It's been many years since I've seen this film, but I do remember simply adoring Lauderdale's character.
In one scene, he adresses Boniface, and lectures him about him not wanting to take his officer's hat of...does anyone know what his exacts words are? I remember him starting rather calmly, but getting madder and madder as he continues, until Boniface, rather startled, takes his cap of.
thanks
[RSM Lauderdale, standing with hands behind back] I'll believe that when I see the causualty return. In the meantime, sir, will you please remove your headdress while in the sergeants' mess and request your escort to do the same?
[Lieutenant Boniface] [turning to escort soldiers who are removing their berets] Leave them on. Sergeant Major, I'm not interested in points of etiquette at the moment.
[RSM Lauderdale] [voice raised only slightly, but sharply emphasized] Mr. Boniface! [pause, continue at normal volume] I've been a member of this mess for 23 years, sir.In all that time I've never seen anybody - [volume increasing slightly] man, woman. or child, sergeant, warrant officer, field marshall or prime minister - walk into this mess [loud, but under control, clearly communicating disapproval] with his hat upon his head! [pause, continues in mild conversational tone] I do not see you now, sir.
[pause, Lieutenant Boniface montionless, considering]
[Lieutenant Boniface] All right. If it worries you.[turns silently to escort soldiers who immediately remove their berets. Lieutenant Boniface looks back at the sergeant major who keeps his eyes forward, face expressionless. Camera back on Boniface who looks angry as he silently removes officer's cap]
[RSM Lauderdale] [arms coming to the side to stand comfortably at attention, in polite conversational tone,] Now, sir, can I be of service?