"SAVING PRIVATE RYAN" (1998)

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

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 powerpower is astonishing.is astonishing. It roars through the body, blows backIt roars through the body, blows back thethe hair and rattles thehair and rattles the ears.ears.

TheThe ROAR OF NAVAL GUNS continues but now WE SEE THEM FIRING.ROAR OF NAVAL GUNS continues but now WE SEE THEM FIRING. HugeHuge fifteen inch guns.fifteen inch guns.

AA SWARM OF LANDING CRAFTSWARM OF LANDING CRAFT

HeadsHeads directly into a nightmare.directly into a nightmare. MASSIVE EXPLOSIONS fromMASSIVE EXPLOSIONS from GermanGerman artillery 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, pourpour out a red snowstormout a red snowstorm of bullets.of bullets.

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

HUNDREDS OF LANDING CRAFT

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

SUPERIMPOSITION:

THE FOLLOWING IS BASEDTHE FOLLOWING IS BASED ONON A TRUE STORYA TRUE STORY

THETHE LEAD LANDING CRAFTLEAD LANDING CRAFT

PlowsPlows through the waves.through the waves.

2.2.

THETHE CAMERA MOVES PAST THE FACES OF THE MENCAMERA MOVES PAST THE FACES OF THE MEN

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

AA DIRECT HIT ON A NEARBYDIRECT HIT ON A NEARBY LANDING CRAFTLANDING CRAFT

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

THETHE LEAD LANDING CRAFTLEAD LANDING CRAFT

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

THETHE MOTORMAN IS RIPPED TO BITSMOTORMAN IS RIPPED TO BITS

BLOODBLOOD AND FLESH shower the men behind him.AND FLESH shower the men behind him. The mate takesThe mate takes thethe controls.controls.

THETHE BOYS AROUND HIMBOYS AROUND HIM

DoDo their 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.

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

3.3.

AA few, 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 ifif it's broken. Miller pats him on the cheek and moves on toit's broken. Miller pats him on the cheek and moves on to thethe bow.bow.

PANPAN DOWN TO MILLER'S HANDDOWN TO MILLER'S HAND

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

THETHE LEAD LANDING CRAFT HITS THE BEACHLEAD LANDING CRAFT HITS THE BEACH

TheThe six surviving boats alongside.six surviving boats alongside.

EXPLOSIVE PROPELLED GRAPPLING HOOKS FIRE

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

THETHE LEAD CRAFT RAMP GOESLEAD CRAFT RAMP GOES DOWNDOWN

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

EXPLOSIONS EVERYWHERE

4.4.

INCENDIARY GRENADES, HURLED FROM ABOVE,

EXPLODE, SPREADING FIRE

THETHE SOUNDS OF BATTLESOUNDS OF BATTLE

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

MILLER SEES A STALLED CLIMBER

AA soft-faced boy.soft-faced boy. GrabsGrabs him 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.

Miller motions to six men huddled near him.

MILLER AND THE OTHERS

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

6.6.

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

MILLER AND OTHERS BLAST SURPRISING FIRE

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

7.7.

MILLER AND THE OTHERS

OPENOPEN UP on the Germans.UP on the Germans.

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

MILLER STEPS OUT INTO THE OPEN.

AA perfect target.perfect target. Captain's bars glinting.Captain's bars glinting. FIRING.FIRING. TRYINGTRYING TOTO DRAW THE GERMAN FIRE.DRAW THE GERMAN FIRE.

THETHE GERMAN MACHINE GUNNERGERMAN MACHINE GUNNER

SEESSEES MILLER 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.

SARGESARGE AND REIBEN DIVEAND REIBEN DIVE

UnderUnder the 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 HEALHEAL IS BLOWN OFF.IS BLOWN OFF.

UNDERUNDER THE OVERHANG SargeTHE OVERHANG Sarge and Reiben untangle themselves.and Reiben untangle themselves.

SargeSarge hollers back to Miller.hollers back to Miller.

8.8.

QuickQuick smiles.smiles. MILLER AND HIS RANGERS lean out and FIRE.MILLER AND HIS RANGERS lean out and FIRE. HITHIT moremore Germans.Germans.

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

THETHE TWO GRENADES EXPLODE.TWO GRENADES EXPLODE.

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

MILLER motions to WADE, a small, wide-eyed, demolition manMILLER motions to WADE, a small, wide-eyed, demolition man who'swho's struggling 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 thethe first of three bunkers.first of three bunkers. Dodging bullets from inside.Dodging bullets from inside. WadeWade tosses a SATCHEL CHARGE into a gun port.tosses a SATCHEL CHARGE into a gun port. A HUGE,A HUGE, MUFFLED EXPLOSION, rocksMUFFLED EXPLOSION, rocks the bunker.the bunker.

MILLER AND SARGE

Survey the field.

9.9.

SargeSarge shakes his head atshakes his head at Miller, then he looks over the cliffMiller, then he looks over the cliff atat the 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 at the 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:

TheThe SOUND 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 thethe heart of Washington,heart of Washington, D.C.D.C.

SUPERIMPOSITION:

VeryVery busy.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.

10.10.

THETHE CLERKCLERK

PullsPulls out a file.out a file. Reads.Reads. Finds something troubling.Finds something troubling. Quickly shuffles throughQuickly shuffles through some 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.

SeenSeen through 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. HeHe motions 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 on his 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.

AA busy office.busy office. Aides and secretaries scurry about.Aides and secretaries scurry about. TheThe wallswalls and 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 fullfull of 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 staffstaff officer, walks in.officer, walks in.

TheThe life drains from thelife drains from the Colonel.Colonel. Others in the room hearOthers in the room hear andand freeze.freeze.

11.11.

TheThe Colonel regains his bearings.Colonel regains his bearings. Stands and motions curtlyStands and motions curtly toto the Captain.the Captain.

TheThe Colonel strides fromColonel strides from the 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.

AA black car drives alongblack car drives along a 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.

AA whit farmhouse.whit farmhouse. A barn.A barn. A stand of trees.A stand of trees. Cornfields asCornfields as farfar as the eye can see.as the eye can see.

ININ THE YARDTHE YARD

AA tire 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.

AA PORCH SWINGPORCH SWING

SitsSits empty.empty. Moves slightly.Moves slightly.

ONON THE GLASS OF THE FRONT DOORTHE GLASS OF THE FRONT DOOR

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

MARGARET RYAN

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

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

12.12.

FarFar in the distance she sees the dust rising behind the blackin the distance she sees the dust rising behind the black car.car.

SheShe watches 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.

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

TheThe car pulls up to the house.car pulls up to the house. She sees three men get out,She sees three men get out, oneone wearing 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 hishis conference 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 thethe Young Captain, wait.Young Captain, wait. General Marshall puts down the file.General Marshall puts down the file.

General Marshall hardens.

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

13.13.

NEARNEAR CONSTANT 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 they can.can. BIG GUNS THUNDER in theBIG GUNS THUNDER in the distance.distance.

SUPERIMPOSITION:

MILLER

Trailed by a RADIOMAN, dashes through the fire and dives intoTrailed by a RADIOMAN, dashes through the fire and dives into aa sludge-filled crater.sludge-filled crater. He surfaces, sees Sarge and Reiben,He surfaces, sees Sarge and Reiben, andand reels 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.

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

14.14.

THETHE GERMAN 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 downdown again.again.

MOREMORE MORTAR 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.

AA MORTAR 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 lookslooks dubiously at Miller.dubiously at Miller.

16.16.

Miller waits for a pauseMiller waits for a pause in 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.

MILLER

RunsRuns over 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.

SandSand and dirt falls withand dirt falls with the 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 dozendozen officers with as many aides, runners and radiomen.officers with as many aides, runners and radiomen. VeryVery busy.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's about 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.

AA LIEUTENANT steps up toLIEUTENANT steps up to Miller and hands him a sheet ofMiller and hands him a sheet of paper.paper.

17.17.

Miller hands the list back to the Lieutenant.

Anderson hangs up, speaks to an AIDE.

Colonel Anderson turns to Miller.

18.18.

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

19.19.

Miller hesitates, then:

TheThe other 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.

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.

Colonel Anderson listensColonel Anderson listens with amused tolerance, but it's timewith amused tolerance, but it's time toto get 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 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 watches Miller for an instant, then noticesMiller for an instant, then notices thethe other officers in the tent watching.other officers in the tent watching. A glare and they goA glare and they go backback to work.to work.

AA MASSIVE BARRAGE of fifteen-inch shells BLASTS from the deckMASSIVE BARRAGE of fifteen-inch shells BLASTS from the deck ofof the enormous ship.the enormous ship.

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

21.21.

ININ THE 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.

MILLER

Crouch-runs and dives into a crater with Sarge.

22.22.

TheyThey wait 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 in opposite directions.opposite directions.

JustJust in 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 ofof the mess, a cigar-chewing SUPPLY SERGEANT works at a make-the mess, a cigar-chewing SUPPLY SERGEANT works at a make- shiftshift desk made out of crate.desk made out of crate. He yells at a PRIVATE.He yells at a PRIVATE.

SARGE, REIBEN, JACKSON AND WADE

WaitWait nearby.nearby. Reiben is beside himself, pacing, muttering.Reiben is beside himself, pacing, muttering. TheThe others are relaxed.others are relaxed.

MILLER

Strides through the chaos, avoiding the passing vehicles.Strides through the chaos, avoiding the passing vehicles. HeHe seessees his 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 offoff toward the Supply Sergeant's table.toward the Supply Sergeant's table. Sarge falls in nextSarge falls in next toto Miller.Miller.

TRANSPORT 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.

TheThe Supply 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 eyes toward General Gavin's jeep.toward General Gavin's jeep.

Miller and his men driveMiller and his men drive off, fast, in General Gavin's jeep.off, fast, in General Gavin's jeep. SargeSarge is 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.

TheThe SUPPLY SERGEANTSUPPLY SERGEANT

Watches them go.Watches them go. BehindBehind him, 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.

TheThe Supply Sergeant puffs his cigar with a smile and turns toSupply Sergeant puffs his cigar with a smile and turns to taketake his lumps.his lumps.

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

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 andand CHATTERING 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 hopshops out.out.

26.26.

HeHe strides into the tent.strides into the tent.

ThreeThree bookish corporals hover over map tables like studiousbookish corporals hover over map tables like studious nerdsnerds the 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.

OneOne of 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.

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

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

27.27.

UphamUpham hesitates.hesitates.

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

Miller's expression gives him his answer.

Miller shoos him off.

28.28.

UphamUpham scurries 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.

TheThe scope of the operation is stunning.scope of the operation is stunning. The beach is coveredThe beach is covered withwith mountains of supplies.mountains of supplies. A steady stream of vehiclesA steady stream of vehicles windswinds up the dunes.up the dunes. Hundreds of barrage balloons, anchoredHundreds of barrage balloons, anchored byby heavy 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 andand boats 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's an awesome, breathtaking sight.an awesome, breathtaking sight. Miller and his tinyMiller and his tiny bandband of men, weave theirof men, weave their way 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 bulkbulk of the American Army behind.of the American Army behind.

Miller and his men driveMiller and his men drive fast 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 debris of burning German vehicles,of burning German vehicles, abandoned equipment, bodies.abandoned equipment, bodies.

SargeSarge drives.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 his eyes from the map.eyes from the map.

29.29.

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

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

30.30.

ININ THE BACK OF THE JEEPTHE BACK OF THE JEEP

UphamUpham avidly takes in everything.avidly takes in everything. He notices Reiben staringHe notices Reiben staring atat him, 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 Wade look at Upham as if he were anlook at Upham as if he were an insect.insect.

TheirTheir jaws drop.jaws drop.

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

31.31.

Miller sighs, he knows what's coming.

Upham's words are frozenUpham's words are frozen in his throat by the warning glancesin his throat by the warning glances ofof Miller's men.Miller's men. MillerMiller himself remains relaxed but stone-himself remains relaxed but stone- faced.faced.

NoNo one speaks for a few seconds, then the moment passes as ifone speaks for a few seconds, then the moment passes as if itit had never happened.had never happened.

32.32.

WadeWade pipes up cheerfully.pipes up cheerfully.

THEYTHEY ROUND A TURNROUND A TURN

SkidSkid to a stop at a:to a stop at a:

BOTTLENECK OF AMERICAN VEHICLES

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

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

33.33.

TheThe jeep 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.

ANAN AMERICAN TROOP TRUCK SMOLDERSAMERICAN TROOP TRUCK SMOLDERS

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

ININ THE BACKTHE BACK

TheThe men bounce up and down like stuffed animals, doing theirmen bounce up and down like stuffed animals, doing their bestbest to not be thrown out.to not be thrown out.

AA HUGE 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.

THEYTHEY ROUND A BENDROUND A BEND

SeeSee aa long, 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.

ANAN EIGHTY-EIGHT SHELL SCREAMS INEIGHTY-EIGHT SHELL SCREAMS IN

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

SARGESARGE FLOORS IT.FLOORS IT. Everyone hangs on.Everyone hangs on.

ANOTHER SHELL EXPLODES

Thirty yards ahead of them.

34.34.

MILLER

Directs Sarge off the road.

SARGE

YanksYanks the wheel, drivingthe wheel, driving the jeep off the road.the jeep off the road.

THETHE JEEP BOUNCESJEEP BOUNCES

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

ANOTHER EXPLOSION

JustJust behind them.behind them.

SARGESARGE DRIVES MADLYDRIVES MADLY

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

ANOTHER EXPLOSION

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

MILLER SCANS THE TERRAIN

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

ANOTHER EXPLOSION

EvenEven closer.closer. The jeep'sThe jeep's PEPPERED WITH SHRAPNEL.PEPPERED WITH SHRAPNEL. They BARRELThey BARREL THROUGH the smoke.THROUGH the smoke.

SARGE

TurnsTurns shallow curves without slowing down.shallow curves without slowing down.

35.35.

SUDDENLY SEES A CRATER

TriesTries to 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 JACKSON

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

SARGESARGE AND MILLERAND MILLER

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

MILLER

IsIs first 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.

ANAN EIGHTY-EIGHT SHELL SCREAMS INEIGHTY-EIGHT SHELL SCREAMS IN

EXPLODES THIRTY YARDS LEFT

SargeSarge puts his head backputs his head back on and throws the jeep into gear.on and throws the jeep into gear. TheThe wheels spin.wheels spin. MillerMiller throws his shoulder into the jeep.throws his shoulder into the jeep. YellsYells to the others.to the others.

STILLSTILL DAZEDDAZED

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 IT

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

UphamUpham is very nervous.is very nervous.

36.36.

TheyThey all ignore him.all ignore him.

SargeSarge SLAMS THE JEEP INTO REVERSE.SLAMS THE JEEP INTO REVERSE. Rocks it.Rocks it. SLAMS IT BACKSLAMS IT BACK INTOINTO FORWARD.FORWARD. Makes progress.Makes progress.

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

THETHE TIRES SCREAMTIRES SCREAM

AA bitbit more progress.more progress. It's almost out.It's almost out.

THEYTHEY ALL 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.

ONEONE MORE PUSHMORE PUSH

TheThe jeep rocks back in, deeper.jeep rocks back in, deeper.

THEYTHEY HEAR THE SCREAM OF THE SHELLHEAR THE SCREAM OF THE SHELL

37.37.

MILLER BARKS TO HIS MEN

THETHE MENMEN

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

THETHE SHELL SCREAMS INSHELL SCREAMS IN

TheThe men hit the dirt.men hit the dirt.

DIRECT HIT

OBLITERATING THE JEEP

THETHE MENMEN

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.

MILLER

IsIs first up.first up. Sarge and the men struggle to their feet.Sarge and the men struggle to their feet. HearHear MOREMORE INCOMING.INCOMING. Miller grabs Upham by the collar and pullsMiller grabs Upham by the collar and pulls himhim up.up.

THEYTHEY ALL TAKE OFFALL TAKE OFF

Running as fast as they can.

THETHE FIRST OF THE MORTAR SHELLS COME INFIRST OF THE MORTAR SHELLS COME IN

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

THETHE FIELDFIELD

TheThe six 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.

BOOM

RUNNING, STUMBLING

BOOM,BOOM, BOOM, BOOMBOOM, BOOM

38.38.

UPHAMUPHAM IS 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.

THEYTHEY MAKE IT TO THE TREESMAKE IT TO THE TREES

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

THETHE EXPLOSIONS STOPEXPLOSIONS STOP

THETHE MEN 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 theirtheir gear.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.

MILLER

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.

SargeSarge quickly 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.

SargeSarge quickly starts vectoring on the map.quickly starts vectoring on the map. Miller snaps outMiller snaps out ofof it.it.

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

SargeSarge finished vectoring.finished vectoring.

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

40.40.

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

Miller heads off withoutMiller heads off without pausing or looking back.pausing or looking back. The restThe rest ofof the 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. HisHis men follow warily.men follow warily. Upham falls inUpham falls in alongside Reiben.alongside Reiben.

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

WadeWade overhears and smiles at Upham.overhears and smiles at Upham.

41.41.

UphamUpham shakes his head.shakes his head.

Jackson shrugs.

42.42.

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

43.43.

Reiben shakes his head.

TheyThey all 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.

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

TheThe men are stunned.men are stunned.

UphamUpham wiggles with pride.wiggles with pride.

Miller eyes Upham respectfully and nods to the men.

TheyThey walk on.walk on.

47.47.

Miller smiles, situationMiller smiles, situation normal.normal.

AA small 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.

SomeSome French 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 andand disappear 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 outout down 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 alleyalley across 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.

AsAs Miller 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.

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 makesmakes it to the cover ofit to the cover of the far side.the far side.

Miller nods to Upham.

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

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

48.48.

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

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

MILLER

LooksLooks to Upham.to Upham.

UphamUpham nods, still terrified.nods, still terrified.

MILLER STEPS INTO THE OPEN

Stands motionless, presenting himself to the German snipers.

UphamUpham runs.runs.

AA GERMAN BULLET HITS THEGERMAN BULLET HITS THE BRICKS NEAR MILLER.BRICKS NEAR MILLER.

HeHe doesn'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.

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

UPHAMUPHAM gets to the far side.gets to the far side.

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

49.49.

UPHAM

OnOn the other side of thethe other side of the street, 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 thethe bullets than from what Miller just did for him.bullets than from what Miller just did for him.

MILLER

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.

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

MILLER

DucksDucks out of the doorwayout of the doorway and crouch-runs down the block.and crouch-runs down the block. HeHe passes a:passes a:

BOMBED OUT BUILDING

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

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

MILLER

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

50.50.

ANAN ALLEYALLEY

Captain Hamill and his men are bunched there, out of the lineCaptain Hamill and his men are bunched there, out of the line ofof fire. 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.

TheThe squad 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.

OneOne by one, Miller's menby one, Miller's men join 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.

51.51.

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

HeHe spits 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, alongalong with Upham, watch curiously.with Upham, watch curiously.

Jackson opens a two-footJackson opens a two-foot tripod with a flick of his wrist,tripod with a flick of his wrist, sitssits down and carefully attaches the rifle to it.down and carefully attaches the rifle to it. Then heThen he takestakes a 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 isis fascinated.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 tree about 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 andand sweat 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 withwith an expression that clearly says, "What are you, somean expression that clearly says, "What are you, some kindkind of fucking idiot?"of fucking idiot?"

Reiben puts himself between Upham and Jackson.

Jackson keeps his eye toJackson keeps his eye to the 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 thethe rifle.rifle. A very impressed Captain Hamill barks to hisA very impressed Captain Hamill barks to his radioman.radioman.

TheThe Radioman 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 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 ofof the alley, Miller passes Upham.the alley, Miller passes Upham.

55.55.

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

UphamUpham watches him go.watches him go.

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

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

SargeSarge takes 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 ofof aa medieval church.medieval church. Miller, settled into a comfortableMiller, settled into a comfortable spotspot in 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.

58.58.

Reiben eyes Miller.

59.59.

Miller looks at Reiben, shocked.

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.

TheThe men thoroughly enjoymen thoroughly enjoy the performance.the performance.

60.60.

TheThe men all learn forward expectantly, believing they'remen all learn forward expectantly, believing they're aboutabout to find out Miller's home town.to find out Miller's home town. Miller smiles.Miller smiles.

TheThe men ease back, disappointed.men ease back, disappointed.

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

61.61.

TheThe men know when to canmen know when to can it.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 it on, 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 RUMBLES IN THE DISTANCE.IN THE DISTANCE. Reiben, Jackson,Reiben, Jackson, WadeWade and Upham sleep.and Upham sleep. Miller still sits in the glow of hisMiller still sits in the glow of his flashlight, studying hisflashlight, studying his maps.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 on the 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 thethe men.men.

62.62.

Miller considers the question, doesn't answer.

TheyThey sit in silence for a moment.sit in silence for a moment.

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

63.63.

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

SMALLSMALL ARMS 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, areare very formidable-looking.very formidable-looking.

Miller's men are gettingMiller's men are getting ready to move out.ready to move out. Captain HamillCaptain Hamill andand aa few of his men arefew of his men are there to see them off.there to see them off. Suddenly:Suddenly:

AA FLASH OF LIGHT APPEARSFLASH OF LIGHT APPEARS ON THE HORIZONON THE HORIZON

ThenThen REPEATED FLASHES OFREPEATED FLASHES OF LIGHT.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 tidal wave.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.

EVERYEVERY MAN 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.

SARGESARGE notices, says nothing.notices, says nothing.

MILLER stares at his hand, forcing it to stop.

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

Upham's face shows more fear than awe.

64.64.

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

UphamUpham manages a slight smile.manages a slight smile. Miller watches the lights forMiller watches the lights for aa moment 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 thethe way.way.

AsAs Miller 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 waswas so interested in theso interested in the talk of Private Ryan, steps up withtalk of Private Ryan, steps up with aa couple 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- assass response, 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.

65.65.

Miller steps over, takesMiller steps over, takes the bandoleers from Reiben and handsthe bandoleers from Reiben and hands themthem back 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 ammoammo back.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, litlit intermittently by the distant flashes.intermittently by the distant flashes. Captain HamillCaptain Hamill andand his 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.

TheThe FINAL RUMBLES of theFINAL RUMBLES of the DISTANT ARTILLERY fade away.DISTANT ARTILLERY fade away. TheThe nightnight is dark.is dark. The bandThe band of 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.

SargeSarge looks 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.

AA SOUND.SOUND. Jackson stops.Jackson stops. No one speaks, they communicateNo one speaks, they communicate onlyonly with hand signals.with hand signals.

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 intointo the 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 openopen up. Miller shakes his head and signals, "let them go."up. Miller shakes his head and signals, "let them go."

AA moment later AN ENTIREmoment later AN ENTIRE PLATOON OF GERMANS rounds the bend.PLATOON OF GERMANS rounds the bend. FiftyFifty men.men. Heavily armed.Heavily armed. REIBEN breathes a sigh of reliefREIBEN breathes a sigh of relief andand lowers his B.A.R.lowers his B.A.R.

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

THETHE GERMANS PASS.GERMANS PASS.

MILLER MOTIONS for his men to hold their positions.

UPHAMUPHAM doesn'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 GERMAN WHIP-TAIL SQUAD appears, trailingWHIP-TAIL SQUAD appears, trailing thethe platoon by thirty meters, protecting their rear.platoon by thirty meters, protecting their rear.

UPHAMUPHAM FREEZES.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 restrest of the men to follow him into the woods.of the men to follow him into the woods. Upham scurriesUpham scurries afterafter Miller, staying close on his heels.Miller, staying close on his heels.

67.67.

TheThe little 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 SargeSarge shines 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 glowglow of dawn is visible.of dawn is visible.

FirstFirst light.light. The SOUND OF DISTANT GUNS has been replaced byThe SOUND OF DISTANT GUNS has been replaced by thethe CHIRPING 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 thethe view. It's lovely.view. It's lovely. Dew shimmers on the long grass.Dew shimmers on the long grass. TheThe warwar is far away.is far away.

UphamUpham walks 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.

UphamUpham smiles, caught.smiles, caught.

UphamUpham looks 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 look at the view and allows himself toat the view and allows himself to feelfeel an overwhelming wave of sadness.an overwhelming wave of sadness. Then he turns himselfThen he turns himself backback into 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.

TheThe seven Americans walkseven Americans walk along 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 withwith hedgerows, thick, rooted masses, impenetrable, hundredhedgerows, thick, rooted masses, impenetrable, hundred ofof years 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.

AA burning 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 to this SLAUGHTERED FAMILY, two adultthis SLAUGHTERED FAMILY, two adult women, an adult male andwomen, an adult male and a 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 deaddead as well, shot to pieces.as well, shot to pieces. A DEAD AMERICAN PARATROOPERA DEAD AMERICAN PARATROOPER lieslies sprawled 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 UphamUpham who 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.

TheThe FARMER SPEAKS SOFTLYFARMER SPEAKS SOFTLY as if in a trance.as if in a trance. Upham stands andUpham stands and translates.translates.

UphamUpham gently asks.gently asks. The FARMER ANSWERS.The FARMER ANSWERS.

Miller heads off withoutMiller heads off without glancing back.glancing back. The men hesitate.The men hesitate. SargeSarge jerks his head forjerks his head for them to move out.them to move out. They do so.They do so.

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

70.70.

AA beautiful, hedgerow-lined field of tall grass.beautiful, hedgerow-lined field of tall grass. The last ofThe last of thethe dew and morning mistdew and morning mist is just burning off.is just burning off.

TheThe six Americans walk carefully through the woods to thesix Americans walk carefully through the woods to the edgeedge of the field.of the field.

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

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

WadeWade calls 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:

TWOTWO DEAD AMERICAN PARATROOPERSDEAD AMERICAN PARATROOPERS

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

MILLER, SARGE AND JACKSON

CrawlCrawl to the edge of theto the edge of the field, 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 ofof the brush.the brush. He standsHe stands and takes off his pack.and takes off his pack.

71.71.

UphamUpham steels himself andsteels himself and steps forward.steps forward.

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

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

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

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

72.72.

AsAs they take their positions, Miller and Sarge speak quietly,they take their positions, Miller and Sarge speak quietly, outout of earshot of the men.of earshot of the men.

Miller looks at the two dead paratroopers.

SargeSarge hesitates.hesitates.

SargeSarge nods.nods.

SargeSarge finds a spot.finds a spot. Miller joins Wade.Miller joins Wade. Miller waits nearMiller waits near UphamUpham as 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 men are in position.are in position. He nods to Wade.He nods to Wade.

Miller and Wade take deep breaths.

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

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

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

SHATTERING THE QUIET.

ININ THE NESTTHE NEST

AA squad 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 inin the nest, four more outlying riflemen.the nest, four more outlying riflemen.

MILLER

TakesTakes the FIRST FIRE.the FIRST FIRE. He HITS THE DIRT.He HITS THE DIRT. The BULLETS SCREAMThe BULLETS SCREAM justjust over him.over him.

THETHE MACHINE GUN SWINGS TOWARD WADEMACHINE GUN SWINGS TOWARD WADE

74.74.

MILLER JUMPS UP AND SPRINTS

WADEWADE HITS THE DIRTHITS THE DIRT

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

SARGE, REIBEN, JACKSON, UPHAM

ZeroZero the machine gun.the machine gun. FIRE fast as they can.FIRE fast as they can. Their BULLETSTheir BULLETS THUDTHUD INEFFECTUALLY into the hedgerow.INEFFECTUALLY into the hedgerow.

THETHE MACHINE GUN SWINGS BACK TOWARD MILLERMACHINE GUN SWINGS BACK TOWARD MILLER

WADEWADE JUMPS UP AND SPRINTSJUMPS UP AND SPRINTS

MILLER HITS THE DIRT

Bullets SMASH into the ground all around Miller.

SARGE

FIRESFIRES A LONG BURST from his Thompson.A LONG BURST from his Thompson. No effect.No effect. Pissed.Pissed. POPSPOPS THE CLIP.THE CLIP. SLAMS inSLAMS in another.another. FIRES.FIRES.

THETHE MACHINE GUN SWINGS FROM MILLERMACHINE GUN SWINGS FROM MILLER

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

WADE

TenTen more yards.more yards. Too slow.Too slow. A deadly row of BULLETS KICK UPA deadly row of BULLETS KICK UP DIRTDIRT toward him.toward him.

MILLER

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

WADE

OnOn aa slight rise.slight rise. Can'tCan't hit the dirt.hit the dirt. A line of bullets.A line of bullets. Desperately sprints.Desperately sprints.

WADEWADE IS HIT.IS HIT. HEAVY BULLETS RIP APART HIS BELLY.HEAVY BULLETS RIP APART HIS BELLY. He spins.He spins. GoesGoes down.down.

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

MILLER

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

75.75.

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

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

MILLER

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.

SARGESARGE STEPS INTO THE OPEN, INTENTIONALLY DRAWING THE GERMANSTEPS INTO THE OPEN, INTENTIONALLY DRAWING THE GERMAN FIREFIRE from Miller.from Miller.

TheThe GERMANS 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.

MILLER

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

THETHE NESTNEST

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

MILLER

THROWS the grenade, VEERS and DIVES.

THETHE GRENADE EXPLODES.GRENADE EXPLODES.

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

MILLER

rollsrolls to his feet.to his feet. FIREFIRE another BURST.another BURST. KILLS the last ofKILLS the last of thethe German riflemen.German riflemen. Doesn't pause.Doesn't pause. RUNS onto the field.RUNS onto the field.

SARGESARGE AND THE OTHERSAND THE OTHERS

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

WADE

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

76.76.

ALLALL THE 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 UPHAM

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

SARGE

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

WADE

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

MILLER AND SARGE GET TO WADE

ThrowThrow themselves onto the ground next to him.themselves onto the ground next to him. They both tearThey both tear outout sulfa-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.

SARGE

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

MILLER

AboutAbout to 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.

SARGE

Fumbles with a second sulfa bag.

77.77.

WADE

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.

MILLER

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.

SARGE

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

MILLER

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.

REIBEN

OnOn guard, glancing back.guard, glancing back. Pissed off.Pissed off.

UPHAM

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

JACKSON

Watching.

MILLER

GivesGives Wade the second shot.Wade the second shot.

78.78.

WADE

FeelsFeels the effects of thethe effects of the first shot.first shot. He sees Upham andHe sees Upham and manages a pained smile.manages a pained smile.

WADEWADE LOCKS 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:

WADEWADE DIESDIES

ALLALL ARE FROZEN IN PLACEARE FROZEN IN PLACE

UPHAMUPHAM begins to weep.begins to weep.

REIBEN furiously mutters:

MILLER

IsIs silent.silent. Motionless.Motionless. He gently closes Wade's eyes.He gently closes Wade's eyes. HisHis handhand quivers slightly asquivers slightly as he 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. HeHe picks up the dogtag and pockets it.picks up the dogtag and pockets it.

ThenThen Miller 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.

UphamUpham shakes his head.shakes his head.

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.

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

79.79.

Miller motions to them curtly.

TheyThey shut 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.

SargeSarge looks 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. HeHe watches 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 lifelife drains 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 ifif hehe were a thousand miles away.were a thousand miles away. Sarge sits down on a logSarge sits down on a log andand waits.waits.

81.81.

82.82.

83.83.

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

TheyThey share a smile.share a smile.

TheyThey shake 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.

SargeSarge allows 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 thethe men.men.

TheThe men are all in theirmen are all in their private worlds, thinking of Wade.private worlds, thinking of Wade. NoNo talk. 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.

TheThe men get up.men get up. JacksonJackson is a bit slow.is a bit slow.

85.85.

NoNo one responds.one responds.

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

TheThe men pick up their equipment and prepare to move out.men pick up their equipment and prepare to move out. SargeSarge and Miller exchange a silent look.and Miller exchange a silent look. Miller shakes hisMiller shakes his headhead to 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 thethe map, points the way and they move out.map, points the way and they move out.

MoreMore progress.progress. The men are still grim.The men are still grim.

86.86.

Miller laughs.

87.87.

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

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

Suddenly Miller stops dead.Suddenly Miller stops dead. He listens, hearing somethingHe listens, hearing something thethe others 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.

THETHE RUMBLE 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 REVEAL

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

GERMAN FLANK SQUADS

HurryHurry along the fields on either side of the road, trying toalong the fields on either side of the road, trying to keepkeep up with the vehicles.up with the vehicles.

MILLER AND HIS MEN

CatchCatch a 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.

THETHE GERMAN SQUADGERMAN SQUAD

Approaches the bridge.

AA PAIR OF GERMAN PRIVATESPAIR OF GERMAN PRIVATES

SeeSee the culvert obscuredthe culvert obscured by brush.by brush. Move to check it out.Move to check it out.

MILLER

IsIs just about to open upjust about to open up on them.on them.

THETHE GERMAN SERGEANTGERMAN SERGEANT

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

THETHE GERMAN PRIVATESGERMAN PRIVATES

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

ININ THE CULVERTTHE CULVERT

TheThe Americans breathe again.Americans breathe again.

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

89.89.

AA gently-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 stonestone walls.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 stonestone walls. Miller pulls out his binoculars.walls. Miller pulls out his binoculars.

ONON THE FAR SIDE OF THE FIELDTHE FAR SIDE OF THE FIELD

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

MILLER

ScansScans the Germans with his binoculars.the Germans with his binoculars.

JustJust then they hear an OMINOUS RUMBLE, deeper and morethen they hear an OMINOUS RUMBLE, deeper and more threatening that that ofthreatening that that of the convoy.the convoy. The sound gets LOUDERThe sound gets LOUDER andand LOUDER.LOUDER. Miller and his men exchange looks.Miller and his men exchange looks. They knowThey know thatthat sound, they don't like it.sound, they don't like it.

FOURFOUR MASSIVE GERMAN TANKSMASSIVE GERMAN TANKS

Appear down the road, heading for the German soldiers whoAppear down the road, heading for the German soldiers who greetgreet them 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, withwith a 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 ofof them.them.

MILLER

PutsPuts away the binocularsaway the binoculars and 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.

TheThe SOUNDS OF SPORADIC SMALL ARMS FIRE.SOUNDS OF SPORADIC SMALL ARMS FIRE. The town square isThe town square is aa deserted 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 enter the square, weapons ready, leap-the square, weapons ready, leap- frogging from doorway tofrogging from doorway to doorway.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 thethe firing.firing.

SargeSarge motions 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.

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

AA dozen AMERICAN PARATROOPERS on the bridge exchange SPORADICdozen AMERICAN PARATROOPERS on the bridge exchange SPORADIC FIREFIRE with a few German snipers hidden in the buildings nearwith a few German snipers hidden in the buildings near thethe bridgehead. The bridge has clearly been the scene ofbridgehead. The bridge has clearly been the scene of heavyheavy fighting.fighting. Craters, burning debris and shell casingsCraters, burning debris and shell casings areare everywhere.everywhere. The bridge is intact, only slightly damaged.The bridge is intact, only slightly damaged. ThereThere are dozens of German bodies along the riverbank on bothare dozens of German bodies along the riverbank on both sidessides of the bridge.of the bridge.

MILLER 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.

AA YOUNG 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 thethe bridge.bridge.

THETHE GERMAN SNIPERS OPEN UPGERMAN SNIPERS OPEN UP

Bullets SMASH INTO THE GROUND around Miller.

MILLER'S MEN

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

ONON THE BRIDGETHE BRIDGE

TheThe Paratroopers 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.

HeHe finds himself next tofinds himself next to SERGEANT BILL FORREST who was theSERGEANT BILL FORREST who was the youngyoung but grizzled voicebut grizzled voice that called out.that called out. With Forrest areWith Forrest are somesome very 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 theythey come in.come in. Miller and Forrest alternately take and FIRE.Miller and Forrest alternately take and FIRE.

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.

TheyThey pause to FIRE, covering Sarge, the last of Miller's menpause to FIRE, covering Sarge, the last of Miller's men toto leap 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:

PRIVATE JAMES RYAN

Dashing from cover to cover, making his way toward them.Dashing from cover to cover, making his way toward them. RyanRyan is 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 MEN

AllAll watch Ryan run toward them.watch Ryan run toward them.

TheirTheir eyes 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 for a 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.

TheThe life 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.

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

THETHE PARATROOPERSPARATROOPERS

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

MILLER'S MEN

AlsoAlso look 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.

RyanRyan weakly waves Millerweakly waves Miller off.off. Miller motions to his men andMiller motions to his men and thethe paratroopers to moveparatroopers to move away.away. They do so, giving Ryan aThey do so, giving Ryan a little room.little room.

95.95.

AA VOICE from behind themVOICE from behind them speaks simply, clearly, firmly.speaks simply, clearly, firmly.

TheyThey all turn and see Ryan standing there.all turn and see Ryan standing there. Miller is aboutMiller is about toto automatically 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 armarm and speaks softly toand speaks softly to him.him.

RyanRyan jerks away from Miller.jerks away from Miller.

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

96.96.

ThatThat news clearly affects Ryan and the other paratroopers,news clearly affects Ryan and the other paratroopers, butbut Ryan holds his ground.Ryan holds his ground.

Miller speaks with restrained, but growing, anger.

RyanRyan stands eye-to-eye with Miller.stands eye-to-eye with Miller.

Miller starts to boil over.

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

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

JACKSON STEPS FORWARD.

Miller turns his glare on Jackson.

Miller does a slow burn.

UPHAMUPHAM STEPS FORWARDSTEPS FORWARD

98.98.

Miller looks at FORREST AND THE PARATROOPERS.

Reiben smiles.

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

TheyThey all 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.

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

TheyThey all 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.

RyanRyan salutes.salutes.

100.

Miller shakes his head at himself and strides off to checkMiller shakes his head at himself and strides off to check thethe defensive 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.

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.

AA GERMAN SNIPERGERMAN SNIPER

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

UPHAM

SitsSits beside Jackson withbeside Jackson with a 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.

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

101.

JustJust then 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.

UphamUpham listens 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 charge at the door of the building.at the door of the building. HeHe setssets the 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 gungun nest. Miller looks around, evaluating, Sarge and Upham atnest. Miller looks around, evaluating, Sarge and Upham at hishis side.side.

102.

Miller is stone-faced, then he smiles.

UphamUpham runs off.runs off. Sarge shakes his head.Sarge shakes his head.

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.

RYANRYAN steps up to Miller.steps up to Miller.

104.

Miller smiles.

Miller checks Jackson and Forrest.

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 themthem go.go.

AA German 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.

ININ THE DARKNESSTHE DARKNESS

AA slight movement.slight movement. It'sIt's Miller.Miller. He crawls to the edge ofHe crawls to the edge of thethe emplacement and freezes in the shadows.emplacement and freezes in the shadows.

105.

AA moment 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.

MILLER

EyesEyes the emplacement.the emplacement. Looks for a weakness.Looks for a weakness. There is none.There is none. HeHe motions 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 isis lost in thought, far away.lost in thought, far away. One after another, Miller'sOne after another, Miller's menmen eye him.eye him.

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

106.

TheThe others 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.

AA SHADOWSHADOW

It'sIt's Miller.Miller. Easing through the darkness.Easing through the darkness. Closer to one ofCloser to one of thethe sentries.sentries.

Miller sees Jackson easing up behind another sentry.Miller sees Jackson easing up behind another sentry. MillerMiller nodsnods to 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-EIGHT

Forrest removes the wheel-blocks.

AA GERMAN 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 withwith his 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 JACKSON

JoinJoin Forrest at the eighty-eight.Forrest at the eighty-eight.

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

ANOTHER 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.

OTHEROTHER GERMANSGERMANS

RaceRace over, FIRING.over, FIRING.

107.

JACKSON

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.

FORREST CUTS DOWN, several more Germans.

JACKSON TAKES A GRAZING SHOT IN THE SHOULDER.

Spins.

StillStill FIRING.FIRING.

Giving Miller cover.

MILLER LEAPS into the cab of the truck.

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

JACKSON FIRES into the approaching Germans.

THETHE WINDSHIELDWINDSHIELD

IsIs shattered by bullets.shattered by bullets.

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

FORREST

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

MILLER FLOORS IT.

TheThe truck DRIVES throughtruck DRIVES through the Germans.the Germans.

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

MILLER, JACKSON AND FORREST

DriveDrive into 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. AsAs they 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 thethe bridge.bridge.

108.

SMASHES INTO THE SANDBAGS

THETHE OTHER 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.

RyanRyan ignores him.ignores him. They get the eighty-eight safely behindThey get the eighty-eight safely behind thethe barricade.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 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 stepstep back carefully.back carefully.

ThenThen they 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 placeplace the 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 nownow but wait.but wait.

109.

ONON THE BRIDGEKEEPERS HUTTHE BRIDGEKEEPERS HUT

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

Jackson shrugs.

They're quiet for a moment.

TheirTheir eyes keep coming back to Ryan.eyes keep coming back to Ryan.

MILLER

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, directing Reiben to the forward machine gunReiben to the forward machine gun nest.nest.

REIBEN jumps down and moves forward.

110.

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

SargeSarge nods.nods.

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

FirstFirst light.light. The Americans are ready for battle.The Americans are ready for battle. WE SEEWE SEE themthem in their positions:in their positions:

REIBEN AND UPHAM

Manning the forward machine gun nest.

JACKSON

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

FORREST AND THE PARATROOPERS

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

RYANRYAN AND SARGEAND SARGE

Manning rear machine gun.

MILLER

AtAt the bridgehead, waiting.the bridgehead, waiting.

AA SOUND FROM DOWN THE ROADSOUND FROM DOWN THE ROAD

AllAll eyes turn.eyes turn.

AA SINGLE 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.

MILLER

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

111.

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

THETHE AMERICANS RETURN FIREAMERICANS RETURN FIRE

REIBEN

OPENSOPENS UP with the MACHINE GUN.UP with the MACHINE GUN.

THETHE GERMANSGERMANS

AtAt least fifty of them, advancing on the bridge.least fifty of them, advancing on the bridge. RunningRunning fromfrom cover to cover.cover to cover. A squad pushing a French truck, usingA squad pushing a French truck, using itit asas a shield.a shield.

JACKSON

Calmly picking off the attacking Germans.

THETHE GERMAN INFANTRYMENGERMAN INFANTRYMEN

MakeMake their 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.

MILLER

SeesSees Reiben 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 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. UphamUpham follows, carrying the ammo boxes.follows, carrying the ammo boxes. They run as fast asThey run as fast as theythey can.can.

THETHE OTHER AMERICANS FIREOTHER AMERICANS FIRE COVERCOVER

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.

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

112.

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

RYANRYAN IS FIRINGIS FIRING

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

GERMANS EVERYWHERE

TheyThey swarm over the first barricade.swarm over the first barricade.

MILLER

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

HAND-TO-HAND.

FORREST 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 thethe Germans LOB POTATO MASHERS among the paratroopers.Germans LOB POTATO MASHERS among the paratroopers.

THETHE PARATROOPERS see thePARATROOPERS see the grenades.grenades. Too late.Too late.

THETHE POTATO MASHERS EXPLODEPOTATO MASHERS EXPLODE

KILLING FORREST AND THE OTHER PARATROOPERS

RYANRYAN SEES FORREST AND THE OTHERS DIESEES FORREST AND THE OTHERS DIE

NoNo time to react.time to react.

HAND-TO-HAND FIGHTING

HalfHalf a dozen Germans break through.a dozen Germans break through.

Miller KILLS TWO MORE WITH A BURST.

RYAN

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

MILLER

Struggling with a pair of Germans.

JACKSON

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

113.

RYAN

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

UPHAMUPHAM AND REIBEN AND JACKSONAND REIBEN AND JACKSON

AllAll see it.see it. SIMULTANEOUSLY SHOOT the German.SIMULTANEOUSLY SHOOT the German.

THETHE STUNNED GERMANSTUNNED GERMAN

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

JACKSON SMILES.

HeHe got 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 andand Upham:Upham:

TheyThey retreat, firing back as best they can, trying to make itretreat, firing back as best they can, trying to make it toto the barricade.the barricade.

SARGE

SeesSees them 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 EVERYWHERE

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

SARGE

SeesSees they've made it.they've made it. FIRES A FINAL BURST.FIRES A FINAL BURST. Races for cover.Races for cover. AA trail of bullets righttrail of bullets right behind him.behind him.

THETHE OTHER AMERICANS FIREOTHER AMERICANS FIRE for all they're worth.for all they're worth. Trying toTrying to covercover Sarge.Sarge. Too many Germans.Too many Germans.

114.

SARGESARGE TAKES 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.

SARGESARGE STRUGGLES 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.

THETHE AMERICANSAMERICANS

Desperately trying to cover him.

THETHE GERMANSGERMANS

OpenOpen up with a volley.up with a volley.

SARGE

IsIs almost there.almost there.

ALLALL THE AMERICANS STAND AND FIRETHE AMERICANS STAND AND FIRE

AsAs best they can.best they can. RightRight past Sarge.past Sarge. It's not enough.It's not enough.

SARGE

FiveFive feet 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 seesee GAPING HOLES.GAPING HOLES. An instant of surprise, more than fear.An instant of surprise, more than fear.

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

THETHE AMERICANS FIRE MADLY, CONTINUOUSLYAMERICANS FIRE MADLY, CONTINUOUSLY

THETHE GERMANSGERMANS

WhoWho killed 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.

MILLER

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

THETHE GERMANS RETREAT.GERMANS RETREAT.

Around the corner.

MILLER

Stunned, lays Sarge down, kneeling next to him.

115.

THETHE OTHERSOTHERS

Watch, start to gather.

TheyThey hesitate.hesitate.

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

MILLER

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

RYAN

LooksLooks at 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 growsgrows cold, making the same startling transformation he madecold, making the same startling transformation he made asas hehe kneeled over Wade's body.kneeled over Wade's body.

ButBut this time it doesn'tthis time it doesn't work.work. He can't make it stick.He can't make it stick. TheThe hardhard expression, 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.

TheyThey eat 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.

TheyThey all sit in silence.all sit in silence.

TheyThey all 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.

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

118.

UphamUpham smiles.smiles.

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

119.

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

RyanRyan sighs.sighs.

TheyThey all nod.all nod. Miller tears off a piece of bread and passesMiller tears off a piece of bread and passes itit toto Ryan who tears offRyan who tears off a bit and passes it on.a bit and passes it on. They allThey all eateat in silence.in silence.

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

AllAll are awake.are awake. At theirAt their positions.positions. Waiting.Waiting.

MILLER

HearsHears the FAINT DISTANT RUMBLE OF THE TANK.the FAINT DISTANT RUMBLE OF THE TANK. Barely has timeBarely has time toto react. Sees:react. Sees:

120.

THETHE GERMANS ADVANCING AGAINGERMANS ADVANCING AGAIN

REIBEN

FIRESFIRES a burst.a burst. Germans drops.Germans drops.

MILLER

FIRESFIRES a burst.a burst. More Germans drop.More Germans drop.

THETHE GERMANS KEEP COMINGGERMANS KEEP COMING

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

MILLER

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

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

THETHE GERMANSGERMANS

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

THREETHREE GERMANSGERMANS

BreakBreak through the perimeter.through the perimeter.

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

REIBEN

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

RYANRYAN FALLS 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.

OPENSOPENS UP against the Germans who are still coming.UP against the Germans who are still coming. FIRES AFIRES A LONGLONG BURST.BURST. Germans drop.Germans drop.

MILLER

FIRESFIRES again.again. More Germans drop.More Germans drop.

121.

THETHE GERMANSGERMANS

TakeTake positions in the building near the bridge.positions in the building near the bridge.

TheyThey start working theirstart working their way to the tops of the nearbyway to the tops of the nearby buildings.buildings.

Making their way along the riverbanks.

REIBEN AND RYAN

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

UPHAM

HearsHears that.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 UPHAM

OPENOPEN UP on him.UP on him.

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

UPHAM

TAKESTAKES HALF-A-DOZEN SLUGS.HALF-A-DOZEN SLUGS. Torn apart.Torn apart. Stumbles the finalStumbles the final fewfew steps to the machinesteps to the machine gun 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.

RYANRYAN STUNNED.STUNNED.

ForFor just 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.

REIBEN

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

THETHE GERMANS START TO FALL BACKGERMANS START TO FALL BACK

MILLER

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

122.

RYANRYAN AND REIBENAND REIBEN

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

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

THETHE FIRST TANK APPEARSFIRST TANK APPEARS

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

JACKSON

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

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

THETHE TANKTANK

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

JACKSON

KnowsKnows what's coming but he holds his position, continuing towhat's coming but he holds his position, continuing to pickpick off German soldiers.off German soldiers.

THETHE TANK BLASTSTANK BLASTS

THETHE BRIDGEKEEPER'S HUT AND JACKSONBRIDGEKEEPER'S HUT AND JACKSON

AREARE OBLITERATED IN THE EXPLOSION.OBLITERATED IN THE EXPLOSION.

MILLER AND RYAN

SEESEE JACKSON DIE.JACKSON DIE. A bareA bare moment to react.moment to react. Then, they turnThen, they turn theirtheir attention 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.

TANKTANK AGAINST EIGHTY-EIGHT.AGAINST EIGHTY-EIGHT.

WhichWhich can fire first.can fire first.

123.

MILLER AND RYAN

WinWin the race.the race.

FIREFIRE THE EIGHTY-EIGHTTHE EIGHTY-EIGHT

BLASTBLAST THE LEAD TANKTHE LEAD TANK

DESTROY IT IN A SHOWER OF METAL AND FLAMES

MILLER AND RYAN

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

DESTROY THE SECOND TANK.

MILLER

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

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

RYAN

FIRESFIRES THE EIGHTY-EIGHT.THE EIGHTY-EIGHT.

DESTROYING THE THIRD TANK.

MILLER

RacesRaces through the debris.through the debris. Trailed by BULLETS.Trailed by BULLETS.

REIBEN

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

RYANRYAN jumps behind the second machine gun.jumps behind the second machine gun. Opens up.Opens up. HelpingHelping toto cover Miller.cover Miller.

THETHE LAST GERMAN TANKLAST GERMAN TANK

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

MILLER

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

THETHE TIGER'S MACHINE GUNSTIGER'S MACHINE GUNS OPENS UP ON HIM.OPENS UP ON HIM.

124.

BLASTS A TRAIL OF BULLETS

MILLER

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

THETHE LAST TIGER TANK EXPLODESLAST TIGER TANK EXPLODES

MILLER, RYAN, REIBEN continue FIRING.

Almost out of ammo.

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

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

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

TheThe fear on their faces turns to resignation.fear on their faces turns to resignation. They know thatThey know that theythey are dead men.are dead men. TheyThey settle into their positions, andsettle into their positions, and prepare to fire and die.prepare to fire and die.

TheyThey wait.wait. The RUMBLE GETS LOUDER AND LOUDER.The RUMBLE GETS LOUDER AND LOUDER.

THENTHEN MILLER'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...

ANAN AMERICAN SHERMAN TANKAMERICAN SHERMAN TANK APPEARS from over the rise.APPEARS from over the rise. ThenThen ANOTHER...AND ANOTHER...AND ANOTHER...ANOTHER...AND ANOTHER...AND ANOTHER...

MILLER, REIBEN AND RYAN

StandStand there, stunned, watching tank after tank appear, alongthere, stunned, watching tank after tank appear, along withwith scores of heavily-armed American soldiers.scores of heavily-armed American soldiers.

125.

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

THETHE ADVANCING TROOPSADVANCING TROOPS

RunRun onto 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 thethe bodies.bodies.

AA MAJOR strides up.MAJOR strides up.

TheThe Sergeant and severalSergeant and several other soldiers overhear.other soldiers overhear.

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

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

RyanRyan looks 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 roadroad and over the bridge.and over the bridge.

MILLER, 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 laidlaid out, neatly, respectfully, covered.out, neatly, respectfully, covered.

126.

Miller and Reiben stay protectively close to Ryan, as if theyMiller and Reiben stay protectively close to Ryan, as if they don'tdon't want to risk him being bumped into or run over by anywant to risk him being bumped into or run over by any ofof the advancing troops or vehicles.the advancing troops or vehicles.

MILLER

WalksWalks to the bodies.to the bodies. HeHe kneels down next to Sarge and lookskneels down next to Sarge and looks atat him for a long moment.him for a long moment. Then, with a steady hand, he takesThen, with a steady hand, he takes oneone of 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.

MILLER

Stands and walks back toStands and walks back to Reiben and Ryan.Reiben and Ryan. He hands the dog-He hands the dog- tagstags to 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 look at the bridge and the bodies, thenat the bridge and the bodies, then hehe shoulders 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 downdown the road, away fromthe road, away from the bridge.the bridge.

CAMERA CRANES UP

TheThe three 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.

TheyThey walk on, disappearing in the distance among the hundredswalk on, disappearing in the distance among the hundreds andand hundreds of Americanhundreds of American soldiers who are marching down thesoldiers who are marching down the roadroad and over the bridge.and over the bridge.

FADE OUT:

THE END