“We're not going to finish the bridge on time...We haven't the...” – Nicholson, The Bridge on the River Kwai ... Movie Quotes Database

Nicholson

We're not going to finish the bridge on time...We haven't the manpower, that's all. I've asked the officers to lend a hand and they've agreed. But even that won't do it.

Clipton

You mean the officers are going to work on the bridge?

Nicholson

Yes. I explained the situation to them and they volunteered to a man, but it's not enough.

Clipton

Why didn't you ask Saito and some of his men?

Nicholson

Wouldn't dream of it! No, this is our show. We must make the most of our own resources. As a matter of fact, that's what I came to talk to you about. The sick list.

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

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. Col. Nicholson One day the war will be over. And I hope that the people that use this bridge in years to come will remember how it was built and who built it. Not a gang of slaves, but soldiers, British soldiers, Clipton, even in captivity.