Fifty Dead Men Walking

This film contains strong language

STARTS ENGINE

GUNSHOTS

GUNSHOTS

'His name is Martin McGartland,

'and when I met him he was an unemployed Catholic hood selling stolen goods.'

These are a guarantee for action, all for a couple of quid, like.

-Take yourself off.

-Do you have a daughter?

See, now, I had you down for something a wee bit silky.

Oh, come on, it's sexy!

'Martin helped support his family.

'I liked that about him.'

We don't want any.

Wait, don't go!

Have you any Hugo Boss?

Only the entire line at my fingertips.

All right.

No, there's no way, man, no way.

Please?

OK, I'll do you nine if you take the Hugo Boss for ten.

Done! You want to have a look, Lara?

You know I'm not.

Thank God there's you and the Pope looking after our souls.

You seem to be under the wrong impression.

These goods are not stolen, they're...manufacturer overruns.

How about some shoes, Mrs Flaherty?

I can get you any shoes you like, anything from this catalogue here.

There's no point in me looking, love.

Well, not that I care where it comes from.

Hmm.

Well, maybe next month.

OK, grand.

Can I have another tenner?

-No, you cannot.

-Please?

What did you do with that 20 I gave you?

I don't know...

If there's anything you need...

'Jobs were generally controlled by the Protestants,

'which meant most of the young Catholic men were unemployed,

'and angry about it.

'Martin and his mate, Sean, had survived on the edge so long,

'they didn't know any other way.'

No way, man!

Who'd you kill for this, you wanker?

1,800 twin cam.

Nought to 60 in seven seconds.

Outrun any peeler in the city.

The boot's a wee bit small, but it'll do.

I can get you a deal anytime.

It's no use, I can't afford the petrol.

'And that's where I come in.

'I was a peeler.

'That's what they call the police in Belfast.

'I was a handler with the Special Branch.

'My code name was Fergus.'

NEWS ANNOUNCER: Police made the first effort to get marchers away from the area...

'You see, by 1988, Belfast had been a battleground for 20 years.

'Irish Republican Army against Unionists' Ulster Defence Force.

'Both were illegal armies.'

'It was about freedom.'

NEWS ANNOUNCER: Police barricaded all roads...

'Unionists want Northern Ireland to stay as part of the UK.

'Catholic Republicans want free of British rule.

'Both sides were willing to kill for their cause.'

'By 1969, violence had become so bad,

'British troops were sent in to keep the peace.

'They've been there ever since.

'To the IRA, they were also an occupying army.'

POLICE RADIO: B20, we have a report of sniper fire.

Two officers down.

send available blue lights to Falls Road area.

This is B20, out.

This is B21...

Is everybody all right?

Outcome?

Result.

RADIO: Six shots fired. Two officers down, two casualties...

Go on, you mad bastard.

Tell the boys to pull out.

RADIO: Two officers down, two casualties.

I repeat, two officers down. Send blue lights. Over.

K9 response to Falls Road.

Six shots fired.

Trying to locate gunmen.

Looks IRA.

'We had real respect for the IRA as a military force.

'We sealed the communities -

'Protestants on one side of the wall, Catholics the other.

'The reality was we couldn't stop what was happening

'because we didn't have the minds of the people.

'In war, truth is the first casualty,

'and information is as powerful as bullets.'

'Growing up an Irish Catholic lad in a Republican community where

'police and security forces were not trusted, Martin had few choices.'

You've never done a day's work in your life...

'But he was his own man, so he had real potential to work with us.

..I don't think stealing cars is employment.

Depends on how you look at it.

If the peelers catch you this time, that's it, man, you're fucked.

-Sean, tell me you didn't steal that car.

-I didn't steal that car.

'I knew someone like him could make a difference -

'all I had to do was convince him.'

Where you off to, lads?

We're just going to the shops.

All right. Name?

Mickey Mouse.

-All right, Mickey, what street you from?

-Sesame Street.

-No, Mickey Mouse is Disneyland, isn't he?

-Aye, Disneyland, eh?

-Yeah, yeah. Where you going?

-Didn't you hear him?

We're going to the shops, me sister's birthday's coming up,

we're getting her a present, OK?

Name.

(You fucking hard of hearing?

(Mickey Mouse.)

What are you doing? You going to shoot him?

Oh, now you're going to shoot me? First you, now it's me.

Go ahead, man, shoot.

Go on, man, fire away.

Fuckin' shoot me, man.

GUN COCKS

Is someone going to do something about this psycho here?

It's all right, put it down.

Wait!

After them, lads!

SIREN WAILS

DOG BARKING

Peelers!

ANGRY SHOUTING

APPROACHING SIREN

Fuck!

After doing 90 on the Shankill, your mate Sean spun out.

Took off before the officers chasing him could say wanker.

I gather you're in sales.

Bloke like you gets around the area.

Not me, man.

I make it a point to see nothing.

How about easy cash?

The kind that doesn't see you going to jail for selling stolen goods?

I show you some faces,

you tell us what you see them doing.

What makes you think that I would be a tout for anybody?

'The comings and goings of a few neighbours

'is not exactly being an informer, or a tout, as you call it.'

'A car.

'No record.'

Not even on police files yet.

'Martin didn't go for any of our usual offers or threats.

'He sold stolen goods in Catholic areas against strict IRA rules

'which were brutally enforced.'

Are we done? Can I go now, please?

'That meant he wasn't afraid of them.'

Thank you very much.

'Which is why I also knew I could trust him.'

Well?

I'll take him out on a road test.

If he's useless, I'll give him to MI5,

tell them he's bloody brilliant.

HE LAUGHS

DOOR BUZZER

Whoa, ho, ho, ho! Jeez, Paddy!

You watching your family videos again?

Ray here came by to make your acquaintance.

-Marty's been working for me - like I say, he's a good lad.

-Is he?

Fuck this.

Didn't have anything on you, did they?

Here you go, Paddy.

Oh, Jesus.

How you doin', Ray?

So, Martin, Sean here says you're a good man.

-Look, man, I didn't see nothin'.

-That's true, you didn't.

And you'd do well to remember that.

I know your ma.

She's a good woman.

Thanks for what you did today.

Aye, no problem.

We'll not forget it.

Aye.

Sean, man, how do you know him?

-He's IRA.

-Is he, now?

-Yeah, he is.

-Where's me money?

Paddy, any chance of getting a pair of these, in black? Size eight?

Oh, please, God, no. It's a pipe!

It's just a pipe! The bathroom's just upstairs!

-Do I look like I shot anybody?!

-Hey, hey!

What reason could you have to search my house for guns?!

Two officers have been shot, you're fucking Irish - what else do I need to know?!

Where were you two hours ago?

-I was playing football, man, where were you?

-Bullshit!

I didn't raise you to be thick as a plank!

If I find out you were anywhere near this trouble,

-I'll drag you to the police myself!

-I had nothing to do with it!

Evil can only do its work if decent, ordinary people turn a blind eye!

-Even if only for a moment.

-Keep searching!

He's made an impression on the IRA for sure, right up the line.

From here on, I'm out.

Can't figure out what you'd want with a 10p hood like him.

What's this? Huh?

What's this?

Heading round your ma's house to do a wee bit of fixing?

Wouldn't be for stealing cars, would it?

Not our Frankie.

Breaking into people's houses?

Yeah? Yeah?

Joyriding their cars?

Now I'm hearing about drugs.

These are crimes against the community, my friend,

and you've been found guilty.

It's not me.

I swear!

Lads!

No! Help!

Help!

Fuck!

Hey, hey, hey, hey!

What the fuck are yous after?

Fuck sake, is that it?

You're one lucky wee fucker, Frankie.

I'd have brought my .357,

and your football career would've been done for.

You want this lying down or standing up?

..standing...

Right.

No! No!

Fuckin' leave him!

Leave him!

-My jeans...

-Fuck your jeans.

-..not my jeans...

The peelers mightn't give a shite about our community

and how wee wankers like you fuck it up for everyone,

but we do, so...

GUN CLICKS

..thank God for the IRA.

GUNSHOTS

Argh!

-You bastard!

-Frankie!

That's my wee brother!

Frankie!

Funny coincidence, running into you, huh?

Frankie! Frankie!

That's for getting involved in what doesn't concern you.

I'm assuming you've no plans for this evening,

cos there's someone who wants to meet you.

Fucking bastards!

Fred, you know that kid, Martin McGartland?

Well, I've taken a special interest.

Goddamn it, that's been less than ten minutes.

Who told you about the meeting with Mickey Johnson?

Just lose the file.

And not a word to anyone, right?

Yeah, right.

DOOR CLOSES

Jesus Christ.

Sorry about the drama.

You've gotta be careful.

Would you get us some ice and a tea towel there, love?

I hear the Brits took your ma's house apart.

No warrant, no cause.

Picked you up for questioning.

Dogs have more rights.

Here.

Thanks, love, away and make yourself a wee cup of tea there.

I can see you don't partake in loose talk...

..or I'd be behind bars now.

Seems to me like we're on the same side.

You're a go-getter, I've been asking around.

A kid like you deserves to work at something,

build a future.

Do you know why you can't get a job?

Because it makes you easier to beat.

The Brits underestimate us.

This war is being fought on our own footpaths,

in our gardens, in our living rooms.

Makes for a special kind of man who's defending his own home and community.

I'm thinking, maybe you want to be part of something

that's bigger than your skinny wee arse.

It's bigger than mine.

It's big as a country.

Well?

Do you want the job?

OK.

Paddy's nothing but a wheeler-dealer.

That's a sure way of getting your legs broken.

A fence is just a tout in training, so you're finished with him, OK?

You got a car?

Aye, I do.

'Mickey Johnson ran a taxi company.

'He was also high up in the IRA, and drivers were a perfect way to recruit.

'I knew Martin would be pissed off by the IRA

'for taking out Frankie's knees.

'Maybe he'd see Mickey's job as an opportunity to get a car, and to help us.

'That was my hook.

'In my world, timing is everything, and occasionally we get lucky.'

I've been asking around for you.

-Thank God you're OK.

-I'm fine, no problem.

Come here, Frankie, I'll get you in, you OK?

You'll be OK, man.

Look at me, Frankie.

I'm sorry, mate, you know?

I wish I could have helped you, there was nothing I could have done, OK?

Frankie's got an appointment at the Royal.

Bloody taxis, we're very late.

I'm sure we've missed his doctor.

Next week he goes on Tuesday and Thursday.

Maybe I can give you a lift.

You got a car?

Aye, definitely, yeah.

That'd be brilliant, wouldn't it, Frankie?

Tuesday'd be grand.

I'll pick you up on Tuesday, OK?

-Four o'clock?

-Aye, definitely.

There's a right way and a wrong way to do this.

He's not in our pocket yet.

Pick him up, let's see what he's made of.

Worst case, he ends up another statistic in jail or the morgue.

I don't see a downside.

He doesn't listen to anybody, that's his problem.

Fuckin' wanker.

-Watch the child.

-What did you say?

-Take him.

-Come here, love.

What did you say?

-Don't be starting anything, Marty.

-Did you say something to me?

-Marty, just walk away.

Move on.

OK? Move on. Good man.

-OK, why would you do that?

-Marty, come on!

Why would you do that, eh? Why would you do that?

-Oh, my God!

-Are you sick, is that it?

Sick in the head, is that it?!

I had a wee baby in my arms!

I had a wee baby!

-Get back there!

-Against the wall, Paddy!

Ma! Ma!

Marty!

You're coming with us.

-Fuck off!

-I'm his mother!

-Stay back.

-I was just walking by, he kicked me in the back!

Ma, I swear to God I didn't do anything!

-I swear!

-He's assaulted an officer and he's going down to the station.

ANGRY SHOUTING

GUNSHOTS

Bloody idiots were supposed to pick you up, not start a riot.

What the hell's going on, are you setting me up?

A desperate man goes to desperate measures.

I'm Fergus.

That's a terrible thing happened to your mate, Frankie.

I'm sure the sister, Lara, forgot to tell you -

her mother got the shoes, thinks you're a rock star.

Hopefully I've impressed you with our thoroughness because...

I need your help.

You met with Mickey Johnson.

Never seen him.

This is about lives and saving them.

They'll do to you what they did to Frankie, only worse.

They're terrorists.

Killers who've found a cause to kill for.

Terrorists?

Is that what you think, huh? Terrorists?

Well, I don't see anyone tearing up your house cos you're Irish.

Hauling your arse to the street, getting the shit kicked out of you by soldiers for fun.

Huh?

The Brits have never been in Ireland by invitation,

so who's the fucking terrorist?

I'm offering you a job you can feel good about.

They'll offer you a job that'll likely get you killed.

It's harder to live for your country than die for it.

A car's expensive - my gift to you, no strings.

You see, I'm betting murder isn't in you.

Memorise this number, then flush the card.

Call me anytime.

Tell them your name's John Brown, ask for Fergus, they'll find me.

How do I know that's not bugged?

Well, why would we bother?

One phone call, I know where you are.

You want to give me money and a car for nothing?

That's fine by me.

Hop along, Frankie.

Give me those.

How'd you afford a set of wheels?

Because I got a job.

You? Got a real job?

Aye, a real job - I'm a taxi driver.

Where's your licence?

Oh, you need a licence now, do you?

I thought we were in Belfast, you wee shit.

This is brilliant.

-Look, don't mind our Frankie.

-Oh, he's fine.

Listen, I was just wondering if maybe I could take you out.

Maybe see a film or grab some dinner or something.

Sure. Dinner?

OK.

Look, I think I'm free on Thursday, is that OK?

-OK, you're on.

-OK.

Frankie, don't mind him, he's got a real job, you know.

Oh, yeah, I forgot.

So, where are we going, anyway?

Europa Hotel, mate.

Oh, I need you to pick my daughter up for school in the morning. Is that OK?

Aye, no problem.

Nice shirt.

What, this?

I can pick one up for you, if you like.

Aye, come on, it's not like that.

So, how do you like driving a taxi?

It beats working for Paddy.

-No complaints about the hours?

-No, I like it.

You're one of my best drivers.

You're reliable, and that counts for everything.

Know who you remind me of?

I don't remind you of anybody, cos I'm not like anybody else.

My ma always said I'm like one in a million.

That's what my ma told me I was.

Aye, full of shit.

Who do I remind you of?

Wee Aggie.

Who's Aggie?

I wouldn't trust him with my wife,

but I trust him with my life.

Ah! I've got a bloody spring in me arse.

No wonder your aunt gave you this shitbox for free.

Up yours, man.

I could have got you a deal on a real car.

And end up with the peelers on my tail, man? No, thank you.

You're a tube.

Here he comes.

Sean, where you going, man?

You'll catch up with Sean later.

If God is good and we're lucky.

We're going for a spin - follow that car.

It's a nice day.

Go north to the M5.

Head for Larne.

Look, mate, I'm sorry, but I was pretty much finished my shift.

I got a big, big night coming up.

You'll be finished when I'm finished.

Fine, I'll just keep my mouth shut then, will I?

Turn left into that parking lot there and park.

Aye.

Just over there.

You stay here.

I'll look and be right back.

And then you can get on with your big night.

Now, is there a problem?

-No problem.

-Good.

Good enough. Let's go.

Hello, yeah. Can I speak to Fergus, please?

My name?

John. John Brown.

So whatever you want to do. Just wear something slinky.

It's a really fancy place. I'll pick you up at eight, OK?

All right, speak soon. I'll be there at eight.

All right, bye.

Sounds like Marty's got a date.

I do, I do. I'm sorry, Ray.

You're just not invited.

Listen, take her...

Take her somewhere nice.

Oh, my God. It's on fire.

Is it meant to do that?

It's the chef's signature dish.

Of course. It looks smashing.

Aye, it does. It really does.

-My pleasure.

-Thank you.

Thank you.

So you never answered my question.

-What question was that?

-Don't duck it.

-You have an opinion.

-I'm not ducking. I'm not.

I don't have an opinion.

You're Irish, aren't you? You were born with an opinion.

What are you thinking?

I was thinking whether your ma liked them shoes that I got her.

-That's what I was thinking.

-Yes.

She practically slept with them on.

-Did she?

-You achieved sainthood.

So...

How did we get from me being thrown out of school

to suddenly my belief in God, anyway?

Like, I want to know about you.

Like, what's your favourite band?

OK, I'm not saying I don't believe in God. I do believe in God.

But he's probably not a Catholic God.

I don't think God's sitting on a cloud trying to figure out

whether he's Protestant or Catholic or Buddhist.

Everyone's got big opinions about how you should live

and who you should love.

The government, the peelers, the Catholics, the Protestants, the Brits.

I mean, any of them is full of it if they think that they know

more about you or me or God than anybody else.

It seems to me they're more interested in killing than living,

which is hard enough to do, never mind keep up with the everyday shit.

Morrissey, Guns N' Roses, The Pogues and U2, of course.

Jimmy Page is probably one of the finest guitar players alive,

and Prince is great for having sex.

# Up on the roof

# No fear of falling

# With my girl at my beck and callin'

# I kiss her once and hold her tightly

# With a smile on my face

# I know I could do this nightly

# Her warm embrace

# Her face excites me. #

EXPLOSION

Where are we, anyway?

Near Larne.

You know, someone told me about this pub.

Do you want to check it out?

What's going on there?

SCREAMING

Do you know him?

I don't know him.

You, get back.

Move it out of here.

Behind the line.

Go on, move it. Move it.

Come on.

OK. We're moving.

Move it back now. Move back.

Come on.

Did I ever tell you I wanted to go to Disney World before I die?

Aye, you don't stop going on about it, you and Minnie Mouse.

Tell you what, give us a lift home.

I always give you a lift.

You rode Lara, didn't you?

You keep track of her period or you'll be shopping for nappies.

-Good man.

-Taking advice from the model da?

My kids are beautiful. Besides, being a da's not easy.

It's got its responsibilities...

Fuck me. How you doin'? That's a nice bum.

Aye.

We sickened 'em today. It's one for our side.

Look, you gotta expect a bit of killing,

a bit of dying in a revolution.

That's the way things work.

Besides, you're not a man unless you've got a cause.

Give us a lift.

Two soldiers died. Two more are critical.

I didn't see anything.

Why are you working for them?

I'm not working for them like that. I've been driving Mickey around.

They asked me to pick up Quinn, so I did.

-And they trust you?

-Like I said, it's not like that.

Why?

Well, you called me. Why? What's different?

Everything.

You can move on the inside.

Dead men will be walking around and becoming grandfathers

because of you.

That's my community. Like, I know some of these people.

Memorise this.

Here's your petrol money.

Thanks for the tea.

Any time.

Fuck!

Stop him! Hold it! Don't you fucking move!

All right! Don't shoot!

OK, lads, make sure you're at the Upland place by 12 noon tomorrow.

Mickey, you take the back roads, dump the cars there and split.

Johnny will look after things here.

And, lads, make sure no-one sees you. OK, let's go!

It's an odds thing.

What is?

If the peelers get one of the cars, the other two are more likely to get through if we're in a pack.

Besides, with cargo like this, it keeps us all honest.

Shit.

Sean, what are you doing, man? Put that away.

I'm serious. Put it away. Put it away.

If this thing blows, I'll be Jesse fucking James.

Sean, you put that away, man.

Fucking put it away. Put it away.

That's quite a car.

Yeah, it's my da's.

Uh-huh. Where are you off to today, son?

We're just picking him up at the airport, like.

You're a long way out of your way.

Well, we had to go to my sister's.

She's moving, so we're just on our way back round.

-Can I see your licence, please?

-Aye.

I told my da to keep it in there. He must have forgot.

Can I take a look in the boot, please?

Aye, no problem.

You know what's happened?

This is a spare set of keys. My da's got the main set.

It's not going to work the boot.

Tell you what. If I give yous a number,

maybe you could speak to my sister. Have you got a pen?

I can write it down for you.

My da'll beat my arse if I'm late.

If you could just tell my sister you're

calling about Martin McGartland, OK?

Just wait here, mate.

She says she has your keys.

OK. Thank you.

That's great. Thank you.

Whoo!

They got nothing on us, they don't. So who the fuck's your sister?

Uh, it was my ma. Fucking my ma!

Your ma? Bloody hell.

My ma would have let them have me.

Good work, man.

'An RUC patrol calling me like I was your sister?'

Come on. I was brilliant.

'Stupid risks cost lives, including yours.'

So you're my da now? Just get the guns.

'Today in Belfast, residents of...'

Detectives said it was highly significant and certainly it was curious, the weapons ranging from...

A haul of nearly 100 guns, including Kalashnikov rifles, has been discovered by police...

Three men were arrested, believed to be connected to the IRA.

CHURCH BELLS RING

Come on. Let's go.

-Who's that?

-He's a target.

And what are you asking questions for?

Listen, Marty, it could just as easily be him

scouting you and your family. Go.

It's the Protestant church up near North Road.

The target's got three wee girls.

What else?

Look, this guy's got a family as well.

He's just doing his job, you know?

OK, Ray O'Brien is the shooter. That's it.

What about Sean?

Look, I don't know nothing about Sean. I told you that.

You don't get to pick and choose. This is all in.

Because I finger you, you're dead.

You finger me, I'm dead. So...

..there we are.

I want to show you something.

He has a kid.

A ma, a da.

Is he a tout?

A tout?

He saved at least 30 lives, probably more.

He's a goddamn hero.

Your mates tortured him for seven days,

168 hours, until we found him.

Sean doesn't get arrested.

A 400lb bomb was your mate's latest gift to the city of Belfast,

seven people died, and you don't want him arrested?

He's my mate. He's got two kids from two women.

Aw! Give me a hanky(!)

No way. I can't do it. No way.

Then there's no deal.

What if I give you every detail of every move he makes?

You can shut him down, like. Come on.

I'm into saving my mates as much as yours.

Look at him. Can't you just look at him?

It's a dirty war, and everyone seems to think

the end justifies the means,

which is why you and your mate are even walking around.

How do you know I can do it?

You've got no choice. Neither have I.

I'm not looking for a da.

Just...

..don't get yourself killed.

DOOR HINGE SQUEALS

Hello. How you doing?

Yeah, not bad.

-It's a cold one, isn't it?

-Aye. That time of year, isn't it?

Aye, definitely. Is this all your gang?

-Yeah.

-Hi. What's your name?

-Jane.

-Jane, is it?

Hello, Jane. I like your jacket, Jane.

-And what's your name?

-Catherine.

Catherine. And what about you?

You ready?

You're cheeky, you are, aren't you?

-Aye. Anyway, take it easy.

-Have a good one.

-Martin.

-What?

I'm pregnant.

Are you sure?

I did a home pregnancy test, and at the hospital...

Yeah, I'm sure.

That's...

That's something, isn't it?

It's brilliant. It's fantastic.

Really?

Come on. What did you think I was going to say?

I don't know. What about my ma?

Oh, shit, your ma.

Shit. MY ma.

Marty!

I have the washing, but I couldn't find that blue shirt.

What were you doing with the blue...

Lara, love, you can come out now.

Look, the two of yous are adults, but if you get yourself pregnant,

well, don't go expecting your parents to treat you any different.

Oh, my.

Well, then, I guess a congratulations is in order.

Your father wasn't much of a man to look to, but you're not him.

You'll do the right thing or I'll kill you myself.

Ma, for Christ's sake.

Well, I'll leave you to make a plan.

Sorry.

There's lots to think about.

Oh, shit.

I was so worried.

Me too.

You OK?

I'm not going to piss off like my own da, man. I'm going to stick around,

give the kid a wee bit of advice here and there.

BELL RINGS

It's going down on Friday. You going to be ready?

I'll be ready.

You're worse than my own ma.

I just don't want you to embarrass me, is all.

You wouldn't embarrass me, now, would you?

Wanker.

So, lover boy, what are you going to do when Lara's ma finds out that you knocked up her daughter?

Don't you worry about that one. There's no way we're shacking up.

BUZZER

-I've got it.

-Who is it?

-I don't know.

I'm just getting it.

I've nowhere else to go.

My mummy, she found out.

Aw, jeez, look, we can't live here really.

You want to shack up?

Aye. Oh, aye, definitely.

Come here.

We'll be all right, huh, baby?

Marty McGartland, you're full of surprises.

Aye, I know. Now, come on.

Get inside.

I've got school every day, so, like...

Don't worry about that. I'm fully employed. You know that. You know that.

I love you.

Me, too.

At the Portsmouth ferry,

there's a boatload of soldiers going to England on the 18th.

They're going to hit the vans in the queue.

Too many civilians for the boat itself makes for bad press.

Now, I know they've got a shitload of Semtex, a load of weapons,

make sure this really goes off.

-You know what Mickey said to me?

-What?

He said he was so pleased with the Upland operation

that he's bumping me up to B Battalion.

-Yes!

-I thought you'd like that.

-I like that.

-You know what else he said?

-What?

-He's sending me to meet McFarlane.

He... Oh, come on. It's bloody brilliant.

-That's bloody brilliant.

-I'm here to prepare volunteers,

in case you get interrogated by the police.

They'll come in banging in the middle of the night,

screaming to confuse you.

Press this button to get directly through to me.

-Punch in a number, I call you.

-OK.

Appliance of science, that's brilliant.

I like that. Very James Bond.

Ask the duty sergeant to see the doctor before they beat you.

The harder they hit, the harder you hit back.

Curl up in a ball and protect your head.

You'll need it.

Unless, of course, they cuff you, in which case you're fucked.

-I know what I'm doing.

-Oh, yeah?

They'll hold your head underwater till your eyes are spinning.

Again and again, for a couple of hours.

If they won't let you go to the toilet,

strip right down in front of them and take a shit.

They'll squeeze your balls with a pair of pliers,

-twist your thumbs out their sockets.

-OK, man, like, I get it.

You say one thing, they'll have you for seven years.

You'll say whatever they want to make it stop.

Think, outsmart them, but never underestimate them.

You admit to anything, you'll end up in a ditch with a cattle prod up your arse.

My car's marked, right? You bugged my place.

I've got this wee buzzer here.

Look, there's someone on my tail 24 hours a day.

Yeah, but it doesn't mean I don't worry.

ENGINE STARTS

I will get up there if you would,

but there's no way I'm going on my own.

The British found out about the Portsmouth operation.

No shit.

So, ladies, what are we celebrating, then?

-We just passed our exams, a wee bit.

-Aye. This one got here two As.

-And a B.

-Two As and a B.

-Well, cheers to that.

-Cheers.

-Mmm.

Don't you worry about this. I'll go and get the next round.

-Give us a hand, Marty.

-Sean, I don't drink.

Give us a hand. I know you're not.

Sorry.

Two lagers, please.

There's a fucking leak.

They got everything.

Bloody waste of Semtex, it was.

Brit blood would've spilled.

Aye, Jesus Christ, what a waste.

If we didn't have bad luck, we'd have no fucking luck at all.

Fucking peelers, man.

Peeler, yeah.

It's times like this, it makes you think about your family

and puts it all into perspective.

I want to see my damn kids, you know. Anyway...

What's with him?

He's just drunk.

-Feel that?

-Did it kick? Is it kicking?

-It's a ballerina in there.

-That is a footballer.

-Ballerina.

-It's a footballer.

-Let's go home and fight about it.

-OK, let's fight now.

Did you know pregnant girls are extra horny?

-Let's definitely go home, then.

-Let's go.

You're making me and the holy barman look bloody brilliant.

Mickey wouldn't let me dodge this meeting.

-Head of security will be there. Do you think they're onto me?

-No, they'll test you.

Do whatever they ask. If they suspect you're not 100%, you'll be out or dead,

and, well, we have no-one moving up the inside like you.

Aye. OK.

I'll meet you at five, usual place. Good luck.

SCREAMS OF PAIN

Cut him down.

Sean. Sean.

Come on, let's get out.

-I want to hear him say it.

-He'll say anything right about now.

-What are you going to do with that?

-Relax, relax, relax.

You're a good lad.

I want to know about the operation on Portsmouth, what you told the cops.

I don't know anything about the operation.

THUD OF BLOWS

-What did you tell them?

-Nothing.

(RADIO) Both teams are being very cautious.

Nobody is taking the chance.

What's the score, Sean?

It's nil-nil.

No! No!

How'd the cops get you to talk?

Money?

It's not much good to you now, is it?

What are you going to do with those?

You're a tout. What are you?

I'm not! I'm not!

HE SCREAMS

-What are you?

-Nothing!

-What are you?

-(SOBBING) A tout. A tout.

Sean, Sean, turn that off.

All right, lads, listen up. Speak into that.

I'm a tout.

Just tell my mum I said sorry.

Just tell her I'm sorry.

Good man. Marty.

Marty, come here.

He's a tout. Stiff him.

-Don't, please.

-Come on, brother. We haven't all day.

Do it! Just fucking do it!

No, don't! Don't kill me! Don't!

SILENCED GUNSHOT

What was that about?

It's my operation.

He's my tout.

Get him out of here.

Clean up this mess.

You knew this was going to happen.

And you didn't? They completely trust you now.

I had a gun at his head, like.

You said I couldn't do it, I didn't have murder in me.

I was so scared, I swear to God, I might have done it.

I lied. We all have murder in us.

You?

The hunters become the hunted, yes.

Is that what you tell yourself to make it all OK?

The price of a conscience is death.

None of us can afford it.

They're swearing me in.

I'm going to be a full volunteer.

Do you have any idea what that means to the next person

you're going to save?

I've put a block on your house.

It means it's off limits to the peelers.

Store weapons for the IRA, we'll trace 'em every time they're moved.

89, Cutland Road, right?

There's an RUC officer who's going to be hit by Friday.

They're going to blow him up with a car bomb.

Now, is that it? I'd like to get out now, please.

I don't blame the RUC for turning my son into an informer.

I don't blame the IRA for killing him.

I blame me son for the choice he made

to go against his family and his community.

It doesn't get any easier, son.

It's all about saving lives, isn't it?

It's got to be done.

I dream that one day we'll walk as free men in our own country.

The British have made us into their poor, stupid cousins.

The IRA is here to show them

that an ounce of resistance is worth a pound of votes.

-Do you know who said that?

-No.

-Bobby Sands.

He was quoting Vladimir Lenin,

mastermind of the Russian revolution.

He changed the world and built a nation.

You've been through the lectures and the books?

-Aye.

-Have you been greenbooked?

-Aye.

Then you know volunteers who engage in loose talk shall be dismissed.

Volunteers found guilty of treason face the death penalty.

I understand.

This is no picnic.

You'll end up dead or in jail.

There's no going back. Once you're in, you're in.

You understand your responsibility in the community?

People look up to you.

Behave accordingly.

You've already passed their security,

and Mickey says you're a good lad,

so...

I, Martin McGartland,

promise to promote the objects of the Oglaigh na hEireann

to the best of my knowledge and ability,

to obey all orders and regulations

issued to me by the army authority and by my superior officer.

Martin McGartland,

you are now a full volunteer of the Irish Republican Army.

-Congratulations.

-Thank you.

I'm proud of you, son.

The fuckin' Brits took my son away from me.

I will never let that happen to you.

OK? Sorry.

-Big things next year.

-Aye, OK.

-You'll be a hero.

-Yeah.

Don't mess this up, Marty.

Come on, man, give us my flag.

You'll have it when you're dead.

Marty, hang about.

There's someone I want you to meet.

Listen, one of our top operatives needs a right-hand man, OK?

Hello, gents.

This the Marty you've all been talking about?

-They call me Grace.

-Hi, I'm Marty. It's a pleasure.

-Marty's going to enjoy this assignment.

-Yeah, OK.

-Grace Sterrin.

-Oh, aye.

-What, you know her, do you?

-I know Grace, yeah.

Then you'll know she's a nice, nice, nice-looking lady.

We've been trying to get her for years. She's senior intelligence.

Uses her body like Mata Hari.

I mean, I would have to be forced. I would consider...

-I would definitely give her one.

-You and a few others.

-You would as well, would you?

-Wouldn't you like to know?

-I would, yeah.

-Wouldn't you like to fucking know?

I don't want to know what's going on in your dirty mind.

She's a big fish, which means she makes everyone nervous.

People are idiots when they're nervous. That makes them easy.

-OK, stay outside.

-Mickey told me I could come in.

He's a worrier. Nothing's going to happen.

Mickey said, so I've got to do it, OK?

If I'm not out in ten minutes, go home, cos it means I'm dead, OK?

-Hiya.

-Hi.

Cheers.

You've reached the home of Lara and Marty. Please leave a message.

ANSWER MACHINE BEEPS

Hey, Lara, it's me. Just letting you know I won't be too much longer.

I'll be home pretty soon, OK?

And I was also wondering if there was any chance

you could make me that special apple crumble that you make?

If you could get that going for dessert,

-that would make a working man very, very happy.

-Apple crumble?

Listen, I've got to go. OK, bye.

You know, you really shouldn't knock it till you try it.

I don't cook.

-What happened in there? Like, it didn't take very long.

-I got what I came for.

Want to meet me for a drink later? Purely social.

I'd love to, you know what I mean,

but I just don't think it's a very good idea.

-Aye, apple crumble.

-Apple crumble.

I really do have a pretty serious girlfriend, like.

She's pregnant and we're living together and everything.

Just thought a wee drink would be fun.

Here.

SIREN WAILS

Take this to Alan in Turf Lodge.

I told him you'd have it there by one.

If you're late, he'll think you're up to something.

MAN COUGHS

Jesus Christ!

Man, were you following me? Look, here. They gave me this.

When you jumped the ladder to Grace, a platoon started following you.

Next time, take your car.

Look, I have about 12 minutes to make it to her flat

before they think I stopped to copy that.

These are prison guards at Maze. What's this schedule? Football?

I don't have time to talk. Can we just move on? I've got to get out.

-Lara's water broke.

-What?

Don't worry. Her ma's taking her to the hospital.

Shit. Shit, shit, shit.

-Her ma took her?

-Yeah.

Even mothers forgive when it comes to grandchildren.

This is not good. This is not, not good.

Oh, man, now I've got to drop this off before I can get up to the hospital.

Look, Fergus, will you come?

Shit!

LARA SCREAMS

About time you showed up. Are you ready to be a da?

BABY CRIES

-Two sugars.

-Oh, that's perfect. Thank you. That's brilliant.

Listen, Fergus, thank you so much for coming.

It means so much to me. Thank you.

I'm telling you, it's just...

-It really has just been amazing, you know?

-Yeah.

I remember the day my Johnny was born.

Yeah, it's quite something.

We don't see too much of each other now.

Casualty of the business.

We've already moved the officers off that list.

But don't worry, we've relocated all the officers at the prison,

-making it look routine. You're covered.

-OK.

Hey.

-Oh.

-Well, we have to wet the baby's head.

Yes, we do. We absolutely do.

That is a very, very good plan.

Oh, I've got a few plans up my sleeve.

My God, I need that.

-What's his name?

-He's Patrick. Wee Patrick.

-Patrick.

-Aye.

Well, cheers, Patrick. You've got one hell of a father.

So does Johnny.

-Hey, Marty!

-Jeez, Sean.

Marty.

Sean, what are you doing?

-Check it out. I'm a da!

-Who the fuck is that?

He's just some happy uncle. Check him out, man. Come on.

-Look at that.

-What's his name?

-He's Patrick.

-Patrick.

He's got lovely eyes, just like mine.

-What are these?

-They're fucking shoes.

Well, they're, er... They're lovely.

# Babylon's burning

# You'll burn the street

# You'll burn your houses

# With anxiety... #

REPORTER: Roughly a third of the consignment was intercepted...

The device was primed and boobytrapped and police found it...

A bomb factory equipped for a sustained...

A haul of nearly 100 guns has been discovered by police...

Come on! Hand it over!

# Babylon's burning Babylon's burning

# Babylon is burning

# Babylon's burning Babylon's burning

# Babylon's burning. #

I didn't hear you come in.

Obviously.

-It's not what it seems, OK?

-Don't bullshit me.

You think I don't know what you do?

It's just for a few days, that's it.

It's the RA, and if not them, the peelers.

Between the two, you'll end up either dead or in jail. Then, what about us?

What do you mean, what about us?

Look, I'm just saying, it's just a few days, that's all it is.

You have to decide cos we're not waiting around for the call

that they've found you in a ditch with a bullet hole in your head.

Thank you.

PHONE RINGS

-We've got to go to Scotland? For how long?

-Three days.

Grace is checking out a Libyan shipment of weapons. We're security.

So, we're meeting a Libyan gun dealer?

How do we know if they're Libyans, anyway, like?

Usually, they shave their heads, they do.

-And they're probably eating couscous.

-That's not true.

It's a fact. You don't even know what couscous is.

-They put curry sauce and all sorts of shit on it.

-The Libyans do?

Aye, they do. It's disgusting. They've got awful breath, they do.

-Is that true?

-It's a fact.

He said that?

He actually said he wanted me to take over the entire operation on my own?

-You're ready.

-Jeez.

What about Sean?

Aye, OK. Fair point. Fair point.

Thank you for not making me say it.

Did you have something to do with this, as well? Did you speak to Mickey?

Maybe a wee bit.

Thank you for doing that.

It wasn't my decision. It was his choice.

Well, thank you, if you did.

This is just mad. I've never even been out of Ireland before, and now all this.

I know. I can tell.

-Oh, you can tell?

-Mm-hm.

-It's cute.

-Oh, great. Now I'm cute.

Don't be so sensitive. Cute can be, erm, a very good thing.

-Well, then, I'm sensitive.

-And cute.

Look, Grace, I'm sorry. I just can't do that.

You turned her down, didn't you?

Mickey's good boy.

Sainthood - is that what you're going for?

-It's going to be a fine trip.

-Sean!

Are you coming to Scotland or what? Come on, man.

I'm hearing whispers MI5 are going to step in and poach your star boy.

He's a damn fine bargaining chip. You could jump a few rungs.

Do you know what the word collusion means?

Although it does have a certain romantic ring to it,

but as words go, it's extremely overrated.

We do the dirty work while those in London fight a battle from their fucking drawing rooms.

I'm telling you, I like it here.

It's peaceful. It's nice.

Look around. There's not one chopper overhead, nothing. It's nice.

I guess you're nesting. Come on. We're late.

-You're not going in on your own, OK?

-I'll do what I need to do.

Grace, good to see you. Apologies about the cold, boys, eh?

That why you're wearing that naff jumper?

What the fuck is wrong with you?

Bastard.

I told you - no guns.

Are we going to do this deal or what?

Grace, you're not going in on your own, OK?

For fuck's sake.

I'll be looking into you. You can count on it.

Lara?

Lara?

-Is she here?

-Three days and nights, you disappear.

-I know, I know.

-Can I just speak to her, Mrs Flaherty?

-Shame on you!

I just need to speak to her. Just for two seconds. Lara! Lara, are you in there?

-I was snagged by the RUC!

-That's a good one.

They wouldn't let me near a telephone!

I swear, they wouldn't let me near a telephone! There was nothing I could do!

If I could have spoken to you, I would! Come on, please!

Will you just come to the window, Lara? I just want to see your face.

Fuck! Lara, please.

SHE SOBS

I'm so sorry.

Lara, I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry.

I'm sorry.

I love you, OK? Look, I love you.

Look at me, please. Look at me, please. Lara, look at me, please.

I love you. I do.

Do you love me? Do you love me?

I thought you were dead!

I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry.

THEY LAUGH

That's it, eh? Come here.

I'm taking you to Scotland. That's it.

I'm just going to take you and leave.

We're going to get away from all this political shit.

You're never going to leave the IRA.

Oh, no? I'll do whatever you want me to do at this point. I'm yours.

You're captured by the anarchy of it all, like the rest of them.

And you love it.

We're going to hit the pub after, courtesy of the Libyan government.

Don't go AWOL again. It's not healthy.

I am in charge of this entire operation.

Anyway, I've got to get back.

Lara's not exactly buying my excuses any more.

Yeah, I was married to a nice girl once.

She hung in there until I tried the alien abduction excuse.

Is this the "take care of your family" speech?

You're so young, Martin, you make me envious.

Life's full of mistakes. I lost my family making all the obvious ones.

There, that was your speech.

Aye, very moving.

-What are you saying? Are you saying that I should quit? Is that it?

-We've had a good run.

-Yeah, we have.

Look, there's going to be a drop.

It's on Thursday night, on the docks.

My mate's wee brother's going to be there.

He doesn't know anything. He's just going to be there, all right,

so leave him alone. Go in, get the guns and get out.

OK, this is it.

-What the fuck's going on?

-Get down on the floor!

GUNSHOTS

Ah, Jesus Christ. Marty, they're Brits.

Get it started, Marty. Get the fuck out of here.

What the fuck was that all about?

You said I'd save lives

and that includes my people, you Brit bastard!

It was a setup for a bigger fish. It was out of my hands.

-It's big boys' rules you're playing.

-Is that it? You'll hide behind big boys' rules?

OK, well, how about this? Yes, sir! Consider it done, sir!

He's just another statistic, sir! It didn't even happen, sir!

Right? You think that shit's going to change the fact that you,

yeah, you, you killed an 18-year-old fella that didn't know any better?

And you're innocent?

You and your mates are volunteers in a volunteer organisation.

Who's making any one of you do anything you don't want to do?

-Where does that leave you and your mates?

-Aye. Aye, my mates.

That's exactly what they are, they're my mates. I know his ma.

Do you understand that? Is that getting through? I know his ma

and I know his brothers!

I told you what I know so you could save his arse, huh?

But, no, he's just another Paddy to you and your big boys.

You know what? Get the fuck out of my country.

We all know the IRA aren't terrorists.

The IRA are freedom fighters.

Rise up for our help, oh, Lord! Strike down our enemies before us.

REPORTER: An eyewitness maintains one of the men pleaded for his life

before he was shot. This brings to eight the number of IRA members

who have been killed in the last three months.

Right, stop here. Remember, lads, single shots to head and the body.

No fucking meddling, OK? Away you go.

-Well, how's the kid?

-He's growing.

-They tend to do that.

-Yeah.

GUNSHOTS

-Fuck it!

-Well?

-The fucker wouldn't go down.

-Drive.

-This wee girl was watching.

-Uh-huh?

-We were wearing the balaclavas, for Christ sake. She wouldn't make us.

Right, get them shirts off.

I want you to take the car up to Hightown Road. Burn it, OK?

Did we actually get what we came for?

Saturday 28th of March.

At least something went fucking right.

I've, er, not really been sleeping.

That's why God invented sleeping pills.

I take it you've reconsidered.

-The hit on Park Street was...

-Ray.

-Aye, and Johnny.

Oh, and a wee girl saw the whole fucking thing.

Yeah. Seven years old.

She was right next to her daddy. Got covered in his blood, I'm told.

I've got a son. There's nobody deserves to grow up

with that picture in their mind.

Fergus, they didn't give me any warning about this one.

I'm starting to, you know, think that they're onto me.

You wouldn't be here if they were onto you.

I've not got a good feeling about it.

-My car's definitely marked, right?

-Yeah, course.

Go home. Hug your wife and baby.

The pub job's going on the 28th.

That's... That's all I've got.

Well, you did well.

Aye.

Make sure you check the timer.

That way, it doesn't blow up in your face.

It's going to blow up the whole city, man.

It seems like whenever you're around, nothing blows up.

You want to shut the door for me? Yeah, you give it a good kick.

Good man. There you go. What did we get Mummy?

We got her fish and chips, didn't we?

Straight out the deep fat fryer, we caught this.

All right, let's get some food.

Your friends Mickey and Grace dropped by.

Oh, they went on about the new house, the fridge, the cooker.

They were extremely interested in the new TV.

It's... It's fine, honestly.

It's nothing. They trust me. It's fine.

We have a child, Martin.

For his sake, I'd leave.

But I'm pregnant. Where am I going to go?

Look, let's get married. I want to get married.

-Do you? Let's get married, please. Come on.

-Why?

What do you mean, why? Because I love you, that's why.

-Love?

-Aye.

Every time you leave, I wonder if it's the last time

I'll see you alive. I have nightmares!

The neighbours are afraid of you. You wear that like a medal.

I heard you were palling with the RA nutters!

Are you?! Are you?!

What exactly does the daddy of our wee boy do for the cause?

Marty, see you for a couple minutes, son?

-Mickey.

-Marty'll debrief you later.

Looks like we're all set. Here's a present.

It's from Mickey. He wants you to keep it close by.

You know how he worries.

Aye. This is going to make you famous.

By the way, it's only me and you know the exact location.

Aye.

Info finally confirmed.

Every Saturday, the prison wardens play a football match.

Locations are kept top secret.

Now, next Saturday, March 28th, after the semis,

they'll be drinking in the Whale pub.

So we have a week. This is the big one.

Did you give her the gun?

Yes. Look, tonight we do a test run.

We check the place out, we finalise details.

No weapons. If anything happens, they will definitely know

that it was me who told.

Go on the recce tonight. We won't do anything till next Saturday.

That's when we grab them, armed and loaded,