"ZULU DAWN" Screenplay by Cy Endfield and Anthony Story SCRIPT APPEARS ON BLACK SCREEN: One hundred years ago the British Colony of Natal in Southern Africa was surrounded by a vast and independent Zulu Kingdom. In 1879, a battle took place that was forever to alter the course of colonial history: ISANDHLWANA. EXT. DAWN. Four Zulu's are seen in silhouette herding cattle up a hill. LONG SHOT - Two Zulu's are seen in silhouette high on a precipice. Seven Zulu's are seen walking in silhouette against the sunrise. The sun fills the screen as the sound of many running feet and Zulu drums are heard. EXT. ZULU KRAAL. DAY A large regiment of Zulu warriors carrying shields and assegais (stabbing spears) are seen running into the Kraal whilst the sound of tribal singing, chanting and drum beating escalates. Inside the camp a group of Zulu's are seen grappling with a bull as they struggle to bring the animal to the ground. They are watched by a vast circle of warriors all shouting encouragement. An elaborate tribal dance ensues. It appears to be some sort of Fertility Rite. The females stand opposite the men in rows, chanting as they move in closer. CETSHWAYO, the great Zulu King emerges into the throng. He is tall, beautifully fat, with a big intelligent face and superb dignity. He surveys his subjects with interest as they stand unanimous, thrusting their assegais into the air whilst shouting their allegiance. EXT. HIGH COMMISSIONER'S RESIDENCE, PIETERMARITZBURG, NATAL. NIGHT BARTLE FRERE (V.O.) (Reading aloud the letter) BARTLE FRERE (V.O.) (he has just written) Cetshwayo's Zulu army to disband and the warriors permitted to return to their homes. SWITCH TO INTERIOR. FRERE is seated at his desk whilst LORD CHELMSFORD is seen in the background standing on the veranda. BARTLE FRERE (He continues to read aloud) Present military system to be abandoned. New regulations concerning the defence of the realm worked out. CHELMSFORD enters the room, sits and studies two sheets of paper. Frere continues: BARTLE FRERE All who do not submit will be dealt with as enemies of the Crown. We will not permit the arbitrary killing and (FRERE pauses as he underlines a certain word) and unjust oppression which the Zulu people have suffered from their own King Cetshwayo... Pausing, FRERE looks up as if to meet his comrade's gaze. CHELMSFORD, however, continues to read, turning the page. BARTLE FRERE You'll see from the letter that this ultimatum is our decision alone. Her Majesty's government seems to prefer a negotiated settlement. CLOSE UP of CHELMSFORD's letter: BARTLE FRERE Her Majesty's government confidentially hope that by the exercise of prudence and by meeting of the Zulus in a spirit of forbearance and reasonable compromise it will be possible to avert the very serious evil of a war with Cetshwayo. Return to BARTLE FRERE. As he melts some sealing wax over a silver burner: BARTLE FRERE (Referring to the letter he has just completed) Does this do what we both know to be right Frederick? CHELMSFORD It does Sir Henry, (He folds the papers neatly in half) excellently. The pair exchange glances as BARTLE FRERE applies the wax to his letter. CLOSE UP of stamped seal. EXT. CHELMSFORD'S CAMP PIETERMARITZBURG. DAY Activity everywhere, the incessant movement of an army in the final stages of its formation. Huge ox-wagons are being hauled into the camp. CHELMSFORD and CREALOCK are on horseback in full regalia as they ride into the centre of the Camp. Squads of Basuto-infantry -- tall, rangy bodies, naked except for a loincloth and neck ornaments -- are being drilled by foul mouthed, bullying European NCO's. LT. MELVILL, young, dapper, inspects the Martini Henry rifles of a company of REDCOATS who are lined up near the BASUTOS. A CSM (SGT. WILLIAMS) stalks behind MELVILL. ONE REDCOAT, young, thin, gangling, turns his head slightly to peek at the Basutos, and the swift eye of SGT. WILLIAMS detects the disaffection. The young redcoat (PTE. WILLIAMS) turns, guilty at being caught out of the 'Attention' position. The CSM (SGT. WILLIAMS) leans forward until his face is one inch from that of his quavering prey. SGT. WILLIAMS (Shouting) You moved. (With more restraint) You moved. Go and tell the NCO of that black shambles that you love 'im more than you love me. (Shouting) NOW! PTE. WILLIAMS blinks, swallows then runs over to the Basuto's NCO. NCO (Addressing the Basutos) You're not fit to be in the British army you different coloured articles. STRAIGHTEN UP! You're like a load of bloody herd boys! (He suddenly becomes aware of PTE. WILLIAMS' presence) PTE. WILLIAMS I'm to tell you Corporal, that I love you more than my Colour Sergeant. The Basuto's NCO walks up to PTE. WILLIAMS. NCO That's frightening... Get out of my bloody sight lad. And put your rifle over your head and double round this field (shouting) until you drop bloody dead. Now move, get on with it, at the double. The Basutos, laughing, raise their shields into the air in general amusement as PRIVATE WILLIAMS runs past. NCO Shut up! Get back in the ranks you shower of animals. CHELMSFORD, still on horseback, surveys the encampment. He salutes to SGT. WILLIAMS. CREALOCK, as always, is in attendance. SGT. WILLIAMS (Facing the ranks) Company Shoulder arms... (LT. MELVILL joins SGT. WILLIAMS) Present arms. LT. MELVILL turns standing to attention, saluting as CHELMSFORD passes. Two BOERS ride into the camp, passing two SUTLERS wagons. We see SGT. WILLIAMS' dismissed COMPANY hurriedly crowding round one of the SUTLER'S wagons, shouting for cigars and gin. The two BOERS, one an elderly man, one a boy of sixteen, have dismounted. SGT. WILLIAMS strides over to them. SGT. WILLIAMS You passing through? ELDERLY BOER We've come to fight the Zulu. SGT. WILLIAMS We aren't at war yet. (Referring to the boy) Bit young 'in he? ELDERLY BOER He's my nephew... he can shoot, track and speak Zulu and fight like hell... he's got Assegai marks to prove it... He gestures to the boy to show SGT. WILLIAMS. The YOUNG BOER pulls up his shirt, showing an horrendous white scar across his stomach. SGT. WILLIAMS stares in amazement. Coming to, commanding the attention of a BOY-PULLEN in the ranks. SGT. WILLIAMS You! BOY-PULLEN Sir. (Running over) SGT. WILLIAMS Take 'em to the orderly officer. SGT. WILLIAMS departs. BOY-PULLEN (Standing to attention -- Addressing the BOERS) This way. The BOERS follow as the PTE. leads off. A TROOP OF SIKALI HORSE under the command of COL. DURNFORD ride into the camp. He is a tall, thin-haired man with handsome sunburnt features, intelligent and sensitive eyes and an over-length moustache. He has only the use of one arm, his left arm being completely paralyzed and held immobile, tucked into a special pocket he has sewn into his tunic. COL. DURNFORD and SGT. MAJOR KAMBULA (A powerful and intelligent African radiating authority) pull up as the troop ride by. With the SIKALI in the foreground, PTE. WILLIAMS is seen in the background, still running, his rifle above his head. The same NCO seen previously addresses the BASUTOS: NCO Company... 'Shun! (The BASUTOS comply) Move yourselves. SIKALI are seen cantering as if a pre-ordained manoeuvre is about to commence. DURNFORD and S.M. KAMBULA are surveying their troops. S.M. KAMBULA Shall I give the order Sir? COL. DURNFORD Alright, Sergeant. S.M. KAMBULA rides offscreen. The SIKALI gather together. S.M. KAMBULA's voice is heard above the throng: S.M. KAMBULA Sikali Horse Forward! The SIKALI ride full pelt, charging at the BASUTOS. The troop continues almost into the first line of the BASUTOS, which consists of their European NCO's. The European NCO's of the BASUTOS stare at the SIKALI troop as they wheel and once again come galloping at them. COL. PULLEINE, LT. MELVILL & LT. COGHILL are seen outside the Officer's Mess amused at the commotion. CLOSE UP. COL. DURNFORD laughing. The NCO's edge away, unsure, prepared to take to their heels. The BASUTO infantry watch, admiring, clapping. The troop skillfully turns their horses, as if on a penny, inches from the BASUTO NCO's then ride away, whooping, in high spirits. LORD CHELMSFORD & COL. CREALOCK, having watched this exhibition, ride forward to meet COL. DURNFORD. CHELMSFORD Splendid horsemanship. Who are they? DURNFORD Sikali Horse, My Lord. Christians all. I know each one by name. CHELMSFORD They come well recommended do they? DURNFORD My Lord, they rode for me at Bushman's Pass. CHELMSFORD Oh... indeed. Crealock, we should see that Colonel Durnford has an Officer for his hard riders. Perhaps a subaltern from the Twenty Fourth. DURNFORD I thought it might be more effective to find someone who speaks Zulu. CHELMSFORD & CREALOCK exchange glances. CREALOCK Yes. I see you've issued each of them with a Martini Henry Carbine. Our quota for Native contingencies: one rifle to ten men and only five rounds per rifle. CHELMSFORD But will they make good use of them? DURNFORD They're as good marksmen as horsemen. CHELMSFORD There's no doubting their horsemanship Colonel Durnford. CHELMSFORD & DURNFORD salute. DURNFORD Mr. Crealock. CREALOCK nods. DURNFORD exits offscreen. CHELMSFORD We must think how to make best use of Colonel Durnford's African knowledge. Through the smoke of the field kitchens enters the Honourable WILLIAM VEREKER, aristocratically aloof on a fine stallion, his servant following on an equally fine horse. He rides purposely towards COL. DURNFORD as if he has been seeking him. VEREKER Colonel Durnford... William Vereker. I hear you've been seeking Officers? DURNFORD Good ones, yes, Mr Vereker. Gentlemen who can ride and shoot. DURNFORD waits for a reaction. VEREKER, cool, looks into DURNFORD's face and takes out his rifle. Cantering some distance away, VEREKER turns, spurs his horse vigorously and, on reaching DURNFORD, throws his rifle up into the aim. He fires one-handed at the half carcass of a cow being hung up near the field kitchens without veering his galloping horse. The half carcass shudders under the impact of the heavy bullet. PTE. WILLIAMS has been jogging wretchedly on. On hearing the bullet he throws himself to the ground believing he has been shot. Two of the kitchen hands help him to his feet. CLOSE UP of SGT. WILLIAMS. SGT. WILLIAMS (Shouting across the field) Private Williams. You've stopped. PTE. WILLIAMS regains his composure and, once more lifting his rifle above his head, continues to jog. SGT. WILLIAMS looks on with smug satisfaction. As VEREKER approaches, DURNFORD commands the attention of LT. RAW. DURNFORD Mr. Raw. Take Mr. Vereker to the Store and see he's issued the necessary equipment. And then show him to the Mess and explain to him how an Officer is expected to behave. RAW salutes and leads VEREKER off left, as DURNFORD watches their departure. INT. OFFICERS' MESS TENT. DAY CLOSE UP. A scorpion is being removed from a specimen jar with a pair of tweezers. It is lifted out of shot to be examined under a magnifying glass revealing LIEUTENANTS COGHILL & MELVILL seated at an impressive green baize table. There are African servants, white-jacketed. SERGEANT MURPHY, a short, broad humorous, coarse-faced man, supervises the servants. CHELMSFORD sits alone at a corner table reading his newspaper. Other Officers are seated around the main table drinking claret and smoking the obligatory cigars. COLONEL PULLEINE is writing a letter whilst LT. HARFORD sits with his tins around him classifying his specimens. As SGT. MURPHY refills their glasses COGHILL & MELVILL gossip covertly in half whispers so that their voices don't carry to the table of their commander. MELVILL (Lighting COGHILL'S cigar) Our good Colonel Durnford scored quite a coup with the Sikali Horse. COGHILL Um. There are rumours that my Lord Chelmsford intends to make Durnford Second in Command. MELVILL Well that's typical of Her Majesty's army. Appoint an engineer to do a soldier's work. PULLEINE (He continues writing without looking up) Now, now Mr. Melvill, less of your spleen. COGHILL & MELVILL smile at one another before their attention is drawn to LT. RAW and VEREKER entering the Mess. RAW (Addressing the Mess) Stranger in the Mess, gentlemen. (To CHELMSFORD) My Lord. The officers and Vereker survey each other. RAW (To VEREKER) Announce yourself. VEREKER spots CHELMSFORD in the corner. VEREKER Good day Frederick. CHELMSFORD Good day William. (Folding his newspaper, he stands to shake hands) Pleased you could join us. The OFFICERS turn, a bit startled, to look at this newcomer who is somehow on first-name terms with the Lord General. VEREKER It was either that, or join the Zulu. CHELMSFORD (Removing his glasses) Join the Zulu? Oh yes, you're right in the thick of it aren't you? Talked to your father before we sailed... he said you'd taken to farming near Zulu land. Sent his regards... Should I meet up with you. VEREKER (Wryly) That was nice of the old boy. CHELMSFORD I think you'd better call out who you are. VEREKER turns to address the Mess. CHELMSFORD sits. VEREKER William Vereker. RAW Sergeant Murphy. MURPHY Sir? RAW Bring drinks for the stranger. Allow me to introduce the Mess: Colonel Pulleine. Messers. Melvill, Coghill... With the exception of PULLEINE & MAJOR RUSSELL the Officers stand as they are introduced. COGHILL Morning. During the introductions, SGT. MURPHY selects a large, silver, chalice-like receptacle from a trophy table in another corner. He takes it to the head of the table. RAW Jackson, Milne, Major Russell Stevenson. STEVENSON How do you do? RAW Harford... and Harford's best friend. HARFORD raises a glass jar containing one of his prized specimens in acknowledgement. Meanwhile MURPHY has collected a bottle of claret from a tray brought by another black servant. He pours the contents into the trophy. RUSSELL Don't leave your gin around, Vereker, or Harford will have it full of preserved butterflies. A damned waste, if you ask me. HARFORD chuckles as he replaces the lid on his jar. VEREKER Oh, I doubt if I'll leave much of that around. There's quite a shortage where I've been. COGHILL (Puffing on his cigar) They fight with spears don't they? I mean it doesn't seem quite fair against the Martini Henry. MELVILL You didn't really have to chose between your country and the Zulu did you? VEREKER Um. And a damn close thing it was too. RAW (Taking the freshly filled trophy from MURPHY) Ah, well done Murphy. (He presents it to VEREKER) HARFORD Stranger's Cup. (The Officers sit) Down it in one and we will share your Mess bill for a week. VEREKER And if I don't? RAW Then a bottle of good claret to each member of the Mess is charged to your account. MELVILL If it's too much we can have the bill forwarded to your father... in the House of Lords. Oh, no offence meant, Vereker. VEREKER No offence taken, Melvill. (Taking the trophy from RAW) To men who aren't afraid to speak their minds. RAW Good luck, Sir. VEREKER begins to drink. Gradually, the officers join in with cheers of encouragement until the entire Mess is chanting "Down, down, down". They bang their fists on the table in time with the chants. Gulping back the liquid, VEREKER stops as if he has accomplished his task. The Officers applaud. General ad. lib. "Well done". Etc. VEREKER (Expressionless) Not quite. Turning the trophy upside-down, he pours a small amount of liquid onto the floor. Appearing slightly intoxicated, his lips stained red with the wine, he smiles: VEREKER The bottles of claret, are on me Gentlemen. General calls of "Here, here". RAW (Standing, he raises his glass to propose a toast) The Regiment. OFFICERS The Regiment. VEREKER (Still smiling, he wipes the remaining wine from the corners of his moustache) The Regiment. EXT. ZULUKRAAL. DAY A tall, bald imposing Zulu named MANTSHONGA enters the camp. He makes his way through a large regiment of young Zulu braves and older INDUNAS (officers). They surround two young Zulu warriors who are tautly circling. Their shields are held at the defensive, their assegais poised for underhand thrust. CLOSE SHOT - The two warriors fighting. LONG SHOT - The vast crowd encircling the warriors. The crowd cheers as CHIEF CETSHWAYO watches from his throne. MANTSHONGA, spotting CETSHWAYO, walks purposefully towards him. MANTSHONGA I bring greetings from your friends, the British, and from the Great Lord Chelmsford. CETSHWAYO (Still watching the fighting Zulus) And what do your Masters say? MANTSHONGA They are angry and send these demands. They say you rule in old ways that are wrong, that you kill your people without trial. The Great White Queen herself cannot kill her lowliest subject though she rules forty lands, each greater than all of Zululand. BAYELE Kill the Traitor, Father! CETSHWAYO (Gesturing to his son to calm down) I do kill, under the customs of the Zulu, and I shall not depart from that. Do I go to the country of the white man and tell him to change his laws and customs? MANTSHONGA The British say your armies grow larger and they demand that you disband your Impis of War. CETSHWAYO Tell the British I will not cross the river which divides our lands. But ask Lord Chelmsford if he would disarm his warriors in the face of such threats. CLOSE UP. The two Zulus are now in ferocious combat. SWITCH back to alternate CLOSE shots of CETSHWAYO & MANTSHONGA. MANTSHONGA I will ask him, but his answer will be to start war against your 30,000 warriors. CETSHWAYO My armies will defend this land. General uproar as one of the fighting Zulus falls to the ground. Standing, CETSHWAYO gives the signal to kill. The triumphant Zulu drives his assegai into the other's heart. A group of warriors converge upon the body as MANTSHONGA turns and EXITS. EXT. GARDEN. DIOCESAN MANSION. DAY A garden party is in full swing. There are tables and chairs dotted about a spacious garden. Stringed music is playing and there is an air of English civility. There are ladies with parasols, children playing and Officers present. FANNY COLENSO -- 25, her cheeks aflame, her manner excitable, is engaged in a sedate game of cricket with some children and officers. She bats the ball some distance away near COL. DURNFORD. FANNY Anthony... (Shouting) Anthony. COL. DURNFORD, engaged in conversation with an Officer and a lady, turns on hearing his name. He spots the ball. COL. DURNFORD (Handing his hat to the Officer) Hold this. Picking up the ball, he gives it to a little girl who has run to collect it. COL. DURNFORD (Smiling at FANNY) Well batted. Well batted. FANNY curtsies in mock recognition. Her eyes flash to his and we sense their secret feeling for each other. VEREKER & two other officers ride along the drive to the mansion. Dismounting VEREKER hands the reigns of his horse to a well-dressed black groomsman and steps forward extending his hand in greeting to the black butler. VEREKER Joseph, how are all the Colenso girls? JOSEPH They are all in the garden, Sir. And they will be glad to see you, I'm sure. VEREKER walks down the slope of the lawn, past a young girl on a swing, her maid is in attendance. Removing his hat, he spots FANNY being bowled to by LT. MILNE. Creeping up behind her, VEREKER indicates to MILNE to bowl high. VEREKER (catching the ball MILNE has just bowled) You tipped it! You tipped it! Out! Out! FANNY I did not... (Turning) William. (Hugging him) You cheat, you. VEREKER Me cheat? Same old Fanny. (He kisses her on the cheek) FANNY (With genuine affection) Welcome. Welcome back. Taking his arm, FANNY & VEREKER walk across the lawn. VEREKER throws the ball back to the cricketers. DURNFORD, still engaged in conversation, turns smiling. His smile fades as he spots FANNY with VEREKER. DURNFORD Excuse me, Ladies. Leaving them, he makes towards FANNY & VEREKER. FANNY Did you get your farm going? VEREKER Yes, I did. FANNY Oh. How was it? VEREKER I've never been so happy. Stopping, FANNY addresses him earnestly. FANNY I'm sorry you had to leave. DURNFORD approaches them. DURNFORD You've met the... Honourable William Vereker, I believe. FANNY Yes Anthony, we were childhood friends. DURNFORD Your childhood friend shot a dead cow at the gallop the other day. (FANNY laughs) He wasn't impressed. SWITCH TO MANSION VERANDA. CHELMSFORD watches the threesome as BARTLE FRERE approaches him, puffing on a cigar. CHELMSFORD There is a Mrs. Durnford, is there? BARTLE FRERE She exists... but er... nothing's been heard of her, the eight years Durnford's been in Africa. CREALOCK Although much is spoken of her now, My Lord. These three walk along the veranda. BARTLE FRERE I, er, recommended him to you... because he knows Africa so well. CREALOCK Oh, indeed. His ability to recruit native contingents is proving invaluable to His Lordship. BARTLE FRERE How do you rate him as a soldier? CREALOCK It is widely held that he has great courage and he's an excellent engineer. BARTLE FRERE (Walking down the veranda steps) Shall we join the guests? The DEWITT sisters, both in their whites, are seen playing a game of tennis. They are being watched by LTS. MELVILL & COGHILL (They are both seated). One of the ladies moves off court to fetch the ball that has gone out of play. She glances up at COGHILL. COGHILL Do you think she might be interested in someone? MELVILL Which one? COGHILL Well that one. The one who keeps looking at me. MELVILL It could be you flatter yourself Coghill. It's that odd eye. Lt. Raw approaches. RAW (Tongue-in-cheek) They must have locked all the good ones up. BARTLE FRERE, CHELMSFORD & CREALOCK have now joined a selection of the guests at some tables on the lawn for afternoon tea. MRS. DEWITT Ah, General. (She curtsies. CHELMSFORD acknowledges) Do you find our Border Country congenial, My Lord? CHELMSFORD (Sitting) The landscape, most congenial Ma'am, but the Border, vulnerable. MRS. PRETORIOUS (Also sitting) Do you really think Cetshwayo will attack us? DURNSFORD, VEREKER & FANNY have also joined the party. CHELMSFORD The intention of the Zulu Impis and their King concern me deeply, Ma'am. FANNY Cetshwayo has no intention of attacking Natal, Mrs. Pretorious. Unless he's given no option. He has no quarrel with us. (She sits) BARTLE FRERE (Sitting next to FANNY) It's very rare to meet a young lady interested in tactical matters, Miss Colenso. Is it not, Sir Henry, most rare? MR. PRETORIOUS You are talking of a violent and murdering barbarian who commands an army of 30,000 warriors just across the river FANNY My father has known and lived with the Zulus for many years. MR. PRETORIOUS Cetshwayo massacred 20,000 of his own people to make himself King. COLENSO The English Tudor Kings did no less. Much later in our nation's history, I might add, and the French much more recently. CHELMSFORD That may well be, Your Grace, but be that as it may, my duty is clear the defence of all this... (indicating the surroundings) Natal. COLENSO Yes, well, it's difficult to stand against that position. If you speak only of... (Leaning forward & looking him in the eye) defence. MR. PRETORIOUS And what does our good Colonel Durnford think? DURNFORD (Walking around the tables to join VEREKER) If the people of Natal wish to feel safe, let them persuade their husbands and sons to volunteer. We need both Officers and men. CHELMSFORD We do Colonel, good point. COLENSO I cannot be brought to believe that Cetshwayo wants a war with Britain. BARTLE FRERE Every Zulu is raised to be a warrior Without a war there'd be no Zulu nation. MRS. DEWITT Nobody is really safe, are they Your Excellency? JOSEPH has appeared at BARTLE FRERE's side. He whispers something into his ear. BARTLE FRERE Mrs. Dewitt has four daughters, Henry, and I fear she feels for them all. VEREKER has wandered away from the tables. He is watching MELVILL & COGHILL chatting to the two DEWITT girls who were previously playing tennis. VEREKER Your daughters may indeed be in some danger Mrs. Dewitt, but not at the moment from the Zulus, I fear. The parties' attention is drawn to the four on the lawn. CLOSE UP of MRS. DEWITT as she laughs politely. As the camera swings back to the four on the lawn we see MANTSHONGA in the background. The camera follows him ending in CLOSE UP as he strides forward to meet BARTLE FRERE. BARTLE FRERE looks grave as if he is already aware of the news he is about to hear. SWITCH, LONG SHOT to where BARTLE FRERE, CHELMSFORD, CREALOCK & MANTSHONGA are now standing. BARTLE FRERE addresses the entire garden party. BARTLE FRERE Ladies and gentlemen, your attention, please. LONG SHOT of lawn. The guests move forward. The camera closes in on the four on the veranda. With one arm behind his back, a cigar in his other hand, BARTLE FRERE continues: BARTLE FRERE (Slowly and deliberately) I think I should inform you that I am obliged to issue a state of war between Her Majesty's Government and the Zulu King, Cetshwayo... SWITCH to CLOSE UP of VEREKER & COLENSO. General background noises of dismay as BARTLE FRERE carries on. BARTLE FRERE on his non compliance with the ultimatum made on him urging reformation... CLOSE UP of FANNY & DURNFORD. He drops his head, averting her gaze. CLOSE UP of BARTLE FRERE. He continues: BARTLE FRERE and redress for violations of British Sovereignty. The guests applaud as CHELMSFORD & BARTLE FRERE shake hands. CLOSE UP of FANNY & DURNFORD. FANNY Why? Why do men think of nothing but killing? (She touches his disabled arm lovingly) Tucking his hat under his arm, he looks into her eyes and kisses her hand. Walking away, he replaces his hat and reaching the top of the veranda steps, turns. They exchange desperate, painful glances. CLOSE UP OF COLENSO COLENSO (To himself) This wonderful land we are privileged to share. (Removing his glasses) Dear God (hanging his head) there should be room for all of us. EXT. CHELMSFORD'S CAMP. PIETERMARITZBURG. NIGHT ASSORTED CLOSE SHOTS TO COVER THE MOVE TO RORKE'S DRIFT -- WAGON WHEELS CREAKING AS THEY TAKE THE FIRST STRAIN OF MOVEMENT, OXEN HOOVES STARTING FORWARD ON RUTTED DIRT SURFACES, WAGONEERS FLICKING WHIPS, PACKS GOING ONTO BACKS OF SOLDIERS, BARE FEET OF NATIVE LEVIES, OFFICERS MOUNTING, THEN SIMILAR DETAILS TO SHOW RHYTHMIC FORWARD PROGRESS, MARCHING, ROLLING DARK SILHOUETTED FORMS. TORCHES. THREE OFFICERS stand watching: OFFICER There goes Number Two Company. Q.S.M. BLOOMFIELD CUTS ACROSS SHOT he is studying a list attached to a clipboard. He is about to walk past a tent when he hears a call of "I'll see yer" coming from within. Suspecting gambling, he moves to investigate. Pulling back the tent flap reveals a group, including BOY- PULLEN playing a game of cards. BLOOMFIELD Do I believe what me eyes see? The whole bleedin' Army movin' off to meet the murderin' heathen and what goes on in 'ere? A game of Brag. (Sterner) Brag? BOY-PULLEN (Standing) I'm sorry, Quartermaster. BLOOMFIELD You'll be more sorrier still when the Zulu ask Lad... "What 'ave you got to offer me not to slit your gut?" and you say (Pointing to the cards in BOY-PULLEN's hand) ah, the Knave of Hearts, Sir, the Knave of Hearts. The rest of the group chuckle. Offering BOY-PULLEN a coin, BLOOMFIELD gives the order "Move!" Taking the coin BOY-PULLEN leaves the tent. SWITCH to BANDSTAND. A band is playing "Men Of Harlech". CHELMSFORD & BARTLE FRERE move into CLOSE UP in foreground. CHELMSFORD For a savage as to a child, chastisement is sometimes a kindness. BARTLE FRERE Let us hope then, that this will be the final solution to the Zulu problem. EXT. COLUMN ON THE MOVE. NIGHT BOY-PULLEN moves against the traffic towards the back of the moving column. He passes squads of torchlighted marchers, artillery units, riders, wagons, until he comes to the SUTLER'S wagon. THREE SOLDIERS ENTER SHOT and surreptitiously help themselves out of the back of the moving wagon. Noticing, BOY-PULLEN seizes his chance and grabbing a bottle out one of the soldier's hands, makes a dash for it. SOLDIER 'Ere! Come back 'ere you thievin' little beggar. MOVING SHOT. CHELMSFORD, on foot salutes an officer as DURNFORD approaches from behind on horseback. DURNFORD (Calling) My Lord. (CHELMSFORD turns.) I've prepared a list of ideas for you to see. (He removes a paper from his tunic) CHELMSFORD Excellent. Thank you. (He continues to walk away) Give them to Crealock, would you? DURNFORD My Lord. (CHELMSFORD turns again) This list was prepared for you. I don't think another can understand its true value. CHELMSFORD (Taking the list) Thank you Colonel Durnford. (He exits as DURNFORD looks on) CHELMSFORD joins his group of officers. He mounts his horse and then addresses them: CHELMSFORD Gentlemen, within ten days we shall cross the Buffalo River and British soldiers will then be in Zululand. Colonel Durnford will remain down river... CLOSE UP of DURNFORD. He looks agitated by this remark. Undeterred, Chelmsford continues: CHELMSFORD where he will be responsible for the defence of the Natal border. Turning his horse and without looking at DURNFORD he leads his Party off. BLOOMFIELD is joined by BOY-PULLEN. BOY-PULLEN Will you hear "Last Post", Sir? BLOOMFIELD I listened extra careful to your "Stand To" this mornin', Boy. It was perfect. I couldn't've done it better meself, not even when I was Bugler to The Duke Of Wellington... now tell me, where did you get that black eye? BOY-PULLEN From the Cook, Sir. They saw me dip your shaving tin in the tea-water this morning, made their tea taste of Lifebuoy toilet soap, they said. Handing him the bottle of gin he purloined earlier. BLOOMFIELD So, you got it in the line of dooty... (Taking a swig from the bottle & handing it back to BOY-PULLEN) ...point taken. BLOOMFIELD gets up onto a wagon as BOY-PULLEN gulps from the bottle. BOY-PULLEN Will we be fighting the Zulus soon, Quartermaster? (Joining BLOOMFIELD, he jumps up onto the front of the wagon) BLOOMFIELD Could be. (He shouts for the wagon to move out) Across the river into Zululand. (They share the bottle of gin) They might just be waiting there for us to show up.... them stabbing assegais pointing right at our bellies! BOY-PULLEN You afeared of the Zulus then, Quartermaster? BLOOMFIELD One Zulu is only one man... and I'm afeared of no one man... but the Zulu, they come in the thousands... like a black wave of death... in the thousands... and them assegais... stabbing! The BOY-PULLEN doesn't answer. He stares into the darkness, contemplating the prospect of the morning as described by BLOOMFIELD. Back in the centre of the camp, VEREKER rides past the bandstand to meet DURNFORD. DURNFORD Your orders, Mr Vereker? VEREKER I'm to take the Sikali with the main column to the river. DURNFORD Lord Chelmsford seems to want me to stay back with my Basutos. VEREKER I think Chelmsford wants a good man on the border. Why he fears a flanking attack and requires a steady Commander in reserve. DURNFORD (Angrily) The wrong side of the river! The wrong place! (DURNFORD glares at VEREKER, who realizes he has hit a raw nerve) Does he wish me to fight the Zulu, or merely observe their natural habitat? Sensing his cue to exit, VEREKER salutes and saying "Sir" turns his horse to join the Sikali who are leaving the camp. DURNFORD walks his horse a few paces forward as he watches the troop leave. DURNFORD (With sincerity) God go with you, Mr Vereker. (He turns his horse about as the band music swells to its conclusion) THE CAMP AT RORKE'S DRIFT. THE BORDER WITH ZULULAND. DAY TRAVELLING P.O.V. THE THREAT OF THE BACKLIGHTED LANDSCAPE BEFORE THEM, THE SUN GLARE MAKING CLARITY OF VISION DIFFICULT. CAMERA PANS UP RIVER. THE MOUNTED INFANTRY CROSS TO THE FAR BACK, THE UNION JACK HELD PROUDLY ALOFT. RIVER BANK. Two punts, carrying redcoated soldiers are being hauled across the water by rows of Basutos on the opposite bank. As they unload, the soldiers immediately form into columns. The first ox-wagon is driven out of the river, with much shouting and encouragement from the drover and watching soldiers. There is general activity everywhere. LOW SHOT. The wheels of the wagons and the Basuto's feet are seen trudging through the slop of mud. LONG SHOT OF CAMP. A column of Basutos is seen walking towards the camp. The white tents are dominant in the background. SWITCH to CHELMSFORD, seen mounted on horseback. He surveys the proceedings through a pair of binoculars. CAMERA PANS to discover VEREKER, on horseback, leading the troop of SIKALI HORSE across the river. CAMERA PICKS UP a calm LT. RAW as he crosses amidst the multitude. CLOSE UP of VEREKER. With gritted determination he spurs his horse onward up the bank. SGT. WILLIAMS is seen seated upon a covered wagon about to enter the water. PTE. WILLIAMS is on foot trying to instruct the animals. PTE. WILLIAMS (Pushing one of the animals from the rear) Come on ox. SGT. WILLIAMS Out! Not the ox's arse, you bloody idiot. (PTE. WILLIAMS returns to pushing the side of the wagon) Get 'em in line! PTE. WILLIAMS loses his footing, slipping into the water. He is fully immersed. PTE. WILLIAMS Serg' ah, I'm drowning Sergeant. (He stands and we see that the water only comes up to his knee) SGT. WILLIAMS Williams, what the bloody 'ell do you mean by 'aving the same name as me? PTE. WILLIAMS Sorry Serg'. (He struggles onward through the water) COGHILL & MELVILL are seen crossing. More oxen cross. A column of redcoats carrying rifles are seen striding onward. The SIKALI HORSE ride past in the foreground. WIDE ANGLE. Both sides of the river are seen. Redcoats climb the hill in the foreground. Everywhere seems more settled. CAMERA again picks up the SIKALI HORSE. They ride across screen in CLOSE FOREGROUND to reveal a stationary VEREKER on horseback. NORRIS-NEWMAN rides towards him. He has a red claret-and- port-drinker's face and is wearing civilian bush-clothes including a huge bush-hat. NORRIS-NEWMAN Do you think Cetshwayo will send a party to greet you, Mr Vereker? VEREKER (Calmly stroking his horse) Oh they're here alright. We just have to make sure they don't get back to announce us. NORRIS-NEWMAN You mean you've seen them? Without answering, VEREKER turns his horse towards the hills. Breaking into a gallop, he shouts the command: VEREKER Forward Sikali! NORRIS-NEWMAN watches through his binoculars, then turns his horse back towards the camp. EXT. RIVERBANK OPPOSITE RORKE'S DRIFT. DAY CLOSE UP of CHELMSFORD. We see the view through his binoculars. He is watching NORRIS-NEWMAN enter the camp. CREALOCK approaches on horseback. They exchange salutes. CHELMSFORD What's that strange name the newspaper chap's called? CREALOCK Er, called Noggs, Sir. Actual name is Norris-Newman. He presented credentials from "The Standard". CHELMSFORD Our runners bare his dispatches, do they not? CREALOCK (Smiling) Of course, Sir. They exchange knowing looks and turn their horses about towards camp. EXT. SWITCH TO RIVER. CLOSE TO CAMP - RORKE'S DRIFT. DAY A long line of NATAL NATIVE COMPANY is transporting wooden boxes of ammunition on their shoulders across the river. V.0. of a brusque NCO is heard: NCO Come on lads, it's only a river! (The NCO is seen in CLOSE UP in the foreground) LIEUTENANT COLONEL HAMILTON-BROWN, a rough kishman, and old campaigner joins in: HAMILTON-BROWN Come on you piss-arse lot, get these bastards across. It's only water. Come along you idle scum, let's 'ave yer. HAMILTON-BROWN rides away as we see a native fall into the water under his burden. CHELMSFORD and his Company cross the river. NATAL NATIVE COMPANY is seen again, still struggling across the river. The NCO's VOICE is heard: NCO I'll 'ave your guts fer garters! On the far bank CHELMSFORD and his Company are seen riding to meet NORRIS-NEWMAN. CHELMSFORD An historical moment, Gentlemen. NORRIS-NEWMAN Excuse me, My Lord. (Introducing himself) Norris-Newman, of "The Standard", My Lord. CHELMSFORD I saw you lead our Cavalry sir. NORRIS-NEWMAN Indeed I did, My Lord. It was one of the first to cross. CHELMSFORD Were they in good heart as they entered enemy territory? NORRIS-NEWMAN They spurred onto high ground, My Lord, full of spirit and looking for the Zulu. Full of sport they were, My Lord. CHELMSFORD Tell what you see. Write it well, Sir, and make sure you get it right. NORRIS-NEWMAN If I've got it right, My Lord, you lead an invasion into Zululand, for I see it all around me, but "why?" is the question my readers will ask. "Why?" CHELMSFORD Do not confuse yourself of why? We must strike a heavy blow. This cannot be a war of manoeuvre. NORRIS-NEWMAN So attack is your defence. Well let's hope Cetshwayo will offer his Impis full destruction. CHELMSFORD My only fear is that the Zulu will avoid the engagement. He turns his horse about and his Company follow as NORRIS- NEWMAN looks on in amazement. CAMERA PANS to follow CHELMSFORD and his Company as they ride to the foot of the hills. We see the view through CHELMSFORD's binoculars. He spots VEREKER with the SIKALI HORSE. NORRIS-NEWMAN has caught up with CHELMSFORD: NORRIS-NEWMAN I have it, My Lord, we attack for sport -- or is it reputations? CHELMSFORD (Lowering his binoculars) Enough of your politicking, Noggs. NORRIS-NEWMAN I know your views on the usefulness of the Press, My Lord, but the Englishman back home wants to know what his Regiments are doing. CHELMSFORD (Resuming his gaze through the binoculars) Then I trust you will tell him exactly what you have observed. QM BLOOMFIELD pulls a drowned Basuto from the river onto the bank. He removes the man's ammunition belt. LT. HARFORD approaches. He is on horseback. BLOOMFIELD Look at that waste. Five rounds ruined Mr. Haiford. Each round has to be accounted for. LT. HARFORD (Referring to the BASUTO) It's terrible. Quite dreadful. Something must be done. BLOOMFIELD (Standing) If they'd been put back in their boxes, (moving towards Harford) boxes banded and screwed down proper like, as His Lordship ordered, nothing would have happened to them, Sir. LT. HARFORD I'm talking about our drowned Natives, Quartermaster! BLOOMFIELD Natives is not on my invoices, Mr Harford... ammunition is, and 'as to be accounted for and the brass cartridge cases returned. In disgust, LT. HARFORD turns his horse about. He meets HAMILTON-BROWN at the top of the bank. LT. HARFORD Several of our Natives went under. Shouldn't we have a roll call, Colonel? HAMILTON-BROWN Not practical, lad... we haven't had time to make up the rolls yet. Besides, I'm not sure how many we had before the crossing. HAMILTON-BROWN canters away. LT. HARFORD follows reluctantly, not enthralled by this show of callousness. A Zulu recognisance party is seen atop the ridge. They view the scene below. VEREKER and the SIKALI HORSE ascend the ridge. The infantry -- the Twenty Fourth Foot -- fan out in sections, alert to possible attack, and make for the high ground. CHELMSFORD's party rides by below. One of the Zulu's fires a warning shot into the air. VEREKER halts his company, as does CHELMSFORD. The guilty Zulu's voice booms out from above: ZULU Why do you come to the land of the Zulu? LT. MELVILL turns about in his saddle to address CHELMSFORD. MELVILL May I answer, Sir? CHELMSFORD By all means, Mr. Melvill. MELVILL (Moving his horse forward a few paces, he bellows a reply) We come here by the Orders of the Great Queen Victoria. Queen of all Africa. There is a moment of silence: VEREKER (Gives the order) Forward! MELVILL turns to face his Redcoats. MELVILL Company, advance! Turning to a member of his party: CHELMSFORD Major, send the troops. There is a steady advance up the hill. The Zulus turn, scrambling through the undergrowth. The SIKALI approach. One of the Zulus turns and stands his ground. He thrusts his assegai at his foe dismounting the SIKALI from his horse. In a second the Zulu jumps astride the horse but his escape is prevented by an offending shot from another SIKALI. More SIKALI advance. They bring down several more Zulus. A group of four Zulus converge on one SIKALI. They pull him off his horse into a crop of rocks. One Zulu manages to mount the horse and rides away encouraged by the others. VEREKER notices this. Slowly and deliberately he removes his rifle from his saddle, takes aim and then fires. The dead warrior falls to the ground. A group of LANCERS track one ZULU. The lead LANCER approaches, guiding his horse expertly. He feints with the downstroke of his lance. The ZULU lowers his shield. The LANCER, on the ZULU now, uses the up-stroke to impale the ZULU to a tree. NOGGS rides near the incident. CHELMSFORD has surveyed the incident through his binoculars. MELVILL (to Noggs) Well done, Sir. Did you see, that Noggs? He deceived him with the up and took him with the down. NOGGS (Studying the deceased Zulu from his horse) Well, well. This one's a grandfather. At least if he'd been a Zulu in his prime, I'd have given odds against your Lancer, Mr. Melvill. CHELMSFORD returns his binoculars to their case. CHELMSFORD Well, Gentlemen, first blood to us and a rousing good report in the newspapers to satisfy the politicians, eh? EXT. CAMP AT RORKE'S DRIFT. DUSK Camp-fires are seen and the sound of neighing horses are heard as the CAMERA follows a small troop of horsemen and wagon cross the river. The CAMERA pans towards the sunset as the "Last Post" is heard. EXT. CETSHWAYO'S KRAAL. FIRST DAWN The ROYAL IMPIS squat as they listen to their King. Huge, powerful, glowering. He holds the royal trident spear in his hand as he strides before them. CETSHWAYO My warriors, our people are hungry. We must gather the crops that will feed us through the Winter. But first we must defend our lands... from those who would steal the fruits of our labours. The British have broken their promise... and crossed the Buffalo River into our homelands. We must fight to survive. A huge hissing sound comes from the multitudes. Assegais thrust to the sun red sky. CETSHWAYO points westward. CETSHWAYO We must kill! ALL ZULUS Usutu... Usutu... Usutu... ("Kill") Black outlines against the rising red sun, assegais and shields rattling, the Zulus hail their King, pledging loyalty to the death. LONGSHOT. EARLY MORNING The full splendour of the mountain can be seen through the mist. The country, wide-rolling, is beautiful, but empty. The camp is silent. ALL men's eyes are towards the mountain. CHELMSFORD, seated, views the sight through his telescope. CREALOCK & PULLEINE are close by. MELVILL approaches on horse-back. He addresses PULLEINE: MELVILL (Saluting) We're ready to move out, Colonel. PULLEINE (Addressing CHELMSFORD) My Lord, we're prepared to move armour to er... CHELMSFORD Your destination, Colonel? PULLEINE Um Isil'... (He has difficulty pronouncing the word) CREALOCK (With exact pronunciation) Isandhlwana. Four miles further than that tallest hill. Follow the track and it will lead us to the slopes of the mountain. PULLEINE (With quiet contemplation) Isandhlwana... yes... CHELMSFORD (Leaning away from his telescope) Isandhlwana. THE ARMY PREPARES TO MARCH INLAND FROM THE RIVER. CHELMSFORD'S army, with ox-wagons seven-abreast, comes to life and proceeds to lumber noisily toward the peak. MELVILL'S company of REDCOATS, guarding the left flank of the wagons, marches, rifles at the ready. Platoons move tactically, one section of each platoon is always in a defensive position. Tension everywhere. Drovers glance anxiously upwards. Empty of visible signs of the enemy, the hills are no less threatening. MELVILL (on horseback) approaches the lead wagon driven by BLOOMFIELD & BOY-PULLEN. MELVILL I want your wagons in an extended line, Quartermaster, but not too extended, or my Company can't protect them. No more than fifty feet between each one. BLOOMFIELD Sir. MELVILL RETURNS TO THE FLANK BLOOMFIELD (To BOY-PULLEN) If they're too close together, the stupid things'll walk into each other and you can sit on your arse for a good four hours. Turning about on his seat he addresses the train under his command: BLOOMFIELD Come on lads, keep them wagons moving. No more than fifty feet. Keep 'em moving. Keep 'em moving. COGHILL, stationary, astride his horse watches the movement. COGHILL (Addressing MELVILL) There Melvill, there stretched out is my Lord Chelmsford's Army. (Spurring his horse onward) What a wonderful adventure we undertake. What a marvelous spree. COGHILL & MELVILL break into a canter. VARIOUS SHOTS OF THE INCESSANT MOVEMENT FORWARDS. SHOUTS, COMMANDS, THE MOVE INTO ZULULAND has started with urgency. EXT. ZULULAND EAST OF ISANDHLWANA. HOT SUNNY DAY FANNIN, a short, fat English settler, in his thirties, gross- featured, rides sleepily over sloping terrain. Behind him, on foot, several black African retainers follow desultorily. FANNIN snorts, sweats, appears generally fat and unhealthy. He halts his horse and removes a bottle from his saddlebag. He takes a large swig from the remaining liquid and discards the bottle. FANNIN reaches the top of an animal track at the top of a ridge. Looking down he spots several ZULUS herding a small group of cattle. The ZULUS shout calls of alarm. Turning around to give orders to his retainers, FANNIN spots them scrambling down the slope away from the ZULUS. As FANNIN returns to face front, he gapes as he notices that the valley is black with ZULU IMPIS. They are run-marching towards the west. No noise save the disciplined swish of thousands of feet in the dust. FANNIN hesitates, realizes he's been spotted, quickly, cruelly jerks his horse's head round and spurs over the ridge into the next valley. UHAMA calls out and MBILINI, BAYELE & another, with UHAMA, sprint up the ridge in pursuit of FANNIN. As they mount the crest, they see FANNIN belting down the far side in search of safety. UHAMA stops the other three momentarily from continuing the chase. UHAMA Follow the white Man, let him see you. He will lead you to the soldiers. Then, let the white Soldiers take you. When they think they have broken you, tell them that the Impis are in the East. EXT. ZULULAND NEAR ISANDHLWANA. DAY The three Zulus set off in pursuit of FANNIN. Riding desperately, FANNIN, his mouth open in fear and his shoulders heaving with effort, drives his tired horse over the rough country. FANNIN peers about. Huge pistol in his hand, he spots MBILINI and fires. MBILINI 'dies' dramatically, but when FANNIN rides on, MBILINI comes to life, grinning and joins the others to track FANNIN. VEREKER and SIKALI appear beyond the next ridge. Spotting FANNIN, VEREKER gives the signal to advance. FANNIN reaches VEREKER's party. FANNIN Zulu! Zulu! FANNIN droops in his saddle, too tired to talk. He manages to dismount. VEREKER (Offering a drink from his hip-flask) Here. FANNIN I'm ill... dozens of Zulus followed me. I must have shot five, six, ten, I lost count. They just kept coming. Blood curdling swine. VEREKER looks down the slope at the three Zulus who have now been apprehended by the SIKALI. FANNIN drinks again. His avid, greedy behaviour does not enamour his rescuers. VEREKER Why did they attack you? FANNIN I discovered their Army, Your Honour. A valley full of them and beyond. VEREKER Army? What Army? FANNIN Beyond them hills, Sir, and coming this way. VEREKER surveys the area. The terrain is empty. A concealed Zulu scout watches stolidly at the distance reduced figures below. THE CAMP AT ISANDHLWANA. 21, JANUARY. 6:00PM CHELMSFORD's party ride into camp. PULLEINE is seated at a table outside his tent. He is smoking and studying a document as SGT. MURPHY pours red wine into his tankard. VEREKER crosses in front of the table. PULLEINE Officer Vereker, er, would you mind me asking you to take a look at this map? VEREKER (Returning to the table) By all means, Colonel. PULLEINE You see. The ELDERLY & YOUNG BOER seen earlier approach PULLEINE. ELDERLY BOER Your wagons, Colonel... PULLEINE What about my wagons? ELDERLY BOER On an open slope like this, you must bring your wagons round and form them into a laager and do it immediately. CHELMSFORD and his lancers arrive at PULLEINE's tent. CHELMSFORD dismounts and addresses PULLEINE. CHELMSFORD I hear you have prisoners, Colonel, well done. (To Vereker) Good evening, William. PULLEINE Thank you, Sir. VEREKER Good evening, Frederick. I think you should hear this. (To Elderly Boer) You were saying your brother didn't laager his camp right? ELDERLY BOER They had seventy-three in their party. We found seventy-three skeletons six months later CHELMSFORD (After a moment's reflection) Boers require to laager with only a few wagons, we have many. An unassailable square of British firepower is a defence which can be turned in a moment. The BOERS start to move away. CHELMSFORD You're leaving us Master Boer? The ELDERLY BOER turns. ELDERLY BOER I'm going to camp among the rocks over there. The BOERS exit. PULLEINE (Addressing Chelmsford) My Lord, Mr. Fannin, er... (Picking up and referring to the map) claims to have seen the Zulu Impis, some few thousand or so, in this valley. CLOSE UP of map location. CHELMSFORD Unlikely, (Using his riding crop as a pointer) most unlikely. It would mean taking 24,000 men over mountain tops. This is not helpful. Have the prisoners brought to my camp. EXT. BATTLEFIELD ISANDHLWANA. EVENING The three Zulu prisoners are tied to two wagons. A CORPORAL is administering a serious beating to BAYELE. VEREKER approaches. VEREKER (Indicating to cease the punishment) Alright Corporal. Anything? CORPORAL No sir, no. VEREKER turns to the prisoner at the other wagon. VEREKER Be sensible man, tell us. The prisoner maintains his silence as VEREKER walks away in dismay. REDCOATS and NATAL NATIVE SOLDIERS, in their separate quarters, clean their rifles, carefully oiling the barrels and working. VEREKER passes RUSSELL busy oiling the elevating mechanisms on his rocket tubes. RUSSELL (To Vereker) Good evening. (Referring to the job in hand) Dirty work, eh? VEREKER (In reply) Very dirty. (To himself) Very dirty. INT. CHELMSFORD'S TENT. CHELMSFORD is seated. PULLEINE and CREALOCK stand behind him. FANNIN is standing to one side beside the desk. VEREKER converses with two of the prisoners in Zulu. PULLEINE What did they say? VEREKER Claim they're deserters from the main Impis in the East. Followed this way so they could give themselves up, go home. PULLEINE Do you believe that? VEREKER Oh, their bodies are well oiled. They're fed regularly, but it's unlikely they're the fugitives they say. CHELMSFORD Have them questioned further. VEREKER exits with the prisoners. CHELMSFORD (Rising to address FANNIN at the desk) They claim the Zulu Impis are East towards the Royal Kraal, and yet this fellow says they are further towards the North. (He picks up the map) FANNIN Wherever they are, Your Worship, there are sixty thousand or more. CHELMSFORD They multiply, Mr. Fannin. You do speak the Zulu tongue, do you? FANNIN nods. CHELMSFORD And tomorrow I intend to find the Zulu Impis, Mr. Fannin, and you will accompany me. FANNIN Er, I'm no soldier, Your Honour, and it's further into Zululand. CHELMSFORD You will accompany me, Mr. Fannin, or you will be arrested. (He gives PULLEINE a glance as an indication to dismiss FANNIN) PULLEINE This way, Mr. Fannin. CHELMSFORD Crealock. We have scouts out in the direction he claims he saw the Zulus? CREALOCK Of course, Sir. CHELMSFORD And? CREALOCK The only reports of enemy activity have come from the direction of the Royal Kraal, at Ulundi. CHELMSFORD Thank you. CREALOCK exits as CHELMSFORD continues to study the map. BOY-PULLEN stands on top of a wagon gazing at the sunset. BLOOMFIELD is checking stores. BOY-PULLEN clambers down and walks over to BLOOMFIELD. BOY-PULLEN Why don't the Zulus attack? BLOOMFIELD Zulu may not wear shoes or trousers and the like but it don't mean to say they got no brains. They'll watch us and wait and find our weaknesses. Studying his clipboard, BLOOMFIELD crosses into foreground. BOY-PULLEN Have we weaknesses, Quartermaster? BLOOMFIELD does not answer. He strides forward out of shot. BOY-PULLEN turns, places his bugle to his lips & plays "The Last Post". EXT. ZULULAND EAST OF BUFFALO. NIGHT The camp is quiet -- but wakeful at the imminence of battle. BLACKNESS. PTE. WILLIAMS is on sentry-go. There are men seated around a camp fire, PTE. STOREY sits on the back of a wagon, smoking. PTE. WILLIAMS stares into the black night. Insect noises, a horse neighs. He hears something more alarming. His eyes widen, his grip on his rifle tightens. He listens again. He moves to the front of the wagon, convinced he has heard something. Returning to the rear he addresses STOREY. PTE. WILLIAMS What was that, Storey? STOREY (Leaning forward) What? Piss off. I never heard nothing. (After a moment's reflection) I don't think. PTE. WILLIAMS Well I did. Stand To. (He positions his rifle at the ready) Tutting, STOREY throws his cigarette to the ground. He stands, reluctantly. The others do not move. PTE. WILLIAMS (In a forced whisper to the others) Stand To! Ignoring him, all but one remain seated. One other has lit a torch from the fire. This PTE. proceeds to SGT. WILLIAMS' tent. PTE Stand To, Colour Sergeant. SGT. WILLIAMS (From within his tent) Who gave the order? PTE Private Williams, Sir SGT. WILLIAMS (Emerging from his tent) I've gotta see this. SGT. WILLIAMS has reached the wagon. PTE. WILLIAMS is still aiming his rifle into the blackness. SGT. WILLIAMS Did you call 'Stand To', Private Williams? PTE. WILLIAMS nods, still listening. STOREY I didn't hear nothing, Serg'. SGT. WILLIAMS looks at STOREY. His face shows complete contempt for PTE. WILLIAMS. Then he hears something also. It is the approaching sound of horses hooves. SGT. WILLIAMS (With sudden urgency) Well, Stand To, damn you! PTE. WILLIAMS takes out his bayonet and attempts to fix it. SGT. WILLIAMS lays a hand on his arm as if to replace the bayonet back in it's scabbard. SGT. WILLIAMS No. You've done well fer once. Don't push yer luck! PTE. WILLIAMS (He continues to attach his bayonet) I heard 'em first SGT. WILLIAMS (With sarcasm) I'll get you a medal for modesty, Private Williams, would you like that? PTE. WILLIAMS You never would, Colour Sergeant. A medal? There are loud noises of advancing bodies coming directly towards them. FROM THE BLACKNESS: DURNFORD (V.O.) Colonel Durnford here. SGT. WILLIAMS (To PTE. WILLIAMS) Easy, lad. As DURNFORD and his escort of fifty mounted BASUTOS approach, SGT. WILLIAMS salutes. SGT. WILLIAMS Just follow the track, Sir, you'll come to Lord Chelmsford's Head Quarters. DURNFORD (Spurring his horse onward) Sergeant. SGT. WILLIAMS Get down, lads. The line of sentries relax, unfix their bayonets and most proceed to return to their sleeping bags. PTE. WILLIAMS is deflated almost to the point of tears. SGT. WILLIAMS You done well. Keep it up, lad. Keep it up. A smile reappears upon PTE. WILLIAMS face. He resumes his watch with renewed enthusiasm. INT. CHELMSFORD'S TENT NIGHT. CHELMSFORD is seated on his bed. DURNFORD stands before him distressed, blinking at his commander's verbal assault. CHELMSFORD You intended to bring your reserves across the river? DURNFORD I have received intelligence from, sources of my own that the Zulu Impis are moving North of here and threaten your left. CHELMSFORD Intelligence? Sources of your own? Did it not occur to you they may be native rumours? Rumours to draw you off -- to leave the whole of Natal open to a possible counter thrust DURNFORD (After a beat) Cetshwayo wants a head on battle. A decisive victory, so that his people can get on with the one battle that is life and death for his Nation -- a delayed harvest CHELMSFORD Are you dictating the strategy of this war, Sir? DURNFORD I'm explaining my reasons. CREALOCK enters the tent. CHELMSFORD Yes? CREALOCK A large party of Zulus have been sighted in the direction of the King's Kraal. Getting up, CHELMSFORD moves over to look at the map on his desk. CLOSE UP of map as CHELMSFORD picks up a pair of dividers and measures the distance between Isandhlwana and Ulundi. CHELMSFORD turns to face the two men. CHELMSFORD Tomorrow we will continue our advance on Ulundi. Durnford, kindly return to your unit Bring them here immediately to support Pulleine. Mr. Vereker will join you as ADC. Do you understand me clearly? DURNFORD And the threat of counter invasion no longer exists? CHELMSFORD Colonel, if on another occasion you flout my direct orders I shall reluctantly relieve you of your command. DURNFORD exits in silence. CREALOCK walks over to the map. CREALOCK Perhaps he has thought to conquer Zululand on his own, My Lord. CLOSE UP of CHELMSFORD as he nods in silent agreement. THE CAMP AT ISANDHLWANA. 22ND, JANUARY. 7:00AM Reveille is heard. CHELMSFORD emerges from his tent with VEREKER. CHELMSFORD I trust you to keep me well informed of Colonel Durnford and his men when they arrive William. VEREKER Certainly Frederick. CHELMSFORD mounts his horse. CHELMSFORD Gentlemen, we move to find camp and engage the enemy, and my nose tells me that we may make early contact. CHELMSFORD and his party move out. VEREKER looks on. PULLEINE is stationary, astride his horse. MELVILL approaches on horseback. PULLEINE Mr. Melvill, until the reinforcement arrives we will Stand To. MELVILL Sir. (Riding off, he addresses a Bugler) You there. Sound "Fall In". As CHELMSFORD'S COLUMN moves out, the camera pans away up to the hills to reveal a hidden Zulu Scout. The rear units are half-a-mile from the camp. Below, the camp prepares for immediate battle activity everywhere. Redcoats line up, buckling on their packs and pouches. PULLEINE, MELVILL & COGHILL, all on horseback, are engaged in conversation. PULLEINE (To COGHILL) Huge expanse to keep an eye on. (Referring to Nqutu Range) Would you mind riding over to Stuart Smith and asking him to bring his artillery about? COGHILL Sir. (Riding off) PULLEINE Oh, Mr. Melvill, kindly send a lookout. Tell him to call out the instant he spies Colonel Durnford's Column coming to reinforce us. MELVILL departs. COGHILL arrives at STUART SMITH's area. COGHILL Stuart? STUART SMITH Yes. COGHILL How quickly can you move your artillery forward? STUART SMITH Well, my horses are feeding, as you may observe, Mr. Coghill. It'll take a little while. COGHILL Well, fed or hungry, Pulleine wants them in position immediately. (He departs) STUART SMITH Right. (Addressing one of his men) Bombardier, to me please. CLOSE UP of a concerned looking PULLEINE. Various shots of CHELMSFORD'S COLUMN moving forward. CLOSE in on CHELMSFORD as he rides to meet NOGGS (NORRIS- NEWMAN) CHELMSFORD What o'clock is it, Mr. Noggs? NORRIS-NEWMAN Eleven o'clock, My Lord. CHELMSFORD Our friend Colonel Durnford will be, should be at this minute approaching Pulleine. I think we'll eat here. I want to scout that mountain top and be back with an appetite in one hour. (He turns his horse about) CREALOCK Sir. DURNFORD'S ARRIVAL AT ISANDHLWANA. 22ND, JANUARY. 11:00AM DURNFORD'S COLUMN pounds down the slope into the camp. It is welcomed with relief, tension everywhere relaxes and smiles are seen. There is calling and greeting between the forces. AREA BETWEEN WAGONS. BAYELE and the OTHER ZULU CAPTIVE held for questioning are tied up to wagons in an area somewhat screened from the camp. MBILINI is on the ground, his feet and hands are bound. TWO SENTRIES guard them. MBILINI lies almost unconscious, tongue lolling, from the ropes that bind him. Evidence of the beating he has undergone is extensive. The TWO REDCOAT SENTRIES run forward to see DURNFORD'S COLUMN arrive, momentarily leaving the captives. BAYELE (To MBILINI with whisper) My brother. We must warn our King. I will call the white soldier back. Can you still move to help me? MBILINI nods. BAYELE (Shouting) Guard. Guard! The TWO SENTRIES turn. One addresses the other: SENTRY I'll fix 'im, Serg'. He starts to walk back to the wagons. BAYELE continues to shout. SENTRY Shut that yellin' up, you 'ear me! (He reaches the wagons) Did you 'ear me? Shut up! As he passes MBILINI on the ground, the warrior thrusts his trussed legs between the SENTRY'S legs. The SENTRY stumbles to the ground, his head near BAYELE'S feet. He immediately starts to rise but before he can, BAYELE has lifted his powerful foreleg waist high in stamping position and brings it down with a sickening crunch onto the SENTRY'S lower neck. Now all is desperate speed. Under BAYELE'S directions, MBILINI stretches to the unconscious SENTRY and manages to take his bayonet with his bound feet. INTERCUT WITH SHOTS OF DURNFORD'S ARRIVAL IN CAMP. Cutting the ropes about his neck, MBILINI succeeds in rising to his feet, managing to get the bayonet blade to BAYELE'S bonds. Between them the first ropes are cut. As BAYELE'S hands are freed, the SENTRY on the ground starts to regain consciousness. Taking the bayonet from MBILINI, BAYELE thrusts the weapon into the SENTRY'S back killing him. He removes the bayonet from the SENTRY'S body and also takes a knife from the redcoat's scabbard which he hands to MBILINI. Together they free the third Zulu tied to the other wagon. Making their escape, they edge beyond the wagons. Crouching low, they run up the slope and head for the North. But all British eyes are to the East or on DURNFORD'S column. DURNFORD dismounts, takes in the encampment. PULLEINE Exceedingly pleased to greet you, Sir. DURNFORD Colonel. I see you're 'Standing To.' Perhaps the men could eat with their equipment unbuckled. PULLEINE Oh yes, of course. Excellent idea, good. Oh, Mr. Melvill, order "Stand Down", will you? MELVILL Sir. (He turns his horse about) PULLEINE Please. (Indicating that DURNFORD follow him) PULLEINE & DURNFORD walk out of shot as MELVILL is seen in the background. MELVILL Sergeant Stand the men down would you. 8 MILES EAST OF ISANDHLWANA. ROAD TO ULUNDI. 22ND, JANUARY. 11:45AM CLOSE UP of pencil drawing in progress. The artist is revealed as being CREALOCK. His composition is of a stationary wagon. NOGGS observes. Glass of claret in hand, he makes his way towards CREALOCK. NOGGS Crealock, old fellah. (Sitting beside him) I'm doing notes for my dispatch and I need to clear up a few military points. I don't want to bother His Lordship. Had it drummed into my thick skull that a good Commander never willingly splits his forces, especially in an enemy's country before knowing their dispositions. CREALOCK has continued to sketch throughout Noggs' banter. CREALOCK Ah, Yes, if we were facing a European enemy armed with guns I think your point would hold, Noggs. Further, may I remind you I do not create the strategies you wish to comment on. I am only his Lordship's Secretary. (He gives NOOGS a smug smile) With a slight chuckle he leans closer to CREALOCK. NOGGS I wouldn't take overly comfort from that Crealock old fellah because if he sinks, then you sink with him. NOGGS departs, as CREALOCK looks up for a moment and then continues with his drawing. EXT. PULLEINE'S H.Q. TENT. ISANDHLWANA. DAY DURNFORD, VEREKER & PULLEINE are seated. They are dining together. The occasion is incredibly civilised. The table is laid with a white linen cloth, silver cutlery, condiments and wine glasses containing claret. DURNFORD (Toying with the wine in his glass) So, you've been asked to look after me, Lieutenant? VEREKER Well, I assure you, Sir, I have no desire to create difficulties. DURNFORD And I assure you, you do not. In fact, I'd be obliged for your best advice. What have your scouts seen? VEREKER So far only their scouts. But we have had reports of a small Impi farther north, over there. (He turns to indicate the area to his left) PULLEINE His Lordship is of the certain opinion that it's far too difficult an approach to be chosen by the Zulu command. DURNFORD (Looking to the North) Yes, well, difficulty never deterred a Zulu commander. (Returning his gaze to VEREKER) How many? VEREKER We don't know. DURNFORD (After a moment's reflection) I think it would be wise to picket the hills. Just in case. VEREKER rises and collecting his hat, exits to carry out DURNFORD'S instruction. DURNFORD returns to his meal. EXT. NQUTU PLATEAU DAY MOVING SHOT DURNFORD rides out alone. VEREKER, S.M. KAMBULA, OFFICERS and a troop of SIKALI horse ride out of camp into the foreground. CAMERA PANS the vast African countryside. VEREKER'S column is seen in the distance. CAMERA stops to reveal a ZULU SCOUT in the foreground. He is hidden by a tree. On spying the soldiers, he turns to two young ZULU BOYS behind him. He shouts instructions that they draw attention to themselves by moving their herd of cattle. DURNFORD, now with KAMBULA, reaches the top of a rise. He stops and KAMBULA hands him a pair of binoculars. Surveying the land he spots VEREKER'S column. Handing the binoculars back to KAMBULA, he spurs his horse onward. VEREKER'S COLUMN come over a rise to see the cattle being urged to the lip of the plateau. RAW (Pointing to the cattle) There's steak on the hoof, Sir. VEREKER (Pausing for a moment) Sikali forward! Kicking their horses and whooping, the soldiers give chase. The ZULUS try to flee but in vain. One soldier, TROOPER JAMES, aims his rifle at one of the ZULUS and fires. VEREKER, hearing the shot, rides towards TROOPER JAMES, but stops when he gets to the ZULU BOY who is lying motionless on the ground. Dismounting, VEREKER goes over to the body and looks down at the dead boy with compassion. TROOPER JAMES spurs to the lip, exultant, keen to kill. He reins his horse abruptly. Holding it still, he stares at the valley before him. Suddenly all energy leaves his body. He stares in disbelief. LT. RAW is beside him. JAMES (Calling, his voice unbelieving) Mr. Vereker! Mr. Vereker! Come and look at this, Sir! VEREKER (Riding into shot he addresses JAMES) You've just managed to bring down a boy of twelve. JAMES does not respond. He stares straight ahead. Following his gaze, VEREKER spots what James has found before him. EXT. WATERHOLE. VALLEY NEAR ISANDHLWANA. DAY The valley they overlook is filled with Zulus, Cetshwayo's main Impi. Close-packed, sitting in silence, covering the whole of the valley floor and perching on every inch of its rising sides, are twenty thousand warriors. They have found the long sought main IMPI. VEREKER (Utter disbelief) My God, we've found them. EXT. NQUTUPLATEAU. DAY SILENCE. VEREKER, RAW & JAMES stare down at the Zulu Impis. EXT. VALLEY NEAR ISANDHLWANA. DAY The Zulus look up. BAYELE, who stands apart, looks first at his warriors, then up to the English. He shouts the order to advance. Chanting, the Zulus rise and start to clamber up towards the plateau. EXT. NQUTU PLATEAU. DAY VEREKER (Still stunned, he addresses RAW) Warn the camp. Tell Chelmsford. Inform His Lordship we've found what he's looking for. RAW (Turning his horse about) Yes, Sir. VEREKER orders his troop to line up facing the Zulu. VEREKER Sikali, forward! The mass of Zulus have started to cover the North strip of the plateau. VEREKER Fire! More and more Zulus mount the crest coming into formation. The troopers are amazed at the sheer weight of enemy number. VEREKER'S troop fire volleys steadily, the Zulus now six hundred yards away. Some Zulus fall but the mass, getting into disciplined ranks, advance implacably towards them. VEREKER gives the order to retreat. VEREKER Retire! Retire! VEREKER'S troop retreat as the ZULU follow. INT. PULLEINE'S H.Q. TENT. ISANDHLWANA. DAY PULLEINE is seated at his desk. He is writing a letter. He looks up as he hears distant gunfire. EXT. PULLEINE'S CAMP. ISANDHLWANA. DAY BLOOMFIELD walks through the kitchen area. He stops and looks to the hills as he too hears gunfire. INT. TENT. ISANDHLWANA. DAY BOY-PULLEN, STOREY and another are having a game of cards. BOY-PULLEN looks up, alert. He too has heard something. STOREY nudges him. STOREY Oy! Goon. What're doin'? BOY-PULLEN dismisses his concern and continues with the game. INT. MELVILL'S TENT. ISANDHLWANA. DAY MELVILL is seated, relaxed, his feet up on his desk. He is drinking from a tankard. Another officer lies reclined, smoking. On hearing gunshots, MELVILL jumps up, running outside the tent. MELVILL Don't tell me the Zulu managed to get up there after all. EXT. CAMP. ISANDHLWANA. DAY LT. RAW rides into shot. RAW Zulu! MOVING SHOT. CAMERA follows RAW as he rides up to PULLEINE'S tent and dismounts. RAW They're here. PULLEINE emerges from his tent. RAW I've sent to Lord Chelmsford. PULLEINE Bugler. Sound "The Alert". BUGLER runs into foreground. CLOSE UP as he sounds "The Alert". PTE. WILLIAMS is feeding the horses. On hearing the "The Alert" he jumps to attention running out of shot. After a beat he returns to collect his helmet which is positioned on top of one of posts. BOY-PULLEN & STOREY emerge from their tent. There are troops scrambling everywhere. PULLEINE (O.S.) Fall in! At the double! Heavy artillery moves into and out of shot. PULLEINE & MELVILL, both on horseback, watch the proceedings. EXT. BATTLEFIELD. ISANDHLWANA. DAY SGT. WILLIAMS is rallying a Company of Redcoats. SGT. WILLIAMS Wheel 'em in! Wheel 'em in! Wheel 'em in! Come on now. Tighten those ranks! COGHILL, on horseback surveys the ranks from the rear. A young BOY-SOLDIER walks in front of the redcoats. He carries an armful of markers. With him is STOREY. SGT. WILLIAMS Private Storey. Get those markers pegged out at the double. STOREY Serg'! SGT. WILLIAMS One every 'undred yards STOREY (To Boy Soldier) Come on boy, scamper. SGT. WILLIAMS ...and Bugler, make sure he pegs 'em in a straight line -- towards the enemy! RUSSELL & his men with a group of Natal natives run forward to position the rockets. RUSSELL (Through clenched teeth as he works) Hold them please God, three minutes. Please hold them! (With increasing urgency) Come on, come on, come on. Come on men! STOREY is pacing out the markers on the battlefield. The BOY SOLDIER follows him. STOREY Ninety two, ninety three, ninety four, ninety five, ninety six, ninety seven, nighty eight, ninety nine... (Coming to a standstill) What's next, boy? BOY SOLDIER stands motionless. He stares towards the horizon. STOREY Oy. You useless little bastard. Come 'ere, Scamper. BOY SOLDIER (Pointing behind Storey) Look. Look! STOREY turns to look. Vast masses of Zulus appear over the horizon. They are chanting, menacing like a fast approaching swarm of bees. Closer shots of the Zulus as they approach. Their assegais poised high above their heads at the ready. CAMERA PANS to the tiny white tents of the camp in the distance. The small Company of Redcoats is seen before them and for the first time it is obvious just how outnumbered they are. EXT. ZULULAND EAST OF ISANDHLWANA. DAY CHELMSFORD & CREALOCK admire the pleasant surroundings. They walk towards a canopied dining area. Servants have prepared a magnificent table. Silver dishes, polished beautifully and gleaming in the hot sun, are carried from a small field kitchen behind a screen. CHELMSFORD Splendid site, Crealock, splendid. I want to establish Camp here immediately. CREALOCK Certainly, Sir. Standing around the table are several officers including HAMILTON-BROWN, HARFORD & MILNE. NOGGS is also present. As CHELMSFORD sits, so do the others. HAMILTON-BROWN stands apart, drinking uneasily. CHELMSFORD After lunch, Brown, I want you to return to Isandhlwana and instruct Colonel Pulleine to join us here immediately. HAMILTON-BROWN (Downing the contents of his glass) If you'll excuse me, My Lord. CHELMSFORD No appetite, Colonel? (He indicates to a nearby servant to refill his glass) HAMILTON-BROWN My men haven't eaten since yesterday and there won't be any supplies until I get them back to Isandhlwana. CHELMSFORD Well they can start off now and you