Fort Apache Comments
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[Co. Thursday has rejoined his men who are pinned down by the Apaches. RSM O'Rourke hands him a pistol]
Lt. Col. Thursday: Sergeant-Major O'Rourke... my apologies, sir.
RSM Michael O'Rourke: You can save them, sir, for our grandchildren.
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[the regiment is getting ready to attack - Col. Thursday scans the horizon with his binoculars]
Lt. Col. Owen Thursday: I don't see them. Not a one.
Captain Yorke: Well, they're down there, sir... among the rocks.
Lt. Col. Owen Thursday: Have you seen 'em, Captain?
Captain Yorke: I don't have to - I know.
Lt. Col. Owen Thursday: How?
Captain Yorke: 'Cause if I were Cochise, that's where I'd take up position.
Lt. Col. Owen Thursday: And that dust cloud beyond?
Captain Yorke: It's an Apache trick. Probably squaws and children draggin' mesquite.
Lt. Col. Owen Thursday: [dubious, sarcastically] Very ingenious, Captain. You make me suspect your Cochise has studied under Alexander the Great, or Bonaparte at the least. Gentlemen, march your troops. We'll charge in a column of fours.
Captain Yorke: Mounted in fours? That's suicide, Colonel! I tell you they're down there...
Lt. Col. Owen Thursday: Captain Yorke, you're relieved of command of your troop. There's no room in this regiment for a coward.
Captain Yorke: [angrily throws down his glove in front of Col. Thursday] At your service, sir!
Lt. Col. Owen Thursday: Bugler, pick up Captain Yorke's gauntlet. I'm no duellist, Captain. I will decide whether I will answer you with pistols or a general court martial. You will remain on the ridge... in safety... with the supply train. Take O'Rourke with you.
