The Four Feathers (1939)

Allan Jeayes: General Faversham

Quotes 

• General Faversham : There's no place in England for a coward.

• General Faversham : [to his old friend, Dr. Sutton]  I don't mind telling you, Doctor, I'm worried about him. I can't understand the boy. I send him to the best army school in England, spend half me time telling him about his famous ancestors, and what do you think? I found him this morning reading a poetry book! Shelley, of all people. So I want you to help me lick this boy into shape - make him hard.

• General Faversham : First time for a hundred years there hasn't been a Faversham in the army and look at the mess they make! I'm too old, the boy's too young.

• General Burroughs : [At dinner, also Harry Fabersham's birthday]  Do you remember Wilmington?

  General Faversham : Wilmington?

  General Burroughs : Fine old service family. Father killed at Inkerman, grandfather blown up under Nelson, and an uncle scalped by Indians. Oh, splendid record, splendid!

  [Murmur of approval from guests] 

  General Faversham : What happened?

  General Burroughs : Well, the general ordered him to gallop through the lines with a message. Paralyzed with funk... couldn't move. General sends his adjutant... killed before he'd gone fifty yards. Sends his ADC... head blown off. Then he went through with the message himself... lost his arm. Ruined his cricket!

  General Faversham : Oh yes, I remember now. He disgraced his family.

  [Speaking coldly, glaring at his son, Harry] 

  General Faversham : His father disowned him. Hung about for a year or two then blew his brains out.

  Dr. Sutton : Ah! He had the courage to blow his brains out!

  General Faversham : Courage? Ha! The last part of decency, that's all.

  [Speaking coldly, glaring at his son, Harry] 

  General Faversham : There's no place in England for a coward.