The Four Feathers (1939)

Robert Rendel: Colonel

Quotes 

• Colonel : [Faversham has presented himself in the Colonel's office]  Well, Faversham?

  Harry Faversham : [handing him an envelope]  I want you to accept this, sir.

  Colonel : [glances at it but doesn't open it]  What is it?

  Harry Faversham : I am resigning my commission.

  Colonel : [shocked]  "Resigning your commission"? What do you mean?

  Harry Faversham : I mean just that, sir.

  Colonel : I don't understand you, Faversham.

  Harry Faversham : I should have taken this action months ago. I only accepted a commission for my father's sake. Because all his family have been soldiers. But when he died, my duty towards him was done.

  Colonel : [taken aback]  Your duty towards *him*? Have you no duty towards your country?

  Harry Faversham : [stands still looking at the Colonel, but says nothing] 

  Colonel : Oh, go lie down in a dark room, my boy! You'll be all right in the morning.

  Harry Faversham : I've made up my mind, sir.

  Colonel : Faversham, if you do this, you'll regret it for the rest of your life.

  Harry Faversham : I'm sorry, sir. I've made up my mind.

  Colonel : [angrily pounds his desk]  You're deliberately shirking your duty! I refuse to accept your resignation!

  Harry Faversham : I am within my rights to resign, sir. You *cannot* refuse.

  Colonel : [sternly]  I never thought I should live to see a Faversham play the coward.

  Harry Faversham : [after a pregnant pause]  May I go, sir?

  Colonel : Yes... Go.

  [Faversham gives a brisk salute, does an about face, leaves the room]