[ Bird squawking ]
[ Various jungle noises ]
[ Train whistling, chugging ]
[ Whistle blowing ]
[ Whistle blowing ]
[ Men chattering ]
[ Shouts in japanese ]
[ Shouting continues ]
[ Man shouting ]
[ Shouting continues ]
Finish work.
Go to hut.
Yeah, that figures.
Those new prisoners
see us digging graves,
they might all run away.
No time for jokes.
Finish work. Dig, dig !
Hey, how about putting us
on sick list ?
G'on, have a heart, captain.
Put us in hospital.
You no sick.
You never sick.
Why you always play sick
to me, shears ?
Don't want one of these
over my head, I guess.
Captain kanematsu,
how about a butt ?
I give you butt
this morning, both of you.
That's what I mean.
I want to return the favor.
When a man gives me something
from the goodness of his heart,
Like you gave me
that butt this morning,
I remember it from the heart.
That's why I want you
to keep this lighter.
You think I stole it ?
It belonged to that english kid
we just buried over there.
He willed that lighter to me
for a favor I'd done him,
And before I pass on,
I want to do the same for you.
[ Chuckles ]
you funny man, shears.
Okay, you go
on sick list. Him too.
One of these days
colonel saito's gonna
catch you bribing him.
Then where'll we be ?
Before that happens, we'll
be far away from here, chum.
Far away.
Okay, let's knock off.
Here lies--
You know, weaver, I've
forgotten who we just buried.
Thompson.
Oh, yes. Here lies
corporal herbert thompson,
Serial number 01234567,
Valiant member
of the king's own--
Or the queen's own
or something--
Who d*ed of beriberi
in the year of our lord 1943...
For the greater glory of--
What did he die for ?
Ah, come off it.
No need to mock the grave.
I don't mock the grave
or the man.
May he rest in peace.
He found little enough of it
while he was alive.
[ Men speaking japanese ]
[ Japanese continues ]
?? [ Men whistling march ]
?? [ Whistling continues ]
[ Officer shouts ]
Form a line now !
?? [ Whistling continues ]
[ Indistinct shout ]
Company, halt !
?? [ Whistling continues ]
Battalion... Halt !
In the line...
Left turn !
Stand at ease !
Stand easy !
We're gonna be a busy pair
of gravediggers, weaver.
Well done, well done.
That colonel doesn't know
what he's in for.
You gonna tell him
the truth, commander ?
Of course not.
You're neither an officer
nor a gentleman.
Battalion... Stand !
My name is nicholson.
I am colonel saito.
In the name
of his imperial majesty...
I welcome you.
I am the commanding officer
of this camp,
Which is camp 16...
Along the great railroad...
Which will soon connect
bangkok with rangoon.
You british prisoners
have been chosen...
To build a bridge
across the river kwai.
It will be pleasant work...
Requiring skill,
And officers will work
as well as men.
The japanese army cannot have
idle mouths to feed.
If you work hard,
you will be treated well.
But if you do not work hard,
You will be punished !
A word to you
about escape.
There is no barbed wire,
No stockade,
no watchtower.
They are not necessary.
We are on an island
in the jungle.
Escape is impossible.
You would die !
Today you rest.
Tomorrow you will begin.
Let me remind you
of general yamashita's motto:
"Be happy in your work."
"Be happy in your work."
Dismissed !
Battalion,
stand at ease !
Fall out, major hughes.
Battalion, stand at ease.
Hughes, get the men
to their quarters.
Tell clipton to see to the sick.
I'm gonna have a word
with this fellow.
Very good.
Colonel !
I heard your remarks
just now, sir.
I can assure you my men will
carry on in the way one expects
of the british soldier.
And naturally, my officers
and I will be responsible
for their conduct.
Sir, you may have overlooked
the fact that the use of
officers for manual labor...
Is expressly forbidden
by the geneva convention.
Is that so ?
I happen to have a copy
of the convention with me...
And would be glad to let you
glance through it, if you wish.
That will not be necessary.
[ Thunderclap ]
[ Thunder continues ]
[ Shouts in japanese ]
Attention !
Sit down, please.
Yes, sir.
[ Thunder continues ]
I'm gonna have
a word with clipton.
Very good, sir.
Ah, clipton.
Don't let me interrupt.
How's the arm,
jennings ?
Nearly healed, sir.
Oh, sir,
this is commander shears
of the united states navy.
Good heavens !
How do you do, sir ?
We found him and an australian.
They're all that's left of the
prisoners who built the camp.
The u.s. Navy,
out here ?
For a deepwater sailor,
I am sort of landlocked.
You lost your ship ?
The houston.
I made it ashore,
but I got separated
from the other survivors.
And your group here ?
Mostly aussies, some lime--
Some british, indians,
burmese, siamese.
And what happened
to them ?
They d*ed...
Of malaria, dysentery,
beriberi, gangrene.
Other causes of death:
famine, overwork,
b*llet wounds,
snake bites, saito.
And there were some
who just got tired of living.
Has clipton
had a look at you ?
Just about to, sir.
Come over here, commander.
You can shave later.
All right.
You'll stay with
the officers, of course,
And we'll scrape up
some decent clothing.
Don't bother about me, colonel.
I'm not anxious to get off
the sick list.
Besides, this is working kit.
It's the fashion out here.
The officers in your party
did manual labor ?
You could call it that.
Actually, I raised that
very point with colonel--
what's his name ?
Saito.
I think he understands
the situation now.
Is that so ?
I must say he seems
quite a reasonable type.
Well, I must be pushing on.
Clipton, there's an
officers' meeting at 7:00.
Give me your requirements.
Yes, sir.
Anything we can do.
Oh, thank you, sir.
[ Laughing ]
What is it ?
Never mind.
Go on, say it.
I can think of a lot
of things to call saito,
But "reasonable,"
that's a new one.
Perhaps colonel nicholson
defines the word differently.
[ Japanese ]
Any other points ?
By your leave, sir.
Yes, jennings ?
About the escape committee,
sir. I've had a talk
with commander shears--
There won't be
any escape committee.
I don't understand, sir.
Lt. Jennings has a plan.
Yes, I'm sure jennings
has a plan, but escape ?
Where ? Into this jungle ?
That fellow saito is right.
No need for barbed wire here.
One chance in a hundred
of survival.
I'm sure a man
of commander shear's experience
will back me up on that point.
Oh, I'd say the odds
against a successful escape
are about a hundred to one.
Right.
But may I add
another word, colonel.
Please.
The odds against survival
in this camp are even worse.
You've seen the graveyard.
They're your real odds.
To give up hope of escape,
to even stop thinking
about it...
Is like accepting
a death sentence.
Why haven't you tried
to escape, commander ?
Oh, I've been biding my time,
waiting for the right moment,
the right company.
I understand how you feel.
Of course, it's normally
the duty of a captured soldier
to attempt escape.
But my men and I are involved
in a curious legal point
of which you are unaware.
In singapore,
we were ordered to surrender
by command headquarters.
Ordered, mind you.
Therefore, in our case,
Escape might well be
an infraction of m*llitary law.
Interesting ?
Yes, interesting point.
I'm sorry, sir.
I didn't quite follow you.
You mean, you intend
to uphold the letter of the law,
no matter what it costs ?
Without law, commander,
there is no civilization.
That's just my point.
Here, there is no civilization.
Then we have the opportunity
to introduce it.
I suggest we drop
the subject of escape.
Is there anything else ?
Well, I think we're all clear
on the program.
I want everything
to go off without a hitch
starting tomorrow morning.
And remember this:
Our men must always feel
they are still commanded by us
and not by the japanese.
So long as they have
that idea to cling to, they'll
be soldiers and not slaves.
Are you with me there,
commander ?
Well, i, uh--
I hope they can remain
soldiers, colonel.
As for me, I'm just
a sl*ve, a living sl*ve.
q*eer bird,
even for an american.
He's been in isolation
too long, poor chap.
Cut off from his unit.
That should be a lesson
to all of us.
[ Shouts in japanese ]
Attention !
English prisoners !
Notice I do not say,
"english soldiers."
From the moment you surrendered,
You ceased to be soldiers.
You will finish the bridge
by the 12th day of may.
You will work
under the direction
of a japanese engineer,
Lieutenant miura.
Time is short.
All men will work !
Your officers
will work beside you.
This is only just.
For it is they who betrayed you
by surrender.
Your shame is their dishonor.
It is they who told you,
"Better to live like a coolie
than die like a hero."
It is they who
brought you here, not I !
Therefore, they will join you
in useful labor.
That is all.
Officer prisoners,
collect your tools.
Bradley,
back in your place.
I must call your attention,
col. Saito, to article 27
of the geneva convention.
"Belligerents may employ
as workmen...
Prisoners of w*r
who are physically fit,
other than officers--"
Give me the book.
By all means.
You read english,
I take it.
Do you read japanese ?
I'm sorry, no.
But if it's a matter
of precise translation,
that can be arranged.
You'll see the code
specifically states
that the--
- [ Men murmuring ]
- stand fast in the ranks !
You speak to me of code ?
What code ?
The coward's code !
What do you know
of the soldier's code ?
Of bushido ?
Nothing !
You are unworthy
of command !
Since you refuse
to abide by the laws
of the civilized world,
We must consider
ourselves absolved from
our duty to obey you.
My officers will not
do manual labor.
We shall see.
All enlisted prisoners
to work !
[ Shouts in japanese ]
[ Blows whistle ]
Sergeant major,
take the men to work.
Sir. Battalion,
take up tools !
Move to the left,
keep in column and rows.
To the left, march !
Company, follow the line !
Forward march !
[ Continues shouting commands ]
[ Truck approaching ]
Eyes front !
Eyes right !
[ Continues
shouting commands ]
What's he up to ?
Looks like he doesn't
want any witnesses.
Now you will be reasonable.
You will order
your officers to work.
No.
[ Truck gate opening ]
[ Engine starts ]
I will count three.
If by the third count...
You and your officers
are not on the way to work,
I will give the order
to fire.
[ Shouts in japanese ]
He's going to do it.
Believe me, he's really
going to do it.
- One.
- I warn you, col. Saito.
Two.
- Stop !
- [ Man grunts ]
[ Shouts in japanese ]
Col. Saito, I've seen
and heard everything.
So has every man
in the hospital.
There are too many witnesses.
You'll never get away with it.
Shut up !
Most of those men
can't walk.
[ Shouts in japanese ]
Is this your soldier's code,
murdering unarmed men ?
You see, jennings,
there are certain advantages
to being on the sick list.
I'll say this
for the old man:
he's got guts.
Into the valley of death
rode the 600.
How's that, sir ?
That kind of guts.
Also the kind they had
in 1914...
When your officers went
over the top with nothing
but a swagger stick.
I see what you mean.
You don't see
what I mean at all !
The kind of guts that
can get us all k*lled.
Excuse me, sir.
I'd like to go along too.
Arm's almost healed, sir.
Really it is.
What about him ?
He didn't actually
order us not to escape.
He only suggested--
Listen, kiddo. When a man
like your colonel suggests
something, it's an order.
[ Man speaking japanese ]
here we go again.
[ Indistinct ]
Col. Saito says all officers
to punishment hut.
Tell them to go.
Not you.
[ Japanese ]
Come.
[ Japanese ]
[ Men shouting ]
leave him alone !
[ Shouting continues ]
[ Shouting stops ]
They're gonna put him
in the oven.
[ Men singing ]
? For he's a jolly good fellow ?
? He's a jolly good fellow ?
? For he's
a jolly good fellow ?
? And so say all of us ?
? And so say all of us ?
? And so say all of us ?
? For he's
a jolly good fellow ?
? For he's
a jolly good fellow ?
? For he's
a jolly good fellow ?
? And so say all of us ??
Hurray !
Hurray !
Hurray !
[ Shouts in japanese ]
[ g*nsh*t ]
[ Japanese ]
[ Grunts, groans ]
[ Men shouting in japanese ]
[ Man ]
timber !
[ Miura ]
one, two, three, pull !
Speed up !
One, two, three, pull !
No, no, no ! Let go !
Let go !
[ Shouts in japanese ]
[ Men laughing, cheering ]
[ Knocking ]
[ japanese ]
You wish to see me ?
I've been trying to see you
for three days.
It's about col. Nicholson.
He's been shut up in that hut--
I could have you sh*t.
Those prisoners
who tried to escape--
they were in your charge.
I knew nothing
about the escape.
It does not matter.
One must even respect
those who tried.
For a brief moment
between escape and death...
They were soldiers again.
But it is insane
to try and escape.
Two soldiers sh*t,
the third drowned !
To what end ?
It was an escape
from reality.
Here is reality.
This shows the position
work should have reached
by noon today,
And this shows the position
of actual progress.
Because of your colonel's
stubbornness,
We are far behind schedule !
That is not all.
Enlisted prisoners
sabotage the work.
Yes, I have seen it.
I could have them all sh*t.
Then who would build
your bridge ?
Besides, are you sure
it's sabotage ?
Perhaps the men don't work well
without their own officers
to direct them.
My officers
will direct them.
Your officers
will work beside them.
That's for col. Nicholson
to decide.
As he pointed out,
it's against the rules--
Do not speak to me of rules.
This is w*r !
This is not a game
of cricket.
He's mad, your colonel.
Quite mad.
Sit down, please.
I have decided to allow you
one visit to your colonel.
Thank you.
Tell him that if his officers
will not work,
I'll be forced
to close the hospital...
And your patients
will work in their place.
Many will die,
and he will be responsible.
Go and speak to him.
You have five minutes.
Hey, the doc's
going to see the old man.
Sir ?
It's clipton, sir.
I brought you
a few things.
[ Gasping ]
how are the men ?
Fine, sir. Fine.
We scraped together
a little meat and a coconut.
A-and the officers ?
Oh, they're not so good.
They're still in detention.
And lt. Jennings--
jennings is dead.
What ?
k*lled attempting to escape.
Also two others with him.
Corporal weaver
and the american.
[ Sighs ]
Jennings--
poor, brave lad.
I warned him,
didn't i, clipton ?
Look, sir,
we haven't much time.
I'm going to clean you up
a little while I talk.
I've got something
to tell you.
I've just had a word
with saito.
That man's the worst
commanding officer
I've ever come across.
Actually, I think
he's mad. Carry on.
Blackmail.
I know, sir,
but he means it.
I'm sure he does.
It's a question
of face, pure and simple,
and he can't give in.
It's still blackmail.
Sir, you can't stand
much more of this.
And wouldn't the officers
be better off working...
Than suffocating
in that hole ?
The men are doing
a wonderful job.
They're going
as slow on it as they dare.
But saito's
cut their food rations.
And if he makes
the sick men work,
Well, they're going to die;
that's all there is to it.
Yes, clipton,
I understand, truly.
But don't you see,
it's a matter of principle ?
If we give in now,
there'll be no end to it.
No.
Sir, we're lost in the jungle
a thousand miles from anywhere.
We're under the heel of a man
who will stop at nothing
to get his way.
Principle ?
No one will ever know
or care what happens to us.
Give in, sir.
Please.
I'm adamant.
I will not have
an officer from my battalion
working as a coolie.
Time.
All right.
Please thank
those concerned.
Everybody in the hospital
contributed one piece.
Reynolds stole
the coconut.
Oh.
We'll be able to get you
a little something
from time to time.
We've bribed
one of your guards.
Good-bye, sir,
and good luck.
Many thanks.
Clipton !
Sir ?
Did you say
that american chap
was k*lled ?
Yes, sir.
sh*t and drowned.
Hmm. It's insane
to plan escapes.
Three men k*lled,
and to what end ?
Time.
Here. Here's where
we must win through.
Time. Time.
The doc just looked at us
and shook his head,
whatever that means.
Means only one thing:
the colonel won't give in.
Well ?
It's like this:
col. Nicholson won't
give in to force.
It's a question
of principle.
As medical officer,
I must protest to the
way he's being treated.
It's a wonder
he's still alive.
Should a tragedy occur,
it would be tantamount
to m*rder.
He is responsible,
not i.
You sick ?
Are they both mad...
Or am I going mad ?
Or is it the sun ?
[ Clattering ]
[ Bird squawks ]
[ Squawking continues ]
[ Squawking ]
- [ Squawking ]
- [ screaming ]
[ Chattering ]
[ Panting, moaning ]
[ Native language ]
[ Chattering in japanese ]
[ Japanese continues ]
- [ Shouts in japanese ]
- attention !
Battalion, attention !
English prisoners,
let us ask the question:
Why does the bridge
not progress ?
You know why.
Because your officers
are lazy !
They think themselves too good
to share your burdens.
This is not just.
Therefore, you are not
happy in your work.
Therefore, the bridge
does not progress.
But there is another cause.
I do not hide the truth.
With deep shame and regret,
I admit to you...
The failure of a member
of the japanese staff.
I refer to lt. Miura.
He's a bad engineer.
He's unworthy of command.
Therefore, I have removed him
from his post.
Tomorrow
we begin again.
I shall be
in personal command.
Today we rest.
All work and no play
make jack a dull boy.
As token of regard
for your effort in the future,
I give presents to you all.
[ Shouts in japanese ]
Let us be happy in our work.
Company... Dismiss.
Battalion, dismissed !
[ Men cheering ]
Hey, take a look
at this !
Red cross ?
He's giving us our-
Hey, he's giving us
our own red cross parcels !
[ Laughter ]
[ imitating saito ]
tomorrow we begin again.
[ Indistinct shouting ]
[ Animals wailing ]
Shhh.
Hey, larry, look.
They're letting
the old man out.
Most likely gonna give him
another pasting.
[ Knocking ]
[ japanese ]
[ Japanese ]
Good evening, colonel.
[ Speaks japanese ]
Do you mind sitting
over here ?
I am having rather
a late supper.
[ Animals wailing ]
English corned beef.
No, thank you.
Produce of,
uh, scotland.
I prefer it to sake.
I spent three years
in london, you know ?
I studied
at the london polytechnic.
Cheers.
I'm sorry.
Later, perhaps ?
Perhaps.
I was not a good artist.
My father disapproved.
He felt I belonged
in the army,
So I changed from art
to engineering.
I must tell you,
colonel... Saito,
I intend to make a full report
of your activities in this camp.
I do not think you quite
realize my position.
I must carry out
my orders.
Oh, quite. Quite.
My orders are
to complete the bridge...
By the 12th day of may.
Time is short.
I have only 12 weeks more.
No doubt.
Therefore,
I am compelled to use
all available personnel.
But no officers, except
in an administrative capacity.
But officers are working
along the entire railway !
You know it !
I know it !
I'm not responsible
for the actions of other
commanding officers.
Personally, I'm appalled.
Better not get excited.
Will you have a cigar ?
No, thank you.
When I said
all officers must work,
Naturally I never meant you,
the commanding officer.
My orders were only intended
for officers below--
None of my officers
will do manual labor.
Please.
I was about to say...
I have been thinking
the matter over...
And decided
to put majors and above
on administrative duties,
Leaving only the junior
officers to lend a hand.
I'm afraid not.
The convention's quite clear
on that point.
Do you know
what will happen to me...
If the bridge
is not ready in time ?
I haven't the foggiest.
I'll have to k*ll myself.
What would you do
if you are me ?
I suppose,
if I were you,
I'd have to k*ll myself.
Cheers.
I warn you, colonel,
If I am to die,
others will die before me.
Do you understand that ?
Major clipton did mention
something to that effect.
Well ?
That won't solve
your problem,
But I'm sure we can arrive
at a proper solution.
Please sit down.
Now, tell me,
uh, colonel,
Do you or do you not agree that
the first job of an officer
is command ?
Of course.
Good.
[ Sighs ]
Take this bridge of yours.
It's quite
an enormous undertaking,
And to be frank, I have grave
doubts whether your lieutenant--
Uh, what's his name ?
Miura.
Miura, hmm.
Is capable of tackling
a job of such importance.
On the other hand,
I have officers-- reeves
and hughes, for instance--
Who have built bridges
all over india.
[ Sighs ]
The men respect them.
It's essential for an officer
to have that respect.
I'm sure you'll agree.
If he loses it, he ceases
to command.
And what happens then ?
Demoralization and chaos.
And a pretty poor commander
I would be if I allowed that
to happen to my men.
Perhaps you are not aware...
That the bridge is now
under my personal command.
Really ? And may I ask, are you
satisfied with the work ?
I am not !
You prove my point.
I hate the british !
You're defeated,
but you have no shame.
You are stubborn,
but have no pride.
You endure,
but you have no courage.
I hate the british !
Pointless
going on like this.
Stay there !
[ Shouts in japanese ]
[ soldier responds ]
[ Japanese continues ]
[ Man shouting in japanese ]
[ Japanese continues ]
Stand down. Stand down !
[ Man shouting ]
Battalion, attention !
Battalion,
stand at ease !
Please.
Do you know what is the date
today, colonel ?
I'm afraid I've lost count.
It's the anniversary
of our great victory
over russia in 1905.
Oh, yes.
Throughout east asia, we are
celebrating this date.
In honor of this occasion,
I have given your troops
a day of rest.
Many thanks.
I'm declaring
a general amnesty.
You and your officers may
return to your quarters.
As part of this amnesty,
It will not be
necessary for officers
to do manual labor.
[ Grunts ]
He's done it.
[ Cheering ]
[ Cheering continues ]
[ Crying ]
Somebody deserves
a medal, sir.
Hmm.
How many men
in your party, corporal ?
Well,
I don't really know, sir.
You don't know ?
Oh, sir, 12 usually,
But one of the men took sick
very suddenly this morning.
He took three or maybe four
of the others to help him
to the hospital.
And, uh, he just took
terrible sick, sir.
A corporal should know
exactly how many men he has
under him at all times.
Oh, yes, sir.
Have you a nervous affliction ?
If not, stop making those faces
at once.
It may be funny, and I'm sure
it's done with the best motives
but it's not m*llitary behavior.
No, sir.
[ Men shouting, cheering ]
We must put a stop
to these demonstrations.
Yes, sir.
I say, reeves.
Yes, sir.
Have you ever constructed
a bridge across a stream
like the kwai ?
Yes, sir.
Half a dozen of them,
in madras and bengal.
If this were your bridge,
How would you get it
underway ?
Get it underway, sir ?
Well, first of all,
I wouldn't build it here.
Oh ? Why not ?
As I was trying to tell you
a while ago, sir,
The japanese couldn't
have picked a worse location.
There's no bottom.
You see those piles ?
They're sinking.
Our chaps could drive
those logs till doomsday
and they wouldn't hold.
Where would you build it ?
Why, further downstream, sir,
across those narrows.
Then we'd have solid bedrock
on both banks.
Hughes,
if this were your bridge,
how would you use the men ?
[ Chuckles ]
well, sir, not the way
they're doing it.
It's utter chaos
as you can see at the glance.
There's a lot of uncoordinated
activity-- no teamwork.
Some of those parties
are actually working
against each other.
Yes.
I tell you, gentlemen,
we have a problem on our hands.
Thanks to the japanese,
we now command a rabble.
There's no order,
no discipline.
[ Whistles ]
Our task is to rebuild
the battalion.
Yes, sir.
It isn't going to be easy,
but fortunately, we have
the means at hand-- the bridge.
The bridge, sir ?
The bridge.
We can teach these barbarians
a lesson in western methods
and efficiency...
That will put them to shame.
We'll show them
what the british soldier
is capable of doing.
Yes.
I see your point, sir.
I realize
how difficult it's going to be
in this godforsaken place...
Where you can't find
what you need, but
there's the challenge.
I beg your pardon, sir.
You mean you really want
them to build a bridge ?
You're not usually so slow
in the uptake, evans.
I know our men. You've got
to keep them occupied.
If there weren't any work for
them to do, we'd invent some,
eh, reeves ?
That we would, sir.
So we're lucky.
But it's going to be
a proper bridge.
Now here again,
I know the men.
It's essential that they should
take a pride in their job.
Right, gentlemen.
Yes, sir.
Yes, sir.
Reeves, you're the key man
in this situation as engineer.
Tell me what you want, and
hughes and I will organize it.
Can we make a go of it ?
We'll do our best.
Fine.
We must draw up our plans,
Then arrange a conference
with saito...
And set him straight.
Well, I think that takes care
of all the procedural matters.
Now-- oh, yes.
The next point
is somewhat unpleasant
for all concerned, I'm afraid.
We feel the position
of the bridge was fixed
rather hastily...
And, I have to add,
incorrectly.
Incorrectly ?
Unfortunately, yes.
Major reeves, our engineer,
has made a careful study...
And has come to the conclusion
that the river bottom there
is too soft.
Too soft ?
Mud. All the work up to now
has been quite useless.
Reeves, will you carry on ?
Yes, sir.
Colonel saito, I've made tests,
And those piles of yours
could be hammered below
water level before they'd hold.
That bridge would collapse under
the first train to cross it.
Look, it's all here.
Pressure and soil resistance
figures in tons per square inch.
Just a moment, reeves,
before you get too involved.
Colonel, do you suppose
we could have a cup of tea ?
[ Japanese ]
[ Japanese continues ]
And I take it
we all agree that,
if we're to avoid disaster,
We build a new bridge at the
site selected by major reeves,
400 yards downstream.
So let's proceed
to the next point.
I've decided to alter the daily
work quota of our men.
Alter ?
Yes, I've increased it...
From a yard and a half
of earth moved to two yards.
It's in the general interest,
and I'm sure it would meet
with your approval.
Major hughes
has the facts and figures.
Hughes, will you take over ?
Yes, sir.
I've done a time study
of the entire project.
As you can see at a glance,
the available forces
have been badly distributed.
I strongly urge
we revise the organization
of the working parties.
Just a moment.
You know, colonel, it would save
considerable time...
If we could carry on working
during dinner.
Do you suppose it would be
possible to have a meal here ?
Of course.
[ Japanese ]
Carry on, hughes.
Yes, sir.
If we increase the number
of squads and specialize
the functions of each,
I'm certain that the total
daily output can be increased
by 30%.
And now, col. Saito,
I have one more point.
Now, there's another
important decision
that can't be postponed.
As most of the british soldiers
will be working on the bridge,
Only a small number will be
available for railway work.
I must ask you to lend us
some of your own men
to reinforce the railway g*ng...
So that the final stretch
of track can be completed
as quickly as possible.
I have already given the order.
Well, you must fix
the daily work quota
for your men.
I thought of setting it
at a yard and a half,
so as not to overtire them.
But don't you think it would
be best if we made it the same
as the british soldiers ?
That would also create
a healthy competitive spirit.
I have already given the order.
We'll try to surpass that,
won't we, hughes ?
Yes, sir.
I think that completes
the agenda for this evening.
It only remains for me
to say thank you, col. Saito,
for your kind attention,
And 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.
After all, we mustn't
forget that we've wasted
over 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 the moment,
I'm not concerned
with their appreciation.
Good night, clipton.
Good night.
By the way, sir,
I meant to tell you.
There are trees in this forest
very 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.
Good morning,
I'm looking for an american
named commander shears.
Oh, yes.
Down on the beach.
Oh, thank you very much.
Kiss !
[ Laughs ]
too many eyes.
They give me powders, pills,
baths, injections, enemas,
When all I need is love.
It's true.
All you really need is love.
What makes 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 ?
Oh, don't call me commander.
It's unromantic.
Look.
You're an officer yourself.
How would you like it
if I called you
"lieutenant lover" ?
Let's be democratic.
Just call me "sir."
Yes, sir.
[ Shears sighs ]
[ woman ]
look. Brass ahoy.
He wants to see you,
and 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 by now.
Like a martini ?
That's very kind of you,
but I think not.
Mind if I have one ?
No.
How did you manage
to get that ?
This is a hospital, major.
Where there's a hospital,
there's alcohol.
Yes, of course. Jolly good.
Look. I'll be
as brief as possible.
I belong to a rather rum group
called force 316.
Our headquarters
is up in the botanical gardens.
Protecting rare plants
from the enemy ?
Not quite.
Are you sure
you won't have a martini ?
No. No, thanks.
Among other things,
we have a particular interest
in that railway you worked on,
And you could give us no end
of very valuable information.
Well, you know, major,
I'm leaving for the states
in a few days,
And I've already told
your intelligent people
everything I know.
Yes, but you could help us
in a rather special sense.
I know
it's a terrible imposition,
But I wonder if you could
possibly come out and see us.
[ Sighs ]
well, you wanna go over the
whole thing again, I'll come.
That's very kind of you.
Lord louis will be
most grateful.
Lord who ?
At mountbatten, we're one
of his special pigeons.
Oh, I see.
Shall we say this evening
about 8:00 ?
I'll send a car for you.
This evening ?
Out of the question.
Well, tomorrow morning then
about 10:00.
Okay, 10:00.
Oh, thanks very much.
Cheerio.
Cheerio.
Good luck.
Thanks.
I know. You're terribly sorry,
but you're going to stand me up
tonight.
You couldn't be more wrong.
[ Officer shouting orders ]
[ Shouting continues ]
Hut !
May I see your pass,
sir, please ?
Oh, yes.
Thank you, sir.
Carry on, driver.
Major warden's bungalow is at
the end of the pathway, sir.
All right. Thanks.
- [ Man grunts ]
- [ officer ]
good show, jenkins !
Good show. Come along,
thompson. Use your Kn*fe, man !
Use your Kn*fe !
[ Man grunts ]
[ officer ]
good !
On your feet, chap.
To the debriefing room quickly.
Come on. Move yourself. Move !
Move quickly !
Very clumsy, joyce.
Very clumsy !
Always use your Kn*fe
immediately, joyce !
Immediately, man !
You see ?
He's gained the initiative.
Wait a minute !
I'm terribly sorry, sir.
You're sorry.
So am i, sir. I thought
you were the enemy, sir.
Well, I'm an american,
if that's what you mean.
That will be all, joyce.
Yes, sir.
Sorry, sir.
What can I do for you, sir ?
Well, I was on my way
to see major warden.
I'll show you the way.
He should be finishing
his lecture at any moment.
[ expl*si*n ]
That's the end of
major warden's lecture, sir.
Thunderous ovation.
The major believes
in keeping our training as close
to real life as possible, sir.
Major warden, sir.
Yes ?
Very good of you to come along.
I hope we've been taking care
of you.
Oh, they certainly have.
Thank you, sir.
Well, come along then.
Colonel green is looking forward
to meeting you.
Oh ?
Fascinating place,
isn't it ?
Utterly charming.
I didn't realize
it was a commando school.
We're trying to discourage
the use of that word.
It's come to have such
a melodramatic air about it.
What do you do here, major ?
Sabotage, demolition.
That line of country.
We're using p.e.--
Plastic expl*sives.
Wonderful stuff.
That last little pop
was made with a lump
half the size of this.
It's twice as powerful
as gelignite and only half
the weight. Here.
Oh !
It's quite harmless
until it's detonated.
Thanks for telling me.
It's completely waterproof,
and actually plastic. See ?
You can do what you like
with it.
This is my place.
Go ahead.
[ Bell dings ]
Would you care for one ?
No, thanks.
A drink ?
No, thank you.
Spot of tea for one,
please, peter.
Very well, sir.
You read this ?
Oh, I taught oriental languages
at cambridge before the w*r.
By the way,
I never congratulated you
on your escape.
It was a good show,
I must say.
I was lucky.
If your sea rescue plane hadn't
spotted me, I wouldn't be here.
No, I suppose not.
[ Clears throat ]
Would you like to see
where you were ?
All right.
Our information's rather scanty.
It's mostly based on
your report.
But we think the camp
is about here.
Do your people have any idea
what happened to that
col. Nicholson ?
No.
He had the guts of a maniac.
They were about to sh**t him,
and he didn't bat an eye.
If you're about to be sh*t,
there isn't a great deal
you can do, is there ?
Here is the river kwai,
and here is the siamese village
where you were helped.
And here is the railway.
But then, you must be fairly
familiar with all this area.
Oh, not really.
I was out of my head
half the time.
Now, the railway starts
down here in singapore.
Malaya, bangkok, rangoon.
Their idea is to drive
on through into india.
Hmm. Where was I picked up ?
Oh, um, about here.
As you know, the japanese aim
to open the bangkok/rangoon
section by the middle of may.
Naturally, we're gonna try
and prevent them.
It's too far for bombers
to carry an adequate load.
So we shall have to go in
and smash it up on the ground.
How are you gonna get there ?
Parachute drop
and then march.
With demolition equipment
through that jungle ?
Yes.
Our chief problem
is lack of firsthand knowledge.
You see, none of us
have ever been there.
I don't want to discourage you,
major, but--
it should be interesting.
Colonel green
has given me the kwai bridge.
I'm going to take a team in
and blow it up.
Lucky you.
Uh, are you sure
you won't have a cup of tea ?
No, thanks. Look, major,
I don't wanna be rude,
But I've got a luncheon date
at 2:00 and she's beautiful.
So if there are
any questions--
yes, of course. I am sorry.
Well, there is
only one question, actually.
How would you feel
about going back ?
Come again.
I know under the circumstances
it's a bit much,
But you do have a unique
knowledge for our purpose...
And we'd love
to have you with us.
You mean to tell me that
that's why you brought me here ?
To ask me this ?
Well, frankly, yes.
Major,
I just got out of there.
My escape was a miracle.
Even your people said so.
Now you want me to go back ?
Don't be ridiculous.
This is very embarrassing.
I can't go back. I belong
to the american navy.
Of course. Actually,
col. Green has already taken
the matter up with your people.
With my people ?
Yes, your navy's
turned you over to us.
A signal arrived
yesterday morning
from your c in c pacific...
Authorizing your temporary
transfer of duty to force 316.
They can't do this to me.
I'm afraid they have.
It was awfully difficult
to know how to break it to you.
They can't do this. I mean it.
My navy's made a mistake.
Your who ?
I'm not a navy commander.
I'm not even an officer.
Oh ?
The whole thing's a fake.
I'm just an ordinary
swab jockey, second class.
Oh.
When the houston sunk, I made it
ashore with an officer--
a real commander.
Later on,
we ran into a japanese patrol
and he was k*lled.
I figured it was just a matter
of time before I was captured,
so--
So you changed uniforms
with a dead man.
I thought officers
would get better treatment
in prison camps.
That's very sensible.
Not that it did me any good.
At saito's camp,
the officer's worked
along with the rest.
There's always the unexpected,
isn't there ?
I kind of got used
to being a commander,
And so, when I arrived here
at the hospital,
I took a look at
the enlisted men's ward,
And I took a look
at the officer's ward...
And I said to myself,
"Oh, let's let it
ride along for a while."
There were definite advantages.
Yes, I saw one of them
on the beach.
Anyway,
that's the whole story.
The point of it is,
you can't use me. You want
an officer for your team.
An american commander
named shears doesn't exist !
When the navy brass learns
the truth, they'll say,
"Ship him home in irons
for impersonating an officer."
Once that happens,
I've got it made.
You've got it what ?
Made.
I'd like that drink now.
Yes, of course.
I'll apply
for a medical discharge.
I'll tell them that
I impersonated an officer...
Because I went off my rocker
in the jungle.
I'm getting worse, you know.
Sometimes I think
I'm admiral halsey.
Well,
that's quite a clever plan.
It's not only clever.
It's foolproof.
When my navy finds out
who I am,
Those temporary orders
you've got won't be worth
the paper they're written on.
This is your photograph,
isn't it ?
-Where did you get this ?
-Sorry. It took a bit of doing.
Naturally, your people couldn't
identify you at first.
But finally c in c pacific
sent us a copy of your service
record.
The photograph,
the fingerprints, everything.
-Would you care to have a look ?
-No.
You see, we've known
about your actual rank
for nearly a week.
Your navy's in
an awkward position.
In one sense,
you're a blasted hero...
For making an escape
from the jungle.
But at the same time, they can't
very well bring you home...
And give you to the navy cross
for impersonating an officer.
I suppose that's why they were
so happy to hand you over to us.
You see ?
Hot potato.
As far as your present rank
is concerned,
We're fairly informal
about those things in force 316.
So you'll have a simulated rank
of major.
A simulated major.
That figures.
Well.
As long as I'm hooked,
I might as well volunteer.
Good show.
[ Knock at door ]
Oh, col. Green, sir.
This is major shears.
He's just volunteered
to go back and help me blow up
the kwai bridge.
Really ?
Good show.
Jolly good show, major.
Get up to sick bay, baker.
This foot's infected.
The colonel might think
I'm malingerin', sir.
I'm the medical officer, baker.
Get cracking.
Will someone tell me
why the old man wants us
to build a proper bridge ?
Don't you worry about old nick.
He knows what he's doing.
Hello, clipton. It's about time
you've paid us a visit.
Fine job our chaps are doing.
Really first rate.
Yes. How's he behaving ?
I must say, he's been most
reasonable since we took over.
I wonder what he's thinking.
I haven't the foggiest.
Thanks, reeves.
Right, sir.
What do you think ?
Quite a challenge,
isn't it ?
Sir, are you convinced
that building this bridge
is a good idea ?
Are you serious ?
Yes, sir.
A good idea ?
Let's take another look,
clipton.
You don't agree
that the men's morale is high,
That discipline
has been restored,
That their condition
has been improved ?
Are they a happier lot
or aren't they ?
Yes, sir, but--
They feel better,
and they are no longer abused
or maltreated.
That's all true.
Well, then.
Honestly, clipton,
there are times when I don't
understand you at all.
I'll try to make
myself clear, sir.
The fact is, what we're doing
could be construed as--
Forgive me, sir--
collaboration with the enemy.
Perhaps even
as treasonable activity.
Are you all right, clipton ?
We are prisoners of w*r.
We haven't the right
to refuse work.
I understand that, sir,
but must we work so well ?
Must we build them a better
bridge than they could have
built for themselves ?
If you had to operate on saito,
would you do your best
or let him die ?
Would you prefer to see
this battalion disintegrate
in idleness ?
Would you have it said that our
chaps can't do a proper job ?
Don't you realize how important
it is to show these people...
That they can't break us
in body or in spirit ?
Take a good look, clipton.
One day,
the w*r will be over,
And I hope that the people
who use this bridge
in years to come...
Will remember how it was built
and who built it.
Not a g*ng of slaves,
but soldiers--
British soldiers, clipton,
even in captivity.
Yes, sir.
You're a fine doctor, clipton,
But you've a lot to learn
about the army.
[ Officer
shouting instructions ]
Hold it ! Hold it !
Use your boot !
Get your boot in there !
Really good.
[ Wolf whistle ]
Good morning.
What on earth
are you people staring at ?
Get on with your jobs !
Now get him with your boot !
I'm awfully sorry
I'm late, sir.
Four minutes late to be exact.
You were in need
of medical attention ?
Sir ?
I was referring
to the nurse.
Oh.
Oh, yes.
Very ingenious.
Warden was right.
Sit down.
[ Bell dings ]
The reason I asked you here
was to help us pick the fourth
member of your team.
Ask mr. Joyce to come in.
Sir.
Chapman here wants joyce,
but I have my doubts about him.
I think he has too much
imagination as distinct
from cold calculation.
As I've told you before,
in a job like yours,
even when it's finished,
There's always
one more thing to do.
He's the best swimmer
in the school, and we'll need
a good swimmer.
I'm well aware
of your evaluation, chapman.
The opinion I want is shears'.
All right. At ease.
These gentlemen are thinking
of taking you for a little hike
into the jungle.
Yes, sir.
You were an accountant
in montreal.
Yes, sir.
Not really an accountant, sir.
That is, I didn't have
my charter.
Yeah ?
Exactly what did you do then ?
Well, sir,
I just checked columns
and columns of figures...
Which three or four people
had checked before me.
And then there were other people
who checked them after I had
checked them.
- Sounds a frightful bore.
- Sir, it was a frightful bore.
How did you wind up here ?
In '39, I came to london
to enlist,
And about two years later,
I volunteered for this work.
You volunteered ?
Yes, sir. You see,
the regular army--
All right. Go ahead.
You can be frank.
Well, sir, the regular army
sort of reminded me
of my job in civilian life.
They don't expect you
to think.
Think about this.
Are you quite sure you'd be able
to use this in cold blood ?
- I know how to use it, sir.
- That's not what I meant.
Could you use it
in cold blood ?
Could you k*ll
without hesitation ?
That's a question
I've often asked myself, sir.
It's worried me quite a bit.
What was the answer ?
I don't honestly know, sir.
I've tried to imagine myself--
I suppose I find it hard
to kid myself that k*lling
isn't a crime.
It's an old army problem.
Well, I think that's all.
Thank you, joyce.
-Am I to go with the team, sir ?
-We'll let you know.
Now, you see what I mean.
Well, at least
he was honest about it, sir.
None of us know
the answer to that question
until the moment arises.
What's your opinion ?
Well, sir, he's canadian,
And that's in keeping
with the international
composition of this outfit.
If he wants to go that bad,
he can even take my place.
Well, if you're all agreed
on joyce, he's yours.
Now then.
I have a report from air
reconnaissance on that village.
There's sufficient clearing
to make your jump at last light.
You've had parachute training,
of course ?
No, sir.
Blast. This is awkward.
Silly, it never occurred to me.
Well, in that case--
The major's right. We'd better
arrange some practice jumps
for him immediately.
I'll check with freddy
right away.
All right, chapman.
You can run along.
Yes, sir.
Well, then.
Feel like a sniff of air ?
Yes, sir.
You don't realize
what a plum you are for us.
Your knowledge of the area,
your making friends
in that village.
It's almost as if your whole
escape had been planned
with us in mind.
By the way, here's something
that'll interest you.
The new l pill.
"L pill" ?
"L" for lethal.
Instantaneous, painless.
Much better than the old ones.
For capture, of course.
In other words,
you're telling me
not to be taken alive.
I wouldn't recommend it.
If any of you get hurt
or wounded on the trek,
The others will
have to leave him behind.
The objective comes first
in our work.
Colonel, you want my honest
evaluation of this team ?
I didn't want to speak out
in front of the others.
I understand. Go ahead.
Well, chapman will be fine--
ice water in his veins.
Joyce is--
he'll be okay.
It's warden I don't get.
Huh ? Why not ?
Cambridge don and all of that.
You know, it's one thing...
For him to play around
with expl*sives like a kid
with firecrackers, but--
He's not without experience,
you know.
When we lost singapore,
he stayed behind and blew up
a couple of bridges,
Two trains and I don't know
how many other installations
before the japs caught him.
Caught him ?
Yes, fascinating story.
Sir, it's most annoying.
In view of the time element,
they don't think a few practice
jumps would be worthwhile.
No ?
They say if you make one jump,
You've only got 50% chance
of injury, two jumps, 80%...
And three jumps, you're bound
to catch a backache.
The consensus is that
the most sensible thing
for major shears to do...
Is to go ahead and jump
and hope for the best.
With or without parachute ?
[ Laughing ]
Oh, very good, old man.
[ Laughing continues ]
"With or without--"
He's in the trees.
Yai says we'll never reach
the kwai by the route you took.
There are too many
japanese patrols now.
We'll have to swing north
through heavy jungle.
Who's gonna lead the way ?
Yai himself.
He hates the japanese.
They've taken all his men
for railroad work,
Which means we shall
have to use women bearers.
Women bearers.
They're very capable,
I'm told.
[ Speaks siamese ]
[ Baby fussing ]
[ Siamese continues ]
He says it's dangerous to spend
the night in the village.
There's an enemy post
about three miles away,
So we shall have to sleep
in the jungle.
What about chapman, sir ?
Yai's people will bury him
and his chute.
Is there something wrong ?
I was just thinking.
You speak yai's language.
I don't.
He's gonna lead you back
to the river kwai himself,
By a route I never took.
Will someone tell me
why I'm so indispensable
to this outfit ?
I know how you feel, but
there's always the unexpected,
isn't there ?
Tell that to chapman.
Let's get cracking.
[ Squawking ]
[ Squealing ]
[ Grunting ]
[ Bird squawking ]
You're lovely.
[ Speaks siamese ]
lovely.
Be happy in your work.
Yes, sir.
[ Siamese ]
Leeches.
Leeches.
[ Cigarette singeing ]
[ Siamese ]
she's telling you
to hold still.
She wants to take
the leeches off your back.
What's a nice girl like you
doing in a place like this ?
I'll teach you to say that
in siamese, if you like.
No. That would spoil it.
Too much talk always spoils it.
What's wrong with that thing,
joyce ?
I don't know, sir.
It's taken an awful b*ating.
I can't seem to get
a strong signal.
I'll tell you what's wrong
with it. It's wet, mildewed,
corroded, rotten,
Like everything else
in this rotten jungle.
- You might as well dump it.
- [ Radio whirring ]
?? [ Big band ]
[ Woman on radio ]
this is radio tokyo
signing off.
This is
your friendliest enemy,
Reminding you
to take it easy...
And never volunteer
for anything.
[ Radio beeping ]
If we stay here much longer,
we'll be up to our necks.
I've got it all decoded,
sir.
Right. Read it.
Yes, sir. "One:
original bridge works
reported abandoned.
"New construction downstream
from first site.
"Two: enemy intends
to open railway...
"With passage of special train,
bangkok for rangoon,
"With troops and vip...
"Estimated to arrive
target a.m. 13Th.
"Three: you should
synchronize demolition
with passage this train.
Four: good hunting.
Have fun." That's all, sir.
A train and a bridge.
That would be something.
Yes, sir.
That would really be a show.
Can we get there in time, sir ?
Yai says we're two to three
days' march from the kwai.
If we set a faster pace,
we could make it before sundown
on the 12th.
It's worth having a go
for the train, don't you think ?
Oh, by all means.
Good hunting.
Good show.
Jolly good fun.
Jolly, jolly good.
If you hadn't fixed the radio,
we wouldn't know
about the train.
Well, there's always
the unexpected, isn't there ?
Heave ! Heave !
Heave ! Heave !
Heave ! Heave !
Heave ! Heave !
Heave !
Half a pint, sir.
Quinine.
We'll complete this later.
Clipton, we are facing
a crisis.
Yes, sir ?
I've just spoken
with reeves and hughes,
And we're not going to
finish the bridge on time.
Oh.
We just haven't
the manpower, that's all.
I've asked the officers
to lend a hand, but even
that won't do it.
The officers are going to work
on the bridge ?
I explained the situation,
and they volunteered,
but it's not enough.
Why don't you ask saito
for some of his men ?
Wouldn't dream of it.
This is our show.
We must make the most
of our own resources.
That's what I came
to talk to you about--
the sick list.
Look here, sir, there's
not a man in this hospital
who doesn't belong there.
Don't jump to conclusions.
No reflection on you.
But there are always
a few malingerers.
Be honest.
Keep an open mind.
That's all I ask.
Come along.
Let's see.
Don't move.
Don't move.
What's the matter
with haskins ?
He's got amebic dysentery
and blackwater fever.
His temperature
was 104 last night.
Right, I see.
And this man ?
Leg ulcers.
I may save the leg
if I do some more
cutting tonight.
Do you really want
to send him out
to work, sir ?
Don't talk rot,
clipton.
And that man there ?
His arm's infected.
Most of them are so run down
their wounds won't heal.
Yes, but I wonder
in a case like his...
If light duties
mightn't do him more good
than being cooped up here.
Light duties ?
After all,
it's not our policy...
To keep a man in hospital
just because he scratched
his arm, is it ?
Not our policy ?
Well, is it ?
A man may not be
on top of his form,
But he can still
make himself useful.
Trimmings
and finishing jobs.
Stand easy, baker.
Tell me, do you feel up
to doing a little light
work on the bridge ?
Anything you say, sir.
Good show.
What about you ?
Nothing difficult.
I'll try, sir.
Good man.
Look here, men.
It goes without saying,
I'm proud of all of you.
But we are facing
a crisis.
For those of you
who feel up to it, how about
lending the others a hand, eh ?
Fetch and carry.
A spot of paint here and there.
What do you say ?
Yes, sir.
Good show.
Come on, follow me.
[ Bird squawking ]
[ Chattering ]
Ten minutes.
[ Laughter,
chattering continues ]
[ Screaming ]
[ Chattering continues ]
[ Woman sobbing ]
Make sure
they're all dead.
Come on, joyce.
Use your Kn*fe, man,
or we'll be sh**ting each other.
[ Monkey squealing ]
Go that way, joyce.
[ Rustling ]
[ Rustling continues ]
[ Birds chirping ]
- [ g*nsh*t ]
- [ birds squawking ]
I could have done it.
I was ready.
Are you hit, sir ?
Let's go.
No, it's superficial.
Maybe a chipped bone,
but there's nothing broken.
It's my fault, sir.
Oh, shut up, joyce.
I can walk on it.
That's all that counts.
Yeah, but how far
and how fast ?
We won't know that
till I've tried it,
will we ?
What are you doing ?
I didn't give orders
for a halt.
We all need it.
[ Speaking siamese ]
We're still
five hours fast march
from the objective.
Maybe six. Come on.
You keep walking on that foot,
you'll bleed to death.
Yeah.
[ Panting ]
You're gonna
leave me here.
If you stop, we stop.
You can't study the layout
of the bridge after dark.
You've gotta get there
before sundown.
Sir, when the job's done,
who knows if we can return
by this route...
Or whether we could
find you if we did.
If you were in my shoes,
joyce, I wouldn't hesitate
to leave you here.
He doesn't know it, but I do.
You'd leave your own mother here
if the rules called for it.
You'll go on without me.
That's an order.
You're in command now,
shears.
I won't obey that order.
You make me sick
with your heroics.
There's a stench
of death about you.
expl*sives and l pills
go well together, don't they ?
And with you, it's
just one thing or the other--
destroy a bridge or yourself.
This is just a game, this w*r.
You and that col. Nicholson,
you're two of a kind.
Crazy with courage !
For what ?
How to die like a gentleman.
How to die by the rules.
When the only important thing is
how to live like a human being !
I'm not gonna leave you here
to die, warden,
Because I don't care
about your bridge...
And I don't care
about your rules.
If we go on,
we go on together.
Good ol' yai.
[ Speaking siamese ]
I'm all right.
[ Siamese ]
Come on.
Let's get closer.
Still sorry we
brought you along ?
Feeling better ?
Yeah.
You're in command
again now, you know.
Thank you, major.
I can't understand it.
It's such a solid,
well-designed job.
Not like the temporary
bridges the enemy usually
throws together.
Look.
Those poor devils
down there.
Imagine being forced
to build something like that in
the condition they must be in.
[ Joyce ]
they've got a british officer
working down there on his knees.
The japanese seem to be
enjoying it too.
If he knew we were here,
it might boost his morale
a little.
If it wasn't for the train,
we could set a time fuse
and be miles away.
But since we don't know
what time it's going to
cross tomorrow morning,
We'll have to do
the job manually.
We'll set the charges
against the piles...
About three feet under
the water, I should think,
And run the main wire
downstream to the plunger.
The problem is
where to hide it.
Yeah, our side of the river
is quite obviously used
by the japanese.
They'd spot it at once.
Look. You see
those fallen tree trunks...
And the gray rock
just below them
on that little beach ?
Yes, sir, I see them.
That's our key position.
It's on the wrong side
of the river,
But it's the only
hiding place within
feasible distance.
As soon as the bridge
goes up...
Whoever's there
will have to swim back.
It's not likely
to be a pleasant swim.
Sir, I was the best
swimmer in my course.
Yeah.
It looks like your
line of country.
Thank you, sir.
Shears, you'll have to
pick a spot where you
can cover joyce.
Right.
Yai will be with you.
You should be able
to occupy the nips if they
make trouble for joyce.
And on the theory
that there's always
one more thing to do,
I'll set up the mortar
here to create an additional
diversion if necessary.
Perhaps I might even take
a few potshots at the train.
All clear ?
Any questions ?
Right. We'll start
as soon as it's dark.
They're sure to have
sentries on the bridge,
So you'll have to float
the stuff down from upriver,
Which means
building a raft.
[ Speaking siamese ]
Yai will take three women
to help you build the raft.
One will stay here with me.
All right, now get cracking.
Shears... You know,
if it wasn't for my ankle,
I'd take joyce's assignment.
I know.
Do you think
he'll be all right ?
I think so.
Want me to handle it ?
I'd let you stay up here
with the mortar if I could.
I know, I know.
I'm sorry.
When it's over, I hope you
get that medical discharge,
and not the hard way.
Thanks.
Load.
[ Siamese ]
Beautiful.
Yes, beautiful.
A first-rate job.
I had no idea
it would turn out so well.
Yes, a beautiful
creation.
I've been thinking.
Tomorrow it will be
28 years to the day that
I've been in the service.
Twenty-eight years
in peace and w*r.
I don't suppose I've been
at home more than ten months
in all that time.
Still, it's been
a good life.
I love india.
I wouldn't have had it
any other way.
But there are times...
When suddenly you realize
you're nearer the end
than the beginning.
And you wonder,
You ask yourself...
What the sum total
of your life represents,
What difference your being there
at any time made to anything...
Or if it made any
difference at all, really.
Particularly in comparison
with other men's careers.
I don't know whether that kind
of thinking is very healthy,
But I must admit I've had
some thoughts on those lines
from time to time.
But tonight, tonight--
Blast.
I must be off.
The men are preparing
some sort of entertainment.
[ Men cheering ]
?? [ Dixieland ]
Lovely.
[ Cheering, whistling ]
[ Laughter ]
[ Cheering ]
??
? If you were the only ?
? Girl in the world ?
? And you were
the only boy ?
? Nothing else would matter
in the world today ?
? We could go on loving
in the same old way ?
? A garden of eden
just made for two ?
?? [ Continues, indistinct ?
? The only boy ??
[ Applause, cheering ]
[ Speaking siamese ]
[ Men cheering in distance ]
[ Cheering continues ]
I'm sure I speak for all of us
when I say this has been
a most enjoyable evening.
As you know, most of you
move on tomorrow to a new camp
and new construction.
It's a pity you won't be here
to see the first practical use
of the bridge we have built.
However, you will be glad
to know that the completion
of this link in the railway...
Will enable us to transport
the sick and the disabled...
To the new camp by train.
Col. Saito
has kindly permitted
me to stay behind...
With major clipton
and the sick men,
And we'll rejoin you
in a few days' time.
Now that your work here
is finished,
I suppose many of you feel
somewhat let down.
That's quite understandable.
It's a very natural reaction.
But one day--
in a week, a month, a year,
Or that day when,
god willing, we all return
to our homes again--
You're going to feel
very proud...
Of what you
have achieved here...
In the face
of great adversity.
What you have done
should be,
And I think will be,
An example
to all our countrymen,
Soldier and civilian alike.
You have survived
with honor,
That and more.
Here in the wilderness,
You have turned defeat
into victory.
I congratulate you.
Well done.
[ Men cheering ]
The king.
?? [ Drumroll ]
? God save our gracious king ?
? Long live our noble king ?
? God save the king ?
? Send him victorious ?
? Happy and glorious ?
? Long to reign over us ?
? God save the king ??
[ Speaking japanese ]
[ Laughs, spits ]
You're in business.
You got everything ?
Stand, amm*nit*on,
pack, canteen, Kn*fe ?
Yes.
I'll be directly
across the river.
The professor
says there's always
one more thing to do,
But I can't think
of what it could be...
Except to wish you
a long and happy life.
Thank you.
[ Bird squawking ]
[ Speaking siamese ]
What's happened ?
[ Speaking siamese ]
The river's gone down.
You can see the wire.
The charges.
[ Saito shouts in japanese,
g*nsh*t ]
?? [ Men whistling march ]
?? [ Whistling continues ]
Don't wait for the train.
Do it now !
[ Man shouts in japanese ]
If saito's information
is correct,
The train should be along
in five or ten minutes.
If you don't mind, sir,
I'll watch the ceremonies
from up on the hill.
Why ? You'll
get a better view
from the bridge.
It's hard to explain, sir, but
I'd rather not be a part of it.
As you please. Honestly,
clipton, sometimes I don't
understand you at all.
Well, as you once said, sir,
I've got a lot to learn
about the army.
Good morning.
River's gone down
in the night.
[ Train whistle blowing ]
[ Train whistle continues ]
What is he doing ?
[ Train chugging in distance ]
[ Train whistle continues ]
Colonel, there's something
rather odd going on.
I think we'd better
have another look around
before that train comes across.
[ Train whistle continues ]
He's gone mad.
He's leading him right to it.
Our own man !
I was right.
There is something going on.
[ Train approaching ]
[ Train whistle continues ]
You've got to do it, boy.
You've got to do it now.
Col. Saito,
have you a Kn*fe ?
I've just realized
the bridge has been mined.
Mined ?
[ Gasps ]
[ Grunts ]
Good boy.
Officer, sir.
British officer, here
to blow up the bridge.
Blow up the bridge ?
Yes, sir.
British commando
orders, sir.
Blow up the bridge ?
Look out !
There's not time.
No ! No !
Help !
[ Shouts in japanese ]
Help !
k*ll him ! k*ll him !
Let me go, sir !
You don't understand, sir !
k*ll him ! k*ll him !
[ Both grunting ]
Help !
[ Train whistle blowing ]
[ g*nshots ]
k*ll him, joyce !
k*ll him !
[ g*nf*re continues ]
[ Shouts ]
[ Man shouting in japanese ]
[ Grunts ]
- You ?
- You !
[ Train whistle blowing ]
What have I done ?
[ Train whistle continues ]
[ Whistle continues ]
Madness.
I had to do it.
I had to do it !
They might have been
captured alive !
It was the only
thing to do.
[ Train smoldering ]
[ Speaking siamese ]
Madness.
Madness !
[ Men marching ]
[ Men cheering ]
Bridge on the River Kwai, The (1957)
Moderator: Maskath3
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