The War Lover

Beat you to it, Sully.

-Have you got an alarm clock, Lieutenant?

-Yeah, up here!

Captain Rickson could use an alarm clock. Or dynamite maybe...

Up, Captain! Grab your socks!

-Blast them up, Lieutenant. I've got work to do.

-OK. I'll try.

-Briefing's at 05.00. You got 20 minutes for breakfast.

-OK.

Come on, sir. Time to get up. > Briefing's at 05.00.

Hey, Buzz!

Buzz! Come on! Rise and shine.

Let go of that pillow.

It's my down girl.

I just tell the girl, "Go ahead.

"No, no, honey. Not with your hands."

The minute she lay her head down on that pillow... Mmm...

-What time did you get in last night?

-Two...three...

I don't remember,

but it was worth it!

I think.

LOUD CHATTER >

Hey, Buzz! Remember the time when we could get up when we pleased?

The hot breakfast waiting for us.

Not have to go out before daylight.

Get shot at by guys we don't know and probably don't like their job any better than we do.

The trouble with this war is it begins too early in the morning.

Say, Bolland, you're out of clean socks.

My apologies(!) What you need is a personal maid.

Then she could fence off those WAAFs.

I'd have me one, save me flushing them out of the woods every night.

We're not supposed to fraternise with the natives. It's against the rules and regulations.

Yeah... "Rules are for sergeants!"

-Come on, Buzz, will you?

-What's the hurry?

-We'll miss breakfast.

-You know, Bolland, sometimes I worry about your love life.

-Well, don't bother.

Remember, kid, you're not in a monastery. You're in the air force.

Thanks for reminding me.

Say, come on. Will you hurry up?

Do you know what else you're gonna have to learn before you're a good pilot?

How to relax.

-Hi, Marty.

-Prieny!

-Morning, Lynch. How's your dog?

-And how's Superman this morning?

Just try and keep us on course for a change, huh?

-There's a dance tonight.

-I'll have to call up my girl.

-Where is she?

-Boston. Probably just getting home from a dance.

-Where you bet they send us today?

-Riviera.

Or Palm Springs to get a sun tan.

Today's target, gentlemen, Kiel. As you can see, a short run across the North Sea.

Kiel is important because of the enemy submarine pens. Here they are, in this inlet south of the harbour.

Hitting these pens will help protect our supply line to Operation Torch.

Colonel Emmet will be in the lead ship of the lead squadron. Take your instructions from him. ..Colonel.

Captain Rickson will lead the low squadron, Captain Woodman the high.

Most of flying will be over water, but don't get your hopes up that this'll be a nice little milk run.

Reconnaissance reports a flak corridor in the target area, and fighter attacks can be expected.

Keep your formations tight and drop your bombs when I do. Remember,

no broken-field running. This is a team effort.

Navigators and bombardiers will remain for navigation briefing. That's all, gentlemen.

-Max, get the flak area.

-Right.

-Come on, Bolland.

-What's the hurry?

-The Body's waiting.

Well, figure it out for yourself. This is our seventh mission, right?

-Yeah.

-We average three a week for the 6 next weeks. That's 18.

-Yeah.

-18 and 7 is 25, right?

-Right.

-We should be home in time for the World Series.

-That's crazy figuring.

-How come?

Do you know the chances of us coming through 25 missions alive?

-Ah!

-Mathematically!

-I hate mathematics! Hey, Brindt!

That medicine's rotgut! Get that belly operated on.

-My stomach was all right back home.

-Why didn't you leave it there?

Hey! No-one in the whole 8th Air Force drives a car like Buzz.

Looks just like a women's sewing circle!

-How's your stomach, Brindt?

-OK, Captain. Any chance of a board?

Mother Chicken's still reading the tea leaves. Bolland, check the cockpit.

-What's all this?

-Overflow. Pre-flight, OK, sir.

-Engine?

-Checked out.

-I was losing pressure in number three. You checked the blower?

You got a new super-charger.

-Oxygen?

-Oxygen system's OK. Full load. 430lb pressure.

-Gas?

-Tank's filled up to 2,800 gallons.

-Oil?

-All OK.

-What are we carrying, Max?

-Big stuff. Eight 1,000-pounders.

Rickson'll be pleased. He's got his heart set on blowing up the continent.

-Say, Captain!

-OK, Blackie.

-How'd you like me to stay behind, look after the house?

-You wanna live, don't you, Junior?

Yeah! Yeah, that's the general idea.

Well, I'll see what I can do about it?

-Number two.

-WHIRRING

Hit it.

Number one.

Number three.

Number four.

-'Clear for takeoff.'

-Roger.

-Roger.

-'Waiting.'

-Max, are we clear down there?

-Fine.

-'Lead off, Zebra 3. Clear for takeoff.'

-Zebra 3, roger.

Europe.

First time I went up in a plane, I was 17. It was a dawn like this.

Dawns are for co-pilots, Bolland.

To all positions! All positions! Test fire guns. Test fire guns.

THERE'S something to look at. There's something to look at.

Save your ammo. Save your ammo.

Let's get a few hits today for a change!

Number two, number two, tighten it up. Stay in close.

Number three, stay in close. Braddock, you're all by yourself.

Yes, sir. Joining the party.

At 11,000...

On oxygen, everybody. On oxygen.

-Prien, check in. Snap into it!

-OK, Captain. Ready to check.

-Lamb, check. ..Handown.

-OK, mine's on.

-Right.

-Brindt speaking. On oxygen.

-Farr speaking. Me too!

-Brag's OK.

Junior?

-It's not working!

-It's a wonder you can get your pants on by yourself.

-Farr, fix his mask.

-Sure, Captain.

Lynch, where are we?

Over the North Sea.

Could you be more specific?!

-Just follow the lead ship.

-I don't want advice, Lynch. I want our position now.

-Yes, sir.

-We're approaching the coast, Colonel.

-What do you think?

Looks like solid cloud cover.

-Tom!

-Sir?

-What are the chances?

Not very good. We've lost contact. We're probably close to the IP.

I'll get a report on the alternate targets. This is Fat Cow Red...

This is Fat Cow Red requesting operations report.

Zenith 8 and 9. Come in, Operations.

Zenith 8 and 9 - last report unfavourable.

-All the targets are covered.

-Those weather guys sure missed it today.

-Wanna try a few chance shots?

-There are no other military targets in this area. We'll have to abort.

This is Fat Cow Red to all padlocks. Solid cloud cover over all targets. Mission aborted.

Follow me. We're taking a 180-degree turn to the right.

180-degree turn to the right.

On signal, bombs will be dropped in the sea.

Not my bombs.

What about the solid cloud cover?

-We're going under it.

-What about Emmet?

I'll handle Emmet. Let's worry about the target, Bolland.

-Max, I'm taking her down for a closer look. Stay in the nose gun until we get to the IP.

-Got it.

-Max, I want as much feet as I can get. Keep the bomb base closed until the last minute.

-OK, Captain.

Attention, crew! Attention, all crew! We're going in low. We're going in low.

Bragliani, Farr, in the front now. Keep your eyes open. That goes for you too, Junior. Stay on your toes.

-I'm sorry. I can't get on my toes. There's not room enough.

-Careful, or I'll stop your allowance.

-Lynch, when we get visibility, I want you to set our course for the IP.

-What altitude?

-About 9,000.

-Isn't that pretty low for bombing, sir? We'd be expected to...

-Listen, you navigate! Let me do the flying.

-Prien, are they all tight back there?

-Yes, sir.

Here we go.

That looks good - 8,500. That was a pretty good guess.

-Go on to automatic pilot.

-Right.

-Lynch, have you picked the target?

-Hold her steady on 038 degrees.

Right!

038 degrees.

Look what we've got here.

-You ready, Max?

-Hand her over.

CLICKING

She's all yours.

There's your submarine pens.

Bomb doors open.

-Get 'em dead centre.

-Dead centre, Max.

-Dead centre...

Bombs away!

SERIES OF EXPLOSIONS

Giving her back to you, Buzz.

-Got you.

-CLICKING

EXPLOSIONS CONTINUE

What about that?

The square head's getting to shoot straight.

VERY LOUD EXPLOSION

What were you saying?!

-That was pretty good.

-Goodness has nothing to do with it, Bolland.

-Bandits! Three 190s at two o'clock.

-Handown, they're on your side.

Bandits at three o'clock level!

Junior, get him when he passes underneath!

Everybody all right?

-Yes, fine, Lieutenant.

-The Krauts never got in range.

That's all right with me.

They must have hit Braddock. His number one engine's smoking.

-He's trying to blow out the fire.

-Why didn't he stay close to me?

What was that junk that went past?

I knew you couldn't get out of these crates.

Now, you listen to me. That's not going to happen to us. Not while I'm flying this bucket.

-Lieutenant, would you please come down here?

-I'll be right there.

-Buzz, lose altitude! Prien's sick.

-Sick or scared?

-What's the difference? Get us down.

Yes, sir!

All right, everybody, snap out of it. You're all still alive.

-Or are you?

-My heart's still beating, Captain.

-That's a good sign, Handown.

All right, take over.

Yes, sir, we fell behind in the turn. I used maximum power and pulled up with the group.

-After you dropped your bombs?

-Yes, sir.

-What did you drop them on?

-The target, sir.

-With solid cloud cover? Come on, Rickson.

-We found a hole. We had six-tenths visibility.

-At what altitude?

-About 9,000.

-8,500, sir.

Mmm...

How's your hearing, Rickson?

-Very good, sir.

-In fact, all your reactions are good, aren't they?

-You're about the hottest pilot in the whole group.

-Yes, sir. I guess I am.

Except for one thing.

-You're insubordinate and irresponsible!

-Me, sir?

-You deliberately abandoned formation.

It wasn't deliberate. We ran into a bit of haze and I lost contact.

-And you happened to find yourself over the target?

-Regulations say if a target of opportunity...

Don't tell me about regulations. This target didn't present itself. You defied mission orders.

You went over a heavy flak corridor and risked the lives of your men!

I risk their lives every time I take 'em off the ground. Don't I?

-Anyway, we got through this OK. No-one was hurt.

-Except Braddock.

That was later, sir. And it wasn't flak.

I'm sending Reconnaissance over to photograph those submarine pens.

-I think it'll show that we clobbered them.

-It'd better.

You may go.

Oh, one moment, Rickson!

Your navigator's Lieutenant Lynch, I believe.

-When you were lost in the haze, why didn't he give you your bearings?

-I guess you better ask him, sir.

You were going to say something, Lieutenant?

No, sir.

That's all.

DOOR CLOSES

So I said to him, "Let's go to London next leave."

I've done my dancing. How about a little food?

Very good, Bolland. Very, very good.

Excuse me.

Could you direct me to the 8th Avenue Savoy?

My name is Rickson. What's yours?

-Daphne Caldwell.

-Mmm... Daphne Caldwell, Lieutenant Bolland.

-How do you do?

-Hello.

Bolland, you get the table. I'll get the booze.

-You don't come from around here, do you?

-No. I work in Cambridge.

-Oh? Hush-hush?

-Yes. A defence project.

-Would you like a cigarette?

-No, thank you. I don't smoke.

I'm a tourist, booked for 25 first-class missions.

Today was my seventh.

You're upset about something. I was watching you when you came in.

I had a date with a man named Pitt.

I've just been told he was on a mission. Didn't come back.

I'm sorry.

-There you go, Daphne.

-Thank you.

What is a beautiful girl like you doing, wandering around by herself?

My date didn't show up.

He must be out of his mind.

-How do you like England?

-The weather or the women?

-The weather.

-I think it's beautiful.

-Hi! Mind if I hijack the lady?

-Yes, I mind.

-Thank you. I'm not dancing tonight.

Some other time, maybe...

-You didn't answer my question.

-I'm having the time of my life.

There's only two things that mean anything to me - flying and women.

-In that order?

-In any order. Or both together.

-So you're enjoying the war?

-I like my work.

Work?

I belong to the most destructive group of men the world has known.

That's my work.

Hey, Buzz, look what Reconnaissance just slipped me.

Wait till Mother Chicken sees this. We clobbered them!

One...two...three...four...five... Ten direct hits on the submarine pens at Kiel!

Those Germans ain't never coming up for air!

Come on!

Get up!

-Come on, Buzz!

-Come on, Woodman! You're all mine!

Throw me a bottle.

CHEERING

BAND PLAYS "Roll Me Over"

-Would you please take me to the bus? We leave at 12.

-I'd be glad to.

I'd like to see you again.

-I'm free Saturday afternoon, if you would come to Cambridge.

-I can't think of anything I'd like better.

SIREN SOUNDS

Hey!

Daphne! Daphne, I don't know where you live!

Hey, why'd you miss Interrogation?

I've got to get the bus to Cambridge.

-I've got a date. If I can find her.

-Who, the English girl?

What do you know? I'm telling you, Bolland, she was giving me the eye!

-You got the eyes crossed.

-Don't worry, she's not my type. Too intellectual!

-Mail call!

For you, Bolland.

Do you know what I'll have to do?

Write me a letter and have 25 Mimeograph copies made and sent to all my girls in the States.

-Could get knocked off over here and nobody would know.

-When were you home last?

-Home?

You tell me where it is, Bolland. I'll tell how long ago it was.

From Daphne. She can meet me at the quad of the King's College.

Be sure to have a ball in that library, with all those books(!)

-Maybe I won't see you until tomorrow.

-Sonny's growing up. Staying overnight, huh?

-Maybe.

If the library stays open! So long, Buzz.

PLAYS BIG BAND MUSIC

CHOIR SINGS

-Hello.

-Hello.

-Are you enjoying the madrigals?

-Is that what they are?

-16th-century pop tunes.

-You English!

-Half the world blows the other half up and you sing 400-year-old music!

-You must think we're in a groove.

-Would you like to walk down to the river?

-You're the guide.

CLOCK CHIMES

It's so wonderfully old.

Maybe Shakespeare and Ben Johnson stood on this very bridge.

You've very American!

Why?

Well, romantic.

I like things that last.

Things last longer than people.

I wrote to Pitt's parents today.

Were you in love with him?

No... I didn't know him very well, but he was a very nice man.

He was on Braddock's plane.

We saw it go down.

-Your pilot - what's his name, Rickson?

-Buzz, yeah. Buzz Rickson.

-Is he really that good? They were making such a fuss over him.

-The best!

-Is he?

Yes. You see, well, I fly by the book.

Buzz flies like he's a part of the plane. Whenever we get in trouble, he knows what to do, instinctively.

-Your hero?

-I get sore at him once in a while, we all do, but we wouldn't trade him for any other pilot.

I hope his luck holds out. And yours.

Right now, my luck's doing fine.

It's starting to rain again. Shall we go somewhere until it stops?

-What about your lab?

-I can't. It's against the rules.

-But we could wait in the library.

-No, not the library - it's just something that Buzz said.

Hey, Buzz, are you ready?

-Come on! Get it over with, will you, Captain?

-Keep your pants on, Junior.

-You're getting paid.

-Not by the hour.

-Ten bob if I miss, a quid if you get hit.

-Don't mention it!

Don't worry, I never miss. Except once, and I was drunk.

-What happened?!

-We sent the quid home to his mother and gave the guy a decent burial.

-And that is true!

He'll get it. He's better than Davy Crockett!

ALL SPEAK AT ONCE

-Now it's without the bottle, just the egg.

-Nothing do...

Come here, Junior.

Oh, gee! Thanks, Buzz.

Come on! I'll buy you boys a drink, eh?

How you doing? I'd like you to meet a friend of mine. ..Junior!

-This is Junior Sailen. He's the pilot of our Fortress.

-(Oh, no, Buzz. Not her.)

-What, this little chappy?

-It's one of the smaller Fortresses. We got 'em in all sizes.

-..Come and meet Junior's new girl!

-New girl? I haven't got a new girl.

-You've been holding out on us.

-What's your name?

-Hazel.

-Hazel.

That's a very nice name. It fits you like a glove.

You're pulling my leg. You Yanks are all alike.

-You're modest too!

-Ever think of going on the stage?

-Definitely the home type, Junior. You've picked yourself a winner.

-Excuse me. I've got work to do.

You're not running out on your boyfriend now? Come on, Junior!

I'm not...

Come on!

ALL SHOUT AT ONCE

Let her go! SHOUTING STOPS

SHE SOBS

Since when did you start giving orders, Lynch?

-I'm not. We're guests here. It'd be nice if we started acting like guests.

-Look, sonny!

You don't know east from west. See if you can find your way home!

SIREN SOUNDS

It's an air raid.

-Come on.

-And leave the Yanks with all that whisky?

-They'll move.

That's the Jerry's boys. There's a shelter down the road.

Come on, Alf. Down the cellar!

Come on, Alf!

DISTANT EXPLOSIONS

Are you coming, Buzz?

EXPLOSION

The hell with them! Come on, Max. Free liquor!

EXPLOSIONS CONTINUE

-LOUD EXPLOSION

-Cheers!

Do you know when I had my first drink, Max? When I was 13.

And on the road...

One night, I got terribly hungry.

I went to a farmhouse to get something to eat.

This woman invited me in.

She wasn't bad-looking, either.

Except she was old enough to be my mother.

She kept me there 72 hours.

Man, did I learn a thing or two.

The boy who came to dinner.

We can get killed in this trap!

That's how I got my schooling, Max.

The hard way.

-Not like Bolland and Lynch. All they know about life...

-LOUD WHISTLING

LOUD BLAST

..is what comes out of books.

Listen, you!

When you've made a bomb big enough to kill Rickson,

come back and blow up the world!

They're bombing quite a way off now.

All right?

I'll never get used to air raids.

You've gone through some bad ones in London, haven't you?

My father was killed in one.

He left the house one morning and that's the last we ever saw of him.

You must hate the Germans.

I hate war,

and everything about it.

Unlike your friend, Captain Rickson.

I had a feeling at the dance that you were running away from Buzz.

Perhaps I was.

Most women find him attractive.

Oh, he is... in a dangerous sort of way.

-Why do we always end up talking about Buzz?

-You started it.

That's right, I did. I was in love with a man like him once.

At least I thought it was love, till I found out what he was like.

Don't look at me like that. You must have had a girl back in the States.

I, um... I wasn't exactly in love with her. Our parents were friends.

-We don't even write any more. She's probably going out with somebody else.

-Like you.

Daphne...

How are you even meant to say that name?

Today on the mission, I kept saying it over and over. Daphne...

SIREN SOUNDS

That's the only air raid I've ever enjoyed.

Goodnight.

I don't want to go back.

You don't have to.

What about your landlady?

LOCK TURNS (Ssh! Quiet.)

(Not very grand, is it?)

STAIR CREAKS

You would never make a good thief.

I don't suppose you're very hungry after that dinner,

but if you'd like a cup of tea, it's no trouble for me to make...

Don't you think it's time you told me your first name?

Ed.

Most people call me Bo.

Bo...

I like that. Bo...

Daphne...

Yes, I know...

-Come on in, Zebra One. All clear for landing.

-Roger. Zebra One clear for landing.

-You look like you swallowed those propaganda leaflets.

-Emmet stuck in my throat. Leaflets(!)

I'm here to drop bombs, not paper.

-What's the difference? We chalked up another mission.

-Not quite.

Not quite!

Are you out of your mind?

Have Captain Rickson report to Operations after Interrogation.

No, wait. Send for his co-pilot instead - Lieutenant Bolland.

-And ask the flight surgeon to be present.

-'Yes, sir.'

I suppose if the window would have been open, Captain Rickson would have flown you into the room(!)

-I think he was a little upset, sir.

-Upset?

Captain Rickson didn't like the idea of having to drop propaganda leaflets instead of bombs.

-His stunt was a reprisal for having to carry out an order of which he disapproved?

-Wouldn't say that, sir.

What's your opinion of Captain Rickson's qualifications as a pilot?

The crew feel safe with him, Colonel. He's a great pilot. He's pulled us out of some tight spots.

-Are you speaking for the entire crew?

-I believe so, sir.

-What's your opinion of Lieutenant Lynch?

-He's one of the steadiest men in the group, sir.

-Apparently Rickson doesn't agree with you.

He feels Lynch is on the verge of a crack-up. Wants him grounded.

-Captain Rickson said that?

-Yes.

Well, I think he's mistaken, sir.

-You see, he and Captain Rickson aren't on very good terms.

-We gathered that.

We feel that you are about ready to command your own plane.

-Would you like a transfer while we give you additional training?

-Are you giving me a choice, sir?

-Yes.

-I'll stay with my own present crew.

-And Captain Rickson?

-Yes, sir.

-That's all, Lieutenant.

What's your opinion, Doc?

I'd be inclined to grant Rickson's request. I know both men quite well.

He and Lynch have never hit it off.

OK. We transfer Lynch to Captain Woodman. What about Rickson?

We never know what stunt he'll pull next. Can we afford to have that sort of pilot in the group?

Can we afford NOT to have him? What's your opinion, Doc?

He's a good example of the fine line that separates hero from psychopath.

What side of the line is Rickson?

Time will tell. I suppose we're running a risk, but then that's the nature of war.

-Perkins, have you ever tried to score with a girl in the air?

-No!

But I tried it under water once.

And I nearly drowned.

Louis Baker and I sneaked a plane out. We had two girls. Took them to 10,000ft,

put on the automatic pilot... and whammo!

Six balls in the corner.

-Hi, Bo.

-Sure would like to have seen Emmet's face when we buzzed his window.

Bet I don't go on any more paper raids, eh, Bolland?

Emmet's out to nail me. I can fly circles around him and he knows it.

-Why did you tell him that stuff about Lynch?

-So that's why they wanted to see you?

Scratch.

Yeah.

-Marty's the last guy to crack up, and you know it!

-I don't know it. Lynch is an amateur.

-One amateur can kill nine professionals.

-He's a first-rate guy.

-OK, a first-rate guy -

-the graveyards are full of them!

-You don't like him. That was just an excuse to get rid of him.

Why don't you and your girlfriend go curl up in a library someplace and let me run the crew, hmm?

-Leave Daphne out of this.

-I have, but maybe now I have to move in.

-You think you can?

-Want me to try?

That's up to you.

-It won't be the same without you, Marty.

-Don't worry about me, Bo.

I'll miss the rest of you guys, but as far as Rickson's concerned, good riddance! I'd sooner have Woodman.

I don't know. It's the difference between talent and genius.

-Buzz is cut out for this sort of thing.

-So are the Germans!

Rickson could be on either side. COUGHING

-You've got a bad cold.

-I forgot my second pair of socks on the Frankfurt mission.

-Hey, is that a new picture of the kids.

-Yeah! Mum took it down by the cottage.

How old are they now?

John's five and Marge is seven.

-How's it feel to be a married man?

-Right now, mighty lonely.

-It's a big responsibility, marriage and kids.

-Is that bad?

I dunno. I'm just asking.

-This girl of yours...

-Daphne.

-Yeah, Daphne!

-I see her whenever I can.

-Sam! I don't think he's telling us everything.

-Don't jump to any conclusions!

Seven more missions and I'm on my way home.

See you, Marty. Take it easy. Good luck.

Thanks.

Where are you going?

We're going out to eat, aren't we?

Are we?

Darling, I know it's not very romantic, but I'm starving.

What shall I wear?

I like you this way.

-That guy who was in love with you...

-Which one?

Was there more than one?

Well, there's only one now, darling.

The one you said was like Buzz.

Rusty Miller.

He was killed earlier in the war. He was a paratrooper in North Africa.

Do you like my hair this way?

I like your hair, period.

It's hard to explain my feelings about...Buzz and Rusty.

It's almost as if they like fighting more than the things they're fighting for.

-You sound like Marty Lynch.

-You and Marty are lucky.

You don't like what you do, but you do it because you think something good will come out of it.

Oh, I don't believe all the things they tell us. All that propaganda stuff you read in the magazines.

Keep the world safe for the Reader's Digest!

I know you don't.

But you are on the side of life.

Is that enough?

It's enough for me.

Darling Bo, if we don't eat now, we will die of starvation!

Can you see their name?

The House Of Usher.

Woodman?

It's a wonder he's still in the air. Must have been hit by cannon fire.

-She's full of holes and her landing gear's shot away.

-Belly landing?

-<

-Lynch?

Up front.

Come and see me later.

-He'll be buried in the American Cemetery at Cambridge. I'll see that you get leave.

-What about his wife?

She'll get the usual telegram when the machinery grinds a bit.

She'd appreciate hearing from you, though.

-Take two of these tonight.

-No, thanks.

-Sorry, Bo. That's an order. Sleep is the only antidote we know.

In time, you can even work up an immunity to death.

Does the world ever want to make you throw up?

I consider war a complete negation of rational behaviour.

-Marty had a lot to live for, Doc.

-Then he was probably more prepared to die than most of us.

-Is anyone ever ready to die?

-No, I guess not. No healthy person.

I'm sorry. I was using a cliche cos there's nothing better to offer.

Bo, don't blame Rickson for this.

You see, Rickson built up an image of himself that Lynch didn't buy.

He had to get Lynch off that crew, or that hard shell of his might have cracked wide open.

-Thanks, Doc.

-Try and get some sleep.

We'll send the rest of his stuff to his wife.

-I don't know what we're going to do with the mutt.

-We can teach him to bite sergeants on sight.

-Throw in a couple of colonels for good measure.

-Put down that dog!

-You couldn't wait until he was buried!

-Max doesn't want him. Someone has to take care of it.

Not you. Put him down.

All right. He's down.

And don't touch any of Marty's things!

Bolland, you're behaving like a sucking crybaby.

-Men get killed flying aeroplanes in war.

-If you hadn't dumped him, he'd still be alive.

Watch yourself, Bolland. You might be the next one I dump.

-You think you're pretty tough, don't you?

-Yes.

Yes, I do.

I'll help you pack his things.

How near are we to London, Haverstraw?

243 degrees west. Due in 12 minutes if the train stays on the track.

Late again. I'm going to miss the first act.

Bo, what are you and Daphne doing?

We haven't planned anything. Maybe the Paris Club tomorrow night.

That's quite a joint. Full of Free French dames. And I mean free!

One of the four freedoms, Parson.

-After all, the French are one of our Allies.

-Yes. Yes, indeed!

They smell pretty good.

-Could I borrow one of those sandwiches?

-Yes, of course.

You know, when I get through with this crummy war, I might just quit flying and go into your business.

You mean...take holy orders?

I don't know, but I'd sure like to get in the pulpit and sound off at the sergeants in the congregation.

I'd give them hellfire and brimstone!

Well, I'm going to go up and talk to the pilot... Engine driver!

-They have rules about passengers riding on the engine.

-I make my own rules, Max.

Nice talking to you, Parson.

All right, men. Straighten up, straighten up.

THEY SIGH

What's the point of wasting a 24-hour pass fooling around?

-Set up a game of poker in London, and Junior and I will have a stake back home.

-Only you keep losing!

Don't be a sucker, Junior. Don't give him your dough.

-I got it already.

-It's the same every leave. We go flat broke and can't afford any dames.

-Dames!

Dames! You can't put dames in a bank.

That's not where I wanna put them!

-Your brain is scrambled from turning upside down!

-The kid's making good sense to me!

-Me scrambled? Two kills and three probables, not counting what I might get in the next one!

-Lieutenant!

-Yeah?

-Got a hot rumour there's a big one coming up on Leipzig.

-Do you think we're gonna get it?

-Haven't you read those posters?

-Yeah! "Enemy ears are listening!"

Forget it. Have fun in London, and take good care of Junior.

Look, I... I guess Junior's sort of adopted me, you know. Or me him!

I don't know which.

Anyway, that's why I tell him I'm playing poker for a stake.

Me and Junior in business back home? What a laugh!

What am I gonna do? Tell him the truth?

That we're both scared?

Playing poker helps me take my mind off it, that's all.

We've all got that problem, haven't we?

Yeah. I guess you're right, Lieutenant.

Anyway, there's only two more to go.

WHISTLE BLOWS

Hey, Buzz! Cut it out, will you?

-Will you take us back?

-When did you join the union?

LAUGHTER

-Is this the only newsstand?

-All the latest news right here.

-I'm supposed to meet someone here.

-There's three, and one up above.

Bo!

-Darling, I have a surprise.

-What?

-I borrowed my aunt's flat. We can be by ourselves.

-I love your aunt.

CLOCK CHIMES

Was that a yes?

-You must be on the swing shift.

-You're the loud one, you are, at this hour of the morning.

-How far is your place?

-Not more than three shillings by taxi.

-Cosy, comfortable, real home-like.

-I'll bet. Breakfast too?

A cup of strong tea and a nice bit of toast. That's for those that don't throw the furniture around!

-You look the sort.

-The sort of what?

-Gentleman is what I mean.

That's where you're wrong. I'm the sort that throws the furniture around.

I can see I'm wasting my time.

HE WHISTLES

£5. What's that for?

Buy yourself a dress.

And when you look in the mirror, call yourself Daphne.

Daphne?

Daphne.

You Yanks!

CLOCK CHIMES IN THE DISTANCE

-I'd like to set that clock back 48 hours.

-So would I, darling.

MANTEL CLOCK CHIMES

You don't have to remind me, too.

Do me up, darling.

Did you come here when you were a kid?

Every Friday night with Auntie. All very formal and proper.

What would she say if she knew?

-Don't even mention it!

-Hold still. This is a hard enough job.

You sound just like a husband.

I had an aunt that looked something like her. Aunt Lila.

-She has a house up on Narragansett.

-What did you do there?

Oh, loaf around. We'd take girls out sailing.

Had a catboat. Dig for clams. Would I like to have some of those now!

-Mmm... That's not fair. You know what that does to me.

-Well?

Do you ever wonder about us?

Your tour's nearly finished.

I want to get the war over with.

It's as far as I let myself think.

What you're telling me is you're going back home soon.

Darling...

We're together now.

And that's all been wonderful. Isn't that enough?

Yes. I suppose it is.

Then why are we getting so serious?

I'm sorry, darling. I didn't mean to.

I'll finish dressing and we'll go. No-one ever gets serious at the Paris Club.

SINGS IN FRENCH

-Vive la liberte!

-Vive la liberte!

Tonight, I love everyone -

-Polish, French, Norwegians, Dutch, Danish...

-How about Americans?

Especially Americans.

Bless them for lending me Bo.

Even if it is a short-term lease.

IN FRENCH

Can I have another drink, please?

I'll get it. It'll be easy.

Mademoiselle?

-My friend's bringing me one.

-Until he comes!

-But I'm robbing you!

Tonight, everything belongs to everyone!

To France!

And to our American friends!

Bon soir.

Hello.

-Hello.

-I had an idea I'd find you here.

-Oh?

-Where's Bo?

-Getting drinks.

-Hmm.

-I don't blame him for keeping you to himself.

-Has that been too hard on you, Captain?

-I'd never steal a friend's girl.

-That's very ethical of you.

-At least till I get the all clear.

-I don't think I follow you.

-Bolland's last mission is coming up.

-Yours too, I take it.

-I'm staying here as long as the war lasts.

-A patriot?

-Nuts.

-I like it here.

-You don't have trouble getting girls, Captain.

-Why me?

-Why not? You sure put roses in Bolland's cheeks.

-And now you think I'll put roses in yours?

Could be.

-Hi, Buzz.

-Hi.

-Thank you, darling.

-I thought you'd be painting the town.

We took in a few churches(!)

-Where's the rest of the gang?

-I don't know. I like to do my hunting alone.

-Hunting?

-Hunting.

-Supposing the game won't play?

-It will.

-You must keep your girl stashed someplace.

-Maybe he's saving himself for a great love.

That's what women like to think.

-Have you ever been in love, Captain?

-In wartime, you don't fall in love.

-You make love.

-That's all right for the men. What about the women?

-It's about train time. We'd better go.

-What's the hurry?

-I'm taking Daphne home.

-I can go by myself.

I'm taking you home!

You two are beginning to act like you're married already.

I think I want to go home.

I'll get you a cab.

Taxi!

See you at the train.

Sure.

-52 Bedford Place.

-Right, sir.

What is it, darling? Is something wrong?

I hate endings.

I'm gonna see you on my next leave.

-Won't I?

-One day soon, there won't be any more leaves. You'll be on your way back home.

We both knew that from the start.

That doesn't make it any easier.

No, please...

You didn't act this way before Buzz appeared.

He has nothing to do with it.

I'm not so sure.

-You said there was a side of you that Buzz appealed to.

-Not the side that I admire.

Tonight was no accident. He figured this was the right time to move in.

Were your intentions so different?

Except he was more frank about his!

-You think my feelings for you are the same?

-Be honest, Bo! All you wanted was a war girl.

That's all! I probably got what I deserved.

-Wait for me.

-Right, guv.

Bo, I didn't mean all I said. You are different from Buzz. Different from anyone else in the whole world!

I've no right to blame you. It's just my mistake. I shouldn't have fallen in love with you.

Goodbye, Bo.

-King's Cross Station.

-Right, guv.

Bloody war.

KNOCK AT DOOR

FURTHER KNOCKING

-Aren't you supposed to be on your way back to base?

-Well... There's always another train.

Nice place you've got here.

What I can see of it.

Ah...

Very, very...

nice.

-No, thank you.

-Do you mind if I do?

You do pretty much as you like, anyway.

Don't you?

Pretty much.

Incidentally, I like you in that outfit.

Cheers.

I also like the way you looked at me at the club tonight.

Well, you were wrong.

WHISTLE BLOWS

-Come on!

-Quick!

-Where's Buzz?

-Isn't he here?

-Uh-uh. Not yet.

-Maybe he's driving!

As far as I'm concerned, you're just another American pilot.

Not quite, honey.

What makes you so special?

I'm good. That's what makes me special.

-And the Body...is my body.

-Supposing the Body gets hit?

What are we doing? Playing games?

-Bolland's out, and I'm making my move.

-It's as simple as that?

Look, Captain, it is late, and I'd like to go to bed.

So would I.

Please, I want you to go.

You're pretty funny. You send out little messages and when I answer them, you start running.

-All right, I did find you attractive. Is that what you want?

-No. But you're getting warm.

-I once knew a man like you. Take and give nothing back.

-Get wise, Daphne. The world belongs to the takers.

-And the meek shall inherit the earth!

-Sounds like Lynch.

-You hated Lynch, didn't you?

-He saw through you.

-I didn't come here to talk about Lynch.

-You came to prove you could take me away from Bo!

-I've nothing against him. He just isn't meant for war.

-No-one could say that about you! You love to drop bombs, smash cities...

-That's war.

-That's why you love it!

-That's why you stay!

-Right! I'll stay till the last bomb's dropped and maybe I'LL drop it!

-What then?!

Even you can't keep the war going for ever. When it's over, you'll have no place to go. You're scared!

You can't make love. You're twisted. You can only make hate!

I'm in love with Bo. Do you hear that? I'm in love with Bo.

DOOR OPENS

FOOTSTEPS

We got a mission coming in.

Sure...

Why did you stay in London?

I'd a date I couldn't break.

I hope it was worth it.

You ought to know, Bo.

If you think I don't know you're lying...

52 Bedford Place. Want me to describe the room?

French windows, picture over the mantelpiece, a nice soft...

You hit pretty good, Bolland.

Keep it up. Some day you'll be in my class.

If anything's happened to Daphne... I'll kill you!

What is this?

-You guys been up all night?

-Get the light out of my eyes, Sully!

Briefing's at 04.00.

Atten-SHUN!

As you were!

Carry on.

GASPS

Yes, gentlemen. This is it. The big one. The big L.

Leipzig - 675 miles into Germany,

deeper than any bomber force has gone before.

Leipzig is the enemy's largest synthetic oil refinery. You know how important this target is.

Knock out their oil supply and we destroy the striking power of the Luftwaffe.

When Allied soldiers invade the continent of Europe,

we want them to see only friendly planes overhead.

If you're successful, you may hasten that day and the end of the war.

Screen.

All right, Lieutenant.

GASPS Details of the target areas.

Once you're over Leipzig, you'll have no trouble recognising it.

Ignore this down here on the left.

They're fake. Dummy buildings to throw you off. Here's the refinery.

North of the refinery, you'll see a hospital. It's a good marker, but only a marker. Not a target.

Lights, please.

Colonel Emmet.

I'm not gonna minimise the danger of this raid.

This could be the toughest mission the 8th Air Force has flown.

The enemy is desperate. They've been unable to break up our formations.

They've been making head-on attacks. Expect them to be hitting us with all they've got.

British Spitfires and our P47s will cover us as far as Amsterdam.

From there on...

we're on our own.

Six hours over enemy territory.

Now, one word of comfort. You won't be lonely.

You'll be part of the largest bombing force ever assembled -

1,000 bombers. Due to the length of this mission, you'll be subject to more fighter interceptions.

There are no less than 80 fields within strike distance of the bomber streams.

So conserve your ammo. No long bursts. Just short, well-timed and sighted shots.

Navigators and bombardiers will remain for navigation briefing. The rest of you may go.

And good luck.

-Can I ask you something?

-Yeah.

-I know it's against regulations, but it's important. To me, personally.

-What is it?

-Permission to put in a call to London.

-Full security's on. Even I couldn't do it!

I'm sorry, Bolland.

-Haverstraw, where are we?

-Over the Dutch coast, near Amsterdam.

-Handown, did Larky say anything about the hydraulic fluid?

-No.

-He was supposed to check it!

-He didn't say anything about it.

-I forgot to ask. I meant to ask him.

Pressure was OK on the pre-flight.

Are you OK?

JUNIOR: All tied to waist gunner.

-Junior, what's itching you?

-Nothing, sir.

-What do you mean?

-It's between Farr and me, sir.

-Right, Farr...

Bandits! Five o'clock high! Holy crow! The sky's full of them.

Right, get cracking! Get cracking!

-Knock it off!

-Watch him! Watch him, he's moving round. Bragliani, two o'clock.

Coming in straight ahead.

-Nine o'clock, Farr. Get cracking!

-What do you think I'm doing?!

LOUD EXPLOSION

Hey, they got Perkins.

Get on it, Junior! There's four of them coming your way!

Captain, drop your right wing a second! He's sitting the right way.

What's the matter, Buzz? It was easy. You didn't give us a chance!

Want a rest and let me take over?

Don't count me out yet, Bolland.

Somebody's lost his rabbit's foot.

I hope he doesn't need it.

Just north of Kessel, I'd say. About 40 minutes to target.

A rough 40 minutes.

Propeller number one. She's hit!

She's hit! Propeller number one!

-Haverstraw, how close to the IP?

-16 minutes. The lead squadron should be over it now.

-All right, men. Are you ready to take over?

-We're 15 minutes away!

-All right. All right, I heard you!

Oh, no! Up above. Look at those flashes!

The first ones have cannons. They're under the...

Coming in at six o'clock!

Six more, six o'clock!

Three coming in at five o'clock.

OK, Brag, you got it! There's one more at six o'clock.

Three coming at seven o'clock high!

They got Emmet.

You're crew commander.

Smoke in the bomb bay!

I'm hit...

-It's nothing to worry about, Brag.

-I can use my other hand.

-Take it easy. Let me bandage it first.

-How's Bragliani?

-Hit in the hand, but he can still shoot.

-We're on the IP. Five minutes to target.

-You ready to take over, Max?

OK. Any time you say. CLICKING

All right, Max. She's all yours.

-Two minutes.

-Heavy flak ahead.

Bomb doors open.

Bombs away!

OK, Buzz, I'm giving her back to you. Let's go home.

Got it.

-Randall, I have a red light. Check the bomb bay doors.

-Yes, sir.

-Bomb bay doors are jammed open. One bomb is still hung up.

-What?!

-Buzz, keep her steady. We've got bad trouble in the bomb bay.

-Try to crank it by hand.

-I'll try, sir.

-It won't budge!

-How about the bomb?

-It's still there, but it's high.

All right, Max. See if you can get that fuse out.

PHONE RINGS 3rd Bomb Division.

Yes, it's Colonel Vogt.

Good.

That's fine.

All right.

We just got a flash from the lead ship. Target was hit at 12.30 hours.

CLICKING

The fuse is set. I can't make it. We'll have to ride AND land with it.

Here they come again. Four at 11 o'clock.

Mama mia, there's no end to them!

Agh!

Agh...

HE GASPS

Take Junior's place in the turret. That's an order!

Brindt! Take Farr's place in the gun.

You all right?

They got Junior. His leg. I don't think he's gonna make it.

Take over.

How is he?

Wanna take her?

We're losing altitude.

Buzz, we're losing altitude. We're 1,800 and dropping! And number three is cutting out.

Haverstraw, where are we?

-20 minutes to base at the present speed.

-We're losing about 50ft a minute. How does that figure?

-We're running a little short of air.

-He's right. We can't make it to base.

-We'll make it.

The brakes are out. There's a bomb in the bomb bay. We can't ditch in the water. The bomb'd go off!

-I said we'll make it.

-We're over the Channel.

If we're gonna jump, why don't we call Air-Sea Rescue?

I'm still giving the orders, Haverstraw.

We're at 1,500ft. If we get to the shore, we won't clear the cliffs.

I'm gonna bring this crate in.

I'll show 'em!

You'll show them?! That's all you ever think about!

-The six men on this plane aren't giving up their lives to make you a hero!

-Afraid to die, Bolland?

You're damned right I am!

But you're scared to live.

Make the call, Bolland.

Mayday, Mayday, Mayday!

Calling Air-Sea Rescue! This is Zebra One. Come in, Air-Sea Rescue.

'We hear you, Zebra One.

'We hear you. Give position. Give position.'

Haverstraw? Give our position.

Mayday, Mayday, this is Zebra One. Our position is as follows.

Prien's had it. Dump the heavy stuff overboard. Everything loose.

Who's the crutch with us now? Don't even mention it!

About Daphne... She beat me, Bolland.

Beat me right to the ground.

The only woman that ever did.

-You think the meek will inherit the earth?

-How would I know?

Well, if they do...

..count me out.

There's your boat.

We're under 600. That's pretty close. I'll get the others out.

We're over the launch. Jump close together. Brag, you're last.

We're close to the water. Pull the cord as soon as you're clear.

Go!

Buzz! Time to jump. Put her on automatic!

RATTLING

Where's your chute?

All right, baby. We're alone now.

We're gonna make it. You hear me?

We're gonna make it.

Get me up.

Get me up...

Come on.

Get me up...

SEAGULLS CRY

He wouldn't get off the plane.

That's what he always wanted.

Darling...

I'm so glad you're here.

Subtitles by Susan Mason BBC Broadcast 2003