:36:03
They're scum, Colonel.
The whole rotten regiment.
:36:07
A pack of sneaking,
whining, tail-dragging curs.
:36:10
- Do you really believe that, sir?
- Yes, I do. That's exactly what I believe.
:36:14
And what's more,
it's an incontestable fact.
:36:17
Then why not shoot the entire regiment?
:36:20
- I'm serious.
- Now, Colonel, you're missing the point.
:36:23
We don't want to slaughter the French
army. We want to set an example.
:36:27
- If it's an example you want, take me.
- Take you?
:36:29
Yes, sir. If it's an example you want,
one man will do as well as 100.
:36:33
The logical choice is the officer
most responsible for the attack.
:36:39
Now, Colonel, I think you're overwrought.
This is not a question of officers.
:36:43
Paul, we don't want to overdo this thing.
:36:46
Suppose we just make it a dozen?
:36:49
I was talking of 100 men.
Now we're down to 12.
:36:52
Let's not haggle over this thing any more.
:36:54
Let's get it settled once and for all
so that we can all live with it.
:36:59
Well, perhaps I was a bit too anxious
to see proper justice meted out.
:37:04
I've spent my entire life in the army.
:37:06
I've always tried
to be true to my principles.
:37:08
That's the only mistake
I can ever be accused of.
:37:12
I'll settle for this: have the company
commanders select one man
:37:17
from each company
in the first wave - three in all.
:37:20
That's very reasonable of you, Paul.
:37:22
The court martial will meet
at the château at three o'clock.
:37:25
- Will that be convenient for you?
- I won't be there, Paul.
:37:29
- You won't be there?
- I think it best that you handle this matter.
:37:33
Probably so.
:37:34
General Mireau, if possible, I'd like to
be appointed counsellor for the accused.
:37:40
- I'll take the matter under consideration.
- We can permit that, Paul.
:37:43
- Consider it settled, Colonel.
- Thank you, sir.
:37:48
Noon straight up. I hope
you can stay for lunch, Colonel.
:37:51
George, I'm afraid
the colonel won't have time.
:37:54
Don't deny it, Paul.
You've been hiding this man.
:37:56
Keeping him for your own.
That was very selfish!
:37:59
Thank you for your courtesy,
but it isn't long until three o'clock.