Thursday, December 1, 2011

A conversation from 'Lawrence of Arabia', David Lean's masterful film

Good morning, sir.  (Lawrence)
       
Salute.
                  
If you're insubordinate, I shall put you under arrest.  (British Commanding Officer)
                  
It's my manner.

Your what?
                
My manner. It looks insubordinate, but it isn't.
             
I can't make out whether you're bad-mannered or just half-witted.
                
I have the same problem, sir.

Shut up.
                
The Arab Bureau thinks you would be of use to them in Arabia.
               
Why, I can't imagine.
           
You can't perform your present duties properly.

"I cannot fiddle, but I can make a great state from a little city."
                 
What?

Themistocles, sir.

A Greek philosopher.

I know you've been well-educated.

It says so in your dossier.

You're the kind of creature I can't stand, Lawrence.

But I suppose I could be wrong.

All right, Dryden.  You can have him for six weeks.

Who knows? It might even make a man of him.

Come in!

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