Hell’s Angels
Zwei englische Brüder, ein deutscher Freund – und ein Krieg, der sie auf gegensätzliche Seiten verschlägt. Roy ist pflichtbewusst, Monte ein Charmeur, der das Leben liebt und den Ernst der Lage lange nicht wahrhaben will. Ihre Freundschaft wird erst durch den Ausbruch des Ersten Weltkriegs, dann durch eine Frau auf die Probe gestellt, die alles andere als das unschuldige Ideal ist, als das einer der Brüder sie sieht. Während sie als Jagdflieger in halsbrecherische Einsätze geschickt werden, muss ihr deutscher Studienfreund im Zeppelin Entscheidungen treffen, die ihn entweder zum Kriegshelden oder zum Verräter machen.
Der Film lebt von riesigen, real geflogenen Luftschlachten, in denen die Figuren immer wieder an den Punkt kommen, an dem sie wählen müssen: Loyalität, Liebe oder das eigene Überleben. Am Ende steht kein die Frage, was Mut im Krieg wirklich bedeutet…
„Hell’s Angels“ („Höllenflieger“) ist ein Erster-Weltkriegs‑Fliegerfilm, den der junge Multimillionär Howard Hughes Ende der 1920er Jahre in Hollywood produzierte und schließlich selbst inszenierte. Die Arbeiten begannen 1927 als Stummfilm über britische Kampfflieger im Ersten Weltkrieg; die Dreharbeiten und Nachbearbeitung zogen sich etwa vier Jahre hin. Hughes investierte dafür damals außergewöhnliche rund vier Millionen Dollar, was inflationsbereinigt heute einem mittleren zweistelligen Millionenbetrag entspricht; es war einer der teuersten Filme seiner Zeit. Für die Luftaufnahmen setzte er Dutzende echte Flugzeuge, viele ehemalige Kriegspiloten und spezialisierte Kamerateams ein; bei Unfällen kamen mindestens drei Piloten ums Leben. Weil der Tonfilm gerade seinen Durchbruch hatte, ließ Hughes bereits gedrehte Szenen neu drehen bzw. ergänzte Tonsequenzen, was die Kosten weiter erhöhte. Mehrere Regisseure gaben das Projekt wegen Hughes‘ Perfektionismus auf; schließlich übernahm er selbst die Regie.
Besonders berühmt wurden die spektakulären Luftkämpfe, die mit damals neuartigen Kameraperspektiven direkt in der Luft gedreht wurden. Hughes flog selbst einige Szenen; bei einem Absturz verletzte er sich schwer im Gesicht und benötigte plastische Chirurgie, überlebte aber. Der Film verwendet sowohl Schwarzweiß- als auch frühe Farbsequenzen (z.B. für Szenen mit Jean Harlow), was zur Zeit der Premiere 1930 als Sensation galt. Jean Harlow wurde mit ihrer Rolle als Helen zum Star und prägte den Typus der platinblonden Hollywood‑Ikone der 1930er Jahre.
Bei seiner Premiere 1930 war „Hell’s Angels“ ein Ereignis, spielte viel Geld ein, deckte aber die enormen Produktionskosten nicht vollständig. Der Film gilt als Meilenstein des Flieger‑ und Kriegsfilms und als Beispiel für Hughes‘ Mischung aus technischem Größenwahn, Perfektionismus und Risikobereitschaft.
Der Name „Hell’s Angels“ wurde später von dem berühmten Motorradclub übernommen, der sich ausdrücklich auf den Filmtitel bezog.
Team
Regie: Howard Hughes, Edmund Goulding, James Whale
Produktion: Howard Hughes (Produzent)
Drehbuch: Marshall Neilan, Joseph Moncure March, Howard Estabrook, Harry Behn (Dialog / zusätzliche Mitarbeit)
Hauptdarsteller
Ben Lyon – Monte Rutledge
James Hall – Roy Rutledge
Jean Harlow – Helen
Wichtige Nebendarsteller
John Darrow – Karl Arnstedt / Armstedt
Lucien Prival – Baron Von Kranz
Frank Clarke – Lt. von Bruen (auch Stuntpilot)
Roy Wilson – „Baldy“ Maloney
Douglas Gilmore – Capt. Redfield
Jane Winton – Baroness Von Kranz
Evelyn Hall – Lady Randolph
Carl von Haartman – Zeppelin Commander
Ferdinand Schumann‑Heink – First Officer of Zeppelin
Frank Clarke – Stunt-Pilot und Darsteller (Lt. von Bruen)
Kamera: Tony Gaudio
Kamera (zusätzlich / Luftaufnahmen): Harry Perry
Schnitt: Douglass Biggs, Mabel Dietrich
Es wurden Dutzende Maschinen genutzt (u.a. umgebaute Doppeldecker, Zeppelin‑Modelle und Großaufnahmen im Studio), viele Manöver wurden real geflogen.
Premiere: 15. November 1930 (USA)
You seem to like my country. I think it's marvelous. I wish we were staying here two years instead of just two weeks. But you know, Carla, it does sound funny hearing you call it your country. I keep forgetting it's not English. Sometimes I feel almost English. Well, that's natural. After all, you can't be at Oxford three years without feeling slightly British.
I wish Helen were here. After all you've said about her, I don't blame you. Yes, he'll be along soon, Gretchen. And nothing can keep Monty away from this good beer. Nothing except a good-looking woman. Yes, that brother of yours, he's a naughty boy. But I like him. He has a way with him, eh, Gretchen? You don't know half of it. Another conquest for Monty. Yes. I don't know why he wants to mess a lot with every woman he meets. Yes, but you have Helen. Not at all sure. I'm not half good enough for her. She must be a wonderful girl. Oh, she is. She's marvelous. We'll have to meet her when we get back to Oxford. I'd like to. Would you like to see what she looks like? Yes. I didn't know you had a photograph of her.
Yes, neither does Helen. I took it myself when she wasn't looking. Really? Stunning, isn't she? Come on, you blighters. Hello, it's Monty. Meet the countess. Step up, the one and only. Now, Monty, don't please. Oh, it's all right. This little Texel doesn't understand a word of English. Gretchen! Yes? Why? Why? It's not a word.
It's a word of English. Found it in the museum. She's a work of art, all right. You should have left her there. I say, Monty, why do you bring her around this sword? Bring her? Good heavens, I can't get rid of her. Go home, will you? Go home! Oh, my goodness! You see, I'm stuck. Hello, who's the dowager? That's Helen. Oh. Of course, that's only a snapshot. Wait till you meet her. Oh, yeah? Go away!
I say, this is getting serious. I've got to get rid of her. You know, I have a very important engagement in just 15 minutes. I say, you chaps, be sporting and take her off my hands. I have to roll on my hands. Listen, we may be sporting, but we're not people-minded. Well, you can do what you're pleased with her. I'm going. Hey, let me wait! I will say, I'm going to get rid of her. Just a minute now, please. Leave it to me. I'll get rid of her. Please, yes. Yes. Leave it in China. $9.
Pretty boy, you please me very much. It is nothing. I am not at home to anyone except my husband. He is away on army business, he will not be home for hours. So, you see. Army? Please. Come on! But really, I say you mustn't think that... Your name? My name is Rutledge, sir. You are stopping in Munich? At the Hotel Bayerischer Hof, sir.
My seconds will call on you later. What do I say? There is nothing further to discuss. Sailing, sailing, over the bounding main, for many a wintry wind to blow, where Jack comes home again. Hello. Where are you going? England. England? Why, we're not going back for 10 days. What's wrong? Baron von Trends. Who's he? Oh, he's just a friend of mine. Really? Quite a social success, aren't you? How do you meet these barons? Well, unfortunately, I met this one through his wife. And this means... A duel. Can you imagine it? Running away? Oh, don't be an ass, Roy. You don't expect me to go through with a pass like this. But, Monty, it's the only thing you can do. Oh, there you go again. I suppose when a woman's no good and her husband finds it out, I've got to get shot just because it's the honorable thing to do.
Well, what do you think people will say? You'll never let it down. Why do I care what people say? Well, you can talk all you like, Monty, but you can't walk out like this. Can't I? Goodbye. See you at Oxford.
Hello, Roy. Hello, Carl. Well, what's up? Where's Monty? He's gone to England. England? Well, what's the matter? Oh, nothing. What do I say? Heritage? Heritage? Yes? Von Richter. Von Sleven. We represent Colonel Baron von Kranz. Yes. Have you chosen your second?
According to custom, we have selected the time and place. You have the choice of weapons. What is your choice? What is this? Golden hour. Why, that's a famous dueling place near here. It says at four o'clock tomorrow morning. Four o'clock in the morning. How did this happen?
I'm sorry, Carl. I lost my temper with one of your officers. But, Roy... What a call. Do you know how to be a second? Your choice. Please choose. Please. Have your honor. Have your honor. Have your honor. Come on.
These are twenty steps. Your party is on this line. On three feet. The opponent is on there. Thank you. Good luck, Roy. I couldn't get it past you. It's the custom official. Why say? What have you done to your arms? Oh, nothing. It's just a little scratch. I was hunting in Germany. I'll see you at dinner. Righto. Good. See you later. Say, why aren't you getting dressed? Don't you come with me to meet Helen? Oh, yes. But don't remind me of it. Don't be foolish. She expects us for tea. Tea? Listen, it'll do you good to meet a nice girl. Oh, well, all right. But first, we've got to get you dressed. Say, we've got to get him dressed. He's going to see the girl. Now, now, wait a minute now. Listen, I've got to have my shirt.
Listen, I'm old enough to dress myself. No, you're not. When you're killing it, I'll just say, listen, will you please? Is Helen in? Miss Helen is not at home, sir. She's expecting us. Would you care to wait? Yes, thank you.
Fine reception. Maybe she's forgotten. Not Helen. She's not that sore. I feel sick. I think I'd better go. Monty, will you sit down? Oh, I've got an awful headache. I think I'll go to the chemist and get something for it. Listen, Monty.
Roy. Helen. Oh, terribly sorry. Mother's fault shopping. I simply flew. My, isn't it hot. You shouldn't have hurried so. Oh, but I wanted to. Roy, you've no right to look so cool. I'm broiling. Theo. Yes, you are, aren't you? No, not one. Well, you're so marvelous. I hardly dare. Oh, silly. I thought your brother was coming. Went out with a headache. Poor boy, it must be the heat.
Well, they've done it. I never thought they would. I still can't believe it. Well, it must be true. It's official. Oh, shut up. I'm trying to think. It's terrible. Carl, you won't have to go, will you? Me? Oh, Roy, I hope not. Oh, they can't want me. I'm not a soldier. What use would I be to them? I couldn't kill anyone. They couldn't make me do that, could they, Roy? Oh, I think it'll all be over in a couple of weeks. I'm not so sure. I wouldn't worry about it. Then suppose England comes in. Why, Roy, that'd be horrible. I never could do that. Why, I love England. Oh, will you shut up? Monty. Germany's declared war on France. Hmm? Oh, Roy. How do you spell ecstatic?
Special delivery letter for Carl Arnstead. What's the matter, Carl? Someone ill? Carl. I ask the Prime Minister if he has any information he can give us today. Our ambassador at Berlin received his passport at 7 o'clock last evening. And since 11 o'clock last night, a state of war has existed between Germany and ourselves.
7 and a half. How do you want? 38. 38. I'm afraid it's a bit small, sir. Move along, then. Move along. You'll grow into it. I'll get lost. Slow. Humps! Come on, there. Come on. Present. Humps! Give it to him, you bloody fool. Hey, what's wrong with you? Sleeping sickness? Here, here. Let go of that gun, you clinging vine. Let go, do you? God, you're enough to turn a man's stomach. Hey, you with a fallen arches. I've enlisted, Molly, in the Royal Flying Corps. You're a fool, Roy.
Thank you, guys. Oh, really? How's it going? My grandfather was in the garden doing a revolution. Oh, he was? Oh, Roy, you look marvelous in uniform. Thank you. Doesn't he? It's ripping. Where? Tell me, what have you joined? The Impatrix? No, the Royal Flying Corps. Of course. And all the misery in this world has been caught. For capitalism. Why should we fight this war? For capitalism. You will die. You will die. All your sons will die. For capitalism. Down with capitalism. Down with war. Down with the anarchists. Down with killing them.
Down with war. Down with war. Down with war. Down with war. There's the man I'd like to kiss. Why, how was it? Oh, boy, David, that first solo flight certainly was a great thrill. It certainly felt great. Look, boys, it's Monty. Let it go, Monty. Oh, great.
Well, tonight's the night, Monty. Yeah. Say, listen, be more cheerful. You have a treat in store, meeting Helen. Must be Friday the 13th. Gee, I wonder if she'll wear her canteen uniform. She does, you can count me out. Oh, she looks stunning at it. Who wants to be stunned? I'm only going as a favor of you. You and I don't like the same kind of girl. Oh, hurry up, will you? Oh, it's a waste of time to polish these. She'll probably step all over them the first dance anyway. It's safer to sit in our quiet little corner and have a chat about votes for women. Hello there. Hello. Whose window are you wobbling under tonight? Lady Randolph's charity ball. Wash your neck and come along. Oh, but I haven't been invited.
That's all right. I'm on the committee. No, I don't think I'll go. Smart boy. I wonder where Helen is. She should be here by this time. How do you do, sir? There she is. Don't point. It's rude. Oh, Helen. Roy.
Hello. Hello, old thing. You're frightfully late. I was afraid you weren't coming. Oh, Helen. This is Monty. How do you do? How do you do? Well, that's done at last. You know, you two have been avoiding each other for weeks. Helen. May I have this next dance? Oh, of course.
Roy, there you are. You need to be Lady Randolph. I must say, you take your duties on my committee very nicely. I'm sorry. Where have you been? You've completely disarranged my program. There are no end of things to be done. Helen, dear, you don't mind, do you? Come along, Roy. Come to us. I'm sorry, Helen. Monty. Would you take this next dance with Helen? Oh, how do you do, Monty? How do you do? Now, come along.
Well? Hello, Roy. I, I, I really must go and find, uh, uh, Jimmy Kerrigan. He has something most important to tell me. I... Who is this Jimmy Kerrigan? Kerrigan? I've never heard of him. What are you thinking of? If you must know, I was thinking of Monty. Do you like him? Yes, I like him. He's a marvelous dancer. Oh, Monty does all those things well.
May I? Oh, Monty. Oh, hello there. Come sit down. You're having a better time than you expected, Monty? Oh, marvelous. Been dancing with a beautiful brunette in the name of Eleanor. She's perfect. Oh, oh, my mother. You don't really think she's beautiful. Kitty, kitty, kitty, kitty, kitty, kitty. Stop it, I'm not a cat. Yes, you are. Well, if I'm a kitty, I'm a thirsty kitty. Roy, dear, would you please get me a glass of candy? Why, of course I will. No, I'll go, Roy. No, I'm the committee. You stay here, look after this wallflower. But really, I... Oh, if you'd rather not. Well, I didn't mean.
Don't you like wallflower? I shouldn't have done that. Oh, you're not sorry, Monty. Awfully sorry. I had no right to. What if I'm glad? But what about Roy? Isn't that my business? I suppose, oh, but... Hush.
Compliments of the committee. Thank you of me, Roy. Well, has he been properly charming? Me? More than charming. Good for you, Monty. She loves me. She blisses you. It's worth it. Is she worth it? Depends on who she is.
Hello. Hello. Well, thank goodness Lady Randolph's lost sight of me for a minute. Roy, you've been neglecting me shamefully. Oh, I'm terribly sorry. You see, it's this beastly committee. Lady Randolph won't let me alone a minute. Oh, Roy, there you are. Yes, Roy, I am. Do you mind? Where is that list? Would you mind finding Sir John for me? It's about my canteen unit. I must have the Queen's signature, so important. My dear, why don't you get into your uniform? You look so pretty in it. And Monty, shouldn't you dance with Mary Blunt? Yes, why don't you? And Roy, Roy. Will you find Sir John? I wanted to lead the barn dance for me. And really, there are so many things you've got to do. You could see me for one moment.
Yes, I'm terribly sorry. Back soon. You see, those girls... I know, but Lady Randolph, I spoke to her. So, you've really joined Lady Liz's canteen unit? Rather, a chance of a lifetime. We go to France in two weeks. Two weeks? Well, Roy says you're sailing the 15th.
That's so. I'm tired. Take me home, Monty. Home? It's not far. I've taken a flat in town near canteen headquarters. I mean... Roy would be quite upset to find you gone. That's what he gets for being on committee. But really... Very well, I'll find someone else. Oh, I didn't mean to be rude. Well... Come on, then.
Are we here? Well, it's number 27. Wanna come up for a cigarette and a drink? Oh, really? You must be awfully tired. No, I'm not. Come see my room. I've only had a place of my own for a week. It's a new toy. What a baby you are. Alley up. All right.
Well, this is jolly. Sit down. I'll get you a drink. Thanks. Say, when? Oh, when, when? Would you be shocked if I put on something more comfortable? I'll try to survive. More comfortable now? Yes. Are you? Oh, yes. You know, it seems strange being here like this after hearing Roy rave about you for months. Does Roy rave? Oh, rather. He idolizes you. Oh, I do wish he wouldn't. It makes me feel guilty. I can understand his raving now. Oh, don't be silly.
You're not a bit like Roy, are you? I should say not. Roy is frightfully high-minded. He doesn't approve of me. He wouldn't approve of me either if he knew what I'm really like. Doesn't he know? No. When I'm with Roy, I'm the way Roy wants me to be. That's childish, isn't it? But I can't help it. I understand. Roy wouldn't.
May I ask you a very personal question? Yes. Do you love Roy? No, not really. Not the way Roy wants me to love him. I can't. Roy's love means marriage and children and never anyone but Roy. Roy, I couldn't bear that. I want to be free. I want to be gay and have fun. Life's short. And I want to live while I'm alive. I know. That's... That's the way I feel, too.
I... I think I'd better go. Must you? I really should. Pull. Cold in here now, isn't it? Have you a match? Why so gloomy? God, I'm rotten. I can't see it. Can't you? Well, then you're rotten, too. What do you mean? And Roy worships you. You! Don't you make yourself sick. You and Roy. God, that's funny. Get out of here. Don't worry, I can't get out fast enough. Get out! Where have you been? Oh, I... I stopped at a bar after I took Helen home. Oh. How'd you like her? Oh, she's all right. I'm passing a crowd, eh? I dare say she would. Just what do you mean by that?
Listen, Roy, let me tell you something, even if it hurts. Yes. I wouldn't be so idealistic about Helen if I were you. And why not? Well, I... I just wouldn't, that's all. Well, why not? Oh, I don't know, forget it. Never mind crawling, out with it. Listen, Roy, I tell you, women are all the same. You look at every woman as a barmaid. You don't know anything about decent women. Oh, all right, you know it all, then. Oh, you've said enough. Shut up.
John, informieren Sie ihn gut. Selbstverständlich. Karl, wir kommen hier die Themse hinauf nach London hinein. Unser Ziel ist Trafalgar Square, das Herz von London. Alle Bomben müssen möglichst in nächste Umgebung sitzen. Da liegt die Exchange für die City Hall. Passen Sie auf. Haben Sie gehört, was ich gesagt habe? Ja.
Step ahead. South by east. Yes sir, yes sir, right. All lights out there. Lights out, quick. Come on, Marty. Come on, Marty, what's the matter with you? Get up. No, we don't all have to go, I'm tired. Oh, shut up. Let's go, hurry up. Come on. Be right with you, Elliot. Come on, Marty, get up. All right. Boy, let's go, hurry.
Kapitän, wir sind da. Folgt, folgt. Ziel genau und ruhig Blut. Unser Erfolg hängt vollkommen von deiner Genauigkeit ab. So. Weiter, weiter. Genug, genug. Karl, diesmal müssen wir es schaffen. Ganz London müssen wir in die Luft blasen. Diese Nacht dürfen die Engländer nie vergessen. Mach's gut, Karl. Herzig. Los.
Viel Glück. Danke. Good luck, Elliot. All right on top. Look at him, Marty. Goodbye. Get out of the house. Weiter. Heiberkraft voraus. Heiberkraft voraus. Licht Heiberkraft voraus. Weibomben. Weibomben. Auf der Felge square. Feital, sehr fein. Weibomben. Weibomben. Weibomben.
Schuss genauer auf. Jawohl, Kapitän. Heiberkraft voraus. Heiberkraft voraus. Jawohl. Jawohl. Jawohl. Mal, sehr langsam. Was ist denn los damit? Wir sollten schneller... Stand von dem Beobachterkorb und den 2000 Meter Kabel vermindern unsere Fahrt um mindestens 15 Knoten. Zu? Ganz sicher? Absolut. Haben Sie doch viel nach? Dauert es doch lange? Wer gedauert es doch?
Kapitän! Kapitän! Kapitän! Kapitän! Für Kaiser und Vaterland muss leichter werden. Sollen wir ihn wählen können. Aber die Flieger, die verdammten Kerle kommen uns doch immer näher. Und es bleibt uns nichts anderes übrig. Sie wissen, es gibt nur noch ein einziges Mittel, das Schiff leichter zu machen. Habe ich Ihre Erlaubnis? Ja. Es fällt mir schwer, Klein. Aber das Schiff muss gerettet werden. Wir haben keine andere Wahl. Mauer! Kommen Sie! Verfehlen! Sind Sie willens, für Ihr Vaterland zu sterben? Jawohl!
Ist verdient! Just our luck. Lucky we weren't both killed. Well, we're through. Keine feindlichen Flieger mehr zu sehen. Anscheinend haben wir sie alle abgeschossen. Ah! Die Arbeit, mein Lieber! A minute! Why the blazes, don't you? Look where you're going, sir! I'm sorry, sir. Isn't it customary to salute one superior officer? Thank you. What is your name, sir? Lieutenant Roy Rutledge. Make a note of that. Yes, sir.
I have your time. The door took me three hours for a day. You're nothing but a pest anyhow. Oh, don't. Sit down. Have a little fun. You shouldn't smoke so many. What difference does it make? You know it's bad for you. Buy a chocolate, miss.
Change, miss. Please. That's a good boy. What a life it would be married to you. Oh, you don't fancy it? Beastly, no smokes. Think of all the money we'd save. What would we spend it on? Oh, a diamond dog collar. For me? No, I'd buy a muzzle for you. You wouldn't spoil my beautiful mustache, would you? No. We'd keep that in the parlor under glass.
Hello, Helen. Oh, hello, Roy. Roy, I'd like you to meet Captain Redfield, Lieutenant Rutledge. How do you do? How do you do? Beastly weather. Yes, isn't it? You'll get used to it. Thanks. Gee, it's great to see you again, Helen. It's been four whole days. Really? Well, you've been over long. Three weeks. Oh. Three weeks.
Everything all right up your way? Oh, yes. The squadron near here? Twenty miles up the line. Twenty miles. That far. You chaps have it rather soft, haven't you? You think so? Oh, well, I mean to say, being able to dash about the countryside and all that. Wish I'd picked the RFC. Well, why didn't you? Roy. I must be going. Oh, don't go.
I think I'd better. Goodbye, Helen. And don't forget your promise. I won't. Who's that bag of wind? Would you mind not talking about my friends like that? Oh, now, Helen, please. Oh, you were perfectly beastly to him. Oh, I'm terribly sorry. Guess my nerves are a bit raw. Things haven't been so easy this last week. Oh, you've been fighting? Did you shoot down any bars? Yes, I managed to get a couple. Really? How thrilling. Tell me about it. Well, there's really nothing much to tell. Three bars of chocolate, miss.
Oh, James! Try hurrying, James. Sorry, sir. But I stopped to dig a few of the cockroaches out of it, sir. Well, put it down. Hey, give me a hug in the back of the bread there. Well, where's the bread? Did you ever try out of eating, sir? James! More bread. Grab the cockroaches this time. Yes, sir.
James! What's the taste of the soup? I can't say, sir. It's not soup. It's soup. I think it's soup, darling. Right. Sorry, sir. Cook said the soup was a bit weak tonight. Maybe you taste the disinfectant in the waters. Oh, yeah, boy.
Well, straddle me blind. It's a hare. Wash it off and wear it, Baldy. Hello, you chaps. Hello, Baldy. How goes it? Still no news of Harry? No. Somebody always gets it on the night patrol. What do you think, Marriott? You saw it happen. Is there any chance he got down alive? No, I don't think so. The searchlights got him. We were flying low and they heard us. We started to climb, but it was too late. Shrapnel began bursting all around him. Two bursts caught him and he started to drop. It was awful to see him down there. Twisting and diving, crippled, always dropping. Trying every way to get clear of those lights. Then another burst got him. We could hear him scream him off! I can't stand it! Good thing he took your place, Rutledge. You might have got it instead of him.
Oh, I'll get it sooner or later. We'll all get it. Isn't there any end to this? Oh, shut up. You're always whitey. Shut up yourself! Who'll make it? I'll let you! Sit down there and be quiet. All right. What's the matter, you fellas? Would anybody like to take Monty's place on tonight's patrol? Oh! No more soup?
That's what comes to money! What was there before you dropped it, James? Ticed a bit of salmon, sir. Sore troll again. Hasn't it cooked anything else? Listen, there's that tin of pork and beans. Can it do anything with the garbage? Oh, well, never mind. We all know. We all know. Coffee, James? Yes, sir. Don't let anything hurry you! No, sir!
You dirty liar! The sooner you'll get shot down, the better! Oh, my darling! Now that didn't hurt, Baldy! Baldy! You dirty liar! You dirty liar! You dirty liar! You dirty liar! You dirty liar! Following officers will report for night patrol. Drayton? Yes, sir. Puller? Yes, sir. Maloney? Oh, no! Not an old bald-headed man like me up there in the cold, cold air! Perhaps Fritz will warm it up for you. Nebel? Yes, sir. Monty Rutledge. Monty Rutledge!
I don't feel very well tonight, sir. That's all right, boy. None of us feel well. But you don't understand. I think I do, Rutledge. But I say, sir, you don't understand. There seems to be something the matter with me. I know what's the matter with him. He's yellow! Oh, shut up! Oh, let's say it! Didn't Harry go west last night because he took this man's place? Be quiet! I'll not keep quiet! He's yellow and we all know it! That's a lie! I'm not yellow! I can see things as they are, that's all, and I'm sick of this rotten business! You fools! Why do you let him kill you like this? What are you fighting for? Patriotism! Duty! Are you mad? Can't you see they're just words? Words caused by politicians and profiteers to trick you into fighting for them!
What's a word compared with life, the only life you've got? I'll give them a word. Murder! That's what this dirty rotten politician's war is! Murder you not as well as I do! Yellow am I! You're the ones that are yellow! I've got guts to say what I think! You're afraid to say it! So afraid of being called yellow you'd rather be killed first! You fools! You poor stupid fools! Oh, Monty, now pull yourself together, will you? Turn up, Rutledge! I've taken a lot of shirking from you since we came out here! But this is a bit too much! Sure he really is ill! You're a disgrace to your squadron! Go to your quarters! Yes, sir!
Have a cigarette! You don't think I'm yellow, do you, Roy? Why, of course not! You're just more sensitive than the rest of us! I wonder! Well, stop thinking about it! I wish I could! Haven't I been up twice on the night patrol? I'm trying to do my share! Of course you are now! You... You must be pretty well fed up with me after all this! Oh, that's rot! I'm not yellow! I'm not! Oh, now, Monty, come on! Pull yourself together! Over! Colonel! Staff Colonel! Everybody out! Come on, Monty!
Stand easy! Well, men... I don't like what I have to say, but let's face it! You all know the central munition dump at Sproug! You've tried three times to bomb that depot without success! No fault of yours, of course! They've guarded it too closely! That munition depot at Sproug must be destroyed tomorrow morning! Now then! Today, a German bombing plane was forced down within our lines! We were lucky enough to capture it before they had a chance to destroy it! We fixed it up so it will fly! And we want to use this plane to bomb the Sproug depot! There's no question that the venture will succeed this time! The enemy won't suspect one of their own planes until after the depot is bombed! Then, when they discover the trick...
Well, you may have a little difficulty in getting back! I need two men to fly this plane! I'll go, sir! Are you sure you want to go? Quite sure, sir! Very well! I'll go with him, sir! Who are these men? Lieutenant Sponty and Roy Rutledge, sir! Brothers, eh? Yes!
Now, young men! I want you to realize how important this is! The 7th Brigade has been ordered to go over the top in a surprise attack tomorrow evening at dusk! The brigade doesn't know it, but I'm afraid they're going to be slaughtered! There's too much artillery in front of us! If you destroy that munition depot early tomorrow morning, it will weaken the enemy artillery and we may be able to get through! Hundreds of lives depend on you! Do you understand? Yes, sir! Now, another thing! The plane you were to fly is far too dangerous a piece of armament to let the enemy recapture it! It must return or be destroyed! If you were captured, you'd be shot as spies anyway! Baldy! Oh, Baldy! You'll take the morning patrol in towards Sprague as far as you can!
You might possibly help them get back! By all means! Yes, sir! You will get your maps and find instructions just before taking off! Report to the field at 3 a.m. Until then, let them do as they please! Yes, sir! Three o'clock, you two! Yes, sir! Good luck! Thank you, sir! Thank you, sir! What time is it, Monty? Ten past nine! Helen's canteen closes at ten! We've just enough time to get there! Do you think they'll let us have the motorcycle? Of course! We're it tonight! Yeah! We're it all right!
Not sorry, are you? Oh, let's not talk about it! I'm not even going to think about it until three o'clock! What's your program? Wine, women and song? Oh, perhaps I'll do without the song tonight! See you at Grossens? Either there or at Jack's, across the street, wherever you hear the most noise! Don't you want to come in with me to see Helen? Oh, I'd better not! Right-o!
Where's Helen? She's gone out! Oh! Was she expecting you? No! Would you care to leave a note? Yes, I think I will! Pen and ink on the table! You'll see as she gets this! Oh, yes! Thank you! Good night! Good night!
Hello, what's up? She isn't in! That's tough! Wanna come along with me? Where to? Grossens! Right-o! You switch on! Take your hands off her! Oh, I can't take my hands off! You heard what I said! Take your hands off her! Who asked you to this party anyway? Oh, Ella, let me take you home! Home? Who wants to go home? Home? I'm having a marvelous time! I wasn't until you came in! I advise you to get out before you're kicked out! Listen! Keep your filthy hands off of my girl! Your girl! You fool! I wouldn't belong to you if you were the last man on earth! You're nothing to me! Nothing! Come on, Roy! Let's get out of here! Oh, let's have it out! I don't love you! I never have! I never had any fun with you anyway, you and your high ideals!
You're too good to live! You're just a stupid prig if you ask me! You make me sick! Do you hear? Sick! No, get out of here! I hate the sight of you! Come on, Roy! Let's go across the street! Don't take it so hard, Roy! Forget it! Is your friend sick? No, he'll be alright! Drink up, Roy!
Joe can't believe it! You just don't know anything about women! They're all the same! I've been telling you that for years! Maybe you'll believe me now! Oh, Helen's not that sweet! It's all nonsense! It's the war! She's changed! Oh, you're wrong, Roy! War doesn't change people! It's like getting drunk! It brings out what people really are! You can't make me believe Helen was like that before! Well, she was! I've known it all along! You too? Oh, I'm sorry, Roy! Don't take it so hard! She isn't worth it! I suppose you're right! Of course I'm right! Listen, Roy! Never love a woman! Just make love to her! You see? Like this!
Go ahead, Roy! Try it! That's the way! Hey, listen, Monty! Monty, go easy! We gotta go up at 3 o'clock! Oh, listen, Roy! The hell with this streetlight business! What do you mean? Just act the hell with it! Say, you're crazy, Monty! We can't get out of it now! Oh, why can't we? Say, listen, Roy! All this idealistic stuff won't get you anywhere! You tried it on Helen, and what happened? You got a kick in the face! You can't go through life thinking the way you do! People take advantage of you and make a fool of you the way she did!
You're gonna look as though you're right! Of course I'm right! I was right about Helen, and now I'm right about this weird luck business, too! This is another thing entirely, Monty! Why is it? They're just taking advantage of you in another way, that's all! There's chaps like you that are meat for them! All they gotta do is make it sound heroic, and you'll fall for it! Listen, Roy! What's the difference if we don't go?
We can't get out of it now! Why can't we? Listen, tell them! Tell them the motorcycle broke down! Tell them anything! What do you say, Roy? Don't you think you're right? Oh, yes! Oh, yes, madam! Oh, yes! Oh, stop looking at your watch, Roy! You're not going anywhere!
Yes, I am, and so are you! Yes, I am! Yes, I am! Listen, Monty! We're a little drunk, and we've been talking wildly! There's no way out of this, and we know it! Come on, Monty! No, no! Let me alone! Come on, oh, la, la! Oh, wait, Monty! Monty! Monty! Why, that court-martialist in a minute if we didn't show up! Why, that's desertion, Monty! We shoot people for that! Come on! Let's get out of here! Come on! Come on! I suppose you're right! Oh, no, no, no! Monty! What a pair!
Let's go! Easy! Look out for the firing pin! Right-o! I got it! I got it! Watch out! Come on! Just for all of you to ground speed here! Keep this sight train on the target! Then follow the release pin here to stop! Do you understand? Don't forget the level there! Goodbye! Fine! Fine!
Fine! Fine! Fine! Fine! I have to go to the station. The operation of the ammunition depots is a big attack. Yes, excellent. The two Englishmen are caught. Thank you. We have to find the re-planes of the Englishmen.
Excellent. The two Englishmen are placed. Yes, let's go. Let's go. Thank you very much, Flint. We meet again. It was you who bombed the depot at Sprauk, nicht wahr? Yes. And you were flying a German plane, nicht wahr? Yes. Very clever. It is a pity you must take your congratulations from me. There are a few questions I must ask you. If you answer them simply, it will be easy for you. To what squadron of the Royal Flying Corps are you attached?
Just why were you sent to bomb that munition depot this morning? It was our natural target. But possibly it was to clear the way for a little surprise attack. Ah, you are surprised. We know all about it. So you need not be afraid to talk. Now please, when and where is the attack to be made?
Oh, you are stupid not to tell. It is nothing. For you the war is over, nicht wahr? We are friends. Hmm. Listen. If you tell me I will see that you are sent to a special camp reserved only for certain prisoners of war. It is near Munich. Far away from all this. You will have every comfort. And then a few months from now, when the war is over, you will be alive and in good health. Which is more than most of us will be able to say. So you see? It can be easy for you. Now please.
So. You will not tell. Possibly you do not know that flying a German plane is the same as wearing a German uniform. Any disguised soldier is a spy, Mr. Arr. And you know what happens to spies. I think you two friends had better talk it over. I will give you 15 minutes. If you change your mind and tell good. If not, you will be shot.
So tell it zurück. Do you think he was bluffing? No, he wasn't bluffing. He's a man I was to fight that duel with. Really. Quite a coincidence. He's got it in for me. He's probably forgotten it by this time. The brigade will be going over pretty soon, Monty. Yes.
Roy, look! I'll save it thou wipe your nose on. What nerve? Roy, I can't face it. I'm going to tell. Don't be a fool, Monty. Do you realize what it would mean if we told? It would mean being alive when this bloody war is over. But Monty, you can't. What the hell with your heroic stuff. I want to live. I'm not going to be shot down like that. I'm going to tell. Monty! But I...
Let me go. You? Yes. You're all upset. I'll bargain with him. And perhaps I won't help you tell him everything. I'll come with you. No. You said he's got it in for you. Now let me do it alone. All right. Tell the general I'm ready to talk. Good, come. I think the attack is here, Exzellenz. Really? But this terrain here? The main thing is the time of the attack, Exzellenz. The time of the attack, Exzellenz. The time of the attack we have.
No. Exzellenz. And the drangler and the wünscht Exzellenz to sprechen. Ah, yes. Let's come for us. Reinbringen. To be fair, Exzellenz. Thank you, my dear. To be fair, Exzellenz. To be fair, Exzellenz. So you have changed your mind. Yes. My friend will never tell. But I want to live. I'm ready to talk. You are very wise.
Now, please. Draw a rough map for me showing your positions, brigade numbers, disposition, hour of attack purpose, number of men. Wait a minute. I'll tell only on one condition. Ah, so a condition? Yes. If I give this information, my friend will know it. Back home after the war, he'll tell everyone that I was a traitor. Do you leave that to me? Why not let me have that satisfaction? What do you mean?
I do not understand. One does not kill a friend. Friend. He's not my friend. He stole the girl I love and I hate him. Huh. History repeats itself. You make rather hard terms. I'll tell only on that condition.
One bullet. What if I miss? Give me two to make sure. No. A good soldier will need only one. Very well. Not so fast. Lieutenant, come see them carol these magazines. To the Phoenix Lintz. He will give you the bullet outside.
I didn't tell, Monty. Why? What happened? Has he changed his mind? No. Don't you think you can go through with it now? What do you mean? Of course we can. It won't even hurt. It will all be over in a second. We can stand anything for a second. No, no, Roy. I can't do it. I'm going to tell... Listen, Monty. We tell the whole brigade will be wiped out. Three thousand men and they all want to live too. You wouldn't spoil our chances, would you? That's not my business. I didn't start this war. I didn't get them into this mess. Let them take care of themselves. They'll get wiped out sooner or later anyway. I want to live. Live! Listen, Monty. Listen, Monty. Listen, Monty. Listen, Monty. Let me out. I'll tell everything I know.
The brigade is moving up. They're going to attack me. Oh, Flutie. Monty. Hi, Roy. It was the only thing you could do, the brigade, Roy. Yes, Monty. They'll be all right now, won't they? Yes. Yes. Who's that? It's the general.
You thought we'd tell, didn't you? Good old Roy. He won't tell, and I... We've forgotten it all. Oh, Roy. Roy. Yes. Where are you? Don't go away, Roy. Come here, Monty. Don't you feel me holding you? Hello, Carl. The brigade.
Cold up here in the night patrol. Awful up here in the dark. I'm afraid. Look out. Look out! We're falling. We're going to crash. Do something Roy. Monty. It's all right. Monty. Monty. You heard what my brother said? Your brother?
I'll never tell you anything. I'll never tell you anything. Your position is caught, Excellency. Will you be shot? I'll never tell you anything. Leider bleibt uns nichts anderes übrig. You're the direct wind.
See you. Nun, Excellency. Haben wir Informationen? Gar nichts. Excellency, ich dachte, es sei alles abgemacht. Ich dachte auch. Die Engländer sind eine tapfere Nation. Ich werde mit den Engländern. Wir müssen Informationen herausbekommen.
I'll be with you in just a minute. Monty. Achtung. Geh land. Leid an. Gefähr. Gefähr. Gefähr. Gefähr. Nun, Excellency. Diese Stellung hier. Englische Truppen in großer Anzahl. Greifen an. Hallo. Auf Quartier. Auf Quartier. Auf Quartier. Los, du kalt!
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