Must we build them a better bridge than they could have built for themselves?

3 seconds sound clip from the The Bridge on the River Kwai movie soundboard.

You can hear this line at 01:31:01.632 in the Blu-ray version of the movie.

Quote context

[...]

- You don't agree that the men's morale is high? That discipline has been restored? That their condition has been improved?

- Are they a happier lot or aren't they?

- Yes, sir, but...

- They feed better and they are no longer abused or maltreated.

- That's all true.

- Well, then honestly, Clipton, there are times when I don't understand you at all.

- I'll try to make myself clear, sir. The fact is what we're doing could be construed as forgive me, sir, collaboration with the enemy. Perhaps even as treasonable activity.

- Are you all right? We are prisoners of war. We haven't the right to refuse work.

- I understand that, sir, but must we work so well?

- Must we build them a better bridge than they could have built for themselves?

- If you had to operate on Saito, would you do your best or would you let him die?

- Would you prefer to see this battalion disintegrate in idleness?

- Would you have it said that our chaps can't do a proper job?

- Don't you realize how important it is to show these people that they can't break us, in body or in spirit?

[...]

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