The Bridge on the River Kwai Page #4

soldier is capable of.

Yes. I see your point, sir.

I know how difficult

it's going to be here...

...where you can't find what you need.

- There's the challenge.

- I beg your pardon, sir.

You really want them

to build the bridge?

You're not usually

so slow in the uptake.

I know our men.

You've got to keep them occupied.

If there weren't any work,

we'd invent some.

- That we would, sir.

- So we're lucky.

But it's going to be a proper bridge.

Here again I know the men.

It's essential that they

take pride in their job.

- Right, men?

- Yes, sir.

Reeves, you're

the key man here as engineer.

Tell me what you want and we'll

get it. Can we make a go of it?

- We'll do out best, sir.

- Fine.

We must draw up our plans...

...then arrange a conference

with Saito...

...and set him straight.

That takes care of all

the procedural matters.

Oh, yes.

The next point is unpleasant

for all concerned, I'm afraid.

Sorry to say, the position

of the bridge was fixed hastily...

...and, I have to add, incorrectly.

Incorrectly?

Unfortunately, yes.

Our engineer has made

a study of the site...

...and decided that the river bottom

there is too soft.

Too soft?

Mud! All the work

has been useless.

- Reeves, will you carry on?

- Yes, sir.

Those piles of yours could be hammered

below water level before they'd hold.

It would collapse

under the first train.

The pressure and soil resistance

figures in tons per square inch.

Reeves, before you get too involved...

Colonel, could we have a cup of tea?

I take it we all agree

that if we're to avoid disaster...

...we build a new bridge, at the site

picked by Reeves, 400 yards downstream.

Let's proceed to the next point.

I decided to alter

the work quota of our men.

- Alter?

- I've increased it.

From 1.5 yards of earth moved

to two.

I'm sure it will

meet with your approval.

Hughes has all the facts.

Would you take over?

I've done a time study

of the entire project.

You see, the available forces

have been badly distributed.

I'd urge we revise the

organization of the working parties.

Just a moment. Colonel, it would save

time if we could work during dinner.

Would it be possible

to have dinner?

Of course.

- Carry on.

- Yes, sir.

If we increase the squads

and specialize their functions...

Now, Colonel Saito,

I have one more point...

Now, there's another important

decision that can't be postponed.

As the British

will work on the bridge...

...only a few will be available

for railway work.

I must ask you to lend us some of your

men to reinforce the railway gang...

...so the final stretch of track can

be completed as quickly as possible.

I have already given the order.

We must fix the daily work quota

for your men.

I thought to set it at 1.5 yards

so as not to overtire them...

...but isn't it best

to be the same as ours?

That would also create a healthy

competitive spirit.

I have already given the order.

We'll try to surpass that,

won't we, Hughes?

I think that completes

the agenda for tonight.

Thank you, Colonel Saito,

for your kind attention.

Are there any other questions?

One question.

Can you finish the bridge in time?

Frankly, the consensus of opinion

is that it's impossible.

But we'll certainly give it a go.

Don't forget we wasted a month

through an unfortunate disagreement...

...for which I was not to blame.

Is there anything else?

No.

Thank you. The meeting is closed.

- Good night.

- Good night.

I hope these Japanese appreciate

what we're doing for them.

For now I'm not concerned

with their appreciation.

- Good night, Clipton.

- Good night, sir.

By the way, I meant to tell you...

...there are trees here

similar to elm.

And the elm piles of London Bridge

lasted 600 years.

- Six hundred years, Reeves?

- Yes, sir.

Six hundred years.

That would be quite something.

I'm looking for an American

named Commander Shears.

- Yes, down on the beach.

- Oh, thank you very much.

Kiss!

Too many eyes.

You give me powders, pills, baths,

injections, enemas...

All I need is love.

It's true.

All you really need is love.

Why are you so sure

you'll get a medical discharge?

Because I'm a civilian

at heart, lover.

And I always follow my heart.

Kiss.

How's that, commander?

Don't call me commander.

It's unromantic.

You're an officer yourself.

How'd you like it

if I called you Lieutenant Lover?

Let's be democratic.

Just call me "sir. "

Yes, sir.

Brass ahoy.

He wants you. He's all yours.

- I'm going for a swim.

- Don't leave me!

- Commander Shears?

- Yes.

My name's Warden.

- How do you do?

- Sorry to intrude-

That's okay, major.

I'm used to it.

Like a martini?

That's very kind.

I think not.

Mind if I have one?

How did you get that?

Where there's a hospital,

there's alcohol.

Yes, of course. Jolly good.

Well, I'll be as brief as possible.

I belong to a rather rum group

called Force 316.

Our headquarters is in

the Botanical Gardens.

- Protecting rare plants from the enemy?

- Not quite.

- Sure you won't have one?

- No, thanks.

We have an interest

in that railway you worked on.

You could give us no end

of valuable information.

Well, I'm leaving

for the States in a few days...

...and I told your people

everything I know.

But you could help us

in a rather special sense.

I know it's a terrible imposition, but

could you possibly come out and see us?

If you want to go over

the whole thing again.

Very kind.

Lord Louis'll be grateful.

- Who?

- Mountbatten.

We're one of his special pigeons.

Shall we say this evening, then?

About 8. I'll send a car.

This evening? Out of the question.

Tomorrow morning then?

About 10?

- Okay, 10:
00.

- Thanks very much.

- Cheerio.

- Cheerio.

Good luck.

Thanks.

You're sorry, but

you're going to stand me up tonight.

You couldn't be more wrong.

General salute!

Present arms!

- May I see your pass, please?

- Oh, yes.

Major Warden's bungalow

is at the end of the path.

Good show, Jenkins. Good show!

Come along, Thomson.

Use your knife, man.

On your feet!

Away to the debriefing room.

Come on, move yourselves!

Move quickly!

Very clumsy, Joyce, very clumsy.

Always use your knife

immediately, Joyce.

You see, he's gained the initiative.

Wait a minute!

I'm terribly sorry, sir.

- You're sorry?

- So am I.

- I thought you were the enemy.

- I'm American, if that's what you mean.

- That'll be all, Joyce.

- Yes, sir. Sorry, sir.

- What can I do for you?

- I'm going to see Major Warden.

I'll show you the way. He'll finish

his lecture any moment now.

- That's the end of his lecture.

- Thunderous ovation.

He believes in keeping our training

as close to real life as possible.

- Major Warden, sir?

- Yes?

Good of you to come.

- They took care of you?

- They certainly have.

Thank you, staff.

Well, come along, then.

Col. Green is looking forward

to meeting you.

- Fascinating place, isn't it?

- Didn't know it was a commando school.

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