Blazing pink dawn in the reflection of binoculars. The lenses
drop to reveal intense eyes fixed on the horizon. They belong
to DAVID STIRLING (30), rugged, lean and sun-baked, wearing a
British khaki uniform that has seen better days. A mangy
beard partially covers gruesome BURNS littered along the left
side of his face.
Behind Stirling, JOCK LEWES (26) stands in waiting with half
a dozen grenades strapped to his chest and the intensity of a
hound about to be unchained.
JOCK
Ready?
Stirling snaps into focus, turning to witness a pair TATTOOED
MAORI WARRIORS beating their chests and legs in a fierce HAKA
WAR DANCE.
A NEPALESE GURKHA eyes the BLADE of his KUKRI KNIFE.
Two dozen feral SOLDIERS make adjustments to modified JEEPS
and TRUCKS -- a squadron of improvised, machine gun-fitted
DESERT WAR MACHINES. They thumb bullets into magazines, and
hook grenades onto ammo belts. A shirtless KILTED GIANT with
a thick, red beard wraps a KNUCKLE DUSTER onto his fist.
The Maoris finish their Haka with a throat slitting motion:
eyes bulging, tongues outstretched.
Stirling finally turns to Jock, nodding affirmation.
Jock lets out a shrill WHOOP. He jogs down the line of
vehicles. With a smack on the hood, each machine ROARS to
life, operators loosing PRIMAL CRIES of excitement.
PADDY MAYNE (24), hoists his bulky frame behind a DUAL .30
CAL MACHINE GUN mounted to the passenger side of a chopped
down WILLY JEEP. His unruly golden beard and broken nose
shrouded behind a white ARABIAN HEADDRESS. Stirling takes his
place behind the wheel, starts the engine and looks to Paddy.
Mayne produces his FLASK, swigs it and holds it out to
Stirling.
MAYNE
To the next man to die.
Stirling grabs it, takes a swig and winks.
2.
STIRLING
To the next man to die.
Mayne rips the action on his .30 Cal. Engines growl and roar
like pit bulls.
Stirling raises a gloved fist, ready to unleash hell. As the
engines rev, his own heartbeat fills his ears. He takes a
breath and CLOSES HIS EYES as the sound builds to a deafening
crescendo.
MATCH CUT:
Genres:
["Action","War"]
Ratings
Scene
2 -
The Mysterious Awakening
EXT. SAHARA DESERT - DUSK
Stirling’s eyes snap open. His face is a thousand years
younger. No scars, no beard, no clue what the next chapter in
his life will do to him.
We pull out to reveal he is atop the lead tank of a large
British CONVOY, churning up a ghostly cloud of dust as it
slices through the vast and empty desert.
TITLE: SIX MONTHS EARLIER...
Chewing on an unlit PIPE, Stirling scans the horizon through
a SPYGLASS.
He lowers himself into the tank and closes the hatch.
Genres:
["War","Action"]
Ratings
Scene
3 -
Cramped and Tense: Inside Stirling's Tank
INT. STIRLING’S TANK - CONTINUOUS
RED LIGHT BULBS create the look of a furnace. The four-man
crew sweats through their shirts. HITCH (40) is the pilot,
JAMES (19) is the gunner, HUGHES (25) operates the radio, and
Stirling leads the group.
The tank is home for these men, with mementos and a few
creature comforts scattered around the cramped space. The
voice of COMMANDER JENNINGS blares through the radio.
JENNINGS (O.S.)
Zulu Three, Zulu calling friends.
Approaching Southwest at range
figures three, zero, zero, three.
Black as death and no sign of
Jerry.
Stirling clicks on his HEADSET.
3.
STIRLING (INTO RADIO)
Zulu calling Zulu Three. Good copy.
Nothing through my glasses as well.
Just keep your bearing and put a
kettle on.
JENNINGS (O.S.)
Copy. Zulu Three out.
James opens a ration tin, takes a scoop and offers it to
Hitch.
HITCH
What’s this one?
James struggles to read the German label.
JAMES
Dunno, it's Jerry. "O.M."? What ya
think - "Old Man"? Coz it tastes
like an old man's arse...
HITCH
I suspect you'd know.
The RADIO pops and whistles as Hughes turns the dial.
STIRLING
Is that ours?
HUGHES
Cairo. Maybe broadcasting from the
Med. On a clear night like this, we
could pick up Belgrade.
Static fills the cramped cabin. Hughes cycles through Italian
voices and a high-pitched whistle before landing on a British
communique in progress.
RADIO
--some kind of bogeyman. I wish you
to dispel by all possible means the
idea that Erwin Rommel represents
something more than an ordinary
German general. Impress upon all
commanders that from the
psychological point of view, it is
a matter of the highest importance.
Signed, Archibald Wavell, General,
Commander-in-Chief.
HITCH
That’s bloody encouraging as we
knock about in this tin death trap.
4.
JAMES
What do you expect? Our friend
Rommel has been pulling our pants
down ever since we climbed into
this sand box.
HITCH
I didn’t take the King’s Shilling
to be sat ape naked, waiting for a
shell with my name on it.
JAMES
Christ’s twisted cross, Hitchey.
Please spare us the nightly sermon.
HITCH
Lieutenant Stirling, sir. What is
the range of the gun atop this
bucking, creaking, metal bitch that
you so aptly command? A gun, mind
you, that is not fitted for high
explosive ammunition.
David doesn’t look up from his sketchbook.
STIRLING
As the man with the pips, I do not
answer questions that are
rhetorical in nature, Mister Hitch.
HITCH
Near inside of eight hundred
meters.
HUGHES
Six-fifty if James sights the
bloody thing.
JAMES
Sod off.
HITCH
Eight hundred! Meaning I have to
close a thousand meters while Jerry
rains down Sodom and Gomorrah. You
realize a Mark III can put a hole
cleanly through 150 millimeter
armor plate, and the thickest we’ve
got isn’t even 100?
STIRLING
That’s correct!
Stirling turns to Hitch and fixes him with a cold stare.
5.
STIRLING (CONT’D)
We are out-gunned, out-ranged, out-
trained and out-commanded, but we
are England, Mr. Hitch. That’s more
than the bloody Hun can say for
themselves. This is not tactics and
valor, this is life and death. We
will improvise, and when the time
comes, I have the upmost faith that
you won’t cock it up.
Stirling flashes a grin. His men look at him in admiration.
STIRLING (CONT’D)
I have fifty quid on us being the
first to Benghazi, and you know I
hate to lose. Look sharp, my
friend.
Beat.
HITCH
Who collects if you lose? The
Reaper himself?
The radio WHISTLES, picking up the popular German song “LILI
MARLENE”.
“Bugler tonight don't play the call to arms / I want another
evening with her charms / Then we will say goodbye and part /
I'll always keep you in my heart”
HUGHES
God save those poor bleeders in
Benghazi. It will be a medal for
every man.
STIRLING
Pray they're not awarded
posthumously. I need a breath.
Stirling opens the top hatch, lifting his upper body through.
Genres:
["War","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
4 -
Nighttime Ambush
EXT. STIRLING’S TANK - CONTINUOUS
Stirling gazes at the moon as passing clouds reveal its murky
glow.
In the distance something catches his eye. A human
silhouette?
6.
A trail of SPARKS from an ILLUMINATION FLARE arcs high above.
The FLASH bathes the desert in an unnatural pale green light
revealing COUNTLESS NAZI TANKS AND TROOPS.
FLASHES from NAZI PANZER TANKS erupt in every direction!
The nearest British Tank BURSTS into a plume of flame.
Stirling shields his face from the blast.
Genres:
["War","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
5 -
Desperate Battle in the Tank
INT. STIRLING’S TANK - CONTINUOUS
Stirling scrambles down the ladder and grabs the radio. His
team scurries to their stations.
STIRLING
CONTACT!! JERRY - LEFT FLANK.
BULLETS whiz and smack into their hull.
Hughes grabs the .50 caliber MACHINE GUN and lets out a
SCREAM as he opens fire.
STIRLING (CONT’D)
WHEEL RIGHT AND PREPARE TO RETURN
FIRE!
Hitch rips the steering lever. As they turn an EXPLOSION
rocks the tank. Stirling is violently thrown across the
cabin.
With a scorched neck and chest, Stirling pulls himself to his
feet and struggles through the inky smoke. James’ mangled
body is slumped over his gun mount. Stirling tries to move
past, but slips on the blood-slick floor.
He finds Hughes coughing up gobs of blood. Stirling kneels
down, grasping his hand to calm him.
Electrical circuits EXPLODE in a shower of white sparks.
Stirling desperately drags Hughes towards the top hatch.
STIRLING (CONT’D)
Dammit man, fucking help me!
The cabin is an inferno. Stirling tries to sit Hughes up, but
his ruined body collapses.
Hughes grips Stirling’s hand and won’t let go. They make eye
contact, sharing a moment of mutual terror. Only by peeling
back fingers can Stirling free his hand. With a final look at
his slaughtered unit, he climbs the ladder.
7.
Genres:
["War","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
6 -
Caught in Chaos: Stirling's Desperate Battle
EXT. SAHARA DESERT BATTLEFIELD - NIGHT
Stirling throws open the HATCH and sees the entire battle
unfolding. He ducks as a stream of whizzing orange TRACERS
zip within inches of his head. Nazis blast the British convoy
into flaming scrap metal.
Cowering out of the hatch, Stirling hears the crackle of
IGNITING AMMO below. He dives off the erupting tank, hitting
the sand hard.
He stumbles past a personnel carrier that takes a hit. Men
engulfed in flames pour out, screaming in agony. An
INFANTRYMAN beckons him to take cover, but is immediately
chopped to pieces by machine gun fire.
Yards away, a MORTAR screams down, sending a JEEP airborne
along with a geyser of debris.
Stirling looks up helplessly as another mortar falls towards
him, screaming louder and louder... It is deafening.
There is nowhere to run, and no place to hide.
SMASH TO BLACK.
Genres:
["War","Action","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
7 -
Alone in the Desert
EXT. SAHARA DESERT BATTLEFIELD - DAY
The endless sea of blinding white sand is a graveyard. A
dozen tanks vomit thick, black smoke. Charred bodies
everywhere. Earlier a chaotic battlefield, the desert is now
eerily still.
Stirling is almost completely buried, with blood and soot
caked on his lifeless face. With a START, he regains
consciousness and takes in his surroundings. He is completely
alone. His men are no more.
EXT. SAHARA DESERT BATTLEFIELD - DAY
Flies buzz. Wreckage smolders. In his shredded British Army
uniform, Stirling stands atop a destroyed tank surveying the
scene for any sign of life. He finds none.
Just beyond the horizon, he sees smoke billow from the
distant skyline of Benghazi. Despair washes over his face. He
gathers his lone canteen, takes one last look towards the
city and walks in the opposite direction, into the Sand Sea.
8.
Genres:
["War","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
8 -
Desert Desperation
EXT. THE DESERT - DAY
A heavy REVOLVER is tucked into a wire wrapped around
Stirling’s waist. He stumbles through the infinite desert,
lips cracked and aching for water, skin searing in the
relentless sun.
A rotting bandage flaps uselessly, barely covering the
bubbled flesh on his shoulder and chest.
He soldiers on.
EXT. THE DESERT - NIGHT
Stirling stares at the flicker of burning RAGS. Billions of
stars sparkle above, but he is immune to their splendor. He
lights his last cigarette and takes a deep pull.
A hopeless, glazed look comes over his eyes. He focuses on
the revolver sitting in the sand as firelight glimmers
against the gunmetal. The gun SHIFTS in the sand, falling
towards him.
Genres:
["War","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
9 -
Lost in Despair
EXT. THE DESERT - DAY
Stirling trudges on a perfectly flat desert plane. The sand
is a surreal reflection of the blue sky above.
His thin, sunburnt body the result of days of exposure. A
distant shape catches his eye through the rising heat. He
walks towards it.
EXT. THE DESERT - LATER
Stirling finally arrives beneath a giant monolith - an
AIRPLANE WING sticking straight up out of the sand. He looks
up at the giant black SWASTIKA painted at the tip.
Stirling cackles maniacally. He stumbles deliriously while
appraising his surroundings. Horizon in every direction. He
is beyond lost; another dimension...
A THUD pulls him back to reality: the revolver has fallen to
his feet as if to present itself. He stares at the gun for a
moment, then in a flash of anger he snatches it and screams
into the heavy iron. Chest heaving, he thrusts the muzzle to
his temple and grits his teeth - bracing for the hammer to
fall...
CLICK...
9.
...but the round is a dud. He spikes the revolver in the sand
and collapses. The Nazi wing serves as a grim headstone.
Genres:
["War","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
10 -
Levitation in the Desert
EXT. THE DESERT - LATER
Through bloodshot eyes, Stirling watches passively as a
golden SCORPION crawls over his outstretched hand. The
venomous insect walks onto his palm, its stinger poised to
strike.
His eyes close.
A moment passes, then Stirling's body LEVITATES off the sand.
The ground below him fades from focus as he silently floats
above.
TITLE: DESERT RATS
END TEASER.
10.
ACT I:
Genres:
["War","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
11 -
The Capture of Benghazi
EXT. OUTSKIRTS OF BENGHAZI - DAY
Through binoculars: The besieged city of Benghazi. The
sandstone walls crumble from artillery fire. Stukas dive
bomb; Panzers blast at close range.
Masked Nazi infantry breach the city.
From a hilltop, a battery of 88mm CANONS fire in succession.
Commanding them is GENERAL ERWIN ROMMEL (50s). He stands on
the hood of a disabled British truck, unfazed by the
deafening concussions. He is an imposing image with a long,
weather-beaten trench coat and sand goggles strapped over his
hat. He watches the city fall.
A MESSENGER runs up with a freshly printed transcript.
MESSENGER
General Rommel, we have markers in
sectors two, three and five. Six is
soon to follow.
Rommel skims the paper and motions to LIEUTENANT TILDEN (25),
who rushes over an audio recorder. Rommel jumps off the jeep
and grabs the receiver. Tilden hits record.
ROMMEL
Today, my troops have crowned their
efforts by capturing Benghazi. The
individual soldier may die, but the
victory of our nation is assured.
Long live the Fuhrer and long live
the Greater German Race!
He hands the microphone back to Tilden.
ROMMEL (CONT’D)
Get this to Berlin in time for
tonight’s broadcast. GO!
Tilden sprints off. Rommel looks upon the newly captured city
with stern determination.
Genres:
["War","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
12 -
Rommel's Arrival in Benghazi
EXT. INNER BENGHAZI - LATER
Wind whips the red swastika flags on the hood of Rommel’s car
as it speeds into the city, flanked by motorcycle commandos.
A raucous crowd is held back by TROOPS scrambling to take
control amid the chaos.
11.
Rommel exits the car, eyeing the governmental palace that has
been reduced to crumbling pillars.
ROMMEL
Where is Garobaldi? Not in there I
hope.
HERMANN ALDINGER (50's) is Rommel's Chief of Staff.
ALDINGER
No Herr General, he has yet to
arrive.
ROMMEL
Aldinger. We need to get things
moving, what's still standing?
His entourage tries to keep up. Rommel spots a huge bullet-
peppered MOSQUE.
ROMMEL (CONT’D)
There. Bring everything in there.
Rommel turns to see an ARAB GENERAL dressed in his finest,
complete with saber and fez. Along side is LIEUTENANT BRENDT
(37).
BRENDT
Forgive me Herr General - he wishes
to congratulate you on your victory
and thank you for liberating the
city.
The stoic Arab General presents a gilded DAGGER.
BRENDT (CONT’D)
As a symbol of loyalty to the
Fuhrer Hitler - and to you, the
great warrior, he wishes to present
you with this..
Rommel inspects the glistening golden DAGGER. Brendt snaps
impatiently at his PRESS PHOTOGRAPHER, who shoots a few
photos.
ROMMEL
Thank him for the use of his
mosque.
Rommel places the DAGGER back on the pillow and abruptly
walks away, Aldinger follows.
12.
ROMMEL (CONT’D)
I suppose it means these Arabs hate
us less than they hate the
Italians. Keep the tanks driving in
a loop around the main square -
we've got to keep the enemy
guessing about our numbers until
the rest of the 5th can get here.
Rommel waves over his shoulder to the Arabic General.
ROMMEL (CONT’D)
It's a very lovely knife!
Genres:
["War","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
13 -
Rommel's Confrontation and Strategic Plans
INT. BENGHAZI MOSQUE - CONTINUOUS
Rommel's sand-blasted boots clap over ornate tiles.
He enters the partially destroyed courtyard where his staff
sets up the command center with German efficiency.
A map of Africa is unrolled as Aldinger, Brendt, and two more
high ranking Nazis, VON RAVENSTINE and STREICH - gather
around.
ROMMEL
General Wavell has now surrendered
this sector and the British will
need to withdraw... To here, South
of Mersa Berga. We cannot allow him
to fortify this position. We need
to move quickly to keep them on
their heels. STREICH, how soon--
GENERAL ITALO GARIBALDI (60s), the pompous commander of the
Italian Ariete Forces, storms in. He wears a spotless white
uniform tailored to his gut. Medals dangle from his chest; a
well groomed white mustache curls above his lip.
GARIBALDI
Why in God’s name are you here? I
received the same orders as you -
defensive posture to hold the
lines! You have taken extreme
liberties in using my armor to
screen your advance! This is
completely unacceptable! I have men
strewn back to Via Balbia! Benghazi
is an indefensible position...
13.
ROMMEL
Yes, it is an indefensible
position, but a port is a port. I
am not staying long.
Garibaldi glares at him, shaking with anger. With a glance
from Rommel, his staff knowingly file out.
GARIBALDI
Have you gone mad? The supply lines
are completely unsustainable. We
are hanging together by a thread!
Now I am overextended and you want
to do what? Advance further? What
sort of upjump shit do you think
you are?!
ROMMEL
I will not permit this opportunity
to slip by! I now have the chance
to strike while Wavell is wrong-
footed. Streich will take the 5th
and move on Gazala.
GARIBALDI
Gazala?! You are living in a
fantasy. Your imagination
dangerously exceeds your
capabilities - you mean to throw
what amounts to a glorified recon
force against a battalion of
tanks!?
A RADIO OPERATOR scurries in, handing Rommel a transcript.
RADIO OPERATOR
Herr General forgive me, urgent
from High Command.
GARIBALDI(CONTD)
Furthermore, by turning North we
would use roads that I myself
saturated with mines in December!
It’s absolute madness. Rome will
hear of this! From this moment
forward I demand absolute
obedience!
Enraged, Garibaldi slips back into his native Italian. Rommel
tunes him out while reading the transcript from Supreme High
Command - aka "OKH".
"STAND FIRM. HOLD POSITION. AWAIT FURTHER ORDERS.”
14.
ROMMEL
Quiet.
Garibaldi stops mid sentence, eyes burning with hate.
ROMMEL (CONT’D)
It is decided. The Fuhrer has
granted me complete freedom of
movement. It seems we are of the
same mind.
Rommel casually offers the transcript to Garibaldi without
breaking eye contact, poker face unflinching.
Garibaldi's eyes betray him with a glance at Rommel's
unmistakable BLUE MAX MEDAL dangling at his throat.
Garibaldi storms out without reading the note.
ROMMEL (CONT’D)
Streich! Aldinger!
Aldinger and Streich enter.
ROMMEL (CONT’D)
How long will it take to resupply?
STREICH
Our closest depot is at Arco Dei
Fileni.
Aldinger picks up the transcript and upon reading it, his
mouth falls agape in shock. He glances at Rommel.
ALDINGER
Garibaldi will try to stop you - he
is loved in Rome...
ROMMEL
...And when The Fuhrer sees my
success I will have him punted off
of this continent.
Rommel tugs at the Blue Max Medal under his throat.
ROMMEL (CONT’D)
I got this for killing Italians at
Loggerne in 1918! The Italian
Commanders are shits and always
have been. I have spent months
molding their men into useful
soldiers who know how to die
without fear, and their commanders
disgrace them.
(MORE)
15.
ROMMEL (CONT’D)
Typical Latin slothfulness.
Streich, unload every vehicle and
transport from the 5th. Get rid of
everything but the necessary crew -
including the combat vehicles -
turn them around and send them
back.
STREICH
Sir, taking ALL the vehicles leaves
us exposed to any counter attack.
ROMMEL
This is how to conquer Africa!
A tense, moment passes. An icy calm comes over Rommel.
ROMMEL (CONT’D)
From their current position, how
long will it take for the
transports to get to Arco dei
Felini and back?
STREICH
Minimum forty eight--
ROMMEL
--Thirty six hours. The British are
licking their wounds. It is a risk
I am willing to take.
STREICH
Jawol Herr General.
Streich dutifully salutes and exits.
ROMMEL
Aldinger, I will need my plane.
Right now I’ve got the British by
the short hairs, and I intend to
pull!
Genres:
["War","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
14 -
Desert Encounter
EXT. SAHARA DESERT - DAY
Through bloodshot eyes, Stirling watches the golden SCORPION
crawl over his outstretched hand. The scorpion darts away at
some unseen warning. A plume of dust - getting closer.
A stripped-down British semi-truck skids to a stop. Dust
rolls over Stirling.
A bearded SOLDIER wearing mirror-lens WELDING GOGGLES and an
Arabian headdress sits behind the wheel.
16.
Another soldier mans a .30 Cal machine-gun. A third, even
more feral-looking Soldier riding shotgun speaks up in a
thick New Zealand accent.
SOLDIER
Oi Oi! Which way to Piccadilly
Circus?
Stirling slowly tilts his head up to acknowledge this
apparition. The humor slowly processes. He manages a faint
chuckle and the lets his head drop.
Genres:
["War","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
15 -
The Desert's Grip
INT. NOMAD CAVE - EVENING
Stirling is wrapped in a blanket and lowered to the ground of
a CAVE. The New Zealand Soldier looms above.
SOLDIER
This is as far as we can take ya
mate. I reckon you wouldn't wanna
join us where we’re headed anyway.
Soaked in sweat, Stirling shivers in a fitful dream. An Arab
girl, Amal (12), feels his forehead.
SOLDIER (CONT’D)
Tough as woodpecker lips you are.
To think that in all that sand, you
manage to find our marker.
The Soldier exits. Stirling fades back into darkness.
Genres:
["War","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
16 -
Trial and Healing
INT. NOMAD CAVE - NIGHT
ROBED ARABS encircle the bonfire shouting in guttural tones.
Everything is red, reminiscent of Stirling's tank. Flames
lick upwards. Arguing men cast freakish shadows. Delirious,
Stirling glimpses Amal’s face.
FLASH: HUGHES, spewing blood - eyes full of horror. He is
back in the burning tank. Flames melt his flesh.
Stirling frantically rises out of the nightmare. Amal calms
him, wiping his head with a cloth.
In a blur he sees the Arabs holding some kind ritualistic
trial. A white bearded ELDER hushes the raucous crowd,
standing over a teenage BOY who kneels in submission.
AMAL
It is Bisha'a, the true light of
God, praise be unto him.
17.
Amal puts a leather water pouch to Stirling's lips. He gulps,
choking. An OLD MAN dabs his wound with brown paste.
AMAL (CONT’D)
God shall protect he who speaks
truth.
An iron rod glows in the bonfire. Black robed Arabs hold the
Boy steady. The crowd is hushed.
AMAL (CONT’D)
God punishes the untrue.
The rod HISSES against his outstretched tongue. The Elder
pries his mouth open and inspects; his judgment sends the
crowd into celebration.
AMAL (CONT’D)
God is with him.
Amal gently stops him from touching the raw wounds.
AMAL (CONT’D)
The fever breaks. Rest.
Stirling's world fades to black.
Genres:
["War","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
17 -
The Encounter in the Canyon
EXT. CANYON - DAY
Stirling emerges from the cave. He stretches his injured
side. Beaten but not broken.
Amal playfully feeds some goats, giggling as they vie for
attention. She sees Stirling and stops.
STIRLING
What is your name?
AMAL
Amal.
STIRLING
Amal, I’m David. Can you tell me
who brought me here?
AMAL
The Scorpion Men. You were walking
into the Sand Sea... To death.
Stirling squints, wondering how long he has been unconscious.
18.
STIRLING
Will they return? The Scorpion
Men...
Amal shakes her head.
STIRLING (CONT’D)
Do you know where they were headed?
Amal shakes her head again, taking notice of a figure behind
Stirling. A tall black-clad ARAB holds Stirling's REVOLVER in
hand.
ARAB
This is not Italian gun.
STIRLING
I am not an Italian.
The Arab eyes him closely. Stirling notices four more ARABS
watching from an adjacent fire. They eye him ominously.
STIRLING (CONT’D)
...and that is a gift.
The Arab glares at Stirling, then a yellow toothed smile
breaks the tension. He tucks the revolver in his belt and
says something in his own language before walking off.
STIRLING (CONT’D)
What did he say?
AMAL
He says you will need more than a
pistol if you want to challenge
God.
Genres:
["War","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
18 -
Mysterious Discoveries in the Desert
EXT. CARAVAN - DAY
Stirling dons ARAB ROBES, riding with a nomadic caravan
through the desert. With scarves tied tight, the travelers
fight against piercing winds.
EXT. CARAVAN CAMPSITE - EVENING
The caravan stops to camp. Stirling follows Amal past some
scraggly trees.
AMAL
We camp here because of these
trees.
(MORE)
19.
AMAL (CONT'D)
They have their heads in fire, but
their feet in water. If you can
dig, you can drink.
Amal searches for something, carrying a long forked spear.
AMAL (CONT’D)
Come, while there is still light.
She creeps forward, eyes intently locked on the sand in front
of her. Suddenly she STRIKES, pinning a large VIPER to the
ground. In a flash, she beheads the snake with a knife - the
body writhes.
Stirling is stunned as Amal carefully places the severed head
onto his palm.
AMAL (CONT’D)
Bury the head. The poison kills
long after the body has died.
Amal walks away leaving Stirling holding the head. As he
examines the long fangs - the jaw SNAPS SHUT like a mousetrap
- Stirling flings it away.
STIRLING
Christ!
Stirling catches up to Amal as she digs in the sand, exposing
a nest of white eggs.
AMAL
It is best to attack the viper when
he is weakest.
Stirling gently picks up an egg and raises it to his face,
pinched between his thumb and forefinger.
Genres:
["Adventure","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
19 -
A Reflective Conversation on Distance and Family
EXT. DESERT PLATEAU - NIGHT
Stirling and Amal sit, watching the flashes of a distant tank
battle.
STIRLING
They are close to each other. You
can tell if you count the seconds
between the pop and then the bang.
Stirling looks at Amal now, studying her face.
20.
STIRLING (CONT’D)
When I was your age, my father
taught me to tell how far you were
from a storm. You see, the trick is
to count the time from when you see
a lightning strike to when you hear
the thunder. If there's no time
between the thunder and lighting
then the storm is right above your
head.
AMAL
Are you a father?
STIRLING
My wife was with child when I left
home.
AMAL
A boy or a girl?
(long beat)
STIRLING
I don’t know.
AMAL
Is that why you go to Cairo? To
find them?
It takes him some time to answer.
STIRLING
No. They are far away from Cairo.
Genres:
["Drama","Adventure"]
Ratings
Scene
20 -
Approaching Sandstorm
EXT. TOWN OUTSKIRTS - DAY
The caravan trudges. A distant town shimmers in heat waves.
The ELDER ARAB shouts a warning, pointing to the huge fast
moving clouds of an incoming SANDSTORM.
STIRLING
What town is that?
She shakes her head while yanking two camels.
STIRLING (CONT’D)
Arabs? Italians? Whose town?
AMAL
Does not matter! All that matters
is we get away from that!
21.
She points to the enormous wall of sand.
Genres:
["Adventure","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
21 -
Chased through a Desert Town
EXT. DESERT TOWN - LATER
The town is a maze of layered clay buildings. People and
livestock bustle about.
Stirling pulls off his scarf and drinks from a well when
something petrifies him: the laughter of THREE NAZI SOLDIERS.
They approach the well just feet away as Stirling cautiously
re-wraps his scarf over his face. One soldier dunks his
canteen while chatting.
Stirling and Amal lock terrified eyes. He manages an
encouraging nod as he slips down a narrow alley.
EXT. TOWN CENTER - CONTINUOUS
The alley leads to an airfield under construction. Germans
sunbathe on sandbags, smoking and laughing.
Stirling eyes the stockpile of fuel hidden under camouflage
netting. Beyond is a long row of Stukas in assembly, guarded
by five Panzers.
As Stirling gets closer he notices men hammering and sawing
on one of the Panzers - something looks wrong. Instead of an
arsenal of the dreaded Panzer TANKS, they are wooden DECOYS!
A warning GONG. The sky goes eerily dark as the sandstorm
approaches.
A German SENTRY calls out, pulling him from his curiosity.
SENTRY
(In German)
Hey, you there! Soldiers only.
Working crew shits in the sand.
Stirling evades, walking down an alley... but it leads to two
more SOLDIERS, one helping the other light a smoke.
Now caught between three Germans, he lowers his chin and
picks up his pace. The suspicious Sentry begins to jog after
him.
SENTRY (CONT’D)
(In German)
I’m talking to you, turn around!
22.
The smoking Soldier holds a hand up when Stirling SMASHES him
with an elbow and sprints past.
SENTRY (CONT’D)
HALT!!!
Stirling hurries down an alley and up some stairs to a second
level. As he pauses, a BULLET whizzes past and impacts the
wall. He jumps to an adjacent rooftop.
SENTRY 2
(In German)
Nice shot, asshole!
The Nazis give chase.
Genres:
["Action","Adventure","War"]
Ratings
Scene
22 -
Escape in the Desert
EXT. DESERT TOWN ROOFTOP - CONTINUOUS
Stirling sprints across uneven rooftops, the sandstorm nearly
upon them. The Sentry fires again with his bolt-action rifle.
He leaps across a 10 foot gap as another bullet whizzes past.
The wind picks up, filling the air with sand and yanking
clothes from their line. Stirling leaps up to the next roof -
now running out of rooftops. Another shot rings out, the two
Sentries have caught up. Stirling dives for cover.
The Germans struggle through gusts of whipping sand. They
shout, but nothing can be heard over the wind.
Stalking closer, they move to box him in.
It’s now or never. Stirling sprints from cover.
The Germans open fire as Stirling leaps across a 20 foot gap,
providential wind helping his flight, and BURSTS through the
shudders of a closed window.
Genres:
["Action","Adventure","War"]
Ratings
Scene
23 -
Intense Fight in the Desert House
INT. DESERT HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
Stirling hurdles down a flight of stairs and scrambles into
the empty living room.
Panting, he presses against the wall when the front door
BURSTS open. The Soldier and the Sentry run past him and up
the staircase he just tumbled down.
Hearing them search directly above, Stirling is about to duck
out when the third Soldier enters. Wiping his bloodied nose
and muttering curses, the Soldier re-lights his cigarette.
23.
Stirling creeps, about to sneak out when the Soldier turns -
the two men now face to face. Before he can react, Stirling
blasts him in the mouth with his fist. Stirling jumps him -
choking the Soldier with his forearm. The Soldier whips him
around and slams him into a closed window, cracking the
shutters. The window flies open, letting in the roaring
SANDSTORM.
They fall to the ground as Stirling squeezes with every fiber
of muscle in his body - gritting teeth, veins bulging, he
lets out a desperate scream.
The other two Germans rush back down the stairs, passing the
two men grappling just out of view and exit. Nothing can be
heard over the gusting wind.
Moments pass with the dead Soldier locked in Stirling's vice
grip. He finally lets the body fall.
Stirling staggers to the window and shuts out the storm. In
complete exhaustion, he collapses beside the body.
Next to Stirling's arm is the soldier’s cigarette, still lit.
With a shaking hand, he picks it up and takes a drag.
Genres:
["Action","War","Adventure"]
Ratings
Scene
24 -
Desert Encounter
EXT. THE DESERT - DAY
Back in the endless sand. Stirling trudges on, wearing a
ragged GERMAN uniform and Arab scarf. A vague melody and
amorphous white shape develop through the heat waves.
Stirling approaches a fat, mustached, BRITISH COLONEL sitting
in a porcelain bathtub.
An ARAB BOY shades the Colonel with an umbrella. "LILI
MARLENE” rings out of a phonograph.
"Outside the barracks, by the corner light / I'll always
stand and wait for you at night"
The Colonel sips his tea, completely unimpressed with
Stirling’s wild appearance.
COLONEL
Looks as though you've had enough
sun for one day.
Stirling just stares, panting in exhaustion.
COLONEL (CONT’D)
Spreken zee Deutsch?
24.
Stirling drops to his knees and dunks his head into the
water.
END ACT I.
25.
ACT II:
Genres:
["Action","War","Adventure"]
Ratings
Scene
25 -
A Meeting in Hotel Cairo
INT. HOTEL CAIRO BATHROOM - DAY
Stirling shaves off the last bit of stubble, splashes his
face and appraises the scarred stranger in the mirror. A
KNOCK as a young CORPORAL enters.
CORPORAL
Sir, he is ready for you.
INT. HOTEL CAIRO - DAY
MAJOR HICKS (40s) briskly guides Stirling through Hotel
Cairo, which now serves as British HQ. The place is buzzing.
Clerks toss documents into a burning barrel, diagram troop
movements and operate radio switchboards.
Hicks opens the door to the presidential suite.
Genres:
["Action","War","Adventure"]
Ratings
Scene
26 -
Disagreement and Dismissal
INT. GENERAL’S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
The room is huge and ornate - palm fronds, elephant tusks and
a massive balcony overlooking Cairo. At the far end stands
GENERAL WAVELL (60s), wearing a neat, khaki, short sleeve
uniform and an eye patch. Clean-shaven PADDY MAYNE and a
PHOTOGRAPHER are alongside.
WAVELL
Our desert adventurer, back from
the dead.
Stirling salutes.
STIRLING
Sir.
WAVELL
Lieutenant Stirling, I’d like you
to meet Paddy Mayne, fresh from
action in Syria.
Mayne wears an olive uniform, and a commando beret tucked in
his belt. He is tall, heavy jawed with a sculpted athletic
build. He and Stirling shake hands, but exchange familiar
glances in the process.
MAYNE
Pleasure.
26.
WAVELL
You might know the name-- his Rugby
exploits earned him quite a bit of
recognition.
STIRLING
Is that right?
MAYNE
Aye, once upon a time.
Wavell motions to the PHOTOGRAPHER.
WAVELL
Let's get it done. Show London your
teeth.
The three pose stiffly as the camera flashes.
WAVELL (CONT’D)
Very good, that will be all Mr.
Mayne.
Mayne salutes and exits. Stirling gives him a parting nod.
It's not returned.
WAVELL (CONT’D)
"Very full of dreams that desert,
but my two legs took me through it.
I used to watch them moving with
the toes all black and raw"...
Wavell expects a response but gets none.
WAVELL (CONT’D)
Kipling? Well, you may not be
versed in Kipling, but I'm sure
even he would be impressed by your
daring. You’re a hero, chap.
Stirling is reluctant, but Wavell expects his agreement.
STIRLING
I feel I am more of a survivor than
a hero, sir.
WAVELL
Why not make for Benghazi?
Certainly would have been a shorter
jaunt.
STIRLING
It would have been the end of my
war, sir.
27.
WAVELL
Well, I daresay it could have ended
uglier than it did. How was it you
were able to survive so deep in
that wasteland?
STIRLING
I believe it was some of our men,
sir. Part of a desert detachment
found and delivered me to the
Natives-- Though I can't be sure, I
had a high fever. I was able to
travel with a Native caravan long
enough to find my way here.
WAVELL
I’m not familiar with any of our
chaps in those parts, but Natives
you say? You do mean Arabs don't
you?
STIRLING
Yes, sir.
WAVELL
How very interesting. I have a bit
of experience with native types
myself. I met them face to face as
a junior at Peshawar. But that was
long, long ago. Fierce warriors...
Much to be learned from our brown
cousins.
Wavell signs a document and hands it off to an aid.
WAVELL (CONT’D)
Right. Anyway, you're a hero in the
eyes of His Majesty and that's just
the sort of thing our boys need for
a morale boost. Jerry is breathing
down our necks and it will take all
we've got to put an end to their
gallivanting. I shall be elevating
you to Captain, of course. And you
have quite the resume... Service in
the 11th Scots, commando training
under Lieutenant Colonel Keyes. You
were a part of "Churchill's
Cutthroats" I'm told. You are
exactly the man I need to lead an
assault on Crete.
STIRLING
Greece?
28.
WAVELL
Yes, that's Greece my boy. A lot
has happened since you've been up
the blue. You will be attached to
the 7th Australian--
STIRLING
Why Greece? Sir, with all due
respect, the only fighting that
matters will be taking place
between Cairo and Tobruk. Greece is
irrelevant.
Wavell takes exception to this.
WAVELL
Quite frankly your opinion is
irrelevant. We have a moral
obligation to assist anyone who has
the brass to stand up to Hitler.
STIRLING
Sir, if you turn our attention from
the Western Approaches now, Rommel
will immediately recover every inch
we have taken in the last 3 months.
WAVELL
Rommel Rommel Rommel! Curse that
bloody name!
A tense moment passes. Wavell regains his composure.
WAVELL (CONT’D)
With Operation Battleaxe in play,
it is only a matter of time before
the Western Approaches are back in
hand for good.
Neither man believes this.
STIRLING
We must find a new way to fight
him. We’re losing, General.
MAJOR HICKS (40s) walks in, handing paperwork to Wavell. He
stops to read what is clearly bad news. Now flustered, he
remembers Stirling is in the room.
WAVELL
If you will not go to Greece, you
can stay here with the 2nd Royal.
(MORE)
29.
WAVELL (CONT'D)
Major Hicks, see that the
Lieutenant -- ehm, Captain finds
his way out.
HICKS
Yes Sir.
WAVELL
Dismissed.
Stirling salutes and is escorted out by Hicks.
Genres:
["Action","War","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
27 -
Tensions Rise as Troops are Sent to Greece
EXT. HOTEL CAIRO - DAY
Hicks and Stirling exit Hotel Cairo and are met by RIOTING
civilians held back by British soldiers.
STIRLING
He’s sending troops to Greece? The
man is about to surrender the
bloody continent!
HICKS
Listen here lad, that's coming
straight from Winnie. Do you see
those angry fellows behind you?
Stirling looks at the RIOTING CIVILIANS only a few yards
away.
HICKS (CONT’D)
They want us out of here as bad as
Jerry does. Everything hinges on
the success of Battleaxe, and
there's nothing to be done for it
now except to wait and see what the
score is.
Hicks hands Stirling an envelope.
HICKS (CONT’D)
Take this to Colonel Lovett, he'll
sort you out.
STIRLING
Do you agree? Greece?
HICKS
I trust my superiors, as should
you. I would have thought you had
enough of the desert, Stirling.
You’d really like to stay?
30.
STIRLING
I’d like to win the war, sir.
Genres:
["War","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
28 -
Bargaining in the Cairo Bazaar
EXT. CAIRO BAZAAR - DAY
LENA CONNOLLY (29) meanders through the crowded open-air
marketplace. She wears a white head scarf and dark
sunglasses.
In a display of black watches, she picks up the only watch
with a RED LEATHER STRAP. She speaks with a clearly AMERICAN
ACCENT.
LENA
This watch isn’t running.
MERCHANT 2
Then it will be correct just twice
a day.
LENA
Noon and midnight. How much?
MERCHANT 2
For you, two and a smile.
She hands him two Egyptian Pounds and takes the watch,
smiling sarcastically.
Genres:
["War","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
29 -
Flirtatious Encounter in Cairo
EXT. CAIRO CAFE - LATER
Lena’s wrist, now adorned by the bright red watch, rests on
the table of an outdoor cafe. She sips coffee, eyes darting
around - clearly waiting for something. A chuckle can be
heard nearby.
FITZROY (O.S.)
I quite adore this cartoon.
Lena turns to the voice coming from behind a NEWSPAPER.
FITZROY MACLEAN (30s) lowers the paper.
31.
He is impossibly suave and handsome. He nods to the empty
seat across from her.
FITZROY (CONT’D)
May I?
LENA
Actually, I'm waiting for some-
Before she can finish, Fitzroy takes the seat.
FITZROY
It’s a gas really.
He shows her the comic: A mother reading a bedtime story
called “Adolf the Wolf” to her two children, written by Lena
Connolly.
Lena perks up, realizing its her work, but before she can
speak...
FITZROY (CONT’D)
My my, that’s a lovely watch, and
of course, the hand beneath it.
Lena gets the game, Fitzroy flashes a grin.
FITZROY (CONT’D)
Miss Connolly I presume?
He kisses the back of her hand.
LENA
Lena works.
FITZROY
Fitzroy MaClean at your service.
I’ve been admiring your work. And
they say Americans don’t understand
art? Although, subtlety is still
something to be improved upon. I
hope my friend Musa didn’t make you
pay for that high quality
timepiece.
LENA
Just two pounds.
FITZROY
Cheeky fellow. Well, let’s see if
we can’t make this worth every
penny.
32.
LENA
So if I'm the lady with the red
watch, who does that make you?
FITZROY
A soldier, same as these chaps. I
just fight with a different weapon.
LENA
And you think some journalist would
possess information you don't?
FITZROY
Journalist? Please, don't be
modest. The daughter of the former
US Ambassador to Germany, who
blossomed into a beautiful young
woman in Berlin. You spent your
formative years watching the Reich
take shape first hand.
LENA
You should also know my father was
forced to resign because he
wouldn't go to Hitler's damn
rallies.
FITZROY
So we shall call you a patriot?
LENA
What is it you’re trying to say? I
have been reporting on Nazi
aggression since the start of this
war-- This is a waste of time.
Lena removes the RED WATCH, places it on the table and stands
to leave.
LENA (CONT’D)
The red watch was a nice touch,
I’ll admit my heart was racing for
a minute.
Just as she turns, Fitzroy grabs her elbow.
FITZROY
Playing dumb is a bit beneath you,
wouldn’t you say?
LENA
Let go.
After a tense moment, Fitzroy releases her.
33.
FITZROY
You’re finally nervous. You came to
Cairo because you want inside
information. I can be your
wellspring. Despite what you say,
you’re here today with me because
you’re ambitious... or desperate. I
will give you what you seek - but
there will be things I will ask
from you in return. Nothing too
dear, I promise.
Lena studies Fitzroy, then produces a sly smile.
LENA
You think I’m an ambitious reporter
looking for the inside scoop to get
my boss hard? You’re actually as
dumb as you look.
FITZROY
Color me mistaken... Then what is
it you’re doing here?
Lena looks at Fitzroy with a pitiful grin.
LENA
It’s hard to tell when you’re
sitting, but you are very small.
She exits briskly. Fitzroy turns the watch over in his hands.
Genres:
["War","Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
30 -
Chaotic Nightclub Encounter
INT. MELODY LOUNGE - EVENING
A wild, smoky nightclub with low-hanging drapes and Arabic
flavor. British Officers mingle with women in revealing
dresses. A big band provides the heartbeat behind the
beautiful singer, FAHD FAHMI (20s).
Stirling pulls a WAITER over and asks an inaudible question.
He points to the loudest table in the middle of the fray.
Stirling approaches COLONEL LOVETT, mid-laugh. He is sloppily
drunk, overweight, and puffing on a hookah.
STIRLING
Colonel Lovett?
Stirling salutes him. Lovett wipes away tears of laughter and
drunkenly snaps a sarcastic salute.
LOVETT
And who the bloody hell are you?
34.
STIRLING
Sir, I am Lieutenant Stirling. I
was told to report to you.
He hands Lovett the envelope, who tears it open.
LOVETT
Ahh, you're the desert orphan eh?!
And it seems you've got a bit of an
identity crisis as well. These here
are Captain's brass.
He pours out two brass Captain's PIPS.
LOVETT (CONT’D)
Sit, sit! Get the Captain a seat!
Ladies! This is a cause for
celebration.
A giggling FLAPPER GIRL pins the new brass on Stirling's
epaulet in mock ceremonial fashion. Lovett rises, knighting
Stirling with his swagger stick.
LOVETT (CONT’D)
I now dub thee Captain of His
Majesty's bloody fuck-all British
Army! In the nomi di patri, e
spirits e Santi and bla blah blah!
Arise Sir Captain, and let this
doomed city of filth hold you tight
to her bosom!!
The table cheers his honor, another FLAPPER spills liquor
down Stirling's throat and kisses him, smearing red lipstick.
STIRLING
This place is a madhouse.
LOVETT
And it's a bloody shame we’re being
evicted.
Lovett tosses a British newspaper headlined "BLAME ROMMEL".
LOVETT (CONT’D)
Looks like our friend Rommel has
hit us for 6. Not a chance Wavell
can unbugger this now.
Lovett turns to the crowd and raises his glass.
35.
LOVETT (CONT’D)
But at least when he gets here
he'll know where to find us, eh
gents?
STIRLING
Colonel, I was told to report--
LOVETT
--and so you have. Your orders are
to enjoy this evening as if...
Lovett flashes a knowing smile, then burps, losing his train
of thought.
LOVETT (CONT’D)
Time is up my friend. Find yourself
a glass. What do you say to an
order?
STIRLING
Yes, sir.
Stirling escapes toward the crowded bar. He waves to the
bartender just as a SMALL DOG sprints across the bar,
knocking through glasses and splashing Stirling with booze.
A large, drunk AUSTRALIAN SAILOR spins him around.
AUSTRALIAN
Fair dinkum! Rosco's got a gut full
o piss in em!
Stirling backs off, wiping his shirt. He sees Paddy Mayne
across the bar. The Australian sloppily hands Stirling a
shot.
AUSTRALIAN (CONT’D)
'Ere - Get this down ya, mate.
Stirling downs the whiskey, nods thanks and pushes past,
making his way to Mayne.
STIRLING
Thought I was seeing a ghost today.
It's been a long time, Paddy. Not
since Keyes.
Mayne takes a sip of whiskey, his cool blue eyes staring
blankly. His collar hangs open, regulation tie lost long ago.
MAYNE
Keyes is dead.
36.
(beat)
STIRLING
Were you with him?
MAYNE
No.
Mayne downs his whiskey.
MAYNE (CONT’D)
That's a pretty scar you've got
there.
Mayne drunkenly tries to flag the bartender as he rushes
past.
MAYNE (CONT’D)
This fucking cunt.
STIRLING
Have you heard what’s happening to
the 11th?
Mayne - with violent speed - grabs the bartender by his tie
and PINS it to the bar with his COMMANDO KNIFE. The shocked
crowd hoots and hollers in amusement.
Mayne leans in and talks into the Bartender's ear.
MAYNE
If it’s alright with you, I'll help
meself.
He reaches over and grabs a bottle of WHISKEY, uncorks it
with his teeth and tips it in salute to Stirling.
MAYNE (CONT’D)
To the next man to die.
Mayne takes a deep pull from the bottle. He then yanks the
commando knife, freeing the bartender, who crashes behind the
bar. He stalks off, the crowd parting in his wake.
Stirling watches, troubled and confused, as Mayne exits the
establishment.
The music shifts to a sultry Arabian song.
Fahd Fahmi dances her way through the crowd, seemingly
luminescent. All eyes on her.
Lovett grabs Stirling by the shoulder and pulls him close.
37.
LOVETT
You know, I really do love this
place. Straight out of Shakespeare.
"Hell must surely be empty, for all
the devils are here!" Don't look
now Captain - you've been spotted!
Fahmi finds Stirling, moving hypnotically, a sheer jade veil
hides her red lips. She stands close between Stirling’s legs
and gyrates her gorgeous olive skin along with the music. He
is entranced.
She hands David a dangerous looking drink. He downs it in two
giant gulps. Teasing, she brings her long leg up, sliding her
toe from his chin down to his crotch. She leans in to
whispers in his ear.
FAHMI
You are wasting time.
Stirling chokes, nearly pukes. The crowd around him cracks up
with laughter. He shoves his way out of the crowded club.
Genres:
["War","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
31 -
Disoriented in Cairo
EXT. CAIRO STREETS - NIGHT
Stirling dizzily bursts out the door and into the dark and
seedy streets of Cairo. It’s like a maze, he’s instantly
disoriented.
Women in burkas stare as he passes. A BLAST of flame startles
him as a man throws meat onto a sizzling fire.
FLASH: Stirling’s TANK bursting into flame. JAMES is blown to
oblivion.
He stumbles into a large open square. There are white masses
lying all around him in rows.
Stirling steps onto something soft that lets out a low moan.
He looks down, realizing he is standing on the hand of a
dying BRITISH SOLDIER on the cobblestone ground.
FLASH: Stirling walking between the countless BODIES that
were once his tank detachment.
Stirling shakes his head, fighting off the horrible memory.
Blood seeps through the mummified soldier’s bandages, the
only thing exposed are his scared eyes.
Startled, Stirling nearly knocks over the COT of another
wounded YOUNG SOLDIER.
38.
FLASH: HUGHES, screaming and spitting blood.
He drunkenly stumbles through the maze of suffering and dying
men. MEDICS carry stretchers into surgical tents. NURSES
carrying LANTERNS show how huge the hospital is. Retching, he
disappears down a dark alley.
FADE TO BLACK.
Genres:
["War","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
32 -
Hungover Awakening
EXT. GREAT SPHINX - MORNING
The sun beats down on Stirling's sleeping body. A STREET
MERCHANT selling watches nudges Stirling awake. He grudgingly
rises, feeling the blinding hangover.
STIRLING
Please for God's sake bugger off.
The Street Merchant moves along. Stirling looks up, now
realizing he has spent the night beneath the GREAT SPHINX.
The cadence of KILTED SCOTTISH SOLDIERS echoes in the morning
air as they march past. Squinting against the sun, Stirling
shakes the sand off his shirt and stumbles off.
END ACT II.
39.
ACT III:
Genres:
["War","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
33 -
Rommel's Frustration
INT. HALFAYA AIRSPACE - DAY
Rommel rides shotgun in his STORCH AIRPLANE high above
Halfaya with Lieutenant Tilden behind. He signals his PILOT
to drop lower.
Through binoculars, Rommel watches a TANK BATTLE, which looks
like children’s toys from above.
ROMMEL (INTO RADIO)
They are too far! Pull 2nd Squadron
back now! It's the wrong ridge!
Bring them back!
All that can be heard on the radio is static and gunfire.
With exasperated hand gestures he yells to the PILOT.
ROMMEL (CONT’D)
Closer!!
The plane dives lower.
ROMMEL (CONT’D)
Goddammit! What is he doing?!
BOOM! A large EXPLOSION right next to the plane. The Pilot
nervously glances at Rommel, who isn’t concerned by the
blast.
ROMMEL (INTO RADIO) (CONT’D)
Come in! Your position is
unacceptable!
The radio just whistles static and gunfire. Another EXPLOSION
rattles the plane. Rommel slams down his headset.
ROMMEL (CONT’D)
Dammit! Take us down!
The plane dives towards the battle and begins its landing.
Genres:
["War","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
34 -
Rommel's Urgent Orders
EXT. HALFAYA BATTLEFIELD - LATER
In a small staff car, Rommel races through the active
battlefield amid the whistle and boom of artillery. He skids
to a stop next to the lead Panzer and climbs out.
A TANK COMMANDER directs fire from the top hatch. Rommel
climbs up the back of the tank and yanks the Commander by a
lapel.
40.
ROMMEL
What are you thinking!?
The Commander is FURIOUS... until he recognizes Rommel.
ROMMEL (CONT’D)
You are too far forward! Bring this
column back behind the second ridge
line! Is this Scorpion?
The Commander is star-struck. Rommel snatches his radio.
ROMMEL (INTO RADIO) (CONT’D)
Scorpion Alpha to Scorpion - Bring
all units back to 1. 7. 7. Romeo.
Kaiser. 1 !
Rommel tosses back the radio.
ROMMEL (CONT’D)
Wait for our AT to withdraw from
their position and then smash
whatever comes over that ridge
line!
Rommel pats him on the back and jumps off the tank.
The Commander regains his composure and relays the order.
Genres:
["War","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
35 -
Rommel's Confrontation with Streich
EXT. HALFAYA COMMAND TENT - DAY
Rommel marches through the forward base in the thick of the
action. His battle weary men are rejuvenated at the sight of
him. They snap-to, saluting with pride.
Rommel walks into the makeshift COMMAND TENT where BRENDT,
RAVENSTINE, SCHMUNDT and ALDINGER snap to attention.
ROMMEL
Ok, lets have it.
Ravenstine (30s) steps up. Although covered in grit, he
maintains the nonchalance of aristocracy.
RAVENSTINE
Herr General, we took more than 90
from Tommy. 65 Matildas, at least
another 30 cruisers. We hit their
4th Armored the hardest, spotters
have them down to 17 that are still
operational.
(MORE)
41.
RAVENSTINE (CONT'D)
It looks like their infantry is
holding at Fort Capuzzo for the
moment but it is clearly a delaying
action to cover a general retreat.
Brendt hands Rommel a radio intercept.
BRENDT
This is from about two hours ago.
Rommel reads the intercept and smirks.
ROMMEL
It sounds suspiciously like Wavell
no longer feels capable of
leadership. Strange to think I have
a copy of his book.
Rommel's staff chuckles.
ROMMEL (CONT’D)
And our casualties?
RAVENSTINE
Twelve Mark IIIs from the 7th.
Neumann lost about half that, plus
six Mark IVs - most of which are
still in action as we speak. The
recovery crews are working through
the night. I would put total armor
losses at eighteen.
ROMMEL
It is imperative to salvage
everything we possibly can. If the
English abandon a tank, make every
effort to fix it, paint a black
cross on it and send it back after
them! We cannot expect any resupply
of armor until Tobruk is taken.
Prisoners don't account for much.
What matters most is the hardware.
STREICH walks into the tent filthy from battle. Rommel is
furious.
ROMMEL (CONT’D)
Why are you here?! You should be
out there tying the noose!
Streich is still trying to catch his breath.
42.
ROMMEL (CONT’D)
Wavell is cut off and encircled -
we must finish him now!
STREICH
That... that is impossible! I
cannot give chase without fuel. I
have men and armor strewn out for
100 miles!
Schmundt calmly interjects.
SCHMUNDT
Herr General, If I may. You have
the field. Wavell still has an
artillery screen that could cut
down our infantry before they
breech the line - even with the 5th
light tanks in support. If we shoot
and miss now, we will not have the
fuel or ammunition to fight off
their heavy tanks.
ROMMEL
Wavell thinks he can roll over me
with his heavy tanks? I will
exploit his flanks every time!
There is a tense pause. Streich grits his teeth and looks
directly into the eyes of his commander.
STREICH
I can not in good conscience take
responsibility for an attack now.
Not without time to refuel and
reorganize.
ROMMEL
Cowardice! If you had one ounce of
the daring your own infantry
possess, Wavell and his entire
force would be sewn up right now.
Streich is shocked. He stammers, then unhooks his KNIGHT’S
CROSS.
STREICH
No one has ever dared call me a
coward.
Rommel retreats to the other side of the map board.
43.
ROMMEL
Keep your medal Streich, but
remember why it was awarded. Secure
a garrison at Fort Capuzzo and
prepare the 5th Light to be ready
at dawn.
Streich bites back his anger, snaps a salute and leaves.
Rommel looks back to the map. He traces his finger along the
North African coastline, stopping at Cairo.
ROMMEL (CONT’D)
This is the jewel.
Rommel looks up at each one of his commanders, making his
point with the weaponized gaze of his steely blue eyes.
ROMMEL (CONT’D)
This is the key to victory. Make
sure every man is aware that this
is our supreme objective. I will
not relieve pressure until Cairo is
won.
Genres:
["War","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
36 -
Chasing Amal in Cairo
EXT. CAIRO STREETS - DAY
Stirling navigates a crowded street. The city feels alive,
packed with Arab citizens, soldiers of different rank and
nationality, nurses, reporters, and merchants.
He presses flush against a shop window to allow the passage
of a dozen WHITE HORSES led by British soldiers. People all
around are pushed to the side by this near-stampede.
Through the chaos, a familiar YOUNG GIRL catches his eye. Is
it AMAL??
She runs playfully through the crowd. Stirling gives chase.
Genres:
["War","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
37 -
A Conversation Among Artifacts
EXT. CAIRO ALLEY - DAY
Stirling struggles through groups of people that the Young
Girl simply ducks between. She rounds a corner, Stirling
picks up the pace.
As he closes the gap, she sneaks into a LARGE TENT through a
rip in the canvas. Stirling follows through the same opening.
44.
INT. ARTIFACT TENT - CONTINUOUS
Stirling enters the tent to find the Girl being scolded by
her GRANDFATHER, AHU (70s).
AHU
Do not wander off, Nebit! How many
times must I tell you--
As he leads her away, she looks back, locking eyes with
Stirling.
Stirling’s focus shifts to his surroundings. It is a massive
tent with countless TABLES, each packed with PRICELESS
EGYPTIAN ARTIFACTS.
Stirling is astounded. He slowly paces between the tables,
taking in the fascinating pieces of art and history. STATUES,
POTTERY and TOOLS highlight the historical significance of
Cairo.
A JACKAL FIGURINE catches Stirling’s eye. He reaches out to
touch its nose.
AHU (O.S.) (CONT’D)
Anubis, The Jackal.
Stirling turns to find Ahu watching over him.
STIRLING
It’s beautiful. When was this made?
AHU
In Ancient Times, but exactly when
is not known. It was believed that
Anubis guided souls across the
threshold from the world of the
living to the afterlife.
STIRLING
He must be busy these days.
A few tables away, Nebit sweeps dust from a bronze PLATE.
STIRLING (CONT’D)
Is she yours?
AHU
My granddaughter, Nebit. You
followed her in?
STIRLING
I thought she was someone else.
45.
AHU
Often I think the same.
Nebit snarls playfully at her grandfather. Stirling gestures
to the impressive inventory.
STIRLING
Is all of this going to a museum?
AHU
There is no way to move it. Like
Cairo herself, the artifacts are
caught in place. We can only wait
and hope that we still remain at
the end. That not everything is
lost.
STIRLING
Many people feel the same way. We
have all lost something.
AHU
For Nebit, it was her home and her
parents. What do you know of loss?
FLASH: In a modest bedroom, Stirling watches the neckline of
a woman putting on earrings. Feeling his gaze, she turns to
him, but before we see her face, we CUT BACK:
Stirling looks at Nebit.
STIRLING
It is important for we who have
lost to continue fighting, because
there is still much to be saved.
Ahu examines Stirling thoughtfully.
AHU
Anubis guided the souls, but it was
also believed that he stayed to
protect their resting place.
STIRLING
Man’s best friend.
Genres:
["War","Adventure","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
38 -
Lena's Determination
EXT. HOTEL CAIRO - DAY
Stirling walks towards the Hotel’s front door. At the guard
station he passes Lena. We stay with her as Stirling
disappears into the building.
CORPORAL SMYTH hands credentials back to Lena.
46.
SMYTH
I’m sorry, miss, all I can do is
submit the audience request. Under
no circumstance can I let you past
this point. I suggest you speak to
your people at the American
Embassy.
LENA
I just came from there. They told
me I need British accreditation,
which can only come from your
people in there!
SMYTH
This is a command post, not a press
office. I appreciate persistence,
however I assure you it’s not
possible.
Lena sees HENRY (60s), an overweight British journalist,
coming out of the building in a huff.
LENA
Henry! How did you get in there?
Did you see Wavell?
HENRY
Hardly.
LENA
How does he look?
HENRY
Tired. Exasperated. Defeated. What
are you doing here?
LENA
I want to get permission to embed.
Can you help?
HENRY
Embed?! Your not going to embed,
Lena.
LENA
Don’t tell me what I will or won’t
do.
HENRY
They are getting slaughtered out
there, can’t you see?
47.
LENA
No, I can’t. My readers can’t
either, and that’s exactly why I
need to be there.
HENRY
To what end?
LENA
The American public won't stand on
the sidelines if they see the truth
of what’s happening out here -
we're not cowards.
HENRY
Your American public has been very
aware of the Nazi movement for
quite some time. If you think
writing more detailed descriptions
of deceased British soldiers will
stir the pot, you are delusional.
LENA
They only see the villain, I want
to show them a hero. I want to give
them a narrative they can latch on
to. If the people care, Washington
cares. You know as well as I do...
If America joins the war, Hitler
will fall.
Henry takes in Lena. She is increasingly formidable in his
eyes.
HENRY
Don't get lost looking for
Superman. You’re a long way from
Metropolis.
END ACT III.
48.
ACT IV:
Genres:
["War","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
39 -
A Daring Plan in the Melody Lounge
INT. MELODY LOUNGE - AFTERNOON
A few soldiers are sipping beers while the bartender prepares
for the nightly assault.
Stirling puts an elbow down on the bar and signals for a
whiskey, but notices a disheveled Paddy Mayne sitting alone
at a booth.
Stirling takes a seat across from Paddy, who doesn't
acknowledge him. Instead he finishes his beer.
STIRLING
So, Keyes died in the raid to
assassinate Rommel in Apollonia.
MAYNE
I guess you found what you were
looking for. You got your transfer
and made it right into the fray.
Stirling just stares at Mayne.
MAYNE (CONT’D)
And who could blame ya. We wasted
five months before we got our
chance in Syria. And then we were
obliterated, completely wiped out.
That's what you get when you use
commandos like a battering ram.
With Keyes gone they'll be
scattering what's left of us to the
wind.
STIRLING
How did you make it out?
MAYNE
I got lucky.
(beat)
STIRLING
Apollonia? Rommel would never be
that far behind his own lines.
MAYNE
The cunt was in Berlin attending
his own birthday party.
Stirling shakes his head and takes a sip of his whiskey.
49.
STIRLING
Have you been assigned?
MAYNE
Burma. They want me to train
rebels, but right now I'm “in
mourning.”
An OFFICER walks into the bar. Mayne eyes him suspiciously
until he takes a seat at the bar.
MAYNE (CONT’D)
You?
STIRLING
Twelve tanks and 193 souls. I got
lucky.
MAYNE
They call us heroes for not getting
the chop. Bollocks. (long beat). I
heard you died out there.
STIRLING
It’s funny how resurrection leaves
one with a distinct disrespect for
death.
Mayne snorts into his drink. They consider this for a moment.
STIRLING (CONT’D)
When I was in the desert, I
stumbled upon a small town that was
being built into a German airfield.
It was so remote, Jerry was laying
about, sunbathing. Their whole
squadron of Stukas were guarded by
fake Panzers made of plywood.
MAYNE
Plywood.
STIRLING
Exactly. It all became so clear: we
hit the Germans where it hurts the
most. Use the desert as a weapon
and cut the supply lines.
MAYNE
Sounds simple enough.
STIRLING
Rommel’s stretched thinner than we
are.
(MORE)
50.
STIRLING (CONT'D)
He’s bluffing, which makes him
vulnerable. That far behind the
front it's the last thing he would
expect.
MAYNE
Nobody would expect it because
nobody can do it. You’re talking
about thousands of miles of
nothing. They haven't even got maps
for most of it.
STIRLING
I’m certain we have men in the
desert, some of them found me out
there. We drop in, then they get us
out.
MAYNE
Drop in?
Stirling raises a napkin above his head, dropping it onto the
table between them.
MAYNE (CONT’D)
Oh fuck off. Parachutes? And they
call me a madman?
STIRLING
Churchill wanted to try it on the
Western front. It can work. Unless
you’re packed for Burma.
MAYNE
Well, you’re the one with the
Captain's pips. Go run it by
Wavell, maybe he’s cracked enough
to go for it-- And bring some
pictures to help him understand.
STIRLING
He won't see me. God knows the war
will be over before I get it
cleared through the fossilized
shits at division.
Mayne slams back his whiskey, issuing Stirling a mischievous
grin.
MAYNE
What do you mean Wavell won’t see
you?
51.
Genres:
["War","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
40 -
The Hotel Cairo Confrontation
EXT. HOTEL CAIRO - NIGHT
Stirling and Mayne use a line of parked TRUCKS for cover.
They skirt around the building to a garden beneath the GRAND
BALCONY.
Mayne kneels to give Stirling a boost. Stirling automatically
gets into position - but balks.
STIRLING
This is madness.
Mayne's cold look says "man up".
Stirling puts his boot in Mayne's hand and vaults up.
INT. HOTEL CAIRO - CONTINUOUS
As Stirling climbs through an open window, he knocks into a
standing coat rack, barley stopping it from crashing.
He's in. Past the checkpoint and directly across from
Wavell's office.
He peeks down the hall -- all clear. He crosses, about to
knock on Wavell's door when Major Hicks appears out of an
adjacent office. Stirling is caught.
HICKS
Stirling. What in god's name are
you doing here?
STIRLING
Sir, I have urgent business with
the General.
HICKS
You reek of whiskey!
Just then a CRASH of Mayne kicking over the COAT RACK as he
struggles through the window, catching both men by surprise.
HICKS (CONT’D)
What the devil!?
Mayne steps up, red-faced from effort. Stirling looks at him,
wondering how the hell he climbed in alone.
MAYNE
Forgive me, sir...
52.
HICKS
You must be out of your goddamn
mind?! Who the hell are you?
MAYNE
Lieutenant Blair Mayne, 11th
Scotts. At your service, sir.
HICKS
A fucking Mick no less - Guards! I
shall see you both detained and--
Mayne PUNCHES Hicks with a savage right hook. Hicks, out
cold, collapses into Stirling's arms.
STIRLING
Fucking Christ Paddy!
The doors of Wavell's office swing open to reveal GENERAL
AUCHINLECK (50s). He is wearing polished riding boots and a
tank top, with shaving lather still on his chin.
AUCHINLECK
What's all this then?
Stirling drops Hicks' limp body to the floor and both he and
Mayne snap to a salute. Four GUARDS appear, leveling
bayonetted rifles at Stirling and Mayne.
AUCHINLECK (CONT’D)
Explain yourself.
STIRLING
Captain David Stirling - former
commando under Colonel Geoffrey
Keyes. Sir, I demand an audience
with General Wavell about retaining
a small number of special service
troops to directly target and
destroy Rommel's rear airfields and
supply lines. Sir.
Auchinleck snorts at Stirling's audacious claim. He eyes both
men carefully then sees Hicks who lies limp on the floor.
AUCHINLECK
What happened there?
Mayne looks down at Hicks as if he has just noticed him.
MAYNE
I did that, sir.
Auchinleck eyes both men again.
53.
AUCHINLECK
Very well. Go along with the
guards.
MAYNE
Yes, sir!
AUCHINLECK (TO GUARDS)
Irons for him, Major Hicks to
medical.
The Guards lead Mayne away, and carry off Hicks. Auchinleck
grills Stirling.
AUCHINLECK (CONT’D)
Geoffrey Keyes, you say?
STIRLING
Yes, sir.
He considers this, then slowly turns back into the grand
suite.
Stirling hesitantly follows General Auchinleck through the
doors.
Genres:
["War","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
41 -
The Plan to Counter Attack
INT. GENERALS OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
Auchinleck walks to his mirror, wiping the foam from his
face.
STIRLING
I was hoping to speak to General
Wavell, sir. I mean General--
AUCHINLECK
Auchinleck. Wavell has been sacked.
On his way to India as we speak, so
I will be taking over. Any matter
you wished to discuss with him will
be discussed with me. If it was
important enough to be slugging my
staff about, I suppose I'd better
hear. Out with it.
STIRLING
As you know, Rommel is in position
to lay siege on Tobruk. As it
stands, we either stop him there or
we don't stop him at all.
54.
AUCHINLECK
(sarcastic)
Your analysis means the world to
me.
STIRLING
Well sir, the next logical thing is
to counter attack when Rommel's
siege does eventually come. That
will leave his supply lines
stretching back for hundreds of
miles. These depots and airfields
can only be lightly fortified as
Rommel will need to commit every
bit of hardware to Tobruk.
Auchinleck hides a sly grin. Stirling is dead on.
AUCHINLECK
So you wish to attack from behind?
STIRLING
From within. Cut the supply chain
and bleed the enemy dry. In the
desert... miles behind enemy lines.
AUCHINLECK
How do you expect to accomplish
this?
STIRLING
I trained under Colonel Keyes with
the 11th Scotts Commando Units. I
know his principals and tactics can
be better employed. Just a handful
of men can parachute in under cover
of darkness. We can attack three
airfields in a single night. We
can't match them in the air, so we
hit them before they ever take off.
General Auchinleck is starting to buy it.
STIRLING (CONT’D)
I need good men to form a
specialized autonomous detachment.
I will pick and train the officers,
and we will answer only to
ourselves.
AUCHINLECK
That’s an ambitious request.
55.
STIRLING
Ambition is our game.
AUCHINLECK
Or your death.
STIRLING
We are losing this war, sir. Rommel
won’t be defeated by conventional
warfare.
Auchinleck finds his PIPE and preps it for a smoke.
AUCHINLECK
I used to shoot grouse with Keyes
between the wars, God rest his
soul. Frankly that’s the only
reason you’re standing here rather
than joining your friend in the
brig. It seems to me a bit of his
brashness rubbed off on you. As a
standing order, I instruct all of
my commanders to "be bold". Even
so, Captain, you're asking a lot.
Auchinleck leans on his desk looking Stirling over in
summary.
AUCHINLECK (CONT’D)
He's hard to hate, Rommel. Our
intelligence intercepts his
instructions from Berlin, but
they’re useless because the man
just seems to ignore orders. It
takes a rare breed to defy Hitler,
and I am not blind to the fact that
it's going to take some imagination
to beat him.
He lights his pipe and gets it smoking with a few puffs.
AUCHINLECK (CONT’D)
Keep talking.
END ACT IV.
56.
ACT V:
Genres:
["War","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
42 -
Tense Confrontation in Major Hicks' Office
INT. MAJOR HICKS’ OFFICE - DAY
Hicks sits at his desk impatiently clicking a pen. A BLOODY
BANDAGE is taped over his crooked nose. He skims through a
memo.
HICKS
Aircraft, lorries, thermite,
petrol, lumber, and your pick of
the officer’s litter. You forgot to
ask for a crown, Stirling.
A drop of BLOOD falls from Hicks’ nose onto the memo.
Stirling offers a WHITE NAPKIN.
STIRLING
If you wouldn’t mind looking at the
bottom of the page. General
Auchinleck’s autograph is the
important part of that document.
Hicks stares at Stirling’s napkin disgust, then produces his
own handkerchief and dabs his dripping nose.
HICKS
You may have managed to seduce The
Auk, but I’m afraid not everyone is
so easily manipulated. As far as
I’m concerned, your brand is
outright insubordination -- toeing
the line towards treason.
STIRLING
I was once told to trust my
superiors, Major Hicks.
HICKS
This army is built on structure and
rules. Break those rules and you
will find yourself not only
fighting the enemy out there, but
the one that sits before you. In
any case, most of these requests
are impossible. We have enough
trouble supplying units that
actually have a clear purpose and
chance of success, never mind your
sideshow. Nevertheless, I will
provide what can be spared because
the General has ordered it...
(MORE)
57.
HICKS (CONT'D)
but also for the satisfaction of
watching this experiment crash and
burn in every meaning of the
phrase. If that is all, Captain--
STIRLING
That is not all, Major. I need
Mayne.
Hicks SNORTS, causing him to wince in pain.
HICKS
Impossible.
STIRLING
It says my choice--
HICKS
You have no idea, do you?
Hicks adjusts his bandage and dabs his nose.
HICKS (CONT’D)
I am not the first officer Paddy
Mayne has taken a fist to. He was
brought up on charges for mauling
your own Colonel Geoffrey Keyes.
Because Keyes was killed in action,
Mayne managed to stay a step ahead
of the paperwork, until now. No,
Stirling, you can’t have Paddy
Mayne. That vicious Hibernian is
exactly where he belongs, in a
locked cage. That is where he will
remain.
Stirling is caught off guard by the news, but holds his
composure.
STIRLING
The man is rough, but when pointed
in the right direction he’s
indispensable.
HICKS
Indispensable? He was deactivated
by Keyes. That was why Mayne
attacked him in the first place. He
is unfit for duty.
STIRLING
Keyes sidelined him?
58.
HICKS
Astounding Mayne didn’t share any
of this.
Stirling thinks long, this is his last appeal.
STIRLING
If you keep him locked up, he does
no good for anybody. You give him
to me, he will kill as many Nazis
as possible before -- you said it
yourself -- we crash and burn... At
which point you’ll be rid of him,
and me, all the same.
HICKS
What makes you think you can
control that animal?
STIRLING
You don’t control Paddy Mayne. You
provide him with the right moment,
and watch him tear the world apart.
Genres:
["War","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
43 -
Leadership Lessons at the Airfield
EXT. NAZI AIRFIELD TENT - DAY
Rommel intensely studies a SANDBOX filled with small TANK
FIGURINES representing the British and German forces at
battle. He turns his head slightly, we can see the cogs
turning; his genius at work. He slides two PANZERS across the
sand.
ROMMEL
Tilden!
Tilden enters the tent and stands at attention.
TILDEN
Herr General.
ROMMEL
My plane. Come.
EXT. NAZI AIRFIELD - DAY
Rommel and Tilden walk briskly between rows of tents. The
airfield is chaotic and active, with PLANES being prepared
for take off.
59.
TILDEN
Forgive me sir, I didn’t think we
were still going up. I haven’t
relayed it to Command.
ROMMEL
It’s of no concern.
TILDEN
They will not like being left in
the dark... again.
ROMMEL
Then they should try and keep up. I
must have my eyes on Timimi if I am
to command this assault. Leaders
lead, Tilden.
TILDEN
Yes, sir.
Tilden hands Rommel his FLIGHT HOOD and GOGGLES. As Rommel
pulls the hood over his head, a dozen PILOTS and FLIGHT CREW
careen around the corner.
Rommel continues walking straight, unrecognized and
untouched. Tilden dodges and adjusts his path, only to knock
shoulders with the several men.
ROMMEL
It is the instinct of man to adjust
his path when greeted by an
obstacle.
TILDEN
Yes, Herr General.
ROMMEL
If you predict how he will adjust
you will find victory, no matter
the contest.
TILDEN
I understand.
After this teaching moment, Rommel offers Tilden a fatherly
glance.
ROMMEL
Are you married, Tilden?
Tilden is taken aback by the informal conversation.
60.
TILDEN
Yes. I have a wife, Sofia, and two
boys, Nicolas and Manfred.
ROMMEL
My son is also Manfred.
TILDEN
Yes I know, sir.
ROMMEL
Named for my brother, who died in
infancy.
TILDEN
That, I didn’t know. I’m sorry for
your loss.
They arrive at Rommel’s Storch. A PILOT is waiting in the
driver’s seat. They climb up the ladder to the cockpit.
ROMMEL
Manfred... It’s a great name. It
means “strength” and “peace”. May
we fight so that our sons know the
first. May we be victorious so that
they know the second.
Genres:
["War","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
44 -
Mayne's Confrontation and Agreement
INT. MILITARY JAIL - DAY
Stirling follows a MILITARY POLICE OFFICER down a long
subterranean hallway lined with prison bars. The Officer
unlocks and opens a heavy wooden door.
A small cell is cut in half by IRON BARS. Paddy Mayne lays in
the shadows, facing the wall.
The Officer exits. Stirling studies the figure on the ground.
STIRLING
You took a swing at Lieutenant
Colonel Geoffrey Keyes.
Mayne doesn’t move.
STIRLING (CONT’D)
Even Rommel was chivalrous enough
to bury his body with full military
honors. He’ll be awarded the
Victoria Cross.
61.
MAYNE
Those seem easier to come by when
you’re in the ground.
STIRLING
The best front line commander you
or I have ever seen and you take a
swing at him?!
Mayne stands slowly, walking into the light. His scarred
knuckles wrap around the bars.
MAYNE
That’s right. And I hit him, too.
Put him right on his arse. What do
you want to hear, David?!!!
STIRLING
I want to hear why!
MAYNE
He interrupted my chess game.
STIRLING
Keyes was leading a mission to take
out Rommel and you didn’t get the
invitation because you are
unpredictable.
MAYNE
I’m good at one thing, and I proved
that in Syria. I killed more
fucking Vichy than the rest of the
operation combined. I should have
been first squad, and he knew it.
(long beat)
STIRLING
Is that all you are, Paddy? Just a
killer? Because I’ve got no use for
an uncontrollable killer.
MAYNE
If you've got a way to get me out
of here then bloody well get on
with it or fuck off.
STIRLING
I want to do this right-- how it
should have been done with the
Commandos. I need you to train
these men and lead them with me.
What I need is a warrior.
62.
Mayne thinks it over while the tension fades. Stirling leans
against the wall and lights up two cigarettes.
MAYNE
You've got The General backing
this?
STIRLING
I told him you are of more use out
there with me killing Nazis than
rotting in here.
Stirling passes the second cigarette to Mayne.
MAYNE
No. The operation. A new commando
unit.
STIRLING
Yes. He wants what we want. To win
this fucking war.
MAYNE
Then get me out of here.
STIRLING
Well now, that comes with strings
attached. One being that this
officer is not for hitting.
Mayne defiantly exhales smoke through his nose.
STIRLING (CONT’D)
This is no joke. You will report
directly to me or I leave you in
the fucking cage. You will belong
to the Special Air Service. This is
the last chance you'll get.
Paddy considers this for a long moment, before releasing his
tense stare.
MAYNE
Special “Air” Service. Barking.
Genres:
["War","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
45 -
Surviving the Crash
INT. LENA’S HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
Lena enters her luxurious hotel room, removing her shoes and
head scarf.
A gust pushes her window, causing it to creak. It’s ajar.
63.
She walks to the window, closing and locking it tight. She is
uneasy. She doesn’t remember leaving the window open.
Something catches her eye on her night stand -- the RED
WATCH.
I/E. TIMIMI AIRSPACE - DAY
It's a quiet, cloudless day until a STORCH buzzes into frame.
Rommel rides shotgun beside the PILOT. Tilden sits behind
navigating.
TILDEN
Four miles due South to Timimi.
Rommel snaps photos of the ground below. He clocks a
billowing DUST CLOUD in the distance.
ROMMEL
That's them?
Tilden checks their position and shouts over engine noise.
TILDEN
Jawol Herr General!
ROMMEL
Get me overhead!
The plane banks and heads for the dust cloud.
Another look ahead shows that they are flying directly into a
battle unfolding below. Artillery shells burst in the sky.
ROMMEL (CONT’D)
LOWER! Over the depot!
BOOM!!! A nearby explosion shakes the plane.
The SHADOW of the plane whips over a trench of BRITISH
SOLDIERS below.
The plane banks, getting a good look at Timimi. Rommel peers
down at huge piles of supplies under camouflage netting.
As they bank, a volley of MACHINE GUN FIRE zips up from the
trenches below.
BOOM! A tooth rattling EXPLOSION shakes the little plane.
ROMMEL (CONT’D)
Let’s go! Away!
BULLETS RIP through the instrument panel, blinding the Pilot.
He tears off shattered goggles, frantically wiping blood from
his eyes, losing grip of the stick. The plane dips. Rommel
grabs the joystick and fights out of the nosedive.
ROMMEL (CONT’D)
Hang on! Help-- Tilden!
He glances back, seeing Tilden's BLOODY CORPSE.
The Pilot claws blood out of his eyes and grabs the stick.
Together they level out the plane. Rommel tries the radio -
the instrument panel spews sparks.
The propeller sputters to a halt.
ROMMEL (CONT’D)
We have to land it! Can you see!?
The Pilot wipes streaming blood out of his eyes.
PILOT
Ja!
ROMMEL
Just get us on our side of the
line! Over that ridge!
They glide noiselessly over the sand. Helpless. The two men
share a strange silent moment as they brace for impact...
BOOM!!! The plane smashes through a tall dune, plowing on
like a runaway train.
The plane grinds to a halt in a cloud of dust, a devastating
pile of smoking metal and carnage.
65.
A long, quiet beat. Surely there are no survivors...
The plane door SWINGS open and Rommel climbs out, eerily
unharmed. He tears off his flight hood and walks to the other
side of the plane.
Rommel yanks open the pilot side door and is met by the
Pilot's dead eyes staring back at him. He glances in the
back, seeing Tilden's mangled corpse. As he turns to leave,
something catches his eye, he reaches for it.
Rommel marches purposefully from the smoldering wreckage,
eyes now locked on the distant battlefield. With unwavering
determination, he tugs his signature hat tightly over his
head.