How do you fellows manage to look so comfortably, Vickers?
We may look it, sir, but we're not.
They say the first 40 years are about the hardest up here on the frontier.
After that, you get used to it.
Really?
Troop, halt!
Excuse me, sir.
What's the matter, Pearson?
One of the lead horses of the supply cart has broken a leg, sir.
You know what to do. Carry on.
Give me the gun.
Sorry, sir.
Well, of all the impertinence. That vulture...
Happens to be a royal falcon, almost certainly
Belonging to his highness Surat Khan, sir.
Oh. Oh. Oh. Forgive me.
I don't know. They look pretty much alike in the distance, sir.
A quite a natural mistake to make.
A devilish awkward one. Hardly an ingratiating way for a home government man
to present himself in a delicate mission to the Surat Khan.
Oh, I don't know, sir. After all, you might have missed him.
Oh? Oh, yes, yes.
Troop, walk march.
His Highness is awaiting you.
His Highness Surat Khan, Amir of Suristan,
offers a prayer of gratitude
that you have been preserved in your journey
and places his household and all in it
at the disposal of the illustrious envoy
of her most gracious Majesty Queen Victoria.
May I extend her Majesty's warmest greetings,
Amir Sahib?
Permit me to present Captain Geoffrey Vickers,
Cornet James Randall,
Cornet Charles Barclay,
Cornet Lawrence Pearson
Of the 27th lancers.
Vickers...
It's good to see the face of an old friend again.
One of the best marksman it has ever been my good fortune
to entertain, you know, Sir Humphrey.
Your own hunting skill, Amir Sahib,
compels me to deplore my poor marksmanship.
You British...
So adept at diplomatic graces
that even my own race bows to your finesse.
Gentlemen...
I would be inconsiderate, indeed,
to insist on any lengthy court formalities.
Shall we dispense with them?
Delighted.
You're welcome, Vickers.
Thank you, your Highness.
I regret as deeply as you, Sir Humphrey,
that so far the negotiations should have proven
so barren of results.
While it is regrettable,
we must remember that the treaty
by which your foster father received annually
a sum of money from my government
for his extraordinary services
ceased automatically to exist on the occasion of his death.
For myself, I shall do my humble best to accept with grace
this sudden withdrawal of financial support.
And may I not add further
that my government looks forward hopefully
to continued friendship with its neighbors,
the tribes of Suristan?
Of course, I shall endeavor to convince the Nawabs and maliks of Suristan
that the action of the British government
is not to be construed as unfriendly,
calm their natural resentment,
and curb any active reprisals they might so easily contemplate.
I am confident that your Highness' praiseworthy efforts
will be rewarded with success.
Let us hope that your confidence is justified.
You know, Sir Humphrey,
confidence is an admirable quality.
We so seldom appreciate it fully...
until it is withdrawn.
You know, the first time I was in Bengal,
I saw a falcon break a lamb's back. Beastly birds.
Yes, I think I'll send one back to my family.
Just the thing for a mayfair drawing room.
Ancient sport of kings...falconry.
The appeal lies in its cruelty.
I'd take a potshot against a tiger in long grass any day.
They're man-Eaters, you know.
Only a savage would prefer this sort of thing.
Ahem. Quite so. Quite so, Vickers.
Why, your Highness, I meant, of course...
No, no, no, no. I daresay you're perfectly justified.
However, the Suristanis are an ancient race of people.
They cannot so easily forget their ancient tribal ways of life.
Thank you, sir. I trust you'll accept my apology.
Oh, please, please, please.
Boris.
Gentlemen, let us go in to dinner.
Uh, by the way, Sir Humphrey,
You would do me the honor if you and your gentlemen
were to join me tomorrow morning
at a leopard hunt I've arranged.
We start at sunrise, the traditional hour.
Fine fellow... the Khan.
There's a man who can take a loss with good grace.
Yes. I don't think I could lose £150,000 a year with grace.
Great Scott, Vickers!
Nobody but the home government
were supposed to know anything
of the real reason behind this diplomatic visit of mine.
Sorry, sir, but up here on the frontier,
there aren't many secrets an officer in my position
doesn't get to know sooner or later.
Besides, I've come to know the Khan pretty well.
Then you must know the situation has been a devilish, delicate one.
However, I am quite confident
that he won't trifle with our friendship.
Besides, the man's a gentleman.
Anyone can see that.
Yes, of course, sir.
Yes.
Anyone can see that.
You have the honor, Sir Humphrey.
The Khan wants you to take first shot, Sir.
Huh? Oh. Oh. Thank you. Splendid.
Missed him by a hair, sir. Bad luck.
Fine shot, sir.
Excellent marksmanship, sir.
Sahib.
Are you hurt, your Highness?
No, not at all.
Brilliant shot, Vickers.
It was worthy of you.
It was a lucky one.
I shall never forget it.
My gratitude will be eternal.
Well, good-bye, darling.
Good-bye, dear.
Now, remember, you simply must be back early
if we're to be ready for the Governor general's ball tonight.
Oh, the ball, yes. I suppose you feel quite capable
Of taking care of yourself among all these...
Oh, how silly.
A responsible Lady of my years is perfectly safe anywhere.
Yes, I suppose so.
Well...good-bye.
Good-bye.
Elsa, i'm so glad you were able to come.
Your message said it was urgent.
It is.
What's the matter?
My brother arrives in Calcutta today.
How do you know?
Word came through from headquarters last night.
Now you'll understand why it was so urgent for me to see you.
Geoffrey's coming here.
Elsa, there's something I must know.
You do love me, don't you?
Oh, Perry.
I know we both tried to be loyal to Geoffrey
by hiding our real feelings,
but now he's coming back, and we can't go on pretending.
You do love me, don't you?
Oh, Perry, I've tried so hard not to, but I do love you.
I knew it.
But i'm still engaged to Geoffrey.
We must tell him the moment he gets here.
I mean, I must tell him. It's my responsibility.
And when he knows how we feel, he won't stand in our way.
But supposing he doesn't understand.
He will. Darling, I know him better than anyone.
I've got to tell him. It's the only decent thing to do.
Yes.
Yes, it is.
I must be getting back now.
Father will be worrying about me.
Yes. You're right. Will I see you tonight at the ball?
Yes, Perry... tonight.
It's only now that the strategic importance of the situation
Becomes apparent.
The safety of the northwest frontier hinges on Lohara,
Which is the base for the three advance garrisons,
Of which Chukoti is the most important.
Therefore, two of our ablest officers
Must command at Lohara and Chukoti.
I've had to transfer woodward
Because i'm afraid he's too well on in years for an active command.
You see, with Surat Khan just across the Suristan border
In a position to make the approach to the pass uncomfortable,
I feel confident that with you, Campbell, at Chukoti
And you, Warrenton, at Lohara,
We should be able to handle any aggressive complication that may arise.
Captain Vickers, sir.
Yes, sir. Oh, show him in.
Just a moment.
Captain Vickers, 27th lancers, reporting for duty, sir.
Been expecting you, Vickers.
The war office is sending you on a very important mission.
Oh, splendid, sir.
You're going on an expedition to buy cavalry horses
In the tatar Countries.
Oh.
Does that mean we're preparing for war, sir?
Whatever it means, you're to deliver the horses you've purchased
To our fleet at Batum on the Black Sea.
From there, they're to be shipped to the Crimea.
That clear?
Yes, sir.
Oh, Warrenton, Campbell, you know Vickers.
Yes, of course.
Geoffrey, my boy, how very nice to see you.
Glad to see you, too, sir.
How do you how do you do, do, sir? Vickers?
Have you seen Elsa?
No, not yet, sir. How is she?
She'll be very happy to see you, I know.
I can hardly wait until I see her either.
Good morning, sir.
Good morning.
Oh, Captain Vickers.
Yes?
Your brother is here, sir, inside with Sir Charles.
Oh, yes. Thank you.
Yes, sir.
Geoff.
Perry!
By jove, i'm glad to see you,
you old diplomatic globetrotter, you!
It must be more than a year since we last met.
Come in here, Geoffrey. It's quieter. I have something important to say to you.
I bet you have. I have at least a million things to say to you,
every one of them of vital importance.
Well, let's go inside.
No. I can't just now. I got a very urgent appointment.
Tonight and tomorrow, we can talk our heads off,
but just now... see you later.
So, you see, it depends on you, gentlemen.
And I thought I was well-acquainted with the situation.
But I don't quite understand
Surat Khan's presence in Calcutta, sir.
And this dance that the Governor general
is giving in his honor
at the government house tonight.
Flattery is the food of fools,
but now and then, your men of wit will condescend
to take a bit.
I see. Flattery and friendship, so to speak.
Surat Khan, deviling us up on the frontier,
seems to be doing precisely what the Russian Czar is doing in the Balkans.
You've read the news dispatches about the cossacks
plundering outlying Turkish villages.
Mmm. It's an old trick, you know...
deviling your neighbor into a war.
One would almost think that there's Russian influence
at the back of Surat Khan,
what with Russia's vital need for open-water seaports,
amongst other things.
You'll act only on orders from Sir Benjamin.
I understand, sir.
I want you to understand, also, that it's imperative
there should be no incident
that could cause a frontier war at this time.
We must maintain peace... at any cost.
Major Gordon and Mrs. Gordon.
Sir Archibald McMurray.
Lady McMurray.
Miss Veronica McMurray.
Sir Charles Miller and Lady Miller.
You remember Major Barrett.
Oh, Major Barrett.
And, Lady Pelham, my wife.
Lady Pelham, good evening.
And this, my dear, is Colonel Campbell,
who leaves tomorrow to assume command of the Chukoti garrison.
Colonel Campbell, I am pleased that we have met at last.
Benji, kindly stay here.
My dear, I was just going...
To the refreshment room to get a drink. I know.
Then you'll be upset all night. Here. Take a pill.
Life with you is just one blasted pill after another...
Uh, my love.
Ha ha ha! Just like a child...Benji.
No idea of what's good for him.
I hear you have a beautiful daughter, Colonel.
You must let me take her under my wing at once.
About to be married, isn't she?
That's splendid. You must let me choose her trousseau.
You're a widower, are you not?
I am, Lady Warrenton.
Well, I always say... Benji.
Yes. I know. Take another pill.
Elsa, darling. You look so lovely.
I'm sorry I missed you at the house.
I'm sorry, too, Geoff.
Why, it's been so long,
I hardly know what to say to you.
We'll have plenty of time now, though.
I hate these separations.
You didn't tell him, did you?
I haven't had a chance.
How I hate this deception.
Elsa, darling, they're watching.
His Highness Surat Khan, Amir of Suristan.
Count Igor Volonoff.
His excellency the Wazir of Suristan.
The Nawab of Dajal.
Take charge, my friend. I'm on duty.
Take charge of what?
My! How you've changed.
For the better, I hope.
I always liked the cavalry.
May I have a word with you, sir?
Hmm? Certainly.
Surat Khan's just arrived.
Well?
He's got a Count Igor Volonoff with him.
Ah, Volonoff. That's a juicy, clever gesture.
Ostentatiously flirting with Russia, eh?
Two strings to his bow. Ah, well, we'll see.
Of course, it might be just a coincidence.
The sun might rise in the west.
Well, I'll finish my drink.
I have a cowardly aversion
to meeting reptiles socially
till I've had at least one sherry and bitters.
Good evening, Sir Charles, Captain Vickers.
Good evening, your Highness.
Sir Charles Macefield, may I have the pleasure of presenting Count Volonoff?
Captain Vickers, Count Volonoff.
How do you do? How do you do?
It's very pleasant, your Highness,
to find you in these frivolous surroundings.
Well, Sir Charles, since your kindly government
has spared me the burden of dispensing its annual appreciation to my Countrymen,
I am blessed with more leisure.
Ah, well, come with me.
I'll present some really amusing people to you.
There's my daughter now.
She's entrancing.
Elsa is a fine gal.
And the gallant young cavalier
who holds her so tenderly in his arms...
Her fiance, of course.
Oh, certainly not.
But she is engaged. You said she...
To Captain Geoffrey Vickers of the 27th.
That's merely his brother,
a diplomat of sorts,
seconded from his regiment
for duty with the political department.
Oh, dear. How silly of me.
They do seem to be enjoying each other's company.
Let's get away from here, Elsa.
Charming... and motherless.
Well, as I always say, Colonel, it's never too late.
I must start looking around right away
to find a suitable wife for you.
Really, Octavia. You must be a little more guarded...
Keep quiet, Benji.
Colonel Campbell has just been begging me to find him a wife.
What particular quality do you most admire in a woman?
The quality of silence.
Now, Colonel, you're flattering me,
just as dear lord melvin did.
Once when we sat next to each other
in an intolerable guildhall banquet,
"Lady Warrenton," he said,
"you have the power to drive men mad."
I can believe that.
Forgive me.
What a dull dog the Colonel is.
Hasn't a word to say for himself.
Benji.
I love you so much, Elsa.
You look so beautiful.
I...I can't stand this any longer.
We've got to find a way to tell Geoffrey tonight.
Yes, yes. I know, I know.
We shouldn't be seen out here together. You know this place is full of scandalmongers.
But I had to see you alone.
We can't go on deceiving Geoffrey like this.
Darling, I know he'll understand.
He's a great fellow. He's human.
It's just because of that we mustn't hurt him any more than we can help.
Let me tell him in my own way. After all, it's my responsibility.
When he knows how we really feel,
he can't think that we're in the wrong.
Wrong?
It's only wrong if we don't tell him.
Let's face the truth.
We're in love with one another. We always will be.
Elsa.
You will return to the ballroom at once.
May I say, sir...
I am not interested in what you have to say.
There can be no excuse for a man who is so disloyal
as to trifle with the affections of his brother's fiancee.
I forbid you to ever see or speak to my daughter again.
I am not being disloyal, sir.
Elsa and i love each other.
Love? Cheap infatuation.
You deserve a good thrashing.
Perry...please go.
And as I doubt that you have the courage
to inform your brother of this treachery,
rest assured that I shall tell him.
My brother knows me too well to accuse me of treachery, sir.
Elsa, I'll see you again before you leave for Chukoti.
One moment, Captain Vickers.
Even though you've been seconded
for the political service,
you still retain your army rank.
Well, sir?
Therefore, you will do as I say.
If not, I shall have you recalled to England
for gross insubordination.
Very well, sir.
Elsa, I am at an absolute loss
to understand your attitude.
Father, I love him.
You really believe you love?
I see.
Now I understand the strangeness of your behavior
for some time past.
But you must remember...
that you loved Geoffrey when you accepted him.
He's been away a long time,
and now that he's back,
you must realize that that love is still there
and this is merely a passing infatuation.
I wish you were right, father.
I've fought and fought against it,
but I love him.
Elsa, my dear, I've taken care of you
ever since your mother died.
Let me know what is best for you.
Geoffrey's a splendid fellow,
loves you with all his heart.
You can't wantonly hurt him.
Oh, I don't wish to hurt Geoffrey.
Of course you don't, my darling.
There, now. Dry your eyes.
Let's forget this little incident,
and promise when you meet him tonight,
you'll treat him as though nothing has happened.
I'll try, father.
That's a girl.
Come.
Will your Highness excuse me?
Why, of course.
Some beautiful Lady is waiting, no doubt.
Yes, no doubt. Excuse me, sir.
My good friend the gallant Captain Vickers
once saved my life,
And as you know, in my Country, Sir Charles,
friendship can be claimed by friendly actions alone.
Yes. In this treacherous life,
it's difficult to know which is friend and which is foe.
But in the end, one finds out,
and the wise man acts accordingly.
Yes.
Ahem. Yes. Are you staying long
in Calcutta, your Highness?
A few days, I fancy,
unless, of course, the, uh...
Unless what, your Highness?
I sometimes think, Sir Charles,
that a great government resembles a beautiful woman,
who, intoxicated with the power of her own beauty,
is apt to withdraw from a sincere suitor
the favors she's always granted,
and when she finds this suitor
console himself with another beauty,
Regrets her coldness.
Interesting. And what does she do then?
She claims the privilege of any beautiful woman and changes her mind
before she's lost her suitor forever.
Do you not agree?
The only great government i'm acquainted with
is singularly masculine.
It makes up its mind,
and once having reached a decision, adheres to it.
I'm afraid we're losing ourselves
in a flight of fantasy.
Yes. Perhaps. Yes.
Oh, Geoff.
Perry, old lad, have you seen Elsa?
Lady Warrenton, this is my brother Geoffrey.
How do you do?
You are the fiance of that exquisite child. Am I right?
You are right.
Capital. I congratulate you,
but you must keep an eye
on this very attractive brother of yours.
I saw miss Campbell and him dancing tonight.
The look in his eye was anything but diplomatic.
Aha.
Benji!
Mr. Vickers, never marry a man with an indian liver.
Lady Warrenton, I won't.
Benji!
Thank heavens.
Oh, Geoffrey, there's something I want to talk to you about.
Oh, there's Elsa now. Wait a minute, old boy.
Elsa, darling, i'm sorry I missed so many dances.
You know how these diplomatic affairs are.
Shall we dance now?
I'd love to. Do you mind, sir?
Not at all.
Look around you.
Why?
Here in this one room,
You can see everything that makes the world go round...
Riches, intrigue, and all the seeds
of mutiny, war, and hatred.
You know what it all means to me?
What?
Nothing. Just nothing.
You're the only thing that's real here.
All I know is that i'm holding you in my arms
and that...
that you're so lovely.
Oh, Geoffrey.
Elsa...I love you.
Hello, old lad. Glad you came in and waited.
I had to.
Might have missed you completely.
I'm off again tomorrow.
Are you going with the Campbells to Chukoti?
No. Worse luck.
I'm going up on the arabian frontier
to buy a pack of horses.
We need plenty of them, you know, and good ones.
Sounds like trouble on the Balkans.
Yes. That's what I thought, too.
I tried to sound out old Macefield about it,
but he closed up like an oyster.
However, it must be that.
He told me to hurry, and will i.
You can imagine why.
Geoffrey...i...
I've never thanked you for all you've done for me.
Oh, nonsense, old lad.
You've been a success. I'm proud of you.
But something's happened.
I know you'll understand.
Well, what?
I've fallen in love with Elsa.
Oh, i'm sorry, old lad. How rotten for you.
Yes, but, Geoff, Elsa's in love with me.
I don't think you know what you're saying.
I do, unfortunately.
We tried not to. Honestly, we did, Geoff.
I see.
Might I ask what you intend doing about it?
Has Elsa told you that she loves you?
Has she promised to marry you?
Yes, but not in so many words.
I don't believe it. You're lying.
This is splendid.
After sniveling to me about how grateful he is,
my brother comes to me and tells me he's stolen
the affections of the one person I love most in the world.
But not content with that,
you've got the effrontery to come here and lie.
You can't believe that.
Lie and lie.
Listen...
You'd better get out.
Take your dirty intrigue somewhere else,
but get out of my sight and stay out.
Very well,
But let me tell you this.
I've always looked up to you,
worshiped you as a kind of god.
I find you're rather a little man.
And as far as i'm concerned,
you and old Campbell and the whole blasted army can go to blazes.
Oh, good morning, sir.
Oh, Geoffrey. Early visit, huh?
Yes, sir. I just had my orders, and i'm setting out.
I thought I'd come along and say good-bye to you.
Just to me?
Well, shall we say the family?
Elsa's still in her room, but I'll call her.
Tell memsahib she's wanted in the study immediately.
Captain Vickers is here.
You have a very difficult job ahead of you.
Yes, I think so.
But i'm sure you're equal to it.
Thank you, sir.
So good-bye.
Good-bye, sir.
Come back to us safely and soon.
Thank you.
Oh, Geoffrey.
What's this I hear? Are you leaving us so soon?
Yes, i'm afraid so.
I suppose this is what's known
as the luck of the army.
They show you a brief glimpse of paradise
and then take it away.
I suppose, in time, i'll learn to be grateful
for even a few hours with you.
How long will you be away?
Oh, a month, two months. Hard to say.
There's so much trouble going on everywhere,
we've got to be ready for it when it comes,
but as soon as i come back this time,
we're not going to let the army or anything else
interfere with out happiness, our marriage,
are we, darling?
Of course not, Geoffrey.
Right. It's a bargain.
Good-bye, my love.
I'll hurry back so fast.
Oh...
Elsa, there's something...
I think I ought to tell you before I go.
It's rather silly,
but last night after the ball,
Perry came to see me.
He's in love with you.
You know, he's quite impulsive,
and he seems to be taking this pretty seriously.
I was very stupid about it.
I lost my temper completely.
Now, of course, I could kick myself,
but I don't want him to be hurt
more than necessary, you know?
You needn't worry, Geoff.
I shan't be seeing Perry in any case.
Father's being sent to Chukoti,
and, of course, i'll go with him,
and Perry will soon forget.
Yes, of course he will.
That's just like you, Elsa, to understand it like that.
I must go now.
Think of me a little while i'm away.
I will. Good-bye and good luck.
Good-bye, my love.
They're moving along fine.
Hope we miss that storm behind us.
Hope we miss any other sort of trouble.
I don't understand, sir, why these northern tribes are so hostile.
Since turkey's declared war on Russia,
all these fellows know that England and France
Are bound to come in on the side of Turkey.
Yes. It's all very cozy.
These tribesman
Are going to sympathize with the Russians.
That's it, so if we want horses,
We've got to pay their prices...and like it.
Troop, column left!
Randall!
Round out that herd, and let's make a start for Batum.
It's 60 miles to Batum.
We hand the herd over to the Captain of the transport fleet there
And then back to India!
That's nothing to be so chirpy about.
You're doomed to be married soon, you know.
A more pleasant doom never faced one of the queen's men.
This sick sentiment.
You ought to be drummed out of the service for that remark.
Don't mind him, sir.
I don't.
Where'd you come from?
Be glad you came along for the ride.
It's the sort of thing you'd enjoy...
A real picnic with everything but red ants,
and I'd rather hoped for some action.
Troop, halt!
Here's your action.
Randall, stampede the herd through that gorge.
Troop, wheel march. Gallop!
Troop, dismount!
Take cover!
Get in your positions!
Independent fire as soon as you're under cover!
We're outnumbered. We can't hold on much longer.
Randall, take command. If i'm not back in an hour, try to break through for Batum.
Keep firing as long as you can.
What are you going to do?
Never mind about me. You do as I tell you.
Hudson, you and burke follow me.
Yes, sir.
Here. Fasten this to your pommel.
Now, ride off down there
And drag this bush behind you. Do you understand?
Try to raise enough dust to make them think
half the British army's coming up to relieve us. Hurry!
All right, boys. Fold up your army.
They're running!
Pearson, Pearson, there's something
to tell your grandchildren about
if you live long enough.
There's a bad fellow!
It's my turn.
Let me have a shot at him.
Wait till he gets round the rock. Hold it. Wait.
Captain Vickers!
Geoffrey, am i seeing things?
What happened?
They think there's a relief force
coming up to support us.
I'm terribly sorry, sir.
Thank heaven I missed you.
Yeah. Lucky for me you were aiming at me.
Good morning, gentlemen.
I'm more than pleased with the brilliant success of your expedition.
Congratulations, Major Vickers.
Major? Why, thank you, sir.
I haven't seen it in orders yet.
You will tomorrow. Congratulations, Captain Randall.
Thank you, sir. Shall I see it in orders, too, sir?
Yes, of course.
Sir.
I'm afraid you'll have to wait a bit, Pearson,
but good work all the same.
Now, what do you all say about going back to Chukoti?
We need seasoned officers up there.
I would like it immensely, personally, sir.
He's going to be married soon, sir.
So I understand.
Well, we'll see what we can do
about getting you an extended leave later on.
Why, thank you, sir.
Well, thank you, gentlemen.
Perry.
You sent for me, sir?
Perry, yes. Sit down. Make yourself comfortable, won't you?
Thank you, sir.
The Vickers are an old army family.
Yes, sir.
I knew your father at Zanda, Perry.
You and your brother Geoffrey have come along admirably,
Though as brothers, I expect you've had your little differences.
Hmm?
You know, brothers rarely avoid these little things...
but they're usually trifles.
Trifles, sir?
Certainly. Don't you think so?
Well, that is, it's rather difficult to explain,
but, don't you think, sir,
We're entitled to settle our own problems
in our own way?
Yes. Yes, perhaps so.
Now, Governor general Delhaussy
requires the presence of a political man on the frontier
to handle the Suristani situation.
I've selected you.
You mean i'm to go up to Chukoti, sir?
No. You'll be stationed at Lohara.
Chukoti will be the spearhead of any possible military maneuvers,
but your duties will be those of an official observer.
Is that final, sir?
I mean, that i'm to go up to Lohara?
Final. You'll have so much work to do there
that you won't have time to think of anything else.
You'll leave with a caravan in the morning.
That's all.
Yes, sir.
I understand, sir.
Perry. I'm sorry about the way things have gone, old lad.
Elsa can't love both of us, you know.
I'm aware of that.
Well, then...
Look here, Geoffrey.
We might as well get this thing settled once and for all.
We're not friends, so why pretend we are?
All the cards are stacked on your side...
old Campbell's for you,
the fact that you got there first, everything.
I've only one claim...
Elsa happens to love me, and only me,
and as long as that's true, i'm going to fight anyone.
Perry, I know you're wrong.
We can't let something like this come between us now,
and besides, you...
I'll get over it. I know.
Well, get this into your head.
I'm old enough to know my own mind and Elsa's.
I wouldn't hang on to anyone who didn't love me. I...
This is where we turn off for Chukoti. Vickers!
Coming.
Perry, old lad...
There's nothing more to say.
Troop, column left!
Eyes left.
Halt!
Reporting our return from Calcutta, sir.
Good, Major Vickers. Any casualties?
Yes, sir. One man wounded.
We were fired on several times, but we expected that.
Did you return fire?
No, sir.
I'm glad you didn't. Sir Benjamin's orders are to maintain peace.
Pretty difficult orders to follow, sir,
particularly when they're firing on us.
Yes. When you've been soldiering as long as I have,
you'll understand it's best to follow instructions regardless.
Yes, sir.
By the way, it would be disgraceful
for an officer to appear before his commandant's daughter
In such a condition.
Run along and clean up
And come back to my office.
Yes, sir.
Troop, face left about! Walk march!
Ask miss Campbell to come to my office immediately.
Halt!
Fall out the officers.
Prepare to dismount!
Dismount!
Dismissed.
Captain sahib!
Prema!
Up you go.
Thank you, sahib.
Look, I brought you back a new salute.
Watch.
How do you do it?
Like this.
Try it on the General.
Well, miss Campbell left with the first patrol this morning, sir.
Confound it!
Well, uh, yes. That's all. That's all.
Why didn't Elsa tell me of this?
That girl's a complete mystery to me. Outrageous!
She knew perfectly well you were arriving today.
Pardon, sir?
Elsa left for Lohara this morning.
Lady Warrenton might be ill, sir. She might have sent for her.
Not that i'm aware of, and what if she were?
That's no excuse.
You don't mean to tell me...
Well, you must have had a long and tiresome journey.
A nice cup of hot tea will really refresh you, my dear.
I'll never forget my appalling honeymoon trip with darling Benji.
You remember, dear? Benji!
Yes, dear? Be with you in a minute, dear.
Here's some nice cold water to take with your pill.
I thought I might drink a little toast to our delightful guest.
Keep me awake all night? Well, you're wrong again.
I hope you and Sir Benjamin
didn't mind my coming uninvited like this.
Certainly not. Delighted.
Mind? We're enchanted.
By the way, how is that ravishingly handsome fiance of yours?
Young Vickers. Due here today.
No, Benji, you're all muddled.
Elsa is engaged to the other brother, Godfrey.
Geoffrey, dear.
Some cake?
No, thank you.
So the brother is coming. Well, well, well.
That is a coincidence.
My dear, you remember the appalling ball in Calcutta?
Well, I was convinced that you and he were, uh...
So to speak.
Pay no attention to my wife, miss Campbell.
She has two obsessions in life...
Giving me pills and scandalous intrigue.
Captain Vickers, sahib.
Thank you.
Lady Warrenton.
Glad to see you, Vickers.
Sir Benjamin.
Elsa! Why, this is a surprise.
How are you, Perry?
Good trip, my boy?
Don't be absurd, Benji. There's no such thing as a good trip in India.
one either travels in comparative discomfort or in complete discomfort.
Mine was complete.
You two children want to be alone, I know.
You must tell Elsa all about Godfrey.
Geoffrey, dear.
All about your brother,
though, why you're not green with jealousy of him
for annexing this adorable creature, I can't imagine.
Come, Benji.
Oh, please don't disturb yourself, Lady Warrenton.
Elsa and i will take a stroll.
Shall we?
Yes.
No, no, no. Not out there. Not on the veranda.
There. In the summer house...
where the birds are singing
and the flowers are burgeoning.
Across the veranda and down the walk.
Really, Octavia. Your constant innuendos are intolerable.
You fully embarrassed young Vickers and the Campbell girl,
not to mention me.
Why can't you resist poking your nose
into other people's private affairs?
Is nothing sacred to you?
Yes, Benji, dear. Your liver.
It's wonderful of you to come here like this.
When I saw you just now, I couldn't believe it possible.
Why did you take such a risk?
I had to.
I've tried to force myself to forget you.
I've even tried to hate you,
but I love you.
I always have, and I always shall.
Darling.
Poor father. You see, he's right from his point of view.
He made me promise to try to get over it.
I did try... for three months, but I failed,
so I threw away all common sense and came here to you
To make sure that... that you're ready to face everything with me.
My love for you is even stronger,
more a part of me than ever.
I was sure of it.
Tomorrow I must go back to Chukoti
and tell father and Geoffrey
that whatever happiness there is in me to give must be given to you.
Parades, left!
Troop, halt!
Stables. Coming?
Parade left, column left. March!
Report the return of the convoy, sir.
Very good.
Sir Benjamin's compliments, sir.
You've had a scrap.
We were fired upon by the Suristanis in kohrud pass.
Well, you had your orders?
Yes, sir. My patrol withdrew in good order,
but we lost a man... lancer Wentworth.
Wentworth?
That's all, Barclay.
Anything else?
Well, sir. The Khan... that is, if I may...
Yes, of course. Go on.
Well, you see, sir, we ran across a caravan coming down from the pass.
There was a hindu merchant.
He'd just been to visit the Suristanis,
and he has it on good authority that the Suristanis are preparing for an attack.
An attack?
Yes, sir. On Chukoti.
Oh, come, come, now, Barclay.
The Khan wouldn't dare. You must be mistaken.
That's all.
Yes, sir.
Soldiers... old women, that's what.
I feel that Barclay's information
Is accurate, sir.
What, you also?
All right. Presuming it is.
Why this garrison? Why Chukoti? Answer me that, Vickers.
The Khan's wise enough to know, sir,
that an attack on Chukoti now
will ignite the entire frontier.
Why, the infernal scoundrel.
Then he must know the home government's feelings about a border war.
That's it exactly, sir.
Also the fact that England's about to go to war with Russia.
Attack now, sir.
Strike the first blow, and you'll crush him.
Vickers, you will parade your men in full marching order,
ready to move off at once.
Yes, sir.
Good-bye, Mary.
Company...march!
Troops are ready to move off, sir.
Stand at ease, gentlemen.
I have received the following from general headquarters...
"To the officer commanding Chukoti garrison,
"upon receipt of this order,
"you will dispatch all available men under your command
to brigade headquarters, Lohara, to take part in maneuvers."
Maneuvers? At this time, sir?
Sir Benjamin's orders, Vickers. He knows more of the situation than we do.
Major Jowett, you will be in command of the troops.
Captain Cary, Cornet Gordon, Cornet Barclay
will go with you.
The rest of you will remain in the garrison.
Those are my orders from Sir Benjamin.
That's all, gentlemen.
Beg your pardon, sir.
Yes. What is it?
Sending the men off to Lohara on maneuvers now
leaves us with hardly one company of infantry here.
Obviously, it's strategic to put on a display of force
for the Suristani tribes.
More effective than bullets.
But that leaves Chukoti almost entirely undefended.
Boldness. That, my boy, is the essence of strategy.
But the women and children, sir.
Jowett's wife and child, Elsa,
the sepoys' families.
Nothing to worry about.
We have plenty of men left here to defend them.
We haven't enough men left. You can't take...
Major Vickers, you've had your orders. I've had mine.
That's all.
Yes, sir.
Parade right!
Forward march!
Elsa.
Oh, it's you, Geoffrey.
I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you.
You looked very far away just then.
What were you thinking of?
Of a peaceful Countryside,
of soft green downs rolling to a blue sea.
I know. England.
No hot, burning sun.
No eternal treachery waiting for the unknown.
England.
In early springtime.
Ascot, cricket, punting on the thames.
We'll see all that together one day.
Just now it...
seems rather like an intangible dream.
Little like you, Elsa.
You see...
I was rather hoping
you'd be here when I got back.
I was at Lohara.
Yes, I know. Your father told me.
There was something I had to find out,
something I had to be sure of before I saw you.
You found out?
Yes.
Geoffrey, you want to make me happy?
More than anything else in the world.
Then you must know everything.
I came back from Lohara
determined to tell you that...
Major Sahib!
Tower guard shot! Suristani. Major Sahib.
Sound the alarm!
Turn out the guard double quick!
Vickers, what's happening?
We're being attacked, sir.
Suristani?
Yes, sir.
Concentrate your strength on the main gate.
Send 15 men to the east wall.
Orderly!
Open fire as soon as you're within range!
Cornet!
Yes, sir!
Take 15 men and mount the east wall!
Rapid fire!
We're losing too many men, sir!
Yes. We're hopelessly outnumbered.
We'd better abandon the wall before it's too late.
The barracks, sir. We can hold them off from there
and get them as they come over the wall.
Give orders to abandon the wall.
Bugler, sound the retreat. Take cover in the barracks, men!
Take cover in the barracks! Quick, men!
Get all your wounded to the medical officer!
Get the doors and windows!
Barricade the doors and windows!
Elsa, get all the women and children
away from the line of the windows, quick.
Mama!
Randall!
Yes, here.
Take six men and reinforce the rear.
Issue more ammunition all around. Quick.
Yes, sir. First six men, follow me.
This way. Hurry!
Hold these windows
and cover an attack from the stables.
Make every shot tell, do you understand?
Ammunitioneer, ready to interchange rifles.
Vickers, how much ammunition have we left?
Plenty, sir. That's the least of our troubles.
It's water that's the main problem, sir.
Water and this heat.
We've got to reach Jowett at Lohara.
Someone's got to get through to them.
Now is your chance.
The moon's going behind some clouds.
Now, don't forget.
When you reach the river,
cut a native boat loose,
and the current will carry you down to Lohara.
That's easy enough, sir.
I'll have the troops back in no time.
That's the spirit.
Now, with any luck at all, you should get over.
There's very few marksmen holding the wall.
Looks pretty clear.
Yes.
Geoffrey, look.
You wouldn't mind giving this to my family
just in case?
Looks like a pretty cheap one.
Does it go?
If you wind it up.
You're an idiot.
All right.
I'll give it back to you tomorrow.
Thanks, old pal.
Good luck.
Come, my boy. Over you go.
God be with you.
Thank you, sir.
You ready?
Yeah.
He's over the wall.
In this changing moon,
the Khan won't dare to make another attack.
Thank god for his everlasting mercy.
You look as though you could do
with a few hours' sleep, sir.
Oh, yes. Perhaps you're right.
Sun's up, sir.
Yes.
We can't hold out much longer, Sir.
Major Vickers, Sir. Look.
They're gone.
They're gone, sir.
Pearson, what are you doing? Are you mad?
But don't you see them?
They're coming over the wall.
They're coming through the compound.
I can't stop them.
Shut up! Stop!
I...I...I...
Shut up!
That's all right, old fella.
Pull yourself together.
I'm sorry, sir.
The walls are all deserted, sir.
That's very strange.
Possibly some sort of a trick.
Run upstairs and look around carefully.
White flag, sir.
What?
They're coming towards us now over the hill.
What the devil are they up to now?
We'll soon see.
Remove the barricade. Open that door.
His Highness, Surat Khan, Amir of Suristan,
sends greetings to his excellency
the Commandant of Chukoti
and humbly proposes a truce,
with a request that you will send Major Vickers
to discuss the terms.
Excellent. He's probably missed a boat from its moorings
and suspects our man got through
and is ready to treat with us.
I'd better go, sir.
Yes, of course.
We accept his Highness' suggestion
only on the condition that we hold you as hostage
pending Major Vickers' safe return.
I'm sure his Highness will be graciously pleased
and will understand your natural caution.
Very well.
You'll accompany me as orderly.
Yes, sir.
I welcome you, Major Vickers.
May the gods of courage and wisdom
Continue to bestow their blessings on you.
Your Highness, I must suggest
you come straight to the point.
Really?
You probably know by now that word has reached Lohara,
and the entire brigade's on its way here.
How interesting.
Oh, it pains me deeply
To have to disillusion you on that score.
If it's that sepoy you mean...
Yes. Captain Randall.
Oh, so it was Captain Randall
who so imprudently attempted to penetrate the lines.
Poor fellow. He paid the penalty for his foolishness.
He's...he's dead?
Oh, my friend,
life is sweet and dear when one cannot have it.
That's why I sent for you.
I'm offering you your life.
My life. Why?
You saved mine, and I shall never forget it.
You will be given a horse and safe conduct...
Your Highness, up till now
the home government has chosen to disregard
sundry unfriendly acts of yours.
By withdrawing your forces now,
you'll be making a friendly gesture
which will almost certainly lead
to the reopening of negotiations in Calcutta.
You're not fighting a single outpost.
You're fighting the entire British army.
Your logic, my dear Major, is overwhelming.
No, my friend.
I do not think you seriously believe
that I'll accept your optimistic suggestions.
After all, have you not an english proverb
to the effect that possession is 9/10 of the law?
Then I take it there's nothing more to be said.
On the contrary,
if we are open and honest with one another,
this matter can be settled reasonably.
Any suggestion you make must guarantee the safety
of the women and children.
Then the obvious solution would be an evacuation.
Evacuation? You mean surrender?
Hardly. I am perfectly willing
to grant the garrison a safe escort to Lohara.
Why, I've every reason to suppose
that will be perfectly satisfactory.
When I went to school in England,
I learned your charming custom of shaking hands,
signifying the completion of a bargain
between two gentlemen.
Of course, the garrison will have to lay down its arms.
What? But why?
As a friendly gesture.
That's utterly impossible.
It places us entirely at your mercy.
Ahem. We understand their feelings, your Highness.
Very well, then. With arms.
I'm sorry. I won't agree to your terms
under any conditions whatever.
Take my offer to your commandant. The decision is his.
If my terms are acceptable,
instruct your Colonel to raise the white flag.
You should know the British never surrender,
yet their guns will be useless to them,
if I may advise your Highness.
I suspected you had a plan.
Precisely. If Colonel Campbell accepts our terms...
and he would be exceedingly unwise not to...
It would be very simple.
I wish you'd think it over again, sir.
I feel we're making a grave mistake
in accepting the Khan's terms.
It puts us entirely at his mercy.
Well, we're practically at his mercy already.
I'm sure you're quite mistaken in your suspicions.
Can you give me any tangible reason?
No, sir, except that they offered me
a horse and a safe conduct for myself only.
No, I see no reason to mistrust him.
Besides, I've got to think of the women and children.
That's just it, sir. We can't trust him.
Well, we've got to go through with it.
All right, get to the first and second boat there.
Get the people loaded into the boats
as soon as you can, do you understand?
And you take the leading boat to Lohara.
Put that stretcher on the raft there.
Careful! Don't overload that boat!
Out of the boats. Quickly, now!
Massacre!
He's safe.
My debt to Major Vickers is paid.
Drive the rest of them back into the garrison!
Does it feel better now?
Yes, much. Thank you.
We shouldn't have trusted him.
Those poor little kids. Horrible.
What's going to happen to them?
He can't murder them all.
No. That would be too much,
even for the Khan.
He'll hold them as hostages.
That's why we've got to get to Lohara for help.
It's our only hope.
Look.
It's our chance.
"...Been our refuge from one generation to another.
"Thou turnest men to destruction.
Again thou sayest, come again, ye children of men..."
"The days of our age are 3 score years and 10,
"And though men be so strong
"That they come to fourscore years,
"Yet is their strength then but labor and sorrow,
"So soon passeth it away and we are gone.
Turn thee again, o lord..."
Major Vickers!
What on earth are you talking about?
Well, where did this happen?
Just now, sir, down by the river at the north gate.
What's the meaning of all this?
Miss Campbell!
Geoffrey!
Ali!
Tell Lady Warrenton miss Campbell
needs her help at once.
My dear.
Go with Cataro. She'll take you to my wife at once.
Geoffrey, my boy, this is terrible.
How on earth did it happen?
Chukoti, sir. The Suristanis attacked.
Hot water and clothes. Get smelling salts.
My poor, poor child!
I thought the best thing we could do
would be to try and reach here for help.
Chances are, we will get there in time?
Yes, if we hurry.
Captain Barnes.
Request Major Jowett to report to me at once
and sound assembly.
Very good, sir.
The Khan must be holding the women and children.
Yes, as hostages, of course.
We've no time to spare.
Pack the sepoys in their own transport wagons.
We'll bring them along with us.
Geoffrey, you get your arm attended to at once.
I'll be with you in a minute.
Do you mind if I come along?
No, old lad. We'll need you.
Halt!
That's strange! The white flag's still flying.
There are no sentries about.
Shows every sign of being deserted.
What do you make of it?
Who knows, sir?
Major Jowett? Take forward a detail in skirmishing order.
Very good, sir.
The last six sections dismount
and advance in skirmishing order!
I wonder if this is another of the Khan's tricks.
Fire a shot.
No sign of life.
Troop, forward. Gallop!
Oh, yara! Prema!
Mezanti!
There she is on the steps, sir.
Nan!
John.
Yara...
Yara, come.
They're dead! They're all dead!
Can't you hear me? They're dead, I tell you!
They're dead! Gone!
Prema!
Prema.
My little boy's gun.
He wanted a gun to kill Suristani.
Suristani kill him.
Prema, my baby.
Do you hear me, Prema? Prema!
Colonel Campbell, sir,
up over the wall.
So that's why they abandoned Chukoti.
We've got to follow Surat Khan. He can't be far off.
Impossible. They're mountain fighters.
We don't stand a ghost of a chance against them in the hills.
But we can't stand here doing nothing!
By heaven, we'll never rest till he's been made to pay for this.
India will be too small to hold him.
These books want to be stored
And the cases made ready for transport.
And all the official papers in this box here.
You'll report to the commander in chief on arrival at Balaklava.
Good luck, watson.
Thank you, sir.
Major Vickers, sir.
Oh, Geoffrey, my boy.
Replacements for the 27th have reported for duty, sir.
Good, then you're ready to embark.
Never been to the Crimea, have you, Geoffrey?
They tell me it's a pestilential hole.
Seems very strange to me, sir,
that the war office should be sending the 27th to Sebastopol
to fight the Russians.
Poor devils,
Haven't they been through enough already at Chukoti?
The Russians?
Peoples don't wage war against other peoples, Geoffrey.
England is fighting the tyranny of the Czar.
The 27th lancers are fighting Surat Khan.
Surat Khan.
It may interest you to know that after the Chukoti massacre,
Surat Khan fled.
Yes, I knew that, sir. India was too hot to hold him.
The war department happens to know
that he took refuge with the Russians
and is with their forces at Sebastopol.
This is worth knowing.
Now you understand why the 27th lancers
Have been ordered to Sebastopol.
Every man will have a chance for vindication,
not only for himself and for his regiment,
but for every sepoy in India.
Now, you better get along, Geoffrey.
You haven't too much time to get your kit ready.
Yes. Come in.
Why, Elsa.
Geoffrey, I had to come.
Why, what's the matter?
Perry is gone.
Gone? What do you mean?
To the Crimea.
He was ordered back to his regiment,
and he sailed two days ago with Sir Benjamin
on the first transport.
Oh, Geoffrey, he'll be killed. I know he will.
You love him, don't you?
I do.
I can't help it.
A long time?
I think,
Since the first day I met him.
I tried to tell you that day when I came back from Lohara.
You needn't explain.
I think I've know it, really, in my heart...
for some time.
I'm sorry, Geoffrey.
It's all right.
Why, it can't be helped. Quite a natural thing.
He's a grand lad, Elsa.
He'll make you very happy.
You'll be going back to England, I suppose.
Yes. I think so.
Oh, you're lucky. Wish I could go, too.
Well, I must finish this stuff up.
Geoffrey, are you going out to the Crimea, too?
Yes. Leaving almost immediately.
May I help you pack?
Oh, no, thanks.
I've been giving myself a crick in the back all the morning as it is.
Elsa, don't worry about Perry.
He'll be all right.
I'll see that he is.
Good-bye...
And bless you...
Both of you.
Geoffrey, will you take him a message?
Why, yes.
Tell him...
That I think his brother...
Is the finest man I've ever known.
Sir Charles Macefield's compliments
to General Scott.
There are no new orders.
Soon as the war council's over, i'll notify him.
We must attack Sebastopol.
General Canrobert's anxiety is perhaps prompted by the fact
that our supplies are running low.
Lord Raglan understands perfectly.
Can't you see, Lord Cardigan,
The baltic fleet is useless?
The Turkish fleet, I regret to say,
has been destroyed by the Russians at Sinope.
The recent storm has wrecked not only the Russian fleet,
but the largest of the French man-of-war.
You underestimate our resources, General.
See for yourself.
We have Sebastopol under siege,
and our forces have the Russians at bay, so to speak.
Besides, so far,
no real opportunity to attack Sebastopol has presented itself.
All right, Captain. I'll make a note of it.
Lord Raglan can't be disturbed
while the war council's in session.
Take it up with Sir Charles Macefield.
Yes, sir.
Wait.
All right. Carry on.
Yes, sir.
My plan to withdraw the light brigade
is perfectly clear to all of you gentlemen.
Be good enough to issue the orders, Sir Charles.
Very good.
I think that's all we have to discuss.
Some papers for your signature, sir.
Hmm?
Well, these are not important.
presently will do.
Sit down. I want you to take a dispatch.
General headquarters, army of the Crimea.
From his excellency,
Field Marshal the earl of Raglan, K.C.B., Commanding...
The Major general
Sir Benjamin Warrenton, K.C.B., No. 1174.
On receipt of this order,
you will withdraw the light brigade
to a point 3 kilometers southwest
of its present position...
By order.
Light brigade's moving back, sir?
Yes. What's surprising about that?
Volonoff commands the Russian artillery position
on the heights above the valley of Balaklava.
Surat Khan's with him.
We know that.
Don't you think the men of the 27th, the men from Chukoti,
ought to be given a chance to attack them?
I know how you feel.
Every British soldier would give his life
to avenge the Chukoti massacre,
but at this moment, it's impossible.
May never be another chance, sir.
You must know that the Russians
have their strongest batteries situated above the valley.
It would take at least five regiments for the assault.
Oh, no, Vickers, it's suicide.
That valley, under the circumstances, is a valley of death.
It would be worth it, sir.
600 men attacking the Russian center
would keep the enemy occupied
while the combined French, Turkish, British forces
attack Sebastopol.
Sebastopol taken, the Czar must sue for peace.
Yes. The entire Crimea situation hinges on Sebastopol,
but this is no time to consider personal feelings, Vickers.
Your plan is admirably daring,
but that's just it.
It's too wild.
Now, I want you to deliver this order personally
to the commander of the light brigade.
Is that clear?
Yes, sir.
Why, what's up, Vickers?
What? Nothing.
You do look rather odd, you know.
Confound you, Bentham. Mind your own business, will you?
I'm sorry. Yes, sir.
Now, gentlemen, these battles
are the finest of two and a half months.
We've lost hundreds of men,
apart from those who died from the cold and sickness.
It is, therefore, imperative that unless...
Orders from General headquarters, sir.
You'll excuse me, gentlemen.
His excellency's compliments.
Thank you. Well, how are things over at headquarters?
They've been pretty dull here.
I beg your pardon, sir.
That's from the commander in chief. It's important.
Well, sir.
"Upon receipt of this order, the light brigade will advance
and take the enemy position on Balaklava Heights."
It's come at last.
You expected it?
For weeks, Vickers. For weeks.
So you thought general headquarters were the only ones in the know,
but I, too, knew that Surat Khan
was with Volonoff on the Balaklava Heights.
The 27th... the men know, sir?
Certainly not. There'd be no holding them.
Do you mind if I tell them?
You mean you're coming with us?
Of course. It's my regiment.
Besides, this is more than just a fight for me, sir.
And to me, too, my boy.
Do you think that I've been able to sleep since that awful day at Chukoti?
And now, at last...
Would you mind if I spoke to my brother here in your office?
Certainly not.
Orderly...
Go to Captain Vicker's billet
and request him to come here at once.
Yes, sir.
Gentlemen, we have action at last.
Come with me. I trust all the units are ready to move out at once.
Oh, I...I thought Sir Benjamin sent for me.
No. I sent for you.
I want you to take this dispatch to general headquarters
and wait there until further orders.
Wait at general headquarters?
But I've heard the regiment's moving forward.
If I have to wait at general headquarters,
I'll be out of the fight altogether.
You'll deliver it personally to Sir Charles Macefield.
You understand?
I believe you're trying to keep me out of this deliberately
because of Elsa.
No. No. Elsa's got nothing to do with this.
You're not in the diplomatic service now, you know.
You're with your regiment at the front.
You'll obey my orders immediately.
If I refuse?
You'll be court-martialed.
I see... disgraced either way.
Very well.
Bugler, sound assembly.
Men of the 27th,
Surat Khan is on the field
with the opposing Russian forces,
the same Surat Khan who massacred
the women and children of Chukoti.
Our chance has come.
Show no mercy.
Let no power on earth stop you.
Prove to the world
that no man can kill women and children
and live to boast of it.
Men of the 27th,
our objective is Surat Khan!
Forward!
13th dragoons, parade left!
Walk march!
11th hussars, forward! Walk march!
Captain Vickers, sir.
Show him in.
Dispatch, sir. Personal. Urgent.
Thank you.
"They'll attack the Balaklava Heights."
This is insanity.
General Warrenton is attacking the Russian artillery.
They'll be slaughtered, all of them.
Orderly!
I must issue orders at once
for the Chateau d'Afrique and the Hebree brigade
to support them.
Let me take it, sir.
Take your fastest horse.
The lives of 600 men are in your hands.
Yes, sir.
27th lancers, forward!
13th dragoons, forward!
8th hussars, forward!
7th hussars, forward!
4th dragoons, forward!
Walk march!
Your excellency, the British light cavalry
are advancing against our position.
We'll cut them down before they cross the valley.
No doubt.
Instruct battery commanders in positions 37 and 22
to open fire immediately they come within range.
Your excellency.
They're deploying the charge.
See for yourself, your Highness.
What a tactical blunder.
Fools. Why, they'll ride into certain death!
Charge!
They're charging!
What madness.
Onward, men! Onward!
Why, they've broken through the first line of batteries.
It's unbelievable!
Steady, men! Hold your line!
Onward, men! Onward!
Instruct Colonel plattov, 14th calvary, to prepare the Counterattack.
Your excellency.
Steady, men! Press on!
Instruct 14th calvary to attack!
Your excellency.
Gentlemen, everyone believes
the 600 went to their death at an order from me.
Confound it, man. It must have been a mistake.
I'll stake my life. You never issued that order.
It was a magnificent blunder.
That one insane clash turned the tide in our favor.
But there was a misunderstanding, wasn't there?
The orders you gave...
were received and carried out.
Believe me, gentlemen,
I fully appreciate what you're trying to do for me,
And i'm sorry I have to disappoint you.
You're shielding someone.
You're a blasted fool, god bless you.
For conspicuous gallantry.