Original subtitles

Marvelous.. terrific. Bottoms-up boys.

Did you call that a landing? ─ Well, we're down aren't we.

Yeah, we're upside down.

Well, I must have hit a bump. ─ No, you didn't.

You just made another lousy landing. That's all.

How do I get out of this?

Well, you ought to know. It's your sixth crack-up.

What's that to you? ─ Nothing at all. Nothing at all.

Except that as a pilot, you're an A.1. gunner.

Oh yeah.. I can fly alright. ─ Sure, sure. You make nice landings too.

Well, nobody can fly these cockeyed training hacks.

It's a cinch you can't.

What's so funny? ─ You are. Look at yourself.

Lay off!

Alright, alright, alright. You don't need to get up on your ear about it.

I'm just trying to teach you how to..

You'd better see how you can duck those bullets before telling me what to do.

Hiya Mike. What are you two guys doing? Looking for wrangle-worms?

Yeah. ─ Well, you're out of season.

Lovely fellow. What was the argument about?

This. He thinks it's pretty good landing.

What's the matter with it? You were able to walk out of it, ain't you..

Yeah, we can walk.

The Colonel wants you immediately, sir. ─ The Colonel, eh?

My compliments to the Colonel, and tell him to keep his shirt on.

It would be a lovely war, you know Mike, if it weren't for Colonels.

Yeah, and the Army.

Hold everything! Hold everything! I've got some terrible news for you gentlemen.

We're going to France. ─ No!

Nobody told me, I was peeking through the Colonel's keyhole.

Listen, the Colonel's giving Jerry all the dope. He's on his way down here.

Boys, this time tomorrow we'll be up there taking a crack at them.

Yeah, and vice-versa.

I say Gerry, when are we going? ─ Where are we going? Who's going?

What's this all about anyhow? ─ Who told you?

A little bird.

Mike? ─ Cheep cheep..

[ whistling ]

Well, here's the dope. We leave at seven in the morning.

What's the Colonel think I got? Insomnia?

That's no time to crawl out of a warm bed. Make it noon.

The Colonel asked me to give you the list.

Thomas? ─ Yes.

Travis? ─ Yes sir.

Galloway? ─ Half way to France.

Wilson? ─ Here.

Baxter? ─ Rather.

Smith? ─ Smythe if you don't mind. But I'm here.

Harolds? ─ Present.

Richards? ─ Who, me?

Boy I won't have to go to the dentist tomorrow.

That's the list gentlemen.. Let's go.

I tell you what we do. Go to Princes for dinner, and go on to Murrays afterwards.

Hey.

Haven't you forgotten something?

I don't get you.

Well, my name is not on that list. What did you have to do with it?

Well uh.. the Colonel asked me if I thought you could fly..

Sure, I know, and you told him I couldn't.

Now listen..

You're the best gunner in the bunch.

But you're going to kill yourself if you keep on trying to fly.

Well, It's my life ain't it?

You couldn't mind your own business. You had to queer the one thing I wanted to do.

You got me grounded. ─ No. You're going to be an Observer.

An Observer, huh?

That will be fun.

I'm going to stay here in England and..

You're going to France. Well, take this with you..

Hogan! ─ Hello.

Here's your replacements.

Where? ─ Up there.

Strewth!

Here we are.

Oui, oui. It's my day in France.

Oh.. boy!

Oh boy, I wonder how far we are from Paris.

Did you see those shells bursting up there?

Listen. It reminds me of the 4th of July at Patooka.

I hope they send us over today.

Yeah, well if they do, I want to get back in time for supper.

Is this the uh..? ─ Let me handle it.

Comment ca va? Nous sommes deux aviators.

From Le squadrone over the.. Angleterre.

Voulez-vous annoncez deux?

A la Commandante. Tres vite..

You didn't know I spoke French, did you? ─ No, do you?

Are you two gentlemen the new replacements?

Yeah, I guess we are. ─ I'll have your kit sent over right away.

Hogan! ─ Sir?

Take these gentlemen to their quarters. ─ I thought this was planned..

Mr Kingsford? This is Mr Young. Your new pilot, sir.

Glad to see you. ─ I'm glad to be here.

Well, dump your stuff and make yourself at home.

Just arrived? ─ Yes, just.

Do you mind if I wash up a bit? ─ Why, go ahead.

I'll get some hot water sir. ─ Here's a clean towel.

Thank you.

Have a good trip over? ─ Yes, fine thanks.

I say, you're American, aren't you? ─ Yeah. How did you guess?

"Young", sir?

Right here.

Major Dunham would like to see you at once, sir.

You take off in 10 minutes Mr Kingsford. ─ Thanks.

Ten minutes, eh?

Hey, better take your flying gear, we're going to do a show.

Are we? Right away? ─ Yes.

Don't waste any time, do they.

Hey Mike. ─ What?

Did they send for you too?

You don't think I'm calling the Major for fun do you?

Come on, let's be in there.

Major Dunham? ─ Yes, that's right.

We're Young and Richards, sir.

Oh yes. Oh, the two Americans.

How are you? Glad to have you with us.

How was your trip across? Tiresome? ─ Not at all.

In fact, I could go back again right away.

How's everything in London?

Last we saw of Piccadilly Circus, things seemed to be going round and round.

And around.

Well, things go round and round out here too sometimes.

You've only got one job here, and that's to take photographs.

And to bring them back. That means flying close to the ground.

Where the enemy can shoot at you with everything he's got.

Everything? ─ Everything.

Come in Kingsford.

The ship is ready, sir.

There's a new.. a new enemy battery.

Reported G.4... H.3.

Now GHQ wants photographs at once.

Kingsford here is an old hand. You do the flying, and he'll do the rest.

We'll get them for you, sir. ─ That's the stuff.

Off you go. Good luck to you.

Well, good day sir. ─ Oh one moment..

I'll give you your instructions in a few minutes.

I can hardly wait.

It's swell. I didn't have any idea I'd get to go up so soon.

All of a sudden. ─ Yeah.

Well, that lets me out.

Look Mike, you want to go up in my place? ─ Oh no thanks, I'm tired.

Seven months of training for this first minute of action.

Yeah, seven months? I did seven years.

Nervous? ─ Oh, you know, just a little.

If his heart wasn't in his mouth, you'd hear his teeth chatter.

This is an easy one. Jump over the line and keep your eyes open.

And if you see anything you think I haven't seen, hit me.. I'll do the same.

Oh we'll be alright.

I know I'll be alright, because I'm staying here.

If you come back, I'll be waiting for you.

Major Dunham's orders, sir. You take off immediately.

Who, me? ─ Yes, sir.

What?.. Sir?

Hey Mike! I got one, I got two!

Tell me about it. You got two?

Oh that's terrific. How did you do it? Tell me..

Did, did you get back alright? ─ Well, look at me. Here I am.

Two arms, two legs, two of everything. ─ See anything?

The last time I opened my eyes, one of them big black things up there went "boom".

Oh you got two. Listen if you get two a day you get..

Okay, okay. Oh boy what a kill.

First time over the lines too. Why didn't someone tell me about this line of work..

Now then, lower him..

Alright men. Come on, stand back. ─ He's got it proper, he has.

Did you get your photographs, Young?

He's dead.

Yes, I know.. but did you get your photographs?

Oh..

Yeah..

Was it my fault, sir? ─ Nobody's fault.

But he's dead.

I'm afraid you'll have to get used to that.

You don't waste any time, do you.

No sir.. that's the third officer I've lost today.

Too bad about Mr Kingsford sir.

He was a nice chap Mr Kingsford.

That's his wife and child, sir.

Alan is dead. ─ Yes, I know.

That's the fifth observer I've lost in two months.

Yes, but this is war, and death is what we've got to expect.

Yes, I know sir. But five? ─ Stop thinking about it.

I can't.

You volunteered for this war. Now what was in your mind when you came into it?

Well, I wanted to fly. I thought there would be some sport in it.

I thought I'd be fighting alone..

I didn't expect to be a chauffeur for a graveyard..

Driving men to their death day-after-day.

Yet that's just exactly what it is.

Day after day..

Yes.. and maybe tomorrow you won't come back.

Have you thought about that? ─ Oh that doesn't matter.

Oh that's where you're wrong. It does.

What do you suppose they gave you that Cross for?

Oh some absurd idea about bravery. ─ Nothing of the sort.

Oh, of course that was part of it.

But whether you like it or not..

You're becoming a shining example to these youngsters who are coming out to us.

You don't know it.. but we're telling them: be like Young.

Get yourselves a Cross. Cover yourselves with decorations.

Oh, I see.

Sort of a "shining-example" then? ─ That's it.

Gee, it's a swell job for a guy.

Yes, but it's your job and you've got to finish it.

Yeah.. I know.

That's alright.

Too bad about Mr Alan, sir.

He was a nice young chap Mr Alan.

Oh well.. they come and they go.

Let me see now. There was Mr Alan..

Mr Caruthers.. Mr Howard.. Mr Warner.

Mr..?

You know sir, that nice gentleman with the wife and child sir.

Kingsford.

Kingsford. That's right sir, yes.

Good night sir.

Are you my new Observer?

Yeah.

Well, well.. I gather you lost five men in two months.

Whose fault was that? Yours or theirs?

I wish I knew. ─ Yeah, that would be nice.

Funny you being assigned to me, Crocker. ─ No it isn't.

I asked for it.

I thought you didn't like me. ─ I don't.

Then, what the..? ─ Curiosity fellah.. curiosity.

I heard about you and your medal. I wanted to see how you did it.

And how long you could keep on doing it.

How can you tell?

I'm likely to get mine any minute. ─ I didn't mean that.

I was just wondering how long you'd go on before your nerves would go to pieces.

Hmm.

You think I'm yellow, eh? ─ Sure.. I know you are.

Remember that day when I laid one on your jaw and you went down and stayed there?

Remember that? ─ Yeah.. yeah, I remember.

Suppose it was me you'd socked on the jaw, what do you think I'd have done?

I don't know.

Well, what would you do?

Now wait a minute!

You just got out here and you don't know what it's all about yet.

But as long as you're here, you and I have a job to do.. together unfortunately.

You just stick in the back end of the bus, and I'll stick in the front.

And I'll take you anywhere you want to go.

Just see that you don't miss anything.

Want a drink?

Well, well, it's him in short pants. If it ain't old stick-in-the-mud.

Why, you're still the funny-fellah, huh?

None of that backseat driving there, sunshine.

Oh lay off.

Hiya Slug. ─ What do you say Jerry?

They tell me to keep flying this guy right, so they give you another ribbon.

Don't you worry about it. You worry about your own decorations.

The way I'm missing those enemy planes, they ought to be giving me the Iron Cross.

Hey, you sap. ─ Not me.

Whenever there's dangerous work to be done, who is the Major paging?

Me?.. Never..

He asks for Lieutenant Jerry Young, that guy with the ribbons on his chest.

Can I help it? ─ Not now, you can't. You are marked.

You see any ribbons on my chest though?

No, you never will.

There'll never be an officer look at me and say "there's a brave man".

"Let's get him to do the dirty work."

What did you join this army for, you sap?

What are you trying to do? Kill me?

And who's flying this ship, anyway?

You made me miss. I had him cold. ─ That's what I tried to do.

Yeah, well not next time you..

A little higher.. a little higher.

Now.. what was that you were saying up there?

What's the matter? Did your guns jam? ─ Yeah, they jammed.

And next time you pull one like that, I'll jam them down the back of your skull.

Next time you take a pop at a fellah in a parachute, you won't get a chance to.

What do you want me to do, kiss him?

You alright Jerry? ─ Yeah, by the skin of my teeth.

I nearly caught in on that last dive.

Sweet Christopher, can that Green-Tail fly!

You should have seen him ride me down in a spin. I tried everything.

He was on my tail all the way. ─ Yeah, well how about the..?

Oh, he's a great gunner. He shot down a defenceless observer at 600 yards.

".. over us, one little game for all of us.. one little.. "

Oh.. I'm poison, huh?

Well, not that it makes any difference, but what is it?

Well it's simply this old boy.

We don't shoot down observers when they get in your way in parachutes.

I don't get it.

That fellah was in an observation balloon.

Maybe he observed something that would help the enemy wipe out this whole sector.

I kept him from landing with that information.

And for that, I'm a dirty-deuce?

Well, maybe you can tell me why?

It's shooting a man in the back.

Nobody does it. That's all.

Sort of a gentleman's agreement old chap.

Say mister, why don't you get wise..? ─ Why don't you get wise? This is a war!

I'm hired to kill the enemy.. and there ain't no book of rules about that.

Every one I've put away means one less to kill me.

That's my job, and I'm doing it. ─ You're doing it darn well, but get this!

You're not popping off guys in parachutes from any ship I'm flying.

Well that settles that, as my grandma said. Who's going to buy the next drink?

What's your pleasure, gentlemen?

".. bombed last night.. bombed the night before.."

".. we're going to get bombed tonight, as we've never been bombed before.."

Come in.

Hello Crocker. ─ Hello sir.

Where's Young? ─ Oh..

I don't know.. he and Richards are around somewhere I guess.

I suppose I'll have to turn out the guard to find him.

Anything wrong? ─ What? No, no.

Only GHQ has just telephoned.

A French General will be here in an hour to decorate him with the Crois De Guerre.

Oh, another medal, huh? Well, I suppose he deserves it.

You're getting one too, Crocker.

I'll go and get him.. I think he's over at Madame's.

Oh no, never mind. I'll send an orderly.

I uh..

I suppose he's getting blotto again?

Well, what if he is? ─ Oh, he's drinking too much lately.

Look, Major.

Maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea if other fellahs tried the same brand of whiskey.

Well, I just wanted to know how you felt about him.

Well, don't get me wrong about him, Major.

I don't like that sort of talk. ─ No?

Then, why are going out in this rain to find him?

Well, I'm darned if I know.

Oh come on Jerry, snap out of it will you.

I wish I could get it out of my mind you know.

When you see a guy like that, falling and burning, you know he hasn't got a chance.

You can't snap a picture like that out of your mind.

You don't drink enough. ─ I can't drink enough.

Hey Fanny. ─ Richards?

Comment l'omelette?

That meaning in English "how's the omelette?"

Coming up, handsome.

You get that? I've been teaching her English.

English? ─ Night school.

He don't believe me Fanny. Put that omelette down there and show him.

Yes, so..

Voila!.. See?

Mike give you that? ─ Uhuh. It has learnt me good.

The "Big Stiff".

That's what I told you to call the Major, not me.

Okay baby!

Why?.. You no eat? Not you?

You old "son-of-a-gun". ─ What?

He told me your father was of much importance. He was a "big-gun".

So, you are "son-of-a-gun".

Hiya. Hello, you son-of-a..

Not while I'm here. Shush.. good morning.

What was that?

Oh Mike, just been kidding along with Madame.

Hey, I've been looking for you. The Major wants you.

Me? What for? What does he want?

He's going to hang another medal on you.

Tell him I've got a medal. ─ Well, I see he's going to have two.

Come on.

Bon soir mes amis. ─ Bon soir Madame.

Wait a bit, I'm going too.

Well Fanny, you don't know how much we enjoyed that meal. The omelette was terrific.

Sorry I can't stay and finish it. Here you are honey.

Oh!

Kiss me Fanny.

Go on Fanny, give it to him.

He's getting it.

Oh, just too rich for the blood. Well, goodbye Fanny.

How many times must I tell you: my name is "Fifi"

Well.. yeah.

Why you might be "Fifi" to the rest of the world, but you're "Fanny" to me.

Goodbye honey. ─ Haha, good day.

Hey, what's the big idea?

Cool your head off. You can't fall on your face when you're getting a medal.

Listen, I'm alright.

Attention!

[ french ]

Jerry Young.

Royal Flying Corps.

????

He's going to get your telephone number again. Here he comes, look.

[ french ]

What did he say?

He says you're drinking lousy cognac. He's going to send you some real stuff.

[ french ]

Michael Richards.

Royal Flying Corps.

Now he's going to get your telephone number, Mike.

Gesundheit!

Au revoir, messieurs.

Well, rather pretty old boy, eh what?

I got this ribbon for being the best dog in the show.

I say, is it really yours?

Well, I had to kiss the General's ass to get it.

But, what's that to a hero?

Yes, I guess there's only a few of us left.

Boys, I want to tell you, unaccustomed as I am to public drinking.

I just want to tell you, don't get discouraged, see.

Because as long as they keep giving these medals out, that'll keep the war going.

When there's work to be done. Who will the Major page now?

Come on there Hogan, give us that champagne.

It was a great day Hogan, I want to tell you.

Are you Mr Richards?

One of you gentlemen, tell this boy who I am.

The worst impostor in France. ─ The worst pilot in France.

In the whole world. ─ The teacher's pet.

My pals..

What's on your mind, son? ─ I'm Johnny Stevens, your new observer.

Observer? Hey Jerry!

Tell us what you do to come out a little. Look, I'm father.

Observer? Step up to the bar, son.

Would you like to have a drink? ─ Sure, thanks.

Hogan.. give my son a bowl of milk, will you.

Could I have a little whiskey? ─ Whiskey? Whiskey?

Give him a little whiskey and a bowl of milk.

You know, look out for this whiskey, it's kinda strong, son. Knock you down.

Weaned in a distillery.

This is our mess gentlemen.. you know, we're not long on formality here.

Now, if you come along, you shall meet some of our men.

We'll give you the drug-store and 800 dollars.

You want them to get on with the war, you want..

Congratulations Jerry. ─ Oh, thank you sir.

I'm proud of you, looks great. Hope you get a lot more of them.

Thanks.

There's a new batch of youngsters just come up.

Just babies, huh? ─ Yes, I know.

I want you to say a few words to them. ─ Oh no, no.

Yes, yes. Great for their morale. Buck them up no end.

A "shining-example" huh?

Yes, that's it.. now come along. Gentlemen.. gentlemen.

You've probably all heard of Jerry Young.

And I dare say that some of you know the sort of things that he does.

Well, I want you to meet him.

My pleasure.

How do you do, sir. ─ How do you do.

I hope we'll all get to know each other better.

Well, go on.. I've asked him to say a few words to you.

I.. I don't know what to tell you.

Well Jerry, they're all interested in your latest victory.

Wasn't much of a victory.. single combat.

Crocker and I were lucky, that's all.

There are a thousand more chaps like the one we got this afternoon.

We need you.

And I might tell you.. the first time you shoot down a man..

Don't let it get to you.

Don't.. just try to remember that..

The cause you're fighting for.. is right and just.

They are your enemies.

You are fighting for humanity.

And for the.. preservation of civilization.

I guess that's all. ─ Thanks.

Is that what you wanted? ─ Yes, that's just exactly what we want.

Get down you fools! Get down!

Alright Major? ─ Hey Mike, those kids..

Thanks.

Yet.. I didn't even get to the front.

Not a chance to do anything.. did I?

No.. only die..

Somebody will get a nice, shiny medal for this.

Come on fellahs, can't do any good here.. not now.. come on boys.

There you are.. there you are.. there you are.

There you are, you got it.

Shoot.. shoot!

You got him.. you got him!

He's burning.. got it.. There.. there you are..

There you are, you got him.. you got him..

You got him.. you got him!

Is that him?

Yeah.. he's burning, he's burning..

There you are.. there you are, there you go.

Don't shoot, shoot, shoot it. Shoot.

I lost five.. I lost five.. I lost five!

I lost five sir. I know sir, but five. Five in two months sir. Five.. five sir.

Kingsford.. Howard.. Warner. Caruthers.. Alan.

Kingsford, Howard, Warner. Caruthers, Alan.

You're fighting a great fight.. fighting for humanity.

For the preservation of civilization.

Kid.. kid.. little boys.. little boy.. look Mike.

Look Mike, they're burning. Look Mike, they're burning!

Oh blood.. blood.. stinky blood Mike.

Mike, I can't stand it.. I can't stand it, Mike..

I can't stand it, I'm going to stop it. I'm going to stop it.

I'm going to stop the whole, rotten mess. Now listen..

Look out Mike.. look out Mike! He's right on your tail.

Look out Mike!

Come in.

Anything wrong?

What do you mean?

I heard an awful racket and I thought somebody else was hurt.

No, just me having a bit of a nightmare.

Oh I'm sorry.. I didn't mean to disturb you. I'm..

Oh that's alright.

Gee..

Must be great to be able to wear those.

Look at him.. after all he's been through.. and sleeping like that.

Yeah.. wonderful.

Pretty awful, wasn't it..

Seems a pity.. all those boys.

Well, I guess if they hadn't got it that way, they'd have got it some other way.

Well, what's on your mind?

I want to be assigned to another pilot.

What for?

I'm afraid I.. ─ But you're not afraid of anything.

Oh, I'm afraid to ride with him anymore.

He's cracking.

Oh.. so that's it, is it?

Well, if you think I'm going to break up the only team I can rely on..

You are badly mistaken.

I'll give him ten days leave.. today.

That ought to put him straight. ─ It might.

And when he comes back, you'll fly with him.

That's all. ─ Thank you sir.

Probably wondered what it's all about.

The one in red hasn't got crosses or circles on its wings.

I hope it ain't a bomber.

You know, here she goes, sir.

Hogan, Hogan, Hogan!.. That's hot!

It was so hot I couldn't hold it, sir. ─ Go away from me. Don't bother me.

I wonder if he's on our side.

Say Mike. ─ What?

Look after yourself, will you. ─ What do you mean?

Oh, I had a dream last night, and you got all mixed up with Green-Tail.

Hmm. I told you, I'm getting a long, white beard.

Morning Major. ─ Morning.

I've got good news for you, Jerry. ─ What's that, sir?

You're going on ten days leave.

I didn't ask for leave, Major. ─ No, I know you didn't.

But I thought it would do you good.

You know.. change of scene and change of talk.

When do I go? ─ Immediately.

In time to catch the afternoon leave-boat.

Boy, London and clean sheets, huh? ─ Yeah, and a private bathtub.

Yes.. and it means double work for you while he's away.

Makes no difference to me. Just so I get my Thursdays off, and every other Sunday.

Hey Major..

If Richards is going to fly tough jobs, he ought to have Crocker as his gunner.

Yes, well we'll do that. ─ Good.

Come on, what's the idea? You know I don't like that guy Crocker.

Don't be a sap, he's the best gunner in the outfit.

If you're together, you'll both be here when I get back. Listen Mike..

What do you want me to bring you back from London? Anything you say.

Anything? ─ Yeah, anything I can bring back here.

Well my second choice is..

You know the little place on Jermyn Street that sells that Gorgonzola cheese?

Listen, bring me back a piece that will come to me when I whistle it will you.

Okay.

Hot-damn boy. ─ Come on boy, I gotta pack.

He's got me!

Hey!.. Listen, when you get to that place that sells the..

Then my dear chap, when the barrage lifted we counter-attacked.

Drove them from the woods.

And in my position, they followed it with machine guns on our left flank.

By Jove, we drove them back. What do you think of that?

Marvelous.

The most wonderful thing was that he was shot down in flames from 12,000 feet.

And like a torch he was, at night. Ever see anything like that Jerry?

Yes.. I'm afraid gentlemen, if you'll excuse me, I've got to be going.

Goodnight.

Jerry, it's been wonderful to have you here. I hope you've had a good time.

It's been charming.

I thought it would be a relief after all you've been through.

Yes, thanks.

But before you go, there is one member of the household that you haven't seen.

And he's terribly anxious to meet you.. my youngest.

Tommy.. this is Jerry Young.

How do you do Tommy. ─ I'm fine sir.

Is it true that you shot down 18 planes?

I guess it is.

I'm planning to be a flyer just like you, just as soon as I get time.

Do you think I would make a good flyer? ─ Oh wonderful. You're perfect for it.

It must be fun, isn't it? ─ Well, not exactly Tommy.

Don't you like to kill the enemy? ─ Oh yes, yes. Of course.

Tell me about it. Tell me about all of it..

Well.. I'm afraid I wouldn't have time for that, son.

What do they look like when they fall, sir?

Are they on fire?

Sometimes, yes. ─ Do they look like a roman-candle?

Yes.. yes, like a roman-candle.

Do they explode with a great, big bang?

Yes.. a great big bang.

Good night sir.

Go up to bed, son.

Can I drop you somewhere? ─ I don't want to be dropped.

I want a cigarette.

And now what? ─ Where are you going?

I hadn't thought, perhaps around the park?

Tell him that then.

Through the park. ─ Right-oh governor.

Pretty bad wasn't it?

Well it was alright until the kid came down.

You can't get away from it, can you. ─ How did you know that?

I've been watching you all evening, but you didn't see me, did you?

I'm sorry.. I'm afraid I didn't.

Do you like this driving round and round? ─ No, not much.

Perhaps you'd like to go somewhere? ─ I think you need a glass of champagne.

Oh, I couldn't stand to go to a nightclub or anything like that.

Let's have it here in the park.. in the moonlight.

Stop the driver and send him for some.

Stop here.

Rush off somewhere and get a bottle of champagne and bring it back here, will you.

Right-oh governor.

You are ill, aren't you?

No, no I'm alright, I'm perfectly fine.

Come over here and sit down.

Why are you doing this?

Don't you like it?

I like it very much.

Well?

Only I uh..

I don't seem to know what to talk about. ─ Why talk?

Oh, here he is..

Here you are governor. ─ Thank you.

That's fine.

Just.. wait for us, will you. ─ Right-oh sir.

Moonlight.. quiet.. romance.

Champagne. ─ Uhuh.

Thank you.

Why?.. That's what I want to know.

Why? ─ Tell me about it.

No, there's nothing to tell.

It's the same old thing, over and over again.

Day after day.. ─ Well..

Well you see.. I thought it was like a game.

Pool.. or something like that.

And on the first time I went up, I brought down a plane. That started it.

That started everything.

A treadmill.

Somebody slapped me on the back and told me I was great, and I had to go on.

More planes..

More dead men..

More medals..

There isn't any end.. then what do you think happened to me?

I was what they called a "shining-example".

Could there be anything more terrible than that?

A "shining-example".

The only way I can go on is to kill somebody.

When I get up in the morning, the first thing I say to myself is..

Well, you've got to do it again today.

Because if you don't do it..

You know what I'm talking about.

Yes.

They bring young boys..

Only kids, just away from their mothers, who don't know anything.

And then they point to me and they say: "be like him. Be like him".

That's what I've got to do.

You don't think I'm afraid, do you?

I know you are not afraid.

Every time I knock some poor devil down, burning, they buy me drinks.

Oh my dear.. oh my dear..

I'm sorry.

I shouldn't have bothered you.

You didn't bother me.

You've been awfully kind.

I want to be kind.

Hello Jerry! ─ Hello boys!

Hi Jerry! ─ Hello Jerry..

Have a good trip? ─ Yeah, swell.

Look, he's back sober! Welcome back from the battle of Piccadilly!

Where's Mike?

He and Crocker are out on a show. ─ He'll be back pretty soon.

What is it, Scotch? ─ No, I bought it for Mike. Smell it.

Oooo! Hang some black crepe on it.

Is he's going to eat it? ─ Sure he is..

That looks like Mike now. ─ Yeah, that looks like him.

Hey Mike! Mike..

Ah, bonjour mon ami.

Mon ami.

Oh you must have mixed with somebody.

La fromage! Pour votre Marie.

There you are my lad.

The most thoroughly disreputable cheese in the entire British Empire.

Oh, what a lovely stink..

What a dogfight you must have been through.

Hello Crocker. ─ Hello Jerry.

What happened? ─ Green-Tail.

I got Mike to turn back so I could take a crack at him.

I did.. but he took forty-nine at us.

Well, I guess we're lucky to be here. ─ I'll say you are.

Mike.. Mike..

Hey Mike.. Mike, you can't do that.

I'm alright.. a little gas..

I guess it must be the cheese.

Mike.. Mike! ─ Mike!

Do something! Get an ambulance. Hurry up.

Major, you're wanted. Richards is wounded.

Careful, watch his head now..

Gently.. gently.

Come on Mike.. easy, easy.

He's dead.

Well, you got your crack at Green-Tail, Crocker.

You got Richards to go back and tangle with him, eh?

Couldn't be satisfied to get your pictures and come on home.

You had to fight and kill somebody. ─ Wait a minute Jerry.

Well you did it! You killed somebody..

You killed the best guy that ever flew in France.

You and I are washed up Crocker. On the ground and in the air.

Hogan.. transfer Mr Crocker's gear. Mr Stevens is flying with me.

They bombed 86th Squadron last night.

Killed eleven men, and destroyed the hangars.

I heard about it.. a rotten show.

We want photographs of their aerodrome. We're going to make a counter-raid.

Where is it?

Well GHQ thinks its uh..

Thinks it's about.. here..

Well, get back as soon as you can.

Jerry.

You know that's a tough section.. well patrolled.

You're liable to be attacked.

I wouldn't give you odds.

Wouldn't you rather have Crocker with you, than that youngster?

No thanks. I'll take Stevens.

I see.

Well, happy landing.

Thank you sir.

All set Johnny? ─ Right-oh.

Keep an eye on the sun.

Don't let anybody sneak up under your tail.

Oh lummy, what a crack-up that was, eh.

Have we got him?

The bloke put up a good fight, just the same.

Here he comes.. ─ Here's the bloke what got him!

Well done, Flying Corps.

Jolly fine show I calls it..

Why that's the stuff to give them. He never had no hope, he never.

Where's your pal?

He fell out.. he fell all the way..

His first flight.

You bleeding well finished the other kid.

Did you kill him?.. Great work.

Do you know who it is? ─ No.

It's "Voss".. the great ace. ─ Voss?

He was a holy terror. ─ He was the greatest flyer they had.

Just a kid.

You'll get a citation for this.

Hello Jerry. See you're back again.

Good show old boy.

They'll give you a commendation for this. ─ Well done Jerry. How'd you do it?

What's the matter with him? ─ The way he's acting over it.

Voss!.. An ace!

You got a combat-report blank?

Too bad about Stevens.

Yeah.

Too bad.

".. and he impressed his last few guests, before he passed away."

"I'll tell you how it happened, on another day.."

What do you want? ─ They're waiting for you in there.

Major Dunham sent me.

Well, I'm not going.

Well, that's alright with me, but they're giving this binge in your honor.

A binge to celebrate the killing of a twenty-year old kid.

Gee.. that's great.

I wouldn't miss it for anything.

Sure I'll go.

Here's Jerry now. Come on Jerry.

Mr Crocker, come here.

We've been waiting for you Jerry.

Come along Jerry.. we've imported some real food.

And the General has sent up a case of '98 Clicquot.

Gentlemen.. I think we ought to start this affair..

With a toast to Jerry.

Gentlemen.. Jerry Young.

Well done Jerry..

Everybody up.

I'm drinking to the man I killed. ─ Voss!

Thanks for the binge, boys.. it's an honor.

Too bad Stevens can't be here.

It would have meant a lot to him.

He fell out.. 3,000 feet.

I wouldn't have got Voss if he hadn't come at me head-on.

I went to the field hospital to see him.

I thought I'd find a man.

I found a blond kid.. like a lot of you!

Two bullet-holes in him.

They congratulated me for it.

Congratulated me all day.. told me I'd done a great thing.

They set me up a shiny, tin God. A hero.. an ace!

They expect me to act like a hero.

So you can all play at being heroes.

So you can go out and shoot other kids down, and get killed yourselves.

They'll decorate you for it. They'll give you medals.

Just like they did me! I got these for killing kids!

They are all chunks of torn flesh.. and broken bones.. and blood!

And.. for.. WHAT?

I give you.. WAR!

Drunk as an owl. ─ Ha, I'll say he is.

Blotto. ─ And who has a better right?

Another bottle of wine, Hogan..

[ Gunshot! ]

[ door knocks ]

Come in.

Hello Crocker.

Hello sir.

I got him to bed alright sir. ─ Oh good.

I see.. he got drunk quickly, didn't he?

Yes sir.

Yes.. well, he'll be alright in the morning.

I hope so sir. ─ He's got an easy show tomorrow.

Yes sir.

He..

He asked me to fly with him, sir. ─ So?

Oh.. oh, I'm glad of that.

Yes sir.

You are sure there is nothing I can do?

No sir.

Goodnight Crocker. ─ Goodnight sir.