A scene from The Bridge on the River Kwai 1957
Nicholson

That man's [Saito] the worst commanding officer I've ever come across. Actually, I think he's mad...Blackmail...

Clipton

I know, sir. He means it. I'm sure he does. It's a question of face, pure and simple. He can't give in.

Nicholson

It's still blackmail.

Clipton

Sir, you can't stand much more of this. And wouldn't the officers be better off working than suffocating in that hole? The men are doing a wonderful job. They're going as slow as they dare. But Saito has cut their food rations. And if he makes the sick men work, well, they're going to die. That's all there is to it.

Nicholson

Yes Clipton, I understand, truly. But don't you see. It's a matter of principle. If we give in now, there'll be no end to it. No...I'm adamant. I will not have an officer from my battalion working as a coolie!

In this scene

Col. Nicholson Alec Guinness More Nicholson quotes →
Maj. Clipton James Donald More Clipton quotes →

More from The Bridge on the River Kwai

Saito Can you finish the bridge in time? Nicholson Frankly, the consensus of opinion is that it's impossible. But we'll certainly give it a go. After all, we mustn't forget that we've wasted over a month through an unfortunate disagreement for which I was not to blame. Joyce Officer, sir. A British officer. We're here to blow up the bridge, sir! Nicholson Blow up the bridge? Joyce Yes, sir. Yes, sir. British commando orders, sir. Nicholson Blow up the bridge!? Cmdr. Shears We're going to be a busy pair of gravediggers.
The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957) poster
The Bridge on the River Kwai 1957 · 39 quotes · 5 characters All The Bridge on the River Kwai quotes →
All The Bridge on the River Kwai quotes →