The Desert Rats (1953)

Richard Burton: Capt. 'Tammy' MacRoberts

Photos 

Quotes 

• Field Marshal Erwin von Rommel : Now, MacRoberts, l respect your pride in this little rat hole you call Tobruk, but don't insult my intelligence by telling me that if it stood in my way, l couldn't crush it like that!

  Capt. 'Tammy' MacRoberts : Sir, normally I would defer to your rank and the fact that I'm your prisoner. lf you can crush Tobruk, crush it. But don't tell me it isn't a constant threat to your supply line, that it isn't an open sore in your side, or that you can take Egypt without first smashing it!

• Capt. 'Tammy' MacRoberts : How did you get into this?

  Tom Bartlett : I suppose the way I get into everything. A School Master with the nickname of 'Blind Tom' doesn't last long. I got an idea I might find greener pastures in one of the dominions. Unfortunately, I picked Australia - where it appears everyone volunteers. I made my usual mistake of being in a pub the day war was declared and on a wave of beer suds...

  Capt. 'Tammy' MacRoberts : If you were going to make the gesture, you might at least have got yourself a commission.

  Tom Bartlett : A commission? I'm the perfect Private soldier. No worries. No responsibilities. I can't even be demoted.

  Capt. 'Tammy' MacRoberts : Don't believe that for a minute. Being an infantry man is the toughest job in the army.

• Tom Bartlett : But all wars come to an end sometime. This one will too.

  Capt. 'Tammy' MacRoberts : If I have anything to do with it, it will.

• Capt. 'Tammy' MacRoberts : He's tight as a tick. Look at him!

• Tom Bartlett : [after a battle where Capt. MacRoberts was wounded]  How's your hand, Tammy?

  Capt. 'Tammy' MacRoberts : Oh, burning like brimstone. But, how are you, sir?

  Tom Bartlett : I found a very deep hole. If you can dig deep enough, only your pride gets hurt.

• Tom Bartlett : He's just a boy, he...

  Capt. 'Tammy' MacRoberts : We've got no use for boys here - particularly not as officers.

  Tom Bartlett : You can't be much older than he is.

  Capt. 'Tammy' MacRoberts : I don't know whether I am or not. I do know that I've been here for a year and one of the first things I learned was that this isn't a game for children. Men get killed and stay killed.

• Tom Bartlett : It's a pretty cold estimate, Tammy.

  Capt. 'Tammy' MacRoberts : Perhaps it is. But, it's the truth.

• Field Marshal Erwin von Rommel : This is what keeps you in those flea-ridden caves?

  Capt. 'Tammy' MacRoberts : It's part of it.

  Field Marshal Erwin von Rommel : And the rest?

  Capt. 'Tammy' MacRoberts : Well, the rest is that if by holding Tobruk we prevent you from taking the Suez. And if you don't take the Suez, I suggest you start planning for the next war. Cognac for the Field Marshall.

  German Major : You British pig!

  [slaps Capt. MacRoberts]