1 00:00:05,163 --> 00:00:09,562 Based on a true story. 2 00:00:09,642 --> 00:00:15,322 Those events depicted, which seem most unbelievable... 3 00:00:16,003 --> 00:00:20,843 ...are mostly true. 4 00:00:20,922 --> 00:00:25,402 MAY 1941 Somewhere in the Egyptian Desert 5 00:01:57,922 --> 00:02:01,482 My truck is running low on fuel so the rest must be the same. 6 00:02:02,163 --> 00:02:04,562 Permission to bring up the fuel trucks. 7 00:02:07,443 --> 00:02:11,362 Tobruk is a hundred and twenty miles, we need to refuel. 8 00:02:12,603 --> 00:02:15,082 Yes, I know. 9 00:02:16,003 --> 00:02:20,043 Right. So you should give the order to bring up... 10 00:02:24,202 --> 00:02:26,003 Please tell me 11 00:02:26,962 --> 00:02:31,362 that we brought petrol trucks with us on this convoy? 12 00:02:36,922 --> 00:02:39,242 As a matter of fact, we didn't. 13 00:02:40,082 --> 00:02:44,563 I've been watching my own fuel gauge moving inexorably toward empty 14 00:02:45,202 --> 00:02:47,802 and I've worked out that what it must be, 15 00:02:48,922 --> 00:02:52,922 is that the convoy has been fuelled with just enough petrol 16 00:02:53,482 --> 00:02:56,283 for a journey of 500 kilometres. 17 00:02:58,123 --> 00:03:04,603 Right, but the journey from Cairo to Tobruk is 500 miles, old boy. 18 00:03:06,323 --> 00:03:07,762 Indeed. 19 00:03:09,043 --> 00:03:13,723 There are Frenchman in the transport department. 20 00:03:14,883 --> 00:03:17,323 Frenchman. Right. That'll be it. 21 00:03:23,723 --> 00:03:27,603 So we will not reach Tobruk and the siege of Tobruk will not be relieved 22 00:03:27,682 --> 00:03:29,522 and the bombs and the shells will continue to fall 23 00:03:29,603 --> 00:03:31,522 and hundreds more men will die. 24 00:03:33,443 --> 00:03:34,802 Yes. 25 00:03:36,163 --> 00:03:37,922 And Stirling, I don't care who your father was, 26 00:03:38,003 --> 00:03:40,362 you are supposed to address me as Sir. 27 00:03:51,723 --> 00:03:53,163 Piss off. 28 00:04:06,883 --> 00:04:10,003 ROGUE HEROES 29 00:04:11,922 --> 00:04:14,802 In spring 1941 Britain and the Colonial armies 30 00:04:14,883 --> 00:04:18,122 stood against Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy. 31 00:04:20,283 --> 00:04:22,763 Britain was clinging on in North Africa 32 00:04:22,843 --> 00:04:26,643 defending its vital supply route of the Suez Canal. 33 00:04:32,482 --> 00:04:37,043 As the Nazis advanced, the Allied armies fell back on Tobruk, 34 00:04:37,122 --> 00:04:40,763 a crucial port they had to defend at all costs. 35 00:04:41,723 --> 00:04:45,643 If Tobruck fell, Suez would be lost. 36 00:04:46,643 --> 00:04:50,283 If Suez was lost, Africa would be lost. 37 00:04:51,083 --> 00:04:54,122 If Africa was lost, the war would be lost. 38 00:04:55,043 --> 00:04:57,163 In the words of Winston Churchill, 39 00:04:57,242 --> 00:05:01,242 the whole English-speaking world was passing through a dark and deadly valley. 40 00:05:01,322 --> 00:05:03,442 In the words of the common soldier... 41 00:05:03,523 --> 00:05:05,283 ...we were fucked. 42 00:05:30,283 --> 00:05:33,562 There will be another fuck up by GHQ tomorrow. 43 00:06:04,203 --> 00:06:06,163 Yes, whisky. 44 00:06:07,083 --> 00:06:10,963 I won. I won, I won on a horse called Smoky. 45 00:06:12,562 --> 00:06:15,562 Girls didn't make it tonight because of the rain. 46 00:06:17,163 --> 00:06:20,242 Invite him to feel regret, he felt no regret. 47 00:06:20,643 --> 00:06:23,163 I like you, d'you know why? 48 00:06:24,322 --> 00:06:26,362 Because if I tell you a joke, you pretend that it's funny. 49 00:06:26,442 --> 00:06:30,723 So here goes, why did the chicken not reach the end of the road? 50 00:06:31,203 --> 00:06:36,283 Because it was a chicken who had volunteered for the Commandos, 51 00:06:36,362 --> 00:06:38,283 the British Commando Regiment 52 00:06:38,362 --> 00:06:42,482 and so the order came down from GHQ for the chicken to set off down the road. 53 00:06:42,562 --> 00:06:46,643 Fucking road. And so the chicken packed up his equipment, 54 00:06:46,723 --> 00:06:49,882 wanked off his reckless urges, prayed to God, got in his vehicle, 55 00:06:49,963 --> 00:06:53,322 set off down the road and then there ahead, right ahead 56 00:06:53,763 --> 00:06:58,643 at exactly 120 miles outside of Tobruk 57 00:07:01,403 --> 00:07:05,283 was the punchline of this very, very funny joke. 58 00:07:07,043 --> 00:07:08,682 What's punchline? 59 00:07:10,403 --> 00:07:12,843 It's a British military secret. 60 00:07:19,083 --> 00:07:22,203 So we are stood down, again, 61 00:07:24,242 --> 00:07:27,122 so the chicken stays in Cairo, goes to the races, 62 00:07:27,482 --> 00:07:31,283 it rains, and the girls didn't make it. And you know something? 63 00:07:31,922 --> 00:07:35,442 - You hate this place. - I hate this peace. 64 00:07:38,163 --> 00:07:43,562 War, my friend, is where you find it. Come on. 65 00:07:47,482 --> 00:07:49,643 Bottle of Arak and two glasses. 66 00:07:55,643 --> 00:07:56,802 Ah, pom. 67 00:08:01,562 --> 00:08:06,362 Hey Pom, do any of you Poms ever leave fucking Cairo? 68 00:08:07,843 --> 00:08:10,163 Any of you Brits even seen an Italian yet? 69 00:08:10,242 --> 00:08:13,322 Australians. I love Australia. 70 00:08:14,482 --> 00:08:18,922 Wildlife and fauna, designed by a lunatic. 71 00:08:19,362 --> 00:08:20,283 Fuck you. 72 00:08:25,562 --> 00:08:26,882 GHADZI BRITISH MILITARY PRISON 73 00:08:26,963 --> 00:08:28,562 CAIRO SAME NIGHT 74 00:08:28,643 --> 00:08:33,163 If the heats of hate and lust in the house of flesh are strong, 75 00:08:33,243 --> 00:08:37,523 let me mind the house of dust where my sojourn shall be long. 76 00:08:37,883 --> 00:08:41,403 In the nation that is not, nothing stands that stood before, 77 00:08:41,763 --> 00:08:45,763 there revenges are forgot and the hater hates no more. 78 00:08:46,562 --> 00:08:51,283 And naked to the hangman's noose the morning clocks will ring. 79 00:09:15,283 --> 00:09:17,082 How's your colleague? 80 00:09:19,722 --> 00:09:22,003 I hope I did no permanent damage. 81 00:09:24,003 --> 00:09:25,363 Irish fucker. 82 00:09:25,442 --> 00:09:30,003 Fucker, first and foremost, Irish is a contributing factor perhaps, 83 00:09:30,403 --> 00:09:34,722 but in other times I am a friend to the friendless. 84 00:09:35,922 --> 00:09:39,802 Your colleague was being unpleasant to a smaller man, and it got my goat. 85 00:09:39,883 --> 00:09:42,643 Well we are about to be unpleasant to you. 86 00:09:43,003 --> 00:09:46,082 You won't be using military policeman as a punch bag anymore. 87 00:09:46,163 --> 00:09:47,523 You're a mental case. 88 00:09:48,043 --> 00:09:51,562 No one'll be surprised to find you dangling in the morning. 89 00:09:51,883 --> 00:09:54,082 And yon the gallows clank. 90 00:09:57,123 --> 00:10:02,483 Well if you want me to walk on air, yous are gonna have to find Naked Nick first, 91 00:10:04,842 --> 00:10:11,043 'cause I'm used to uneven battles boys, so begin your search. 92 00:10:17,962 --> 00:10:22,883 Desert sores, dysentery, sand in your arse, sand in your eyes, 93 00:10:22,962 --> 00:10:26,922 sand in your lungs, sand in your kidneys, sand in your foreskin, 94 00:10:27,442 --> 00:10:30,763 all be forgotten when the blood is up. 95 00:10:31,922 --> 00:10:33,322 Take it. 96 00:10:35,043 --> 00:10:37,962 Now, take a drink of rum. 97 00:10:40,763 --> 00:10:42,682 Drink, do not think. 98 00:10:43,763 --> 00:10:45,682 Do not be yourself tonight. 99 00:10:47,562 --> 00:10:53,123 Remember this, when we are among them, your mother is not watching. 100 00:10:55,842 --> 00:10:57,322 Let's move. 101 00:11:23,802 --> 00:11:28,802 10 seconds, then mad. Wild. 102 00:11:36,363 --> 00:11:39,922 - You even seen action? - Repeatedly stood down I'm afraid. 103 00:11:41,403 --> 00:11:44,243 - Now we've seen action. - I'm sensing resentment. 104 00:11:44,322 --> 00:11:46,763 - You fucking arsehole. - And I understand it. 105 00:11:46,842 --> 00:11:51,842 When one has faced danger, oh it takes a long time to lose the animal rage. 106 00:11:51,922 --> 00:11:53,643 Talks like a fucking typewriter. 107 00:11:53,722 --> 00:11:57,523 The rain always does this to people. Why don't you leave him alone, huh? 108 00:11:57,602 --> 00:11:58,722 Yeah? 109 00:11:59,602 --> 00:12:01,043 We lost two good men. 110 00:12:05,763 --> 00:12:07,202 Theft. 111 00:12:08,322 --> 00:12:11,322 I'm afraid theft is something I cannot tolerate, 112 00:12:11,403 --> 00:12:17,202 but if we are going to engage, first let me give you a small warning, 113 00:12:17,283 --> 00:12:19,842 I am a particular kind of soldier. 114 00:12:20,202 --> 00:12:23,043 A commando. I trained with other men like myself, 115 00:12:23,123 --> 00:12:26,403 some live only to fight and kill the enemy, 116 00:12:26,483 --> 00:12:30,602 others are careless you will find and will fight anyone at all. 117 00:12:30,922 --> 00:12:32,922 There are mercifully few of us, 118 00:12:33,243 --> 00:12:37,523 but in war, we are allowed to be beasts that we are. 119 00:12:40,403 --> 00:12:42,243 We are taught to kill silently 120 00:12:42,322 --> 00:12:44,922 and it becomes instinctive almost like swallowing, 121 00:12:45,003 --> 00:12:48,802 and the cursed thing is, once learned, you can't unlearn it. 122 00:12:50,202 --> 00:12:51,602 Do you understand? 123 00:12:54,403 --> 00:12:58,962 You shake hands with a man and you can't help but glance at his throat. 124 00:13:00,123 --> 00:13:01,403 Every part of the body 125 00:13:02,123 --> 00:13:06,802 is an invitation to be eagerly accepted as a dog accepts a bone. 126 00:13:08,403 --> 00:13:13,163 Eyes are for thumbs to push into the brain. 127 00:13:14,043 --> 00:13:17,602 Mouths can be torn open. Necks are a gift. 128 00:13:18,643 --> 00:13:20,322 God's ultimate mistake. 129 00:13:21,643 --> 00:13:26,523 Spoons, tea towels, cups of tea, they are all weapons. 130 00:13:26,602 --> 00:13:32,123 Everything you touch is a weapon. You are a weapon. 131 00:13:33,523 --> 00:13:37,243 If our gentlemen generals had the sense to unleash us, 132 00:13:39,883 --> 00:13:41,802 can you even imagine? 133 00:13:47,322 --> 00:13:51,003 Ordinary men when they encounter us 134 00:13:51,082 --> 00:13:56,483 are understandably reluctant to make our acquaintance 135 00:13:56,562 --> 00:13:58,763 but if you really do insist... 136 00:14:14,403 --> 00:14:15,962 Not my stop boys. 137 00:14:17,523 --> 00:14:19,082 Not my fucking stop. 138 00:14:19,682 --> 00:14:21,082 Not today. 139 00:14:32,922 --> 00:14:35,562 Yeah, we're just here for the girls. 140 00:14:43,322 --> 00:14:44,962 My winnings. 141 00:14:53,322 --> 00:14:57,602 Buy yourselves a drink, raise a toast to fallen comrades. 142 00:15:07,403 --> 00:15:10,682 Instead of spending a fucking year in Scotland climbing mountains, 143 00:15:10,763 --> 00:15:12,922 sleeping in ditches and strangling cattle, 144 00:15:13,243 --> 00:15:17,283 I should've just memorised that speech because it works every time. 145 00:15:18,722 --> 00:15:20,682 Get me a whiskey old boy. 146 00:15:25,163 --> 00:15:26,363 To whiskey. 147 00:16:04,003 --> 00:16:05,442 Morning, Sir. 148 00:16:09,643 --> 00:16:10,962 Sir. 149 00:16:14,243 --> 00:16:16,602 Morning, Sir. 150 00:16:17,123 --> 00:16:20,003 - Someone fix that fucking thing. - Morning, Sir. 151 00:16:24,962 --> 00:16:27,682 Doesn't this fucking squeaking drive you insane? 152 00:16:30,442 --> 00:16:31,763 Fix the fucking thing. 153 00:16:32,763 --> 00:16:34,442 - Sir. - Morning, Sir. 154 00:16:48,043 --> 00:16:49,322 Morning, Sir. 155 00:17:04,523 --> 00:17:06,122 There's a bit of a thing, 156 00:17:06,483 --> 00:17:11,122 drinks etcetera, nibbles and whatnot tonight at the... 157 00:17:13,602 --> 00:17:15,882 - At the what? - At the embassy. 158 00:17:16,642 --> 00:17:20,283 A sort of farewell thing for someone, some old boy going home. 159 00:17:20,842 --> 00:17:22,402 A chance for everyone to... 160 00:17:22,723 --> 00:17:27,043 A chance for everyone to formulate a plan for our next assault in Tobruk. 161 00:17:28,003 --> 00:17:29,082 What? 162 00:17:29,162 --> 00:17:33,443 A chance for everyone to say goodbye and good luck to him, whoever he is. 163 00:17:34,362 --> 00:17:39,203 - And you'll be there, Stirling. - Tobruk is under 24 hour bombardment. 164 00:17:40,562 --> 00:17:43,162 A second attempt to relieve Tobruk is being discussed. 165 00:17:43,243 --> 00:17:45,923 - Actually it'll be a third attempt. - Indeed. 166 00:17:52,082 --> 00:17:57,082 The fans don't work. I can't fucking salute anymore. 167 00:17:57,683 --> 00:18:02,882 The map on the wall keeps being redrawn and men are dying. 168 00:18:03,882 --> 00:18:06,963 Stirling, what would it take to make you call me Sir? 169 00:18:08,443 --> 00:18:10,562 It would take respect. 170 00:18:10,882 --> 00:18:14,802 Stirling, you are not the soldier your father was and you never will be. 171 00:18:14,882 --> 00:18:16,963 You're the kind of drunk and insubordinate malcontent 172 00:18:17,043 --> 00:18:18,322 he would've despised. 173 00:18:18,683 --> 00:18:21,443 You will come to the party, you will arrive sober and on time 174 00:18:21,523 --> 00:18:24,043 or you, my friend, will be on a charge. 175 00:18:44,243 --> 00:18:48,963 Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. 176 00:18:49,802 --> 00:18:54,723 Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on Earth as it is in heaven. 177 00:18:55,683 --> 00:18:59,642 Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses 178 00:19:00,003 --> 00:19:02,882 as we forgive those who trespass against us 179 00:19:02,963 --> 00:19:07,043 and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. 180 00:19:07,602 --> 00:19:13,483 For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever and ever... Amen. 181 00:19:27,483 --> 00:19:30,283 Troops. Attention! 182 00:19:38,243 --> 00:19:42,483 Last night we dispatched 50 enemy soldiers 183 00:19:43,122 --> 00:19:45,882 and destroyed one key gun emplacement. 184 00:19:48,523 --> 00:19:50,402 We had only one casualty, 185 00:19:51,483 --> 00:19:53,402 Matthews died in the night. 186 00:20:03,122 --> 00:20:04,402 Did you sleep well? 187 00:20:04,483 --> 00:20:09,402 I was a disaster with the work we did, Sir, but satisfied with our achievement. 188 00:20:11,122 --> 00:20:12,723 I slept on my boots. 189 00:20:14,322 --> 00:20:16,003 I always sleep well, Sir. 190 00:20:24,562 --> 00:20:27,802 We've spent 112 days defending this place, 191 00:20:29,362 --> 00:20:32,283 amidst the rats and the scorpions and the flies. 192 00:20:34,043 --> 00:20:37,082 We must continue and show fortitude. 193 00:20:52,483 --> 00:20:55,923 Command are sending another convoy to relieve us. 194 00:20:56,802 --> 00:21:00,003 Our beloved friends at GHQ might this time remember 195 00:21:00,402 --> 00:21:03,802 to fill the armoured cars with enough petrol in the tanks 196 00:21:04,322 --> 00:21:06,203 to reach the destination. 197 00:21:07,203 --> 00:21:09,283 They can be quite forgetful. 198 00:21:14,802 --> 00:21:16,443 In the meantime, 199 00:21:17,203 --> 00:21:21,043 tonight I will be taking a flight to Cairo on urgent business. 200 00:21:21,562 --> 00:21:27,082 If GHQ can't relieve us, I'm formulating a plan that might get us out of this mess. 201 00:21:36,162 --> 00:21:37,683 Move out the way. 202 00:21:39,322 --> 00:21:40,842 Move. 203 00:21:42,963 --> 00:21:47,122 Move those fucking camels. Get out the way. 204 00:22:24,923 --> 00:22:28,322 Sir, permission to steal donated food rations from the Australians. 205 00:22:28,402 --> 00:22:29,923 Permission granted. 206 00:22:33,723 --> 00:22:35,923 So what is it we're looking for, Sir? 207 00:22:36,483 --> 00:22:40,443 I got a message from one of the dock workers who I bribe with Hashish. 208 00:22:41,203 --> 00:22:45,003 I asked him to keep an eye out 209 00:22:45,642 --> 00:22:49,362 in the swirling chaos of equipment and supplies for parachutes. 210 00:22:49,802 --> 00:22:51,122 And lo, 211 00:22:53,283 --> 00:22:55,443 a set of parachutes have appeared. 212 00:22:56,562 --> 00:22:59,322 And who do they belong to, Sir? 213 00:23:01,562 --> 00:23:03,162 This is the British army. 214 00:23:03,602 --> 00:23:06,243 No one owns anything, no one knows anything, 215 00:23:06,322 --> 00:23:08,842 nothing is certain, nothing is as it seems, 216 00:23:09,283 --> 00:23:12,963 so whatever the fuck you have in your hands belongs to you. 217 00:23:13,523 --> 00:23:16,003 And what use do you have for parachutes, Sir? 218 00:23:16,082 --> 00:23:18,842 I'm going to jump out of aeroplanes with them. 219 00:23:22,003 --> 00:23:26,122 - And do you know parachutes, Sir? - Do you know parachutes... 220 00:23:27,003 --> 00:23:30,283 I know you strap them to your back, you jump, 221 00:23:31,443 --> 00:23:33,362 the thing becomes enormous 222 00:23:35,562 --> 00:23:37,203 and you land safely. 223 00:23:39,443 --> 00:23:43,122 Catch the damn thing before it blows into the sea, Almonds. 224 00:23:45,443 --> 00:23:46,802 Put it back in. 225 00:23:48,082 --> 00:23:50,723 - How, Sir? - How the hell should I know? 226 00:23:51,443 --> 00:23:54,642 I think it's meant to be a very precise procedure. 227 00:23:55,362 --> 00:23:58,243 Then be precise and have them all loaded onto a truck 228 00:23:58,322 --> 00:24:01,362 and sent to the airstrip for tonight's flight. 229 00:24:06,283 --> 00:24:10,243 And you will be on that flight as well Sergeant, along with Riley. 230 00:24:11,203 --> 00:24:13,723 I've decided you are the right kind of men. 231 00:24:16,003 --> 00:24:17,362 The right kind of men for what? 232 00:24:18,283 --> 00:24:24,082 In a world where there are no rules, no order and no organised plan, 233 00:24:25,243 --> 00:24:29,723 certain men are identified by war itself as its natural executors 234 00:24:31,642 --> 00:24:35,402 and those natural executors take matters into their own hands. 235 00:24:36,923 --> 00:24:39,602 I've decided to form a parachute regiment. 236 00:24:40,842 --> 00:24:42,122 You've decided? 237 00:24:43,882 --> 00:24:46,483 Our generals still think we are fighting the first world war. 238 00:24:46,562 --> 00:24:49,203 They dither and debate every order 239 00:24:49,283 --> 00:24:52,443 and all this while the Nazi's whose conviction 240 00:24:52,523 --> 00:24:55,322 cuts through us like fucking steel blades. 241 00:24:59,362 --> 00:25:03,243 We are chased across the fucking desert. A comedy. 242 00:25:04,443 --> 00:25:06,882 Except for the viciousness of their ideology. 243 00:25:06,963 --> 00:25:08,723 Riley. Right, lets load 'em up. 244 00:25:08,802 --> 00:25:11,443 Do you know what they're doing to the children in Berlin? 245 00:25:11,523 --> 00:25:15,842 The devil sent me those tins of beef, God sent me those parachutes 246 00:25:16,243 --> 00:25:18,362 and I'm going to give it a whirl. 247 00:25:18,443 --> 00:25:23,043 I am bringing together men of a particular calibre and you are amongst them. 248 00:25:23,882 --> 00:25:27,483 The others are all insane, in jail or like me in despair. 249 00:25:31,882 --> 00:25:34,043 Let's go and win the fucking war. 250 00:26:31,322 --> 00:26:32,602 Hangover? 251 00:26:34,003 --> 00:26:36,562 Justified by inner rage. 252 00:26:42,043 --> 00:26:43,322 What do you need? 253 00:26:43,642 --> 00:26:46,763 A medical reason not to attend a fucking cocktail party 254 00:26:47,362 --> 00:26:50,082 and while you're at it, get me out of drill for a few days. 255 00:26:50,162 --> 00:26:53,523 You can't rationalise drill because it is meant to make you accept 256 00:26:53,602 --> 00:26:55,963 that the meaningless is important. 257 00:26:57,162 --> 00:26:59,082 Last night there was an officer looking for you. 258 00:26:59,162 --> 00:27:03,523 He wanted to know if the dysentery you reported two weeks ago was genuine. 259 00:27:03,602 --> 00:27:04,602 They think you are malingering. 260 00:27:04,683 --> 00:27:07,162 It's not me that's fucking malingering, it's GHQ. 261 00:27:07,243 --> 00:27:09,602 Layer upon layer of fossilised shit. 262 00:27:09,683 --> 00:27:14,483 - A freemasonry of mediocrity. - Yeah, they're onto you. Court Martial. 263 00:27:15,362 --> 00:27:18,523 - Invented illnesses. - Are you lying? 264 00:27:19,362 --> 00:27:20,683 Of course. 265 00:27:22,763 --> 00:27:25,402 So what did he actually ask you about? 266 00:27:26,362 --> 00:27:28,763 I'd been at the dope so it's all a bit unclear. 267 00:27:28,842 --> 00:27:32,162 He had a message from a Lieutenant Jack Lewes in Tobruk. 268 00:27:32,243 --> 00:27:33,923 - Jock Lewes. - Whatever. 269 00:27:34,243 --> 00:27:35,882 Dear god, you are through the roof. 270 00:27:35,963 --> 00:27:41,362 Whiskey, bang, bang, bang, one after the other. Memories of Scotland. 271 00:27:42,683 --> 00:27:48,043 You know how a bear in a cage sort of stands there and sways from side to side. 272 00:27:57,362 --> 00:27:59,882 So what did Jock Lewes say? 273 00:28:01,362 --> 00:28:04,723 Here. Go to the Empire Club tonight, meet Paddy Mayne 274 00:28:04,802 --> 00:28:08,923 and bring him to the Tipperary Club for a reunion of the three musketeers. 275 00:28:09,003 --> 00:28:13,362 - What the fuck does that say? - It just, just says parachutes. 276 00:28:24,003 --> 00:28:28,283 11 COMMANDO CAMP HELIOPOLIS, CAIRO 277 00:28:33,523 --> 00:28:35,203 Get up you boy ya. 278 00:28:36,882 --> 00:28:39,443 The dead arose and appeared to many. 279 00:28:41,562 --> 00:28:44,122 - Welcome home. - No. 280 00:28:48,523 --> 00:28:51,283 - Were you arrested? - Detained. 281 00:28:53,882 --> 00:28:55,802 Were you identified? 282 00:28:55,882 --> 00:29:00,683 Nope. I said my name was Mr. Hyde and I had no papers. 283 00:29:00,763 --> 00:29:04,523 They gave me a 10 shilling fine for not having identification. 284 00:29:05,003 --> 00:29:07,642 They were gonna hang me as a matter of fact. 285 00:29:08,523 --> 00:29:12,283 - For have for having no ID? - No, for seeking justice. 286 00:29:12,882 --> 00:29:16,683 - What is this soup? - It's the gazelle you shot. 287 00:29:20,082 --> 00:29:21,562 It's very nice. 288 00:29:23,523 --> 00:29:24,763 Thank you. 289 00:29:28,523 --> 00:29:31,923 You know, eventually, of course, 290 00:29:34,443 --> 00:29:36,882 you are going to get yourself hung. 291 00:29:39,723 --> 00:29:42,122 They say it is an exquisite death. 292 00:29:42,523 --> 00:29:46,402 Although, who the people are that know that is unrecorded. 293 00:29:48,923 --> 00:29:52,162 You're supposed to be in hospital. Why did you leave? 294 00:29:53,523 --> 00:29:57,642 I don't so much have Malaria anymore as much as share a bed with it. 295 00:29:58,443 --> 00:30:01,723 My only symptom now is soaking the sheets every night. 296 00:30:01,802 --> 00:30:05,763 I sweat so much I'm embarrassed, half the nurses can wring them out. 297 00:30:07,162 --> 00:30:09,842 So I went and sweated in a nightclub instead 298 00:30:10,763 --> 00:30:15,763 and somebody got my goat and there's no more to it than that. 299 00:30:22,602 --> 00:30:24,003 Last night, 300 00:30:24,963 --> 00:30:29,243 someone was here with a message from a Lieutenant Jock Lewes in Tobruk. 301 00:30:29,322 --> 00:30:31,003 Something about parachutes. 302 00:30:31,523 --> 00:30:35,082 You're due at the Empire tonight to meet a fella called Stirling 303 00:30:35,162 --> 00:30:37,283 to reunite the three musketeers. 304 00:30:42,602 --> 00:30:44,763 CAIRO EMPIRE CLUB 305 00:31:38,562 --> 00:31:41,322 - Working tonight, Sir? - Not tonight, dear. 306 00:31:44,043 --> 00:31:48,122 No. No, no. I'm afraid not. 307 00:31:50,082 --> 00:31:54,923 I dunno what a red flower on the table signifies in the language of Cairo 308 00:31:55,003 --> 00:31:59,562 but I'm not looking for a brief accord if that's what you're thinking. 309 00:31:59,642 --> 00:32:02,483 A brief accord? You are a poet. 310 00:32:03,003 --> 00:32:07,203 - As a matter of fact I am. - And I'm a journalist. 311 00:32:08,283 --> 00:32:10,723 And I'm a journalist, said the spy. 312 00:32:11,322 --> 00:32:16,122 Of course I am a spy. In war we must all re-purpose our professional talents. 313 00:32:16,203 --> 00:32:18,362 - Sorry old boy. - Fuck off. 314 00:32:23,162 --> 00:32:25,082 And what is your purpose? 315 00:32:26,003 --> 00:32:27,562 I am an intelligence officer 316 00:32:27,642 --> 00:32:32,402 who reports directly to the Free French Government in Exile. General De Gaulle. 317 00:32:32,483 --> 00:32:35,483 From his bar stool in a pub in Dean Street. 318 00:32:36,082 --> 00:32:38,602 How are you enjoying Cairo, Paddy Mayne? 319 00:32:39,283 --> 00:32:40,402 How d'you know my name? 320 00:32:40,483 --> 00:32:44,523 Lieutenant Mayne, your victory over the Vichy French at the Litani River 321 00:32:44,602 --> 00:32:49,283 was the 1st piece of good news for the French who oppose Hitler in a long time. 322 00:32:49,963 --> 00:32:51,322 I would like you to give me an assessment 323 00:32:51,402 --> 00:32:55,162 of the morale pro-Nazi French soldiers that you came into contact with 324 00:32:55,243 --> 00:32:57,683 so that I can file a report to the General. 325 00:32:58,243 --> 00:33:02,122 All the pro-Nazi French soldiers I personally came into contact with 326 00:33:02,203 --> 00:33:03,203 are dead. 327 00:33:03,963 --> 00:33:08,642 So their morale is pretty poor I would say. 328 00:33:13,683 --> 00:33:18,963 My father was a brigadier, he taught me to ride, shoot and kill. 329 00:33:20,162 --> 00:33:22,162 Kill with cutlery if necessary. 330 00:33:22,842 --> 00:33:26,483 If you're in need of cutlery I'd go and find another table. 331 00:33:26,562 --> 00:33:28,443 I'm here to attend a meeting. 332 00:33:31,043 --> 00:33:33,963 - Very well. Apologies. - No. Fuck it, no. 333 00:33:34,043 --> 00:33:35,763 D'you know what, I'll go. 334 00:33:35,842 --> 00:33:39,402 Didn't wanna be here anyway. I only came to politely say no. 335 00:33:39,483 --> 00:33:41,882 Would you wait for him and pass on a message? 336 00:33:41,963 --> 00:33:42,963 Wait for who? 337 00:33:43,043 --> 00:33:45,003 Just tell him Paddy Mayne says no 338 00:33:45,082 --> 00:33:49,203 because he has decided to go to Burma to fight the Japanese instead. 339 00:33:49,283 --> 00:33:52,923 It'll be a very tall man who will be drunk or will get drunk 340 00:33:53,642 --> 00:33:57,842 and when you give him my message, he might get angry so you should leave. 341 00:34:01,882 --> 00:34:05,243 Just tell him, Paddy Mayne says no. Alright? 342 00:34:43,562 --> 00:34:47,162 I would like to introduce to you Alina Carnett. 343 00:35:11,003 --> 00:35:13,003 Sorry, this table is booked. 344 00:35:14,082 --> 00:35:17,003 - You crept up on me. - You'll have to go I'm afraid. 345 00:35:17,483 --> 00:35:19,043 I have a message for you. 346 00:35:19,963 --> 00:35:22,403 - A message from who? - Paddy Mayne. 347 00:35:23,242 --> 00:35:24,762 He was here 348 00:35:24,843 --> 00:35:28,963 and he said he has decided he's going to Burma to fight the Japanese. 349 00:35:30,843 --> 00:35:31,923 Right. 350 00:35:33,282 --> 00:35:35,003 He said you would be angry. 351 00:35:36,923 --> 00:35:38,242 No, I'm not. 352 00:35:39,363 --> 00:35:40,722 Was he sober? 353 00:35:40,803 --> 00:35:43,762 - I think so. But he was quite odd. - Yes, he is. 354 00:35:43,843 --> 00:35:45,483 - Drink, Sir? - Whisky. 355 00:35:45,562 --> 00:35:46,843 Yes, Sir. 356 00:35:49,642 --> 00:35:51,722 He was right, you are tall. 357 00:35:53,923 --> 00:35:56,122 Who the fuck are you? 358 00:35:56,803 --> 00:35:59,523 I'm the Deputy Head of French Military Intelligence in Cairo. 359 00:35:59,602 --> 00:36:02,323 So you're the head of French Military Intelligence in Cairo, 360 00:36:02,403 --> 00:36:06,202 because I know your boss and he's always drunk. 361 00:36:07,282 --> 00:36:10,403 - Are you new? - To Cairo, yes. 362 00:36:10,963 --> 00:36:13,523 In every other way I'm not new. 363 00:36:20,963 --> 00:36:25,282 Listen, in other times I would love to stay and make conversation, 364 00:36:25,363 --> 00:36:28,443 but right now beauty is not a currency I value. 365 00:36:30,762 --> 00:36:33,923 Apologies, that sounded like an attempt to be charming, didn't it? 366 00:36:34,003 --> 00:36:37,762 - It wasn't meant to be. - It wasn't taken as charming at all. 367 00:36:37,843 --> 00:36:39,523 Not even remotely. 368 00:36:40,403 --> 00:36:43,762 Sometimes the French and the British misunderstand each other. 369 00:36:44,122 --> 00:36:47,443 It's like the difference between kilometres and miles. 370 00:36:49,363 --> 00:36:51,642 The result can be unfortunate. 371 00:36:52,483 --> 00:36:53,843 You heard about that? 372 00:36:53,923 --> 00:36:57,043 You will learn that I tend to hear about everything. 373 00:36:57,443 --> 00:36:58,363 Whisky. 374 00:36:58,682 --> 00:37:00,523 - I need a car. - Where to, Sir? 375 00:37:00,602 --> 00:37:02,762 Tipperary fucking tea club. 376 00:37:12,562 --> 00:37:17,162 Lieutenant Stirling, for the avoidance of doubt, 377 00:37:18,242 --> 00:37:21,043 I share your impatience with the conduct of the war, 378 00:37:21,122 --> 00:37:23,602 and I intend to do something about it. 379 00:37:53,003 --> 00:37:54,363 Cheers lads. 380 00:38:08,562 --> 00:38:10,923 - Did you go and meet him? - I did. 381 00:38:12,043 --> 00:38:14,762 There were red flowers and French spies. 382 00:38:16,883 --> 00:38:19,762 And? What did you tell him? 383 00:38:20,403 --> 00:38:25,082 I didn't tell him anything, I left him a message to say I'm going to the Far East. 384 00:38:27,642 --> 00:38:29,082 - You are? - Aye. 385 00:38:29,162 --> 00:38:34,082 So whatever it is he and that mad martinet, Lewes, 386 00:38:34,162 --> 00:38:38,162 whatever it is they're planning, they can do it without me. 387 00:38:39,122 --> 00:38:42,122 - Who are they anyway? - Just men I trained with. 388 00:38:43,043 --> 00:38:48,642 Stirling, you could dismiss as a drinker, gambler, 389 00:38:50,003 --> 00:38:53,363 one of those Toff's you know who climbed through the ranks 390 00:38:53,443 --> 00:38:55,762 on the branches of their family tree. 391 00:38:57,523 --> 00:38:59,642 Lewes, you could say is a bully, 392 00:39:00,722 --> 00:39:02,843 but with a bitter little mind, 393 00:39:04,523 --> 00:39:06,523 or you could dismiss him too. 394 00:39:06,602 --> 00:39:08,963 - But you don't dismiss them. - No. 395 00:39:11,082 --> 00:39:14,642 No, because when the moment comes, they are not themselves, 396 00:39:16,122 --> 00:39:18,122 none of the above is who they are, 397 00:39:18,202 --> 00:39:22,642 they are dead men 398 00:39:24,242 --> 00:39:26,162 just awaiting confirmation. 399 00:39:28,722 --> 00:39:30,162 Like me. 400 00:39:37,403 --> 00:39:39,843 But as I say, I'm going to the Far East. 401 00:39:41,363 --> 00:39:46,202 Ship me somewhere east of Suez where the best is like the worst. 402 00:39:46,963 --> 00:39:51,323 The Far Eastern theatre will be a grand show when it starts, you know. 403 00:40:00,122 --> 00:40:02,323 Heard you want to come as well. 404 00:40:02,722 --> 00:40:06,122 I'm putting together a unit, I can request you if you want. 405 00:40:07,923 --> 00:40:12,403 Yeah. Fuck it. Why not. 406 00:40:30,363 --> 00:40:32,602 Where's Mayne? You were supposed to bring him. 407 00:40:33,043 --> 00:40:36,122 Mayne says he's going to Burma to fight the Japanese. 408 00:40:36,483 --> 00:40:37,963 We're not at war with Japan yet. 409 00:40:38,043 --> 00:40:40,963 No, but if Paddy's going, we will be quite soon. 410 00:40:41,282 --> 00:40:43,523 - There's tea. - Enjoy it old man. 411 00:40:44,562 --> 00:40:47,323 - It's for you. - No it's not. 412 00:40:48,682 --> 00:40:52,043 If not my tea, I have an idea for you. 413 00:40:53,043 --> 00:40:56,122 A map. Oh goodness, this must be serious. 414 00:40:56,682 --> 00:41:00,883 Yes, it's actually a very large map, which is a nuisance. 415 00:41:11,843 --> 00:41:15,403 Excuse me, gentlemen, I'd like to use this table for a demonstration. 416 00:41:15,483 --> 00:41:16,602 How long will you be? 417 00:41:16,682 --> 00:41:19,363 It's a tournament, we're going to be here all night. 418 00:41:19,443 --> 00:41:23,602 And if you're gonna stand there staring, we will charge you admission. 419 00:41:23,963 --> 00:41:27,722 Yes. I'm afraid I have a rendezvous at the Kit Kat Club later 420 00:41:27,803 --> 00:41:29,963 and I don't have all night, gentlemen. 421 00:41:30,443 --> 00:41:35,963 I've just got back from a deep desert patrol and I'm mad as fuck. 422 00:41:38,682 --> 00:41:40,523 - What's he doing? - Grenade. 423 00:41:40,602 --> 00:41:44,162 - Out! Quickly! - Out the way! 424 00:41:47,843 --> 00:41:51,242 My men are bored, they make these little novelties to brighten their day. 425 00:41:51,323 --> 00:41:54,363 This one's excellent if you can't get a seat on the train. 426 00:41:54,443 --> 00:41:57,483 - You haven't changed then, Stirling? - No. 427 00:41:57,562 --> 00:42:00,843 - You haven't grown up or anything? - I'm still about 12. 428 00:42:00,923 --> 00:42:03,202 Stink bombs and bike sheds. 429 00:42:03,282 --> 00:42:08,443 - Except now the stink is dead bodies. - If that's what you're proposing, yes. 430 00:42:11,162 --> 00:42:12,323 You drew this yourself? 431 00:42:12,403 --> 00:42:15,043 GHQ maps are inaccurate and outdated. 432 00:42:15,122 --> 00:42:17,803 That's because the German's keep advancing while we fold our arms 433 00:42:17,883 --> 00:42:20,363 and say, not ideal, unattractive, gloomy. 434 00:42:20,443 --> 00:42:23,883 Do you know any General that doesn't speak like a nursery nurse? 435 00:42:23,963 --> 00:42:27,122 The Germans have advanced 800 miles in six weeks. 436 00:42:27,202 --> 00:42:29,043 Everywhere it's Rommel this and Rommel that 437 00:42:29,122 --> 00:42:32,803 but, in my opinion, he's made a mistake, he's moved too fast. 438 00:42:33,242 --> 00:42:34,963 Look at this supply line. 439 00:42:36,722 --> 00:42:39,242 It's around 300 miles too long. 440 00:42:39,562 --> 00:42:42,523 So far, we have been attacking the German convoys from the sea, 441 00:42:42,602 --> 00:42:44,363 that is why we are always expected. 442 00:42:44,443 --> 00:42:46,963 - Right, and you have a better idea? - Yes. 443 00:42:48,483 --> 00:42:52,363 A doctor stoned on laughing gas said something about parachutes. 444 00:42:54,003 --> 00:42:56,323 Instead of attacking from the sea, 445 00:42:56,403 --> 00:42:59,803 we should be attacking from the Sea of Sand. 446 00:43:00,843 --> 00:43:03,963 We parachute units of selected men into the interior 447 00:43:04,043 --> 00:43:07,363 and then attack Rommel's supply line from the desert. 448 00:43:07,443 --> 00:43:09,963 - A disciplined group of men. - Discipline... 449 00:43:11,003 --> 00:43:14,762 I myself would consult quickly with Johnny Walker before each engagement, 450 00:43:14,843 --> 00:43:17,242 how would that be with your idea of discipline? 451 00:43:17,323 --> 00:43:20,642 - Is that important to you? - It's an indicative example. 452 00:43:21,122 --> 00:43:24,803 I once had this idea in a sweaty dream one night 453 00:43:24,883 --> 00:43:27,483 that all regimental discipline is horse shit, 454 00:43:27,562 --> 00:43:30,923 each man should be a chess piece that can move in any direction. 455 00:43:31,003 --> 00:43:33,762 His idiosyncrasies are his own business. 456 00:43:33,843 --> 00:43:35,082 The most important thing is courage. 457 00:43:35,162 --> 00:43:38,883 The most important thing is wit in every sense of that word. 458 00:43:39,323 --> 00:43:42,443 Anything expected fails, never be where you are meant to be. 459 00:43:42,523 --> 00:43:44,523 Actually, the first thing we would need to do 460 00:43:44,602 --> 00:43:47,562 is prove that the principle of a parachute drop is sound. 461 00:43:47,642 --> 00:43:51,202 No one has ever parachuted in the desert before. Not ever. 462 00:43:51,923 --> 00:43:55,642 When a vulture spreads its wings out there it goes up, not down. 463 00:44:00,242 --> 00:44:03,483 So someone would need to try it. 464 00:44:05,803 --> 00:44:06,963 Yes. 465 00:44:07,843 --> 00:44:09,722 Just us. You and I. 466 00:44:10,682 --> 00:44:14,003 I was hoping Mayne would join us but we can do it without him. 467 00:44:14,082 --> 00:44:18,202 We prove it can be done and we prove to each other that we are committed. 468 00:44:18,682 --> 00:44:20,323 No one to stand us down. 469 00:44:21,523 --> 00:44:23,242 No one to stand us down. 470 00:44:26,443 --> 00:44:28,682 What should we call ourselves? 471 00:44:31,202 --> 00:44:32,483 So you're in? 472 00:44:33,843 --> 00:44:35,483 Stirling, are you in? 473 00:44:37,722 --> 00:44:39,562 You stole the parachutes, 474 00:44:40,403 --> 00:44:42,483 I will steal an aeroplane. 475 00:44:51,202 --> 00:44:54,602 QATTARA AIR STRIP 50 Miles West Of Cairo 476 00:45:14,523 --> 00:45:16,883 There's just no way. There is no... 477 00:45:16,963 --> 00:45:20,483 Lieutenant, this man claims he has the authority to commander my plane. 478 00:45:20,562 --> 00:45:22,043 At ease. He has permission. 479 00:45:22,122 --> 00:45:26,282 I've already explained, this is war work, and we have a licence to behave badly. 480 00:45:26,762 --> 00:45:30,162 I'm a fucking postman you know, I deliver military mail. 481 00:45:30,242 --> 00:45:32,242 I want to know what's going on. 482 00:45:32,323 --> 00:45:34,323 I want to know who you are and the name of your unit. 483 00:45:34,403 --> 00:45:36,722 - Did you think of a name? - No, not yet. 484 00:45:38,122 --> 00:45:41,642 If you're even considering using my plane to make a parachute drop, 485 00:45:41,722 --> 00:45:43,483 you're not going anywhere in this weather you know. 486 00:45:43,562 --> 00:45:45,642 The forecast has this blowing over in one hour. 487 00:45:45,722 --> 00:45:48,523 - No one parachutes in the desert. - We know. 488 00:45:48,883 --> 00:45:52,003 - And your parachutes have static lines. - They have what? 489 00:45:52,082 --> 00:45:53,323 They have static lines. 490 00:45:53,642 --> 00:45:57,843 Look, these lines have to be clipped to a steel cable attached fore and aft. 491 00:45:58,323 --> 00:46:01,363 My plane is de Havilland it doesn't have a cable. 492 00:46:02,682 --> 00:46:03,722 We'll use the seats. 493 00:46:03,803 --> 00:46:08,523 Yes, we'll tie the parachute cables to the seats. The legs of the passenger seat. 494 00:46:08,602 --> 00:46:11,443 How much actual parachute training have you had? 495 00:46:11,523 --> 00:46:14,483 We spent three weeks jumping from scaffolding and moving vehicles. 496 00:46:14,562 --> 00:46:19,003 - And rolling forwards and sideways. - And the door opens to the wind. 497 00:46:19,082 --> 00:46:21,642 - Almonds, take the door off. - Yes, Sir. 498 00:46:21,722 --> 00:46:24,483 But by the time this weather blows over, it will be dark. 499 00:46:24,562 --> 00:46:27,642 So, how will you find your way back if it's dark? 500 00:46:28,043 --> 00:46:29,202 Lewes? 501 00:46:29,722 --> 00:46:31,523 - The stars. - The stars. Yes. 502 00:46:32,282 --> 00:46:35,403 Sir, with the storm and the failing light, why don't we pick again. 503 00:46:35,483 --> 00:46:39,202 Lewes, it sounds like your sergeant is suggesting we stand down. 504 00:46:39,282 --> 00:46:41,883 We do not fucking stand down anymore. 505 00:46:42,843 --> 00:46:46,923 That should be the name of our unit, The Men Who Refuse To Stand Down. 506 00:46:47,003 --> 00:46:50,282 I believe on the grounds of hazard, I could refuse to take you. 507 00:46:50,682 --> 00:46:56,403 If you don't wanna fly, I flew a crop sprayer once. I'll fly that thing myself. 508 00:46:56,923 --> 00:46:59,923 - Good god, he's American. - Even so, he's okay. 509 00:47:00,923 --> 00:47:05,282 - You are all fucking mad. - At last, he gets it. 510 00:47:06,762 --> 00:47:08,082 I need a piss. 511 00:47:13,923 --> 00:47:15,923 - Chop-chop. - Yes, Sir. 512 00:48:14,762 --> 00:48:16,202 Good luck, Sir. 513 00:48:23,843 --> 00:48:25,242 Here, Stirling. 514 00:49:29,323 --> 00:49:31,483 Now head back to the airstrip. 515 00:49:45,762 --> 00:49:47,682 60 seconds until we go. 516 00:50:04,682 --> 00:50:07,162 What do you think about just before? 517 00:50:07,883 --> 00:50:11,523 I think about the voice inside of my head that says so what. 518 00:50:13,082 --> 00:50:14,682 So fucking what? 519 00:52:39,323 --> 00:52:41,202 Did you have a fall, son? 520 00:52:47,883 --> 00:52:49,642 Yes, Father, I did. 521 00:52:51,843 --> 00:52:53,762 - Am I dead? - Not quite. 522 00:52:55,282 --> 00:52:56,803 In between, I think. 523 00:52:59,443 --> 00:53:01,682 Remember when you said you could climb the old oak tree 524 00:53:01,762 --> 00:53:03,803 with one arm tied behind your back? 525 00:53:04,803 --> 00:53:07,323 You always imagined you could do things you couldn't do, 526 00:53:07,403 --> 00:53:09,682 climb higher than your natural limit. 527 00:53:10,523 --> 00:53:13,682 I would've hoped you might've grown out of it by now. 528 00:53:19,963 --> 00:53:22,082 I can't move my legs, Dad. 529 00:53:24,642 --> 00:53:26,443 I can't feel my legs. 530 00:53:28,242 --> 00:53:30,963 I can't feel anything below my waist. 531 00:53:31,762 --> 00:53:35,122 Many a time, I've been half in love with easeful death. 532 00:53:36,443 --> 00:53:39,403 Called him soft names in many a mused rhyme. 533 00:53:40,762 --> 00:53:43,043 To take into the air my quiet breath, 534 00:53:44,762 --> 00:53:47,562 now more than ever seems it rich to die. 535 00:53:47,642 --> 00:53:50,642 - No, no, no, no. - That was always your favourite poem. 536 00:53:50,722 --> 00:53:52,762 Always in the back of your mind. 537 00:53:54,202 --> 00:53:56,803 Half in love with easeful death. 538 00:53:58,003 --> 00:54:01,282 I have things to do. I will not be buried. 539 00:54:01,963 --> 00:54:05,562 I will not. I will not be stood down. 540 00:54:07,082 --> 00:54:08,722 Not even by God. 541 00:54:09,722 --> 00:54:13,562 Do you hear me, God? Do you hear me, Father? 542 00:54:14,602 --> 00:54:16,523 I will end this fucking war. 543 00:54:20,883 --> 00:54:24,162 I will not be stood down. 544 00:54:38,043 --> 00:54:42,963 Subtitling FAST TITLES MEDIA