Yesterday’s Enemy 1959

Retreat through the Burmese jungle

The remnants of a British Army brigade, numbering over thirty, are fleeing the Japanese advance under the command of Captain Langford. They push through dense jungle toward potential Allied lines while dealing with wounded comrades and dwindling supplies. The mood is tense as they try to maintain formation while weaving around hidden dangers.

Arrival at and battle in an enemy-occupied village

The group reaches a village held by the Japanese and launches a short but costly engagement. They manage to wipe out the small Japanese detachment but at the cost of casualties and increased pressure on the march back to safety.

Dead colonel and a map with markings

Among the Japanese dead is a colonel who carries a map with unknown markings. A Burmese informer is captured, and Langford interrogates him to uncover the map's significance and the hidden plans.

Hostage executions provoke revelation

Langford declares that two villagers will be executed if the informer does not cooperate. The doctor, Max, and the padre protest, yet the two hostages are killed and the informer begins to divulge what he knows.

Wounded to be left behind

With the radio damaged and a dangerous flanking attack looming, Langford decides that the British wounded must be left behind to speed the retreat. The dying brigadier and the other wounded reluctantly agree to stay.

A risky plan to warn HQ

Langford anxiously seeks to warn Allied HQ, but the group’s radio has failed. He orders a small party to trek back with the informer’s information, effectively splitting the unit to maximize their chances.

McKenzie’s group leaves and is ambushed

Sergeant McKenzie and his small team depart to reach headquarters, but they are ambushed and all are killed. The attempt to bring back news is violently cut short.

Langford’s counter-ambush and evacuation of villagers

Langford leads a party in an ambush against the approaching Japanese, while the remaining villagers evacuate. The surviving Burmese voice bitterly that both empires will treat them the same.

Final stand and Langford’s failed signal

The enemy closes in and Major Yamazaki threatens the prisoners with execution unless Langford cooperates. Langford bolts toward the transmitter in a desperate attempt to signal HQ, but he is shot dead before it can be used.

Yamazaki shows respect; prayers begin

Impressed by Langford’s courage, Yamazaki bows to the fallen captain. The padre calmly leads the remaining prisoners in the Lord's Prayer as they await their fates, demonstrating unexpected restraint amid the carnage.

Remaining British become POWs

With the defense collapsed, the handful of surviving British soldiers are taken prisoner by the Japanese and become POWs, ending the group’s resistance.