Mamba (1930)

[bunniefuu]

Ha-ha!

But you always... you always think

that you are right now.

Now there you are. That's progress.

Now just look at

the little devils fight.

You know, if they weren't Black,

I'd mistake them for Irish.

Help me put an end

to these festivities, will you?

Now get over there

where you belong.

Wait a minute, what's the idea

of all these shenanigans, eh?

Haven't we been trained to teach you

that it's wrong to fight, now haven't we?

We're Deutsch, he's England.

What? What did he say?

You're a great help.

Now I shall explain

in correct English.

Oh, that would be lovely.

If they're still down

there playing soldiers.

The one borderline,

they're German.

The other borderline,

they're England.

Oh, is that so? Well now, here, you get that

idea right out of your heads, all of you.

You never see us fighting

over any borderline.

Do you?

No, sir, and what's more,

you never will because...

...Germany and Great Britain

are fine friends.

Aren't we,?

Now, you see. Now throw away your swords

and your pop g*ns and be like white men.

Why, there's millions of us

all over the world,

but we never fight, do we?

No, sir, we don't.

Now come on, run along, will ya,

before I give you a tanning

for the bad boys you are.

Come on, on with you,

on with you.

Go on, take them things

out of there.

You see? When they're young, we've got

to teach them that scrapping is wrong.

There's too many Blacks

here in Africa.

There's too few of us whites

to ever be able to hold 'em in line.

Once they get the fighting idea

into their heads, and never forget that.

I'm going to find out what that means,

and if it means what I think it means,

I'm gonna take that glass eye of yours

and I'm gonna hide it on you.

You know, I can't get used

to these

Doing their own goose step.

Yes, it is amusing.

Splendid.

Splendid, Major von Shultz.

They're a fine body of soldiers.

Good fighters, too,

Colonel Cromwell.

Well, I sincerely hope

we'll never need them for that purpose.

I hope so too.

Ah.

What do you say now to a nice, cool

drink of beer over at the canteen?

- Thanks.

- Jack, that sounds grand to me.

You know, you make me

look forward to these visits.

I have a wonderful time here.

Look.

Please.

Please. Baby.

Baby, no food.

Your baby. My baby. Oh!

This dog, Bolte,

consistently bites

on the very thing

we try to teach our natives,

respect for the white man.

Yes, I know, I know.

Don't... don't let it upset you.

Ah, what do we have here?

The British lion,

eh, old chap?

I... I suppose you saw

what just happened, eh?

We did.

All this begging money.

I only pushed her a little.

I had to to make her let go.

And my Blacks were starting,

and I was afraid she might have fallen

and hurt that baby, you know.

Your concern for that baby

was quite apparent.

Hey, boys, let's have

that Susanna song, huh?

"O Susanna"!

O, Susanna

O, Susanna

I suppose you and your ladies

are coming over

to our annual regimental dance

tomorrow night?

You can depend

on the ladies, Colonel.

- Oh, you can count on us.

- We'll be there.

- Thank you.

- We'll all be there.

You know, Colonel,

you are quite popular with my men

and, uh, with the ladies too.

Ah, you... you flatter me.

Colonel Cromwell,

I hear you're going to give a party

tomorrow night at the post.

I am.

And those that I have the honor to call

my friends have received invitations.

- Why, Doctor.

- Why, hello.

- How are you?

- How are you? I'm glad to see you.

I'm glad to see you.

You're looking splendid.

Hello, boys.

How's things?

Beer.

Nein.

Give me a bottle of champagne.

The best is not too good

for August Bolte.

Boys, try this one.

Do you remember?

We're the soldiers

of the Queen, my lads,

who've been, my lads,

who've been, my lads.

In the fight for Britain's glory, lads,

when we have to show them

what we mean.

And when we say

we've always won,

and when they ask us

how it's done,

we'll proudly point to every one...

We're the British soldiers

of the Queen

Ah, that's for sure,

you need the disinfectant.

Come on, boys, more beer.

Spielbuch!

You Black pig!

Carve a little bit off the top

for me, for me.

Just a little bit off the top

for me, for me.

Saw me off a yard or two

and I'll tell you when to stop.

All I want is

a little bit off the top.

Get me a drink.

Right you are, governor.

Right you are.

Damn that Shultz.

Shut up!

Get out!

Ha.

Ha-ha...

I'm not good enough

for them tin soldiers, eh?

Me, August Bolte,

with more land and money

than any man in East Africa.

Why, the...

Ha.

I could buy and sell

the whole army.

Did you hear me?

Y... yes, sir,

I heard you, sir.

I could buy and sell

every one of them.

Y... yes, sir.

I... I guess you're right, sir.

You could buy anything with...

...with your money, sir.

What's that?

I said, there isn't

a thing in the world

you couldn't buy

with all your money, sir.

Ah, well.

Well?

What do you think of her?

Blimey, sir!

Why, she's a real aristocrat.

She's got quality.

Ah, wouldn't those stiff-backed soldiers

with their stuck-up, smart women

bow and scrape to her,

a noblewoman?

Well, wouldn't they?

I certainly would, sir.

Yes, governor.

Yeah.

I'll make them bend their backs.

To me, too.

Take a cablegram at once.

Yes, sir.

In answer to your letter,

I am leaving for Germany at once.

Here she comes.

Oh, Helen, you are exquisite.

- Thank you.

- A vision in that gown.

Oh, you look beautiful.

I can't wait to meet

the lucky bridegroom.

Think of it,.

Oh, you're such a lucky girl.

It's beautiful.

And how are all the beautiful ladies?

You should not be here.

Ah, fine.

My bride.

Wonderful.

Girls, my fiancé,

Herr Bolte.

- Glad to know you all.

- This is indeed a surprise.

Yeah, I thought so.

Well, I want you all to come

to my place in Africa.

- Oh, what a time you'll have!

- Really?

Why, sure, I'm a king there.

I got my plantation

as big as Berlin.

Quite large, I'm sure.

Sure, I got 2,000 Blacks

working for me.

Some payroll, eh?

And Frau Bolte, as my wife,

you will be queen of Neu Posen.

All right, boys,

put it there, will you?

Wait.

- Keep the change.

- Thank you.

Pretty nice, eh?

Well, when you got the money,

you can buy the best.

Come.

We rest a little, eh?

Mein frau.

Frau August Bolte.

Please, if you don't mind,

I'll go on deck and get

a little fresh air.

Sure.

I'll come too.

I'll put on the other shoes, huh?

There's a wonderful calm tonight.

Yes.

Too calm for me.

Permit me, delicate fräulein.

Thank you.

Oh, not at all.

I have been hoping for

an opportunity to speak to you,

but you seem so... abstracted.

I do not know you.

No. No, that is very true.

Indeed, my... my action

might seem rather forward

if it were not for the fact

that we are related.

- Related?

- Well, yes, you see,

according to the steamship company

advertisement, we are all one big family.

Will you therefore please allow me

to present myself?

Major von Reiden,

returning to Africa to take over

my command at Neu Posen.

Your destination, may I ask?

Neu Posen.

So...

What a happy coincidence.

I throw a kiss to fate.

Is this your first visit

to the Dark Continent?

Yes, it is.

Oh, I'm sure you will like it.

It has glamour, romance,

a mysterious intrigue.

You paint it so differently

from the picture I see.

Oh, now, you mean that,

as a soldier, I'm a good painter.

Of course, Neu Posen,

like all places,

has its disadvantages also.

One of our chief troubles there

is a large, fat pig.

A two-legged pig.

Unfortunately,

he's on this boat returning now,

and I'm afraid he's coming over

to speak to me.

Well, well, well.

This is a great pleasure.

Major von Reiden, my husband.

So you're going to Neu Posen too, eh?

We're old friends, you know.

Good night, my dear frau.

Good night.

Nice fellow.

Come.

No, no, please.

Oh, a little timid, eh?

No, thank you.

Well, here is to the bride.

And to the groom too.

Ah! That's good wine.

Well...

Oh, of course.

Too much light.

No!

Why not?

You're my wife, aren't you?

- Well?

- Yes, yes, I know.

Oh...

Maybe you think

I'm not good enough for you.

I paid the money, didn't I?

Well?

Yes.

And you're going with me

to Neu Posen?

Maybe I'll never reach Neu Posen.

Oh, so that's your idea, eh?

Well, easy.

Here.

Keep me locked out.

When I reach Neu Posen,

I'll put a big bar on your door.

But when I want you,

all the locks in the world

won't keep me out.

Garrison Neu Posen in place.

Very well.

- All right.

- Return to the barracks.

Company, enter!

My soldier friends.

That's a friend of yours over there.

He came especially to greet you.

Why, Cromwell, my old friend!

- Cromwell, I am glad to see you.

- Glad to see you.

Mackenzie!

Hello, Mac, how are you?

I'm fine, sir.

Top of the morning to you, sir.

Thank you, Mac.

Oh, you remembered

my little weakness, eh?

- What do you call them again?

- Piccadilly.

- Yes, a Piccadilly.

- Piccadilly.

When I heard you were coming back,

I tripled my order.

Oh, there's Bolte,

and with a beautiful woman.

Ain't she charming?

There you are,

Beauty and the Beast.

Now that shows you

what you can do with money.

Come, my dear.

I heard that he went home

to get married.

Is it possible that she's the bride?

Ah, day, governor.

Welcome home, sir.

Just one of my servants.

Bring the grapes, boy.

Who is she?

A lady.

Come. Come, boys, let's go.

Oh, uh, Major von Reiden.

Gentlemen,

I'm giving a reception in honor

of Frau Bolte Friday night.

I'm sure you'll like

to honor the bride

and welcome her

to Neu Posen.

We are honored greatly.

And accept our invitation.

I thought so.

You see?

That's what they think of me.

Yes, dear, I see.

- You, where have you been?

- Over here, sir.

Come on, help me.

Yes, sir.

Ah, these shoes.

These clothes.

Well, I guess it's worth.

I've forgotten to tell you, governor,

the orchestra has come.

Yeah?

They've come a thousand kilometers.

It cost me plenty.

But I waited a long time for tonight.

Listen, go down and see

if the roasts are cooking

and if the champagne is on ice.

I want everything

to the queen's taste.

Meine Liebe.

Yes?

I want to speak with you.

Well, that's nice.

But I want you to put on

that gray one with the low back,

you know, and the long train,

so when those stiff-backed officers

see you, they die of envy.

Very well.

I see you use the lock

I fixed for you

in the daytime

as well as in the night.

- Yes, I do.

- That's good.

I might remember sometime

that you're my wife and, uh...

well, you understand.

Yes.

I think we understand

each other perfectly.

That's right, sure.

That's why you better use the lock

and keep it locked, nein?

And where does madam wish

the flowers, please?

It doesn't matter.

Get a move on here, will ya?

Put it over here.

Put it over there, that's the idea.

Say you, put that tablecloth

on there right, you understand?

Yeah, we are gonna have company

fit for the king, absolutely.

- Joe?

- Yes, sir?

After the party,

when all my fine friends have gone,

I want you and all the other servants

to leave the house.

You understand me?

Yes, sir.

Frau Bolte and I

want to be left alone.

Yes, sir.

Oh, governor, sir,

poor Hassim's daughter

has been here every day, sir.

She wants to see you, sir,

and I can't drive her away, sir.

I've told you I didn't want to see

that woman in the house anymore!

Bwana! Bwana!

Baby. Baby's sick.

Please, no food.

Out!

I told you to get out of here!

Get me a drink.

Yes, sir.

Get me a drink!

Listen, I want you all to have

the best time you ever had in your life.

Sit down.

Come on, come on now,

get in line, hurry.

And listen, hold your tray

like that, okay?

If one of you drops it,

I'll bash ya, and believe me,

you'll never live

to pick up another.

Right you are, governor.

Right you are.

Just wait till you see what's coming.

Very good, eh.

Now, fill up the plates,

you make a nice serving.

Yes, governor.

I can't understand why we're here.

Simply to honor his wife, my dear.

After all, she's a noblewoman.

Eat and drink!

Don't be afraid!

I got plenty of it.

And the best champagne

this side the Rhine.

Serve the people,

make it snappy, will you?

Having a good time, eh?

Yes, thank you.

I know you Britishers like scotch.

You're rather observing, Mr. Bolte.

I got plenty of roast beef too.

The best I can find.

So, don't be afraid.

Thank you, sir.

Don't mention it.

Bolte?

Ah, Doctor!

I want to speak to you.

Well, well, Dr. Webber.

- Come on, have some wine.

- Don't touch me, Bolte.

Hassim's daughter, she is dead!

Well, that's too bad.

But why talk

of such gloomy things at a party?

Come on, Doctor,

your friends are here.

I warned you before.

There is a limit that can be reached,

even by such dreck like you.

Now you have reached it.

Come, my dear.

We are leaving at once.

Please, please, please.

May I suggest that, perhaps,

the most considerate thing we could do

would be to take our leave.

You're quite right, old chap.

I quite agree.

A lovely time we've had.

Good night.

- Good night.

- Good night.

Mrs. Bolte, I'm sorry,

but we must be going.

Thank you.

Goodbye.

Come over and see us

sometime, will you?

So they've gone, eh?

Stupid swine.

Listen, don't forget

what I told you before.

You and all the other servants

leave the house.

I want to be alone with her.

I understand, governor.

I'll show 'em.

I'll show everybody, her too,

who's master here.

Helen?

Helen?

Where is she?

Gone to our room, I suppose, huh?

I don't know, sir.

I can't say, sir.

Well, go and find out.

Yes, governor.

I cannot leave you like this.

I will not.

- Oh, what?

- No, no, no.

It is the natives.

They are beginning

their moon dance.

There, won't you let me

take you to see them?

They are just close by.

Perhaps it will help you to forget.

Oh, forgive me,

I should not have said that.

I want to forget.

We are very fortunate

to be able to see this.

It is the most sacred

of their dances.

No.

I can't find her anywhere, sir!

Did you see von Reiden hanging around?

Yes, governor.

I always get what I want, don't I?

Yes, governor.

That you do, governor.

She'll be back.

She better.

And when she comes...

Helen, there is something

I must tell you.

After tonight,

I feel I have to...

Please, don't tell me now.

So you're the one

who was too good for me, eh?

Now listen to me.

You're my wife.

You understand?

Mine.

And what's mine

I don't let anyone else use.

Wait a minute.

You got a lesson to learn.

Whatever belongs to me

carries my mark.

I'll show you.

Swine!

Major von Reiden.

Major von Reiden, pardon, sir,

we have a message

with the instructions

to deliver it to you without delay.

Excuse me.

Beg your pardon.

I'm sorry.

I must leave.

Oh.

But before I go,

allow me to present you

with this little... souvenir.

At the slightest pressure

of the finger,

it fires.

Company front!

Attack battalion in place.

Ready to march.

Your god is Allah,

but do not forget,

our father is the emperor.

England has declared w*r on Germany

and her allies.

The third and fourth field battalion

will be ready to march

together with the first battalion

of a*tillery

and the first machine g*n company

within an hour to the border.

Let us not forget

that our friends of yesterday

are now the enemies of our fatherland.

The friends of yesterday

become the enemies of today.

England expects that every one

of her subjects will do their duty

with loyalty, obedience,

and courage.

King's African r*fles,

mounted infantry,

and machine g*n section

will prepare to move at once.

Carry on.

Command, frontward face!

Herr Bolte.

Herr Bolte.

Herr Bolte.

- Karl.

- Helen!

Helen, we are leaving at once

for the border.

I know.

I've heard.

Oh, Karl.

My dear.

Please, you will be careful?

Oh, keep out of danger.

I will be all right.

Everything will be all right.

Everything.

Auf wiedersehen.

Lasser.

Josep!

Sait!

Hey, you black dogs, where are you?

Jambo, bwana.

Jambo, bwana.

Hitch up my carriage,

the fastest team they got.

And get it out in front, quick.

Pack my bags, quick,

and put them out in the carriage.

Yes, sir.

Crying again?

For your tin soldier.

Well, you'll never see him again.

Come on, we are going to get out of here.

What do you mean?

- Where are you going?

- We're leaving.

I'm sick and tired of this

play marriage anyway.

- Come on.

- What are you talking about? Let go of me!

A letter for you, Bolte.

Strikes me as how you might

have to go to w*r, governor.

So they got ya, huh?

I'm not going.

They can't make me go!

Oh, they can't, eh?

That's one thing your money

can't buy, governor.

Governor? Plllt!

Wait a minute!

I've been waiting to tell you this

for a long time!

You're nothing but a dirty,

lowdown, bloody spy!

What?!

Auf wiedersehen!

All right, put them on the carriage.

Come on, we can still make it

across the border.

I'm not going with you, let go of me!

You're the lowest thing

that ever lived.

You contemptable coward.

Coward, eh?

Well, I'll remember you for that.

Stop it, let go of me!

I'm not going, I tell you!

Stop it!

I'm not going with you!

Get in!

Quick, across the border.

Mush, now!

Greetings, Bolte.

Sorry to detain you.

Major von Reiden

wants to have you fitted for a uniform.

Uniform?

White soldiers leave.

, did you bring

your supplies down here?

The British hold that point.

My boy, it makes very little difference

whether the British

are at this point

or whether they're over here.

We will get all our supplies

through just the same.

- "...In great danger."

- It has...

"Send help at once."

"Natives in rebellion,

burning fronds."

Are you all right?

, you must get a detachment

through to them.

But we can't spare a detachment.

But good God, man, you...

Our forces are outnumbered.

Besides, the trails swarm

with the British.

Then I go alone

with your permission.

- Help me.

- Hold on.

I can get through the jungle.

But good God, the jungles are alive

with the savages.

All right, come on.

Good luck.

Auf wiedersehen.

Stop!

You go over there...

A white soldier

coming through the jungle.

- And the troops?

- No, he's alone.

Open the gates.

,

close the gates.

Did you get our message?

Helen! Helen.

My dear!

Oh, you are hurt, Karl.

You are hurt.

Have some water.

Don't fire till you get

the word of command.

The Maasai are coming from the river.

They've joined with the Kanuris.

God, there are thousands of them!

Don't cry.

Don't cry.

Nothing's gonna hurt ya.

Fall back, fall back, company!

Karl, the troops are here.

We are saved!

Troops, yes.

But they're British.

...Prime Minister.

And it's a long while

since we've smoked a Piccadilly together.

Yes.

Allow me.

Cromwell.

My respects, ma'am.

I feel I could not leave my prisoner

in better hands.