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What was point of Billy Bix leading shellshocked to castle?

posted 20 years ago by mcintyro
2 replies | jump to latest

There is a scene where Falconer tells Billy Bix to lead the shellshocked to the castle, while singing a hymn, otherwise the shellshocked as well as Billy would end up killed by Nazis. Billy, reluctantly, agrees, and while Falconer, Billy and the shellshocked are all in a procession for the castle, there is an explosion, and I believe Billy and the shellshocked are all killed, and Falconer appears sort of indifferently.

Maybe, he had not compassion for Billy, but at least he could have had a silent moment for the dead shellshocked.

I believe this is what happened. If you no otherwise, please let me know.

[–] bullit2513 20 years ago

I haven't watched it in awhile, but I think Falconer wants Billy Bix and all the other shell-shocked soldiers to help defend the castle because the Germans have broken through and are heading toward Maldorais.

And as for Falconer's reaction, I think he was surprised/horrified. He couldn't have spent too long over the dead because he was in a rush to get back to the castle. Just a thought though, I'm not positive. So much of this movie is up for personal interpretation.

[–] PSJazzFan 20 years ago

The major had little or no time to have a silent moment for the dead. The germans were approaching the town and the castle still needed its defense prepared.

Also, in war, soldiers, especially officers, must harden themselves to the loss of troops. They focus on the bigger picture and realize that sacrificing their men is inevitible for the ultimate objective, which is an achieved peace by strength of arms. This hardening of the heart often doesn't last a lifetime as many veterans feel the stress and guilt later in their lives.

I believe it's called Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome.