All language subtitles for Malta Story 1953 Alec Guinness, Jack Hawkins, Anthony Steel, Muriel Pavlow, Renée Asherson (English (Original) (auto))

Heat.

[music]

[music]

Heat.

Heat. [music]

[music]

[music]

Heat.

[music]

Heat

>> [music]

>> up

[music]

here. [music]

>> [music]

[music]

[music]

[music]

>> Mr. Churchill in his speech in the House

of Commons this afternoon said,

"For now nearly 2 years, Malta has stood

against the enemy. What a thorn it has

been in their side. What a toll it has

taken of their convoys.

For the last 6 weeks, over 450 German

firstline strengthen aircraft and

perhaps 200 Italian have been venting

their fury on Malta.

Can't be far now.

No.

How long do we wait in Mort? Just a few

minutes or till morning. Depends what's

happening when we get there. I expect

you refuel and go straight on.

Of course, I want to get to Cairo as

quickly as possible, but I would like to

see him alter in daylight. I believe

there's some very interesting megalithic

remains.

>> Well, there are certainly some very

interesting remains on Molton nowadays.

Megalithic and otherwise.

>> Runway looks clear.

>> If there's a doctor in the house, will

he please come [music] to the stage

door?

>> Okay, that's us. Oh, James.

>> You, Chancellor, don't be driven by

someone else, do you? Not onto an

airfield in the middle of a raid.

You've been stationed here long. since

it started. Anti-aircraft security.

>> Watch out. Big crate 100 yards over on

the left.

>> Okay.

>> Right. Right. [music] Crater head ahead.

Well, we're down in one piece anyway.

Get them out quick. Right. [music]

Right. Everyone out there as big as you

can.

Come on.

>> Is it always like this?

>> Usually colorful, isn't it?

>> I think after all I can manage without

seeing it in daylight.

>> They refuel as soon as they get a chance

and get you off.

>> [music]

>> Sorry,

cancel my last remark. [music]

That's our bomber squadron.

[music]

>> [music]

>> Hello, Red Gauntlet. This is Lucky.

>> Angels 20. Angels two. Report damage.

Over.

>> Epsom 21 to Lucky. Okay. Bandits

destroyed. Out.

>> Steady. You mustn't just knock them down

like that. Most improbable. You must

search and find them and then knock them

off.

>> Sorry, boy. This phantom squad of yours

seems to be doing great execution.

Ramsey,

>> thank you, sir. Two of the Jerry's just

knocked each other down. What would

happen to them if we were really up

there? I can't think.

>> Well, I'll try to get seen.

>> Come on. Thank get rid of this lot. I

got a couple of submarines outside the

harbor waiting to come in.

>> Willie, you must put some proper

trousers on. You'll catch cold.

>> You'll catch something worse than that,

my boy, if we don't get those subs in.

After all, it's already petrol they've

got.

>> Thank God for the Navy. You shall have a

drop for your lighter, Willie.

>> Hello. Are you all right?

>> Yes, sir. Just

>> They got the Hudson on the ground.

>> Yes, I know. Damn it. Anyone hurt?

>> No. We were all out in time, but we now

have a lodger.

>> A lodger?

>> A photographic reconnaissance pilot

named Ross. He was going through the car

on the Hudson, so of course he's

stranded. Shall I keep him with me, or

will your people look after him?

>> PR pilot? Eh, I wonder if he's any good.

I don't know. Rather an odd fish. We

talked on the plane. He got into the PR

racket because he had done some aerial

photography on his job. He's an

archaeologist.

>> Oh, cracky. That sounds menacing. Is he

all right?

>> Yes. Oh, he's not a born military type,

but I'd back him.

>> Well, come and tell me how you got on in

White Hall.

[music]

[music]

>> [music]

[music]

>> 4 6 4 8 5 10 [music]

8 9 2 10 Heat.

[music]

[music]

Heat.

Heat. Heat.

[bell]

>> [music]

[music]

>> Heat.

Heat.

>> [bell]

>> I feel love.

[music] Heat. Heat.

[music]

>> [music]

[music]

>> Yes, sir. Flight Lieutenant Ross. I'm

looking for Wing Commander Bartlett.

Very good, sir. You'll find him in the

operations room, I think. Straight out

the tunnel on the north door on the

right, sir. Thank you. Morning,

Jack.

>> Good morning,

>> Miss Rivers. There doesn't seem to be a

plot on picture two. Get one right away,

will you?

>> Yes, sir.

>> Get another radar report on number two

photographic reconnaissance, please.

Tanya,

>> it should be a matter of ordinary

routine, I know.

>> Where's the Sicily plane?

>> Just crossing the coast.

I'll see you tonight at 8.

>> Might you keep on to him?

>> Yes, sir.

>> In commander Bartlett.

>> Who are you?

>> Final Rosa in transit for Caro.

>> Thank you, Mr. Rivers.

>> Oh, yes.

>> Car.

I'm afraid the old man would like to

have a word with you first.

>> Oh, hello.

>> Well done, Hobley. That's four of the

fleet air this month. There you are. I

don't know what Nelson would have said

about your flying under RAF command.

>> The only thing Nelson ever minded about

resuppering the enemy.

>> Thank you, sir. But with respect, if the

prize is half a bottle for sinking a

5,000 ton ship and a whole bottle for

sinking a 10,000 ton ship, surely an

8,000 tunner and fully loaded, sir, and

amongst eight, all naval.

>> All right, now stretch your point. I

always had a soft spot for the Navy.

You'll be flying again tonight, so

you'll see your boys go easy on that. I

sir,

>> I don't quite understand why [snorts]

you should want to see me.

>> Well, I'm in charge of the photographic

unit, and you're a PR pilot. You can't

go on to car. Mr. Hudson's had it. See?

>> No, you will. The old man is pretty good

at making things crystal clear. So,

Frank, save some of that for me, will

you?

>> You go and sink your own ships, you

candid cameraman.

>> Come in.

Flight of Ross, sir. Ah,

>> yes. Glad to see you, Ross. Uh, man from

heaven, Willie. Uh, this is Admiral

Banks.

>> How'd you do, sir?

>> I sent a signal to the

commander-in-chief Middle East about you

last night, saying that we'd lost a PR

pilot, and would you mind if we hung on

to you instead? I've just got his reply.

He doesn't. Well,

>> thank you, sir.

>> Bit unorthodox, eh? This is rather an

unorthodox place. We have to make up our

words of music as we go along. Hey,

Bartlett.

>> Yes, sir. Come and look at this and

you'll understand.

Germans and Italians all along here in

Sicily. He's only 58 mi from our coast.

To the south here,

Raml.

Here he is now doing everything he can

to get through to Egypt and after that

the Sewish Canal. You know what that

means, don't you? all the oil in the

Middle East and the route to India,

right?

But if he's going to succeed, he's got

to be supplied with guns, men,

ammunition, and fuel along here

or here

or down this way.

You see why Malta's got to be held? So

that men like you can go and find RL's

supply ships and men like Hobley can go

and sink them. or if we hadn't the means

to pass the job on to Middle East

command.

>> You're what we used to call the eyes of

the fleet.

>> In this case, the eyes of Maltar. And

we're as short of them as everything

else. Do you see why I grabbed you?

>> Yes, I do, sir.

>> Right. Bart, it's your co. He'll fill in

the leed details. Off you go and get on

with it.

>> Oh, and Ross.

>> Sir,

thanks for coming to help us. It

>> was the least I could do, sir.

Straight from Jibralta, but in your

subies.

>> It's a mighty good job they got here.

All right. Well, we should have been in

a jam for petrol.

>> Yes. I've got a bit of tough news for

you, Frank. I'm afraid this is their

last trip for a time. Our bases were

bombed again last night and one of the

subs was hit. The others leaving this

afternoon.

>> But for good.

>> Well, until the raid slacken off a bit.

Pity. They were the last naval ships in

Maltto, except for a few MTBs.

>> Yes, he's getting a bit lonely.

>> I'm damn sorry, Frank. You know, if I

could, I'd swim and get the bloody stuff

for him.

>> I know you would, Willie.

>> We haven't got any water weakness.

>> 8,000 tons fully loaded. All you have to

do is to get me some more like it. Of

course, you realize Frank's fleet airarm

boys can only deal with very easy

targets. The ships that are sinking

practically of their own accord and so

on. If anything has to be really

seriously attacked, then it's a job for

me.

>> I'm afraid I don't know much about

wrecking over the sea. My specialtity

has been marshalling yards.

>> I beg your pardon.

>> Marshalling yard? You know, trains?

>> I see. Of course, the only thing that

limits a marshalling art specialist here

is the uh lack of marshalling yards.

>> Pame, I was just developing a rather

interesting technique with marshalling

yards.

>> Still, even if you can't have your puff

puffs, you still have your little

camera, and views of great interest

abound. I went on a train once, many

years ago. I seem to remember it ran on

shiny things called rails.

>> No, that may not have been a train.

That may have been a tram

bouncing along the embankment at night

with the river on one side and the road

on the other going

ying.

That was a Chinese tram, but you get the

idea. [laughter]

Never mind about the trams. I got a job

for you right away.

>> I would have liked you to have been able

to stood around a bit more and get the

feel of things. This is urgent. You fly

straight to Brenda, get the pictures of

the docks, and fly straight back here.

Got it.

>> I still take the same photographs even

if the convoy is not there.

>> Yes.

>> You've got long range tanks on, but go

easy on the juice cuz you might just

order it on the island. And for Pete's

sake, remember what I told you about

radio silence. If you start talking

while you're up in the air, the enemy

fighters will jump at you like a pile of

bricks. Never talk to the ground here.

Okay. Right.

Good luck, sir. Thank you.

picture one now. Bottle

[music]

[music]

>> [music]

>> Heat.

Heat.

>> [music]

>> Heat. Heat.

[music]

Oh,

[music]

[music]

[music]

heat, heat.

[music]

>> [music]

[music]

>> your initiative. Who the devil you think

you are messing about taking blasted

pictures 90 mi off your course? Hasn't

he got through to that alleged mind of

yours? They were short of petrol. Don't

you realize that men and ships are being

lost every month of the year trying to

bring the stuff out to us? For what? So

that you can joy ride in the sky looking

for ruddy railway stations. We've got no

time for line shooting amateurs in this

setup. Ross or I get the transport of a

letter. AOC wants to see you at 9.

>> 9. Oh, lose yourself.

>> Gary, sir,

>> what?

>> Gary, you like writing my Gary?

>> Not now.

>> Do you know this place? It's been here

all my life, Senior.

>> Well, can you tell me where I can get a

decent meal?

>> Meal? Made

>> an [laughter]

[music]

attack.

I'm so sorry,

>> Maria.

>> It's not safe to go outside.

>> But I'm late, father.

>> They will understand.

>> [music]

>> I got [music]

[music]

[music]

heat.

>> [music]

[music]

[music]

>> Heat. Heat.

[music]

>> [music]

[music]

[music]

[music]

>> Plant Russer.

Ross, you disobeyed orders.

>> Yes, sir.

>> Why?

>> I'm sorry, sir.

>> Answer my question. Why?

>> Well, the freight on that train looked

interesting, sir. I wonder where it came

from and if there was any more waiting

at the junction further north.

>> There was, sir.

>> I see. So, you flew 90 mi off course to

prove it. This isn't the desert or the

Russian front or even England. We can't

get extra supplies of petrol just by

lifting the phone and asking for them.

Is that clear?

>> Yes, sir. And we can't waste valuable

time court marshalling flight left

tenants.

From now on, you'll fly strictly to

orders. Understand?

>> Yes, sir.

>> Right.

At first light tomorrow, you will find

those trucks of yours again, and you

will go on photographing them until

someone tells you to stop.

>> Well, any questions?

>> No, sir. No. Unless those trucks,

>> precisely, those trucks. Come here,

Ross. Blley.

You see those crates?

They've got gliders inside them.

And they're moving south. There's only

one place where they could be going.

Sicily. And once they're assembled

there, there's only one purpose they

could be used for. An airborne invasion

of this island.

You will photograph those trucks

wherever they go, Ross. And by the time

they've unloaded their freight, you'll

never want to see one of them again. All

right.

>> Yes, sir.

>> You'll see that he does it badly.

>> I will, sir.

>> All right, Ross. Thank you, sir.

>> Bartley,

>> sir,

>> all this is top secret. Understand? Make

sure Ross realizes it.

>> Very good, sir. When are we getting some

more Spitfire?

>> They're supposed to be on their way, but

if this lot arrives before they do,

Malta.

>> Yes, sir.

>> All your guns. Okay.

Well, on Friday.

[music]

[music]

>> Hello.

>> Hello.

>> So, you weren't killed?

>> No, I hardly ever am.

>> You deserve to be.

>> I was late for my watch here.

>> You make that journey every evening?

>> Of course. I have to come and go home.

>> I don't think you should do it by

yourself.

Perhaps

perhaps I might have the pleasure of

seeing you home safely.

>> That would be very kind.

If you were to bring an umbrella.

>> What for?

>> To keep the bombs off.

>> What time do you get away?

>> 10:00.

>> All right. I'll wait for you

with the plotters. Eh. Oh, well, it's

not a bad thing up to a point.

>> I'm only seeing her home. She's very

reckless.

>> All right. All right. Are you married?

>> Certainly not.

>> Good. Like to try Morty's beer.

>> Thanks. I'll have you back by 10:00.

I've got something to do here myself

then.

>> [music]

[music]

>> Thank you, senior.

>> I gave him four shillings. Is that about

right?

>> Three would have been enough. Really?

Do you see where you are?

>> More or less. This must have been very

beautiful ones. [music]

>> This is our house.

It is rather a funny little place, I'm

afraid.

My father used to build houses. He built

this for us when we lost our home.

He was killed last year [music] in a

raid.

That's awfully well done.

[music]

>> Please,

would you like to come in?

>> Thank you. Yes.

>> [music]

[music]

>> Mother, this is Flight Lieutenant Ross.

>> Welcome to our home, Mr. Ross.

>> Thank you, Mrs. Gonza.

>> Forgive me if I go on doing this. It is

powdered milk for my grandson, Nino.

This is his father, my son, Paulo, and

his wife, Carl Nashville.

>> How do you do? How you do?

>> Are you a fighter pilot?

>> No, I just take photographs.

>> You take photographs of enemy targets

for our bombers, Mr. Ross?

>> Yes.

>> Ah, yes. I'm anti-aircraft.

>> Oh, really?

>> I have a battery on the coast. I'm only

a few hours leave, the first for many

months.

>> Thank you.

>> There we go again.

>> Well, Mr. Ross, are we going to be

invaded? Mother, I tell you, you know

nothing about it. She will listen to

Rome radio. It is sometimes very funny

this propaganda.

>> Always, of course, a military expert.

But I also read. I use my eyes

and my ears.

>> And still she knows nothing. Nothing.

You

>> must all know more about it than I do.

I've only just come here.

>> And the first thing you meet is Maria

and all the silly. That is bad luck for

you, Mr. Ross.

>> Not at all. On the contrary.

>> Take no notice of mother, Mr. Ross. It

is well known one must take no notice.

>> These are of course only my silly

children. I have also a clever son,

Joseph.

>> Oh, he's so clever the Italians caught

him.

>> Really? A prisoner?

>> No,

he was studying in Italy when the

Italians declared war. So now he is in

turned.

>> But he's safe.

>> Oh yes.

Sometimes I have letters from him. Of

course they are censored. But we know he

is safe. safer than we are by the sound

of it. Jeppe would be here

if he could.

You hear?

It is getting much heavier than it was a

few weeks ago.

They say so here. Of course, they cannot

tell us everything, but what they do

tell us is true.

It is building up for something, Mr.

Ross.

Heat. Heat. [music]

[music]

Heat. [music]

[music]

[music]

Heat.

[music] Heat.

[music]

Heat. [music]

>> [music]

[music]

>> R A F.

>> Yeah. Here

we are.

>> Right.

>> Goodbye.

>> Goodbye.

>> Goodbye.

>> Goodbye.

>> What a good bunch they are.

>> Yes, Joan. I think there's an order

coming out soon about English women who

can leaving the island.

>> Splendid. Even less competition,

[laughter]

>> I dare say. But I think you ought to get

out of here.

>> Sir, do you realize just what would

happen to that operations room without

me? Here I am practically defending the

island single-handed. And you have a

cheek to suggest.

>> Never quite seriously. I think it's much

wiser.

>> I can't just go around being wise,

darling. Gosh, it's lovely to be out of

it all for a few hours.

Well, well, well. This is a new

development.

>> See what I mean about getting out of

here?

>> Nonsense. I shouldn't think of leaving

if they're going to act in natural way.

My god, you're on the bus.

[music]

Well,

that's jolly, isn't it?

>> The intelligence people are regretful,

but defamate.

>> Have we got any bombs to have a Genon?

>> Not after last night. Matthews hasn't a

serviceable plane left.

>> You couldn't use fighters.

>> 15 serviceable.

If we lose those, there'll be no air

defense at all.

Did you see the crates? They're being

loaded onto barges. I should think some

of them are in Sicily already.

>> Well, if they're on the way to Sicily,

that settles it. If only we got a couple

of squadrons of bombers. So, this mess.

You better go and get rested up.

Probably do with it.

A nice long sleep.

>> Well, okay. I know it takes a bit of

finding, you know.

>> Hello. I'll tell you. Yes. I'll tell

him.

>> Hello, Peter.

>> I just wanted to apologize for not

having come in. I've been rather busy.

>> Yes, I know. I have been watching you.

>> Watching me?

>> Oh, yes. I always forget that you come

on these expeditions. I'll remember in

future. Anyhow, I've got 12 hours off.

And I thought perhaps we might go out

somewhere.

>> What you need is sleep, not going out.

You go and sleep first, Peter. Then we

see. Go.

>> You're quite right.

>> I know you're tired.

>> Yes.

Sir,

see it's just a mess. Can't do anything

with it.

>> No, that's jamming. All right, again.

>> When did you say it started?

>> Well, there it is, gentlemen. Mass raids

on the airfields, low-level attacks on

the civilian population, and I just had

a report they're jamming on radar. It

all adds up to an invasion.

And Sultan, when are the Spitfires

actually due? Anytime now. Depends when

the carrier can get them off. I can't do

anything much until they show up. I have

nothing to do it with. I'm sure that

both of you have done everything

possible.

>> I can't help thinking, Frank. But while

I must keep the defenses, man, the most

important thing is to try to keep those

airfields serviceable in case your

Spitfires do get here in time.

>> Agreed. And we better go on using as

many of my fellows as we can on the

airfields, even if it leaves a bit light

elsewhere.

>> Thank you, General.

>> Not at all. I'm sure everybody will be

charmed. It's

>> a fine day off we're having.

First, if it takes 30 tons to fill one

hole, and we've filled 14 this morning,

how many tons is that? Far too many. And

a lot of good it'll do, too. The buzz is

there's 50 Spitfires coming. Ah, there's

been 50 Spitfires coming ever since I've

been here. And all it's come is about

500 jellies.

Another

30 tons person. Ah, what did I tell you?

>> 60 tons.

>> Hey, there's Millie right in the middle

of it. Millie. Ready?

Hey

in the middle section. Come on, baby

shark. Come on

in the middle section. Come on. Come on.

There's a bunch of B dancers.

Right turn. Quick match.

>> We're too nice. Serge,

>> we're going to that their fields. It

digs some nice big holes. Put long

straight poles in them so the Germans

can't land their aircraft or gliders.

>> You see that? That's what's called air

strategy. You roll the ruddy runway so

people can land. Then you stick poles up

in it so they can't. That's good. That

is

>> all runway serviceable now, sir.

>> Good. Yes. 47 Spitfires on their way

now. You'll take 27. 10 each to go to

Hal to Cari. Okay. Good luck.

All three airfields ready to receive

Spitfire. Huh?

>> Fine, if the Germans let us get away

with it,

>> right, let's have them on the table.

>> They're flying the Spitz in from the

American carrier Wasp. It's a long haul,

but they'll just about make it. Then, if

only the Germans will give us time to

get them refueled.

>> Cable clear of enemy raids. Huh.

>> Oh, let's hope it stays clear.

But as late as this,

I'm afraid they'll just catch it.

[music]

[music]

[music]

>> [music]

[music]

>> sir. 100 bus bandits approaching the

coast. [music]

I go.

[music]

[music]

[music]

Eight more spits to come in, sir.

Runway B heavily B sir.

>> [music]

>> You Must not go outside, mother. It is a

very heavy raid.

>> It is not here. It is on the airfield.

It will be the new Spitfires thereafter.

>> Do not be afraid, Carmela. If they hit

us, it will be a mistake.

For once they have something better to

do than to try and kill Nino.

Very disappointing.

>> Do you know how many sweats we lost last

night?

>> I heard it was 15.

>> 20. 20 out of 47. They weren't even

airborne. Of course, turning up then

they just called the dusk raids.

>> Have you seen this, sir? I thought it

might cheer you up a bit. [music]

[music]

We who have been thought worthy of this

high honor and distinction must see that

we live worthy of it and in this

critical time that we do not shrink from

giving all we have.

Malta has shown the world that she can

endure and the world knows that she will

never weaken. But not until the

inevitable day of victory can the full

story of Mortar GC be told. [music]

The safety of this fortress rests under

God on four supports. The three fighting

services and the civilian population.

Each one of these is essential to the

others and to the whole.

As we are co-reients of the great honor

bestowed by his majesty the king, let us

also be sure that we are really

cooperative and making this cooperation

ever more complete and effective. Go

[music] forward together in our united

strength and faith.

[music]

[music]

>> [music]

[music]

[music]

>> But it is for two and a child.

>> That's right. It's for two and a child.

He's been cut again. You know, [music]

>> it is for your mouth. Tra is in Moses's

portion.

[music]

You have been a long time. There are nan

no buses. Yes. Yes. I shall have it now

sit down.

But where is yours? I have eaten mine. I

was hungry. Are you sure?

>> Of [snorts] course. You can see that

that is not the Russian for three.

Come.

No, I myself am not hungry. It is absurd

to say always you are not hungry. You

will eat yours or I shall be very cross.

And you are not to give it to the little

pig who is already fat.

>> Come here, mother. Two ships are in.

Full ships. Yes, big ones. All fairly

big. And more coming tonight. Come and

see.

>> [music]

>> What about it now then, Alec? We'll

never get through, eh?

>> I thought there was 17 of them. That was

the yarn. What's happened to the rest of

them, eh?

>> Well, they've been fighting for nearly 4

days. Cuz you can't expect them all to

arrive in an eat, can you?

>> So the rest coming, eh?

>> Yeah.

>> Hi. Hi. It's just a bit of a delay.

>> I bet they'll be in tonight. Most of

them anyway.

>> Yeah.

Come on, Misery. Celebration scene.

[music]

>> [music]

[music]

>> Heat. Heat.

>> [music]

>> I must now read to you what the arrival

of only two ships means to us. This is a

siege. We shall be called upon this

summer to bear all the privations of

soldiers and citizens in a besieged

city.

We are short of food, water, clothes,

and fuel.

But let us remember that the most

glorious sieges in history have always

meant hardships.

And without hardships, there would be

little glory.

>> It is perhaps not glory that we lack.

>> They'll get more through next time.

Of

course, this is the only one that's been

properly excavated. The temple of

Manidra has hardly been touched.

>> No.

[music]

[music]

Ah.

>> [music]

>> Oh, do you see that? That's been worked.

>> Mhm.

>> Oh, it really is heartbreaking to be

spending one's time taking photographs

of ports when there's all this waiting.

>> Peter,

>> yes.

>> Do you think they will come?

>> Oh, the Germans. I shouldn't think so.

>> Why not? They have many more planes.

There's nothing much to stop.

>> I don't think things happen like that,

do they? I mean, not just by counting

up, there are other things that decide.

>> You mean God

more that sort of thing.

>> You have faith as we are told to have.

>> Oh, I wouldn't say that.

>> Anyhow, does it matter very much,

>> Peter? What do you mean does it matter?

Of course, it matters now because that's

what we're doing, seeing that they don't

take Malta. That's the job in hand. All

I meant was that a temporary loss of

civilization probably doesn't matter

very much in the long run. After all,

people have been fighting their wars

around this place for 5,000 years or

more. It's still here. Phoenicians,

Greeks, Turks, they've all come and

gone.

>> I don't know what you mean.

I don't care about the Phoenicians and

Turks. I only care about us.

You realize if they did come and capture

Malta, we should be separated.

>> Doesn't that matter to you?

>> Yes, that does matter.

>> Because we must be together, mustn't we?

And when there is no war, come here and

talk.

>> If it must happen, it will happen.

We'll come here and talk.

And they won't take Mortar.

You do believe that too, don't you?

[music]

>> Yes, Peter.

Yes, I do.

I'm quite sure. [music]

[music]

Of course, when we took the place first,

the garden was just a jungle. I just got

the lawn going. Cost me a packet with

grass seed the price it is. And now I

get a letter from Margaret saying

everybody's digging for victory. So

she's digging it up and planting

cabbages. Cabbages in my lawn.

>> How big is the lawn?

>> It's only about 20 yards square. Quite a

small garden. Very nice. Particularly in

the spring. Lots of bulbs. Margaret says

the daffodils are very good this year.

>> Will you have your bread now, Sarah?

Save us for lunch.

>> Oh, lunch.

I'm tired of chichin soap and cold

water.

>> Cipher, sir.

>> I'll give it to the ad.

>> If that's another query of our morale,

I'll cut my throat.

>> Well, what is it? [snorts]

>> How many spitfires do you like, Frank?

>> Oh, think of a number and double it.

>> 60. Any good?

>> Read it, please. Will it? It says 60

Spitfires will be flowing to Malta from

the American carrier Wasp in 3 days from

now. Time to land in daylight. On the

following day, the unescorted Mine layer

Welshman will arrive Grand Harbor with a

cargo of petrol oil, aircraft, spares,

food, and powdered milk.

>> Powdered milk's good. They think of

everything, don't they?

3 days.

Well, if Jerry gives us that long, well,

I don't much see why he should. In

addition to which

>> what?

>> Vice Admiral Payne will arrive in

Welshman to take up duties as Vice

Admiral Malta.

Vice Admiral Banks will take passage in

Welshman to Gibraltar.

>> Oh, no. Will he?

>> Well, I was expecting it. I've been here

six months longer than I should anyway.

Pain's a good chap. You'll like him. I'm

glad the Spitfires will arrive before I

go, though.

>> So long as nothing else arrives first.

Well, if they get in in time and in

daylight, Jerry may burn his fingers.

[music]

>> [music]

>> Now, every Spitfire will have its own

number. As each machine lands and taxes

off the runway, it'll be met by one of

you on a motorcycle. Your machine will

have the same number written on a board

and mounted above the back wheel. You

will lead the aircraft to the pen

allotted to it where it'll be refueled

and rearmed straight away.

>> Sergeant,

>> sir, no ammunition restriction for the

next 8 hours.

>> Very good, sir.

>> Okay, Peter, that clear. I bring blue

section into Tarali. You bring red

section over the harbor into Luca.

>> If we get this lot, okay, perhaps

they'll think twice about their gliders.

>> Hello.

>> Raids dispersed, sir. The table's

cleared of enemy aircraft. Any sign of

the swift fires yet? No, sir.

Hello. Hello. Yes. Fine. Here we are,

sir. Guests approaching coast. We've

made it, Frank. It looks like it. What

was it the Duke of Wellington said after

Waterloo? A darn close run thing.

Well, now if our German friends will

give us half an hour, we'll be delighted

to see them.

>> Don't open fire. Friendly aircraft

approaching from the northwest.

Friendly aircraft approaching from the

northwest.

[music]

>> Hello red gas. This is red host. Follow

me please. Over up

[music]

[music]

>> [music]

>> Number 17. Number six.

Number three.

Number 47.

Number three. Eight.

Number 22.

Number 15.

Number five.

Number 38.

Number 12.

Number 16.

Number 22.

Man, your gun. Stand by for enemy

attack.

>> All right, sir.

>> Number 41,

number 27.

Number 11.

Number 19.

Aircraft due north, sir.

>> Can't be the spits.

>> No, it's not spitf.

>> Sir, 40 plus bandits approaching.

>> How many spits have we got down now? 31.

Rearmed and refuelled, sir. Get them

out. [clears throat] Spamble. Come on,

Willie. Your farewell party. We can't

miss this.

>> Squadron scramble.

Power number 52.

[music]

>> [music]

>> Heat. Heat. [music]

[music]

>> [music]

[music]

>> Heat up

[music]

here.

[music]

Heat

[music]

up

here.

[music]

>> [music]

[music]

>> Heat

up here.

[music]

then of course as soon as any food does

come I go. Huh? Oh well. Good go by P. I

wish you luck.

>> Goodbye.

>> Keep this fellow Frank in his place. And

don't think just because he hasn't got

as loud a voice as mine. You can boss

him. He's tough. I'm used to tough

admirals.

>> Don't forget us, Willlet.

>> Molta, my dear sir, is in my thoughts,

sleeping all week.

>> No, said that.

>> No, I'm afraid not.

>> Nelson,

you're very ignorant, Frank.

>> I'll read him up between raids.

>> And Frank,

>> yeah,

>> keep your chin up. The convoy will be

through to you in a few days.

Keep hitting them, my boys. Heat. Heat.

[music]

>> [music]

[music]

>> My mother always used to say you

shouldn't bathe after a heavy meal. At

least that's one thing we don't have to

worry about.

>> Look, Peter, don't wait for us. I should

be ours yet. You and Maria go. We'll see

you later.

>> Oh, okay. We'll move on.

What did you do that for?

>> Darling, have a heart. They want to be

by themselves, [music]

>> Peter. It is known one must take no

notice of mother.

>> That's what you all say.

>> If she says no, I cannot marry you, then

I will marry you all the same.

>> You think she will say no?

>> Perhaps not. But she will put her head

so and say but and but and but one must

take no notice you see

because we know don't we that nothing

will happen. [music]

>> I dare say they are a pretty pair but

I'm not sure it's a good thing. Realize

he's talking about marrying her. Came

and asked my permission yesterday.

>> What did you say? I told him to think it

over when he cooled off a bit cuz I

can't stop him if he goes on unless I

tell him what I think.

>> Which is

>> You have to travel light in war. Now

look, darling, I don't mean us. We've

had all this out before.

>> John, [music]

do you still want to marry me?

>> Yes, Jen. Yes, of course I do. But I

want to marry you in England where we

belong. [music]

I want our families to be there and I

want our friends. The bride who was

given away by her father wore a naent

style gown of ivory setting.

>> And why not? Isn't that a better way to

make a start than out here in the middle

of a permanent air raid, never knowing

which one of us is going to be killed

next?

>> Maybe. [music]

I never was much of a girl with

trimmings myself.

>> Trimmings? I don't give a darn about the

wedding breakfast. [music]

At least I don't want my wife to be

starved.

You're short of food. The ships that

were to have brought food for your

children are at the bottom of the

Mediterranean.

Please help us. But above all, help

yourselves by surrendering now.

That's the end of our afternoon talk to

Malta. The orchestra will now play the

Malta.

>> Good afternoon, Mr. Ross.

Good afternoon, Mrs. Gonzar.

>> Thank you.

>> You may know why I've come here this

afternoon.

>> I may.

>> I want to marry Maria. I wanted to ask

your permission.

>> I am glad you should ask, but there is

no need. Maria is a woman now and knows

her own mind.

>> Yes, but I wanted to talk to you.

You are a good man.

It is not because of you that

>> Yes.

>> Maria has never been outside this

island.

Your home is a thousand miles away. When

the war is ended,

will you take her there?

>> Of course.

>> And if it does not end, if Malta is

taken by the enemy,

>> you shouldn't listen to that. It's just

propaganda.

>> When they said they would drop 7,000

tons of bombs on us in a month, it was

called propaganda.

But it was true, Mr. Ross.

>> Wherever I went, I would take Maria with

me.

>> You would like to take her, Mr. Ross,

but war destroys many hopes, many plans.

>> But Mrs. Gonzar, don't you see? One

can't live like that. You might as well

say that a man shouldn't get married

because he may be run over by a bus next

day or struck by lightning.

>> Ah yes, when you are young, you feel the

lightning cannot harm you.

>> It's very rare to be struck by

lightning.

And if it does strike

and has done one's best by not being

afraid.

>> You may be right, Mr. Ross.

And if you are not, you should be.

But I am older than you and perhaps no

longer brave.

We have all said that Molar will never

surrender, and that is true, Mr. Ross.

But we must not say these brave things

without facing what they mean. It may

mean to starve to death,

to see loved ones die,

as I have done.

Don't you hate us?

>> Hate you,

>> the British for being here, for bringing

all this on you.

>> I do not hate anybody.

I am Maltese. We Maltes do not like war,

but it has always been our fate and our

destiny. If there is to be war, and we

must be on a side, yours is the side we

would choose.

Mr. Ross,

I cannot stop you from marrying Maria.

I wouldn't if I could,

but I ask you to wait for just a little

while.

But if we wait.

>> Yes.

>> You're quite right. Of course.

It would be better for Maria to wait.

>> He was picked up down at the foot of the

cliff by some of our British ack boys.

He spun a yarn about being a Maltese and

escaped from Sicily. Luckily, they found

his radio transmitter and arrested him.

He'd obviously been put ashore from a

submarine.

He speaks perfect Maltes, yet he says

now that he's an Italian named Ricardi.

I have my doubts about that. I think he

probably is Maltese.

>> Have you any idea what he's after?

>> No, I haven't talked too much yet.

>> This will tell you.

>> Essential that full scale attacks are

resumed against enemy convoys. I rely on

you to provide maximum effort. No,

>> so that'd be very nice of them. If they

give us something to do it with.

>> Well, don't worry. This time they have.

>> This convoy left Jib for Malta at 2100

hours last night. It's the biggest yet

with two aircraft carriers and every

available escort vessel, 14 merchant

ships, and what matters most, a large

oil tanker, the Ohio. If it gets

through, then we shall go a long way

towards covering rubble. If it doesn't,

>> I don't know what your pal with a radio

set thought he could do from here, but I

do know they'll do everything on earth

to stop that convoy.

Why were you sent here?

Look, I have plenty of time. You'll tell

me in the end.

Why not save us trouble and tell me now?

Why were you sent here?

Engage. Engage.

Heat.

Heat.

Why were you sent here?

>> You know as well as I do. The whole

island knows.

>> Anyway, you're not an Italian, are you?

And your name isn't Ricardi, is it?

You're a Maltese.

And your name?

>> Look, darling, I just wanted to say

there's a big job on

>> Yes.

>> You know.

>> Yes. The whole island is praying. It is

the novena to our lady from now to the

15th.

>> Well, the 15th's just about the time

they'll get here. If they get here, and

I just want to say that I'll be a bit

tied up until then

and won't see much of you.

>> All right, Peter.

I shall be watching you.

Take care of yourself.

>> You say your son's letters come fairly

regularly, Mrs. Gonzo.

>> Fairly. The last was about 6 weeks ago.

>> Does he ever express any opinions about

the war?

>> Oh, no.

The letters are censored, of course.

Just ordinary letters asking about the

family.

>> Mrs. Gonza,

>> is that your son?

>> Oh, yes.

Yes,

that is Jeppe.

Something

something has happened to him.

Yes.

>> Is he

dead?

>> No.

I hate to have to tell you this, Mr.

Gonza, but your son is in the prison

here.

He was found on the shore.

He had a wireless transmitter with him,

and he was put ashore from an Italian

submarine.

You mean he was

he was spying

Jeppe?

>> Yes.

>> What would they do to him?

>> I

I don't know.

>> You may never shoot him as a spy.

Oh no.

Traitor is hanged.

>> [music]

>> I must go to him.

They will not stop me. Say they will not

stop me. I must go to him to save me.

>> I can't promise that. It's not in my

hands. But if I can get permission for

you to see him,

I will.

[crying]

>> [music]

[music]

[music]

>> Your mother had to know because

otherwise I couldn't be sure who you

were.

There's no reason why any of the rest of

your family should ever be told or

anybody else

if you help me.

>> Thank you.

It is of some importance. Well, go on.

What do you want to know?

>> Why you were sent here?

>> You know about the convoy?

>> There must be an oil tanker. In fact,

there is bound to be one.

>> Yes.

>> If she got through,

I had to find the positions of the fuel

dumps after she had been unloaded and

signal them back so that they could be

bombed.

I'm not a traitor. I'm not a traitor.

This is my country, not yours. You have

no right here.

>> You with the only one.

They wanted someone who spoke Maltes.

Heat. Heat.

Heat

up here.

cruisers Manchester and Cairo destroyer

foresight and five merchant ships.

There's eight of the convoy and four of

the escort guard,

including one of the aircraft carriers.

Well, nobody can say they're not doing

their damage to help us.

>> No.

>> Jim Hills boy is in the Manchester. I

hope he got away with it.

>> Nice boy. I remember him at D.

>> What the hell was Jim Hills boy?

>> I beg your pardon, P.

>> It's all right.

>> I never knew a job in which one just

waited around so much.

What was it you told me Willie Banks

used to say? I'll go and swim for this

stuff.

>> Yes, I have.

>> Well, by tomorrow, what's left of them

all to be within range of our bow

fighters. After that, the Spitz can

follow up.

6 hours to first light,

then we can go. Thank God.

Heat.

Heat.

They should be over the convoy in half

an hour. Sir,

>> you mean they should be over what's left

of it?

Get my car up, Pierce. If Admiral Payne

rings here, I've gone back to the

operations room. Very good, sir.

Pedestal now 10 miles ahead of you. Out.

>> The fighter should sight pedestal convoy

at any minute now.

>> I'm over the next.

>> Yes, keep one. Yes, we must keep one,

>> sir. Another 25 plus bandits approaching

pedestal from the north.

>> Hello, Adam leader. 25 plus bandits

approaching pedestal from the north.

Okay.

Hey,

>> hello leader.

>> Vector 290. Buster. Buster. Over.

>> Terry L. Bandits ahead and below. Green

section breakaway. Take high level

bombers. Blue section up south.

[music]

[music]

Got him. That's a beauty. Closing number

two. Get up you clot. Green three. Watch

your tail. [music]

Fire

[music]

[music]

[music]

heat.

Hello pedestal. This is Epsom leader. I

think they've had it now. I'm taking up

umbrella cover. Over.

>> This is pedestal. Thank you, Ipsum. Nice

work. We are very glad to see you.

>> Not nearly so glad as we are to see you,

Tom. [music]

[music]

Four, eh?

Well, it's more than last time anyway.

And full of lovely grub.

>> Ah, but not a ruddy tanker among the lot

of them. What do you think? We're going

to fly the planes on dried milk. What

the hell's happened to the Ohio? Hey,

>> she was hit six times, sir.

After she had been abandoned, parties of

volunteers got back on board twice.

Each time she was hit again.

She was still afloat the last time we

saw her, but on fire after.

I should like to say, sir, that everyone

realized the importance of getting her

in. They did their best.

>> It's all right. Way to go. We know that.

What are you going to do now, sir?

>> Well, that's our headache, my boy. And

you go and get some rest.

>> Thank you, sir.

>> Well, as a matter of interest, what are

we going to do now?

They may hang me, but that doesn't make

me a traitor.

Maltar is my country

and all I wanted to do was to save her

from any more of this suffering and

misery.

You and you and Paul and Maria,

all of you, you're good people.

But you don't understand these things.

From where I was, I could see it all.

The British are finished. They cannot

win.

Why should Malta go on being crucified

when a few bold strokes would save us

all?

You do see mother.

You do know that what I was trying to do

was the best for Malt and for all of

you.

>> You chose your side as we have all had

to do.

>> Yes. But my side was the right side. The

sensible side that would bring peace.

>> You chose as you thought right, my son.

We have done the same. The choices were

different. That is all.

At least you will not be pointed at in

Malta. I've arranged that.

How's Paulo?

>> Well,

I'm Maria.

She is well, too.

>> It is best that they should not know

about this.

Not for my sake, you understand, but for

theirs.

You will tell them that you've had a

letter to say that I have died in Italy.

>> Oh, mother, you know I would wish to

stay and help you.

[snorts]

>> Just

is it permitted that I give my son this?

It is only a crucifix.

>> No, madam. I'm sorry.

But I'll give it to the priest for him.

I'll make sure he gets it.

You see,

I'm dead now.

You cannot touch me or give me anything

except your blessing.

They will not mind that.

I loved you all,

but I'm dead now.

Give me your blessing, mother.

I've come

Frank,

your tanker's coming in.

They've managed to put out the fire to

stop her thinking she's lashed to a

destroyer.

Thank God for the Navy.

[music]

[music]

>> [music]

>> Heat.

Heat. [bell and music]

>> [music]

[music]

>> Sound the alert.

>> But she's not a ship of water, [music]

isn't she?

Sound the alert. Here we go. Sound the

alert.

Heat. Heat.

[music]

[music]

>> [music]

[music]

[music]

[music]

>> Ruml is here. And here at a place called

El Alamain is the eighth army. If the

Germans manage to advance now, RML will

be able to pierce our main defense line

before the eighth army's had time to

consolidate. In other words, he'll grab

the initiative before they're ready to

head back. Right. Our job's simple. To

slow down and stop Bromel by cutting off

his supplies. That's why you gentlemen

with Wellingtons and Buffetts have been

sent to us from the Middle East. If his

convoys come down this way, they'll run

into the Middle East air force in the

fleet. So they'll almost certainly come

straight down here. Well, as you can

see, Malta is an ideal position as a

base for attack. We've begun well. Two

ships sunk out of a convoy of four, but

that is only a beginning. From now until

the Africa Corps is bogged down, you're

going to keep at it day and night. This

is an allout offensive operation. The

restrictions on the use of petrol and

ammunition are off, and so is the ban on

talking to base from the air. These

convoys have got to be found. And if you

run into trouble with enemy fighters who

talking to base in finding them, then

you'll just have to run into it and get

out of it the best way you can.

Now, a lot of you have been used to

taking it. We're now going to dish it

out. We're going to crack Rumble on the

nose, even if we bark our knuckles a bit

doing it.

>> Have you anything to add to that,

Admiral?

>> Only that now we've got submarines based

at Moltra again, we shall be playing in

this band, too.

>> [music]

>> Big show this time, Peter. Big tanker,

two supply ships, and five escal. Right,

I'll watch them. I can sleep for a week.

>> [music]

>> Heat.

[music]

Heat. [music]

>> [music]

>> Stand by.

Bye.

One up.

[music]

>> Where too? Skipper. The eye battle

fleet. Peter Ros spotted them this

morning between Sicily and Sardinia.

What do we get for a battleship? Case of

scotch. [music]

>> [music]

[music]

[music]

[bell]

>> I'm afraid I'll be a bit out of touch

after all this, but I think I could get

a readership in archaeology.

I was practically promised it just

before the war began.

Then we could go and live in Cambridge.

>> Cambridge?

>> What is it like Cambridge?

>> Oh, very beautiful.

Much more beautiful than Oxford.

>> You'd have to give tea parties.

>> Why?

>> One does in Cambridge.

>> Oh,

>> perhaps we both hate it.

I'd rather do field work. Really? Could

you bear it? Living in Mesopotamia or

Jutland or Palestine

or wherever my work took me.

It'll be a free world.

We'll see a lot of it.

That's all I can offer you really to see

our world and explore its past.

and children. Of course.

>> Our children or just children?

>> Our children?

>> How many should we have?

>> I would like six.

But one must of course wait and see what

God sends.

>> Six.

I'm not sure that we should be able to

afford six.

Not unless I get a chair.

>> A chair? Being made a professor is

called getting a chair.

>> Oh,

professor.

[laughter]

>> Professor Professor Ross.

[music]

No contact, sir.

>> We've lost them.

>> Probably double back in the night.

>> The biggest convoy they've ever tried.

Everything's set up and we have to have

this filthy weather.

>> I don't think there's any good stooging

around in this, Peter.

That's a waste of petrol. Anyway, if

they double back, they might be anywhere

in the Mediterranean. [clears throat]

>> Does that mean that I can reckon to be

free for an hour?

>> No. You better stand by in case it

clears.

You can see her this evening.

>> All right.

>> Well, let me know the moment it's at all

possible.

>> I should remember that the weather can

change pretty quickly in these parts.

According to the Metrop, we ought to be

having bright sunsh, I dare say. But

that's 3 hours wasted. If we don't find

them today, we certainly won't find them

until tomorrow morning. And after that,

it'll be the very devil to get at them.

I'm going down to the airfield to have a

look.

Half

new Bartley. Half new Matthews.

>> Half no, sir. I think it'll clear up a

bit, sir.

>> You've got somebody standing by.

>> Yes, sir. Peter Ross. I think he might

get off. It's still a bit thick, sir.

But

>> go and find him, will you? I'd like a

word with him.

>> Yes, sir.

>> We've got to get you on to these people

before dark, so make sure you're

absolutely ready to go.

>> Very good, sir.

Afternoon, Raj.

>> Afternoon, sir.

>> You've seen this convoy. It's the

biggest yet. It's got to be found.

>> Go and find it. If you can't see it,

find it by smell.

>> Yes, sir.

>> It's still pretty thick here, but it may

be better further out. We shall only

just get on them before dusk anyway. So

if you pick them up, you will radio

their position.

Don't talk until you find them. But when

you do, give it to us at once. Does that

apply to wherever they are, sir?

>> It applies wherever they are.

You understand, Ross?

>> Yes, sir. [music]

Then get going quick.

[music]

I should send I'll send a report as soon

as we get anything.

>> Yes, something might be coming out. No,

no activity over the side.

>> Oops.

>> Back.

>> I'm sorry.

>> He's got long range tanks on. But

>> even so, he's got about one more hour

before he'd have to pay.

>> Nothing of Ross yet.

>> There's Where is he? Is he still on the

plot?

>> Hello.

>> Well, I don't see why he's messing about

down there. They almost certainly be

staring d east now.

Hello striker. Hello striker. This is

picture one.

>> Here he is sir. Put him on the speaker.

>> Enemy destroyer traveling at full speed.

May have made a depth charge attack and

now regaining convoy. Am shadowing.

Bright sunshine here. Out.

You have to be mighty quick if he's

going to find them. He's blown the gaff

about his position. They'll be on to him

in a few minutes. Probably got fighters

in the air at this moment.

>> Telly ho. Convoy sighted about 10 mi

ahead.

I can't quite see yet, but I make it one

big tanker,

three other big ships, and four

destroyers.

>> Sir, six enemy aircraft approaching.

>> Damn, that was quick work.

>> Tip me off about this. Tell him to get

his picture and get out. Give the

bombers a position and get them off.

>> Hello, Mac.

>> Hello, picture one. Hello, picture one.

This is Striker. Six bandits at 20,000

ft. Get your picture and then Verus

pronto over

going in for picture now.

Yes. One tanker, three biggestish chaps,

four destroyers.

Flack coming up.

I think one of the destroyers is one of

those new special jobs.

>> No sign of your bandits yet.

>> They're up to him now, sir.

>> Tell them to break away and get out

quick.

>> Hello, picture one. Break off contact

and return base. Watch them out of the

sun.

Message received, understood, and

welcomed. I'm breaking away now.

Your little friends are with me.

Ah, this is where it gets tricky.

Heat

up here.

Hello picture one. Hello picture one.

Are you receiving over

It may only be his transmitter, sir.

>> Oh, the bomb's off yet.

>> Taking off now, sir.

>> Good.

I'll just make it before dark.

Hello picture one. Are you receiving

over

The wimpers are over them now.

>> Good sense.

Heat.

Heat.

Heat.

Heat.

I'm excited.

We have seen hardship and we have seen

triumph. We shall see more of both. If

history remembers us, let it say that we

stood fast in faith, giving freely what

little we had and what little [music] we

were,

never doubting that we spent ourselves

for the general good. [music]

[music]

>> [music]

>> Heat. Heat.