Original subtitles

FPS 25

En 1940 et 1941,

alors que la Grande Bretagne est seule

durant les heures sombres de la Seconde Guerre mondiale,

des remorqueurs du service des sauvetages

parcourent les mers et jouent un r�le primordial

dans le ravitaillement sur l'Atlantique et la r�sistance.

Ces remorqueurs �taient arm�s, mais mal pr�par�s

� toute attaque lanc�e par des avions ou des sous-marins.

A un certain moment, chaque mission entreprise

par les hommes qui pilotaient ces embarcations

�tait en d�finitive, une mission suicide.

Ces hommes �taient tr�s courageux.

Mais ils �taient �galement faits de chair et de sang

et �taient souvent en proie � la peur et au d�sespoir.

THE KEY

Say, can you tell me

where Commander Wadlow's office is?

Has...er...has America come into the war?

I don't know. All I asked was--

Yeah, yeah, I heard you, Captain. Just over there.

Thanks.

You going to drive a tug for us, captain?

Commander Wadlow? In there, sir.

Thank you.

Yes? Ross.

Oh, yes, of course, Commander Ross. We've been expecting you.

My name's Wadlow. You couldn't have come at a better time.

You know the type of thing, of course?

Not exactly.

Well, sorry, but as you volunteered, I should've thought...

I didn't exactly volunteer.

I'm a sergeant in the Canadian Army.

All I know is, they gave me this uniform and told me to report here today.

I see. But you have commanded ocean-going tugs?

Not for 10 years. I think that's why they picked me.

No doubt. No doubt.

Well, you might call this enterprise the Red Cross of the ocean.

You're in the rescue business now.

If some lonely, unhappy cargo ship gets torpedoed

or can't keep up with its convoy,

you pop out onto the briny deep and bring your lame duck in.

And everybody aboard's ever so grateful.

That's all there is to it really.

Sounds simple. Now I know why they picked me.

We're getting so much business from the States these days,

that we have two full crews and two captains for each tug.

You relieve each other, see? Your ship's the W-88.

Actually, she's in dry dock for repairs at the moment, so you can take it easy

for the next few days. I see.

I'm here!

Let's have the vulgar details and I'll run along.

Excuse me, will you?

Nice of you to drop by, captain.

You've got a Dane with a cargo of high explosives

and a torpedo in number one hold.

Sounds dull. Besides, it'll take eight days there and back.

I don't think I'll go this time.

You! I think so!

Ha!

Amigo! Ha-ha!

Hey, just a moment, just a moment.

What exactly are you doing here, anyway?

Don't tell me you've taken Walter's place?

I don't know, l-- Oh, no.

No, you can't do that to him. He's a nice man.

Don't tell me you've fallen for that nonsense about the Red Cross of the ocean?

Just what are you doing here, anyway?

Now you'll never believe me-- Couldn't wait for America to come in?

You're an idiot!

Get out of it, man! Get out of it!

I'm sure your lame duck must be getting impatient by now.

And we don't want all that nice imported gunpowder getting damp, do we?

Goodbye, Captain Ford. I'm going.

Good. What about going out right now with Captain Ford?

Actually, if you watch him closely, then do exactly the opposite, you'll have it all down pat.

Ha-ha! Yes, David, come with me and after you've seen what it's like, you can come back and tell him to...

Sir, SOS from W-40. Where?

I don't know. She broke off. Well, call her.

Who's on her?

WADLOW: Raymond.

Get me air-sea rescue.

Yes, do. Just another day in the Red Cross of the ocean.

Come on, idiot!

Hello?

Yes, one of our tugs, I'm afraid. W-40.

Its last known position was 50 north, 30 west.

What would you say hit that tug?

A dive-bomber, a U-boat. Who knows? U- boat, most likely.

You run into many? Oh, yes.

Not the ones who lay the ducks low, they usually keep going after the convoy.

But Jerry's got a lot of mine-laying subs in the neighbourhood.

Once they smell blood, they come after us like vultures.

They call this U- boat alley, my boy.

But once we reach the dock, we'll be all right because she's got guns.

She's got guns?

Don't we have guns?

Just what sort of a navy do you think we've got here?

What's the story?

We've got a Danska with a cigar in number one hold,

and a load of high explosives.

That's nice. This is Captain Ross.

He's taking over W-88. My mate.

We've met.

Square up that tow rope!

SAlLOR: Aye-aye, sir.

All coming back to you in dribs and drabs?

Like I'd never been away.

Clear that filthy deck! SAlLOR: Aye-aye, sir!

What is that?

You asked about guns. Don't go too near her, she's on a hair trigger.

Yes, but what is it? This is our gun.

But they're not all like this?

This is a single-barrel Pom-Pom, 1926.

'26 was a vintage year for Pom-Poms.

FORD: Don't worry, chum.

The ducks are all armed now and their stuff's heavier than the U-boats.

Jerry won't surface anyway within the duck's range.

So, once we reach her, we're safe as houses.

Yes, I've seen some of your houses.

Nice pigsty you've got here. Thank you.

All ready when you are, skipper.

Everyone here? All but lbbetson.

This time he's really in trouble.

All right, get going. Right, sir.

Is the gentleman staying aboard, sir?

I think so.

All right.

What's the matter with him?

Oh, nothing. He's just tired.

Port a little.

SAlLOR: Port a little, sir!

Chris, have you ever had a duck blow up on you while you were coming alongside?

No. But we do lose a few tugs that way from time to time.

Thanks for asking me along.

FORD: Watch your step here.

I don't want to have to put a boat over the side for you.

All right, lads. Couple up!

Signal, sir.

Message from the duck? Not likely.

That's the one thing they mustn't do, break radio silence.

That's the most important item in envelope "D".

Envelope "D" is a sealed instruction they get when they leave harbour.

What to do when unable to keep up with your convoy.

Such as?

Skipper flashes a code signal to his group leader,

puts out his fires if he has any,

keeps radio silence so as not to give the position away,

and just tries to be patient till we come and get him.

That's about it.

What happens if we get torpedoed too?

Oh, no. We never get torpedoed.

Jerry's not going to waste any torpedoes on us. We're too small.

Besides, their mine-laying subs don't carry torpedoes.

Why didn't you tell me that in the first place?

Because they've got a deck gun that's big enough to blow us clean out of the water.

Any other questions?

You all right?

Yeah, sure.

You've been away a long time.

If you don't feel well, why don't you go lie down?

Don't be embarrassed, old boy.

I'm all right.

It's getting a bit cramped up here. I think I'll go and stretch my legs.

Thanks.

Give it to the skipper.

I'm sorry. Take mine.

No, no. Never mind.

Junkers diving fast!

Action stations!

Green one!

SAlLOR: Green one, sir!

SAlLOR: Fire!

FORD: It won't be long now.

Here, get used to it.

She's got herself a very nice fire.

Think she can last? Who knows?

But we'll be inside her range in a mile or two.

I just hope her guns haven't been damaged.

FORD: Starboard 20! 20 starboard, sir!

Well, it's his turn to run now.

I'd like to get one. Just once.

Now all we've got to do is to bring that mess in.

FORD: Steady on, there!

Get the line-gun ready!

FORD: Line-gun ready! SAlLOR: Line-gun ready, sir!

FORD: Don't fire till I tell you! SAlLOR: Aye-aye, sir!

FORD: Fire!

Be as quick as you can with the connecting up!

I prefer to connect to your anchor cable!

When I've connected up the main throw...

Watch the lines from your wires!

Smoke, Kane?

No.

Well, home and dry.

This time, anyway.

My knees are like jelly.

What's the matter?

It always hits me like this after it's over.

Right now, my stomach's doing a Morris dance.

If I get home before I'm sick, I'll be all right. How do you feel?

Fine.

Big man, eh? You wait.

Come on, let's have some coffee.

Don't thank me, commander. It's all in a day's work.

What did you think of it all, Commander Ross?

Very interesting.

Good. Then you'll be glad to hear that your ship's out of dry dock now.

Perhaps you'll go along and see it tomorrow and meet your opposite number,

Captain Van Dam. Sure.

Aren't you in the least a little bit ashamed?

Just a moment, gentlemen.

You've forgotten your little pink pills.

Oh, here. Get yourself a good night's sleep.

I don't use them. You will.

Meanwhile, you can sell them anywhere in town.

That reminds me, Commander. We've got you billeted at the Grand Hotel.

Come now, not the Black Hole of Calcutta?

That's no way to treat an ally.

Come home and have breakfast with me, anyway.

Where do you live?

I've got an apartment. Two rooms and a bath. Best in town.

Naturally.

Captain Ford. Yeah?

I want to thank you for saving my ship.

Not at all. Better luck next time.

Look, all you have to do now is go in here,

fill yourself up one little old report,

and you can go out and get as plastered as you like.

Thank you. Not at all. Bye.

Hello, my fairy godmother!

Oh, it's you, is it? Well, that's something.

She worries about me, poor dear, every time I go out.

I owe her money.

FORD: Fill her up, there's a good girl.

You haven't paid for the last lot. Yes, I know.

And you owe me for last week's newspapers too.

Tomorrow. All claims settled in full tomorrow.

Have you got a cigarette, love?

Yes, love.

Come to think of it, you're the first guest I've ever had here.

I'm not surprised.

How did you get a place like this?

That's not all I've got. Where are you?

WOMAN: Oh, Chris! FORD: Darling.

How did it go?

Easy. A Dane on fire. He behaved very well.

Have you been all right?

Why didn't you tell me you were going?

Because you look so pretty when you sleep.

FORD: Oh, this is Stella.

This is my old American friend, David Ross.

You've heard of lend-lease. They meant him. He's finally arrived.

Hello. Hello.

Tell her how I pulled you out of the Panama Canal that time.

No, but I'll tell her how I pulled you out.

Yes, of course. After you threw me in!

You took advantage of a drunken man.

Sit down. I'm going to wash. Then you wash.

And then we'll all have the best baked beans on toast in the whole uncivilised worid!

Please sit down, captain.

Thank you.

It's nice here.

Yes.

Are you on tug boats, too, captain? Yes.

I haven't started yet, really.

As a matter of fact, I haven't been on one for ten years.

Until this trip.

You were out with Chris?

Yes.

You'll be very good.

I hope so.

Do you know Chris a long time?

I beg your pardon?

Have you known Chris a long time?

Oh, we used to run into each other a lot,

when the worid was young and gay.

He's a very nice man. Yes.

What did he mean when he said you were lend-lease?

I don't know.

I guess I'm an over-aged destroyer.

Hm?

I'm afraid I was in too much of a hurry when I picked this jacket out.

It's tight under the arms.

Take it off, be comfortable. No, it's all right.

Let me see it.

Come on, take it off. No, no, really.

Take it off. I can alter it for you.

I think I can help you. Come with me.

Here. Put this on.

What's going on?

His jacket is too tight. I'm trying to find him another one.

Does it fit?

Yes.

Don't say it does, if it doesn't. Try the arm holes.

Hm? Yes, it's fine.

Good. Give it to me.

Oh, the toast.

Sh! Sh! Chris, I'm sorry.

I'll tell you about it later.

Go on, take a bath. You won't care for the tub at the hotel.

FORD: I'm sorry.

I was just thinking, you're going to look over your ship tomorrow, aren't you?

Well, the very best of luck with old Van Dam.

Van Dam? Hm.

Oh, yes, the other skipper.

What's wrong with him? Oh, nothing, nothing.

Don't be silly, Chris. Van Dam is a very fine man.

Oh, he's a very good boy. He owns W-88, by the way.

He sneaked her out of Holland from under the nose of the whole German navy,

and he brought her over here practically single-handed.

It's just that... Oh, you'll find out.

You're a very funny man.

Don't worry, you'll be all right. The first time is the worst.

I'm all right. I... I'm tired, I guess.

Will you take your sleeping pills now?

No, no pills. I'm taking David on the town. We've got to celebrate.

You're going out?

Yes, it's reunion time!

I haven't thrown him in any canals lately.

All right.

Don't keep him out too long, please. He must sleep.

If he doesn't, he'll go to pieces again if he has to sail tomorrow.

What do you mean, "go to pieces"? I've never gone to pieces!

Don't mix me up with someone else!

I'm sorry.

FORD: All right, I'll be home early.

I'll get ready.

I won't keep him out too late.

Thank you. He must sleep.

Finished.

It looks very nice.

Yes, it...feels better all the way around. Thank you very much.

Okay? Yeah, ready.

Goodbye. And thanks for the meal, I enjoyed it.

You're welcome. You must come again.

Thank you.

Chris? Eh?

What...?

Don't drink too much.

No, my love, no!

What do you think of Stella? Can't hear you.

What do you think of Stella?

You're lucky. Yes, I am.

You're wondering about this, aren't you?

Whatever you think, you're wrong.

I wasn't thinking anything.

You listen to me, because I want you to know. I want you to know about Stella.

She was going to marry a tug driver named Westerby.

Philip Westerby.

I knew him. Not too well.

Anyway, he got his the day before the wedding.

A chum of mine, Hal Van Barger...

That's his jacket you're wearing, I think.

He heard about the flat going and he hopped up and got it.

Things were worse then than they are now.

People were actually sleeping in the gutters.

Anyway, she stayed on with Van Barger.

Don't ask me why, I don't know.

Maybe because he was a tug man, too, like Westerby.

Maybe because she could tell he was just about to crack, which he was.

Maybe she just didn't have anywhere else to go and didn't much care.

I don't know and I don't care.

Anyway, Van Barger gave me the key to the flat.

He said if anything happened to him, he wanted me to have it.

He said we poor sinners on the tugs deserved a few breaks along the way,

and we ought to keep the flat in the family.

I know what you're thinking, but you're wrong!

I wasn't thinking anything. Yes, you were.

I think it's fine. How do you know?

How could you?

You don't know what it's like to have someone like that waiting for you on shore,

waiting for you to come home.

What happened to Van Barger?

Oh, he went out to pick up a Greek...

When he got there, the Greek wasn't there anymore.

But a U-boat was.

Ah, look at this.

Time to refuel!

FORD: You'll be quiet when you go in to get your suitcase, won't you?

Okay.

You couldn't just drop it down to me, could you?

Let's just have one for the road.

Good job we did get home early. We might have to go out again tomorrow.

Idiot. Hm...

Here.

Here, take this.

Put it away somewhere and forget about it.

I don't want it.

Take it! No! No!

When Van Barger gave me a key,

he made me promise to have another made just as soon as I ever used it,

and to give it to someone on the tugs.

But I didn't know who to give it to. I want you to have it.

And I said I didn't want it.

Here, you take it. Keep it.

You have to keep it, because I have to keep my promise to Van Barger.

Give it to somebody else.

Make me a promise right now, that the moment you use it, if you ever have to,

that you'll get another one made and you'll give it to someone.

Someone on the tugs, someone who's all right, someone who needs it.

You know what I mean. Then you make them promise.

Yes, but the war may go on a long time.

You're crazy. You'll outlive everybody.

Anyway, I don't want it.

You want me to break your nose, huh?

You promise? I promise.

And then if anything does happen to me, you'll... you'll look after Stella?

You'll see that she's all right? Nothing is gonna happen to you.

We'll drink to that, because in my considered opinion,

none of us is going to come out of this alive, including you.

Thanks.

I hope you know what time it is.

FORD: We don't want to wake Stella, do we?

You know something funny, David?

Stella, she's... she's wonderful, she's so good to me,

but...but sometimes l...

Here, hold this.

Sometimes I don't think she knows which is which...

Philip, Hal Van Barger, me.

It's all mixed up.

It's confused.

Do you know she called me Philip once?

I didn't say anything.

She couldn't have told by my face, I'm sure, it's just...

It's as if we're all the same man.

And I don't know which one.

I don't know which one and I don't care.

That's strange, isn't it?

Tell me something.

Why does she wear that wedding ring?

Yes. That's funny, isn't it?

Hm...

What do you think you're doing?

I'm not dead yet, you know!

Sorry.

Here.

Sh!

See? Home early.

Yes.

FORD: Stella...

Night.

But you must sleep, darling.

I'm not sleepy. I want to talk.

I'm a captain, you know? I say talk, everyone talks.

And I say we talk now.

Sit down, please.

What shall we talk about?

Hm?

I'd better make you some coffee.

No, no! No coffee! I don't want any coffee.

Come on, come on.

Oh, Stella, you're very good to me.

I love you.

I wish you'd marry me.

You want to...marry me?

Please.

We're full up.

I'm supposed to be billeted here. My name is Ross.

Ross?

Right.

You'll have to share a room, we're cramped for space.

I know. Same in London.

You're in 77.

Canadian, are you?

An American, I think.

This way.

It does not work.

Er, this way.

You've a nice warm room next door to the kitchen.

Good.

And you get a towel all to yourself.

That's nice.

There you are, captain.

There's your bed over there, up on top.

Do I get that all to myself too?

Killed himself last week. Who?

Captain Walters, the man that had that bed.

He was a tug-boat man like you.

Swallowed a whole box of sleeping pills.

Long sleep, huh?

Anything else you want?

Yes, I'd like that towel you were talking about.

Oh, one thing at a time. I've only got two legs.

Here's your wash basin.

The lavatory's down the hall, you know what I mean?

Yeah, thanks a lot. Here.

Keep it. I don't need it.

I didn't ask for you. All I want is peace.

That's good enough for me too.

And you'll get it, captain.

You'll get it before you know what hit you.

Read the casualty lists.

Hey!

You mind turning off the light, captain?

I'm sorry.

Captain Van Dam?

Yes? I'm Captain Ross.

I heard the ship was ready, so I thought I'd come down and look her over.

Captain Ross, you've come to look her over. Good, good.

She's the best ship on this base, and she deserves care.

Some people here like to live in a pigsty, but I do not.

So you will please be good enough to tidy up your mess when you come off duty.

Yes, of course. I'm glad we understand each other.

Made any sorties yet?

Sorties? Oh, yes, I've been out with Captain Ford.

Did you like it? Not very much.

Why not?

I'd like it better if we had some decent guns.

Guns?

Why do you want guns?

I don't like the idea of being shot at and not being able to shoot back.

It makes me nervous.

That is because you have the wrong approach to this work.

Stretcher bearers on the battlefield cannot shoot back either.

That's quite a thought.

My dear fellow, war has nothing noble or sensible about it.

It's simply an epidemic of madness.

And anyone who takes part in it is a lunatic and a murderer.

There's a lot in what you say, captain,

but I don't think it would be of any particular comfort if you happen to get hit.

There are many ways to avoid being hit.

For example, when I hear the first shell coming,

I very often turn away,

go full astern and sail backwards.

That way, I make myself a smaller target,

and at such a distance, it is difficult to tell in which direction I'm going.

Then I change course, zigzag, and if necessary, repeat.

And you've never been hit, captain?

Never.

Any particular reason for this ship having been in dry dock?

Her superstructure was shot away,

but that was your predecessor's contribution, Captain Walters.

Why do you think he killed himself?

It was an accident. He drank a great deal.

I don't think he knew what he was doing.

I trust you're not a drinking man.

Have you met your crew? No, I had them called.

I thought I'd take her out for a dry run today.

Then I will leave you to it. She's very lively on the rudder.

You must remember to give her counter-wheel the moment you start pulling her around.

Thanks.

Her engine's absolutely first class,

but there is a choke in bilge pump.

You might tell your chief engineer.

ROSS: Thank you.

Hansie, Hansie.

And we go for a walk now.

Sit, sit. This is yours now.

I'm all right, thanks.

Er, Captain...

we were talking about being shelled.

Yes.

Only this...

in this work, one must learn how to live with fear.

You mean, you're afraid, too, sometimes.

Yes.

But I believe in God.

Let me tell you something. There are two kinds of fear.

In the one, no matter how great your terror,

you pray to God,

and then you struggle desperately, even superhumanly, to survive.

With the other, you are so frozen, so paralysed,

that you cannot move.

and accept the death blow without a quiver,

almost with thanks.

That is the dangerous fear.

You see, my friend, there is only one enemy who really matters:

the enemy within yourself.

And only one thing to fear: self-betrayal.

And, forgive me, but you must remember that your crew is afraid too.

So, for that reason more than ever,

you must be both their captain and their father.

If they respect you and have faith in you,

they will still be afraid but not so much.

And above all, no drink,

and no bad women.

Drink will destroy your judgement,

and that kind of woman will bring you bad luck.

You see, my friend,

in times like these,

it is much harder to command than to be commanded.

This isn't exactly my first ship, captain.

Of course. Oh, here is your crew. They're a good lot.

But like the others of this branch of the service, sadly lacking in discipline.

Goodbye. Goodbye.

Do you sing? Sing?

Yes. We are lacking a baritone for the church choir.

And we begin rehearsals for Christmas next week.

I'm sorry, I don't sing.

Oh. Pity.

Good luck.

6-4, this one's fresh from school.

Always expect the worst from life, my boy.

You won't be disappointed.

What's wrong, chief? Your horoscope bad today?

Watch it! Watch it!

I'm the mate, sir. Weaver. How do you do?

Mr Grogan, the chief engineer. Aye, sir!

WEAVER: The bo'sun, Mr Baker. Aye, sir.

Well, I'll give you the complete list later, sir.

I want to see just what this ship--

I want to see just what this ship can do this afternoon,

so be prepared for some lively manoeuvres.

That goes particularly for you, chief.

Aye-aye, sir.

All right, let's get moving.

Make ready for sea, bo'sun.

Stand by, fore and aft!

Let go of everything, forward!

Hang on to your after springs!

Slow astern.

Slow astern, sir.

Let's go, aft!

Half ahead.

Half ahead, sir.

I'm not convinced the Almighty intended for tugs to be placed in the hands of Americans.

But we shall see what we shall see.

Engine room.

Engine room, can you give me a little more speed?

We're full speed now, sir.

Yes, I know, but I'd like little more, please.

I can't answer for the boiler, sir.

Naturally, I'll take the responsibility for that.

Aye-aye, sir.

More speed!

We've got a sporting gentleman aboard. More speed, he wants!

Full astern.

Full astern, sir? That's what I said.

Full astern.

Full astern?

I knew it! He's run her onto some rocks!

I knew he was an amateur the moment I saw him.

Full ahead.

Full ahead, sir.

From full astern to full ahead?

Playing games, is it? Enjoy yourself!