In this thrilling episode of the Campbell Playhouse, Orson Welles presents "Beau Geste," featuring the esteemed Laurence Olivier and the notorious Noah Berry. The story unfolds with John Jest recounting his adventures in the French Foreign Legion alongside his brothers, Beau and Digby. The narrative takes listeners from their childhood in England, where they played naval games and admired the legendary Blue Water sapphire, to the harsh realities of the desert, where they face mutiny, treachery, and the relentless heat of the Sahara.
As the brothers navigate the perils of the Legion, they encounter the sinister Sergeant Lejeune and a conspiracy among their fellow soldiers. The tension escalates with a mutiny and an Arab attack, leading to a dramatic climax at Fort Zindernuf. Amidst the chaos, the brothers' bond is tested, and Beau's noble sacrifice is revealed. The episode concludes with a poignant letter from Beau, unveiling the truth behind the stolen sapphire and his ultimate act of love and loyalty.
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[00:00:34] Unknown:
Good evening. This is Orson Welles. Tonight, the English star, mister Laurence Olivier, fresh from Hollywood where he's been making Wuthering Heights and just over from the Ethel Barrymore Theatre where he's been rehearsing with Catherine Cornell in Gusury McClintock's new production, no time for comedy, joins us at Campbell Playhouse as John Jest in Beau Geste. With him is your favorite villain, mister Noah Berry, who will bedevil mister Olivia and me in the bloodthirsty person of his original sergeant Lejeune, which Noah Berry may famous in the silent picture version of PC Wren's celebrated romance about the foreign legion.
[00:01:39] Unknown:
Yes, sir. This month.
[00:01:42] Unknown:
High descent. Yes, sir? High descent, you have seen war in the desert. Does anything here strike you as strange? Well, the if you want to know truth Yes. I don't like it, sir. Something about that fort seems strange not to hear a sound out of them. It's simply be cheering the relief force. They may not have seen us. The sun is behind us. Sound the regimental call. No answer. You think it's an Arab trap? I don't think so, sir. That's not the way the Arabs work. Courage and cruelty, I've seen in them, but nothing like this. I can not let me have your glasses. Just tell you what, sir.
[00:02:30] Unknown:
Do you see anything, sir?
[00:02:32] Unknown:
Flags flying. The military places along the wall. Rifles level. That's strange, sir. Not an arrow been in sight? Yes. When the ducal sounded, none one of them moved. Did you notice that? How about the lookout platform, sir? From that. Yes, sir. Once more, the call. Your accident, you take a look. Thank you, sir. See that man at the corner of the wall over on the right? Yes, sir. He has got a bullet hole in the middle of his forehead. He has, sir, a trickle of blood down his face. Still, he stands there propped up against the wall with the others, staring down the muzzle of his rifle.
Those men are dead. Gentlemen, I'm going to ask for a volunteer to ride a loan into Paul Zindine. Step forward. It's a hard thing to ask, Major. A forkful of dead men. Any volunteers? Major. You stop, sir?
[00:03:28] Unknown:
I'll get her. Good.
[00:03:30] Unknown:
Get in as best you can. Once you are in, sound the call. Yes, sir. Brave man. Have you eye watch with you? Yes, Major. Is that all? That is all. If I haven't heard from you within fifteen minutes, I'll order a charge ever, and good luck. Thank you, sir.
[00:03:57] Unknown:
That was the last time they heard him speak. They saw him ride towards the fort, flicking his way among the dead Arabs. They saw him stop under the wall of Fort Vindenas. They saw him look up at the dead faces of the men on the wall. They saw him climb up on his horse's saddle and hoist himself up. Then he disappeared. A little before the fifteen minutes were over, they saw a small dark cloud in the blue sky over the fort. At first, it seemed like dust. As it grew heavier and started to swirl, they saw that it was smoke. Just before the fort burst into flames, they thought they heard the sound of a bugle playing a strange call.
That man, the trumpeter, was my brother. There were three of us, and I am the only one alive. My name is John Jest. Here is our story. It begins in England at Brandon Abbas in Herefordshire. Here we were brought up by our aunt, Lady Brandon, her dead sister's three boys, Michael, Digby, John, and her own daughter, a little girl called Isabelle. Michael was the captain, our hero and leader, lady Brandon's favorite nephew. As a child, because of his looks, she called him Beau, Beau Geb, and the name stayed with him. Digby was the lieutenant.
He was Beau's twin, smaller and a quarter of an hour younger. I was a year younger, their mascot and their obedient slave. There was a game we used to play in the lily pond of Brandon Abbas. It was called naval engagements. It was played with two toy boats, each crowded with lead soldiers and bearing three brass cannon loaded with buckshot.
[00:05:46] Unknown:
Is your ship ready, lieutenant? Ready, captain. Light the fuses. Ready? Go. Hey. Only one of my guns are firing. Must be improper fusing. No battle. Put him in, John. I like captain. You better touch your father's John. Mind you, don't leave me then overboard. My cousin. Oh. What happened? I'm shot. Stop making faces and come here. Oh. Be quiet, Isabel. Don't look at it. Let me see, John. Place the bullet inside his leg. How does it feel, John? It cuts my thingy shut. I'm going to be safe. What are you gonna do with your knife, though? Going to quarterize the wound, captain, and prevent it turning septic? No. Naval surgery without anesthetics. Cut out the cannonball. First, I have to sterilize the knife.
Now, John, will you be gagged or chew on a bullet? I don't want to be disturbed by your beastly yells. I shan't yell, captain. Sit on his head, Digby. No. Hold his hoof then. Isabel, hide your eyes and keep still. Get the bullet out, Jim. Almost. Hold him still, Digby. Here it comes. Yeah. How do you feel now, John? I feel alright. I'm going to confirm a new name on you for bravery. Stand up, Digby, and salute. John Jeff, because you didn't cry when wounded in battle and didn't yell during a major operation of naval surgery without anesthetics, I now give you the rank and title for the rest of your life of Stautzilla.
Oh, thank you, captain. I said captain, do you think we could manage your vikings funeral? Right you are lieutenant. Stark fella, you have also earned high honor of a full dress Viking funeral. We can use my boat and one of my soldiers. But, John, you may choose the one you want to be. I'd like to be one of the new blue ones if it's alright, captain. Hand me one, Diggs. I now solemnly name this valorous soldier the Viking earl, John Sheff. Now put him on a matchbox filled with explosives, Digg. Use it here, John. Stand up everyone else. Hats off. Ready, Digby? Lighter.
Now shove her way out. There she goes. I can still see the Viking in the center. Catch what I call a funeral. I'd give something to have one like that when my turn comes. What's more, I'll write it down in my will. And none of you dirty litter dogs will get anything from me unless you see it properly done. I'll give you one, Beau, whenever you like. So will I you, Dig, if you die first. Shake on it. Shake. Slow your bugle, Digby.
[00:08:30] Unknown:
Most of the other great moments of my childhood were connected with a fabulous and historic jewel owned by Leonard Branson, the blue water sapphire. It had been in the family for several generations. Often people came to see the sapphire, princes, diplomats, jewel merchants from every corner of the globe. I remember the last time I saw it. We were home for the Christmas holiday. I was 18 then. Beau and Digby were at Oxford as I was in my last year at school. On Christmas Eve, we persuaded lady Brandon to get out the blue water for us to look at. Just the family, Beau, Digby, myself, and Isabel.
[00:09:05] Unknown:
Well, there it is, children. Golly.
[00:09:09] Unknown:
Beauty, isn't she?
[00:09:10] Unknown:
Remember the Indian Nile Roger who fainted dead away when he saw it? And it took twenty minutes to revive it. Yes, sir. No wonder. He still makes me dizzy. I thought we'd never get rid of him. He kept coming back to see it again. See all four times, wasn't it, aunt? Don't mind the myraj. I looked at blue water. Seems to get bigger and bigger. Yeah. Makes you wanna dive into it headfirst and just disappear inside it. I say what's going on? What's happened to the light?
[00:09:32] Unknown:
Don't don't want to bother anybody and knock things over. The lights will go on again in a minute. They always do. It's something to do with the new power station. But, Arndt, this is the third time it's happened this week. Why doesn't somebody get a candle? It's pitch black. Oh, they're fine. I hope they stay on.
[00:09:46] Unknown:
Auntie, look. Look.
[00:09:49] Unknown:
It's gone. Whoever did this, please put it back. It's not funny. You suppose it fell on the floor? It was under the glass cover.
[00:09:58] Unknown:
Whoever took the blue water, please put it back at once. John? Why do you accuse me? You were nearest today. Oh, John. No. We accuse you. Put the best thing back. Me? I didn't take it. Oh, why don't you put it back? Whoever did take it. Let's not keep on pretending.
[00:10:12] Unknown:
We shall all go today, Nao. This room will be locked, but the key to it will be left in the little brass box in the hall. Only you four will know where it is. The thief will have a chance during the night to replace the sapphire without revealing his identity. If the Blue Water is not here in the morning, the police will be called in. No one will be spared no matter who it is.
[00:10:37] Unknown:
The next morning, we found the jewel had not been returned. Only Digby and Isobel and myself were at breakfast. Moe didn't appear. Lady Brandon sent down word that no one was to leave the house. She hadn't sent for the police yet, but we expected she would any minute. It was a strange morning wandering about the house, each of us keeping to himself, waiting for something to happen. Around noon, I went into the library.
[00:11:01] Unknown:
Johnny?
[00:11:02] Unknown:
Yes, Isabelle.
[00:11:04] Unknown:
Will you tell me something? Certainly. What? It's a silly question. Terribly silly. I oh, I know it's silly. Well? Johnny, did you take the blue water?
[00:11:16] Unknown:
Why? No. I didn't.
[00:11:18] Unknown:
Oh, and Claire. Oh, I shouldn't have asked it, Johnny, but I wanted to hear you say yourself.
[00:11:26] Unknown:
Isobel, you're crying. So forgive me for asking. Isobel, what's the matter with you?
[00:11:31] Unknown:
Isobel, do stop crying. But I can't help it. I can't help it.
[00:11:37] Unknown:
Johnny, I love you.
[00:11:41] Unknown:
Darling.
[00:11:44] Unknown:
Darling. I wish I knew what to say, darling. Isabelle, someday, we'll get at it, won't we? Yes. When I've scraped together a little money and, proved somehow that that I I'm worthy please kiss me, Isabella. Excuse me. Could I talk to Don alone? I found it not as important to say to him. Yes. Of course. Bye, Don. Goodbye, darling. What are you being so little dramatic about those gone? I don't know. Left this note. By the time you get this, I shall be well on the way to where I'm going. Please tell Anne there's no further need of badger any of you about the blue water. If Sotland Yard is put on the trail, tell him you knew I contracted large debts at Oxford. I must have been led astray by evil companions, you and John, of course. Keep an eye on John.
I bet you both ever yours, Bob. It can't be true. Of course, it isn't true. I can't believe it. Not a bow. Things like an open book he's taking a blade. But who is he shielding? Perhaps he doesn't know. Look. If Beau didn't do it, then maybe I did it. You didn't, did you? Neither did you or Isabelle. Of course not. It's ridiculous. Exactly.
[00:12:49] Unknown:
John, we can't let him do it. It'll flake Lady Brandon Hart. You know how she adored it. What do we do? Nothing at the moment. I'll say nothing.
[00:12:58] Unknown:
I'll speak to you later. I've got my dear. That evening, I found a note on my pillow in Digby's writing. Dear John, I can no longer let the innocent suffer for my guilty sin. By the time you get this, I shall be well on my way to where I am going. Will you please tell aunt that Beau's noble and beautiful gesture with a lot of nonsense and that I'm the real thief? Tell her that by the time she gets this. I placed my room for three hours, then I started to pack. As the dawn came up, I tiptoed out through the kitchen door. Through the dim morning, I walked to the station and boarded the first train.
[00:13:47] Unknown:
My darling, beautiful sweetheart, when you read this letter, you will be the first to agree that I cannot possibly do anything except what I am doing. Although it may mean, for a time at least, being away from you, my dearly beloved. Just when we have found this miracle, our love, miss Adele, dear.
[00:14:14] Unknown:
May
[00:14:19] Unknown:
Can I speak with the officer in charge, please? Yes. What do you want? Are you the recruiting officer, sir? I am.
[00:14:28] Unknown:
Could you tell me, sir, if any Englishman What is this? What happens in England? Does the British Empire suddenly export all our most excellent young men to Paris to enlist in the French foreign legion? Then there have been others. Two others this week. But where can I catch up with them? Where can I find them? You mean if you are accepted into the legion? You've got to accept me. What what do I do? So for physical examination, for that for you, that will be easy. But, you know what you're doing? Of course. Listen to me, young man.
In the beginning of Valentine's list for five years, his pay is 1 sou a day. The discipline is hard, rather than that of any army in Europe. If a man deserves a legion, he is shut. Think it over, young man. Think it over.
[00:15:11] Unknown:
They accepted me. I signed a paper, and I was a soldier of France. Name, John Smith, foreign legion one zero three seven six two. A week later, I was in Iran in Africa, then onto an inland town, some 20 of us on foot. We were herded into a long shed like building. Our head was shaved, uniforms and kit issued to us. I picked up my things and went to the barrack room to which I'd been assigned. Two men were sitting side by side on a bench, their hands in their pockets, pipes in their mouths. Well, well, enter the third robber. Oh, How wonderful to see you. I was afraid I might catch up with you. Oh, my poor, dear, idiotic, mad booby.
[00:16:15] Unknown:
How the devil you think you're doing here? Fleeing from justice, Beau. What about you? Same thing. You did? Who? Me? Well, well, you tell me the truth. I'm fleeing from justice.
[00:16:24] Unknown:
Did you bring the sapphire with you, John? No. No. I didn't bring it with me. Care it. Did you bring it, Beau? Yes. You too dig me? Oh, never a sapphire without my sapphire. I suppose one of us three has got it. Two of us. What are you gonna do with it now, Harriot? That's
[00:16:39] Unknown:
your kangaroo custom. I carry about the young and their money things are so big, you know, in front accessible. I keep it on me night and day. Gotta kill a man for where he can rob him. There we go. He's gonna line up for inspection.
[00:16:52] Unknown:
Inspection? I just arrived. Well, that's not too soon, but it's gone. Who?
[00:16:56] Unknown:
Color sergeant, Bishop. Charming man. Now on your commanding officer.
[00:17:04] Unknown:
Hey, Frank. Hi, Chris. Steady. Crunch. Oh, a new company of jailbirds. Why couldn't you go to the prison instead of coming here to waste my time? I'll make you wish you hadn't come near the legion. I'll make you wish you were never born. Let's see what we have here. You. What's your name? Schwab. Say, sir, when you speak to me. How about you? Who are you? My name is Hank. Hank Walker. I come from Chile, Tennessee. Any more silence insolence from you. I'll tie your wrist to your ankles and the small of your back. Okay, sir. And what's your name? Nothing.
Oh, another English boy. Let's see your hands. I thought so. Soft as pancakes. Never done a stroke of work in your life. Well, I'll harden those for you. I'll manicure you before I die. Sir, Heinrich, open your mouth again, and I'll close it with my boot. Oh, then. You all may look like scum, but before I'm through with you, you'll be soldiers. Oh, yes. Yeah. I'll make soldiers out of you if I have to kill you. Beginning tomorrow, we'll drill and march. You hear me? Drill and march.
[00:18:30] Unknown:
So the following week, we march onwards without ceasing day after day. I can still feel the movement of my bare oiled feet in my leather shoes. We wore no stockings in the Legion. On our second month, we march 500 miles, 30 miles a day with rifles under a heavy tank.
[00:18:46] Unknown:
Hi, sir. Faster, number. You're soldier now under my command. And under my command, you'll march. Hey, you. Schwartz. Yes, sergeant. Keep that cap on your greasy head. That's a sweat, Well, what would you rather do? Sweat or croak? Hey, you. You pray. Hey, where do you think you're going? Fall out of line. What's more and you will carry an extra 20 pounds of sand in your pack. Now go on. Get back into place. Run. Carver. Yes, sergeant? We make camp tonight. See that our friend Dupray gets his rest. But first, give him 25 lashes, then let him do center duty till midnight. And after that, private you pray, you can have your rest.
You pray. How many? Both. Both. Please. Now then, pigs, flying before you hear you, see a gentleman who wanted his rest now, and I'll show you how we wake him up in the lead. Get up. Get up. Perhaps a boot in the ribs will. Sergeant. Yes, Englishman. Now what is it? My brother and I will carry him if he can. An illusion every man for himself. If he doesn't want to march, he can stay here. Now don't you worry about your prey. He won't be alone here for long. The vulture vulture's will keep him company. Alright. Detail. Well, face.
[00:20:49] Unknown:
You are listening to the Campbell Playhouse presentation of Beau Geste starring Orson Welles with Laurence Olivier and Noah Bury. This is the Columbia Broadcasting System.
[00:21:11] Unknown:
In the region, there were many conflicting reports as to what particular job we were being trained for. Some said a border demonstration, peaceful penetration with the bayonet. Others talked of a far flung uprising of all the Arab nations from the Atlantic Ocean to the Persian Gulf. Meantime, we drilled and drilled, marched and marched. Then one day came bad news. We were to be separated. Jigga remained as trumpeter with a regiment in Jagadir. Beau and I, with the second company, were detailed to the worst section in the North African service, Fort Glyndonough, 4 Hundred miles away. With May when we set out with Lejeune, now adjutant in command, it took us three weeks to reach it. In the pile beside me as we marched was the American, Hank.
[00:21:52] Unknown:
Hey. Hey, son. Yes? I wanna tip you boys off to something. Oh? You being one of them Britishers, well, I figure well, you mean okay anyways. Thank you. Just wanna tell you, there's a lot of conspiracies around this company. Now that we're getting away from civilization, things may start popping. You don't say? Yeah. Mostly, they all have to do with you boys. How do you mean? Well, none of my business, of course. Boys got it figured out. You three brothers are a gang of international thieves. What? Hold your horses, son. Just telling you what they're saying.
Seems they heard you fellas talking about some diamonds you got hidden away. They heard how one of you carries it like a kangaroo in a pouch on his stomach. They mean to get it even if they have to knife you for it. And in case you don't know, one of the guys that has his eye on that diamond of yours is our new adjutant, mister Lejeune.
[00:22:56] Unknown:
At Fort Linton, we drilled all day in the sun. La Jeune thought of that. As for the night, all we could do was to pretend that they were cooler than the day. The second month's desert fever took us. Cockroach fever, men call it because it calls through the brain. Comes over a man suddenly, and he goes stark raving mad with the heat. Already three of the men have had to be put in solitary confinement. And the bed next to my brother sets a German named Schwartz. One night about two hours after lights out, my brother woke suddenly. There was a hand on his shoulder. Hey. Hey there.
[00:23:29] Unknown:
Hello, Schwartz. What do you want? Time to sleep.
[00:23:32] Unknown:
I want to talk. If you are you enjoying my dear sentiment? Oh, quite. Quite.
[00:23:39] Unknown:
You would like a change?
[00:23:41] Unknown:
I like change.
[00:23:42] Unknown:
Would you like perhaps to see again the civilized world, you and your brother and that precious diamond of yours? I have what you're talking about. Tell me. Have you ever seen a pig die?
[00:23:54] Unknown:
No. You will. You feeling ill? Yeah. Not funny.
[00:23:59] Unknown:
Soon, you will see a big pig die, a sacred pig, an adjutant pig.
[00:24:06] Unknown:
So? And are you the butcher, Schwartz? That depends.
[00:24:11] Unknown:
So many wish the privilege. Would you? Are you the best? Mutiny? No.
[00:24:17] Unknown:
We kill a swine. I have no experience as a pork butcher.
[00:24:21] Unknown:
Then, after you conclude that you wish to join the animals that are to be slaughtered, this pig or butcher, you must decide soon. You think about it. Tomorrow, we must know. Understand? Yes. Remember, you must decide, pig
[00:24:40] Unknown:
or butcher. It was noon of the next day before my brother could talk to me. He waited for me outside the canteen. Can they hear us here? No. Go ahead, Bo. Be quick. Let's figure this out, John. A mutiny here, it's thin enough. What would that mean? Suppose they succeeded. They'd had to escape across several hundred miles of desert. Right. Problems, starvation first. The heat of the desert, maybe getting killed by store egg robbers. We just mutilated. Right. And left to the over anxious vultures. Here's something else. I keep thinking of what your American friend said about the blue water.
What's the main reason Schwartz and his gang want us along? I'll tell you. So that after we've helped them with a mutiny, they can do away with us in the desert and get this diamond they think we've got. I haven't thought of that. Once more, there are those anxious vultures. Once more. Now something else. Suppose that Jean, another diamond blubber, is smarter than the mutineers think. Suppose he has his spies. Suppose he knows who this part then what Then the mutineers play right into his city. Exactly. That's what he's waiting for. If everyone of us shut down, helps himself to the blue water, and gets a medal in the bargain. Leaves us once more to the we keep on ending up with those unpleasant burns. Yes. Well, what do we do? Nothing. Wait. Just wait. I'll tell Schwartz now that we're not interested, but watch him day and night. Beginning tonight, you and I better take turns sleeping.
First, you sleep, then I'll sleep, then you sleep, then I'll sleep. You see?
[00:26:04] Unknown:
For two days and two nights, nothing happened. It was hotter than ever. Every morning as I looked into the men's eyes, I saw the desert fever rising, burning more brightly. The third night, I couldn't sleep. I lay in bed thinking of our years at Brandon Abbott, thinking of his. I wondered if I'd ever get back to her and Ingham. Fever ridden men sleep pitifully. I lay awake listening to them. Just before the dawn, I became aware of a man standing at the end of the room. He had me covered with his revolver. Get up. Quick.
[00:26:36] Unknown:
One sound out of you and I'll shoot. Go on. Get up and come here. March. Ahead of me. Go to my room. Now let's see it. Come on. Let's see it. The what? The diamond. Did you hear me? That is no diamond, La Jeune. No? I know better than that. I'll tell you out in the desert. You and your brother with your hands and the small of your back, your mouth full of salt and sand. Then we'll see if you've got a diamond. But that'll keep. Right now, there's work to be done. Do you want to live? On On the whole, I think so. On the whole, you do. Do you? Alright then.
Now listen to me. I know all about this mutiny as I know everything else done and said and thought in this port, and I know who's in it. Schwartz, Bolliger, Modany, Vogue. And I'm going to attend to it now, tonight. You hear? And answer me. I hear you. Well, say so then. Now you'll go back with me to that barrack room. First, wake up your brother. Get your rifles, yours and his. I'll stand at the door and cover you. You'll go from bed to bed and take every rifle. If any man speaks, don't answer him. If any man moves, shoot him as a mutineering dog should be shot. You understand?
I understand. Like a sound or a false move, you'll be the first to die. Alright. If you want to live, move.
[00:28:22] Unknown:
In the first glimmer of dawn, I did what he told me. I woke my brother. There were no sentries posted that night. Nobody to challenge us. We went from room to room disarming the men as they slept. We carried their rifles upstairs, stacked them all on the flat roof, and all the time, Lejeune had us covered.
[00:28:38] Unknown:
Alright. Put those rifles down here. Now down in Number 3, there are eight men there. Get the air guns. Bring them up here. That's a lot. And then I have got a little surprise for mister Schwartz and his friends when they get up this morning. What are you waiting for? Go on down. What's the matter with you? Can't you hear what I tell you? Acheson, what are you staring at? Listen. Alright. If that's what you want, I Shut up, you fool. Listen. Do you hear it? Yeah. You. Get back to old rifle. Yes, sir. Wait. Down to the barracks room. Jugglers.
Jugglers.
[00:29:30] Unknown:
Down the arms. Every man too battle to the head. Quickly. No. That's it.
[00:29:59] Unknown:
Ford knew when the Arabs retired, they fell back as suddenly as they'd come. The attack was over. But all afternoon, the Arabs kept up a desert fire. Every now and then, a man was hit.
[00:30:11] Unknown:
Undercover. Haven't you got any space? Corporal, take that man downstairs. Give him first aid. Be back in five minutes, you hear? Yes, sir. Schwoz. Schwoz. Yes, sir. Hello there. Up on the wall. Yes, sir. Look out there toward the oasis.
[00:30:31] Unknown:
Tell me. What do you see? They're climbing the tree, sir. They're shooting down at us from the trees.
[00:30:38] Unknown:
Exactly, mister Schwartz. They are shooting at us from the trees. Now, we don't have to get through there every time from those trees, won't we, mister Schwartz? Yes, Edgerton. Alright, mister Schwartz. Now you climb up to that high lookout platform. That's it. And from there, you'll get a good shot at those Arabs, please. Until it gets you up. Get up there, I tell you. Go on. I'll shoot you myself. That's it. Go on up. And while you're up there, maybe you can pick up some more blood. Go on. Get up there. Too bad. Brave soldier just died for the Republic.
And one mutineer less. Alan, mutineer number two. Bolliger.
[00:31:47] Unknown:
Yes, sir. You're next.
[00:31:50] Unknown:
Yes. Yes, sir. Get up on that platform, mister Bolliger. Go on. Same.
[00:32:38] Unknown:
Out of 98 that morning, there were 46 of his left. That was the first day. The nearest relief post was Jagadish. It'd be three days before help could come from there. In the morning, the Arabs would attack again. They knew our real numbers. They'd scale the walls and cut us to pieces in a minute.
[00:32:55] Unknown:
That night, once more, Lejeune put us to work. Here. Come up here. Help me with this. Yes, sir. I don't trust those others. Pick him up at the shoulders and the legs. But he's dead, sir. Sure. They get heavy when they're stiff, don't they? Come on. Up the stairs with him. Sir? Onto the parapet. What are you trying to do? How do you think? Put them to work, you idiots. No good when they're alive. Perhaps now that they're dead, they'll be of some use. Yeah. Copy them up against walls. Push them against a pair of. That's it. That's enough. Straight up. Aye, sprint.
Put his cap on his head. Now give me my rifle. That's right. Sight it. Well, French Schwartz, now you look quite a useful soldier for a change. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah Rifle in his hand. Cap on his head. Yes, sir. 38 of them. One in each embrasure. And tomorrow when the Arabs attack, they'll think we've got a real garrison here.
[00:34:14] Unknown:
It worked. The next morning, the Arabs attacked again, but they kept their distance. All day their fire poured into the fort, and inside a handful of desperate men ran from parapet to parapet shooting over the dead men's shoulders. Whenever a man fell, the drone would pick him up and put him back in his place on the parapet. He seemed to take a ghoulish delight in arranging them and sighting their rifles and putting their caps on straight. Once or twice, he lit cigarettes for the dead men. Cigarettes gradually burnt till they were spent in the red men's mouths. But at worst, at the end of the day, they would go beyond the sandhills.
[00:34:45] Unknown:
And now, my many friends, before we go to sleep, we're going to have a little celebration. Just the few of us. We'll celebrate what a good time we're having. We let the Adams hear us. We let them see how little we need to worry, how gay we are. Ah, we're going to laugh. Laugh, I tell you. How do you hear me? Bless. That's it. Well, come on you. Now from left to right. Left.
[00:35:29] Unknown:
Lower than you. There, my thing.
[00:35:41] Unknown:
In the middle of the silent quadrangle of dead men standing guard, we celebrated for hours until we laid back exhausted on the stone roof of the fort. Late that night, Beau dragged in so many. Cut a cigarette, John. Just two. Yeah. Looks like the last last journey. Last cigarette. Nothing. The leap is halfway here by now. Hope so.
[00:35:59] Unknown:
John, if I die and you don't, why don't you do something for me? Of course, bro. There are two letters in my pocket and a small package with a money belt around my waist. One letter is a sort of public letter. The other the other's related brand of packages for her too. Only the package isn't really important. The letter is important, though. Whatever you do, swear you give her that letter. Oh, don't talk like that.
[00:36:20] Unknown:
You're not going to die. Maybe I'll die. Maybe we'll both die. Maybe neither of us will. Don't know, Johnny. Just feel at my bones.
[00:36:27] Unknown:
Johnny, will you swear? Of course I will. Good. Well, goodbye, dear old Johnny. Wish to have mine dragged you into this, but I think you'll come out alright. Give my love to dig. We don't, Here's the bill. I hope someday you too will be very happy.
[00:36:50] Unknown:
In the morning, the fight had started the fighting started again. The same tactics again, running along the wall, shooting dead men's guns. By noon, there were only seven of us left. Two hours later, there were only four. Each took one row. We ran like men possessed, shooting, running, shooting, running. We never looked at each other. It was late in the afternoon when I saw the bow had fallen. He lay there under the North wall motionless, and I couldn't get to him. After that, I can remember nothing until it was night. Then suddenly my brain cleared and I saw Lajon bending over Beau's body, plumping at his cell.
[00:37:30] Unknown:
Get away from that, Lajon.
[00:37:47] Unknown:
I'll move, and I'll shoot. Give me those letters, my patches. I sat down. The shot went wild, but my bayonet went straight through his heart. He fell dead on his back. I sank down on the stone, and for the first time, I realized that Beau was not yet dead. It was because of him that Lejeune's shot went wild. He had reached out and seized Lejeune's foot, jerking him off balance as he pulled the trigger. Stop,
[00:38:17] Unknown:
John. Cut the letters. You'll deliver them yourself, Beau. No. We two are the only survivors. The relief will be here soon. Listen, Johnny. I'm for it. Alright. I'm bleb white. Listen. I've never stolen anything in my life. Tell the guy I said to him. Johnny, do get a letter home.
[00:38:34] Unknown:
Wait. Look. I I I got them buried. No. No. No. Johnny. Now listen. Both letters,
[00:38:38] Unknown:
one with confession. No need for your dick to carry on the game now. You must get the confession published. I have nothing to confess, Beau. Don't be an ass, Johnny. It's the living we have to think about. Leave the confession word, Desant, or I'll haunt you. I'll gnaw your neck and go boo in the dark. No. Don't go. Where, Johnny? From Johnny. I'm going damn. Johnny, where are you? Promise. Confession.
[00:39:29] Unknown:
John. John, wake up. Listen. You've got to look
[00:39:34] Unknown:
wake up. Try hard.
[00:39:38] Unknown:
Where am I? Where's Beau? This is Digby. Digby, you hear? You're in the Fourth Of Lindenuff. Beau is dead.
[00:39:47] Unknown:
And you've killed the young. Good thing too that the legion won't look at it that way. We've got to escape quickly.
[00:39:53] Unknown:
Digby, how did you get Police squadron from from Jagabir.
[00:39:56] Unknown:
We heard there'd be an attack. We came up to the walls and saw the dead men looking out. They wanted the man to go into the fort alone. I volunteered.
[00:40:04] Unknown:
They're outside there now. If I don't get the call within fifteen minutes, they'll charge. We we've only got five minutes left.
[00:40:11] Unknown:
Where's Beau?
[00:40:13] Unknown:
Where's Beau? John is dead downstairs. Come, John. We have something we've got to do. You know what he'd have wanted, a Viking's funeral.
[00:40:23] Unknown:
That's right. We promised that day. That bland moment. Now quick. Help me. I piled wood around him and sprinkled oil on the wood and all over the barracks. It's all ready.
[00:40:32] Unknown:
Just one more detail. Get up, John. Quick. What's he doing? Remember, a Viking funeral needs a dog. And you should remember, a dog at the feet of the captain. Well, there's a dog. Legend.
[00:40:45] Unknown:
Sieg.
[00:40:47] Unknown:
Have you gone mad too? Oh, we haven't time to lose. Help me. He wanted a full Viking funeral. You'll get it.
[00:40:54] Unknown:
We dragged the body of Lejeune down the stairs to the barrack room and laid it at both feet. Stigma knelt down and struck a match. As he threw the match toward the bed, we raced back up the stairs. Moment later, the flames leaped high into the air. As we left the burning fort, we heard the cavalry coming up behind us. In the confusion of the fire, we escaped heading west towards the coast. Five weeks later, I saw the sea. Digby was dead, shot by a stray bullet from a marauding arrow. Almost a year went by before I reached England. I fulfilled my promise to Bo.
The public letter was a soft confession saying that he alone had stolen the blue blue water sapphire. That was nonsense, of course. His lie had long outlived its purpose. The other notes, the ones lady Brandon, she read aloud to us, to Isabelle and me. As she read, I seem to hear the voice of Bo himself. Bo smiling and talking to us across all those miles from that land of the dead from Linderneur.
[00:42:32] Unknown:
Dear auntie, when you got this, I'd be dead. If you've read it through, perhaps your forgiveness for doing what I thought was best. You see, I thought I was doing something that might in some measure repay you for your great goodness to me and my brothers. My dear aunt, aunt, I knew you'd sold the blue water to the Maharaja in order to keep the estate going for our sake and for the sake of the tenants. I also knew you were frightened that the sale would become known for, technically, you had no right to sell the jewel which was left you in trust. I knew you'd had a duplicate made, and I kept thinking how splendid it would be if we had a jewel robbery and the Brewwater substitute was stolen. You could put Scott and Yarbrough on the trail, burglar.
As long as it didn't catch you and recover the sapphire, everything resplendent. And everything would have turned out fine too if those incredible brothers of mine hadn't gone and bolted through possibility that occurred to me. Well, I hope my idea did work in part anyway, and that your secret has been kept. How can we ever repay all that you did for us? My love to you and to the others too, and all the happiness in the world to John and Isabelle, your nephew, Borges.
[00:44:07] Unknown:
My sponsors, the makers of Campbell Soup, and all of us in the Campbell Playhouse remain as always obediently yours.
[00:44:24] Unknown:
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[00:44:47] Unknown:
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[00:00:34] Unknown:
Good evening. This is Orson Welles. Tonight, the English star, mister Laurence Olivier, fresh from Hollywood where he's been making Wuthering Heights and just over from the Ethel Barrymore Theatre where he's been rehearsing with Catherine Cornell in Gusury McClintock's new production, no time for comedy, joins us at Campbell Playhouse as John Jest in Beau Geste. With him is your favorite villain, mister Noah Berry, who will bedevil mister Olivia and me in the bloodthirsty person of his original sergeant Lejeune, which Noah Berry may famous in the silent picture version of PC Wren's celebrated romance about the foreign legion.
[00:01:39] Unknown:
Yes, sir. This month.
[00:01:42] Unknown:
High descent. Yes, sir? High descent, you have seen war in the desert. Does anything here strike you as strange? Well, the if you want to know truth Yes. I don't like it, sir. Something about that fort seems strange not to hear a sound out of them. It's simply be cheering the relief force. They may not have seen us. The sun is behind us. Sound the regimental call. No answer. You think it's an Arab trap? I don't think so, sir. That's not the way the Arabs work. Courage and cruelty, I've seen in them, but nothing like this. I can not let me have your glasses. Just tell you what, sir.
[00:02:30] Unknown:
Do you see anything, sir?
[00:02:32] Unknown:
Flags flying. The military places along the wall. Rifles level. That's strange, sir. Not an arrow been in sight? Yes. When the ducal sounded, none one of them moved. Did you notice that? How about the lookout platform, sir? From that. Yes, sir. Once more, the call. Your accident, you take a look. Thank you, sir. See that man at the corner of the wall over on the right? Yes, sir. He has got a bullet hole in the middle of his forehead. He has, sir, a trickle of blood down his face. Still, he stands there propped up against the wall with the others, staring down the muzzle of his rifle.
Those men are dead. Gentlemen, I'm going to ask for a volunteer to ride a loan into Paul Zindine. Step forward. It's a hard thing to ask, Major. A forkful of dead men. Any volunteers? Major. You stop, sir?
[00:03:28] Unknown:
I'll get her. Good.
[00:03:30] Unknown:
Get in as best you can. Once you are in, sound the call. Yes, sir. Brave man. Have you eye watch with you? Yes, Major. Is that all? That is all. If I haven't heard from you within fifteen minutes, I'll order a charge ever, and good luck. Thank you, sir.
[00:03:57] Unknown:
That was the last time they heard him speak. They saw him ride towards the fort, flicking his way among the dead Arabs. They saw him stop under the wall of Fort Vindenas. They saw him look up at the dead faces of the men on the wall. They saw him climb up on his horse's saddle and hoist himself up. Then he disappeared. A little before the fifteen minutes were over, they saw a small dark cloud in the blue sky over the fort. At first, it seemed like dust. As it grew heavier and started to swirl, they saw that it was smoke. Just before the fort burst into flames, they thought they heard the sound of a bugle playing a strange call.
That man, the trumpeter, was my brother. There were three of us, and I am the only one alive. My name is John Jest. Here is our story. It begins in England at Brandon Abbas in Herefordshire. Here we were brought up by our aunt, Lady Brandon, her dead sister's three boys, Michael, Digby, John, and her own daughter, a little girl called Isabelle. Michael was the captain, our hero and leader, lady Brandon's favorite nephew. As a child, because of his looks, she called him Beau, Beau Geb, and the name stayed with him. Digby was the lieutenant.
He was Beau's twin, smaller and a quarter of an hour younger. I was a year younger, their mascot and their obedient slave. There was a game we used to play in the lily pond of Brandon Abbas. It was called naval engagements. It was played with two toy boats, each crowded with lead soldiers and bearing three brass cannon loaded with buckshot.
[00:05:46] Unknown:
Is your ship ready, lieutenant? Ready, captain. Light the fuses. Ready? Go. Hey. Only one of my guns are firing. Must be improper fusing. No battle. Put him in, John. I like captain. You better touch your father's John. Mind you, don't leave me then overboard. My cousin. Oh. What happened? I'm shot. Stop making faces and come here. Oh. Be quiet, Isabel. Don't look at it. Let me see, John. Place the bullet inside his leg. How does it feel, John? It cuts my thingy shut. I'm going to be safe. What are you gonna do with your knife, though? Going to quarterize the wound, captain, and prevent it turning septic? No. Naval surgery without anesthetics. Cut out the cannonball. First, I have to sterilize the knife.
Now, John, will you be gagged or chew on a bullet? I don't want to be disturbed by your beastly yells. I shan't yell, captain. Sit on his head, Digby. No. Hold his hoof then. Isabel, hide your eyes and keep still. Get the bullet out, Jim. Almost. Hold him still, Digby. Here it comes. Yeah. How do you feel now, John? I feel alright. I'm going to confirm a new name on you for bravery. Stand up, Digby, and salute. John Jeff, because you didn't cry when wounded in battle and didn't yell during a major operation of naval surgery without anesthetics, I now give you the rank and title for the rest of your life of Stautzilla.
Oh, thank you, captain. I said captain, do you think we could manage your vikings funeral? Right you are lieutenant. Stark fella, you have also earned high honor of a full dress Viking funeral. We can use my boat and one of my soldiers. But, John, you may choose the one you want to be. I'd like to be one of the new blue ones if it's alright, captain. Hand me one, Diggs. I now solemnly name this valorous soldier the Viking earl, John Sheff. Now put him on a matchbox filled with explosives, Digg. Use it here, John. Stand up everyone else. Hats off. Ready, Digby? Lighter.
Now shove her way out. There she goes. I can still see the Viking in the center. Catch what I call a funeral. I'd give something to have one like that when my turn comes. What's more, I'll write it down in my will. And none of you dirty litter dogs will get anything from me unless you see it properly done. I'll give you one, Beau, whenever you like. So will I you, Dig, if you die first. Shake on it. Shake. Slow your bugle, Digby.
[00:08:30] Unknown:
Most of the other great moments of my childhood were connected with a fabulous and historic jewel owned by Leonard Branson, the blue water sapphire. It had been in the family for several generations. Often people came to see the sapphire, princes, diplomats, jewel merchants from every corner of the globe. I remember the last time I saw it. We were home for the Christmas holiday. I was 18 then. Beau and Digby were at Oxford as I was in my last year at school. On Christmas Eve, we persuaded lady Brandon to get out the blue water for us to look at. Just the family, Beau, Digby, myself, and Isabel.
[00:09:05] Unknown:
Well, there it is, children. Golly.
[00:09:09] Unknown:
Beauty, isn't she?
[00:09:10] Unknown:
Remember the Indian Nile Roger who fainted dead away when he saw it? And it took twenty minutes to revive it. Yes, sir. No wonder. He still makes me dizzy. I thought we'd never get rid of him. He kept coming back to see it again. See all four times, wasn't it, aunt? Don't mind the myraj. I looked at blue water. Seems to get bigger and bigger. Yeah. Makes you wanna dive into it headfirst and just disappear inside it. I say what's going on? What's happened to the light?
[00:09:32] Unknown:
Don't don't want to bother anybody and knock things over. The lights will go on again in a minute. They always do. It's something to do with the new power station. But, Arndt, this is the third time it's happened this week. Why doesn't somebody get a candle? It's pitch black. Oh, they're fine. I hope they stay on.
[00:09:46] Unknown:
Auntie, look. Look.
[00:09:49] Unknown:
It's gone. Whoever did this, please put it back. It's not funny. You suppose it fell on the floor? It was under the glass cover.
[00:09:58] Unknown:
Whoever took the blue water, please put it back at once. John? Why do you accuse me? You were nearest today. Oh, John. No. We accuse you. Put the best thing back. Me? I didn't take it. Oh, why don't you put it back? Whoever did take it. Let's not keep on pretending.
[00:10:12] Unknown:
We shall all go today, Nao. This room will be locked, but the key to it will be left in the little brass box in the hall. Only you four will know where it is. The thief will have a chance during the night to replace the sapphire without revealing his identity. If the Blue Water is not here in the morning, the police will be called in. No one will be spared no matter who it is.
[00:10:37] Unknown:
The next morning, we found the jewel had not been returned. Only Digby and Isobel and myself were at breakfast. Moe didn't appear. Lady Brandon sent down word that no one was to leave the house. She hadn't sent for the police yet, but we expected she would any minute. It was a strange morning wandering about the house, each of us keeping to himself, waiting for something to happen. Around noon, I went into the library.
[00:11:01] Unknown:
Johnny?
[00:11:02] Unknown:
Yes, Isabelle.
[00:11:04] Unknown:
Will you tell me something? Certainly. What? It's a silly question. Terribly silly. I oh, I know it's silly. Well? Johnny, did you take the blue water?
[00:11:16] Unknown:
Why? No. I didn't.
[00:11:18] Unknown:
Oh, and Claire. Oh, I shouldn't have asked it, Johnny, but I wanted to hear you say yourself.
[00:11:26] Unknown:
Isobel, you're crying. So forgive me for asking. Isobel, what's the matter with you?
[00:11:31] Unknown:
Isobel, do stop crying. But I can't help it. I can't help it.
[00:11:37] Unknown:
Johnny, I love you.
[00:11:41] Unknown:
Darling.
[00:11:44] Unknown:
Darling. I wish I knew what to say, darling. Isabelle, someday, we'll get at it, won't we? Yes. When I've scraped together a little money and, proved somehow that that I I'm worthy please kiss me, Isabella. Excuse me. Could I talk to Don alone? I found it not as important to say to him. Yes. Of course. Bye, Don. Goodbye, darling. What are you being so little dramatic about those gone? I don't know. Left this note. By the time you get this, I shall be well on the way to where I'm going. Please tell Anne there's no further need of badger any of you about the blue water. If Sotland Yard is put on the trail, tell him you knew I contracted large debts at Oxford. I must have been led astray by evil companions, you and John, of course. Keep an eye on John.
I bet you both ever yours, Bob. It can't be true. Of course, it isn't true. I can't believe it. Not a bow. Things like an open book he's taking a blade. But who is he shielding? Perhaps he doesn't know. Look. If Beau didn't do it, then maybe I did it. You didn't, did you? Neither did you or Isabelle. Of course not. It's ridiculous. Exactly.
[00:12:49] Unknown:
John, we can't let him do it. It'll flake Lady Brandon Hart. You know how she adored it. What do we do? Nothing at the moment. I'll say nothing.
[00:12:58] Unknown:
I'll speak to you later. I've got my dear. That evening, I found a note on my pillow in Digby's writing. Dear John, I can no longer let the innocent suffer for my guilty sin. By the time you get this, I shall be well on my way to where I am going. Will you please tell aunt that Beau's noble and beautiful gesture with a lot of nonsense and that I'm the real thief? Tell her that by the time she gets this. I placed my room for three hours, then I started to pack. As the dawn came up, I tiptoed out through the kitchen door. Through the dim morning, I walked to the station and boarded the first train.
[00:13:47] Unknown:
My darling, beautiful sweetheart, when you read this letter, you will be the first to agree that I cannot possibly do anything except what I am doing. Although it may mean, for a time at least, being away from you, my dearly beloved. Just when we have found this miracle, our love, miss Adele, dear.
[00:14:14] Unknown:
May
[00:14:19] Unknown:
Can I speak with the officer in charge, please? Yes. What do you want? Are you the recruiting officer, sir? I am.
[00:14:28] Unknown:
Could you tell me, sir, if any Englishman What is this? What happens in England? Does the British Empire suddenly export all our most excellent young men to Paris to enlist in the French foreign legion? Then there have been others. Two others this week. But where can I catch up with them? Where can I find them? You mean if you are accepted into the legion? You've got to accept me. What what do I do? So for physical examination, for that for you, that will be easy. But, you know what you're doing? Of course. Listen to me, young man.
In the beginning of Valentine's list for five years, his pay is 1 sou a day. The discipline is hard, rather than that of any army in Europe. If a man deserves a legion, he is shut. Think it over, young man. Think it over.
[00:15:11] Unknown:
They accepted me. I signed a paper, and I was a soldier of France. Name, John Smith, foreign legion one zero three seven six two. A week later, I was in Iran in Africa, then onto an inland town, some 20 of us on foot. We were herded into a long shed like building. Our head was shaved, uniforms and kit issued to us. I picked up my things and went to the barrack room to which I'd been assigned. Two men were sitting side by side on a bench, their hands in their pockets, pipes in their mouths. Well, well, enter the third robber. Oh, How wonderful to see you. I was afraid I might catch up with you. Oh, my poor, dear, idiotic, mad booby.
[00:16:15] Unknown:
How the devil you think you're doing here? Fleeing from justice, Beau. What about you? Same thing. You did? Who? Me? Well, well, you tell me the truth. I'm fleeing from justice.
[00:16:24] Unknown:
Did you bring the sapphire with you, John? No. No. I didn't bring it with me. Care it. Did you bring it, Beau? Yes. You too dig me? Oh, never a sapphire without my sapphire. I suppose one of us three has got it. Two of us. What are you gonna do with it now, Harriot? That's
[00:16:39] Unknown:
your kangaroo custom. I carry about the young and their money things are so big, you know, in front accessible. I keep it on me night and day. Gotta kill a man for where he can rob him. There we go. He's gonna line up for inspection.
[00:16:52] Unknown:
Inspection? I just arrived. Well, that's not too soon, but it's gone. Who?
[00:16:56] Unknown:
Color sergeant, Bishop. Charming man. Now on your commanding officer.
[00:17:04] Unknown:
Hey, Frank. Hi, Chris. Steady. Crunch. Oh, a new company of jailbirds. Why couldn't you go to the prison instead of coming here to waste my time? I'll make you wish you hadn't come near the legion. I'll make you wish you were never born. Let's see what we have here. You. What's your name? Schwab. Say, sir, when you speak to me. How about you? Who are you? My name is Hank. Hank Walker. I come from Chile, Tennessee. Any more silence insolence from you. I'll tie your wrist to your ankles and the small of your back. Okay, sir. And what's your name? Nothing.
Oh, another English boy. Let's see your hands. I thought so. Soft as pancakes. Never done a stroke of work in your life. Well, I'll harden those for you. I'll manicure you before I die. Sir, Heinrich, open your mouth again, and I'll close it with my boot. Oh, then. You all may look like scum, but before I'm through with you, you'll be soldiers. Oh, yes. Yeah. I'll make soldiers out of you if I have to kill you. Beginning tomorrow, we'll drill and march. You hear me? Drill and march.
[00:18:30] Unknown:
So the following week, we march onwards without ceasing day after day. I can still feel the movement of my bare oiled feet in my leather shoes. We wore no stockings in the Legion. On our second month, we march 500 miles, 30 miles a day with rifles under a heavy tank.
[00:18:46] Unknown:
Hi, sir. Faster, number. You're soldier now under my command. And under my command, you'll march. Hey, you. Schwartz. Yes, sergeant. Keep that cap on your greasy head. That's a sweat, Well, what would you rather do? Sweat or croak? Hey, you. You pray. Hey, where do you think you're going? Fall out of line. What's more and you will carry an extra 20 pounds of sand in your pack. Now go on. Get back into place. Run. Carver. Yes, sergeant? We make camp tonight. See that our friend Dupray gets his rest. But first, give him 25 lashes, then let him do center duty till midnight. And after that, private you pray, you can have your rest.
You pray. How many? Both. Both. Please. Now then, pigs, flying before you hear you, see a gentleman who wanted his rest now, and I'll show you how we wake him up in the lead. Get up. Get up. Perhaps a boot in the ribs will. Sergeant. Yes, Englishman. Now what is it? My brother and I will carry him if he can. An illusion every man for himself. If he doesn't want to march, he can stay here. Now don't you worry about your prey. He won't be alone here for long. The vulture vulture's will keep him company. Alright. Detail. Well, face.
[00:20:49] Unknown:
You are listening to the Campbell Playhouse presentation of Beau Geste starring Orson Welles with Laurence Olivier and Noah Bury. This is the Columbia Broadcasting System.
[00:21:11] Unknown:
In the region, there were many conflicting reports as to what particular job we were being trained for. Some said a border demonstration, peaceful penetration with the bayonet. Others talked of a far flung uprising of all the Arab nations from the Atlantic Ocean to the Persian Gulf. Meantime, we drilled and drilled, marched and marched. Then one day came bad news. We were to be separated. Jigga remained as trumpeter with a regiment in Jagadir. Beau and I, with the second company, were detailed to the worst section in the North African service, Fort Glyndonough, 4 Hundred miles away. With May when we set out with Lejeune, now adjutant in command, it took us three weeks to reach it. In the pile beside me as we marched was the American, Hank.
[00:21:52] Unknown:
Hey. Hey, son. Yes? I wanna tip you boys off to something. Oh? You being one of them Britishers, well, I figure well, you mean okay anyways. Thank you. Just wanna tell you, there's a lot of conspiracies around this company. Now that we're getting away from civilization, things may start popping. You don't say? Yeah. Mostly, they all have to do with you boys. How do you mean? Well, none of my business, of course. Boys got it figured out. You three brothers are a gang of international thieves. What? Hold your horses, son. Just telling you what they're saying.
Seems they heard you fellas talking about some diamonds you got hidden away. They heard how one of you carries it like a kangaroo in a pouch on his stomach. They mean to get it even if they have to knife you for it. And in case you don't know, one of the guys that has his eye on that diamond of yours is our new adjutant, mister Lejeune.
[00:22:56] Unknown:
At Fort Linton, we drilled all day in the sun. La Jeune thought of that. As for the night, all we could do was to pretend that they were cooler than the day. The second month's desert fever took us. Cockroach fever, men call it because it calls through the brain. Comes over a man suddenly, and he goes stark raving mad with the heat. Already three of the men have had to be put in solitary confinement. And the bed next to my brother sets a German named Schwartz. One night about two hours after lights out, my brother woke suddenly. There was a hand on his shoulder. Hey. Hey there.
[00:23:29] Unknown:
Hello, Schwartz. What do you want? Time to sleep.
[00:23:32] Unknown:
I want to talk. If you are you enjoying my dear sentiment? Oh, quite. Quite.
[00:23:39] Unknown:
You would like a change?
[00:23:41] Unknown:
I like change.
[00:23:42] Unknown:
Would you like perhaps to see again the civilized world, you and your brother and that precious diamond of yours? I have what you're talking about. Tell me. Have you ever seen a pig die?
[00:23:54] Unknown:
No. You will. You feeling ill? Yeah. Not funny.
[00:23:59] Unknown:
Soon, you will see a big pig die, a sacred pig, an adjutant pig.
[00:24:06] Unknown:
So? And are you the butcher, Schwartz? That depends.
[00:24:11] Unknown:
So many wish the privilege. Would you? Are you the best? Mutiny? No.
[00:24:17] Unknown:
We kill a swine. I have no experience as a pork butcher.
[00:24:21] Unknown:
Then, after you conclude that you wish to join the animals that are to be slaughtered, this pig or butcher, you must decide soon. You think about it. Tomorrow, we must know. Understand? Yes. Remember, you must decide, pig
[00:24:40] Unknown:
or butcher. It was noon of the next day before my brother could talk to me. He waited for me outside the canteen. Can they hear us here? No. Go ahead, Bo. Be quick. Let's figure this out, John. A mutiny here, it's thin enough. What would that mean? Suppose they succeeded. They'd had to escape across several hundred miles of desert. Right. Problems, starvation first. The heat of the desert, maybe getting killed by store egg robbers. We just mutilated. Right. And left to the over anxious vultures. Here's something else. I keep thinking of what your American friend said about the blue water.
What's the main reason Schwartz and his gang want us along? I'll tell you. So that after we've helped them with a mutiny, they can do away with us in the desert and get this diamond they think we've got. I haven't thought of that. Once more, there are those anxious vultures. Once more. Now something else. Suppose that Jean, another diamond blubber, is smarter than the mutineers think. Suppose he has his spies. Suppose he knows who this part then what Then the mutineers play right into his city. Exactly. That's what he's waiting for. If everyone of us shut down, helps himself to the blue water, and gets a medal in the bargain. Leaves us once more to the we keep on ending up with those unpleasant burns. Yes. Well, what do we do? Nothing. Wait. Just wait. I'll tell Schwartz now that we're not interested, but watch him day and night. Beginning tonight, you and I better take turns sleeping.
First, you sleep, then I'll sleep, then you sleep, then I'll sleep. You see?
[00:26:04] Unknown:
For two days and two nights, nothing happened. It was hotter than ever. Every morning as I looked into the men's eyes, I saw the desert fever rising, burning more brightly. The third night, I couldn't sleep. I lay in bed thinking of our years at Brandon Abbott, thinking of his. I wondered if I'd ever get back to her and Ingham. Fever ridden men sleep pitifully. I lay awake listening to them. Just before the dawn, I became aware of a man standing at the end of the room. He had me covered with his revolver. Get up. Quick.
[00:26:36] Unknown:
One sound out of you and I'll shoot. Go on. Get up and come here. March. Ahead of me. Go to my room. Now let's see it. Come on. Let's see it. The what? The diamond. Did you hear me? That is no diamond, La Jeune. No? I know better than that. I'll tell you out in the desert. You and your brother with your hands and the small of your back, your mouth full of salt and sand. Then we'll see if you've got a diamond. But that'll keep. Right now, there's work to be done. Do you want to live? On On the whole, I think so. On the whole, you do. Do you? Alright then.
Now listen to me. I know all about this mutiny as I know everything else done and said and thought in this port, and I know who's in it. Schwartz, Bolliger, Modany, Vogue. And I'm going to attend to it now, tonight. You hear? And answer me. I hear you. Well, say so then. Now you'll go back with me to that barrack room. First, wake up your brother. Get your rifles, yours and his. I'll stand at the door and cover you. You'll go from bed to bed and take every rifle. If any man speaks, don't answer him. If any man moves, shoot him as a mutineering dog should be shot. You understand?
I understand. Like a sound or a false move, you'll be the first to die. Alright. If you want to live, move.
[00:28:22] Unknown:
In the first glimmer of dawn, I did what he told me. I woke my brother. There were no sentries posted that night. Nobody to challenge us. We went from room to room disarming the men as they slept. We carried their rifles upstairs, stacked them all on the flat roof, and all the time, Lejeune had us covered.
[00:28:38] Unknown:
Alright. Put those rifles down here. Now down in Number 3, there are eight men there. Get the air guns. Bring them up here. That's a lot. And then I have got a little surprise for mister Schwartz and his friends when they get up this morning. What are you waiting for? Go on down. What's the matter with you? Can't you hear what I tell you? Acheson, what are you staring at? Listen. Alright. If that's what you want, I Shut up, you fool. Listen. Do you hear it? Yeah. You. Get back to old rifle. Yes, sir. Wait. Down to the barracks room. Jugglers.
Jugglers.
[00:29:30] Unknown:
Down the arms. Every man too battle to the head. Quickly. No. That's it.
[00:29:59] Unknown:
Ford knew when the Arabs retired, they fell back as suddenly as they'd come. The attack was over. But all afternoon, the Arabs kept up a desert fire. Every now and then, a man was hit.
[00:30:11] Unknown:
Undercover. Haven't you got any space? Corporal, take that man downstairs. Give him first aid. Be back in five minutes, you hear? Yes, sir. Schwoz. Schwoz. Yes, sir. Hello there. Up on the wall. Yes, sir. Look out there toward the oasis.
[00:30:31] Unknown:
Tell me. What do you see? They're climbing the tree, sir. They're shooting down at us from the trees.
[00:30:38] Unknown:
Exactly, mister Schwartz. They are shooting at us from the trees. Now, we don't have to get through there every time from those trees, won't we, mister Schwartz? Yes, Edgerton. Alright, mister Schwartz. Now you climb up to that high lookout platform. That's it. And from there, you'll get a good shot at those Arabs, please. Until it gets you up. Get up there, I tell you. Go on. I'll shoot you myself. That's it. Go on up. And while you're up there, maybe you can pick up some more blood. Go on. Get up there. Too bad. Brave soldier just died for the Republic.
And one mutineer less. Alan, mutineer number two. Bolliger.
[00:31:47] Unknown:
Yes, sir. You're next.
[00:31:50] Unknown:
Yes. Yes, sir. Get up on that platform, mister Bolliger. Go on. Same.
[00:32:38] Unknown:
Out of 98 that morning, there were 46 of his left. That was the first day. The nearest relief post was Jagadish. It'd be three days before help could come from there. In the morning, the Arabs would attack again. They knew our real numbers. They'd scale the walls and cut us to pieces in a minute.
[00:32:55] Unknown:
That night, once more, Lejeune put us to work. Here. Come up here. Help me with this. Yes, sir. I don't trust those others. Pick him up at the shoulders and the legs. But he's dead, sir. Sure. They get heavy when they're stiff, don't they? Come on. Up the stairs with him. Sir? Onto the parapet. What are you trying to do? How do you think? Put them to work, you idiots. No good when they're alive. Perhaps now that they're dead, they'll be of some use. Yeah. Copy them up against walls. Push them against a pair of. That's it. That's enough. Straight up. Aye, sprint.
Put his cap on his head. Now give me my rifle. That's right. Sight it. Well, French Schwartz, now you look quite a useful soldier for a change. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah Rifle in his hand. Cap on his head. Yes, sir. 38 of them. One in each embrasure. And tomorrow when the Arabs attack, they'll think we've got a real garrison here.
[00:34:14] Unknown:
It worked. The next morning, the Arabs attacked again, but they kept their distance. All day their fire poured into the fort, and inside a handful of desperate men ran from parapet to parapet shooting over the dead men's shoulders. Whenever a man fell, the drone would pick him up and put him back in his place on the parapet. He seemed to take a ghoulish delight in arranging them and sighting their rifles and putting their caps on straight. Once or twice, he lit cigarettes for the dead men. Cigarettes gradually burnt till they were spent in the red men's mouths. But at worst, at the end of the day, they would go beyond the sandhills.
[00:34:45] Unknown:
And now, my many friends, before we go to sleep, we're going to have a little celebration. Just the few of us. We'll celebrate what a good time we're having. We let the Adams hear us. We let them see how little we need to worry, how gay we are. Ah, we're going to laugh. Laugh, I tell you. How do you hear me? Bless. That's it. Well, come on you. Now from left to right. Left.
[00:35:29] Unknown:
Lower than you. There, my thing.
[00:35:41] Unknown:
In the middle of the silent quadrangle of dead men standing guard, we celebrated for hours until we laid back exhausted on the stone roof of the fort. Late that night, Beau dragged in so many. Cut a cigarette, John. Just two. Yeah. Looks like the last last journey. Last cigarette. Nothing. The leap is halfway here by now. Hope so.
[00:35:59] Unknown:
John, if I die and you don't, why don't you do something for me? Of course, bro. There are two letters in my pocket and a small package with a money belt around my waist. One letter is a sort of public letter. The other the other's related brand of packages for her too. Only the package isn't really important. The letter is important, though. Whatever you do, swear you give her that letter. Oh, don't talk like that.
[00:36:20] Unknown:
You're not going to die. Maybe I'll die. Maybe we'll both die. Maybe neither of us will. Don't know, Johnny. Just feel at my bones.
[00:36:27] Unknown:
Johnny, will you swear? Of course I will. Good. Well, goodbye, dear old Johnny. Wish to have mine dragged you into this, but I think you'll come out alright. Give my love to dig. We don't, Here's the bill. I hope someday you too will be very happy.
[00:36:50] Unknown:
In the morning, the fight had started the fighting started again. The same tactics again, running along the wall, shooting dead men's guns. By noon, there were only seven of us left. Two hours later, there were only four. Each took one row. We ran like men possessed, shooting, running, shooting, running. We never looked at each other. It was late in the afternoon when I saw the bow had fallen. He lay there under the North wall motionless, and I couldn't get to him. After that, I can remember nothing until it was night. Then suddenly my brain cleared and I saw Lajon bending over Beau's body, plumping at his cell.
[00:37:30] Unknown:
Get away from that, Lajon.
[00:37:47] Unknown:
I'll move, and I'll shoot. Give me those letters, my patches. I sat down. The shot went wild, but my bayonet went straight through his heart. He fell dead on his back. I sank down on the stone, and for the first time, I realized that Beau was not yet dead. It was because of him that Lejeune's shot went wild. He had reached out and seized Lejeune's foot, jerking him off balance as he pulled the trigger. Stop,
[00:38:17] Unknown:
John. Cut the letters. You'll deliver them yourself, Beau. No. We two are the only survivors. The relief will be here soon. Listen, Johnny. I'm for it. Alright. I'm bleb white. Listen. I've never stolen anything in my life. Tell the guy I said to him. Johnny, do get a letter home.
[00:38:34] Unknown:
Wait. Look. I I I got them buried. No. No. No. Johnny. Now listen. Both letters,
[00:38:38] Unknown:
one with confession. No need for your dick to carry on the game now. You must get the confession published. I have nothing to confess, Beau. Don't be an ass, Johnny. It's the living we have to think about. Leave the confession word, Desant, or I'll haunt you. I'll gnaw your neck and go boo in the dark. No. Don't go. Where, Johnny? From Johnny. I'm going damn. Johnny, where are you? Promise. Confession.
[00:39:29] Unknown:
John. John, wake up. Listen. You've got to look
[00:39:34] Unknown:
wake up. Try hard.
[00:39:38] Unknown:
Where am I? Where's Beau? This is Digby. Digby, you hear? You're in the Fourth Of Lindenuff. Beau is dead.
[00:39:47] Unknown:
And you've killed the young. Good thing too that the legion won't look at it that way. We've got to escape quickly.
[00:39:53] Unknown:
Digby, how did you get Police squadron from from Jagabir.
[00:39:56] Unknown:
We heard there'd be an attack. We came up to the walls and saw the dead men looking out. They wanted the man to go into the fort alone. I volunteered.
[00:40:04] Unknown:
They're outside there now. If I don't get the call within fifteen minutes, they'll charge. We we've only got five minutes left.
[00:40:11] Unknown:
Where's Beau?
[00:40:13] Unknown:
Where's Beau? John is dead downstairs. Come, John. We have something we've got to do. You know what he'd have wanted, a Viking's funeral.
[00:40:23] Unknown:
That's right. We promised that day. That bland moment. Now quick. Help me. I piled wood around him and sprinkled oil on the wood and all over the barracks. It's all ready.
[00:40:32] Unknown:
Just one more detail. Get up, John. Quick. What's he doing? Remember, a Viking funeral needs a dog. And you should remember, a dog at the feet of the captain. Well, there's a dog. Legend.
[00:40:45] Unknown:
Sieg.
[00:40:47] Unknown:
Have you gone mad too? Oh, we haven't time to lose. Help me. He wanted a full Viking funeral. You'll get it.
[00:40:54] Unknown:
We dragged the body of Lejeune down the stairs to the barrack room and laid it at both feet. Stigma knelt down and struck a match. As he threw the match toward the bed, we raced back up the stairs. Moment later, the flames leaped high into the air. As we left the burning fort, we heard the cavalry coming up behind us. In the confusion of the fire, we escaped heading west towards the coast. Five weeks later, I saw the sea. Digby was dead, shot by a stray bullet from a marauding arrow. Almost a year went by before I reached England. I fulfilled my promise to Bo.
The public letter was a soft confession saying that he alone had stolen the blue blue water sapphire. That was nonsense, of course. His lie had long outlived its purpose. The other notes, the ones lady Brandon, she read aloud to us, to Isabelle and me. As she read, I seem to hear the voice of Bo himself. Bo smiling and talking to us across all those miles from that land of the dead from Linderneur.
[00:42:32] Unknown:
Dear auntie, when you got this, I'd be dead. If you've read it through, perhaps your forgiveness for doing what I thought was best. You see, I thought I was doing something that might in some measure repay you for your great goodness to me and my brothers. My dear aunt, aunt, I knew you'd sold the blue water to the Maharaja in order to keep the estate going for our sake and for the sake of the tenants. I also knew you were frightened that the sale would become known for, technically, you had no right to sell the jewel which was left you in trust. I knew you'd had a duplicate made, and I kept thinking how splendid it would be if we had a jewel robbery and the Brewwater substitute was stolen. You could put Scott and Yarbrough on the trail, burglar.
As long as it didn't catch you and recover the sapphire, everything resplendent. And everything would have turned out fine too if those incredible brothers of mine hadn't gone and bolted through possibility that occurred to me. Well, I hope my idea did work in part anyway, and that your secret has been kept. How can we ever repay all that you did for us? My love to you and to the others too, and all the happiness in the world to John and Isabelle, your nephew, Borges.
[00:44:07] Unknown:
My sponsors, the makers of Campbell Soup, and all of us in the Campbell Playhouse remain as always obediently yours.
[00:44:24] Unknown:
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[00:44:47] Unknown:
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