:35:01
- That's enough...
- I'm not gonna mince words...
:35:04
Colonel Dax, if you continue in
this manner, you shall be arrested.
:35:07
I believe the colonel has a point,
even though he makes it bluntly.
:35:11
This is not a trial,
but it does bear aspects of one.
:35:14
Colonel Dax technically is cast in the role
of the defence. With such grave charges,
:35:18
a court of law would grant him
latitude in presenting his case.
:35:21
Latitude is one thing,
insubordination another.
:35:25
I am merely offering an opinion. Please
do not feel constrained to accept it.
:35:29
I'm perfectly willing to accept it,
General Broulard.
:35:33
I'm sorry, sir. I certainly
didn't intend to be insubordinate.
:35:36
My only aim is
to remind you of the heroism
:35:38
these men have shown
on every occasion in the past.
:35:41
We're talking about the present.
:35:44
Sir, they're not cowards.
If some didn't leave the trenches,
:35:47
it must have been
because it was impossible.
:35:50
They were ordered to attack.
It was their duty to obey that order.
:35:54
We can't leave it up to the men to decide
when an order is possible or not.
:35:58
If it was impossible, the only proof would
be their dead bodies lying in the trenches.
: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.