The Four Feathers Page #5

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.

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