1
00:00:05,599 --> 00:00:08,716
Tobruk is under 24 hour bombardment.
2
00:00:08,800 --> 00:00:12,599
The map on the wall keeps being
redrawn and men are dying.
3
00:00:12,919 --> 00:00:15,156
I share your impatience
with the conduct of the war.
4
00:00:15,240 --> 00:00:17,115
And I intend to do something about it.
5
00:00:17,199 --> 00:00:19,836
Right now beauty
is not a currency I value.
6
00:00:19,920 --> 00:00:21,955
Apologies, that sounded like an attempt
to be charming, didn't it?
7
00:00:22,039 --> 00:00:24,036
I've decided to form
a parachute regiment.
8
00:00:24,120 --> 00:00:25,115
You've decided?
9
00:00:25,199 --> 00:00:27,115
I've decided you are
the right kind of men.
10
00:00:27,199 --> 00:00:30,519
The others are all insane,
in jail or like me in despair.
11
00:00:31,000 --> 00:00:32,035
Where's Mayne?
12
00:00:32,119 --> 00:00:33,516
He's going to Burma
to fight the Japanese.
13
00:00:33,600 --> 00:00:35,595
- Heard you want to come as well?
- Why not?
14
00:00:35,679 --> 00:00:39,876
- We're not at war with Japan yet.
- If Paddy's going we will be quite soon.
15
00:00:39,960 --> 00:00:43,116
We parachute units of selected men
into the interior
16
00:00:43,200 --> 00:00:45,355
and then attack Rommel's
supply line from the desert.
17
00:00:45,439 --> 00:00:47,640
- No one parachutes in the desert.
- We know.
18
00:00:47,960 --> 00:00:50,516
I was hoping Mayne would join us
but we can do it without him.
19
00:00:50,600 --> 00:00:52,355
What should we call ourselves?
20
00:00:52,439 --> 00:00:56,635
We do not stand down any more.
That should be the name of our unit.
21
00:00:56,719 --> 00:00:59,000
The men who refuse to stand down.
22
00:01:02,039 --> 00:01:03,756
Based on a true story,
23
00:01:03,840 --> 00:01:08,760
the events depicted
which seem most unbelievable
24
00:01:09,560 --> 00:01:12,400
...are mostly true.
25
00:01:18,159 --> 00:01:20,519
CAIRO JUNE 1941
26
00:01:56,560 --> 00:01:57,840
Hello?
27
00:02:27,039 --> 00:02:28,039
Hello?
28
00:02:33,360 --> 00:02:35,360
You must be the French person.
29
00:02:38,000 --> 00:02:40,000
Are you Colonel Dudley Wrangel Clarke?
30
00:02:41,000 --> 00:02:42,120
At your service.
31
00:02:42,479 --> 00:02:47,400
And this is the Cairo Headquarters of
British Secret Intelligence Middle East.
32
00:02:50,719 --> 00:02:51,879
Fun, isn't it?
33
00:03:00,400 --> 00:03:03,240
If we don't get there soon,
we're gonna lose him.
34
00:03:11,800 --> 00:03:13,400
Yes, bring them through.
35
00:03:24,039 --> 00:03:27,756
Nurse, this one's fading fast.
Get him checked by the doctor.
36
00:03:27,840 --> 00:03:29,719
- Whoops.
- Excuse me.
37
00:03:30,639 --> 00:03:32,719
Dr Gamal, here's the list of patients.
38
00:03:33,120 --> 00:03:34,759
So that's 15 from Tobruk.
39
00:03:35,240 --> 00:03:38,759
Twenty from Sidi Barrani
and one from God knows.
40
00:03:39,400 --> 00:03:41,319
This is the one from God knows.
41
00:03:42,120 --> 00:03:44,680
Shit. Get him through.
42
00:03:52,919 --> 00:03:55,716
I imagine you're a little
surprised I am who I am.
43
00:03:55,800 --> 00:03:57,879
This office is what it is and...
44
00:03:58,520 --> 00:04:01,400
I do what I do in the way that I do it.
45
00:04:02,520 --> 00:04:07,159
Nothing surprises me in Cairo, except
your Chanel dress. Where did you get it?
46
00:04:07,960 --> 00:04:09,800
Paris.
47
00:04:10,960 --> 00:04:13,759
You're so beautiful. Wish I was French.
48
00:04:14,479 --> 00:04:16,480
I'm not French. I'm Algerian.
49
00:04:18,959 --> 00:04:21,279
And how is this your war?
50
00:04:21,600 --> 00:04:24,600
Trying to save Africa from the Nazis.
51
00:04:26,079 --> 00:04:28,360
Close your eyes and imagine it.
52
00:04:32,639 --> 00:04:35,600
If you're spying for the French,
I know your boss.
53
00:04:36,360 --> 00:04:37,995
He's a drunk and a heroin addict.
54
00:04:38,079 --> 00:04:41,720
I'm able to negotiate
my way around his idiocy.
55
00:04:42,279 --> 00:04:43,680
Good.
56
00:04:47,800 --> 00:04:48,795
In that case
57
00:04:48,879 --> 00:04:52,680
when it comes to Anglo-French
intelligence operations in Cairo,
58
00:04:53,720 --> 00:04:56,759
why don't you and I just
keep it between ourselves?
59
00:04:58,399 --> 00:04:59,759
I'd like that.
60
00:05:00,199 --> 00:05:02,879
And may I suggest we
start with something...
61
00:05:03,199 --> 00:05:05,120
rather wonderful.
62
00:05:08,560 --> 00:05:12,000
- Oh, shit.
- Is that a medical term?
63
00:05:13,199 --> 00:05:14,519
You can hear me?
64
00:05:14,879 --> 00:05:17,240
Do you feel any pain?
65
00:05:18,120 --> 00:05:19,360
No.
66
00:05:20,040 --> 00:05:21,560
What about now?
67
00:05:22,720 --> 00:05:24,040
What do you feel?
68
00:05:24,920 --> 00:05:26,120
Regret.
69
00:05:27,480 --> 00:05:31,516
If I die in this way, it would mean
my life was a one act comedy,
70
00:05:31,600 --> 00:05:34,675
with not even an interval
for gin and tonic.
71
00:05:34,759 --> 00:05:37,156
Prepare him for surgery now.
Now. Move, move.
72
00:05:37,240 --> 00:05:41,920
You see, war is about deception because
deception is a war against reality
73
00:05:42,240 --> 00:05:44,800
and reality is the enemy of the soldier,
74
00:05:45,279 --> 00:05:50,120
particularly the heroic soldier
who must live a life of heroic fiction.
75
00:05:50,439 --> 00:05:52,680
And the fruit of deception is victory.
76
00:05:53,160 --> 00:05:54,279
Death to the truth.
77
00:05:54,879 --> 00:05:58,000
And all its bastard offspring
including fear and caution.
78
00:05:58,319 --> 00:06:03,276
Colonel Clarke, you seem to have
invented an entire British regiment.
79
00:06:03,360 --> 00:06:04,920
Yes, from thin air.
80
00:06:07,040 --> 00:06:09,639
I used actors for the photos of soldiers.
81
00:06:10,079 --> 00:06:12,516
Planes are made out of wood and glue.
82
00:06:12,600 --> 00:06:15,480
On aerial reconnaissance
they seem terribly real.
83
00:06:16,399 --> 00:06:20,036
I made six copies of that folder
for indiscreet distribution.
84
00:06:20,120 --> 00:06:22,596
I took one to the Gauche Club
last night in my briefcase
85
00:06:22,680 --> 00:06:25,235
where I ran into the attache
at the Spanish embassy
86
00:06:25,319 --> 00:06:26,719
as of course I knew I would.
87
00:06:27,160 --> 00:06:30,310
I accidentally left my briefcase
under his table for him to find
88
00:06:30,720 --> 00:06:34,235
so that by tomorrow morning, Berlin
will be in receipt of fresh intelligence
89
00:06:34,319 --> 00:06:37,516
that the British have a brand new
parachute regiment in East Libya
90
00:06:37,600 --> 00:06:40,435
preparing to drop
troops behind their lines.
91
00:06:40,519 --> 00:06:43,435
The Italians will send
troops back in response,
92
00:06:43,519 --> 00:06:46,276
then our glorious leader,
Commander-in-Chief Middle East,
93
00:06:46,360 --> 00:06:49,755
General Auchinleck will act,
sending three British divisions
94
00:06:49,839 --> 00:06:53,920
to attack the right flank which
will be almost defenceless.
95
00:06:55,079 --> 00:07:00,120
A battle won by wood,
glue and my own genius.
96
00:07:04,639 --> 00:07:09,120
You can have that. Make copies.
Leave it where it can be read.
97
00:07:10,279 --> 00:07:14,519
The Spanish and the Portuguese
diplomats are the fast tracks to Berlin.
98
00:07:18,639 --> 00:07:20,920
I, too, have an idea for an operation.
99
00:07:22,160 --> 00:07:24,555
Which I also think is rather wonderful.
100
00:07:24,639 --> 00:07:28,399
But the difference is,
my soldiers are real.
101
00:07:52,839 --> 00:07:54,115
Did you find anything out?
102
00:07:54,199 --> 00:07:56,755
Yeah, apparently it was
a complete disaster.
103
00:07:56,839 --> 00:07:59,439
Stirling's parachute tore in half.
104
00:08:01,439 --> 00:08:02,560
Did he die?
105
00:08:02,920 --> 00:08:04,680
They say it's touch and go.
106
00:08:07,000 --> 00:08:10,276
See the problem with Stirling
is that he is a dreamer.
107
00:08:10,360 --> 00:08:11,480
So are you, Paddy.
108
00:08:12,279 --> 00:08:14,160
He is from that class of men...
109
00:08:14,879 --> 00:08:19,396
who do things imagining they are writing
it down in their autobiography.
110
00:08:19,480 --> 00:08:23,120
Until their biography reaches
an unexpected full stop.
111
00:08:26,399 --> 00:08:28,839
If he dies, I will attend his funeral,
112
00:08:30,160 --> 00:08:35,240
because, for some reason,
he actually liked me.
113
00:09:24,279 --> 00:09:26,979
What on earth are you doing,
jumping out of aeroplanes?
114
00:09:27,919 --> 00:09:30,396
Even as a boy you were always
idiotically optimistic
115
00:09:30,480 --> 00:09:32,480
about the effects of gravity.
116
00:09:36,759 --> 00:09:39,320
I'm told by the doctor
not to express pity.
117
00:09:41,279 --> 00:09:45,919
They said pity suggests hopelessness
which encourages despair.
118
00:09:46,559 --> 00:09:48,916
Rigorous concern is preferred so...
119
00:09:49,000 --> 00:09:50,756
I will be rigorous in my concern.
120
00:09:50,840 --> 00:09:51,835
How are you?
121
00:09:51,919 --> 00:09:54,075
My mother looked up my condition
in a medical dictionary.
122
00:09:54,159 --> 00:09:56,396
She tells me only one in five
people with a spine contusion
123
00:09:56,480 --> 00:10:00,516
ever walk again but, I am
always, always in the minority.
124
00:10:00,600 --> 00:10:03,195
She believes I will be
one of the one in five.
125
00:10:03,279 --> 00:10:06,279
She also tells me of grouse.
126
00:10:11,159 --> 00:10:14,675
I've been working on the idea, your idea,
127
00:10:14,759 --> 00:10:19,480
my idea now because I've added some
whistles and bells. Yes, take a look.
128
00:10:20,759 --> 00:10:22,159
This is totally illegible.
129
00:10:24,559 --> 00:10:27,236
Mmy eyes hurt so I've been writing
with my eyes closed
130
00:10:27,320 --> 00:10:30,960
but you see I'm hoping to persuade
my eyes and my legs, my...
131
00:10:31,600 --> 00:10:32,759
fucking legs.
132
00:10:35,480 --> 00:10:37,195
Persuade my legs that they are required.
133
00:10:37,279 --> 00:10:39,516
I'm making a case to my toes, my shins
134
00:10:39,600 --> 00:10:42,236
and my insolent knees
that they are needed.
135
00:10:42,320 --> 00:10:44,396
- Needed for what?
- Ideas are coming quickly.
136
00:10:44,480 --> 00:10:46,759
Even this feather is confirmation.
137
00:10:47,720 --> 00:10:51,679
Falling from between
the pages like fate. Come.
138
00:10:53,559 --> 00:10:56,795
You see, on my family estate
they shoot grouse.
139
00:10:56,879 --> 00:11:00,080
But they only shoot them
when they are in the air.
140
00:11:01,360 --> 00:11:02,435
Grouse.
141
00:11:02,519 --> 00:11:05,276
We will be a regiment
of fucking poachers,
142
00:11:05,360 --> 00:11:08,279
shooting grouse,
in their roost, in the dark.
143
00:11:08,879 --> 00:11:12,120
Shooting them on the ground,
not like gentlemen, not at all.
144
00:11:12,440 --> 00:11:14,315
You know Stirling,
you might consider it prudent
145
00:11:14,399 --> 00:11:15,955
to ask them
what medication they've given you
146
00:11:16,039 --> 00:11:18,600
because you're not making
any sense at all.
147
00:11:20,039 --> 00:11:23,555
The grouse are German
and Italian aeroplanes.
148
00:11:23,639 --> 00:11:25,236
We won't wait for them to take off.
149
00:11:25,320 --> 00:11:27,756
We will shoot them on the ground.
Lewes, think about it!
150
00:11:27,840 --> 00:11:30,790
There's no point thinking about it
'cause it's all academic.
151
00:11:31,080 --> 00:11:32,276
Even if we could get to the airstrips,
152
00:11:32,360 --> 00:11:35,475
there's no bomb small enough
to carry miles across the desert.
153
00:11:35,559 --> 00:11:36,636
And we'd need dozens.
154
00:11:36,720 --> 00:11:39,916
You can figure that out and I'll persuade
Paddy Mayne to join us.
155
00:11:40,000 --> 00:11:43,039
News from GHQ is that our
little experiment is over.
156
00:11:43,360 --> 00:11:46,360
Our unit has been stood down
with immediate effect.
157
00:11:46,799 --> 00:11:50,360
Paddy Mayne is going to Burma
and I'm going back to Tobruk.
158
00:11:51,720 --> 00:11:54,600
And I imagine you are being
sent home to Scotland.
159
00:11:54,960 --> 00:11:59,080
No. No one does things with me or to me.
160
00:12:01,720 --> 00:12:02,840
I will get better.
161
00:12:03,960 --> 00:12:06,639
Then, Lewes, you and I and Paddy Mayne,
162
00:12:07,759 --> 00:12:09,840
we will go poaching.
163
00:12:38,159 --> 00:12:41,799
I have some very important intelligence
164
00:12:42,399 --> 00:12:44,879
from a long range desert group.
165
00:12:47,039 --> 00:12:50,320
But I'm afraid it's all the way...
166
00:12:55,200 --> 00:12:56,240
...over here.
167
00:12:56,679 --> 00:12:58,279
- You're a bastard.
- I know.
168
00:13:07,879 --> 00:13:10,595
I received word from
General de Gaulle last night
169
00:13:10,679 --> 00:13:14,440
and he gave me permission to speak
to you about a certain matter.
170
00:13:14,799 --> 00:13:17,399
- Here we go.
- Careful.
171
00:13:24,879 --> 00:13:26,759
These men are not actors.
172
00:13:27,240 --> 00:13:31,435
They're all French paratroopers who
escaped France ahead of the Nazis.
173
00:13:31,519 --> 00:13:36,320
General de Gaulle urgently wants these
men to join up with a British unit.
174
00:13:36,679 --> 00:13:38,996
Why are you telling me?
I do jokes and tricks.
175
00:13:39,080 --> 00:13:42,919
The British are losing the war
and need all the help they can get.
176
00:13:45,399 --> 00:13:48,835
You are the most effective
covert operative in Africa.
177
00:13:48,919 --> 00:13:50,480
You make things happen.
178
00:14:00,000 --> 00:14:02,240
Textbook recruitment technique.
179
00:14:02,679 --> 00:14:07,000
Batter me into submission with flattery.
I love it, do continue.
180
00:14:15,559 --> 00:14:18,315
British high command listens to you.
181
00:14:18,399 --> 00:14:20,835
Suggest an operation that requires
French speaking soldiers.
182
00:14:20,919 --> 00:14:24,240
Creative formulation is my area.
Don't tread on my toes.
183
00:14:24,720 --> 00:14:27,120
I'm the one who invents
regiments around here.
184
00:14:27,480 --> 00:14:29,679
I will tread on your toes when we dance.
185
00:14:32,000 --> 00:14:33,516
We're dancing, are we?
186
00:14:33,600 --> 00:14:36,399
Phase two after flattery
is usually seduction.
187
00:14:37,679 --> 00:14:39,600
But that may not work with you.
188
00:14:41,879 --> 00:14:43,279
I do love to dance.
189
00:14:44,440 --> 00:14:45,840
So we have a deal.
190
00:14:46,240 --> 00:14:48,315
I will help you with
your fictional regiment
191
00:14:48,399 --> 00:14:50,399
if you help me with my real one.
192
00:14:56,600 --> 00:14:57,840
Vive la France.
193
00:14:58,279 --> 00:14:59,440
God Save the King.
194
00:15:01,399 --> 00:15:02,519
Well done.
195
00:15:04,399 --> 00:15:05,715
Now let's do it all again.
196
00:15:05,799 --> 00:15:07,039
Shall we?
197
00:15:14,240 --> 00:15:17,000
11 COMMANDO CAMP HELIOPOLIS, CAIRO
198
00:15:42,159 --> 00:15:44,000
Lieutenant Mayne.
199
00:15:46,960 --> 00:15:49,675
Paddy, are you supposed
to be somewhere else?
200
00:15:49,759 --> 00:15:51,116
We're looking for Lieutenant
Robert Blair Mayne.
201
00:15:51,200 --> 00:15:52,679
Probably.
202
00:15:53,080 --> 00:15:54,240
You're in check.
203
00:15:55,679 --> 00:15:56,919
Paddy...
204
00:15:57,559 --> 00:16:00,236
why don't you just make
yourself known to the captain?
205
00:16:00,320 --> 00:16:04,559
I'm hardly known to myself.
Plus the captain gets my goat.
206
00:16:05,639 --> 00:16:07,715
Lieutenant Mayne.
207
00:16:07,799 --> 00:16:09,919
Paddy, think about Burma.
208
00:16:10,759 --> 00:16:14,960
Don't do anything that will jeopardise
our deployment to Burma.
209
00:16:16,080 --> 00:16:19,519
Mayne, I've been looking
all over fucking Cairo for you.
210
00:16:20,000 --> 00:16:21,759
You're meant to be in a briefing.
211
00:16:22,360 --> 00:16:25,435
But you're too busy playing
chess with your boyfriend.
212
00:16:25,519 --> 00:16:29,559
Get on your fucking feet and get yourself
a shave while you're at it.
213
00:16:31,919 --> 00:16:34,480
I have my friend in check.
214
00:16:35,440 --> 00:16:39,919
In two moves it'll be checkmate.
Now, wait your fucking turn.
215
00:16:44,120 --> 00:16:47,399
Get on your fucking feet,
you lazy Irish fucker.
216
00:17:00,840 --> 00:17:02,320
Look, here I am.
217
00:17:03,960 --> 00:17:06,359
Burma would've been so nice.
218
00:17:27,960 --> 00:17:30,319
I don't advise going in there, sir.
219
00:17:31,720 --> 00:17:33,359
Come on, open the door.
220
00:17:55,799 --> 00:17:58,559
I said I didn't want to see him.
221
00:17:59,480 --> 00:18:02,000
And they said I had to.
222
00:18:03,200 --> 00:18:06,995
And I have grown weary of destroying
the self-confidence of these guards
223
00:18:07,079 --> 00:18:10,200
who take turns to try and grind me down.
224
00:18:14,119 --> 00:18:15,400
What do you want?
225
00:18:21,359 --> 00:18:22,839
My mother sent it to me.
226
00:18:24,160 --> 00:18:27,356
- Did you ever shoot grouse?
- Pardon me?
227
00:18:27,440 --> 00:18:30,319
- I said did you ever shoot grouse?
- Grouse?
228
00:18:34,319 --> 00:18:35,599
No.
229
00:18:36,640 --> 00:18:37,720
Nah.
230
00:18:38,720 --> 00:18:42,920
No, no, I was never invited
to the grouse shoots in Newtownards.
231
00:18:44,920 --> 00:18:46,759
Just not the right blood line.
232
00:18:47,920 --> 00:18:49,799
Just a yeoman farmer.
233
00:18:50,680 --> 00:18:52,556
They'd have had me as a beater.
234
00:18:52,640 --> 00:18:56,995
But if I'd have been invited
to their piss up, shoot up frenzies,
235
00:18:57,079 --> 00:19:00,029
it'd have been their sunless
faces I'd have been beating in.
236
00:19:00,680 --> 00:19:05,275
Those land owning, gentrified,
boy buggering toffs
237
00:19:05,359 --> 00:19:08,440
would never have countenanced
my presence, so, no.
238
00:19:10,200 --> 00:19:12,039
No, nah, nah.
239
00:19:13,640 --> 00:19:17,160
I've shot at Frenchmen, Germans,
240
00:19:18,440 --> 00:19:19,640
Italians...
241
00:19:21,240 --> 00:19:22,960
But I never shot at birds.
242
00:19:30,319 --> 00:19:31,400
Next question.
243
00:19:33,640 --> 00:19:36,240
But I will use my blood as ink
244
00:19:36,880 --> 00:19:40,079
and this feather
as my quill to write my poetry.
245
00:19:45,359 --> 00:19:46,475
How badly do you want to get out?
246
00:19:46,559 --> 00:19:49,076
I heard you fucked up,
jumping out of a plane.
247
00:19:49,160 --> 00:19:52,880
I hear that you fucked up
your commanding officer.
248
00:19:53,839 --> 00:19:55,920
Hit him with a piano is what I heard.
249
00:19:56,440 --> 00:19:59,319
And as a result
you're not going to Burma.
250
00:20:00,279 --> 00:20:02,680
I go to the East
every night in my poetry.
251
00:20:05,359 --> 00:20:08,799
"By the old Moulmein pagoda,
252
00:20:09,799 --> 00:20:11,359
"Eastward to the sea,
253
00:20:12,079 --> 00:20:16,475
"There's a Burma girl a-settin',
And I know she thinks of me..."
254
00:20:16,559 --> 00:20:19,396
I want you to imagine
a British regiment...
255
00:20:19,480 --> 00:20:22,156
"For the wind Is in the palm trees,
And the temples Bells they say..."
256
00:20:22,240 --> 00:20:23,836
...without all of the things
that you hate.
257
00:20:23,920 --> 00:20:27,235
- "Come ye back You British soldier..."
- No yes sir, no sir...
258
00:20:27,319 --> 00:20:30,769
- "Come ye back To Mandalay..."
- No pips, no strips for rum and hash.
259
00:20:31,000 --> 00:20:33,636
"On the road to Mandalay
Where the flying fishes play..."
260
00:20:33,720 --> 00:20:37,356
- No bugles, no salutes...
- "And the dawn comes Up like thunder..."
261
00:20:37,440 --> 00:20:40,755
No waiting for the piss
poor orders to dribble down...
262
00:20:40,839 --> 00:20:41,836
through the ranks.
263
00:20:41,920 --> 00:20:45,076
And we would be stood down
and stood down, and stood down.
264
00:20:45,160 --> 00:20:46,955
No, there will be no one
to stand us down.
265
00:20:47,039 --> 00:20:48,880
We will be answerable to no one.
266
00:20:51,759 --> 00:20:53,640
Answerable to no one, Paddy.
267
00:20:55,880 --> 00:20:59,035
And you have permission
for your adventure from GHQ?
268
00:20:59,119 --> 00:21:03,079
Here's the part that
you will love the most.
269
00:21:04,359 --> 00:21:08,440
We will shoot their aeroplanes
when they're parked on the ground.
270
00:21:09,160 --> 00:21:12,475
Now no doubt your father
and your grandfather,
271
00:21:12,559 --> 00:21:15,796
and great grandfather were
from a long line of poachers.
272
00:21:15,880 --> 00:21:18,916
Well now, now they will
give you medals for it.
273
00:21:19,000 --> 00:21:20,640
I asked you a question.
274
00:21:21,960 --> 00:21:24,995
Do you have permission from GHQ?
275
00:21:25,079 --> 00:21:26,400
- No.
- No?
276
00:21:27,359 --> 00:21:28,675
I haven't told them yet.
277
00:21:28,759 --> 00:21:32,796
Then I see very little prospect of there
being any fighting in your wee circus.
278
00:21:32,880 --> 00:21:34,880
Oh, God, there will be fighting.
279
00:21:36,359 --> 00:21:39,599
There will be fighting
but only with the enemy.
280
00:21:40,680 --> 00:21:42,396
If you join us, I would want your word
281
00:21:42,480 --> 00:21:44,636
that you will not punch
your commanding officer
282
00:21:44,720 --> 00:21:47,079
because your commanding officer...
283
00:21:47,559 --> 00:21:48,680
It will be me.
284
00:21:49,000 --> 00:21:51,275
Your comrades will be men like yourself.
285
00:21:51,359 --> 00:21:55,960
Sweepings of public schools,
military prisons, men who do not obey.
286
00:21:58,000 --> 00:22:00,200
Men who need only one order,
287
00:22:00,960 --> 00:22:04,640
go, kill, return, go again.
288
00:22:08,079 --> 00:22:12,319
The alternative, the only alternative
289
00:22:13,680 --> 00:22:15,116
for you, Paddy Mayne,
290
00:22:15,200 --> 00:22:17,440
is that one day
they're going to hang you.
291
00:22:18,279 --> 00:22:20,440
Why do you want me in particular?
292
00:22:32,359 --> 00:22:33,559
Because...
293
00:22:35,680 --> 00:22:40,119
you would use your blood
as ink to write history.
294
00:22:42,240 --> 00:22:45,240
That's very poetic.
295
00:22:46,279 --> 00:22:47,519
Are you a poet?
296
00:22:48,839 --> 00:22:51,400
Actually a painter. Failed.
297
00:22:55,440 --> 00:22:59,160
If you decide to join us,
298
00:23:00,839 --> 00:23:02,839
I can get you out of here.
299
00:23:03,200 --> 00:23:06,916
How? You don't even
have a fucking regiment.
300
00:23:07,000 --> 00:23:09,319
No, but I will have, do you know why?
301
00:23:10,359 --> 00:23:11,599
Because...
302
00:23:12,680 --> 00:23:18,995
the fucking landowning, gentrified,
boy buggering toffs
303
00:23:19,079 --> 00:23:22,599
who used to shoot grouse on my
father's Highland estate...
304
00:23:23,759 --> 00:23:26,359
Well, now they're
running the British Army.
305
00:23:28,279 --> 00:23:29,400
Cheerio.
306
00:23:42,960 --> 00:23:46,039
TWO WEEKS LATER
307
00:24:04,640 --> 00:24:07,519
GARDEN CITY CAIRO, BRITISH GHQ.
308
00:24:16,240 --> 00:24:18,316
Lieutenant Stirling, 8 Commando.
309
00:24:18,400 --> 00:24:20,916
I'm here to see General
Sir Claude Auchinleck.
310
00:24:21,000 --> 00:24:25,160
A lieutenant to see the commander
of the entire North Africa division?
311
00:24:25,480 --> 00:24:26,955
Do you have a pass?
312
00:24:27,039 --> 00:24:30,235
No. I do not but I do have my class.
313
00:24:30,319 --> 00:24:31,715
If you could get
a message to the General...
314
00:24:31,799 --> 00:24:33,920
Why don't you fuck off?
315
00:24:35,359 --> 00:24:39,559
No. My message actually would be that
my father, General Archibald Stirling,
316
00:24:40,680 --> 00:24:42,195
was always accommodating
317
00:24:42,279 --> 00:24:45,400
when Claude Auchinleck
would drop by unannounced.
318
00:24:46,880 --> 00:24:48,755
Perhaps he might return the favour.
319
00:24:48,839 --> 00:24:50,920
No pass, no entry.
320
00:24:55,960 --> 00:24:58,720
- Charming.
- And stick your class up your arse.
321
00:25:03,319 --> 00:25:04,440
Stop there.
322
00:25:07,039 --> 00:25:09,759
Right, papers please. Okay.
323
00:25:12,440 --> 00:25:13,960
Where you coming from?
324
00:25:15,359 --> 00:25:16,440
Yep.
325
00:25:19,240 --> 00:25:20,400
Okay.
326
00:25:27,640 --> 00:25:29,079
Wait, wait, wait.
327
00:25:29,680 --> 00:25:32,359
Wait! Stop the truck!
328
00:25:33,279 --> 00:25:36,359
Wait. Stop. Wait, stop the truck!
329
00:25:59,759 --> 00:26:02,599
- Oh, shit.
- Pass, sir? Thank you, sir.
330
00:26:10,680 --> 00:26:11,955
General Auchinleck wants to know
331
00:26:12,039 --> 00:26:13,596
when this fucking noise
is going to die down.
332
00:26:13,680 --> 00:26:14,916
He's trying to work.
333
00:26:15,000 --> 00:26:16,156
They'll be done by midnight.
334
00:26:16,240 --> 00:26:19,839
Right, a crate of champagne,
that might pacify him. Come on.
335
00:26:23,839 --> 00:26:26,515
A gift for General Auchinleck
from General Ritchie.
336
00:26:26,599 --> 00:26:27,675
- Pass, Sir?
- Take a bottle
337
00:26:27,759 --> 00:26:30,200
He won't be counting. Come on.
338
00:26:30,880 --> 00:26:32,119
Thank you, Sir.
339
00:26:38,000 --> 00:26:41,039
Excuse me. I have a delivery
for General Auchinleck.
340
00:26:41,599 --> 00:26:44,160
Third floor, other side of security.
341
00:26:47,519 --> 00:26:49,636
Corporal, come and take this for me
would you?
342
00:26:49,720 --> 00:26:51,596
- Yes, sir.
- We're going to the third floor.
343
00:26:51,680 --> 00:26:54,596
What on earth has happened
to your top button? Do it up, corporal.
344
00:26:54,680 --> 00:26:55,675
Yes, sir. Sorry, sir.
345
00:26:55,759 --> 00:26:56,955
There's a lieutenant in
the building without a pass.
346
00:26:57,039 --> 00:26:58,789
Place is going to the fucking dogs.
347
00:26:59,000 --> 00:27:01,559
- Hello?
- There's a lieutenant who's got in.
348
00:27:03,759 --> 00:27:06,596
A gift for General Auchinleck
from General Ritchie.
349
00:27:06,680 --> 00:27:08,955
And I want to report that
I put this fucking crate down
350
00:27:09,039 --> 00:27:10,596
for one minute
in the gentlemen's lavatory,
351
00:27:10,680 --> 00:27:12,316
already two bottles are stolen.
352
00:27:12,400 --> 00:27:14,396
What is happening
to security in this building?
353
00:27:14,480 --> 00:27:15,636
We'll look into it, sir.
354
00:27:15,720 --> 00:27:18,359
I'm afraid I left my
security pass on my desk.
355
00:27:19,119 --> 00:27:21,396
- I beg your pardon?
- It's okay, sir. We know his face.
356
00:27:21,480 --> 00:27:23,435
Not the point. Not the fucking point.
357
00:27:23,519 --> 00:27:27,195
Enlisted men should carry their security
pass with them at all times.
358
00:27:27,279 --> 00:27:29,035
What is happening
in this place with top buttons?
359
00:27:29,119 --> 00:27:30,839
Do up your fucking buttons.
360
00:27:31,200 --> 00:27:32,519
It gets quite hot, sir.
361
00:27:33,480 --> 00:27:35,000
Yes, it's Cairo.
362
00:27:36,440 --> 00:27:38,039
But we are British.
363
00:27:41,279 --> 00:27:42,400
Come.
364
00:27:44,680 --> 00:27:47,920
A gift for General
Auchinleck from General Ritchie.
365
00:27:48,440 --> 00:27:50,759
General Auchinleck
is finishing a meeting.
366
00:27:51,160 --> 00:27:53,839
And I am General Ritchie.
Who the hell are you?
367
00:27:55,079 --> 00:27:57,640
- Show me your security pass.
- I'm...
368
00:28:12,759 --> 00:28:14,000
Sir...
369
00:28:18,359 --> 00:28:19,435
Put me through to the guard commander.
370
00:28:19,519 --> 00:28:20,720
Sir, I know you.
371
00:28:21,400 --> 00:28:22,640
And you know me.
372
00:28:23,039 --> 00:28:25,596
Both you and General Auchinleck used
to shoot on my father's estate.
373
00:28:25,680 --> 00:28:29,715
My father was Archibald Stirling.
I'm Lieutenant David Stirling.
374
00:28:29,799 --> 00:28:31,396
My mother Margaret used
to make her own gin
375
00:28:31,480 --> 00:28:34,480
and do bird impressions.
She was very good at owls.
376
00:28:38,440 --> 00:28:39,596
Hello, sir?
377
00:28:39,680 --> 00:28:41,039
Sorry I misdialled.
378
00:28:41,680 --> 00:28:44,955
Put me through to General Auchinleck
in the war room.
379
00:28:45,039 --> 00:28:47,839
Yes, I remember your face now.
380
00:28:49,359 --> 00:28:50,876
But all the spots have gone.
381
00:28:50,960 --> 00:28:54,035
A raw onion recipe for acne
that my mother invented.
382
00:28:54,119 --> 00:28:56,156
What the hell are you doing
delivering champagne?
383
00:28:56,240 --> 00:28:59,160
I'm not. I am delivering this.
384
00:29:00,680 --> 00:29:02,079
It's an idea.
385
00:29:03,640 --> 00:29:07,275
An idea that might
move the war in our favour.
386
00:29:07,359 --> 00:29:09,156
How did you get past security?
387
00:29:09,240 --> 00:29:13,515
The same way we will get past Rommel's
security and attack his airfields.
388
00:29:13,599 --> 00:29:17,400
Deception and inordinate
amounts of self-belief.
389
00:29:17,799 --> 00:29:19,960
Auch. Remember Archie Stirling's boy?
390
00:29:21,200 --> 00:29:23,995
Gangly, spotty one who was
forever falling out of trees.
391
00:29:24,079 --> 00:29:26,755
The one who siphoned the petrol
from our cars to make petrol bombs.
392
00:29:26,839 --> 00:29:27,916
Oh, God, yes.
393
00:29:28,000 --> 00:29:30,759
Well, he's in your office.
Says he has an idea.
394
00:29:35,200 --> 00:29:37,116
Your father was a very popular man.
395
00:29:37,200 --> 00:29:38,675
The general is on his way.
396
00:29:38,759 --> 00:29:41,275
- Do you have three glasses?
- What are we celebrating?
397
00:29:41,359 --> 00:29:43,200
Read on. You'll see.
398
00:29:44,119 --> 00:29:46,599
I can't read your writing. Tell me.
399
00:29:47,319 --> 00:29:50,916
The Germans' eastward advance
along the North African coast
400
00:29:51,000 --> 00:29:52,755
has swung the war in their favour.
401
00:29:52,839 --> 00:29:53,836
With respect,
402
00:29:53,920 --> 00:29:56,796
our high command has been no match
for Rommel's brilliance,
403
00:29:56,880 --> 00:29:59,359
his speed, his agility, but...
404
00:30:00,920 --> 00:30:03,640
I believe Rommel has made a mistake.
405
00:30:05,839 --> 00:30:08,035
Lieutenant Stirling who
couldn't climb a fucking tree
406
00:30:08,119 --> 00:30:10,156
thinks that Rommel has made a mistake.
407
00:30:10,240 --> 00:30:11,916
He has moved too quickly.
408
00:30:12,000 --> 00:30:14,039
His supply line is 500 miles long.
409
00:30:14,599 --> 00:30:16,995
His fuel dumps and airstrips
are strung out along the coast
410
00:30:17,079 --> 00:30:18,955
with miles of empty desert between them.
411
00:30:19,039 --> 00:30:21,876
I have a way of attacking
Rommel's airbases
412
00:30:21,960 --> 00:30:25,035
and neutralising them in advance
of the allied counterattack
413
00:30:25,119 --> 00:30:28,559
which I'm sure the two of you
are planning even as we speak.
414
00:30:30,440 --> 00:30:34,116
You don't salute when
a general enters a room?
415
00:30:34,200 --> 00:30:38,599
In my detachment there will be a
respectful disregard for form and ritual.
416
00:30:40,599 --> 00:30:43,076
How the fuck did he get in here?
417
00:30:43,160 --> 00:30:48,039
I'm not asking for anything
other than permission and 60 men.
418
00:30:49,480 --> 00:30:51,675
Men I will choose
according to my own criteria.
419
00:30:51,759 --> 00:30:54,435
You're trying to emulate your
father and become a war hero.
420
00:30:54,519 --> 00:30:58,116
No, sir, I'm trying to emulate
my mother who, as you know,
421
00:30:58,200 --> 00:31:01,519
always gets her own way
by being famously insane.
422
00:31:02,559 --> 00:31:05,435
And by the way the petrol bombs
were my sister's idea.
423
00:31:05,519 --> 00:31:08,680
She felt sorry for the grouse
and wanted to alert them.
424
00:31:09,200 --> 00:31:12,515
I know that Winston Churchill is
raving down that telephone line at you
425
00:31:12,599 --> 00:31:14,916
to do something
to slow down Rommel's advance.
426
00:31:15,000 --> 00:31:18,076
The Germans must not
be allowed to reach Cairo.
427
00:31:18,160 --> 00:31:20,796
With 60 good men, we can cut
Rommel's supply line
428
00:31:20,880 --> 00:31:23,955
like cutting a desert snake
in two with a shovel.
429
00:31:24,039 --> 00:31:27,039
I am a long-shot,
a shot in the dark, but...
430
00:31:28,240 --> 00:31:29,559
at least I am a shot.
431
00:31:41,759 --> 00:31:44,240
You have your father's handwriting.
432
00:31:46,039 --> 00:31:47,279
Sit.
433
00:31:50,000 --> 00:31:53,275
We have no vehicles or equipment
or weapons to spare
434
00:31:53,359 --> 00:31:54,880
for some wild experiment.
435
00:31:55,319 --> 00:31:57,116
We would steal everything we need, sir.
436
00:31:57,200 --> 00:31:58,195
Steal from where?
437
00:31:58,279 --> 00:32:02,519
We would steal weapons and equipment
from the allied troops, first.
438
00:32:03,359 --> 00:32:06,316
And then from the Germans
and the Italians.
439
00:32:06,400 --> 00:32:09,396
We would set up our base
behind enemy lines.
440
00:32:09,480 --> 00:32:12,279
We would report to no one
and require nothing.
441
00:32:14,519 --> 00:32:15,839
And as a gentleman...
442
00:32:16,880 --> 00:32:20,480
I will wager with you both
£100 that within six months,
443
00:32:21,359 --> 00:32:23,715
we will destroy more enemy
airplanes on the ground
444
00:32:23,799 --> 00:32:26,720
than the RAF will destroy in the air.
445
00:32:28,119 --> 00:32:29,559
By a factor of three.
446
00:32:31,480 --> 00:32:34,119
Now wouldn't that
be something to celebrate?
447
00:32:34,680 --> 00:32:39,400
So, a mysterious new parachute
regiment appears from nowhere,
448
00:32:40,599 --> 00:32:43,000
operating out of East Libya?
449
00:32:44,119 --> 00:32:47,440
Stirling, do you
have a name for your outfit?
450
00:32:47,960 --> 00:32:49,116
No, I don't.
451
00:32:49,200 --> 00:32:51,359
Well, oddly enough...
452
00:32:52,960 --> 00:32:54,279
we do.
453
00:33:23,960 --> 00:33:27,799
Lieutenant Stirling, welcome.
Welcome to my sanctuary.
454
00:33:32,640 --> 00:33:35,559
I hold my midday meetings
here because it's cool.
455
00:33:36,559 --> 00:33:38,440
And because it's so beautiful.
456
00:33:39,799 --> 00:33:42,356
And because since my whole
profession is to tell lies,
457
00:33:42,440 --> 00:33:46,319
I've chosen here as the one place
in the world where I tell only the truth.
458
00:33:49,319 --> 00:33:51,480
You should know, whoever you are,
459
00:33:52,039 --> 00:33:55,836
that I have no interest
in espionage in any of its forms
460
00:33:55,920 --> 00:33:59,995
nor do I have any idea why
GHQ have instructed me
461
00:34:00,079 --> 00:34:02,440
to have a meeting with a fucking spy.
462
00:34:04,519 --> 00:34:08,599
- Just tell me what the meeting is about.
- It's not really a meeting.
463
00:34:10,159 --> 00:34:11,599
It's a baptism.
464
00:34:13,280 --> 00:34:15,480
And here is the new born.
465
00:34:21,360 --> 00:34:24,836
He crosses himself at the door
and swigs whisky at the altar.
466
00:34:24,920 --> 00:34:27,719
You see, I've researched you, Stirling.
467
00:34:30,440 --> 00:34:31,840
What is this?
468
00:34:33,559 --> 00:34:36,639
This is the uniform
of my very latest creation.
469
00:34:38,480 --> 00:34:39,800
The SAS.
470
00:34:41,880 --> 00:34:43,480
Right. Who are the SAS?
471
00:34:44,760 --> 00:34:46,280
You are the SAS.
472
00:34:48,079 --> 00:34:50,440
Let me check if I've got the right size.
473
00:34:52,559 --> 00:34:53,679
Yes.
474
00:34:55,480 --> 00:34:58,719
Look at the badge of your new regiment.
475
00:35:00,400 --> 00:35:02,155
Look at the pips, Stirling.
476
00:35:02,239 --> 00:35:04,555
You're to be the leader
of a brand new detachment
477
00:35:04,639 --> 00:35:08,599
and as you can see, you've already
been promoted, rank of captain.
478
00:35:09,159 --> 00:35:12,480
What the fuck are you talking about?
479
00:35:14,599 --> 00:35:17,159
The SAS is a ghost
regiment that I created.
480
00:35:19,320 --> 00:35:24,075
And I've spent six months convincing the
Germans and the Italians that it's real.
481
00:35:24,159 --> 00:35:28,760
And then you come along, offering
to turn my ghosts into flesh and blood.
482
00:35:31,320 --> 00:35:32,719
Lots of blood.
483
00:35:36,199 --> 00:35:37,639
Fun, isn't it?
484
00:35:39,880 --> 00:35:41,079
Or is it fate?
485
00:35:48,920 --> 00:35:50,840
It's all part of a game, you see.
486
00:35:55,920 --> 00:35:59,035
I've already told you that in this place
I only speak the truth,
487
00:35:59,119 --> 00:36:00,316
so I'll tell you the truth.
488
00:36:00,400 --> 00:36:04,480
GHQ has no great faith in your
idea for a rogue regiment.
489
00:36:05,639 --> 00:36:09,595
But, it would help enormously
with their deception
490
00:36:09,679 --> 00:36:13,676
if a few real soldiers wearing
uniforms like that could be captured.
491
00:36:13,760 --> 00:36:15,360
Or shot dead in the desert.
492
00:36:18,159 --> 00:36:20,356
So, I'm able to tell you the truth
because I've researched you
493
00:36:20,440 --> 00:36:22,396
and I know that even though
I'm making you aware
494
00:36:22,480 --> 00:36:25,316
that your unit will be a counter
in a game of deception,
495
00:36:25,400 --> 00:36:26,719
you'll do it anyway.
496
00:36:28,400 --> 00:36:31,599
'Cause you yourself
are a work of fiction,
497
00:36:32,719 --> 00:36:37,075
trying to write yourself into the
history books, just like your father.
498
00:36:37,159 --> 00:36:39,595
And probably your grandfather before him.
499
00:36:39,679 --> 00:36:41,356
And on and on,
500
00:36:41,440 --> 00:36:47,360
all the way back to the warrior chieftains
of the great clan Stirling.
501
00:36:52,000 --> 00:36:53,320
Captain Stirling,
502
00:36:54,440 --> 00:36:56,796
agreeing to take on
the name and the trappings
503
00:36:56,880 --> 00:36:58,796
of the fictional regiment known
as the SAS
504
00:36:58,880 --> 00:37:00,796
is the only way
that you're going to get GHQ
505
00:37:00,880 --> 00:37:03,559
to give you permission
to start recruiting.
506
00:37:05,360 --> 00:37:07,679
You have 24 hours to make up your mind.
507
00:37:15,519 --> 00:37:17,079
I don't need 24 hours.
508
00:37:21,639 --> 00:37:24,320
Oh, well, in that case,
509
00:37:25,440 --> 00:37:28,119
I hereby baptise this new born infant,
510
00:37:28,880 --> 00:37:34,360
L Detachment, 1st Brigade
Special Air Service.
511
00:37:38,599 --> 00:37:42,519
Our father who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
512
00:37:44,079 --> 00:37:46,635
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done,
513
00:37:46,719 --> 00:37:48,440
On earth as it is in heaven.
514
00:37:49,599 --> 00:37:52,360
Give us this day Our daily bread.
515
00:37:52,920 --> 00:37:54,316
And forgive us our trespasses,
516
00:37:54,400 --> 00:37:56,920
As we forgive those
Who trespass against us.
517
00:37:57,239 --> 00:37:59,716
And lead us not Into temptation,
518
00:37:59,800 --> 00:38:01,400
But deliver us from evil.
519
00:38:02,480 --> 00:38:06,320
For thine is the kingdom,
the power and the glory,
520
00:38:08,960 --> 00:38:11,440
Forever and ever. Amen.
521
00:38:35,440 --> 00:38:36,800
Gone.
522
00:38:37,440 --> 00:38:38,559
Good.
523
00:38:47,440 --> 00:38:49,000
Telegram from Cairo, sir.
524
00:39:11,039 --> 00:39:13,400
- Tea for you, sir.
- Thank you, Bob.
525
00:39:20,360 --> 00:39:21,400
Riley, Almonds.
526
00:39:21,880 --> 00:39:23,079
Buongiorno.
527
00:39:24,159 --> 00:39:26,756
Remember that fuck up
with the parachutes?
528
00:39:26,840 --> 00:39:27,880
Yeah.
529
00:39:30,280 --> 00:39:32,960
Stirling wants to know
if we'll do it again.
530
00:39:35,719 --> 00:39:37,280
- Aye, yeah.
- Yeah.
531
00:39:48,480 --> 00:39:50,480
What the fuck are you doing here?
532
00:39:51,119 --> 00:39:53,796
I'm a spy. It's not that hard to find out
533
00:39:53,880 --> 00:39:56,796
that you like to come here every evening
at five to drink whisky.
534
00:39:56,880 --> 00:39:57,876
Drink, madam?
535
00:39:57,960 --> 00:39:59,756
Champagne. A bottle and two glasses.
536
00:39:59,840 --> 00:40:01,555
One for me and one for the captain.
537
00:40:01,639 --> 00:40:02,599
Yes, ma'am.
538
00:40:08,280 --> 00:40:09,960
Who told you I'm a captain?
539
00:40:12,400 --> 00:40:13,595
We have a mutual friend.
540
00:40:13,679 --> 00:40:15,995
He gave me the news about your promotion.
541
00:40:16,079 --> 00:40:18,035
If the mutual friend is Dudley Clarke,
542
00:40:18,119 --> 00:40:20,555
you should know that he is not my friend
543
00:40:20,639 --> 00:40:25,079
and I do not discuss news
of any kind with French spies.
544
00:40:25,440 --> 00:40:27,280
You accepted Clarke's offer.
545
00:40:28,320 --> 00:40:30,115
You have your own unit.
546
00:40:30,199 --> 00:40:32,836
You have permission to recruit men.
That makes you very useful to me.
547
00:40:32,920 --> 00:40:35,316
Excuse me, can I get the bill please?
548
00:40:35,400 --> 00:40:37,360
The whisky, not the champagne.
549
00:40:39,840 --> 00:40:41,480
I hope you brought cash.
550
00:40:42,280 --> 00:40:44,679
You know, I read an article in a magazine
551
00:40:45,480 --> 00:40:47,955
about the fact that
according to research,
552
00:40:48,039 --> 00:40:50,595
in Cairo right now
the average length of time
553
00:40:50,679 --> 00:40:53,079
between strangers meeting
and having sex...
554
00:40:53,920 --> 00:40:56,199
is down to one hour and 14 minutes.
555
00:41:01,360 --> 00:41:02,356
Sir.
556
00:41:02,440 --> 00:41:04,316
- That's fine, pop the cork.
- Of course, madam.
557
00:41:04,400 --> 00:41:07,475
I estimate it would take us 45 minutes
to drink the champagne
558
00:41:07,559 --> 00:41:09,836
and discuss the business
that we have to discuss.
559
00:41:09,920 --> 00:41:11,075
We have nothing to discuss.
560
00:41:11,159 --> 00:41:13,876
The walk to your apartment
would be 20 minutes.
561
00:41:13,960 --> 00:41:15,995
That's one hour and five minutes.
562
00:41:16,079 --> 00:41:19,440
Leaving us nine minutes
in your room to complete the dance.
563
00:41:23,320 --> 00:41:29,000
You know your profession, your calling
is very, very harmful to the soul.
564
00:41:30,840 --> 00:41:33,960
My father would invite
former spies to the house
565
00:41:35,159 --> 00:41:39,599
and they would just sit there
and stare into the fire.
566
00:41:41,079 --> 00:41:43,679
I always wondered
what they were looking at.
567
00:41:45,239 --> 00:41:46,400
What business?
568
00:41:48,639 --> 00:41:52,115
I have been asked by General de Gaulle
to find a way to get French paratroopers
569
00:41:52,199 --> 00:41:54,836
involved in combat missions
with a British unit.
570
00:41:54,920 --> 00:41:56,796
The soldiers I'm talking
about are men like you.
571
00:41:56,880 --> 00:41:57,876
Like me?
572
00:41:57,960 --> 00:41:59,995
They really want to fight soldiers,
officers.
573
00:42:00,079 --> 00:42:02,796
No, I've already chosen my officers.
574
00:42:02,880 --> 00:42:06,159
They're a particular sort.
They are men like me.
575
00:42:07,280 --> 00:42:08,519
A particular sort.
576
00:42:09,079 --> 00:42:12,039
This... is a grouse feather.
577
00:42:13,639 --> 00:42:18,440
The grouse is a bird bred
to be shot, born to be killed.
578
00:42:19,320 --> 00:42:22,800
Apparently, according to Clarke,
my new unit is like that.
579
00:42:25,440 --> 00:42:29,119
These soldiers, these Frenchmen
without a country...
580
00:42:29,920 --> 00:42:31,679
They are prepared to die.
581
00:42:32,320 --> 00:42:36,515
I have no need of cosmetic soldiers
recruited to boost one man's ego.
582
00:42:36,599 --> 00:42:40,320
Perhaps we could get this business
done in less than 45 minutes.
583
00:42:41,920 --> 00:42:45,756
One hour and 14 minutes seems like
such an awful waste of precious time.
584
00:42:45,840 --> 00:42:48,480
You have a balcony, let's drink it there.
585
00:42:49,000 --> 00:42:51,880
You would sleep with me
for France, would you?
586
00:42:54,840 --> 00:42:57,559
When I'm older and stare into the fire,
587
00:42:58,920 --> 00:43:02,599
I want there to be some things
that I did just for the hell of it.
588
00:43:03,360 --> 00:43:05,079
Mostly I don't like people.
589
00:43:06,320 --> 00:43:07,440
But I like you.
590
00:43:10,519 --> 00:43:12,199
And I am of use to you.
591
00:43:15,559 --> 00:43:16,800
Yes, of course.
592
00:43:25,079 --> 00:43:28,760
It's so very odd when one meets oneself.
593
00:43:42,159 --> 00:43:46,760
We will sleep together but there
will be no Frenchman in the SAS.
594
00:44:19,360 --> 00:44:20,920
Come on, Paddy!
595
00:44:22,840 --> 00:44:24,920
Go on, Paddy.
596
00:44:30,119 --> 00:44:31,880
Fuck off! Fuck off.
597
00:44:48,280 --> 00:44:50,440
Away from the fucking animal.
598
00:44:52,119 --> 00:44:54,800
Fuck off. Fuck sake.
599
00:44:59,880 --> 00:45:01,159
Aye.
600
00:45:03,920 --> 00:45:06,119
Aye, they put me on another charge.
601
00:45:07,320 --> 00:45:09,000
Fighting in a boxing ring.
602
00:45:10,480 --> 00:45:13,960
It's like being charged for murder
in a war. Is it not?
603
00:45:14,280 --> 00:45:17,480
With the second charge,
that'll give you three years.
604
00:45:19,480 --> 00:45:21,679
And you'll be stripped of your rank.
605
00:45:26,400 --> 00:45:29,595
Stirling got permission
from GHQ to go ahead.
606
00:45:29,679 --> 00:45:30,760
Get the fuck...
607
00:45:32,000 --> 00:45:35,800
And this time, they have a badge
and they have a name.
608
00:45:39,159 --> 00:45:41,719
"1st Special Air Service Brigade."
609
00:45:43,000 --> 00:45:46,196
Sounds like a branch
of the fucking post office.
610
00:45:46,280 --> 00:45:48,320
You are on two charges.
611
00:45:49,400 --> 00:45:53,955
Now if you get three years, this war is
gonna be over by the time you come out
612
00:45:54,039 --> 00:45:56,400
and you'd have missed all the fun, yeah?
613
00:45:58,920 --> 00:46:00,239
Think about that.
614
00:46:03,079 --> 00:46:04,239
So...
615
00:46:07,800 --> 00:46:09,679
If you decide to join them,
616
00:46:10,400 --> 00:46:12,679
I will join the SAS too.
617
00:46:19,400 --> 00:46:21,559
Also, Stirling wants to know
618
00:46:22,119 --> 00:46:26,719
if there's anyone in here that you've met
in whom you've seen potential.
619
00:46:36,440 --> 00:46:37,800
This is Reg.
620
00:46:40,000 --> 00:46:41,199
Pleasure to meet you.
621
00:46:42,679 --> 00:46:44,360
Another fucking Paddy.
622
00:46:46,000 --> 00:46:49,119
This regiment isn't all
fucking Paddys, is it?
623
00:46:49,440 --> 00:46:51,119
For crying out loud.
624
00:46:52,840 --> 00:46:54,880
Just don't fucking annoy him.
625
00:46:56,760 --> 00:46:58,635
Morning, sir. Commander Wilson, Gordons.
626
00:46:58,719 --> 00:47:01,155
- You have never been put on a charge.
- No, sir.
627
00:47:01,239 --> 00:47:04,480
- For insubordination or fighting?
- No, sir. Never, sir.
628
00:47:05,079 --> 00:47:06,159
Why the hell not?
629
00:47:07,639 --> 00:47:08,800
Next!
630
00:47:11,400 --> 00:47:12,559
Mayne...
631
00:47:19,199 --> 00:47:24,519
Since we have no aircraft, we will be
simulating a parachute jump landing.
632
00:47:24,880 --> 00:47:26,639
How are we gonna do that?
633
00:47:29,639 --> 00:47:31,236
See he forgot to roll.
634
00:47:31,320 --> 00:47:32,559
Pathetic.
635
00:47:33,840 --> 00:47:36,836
Do not share water, it's a 20 mile march.
636
00:47:36,920 --> 00:47:39,555
If you don't like it,
return to your units.
637
00:47:39,639 --> 00:47:40,960
Seekings, move!
638
00:47:41,280 --> 00:47:42,400
Next!
639
00:47:45,320 --> 00:47:47,635
Are you here on behalf
of your father, son?
640
00:47:47,719 --> 00:47:49,000
I am 19-years-old.
641
00:47:49,719 --> 00:47:52,075
But so far in this war
I've killed 21 men.
642
00:47:52,159 --> 00:47:53,595
Instead of judging myself on my age,
643
00:47:53,679 --> 00:47:56,955
I judge myself by that number
so in fact you can call me 21.
644
00:47:57,039 --> 00:48:00,676
I am looking to increase that number
and I hear you might be able to help.
645
00:48:00,760 --> 00:48:02,475
Why do you want to fight in the desert?
646
00:48:02,559 --> 00:48:05,356
Because in the desert it will be harder
for the enemy to hide from me.
647
00:48:05,440 --> 00:48:07,159
- Hide from you?
- Yes, sir.
648
00:48:12,000 --> 00:48:13,360
Go and join those men.
649
00:48:13,679 --> 00:48:14,760
Yes, sir.
650
00:48:16,880 --> 00:48:19,196
You must learn
to march on an inch of water.
651
00:48:19,280 --> 00:48:21,320
I have proved this can be done.
652
00:48:23,159 --> 00:48:25,159
- Funny.
- Only ten more miles.
653
00:48:25,480 --> 00:48:27,676
- Next!
- Corporal Dave Kershaw, sir.
654
00:48:27,760 --> 00:48:30,236
Why do you want to fight
in the desert, Dave?
655
00:48:30,320 --> 00:48:31,756
I just love killing fascists, sir.
656
00:48:31,840 --> 00:48:35,239
Got a taste for it when
I was in Spain like, you know. Loved it.
657
00:48:36,920 --> 00:48:38,280
Pleasure, sir.
658
00:48:47,480 --> 00:48:50,196
I understand you gentlemen
are very good at killing people.
659
00:48:50,280 --> 00:48:51,559
You heard right.
660
00:48:55,400 --> 00:48:56,519
Go.
661
00:49:19,480 --> 00:49:22,480
Don't be flapping now, Reg.
Don't be bottling it.
662
00:49:34,599 --> 00:49:37,276
- Chalky White, sir.
- Are you taking the piss?
663
00:49:37,360 --> 00:49:38,960
- No, sir.
- I think you are.
664
00:49:39,519 --> 00:49:41,599
And that's exactly what I'm after.
665
00:49:50,119 --> 00:49:51,280
Down!
666
00:49:57,360 --> 00:49:59,360
- Oh, fuck me.
- Don't be scared, lad.
667
00:49:59,719 --> 00:50:00,880
Go!
668
00:50:02,119 --> 00:50:03,679
Get the fuck off.
669
00:50:04,880 --> 00:50:07,035
- Send that fool back to his unit.
- Next!
670
00:50:07,119 --> 00:50:09,396
Guardsman Rob Willey of the 8th Commando.
671
00:50:09,480 --> 00:50:11,276
Right. How many women
have you slept with, Rob?
672
00:50:11,360 --> 00:50:12,480
Twelve, sir.
673
00:50:14,559 --> 00:50:15,800
Welcome to the SAS.
674
00:50:16,559 --> 00:50:17,840
Thank you, sir.
675
00:50:20,280 --> 00:50:21,599
Take cover!
676
00:50:29,920 --> 00:50:32,079
Up the fucking rifles, boy.
677
00:50:45,440 --> 00:50:46,599
Finally.
678
00:50:47,679 --> 00:50:49,199
I feel at home.
679
00:50:49,519 --> 00:50:50,559
All right?
680
00:50:51,599 --> 00:50:52,679
We go again?
681
00:50:53,079 --> 00:50:54,239
We go again!
682
00:50:56,760 --> 00:50:58,440
Brace up!
683
00:51:03,000 --> 00:51:04,239
Relax, Sergeant.
684
00:51:05,480 --> 00:51:06,960
All right, relax.
685
00:51:11,599 --> 00:51:12,916
Take these and hand them out to the men.
686
00:51:13,000 --> 00:51:14,159
Yes, sir.
687
00:51:25,440 --> 00:51:29,840
Gentlemen, what you have before you
is a very important document
688
00:51:30,159 --> 00:51:35,840
which will inform every aspect of your
service with your new regiment.
689
00:51:37,119 --> 00:51:42,075
Page one is a list of the specific
objectives we have been given by GHQ
690
00:51:42,159 --> 00:51:45,320
for the duration
of the forthcoming campaign.
691
00:51:46,480 --> 00:51:47,475
On the second page
692
00:51:47,559 --> 00:51:50,236
you will see a diagram of the chain
of command within our unit
693
00:51:50,320 --> 00:51:52,716
along with protocols
and uniform requirements
694
00:51:52,800 --> 00:51:54,719
which must be strictly obeyed.
695
00:51:56,320 --> 00:51:58,396
And on the third page you will see a list
696
00:51:58,480 --> 00:52:03,916
of the equipment, supplies and tactical
support we will be given by GHQ
697
00:52:04,000 --> 00:52:06,360
for our actions behind enemy lines.
698
00:52:07,000 --> 00:52:08,159
The SAS...
699
00:52:11,599 --> 00:52:13,079
...is a blank page.
700
00:52:17,840 --> 00:52:19,519
And it our job to fill it.
701
00:52:21,840 --> 00:52:24,840
Right, we move out today.
702
00:52:32,039 --> 00:52:34,760
Why don't you think
of a better badge, Jock?
703
00:52:39,239 --> 00:52:41,719
Right, you heard him, lads. Clear off.
704
00:53:32,880 --> 00:53:34,199
Have they deployed?
705
00:53:34,599 --> 00:53:36,916
They've been sent
to a place called Kabrit.
706
00:53:37,000 --> 00:53:40,320
Two hundred miles behind
the German and Italian lines.
707
00:53:52,760 --> 00:53:54,410
What are the chances of survival?
708
00:53:59,480 --> 00:54:02,075
My beautiful new
regiment is beyond air cover
709
00:54:02,159 --> 00:54:05,599
in one of the most inhospitable
terrains in the world.
710
00:54:06,400 --> 00:54:09,199
With daytime temperatures
reaching 50 degrees
711
00:54:09,760 --> 00:54:12,035
and very little in terms of armaments.
712
00:54:12,119 --> 00:54:15,280
No tanks, no armoured cars,
just a truck or two.
713
00:54:17,920 --> 00:54:19,760
But they are very resourceful men.
714
00:54:32,079 --> 00:54:36,000
Just give me the percentage
that they will last beyond Christmas.
715
00:54:38,199 --> 00:54:40,159
Ten percent?
716
00:54:45,719 --> 00:54:47,599
What a curious war this is.
717
00:55:11,760 --> 00:55:13,159
This is us, lads.
718
00:55:15,039 --> 00:55:16,760
Have a piss and a fiddle.
719
00:55:40,719 --> 00:55:42,320
Let's fuck off to Burma.
720
00:55:47,360 --> 00:55:48,559
Is this it?
721
00:55:49,400 --> 00:55:51,519
There's literally nothing here.
722
00:55:54,719 --> 00:55:56,480
Fucking hell.
723
00:55:59,800 --> 00:56:00,840
This...
724
00:56:01,960 --> 00:56:03,639
is SAS base camp.
725
00:56:04,920 --> 00:56:06,035
It's just us now.
726
00:56:06,119 --> 00:56:09,159
We have complete freedom to operate.
727
00:56:10,440 --> 00:56:11,880
This is what we wanted.
728
00:56:13,000 --> 00:56:17,396
Stopping the advance of fascism
across Africa is now down to us.
729
00:56:17,480 --> 00:56:18,639
God help us.
730
00:56:19,519 --> 00:56:22,880
We won't all survive but we will triumph.
731
00:56:25,079 --> 00:56:27,920
All but three vehicles
are to return to Cairo.
732
00:56:28,360 --> 00:56:32,920
If any of you wish to stand down
and go back, you're free to go.
733
00:56:34,000 --> 00:56:36,920
If anyone wishes to return,
raise your hand now.
734
00:56:45,400 --> 00:56:46,679
Good.
735
00:56:47,719 --> 00:56:51,960
Well, let's set some fires,
brew some tea.
736
00:56:53,719 --> 00:56:55,676
And drink some bloody rum.
737
00:56:55,760 --> 00:56:59,010
- Come on, unload it over here, boys.
- Right, men, you heard him.
738
00:56:59,559 --> 00:57:01,916
That's right, you heard him.
Come on. Let's go!
739
00:57:02,000 --> 00:57:03,760
You heard the man. Move!
740
00:57:39,000 --> 00:57:43,920
Revised and Synchronized by
FAST TITLES MEDIA