Original subtitles

♪♪[Bells Tolling]

♪♪[Men Chattering]♪♪

♪♪[Chattering Continues]♪♪

[Whistle Blows ]

[ Men Shouting ]

[ Gunshots Continue]

[ Shouting Continues ]

[ Gunshots Continue]

[ Shouting Continues ]

[Whistle Blows ]

Good Lord. A machine gun!

[Gunfire Continues ]

Here, send this.

Mobile column held up. Enemy using machine guns.

Machine guns?

They not only had machine guns, Excellency, but they knew how to use them.

When our reinforcements came up, they put them out of action like experts...

and then vanished over the hills.

Captain Catheters had reported some time ago...

that there were machine guns in the mountains...

Where is he now?

Somewhere on the Doro Pass.

- [Chanting In Native Language ] -♪♪[Drums]

♪♪ [ Rhythmic Clapping ]

♪♪ [ Chanting Continues ]

Hajjis, you come from Mecca?

Yes, my son.

You have acquired great merit.

Would you not acquire more merit by giving food to a poor man?

It's written, my son — work, and you'll have your reward.

Get away.

They stole my mule — bad men from Jandal.

They stole my mule. I have nothing. I am hungry.

[Policeman] You're a rogue and a vagabond. Ask for work in the village. Don't beg.

But it's written again —

He who feeds the hungry acquires merit.

Here, my son.

He who is compassionate and merciful will reward you.

Get away.

Haji, if you give a loaf of bread to every beggar, you will starve yourself.

♪♪ [ Chanting Continues ]

[ Camel Growling ]

[ Man Mutters ]

Peshawar.

I want to go to Peshawar.

- Eight annas. - Eight annas?

- Eight annas? - [ Men Shouting ]

- [Man] Be plenty jolly quick. - One, two, three

There are numerous travelers, and time is short.

Six, seven —

seven, eight.

- Eight annas. I'd rather have walked. -[ Man] Come on now.

Jaipur.

[ Speaks Native Language ]

♪♪ [ Man Humming ] ♪♪

♪♪ [ Humming Continues ] ♪♪

You seem cheerful, my friend.

It is cheerful to get away from chattering wives.

You're going north?

Yes. Sanders told me to look for you here and take your orders.

Watch for caravans on the Doro Pass.

Guns?

Machine guns.

[ Whistles ]

And caravans with ammunition.

I have to go to Peshawar to report to the governor.

You'll get your further orders in the usual way.

[ Groans ]

Eight annas. I really should have walked it.

Any other news?

Tomorrow the young lady is leaving.

There's more than one young lady in Peshawar.

His Excellency's niece — Miss Brook.

Here's a card for you, sir.

♪♪ [ Bugle: Reveille]

So the bandmaster comes up to me and says...

“Boy Holder, you're the only man in the drums I can trust...

to play in the dance orchestra.

So I'd like you to come along tonight to His Excellency the governor's palace...

and give the officers and their ladies a treat.”

Hey, Kincher!

And seeing as how His Excellency the governor represents His Majesty the king...

it's the same, you might say, as if I'd been asked to Buckingham Palace.

Boy Holder!

- Are you smoking? - No, sir.

Do you remember what I said that I'd do to you if I caught you smoking again?

Bend over.

[ Blows Landing ]

Don't you try any of your own syncopation, or I'll flay the hide off you.

Yes, sir.

Better stuff this under your kilt, Holder!

- Boy Holder. - Yes, sir?

Now remember — one bar for a foxtrot, two bars for a waltz.

One tap more, and I flay the hide off you.

Yes, sir.

[ Softly ] Yes, sir.

[ Chattering, Laughing ]

I'm afraid you're going to leave a good many broken hearts behind you, Marjorie.

I think they'll soon recover, Uncle.

Sir, he's here. I've shown him into your study.

Oh, good.

You'll have to do duty for me for half an hour.

All right.

- Shall I start the band? - Will you?

- May I? - I'm claiming this one.

♪♪ [Jazz]

Sorry.

- So it's war. - Unless we're quick.

From China to Afghanistan, there's a movement to get all the little kingdoms...

into one great confederacy against us.

A few fanatical priests dreaming of a holy war.

A few fanatical priests don't drill machine gun teams, sir, or train mountain batteries.

- Who then? - I don't know yet.

But it seems to me that we should establish our influence here in Tokot...

dead in the center of all these frontier states.

Well, it won't be easy, Carruthers.

The khan's an old man. These others, whoever they are, may scare him off.

Yes. Prince Azim. The old khan adores him.

He'll do anything to see that he succeeds to the throne.

I see.

I think he'd be glad of a treaty of protection with us.

Perhaps you're right. I'll try and get in touch with the viceroy as soon as possible.

Yes, sir.

- Meanwhile, you'd better run along and play. - [ Applause ]

- Play, sir? - Yes, sir.

Oh, thank you, sir.

♪♪ [Jazz]

Hello, people.

Marjorie, your uncle told me to come and play.

What kind of games do you like?

Patience. I'm rather good at that.

Oh. Hello, Escott.

Hello, Carruthers. Good hunting?

Yes, fine, thanks.

-Well, um. - What Going?

- Uh, yes. Yes. -Oh, I'm sorry.

So the mighty hunter returns.

What brought you back? No more bears left in India?

Only me. Care to dance? Bears do dance, you know.

Do they? I thought they hugged.

They do both. Try it?

Dare I?

Take a chance.

All right.

Why did you go away so suddenly?

I had to.

Well, couldn't you have written?

No, I couldn't.

I don't understand all this.

My India — the frontier.

Marjorie...

could you give your life to the frontier with me thrown in?

No, my darling.

But I could give my life to you with the frontier thrown in.

Gosh, that's torn it.

[ Clears Throat ]

-That's a pretty warm good-bye. -No, sir.

- No, Uncle. -No, Uncle.

-You see, I'm staying on. - Well, I warned you.

He's a gadabout. He's no sort of husband for a nice, domesticated girl.

And she's not a domesticated girl either. She's

- Spoiled, vain, arrogant and selfish. He knows. - Rambunctious. Yes, I know.

- Well, here's luck, Carruthers. - Oh, thank you, sir.

- My best wishes, my dear. - Thank you, darling.

But you'd better get married to him right away...

because in a few weeks he'll have to go off without you.

-To Tokot, sir? - I think so. You're to head a mission there.

The English troops are in the pass, Your Highness.

- They are here, Wafadar? -Yes, Prince Azim.

Can| go and greet them, Father?

Yes, my son.

You go and greet Captain Carruthers in my name.

Thank you, Father.

This is a day of rejoicing for Tokot, Your Highness.

It is, Wafadar. England has offered us friendship.

♪♪ [ Drumming ]

- It's blink in” hot. - You said what?

It's blink in” hot in Tokot.

A poet like you, mate, shouldn't ought to be playing the drums.

You ought to be banging a blooming harp.

[ Chattering ]

There it is. That's Tokot.

Attractive, eh?

- Yes. Well, you wait until you smell it. -[Laughs]

[ Men Shouting In Native Language ]

[ Shouting Continues ]

Listen.

The sacred drum of Tokot.

The old khan wants everyone to know we're welcome guests.

- [ Gunshots ] - Welcome, eh? Take cover!

- [ Men Shouting ] - [ Gunshots Continue]

Take cover!

[ Gunshots Continue]

[ Gunshots Stop ]

[ Shouting In Native Language ]

But please don't judge the warmth of his welcome by the size of his messenger.

I'd measure it by the breadth of his smile...

if we hadn't been shot at, Prince Azim.

The dogs shall pay for it.

[ Shouting In Native Language ]

Take them away and shoot them.

[ Men Shouting ]

[ Continues In Native Language]

I see justice is swift in Tokot.

Are you satisfied, Captain Carruthers?

- Orderly. -[ Man] Yes, sir.

[ Gunshots ]

Id like to have a chat with you. Get down.

- And this one. - Very good, sir.

Don't you think it'd be better to find a fellow with a strong arm...

to give those men five strokes of the whip?

But they are dead.

Are they?

Shot. You heard them.

Why did you tell those men to fire on us?

Did you want to kill us?

No.

I only wanted to see if the English are easily frightened.

-Hmm. -[Laughs]

Is it what they taught you — that the English were easily frightened?

[Laughs]

- Well, who told you then? - Everybody in Tokot says so.

What else do they say?

That we shall fight with the English...

and that we shall have a fine, big war.

Yes. You'd like a fine, big war, wouldn't you?

Of course.

But first we'll give five strokes of the whip to these men.

Oh, no.

Oh, yes. And a couple for you.

Oh, no, Captain Carruthers.

Well, I'll have to tell your father about this little trick of yours.

- Tell my father? - Yes.

Don't tell him, please.

Always? That will be very hard.

Yes, I expect it will.

But, um, promise to try, will you?

To tell the truth? All right, I promise.

- That's fine. - But nobody in Tokot ever does.

Oh, well, you'll teach them. Come on.

[ Man Shouts Command ] By the left, quick march!

♪♪ [ Drums, Bagpipes ]

The English march down the hill.

Your brother the khan waits for them humbly at his gate.

To whom shall we turn for the leader?

To me, good Mullah.

You are bound hand and foot by the infidel.

Not yet.

The voice of God cries, “Burn! Kill!” And you play with these toys and maps.

I can go into war tonight with men!

I can send you all into battle, invulnerable against bullets!

For four years I fought with the Turks at Gallipoli and Arabia.

Every day I heard priests make that promise.

- Yet men died by bullets. - That is true.

Victories are not gained by an ignorant rabble lead by a fanatic mullah.

They are won by an army marching to one man's order...

fighting to one man's plan.

For months I have traveled through Hamara, Motera, Khorasan, Yadak, Chiltistan.

They are one with us.

More and more guns are coming in over the Doro Pass.

And men to teach the use of them.

Through all these months, what have you done, old Mullah?

You see visions, old Mullah.

Can you see into the future?

I have but to look into a bowl of clear water.

Look into my map and see my dreams spring to life.

I see blotches and lines.

And I see a wave — a wave of men.

Lean, hard, hungry, free men from the hills...

swooping down on the fat, soft, comfortable slaves of the plains...

their white throats ripe for the knife.

A story as old as time.

I see a river — the River Jhelum.

The Jhelum, where the old Mughal Empire thrived.

I see the mosques and domes rise again.

The palaces of Shah Jahan.

[ Men Shouting, Cheering ]

[ Drums, Bagpipes ]

[ Shouting, Cheering Continue ]

♪♪ [ Continues ]

The khan, your brother — making friends with the English.

The day the English leave Tokot...

I will make my arrangements with my brother, the khan.

And Azim, his son?

My arrangements will include him too.

[ Soldier] That's a fun one to do, isn't it?

[ Laughter, Cheering ]

There's room here for one.

Hey there, what do you think you're doing?

- I play the drum. - Not my drum, you don't.

That drum was given me by the commander in chief of the British Army.

- The commander? -In blinking chief.

Bought out of his own savings and handed to me with his own hands.

So drop it unless you want trouble.

Say “please” when you speak to me.

"Ark at him.

I can see I got to put my foot down.

Come on, stick 'em up.

I cannot allow you to strike me. I am a prince.

Come on, stick 'em up.

Oh.

Wafadar, Ra jab, leave this to me.

Here. Take this.

Well, if you put it like that.

And you will teach me to play the drum?

- “Please.” - Please!

Oh, you're a sport. Come on. Now, you see, you hold them like this.

His Highness Mohammed Khan.

[ Carruthers ] Good. Show him in.

- Hello, Carruthers. - Hello, Mohammed. Sit down.

What's the news?

- Better than I expected. - Good.

The khan has sent me to tell you that he is ready to sign the treaty...

in spite of the opposition.

The opposition of his brother Prince Ghul?

I haven't said that, Carruthers.

Are you afraid?

No, my friend, but I'm careful...

and I will advise you also to be careful.

Ghul is a madman who dreams high dreams.

♪♪ [ Drumming ]

Good afternoon, Captain Carruthers.

Oh, Prince Azim. What are you doing here?

You know... Bill Holder.

Uh, yes. I think I have had the pleasure.

Captain Carruthers.

How do you do?

I asked Bill to compose me a personal signal on the drum...

just as the general of a regiment has.

Well, go on, Holder.

I shall always use it on parade or whenever I am in danger.

[ Ragged Breathing ]

What's the matter, Bill?

Oh, Cor blimey, I've never had such a close shave in my life.

My government will establish an agency in Tokot with the British Resident...

and it will protect your country against its enemies.

On the other hand, as understood...

you will suppress the passage of arms through your state.

And there will be a subsidy for me and my son?

A large one for yourself and a small one for Prince Azim.

Oh, because he is small. Yes, I see.

But he will not always be small...

and so, Captain Carruthers, the subsidy will grow with him, yes?

Inch by inch, Your Highness.

And now I must say good-bye. We leave for Peshawar today.

- Good-bye, Captain Morris. - Bye, Your Highness.

- Go ahead. Make sure. - ♪♪ [ Drumming Continues ]

That's jolly good. Well, so long, chum.

I think you look grand.

I suppose it would be all right, you being an ally of ours, only

- Don't you want me to? - Sure, I do.

I was only thinking of regulations. You know anything that's mine is yours.

Same here, Bill.

You're a toff, if you know what I mean.

And you're the blinking same, Bill, not'arf you ain't.

[Both Laugh]

[ Bugle: Reveille]

♪♪ [ Bugle Continues ]

[ Soldier Shouts Command ]

[ Soldiers Shouting ]

♪♪ [ Drums, Bagpipes ]

Well, good-bye, young fella.

- [ Horse Whinnies ] - Take care of yourself.

- Good-bye, Prince Azim. - Good-bye.

♪♪ [ Drums, Bagpipes Continue]

Remember, the boy is in your hands.

Make no mistake.

♪♪ [ Man Chants In Native Language ]

[ Shouting ]

The khan is a traitor?!

[ Shouting ]

♪♪ [ Sitar]

♪♪ [ Man Singing In Native Language ]

[ Whispering ] Quiet, or we'll be caught.

Your father is dead, and Ghul and his riders are after us to kill us.

- There, there, my prince. -[Azim Cries ]

You must be a big man now.

But where, Wafadar?

To Peshawar. Wait till our day comes.

[ Azim Cries ]

[ Crowd Chattering ]

How much?

One Anna.

That?

- Two annas. -Two annas?

Uh-huh.

I don't want it.

Shame on you for making trouble for me like this.

Do you think bread is plucked from trees? Money gathered like moss?

- Come here, I say. - Oh, my ear, Wafadar.

I'm sorry, Your Highness.

I am sorry too.

And remember, be careful.

Don't worry, Wafadar. I'll be careful.

[ Drums, Bagpipes ]

Bill! Bill!

Where? Outside the barracks?

7:00? All right. I'll be there.

I'll serve tea myself.

Mm-mmm. Make you fatter.

-Oh. - [ Laughs ]

[ Laughing Continues ]

Good heavens. You must have been married for two months, at least.

Come and have your tea.

Thank you, my dear.

I've got news for you, Tony.

-Yes, sir? - There's been trouble at Tokot.

The old khan's been assassinated.

And the boy?

Disappeared, probably the same way.

Oh, poor little devil.

The new khan, Ghul, has sent an envoy...

and has promised to carry out the treaty you signed with his brother.

Do you believe that, sir?

I have no good reason to disbelieve it.

So you're to go up there as resident.

Partly as a reward for your good work, but chiefly because you're the best man for the job.

Thank you. But, Marjorie —

But you'll be the only Englishwoman up there.

Well, that's not the first time it's happened in India.

No, I don't like it. There may be danger.

How shall I face other women if run away from it?

I'm very proud of you, my dear.

You could have knocked me flat.

Both me heart and me drum missed a beat when I saw you.

- But you were pleased, Bill. - You bet I was.

What are you doing here in that rig-out?

I have sad news, Bill.

- My father has been killed. - Killed?

Yes. By my uncle.

I am sorry, Azim. But why are you here? I thought if your father died —

- He makes shoes, and I run the errands. - And you take it like that.

It's the will of Allah.

You're a blinking marvel, Azim.

You found more in religion than I ever did.

Wish it could help me.

Something the matter, Bill?

Oh, I'm having trouble with the drum major.

The army's all right, but he's a thundering drawback.

But about you. You can't go on running errands.

You're a prince.

- Perhaps you can help me, Bill. - I will if| can.

I want to be a drummer boy in a Pathan regiment.

Oh. What is the matter, Bill?

But you told me I was all right.

As a prince, yes, but as a drummer you're a nonstarter.

- No good, Bill? -You're an amateur, Azim.

He lives in the first posh house down the road.

I can't.

As long as I am alive, I am a danger to my uncle.

I've got to hide.

♪♪ [ Bugle: Reveille]

And I've got to go. Look out for me anytime you like, and I'll look out for you.

So long, cock.

- Azim. - Let me go! Let me go!

Captain Carruthers.

He's not here.

[Groaning ]

You're hurt.

There is someone out there. He stabbed me.

What do you want?

That boy is mine.

Yes. I saw him run into your house, lady.

- I take him away. - Stay were you are!

Mahmud! Zarullah!

Iodine and some lint.

Let me see.

- It hurts? - I can't move my arm.

Don't then.

I'll wash it and dress it.

You won't mind if it hurts just a little more, will you?

-You're the man of Prince Azim. - Yes.

He's safe.

Shall we call the police?

Then not here.

Why are you staring at me?

Am I the first woman you've seen?

Why then?

You were brave, and you are good to me.

Poor little boy.

Why did the man try to hurt you?

He is one of my enemies.

- [ Knife Stabs ] -[Grunts]

[ Footsteps ]

Good evening, Captain Carruthers.

Prince Azim.

This is the son of the khan of Tokot, darling.

- How do you do? - How do you do?

You said I was to come to you, Captain Carruthers, when I was in danger.

I did. And Mrs. Carruthers saved my life.

Nonsense. All I did was to bandage his arm...

and remember that little boys are always hungry.

Well, sit down and tuck in if you're hungry.

I thank you both for what you've done.

And now my young master and I must go.

There's room in my compound. Wouldn't you be safer there?

Knowing you to be our friend, here is the first place our enemies would look.

Now we shall have to hide even more carefully than before.

And the man that wounded him would be after him again.

That man, sahib, won't try and hurt him again.

Oh, I suppose you are right.

Good-bye, Prince Azim.

Good-bye, Captain Carruthers.

Remember, even though I do have to go back amongst your enemies...

we're always your friends.

Thank you, Captain Carruthers.

And please forgive my saying it...

but in our mountains, you are wise or dead.

I beg you to be wise.

Thanks. I'll try to be.

Jo [ Reveille]

[ Clears Throat ]

Now remember, we're in a friendly country...

and you must treat everybody with respect, especially the women.

- Do you hear that, Kelly? -Yes, Sergeant.

And don't forget that the people here have different habits to us.

They don't take it friendly...

if you show them how a man can be knocked out by an uppercut.

Get that, Kelly?

Yes, Sergeant.

And in this part of the country...

the ladies have their lovely features veiled.

Then stand at... ease!

His Highness the khan has sent word that he will call on His Excellency at 1:00.

Well, tell His Excellency.

- As a matter of fact, I heard. -[Chuckles ]

- Stay and have a drink? - Thank you.

Well?

But that won't prevent him starting his war...

and cutting our throats when the time comes.

But why should he?

If that was his plan, why did he accept the treaty...

and agree to the establishment of the agency?

It's the old story of the mad dreamers of this world...

who are half empire builders and half gangsters.

If they succeed, history books call them great.

- And if they don't? - Another gangster sinks into oblivion.

The man paid a great price for his power.

Now he wants to enjoy it, not risk it.

In any case, in a few minutes you will be able to greet him.

- With my usual diplomatic charm. -[Chuckles ]

- Have another drink? - No, thanks. Escott.

[Sergeant] Fall in! Attention!

Are these troops your escort. Captain Carruthers...

or an army of occupation?

They are a promise, Your Highness, that my government will fulfill the treaty...

to protect your country against its enemies.

Now I understand.

Abdulla!

[ Sergeant Shouts Command ]

- My wife, Your Highness. - Madame.

In our country, we have many orchards with beautiful and delicate blossoms.

What a charming speech.

Why can't you say things like that, Major?

Oh. Well, I never could, you know.

I think he should learn, don't you, Your Highness?

The chief of which is a grateful admiration of beauty.

But we might find something in common, Captain Carruthers.

A polo match. England against Tokot.

Well, we're not up to your standard, but we could give you a game.

You know, it was in these valleys that the game was first played, darling.

Oh, really?

One thing that England has learned from us, madame.

I've always heard of you as the prince of polo players, Your Highness.

Gentlemen, I must leave...

before our gracious hostess undermines me with her compliments.

Madame.

I kiss your feet. I am your slave.

[Sergeant] Fall in! Attention!

How did you like him, Zarullah?

I didn't.

He accepted our offer of friendship and the protection of our soldiers...

and yet he wasn't pleased when he saw them —why?

There's something brewing over there in the palace.

And with your permission, sir, I'd like to find out what it is.

- How? - From inside the palace.

Oh, no, Zarullah. Too dangerous.

If we delay, things may become too dangerous for all of us.

I made a few useful friends when we were here before.

Let me go, sir.

All right. But remember, don't trust anyone.

We've both got to be in at the kill together, 50 take care.

Thank you, sir.

[ Man ] ♪♪ The sun shines bright

♪♪ On Loch Lomond »

♪♪ Where me and my true love

♪♪ Will never meet again s

♪♪ On the bonny, bonny banks

♪♪ Of Loch Lomond s

[All] ♪♪ For you'll take the high road

♪♪ And I'll take the low road

♪♪ And I'll be in Scotland before ye

♪♪ On the bonny, bonny banks

♪♪ Of Loch Lomond s

♪♪ And I'll take the low road

♪♪ For me and my true love

♪♪ Will never meet again s

♪♪ On the bonny, bonny banks

♪♪ Of Loch Lomond.

Mrs. Carruthers, you're the greatest mess president I've ever seen.

Am 12 Why?

Port — after our first dinner at the agency.

It's historic.

- I feel I ought to make a speech. - What, about port?

No, sir. About your wife.

Hear, hear.

Mrs. Carruthers, I propose your health...

and that of all other women who come up with their men to faraway outposts...

and bring with them the grace and sweetness...

of the life they've left behind.

Mrs. Carruthers.

[ Men] Mrs. Carruthers.

[ Footsteps ]

Halt! Who goes there?

- Friend. - Advance, friend, and give the password.

Drums.

Pass, friend. All's well.

And while you play polo tomorrow...

another convoy will bring ammunition through the Doro Pass.

Yes, I see.

- Did you get into the palace? - No, sahib.

I must make more friends before I can do that.

There still are many people who regard Ghul Khan as a usurper...

and wish that Prince Azim and Wafadar were back in power.

All right, Zarullah. Thank you.

And remember, I told you to be careful.

And do you think you can deceive the English?

Of course.

Do you think you can conquer the English?

[ Chuckling ]

I tell you, the empire is ready to be carved to pieces.

Don't you want to help yourself?

I refuse to kill and ravage.

I refuse to betray friends.

And I won't allow them to be slaughtered like cattle.

Listen to me, Mohammed Khan.

You are free — you and your people — to follow me or not.

But if you attempt to tell your English friends...

you die before you breathe a word.

You understand?

I shall leave for home after the match.

[ Crowd Chattering ]

I have to see you.

Yes? When?

Midnight, I'll be at the water gate outside the residency.

[ Chattering Continues ]

That I realized polo originated in India.

Oh, yes. It's an Indian invention, an English sport and an American profession.

[ Chuckling ]

[ Men] Ooh!

Take it, two!

-[ Men ] Ohh! - Oh, good shot.

Now, two!

You may not like the Ghul, but you've got to watch him.

- [ Shouting, Cheering ] - [ Marjorie ] Good shot!

[ Shouting Continues ]

Well, my good friend, you rode like the wind today.

I couldn't take my eyes from your face while you passed your English friend.

My English friend?

Come with me, Mohammed Khan.

I'm going to tell you all my plan.

You see, while you were playing polo, and you were talking to your friend Carruthers...

my last caravan was creeping into Tokot.

Look what they brought.

Colonel Gregoff.

At your service, Highness.

What did you bring in your last caravan?

Six machine guns, 400 rifles and ammunition, Your Highness.

Machine guns to entertain your friends, the English.

And a piece of rope for you, you dog!

Hello, darling.

Darling, I may have to ask you to leave here tonight.

But I may have to ask Mohammed Khan to take you to Chiltistan.

- And if I refuse to leave you? - Now, don't make it any more difficult for me.

It all depends on what Mohammed Khan has to say.

But if I ask you to go, I'm afraid you must.

No.

The best thing you can do to help me s to go. Now get dressed, will you? Ayah.

My jodhpurs.

You were expecting Mohammed Khan, I believe.

Your Highness.

We arranged that I should come instead.

Are you so bitterly disappointed that you will not offer me your hospitality?

[ Door Opens ]

[Ghul] No, no. Please be seated.

Madame. What a peaceful scene.

An English island in our alien snows —

the fire and the whiskey.

His Highness has honored us instead of Mohammed Khan...

as he so kindly put it.

It was bitterly cold waiting for midnight and the water gate to open.

Um, a whiskey and soda?

Thank you.

I wonder if Mohammed Khan would have had one.

But still, why not?

With his English education and sympathies.

Our religion forbids it, but that wouldn't disturb Mohammed Khan —

that is, if he were in good health.

- Why, isn't he well? - No.

What's happened to him?

Perhaps that long gallop knee-to-knee with His Excellency.

Um, perhaps Dr. Murphy could go to him.

Dr. Murphy? An unbeliever.

When we are ill or in pain...

we write a few prayers on a piece of parchment and burn it in a fire.

Sometimes it does not succeed.

Unfortunately, we die.

But to your very good health.

- [ Drum Pounding ] - What's that?

The signal!

The great feast begins.

For five days and nights, the fires will burn.

And the great feast ends.

To make this last night memorable in the annals of this great festival...

it is my purpose to hold a banquet in my palace...

which will be graced by your presence, Captain Carruthers.

[ Chanting In Native Language]

♪♪ [ Group: Quiet Chanting ]

♪♪ [ Continues]

♪♪ [ Continues]

♪♪ [ Crowd Responds]

[ Machine Gun Fire]

[ Gunfire Continues ]

- Yes, Your Highness. - Very good indeed.

Thank you, Your Highness.

- Abdul Fakir. - Your Highness.

Take the sandbags away and the targets...

[ Shouting In Native Language ]

- Gregoff. - Yes, Your Highness?

What do you think about a machine gun there?

Very good, Your Highness.

- [ Running Footsteps ] -[ Man Shouts ]

Put it here.

And now get the sandbags.

[ Native Language]

You see those benches, Abdul?

Yes, Your Highness.

But you don't see what I see.

Those benches filled with British troops, Abdul.

The troops of His Excellency, Captain Carruthers.

♪♪ A penny for your thoughts

♪♪ You don't explain &

♪♪ The hint of despair in your sighs

♪♪ A penny for your thoughts

♪♪ There's something wrong

♪♪ Your attitude isn't the same

♪♪ There must be someone new

♪♪ For in your thoughts

♪♪ You mention a different name

♪♪ That's such a cruel thing to do

♪♪ Oh, I've heard them say

♪♪ Confession is good for the soul

[ Glass Shattering ]

Put out the lights!

Stand still.

Tony, not you.

But, darling, of course me.

Zarullah.

Zarullah.

♪♪ [ Chanting ]

♪♪ [ Chanting ]

[ Crowd Chattering ]

Ra jab!

I bring good news, Your Highness.

- From Tokot. - From Tokot?

Sit down.

Now speak.

The tribes are gathering at Tokot for the feast of Muharram.

They're massing for war.

Against whom?

The English.

Is this good news?

Yes, it is good news, Your Highness.

The signal for the rising will be the massacre of the people of the residency.

- Captain Carruthers? - Yes.

- And his wife? - All of them.

- And why? - But they must be killed.

Yes, and the usurper, Ghul, who murdered your father, will be slain.

Your Highness will be put on your rightful throne.

We've got nothing to do but wait.

Until my friends are killed?

- [ Ra jab] They are only infidel. - [ Wafadar] And it is the will of Allah.

They are my friends!

When will the signal be given?

[Ra jab] On the fifth day of the feast.

Silence!

Wait here, both of you.

Bill, I must see the governor.

-Who? - His Excellency, the governor.

Here, what's the matter with you? Sunstroke?

You're balmy.

Show me the way to the governor. I must see the governor.

I might show you the way to

if I'm lucky, to Sergeant Cox.

Thanks, Bill.

But if you're fooling me, I'm for it.

- And you say this is the Prince of Tokot? -Yes, Sergeant.

I must see the governor. Show me the way.

Well, I can take you as high as Captain Carvill...

but if you're fooling me, I'm for it, you know.

Come on. Let's go.

Mr. Vice, the king.

Gentlemen, the king emperor.

[ Together] The king emperor.

[ Murmuring ]

< [ Bagpipes ]

Well, I can tell the colonel...

but if you're fooling me, I'm for it.

Well, I can try it, but if the beggar's fooling me, I'm for it.

Pipe Major, the king emperor.

The king emperor. [ Speaking Gaelic]

- All right, Captain. -Yes, sir.

- Now then. - The murderer who rules Tokot.

- Who are you talking about? - The khan, my uncle who killed my father.

Very well. Go on.

He is going to kill the British Resident.

To kill the British Resident — nothing less than that.

Well, why should he?

To show the peoples of the mountains...

that the English are not to be feared anymore.

He has invited all the rulers to Tokot to see for themselves.

- He sent word? - Yes.

- Very secretly, I suppose. - Very secretly.

Did he send word to you too?

- No. - Then how do you know?

The people of Tokot are loyal to me.

One of my servants came with the news.

And if we send troops to Tokot...

they will, of course, acclaim you as rightful heir to the throne.

If I wanted that...

I would have only to wait until they are killed.

I came because I want you to save them.

But that would be against your interests, so why should you do that?

Captain Carruthers is my friend...

and Mrs. Carruthers was very kind to me.

Don't you believe me?

Do you think I'm a liar?

Mrs. Carruthers saved my life.

I can't allow her to be killed.

Mrs. Carruthers is very dear to me too...

but you must understand that I can't just take your word.

-You'd be for it? - Eh?

He heard me use the expression, sir.

Oh. I'd be for it, my lad. We all should.

Up and down the line from the viceroy to your friend, the drummer boy.

No!

I'll send Colonel Adair with you, and we'll send for you if we need you.

Then send somebody to Tokot to find me.

Hey! Stop! Come back! Come back!

-You came on horseback? - Yes, Your Highness.

I shall take your horse and leave at once.

You too. Get horses from our friends and follow me.

-You're not going to Tokot? - Did you tell the government people?

Yes, I did...

but they didn't believe me.

- [ Ra jab] All the better. - [ Wafadar] And it is the will of Allah.

- But don't throw away your own life. - Your uncle's got many spies.

[ Ra jab] Yes, and he's a cruel man, and he'll get you and kill you.

[ Wafadar] That's as sure as the sun will rise tomorrow.

We can't allow you to go.

Not allow me?

When my father was killed, why did you save my life?

- Well, because — - Well, because...

you're our rightful lord and ruler.

If I am your rightful lord and ruler...

[ Herrick] I want to speak to the duty officer.

[ Man ]I don't care who you're after, you can't come in here.

[ Chuckling ] Herrick. It's all right, Corporal.

I must get in touch with the governor at once.

- What, bad news? - Bad news, very bad news from Tokot.

Government House.

On the fifth day of the great feast...

Captain Carruthers is invited to a banquet at the palace of Ghul Khan.

The end of the feast will be a signal for the massacre...

and the massacre will be a signal for the uprising of all the mountain states.

How soon can a mobile column reach Tokot?

Four battalions, mountain battery.

And the fifth day of the great feast is only four days off.

- When can you start? - Daybreak, Your Excellency.

♪♪ [ Flutes: March]

♪♪ [ Fades]

Eh?

I managed to refuse the invitation for the whole of the detachment...

and I hope that the 250 that remain will look after the 50 that go.

Well, it's a wise precaution.

Of course, if you'd refused his invitation entirely —

- No, I couldn't do that. - No, that would be an insult.

Besides, it would give him more food for his propaganda.

Huh. Why, he'd be saying next...

that the English are too terrified even to eat.

[ Laughs]

Ah, you know, Carruthers.

In the game of international politics...

it's the scoundrel who holds all the trumps.

- Anyhow, you look after Marjorie, will you? - Of course.

Thanks. That's all I wanted to see you about.

You're invited to an evening party by the Khan of Tokot...

and you're responsible for the good name of the British army.

- Have you got that, Kelly? -Yes, Sergeant.

Another thing —

You won't get any alcoholic liquors.

You'll get water, which is good for you.

And tea — tea, green and otherwise.

So the first man who says, “Mine's a double Bass, miss”...

- Do you follow me, Kelly? -Yes, Sergeant.

We shall be the guests of a Mohammedan prince...

and any nosy parkering...

round the harem doors...

will be met with severe...

and painful punishment.

- Got that, Kelly? -Yes, Sergeant.

And finally...

whatever entertainments are given to you...

you've got to be pleased.

Whether it's snakes or stomach waggling...

I want to see a look of rapture on your faces!

Know what a look of rapture is, Kelly?

Like what Gunner Wilson had when he strained himself with the howitzer.

- [ Men Laughing ] - Silence!

Parade! Shun!

Thanks.

I think you ought to stay here.

Mmm.

Well, it would be the end of an awfully good tie if we were.

- How's that? - Ah, that's fine.

No wonder they're gonna make you a colonel.

If you think this is a trap, why walk into it with your eyes open?

- Do you remember Sir Louis Cavagnari? - Yes.

He was British Resident in Kabul.

Yes. When was that?

- About 60 years ago. - Well, a bit before my time.

He was massacred with all his escort, wasn't he?

He walked into a trap with his eyes open, and so did Gordon.

Yes, but he got out of a good many tight corners...

before he was cut down at Khartoum.

Exactly, and as a result of that, Kitchener conquered the Sudan...

and we've had peace there for two generations.

A not-unusual preliminary to our establishing law and order...

is the murder of one of our representatives.

As one of our representatives, I find you a most exhilarating companion.

- Do you know any other funny stories? - Well, I know a happier example.

- Do you remember the Chitral campaign in 1857? - Yes.

Sir George Robertson, the British Resident, was besieged for months...

but he held the residency until the British relief force arrived...

and that's why I want you to remain here.

Yes.

Are you ready?

Let's go.

I say...

are you properly equipped for a ceremonial dinner?

4« [ Men Singing In Native Language ]

Okay.

Wait downstairs for me, will you? I must see my wife.

Right.

23 Singing Continues |

Don't, darling.

In a few hours, the feast will be over, and everything will be quiet again.

But are you quite sure everything will be all right at the palace?

Of course. When I accepted the invitation...

I made it a condition that the road from the palace should be kept open until I return.

And you still don't know what happened to Mohammed Khan?

No, but the khan promised I should see him.

You'll see. Everything will be fine.

Yes. I'll see.

All right?

Carry on, Sergeant!

[ Sergeant Shouting Orders ]

- You know your most important order? - Yes, sir. The bugle call.

As soon as I hear the bugle, I'm to lead the sortie into the courtyard of the palace.

- Well, keep your eyes open. - Yes, sir. Have a good time, sir.

- All right. Thanks. - Form fours!

Right! By the left, quick march!

[ Bagpipes ]

Eyes right!

♪♪ [ Stringed Instrument, Percussion]

[ Speaks Native Language ]

♪♪ [ Continues]

[ Belches ]

Thank you, Umra Beg.

[ Belches ]

But you must never do that in front of our English friends.

- They consider it a most barbarous habit. - Not at all, Your Highness.

We know that in the East, it's considered a gracious tribute to your host...

a compliment which marks the end of a perfect entertainment.

Not of the entertainment, merely of the dinner.

The entertainment is yet to come.

I Faster

Everything's under control, Doctor.

Is it?

Come here.

- There's not a servant in the house. - What, they've bolted?

It must have been one of them who put the wireless out of order.

- What? - Yes. There'll be an attack tonight all right.

- Does Marjorie know? - Not yet.

♪♪ [ More Instruments Join In, Pace Quickens ]

as something unspeakably vulgar and barbaric?

Probably because Your Highness feels that women should never dance with men.

Only for men.

You think that if they dance together, the man, uh...

loses a great deal of his dignity.

And the woman something of her chastity.

We believe in equality of rights.

Equality of rights?

Have you ever heard of the lamb persuading the tiger to live in peace with him...

and respect his equality of rights?

Has the musket equal rights with the machine gun?

- [ Drum Pounding Rhythm ] - ♪♪ [Stops ]

No, no. no, gentlemen. Keep your seats.

That was only the first stroke of the drum.

As you know...

♪♪ [ Man Singing ]

[ Shouting, Cheering ]

[ Shouting, Cheering Continue, Faint]

And maybe I was a wee bit more limber on me toes...

when I won the first prize at the Highland games...

but I think we can still show these people something that'll astonish them.

-Come on! - [ Men Cheering ]

[ Bagpipes Tuning Up]

♪♪ [ Upbeat]

[ Cheering Continues ]

What is that?

Bagpipes, Your Highness. Entertaining the entertainers.

See what civilization has done for your dancing and your music?

♪♪ I Bagpipes Continue

[ Whoops ]

[Grunting ]

[ Drum Pounding Continues ]

- Oh, will they never stop their drumming? - There, there. Very soon.

That was the second signal.

One more, and the feast is over, and the sacred drum is silent.

So silent that you'll ask for more.

I never want to hear another drum again.

[ Drum Pounding Continues ]

[ Soldiers Whooping ]

Azim.

The signal.

Machine gun.

- Bugler, alarm. - Yes. Now!

Jo [ Reveille]

[ Officer Shouts ]

♪♪ Bugle Continues - - Shouting

[ Soldiers Shouting ]

[ Machine Gun Fire Continues ]

[ Clamoring ]

Here!

Share that among ya!

Mohammed Khan.

- [ Incoherent Mumbling ] - I promised you should see him.

[Sobs]

[ Weeping ]

Don't cry, Mrs. Carruthers.

I would gladly have given my life if could have got here in time...

to warn Captain Carruthers.

You risked your life to come here, Prince Azim.

You're very brave...

and good to me.

You helped me when you didn't know who I was.

Now I want to help you.

So don't cry. I will save your husband.

Believe me, I will save him.

For a wooden cage I have.

I will put you in the cage...

and it will be carried through all the mountain states...

so that the people may know how the English are to be feared.

You're a mad dreamer, but you'll wake up one of these days.

Before I do, you will write an order, Carruthers —

an order to evacuate the residency.

- I promise your troops safe conduct. - “Safe conduct.”

You swine, you shot at them when they were your guests.

Write the order, Carruthers, if you wish to speak again.

Call your executioner, do whatever your hellish brain can conceive...

but you won't harm anybody over there because —

[ Explosions ]

Your Highness?

Don't whisper in my ear. Speak up!

A report has just come in that the British troops have crossed the border.

Give the order! Sound the alarm!

Quick! Quick, quick!

[ Explosions ]

I swear by all that I believe —

If those troops ever come up here...

I'll have your head thrown in front of their horses” hooves.

[ Gunfire, Explosions ]

[ Soldier Shouting ]

[ Man Chattering ]

[ Man Shouting ]

[ Soldiers Shouting ]

[ Explosions ]

Fire!

- [ Shouting Continues ] - [ Gunfire Continues ]

[ Bomb Whistles ]

What orders, Your Highness?

Abdul, you must go at once...

through the north gate over the high pass.

In two days we are in Turk is tan.

Soon I will be back here stronger than ever.

Take this box. Guard it well.

If we have money, we have power, everything.

Always I win. Now go.

Very well.

Mustapha.

Take your men and go to the tower.

Cut off the heads of the two prisoners now.

[ All Shouting ]

[ Gunshot ]

[ Gunshot ]

[ Shouting In Native Language ]

The British troops are leaving Tokot...

but I am very happy to know...

that my best friends are remaining just a little longer.

Prince Azim.

Your Highness, would you do me the honor of inspecting the troops before they leave?

It will be a pleasure, Your Excellency.

After you, Mrs. Carruthers.

[ Crowd Cheering ]

[ Cheering Continues ]

♪♪ [ Salute For Guard ]

- ♪♪ [Bugles, Drums Stop] - [Cheering Continues]