Sergeant Markoff quotes from Beau Geste (1939)

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.

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!...[To the scouts] Drive them out where you found them. And keep them away from the oasis. [Turning back with a scowl toward the legionnaires] 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.

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.

Sergeant Markoff

Keep shooting, you scum! You'll get a chance yet to die with your boots on!

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.

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.

They're men. They have their rights, guaranteed within the regulations.

Markoff

I'll keep within the regulations, sir.

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!

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.

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.

Markoff

How do you feel tonight, Lieutenant?

I'm dying.

Markoff

I hope not, sir.

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...

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.