Now. Tell me, colonel...
...do you agree that the first job of an officer is command?
- Of course. - Good.
Now.
Take this bridge of yours.
It's quite an enormous undertaking.
Frankly, I doubt whether your Lieutenant what's-his-name...
Miura.
...is capable of tackling a job of such importance.
On the other hand, I have officers, Reeves and Hughes for instance...
...who have built bridges all over India.
The men respect them.
It's essential for an officer to have that respect.
If it's gone, he ceases to command.
What then? Demoralization and chaos.
A poor commander I would be if I allowed that to happen.
Perhaps you are not aware that the bridge is now under my command.
Really? And may I ask, are you satisfied with the work?
- I am not! - You've proved my point.
I hate the British!
You are defeated but you have no shame.
You are stubborn but have no pride.
You endure but you have no courage.
I hate the British!
Pointless, going on like this.
Stay there!
Stand down. Stand down!
Battalion, attention!
Battalion, stand at ease.
Please...
Do you know what is the date today, colonel?
I've lost count.
It's the anniversary of our great victory...
...over Russia in 1905.
Throughout East Asia we are celebrating this date.
In honour of this occasión...
...I have given your troops a day of rest.
Many thanks.
I am declaring a general amnesty.
You and your officers may return to your quarters.
As part of this amnesty...
...it will not be necessary for officers to do manual labour.
He's done it!
Somebody deserves a medal, sir.
How many men in your party?
I don't really know, sir.
- You don't know? - Twelve, usually.
One of the men took sick this morning, sir.
It took three or four to help him to the hospital.
And... He took terrible sick, sir.
A corporal should know how many men he has under him.
Oh, yes, sir.
Have you a nervous affliction? Stop making those faces.
It may be funny to you, but it's not military behaviour.
No, sir.
We must put a stop to these demonstrations.
- I say, Reeves? - Yes, sir?
Ever built a bridge over a stream like the Kwai?
Yes, sir, half a dozen of them in Madras, Bengal...
If this were your bridge...
...how would you get it under way?
Get it under way, sir?
First of all, I wouldn't build it here.
Oh, why not?
I was trying to tell you...
...the Japanese couldn't have picked a worse location.
You see those piles?
They're sinking.
We could drive those logs forever and they wouldn't hold.
Where would you build it?
Further downstream, sir. Across those narrows.
Then we'd have solid bedrock on both banks.
Hughes, if this were your bridge, how would you use the men?
Not the way they're doing it. It's chaos, as you can see.
Uncoordinated activity.
No teamwork.
Some parties are working against each other.
Yes.
I say, gentlemen, we have a problem on our hands.
Thanks to the Japanese, we command a rabble.
There's no order, no discipline.
- Our task is to rebuild the battalion. - Yes, sir.
Which isn't going to be easy.
Fortunately, we have the means at hand. The bridge.
- The bridge, sir? - The bridge.
We'll teach them a lesson in Western efficiency that'll put them to shame.
Show what a British soldier is capable of.
Yes. I see your point, sir.
I know how difficult it's going to be here...
...where you can't find what you need.
- There's the challenge. - I beg your pardon, sir.
You really want them to build the bridge?
You're not usually so slow in the uptake.
I know our men. You've got to keep them occupied.
If there weren't any work, we'd invent some.
- That we would, sir. - So we're lucky.
But it's going to be a proper bridge.
Here again I know the men.
It's essential that they take pride in their job.
- Right, men? - Yes, sir.
Reeves, you're the key man here as engineer.
Tell me what you want and we'll get it. Can we make a go of it?
- We'll do out best, sir. - Fine.
We must draw up our plans...
...then arrange a conference with Saito...
...and set him straight.
That takes care of all the procedural matters.
Oh, yes.
The next point is unpleasant for all concerned, I'm afraid.
Sorry to say, the position of the bridge was fixed hastily...
...and, I have to add, incorrectly.
Incorrectly?
Unfortunately, yes.
Our engineer has made a study of the site...
...and decided that the river bottom there is too soft.
Too soft?
Mud! All the work has been useless.
- Reeves, will you carry on? - Yes, sir.
Those piles of yours could be hammered below water level before they'd hold.
It would collapse under the first train.
The pressure and soil resistance figures in tons per square inch.
Reeves, before you get too involved... Colonel, could we have a cup of tea?
I take it we all agree that if we're to avoid disaster...
...we build a new bridge, at the site picked by Reeves, 400 yards downstream.
Let's proceed to the next point.
I decided to alter the work quota of our men.
- Alter? - I've increased it.
From 1.5 yards of earth moved to two.
I'm sure it will meet with your approval.
Hughes has all the facts. Would you take over?
I've done a time study of the entire project.
You see, the available forces have been badly distributed.
I'd urge we revise the organization of the working parties.
Just a moment. Colonel, it would save time if we could work during dinner.
Would it be possible to have dinner?
Of course.
- Carry on. - Yes, sir.
If we increase the squads and specialize their functions...
...l'm certain the total daily output can be increased by 30%.
Now, Colonel Saito, I have one more point...
Now, there's another important decisión that can't be postponed.
As the British will work on the bridge...
...only a few will be available for railway work.
I must ask you to lend us some of your men to reinforce the railway gang...
...so the final stretch of track can be completed as quickly as possible.
I have already given the order.
We must fix the daily work quota for your men.
I thought to set it at 1.5 yards so as not to overtire them...
...but isn't it best to be the same as ours?
That would also create a healthy competitive spirit.
I have already given the order.
We'll try to surpass that, won't we, Hughes?
I think that completes the agenda for tonight.
Thank you, Colonel Saito, for your kind attention.
Are there any other questions?
One question.
Can you finish the bridge in time?
Frankly, the consensus of opinion is that it's impossible.
But we'll certainly give it a go.
Don't forget we wasted a month through an unfortunate disagreement...
...for which I was not to blame.
Is there anything else?
No.
Thank you. The meeting is closed.
- Good night. - Good night.
I hope these Japanese appreciate what we're doing for them.
For now I'm not concerned with their appreciation.
- Good night, Clipton. - Good night, sir.
By the way, I meant to tell you...
...there are trees here similar to elm.
And the elm piles of London Bridge lasted 600 years.
- Six hundred years, Reeves? - Yes, sir.
Six hundred years.
That would be quite something.
I'm looking for an American named Commander Shears.
- Yes, down on the beach. - Oh, thank you very much.
Kiss!
Too many eyes.
You give me powders, pills, baths, injections, enemas...
All I need is love.
It's true. All you really need is love.
Why are you so sure you'll get a medical discharge?
Because I'm a civilian at heart, lover.
And I always follow my heart.
Kiss.
How's that, commander?
Don't call me commander.
It's unromantic.
You're an officer yourself.
How'd you like it if I called you Lieutenant Lover?
Let's be democratic. Just call me "sir."
Yes, sir.
Brass ahoy.
He wants you. He's all yours.
- I'm going for a swim. - Don't leave me!
- Commander Shears? - Yes.
My name's Warden.
- How do you do? - Sorry to intrude...
That's okay, major. I'm used to it.
Like a martini?
That's very kind. I think not.
Mind if I have one?
How did you get that?
Where there's a hospital, there's alcohol.
Yes, of course. Jolly good.
Well, I'll be as brief as possible.
I belong to a rather rum group called Force 316.
Our headquarters is in the Botanical Gardens.
- Protecting rare plants from the enemy? - Not quite.
- Sure you won't have one? - No, thanks.
We have an interest in that railway you worked on.
You could give us no end of valuable information.
Well, I'm leaving for the States in a few days...
...and I told your people everything I know.
But you could help us in a rather special sense.
I know it's a terrible imposition, but could you possibly come out and see us?
If you want to go over the whole thing again.
Very kind. Lord Louis'll be grateful.
- Who? - Mountbatten.
We're one of his special pigeons.
Shall we say this evening, then? About 8. I'll send a car.
This evening? Out of the question.
Tomorrow morning then? About 10?
- Okay, 10:00. - Thanks very much.
- Cheerio. - Cheerio.
Good luck.
Thanks.
You're sorry, but you're going to stand me up tonight.
You couldn't be more wrong.
General salute!
Present arms!
- May I see your pass, please? - Oh, yes.
Major Warden's bungalow is at the end of the path.
Good show, Jenkins. Good show!
Come along, Thomson. Use your knife, man.
On your feet! Away to the debriefing room.
Come on, move yourselves! Move quickly!
Very clumsy, Joyce, very clumsy.
Always use your knife immediately, Joyce.
You see, he's gained the initiative.
Wait a minute! I'm terribly sorry, sir.
- You're sorry? - So am I.
- I thought you were the enemy. - I'm American, if that's what you mean.
- That'll be all, Joyce. - Yes, sir. Sorry, sir.
- What can I do for you? - I'm going to see Major Warden.
I'll show you the way. He'll finish his lecture any moment now.
- That's the end of his lecture. - Thunderous ovation.
He believes in keeping our training as close to real life as possible.
- Major Warden, sir? - Yes?
Good of you to come.
- They took care of you? - They certainly have.
Thank you, staff. Well, come along, then.
Col. Green is looking forward to meeting you.
- Fascinating place, isn't it? - Didn't know it was a commando school.
We're trying to discourage the use of that word. Such a melodramatic air.
What do you do here?
Sabotage, demolition, that line of country.
We're using P.E., plastic explosives. It's wonderful.
That pop was made with a lump half this size.
It's twice as powerful as gelignite at half the weight.
It's quite harmless until it's detonated.
Thanks for telling me.
It's completely waterproof and actually plastic.
You can do what you like with it.
This is my place.
Go ahead.
Oh, I'm dying for a cup of tea.
- Would you care for one? - No, thanks.
- A drink? - No, thank you.
- Pot of tea for one, please, Peter. - Very good, sir.
Do you read this?
I taught Oriental languages at Cambridge before the war.
I never congratulated you on your escape. Good show!
If your sea rescue plane hadn't spotted me, I wouldn't be here.
No, I suppose not.
Would you like to see where you were?
All right.
Our information's scanty. It's based on your report.
We think the camp's here.
Do your people have any idea what happened to Col. Nicholson?
He had guts. They were about to shoot him and he didn't bat an eye.
If you're about to be shot there's not much you can do.
Here is the river Kwai, and here's the village where you were helped.
Here is the railway.
You must be fairly familiar with this area.
No, I was out of my head half the time.
The railway starts down here in Singapore. Malaya...
...Bangkok, Rangoon. Their idea is to drive on through, into India.
- Where was I picked up? - Oh, about here.
The Japanese aim to open the Bangkok- Rangoon section by the middle of May.
We'll try to prevent them.
It's too far for bombers to carry a load.
We'll have to go smash it on the ground.
- How? - Parachute drop, then march.
With demolition equipment through that jungle?
Our chief problem is lack of firsthand knowledge.
You see, none of us have ever been there.
- I don't want to discourage... - It should be interesting.
Col. Green's given me the Kwai bridge. I'm taking a team in to blow it up.
Lucky you.
Sure you won't have tea?
No, thanks. I don't want to be rude, but I've got a date at 2.
- Lf there are any questions... - Of course, I'm sorry.
Well, there is only one question, actually.
How would you feel about going back?
Come again?
Under the circumstances it's a bit much...
...but you have a unique knowledge for our purpose.
We'd love to have you with us.
That's why you brought me here?
To ask me this?
Well, frankly, yes.
I just got out of there.
My escape was a miracle. Now you want me to go back! Ridiculous!
This is embarrassing...
I don't belong to you. I belong to the American Navy.
Actually, Col. Green has taken the matter up with your people.
- With my people? - Your Navy's turned you over to us.
A signal arrived yesterday morning from the Pacific...
...authorizing your temporary transfer of duty to Force 316.
- They can't do this! - I'm afraid they have.
It was hard to break it to you.
But they can't do this to me. I mean it. My Navy's made a mistake!
Look. I'm not a Navy commander. I'm not even an officer.
The whole thing's a fake. I'm just an ordinary swab jockey, second class.
When the Houston sunk, I made it ashore with a real commander.
We ran into a Japanese patrol. He was killed.
I figured it was just a matter of time till l...
So you changed uniforms with a dead man.
I thought officers would get better treatment in prison camps.
But with Saito, the officers worked along with the rest.
There's always the unexpected, isn't there?
I kind of got used to being a commander...
...so when I arrived at the hospital...
...I took a look at the enlisted men's ward and then the officer's ward...
...and I said to myself, " Let's let it ride along for a while."
There were certain advantages.
I saw one of them on the beach.
That's the whole story.
The point is, you can't use me. You want an officer...
...an American Commander Shears who doesn't exist.
When the Navy learns the truth, they'll say:
"Ship him home for impersonating an officer."
- Once that happens, I've got it made. - Got it what?
Made! I'd like that drink now.
I'll apply for a medical discharge.
I'll say I impersonated an officer because I went crazy in the jungle.
I'm getting worse. Sometimes I think I'm Admiral Halsey.
It's quite a clever plan.
Not only clever, it's foolproof.
If my Navy finds out who I am...
...those orders won't be worth the paper they're written on.
Isn't this your photograph?
- Where did you get this? - It took some doing...
...since your people couldn't identify you.
Finally your C-in-C Pacific sent us a copy of your service record.
The photograph, fingerprints. Would you care to have a look?
You see, we've known about your actual rank for nearly a week.
Your Navy's in an awkward position.
In one sense you're a hero...
...for making an escape from the jungle.
At the same time, they can't bring you home...
...and give you the Navy Cross for impersonating an officer.
I suppose that's why they were happy to hand you over.
You see?
Hot potato.
As far as your rank is concerned...
...we're fairly informal about that in Force 316.
You'd have the simulated rank of major.
A simulated major. That figures.
Well...
As long as I'm hooked, I might as well volunteer.
Good show!
Oh, Colonel Green, sir.
This is Major Shears. He volunteered to go and help me blow up the bridge.
Really?
Good show!
Jolly good show, major!
Get up to sick bay. This foot's infected.
Colonel might think I'm malingering.
I'm the medical officer. Get cracking!
Will someone tell me why he wants to build a proper bridge?
Don't worry about old Nick. He knows what he's doing.
Hello, Clipton. About time you paid us a visit.
Fine job our chaps are doing.
Yes. How's he behaving?
He's been most reasonable since we took over.
- What's he thinking? - I haven't the foggiest.
- Thanks, Reeves. - Right, sir.
What do you think?
Quite a challenge, isn't it?
Are you convinced that building this bridge is a good idea?
- Are you serious? - Yes, sir.
A good idea? Take another look.
You don't agree morale is high? Discipline has been restored?
Their condition has improved?
Are they a happier lot or aren't they?
They feed better and they are no longer abused.
Honestly, Clipton, there are times when I don't understand you at all.
I'll try to make myself clear.
The fact is, what we're doing could be construed as...
...forgive me, sir, collaboration with the enemy.
Perhaps even treason.
We're prisoners of war. We haven't the right to refuse to work.
I understand that, sir. But must we work so well?
Must we do better than they could themselves?
If you had to operate on Saito, would you do your best or let him die?
Would you prefer we disintegrate in idleness?
Or have it said we can't do a proper job?
It's important to show them they can't break us in body or in spirit.
Take a good look, Clipton.
One day the war will be over.
I hope that those who use the bridge in years to come...
...will remember how it was built, and who built it.
Not a gang of slaves, but soldiers. British soldiers, even in captivity.
- Yes, sir. - You're a fine doctor...
...but you've a lot to learn about the army.
Hold him! Hold him!
Use your boot! Get your boot in there, will you?
Good morning!
What on earth are you people staring at?
Get him with your boot!
I'm sorry I'm late, sir.
Four minutes, to be exact. You were in need of medical attention?
- Sir? - I was referring to the nurse.
Very ingenious. Warden was right.
Sit down.
I asked you here to help us pick the fourth member of your team.
- Ask Mr. Joyce to come in. - Yes, sir.
Chapman wants Joyce, but I have my doubts.
He has too much imagination as distinct from cold calculation.
I've told you...
...in this job, even when it's finished there's always one more thing to do.
He's the best swimmer in the school.
I'm well aware of your evaluation. The opinion I want is Shears'.
All right, at ease.
These men are thinking of taking you for a hike in the jungle.
Yes, sir.
You were an accountant in Montreal?
Yes, sir. Not really an accountant.
That is, I didn't have my charter.
Exactly what did you do?
Well, sir, I just checked columns and columns of figures...
...which people had checked before me...
...and other people checked them after I had checked them.
- Sounds a frightful bore. - Sir, it was a bore.
How did you wind up here?
In '39 I came over to London to enlist. Later I volunteered for this work.
- You volunteered! - Yes, sir. See, the regular Army...
Go ahead, you can be frank.
Well, the regular Army reminded me of my job in civilian life.
They don't expect you to think.
Think about this.
Are you sure you'd be able to use it in cold blood?
I know how to use it.
That's not what I meant. Could you use it in cold blood?
Could you kill without hesitation?
That's a question I've asked myself. It's worried me quite a bit.
And what was the answer?
I don't honestly know, sir.
I've tried to imagine myself...
I suppose I find it hard to kid myself that killing isn't a crime.
It's an old army problem.
Well, I think that's all. Thank you, Joyce.
Am I to go with the team?
We'll let you know.
You see what I mean.
Well, at least he was honest.
None of us ever know the answer to that question until the moment arises.
What's your opinion, Shears?
Well, he's Canadian.
That fits with the international composition of this outfit.
If he wants to go, he can take my place!
Well, if you're all agreed on Joyce, he's yours.
I had an air reconnaissance report on the village.
There's enough clearing to make your jump at dusk.
- You've had parachute training? - No, sir.
Blast! This is awkward.
Silly, it never occurred to me!
Well, maybe...
He's right. Arrange some practice jumps for him.
I'll go check right away.
- All right, Chapman, you can run along. - Yes, sir.
Well, feel like a sniff of air?
Yes, sir.
You don't realize what a plum you are.
Your knowledge of the area, making friends in that village.
It's almost as if your whole escape had been planned with us in mind.
By the way, here's something that'll interest you. The new "L" pill.
- L pill? - L for lethal. Instant, painless.
Much better than the old ones. For capture, of course.
You're telling me not to be taken alive.
I wouldn't recommend it.
If any of you get hurt or wounded the others will have to leave him behind.
The objective comes first in our work.
You want my honest evaluation? I didn't want to say in front of them.
I understand, go ahead.
Well, Chapman will be fine. Ice water in his veins.
Joyce is... He'll be okay.
- It's Warden I don't get. - Oh? Why not?
Cambridge don and all of that.
It's one thing to play with explosives like a kid with firecrackers...
He's not without experience, you know.
When Singapore fell, he stayed behind to blow up a couple of bridges.
Many other installations before the Japs caught him.
- Fascinating story. He... - Sir, it's most annoying.
In view of time, they don't think practice jumps would be worth it.
If you make one jump there's only a 50% chance of injury.
Two jumps, 80%. Three jumps, you're bound to get your packet.
The consensus is, the most sensible thing for Shears to do...
...is to go ahead and jump and hope for the best.
With or without parachute?
Oh, very good!
With or without!
He's in the trees!
Yai says we can't reach the Kwai your way.
There are too many Japanese patrols. We'll swing north through heavy jungle.
- Then who's going to lead? - Yai.
He hates the Japanese. They took all his men.
Which means we shall have to use women bearers.
- Women bearers! - They're capable.
He says it's dangerous to spend the night here.
There's an enemy post three miles away so we'll have to sleep in the jungle.
- What about Chapman? - Yai will bury him and his chute.
Is there something wrong?
I was just thinking. You speak Yai's language. I don't.
He's going to lead you to the river by a route I never took.
Will someone tell me why I'm so indispensable to this outfit?
I know how you feel, but there's always the unexpected, isn't there?
Tell that to Chapman.
Let's get cracking!
You're lovely.
Lovely.
Be happy in your work!
Yes, sir.
Leeches.
She's telling you to hold still. She'll take the leeches off your back.
What's a girl like you doing in a place like this?
I'll teach you to say that in Siamese.
No, that would spoil it. Too much talk always spoils it.
What's wrong with that thing?
It's taken an awful beating. I can't get a strong signal.
I'll tell you. It's wet, mildewed! Like everything else in this jungle.
You might as well dump it!
This is Radio Tokio signing off.
This is your friendliest enemy reminding you to take it easy...
... and never volunteer for anything.
If we stay, we'll be up to our necks.
- I've got it all decoded, sir. - Read it!
Yes, sir. "One, original bridge works reported abandoned.
New construction downstream from first site.
Two, enemy intends to open railway with passage of special train...
...Bangkok for Rangoon with troops and V.I.P.
Estimated to arrive target, a.m. 13th.
Three, synchronize demolition with passage of train.
Four, good hunting. Have fun." That's all.
A train and a bridge!
Can we get there in time, sir?
Yai says we're two to three days away.
If we set a faster pace, we could make it before sundown on the 12th.
It's worth it for the train.
Oh, by all means. Good hunting. Good show.
Jolly good fun. Jolly good.
If you hadn't fixed the radio, we wouldn't know about the train.