"SAVING PRIVATE RYAN" (1998)

SAVING PRIVATE RYAN

by

Robert Rodat

This screenplay has been type by David Pritchett. It has been converted to a PDF file by ScreenTalk™ http://www.screentalk.org

FADEFADEIN:IN:

CREDITS:CREDITS:White lettering over a back background.White lettering over a back background.TheThe THUNDEROUS SOUNDS OF A MASSIVE NAVAL BARRAGE are heard.THUNDEROUS SOUNDS OF A MASSIVE NAVAL BARRAGE are heard.TheThe powerpoweris astonishing.is astonishing.It roars through the body, blows backIt roars through the body, blows back thethehair and rattles thehair and rattles theears.ears.

FADEFADEIN:IN:

TheTheROAR OF NAVAL GUNS continues but now WE SEE THEM FIRING.ROAR OF NAVAL GUNS continues but now WE SEE THEM FIRING. HugeHugefifteen inch guns.fifteen inch guns.

AASWARM OF LANDING CRAFTSWARM OF LANDING CRAFT

HeadsHeadsdirectly into a nightmare.directly into a nightmare.MASSIVE EXPLOSIONS fromMASSIVE EXPLOSIONS from GermanGermanartillery shells and mined obstacles tear apart theartillery shells and mined obstacles tear apart the beach.beach.Hundreds of German machine guns, loaded with tracers,Hundreds of German machine guns, loaded with tracers, pourpourout a red snowstormout a red snowstormof bullets.of bullets.

OFFSHOREOFFSHORE

SUPERIMPOSITION:SUPERIMPOSITION:

OMAHA BEACH, NORMANDYOMAHA BEACH, NORMANDY June 6, 1944June 6, 1944 0600 HOURS0600 HOURS

HUNDREDS OF LANDING CRAFTHUNDREDS OF LANDING CRAFT

EachEachholding thirty men,holding thirty men,near the beaches.near the beaches.

THETHECLIFFSCLIFFS

AtAtthe far end of the beach, a ninety-foot cliff.the far end of the beach, a ninety-foot cliff.Topped byTopped by bunkers. Ringed by fortified machine gun nests.bunkers. Ringed by fortified machine gun nests.A clear line-A clear line- of-fire down the entire beach.of-fire down the entire beach.

TENTENLANDING CRAFTLANDING CRAFT

MakeMaketheir way toward the base of the cliffs.their way toward the base of the cliffs.Running aRunning a gauntlet of explosions.gauntlet of explosions.

SUPERIMPOSITION:SUPERIMPOSITION:

THE FOLLOWING IS BASEDTHE FOLLOWING IS BASED ONONA TRUE STORYA TRUE STORY

THETHELEAD LANDING CRAFTLEAD LANDING CRAFT

PlowsPlowsthrough the waves.through the waves.

2.2.

THETHECAMERA MOVES PAST THE FACES OF THE MENCAMERA MOVES PAST THE FACES OF THE MEN

Boys.Boys.Most are eighteenMost are eighteenor nineteen years old.or nineteen years old.Tough.Tough.Well-Well- trained. Trying to blocktrained. Trying to blockout the fury around them.out the fury around them.

AADIRECT HIT ON A NEARBYDIRECT HIT ON A NEARBYLANDING CRAFTLANDING CRAFT

AAhuge EXPLOSION of fuel, fire, metal and flesh.huge EXPLOSION of fuel, fire, metal and flesh.

THETHELEAD LANDING CRAFTLEAD LANDING CRAFT

TheTheMotorman holds his course.Motorman holds his course.Shells EXPLODE around them.Shells EXPLODE around them. FLAMING OIL BURNS on theFLAMING OIL BURNS on thewater.water.CANNON FIRE SMASHES into theCANNON FIRE SMASHES into the bow.bow.

THETHEMOTORMAN IS RIPPED TO BITSMOTORMAN IS RIPPED TO BITS

BLOODBLOODAND FLESH shower the men behind him.AND FLESH shower the men behind him.The mate takesThe mate takes thethecontrols.controls.

AAYOUNG SOLDIERYOUNG SOLDIER

HisHisface covered with the remains of the motorman.face covered with the remains of the motorman.Starts toStarts to loseloseit. Begins to shudder and weep.it. Begins to shudder and weep.His name is DeLancey.His name is DeLancey.

THETHEBOYS AROUND HIMBOYS AROUND HIM

DoDotheir best to stare straight ahead.their best to stare straight ahead.But the fear infectsBut the fear infects them.them.It starts to spread.It starts to spread.

AAFIGUREFIGURE

Pushes through the men.Pushes through the men.Puts himself in front of DeLancey.Puts himself in front of DeLancey. TheThefigure is CAPTAIN JOHN MILLER.figure is CAPTAIN JOHN MILLER.Early thirties.Early thirties.By farBy far thetheoldest man on the craft.oldest man on the craft.Relaxed, battle-hardened,Relaxed, battle-hardened, powerful, ignoring the hell around them.powerful, ignoring the hell around them.He smiles, puts aHe smiles, puts a cigarcigarin his mouth, strikes a match on the front ofin his mouth, strikes a match on the front of DeLancey's helmet and lights the cigar.DeLancey's helmet and lights the cigar.

DeLancey tries to look away but Miller grips him by the jawDeLancey tries to look away but Miller grips him by the jaw andandforces him to lock eyes.forces him to lock eyes.Miller smiles.Miller smiles.DeLancey isDeLancey is terrified.terrified.

3.3.

AAfew, including DeLancey, manage thin smiles.few, including DeLancey, manage thin smiles.MillerMiller releases his grip on DeLancey who moves his jaw as if to seereleases his grip on DeLancey who moves his jaw as if to see ififit's broken. Miller pats him on the cheek and moves on toit's broken. Miller pats him on the cheek and moves on to thethebow.bow.

MILLERMILLER

LooksLooksover the gunwale at THE HELL IN FRONT OF THEM.over the gunwale at THE HELL IN FRONT OF THEM.

PANPANDOWN TO MILLER'S HANDDOWN TO MILLER'S HAND

ItItquivers in fear.quivers in fear.Miller glances around, sees that none ofMiller glances around, sees that none of thethemen have noticed.men have noticed.He stares at his hand as if it belongsHe stares at his hand as if it belongs totosomeone else. It stops shaking.someone else. It stops shaking.He turns his eyes back toHe turns his eyes back to thetheobjective.objective.

THETHELEAD LANDING CRAFT HITS THE BEACHLEAD LANDING CRAFT HITS THE BEACH

TheThesix surviving boats alongside.six surviving boats alongside.

EXPLOSIVE PROPELLED GRAPPLING HOOKS FIREEXPLOSIVE PROPELLED GRAPPLING HOOKS FIRE

FromFromthe landing crafts.the landing crafts.Arc toward the top of the cliffs.Arc toward the top of the cliffs.

THETHELEAD CRAFT RAMP GOESLEAD CRAFT RAMP GOESDOWNDOWN

AAriver of MACHINE GUN FIRE pours into the craft.river of MACHINE GUN FIRE pours into the craft.A dozenA dozen menmenare INSTANTLY KILLED.are INSTANTLY KILLED.Among them, DeLancey.Among them, DeLancey.

MILLERMILLER

Somehow survives.Somehow survives.JumpsJumpsinto the breakers.into the breakers.

EXPLOSIONS EVERYWHEREEXPLOSIONS EVERYWHERE

THETHEGERMANSGERMANS

OnOnthe edge of the cliff.the edge of the cliff.Rain down MACHINE GUN FIRE andRain down MACHINE GUN FIRE and GRENADES.GRENADES.

4.4.

THETHEAMERICANSAMERICANS

Struggle through the surf.Struggle through the surf.FIRING up as best they can.FIRING up as best they can. Making for the base of the cliffs.Making for the base of the cliffs.

INCENDIARY GRENADES, HURLED FROM ABOVE,INCENDIARY GRENADES, HURLED FROM ABOVE,

EXPLODE, SPREADING FIREEXPLODE, SPREADING FIRE

MILLERMILLER

Ignores the EXPLOSIONS and BULLETS.Ignores the EXPLOSIONS and BULLETS.Uses hand signals andUses hand signals and curtcurtorders.orders.

THETHEMENMEN

ObeyObeyinstantly.instantly.Set theSet thegrappling hooks.grappling hooks.Take position.Take position. Return fire.Return fire.

THETHESOUNDS OF BATTLESOUNDS OF BATTLE

DrownDrownout most voices.out most voices.Except the SCREAMS OF THE WOUNDED ANDExcept the SCREAMS OF THE WOUNDED AND DYING.DYING.

THETHEMENMEN

KnowKnowwhat they have to do.what they have to do.Start up the ropes.Start up the ropes.Into theInto the teethteethof the German defenders.of the German defenders.

MILLERMILLER

Back-straps his ThompsonBack-straps his Thompsonsub-machine gun.sub-machine gun.Starts climbingStarts climbing withwiththe first group.the first group.

THETHECLIFF FACECLIFF FACE

TheTheAmericans swarm up the ropes.Americans swarm up the ropes.Taking turns firing up atTaking turns firing up at thetheGermans.Germans.

MILLER SEES A STALLED CLIMBERMILLER SEES A STALLED CLIMBER

AAsoft-faced boy.soft-faced boy.GrabsGrabshim by the back of his collar.him by the back of his collar. Roughly yanks him up.Roughly yanks him up.Nearly choking him.Nearly choking him.They boy climbsThey boy climbs on.on.

5.5.

HALF-WAYHALF-WAY

AnAnAmerican Private is HIT.American Private is HIT.FALLS, taking two others withFALLS, taking two others with him.him.All three land on the rocks below.All three land on the rocks below.Another way to die.Another way to die.

NEARNEARTHE TOPTHE TOP

LessLesssteep.steep.They leave the ropes.They leave the ropes.Free climb, scrambling upFree climb, scrambling up thetherocks.rocks.

MILLERMILLER

JoinsJoinshalf-a-dozen pinned down men.half-a-dozen pinned down men.Others bottleneck behindOthers bottleneck behind them.them.Miller scans the route and the defenders. Sees an openMiller scans the route and the defenders. Sees an open gap.gap.Deadly.Deadly.Beyond isBeyond isa protective overhang.a protective overhang.With a clearWith a clear linelineto the top.to the top.

Miller motions to six men huddled near him.Miller motions to six men huddled near him.

THETHESIX MENSIX MEN

TakeTakean instant to get ready.an instant to get ready.Then SCRAMBLE into the gap.Then SCRAMBLE into the gap.

MILLER AND THE OTHERSMILLER AND THE OTHERS

DoDotheir best to cover them.their best to cover them.POUR FIRE up at the Germans.POUR FIRE up at the Germans. BadBadangle. No Germans are hit.angle. No Germans are hit.

THETHESIX MENSIX MEN

AreAreCUT TO RIBBONS by MACHINE GUN FIRE.CUT TO RIBBONS by MACHINE GUN FIRE.All KILLED.All KILLED.TheyThey fallfallto the rocks below.to the rocks below.SARGE, mid-twenties, experienced,SARGE, mid-twenties, experienced, Miller's right arm and best friend, dives into the rocks nextMiller's right arm and best friend, dives into the rocks next totoMiller.Miller.

MILLERMILLER

TurnsTurnsto the next half-dozen men.to the next half-dozen men.

6.6.

THETHESECOND SIXSECOND SIX

MoveMoveto the head of the gap.to the head of the gap.Miller moves for a better angleMiller moves for a better angle against the machine guns.against the machine guns.Calls to JACKSON, a tall, ganglyCalls to JACKSON, a tall, gangly Southern country boy, sharp-shooter.Southern country boy, sharp-shooter.

Miller signals others where to direct their cover fire.Miller signals others where to direct their cover fire. TurnsTurnsto the second six.to the second six.

THETHESECOND SIXSECOND SIX

TakeTakedeep breaths.deep breaths.HeadHeadinto the gap.into the gap.

MILLER AND OTHERS BLAST SURPRISING FIREMILLER AND OTHERS BLAST SURPRISING FIRE

JACKSON, NAILS a pair ofJACKSON, NAILS a pair ofGermans.Germans.MILLER CUTS DOWN two more.MILLER CUTS DOWN two more. SARGESARGEgets one.gets one.Not enough.Not enough.

THETHESECOND SIXSECOND SIX

AreAreRAKED BY MACHINE GUNS.RAKED BY MACHINE GUNS.All are KILLED.All are KILLED.

MILLERMILLER

Turns, looking for the next six.Turns, looking for the next six.His eyes fall on Sarge andHis eyes fall on Sarge and REIBEN who is a cynical,REIBEN who is a cynical,sharp, New Yorker.sharp, New Yorker.Reiben smiles.Reiben smiles.

7.7.

THETHETHIRD SIXTHIRD SIX

MovesMovesinto place.into place.SargeSargeand Miller exchange a look.and Miller exchange a look.TheyThey bothbothsee the madness of what they're doing.see the madness of what they're doing.

MILLER AND THE OTHERSMILLER AND THE OTHERS

OPENOPENUP on the Germans.UP on the Germans.

SARGESARGE

RollsRollshis eyes, takes a breath.his eyes, takes a breath.Scrambles into the gap.Scrambles into the gap.TheThe otherotherfive right behind.five right behind.

ININTHE GAPTHE GAP

BULLETS EVERYWHERE.BULLETS EVERYWHERE.

ThreeThreeare HIT.are HIT.Then another.Then another.POTATO MASHER GRENADES bouncePOTATO MASHER GRENADES bounce down.down.EXPLODE below. THEEXPLODE below. THEGERMAN MACHINE GUN swings towardGERMAN MACHINE GUN swings toward SargeSargeand Reiben.and Reiben.Miller sees them about to get it...Miller sees them about to get it...

MILLER STEPS OUT INTO THE OPEN.MILLER STEPS OUT INTO THE OPEN.

AAperfect target.perfect target.Captain's bars glinting.Captain's bars glinting.FIRING.FIRING.TRYINGTRYING TOTODRAW THE GERMAN FIRE.DRAW THE GERMAN FIRE.

THETHEGERMAN MACHINE GUNNERGERMAN MACHINE GUNNER

SEESSEESMILLER STANDING IN THE OPEN.MILLER STANDING IN THE OPEN.Too much to pass up.Too much to pass up.HeHe swings the machine gun away from Sarge and Reiben, towardswings the machine gun away from Sarge and Reiben, toward Miller. A ROW OF GERMAN BULLETS approaches Miller...he's anMiller. A ROW OF GERMAN BULLETS approaches Miller...he's an instant from death.instant from death.

SARGESARGEAND REIBEN DIVEAND REIBEN DIVE

UnderUnderthe overhang to safety.the overhang to safety.

MILLER DIVES BACK TO COVER, BARELY MAKES IT, HIS BOOTMILLER DIVES BACK TO COVER, BARELY MAKES IT, HIS BOOT HEALHEALIS BLOWN OFF.IS BLOWN OFF.

UNDERUNDERTHE OVERHANG SargeTHE OVERHANG Sargeand Reiben untangle themselves.and Reiben untangle themselves.

SargeSargehollers back to Miller.hollers back to Miller.

8.8.

QuickQuicksmiles.smiles.MILLER AND HIS RANGERS lean out and FIRE.MILLER AND HIS RANGERS lean out and FIRE.HITHIT moremoreGermans.Germans.

SARGESARGEAND REIBEN run up the path, under the overhang.AND REIBEN run up the path, under the overhang.StopStop nearnearthe top.the top.Pull pinsPull pinson grenades.on grenades.Count.Count.Both throwBoth throw long,long,arcing over the crest, perfectly aimed.arcing over the crest, perfectly aimed.

THETHETWO GRENADES EXPLODE.TWO GRENADES EXPLODE.

PutPutout the two worst machine gun nests.out the two worst machine gun nests.

MILLERMILLER

Crosses the gap.Crosses the gap.His men follow.His men follow.

ATATTHE CRESTTHE CREST

TheTheAmericans swarm overAmericans swarm overthe top.the top.FIRING. TWO DOZEN GERMANSFIRING. TWO DOZEN GERMANS FIREFIREBACK as they retreat. Abandoning the perimeter defenseBACK as they retreat. Abandoning the perimeter defense ofofthe bunkers.the bunkers.The Germans are CUT DOWN.The Germans are CUT DOWN.

MILLER motions to WADE, a small, wide-eyed, demolition manMILLER motions to WADE, a small, wide-eyed, demolition man who'swho'sstruggling under the weight of half-a dozen satchelstruggling under the weight of half-a dozen satchel charges.charges.

Miller, Sarge, Reiben and Jackson cover Wade as he races toMiller, Sarge, Reiben and Jackson cover Wade as he races to thethefirst of three bunkers.first of three bunkers.Dodging bullets from inside.Dodging bullets from inside. WadeWadetosses a SATCHEL CHARGE into a gun port.tosses a SATCHEL CHARGE into a gun port.A HUGE,A HUGE, MUFFLED EXPLOSION, rocksMUFFLED EXPLOSION, rocksthe bunker.the bunker.

MILLER AND SARGEMILLER AND SARGE

Survey the field.Survey the field.

9.9.

SargeSargeshakes his head atshakes his head atMiller, then he looks over the cliffMiller, then he looks over the cliff atatthe scores of men, their shattered, burning bodiesthe scores of men, their shattered, burning bodies covering the rocks and the beach below.covering the rocks and the beach below.He's clearlyHe's clearly affected.affected.

Miller coldly glances atMiller coldly glances atthe dead and wounded.the dead and wounded.Then he movesThen he moves on,on,leading his surviving men toward the two remaining Germanleading his surviving men toward the two remaining German bunkers. The SOUNDS OF BIG GUNS and MACHINE GUNS FIREbunkers. The SOUNDS OF BIG GUNS and MACHINE GUNS FIRE surround him.surround him.

DISSOLVE TO:DISSOLVE TO:

TheTheSOUND OF CLATTERING MACHINE GUN FIRE SEGUES TO that ofSOUND OF CLATTERING MACHINE GUN FIRE SEGUES TO that of CLATTERING TYPEWRITERS.CLATTERING TYPEWRITERS.A huge government building stands inA huge government building stands in thetheheart of Washington,heart of Washington,D.C.D.C.

SUPERIMPOSITION:SUPERIMPOSITION:

VeryVerybusy.busy.A dozen, somber military clerks work behindA dozen, somber military clerks work behind desks, quickly and efficiently.desks, quickly and efficiently.No small talk.No small talk.

AACLERKCLERK

OlderOlderthan the others, sad-eyed, adds a sheet of paper to athan the others, sad-eyed, adds a sheet of paper to a largelargepile in his out-box.pile in his out-box.

CLOSECLOSESHOTSHOT

AnAnoutgoing telegram.outgoing telegram.It reads:It reads:"We regret to inform"We regret to inform you...killed in action...heroic service..."you...killed in action...heroic service..."This is theThis is the paperwork of death.paperwork of death.

10.10.

THETHECLERKCLERK

PullsPullsout a file.out a file.Reads.Reads.Finds something troubling.Finds something troubling. Quickly shuffles throughQuickly shuffles throughsome other papers.some other papers.Finds what he'sFinds what he's looking for. Rises from his desk and hurries out of thelooking for. Rises from his desk and hurries out of the office.office.

SeenSeenthrough the glass wall.through the glass wall.The clerk speaks to a YOUNGThe clerk speaks to a YOUNG LIEUTENANT who is visibly shaken by what he is being told.LIEUTENANT who is visibly shaken by what he is being told. HeHemotions to the clerk to follow and he strides out of themotions to the clerk to follow and he strides out of the office with the clerk onoffice with the clerk onhis heels.his heels.

Again, seen through a glass wall.Again, seen through a glass wall.The Young LieutenantThe Young Lieutenant speaks to a YOUNG CAPTAIN who, like the Lieutenant is clearlyspeaks to a YOUNG CAPTAIN who, like the Lieutenant is clearly bothered by what he's being told.bothered by what he's being told.The Captain takes theThe Captain takes the papers from the Young Lieutenant and strides out.papers from the Young Lieutenant and strides out.

AAbusy office.busy office.Aides and secretaries scurry about.Aides and secretaries scurry about.TheThe wallswallsand tables are covered with maps of Normandy andand tables are covered with maps of Normandy and complex deployment charts.complex deployment charts.A ONE-ARMED COLONEL with a chestA ONE-ARMED COLONEL with a chest fullfullof ribbons pours himself another cup of coffee.of ribbons pours himself another cup of coffee.HeHe clearly hasn't slept in a long time.clearly hasn't slept in a long time.The Young Captain, hisThe Young Captain, his staffstaffofficer, walks in.officer, walks in.

TheThelife drains from thelife drains from theColonel.Colonel.Others in the room hearOthers in the room hear andandfreeze.freeze.

11.11.

TheTheColonel regains his bearings.Colonel regains his bearings.Stands and motions curtlyStands and motions curtly totothe Captain.the Captain.

TheTheColonel strides fromColonel strides fromthe room with the Captain on histhe room with the Captain on his heels.heels.The aides and secretaries watch them go.The aides and secretaries watch them go.

AAblack car drives alongblack car drives alonga dirt road, a cloud of dust risinga dirt road, a cloud of dust rising behind. Passing through an endless expanse of ripening corn.behind. Passing through an endless expanse of ripening corn.

AAwhit farmhouse.whit farmhouse.A barn.A barn.A stand of trees.A stand of trees.Cornfields asCornfields as farfaras the eye can see.as the eye can see.

ININTHE YARDTHE YARD

AAtire swing.tire swing.A bushel basket nailed to the barn over a dirtA bushel basket nailed to the barn over a dirt basketball court.basketball court.

AAPORCH SWINGPORCH SWING

SitsSitsempty.empty.Moves slightly.Moves slightly.

ONONTHE GLASS OF THE FRONT DOORTHE GLASS OF THE FRONT DOOR

FourFourAmerican flag decals.American flag decals.Each one, a man in service.Each one, a man in service.

MARGARET RYANMARGARET RYAN

StepsStepsout.out.Around sixty.Around sixty.Her face shows the lines of a lifeHer face shows the lines of a life ofofhard work and mother hood.hard work and mother hood.A good woman.A good woman.

SheShewipes her hands on her apron and looks out across thewipes her hands on her apron and looks out across the fields.fields.

12.12.

FarFarin the distance she sees the dust rising behind the blackin the distance she sees the dust rising behind the black car.car.

SheShewatches the car get closer, then sees it turn toward herwatches the car get closer, then sees it turn toward her house. She starts to grow uneasy.house. She starts to grow uneasy.

AsAsthe black car approaches, her breath comes hard.the black car approaches, her breath comes hard.SheShe reaches out and steadiesreaches out and steadiesherself on the porch post.herself on the porch post.

TheThecar pulls up to the house.car pulls up to the house.She sees three men get out,She sees three men get out, oneonewearing a clerical collar.wearing a clerical collar.The first of her tears come.The first of her tears come.

Another busy office filled with aides and secretaries.Another busy office filled with aides and secretaries. GENERAL GEORGE MARSHALL,GENERAL GEORGE MARSHALL,Army Chief of Staff, stands next toArmy Chief of Staff, stands next to hishisconference table, reading the Ryan brother' files.conference table, reading the Ryan brother' files.Half-Half- a-dozen subordinates, among them the one-armed Colonel anda-dozen subordinates, among them the one-armed Colonel and thetheYoung Captain, wait.Young Captain, wait.General Marshall puts down the file.General Marshall puts down the file.

General Marshall hardens.General Marshall hardens.

That's just what the General's staff wanted to hear.That's just what the General's staff wanted to hear.

13.13.

NEARNEARCONSTANT MORTAR EXPLOSIONS.CONSTANT MORTAR EXPLOSIONS.HEAVY MACHINE GUN FIRE.HEAVY MACHINE GUN FIRE. Miller's Ranger company is pinned down by a superior force ofMiller's Ranger company is pinned down by a superior force of German troops. The Americans hug the bottoms of the craters,German troops. The Americans hug the bottoms of the craters, FIRING BACK as best theyFIRING BACK as best theycan.can.BIG GUNS THUNDER in theBIG GUNS THUNDER in the distance.distance.

SUPERIMPOSITION:SUPERIMPOSITION:

MILLERMILLER

Trailed by a RADIOMAN, dashes through the fire and dives intoTrailed by a RADIOMAN, dashes through the fire and dives into aasludge-filled crater.sludge-filled crater.He surfaces, sees Sarge and Reiben,He surfaces, sees Sarge and Reiben, andandreels from a horrific smell.reels from a horrific smell.Their conversation isTheir conversation is repeatedly broken by FIRING And DUCKING GERMAN FIRE.repeatedly broken by FIRING And DUCKING GERMAN FIRE.

Miller barks to his RADIOMAN.Miller barks to his RADIOMAN.

MOREMOREEXPLOSIONS.EXPLOSIONS.They all duck.They all duck.Reiben's worried.Reiben's worried.

14.14.

THETHEGERMAN FIRE diminishes for an instant.GERMAN FIRE diminishes for an instant.Miller, Sarge andMiller, Sarge and Reiben immediately rise and POUR FIRE at the GermanReiben immediately rise and POUR FIRE at the German positions.positions.GERMAN MACHINE GUN FIRE RESPONDS and they duckGERMAN MACHINE GUN FIRE RESPONDS and they duck downdownagain.again.

MOREMOREMORTAR EXPLOSIONS.MORTAR EXPLOSIONS.

15.15.

Another pause in the German shelling.Another pause in the German shelling.Reiben rises andReiben rises and BLASTS HIS B.A.R, then ducks as the GERMANS RETURN FIRE.BLASTS HIS B.A.R, then ducks as the GERMANS RETURN FIRE.

AAMORTAR SHELL EXPLODES VERY CLOSE.MORTAR SHELL EXPLODES VERY CLOSE.After the debris stopsAfter the debris stops falling, Sarge and Reiben rise, spitting out sludge.falling, Sarge and Reiben rise, spitting out sludge.ReibenReiben lookslooksdubiously at Miller.dubiously at Miller.

16.16.

Miller waits for a pauseMiller waits for a pausein the MORTAR BARRAGE, thenin the MORTAR BARRAGE, then scrambles out of the crater and takes off in a crouch-run.scrambles out of the crater and takes off in a crouch-run.

Chaos.Chaos.Under fire.Under fire.INTERMITTENT MORTARS, SOME BIG GERMANINTERMITTENT MORTARS, SOME BIG GERMAN SHELLS and fairly close SMALL ARMS FIRE.SHELLS and fairly close SMALL ARMS FIRE.

MILLERMILLER

RunsRunsover the broken ground and makes it to the sandbaggedover the broken ground and makes it to the sandbagged H.Q.H.Q.He stumbles down the make-shift stairs.He stumbles down the make-shift stairs.

SandSandand dirt falls withand dirt falls withthe closest of the EXPLOSIONS whichthe closest of the EXPLOSIONS which continue through the scene.continue through the scene.Miller salutes a Major.Miller salutes a Major.

Miller goes deeper into the H.Q. bunker where he finds aMiller goes deeper into the H.Q. bunker where he finds a dozendozenofficers with as many aides, runners and radiomen.officers with as many aides, runners and radiomen. VeryVerybusy.busy.A field map dominates the center of the smallA field map dominates the center of the small space. The men in the room note Miller, a few nod to himspace. The men in the room note Miller, a few nod to him respectfully.respectfully.He's clearly someone special.He's clearly someone special.

COLONEL SAM ANDERSON is in command, talking on a field-phone.COLONEL SAM ANDERSON is in command, talking on a field-phone. He'sHe'sabout fifty, firm and steady, the calm at the eye of theabout fifty, firm and steady, the calm at the eye of the storm.storm.He sees Miller and motions for him to wait.He sees Miller and motions for him to wait.

AALIEUTENANT steps up toLIEUTENANT steps up toMiller and hands him a sheet ofMiller and hands him a sheet of paper.paper.

17.17.

Miller hands the list back to the Lieutenant.Miller hands the list back to the Lieutenant.

Anderson hangs up, speaks to an AIDE.Anderson hangs up, speaks to an AIDE.

Colonel Anderson turns to Miller.Colonel Anderson turns to Miller.

18.18.

AnAninstant of SILENCE, all hear, none look.instant of SILENCE, all hear, none look.

19.19.

Miller hesitates, then:Miller hesitates, then:

TheTheother officers freeze, listening without turning.other officers freeze, listening without turning. Colonel Anderson glares at Miller.Colonel Anderson glares at Miller.

Miller considers the question, then smiles.Miller considers the question, then smiles.

Colonel Anderson looks as if he's about to bit Miller's headColonel Anderson looks as if he's about to bit Miller's head off,off,then he smiles, too.then he smiles, too.

20.20.

Miller shrugs.Miller shrugs.

Colonel Anderson listensColonel Anderson listenswith amused tolerance, but it's timewith amused tolerance, but it's time totoget back to business.get back to business.

Miller knows when to back off.Miller knows when to back off.He salutes.He salutes.

Miller and Colonel Anderson exchange a private look.Miller and Colonel Anderson exchange a private look.

Miller joins Major Thomas at one of the smaller map tables.Miller joins Major Thomas at one of the smaller map tables. Colonel Anderson watchesColonel Anderson watchesMiller for an instant, then noticesMiller for an instant, then notices thetheother officers in the tent watching.other officers in the tent watching.A glare and they goA glare and they go backbackto work.to work.

AAMASSIVE BARRAGE of fifteen-inch shells BLASTS from the deckMASSIVE BARRAGE of fifteen-inch shells BLASTS from the deck ofofthe enormous ship.the enormous ship.

HUGEHUGEEXPLOSIONS.EXPLOSIONS.The big naval shells SLAM into the GermanThe big naval shells SLAM into the German position on the far sideposition on the far sideof the cranberry bog crater field.of the cranberry bog crater field.

21.21.

ININTHE CRATERSTHE CRATERS

Miller's Ranger company ducks and covers.Miller's Ranger company ducks and covers.The BARRAGEThe BARRAGE SUBSIDES.SUBSIDES.The Rangers rise, FIRING, leap-frogging fromThe Rangers rise, FIRING, leap-frogging from crater to crater, advancing against the remaining Germans whocrater to crater, advancing against the remaining Germans who return SMALL ARMS FIRE.return SMALL ARMS FIRE.

MILLERMILLER

Crouch-runs and dives into a crater with Sarge.Crouch-runs and dives into a crater with Sarge.

22.22.

TheyTheywait for a lull in the firing, then scramble out of thewait for a lull in the firing, then scramble out of the crater and crouch-run incrater and crouch-run inopposite directions.opposite directions.

JustJustin from the beaches.in from the beaches.DISTANT ARTILLERY AND EXPLOSIONS.DISTANT ARTILLERY AND EXPLOSIONS. Nothing close.Nothing close.Dust.Dust.Confusion.Confusion.Vehicles of every sortVehicles of every sort moving out.moving out.Tanks, half-tracks, troop trucks.Tanks, half-tracks, troop trucks.In the middleIn the middle ofofthe mess, a cigar-chewing SUPPLY SERGEANT works at a make-the mess, a cigar-chewing SUPPLY SERGEANT works at a make- shiftshiftdesk made out of crate.desk made out of crate.He yells at a PRIVATE.He yells at a PRIVATE.

SARGE, REIBEN, JACKSON AND WADESARGE, REIBEN, JACKSON AND WADE

WaitWaitnearby.nearby.Reiben is beside himself, pacing, muttering.Reiben is beside himself, pacing, muttering. TheTheothers are relaxed.others are relaxed.

MILLERMILLER

Strides through the chaos, avoiding the passing vehicles.Strides through the chaos, avoiding the passing vehicles.HeHe seesseeshis men and walks toward them.his men and walks toward them.Reiben hurries up toReiben hurries up to Miller, pleading.Miller, pleading.

23.23.

Miller jerks his head for his men to follow and he stridesMiller jerks his head for his men to follow and he strides offofftoward the Supply Sergeant's table.toward the Supply Sergeant's table.Sarge falls in nextSarge falls in next totoMiller.Miller.

TRANSPORT OPERATIONS TABLETRANSPORT OPERATIONS TABLE

Chaos.Chaos.Vehicles THUNDERING by.Vehicles THUNDERING by.The Supply Sergeant jugglesThe Supply Sergeant juggles runners and paperwork.runners and paperwork.Miller steps up to him.Miller steps up to him.

24.24.

25.25.

TheTheSupply Sergeant grunts as if punched in the belly.Supply Sergeant grunts as if punched in the belly.

Miller looks at him, noting his reaction coldly.Miller looks at him, noting his reaction coldly.The SupplyThe Supply Sergeant shifts his eyesSergeant shifts his eyestoward General Gavin's jeep.toward General Gavin's jeep.

Miller and his men driveMiller and his men driveoff, fast, in General Gavin's jeep.off, fast, in General Gavin's jeep. SargeSargeis at the wheel, weaving and bouncing through theis at the wheel, weaving and bouncing through the bedlam of men and vehicles.bedlam of men and vehicles.Miller rides shotgun.Miller rides shotgun.Reiben,Reiben, Jackson and Wade are crammed in the back.Jackson and Wade are crammed in the back.

TheTheSUPPLY SERGEANTSUPPLY SERGEANT

Watches them go.Watches them go.BehindBehindhim, GENERAL GAVIN, pure piss andhim, GENERAL GAVIN, pure piss and vinegar, strides up, trailed by his huge staff.vinegar, strides up, trailed by his huge staff.He looksHe looks around for his jeep, comes up empty.around for his jeep, comes up empty.

TheTheSupply Sergeant puffs his cigar with a smile and turns toSupply Sergeant puffs his cigar with a smile and turns to taketakehis lumps.his lumps.

Miller and his men weaveMiller and his men weavethrough the chaos of the Americanthrough the chaos of the American staging area.staging area.

Miller points the way for Sarge.Miller points the way for Sarge.

Miller and his men skid to a stop in front of a perfectlyMiller and his men skid to a stop in front of a perfectly white, taut-lined tent.white, taut-lined tent.A steady stream of ROARING vehiclesA steady stream of ROARING vehicles andandCHATTERING men move out around them.CHATTERING men move out around them.DISTANT GUNSDISTANT GUNS RUMBLE.RUMBLE.SPORADIC MEDIUM-DISTANCE EXPLOSIONS BOOM.SPORADIC MEDIUM-DISTANCE EXPLOSIONS BOOM.MillerMiller hopshopsout.out.

26.26.

HeHestrides into the tent.strides into the tent.

ThreeThreebookish corporals hover over map tables like studiousbookish corporals hover over map tables like studious nerdsnerdsthe day before finals.the day before finals.They're breaking down andThey're breaking down and gridding field maps and covering them in plasticine.gridding field maps and covering them in plasticine. Tedious, detailed work.Tedious, detailed work.

OneOneof them is TIM UPHAM, a thin, twenty-four year old,of them is TIM UPHAM, a thin, twenty-four year old, patrician with gentle, thoughtful eyes behind his thickpatrician with gentle, thoughtful eyes behind his thick glasses.glasses.He nervously jumps at the sound of a VERY DISTANTHe nervously jumps at the sound of a VERY DISTANT EXPLOSION, then he forces himself to concentrate on his work.EXPLOSION, then he forces himself to concentrate on his work. Miller strides in.Miller strides in.

UphamUphamraises his eyes from his map and re-focuses.raises his eyes from his map and re-focuses.

UphamUphamknows enough geography to know what that means.knows enough geography to know what that means.

27.27.

UphamUphamhesitates.hesitates.

Miller looks at him closely, not sure if he's joking.Miller looks at him closely, not sure if he's joking.

Miller's expression gives him his answer.Miller's expression gives him his answer.

Miller shoos him off.Miller shoos him off.

28.28.

UphamUphamscurries away.scurries away.Miller sighs.Miller sighs.

Miller and his men peel out, now with Upham crammed with theMiller and his men peel out, now with Upham crammed with the others in the back of the jeep.others in the back of the jeep.As they drive off, theAs they drive off, the CAMERA CRANES UP to reveal the vast tableau of the biggestCAMERA CRANES UP to reveal the vast tableau of the biggest invasion in military history.invasion in military history.

TheThescope of the operation is stunning.scope of the operation is stunning.The beach is coveredThe beach is covered withwithmountains of supplies.mountains of supplies.A steady stream of vehiclesA steady stream of vehicles windswindsup the dunes.up the dunes.Hundreds of barrage balloons, anchoredHundreds of barrage balloons, anchored bybyheavy steel cables, hover over the entire scene.heavy steel cables, hover over the entire scene.Off-Off- shore, a massive Mulberry port is under construction, workersshore, a massive Mulberry port is under construction, workers swarming over it like ants.swarming over it like ants.Beyond that, thousands of shipsBeyond that, thousands of ships andandboats of every type and description.boats of every type and description.The smoke ofThe smoke of hundreds of fires rises on the horizon.hundreds of fires rises on the horizon.EXPLOSIONS, someEXPLOSIONS, some distant, some close, BOOM and RUMBLE.distant, some close, BOOM and RUMBLE.

It'sIt'san awesome, breathtaking sight.an awesome, breathtaking sight.Miller and his tinyMiller and his tiny bandbandof men, weave theirof men, weave theirway through the middle of it,way through the middle of it, speeding away from the beach, heading inland, leaving thespeeding away from the beach, heading inland, leaving the bulkbulkof the American Army behind.of the American Army behind.

Miller and his men driveMiller and his men drivefast passing American vehicles andfast passing American vehicles and infantrymen moving forward.infantrymen moving forward.The sides of the road areThe sides of the road are littered with the debrislittered with the debrisof burning German vehicles,of burning German vehicles, abandoned equipment, bodies.abandoned equipment, bodies.

SargeSargedrives.drives.Miller reads a map.Miller reads a map.Upham, cradling aUpham, cradling a pristine M-1 rifle, is all eyes and ears.pristine M-1 rifle, is all eyes and ears.Jackson and WadeJackson and Wade calmly take in the view.calmly take in the view.Reiben checks out the closeReiben checks out the close quarters in the back of the jeep.quarters in the back of the jeep.

Miller doesn't raise hisMiller doesn't raise hiseyes from the map.eyes from the map.

29.29.

Miller points out a turnMiller points out a turnto Sarge.to Sarge.

SargeSargemakes the turn.makes the turn.Miller folds up the map and pockets it.Miller folds up the map and pockets it.

30.30.

ININTHE BACK OF THE JEEPTHE BACK OF THE JEEP

UphamUphamavidly takes in everything.avidly takes in everything.He notices Reiben staringHe notices Reiben staring atathim, grows nervous under his look and offers a hopefulhim, grows nervous under his look and offers a hopeful smile.smile.

Reiben, Jackson and WadeReiben, Jackson and Wadelook at Upham as if he were anlook at Upham as if he were an insect.insect.

TheirTheirjaws drop.jaws drop.

UphamUphamreacts to the mention of Miller's name.reacts to the mention of Miller's name.

31.31.

Miller sighs, he knows what's coming.Miller sighs, he knows what's coming.

Upham's words are frozenUpham's words are frozenin his throat by the warning glancesin his throat by the warning glances ofofMiller's men.Miller's men.MillerMillerhimself remains relaxed but stone-himself remains relaxed but stone- faced.faced.

NoNoone speaks for a few seconds, then the moment passes as ifone speaks for a few seconds, then the moment passes as if itithad never happened.had never happened.

32.32.

WadeWadepipes up cheerfully.pipes up cheerfully.

THEYTHEYROUND A TURNROUND A TURN

SkidSkidto a stop at a:to a stop at a:

BOTTLENECK OF AMERICAN VEHICLESBOTTLENECK OF AMERICAN VEHICLES

AALIEUTENANT is roadmaster.LIEUTENANT is roadmaster.Miller calls to him.Miller calls to him.

Miller nods to Sarge whoMiller nods to Sarge whofloors it.floors it.They take off, sprayingThey take off, spraying gravel behind them.gravel behind them.

33.33.

TheThejeep barrels down the road, fast.jeep barrels down the road, fast.The road is pock-The road is pock- marked with craters.marked with craters.They pass the wreckage of a pair ofThey pass the wreckage of a pair of American jeeps.American jeeps.Direct hits.Direct hits.Sarge swerves around themSarge swerves around them without slowing.without slowing.

ANANAMERICAN TROOP TRUCK SMOLDERSAMERICAN TROOP TRUCK SMOLDERS

OnOnthe side of the road,the side of the road,surrounded by the charred bodies ofsurrounded by the charred bodies of aadozen American troops.dozen American troops.It's a nightmare vision.It's a nightmare vision.UphamUpham growsgrowsweak at the sight.weak at the sight.Miller takes note of Upham'sMiller takes note of Upham's reaction.reaction.

ININTHE BACKTHE BACK

TheThemen bounce up and down like stuffed animals, doing theirmen bounce up and down like stuffed animals, doing their bestbestto not be thrown out.to not be thrown out.

AAHUGE BUMPHUGE BUMP

Bounces Reiben up and slams his back down on his shovel.Bounces Reiben up and slams his back down on his shovel.HeHe HOLLERS IN PAIN.HOLLERS IN PAIN.

Reiben shoots Miller a smile and shifts his belt, moving hisReiben shoots Miller a smile and shifts his belt, moving his shovel from under his bruised ass.shovel from under his bruised ass.

THEYTHEYROUND A BENDROUND A BEND

SeeSeeaalong, straight stretch of road.long, straight stretch of road.Half-a-dozen burning,Half-a-dozen burning, obliterated American vehicles.obliterated American vehicles.A gauntlet to run.A gauntlet to run.

ANANEIGHTY-EIGHT SHELL SCREAMS INEIGHTY-EIGHT SHELL SCREAMS IN

LandsLandsright behind them.right behind them.BLOWS A NEW CRATERBLOWS A NEW CRATER

SARGESARGEFLOORS IT.FLOORS IT.Everyone hangs on.Everyone hangs on.

ANOTHER SHELL EXPLODESANOTHER SHELL EXPLODES

Thirty yards ahead of them.Thirty yards ahead of them.

34.34.

MILLERMILLER

Directs Sarge off the road.Directs Sarge off the road.

SARGESARGE

YanksYanksthe wheel, drivingthe wheel, drivingthe jeep off the road.the jeep off the road.

THETHEJEEP BOUNCESJEEP BOUNCES

OffOffthe shoulder.the shoulder.Nearly throwing everyone out.Nearly throwing everyone out.SomehowSomehow theytheyhang on.hang on.The jeep tears along the rutted field.The jeep tears along the rutted field.

ANOTHER EXPLOSIONANOTHER EXPLOSION

JustJustbehind them.behind them.

SARGESARGEDRIVES MADLYDRIVES MADLY

NotNotslowing down.slowing down.Trying to avoid the biggest ruts and bumps.Trying to avoid the biggest ruts and bumps.

ANOTHER EXPLOSIONANOTHER EXPLOSION

CloseCloseon their side.on their side.Showers them with debris.Showers them with debris.

MILLER SCANS THE TERRAINMILLER SCANS THE TERRAIN

SeesSeesa cluster of buildings about half-a-mile ahead.a cluster of buildings about half-a-mile ahead.

ANOTHER EXPLOSIONANOTHER EXPLOSION

EvenEvencloser.closer.The jeep'sThe jeep'sPEPPERED WITH SHRAPNEL.PEPPERED WITH SHRAPNEL.They BARRELThey BARREL THROUGH the smoke.THROUGH the smoke.

SARGESARGE

TurnsTurnsshallow curves without slowing down.shallow curves without slowing down.

35.35.

SUDDENLY SEES A CRATERSUDDENLY SEES A CRATER

TriesTriesto avoid it.to avoid it.Too late.Too late.Brakes.Brakes.PLOWS into overturnedPLOWS into overturned earth. STOPS SHORT.earth. STOPS SHORT.

REIBEN, UPHAM, WADE AND JACKSONREIBEN, UPHAM, WADE AND JACKSON

THROWN from the jeep.THROWN from the jeep.TUMBLE into the dirt.TUMBLE into the dirt.Not hurt.Not hurt.

SARGESARGEAND MILLERAND MILLER

HangHangon.on.Stay in the jeep but are battered.Stay in the jeep but are battered.All stunned.All stunned.

MILLERMILLER

IsIsfirst to regain his bearings.first to regain his bearings.Jumps up.Jumps up.Checks out theChecks out the jeep.jeep.Undamaged.Undamaged.Deep in the soft dirt.Deep in the soft dirt.

ANANEIGHTY-EIGHT SHELL SCREAMS INEIGHTY-EIGHT SHELL SCREAMS IN

EXPLODES THIRTY YARDS LEFTEXPLODES THIRTY YARDS LEFT

SargeSargeputs his head backputs his head backon and throws the jeep into gear.on and throws the jeep into gear. TheThewheels spin.wheels spin.MillerMillerthrows his shoulder into the jeep.throws his shoulder into the jeep. YellsYellsto the others.to the others.

STILLSTILLDAZEDDAZED

Reiben, Wade, Jackson, Upham screw their heads back on.Reiben, Wade, Jackson, Upham screw their heads back on. Shoulder into the jeep.Shoulder into the jeep.Push for all they're worth.Push for all they're worth.TheThe WHEELS STILL SPIN.WHEELS STILL SPIN.

ANOTHER EIGHTY-EIGHT SHELL LANDS EXPLODES THIRTY YARDSANOTHER EIGHTY-EIGHT SHELL LANDS EXPLODES THIRTY YARDS RIGHTRIGHT

MILLER IGNORES ITMILLER IGNORES IT

He'sHe'sthe only one who does.the only one who does.

UphamUphamis very nervous.is very nervous.

36.36.

TheyTheyall ignore him.all ignore him.

SargeSargeSLAMS THE JEEP INTO REVERSE.SLAMS THE JEEP INTO REVERSE.Rocks it.Rocks it.SLAMS IT BACKSLAMS IT BACK INTOINTOFORWARD.FORWARD.Makes progress.Makes progress.

ALLALLTHE MEN PUSH, ALL EYES UP.THE MEN PUSH, ALL EYES UP.WAITING FOR THE NEXTWAITING FOR THE NEXT SHELL.SHELL.

THETHETIRES SCREAMTIRES SCREAM

AAbitbitmore progress.more progress.It's almost out.It's almost out.

THEYTHEYALL PUSH LIKE MANIACSALL PUSH LIKE MANIACS

Knowing the shell is coming any second.Knowing the shell is coming any second.Upham is besideUpham is beside himself.himself.

ONEONEMORE PUSHMORE PUSH

TheThejeep rocks back in, deeper.jeep rocks back in, deeper.

THEYTHEYHEAR THE SCREAM OF THE SHELLHEAR THE SCREAM OF THE SHELL

37.37.

MILLER BARKS TO HIS MENMILLER BARKS TO HIS MEN

THETHEMENMEN

Instantly take off.Instantly take off.Away from the jeep.Away from the jeep.As fast as they can.As fast as they can.

THETHESHELL SCREAMS INSHELL SCREAMS IN

TheThemen hit the dirt.men hit the dirt.

DIRECT HITDIRECT HIT

OBLITERATING THE JEEPOBLITERATING THE JEEP

THETHEMENMEN

Barely out of the BLAST PERIMETER.Barely out of the BLAST PERIMETER.STUNNED by theSTUNNED by the concussion. SHOWERED with dirt, rock and debris.concussion. SHOWERED with dirt, rock and debris.

MILLERMILLER

IsIsfirst up.first up.Sarge and the men struggle to their feet.Sarge and the men struggle to their feet.HearHear MOREMOREINCOMING.INCOMING.Miller grabs Upham by the collar and pullsMiller grabs Upham by the collar and pulls himhimup.up.

THEYTHEYALL TAKE OFFALL TAKE OFF

Running as fast as they can.Running as fast as they can.

THETHEFIRST OF THE MORTAR SHELLS COME INFIRST OF THE MORTAR SHELLS COME IN

TheTheeighty-eight is big,eighty-eight is big,with pauses spaces between.with pauses spaces between.ButBut theretheremust be a dozen mortars firing.must be a dozen mortars firing.The shells are almostThe shells are almost constant.constant.

THETHEFIELDFIELD

TheThesix Americans run madly, in zig-zag patterns through thesix Americans run madly, in zig-zag patterns through the gauntlet of MORTAR EXPLOSIONS.gauntlet of MORTAR EXPLOSIONS.

BOOMBOOM

RUNNING, STUMBLINGRUNNING, STUMBLING

BOOM,BOOM,BOOM, BOOMBOOM, BOOM

38.38.

UPHAMUPHAMIS THROWN TO THE GROUNDIS THROWN TO THE GROUND

Miller yanks him up.Miller yanks him up.Half-drags him to the edge of the field.Half-drags him to the edge of the field.

THEYTHEYMAKE IT TO THE TREESMAKE IT TO THE TREES

KeepKeeprunning.running.Through the bushes and brambles.Through the bushes and brambles.Thirty yardsThirty yards in.in.

THETHEEXPLOSIONS STOPEXPLOSIONS STOP

THETHEMEN ALL STOPMEN ALL STOP

Panting.Panting.Struggling to catch their breath. Check their bodyStruggling to catch their breath. Check their body parts.parts.Everything's there.Everything's there.They have their weapons, most ofThey have their weapons, most of theirtheirgear.gear.

Reiben looks back through the trees at THE JEEP, which isReiben looks back through the trees at THE JEEP, which is nothing more than a burning carcass.nothing more than a burning carcass.He shakes his head.He shakes his head.

MILLERMILLER

Stands on the edge of the woods, almost in a trance.Stands on the edge of the woods, almost in a trance.

Miller, far away, quickly shifts his eyes and ears fromMiller, far away, quickly shifts his eyes and ears from position to position.position to position.

SargeSargequickly opens up the map case.quickly opens up the map case.The men are deadThe men are dead silent, frozen in place.silent, frozen in place.

39.39.

SargeSargequickly starts vectoring on the map.quickly starts vectoring on the map.Miller snaps outMiller snaps out ofofit.it.

WadeWadeinstantly starts cranking it up.instantly starts cranking it up.Upham is amazed.Upham is amazed.

SargeSargefinished vectoring.finished vectoring.

Miller takes the handsetMiller takes the handsetfrom Wade and the map from Sarge.from Wade and the map from Sarge.

40.40.

AAVOICE ON THE RADIO SIGNS OFF through the static.VOICE ON THE RADIO SIGNS OFF through the static.WadeWade packspacksup the radio.up the radio.Miller folds up the map.Miller folds up the map.

Miller heads off withoutMiller heads off withoutpausing or looking back.pausing or looking back.The restThe rest ofofthe men don't like it, but they follow.the men don't like it, but they follow.Upham trails,Upham trails, amazed at Miller.amazed at Miller.

Miller walks point.Miller walks point.HisHismen follow warily.men follow warily.Upham falls inUpham falls in alongside Reiben.alongside Reiben.

UphamUphamsmiles lamely and moves on to Jackson.smiles lamely and moves on to Jackson.

WadeWadeoverhears and smiles at Upham.overhears and smiles at Upham.

41.41.

UphamUphamshakes his head.shakes his head.

Jackson shrugs.Jackson shrugs.

42.42.

TheyTheyall shake their heads.all shake their heads.Miller's out of earshot.Miller's out of earshot.

43.43.

Reiben shakes his head.Reiben shakes his head.

TheyTheyall nod in assent, no argument there.all nod in assent, no argument there.

Miller walks on ahead, unaware of their conversation.Miller walks on ahead, unaware of their conversation.UphamUpham watches Miller, with even more curiosity.watches Miller, with even more curiosity.

Miller and his men walk along a hedgerow that parallels aMiller and his men walk along a hedgerow that parallels a country cow path.country cow path.They're staying close to the cover of theThey're staying close to the cover of the brush.brush.Miller walks tall now.Miller walks tall now.

44.44.

45.45.

46.46.

Upham, feeling bold and a bit naughty, decides to give it aUpham, feeling bold and a bit naughty, decides to give it a shot.shot.

TheThemen roll their eyes,men roll their eyes,expecting the worst.expecting the worst.

TheThemen are stunned.men are stunned.

UphamUphamwiggles with pride.wiggles with pride.

Miller eyes Upham respectfully and nods to the men.Miller eyes Upham respectfully and nods to the men.

TheyTheywalk on.walk on.

47.47.

Miller smiles, situationMiller smiles, situationnormal.normal.

AAsmall town has been reduced to rubble and is still ansmall town has been reduced to rubble and is still an active battlefield.active battlefield.HEAVY SMALL ARMS FIRE.HEAVY SMALL ARMS FIRE.GRENADE ANDGRENADE AND MORTAR EXPLOSIONS. MEDIUM ARTILLERY BEYOND.MORTAR EXPLOSIONS. MEDIUM ARTILLERY BEYOND.AmericanAmerican soldiers crouch in doorways, FIRING at well-placed Germans.soldiers crouch in doorways, FIRING at well-placed Germans.

SomeSomeFrench civilians dash across a street.French civilians dash across a street.A man and aA man and a couple of women, one carrying a child.couple of women, one carrying a child.They make it acrossThey make it across andanddisappear into the remains of a building.disappear into the remains of a building.

Miller runs up and flattens himself against a wall at aMiller runs up and flattens himself against a wall at a corner.corner.Sarge and the other men follow in leap-frog, spreadSarge and the other men follow in leap-frog, spread outoutdown the block behind him.down the block behind him.

Miller glances around the corner, taking a quick mentalMiller glances around the corner, taking a quick mental picture of a GATHERING OF G.I.'s crouching in the cover of anpicture of a GATHERING OF G.I.'s crouching in the cover of an alleyalleyacross the street and down the block.across the street and down the block.They are CAPTAINThey are CAPTAIN HAMILL, about Miller's age, and HIS MEN.HAMILL, about Miller's age, and HIS MEN.

AsAsMiller ducks back behind the corner, A GERMAN BULLETMiller ducks back behind the corner, A GERMAN BULLET SMASHES into the bricks where his head was an instant before.SMASHES into the bricks where his head was an instant before.

Miller motions Jackson across first.Miller motions Jackson across first.

Jackson gathers himself,Jackson gathers himself,takes off.takes off.GERMAN BULLETS BLAST,GERMAN BULLETS BLAST, kicking up the cobblestone behind him.kicking up the cobblestone behind him.Jackson zig-zags andJackson zig-zags and makesmakesit to the cover ofit to the cover ofthe far side.the far side.

Miller nods to Upham.Miller nods to Upham.

Upham, scared shitless, doesn't move.Upham, scared shitless, doesn't move.Miller speaks to himMiller speaks to him veryverygently.gently.

Upham's frozen.Upham's frozen.He can barely breathe.He can barely breathe.Miller sighs.Miller sighs.

48.48.

UphamUphamnods.nods.Miller gathers himself, takes a deep breath.Miller gathers himself, takes a deep breath.

CLOSECLOSESHOT:SHOT:MILLER'S HAND quivers.MILLER'S HAND quivers.

MILLERMILLER

LooksLooksto Upham.to Upham.

UphamUphamnods, still terrified.nods, still terrified.

MILLER STEPS INTO THE OPENMILLER STEPS INTO THE OPEN

Stands motionless, presenting himself to the German snipers.Stands motionless, presenting himself to the German snipers.

UphamUphamruns.runs.

AAGERMAN BULLET HITS THEGERMAN BULLET HITS THEBRICKS NEAR MILLER.BRICKS NEAR MILLER.

HeHedoesn't budge. UPHAM TEARS ACROSS THE STREET very, verydoesn't budge. UPHAM TEARS ACROSS THE STREET very, very fast.fast.REIBEN watches Upham run.REIBEN watches Upham run.

AAGERMAN BULLET WHIZZES PAST Miller's ear.GERMAN BULLET WHIZZES PAST Miller's ear.

UPHAMUPHAMgets to the far side.gets to the far side.

MILLER DUCKS BACK aroundMILLER DUCKS BACK aroundthe corner.the corner.Reiben and Wade don'tReiben and Wade don't evenevenreact to what Miller has just done.react to what Miller has just done.Sarge is pissed.Sarge is pissed. HeHeshakes his head at Miller, like an irritated parent.shakes his head at Miller, like an irritated parent.

49.49.

UPHAMUPHAM

OnOnthe other side of thethe other side of thestreet, crouches in a doorway withstreet, crouches in a doorway with Jackson. Upham is a bit in shock, less from the nearness ofJackson. Upham is a bit in shock, less from the nearness of thethebullets than from what Miller just did for him.bullets than from what Miller just did for him.

MILLERMILLER

DASHES across the street.DASHES across the street.

GERMAN BULLETS TRAIL HIM, shattering the cobblestones, inchesGERMAN BULLETS TRAIL HIM, shattering the cobblestones, inches behind him. HE MAKES IT across.behind him. HE MAKES IT across.Calls back to Sarge.Calls back to Sarge.

UPHAM, tries to thank Miller.UPHAM, tries to thank Miller.

Miller ignores him, motions to Sarge, Reiben and Wade.Miller ignores him, motions to Sarge, Reiben and Wade.

MILLERMILLER

DucksDucksout of the doorwayout of the doorwayand crouch-runs down the block.and crouch-runs down the block.HeHe passes a:passes a:

BOMBED OUT BUILDINGBOMBED OUT BUILDING

OutOutof the line of fire.of the line of fire.A dozen dead American soldiersA dozen dead American soldiers linedlinedup on the ground.up on the ground.The battered, bloody bodies, onlyThe battered, bloody bodies, only partially covered by ponchos.partially covered by ponchos.

SomeSomebadly wounded G.I.'s are being treated next to the dead.badly wounded G.I.'s are being treated next to the dead. BloodBloodpuddles have spread out onto the sidewalk.puddles have spread out onto the sidewalk.

MILLERMILLER

SeesSeesthe dead and wounded, shows no reaction.the dead and wounded, shows no reaction.Runs to:Runs to:

50.50.

ANANALLEYALLEY

Captain Hamill and his men are bunched there, out of the lineCaptain Hamill and his men are bunched there, out of the line ofoffire. He's sending off a squad to continue their door-to-fire. He's sending off a squad to continue their door-to- door.door.

TheThesquad takes off.squad takes off.Captain Hamill sees Miller.Captain Hamill sees Miller.The twoThe two captains glance at the bars on their shoulders, then speakcaptains glance at the bars on their shoulders, then speak familiarly.familiarly.

OneOneby one, Miller's menby one, Miller's menjoin them in the alley.join them in the alley.

Captain Hamill points across a wide field toward a distantCaptain Hamill points across a wide field toward a distant chateau that has a private chapel with a fifty-foot steeple.chateau that has a private chapel with a fifty-foot steeple.

Miller eyes the distant steeple.Miller eyes the distant steeple.

51.51.

Jackson steps up.Jackson steps up.Miller points to the steeple.Miller points to the steeple.JacksonJackson knowsknowswhat he's supposedwhat he's supposedto do.to do.He puts down his M-1 andHe puts down his M-1 and takestakesoff the long, zippered, leather sheath, strapped to hisoff the long, zippered, leather sheath, strapped to his back.back.

HeHespits a massive bullet of tobacco juice, then calmly andspits a massive bullet of tobacco juice, then calmly and methodically unzips his leather case and pulls out a verymethodically unzips his leather case and pulls out a very unusual, long-barrel, rifle.unusual, long-barrel, rifle.

Miller and his men give him some room.Miller and his men give him some room.Hamill and his men,Hamill and his men, alongalongwith Upham, watch curiously.with Upham, watch curiously.

Jackson opens a two-footJackson opens a two-foottripod with a flick of his wrist,tripod with a flick of his wrist, sitssitsdown and carefully attaches the rifle to it.down and carefully attaches the rifle to it.Then heThen he takestakesa scope from a narrow wooden box and mounts it.a scope from a narrow wooden box and mounts it.HeHe adjusts the eye-piece and clicks in the bolt-action.adjusts the eye-piece and clicks in the bolt-action.UphamUpham isisfascinated.fascinated.

Jackson pulls back the bolt and loads a single, over-sizedJackson pulls back the bolt and loads a single, over-sized shell.shell.

Jackson sights on a treeJackson sights on a treeabout a thousand yards away andabout a thousand yards away and FIRES. Evaluates.FIRES. Evaluates.Calibrates the scope.Calibrates the scope.He re-loads.He re-loads.

Jackson FIRES AGAIN.Jackson FIRES AGAIN.Evaluates.Evaluates.Perfect.Perfect.He wipes the dirtHe wipes the dirt andandsweat from his forehead, puts his eye to the sight andsweat from his forehead, puts his eye to the sight and waits, absolutely motionless.waits, absolutely motionless.

52.52.

Jackson doesn't dignify that with an answer but he looks backJackson doesn't dignify that with an answer but he looks back withwithan expression that clearly says, "What are you, somean expression that clearly says, "What are you, some kindkindof fucking idiot?"of fucking idiot?"

Reiben puts himself between Upham and Jackson.Reiben puts himself between Upham and Jackson.

Jackson keeps his eye toJackson keeps his eye tothe scope and his finger on thethe scope and his finger on the trigger.trigger.

Jackson FIRES.Jackson FIRES.Waits.Waits.A tiny smile.A tiny smile.He starts taking apartHe starts taking apart thetherifle.rifle.A very impressed Captain Hamill barks to hisA very impressed Captain Hamill barks to his radioman.radioman.

TheTheRadioman cranks up his radio.Radioman cranks up his radio.Captain Hamill turns toCaptain Hamill turns to Miller.Miller.

53.53.

Several of CAPTAIN HAMILL'S MEN, among them a GENTLE-FACEDSeveral of CAPTAIN HAMILL'S MEN, among them a GENTLE-FACED PRIVATE, prick up their ears at the mention of Private Ryan.PRIVATE, prick up their ears at the mention of Private Ryan.

54.54.

Miller processes the information.Miller processes the information.Captain Hamill shakes hisCaptain Hamill shakes his head.head.

Miller shrugs.Miller shrugs.

Miller is a bit taken aback by Captain Hamill's forcefulMiller is a bit taken aback by Captain Hamill's forceful sincerity. Then he shakes it off and motions to his men.sincerity. Then he shakes it off and motions to his men.

Miller nods to Captain Hamill, then, as he moves to the headMiller nods to Captain Hamill, then, as he moves to the head ofofthe alley, Miller passes Upham.the alley, Miller passes Upham.

55.55.

HeHetakes off, crouch-running back down the block.takes off, crouch-running back down the block.

UphamUphamwatches him go.watches him go.

HeHestepped right into the open, so I could get across.stepped right into the open, so I could get across.

TheThemen are equal parts joking and admiring.men are equal parts joking and admiring.Sarge isSarge is neither.neither.

SargeSargetakes off after Miller.takes off after Miller.

56.56.

Miller and his men are bivouacked in the middle of the ruinsMiller and his men are bivouacked in the middle of the ruins ofofaamedieval church.medieval church.Miller, settled into a comfortableMiller, settled into a comfortable spotspotin the debris, eating his K-rations, looks very relaxed.in the debris, eating his K-rations, looks very relaxed. Reiben paces.Reiben paces.

57.57.

Miller smiles.Miller smiles.Reiben eyes him and reconsiders.Reiben eyes him and reconsiders.

Miller nods.Miller nods.

58.58.

Reiben eyes Miller.Reiben eyes Miller.

59.59.

Miller looks at Reiben, shocked.Miller looks at Reiben, shocked.

Miller considers his response.Miller considers his response.

Reiben rolls his eyes.Reiben rolls his eyes.Miller plays it straight, with noMiller plays it straight, with no obvious sarcasm.obvious sarcasm.

TheThemen thoroughly enjoymen thoroughly enjoythe performance.the performance.

60.60.

TheThemen all learn forward expectantly, believing they'remen all learn forward expectantly, believing they're aboutaboutto find out Miller's home town.to find out Miller's home town.Miller smiles.Miller smiles.

TheThemen ease back, disappointed.men ease back, disappointed.

TheThemen wince and laugh.men wince and laugh.Miller checks his watch and getsMiller checks his watch and gets serious.serious.

61.61.

TheThemen know when to canmen know when to canit.it.Without another word, they allWithout another word, they all settle down into the debris, close their eyes and try tosettle down into the debris, close their eyes and try to follow Miller's order.follow Miller's order.Upham looks around at these strangeUpham looks around at these strange men,men,then, a simple, hard glare from Miller makes him followthen, a simple, hard glare from Miller makes him follow suit.suit.

Miller looks at his men,Miller looks at his men,then pulls out his map case and histhen pulls out his map case and his flashlight.flashlight.He turns itHe turns iton, in the dim glow of the light, heon, in the dim glow of the light, he studies his maps while his men rest.studies his maps while his men rest.

Dark.Dark.ARTILLERY RUMBLESARTILLERY RUMBLESIN THE DISTANCE.IN THE DISTANCE.Reiben, Jackson,Reiben, Jackson, WadeWadeand Upham sleep.and Upham sleep.Miller still sits in the glow of hisMiller still sits in the glow of his flashlight, studying hisflashlight, studying hismaps.maps.Sarge lies near him, awake,Sarge lies near him, awake, watching him.watching him.Sarge notices some unopened envelopes inSarge notices some unopened envelopes in Miller's map case and speaks quietly to him.Miller's map case and speaks quietly to him.

Miller keeps his eyes onMiller keeps his eyes onthe maps.the maps.

Miller looks at Sarge.Miller looks at Sarge.A moment passes between the two ofA moment passes between the two of them,them,then miller takes refuge in the maps.then miller takes refuge in the maps.Sarge looks atSarge looks at thethemen.men.

62.62.

Miller considers the question, doesn't answer.Miller considers the question, doesn't answer.

TheyTheysit in silence for a moment.sit in silence for a moment.

Miller looks at his watch, rises and barks at the men.Miller looks at his watch, rises and barks at the men.

63.63.

Grumbling, the men get up and start shouldering up their gear.Grumbling, the men get up and start shouldering up their gear.

SMALLSMALLARMS FIRE ECHOES through the village.ARMS FIRE ECHOES through the village.DISTANTDISTANT ARTILLERY BOOMS. Miller leads his men from the ruins of theARTILLERY BOOMS. Miller leads his men from the ruins of the cathedral toward the outskirts of town.cathedral toward the outskirts of town.They're just a smallThey're just a small squad, but these six, heavily-armed men, in full battle gear,squad, but these six, heavily-armed men, in full battle gear, arearevery formidable-looking.very formidable-looking.

Miller's men are gettingMiller's men are gettingready to move out.ready to move out.Captain HamillCaptain Hamill andandaafew of his men arefew of his men arethere to see them off.there to see them off.Suddenly:Suddenly:

AAFLASH OF LIGHT APPEARSFLASH OF LIGHT APPEARSON THE HORIZONON THE HORIZON

ThenThenREPEATED FLASHES OFREPEATED FLASHES OFLIGHT.LIGHT.The sky is on fire.The sky is on fire.The AIRThe AIR TREMBLES.TREMBLES.A FAR OFF RUMBLING THUNDER ROLLS over theA FAR OFF RUMBLING THUNDER ROLLS over the countryside like a tidalcountryside like a tidalwave.wave.

Then,Then,THE OPPOSITE HORIZON LIGHTS UP AS WELL. IT'S A MASSIVETHE OPPOSITE HORIZON LIGHTS UP AS WELL. IT'S A MASSIVE ARTILLERY BATTLE.ARTILLERY BATTLE.The MAGNITUDE OF THE FURY is incredible,The MAGNITUDE OF THE FURY is incredible, strange, other-worldly.strange, other-worldly.

EVERYEVERYMAN THERE IS TRANSFIXED.MAN THERE IS TRANSFIXED.

Frozen in place.Frozen in place.The lights play on their faces.The lights play on their faces.

MILLER looks down and sees his hand quivering.MILLER looks down and sees his hand quivering.

SARGESARGEnotices, says nothing.notices, says nothing.

MILLER stares at his hand, forcing it to stop.MILLER stares at his hand, forcing it to stop.

TheirTheireyes go back to the BLAZING SKY.eyes go back to the BLAZING SKY.

Upham's face shows more fear than awe.Upham's face shows more fear than awe.

64.64.

UphamUphamrecoils.recoils.Miller instantly regrets his words.Miller instantly regrets his words.He turnsHe turns totoUpham and sees that he's really scared.Upham and sees that he's really scared.Miller get a holdMiller get a hold ofofhimself and speaks gently.himself and speaks gently.

UphamUphammanages a slight smile.manages a slight smile.Miller watches the lights forMiller watches the lights for aamoment more, then he pretends to shrug it off.moment more, then he pretends to shrug it off.

Captain Hamill is next to snap himself out of it.Captain Hamill is next to snap himself out of it.He pointsHe points thetheway.way.

AsAsMiller and his men shoulder their gear and prepare to moveMiller and his men shoulder their gear and prepare to move out,out,on of Captain Hamill's men, the Gentle-Faced Private whoon of Captain Hamill's men, the Gentle-Faced Private who waswasso interested in theso interested in thetalk of Private Ryan, steps up withtalk of Private Ryan, steps up with aacouple bandoleers of B.A.R. ammo.couple bandoleers of B.A.R. ammo.He offers them to Reiben.He offers them to Reiben.

GENTLE-FACED PRIVATEGENTLE-FACED PRIVATE Here.Here.

Reiben looks at the bandoleers and is about to give a smart-Reiben looks at the bandoleers and is about to give a smart- assassresponse, when a look at the Gentle-Faced Private'sresponse, when a look at the Gentle-Faced Private's vulnerable expression stops the comment dead.vulnerable expression stops the comment dead.

GENTLE-FACED PRIVATEGENTLE-FACED PRIVATE (continuing)(continuing) My older brother was killed atMy older brother was killed at Guadalcanal...these might come inGuadalcanal...these might come in handy.handy.

Reiben takes the ammo.Reiben takes the ammo.

65.65.

Miller steps over, takesMiller steps over, takesthe bandoleers from Reiben and handsthe bandoleers from Reiben and hands themthemback to the Gentle-Faced Private.back to the Gentle-Faced Private.

Captain Hamill nods to the Gentle-Faced Private who takes theCaptain Hamill nods to the Gentle-Faced Private who takes the ammoammoback.back.

Miller and his men head off along the wall into the darkness,Miller and his men head off along the wall into the darkness, litlitintermittently by the distant flashes.intermittently by the distant flashes.Captain HamillCaptain Hamill andandhis beleaguered men,his beleaguered men,watch them go with dread and awatch them go with dread and a strange bit of hope.strange bit of hope.

TheTheFINAL RUMBLES of theFINAL RUMBLES of theDISTANT ARTILLERY fade away.DISTANT ARTILLERY fade away.TheThe nightnightis dark.is dark.The bandThe bandof six Americans makes their wayof six Americans makes their way warily along a French cart path.warily along a French cart path.Sarge eases up alongsideSarge eases up alongside Miller and speaks quietly to him.Miller and speaks quietly to him.The others don't overhear.The others don't overhear.

66.66.

SargeSargelooks at Miller, closely, evaluating him, they walk on.looks at Miller, closely, evaluating him, they walk on.

Farther along.Farther along.The men are tired but alert.The men are tired but alert.Jackson is atJackson is at point. Miller behind him.point. Miller behind him.The others at intervals.The others at intervals.SargeSarge brings up the rear.brings up the rear.

AASOUND.SOUND.Jackson stops.Jackson stops.No one speaks, they communicateNo one speaks, they communicate onlyonlywith hand signals.with hand signals.

JACKSON SIGNALS to Miller, ten, twenty, thirty men coming.JACKSON SIGNALS to Miller, ten, twenty, thirty men coming.

MILLER SIGNALS for the men to get off the path.MILLER SIGNALS for the men to get off the path.They easeThey ease intointothe brush.the brush.An instant later, a PAIR WARY GERMANAn instant later, a PAIR WARY GERMAN INFANTRY MEN appear.INFANTRY MEN appear.

REIBEN grips his B.A.R. and looks to Miller for permission toREIBEN grips his B.A.R. and looks to Miller for permission to openopenup. Miller shakes his head and signals, "let them go."up. Miller shakes his head and signals, "let them go."

AAmoment later AN ENTIREmoment later AN ENTIREPLATOON OF GERMANS rounds the bend.PLATOON OF GERMANS rounds the bend. FiftyFiftymen.men.Heavily armed.Heavily armed.REIBEN breathes a sigh of reliefREIBEN breathes a sigh of relief andandlowers his B.A.R.lowers his B.A.R.

THETHEGERMAN PLATOON passes, their boots no more than two feetGERMAN PLATOON passes, their boots no more than two feet fromfromthe faces of the hidden Americans.the faces of the hidden Americans.Upham is wide-eyedUpham is wide-eyed withwithfear.fear.The others are stone-faced.The others are stone-faced.

THETHEGERMANS PASS.GERMANS PASS.

MILLER MOTIONS for his men to hold their positions.MILLER MOTIONS for his men to hold their positions.

UPHAMUPHAMdoesn't see the signal.doesn't see the signal.He stands, breathing a sigh ofHe stands, breathing a sigh of relief, just as a GERMANrelief, just as a GERMANWHIP-TAIL SQUAD appears, trailingWHIP-TAIL SQUAD appears, trailing thetheplatoon by thirty meters, protecting their rear.platoon by thirty meters, protecting their rear.

UPHAMUPHAMFREEZES.FREEZES.He's standing, barely in the shadows, nearlyHe's standing, barely in the shadows, nearly exposed. Shitting bricks.exposed. Shitting bricks.

Pissed, MILLER prepares to fire.Pissed, MILLER prepares to fire.The Whip-tail squadThe Whip-tail squad approaches.approaches.

Then,Then,the GERMANS PASS, miraculously, not seeing Upham in thethe GERMANS PASS, miraculously, not seeing Upham in the shadows. They walk on and disappear.shadows. They walk on and disappear.Upham is weak-kneed,Upham is weak-kneed, amazed that he's still alive.amazed that he's still alive.

MILLER shoots a devastating glare at him, then signals theMILLER shoots a devastating glare at him, then signals the restrestof the men to follow him into the woods.of the men to follow him into the woods.Upham scurriesUpham scurries afterafterMiller, staying close on his heels.Miller, staying close on his heels.

67.67.

TheThelittle band of Americans walks along the edge of a field,little band of Americans walks along the edge of a field, parallel to a cart path.parallel to a cart path.Wary.Wary.

Miller notices Jackson and Wade drifting too close to eachMiller notices Jackson and Wade drifting too close to each other.other.He SNAPS HIS FINGERS, getting their attention, andHe SNAPS HIS FINGERS, getting their attention, and motions curtly for them to open it up a bit.motions curtly for them to open it up a bit.They do so.They do so.

Dark.Dark.FAINT DISTANT ARTILLERY.FAINT DISTANT ARTILLERY.Miller checks the map asMiller checks the map as SargeSargeshines a red flashlight on an array of directionalshines a red flashlight on an array of directional signs.signs.One of them reads: "Ramelle 16 Km."One of them reads: "Ramelle 16 Km."

Miller puts away the map.Miller puts away the map.Checks the horizon.Checks the horizon.The firstThe first glowglowof dawn is visible.of dawn is visible.

FirstFirstlight.light.The SOUND OF DISTANT GUNS has been replaced byThe SOUND OF DISTANT GUNS has been replaced by thetheCHIRPING OF BIRDS.CHIRPING OF BIRDS.The Americans are taking five.The Americans are taking five.

Miller stands, a bit apart from the others, looking out atMiller stands, a bit apart from the others, looking out at thetheview. It's lovely.view. It's lovely.Dew shimmers on the long grass.Dew shimmers on the long grass.TheThe warwaris far away.is far away.

UphamUphamwalks next to him.walks next to him.They look out at the view togetherThey look out at the view together without speaking for a moment.without speaking for a moment.

68.68.

Miller smiles.Miller smiles.

UphamUphamsmiles, caught.smiles, caught.

UphamUphamlooks closely at Miller and sees that he means it.looks closely at Miller and sees that he means it.

Miller takes a last lookMiller takes a last lookat the view and allows himself toat the view and allows himself to feelfeelan overwhelming wave of sadness.an overwhelming wave of sadness.Then he turns himselfThen he turns himself backbackinto a commander and barks at Upham.into a commander and barks at Upham.

Miller strides away.Miller strides away.Upham watches him, trying to figure himUpham watches him, trying to figure him out,out,then he simply follows him.then he simply follows him.

TheTheseven Americans walkseven Americans walkalong a hedgerow lane, untouched byalong a hedgerow lane, untouched by war.war.Spreading trees arch gently over the lane which is linedSpreading trees arch gently over the lane which is lined withwithhedgerows, thick, rooted masses, impenetrable, hundredhedgerows, thick, rooted masses, impenetrable, hundred ofofyears old.years old.

69.69.

Miller sees SMOKE AHEAD.Miller sees SMOKE AHEAD.He motions to the men.He motions to the men.TheyThey advance.advance.

AAburning house and barn.burning house and barn.An old FRENCH FARMER kneels on theAn old FRENCH FARMER kneels on the ground, weeping, next toground, weeping, next tothis SLAUGHTERED FAMILY, two adultthis SLAUGHTERED FAMILY, two adult women, an adult male andwomen, an adult male anda boy, no more than ten.a boy, no more than ten.HisHis animals, a pair of cows and a draft horse and some pigs areanimals, a pair of cows and a draft horse and some pigs are deaddeadas well, shot to pieces.as well, shot to pieces.A DEAD AMERICAN PARATROOPERA DEAD AMERICAN PARATROOPER liesliessprawled in the dirt with empty shell casings around hissprawled in the dirt with empty shell casings around his body.body.

Miller and his men approach carefully.Miller and his men approach carefully.Miller motions toMiller motions to UphamUphamwho squats down next to the French Farmer and speakswho squats down next to the French Farmer and speaks gently to him in French.gently to him in French.

TheTheFARMER SPEAKS SOFTLYFARMER SPEAKS SOFTLYas if in a trance.as if in a trance.Upham stands andUpham stands and translates.translates.

UphamUphamgently asks.gently asks.The FARMER ANSWERS.The FARMER ANSWERS.

Miller heads off withoutMiller heads off withoutglancing back.glancing back.The men hesitate.The men hesitate. SargeSargejerks his head forjerks his head forthem to move out.them to move out.They do so.They do so.

UphamUphamsquats down and speaks softly to the Farmer, puts hissquats down and speaks softly to the Farmer, puts his handhandon the man's shoulder, then rises and follows the others.on the man's shoulder, then rises and follows the others.

70.70.

AAbeautiful, hedgerow-lined field of tall grass.beautiful, hedgerow-lined field of tall grass.The last ofThe last of thethedew and morning mistdew and morning mistis just burning off.is just burning off.

TheThesix Americans walk carefully through the woods to thesix Americans walk carefully through the woods to the edgeedgeof the field.of the field.

Miller notices something.Miller notices something.He silently signals stop, crouchesHe silently signals stop, crouches andandscans the field and the hedgerow on the far side.scans the field and the hedgerow on the far side.

SargeSargeand Jackson ease up next to him.and Jackson ease up next to him.Jackson points toJackson points to somesometrees nearby, freshly shattered and pock-marked withtrees nearby, freshly shattered and pock-marked with bullets.bullets.

WadeWadecalls quietly from a tangle of roots and brush.calls quietly from a tangle of roots and brush.

Staying low, they join Wade who has found:Staying low, they join Wade who has found:

TWOTWODEAD AMERICAN PARATROOPERSDEAD AMERICAN PARATROOPERS

AAtrail of blood and flattened grass leads from the field.trail of blood and flattened grass leads from the field.

MILLER, SARGE AND JACKSONMILLER, SARGE AND JACKSON

CrawlCrawlto the edge of theto the edge of thefield, scan the far hedgerow.field, scan the far hedgerow.TheThe others crawl up behind them.others crawl up behind them.

Miller eases back from the edge of the field into the coverMiller eases back from the edge of the field into the cover ofofthe brush.the brush.He standsHe standsand takes off his pack.and takes off his pack.

71.71.

UphamUphamsteels himself andsteels himself andsteps forward.steps forward.

Miller takes Upham's measure.Miller takes Upham's measure.Wade laughs with a sneer.Wade laughs with a sneer.

WadeWadejoins Miller in peeling off his extra gear.joins Miller in peeling off his extra gear.Upham isUpham is impressed.impressed.

WadeWadetakes a grenade from Upham's chest strap.takes a grenade from Upham's chest strap.

Miller points the othersMiller points the othersto their firing positions.to their firing positions.

72.72.

AsAsthey take their positions, Miller and Sarge speak quietly,they take their positions, Miller and Sarge speak quietly, outoutof earshot of the men.of earshot of the men.

Miller looks at the two dead paratroopers.Miller looks at the two dead paratroopers.

SargeSargehesitates.hesitates.

SargeSargenods.nods.

SargeSargefinds a spot.finds a spot.Miller joins Wade.Miller joins Wade.Miller waits nearMiller waits near UphamUphamas the other men settle into their firing positions.as the other men settle into their firing positions.

73.73.

Miller sees that the menMiller sees that the menare in position.are in position.He nods to Wade.He nods to Wade.

Miller and Wade take deep breaths.Miller and Wade take deep breaths.

MILLER AND WADE TAKE OFFMILLER AND WADE TAKE OFFAT FULL RUNS.AT FULL RUNS.

OntoOntoopposite sides of the field.opposite sides of the field.Nothing happens for aNothing happens for a moment. Then:moment. Then:

AAHEAVY GERMAN MACHINE GUN OPENS UP.HEAVY GERMAN MACHINE GUN OPENS UP.MURDEROUSLY LOUD.MURDEROUSLY LOUD.

SHATTERING THE QUIET.SHATTERING THE QUIET.

ININTHE NESTTHE NEST

AAsquad of Germans, dug deep, BLASTING THE MACHINE GUN, a BIGsquad of Germans, dug deep, BLASTING THE MACHINE GUN, a BIG SCHWARZLOSE 8MM, a stunningly powerful weapon.SCHWARZLOSE 8MM, a stunningly powerful weapon.Four GermansFour Germans ininthe nest, four more outlying riflemen.the nest, four more outlying riflemen.

MILLERMILLER

TakesTakesthe FIRST FIRE.the FIRST FIRE.He HITS THE DIRT.He HITS THE DIRT.The BULLETS SCREAMThe BULLETS SCREAM justjustover him.over him.

THETHEMACHINE GUN SWINGS TOWARD WADEMACHINE GUN SWINGS TOWARD WADE

74.74.

MILLER JUMPS UP AND SPRINTSMILLER JUMPS UP AND SPRINTS

WADEWADEHITS THE DIRTHITS THE DIRT

TheTheBULLETS GRAZE the back of his helmet.BULLETS GRAZE the back of his helmet.

SARGE, REIBEN, JACKSON, UPHAMSARGE, REIBEN, JACKSON, UPHAM

ZeroZerothe machine gun.the machine gun.FIRE fast as they can.FIRE fast as they can.Their BULLETSTheir BULLETS THUDTHUDINEFFECTUALLY into the hedgerow.INEFFECTUALLY into the hedgerow.

THETHEMACHINE GUN SWINGS BACK TOWARD MILLERMACHINE GUN SWINGS BACK TOWARD MILLER

WADEWADEJUMPS UP AND SPRINTSJUMPS UP AND SPRINTS

MILLER HITS THE DIRTMILLER HITS THE DIRT

Bullets SMASH into the ground all around Miller.Bullets SMASH into the ground all around Miller.

SARGESARGE

FIRESFIRESA LONG BURST from his Thompson.A LONG BURST from his Thompson.No effect.No effect.Pissed.Pissed. POPSPOPSTHE CLIP.THE CLIP.SLAMS inSLAMS inanother.another.FIRES.FIRES.

THETHEMACHINE GUN SWINGS FROM MILLERMACHINE GUN SWINGS FROM MILLER

HeHerises and runs.rises and runs.Fast.Fast.Almost to the far hedgerow.Almost to the far hedgerow.

WADEWADE

TenTenmore yards.more yards.Too slow.Too slow.A deadly row of BULLETS KICK UPA deadly row of BULLETS KICK UP DIRTDIRTtoward him.toward him.

MILLERMILLER

MakesMakesit to the far side.it to the far side.Scrambles up the roots.Scrambles up the roots.DivesDives through the brush.through the brush.

WADEWADE

OnOnaaslight rise.slight rise.Can'tCan'thit the dirt.hit the dirt.A line of bullets.A line of bullets. Desperately sprints.Desperately sprints.

WADEWADEIS HIT.IS HIT.HEAVY BULLETS RIP APART HIS BELLY.HEAVY BULLETS RIP APART HIS BELLY.He spins.He spins. GoesGoesdown.down.

SARGE, UPHAM AND THE OTHERS are horrified.SARGE, UPHAM AND THE OTHERS are horrified.FIRE at the nest.FIRE at the nest.

MILLERMILLER

STRUGGLES through the hedgerow.STRUGGLES through the hedgerow.Stumbles onto the path.Stumbles onto the path. RollsRollsto his feet, running.to his feet, running.

75.75.

Swings his Thompson intoSwings his Thompson intofiring position.firing position.Racing toward theRacing toward the nest.nest.

SARGESARGEAND THE OTHERS POUR FIRE at the nest.AND THE OTHERS POUR FIRE at the nest.

MILLERMILLER

Tearing along the path.Tearing along the path.Sees a German rifleman.Sees a German rifleman.FIRES AFIRES A BURST.BURST.CUTS HIM DOWN.CUTS HIM DOWN.Runs over the body without breakingRuns over the body without breaking stride.stride.

SARGESARGESTEPS INTO THE OPEN, INTENTIONALLY DRAWING THE GERMANSTEPS INTO THE OPEN, INTENTIONALLY DRAWING THE GERMAN FIREFIREfrom Miller.from Miller.

TheTheGERMANS ZERO SARGE.GERMANS ZERO SARGE.BULLETS THUD all around him.BULLETS THUD all around him. Somehow he's not hit.Somehow he's not hit.

MILLERMILLER

TEARSTEARSTHROUGH THE TREES.THROUGH THE TREES.BLASTS his Thompson.BLASTS his Thompson.CUTS DOWN twoCUTS DOWN two moremoreGerman riflemen.German riflemen.Grabs a grenade.Grabs a grenade.Pulls the pin.Pulls the pin.

THETHENESTNEST

TheTheGermans see Miller coming.Germans see Miller coming.Wheel from Sarge.Wheel from Sarge.Too late.Too late.

MILLERMILLER

THROWS the grenade, VEERS and DIVES.THROWS the grenade, VEERS and DIVES.

THETHEGRENADE EXPLODES.GRENADE EXPLODES.

TheThefour Germans in the nest are KILLED. SARGE hollers to thefour Germans in the nest are KILLED. SARGE hollers to the others.others.

MILLERMILLER

rollsrollsto his feet.to his feet.FIREFIREanother BURST.another BURST.KILLS the last ofKILLS the last of thetheGerman riflemen.German riflemen.Doesn't pause.Doesn't pause.RUNS onto the field.RUNS onto the field.

SARGESARGEAND THE OTHERSAND THE OTHERS

SeeSeeMiller running toward Wade.Miller running toward Wade.They instantly RACE onto theThey instantly RACE onto the field.field.

WADEWADE

LiesLiesin the grass.in the grass.Holding his belly.Holding his belly.Astonished by theAstonished by the pain.pain.

76.76.

ALLALLTHE AMERICANS RUNTHE AMERICANS RUN

Converging on Wade.Converging on Wade.Miller points, and yells, withoutMiller points, and yells, without slowing down.slowing down.

REIBEN AND UPHAMREIBEN AND UPHAM

StopStopinstantly.instantly.Turn toward the perimeter of the field.Turn toward the perimeter of the field.

SARGESARGE

RootsRootsthrough his medical kit as he runs.through his medical kit as he runs.Dropping andDropping and scattering inessentials behind him.scattering inessentials behind him.

WADEWADE

Wide-eyed.Wide-eyed.Not even writhing.Not even writhing.Too much pain.Too much pain.

MILLER AND SARGE GET TO WADEMILLER AND SARGE GET TO WADE

ThrowThrowthemselves onto the ground next to him.themselves onto the ground next to him.They both tearThey both tear outoutsulfa-packs.sulfa-packs.Sarge frantically fumbles.Sarge frantically fumbles.Ripping oneRipping one open.open.Powder spills.Powder spills.

REIBEN AND UPHAM repeatedly glance back at Wade.REIBEN AND UPHAM repeatedly glance back at Wade.

SARGESARGE

PullsPullsWade's hands from the wound.Wade's hands from the wound.Pours sulfa powder.Pours sulfa powder.

MILLERMILLER

AboutAboutto pour his sulfa.to pour his sulfa.Sees the wound.Sees the wound.Stops.Stops.Knows it'sKnows it's fatal.fatal.

Throws the sulfa aside.Throws the sulfa aside.Quickly pulls out a morphine pack.Quickly pulls out a morphine pack.

SARGESARGE

Fumbles with a second sulfa bag.Fumbles with a second sulfa bag.

77.77.

WADEWADE

Frozen in agony.Frozen in agony.Looks at Miller.Looks at Miller.Sees him preparing theSees him preparing the morphine shot.morphine shot.They both know.They both know.

MILLERMILLER

SHOVES THE NEEDLE into Wade's neck.SHOVES THE NEEDLE into Wade's neck.Thick vein.Thick vein.Pumps thePumps the morphine straight to Wade's brain.morphine straight to Wade's brain.Motions impatiently toMotions impatiently to Sarge.Sarge.

SARGESARGE

Hesitates.Hesitates.Then drops his sulfa.Then drops his sulfa.Fumbles in his pack.Fumbles in his pack. FindsFindsthe morphine.the morphine.

MILLERMILLER

Snatches the morphine from Sarge.Snatches the morphine from Sarge.Quickly and efficientlyQuickly and efficiently prepares a second shot.prepares a second shot.He's done this before.He's done this before.

REIBENREIBEN

OnOnguard, glancing back.guard, glancing back.Pissed off.Pissed off.

UPHAMUPHAM

Freaked out.Freaked out.Trying to keep his eyes on the perimeter.Trying to keep his eyes on the perimeter. Can't.Can't.

JACKSONJACKSON

Watching.Watching.

MILLERMILLER

GivesGivesWade the second shot.Wade the second shot.

78.78.

WADEWADE

FeelsFeelsthe effects of thethe effects of thefirst shot.first shot.He sees Upham andHe sees Upham and manages a pained smile.manages a pained smile.

WADEWADELOCKS EYES WITH MILLER.LOCKS EYES WITH MILLER.Looking at him without blame,Looking at him without blame, without forgiveness.without forgiveness.Drifts with the morphine.Drifts with the morphine.Then:Then:

WADEWADEDIESDIES

ALLALLARE FROZEN IN PLACEARE FROZEN IN PLACE

UPHAMUPHAMbegins to weep.begins to weep.

REIBEN furiously mutters:REIBEN furiously mutters:

MILLERMILLER

IsIssilent.silent.Motionless.Motionless.He gently closes Wade's eyes.He gently closes Wade's eyes.HisHis handhandquivers slightly asquivers slightly ashe unclips one of Wades dogtags.he unclips one of Wades dogtags.HeHe fumbles and drops it.fumbles and drops it.Sarge notices.Sarge notices.

Miller stares at his hand and steadies it before the men see.Miller stares at his hand and steadies it before the men see. HeHepicks up the dogtag and pockets it.picks up the dogtag and pockets it.

ThenThenMiller carefully re-packs the un-used morphine andMiller carefully re-packs the un-used morphine and sulfa, rises and picks up his Thompson.sulfa, rises and picks up his Thompson.

UphamUphamshakes his head.shakes his head.

Miller SLAMS A FRESH CLIP into his Thompson.Miller SLAMS A FRESH CLIP into his Thompson.

Miller turns and walks away without looking back.Miller turns and walks away without looking back.The menThe men hesitate, then slowly follow him.hesitate, then slowly follow him.

AAnarrow footpath, arched over by trees, almost a tunnel.narrow footpath, arched over by trees, almost a tunnel. TheThefive G.I.'s walk, spread out.five G.I.'s walk, spread out.

79.79.

Miller motions to them curtly.Miller motions to them curtly.

TheyTheyshut up.shut up.Miller falls in step to Sarge.Miller falls in step to Sarge.SpeaksSpeaks quietly, the men don't hear.quietly, the men don't hear.

SargeSargelooks at Miller closely.looks at Miller closely.

Miller leads the men into a heavily overgrown gully.Miller leads the men into a heavily overgrown gully.A goodA good hiding place.hiding place.

80.80.

Miller speaks authoritatively and says the right things, butMiller speaks authoritatively and says the right things, but there's something missing.there's something missing.It's subtle.It's subtle.Only Sarge notices.Only Sarge notices. HeHewatches Miller head off into the brush alone.watches Miller head off into the brush alone.

Miller walks into a small clearing, slows then stops.Miller walks into a small clearing, slows then stops.TheThe lifelifedrains from him.drains from him.He stands there, looking at the dirt,He stands there, looking at the dirt, tilting his head, this way and that, as if listening fortilting his head, this way and that, as if listening for faint, distant voices.faint, distant voices.His face shows a battle ragingHis face shows a battle raging within, as he fights to keep from losing it entirely.within, as he fights to keep from losing it entirely.

Behind him, Sarge steps to the edge of the clearing andBehind him, Sarge steps to the edge of the clearing and watches. Miller senses his presence, turns and looks at himwatches. Miller senses his presence, turns and looks at him ififhehewere a thousand miles away.were a thousand miles away.Sarge sits down on a logSarge sits down on a log andandwaits.waits.

81.81.

82.82.

83.83.

TheThequestion helps Miller pull himself back together.question helps Miller pull himself back together.HeHe lookslooksat his hand and forces it to stop shaking again.at his hand and forces it to stop shaking again.

TheyTheyshare a smile.share a smile.

TheyTheyshake their heads at the madness of it all.shake their heads at the madness of it all.

Miller picks up his Thompson and looks around, re-orientingMiller picks up his Thompson and looks around, re-orienting himself. He's about ninety-five percent there.himself. He's about ninety-five percent there.

84.84.

SargeSargeallows himself a slight smile.allows himself a slight smile.

Miller jerks his head for Sarge to follow.Miller jerks his head for Sarge to follow.They head back toThey head back to thethemen.men.

TheThemen are all in theirmen are all in theirprivate worlds, thinking of Wade.private worlds, thinking of Wade. NoNotalk. Miller and Sarge walk back into the clearing.talk. Miller and Sarge walk back into the clearing. Miller barks at the men.Miller barks at the men.

TheThemen get up.men get up.JacksonJacksonis a bit slow.is a bit slow.

85.85.

NoNoone responds.one responds.

TheThemen exchange looks.men exchange looks.Jackson speaks for them.Jackson speaks for them.

TheThemen pick up their equipment and prepare to move out.men pick up their equipment and prepare to move out. SargeSargeand Miller exchange a silent look.and Miller exchange a silent look.Miller shakes hisMiller shakes his headheadto himself, amazed that the men still allow this shit toto himself, amazed that the men still allow this shit to work.work.He knows they have no choice.He knows they have no choice.

Miller and his men walk along the road.Miller and his men walk along the road.The men are silent,The men are silent, grim.grim.

Miller checks his map.Miller checks his map.figures out where they are.figures out where they are.Folds upFolds up thethemap, points the way and they move out.map, points the way and they move out.

MoreMoreprogress.progress.The men are still grim.The men are still grim.

86.86.

Miller laughs.Miller laughs.

87.87.

NoNoone smiles, but they trudge a bit less.one smiles, but they trudge a bit less.

TheTheSOUND OF HEAVY FIRING.SOUND OF HEAVY FIRING.Miller checks a map in the brushMiller checks a map in the brush nearnearthe crossroads.the crossroads.A sign reads:A sign reads:"Ramelle 3 Km.""Ramelle 3 Km."MillerMiller foldsfoldsup the map.up the map.

Suddenly Miller stops dead.Suddenly Miller stops dead.He listens, hearing somethingHe listens, hearing something thetheothers don't hear.others don't hear.He motions for them to freeze, theyHe motions for them to freeze, they do.do.The SOUND grows louder.The SOUND grows louder.It's an OMINOUS RUMBLE.It's an OMINOUS RUMBLE.

THETHERUMBLE turns into the ROAR OF A BIG GERMAN CONVOY.RUMBLE turns into the ROAR OF A BIG GERMAN CONVOY.TroopTroop trucks, armored personnel carriers, a regiment of cracktrucks, armored personnel carriers, a regiment of crack Wehrmacht troops. Heavily armed.Wehrmacht troops. Heavily armed.Imposing.Imposing.Crossing aCrossing a bridge.bridge.

88.88.

CAMERA PANS DOWN TO REVEALCAMERA PANS DOWN TO REVEAL

Miller and his men crowded into a culvert under the bridge.Miller and his men crowded into a culvert under the bridge. BrushBrushand debris partially shield the ends of the culvert.and debris partially shield the ends of the culvert.

GERMAN FLANK SQUADSGERMAN FLANK SQUADS

HurryHurryalong the fields on either side of the road, trying toalong the fields on either side of the road, trying to keepkeepup with the vehicles.up with the vehicles.

MILLER AND HIS MENMILLER AND HIS MEN

CatchCatcha glimpse of an approaching German Flank Squad.a glimpse of an approaching German Flank Squad.TheyThey flatten themselves into the mucky water.flatten themselves into the mucky water.Ready theirReady their weapons.weapons.Prepare to fire.Prepare to fire.

THETHEGERMAN SQUADGERMAN SQUAD

Approaches the bridge.Approaches the bridge.

AAPAIR OF GERMAN PRIVATESPAIR OF GERMAN PRIVATES

SeeSeethe culvert obscuredthe culvert obscuredby brush.by brush.Move to check it out.Move to check it out.

MILLERMILLER

IsIsjust about to open upjust about to open upon them.on them.

THETHEGERMAN SERGEANTGERMAN SERGEANT

SeesSeeshis Flank Squad lagging behind and CALLS to them.his Flank Squad lagging behind and CALLS to them.

THETHEGERMAN PRIVATESGERMAN PRIVATES

Obey.Obey.Hurry after the rest of the convoy.Hurry after the rest of the convoy.

ININTHE CULVERTTHE CULVERT

TheTheAmericans breathe again.Americans breathe again.

Jackson, at the mouth ofJackson, at the mouth ofthe culvert, motions that the coastthe culvert, motions that the coast isisclear. They head out.clear. They head out.

89.89.

AAgently-sloped valley with scattered farm cottages andgently-sloped valley with scattered farm cottages and small, cultivated fields, bordered by ancient, moss-coveredsmall, cultivated fields, bordered by ancient, moss-covered stonestonewalls.walls.The twos is visible beyond.The twos is visible beyond.

Miller and his men crouch-run to the cover of one of theMiller and his men crouch-run to the cover of one of the stonestonewalls. Miller pulls out his binoculars.walls. Miller pulls out his binoculars.

ONONTHE FAR SIDE OF THE FIELDTHE FAR SIDE OF THE FIELD

There's a large gathering of German troops and vehicles.There's a large gathering of German troops and vehicles.

MILLERMILLER

ScansScansthe Germans with his binoculars.the Germans with his binoculars.

JustJustthen they hear an OMINOUS RUMBLE, deeper and morethen they hear an OMINOUS RUMBLE, deeper and more threatening that that ofthreatening that that ofthe convoy.the convoy.The sound gets LOUDERThe sound gets LOUDER andandLOUDER.LOUDER.Miller and his men exchange looks.Miller and his men exchange looks.They knowThey know thatthatsound, they don't like it.sound, they don't like it.

FOURFOURMASSIVE GERMAN TANKSMASSIVE GERMAN TANKS

Appear down the road, heading for the German soldiers whoAppear down the road, heading for the German soldiers who greetgreetthem enthusiastically.them enthusiastically.The tanks are tigers, huge, farThe tanks are tigers, huge, far bigger than an American Sherman.bigger than an American Sherman.Each one, sixty-two tons,Each one, sixty-two tons, withwitha big 88-mm gun, four heavy machine guns and impregnablea big 88-mm gun, four heavy machine guns and impregnable armor.armor.Each one, an infantryman's nightmare.Each one, an infantryman's nightmare.There are fourThere are four ofofthem.them.

MILLERMILLER

PutsPutsaway the binocularsaway the binocularsand jerks his head for his men toand jerks his head for his men to follow, low, along the wall.follow, low, along the wall.The men are happy to do so,The men are happy to do so, looking back nervously at the German tanks.looking back nervously at the German tanks.

90.90.

TheTheSOUNDS OF SPORADIC SMALL ARMS FIRE.SOUNDS OF SPORADIC SMALL ARMS FIRE.The town square isThe town square is aadeserted battlefield, littered with burning debris, shelldeserted battlefield, littered with burning debris, shell casings and bodies, German and American and a few Frenchcasings and bodies, German and American and a few French civilians.civilians.

Miller and his men enterMiller and his men enterthe square, weapons ready, leap-the square, weapons ready, leap- frogging from doorway tofrogging from doorway todoorway.doorway.

Miller and Sarge crouch-run to the cover of some overhangingMiller and Sarge crouch-run to the cover of some overhanging debris. They listen, trying to pinpoint the exact source ofdebris. They listen, trying to pinpoint the exact source of thethefiring.firing.

SargeSargemotions his guess.motions his guess.Miller nods in agreement.Miller nods in agreement.HeHe signals for the men to follow him around, not toward, thesignals for the men to follow him around, not toward, the firing.firing.

TheyTheymove on, dashing from cover to cover.move on, dashing from cover to cover.

AAdozen AMERICAN PARATROOPERS on the bridge exchange SPORADICdozen AMERICAN PARATROOPERS on the bridge exchange SPORADIC FIREFIREwith a few German snipers hidden in the buildings nearwith a few German snipers hidden in the buildings near thethebridgehead. The bridge has clearly been the scene ofbridgehead. The bridge has clearly been the scene of heavyheavyfighting.fighting.Craters, burning debris and shell casingsCraters, burning debris and shell casings areareeverywhere.everywhere.The bridge is intact, only slightly damaged.The bridge is intact, only slightly damaged. ThereThereare dozens of German bodies along the riverbank on bothare dozens of German bodies along the riverbank on both sidessidesof the bridge.of the bridge.

MILLER AND HIS MENMILLER AND HIS MEN

Crouch-run and take cover as they get within sight of theCrouch-run and take cover as they get within sight of the bridge.bridge.

AAYOUNG BUT GRIZZLED VOICE calls back.YOUNG BUT GRIZZLED VOICE calls back.

VOICE FROM BRIDGEVOICE FROM BRIDGE KISS MY ASS, FRITZ.KISS MY ASS, FRITZ.

91.91.

VOICE FROM BRIDGEVOICE FROM BRIDGE WHO WON THE '38 ARMY-NAVY GAME?WHO WON THE '38 ARMY-NAVY GAME?

Miller turns to his men.Miller turns to his men.They all come up empty.They all come up empty.

Miller takes a breath, then DASHES out into the open, towardMiller takes a breath, then DASHES out into the open, toward thethebridge.bridge.

THETHEGERMAN SNIPERS OPEN UPGERMAN SNIPERS OPEN UP

Bullets SMASH INTO THE GROUND around Miller.Bullets SMASH INTO THE GROUND around Miller.

MILLER'S MENMILLER'S MEN

POURPOURFIRE at the German positions, SURPRESSING THE GERMANFIRE at the German positions, SURPRESSING THE GERMAN FIRE.FIRE.

ONONTHE BRIDGETHE BRIDGE

TheTheParatroopers pour a HEAVY STREAM OF BULLETS at the GermanParatroopers pour a HEAVY STREAM OF BULLETS at the German positions.positions.

Miller makes it to the bridge and DIVES over a defensiveMiller makes it to the bridge and DIVES over a defensive jumble of crates, sandbags and bodies.jumble of crates, sandbags and bodies.

HeHefinds himself next tofinds himself next toSERGEANT BILL FORREST who was theSERGEANT BILL FORREST who was the youngyoungbut grizzled voicebut grizzled voicethat called out.that called out.With Forrest areWith Forrest are somesomevery worn-out, young AMERICAN PARATROOPERS.very worn-out, young AMERICAN PARATROOPERS.MillerMiller catches his breath.catches his breath.

92.92.

Miller and the paratroopers FIRE COVER for Miller's men asMiller and the paratroopers FIRE COVER for Miller's men as theytheycome in.come in.Miller and Forrest alternately take and FIRE.Miller and Forrest alternately take and FIRE.

Forrest motions to one of the paratroopers.Forrest motions to one of the paratroopers.

Miller doesn't answer.Miller doesn't answer.Jackson leaps over the barricade andJackson leaps over the barricade and scrambles to them.scrambles to them.

Jackson cranks up the five-thirty-five.Jackson cranks up the five-thirty-five.Miller turns toMiller turns to Forrest.Forrest.

TheyTheypause to FIRE, covering Sarge, the last of Miller's menpause to FIRE, covering Sarge, the last of Miller's men totoleap over the barricade.leap over the barricade.

93.93.

Jackson speaks into the radio handset, repeating Miller'sJackson speaks into the radio handset, repeating Miller's hailing I.D. No response.hailing I.D. No response.

Miller doesn't answer, he looks past Forrest and sees:Miller doesn't answer, he looks past Forrest and sees:

PRIVATE JAMES RYANPRIVATE JAMES RYAN

Dashing from cover to cover, making his way toward them.Dashing from cover to cover, making his way toward them. RyanRyanis an American classic, nineteen years old, earthy,is an American classic, nineteen years old, earthy, handsome, sharp, cocky. Though he's exhausted, unshaven, andhandsome, sharp, cocky. Though he's exhausted, unshaven, and smeared with dirt and blood, he's very alive.smeared with dirt and blood, he's very alive.His eyesHis eyes shine, his face has a spark.shine, his face has a spark.You can't help but love thisYou can't help but love this kid.kid.

MILLER'S MENMILLER'S MEN

AllAllwatch Ryan run toward them.watch Ryan run toward them.

TheirTheireyes remain glued to Ryan as he makes it to theeyes remain glued to Ryan as he makes it to the barricade.barricade.He salutes Miller.He salutes Miller.

Miller looks at Ryan forMiller looks at Ryan fora moment, amazed that he's finallya moment, amazed that he's finally face-to-face with him.face-to-face with him.Ryan waits.Ryan waits.Miller hesitates,Miller hesitates, searching for words.searching for words.Then he speaks gently but clearly.Then he speaks gently but clearly.

94.94.

TheThelife instantly drains from Ryan.life instantly drains from Ryan.His breath comes hard.His breath comes hard. Somehow he remains upright.Somehow he remains upright.

RyanRyansways.sways.Miller grabs him and eases him back, leaning himMiller grabs him and eases him back, leaning him against some sandbags.against some sandbags.

THETHEPARATROOPERSPARATROOPERS

AreArestunned at the news.stunned at the news.They look at Ryan, there's nothingThey look at Ryan, there's nothing elseelsethey can do.they can do.

MILLER'S MENMILLER'S MEN

AlsoAlsolook at Ryan, but then, one after another, they turnlook at Ryan, but then, one after another, they turn away,away,adverting their eyes, looking a their own boots, theadverting their eyes, looking a their own boots, the debris on the bridge, the sky, anything other than Ryan.debris on the bridge, the sky, anything other than Ryan.

RyanRyanweakly waves Millerweakly waves Milleroff.off.Miller motions to his men andMiller motions to his men and thetheparatroopers to moveparatroopers to moveaway.away.They do so, giving Ryan aThey do so, giving Ryan a little room.little room.

95.95.

AAVOICE from behind themVOICE from behind themspeaks simply, clearly, firmly.speaks simply, clearly, firmly.

TheyTheyall turn and see Ryan standing there.all turn and see Ryan standing there.Miller is aboutMiller is about totoautomatically rip Ryan a new asshole for contradictingautomatically rip Ryan a new asshole for contradicting him,him,but he quickly calms himself, gently touches Ryan on thebut he quickly calms himself, gently touches Ryan on the armarmand speaks softly toand speaks softly tohim.him.

RyanRyanjerks away from Miller.jerks away from Miller.

AllAlleyes are on Miller and Ryan.eyes are on Miller and Ryan.Miller remains patient.Miller remains patient.

96.96.

ThatThatnews clearly affects Ryan and the other paratroopers,news clearly affects Ryan and the other paratroopers, butbutRyan holds his ground.Ryan holds his ground.

Miller speaks with restrained, but growing, anger.Miller speaks with restrained, but growing, anger.

RyanRyanstands eye-to-eye with Miller.stands eye-to-eye with Miller.

Miller starts to boil over.Miller starts to boil over.

Miller grabs Ryan by theMiller grabs Ryan by thelapels and shakes him.lapels and shakes him.Ryan doesn'tRyan doesn't resist.resist.

RyanRyanspeaks softly.speaks softly.

Miller considers it.Miller considers it.Then REIBEN SPEAKS UP from behindThen REIBEN SPEAKS UP from behind Miller.Miller.

97.97.

Miller slowly turns and glares.Miller slowly turns and glares.

Miller's more amazed than pissed off.Miller's more amazed than pissed off.Reiben smiles.Reiben smiles.

JACKSON STEPS FORWARD.JACKSON STEPS FORWARD.

Miller turns his glare on Jackson.Miller turns his glare on Jackson.

Miller does a slow burn.Miller does a slow burn.

UPHAMUPHAMSTEPS FORWARDSTEPS FORWARD

98.98.

SARGESARGESTEPS UPSTEPS UP

Miller looks at FORREST AND THE PARATROOPERS.Miller looks at FORREST AND THE PARATROOPERS.

Reiben smiles.Reiben smiles.

Miller's eyes almost popMiller's eyes almost popout of his head.out of his head.

TheyTheyall quickly nod.all quickly nod.

99.99.

ALL THE OTHERSALL THE OTHERS Yes, sir.Yes, sir.Yes, sir.Yes, sir.

Miller looks from face to face.Miller looks from face to face.

That's what they wanted to hear.That's what they wanted to hear.Miller doesn't give themMiller doesn't give them timetimeto enjoy it, he immediately starts barking orders.to enjoy it, he immediately starts barking orders.

TheyTheyall hurry off, except for Ryan who locks eyes withall hurry off, except for Ryan who locks eyes with Miller for a moment.Miller for a moment.

RyanRyansalutes.salutes.

100.100.

Miller shakes his head at himself and strides off to checkMiller shakes his head at himself and strides off to check thethedefensive perimeter with Ryan at his side.defensive perimeter with Ryan at his side.

Miller and Reiben watch as Forrest, Ryan and a couple otherMiller and Reiben watch as Forrest, Ryan and a couple other paratroopers lay out their weapons and ammo inventory.paratroopers lay out their weapons and ammo inventory.

Reiben looks at the sparse array of weaponry.Reiben looks at the sparse array of weaponry.

Miller sighs, worried.Miller sighs, worried.

Jackson, perched on the bridgekeepers hut, protected by aJackson, perched on the bridgekeepers hut, protected by a crescent of sandbags.crescent of sandbags.His eye is at his scope.His eye is at his scope.He FIRES.He FIRES.

AAGERMAN SNIPERGERMAN SNIPER

FallsFallsfrom a window on the edge of town, dead.from a window on the edge of town, dead.

UPHAMUPHAM

SitsSitsbeside Jackson withbeside Jackson witha pair of binoculars, searching fora pair of binoculars, searching for another target.another target.The German sniper fire has subsided for now.The German sniper fire has subsided for now.

Miller watches as Ryan and several other paratroopers dig aMiller watches as Ryan and several other paratroopers dig a series of trenches across the street, leading to the bridge.series of trenches across the street, leading to the bridge.

Reiben, Jackson and Upham, stone-faced, watch Ryan.Reiben, Jackson and Upham, stone-faced, watch Ryan.

Miller eyes the buildings near the bridge head.Miller eyes the buildings near the bridge head.He speaks toHe speaks to SargeSargewho holds several satchel charges.who holds several satchel charges.

101.101.

JustJustthen they hear the sound of A BIG GUN FIRING IN THEthen they hear the sound of A BIG GUN FIRING IN THE DISTANCE. They all turn at the sound.DISTANCE. They all turn at the sound.

Miller nods.Miller nods.

UphamUphamlistens to the eighty-eights with particular interest.listens to the eighty-eights with particular interest.

Within sight of the bridge.Within sight of the bridge.Sarge carefully plants a wire-Sarge carefully plants a wire- triggered satchel chargetriggered satchel chargeat the door of the building.at the door of the building.HeHe setssetsthe wire, then carefully backs away.the wire, then carefully backs away.

Reiben and Ryan pile sandbags, finishing a forward machineReiben and Ryan pile sandbags, finishing a forward machine gungunnest. Miller looks around, evaluating, Sarge and Upham atnest. Miller looks around, evaluating, Sarge and Upham at hishisside.side.

102.102.

Miller is stone-faced, then he smiles.Miller is stone-faced, then he smiles.

UphamUphamruns off.runs off.Sarge shakes his head.Sarge shakes his head.

103.103.

Dark.Dark.Miller, Jackson and Forrest darken their faces withMiller, Jackson and Forrest darken their faces with blackening soot.blackening soot.The rest of Miller's men and severalThe rest of Miller's men and several paratroopers, including Ryan, look on.paratroopers, including Ryan, look on.Upham is distressed.Upham is distressed.

RYANRYANsteps up to Miller.steps up to Miller.

104.104.

Miller smiles.Miller smiles.

Miller checks Jackson and Forrest.Miller checks Jackson and Forrest.

Miller, Forrest and Jackson prepare to move out.Miller, Forrest and Jackson prepare to move out.

Jackson shoots him a glare, then he follows Miller andJackson shoots him a glare, then he follows Miller and Forrest into the darkness.Forrest into the darkness.Sarge, Ryan and the other watchSarge, Ryan and the other watch themthemgo.go.

AAGerman eighty-eight FIRES, sending its big shell into theGerman eighty-eight FIRES, sending its big shell into the night. It's eight-man crew re-loads.night. It's eight-man crew re-loads.

ININTHE DARKNESSTHE DARKNESS

AAslight movement.slight movement.It'sIt'sMiller.Miller.He crawls to the edge ofHe crawls to the edge of thetheemplacement and freezes in the shadows.emplacement and freezes in the shadows.

105.105.

AAmoment later he's joined by Forrest.moment later he's joined by Forrest.A moment after that,A moment after that, Jackson silently crawls up to them.Jackson silently crawls up to them.

MILLERMILLER

EyesEyesthe emplacement.the emplacement.Looks for a weakness.Looks for a weakness.There is none.There is none. HeHemotions to Forrest and Jackson to wait.motions to Forrest and Jackson to wait.The three of themThe three of them settle into the darkness.settle into the darkness.

Sarge, Upham and Reiben sit with Ryan in the darkness.Sarge, Upham and Reiben sit with Ryan in the darkness.RyanRyan isislost in thought, far away.lost in thought, far away.One after another, Miller'sOne after another, Miller's menmeneye him.eye him.

RyanRyannods.nods.Then, with some difficulty, he makes the tripThen, with some difficulty, he makes the trip fromfromIowa back to France.Iowa back to France.He turns to Sarge.He turns to Sarge.

106.106.

TheTheothers nod in agreement.others nod in agreement.They look closely at Ryan.They look closely at Ryan.

Dark.Dark.No firing.No firing.Two German soldiers on watch.Two German soldiers on watch.

AASHADOWSHADOW

It'sIt'sMiller.Miller.Easing through the darkness.Easing through the darkness.Closer to one ofCloser to one of thethesentries.sentries.

Miller sees Jackson easing up behind another sentry.Miller sees Jackson easing up behind another sentry.MillerMiller nodsnodsto Jackson.to Jackson.They move at the same moment.They move at the same moment.Behind theBehind the sentries.sentries.SLIT THEIR THROATS.SLIT THEIR THROATS.

BEHIND THE EIGHTY-EIGHTBEHIND THE EIGHTY-EIGHT

Forrest removes the wheel-blocks.Forrest removes the wheel-blocks.

AAGERMAN SENTRYGERMAN SENTRY

Approaches.Approaches.He sees Forrest.He sees Forrest.Just as he's about to open upJust as he's about to open up withwithhis sub-machine gun, Miller grabs him from behind, STABShis sub-machine gun, Miller grabs him from behind, STABS him,him,eases the body silently to the ground.eases the body silently to the ground.

MILLER AND JACKSONMILLER AND JACKSON

JoinJoinForrest at the eighty-eight.Forrest at the eighty-eight.

Together they attach theTogether they attach theeighty-eight's carriage to theeighty-eight's carriage to the German's truck.German's truck.

ANOTHER GERMAN SENTRYANOTHER GERMAN SENTRY

Rounds a corner.Rounds a corner.Sees them.Sees them.OPENS UP WITH HIS SUB-MACHINEOPENS UP WITH HIS SUB-MACHINE GUN.GUN.

Forrest DIVES, FIRES BACK.Forrest DIVES, FIRES BACK.

OTHEROTHERGERMANSGERMANS

RaceRaceover, FIRING.over, FIRING.

107.107.

JACKSONJACKSON

Covering them, OPENS UP.Covering them, OPENS UP.Kills the advancing Germans.Kills the advancing Germans.

MILLER frantically attaches the eighty-eight to the truck.MILLER frantically attaches the eighty-eight to the truck.

FORREST CUTS DOWN, several more Germans.FORREST CUTS DOWN, several more Germans.

JACKSON TAKES A GRAZING SHOT IN THE SHOULDER.JACKSON TAKES A GRAZING SHOT IN THE SHOULDER.

Spins.Spins.

StillStillFIRING.FIRING.

Giving Miller cover.Giving Miller cover.

MILLER LEAPS into the cab of the truck.MILLER LEAPS into the cab of the truck.

JACKSON AND FORREST LEAPJACKSON AND FORREST LEAPinto the back.into the back.

JACKSON FIRES into the approaching Germans.JACKSON FIRES into the approaching Germans.

THETHEWINDSHIELDWINDSHIELD

IsIsshattered by bullets.shattered by bullets.

GlassGlassflies everywhere, cutting Miller on the face and hands.flies everywhere, cutting Miller on the face and hands.

FORRESTFORREST

InInthe back of the truck. Spraying the Germans with histhe back of the truck. Spraying the Germans with his Thompson.Thompson.

MILLER FLOORS IT.MILLER FLOORS IT.

TheThetruck DRIVES throughtruck DRIVES throughthe Germans.the Germans.

TheTheGermans FIRE at the truck and trailing eighty-eight.Germans FIRE at the truck and trailing eighty-eight.

MILLER, JACKSON AND FORRESTMILLER, JACKSON AND FORREST

DriveDriveinto the night. The Germans FIRING after them.into the night. The Germans FIRING after them.

Miller, Jackson and Forrest barrel down the road through aMiller, Jackson and Forrest barrel down the road through a gauntlet of Germans.gauntlet of Germans.AsAsthey approach the bridge, the otherthey approach the bridge, the other American's FIRE COVER for them. Miller drives the truck ontoAmerican's FIRE COVER for them. Miller drives the truck onto thethebridge.bridge.

108.108.

SMASHES INTO THE SANDBAGSSMASHES INTO THE SANDBAGS

THETHEOTHER AMERICANS, with Ryan in the lead, leap over theOTHER AMERICANS, with Ryan in the lead, leap over the barricade and drag the captured eighty-eight onto the bridge.barricade and drag the captured eighty-eight onto the bridge.

RyanRyanignores him.ignores him.They get the eighty-eight safely behindThey get the eighty-eight safely behind thethebarricade.barricade.Miller grabs Ryan.Miller grabs Ryan.

Miller fumes.Miller fumes.He sees Reiben, Sarge and Upham, shrugging,He sees Reiben, Sarge and Upham, shrugging, clearly not pissed at Ryan.clearly not pissed at Ryan.

Miller GROWLS.Miller GROWLS.

Miller glares at Ryan, then strides off.Miller glares at Ryan, then strides off.

Miller and Upham carefully dig up a German mine.Miller and Upham carefully dig up a German mine.VeryVery gingerly they place it on a growing pile of other mines.gingerly they place it on a growing pile of other mines.

Miller and Ryan lay a mine into the dirt.Miller and Ryan lay a mine into the dirt.They cover it andThey cover it and stepstepback carefully.back carefully.

ThenThenthey proceed with the next.they proceed with the next.Upham is covering theirUpham is covering their tracks while Jackson is digging the holes in which they'lltracks while Jackson is digging the holes in which they'll placeplacethe rest of the mines.the rest of the mines.

Quiet.Quiet.Dark.Dark.Everything is ready.Everything is ready.There's nothing to doThere's nothing to do nownowbut wait.but wait.

109.109.

ONONTHE BRIDGEKEEPERS HUTTHE BRIDGEKEEPERS HUT

Reiben and Jackson sit behind the sandbags.Reiben and Jackson sit behind the sandbags.They can seeThey can see RyanRyansitting in the moonlight about twenty yards away,sitting in the moonlight about twenty yards away, manning the rear machinemanning the rear machinegun nest with Sarge.gun nest with Sarge.

Jackson shrugs.Jackson shrugs.

They're quiet for a moment.They're quiet for a moment.

TheirTheireyes keep coming back to Ryan.eyes keep coming back to Ryan.

MILLERMILLER

Crouch-runs through the shadows and stops at theCrouch-runs through the shadows and stops at the bridgekeepers hut.bridgekeepers hut.

Miller points, directingMiller points, directingReiben to the forward machine gunReiben to the forward machine gun nest.nest.

REIBEN jumps down and moves forward.REIBEN jumps down and moves forward.

110.110.

MILLER runs across the bridge and joins Sarge and Ryan in theMILLER runs across the bridge and joins Sarge and Ryan in the rearrearmachine gun nest.machine gun nest.

SargeSargenods.nods.

Miller and Sarge exchange a look.Miller and Sarge exchange a look.Then Miller slips off toThen Miller slips off to checkcheckthe others.the others.

FirstFirstlight.light.The Americans are ready for battle.The Americans are ready for battle.WE SEEWE SEE themthemin their positions:in their positions:

REIBEN AND UPHAMREIBEN AND UPHAM

Manning the forward machine gun nest.Manning the forward machine gun nest.

JACKSONJACKSON

Behind the sandbags, on top of the bridgekeeper's hut.Behind the sandbags, on top of the bridgekeeper's hut.

FORREST AND THE PARATROOPERSFORREST AND THE PARATROOPERS

Behind the second of twoBehind the second of twobarricades set up between thebarricades set up between the forward and the rear machine gun nests.forward and the rear machine gun nests.

RYANRYANAND SARGEAND SARGE

Manning rear machine gun.Manning rear machine gun.

MILLERMILLER

AtAtthe bridgehead, waiting.the bridgehead, waiting.

AASOUND FROM DOWN THE ROADSOUND FROM DOWN THE ROAD

AllAlleyes turn.eyes turn.

AASINGLE GERMAN SOLDIERSINGLE GERMAN SOLDIER

Dashes across the street.Dashes across the street.Exposed only for an instant.Exposed only for an instant.ThenThen another. And another.another. And another.

MILLERMILLER

CocksCockshis Thompson.his Thompson.Settles down behind some sandbags.Settles down behind some sandbags.

111.111.

AARUSH OF GERMANS ADVANCE, BLASTING AT THE BRIDGE.RUSH OF GERMANS ADVANCE, BLASTING AT THE BRIDGE.

THETHEAMERICANS RETURN FIREAMERICANS RETURN FIRE

REIBENREIBEN

OPENSOPENSUP with the MACHINE GUN.UP with the MACHINE GUN.

THETHEGERMANSGERMANS

AtAtleast fifty of them, advancing on the bridge.least fifty of them, advancing on the bridge.RunningRunning fromfromcover to cover.cover to cover.A squad pushing a French truck, usingA squad pushing a French truck, using ititasasa shield.a shield.

JACKSONJACKSON

Calmly picking off the attacking Germans.Calmly picking off the attacking Germans.

THETHEGERMAN INFANTRYMENGERMAN INFANTRYMEN

MakeMaketheir way down the streets.their way down the streets.Along the riverbank.Along the riverbank. Through the houses.Through the houses.There are GERMANS FIRING from allThere are GERMANS FIRING from all directions.directions.

REIBEN FIRES IN ARCS.REIBEN FIRES IN ARCS.

MILLERMILLER

SeesSeesReiben and Upham being cut off.Reiben and Upham being cut off.Grabs the B.A.R.,Grabs the B.A.R., stands and fires.stands and fires.

REIBEN AND UPHAMREIBEN AND UPHAM

Running out of ammo.Running out of ammo.See that there's nothing else they canSee that there's nothing else they can do.do.

Reiben rolls out of the nest, carrying the fifty caliber.Reiben rolls out of the nest, carrying the fifty caliber. UphamUphamfollows, carrying the ammo boxes.follows, carrying the ammo boxes.They run as fast asThey run as fast as theytheycan.can.

THETHEOTHER AMERICANS FIREOTHER AMERICANS FIRECOVERCOVER

REIBEN takes a glancing slug.REIBEN takes a glancing slug.Falls.Falls.Rolls and gets up.Rolls and gets up. Bleeding from the side, but not mortal.Bleeding from the side, but not mortal.Upham helps him.Upham helps him.

TheyTheyMAKE IT TO THE SANDBAGS of the first barricade.MAKE IT TO THE SANDBAGS of the first barricade.

112.112.

DIVEDIVEOVER.OVER.The Germans are almost on them.The Germans are almost on them.

RYANRYANIS FIRINGIS FIRING

WithWiththe rear MACHINE GUN.the rear MACHINE GUN.Drops several Germans.Drops several Germans.

GERMANS EVERYWHEREGERMANS EVERYWHERE

TheyTheyswarm over the first barricade.swarm over the first barricade.

MILLERMILLER

FIRESFIRESA BURST into a German's belly.A BURST into a German's belly.HITS another with theHITS another with the stockstockof his Thompson.of his Thompson.

HAND-TO-HAND.HAND-TO-HAND.

FORREST AND THE OTHER PARATROOPERSFORREST AND THE OTHER PARATROOPERS

FIRING COVER for Miller,FIRING COVER for Miller,Reiben and Upham, don't see aReiben and Upham, don't see a flanking Germans squad easing along the riverbanks.flanking Germans squad easing along the riverbanks.Two ofTwo of thetheGermans LOB POTATO MASHERS among the paratroopers.Germans LOB POTATO MASHERS among the paratroopers.

THETHEPARATROOPERS see thePARATROOPERS see thegrenades.grenades.Too late.Too late.

THETHEPOTATO MASHERS EXPLODEPOTATO MASHERS EXPLODE

KILLING FORREST AND THE OTHER PARATROOPERSKILLING FORREST AND THE OTHER PARATROOPERS

RYANRYANSEES FORREST AND THE OTHERS DIESEES FORREST AND THE OTHERS DIE

NoNotime to react.time to react.

HAND-TO-HAND FIGHTINGHAND-TO-HAND FIGHTING

HalfHalfa dozen Germans break through.a dozen Germans break through.

Miller KILLS TWO MORE WITH A BURST.Miller KILLS TWO MORE WITH A BURST.

RYANRYAN

IsIsjumped on by one.jumped on by one.Upham FIRES.Upham FIRES.KILLS the German.KILLS the German.

MILLERMILLER

Struggling with a pair of Germans.Struggling with a pair of Germans.

JACKSONJACKSON

FIRES.FIRES.Drops one of theDrops one of theGermans on Miller with a head shot.Germans on Miller with a head shot. CutsCutsopen Miller's face with bits of skull.open Miller's face with bits of skull.

113.113.

RYANRYAN

LeapsLeapsonto the final German attacking Miller.onto the final German attacking Miller.That GermanThat German raises his rifle on Ryan.raises his rifle on Ryan.

UPHAMUPHAMAND REIBEN AND JACKSONAND REIBEN AND JACKSON

AllAllsee it.see it.SIMULTANEOUSLY SHOOT the German.SIMULTANEOUSLY SHOOT the German.

THETHESTUNNED GERMANSTUNNED GERMAN

AboutAboutto kill Ryan.to kill Ryan.Torn apart by bullets from threeTorn apart by bullets from three directions.directions.

JACKSON SMILES.JACKSON SMILES.

HeHegot him.got him.

MILLER SLAMS in a fresh clip.MILLER SLAMS in a fresh clip.FIRES an arc.FIRES an arc.DROPS fourDROPS four Germans. Sees an oncoming RUSH OF GERMANS.Germans. Sees an oncoming RUSH OF GERMANS.BARKS to ReibenBARKS to Reiben andandUpham:Upham:

TheyTheyretreat, firing back as best they can, trying to make itretreat, firing back as best they can, trying to make it totothe barricade.the barricade.

SARGESARGE

SeesSeesthem in deep trouble.them in deep trouble.Leaves Ryan firing the rearLeaves Ryan firing the rear machine gun. Grabs the B.A.R. ADVANCES, FIRING COVER.machine gun. Grabs the B.A.R. ADVANCES, FIRING COVER. Exposed.Exposed.

BULLETS EVERYWHEREBULLETS EVERYWHERE

MILLER, REIBEN, UPHAM make it to the barricade.MILLER, REIBEN, UPHAM make it to the barricade.Dive over.Dive over.

SARGESARGE

SeesSeesthey've made it.they've made it.FIRES A FINAL BURST.FIRES A FINAL BURST.Races for cover.Races for cover. AAtrail of bullets righttrail of bullets rightbehind him.behind him.

THETHEOTHER AMERICANS FIREOTHER AMERICANS FIREfor all they're worth.for all they're worth.Trying toTrying to covercoverSarge.Sarge.Too many Germans.Too many Germans.

114.114.

SARGESARGETAKES A SHOT IN THE BACK.TAKES A SHOT IN THE BACK.FALLS.FALLS.MILLER AND THEMILLER AND THE OTHERS continue to fire,OTHERS continue to fire,horrified.horrified.

SARGESARGESTRUGGLES TO HIS FEETSTRUGGLES TO HIS FEET

Cradling the B.A.R.Cradling the B.A.R.Stumbling toward cover.Stumbling toward cover.Slowing.Slowing. Bleeding.Bleeding.

THETHEAMERICANSAMERICANS

Desperately trying to cover him.Desperately trying to cover him.

THETHEGERMANSGERMANS

OpenOpenup with a volley.up with a volley.

SARGESARGE

IsIsalmost there.almost there.

ALLALLTHE AMERICANS STAND AND FIRETHE AMERICANS STAND AND FIRE

AsAsbest they can.best they can.RightRightpast Sarge.past Sarge.It's not enough.It's not enough.

SARGESARGE

FiveFivefeet from the sandbags, his back is TORN APART byfeet from the sandbags, his back is TORN APART by Germans fire. He looks down, stunned at his chest.Germans fire. He looks down, stunned at his chest.Amazed toAmazed to seeseeGAPING HOLES.GAPING HOLES.An instant of surprise, more than fear.An instant of surprise, more than fear.

HeHelooks to Miller.looks to Miller.Takes two more stumbling steps.Takes two more stumbling steps.FallsFalls ontoontothe sandbags.the sandbags.Dropping the B.A.R. over the edge.Dropping the B.A.R. over the edge.Dies.Dies.

THETHEAMERICANS FIRE MADLY, CONTINUOUSLYAMERICANS FIRE MADLY, CONTINUOUSLY

THETHEGERMANSGERMANS

WhoWhokilled Sarge are killed.killed Sarge are killed.The others back off for now.The others back off for now. REIBEN, UPHAM, JACKSON, RYAN fire at the retreating Germans.REIBEN, UPHAM, JACKSON, RYAN fire at the retreating Germans.

MILLERMILLER

GrabsGrabsSarge and pulls him over the barricade.Sarge and pulls him over the barricade.Sees that he'sSees that he's dead.dead.

THETHEGERMANS RETREAT.GERMANS RETREAT.

Around the corner.Around the corner.

MILLERMILLER

Stunned, lays Sarge down, kneeling next to him.Stunned, lays Sarge down, kneeling next to him.

115.115.

THETHEOTHERSOTHERS

Watch, start to gather.Watch, start to gather.

TheyTheyhesitate.hesitate.

TheyTheyfollow the order.follow the order.All except Ryan, who doesn't move.All except Ryan, who doesn't move. HeHecan't take his eyes off Sarge.can't take his eyes off Sarge.

MILLERMILLER

Doesn't move.Doesn't move.He just stares at Sarge's body.He just stares at Sarge's body.

RYANRYAN

LooksLooksat Miller, sees him growing weak, starting to sway.at Miller, sees him growing weak, starting to sway.HeHe gently tries to move Miller aside.gently tries to move Miller aside.

Miller looks up at Ryan,Miller looks up at Ryan,then back at Sarge's body.then back at Sarge's body.MillerMiller growsgrowscold, making the same startling transformation he madecold, making the same startling transformation he made asashehekneeled over Wade's body.kneeled over Wade's body.

ButButthis time it doesn'tthis time it doesn'twork.work.He can't make it stick.He can't make it stick.TheThe hardhardexpression, disappears.expression, disappears.He drifts, utterly lost.He drifts, utterly lost.He'sHe's called his own bluff.called his own bluff.

Dark.Dark.Quiet.Quiet.The distant guns are silent for once.The distant guns are silent for once.

Waiting.Waiting.Reiben, Upham,Reiben, Upham,Jackson, Ryan and Miller haveJackson, Ryan and Miller have tightened their perimeter.tightened their perimeter.

Miller is in a trance.Miller is in a trance.The others glance at him nervously.The others glance at him nervously.

116.116.

TheyTheyeat in silence.eat in silence.K-rations.K-rations.Some bread.Some bread.A last supper.A last supper.

Then,Then,from out of nowhere, Miller speaks:from out of nowhere, Miller speaks:

Slowly, Miller's men turn to him.Slowly, Miller's men turn to him.

TheyTheyall sit in silence.all sit in silence.

TheyTheyall nod, except Ryan who doesn't know what Miller'sall nod, except Ryan who doesn't know what Miller's talking about.talking about.

117.117.

TheyTheyall share Reiben's dream for a moment.all share Reiben's dream for a moment.Then JacksonThen Jackson smiles.smiles.

118.118.

UphamUphamsmiles.smiles.

Miller smiles.Miller smiles.He knowsHe knowsexactly where he is.exactly where he is.

119.119.

They're all silent for aThey're all silent for amoment.moment.Then Miller turns to Ryan.Then Miller turns to Ryan.

RyanRyansighs.sighs.

TheyTheyall nod.all nod.Miller tears off a piece of bread and passesMiller tears off a piece of bread and passes itittotoRyan who tears offRyan who tears offa bit and passes it on.a bit and passes it on.They allThey all eateatin silence.in silence.

FirstFirstlight.light.Lovely.Lovely.Dew shimmers.Dew shimmers.A ground fog drifts.A ground fog drifts. AASOUND. Louder.SOUND. Louder.And louder.And louder.A GERMAN TIGER TANK RUMBLESA GERMAN TIGER TANK RUMBLES toward the village.toward the village.

AllAllare awake.are awake.At theirAt theirpositions.positions.Waiting.Waiting.

MILLERMILLER

HearsHearsthe FAINT DISTANT RUMBLE OF THE TANK.the FAINT DISTANT RUMBLE OF THE TANK.Barely has timeBarely has time totoreact. Sees:react. Sees:

120.120.

THETHEGERMANS ADVANCING AGAINGERMANS ADVANCING AGAIN

REIBENREIBEN

FIRESFIRESa burst.a burst.Germans drops.Germans drops.

MILLERMILLER

FIRESFIRESa burst.a burst.More Germans drop.More Germans drop.

THETHEGERMANS KEEP COMINGGERMANS KEEP COMING

LotsLotsof them.of them.Moving from cover to cover.Moving from cover to cover.FIRING.FIRING.

MILLERMILLER

Manning the forward machine gun.Manning the forward machine gun.Way out front.Way out front.Sees thatSees that he'she'sgoing to be cut off.going to be cut off.He grabs the hot gun.He grabs the hot gun.The barrelThe barrel burnsburnsinto his flesh.into his flesh.He ignores the pain and RUNS BACKHe ignores the pain and RUNS BACK toward the bridge.toward the bridge.

HEHEDIVES over the sandbags.DIVES over the sandbags.barely makes it.barely makes it.TRAILED BYTRAILED BY BULLETS.BULLETS.

THETHEGERMANSGERMANS

TakeTakepositions near the bridge.positions near the bridge.Moving in.Moving in.FIRING.FIRING. Overwhelming. They're everywhere.Overwhelming. They're everywhere.

THREETHREEGERMANSGERMANS

BreakBreakthrough the perimeter.through the perimeter.

RYANRYANSHOOTS one.SHOOTS one.GRAPPLES with the other two.GRAPPLES with the other two.

REIBENREIBEN

SeesSeesRyan.Ryan.Races over.Races over.SHOOTS one German.SHOOTS one German.STABS the other.STABS the other.

RYANRYANFALLS BACK.FALLS BACK.Stunned, unhurt.Stunned, unhurt.

REIBEN only gives him a quick look.REIBEN only gives him a quick look.Gets to the MACHINE GUN.Gets to the MACHINE GUN.

OPENSOPENSUP against the Germans who are still coming.UP against the Germans who are still coming.FIRES AFIRES A LONGLONGBURST.BURST.Germans drop.Germans drop.

MILLERMILLER

FIRESFIRESagain.again.More Germans drop.More Germans drop.

121.121.

THETHEGERMANSGERMANS

TakeTakepositions in the building near the bridge.positions in the building near the bridge.

TheyTheystart working theirstart working theirway to the tops of the nearbyway to the tops of the nearby buildings.buildings.

Making their way along the riverbanks.Making their way along the riverbanks.

REIBEN AND RYANREIBEN AND RYAN

Forward.Forward.Reiben FIRING.Reiben FIRING.Ryan feeding the ammo belt.Ryan feeding the ammo belt.

UPHAMUPHAM

HearsHearsthat.that.Doesn't hesitate.Doesn't hesitate.He grabs a pair of ammoHe grabs a pair of ammo boxes.boxes.RUNS toward Reiben and Ryan.RUNS toward Reiben and Ryan.

SEVERAL GERMANS ZERO UPHAMSEVERAL GERMANS ZERO UPHAM

OPENOPENUP on him.UP on him.

BULLETS TRAIL UPHAM.BULLETS TRAIL UPHAM.He's outrunning them.He's outrunning them.Almost there.Almost there.

UPHAMUPHAM

TAKESTAKESHALF-A-DOZEN SLUGS.HALF-A-DOZEN SLUGS.Torn apart.Torn apart.Stumbles the finalStumbles the final fewfewsteps to the machinesteps to the machinegun nest.gun nest.Falls on the sandbags,Falls on the sandbags, giving Reiben and Ryan the ammo.giving Reiben and Ryan the ammo.UPHAM'S DEAD.UPHAM'S DEAD.

RYANRYANSTUNNED.STUNNED.

ForForjust a micro-second.just a micro-second.No time.No time.Grabs the ammo.Grabs the ammo.REIBENREIBEN FIRING. Ryan clips the new ammo belt onto the tail of the oneFIRING. Ryan clips the new ammo belt onto the tail of the one almost out.almost out.

REIBENREIBEN

Continues FIRING.Continues FIRING.CUTTING DOWN the advancing Germans.CUTTING DOWN the advancing Germans.

THETHEGERMANS START TO FALL BACKGERMANS START TO FALL BACK

MILLERMILLER

KnowsKnowswhat that means.what that means.He hears the RUMBLE OF THE TANKS.He hears the RUMBLE OF THE TANKS.

122.122.

RYANRYANAND REIBENAND REIBEN

Immediately grab the machine gun and ammo and race back toImmediately grab the machine gun and ammo and race back to thetherear nest.rear nest.

ThenThenRYAN AND MILLER converge at the eighty-eight.RYAN AND MILLER converge at the eighty-eight.

THETHEFIRST TANK APPEARSFIRST TANK APPEARS

Huge.Huge.Terrifying.Terrifying.Clanking.Clanking.Trailed by two German infantryTrailed by two German infantry platoons.platoons.

JACKSONJACKSON

OnOnthe bridgekeeper's hut.the bridgekeeper's hut.Picking off German soldiers whoPicking off German soldiers who follow the tank.follow the tank.

AAGERMAN INFANTRYMAN SPOTS JACKSON.GERMAN INFANTRYMAN SPOTS JACKSON.Hollers into the tanksHollers into the tanks voice-tube.voice-tube.

THETHETANKTANK

Stops.Stops.Grinds its gears.Grinds its gears.Turning it's turret towards theTurning it's turret towards the bridgekeepers hut.bridgekeepers hut.

JACKSONJACKSON

KnowsKnowswhat's coming but he holds his position, continuing towhat's coming but he holds his position, continuing to pickpickoff German soldiers.off German soldiers.

THETHETANK BLASTSTANK BLASTS

THETHEBRIDGEKEEPER'S HUT AND JACKSONBRIDGEKEEPER'S HUT AND JACKSON

AREAREOBLITERATED IN THE EXPLOSION.OBLITERATED IN THE EXPLOSION.

MILLER AND RYANMILLER AND RYAN

SEESEEJACKSON DIE.JACKSON DIE.A bareA baremoment to react.moment to react.Then, they turnThen, they turn theirtheirattention back to the eighty-eight.attention back to the eighty-eight.FranticallyFrantically turning the aiming cranks.turning the aiming cranks.Lowering the barrel to pointLowering the barrel to point blank.blank.

TANKTANKAGAINST EIGHTY-EIGHT.AGAINST EIGHTY-EIGHT.

WhichWhichcan fire first.can fire first.

123.123.

MILLER AND RYANMILLER AND RYAN

WinWinthe race.the race.

FIREFIRETHE EIGHTY-EIGHTTHE EIGHTY-EIGHT

BLASTBLASTTHE LEAD TANKTHE LEAD TANK

DESTROY IT IN A SHOWER OF METAL AND FLAMESDESTROY IT IN A SHOWER OF METAL AND FLAMES

MILLER AND RYANMILLER AND RYAN

Quickly reload the eighty-eight.Quickly reload the eighty-eight.FIRE AGAIN.FIRE AGAIN.

DESTROY THE SECOND TANK.DESTROY THE SECOND TANK.

MILLERMILLER

Shoves the FINAL SHELL into the breech of the eighty-eight.Shoves the FINAL SHELL into the breech of the eighty-eight. PatsPatsRyan on the back.Ryan on the back.Grabs a SATCHEL CHARGE.Grabs a SATCHEL CHARGE.

RUNSRUNSdown the bridge.down the bridge.Right toward the two advancing tanks.Right toward the two advancing tanks.

RYANRYAN

FIRESFIRESTHE EIGHTY-EIGHT.THE EIGHTY-EIGHT.

DESTROYING THE THIRD TANK.DESTROYING THE THIRD TANK.

MILLERMILLER

RacesRacesthrough the debris.through the debris.Trailed by BULLETS.Trailed by BULLETS.

REIBENREIBEN

WithWiththe machine gun.the machine gun.Covers Miller.Covers Miller.Keeping most of theKeeping most of the German infantry down.German infantry down.

RYANRYANjumps behind the second machine gun.jumps behind the second machine gun.Opens up.Opens up.HelpingHelping totocover Miller.cover Miller.

THETHELAST GERMAN TANKLAST GERMAN TANK

Turret spins.Turret spins.Turning toward the fast approaching Miller.Turning toward the fast approaching Miller. ReadyReadyto blow him to bits.to blow him to bits.

MILLERMILLER

IsIsalmost there.almost there.He arms the satchel charge.He arms the satchel charge.

THETHETIGER'S MACHINE GUNSTIGER'S MACHINE GUNSOPENS UP ON HIM.OPENS UP ON HIM.

124.124.

BLASTS A TRAIL OF BULLETSBLASTS A TRAIL OF BULLETS

MILLERMILLER

Throws the satchel charge under the tank.Throws the satchel charge under the tank.Rolls off the edgeRolls off the edge ofofthe bridge.the bridge.Lands onLands onthe embankment below.the embankment below.

THETHELAST TIGER TANK EXPLODESLAST TIGER TANK EXPLODES

MILLER, RYAN, REIBEN continue FIRING.MILLER, RYAN, REIBEN continue FIRING.

Almost out of ammo.Almost out of ammo.

MILLER SCRAMBLING UP THEMILLER SCRAMBLING UP THEEMBANKMENT, back onto the bridge,EMBANKMENT, back onto the bridge, earsearssomething over the SOUNDS OF FIRING.something over the SOUNDS OF FIRING.

RyanRyanand Reiben cease firing.and Reiben cease firing.Now they hear it, too.Now they hear it, too.

AARUMBLE, DEEPER AND MORE OMINOUS than any they've heard yet.RUMBLE, DEEPER AND MORE OMINOUS than any they've heard yet.

TheThefear on their faces turns to resignation.fear on their faces turns to resignation.They know thatThey know that theytheyare dead men.are dead men.TheyTheysettle into their positions, andsettle into their positions, and prepare to fire and die.prepare to fire and die.

TheyTheywait.wait.The RUMBLE GETS LOUDER AND LOUDER.The RUMBLE GETS LOUDER AND LOUDER.

THENTHENMILLER'S FACE STARTS TO CHANGE...a hint...of aMILLER'S FACE STARTS TO CHANGE...a hint...of a smile...then a real smile...smile...then a real smile...

ANANAMERICAN SHERMAN TANKAMERICAN SHERMAN TANKAPPEARS from over the rise.APPEARS from over the rise.ThenThen ANOTHER...AND ANOTHER...AND ANOTHER...ANOTHER...AND ANOTHER...AND ANOTHER...

MILLER, REIBEN AND RYANMILLER, REIBEN AND RYAN

StandStandthere, stunned, watching tank after tank appear, alongthere, stunned, watching tank after tank appear, along withwithscores of heavily-armed American soldiers.scores of heavily-armed American soldiers.

125.125.

TheyTheykeep coming and coming.keep coming and coming.American tanks, with wave afterAmerican tanks, with wave after wavewaveof U.S. infantrymen, looking for targets.of U.S. infantrymen, looking for targets.They find aThey find a fewfewamong the departing Germans.among the departing Germans.

THETHEADVANCING TROOPSADVANCING TROOPS

RunRunonto the bridge and start to secure the position.onto the bridge and start to secure the position.AA SERGEANT and a few of HIS MEN look around, curiously eyeingSERGEANT and a few of HIS MEN look around, curiously eyeing Miller, Reiben and Ryan,Miller, Reiben and Ryan,battered and bloody, standing amongbattered and bloody, standing among thethebodies.bodies.

AAMAJOR strides up.MAJOR strides up.

TheTheSergeant and severalSergeant and severalother soldiers overhear.other soldiers overhear.

OneOneof the soldiers speaks quietly to another.of the soldiers speaks quietly to another.

TheTheMajor puts his hand on Ryan's shoulder.Major puts his hand on Ryan's shoulder.

RyanRyanlooks up, tired.looks up, tired.He nods.He nods.

American tanks and hundreds of fresh troops stream down theAmerican tanks and hundreds of fresh troops stream down the roadroadand over the bridge.and over the bridge.

MILLER, RYAN AND REIBENMILLER, RYAN AND REIBEN

Watch.Watch.In a small area,In a small area,cleared of the debris, the bodies ofcleared of the debris, the bodies of Jackson, Upham, Sarge, Forrest and the other paratroopers areJackson, Upham, Sarge, Forrest and the other paratroopers are laidlaidout, neatly, respectfully, covered.out, neatly, respectfully, covered.

126.126.

Miller and Reiben stay protectively close to Ryan, as if theyMiller and Reiben stay protectively close to Ryan, as if they don'tdon'twant to risk him being bumped into or run over by anywant to risk him being bumped into or run over by any ofofthe advancing troops or vehicles.the advancing troops or vehicles.

MILLERMILLER

WalksWalksto the bodies.to the bodies.HeHekneels down next to Sarge and lookskneels down next to Sarge and looks atathim for a long moment.him for a long moment.Then, with a steady hand, he takesThen, with a steady hand, he takes oneoneof Sarge's two dog-tags.of Sarge's two dog-tags.Then he does the same toThen he does the same to Jackson and Upham.Jackson and Upham.

REIBEN AND RYAN watch silently.REIBEN AND RYAN watch silently.

MILLERMILLER

Stands and walks back toStands and walks back toReiben and Ryan.Reiben and Ryan.He hands the dog-He hands the dog- tagstagsto Ryan who grips them tightly and nods in thanks.to Ryan who grips them tightly and nods in thanks.

Miller takes a last lookMiller takes a last lookat the bridge and the bodies, thenat the bridge and the bodies, then heheshoulders his gear.shoulders his gear.

Reiben and Ryan gather up their gear.Reiben and Ryan gather up their gear.They walk with MillerThey walk with Miller downdownthe road, away fromthe road, away fromthe bridge.the bridge.

CAMERA CRANES UPCAMERA CRANES UP

TheThethree dirty, bloodied, tired men walk down the road,three dirty, bloodied, tired men walk down the road, ignored by the fresh troops marching in the oppositeignored by the fresh troops marching in the opposite direction.direction.

127.127.

TheyTheywalk on, disappearing in the distance among the hundredswalk on, disappearing in the distance among the hundreds andandhundreds of Americanhundreds of Americansoldiers who are marching down thesoldiers who are marching down the roadroadand over the bridge.and over the bridge.

FADE OUT:FADE OUT:

THE ENDTHE END