22 quotes
Tension Rises Amidst Potential Mutiny
Schwartz
Don't tell me he took your appetites away. He'll take more than that away before long. Glock, go to the door, warn us if anyone comes. Markoff has been asking for it, and now he's going to get it.
Maris
Can't you see a mutiny is what Markoff wants? If he puts it down, he'll be a hero.
Schwartz
And you're the one who would help him put it down, Maris.
Maris
Let him hang himself. Lt. Martin's death gives him enough rope. When his superior officers learn what he's already done, he'll go to prison for life!
Schwartz
Listen to our little Sergeant-lover. Our troubles are all over if we bring Markoff a bunch of posies every morning. You don't want to stay here and die like rats in a trap, do you?
The men
No!
Schwartz
And let that madman squeeze every drop of blood out of you and drive you out on the desert like he did Renouf and Renault, do you?
The men
No!
Schwartz
We're 50 against one. How long are you going to keep on licking the boots that kick you? Those stripes on his sleeve won't stop a rifle bullet. Let's get him now!
Legionnaire
I'm with you!
Maris
You fools! Don't listen to him! He'll never get away with it!
Schwartz
Shut up, you yellow liver!
Beau
Wait a minute. I don't know much about mutinies, but I do know it isn't good form to plan them at the top of your voice.
Schwartz
Where do you stand?
Beau
Well, I don't like Markoff, but also I don't like you.
John
Make it 4.
Schwartz
Who else? These 3 won't bother us.
Legionnaire
Rasinoff?
Schwartz
He's with Markoff, and he goes with Markoff.
Maris
After you kill Markoff, what?
Schwartz
We'll get out of this hole, and we go to Morocco.
Maris
Markoff has two Arab scouts outside. The minute they see anything's wrong, they'll ride to Tokotu for help.
Schwartz
We'll have too much of a start.
Maris
Not for the camel corps.
Legionnaire
Talk, talk, talk! Let's decide!
Schwartz
You're right. All those with me, on your feet! I give you one more chance to change your mind.
[to Beau]
Beau
Schwartz, there'll be a flag flying out there in the morning that I swore to uphold. Armies of good men have died for it, gladly. It's a battle flag and it's a flag of victory. I'm rather proud to be under it. And I wouldn't want to go out in the morning like you and know that I was going to be a traitor to it.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
The Consequences of Desertion and Mercy
Sergeant Markoff
The punishment for desertion is death by the firing squad. But I'm going to be merciful. You can escape again...I insist that you escape!... Drive them out where you found them. And keep them away from the oasis. Any more of you want to desert? If you do, you can go now. I won't stop you. Later, you may wish you'd taken my offer, I promise you.
[To the scouts; Turning back with a scowl toward the legionnaires]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
The Nature of Cold Sunlight
Beau Geste
It looks like a piece of sky that has become solid, with sunlight imprisoned in it. Cold sunlight, cold as the unhappiness it has brought so many people.
[about the Blue Water gem]
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Desire for a Viking's Funeral
Young Beau
That's what I want when my turn comes. I'd give anything to have a Viking's funeral... with a dog at my feet and last post blown for me. If it weren't too much trouble.
Young Digby
Beau, it isn't too much trouble. I'll give you one whenever you like.
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A Tense Exchange Among Friends
John
Well, isn't anybody going to say a word?
Beau
You young pup, we're both so disgusted with you we're speechless.
John
I'm no worse than either of you.
Digby
There's something in what he says.
Beau
I insist I'm worse than he is. He didn't steal the Blue Water.
John
Neither did you.
Digby
No. As a matter of fact, I've got it.
Beau
I'll be frank with you, gentlemen. I've got it. I intend to sell it for 30,000 pounds sometime in the future, and live a life of ease in Paris surrounded by whiskey, ladies, and laughter.
Digby
Well that's funny. I'm going to sell it and go to Paris, too. Only I don't want any laughter.
Beau
One thing I counted on was my younger brother leading an upright life while I spent my ill-gotten gains.
Digby
Yes, I was counting on him, too.
John
If you don't mind my saying so, the great sapphire is in my possession. And as soon as I can arrange to sell it, I'm going to the South Seas, buy a plantation, and start trading in copra.
Digby
He puts us both to shame, doesn't he, Beau?
Beau
Let's put him to death and keep his share.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
The Loyalty of the Gestes Family
Beau
I remember ghastly Gussie said one time, The Gestes always stick together.
John
Digby's probably on his way here now.
Beau
He'd better be. John, somebody always gets out of these things. It might be you.
John
The Gestes always stick together.
Beau
Well, if they shouldn't, would you do me a favor?
John
Of course.
Beau
Thanks. In my coat, I have two letters in a packet. One letter in the packet goes to my Aunt Pat. The other letter stays here with me.
John
All right.
Beau
Could I do you a favor if, uh, things happen to be the other way around?
John
Just tell Isobel that, just tell her something.
Beau
Older brother takes care of everything, I promise you.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Brotherhood in Adversity
Taglines
Three against the world...brothers and soldiers all!
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Reflecting on Beau Geste's Name and Meaning
Lady Patricia
Beau Geste? Gallant gesture. We didn't name him wrongly, did we?
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The Cost of Duty in Conflict
Sergeant Markoff
Everybody does his duty - and soon enough. Dead or alive. We'll make those Arabs think we got a thousand men. The rest of the bullets you stop won't hurt as much as that first one.
[propping up dead bodies]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
A Message of Possession and Independence
Beau Geste
Dear Dig:The Blue Water and my blue eyes go so well together that I couldn't resist taking it. I have no intention of sharing the loot, so don't follow me.Beau.
[in a letter]
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Trust and Opportunity in a Jewel Scheme
Markoff
Make sure you're telling me the truth.
Rasinoff
I am. I am!
Markoff
You know, I think I can help you get that jewel.
Rasinoff
Well, that's what I hoped.
Markoff
I'm sure you did. In a week, we go to relieve the garrison at Fort Zinderneuf. It can be arranged there.
[sarcastically]
Rasinoff
But there are three of them and two friends.
Markoff
Some of the company go to Fort Tokotu for mounted infantry training. It can be arranged. And if there's no jewel, you'll get a wooden jewel box. I promise you.
Rasinoff
But he has it, I'm sure of it.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Disagreement on Treatment of Subordinates
Lt. Martin
I just witnessed that little exhibition of yours, Markoff. I don't like it!
Markoff
You have to be strict with scum like that, sir.
Lt. Martin
They're men. They have their rights, guaranteed within the regulations.
Markoff
I'll keep within the regulations, sir.
Lt. Martin
You're a good soldier, Markoff, but I doubt if you're a good sergeant. If you're not, you won't last long in the Legion. Watch your step, or I'll break you!
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Consequences of Failed Rebellion
Sergeant Markoff
The attempt at mutiny is over, my children. You bungled it so much it wasn't really a mutiny. But you'll be punished as though it were. And now, you scum! It's my turn. I'm going to give you a lesson in putting down an attempted mutiny that'll be the last thing you'll ever see. Maybe this will make you die happy. Markoff thanks you. When he's an officer and has the Legion of Honor, he'll think often of the stupid, blundering pigs that put him where he is.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Facing Mortality and Leadership Responsibilities
Markoff
How do you feel tonight, Lieutenant?
Lt. Martin
I'm dying.
Markoff
I hope not, sir.
Lt. Martin
I'm going to die. I'll be buried under the sand and forgotten. When I was a little boy, I thought soldiers always died in battles. I didn't know there were so many soldiers... and so few battles... and so many fevers. Get word to Beaujolais at Tokotu. Have him send another officer. You'll be in command until then...The men must be led, not driven. Remember, you'll answer to the man who takes my place...
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A Call for Honesty and Resolution
Lady Patricia
I'm very much afraid someone is lying...Whatever the humor or the joke, it's rather bad taste to put on it. I think we're agreed on that. Perhaps our humorist wouldn't mind returning the Blue Water the way he got it - in the darkness. Turn off the lights, Isobel...Whoever took the Blue Water has had his chance. I don't want a scandal at Brandon Abbas. I will leave the box on the table until morning. If the Blue Water is not back by then, of course I shall have to call the police. Good night.
[after the Blue Water is stolen]
John
Have we a magician here?
Digby
Or is Brandon Abbas haunted?
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Power and Control in Military Loyalty
Sergeant Markoff
Look at them. They come when I want them, and they go when I don't need them anymore. They're beaten, but they've put down a mutiny for me. They've given me the Legion of Honor, and they've made me an officer!
[as the Arabs flee]
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A Dispute Over a Stolen Jewel
Markoff
The jewel you stole. I want it.
Beau
I have no jewel.
Markoff
I know you have.
Beau
I haven't.
Markoff
Are you sure?
Beau
Quite sure.
Markoff
I advise you to change your mind. Otherwise, when this is over, I may have to shoot you to make sure.
Beau
I understand, Sergeant.
Markoff
You mean you'd rather not hand it over now and save your life?
Beau
No, Sergeant.
Markoff
That's very unfortunate... for you.
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Character Assessment of the Sergeant
John
Charming fellow, our Sergeant.
Beau
A trifle uncouth. But the best soldier we'll ever see.
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Siblings United Against Sahara's Perils
Taglines
AGAIN...the three Gestes face a thousand dangers of the Sahara for each other...and love!
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Call to Continue Fighting Against Adversity
Sergeant Markoff
Keep shooting, you scum! You'll get a chance yet to die with your boots on!
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The Importance of Discipline in Leadership
Sergeant Markoff
Discipline makes the strength of armies. It is necessary that superiors obtain from their subordinates immediate obedience without murmuring. Discipline will be firm but it will also be fatherly. Officers must use psychology when dealing with men. Any questions about the regulations? I am Sgt. Markoff. I make soldiers out of scum like you, and I don't do it gently. You're the sloppiest looking lot I've ever seen. It's up to me to prevent you from becoming a disgrace to the regiment. And I will prevent that if I have to kill half of you with work. But the half that lives will be soldiers - I promise you.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Intense Drama Unfolds in Beau Geste
Taglines
THUNDERING DRAMA!
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.