Four Feathers

Screenplay by Michael Schiffer

revised by Hossein Amini

based on the book by A.E. Mason

EXT. TRAINING GROUND/ WESTMINSTER barracks/ LONDON - Day.

Through a veil of dust we see two lines of uniformed cavalry, stretched out across the parade ground. There's a tense silence except for the occasional flourish of hooves. A horseman steps out of each line.

LIEUTENANTS HARRY FEVERSHAM and JOHN DURRANCE face each other across the wide expanse. Already we feel the keen sense of competition between them. DURRANCE raises his sabre first. His horse sets off at a slow trot. His troops follow in perfect time. HARRY waits a moment, then raises his own sword. A sea of sabres rises up in response.

The two lines approach each other at a steady canter. A smile of anticipation lights up DURRANCE's face. He's a born soldier, enjoying himself. HARRY looks more nervous. He's not as easy as Durrance in the saddle. It's a skill he's acquired over the years rather than been born to.

DURRANCE seems to sense Harry's doubt. With a loud whoop he kicks his horse into a gallop and points his sabre forwards. His troops echo his war cry and descend on the opposing line at speed. HARRY checks his troops and responds. The two lines bear down on each other, hooves thundering, sabres pointed.

DURRANCE charges recklessly. His eyes are fixed on Harry all the time. HARRY holds his gaze, but doesn't look as sure of himself. He's thinking too much, trying too hard. His horse senses it and slows a fraction. The troops behind him lose their cohesion as they draw level.

DURRANCE sees the momentary lapse and waves his men on at full tilt. They pass through HARRY's troops in a perfect line, panicking their mounts, cheering triumphantly. HARRY's formation loses its shape. There's no doubt who's won the drill. DURRANCE wheels his horse around and grins at HARRY through the clouds of dust.

CREDITS ROLL.

INT. Changing room/ WESTMINSTER BARRACKS - day.

Moving through clouds of steam we see the CAVALRY OFFICERS washing themselves in wooden bathtubs. There's a din of voices, soldiers re-living the day's drill, those on Durrance's side still crowing over their victory.

DURRANCE walks with his arm around HARRY. With them is another friend, LIEUTENANT TRENCH, a squat bull of a man.

DURRANCE

...How many does that make it Harry?

harry

It's not something I count.

DURRANCE

How many Trench?

harry

Trench can't count.

TRENCH grabs HARRY in a neck hold. He lets go as he spots another friend of theirs, LIEUTENANT CASTELTON, sitting in a bathtub, staring out. TRENCH sneaks up on CASTELTON, and ducks his head under the water. CASTELTON comes up, spluttering. He reaches for a bar of soap and hurls it after TRENCH.

CASTELTON

...Idiot.

INT. WILLOUGHBY's rooms/ barracks - day.

A fifth friend, LIEUTENANT WILLOUGHBY, stares at himself in the mirror. His hair like his uniform is perfect. There's a loud knocking on his door.

trench o/s

...Miss Willoughby, Miss Willoughby we're waiting.

WILLOUGHBY finally stops preening himself as he hears his friends picking the lock. He gets up reluctantly, taking one last look at his reflection in the mirror.

EXT. BARRACK GATES/ LONDON STREET - DAY.

The OFFICERS pour out of the barrack gates in full regimental unifom, a sea of gleaming red. We pick out HARRY, DURRANCE, TRENCH, WILLOUGHBY, and CASTELTON, laughing amongst themselves, taking turns to tease each other, inseperable.

INT. carriage/ HAnsom cab/ london streets - day.

The friends share a flask of whisky as they sit in the back of the carriage. WILLOUGHBY passes it on without taking a sip.

harry

Who are you planning to impress tonight?

trench

(Grinning)

Anna What's-her-name.

DURRANCE

Anna What's-her-name's father more like. Don't think we're going to take you any more seriously when you're promoted.

wILLOUGHBY

(Quietly confident)

We'll see about that.

A chorus of mocking 'ooohs' from the others. TRENCH notices CASTLETON staring out of the window.

trench

What's so interesting about a London street?

CASTELTON

(Reflecting)

Ask me that when we're in Bombay.

TRENCH rolls his eyes and turns to DURRANCE.

treNCH

Is Ethne going to be there?

We catch a hint of shyness in DURRANCE at the mention of Ethne's name.

DURRANCE

I think so.

HARRY watches DURRANCE, a little uncomfortably, as if he's holding something back.

EXT. PARTY/ india office building/ london - night.

CARRIAGES line the entrance to the India Office. INDIAN VALETS in turbans and robes escort the GUESTS to the entrance, holding umbrellas over them.

The five friends crowd under a single umbrella. WILLOUGHBY makes sure he's in the middle, he doesn't want to get his uniform wet. TRENCH nudges him into the rain.

INT. The Durbar court/ party/ INDIA office - night.

Palm trees and fountains dominate the room. The ladies are dressed in ballgowns, the Officers in regimental colours. The full pomp and ceremony of Empire is on display. HARRY, DURRANCE, WILLOUGHBY, CASTELTON and TRENCH have gathered by the bar, a little overawed by the occasion.

trench

(Admiring the passing women)

I'm going to ask someone to dance.

willoughby

(Admiring the passing Generals)

You said that ten minutes ago.

trench

I'm waiting for Castelton.

CASTELTON stares at the ARISTOCRATIC WOMEN, paralysed with shyness.

trench

(Pouring him another drink)

...Just look dreamy. I'll do the talking.

DURRANCE smiles as he listens to them. He turns to HARRY.

DURRANCE

Can you see Ethne?

harry

Not yet.

HARRY seems uneasy again. We sense there's something on his mind, something he wants to tell Durrance. DURRANCE doesn't pick up on it. He finishes his whisky and looks back into the throng.

WILLOUGHBY

Harry, your father...

HARRY looks away from DURRANCE. He sees his father, GENERAL FEVERSHAM, shaking hands with some COLLEAGUES across the room.

INT. seating area/ durbar court/ india office - night.

GENERAL FEVERSHAM is deep in conversation with his friend, COLONEL SUTCH, a fellow veteran of the Crimean war. HARRY moves discreetly into their field of vision.

GENERAL FEVERSHAM

(His face lighting up)

Harry...

Immediately we feel the bond between father and son.

harry

(Greeting Colonel Sutch)

How are you Colonel?

COLONEL SUTCH

Fine Harry. Relieved to see a few familiar faces. When are you boys shipping out?

harry

Next month.

COLONEL SUTCH

Your father and I served in Bombay. There are worse places they could have sent you.

harry

Yes Sir.

HARRY smiles politely. SUTCH is sensitive enough to see that his mind is on other things. He lets father and son talk.

GENERAL FEVERSHAM

Is Ethne here?

HARRY

Not yet.

They both smile, as if they share a secret. GENERAL FEVERSHAM reaches out and straightens his son's collar, trying to make him look as presentable as possible.

INT. dance area/ the durbar court/ india office - night.

TRENCH and CASTELTON are dancing with two GIRLS: TRENCH waltzing boisterously, CASTELTON taking it all very seriously.

INT. another area/ durbar court/ india office - night.

WILLOUGHBY has found a place amongst a group of SENIOR OFFICERS. He stands next to COLONEL HAMILTON, the Commander of their regiment.

COLONEL HAMILTON

...If I had a choice we'd be on our way to the Sudan. Deal with this Dervish uprising once and for all.

2nd colonel

You prefer a tour in the Sudan to India Willoughby?

wILLOUGHBY

I don't know about that Sir, but I agree with Colonel Hamilton, we're going to have to fight the Mahdi sooner or later.

WILLOUGHBY trails off, leaving COLONEL HAMILTON to continue.

INT. bar area/ the durbar court/ india office - night.

DURRANCE downs another whisky. He looks less sure of himself in this social whirl than he did in the barracks. A few WOMEN cast admiring glances in his direction but he doesn't notice them. His eyes keep searching the crowd for Ethne.

INT. seating area/ durbar court/ india office - night.

HARRY gazes through the crowd at DURRANCE. DURRANCE catches him staring and raises a glass. The two friends smile at each other.

INT. STAIRWAY/ india office - night.

A group of late arrivals hurry up the stairs towards the party. ETHNE EUSTACE, is several steps ahead of her father DERMOD, and her friend, CAROLINE ADAIR, a young widow in her 30's.

INT. ENTRANCE/ durbar court/ india office - night.

ETHNE's eyes search the crowd as soon as she walks through. She stops as she sees DURRANCE at the bar. Her eyes stay on him a moment, but it's only to see if Harry's nearby. When she realises he isn't she looks away. Finally she sees him, standing with GENERAL FEVERSHAM and COLONEL SUTCH. She takes her father DERMOD's hand, and leads him in their direction.

INT. bar area/ the durbar court/ india office - night.

CASTELTON and TRENCH are back at the bar, arguing.

CASTELTON

Your sole purpose in life is to annoy me.

trench

She couldn't see me.

CASTELTON

I could see you. I can see you everywhere I look. Pulling those stupid faces at me.

willoughby

Now Ladies.

DURRANCE joins in the laughter but he seems distracted. He takes another gulp of whisky and looks around the crowd. His eyes stop as he sees ETHNE. A smile lights up his face, but it's short lived.

Across the courtyard HARRY appears, greeting ETHNE. Their hands touch briefly.

The noise fades in DURRANCE's head. He stares in silence.

HARRY shakes DERMOD's hand warmly. DERMOD slaps him on the back, as if he's congratulating him.

DURRANCE's eyes take in the smallest details now. Even though he can't hear a word, the scene before him reveals itself more and more clearly.

COLONEL SUTCH raises his glass. GENERAL FEVERSHAM, DERMOD, and CAROLINE ADAIR respond. HARRY and ETHNE move closer, a little coyly, as if the toast is for them.

DURRANCE looks pale. We feel the disappointment in his eyes as he realises what's happened. HARRY's arm moves around Ethne's waist, a libery that can only mean they're engaged.

INT. fountain area/ durbar court/ india office - night.

HARRY and ETHNE glance at each other tenderly.

ETHNE

Did you tell them?

harry

I was waiting for you.

ETHNE

Not even Jack?

harry

Not even Jack.

The two of them look towards DURRANCE for the first time.

INT. bar area/ the durbar court/ india office - night.

DURRANCE looks up as ETHNE and HARRY make their way through the crowd. He gathers himself, and walks towards them, concealing his feelings:

DURRANCE

Congratulations.

harry

How did you know?

DURRANCE

Nothing escapes me Harry...

(Kissing ETHNE on both cheeks)

I'm delighted for you both.

ETHNE

Harry wanted to tell you before anyone else. It's my fault. I asked him to wait.

DURRANCE

I'll still blame him.

hARRY

(Relieved that his friend's taking it so well)

You were the one who introduced us.

DURRANCE

Did I? I'll be more careful next time.

DURRANCE takes HARRY in his arms, slapping him on the back. WILLOUGHBY, TRENCH, and CASTLETON appear behind them, realising something's up. DURRANCE turns to them, beaming:

DURRANCE

Three guesses for Trench, one for everyone else.

The friends let out a cheer as they realise what's happened. They crowd HARRY and ETHNE, congratulating them.

INT. DANCE area/ the durbar court/ india office - night.

TRENCH sweeps HARRY and ETHNE towards the dancefloor.

trench

(As if they have to dance in public as a punishment)

...Over there. Where we can see you. And remember you're not married yet.

HARRY takes ETHNE in his arms.

harry

(Smiling ironically)

Alone at last.

TRENCH claps loudly as they dance. CASTLETON looks embarrassed by his friend. Behind them WILLOUGHBY congratulates DERMOD and GENERAL FEVERSHAM.

INT. bar area/ the durbar court/ india office - night.

DURRANCE watches the celebrations from the bar. He's smiling to himself, but it's the glazed smile of someone who's forcing himself to be happy. A quiet voice interrupts him:

CAROLINE o/s

Wonderful news isn't it?

DURRANCE turns around to see CAROLINE, Ethne's friend, gazing at him.

DURRANCE

(Smiling automatically)

Yes it is.

CAROLINE

Had Harry told you?

DURRANCE

I knew it was just a matter of time.

(Changing the conversation)

What can I get you to drink?

CAROLINE

Nothing thank you.

DURRANCE

(Nervous under her gaze)

I'd ask you to dance, only I'm not sure how steady I am on my feet.

CAROLINE

(With the quiet confidence of an older woman)

I'd love to dance.

DURRANCE grins sheepishly, at a loss, as he is with most women.

INT. DANCE area/ the durbar court/ india office - night.

The waltz is in full swing. All the friends are out on the dance floor. TRENCH spins his GIRL around energetically, exchanging glances with other women as they pass. CASTELTON stares into his partner's eyes, already in love. WILLOUGHBY dances with an elderly WOMAN, probably some General's wife. DURRANCE waltzes with CAROLINE, avoiding her meaningful glances, looking over her shoulder for Harry and Ethne.

EXT. PARTY/ india office building/ london - night.

The rain pours in torrents. HARRY and ETHNE stand in the shadows of the building. Harry tries to kiss her and hold an umbrella over her at the same time.

ETHNE

What if I hold the umbrella?

harry

I'd have to kneel.

ETHNE

Nothing wrong with that.

HARRY hands her the umbrella, bending under it.

ETHNE

(With irony as he kisses her more and more passionately)

You're very distant tonight.

harrY

I'm locked in a barracks room all day.

ETHNE

What are you going to do in India?

harrY

Take you with me.

ETHNE

A Hindu wedding?

harry

Why not.

ETHNE

Not on your life.

She walks away with the umbrella, leaving him exposed in the rain.

ETHNE

I want the full works. The Church near my home. A long speech from you. An entire regiment crossing swords.

harry

(Drenched)

Done.

ETHNE

I don't believe you.

HARRY makes a rush and grabs her, eneveloping her in his arms.

ETHNE

You're soaking wet.

HARRY

Whose fault is that.

ETHNE squirms but loses herself in his embrace. As they start to kiss they're suddenly interrupted by TRENCH's braying voice in the distance.

trench o/s

(A regimental song)

Goodnight, Ladies...goodnight, Ladies...goodnight, Ladies, we hate to see you go...

HARRY shakes his head in despair.

TRENCH, castelton, willoughby and durrance together o/s

Merrily we roll along, roll along, roll along...Merrily we roll along, until the morning comes...

ETHNE smiles.

ETHNE

Duty calls.

HARRY feels the quiet regret in her voice.

harry

We've two days leave before we sail. Once I tell them we're engaged I'm sure they'll give me more.

ETHNE

As long as you promise to make me miserable. Argue with me all the time so I don't miss you a bit.

Her lightness is forced.

harrY

You'll be fine.

ETHNE

You don't have to reassure me. I'm a soldier's daughter. Everything under control.

harry

I've never kissed a stiff upper lip before.

TRENCH's VOICE bellows out again as they kiss:

trench o/s

Goodnight, Ethne's...goodnight, Harry's...Goodnight, goodnight, goodnight...

HARRRY and ETHNE ignore him, the rain falling all around them.

INT. REGIMENTAL HALL/ WESTMINSTER BARRACKS - night.

The regimental song turns into a deafening roar. All around the mess hall, OFFICERS are laughing and banging on tables. HARRY and DURRANCE stand on wobbly stools, downing pints of beer. As soon as their glasses are empty they set off down the hall at a sprint. It's an obstacle course. The two friends duck under two long tables, and crawl on their bellies, towards two more glasses.

TRENCH and CASTELTON are busy laying bets on who'll win. DURRANCE and HARRY step over a bridge of chairs. They have to find a pint of beer hidden under one of them. DURRANCE finds his first. TRENCH looks at CASTELTON smugly, convinced he's going to win.

HARRY and DURRANCE step-walk over two long benches. DURRANCE falls off. HARRY overtakes him. He throws his head back and finishes off another pint. CASTELTON stands up, cheering.

HARRY and DURRANCE are level as they reach the last glass. As they start to drink HARRY stops, spluttering.

harry

This isn't beer, it's whisky.

trench

Down in one!

HARRY drinks again, but he's fallen behind. The pint of whisky disappears down DURRANCE's throat. Grinning, he makes his way towards the finish line. HARRY pours the whisky over his head, conceding defeat.

EXT. TRAINING GROUND/ WESTMINSTER barracks/ LONDON - Day.

An obstacle course of a different kind. The CAVALRY are training, galloping at full tilt, HARRY and DURRANCE bringing up the front. At the sound of a bugle, they dismount their horses, and sprint towards a row of bayonets. They snatch up the weapons and charge a row of dummies.

DRILL INSTRUCTOR

...In. Out. On guard...

The blades tear into the dummies, exposing soft leaves and hard wood.

DRILL INSTRUCTOR

...Hold the line...and charge...

The OFFICERS charge towards a second set of targets. Teeth bared, they drive their bayonets into the stuffed dummies. CASTELTON's blade sticks in a chunk of wood.

DRILL INSTRUCTOR

...In and out, Castelton, in and out...

CASTELTON pulls in frustation. He can't get the bayonet loose.

DRILL INSTRUCTOR

...They're coming at you boy. Rip it out or they'll stick you first.

CASTELTON puts his foot on the dummy's head and tries to wrench the blade free. Even though it's only a training exercise, his panic is real. TRENCH slows down as he watches his friend struggling in vain.

DRILL INSTRUCTOR

...Move on Trench. Castelton's dead. Enemy spear through his throat.

The OFFICERS continue, bayonets thrust forward, leaving the struggling CASTELTON behind.

EXT. STABLES/ training ground/ westminster barracks - day.

The men are washing up after exercises, dousing themselves with cold water. Everyone's teasing CASTELTON, except for TRENCH. For once he keeps quiet, knowing how hard his friend's taking it. A SEARGENT-MAJOR enters and salutes.

SERGEANT-MAJOR

Gentlemen... fifteen minutes, in the briefing room.

As he leaves, the MEN look at each other curiously.

INT. BRIEFING ROOM/ westminster barracks - day.

The Officers are assembled. HARRY, DURRANCE, TRENCH, WILLOUGHBY, and CASTELTON, take their places on the wooden benches. As he sits HARRY notices a map of Africa behind Colonel Hamilton.

COLONEL HAMILTON

...Gentlemen...

(when the room settles down)

The 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards have been ordered to forego their posting to India...

(Off murmurs of surprise)

...We ship out in three days, to establish a forward garrison in the Sudan...

There's a buzz of excitement. COLONEL HAMILTON can hardly contain his smile. He turns to GENERAL HOLMBY:

COLONEL HAMILTON

...General Holmby, Sir.

GENERAL HOLMBY, a severe looking military man, stands and faces the OFFICERS. Their eyes are lit-up with anticipation, all except Harry, who stares ahead, slowly turning inward.

GENERAL HOLMBY

...I'd like to apologise for not giving you men more notice. I know many of you will find it hard to see your families now. Unfortunately we had no alternative...

He turns to the map and points out the Sudanese desert.

gENERAL HOLMBY

...Three days ago, an army of Egyptian reserves led by General Hicks, was ambushed at Tashgil by the Mahdi's forces. Upoun attack the Egyptians fled, leaving General Hicks and the British Officers with him, to fight a heroic, but in the end hopeless rearguard action. All of them died, sword in hand...

HARRY stares out silently, his whole world turned upside down.

geNERAL HOLMBY

...I hesitate to call this a mission of vengeance, but the honour of our country is at stake. This Government has finally seen fit to send its own troops to war...

There's loud cheering from the men now, regimental pride and bravado covering any trace of nerves.

EXT. COURTYARD/ westinster barracks - sunset.

The OFFICERS pour out into the courtyard, still exhilirated by the thought of seeing war. We hear TRENCH's voice rising above the others.

trench

...I wish I had more than one life to give for my country. Two would make me feel a lot safer.

HARRY laughs with the others, hiding his mounting anxiety.

INT. HARRY and DURRANCE's ROOM/ BARRACKS - NIGHT.

Laughter filters into Harry and Durrance's room. The two of them lie in their beds, watching the embers die out in the fireplace.

DURRANCE

(Gazing up at the ceiling where the noise is coming from)

...I listen to them laugh, and I can't help wondering which ones won't be coming back. The worse part is I think I even know who they are.

haRRY

Am I one?

DURRANCE

Of course not Harry. You're one of the lucky ones. Always have been.

HARRY picks up the reference to Ethne but doesn't say anything. More laughter filters through. HARRY stares out in the darkness, tormented.

DURRANCE

What are you thinking?

harry

(Hesitating)

I'm wondering what a Godforesaken desert in the middle of nowhere has to do with her Majesty the Queen.

DURRANCE

Ask Willoughby. He's on the Colonel's staff.

harry

I know what he'll say: 'It's not for us to question.'

(A beat)

Do you ever ask yourself why you're going?

DURRANCE

Not for the Queen. I hardly know her.

(He smiles softly)

Nor for the regiment. There isn't much of a military tradition in my family...

(A beat)

I suppose I'm going because you're going. You, and Trench, and Castelton, and Willoughby...

(A big grin)

Not much of a reason I know, but it reassures me.

HARRY smiles, but Durrance's words only make him feel more ashamed of the fear he feels inside.

harry

Is there anything that frightens you, Jack?

DURRANCE

I'm frightened of not coming back in one piece. Much more than dying. I wouldn't know what to do with myself in a wheel chair. And I couldn't stand to be pitied.

He puts the thought out of his head and grins.

DURRANCE

There's a Church near our house. Next to the pub. Every night at ten the drunks spill out, shouting at the top of their voices. That's where I want to be buried. Where I can hear them.

harry

Nothing's going to happen to you.

DURRANCE

It's out of our hands anyway. Might as well sleep easy...

DURRANCE rolls on his side. HARRY looks back at the fireplace, as the last embers fade.

EXT. REGIMENTAL COURTYARD - dawn.

A cold blue light hangs over the barracks. The courtyard is empty, except for a few sentries on duty. Wagons pull in, loaded with supplies.

INT. HARRY and DURRANCE's ROOM/ BARRACKS - dawn.

HARRY buttons his uniform. He looks as if he hasn't slept. He turns to DURRANCE. His friend is still asleep. HARRY hesitates. He wants to wake him up, and talk, but in the end he turns away, and leaves the room.

EXT. regimental COURTYARD - dawn.

Harry walks slowly toward the Regimental Office. He glances up at the Regimental flag, flying beside the Union Jack.

INT. ADCs' ROOMS/ THE REGIMENTAL OFFICE - dawn.

WILLOUGHBY looks up from his desk as HARRY walks in.

willoughby

(Grinning)

...Harry. You're up early.

HARRY smiles awkwardly but doesn't say anything. WILLOUGHBY senses something's wrong.

willoughby

(Concerned)

...What's the matter?

HARRY looks at him for a moment, but then turns to Colonel Hamilton's other AIDE-DE-CAMP.

HARRY

I'd like to see the Colonel please.

WILLOUGHBY stares in confusion. The AIDE-DE-CAMP disappears into the next door office. HARRY still can't bring himself to look at his friend.

willoughby

Harry, what's wrong?...

He's interrupted as the AIDE-DE-CAMP walks back in.

AIDE-DE-CAMP

The Colonel will see you, sir.

harry

Thank you.

HARRY walks into Hamilton's office. WILLOUGHBY stares after him, bewildered.

INT. COLONEL HAMILTON's office - day.

COLONEL HAMILTON glances at the letter HARRY has just given him. He stops reading after only a few words.

COLONEL HAMILTON

What the hell is this?

HARRY

My papers, sir. I wish to resign my commission.

COLONEL HAMILTON doesn't appear to understand. He looks back at the piece of paper, as if he's misread something.

COLONEL HAMILTON

If it's leave you want, there's a different procedure. Normally I wouldn't consider it in the circumstances, but given you've got engaged...

HARRY

(Interrupting politely)

I don't want any leave Sir. I wish to resign my commission.

A long silence. COLONEL HAMILTON calmly puts the letter aside, and returns to his work, ignoring HARRY.

harry

Sir...

COLONEL HAMILTON

It's nerves. We all have them.

HARRY

Sir, I've made up my mind.

COLONEL HAMILTON

And I'm asking you to reconsider.

HARRY

I have considered, sir. And I've decided to leave the service.

COLONEL HAMILTON

Come back to me when you've discussed it with your father.

HARRY

It's not his decision, sir...

HAMILTON explodes, all his repressed fury pouring out.

COLONEL HAMILTON

I do not accept these "papers," Lieutenant -- and do not accept that one of my men -- the son of a man with whom I was honored to serve -- would walk out on his Regiment --

HARRY

Sir --

COLONEL HAMILTON

-- on the very eve we're shipping off to war!

(holding out the papers)

Take these back!

HARRY

I will not, sir.

Dead silence.

harry

I wish to resign my commission.

HAMILTON stares at HARRY for what seems an eternity. He's struggling to make sense of something beyond his comprehension. Slowly he gathers himself and lowers his eyes, looking down at Harry's papers:

COLONEL HAMILTON

Very well. Then as the coward and disgrace you are, you may take yourself out of my office...

(Signing Harry's papers)

Please leave the barracks at once. You're belongings will be sent on.

Face drained of color, Harry turns and leaves.

INT. ADCs' ROOMS/ THE REGIMENTAL OFFICE - dawn.

As the door opens, WILLOUGHBY stares at HARRY, speechless. HARRY lowers his eyes and walks on.

INT. STAIRWAY/ BARRACKS - DAwn.

HARRY walks down the stairway, gripping the bannisters. Two SOLDIERS salute him on their way up, but he doesn't respond.

EXT. regimental COURTYARD - dawn.

The supply wagons are being unloaded in the courtyard. HARRY walks between more SOLDIERS, his eyes fixed on the barrack gates. The only sound he hears in his head is the gentle flapping of a flag.

INT. TRENCH and CASTELTON's ROOM/ BARRACKS - day.

CASTELTON is packing his trunk, neat and fastidious, taking his time over every item. TRENCH waits for him impatiently.

trench

...Why can't you do this after breakfast? We're not leaving till tonight.

CASTELTON ignores him, folding his shirts. TRENCH turns to DURRANCE, exasperated.

trench

He packs three bibles. Can you believe it? Three bibles...

DURRANCE grins. He glances up as WILLOUGHBY enters.

DURRANCE

...Field Marshall Willoughby...

WILLOUGHBY doesn't smile. He looks ashen faced.

DURRANCE

...What's the matter?

CASTELTON and TRENCH look up.

willoughby

It's Harry...

(He still can't believe it)

He's resigned.

trench

Resigned what?

willoughby

(Snapping at Trench)

His bloody commission. What do you think?!

There's a long silence. No-one knows quite what to say. DURRANCE finally speaks.

DURRANCE

What did Hamilton do? Refuse him leave?

willoughby

Hamilton didn't do anything. Harry went to see him of his own accord. Right after they changed our deployment.

CASTELTON looks at TRENCH, as the insinuation sinks in.

trENCH

...It's just a coincidence. He's having second thoughts about leaving Ethne.

willoughby

He was happy to leave her behind when we were going to India. No doubts then.

DURRANCE

(Jumping to Harry's defence)

What's that supposed to mean?

willoughby

You tell me. He resigns his commission the very day we're sent to war.

DURRANCE

Harry's the best soldier in this regiment.

wILLOUGHBY

Obviously not when it counts.

DURRANCE

Why don't you say that to his face.

CASTELTON

(Intervening)

We don't know the circumstances yet.

(Reasoning with Willoughby)

I think we should give Harry a chance to explain.

willoughby

(Bitterly)

Harry's gone. He left this morning. Whilst you were all asleep.

WILLOUGHBY turns away in frustration. He's as upset as the others, but he shows it in anger. TRENCH and CASTELTON look stunned. DURRANCE stares ahead in silence.

trench

Did he say anything to you, Jack?

DURRANCE

(Quietly)

No. Nothing.

DURRANCE remembers his conversation with Harry the previous night.

WILLOUGHBY

An action like this dishonors the entire Regiment.

DURRANCE

(Suddenly venting his anger on Willoughby)

Will you forget about your bloody Regiment for once!

WILLOUGHBY

Alright then, it dishonours us!

He stares at DURRANCE with conviction.

willoughby

He was my friend too, Jack...

(A beat)

...but a man who isn't prepared to give his life for his friends, isn't a man at all...

From the look on their faces, it's clear TRENCH and CASTELTON are beginning to agree with him.

wILLOUGHBY

This has to be answered.

DURRANCE shakes his head, refusing to turn on Harry. He storms out of the room.

INT. TRAIN to BINTREE - night.

The whistle of a train. HARRY sits in a crowded carriage, looking stiff in his civilian clothes. He glances out of the window, but sees only his own reflection in the glass.

EXT. ethne's carriage/ BINTREE - day.

ETHNE drives the carriage through the country lanes, overjoyed to see HARRY.

ETHNE

...How many days leave have they given you?

harry

How many days would you like?

ETHNE

They shouldn't have let you out of their sight. I'm going to kidnap you.

harry

I thought as much. This doesn't look like the way to your house.

ETHNE laughs happily. HARRY can't quite bring himself to tell her yet.

INT. village church near ethne's home - day.

Dappled light shines in the small stone Church. ETHNE takes HARRY under the arm, and walks him up the aisle.

harry

Isn't this supposed to be bad luck?

ETHNE

Seeing me in the wedding dress is bad luck. This is practice.

ETHNE looks towards the church benches, as if she's greeting the guests.

harrY

So I'm playing your father?

ETHNE

You have to be a little less steady on your feet. He's had a few to drink.

harry

(Taking slow deliberate steps)

How is he?

ETHNE

Fine. He'll be thrilled to see you.

ETHNE lets go of his hand as they reach the altar. She walks around him, and takes his other hand, as if he's the groom now.

ETHNE

"Do you Harry Feversham --

harrY

(Skipping the rest)

-- You may kiss the bride."

He tries to kiss her.

ETHNE

(Laughing)

You can't jump ahead like that. You have to let me enjoy my wedding. It's your fault the real one isn't for another year.

HARRY hesitates, finally seeing his opportunity.

harry

There's nothing to stop us getting married whenever we like, Ethne. I've handed in my papers.

A long silence. ETHNE stares at him, not sure she's understood.

ETHNE

...When?

harry

Yesterday. I'd been thinking about it for a while.

ETHNE

Why didn't you tell me? Was it because of me?

HARRY

Because of you. Because of me. I couldn't see the point of continuing. The moment I fell in love with you my career in the army was over.

ETHNE

I would have supported your career. My mother did the same for my father. It's what's always been expected of me.

harry

I didn't think it was what you wanted.

ETHNE still looks conflicted.

ETHNE

...It is my fault Harry. I gave you the wrong impression. I'm really much more stoical than that. It wouldn't have been easy, but I'd have coped. I love you far too much to let a year make a difference.

hARRY

It wasn't what I wanted for us.

(A hint of guilt as he hides the whole truth from her)

I love this place. I love you in this place. We'll help your father with the farm. We'll get it going again. We'll begin our lives together.

ETHNE is silent, moved by his words.

harrY

All I want is for you to be happy.

ETHNE

(The smile slowly returns to her face)

I am happy Harry.

She rests her head in his arms again.

ETHNE

As long as you're sure?

hARRY

Of course I'm sure.

He holds her close, kissing her hair, hiding his eyes from her.

EXT. courtyard/ ETHNE'S HOME/ BINTREE - DAY

DERMOD's dogs leap on HARRY as he jumps off the carriage.

HARRY

Whoa! You ought to train these beasts Dermod.

DERMOD

I have. Trained them to scare away prospective son in laws.

HARRY and DERMOD hug each other, already like father and son.

INT. ENTRANCE/ ETHNE'S COUNTRY HOME - DAY

A MAID hands ETHNE some letters and a parcel as she enters the house. HARRY follows her up the stairs.

ETHNE

Which room do you want?

harry

The one with the connecting doors.

ETHNE

You must have imagined that one.

INT. the guest room/ ethne's house. day.

Sunlight fills the room as HARRY throws open the blinds. He takes a long look at the fields outside.

ETHNE

(Glancing through her letters)

I see you've moved in already.

harry

Why?

ETHNE

This one's addressed to you.

She holds out the small parcel. HARRY walks over curiously.

ETHNE

(Teasing him)

A secret admirer?

harry

(Teasing her back)

I wonder which one it is.

ETHNE

I'll open it, thank you.

She undoes the wrapping. There's a small white box underneath. She opens the lid. There's nothing inside, except three white feathers, pinned to three visiting cards. ETHNE's about to make a joke when she suddenly sees how pale HARRY looks.

ETHNE

What is it?

(Looking at the feathers again)

What does this mean?

HARRY

(Slowly)

That there are some things that can't be hidden.

ETHNE

(Beginning to look worried)

I don't understand.

harry

These are feathers of cowardice.

ETHNE laughs, nervously.

ETHNE

What a horrible joke.

harry

It isn't a joke Ethne. They were sent in earnest.

ETHNE

By whom? Who sent them?

(Her anger rising)

How dare they!...

harry

(Reading the cards)

Willoughby, Trench, and Castelton.

ETHNE

You see it is a joke. They're your friends.

She looks to HARRY for confirmation.

HARRY

(All he can say)

You're the most important thing to me.

ETHNE

(Panicked by his tone)

Why are you saying that to me now? What is it Harry?

harry

We were told on Tuesday night that the regiment would be shipping out to the Sudan instead of India. That we'd be seeing war within a week. I handed in my resignation the following morning.

There's a long silence as ETHNE takes it in. Like Durrance she won't accept it.

ETHNE

I don't believe that's why you resigned. You wouldn't have come to me like this. You wouldn't have been able to look me in the eye.

HARRY stares at her guiltily, tormented.

ETHNE

(The tears shining in her eyes)

...I don't believe you. Three white feathers and our world is at an end. It can't be that simple...

And still he doesn't answer.

ETHNE

...Please Harry... You have to answer these charges...

harry

(Finally)

I can't. All my life I've been following a path that's filled me with dread. I kept going because of the people behind me, and the people beside me, but all I wanted to do was turn and run. I didn't even have the courage to do that until I met you...

ETHNE

Don't use me as an excuse.

harry

Ethne --

ETHNE

(Pulling away from him)

-- This afternoon you told me you left the army because of me. Or at least you made me believe it. Tell me the truth? Would you have resigned if we weren't engaged?

There's a long silence. These are the hardest words Harry's ever had to speak.

harry

Yes. I would have resigned. I wouldn't have gone to war for anything.

ETHNE stares at him a moment, then removes her engagement ring from her finger, and holds it out to him.

ETHNE

I've no right to call you a coward, but you are a liar. Please take this back.

HARRY takes the ring without protest. ETHNE turns and walks away. As she leaves she sets the feathers on the table, and closes the door behind her.

HARRY listens to her footsteps fade. He walks towards the table. As he looks down he sees four feathers. Ethne has snapped the fourth from her fan.

Very carefully, as if they were the most precious objects in the world, HARRY gathers them, his eyes shining with tears.

EXT. LONDON DOCKS - NIGHT.

A burst of noise and colour. Rows of SOLDIERS march by, in perfect squares, proudly wearing their regimental colours. The wharf is lined with PEOPLE, cheering and waving flags, sending them off to inevitable victory.

INT. stable deck/ troop ship/ LONDON DOCKS - NIGHT.

We can still hear the roar of the crowd outside. CASTELTON is trying to coax his horse into its box. TRENCH, and WILLOUGHBY, and DURRANCE wait for him.

next>>