps they've escaped too or been taken prisoner.

Taken prisoner? Be better off dead.

In Omduman, they'd be a long time dying.

But if we win there?

Win, or lose, they'll already have been slaughtered like cattle.

Thank you. You've done all you can.

Oh, yes. Fellow who tried to rob Durrance.

Yes, Your Excellency.

Mute, is he?

Sengali. He can't speak.

Send him to the convict barracks.

He can be used in the labour gangs.

Here, come on!

I'll have to write to the old boy.

The old boy? - General Burroughs.

It won't be easy.

Come on!

Come on, hey!

Well done, John. Very good.

I'll be riding to hounds in a couple of weeks. Another six inches.

No more today. - Just one more, a tiny bit more.

No, tomorrow. Time for dinner.

I can dress in 10 minutes now. Beat my record this morning.

Your shaving lesson's before dinner.

Ah, yes. Also my lesson in making bow ties. Just like back at school.

Joe's a great teacher.

Easy with a good pupil.

Then, no more infernal chopped-up meals. Roast chicken lesson tonight.

Come on, Joe.

I'm going to try to make him happy.

Not my affair, but is this right?

Quite sure, Father.

A soldier knows the risks. If misfortune occurs, it's all part of the game.

I know that, Father.

Your impulses are noble, but you have all your life ahead of you.

Please don't talk about it being noble, Father.

It's nothing like that. It's just that I've made up my mind.

Thank you for thinking of me.

The Arab can be inscrutable.

But you haven't heard the end yet.

Here's this Arab, heaven knows from where, and he never says a word.

That must have been uncanny.

Uncanny? It nearly drove me mad.

And all the time, I knew he was trying to save me.

How long we travelled, I'll never know, cos I was crazy with fever.

Somehow, he gets me into a boat and floats me down the Nile to camp.

And then, the extraordinary part, having done enough for a VC,

he lays me down outside camp and calmly begins to rob me.

Nothing strange in that. He'd done a job of work. He was taking payment.

Poor fellow, I carried no papers or money on active service.

So he got nothing?

He nearly got one thing.

The only thing I carried.

This.

Remember this?

My letter.

Your letter.

Funny thing in that letter. Read your postscript, Mary.

There's still some sand in it.

Keep it as a souvenir.

Thank you.

Go on, read the postscript.

Read it.

Let me read it.

"PS. Take care not to get sunstroke."

You always said I knew too much to take advice.

Mary!

Why, your hand's trembling!

I'm sorry. You mustn't take it like that. It's all over and I'm alive.

Thanks to my Arab friend.

And what happened to him?

They sent the poor devil to a convict gang.

When I came to, it was too late. He escaped. I couldn't trace him.

Well, time for a turn in the garden.

Now, all of you stay here. I'll get my coat and yours, Mary.

Oh, my letter.

Oh, thank you.

So Harry's alive.

Or was, when he paid that debt.

Jolly nice of them to entertain us.

If I had my hands free, I'd applaud.

If I were free for 10 seconds, I'd strangle the blighter with the pipe.

Do I look sane? No, do I?

Let's go, go!

Peter!

Perhaps the message got through.

Perhaps Durrance got away and sent this fellow to help us escape.

Escape? I wonder. I wonder what his plan could be.

Karaga.

Karaga Pasha.

Tell me, which would give the best chance of escape, desert or river?

How should I know? No-one has ever escaped from here before.

But surely some attempt must have been made to free you?

Yes, years and years ago. They all failed.

How long have you been here?

Since Gordon was killed.

Thirteen years.

Kitchener's army has been sighted. He's moving on the city.

I wonder who he is.

Probably paid by our lot to help us.

I've certainly made a mess of that.

Harry.

Harry Faversham.

How the devil did you get here?

No time to explain now. Listen.

The Dervishes have gone to meet Kitchener.

If beaten, they'll slit our throats. They win, they'll slit them for joy.

The arsenal's our only chance. Only a few guards. You've got the file?

That was an absolute brainwave.

Anybody here speak the language? - Yes, that fellow there.

You all right, Harry?

I'm all right.

This is Karaga Pasha,

once Governor of the province of Kordofan.

Do you speak their language?

Arabic and Greek. They all understand one or the other.

Tell them we can set them free.

Tell them that, once free, they must not move until I give the sign.

And bring your strongest men first.

Fix...

..bayonets!

Atten-shun!

They're deploying to attack, sir. It's their whole army.

Perkins, go to the right. Framley, go to the left.

Tell the brigade to hold fire until the last possible moment.

Front rank, kneel!

Grand sight, ain't it?

Horrible close. When do we fire? When we're told.

Stick it, lad. If you can't look at 'em, close your eyes.

I'll tell you when to open them.

Take aim!

Shoot!

Get your chains off. Karaga, tell 'em it's now or never.

They mustn't move an inch till the guards reach us.

They're running again, sir.

Not so many now.

Nor of us, sir.

Take aim!

Fire!

Here, Harry. Look at this. This is the one they took from us.

Get that tower with the black flag.

That's the arsenal. Good, then we'll blow it up.

Our own guns. There's gratitude for you.

We've got to stop them.

They're firing at the black flag. What about this?

They're lowering the flag. Surrender. Hauling up a white one.

It isn't white. It's ours. - What?

Come in!

Hello, John.

Hello, Doctor.

Heard the news? - Yes, it's wonderful.

I've got all the papers. Been waiting for you.

Good, I haven't had time to read them. I hurried over from Dr Wesley.

Yes, I know.

Do you mind if I turn up the gas?

Sorry. Meant to before you came. Give me the matches. I'll do it.

Whisky? No, thank you.

Well, what news from Dr Wesley?

And have you heard from Heine, our German specialist friend?

Nice chap, took a lot of trouble.

You needn't tell me the verdict.

I quite understand.

I think it's what you expected.

He doesn't feel an operation... - And neither do I.

One gets to understand these things.

If there was a spark to be fanned, I'm certain I should have felt it.

I've known for some time they're stone dead.

Heine said the trouble is sometimes caused by a lesion.

It can be removed by an operation.

In your case...

In my case, they're a blackout.

No harm in getting the best man.

You've earned your whisky now.

Thank you. Like some soda?

Thank you.

Might have been a lot worse.

If I'd known from the start it was hopeless,

I'd have blown my brains out.

Today it isn't half so bad.

I'm learning Braille. Funny how quickly the fingers get sensitive.

Listen.

"Be not afeared."

"The isle is full of noises, sounds and sweet airs,

"which give delight and hurt not."

"Sometimes a thousand twanging instruments will hum about my ears."

"And sometimes voices, that if I then had waked after a long sleep,

"will make me sleep again.

"And then in dreaming,

"the clouds methought would open and show riches ready to drop on me.

"That when I waked, I cried to sleep again."

Splendid.

Yes, marvellous, isn't it? Course, I knew that bit by heart, anyway.

Well, here's to your health, Doctor.

To you, John.

And to Kitchener and all the lads out there.

Now, stretch your legs and read me the news.

This is a report by Mallinson, the war correspondent.

"Khartoum, 2nd September.

"From the shadow of Gordon's palace I'm proud to send news of victory.

"At dawn the Dervish army massed..."

I always said... - Oh shut up!

I'm sorry. - "At six they advanced in mass..

"and bravely attacked the British. Within two hours they were broken.

"A full report follows, but your North Surreys correspondent..."

Good old Surreys.

.."was privileged to witness the most dramatic scene of this great day.

"The dungeon prisoners overwhelmed their guards, captured the arsenal,

"and held it till relieved." - Wonderful.

"This was led by two officers of the Royal North Surreys.

"Lt Thomas Willoughby and Lt Peter Burroughs."

Peter and Willoughby alive! What's the time?

Just on seven.

We'll go tonight. We'll be the first to tell Mary and the old man.

They'll go crazy. Joe! Pack my bag.

Send a message to Dr Sutton's house to have his bags sent here.

We're going to... - I can't. Important date tomorrow.

And tell Dr Sutton's man to cancel all tomorrow's appointments.

They'll know. The War Office will send a telegram.

Always ridiculously sensible. Let's be first to congratulate them, then.

Don't you realise what this means to them? Is there any more?

"Lt Peter Burroughs, whose release was due..."

Well? Well?

Well?

"Lt Burroughs, whose was release was due to the heroism of a man posing as a mute Sengali native,

"who gained entrance by cutting the chains of the captives.

"This disguised native was until recently one of their officers."

Lt Faversham.

What did she try to hide from me?

Doctor.

Yes, John.

There's some notepaper in my desk. I want you to write a letter for me.

I'm ready, John.

To Mary Burroughs.

My dear Mary,

I've just heard some splendid news.

I've just been to a famous German eye specialist

and learnt that my sight can be restored.

Got that?

I've got that, John.

It will mean a long course of treatment in Germany.

I leave tomorrow.

When I can see again, I shall return to the Army,

with a happy memory of all you've done to see me through.

I'll sign it myself. Oh, and add a postscript.

PS. I've just heard the wonderful news about Peter and Willoughby

and Harry Faversham.

I enclose a souvenir of a journey through the desert

with a mute Sengali native.

If you give him the chance he deserves,

I'm sure you'll find that he's not as mute as I thought he was.

That's all.

Your bags are packed, sir. Just time for a bite of dinner.

It's all right, Joe. We're not going after all.

I still say the Army of today is soft compared to our day.

Soft, that's your trouble.

Still, you boys did your best.

Now Harry's made you two take your white feathers back,

he'd better marry the girl.

It's not as easy as that. There's my feather, too.

What deed of reckless daring will you do to make me take mine back?

Deeds are reckless twaddle. Stuff and nonsense. No such thing now.

All you boys had to deal with was fuzzy-wuzzy. Crimea was different.

War was war in those days. No room for weaklings.

Now, take Balaclava.

Ah, Balaclava.

You won't remember the positions.

It was like this.

These nuts were the Russians. Guns, guns, guns.

On the right... - Your famous account isn't accurate.

Not accurate?

No, sir. Let me recall the position.

Out of the way, Tom.

Here are the Russians.

Guns, guns, guns.

Here's the British infantry,

the thin red line.

Here's the C-in-C.

And here are you.

Head of the old 68th. Correct?

Absolutely.

You rode a horse called Caesar.

Ah, Caesar!

My father sold you it cos he could never control him.

Quite right.

You said, "The 68th will move forward."

That's right!

But you never said it.

Never?! What do you mean I never said it?

No, sir, you never had time.

Caesar, startled by a bullet, dashed straight for the Russians.

Away went Caesar and you, the 68th, the C-in-C and everybody,

and another magnificent mistake was added to an already fine record.

Only no-one said the 68th would move forward.

Unless it was the horse.

Hear, hear!

Come on, sir. Own up to it.

After so long, it's difficult to recall details. Confound the boy!

I can't tell that story again.

Bravo, Harry.

Mary, your feather.