There Will Be A Massacre | 1917 (2019) | Screen Bites

Summary

In this intense and urgent military briefing, two soldiers, Lance Corporals Blake and Scofield, are tasked with a critical mission during World War I. They must deliver a life-saving message to Colonel McKenzie, warning him to call off a potentially disastrous attack on a fortified German position. The soldiers must navigate through dangerous enemy territory to prevent the loss of 1,600 men, including Blake's brother, a lieutenant in the Second Battalion. With time running out, the stakes are high as they race against the clock to save lives and avert catastrophe.

Takeaways

• 😀 Aaron Moore is inside, and there may be an opportunity for recognition if the mission goes well.
• 😀 Lance Corporals Blake and Scofield are tasked with delivering an important message regarding the second battalion's mission.
• 😀 Blake's brother, Lieutenant Joseph Blake, serves in the second battalion, and his safety is a priority in the mission.
• 😀 The task involves delivering a message to Colonel McKenzie, who is unaware of the dangers facing his battalion.
• 😀 The second battalion is unknowingly about to face a strategic German defense with heavy fortifications, artillery, and defenses.
• 😀 Colonel McKenzie believes the Germans are retreating, but this is not the case; the Germans have fortified their position.
• 😀 The mission's goal is to prevent a massacre by ordering Colonel McKenzie to call off the attack on the German lines.
• 😀 If the mission fails, the second battalion could lose over 1,600 men, including Blake's brother.
• 😀 The soldiers must deliver the message by crossing through No Man's Land and meeting Major Stevenson before reaching their destination.
• 😀 The soldiers are equipped with maps, torches, grenades, and other supplies for the dangerous journey ahead.

Q & A

What is the primary mission that the soldiers are tasked with in the script?

The soldiers are tasked with delivering a direct order to Colonel McKenzie to call off a planned attack on a German defense line, which would otherwise result in the loss of two battalions, including the brother of one of the soldiers, Lance Corporal Blake.

Why is the mission so urgent?

The mission is urgent because Colonel McKenzie is about to launch an attack on a heavily fortified German position, unaware of the new and much stronger defensive line, which would lead to a massacre of his troops if the attack proceeds.

How does Lance Corporal Blake’s personal connection impact the mission?

Lance Corporal Blake’s brother, Lieutenant Joseph Blake, is part of the second battalion, and the mission directly concerns his life. This adds a personal stake to the mission for Blake, motivating him to ensure the order reaches Colonel McKenzie.

What intelligence is given to the soldiers about the German defenses?

The soldiers are informed that the German forces have established a new defensive line three miles deep, with artillery and fortifications that make it far stronger than anything they have encountered before.

What is the significance of the aerial photographs mentioned in the script?

The aerial photographs show the new German defensive line, revealing the scale and strength of the enemy's position. These photographs are crucial for understanding the danger of the planned attack and the need to halt it.

What role does Colonel McKenzie play in the mission?

Colonel McKenzie is the commanding officer of the second battalion and is planning to lead an attack on the German defensive line. However, he is misinformed and believes the Germans are retreating, which is why the soldiers need to deliver the order to prevent the attack.

Why are the soldiers instructed to avoid being seen by the enemy?

The soldiers are warned that they might encounter resistance from the Germans while traveling through No Man's Land, and the element of surprise is important. They are also advised to avoid being spotted by the enemy to ensure their mission succeeds.

What specific instructions are given for the soldiers' route?

The soldiers are instructed to leave immediately and follow a specified route that includes taking a trench to the west, then traveling northwest through various points like Sulky Hall Street and Paradise Valley, before crossing No Man’s Land to reach Major Stevenson.

What is the significance of Major Stevenson in the mission?

Major Stevenson is holding the line at a critical point and will help the soldiers by facilitating their passage through No Man's Land. He is crucial for ensuring that the soldiers can continue on their mission without encountering significant obstacles.

What does the phrase 'down to gehenna or up to the throne he travels the fastest who travels alone' mean in the context of the mission?

The phrase likely refers to the idea that in dire situations, those who take risks and travel alone often have a better chance of success, as they are not slowed down by others. It suggests the importance of speed and stealth for the mission's success, emphasizing the urgency of getting the message through quickly.