:03:02
- Something about the Ant Hill.
- You are a mind-reader.
:03:04
Well, it is a key position. It's in my sector.
:03:08
To be honest, I've heard some talk.
Nothing is secret around headquarters.
:03:12
- Well, what do you think?
- It's the key to the German position here.
:03:16
They've held onto it for a year and it looks
as if they'll hold onto it for another year.
:03:20
I have orders to take the Ant Hill no later
than the 10th, the day after tomorrow.
:03:24
That comes close to being ridiculous.
:03:27
I wouldn't be here if I really thought that.
:03:31
Paul, if there's one man in this army
who can do this for me, it's you.
:03:35
It's out of the question.
Absolutely out of the question.
:03:38
My division was cut to pieces.
:03:40
What's left is in no position
to hold the Ant Hill, let alone take it.
:03:44
I'm sorry, but that's the truth.
:03:47
Well, Paul, there was something else
I wanted to tell you.
:03:50
But you may misunderstand
my motives in mentioning it.
:03:53
What was it?
:03:55
You'd be bound to misunderstand.
:03:58
However, as your friend,
maybe I should tell you.
:04:01
- What are you trying to say, George?
- Paul...
:04:04
the talk is that you are being
considered for the 12th Corps.
:04:07
- The 12th Corps?
- Yes, and with that, another star.
:04:10
I've pushed it all I can. They need a
fighting general and you're overdue a star.
:04:15
Your record is good enough
for you to refuse this assignment
:04:18
on the grounds you've stated.
:04:20
No one would question your opinion.
They'd get someone else to do the job.
:04:24
So you shouldn't let this
influence your opinion, Paul.
:04:30
- Oh, I'm sorry. Have a cognac?
- No, thanks. Not before dinner.
:04:37
George, I'm responsible
for the lives of 8,000 men.
:04:42
What is my ambition against that?
:04:44
What is my reputation
in comparison to that?
:04:48
My men come first of all, George,
:04:50
- and those men know it, too.
- I know that they do.
:04:52
- They know I would never let them down.
- That goes without saying.
:04:57
The life of one soldier means more to me
than all the stars and honours in France.