1917 - Calling Off the Attack Scene

Summary

In a tense exchange between Colonel McKenzie and Lance Corporal Scoffield, the urgency of halting an attack becomes clear. Scoffield delivers orders from General Erinmore to prevent the assault, but McKenzie refuses to stand down, determined to press on. Despite the resistance, Scoffield insists on following the command, explaining the strategic importance of delaying the attack. As the soldiers face mounting pressure and casualties, Scoffield seeks out Lieutenant Blake, who may be among the fallen. The scene highlights the complex realities of military orders, sacrifice, and the human cost of war.

Takeaways

• 😀 The attack is called off by Colonel McKenzie, despite the urgency to move forward.
• 😀 Lance Corporal Scoffield insists that orders from General Erinmore should be followed, but Colonel McKenzie refuses to comply.
• 😀 Colonel McKenzie is resolute in not pulling back his men, believing victory is within reach, with the enemy on the run.
• 😀 There is a sense of urgency as the second wave of attack is stalled, with Colonel McKenzie seeing it as a critical moment.
• 😀 The Colonel has heard similar orders before and is unwilling to waste time or resources by delaying the attack.
• 😀 Lance Corporal Scoffield presses the Colonel to read the orders from army command, emphasizing the importance of the attack.
• 😀 After some persuasion, Colonel McKenzie finally stands down the troops, as the new orders are confirmed.
• 😀 Colonel McKenzie expresses a grim outlook on the war, stating that hope is dangerous, signaling a deep sense of cynicism.
• 😀 The transcript highlights the tension between the commanders, with McKenzie unwilling to listen to higher command despite the consequences.
• 😀 There is a tragic, almost futile sense of inevitability in the dialogue, as both sides prepare for the harsh reality of the ongoing conflict.
• 😀 The final part shows Lance Corporal Scoffield seeking out Lieutenant Blake, indicating the personal and emotional stakes amidst the war's brutality.

Q & A

What is the main conflict in this transcript?

The main conflict revolves around a military operation where Colonel McKenzie is ordered to halt an attack, despite resistance from other officers who believe the attack should proceed. The tension arises from the differing views on military strategy and the urgency of the situation.

Who is Lance Corporal Scoffield and what role does he play in the conversation?

Lance Corporal Scoffield is the messenger who brings the orders from General Erinmore to Colonel McKenzie. He is a key character who is trying to ensure that the attack is called off, despite McKenzie's initial refusal.

Why does Colonel McKenzie initially resist halting the attack?

Colonel McKenzie resists halting the attack because he believes victory is within reach, with the enemy on the run. He views the situation as their 'last stand' and does not want to delay the attack, fearing it would result in the loss of momentum.

What are the key orders contained in the letter that Lance Corporal Scoffield presents?

The letter orders Colonel McKenzie to call off the attack. The orders come from Army Command, not from his immediate superiors, and Scoffield insists that McKenzie read them to understand the urgency of stopping the assault.

What does Colonel McKenzie mean when he says 'hope is a dangerous thing'?

Colonel McKenzie’s statement reflects a grim view of the situation. He suggests that hope can lead to miscalculations or overconfidence in battle, which could result in failure or unnecessary loss. It underscores his more pragmatic and cynical approach to warfare.

What does Lance Corporal Scoffield do after McKenzie agrees to halt the attack?

After McKenzie agrees to halt the attack, Lance Corporal Scoffield is tasked with calling up the orderlies, taking care of the wounded, and holding the line in case the enemy tries to counterattack. He shows responsibility and leadership in carrying out these duties.

What is the significance of Lieutenant Blake’s mention in the conversation?

Lieutenant Blake is mentioned by Lance Corporal Scoffield, who is trying to find out his whereabouts. Blake is presumed to have been in the first wave of the attack, and Scoffield hopes to locate him at the casualty clearing station. This shows the human side of war, where the focus shifts from strategy to the safety of comrades.

What does the phrase 'Last Man Standing' refer to in the context of the script?

The phrase 'Last Man Standing' is likely a reference to the harsh reality of warfare, where only one side will emerge victorious. It highlights the brutal and unforgiving nature of the conflict, emphasizing that the end result will be determined by survival, not necessarily strategy.

How does Colonel McKenzie’s attitude change throughout the script?

Initially, Colonel McKenzie is determined to continue the attack despite opposition. However, after reading the orders from Army Command, he reluctantly agrees to stand down. His attitude shifts from stubbornness to compliance, reflecting the weight of higher authority in military decisions.

What might the 'different message' sent by command next week suggest about the ongoing conflict?

The 'different message' sent by command suggests that the war is dynamic and constantly changing, with strategies being adjusted based on the current situation. The reference to an attack at dawn indicates that the fighting is far from over, and plans will evolve as the conflict continues.