Légion étrangère - March or die (1977) - First scene

[@kyle47922]

I know I should not cry but that scene gets me every time. Being a veteran of Iraq 2006-2007, Afghanistan 2009-2010,2012.

[@SKINWALKER]

~ Vive La France!!!

[@waldemarsilas6675]

These men were defending their homeland against invaders, just like the Iraqis.

[@stigga1667]

Vive la Guerre eternelle…….

[@kyle47922]

@@stigga1667 Thank you.

[@richardyoung784]

I think the opening scene was great! This was not intended specifically as a parade for the Legion.The crowd would wait on trains for Soldiers returning from war.You can see Gene Hackman not sure of the reception they would receive.The crowd was not cheering or waving, the Legion did not have the best reputation mostly foreigners.They were the most decorated although.When the woman holding her child started singing the Marseille it woke up the people realizing these brave fought bravely for France and slowly everyone joined in best scene!

[@umbuch]

The best interpretation of the Marseillase, I've heard. thank for post it

[@kyle47922]

I read a book called The Damn Die Hard about the French Foreign Legion.

[@NicolaiM654]

You quite right!!! Best regards from Moscow!!!

[@BlindDesertPete]

Nah Rick's Cafe

[@arthurmosel808]

There is one out there by a French woman singer (can't think of her name) with a translation. I suggest while not as tear jerking as this scene, it better represents the spirit of the song. Also, it might give US citizens complaining about how militant our anthem is a view of a really partison song.

[@trajan75]

How about the one from "Casablanca"

[@Koenig0726]

Legio Patria Nostra ! Vive la France ! Vive la Légion !

[@sonson4548]

viva la battle of Dien bien phu

[@cxarhomell5867]

​@@sonson4548The french forces killed about 4x more vietnamese soldiers than their own casualties. The french foreign legion is filled with fierce soldiers.

[@athame57]

...impressive, shame they got the uniforms wrong though, this is the uniform of the French army up to 1915, and the legion wore white trousers not red. The blue grey uniform ( officially called 'horizon blue') the rest of the French army had by then was brown in the legion and Moroccan Goumiers.

[@ryzard1830]

Its the cerimonial uniform.....

[@NSYresearch]

You beat me to it. Artistic licence i suppose.

[@athame57]

@@ryzard1830 No it's not.

[@ryzard1830]

@@athame57 Yes it is lmao.

[@flemhawker9134]

And yet here you are, watching the same shit as the rest of us when there’s better things to be done. Knob.

[@teethadore]

I always liked the bit where Gene Hackman steps out of his hard-assed command mode to assist the Legionnaire who is about to fall.

[@blockmasterscott]

That was so cool!

[@AlternityGM]

I've never heard of this movie & I've seen a lot of war movies. So far looks good. Previously the only Foreign Legion movie I've seen (in Enlish) was Beau Geste.

[@remittanceman4685]

It's an adventure movie vehicle for Terrence Hill and about as much a war movie as Trinity Is My Name is a western. Mild amusement for a wet Sunday afternoon. The only surprise is they didn't manage to get Bud Spencer as well. Maybe his pride wouldn't let him do it.

[@trajan75]

You might try Morocco with Gary Cooper and Marlene Dietrich.

[@ilsagutrune2372]

As a kid it was my second favorite legion movie behind Beau Geste, ahead of Last Remake of Beau Geste

[@remittanceman4685]

Hardly the most accurate of movies. Firstly, I very much doubt the Legion or any other French regiment was withdrawn from the line just three days after the armistice; they were too busy making sure the Germans actually went home. Secondly, what became the 3 REI of the Legion would not have fitted in just one train (and a short one at that). Even with their losses they amounted to a full Regiment of three battalions. Thirdly, the wounded would be in hospitals not amongst the fit. Fourthly, the Legion was dressed like the rest of the French Army. It abandoned the red trousers, dark blue greatcoats and kepis in 1915. It would have worn horizon blue and Adrian helmets. Fifthly, even if they had just come from the front lines, these men would have been given the opportunity to bathe and receive fresh uniforms. The French Army at that time was very conscious of its public image and the fact the population was war weary in the extreme. Even during the conflict troops returning home for leave were processed through sanitary stations to clean up and change out of mud and blood soaked clothing before going home. Finally, there would have been no special parade for the returning legionaries. Even at the end of WWI they had not yet become venerated as they are today. To French eyes they were just another infantry regimen and one with very few metropoloitan connections so there would have been no civilians gathered for their arrival either let alone widows singing la Marseillaise. In fact the public image and esteem of the legion (including many of the stereotypical Legionabilia seen here) only came to prominence in the 1920's and 30's thanks to Colonel Rollet, a man sometimes called The Father of the Legion and the real person upon whom Gene Hackman's character is based. They did get the slow paced march right, but that's about all. otherwise it's a typically messed up effort by film makers without a clue.

[@Pbirv]

Actually the Legion, along with the other African and Colonial units, adopted khaki in 1915, while the Metropolitan Army wore horizon blue up to 1935.

[@remittanceman4685]

@@Pbirv Were Algeria-based units (as the Legion was) classed as "colonial"? I thought l'Armee d'Afrique was actually the 19th Corps of the Metropolitan Army.

[@Pbirv]

@@remittanceman4685 Algeria was considered to be part of Metropolitan France, so the 19th Corps only included the Algeria based units of the African Army. It didn’t include the Armee d’Afrique units based in Tunisia or Morocco.

[@remittanceman4685]

@@Pbirv Yep, but the units assigned to Morocco were a mixture. Some from the 19th Corps (technically a metropolitan formation made up of Legionaires, Zouaves, RTA, Chass d'Af and Spahis plus les Joyeux from the disciplinary battalions of the African Light Infantry)), some from la Coloniale (both European and West African) and some locally raised Moroccan troops (RTM, Goumiers and Spahis). Each would have drawn their uniforms from their own depots.

[@floydvaughn836]

Oh....SHUT UUUUPPPPP!

[@tm-mp-7200]

No idea of the accuracy... but you watch this and think... this is the way it should have been.... personally I love this movie and know it is not a great one... but I like it.

[@ringolegardian2214]

honneur fedelite vive la legion

[@Airborneready]

@piderci Thanks for explaining how the promotions work. My remark was aimed at the guy who was trying to say, "Only French soldiers are allowed to be officers in the Legion." This I knew to be untrue because in the 1991 Gulf War the FFL was there and I had the chance to work with them. Your statement does confirm what I was pointing out to, "bluestar66677". Vive La´Legion.

[@jamestsiang3548]

What did you think of them? I’ve read criticism on their lack of tactics

[@j.d.peppmeier9041]

A Legionaire and his rifle puts fear in the hearts of the enemy.

[@paulkellerman2603]

Great companions of polish soldiers in many wars.

[@piderci]

@Airborneready thats simple. Its not like in most army's that you have to been graduated with a high grade to become officer. in the FFL after 2 years service you can become a caporal. When you deside to sign up after your 5 years duty you can go for a higher rank. Indeed there some French officers who join the legion to get combat experiance and most are members of the military officer accademy.

[@robertsmith-oh9mo]

Please correct me if I am wrong, but I had read that only officers in the legion are French. All enlisted ranks are of foreign birth. This was originally reasoned in the beginning that being non French that they were expendable and for lack of any other word, disposable in the eyes of the French military. That is why the legion with the exception of WWI never fought on French soil but only at it's farthest outposts like north Africa, French Guinea and other not so desirable places through out the world. They are also part of the NATO forces fighting around the world today. You just don't hear much about them.

[@remittanceman4685]

The Legion is one of the units that gets first choice of newly commissioned officers from St Cyr. As for the other ranks, one needs at least two years service to be considered for promotion to corporal. Promotion beyond that (Capo Chef and above) generally requires five years AND a standard of French difficult for most to attain.

[@ruyjose6015]

Realmente a primeira cena retratada é real, marca o retorno da Legião a Paris pós armistício! O Regimento de Marcha da Legião foi o mais Heróico e condecorado do Exército Francês naquele guerra! Salute mes amis francaise! Vive la Legion!

[@josephdj6666]

Legio patria nostra

[@EcoleLibre]

Well, the US Army is even worse. Just more money. See what the French are able to do with a shoetring in Mali, see what the US was not able to do in Iraq and Afghanistan with a fortune.

[@bigboyedward]

you better get the Eff outa here beaten 3 straight by the Germans !!!!!!

[@Briselance]

Gene Hackman ? Where ? In which scene ? Is that movie available in France and in French, or at least with French subtitles ?

[@gilmarmenegassodeoliveira2499]

O hino francês e simplesmente lindo e sensacional VIVE LA FRANCE!!!

[@hoosieryank6731]

At least they got Le Boudin right: eighty-eight beats per minute, not one-twenty (yes, I'm being pedantic).

[@filipgren6091]

Is there anything else they got right in this movie? I've seen is when I was a child and I was thrilled (loved Terence Hill). Now I'm just curious about getting things right, as Im quite adolescent now. You know something?

[@hoosieryank6731]

@@filipgren6091 Well, something they actually got wrong: Only Frenchmen are allowed to be officers in La Legion, for this period. Later, though, foreigners were allowed to be nationalized Frenchmen, so... An American, no matter how brave or skilled, could only aspire to being an NCO (albeit presumably a decorated one), for this period. That said, I'm getting this from a book that dates back to the mid-to-late 60s. The French entered the fight against El Krim in '25 (not immediately after WW1), allying with Spain after he entered French territory. The Arab Joan of Arc...yeah fiction, but a good story (and in any case, the TRUE Arab Joan of Arc, didn't come around until the late 1950s).

[@filipgren6091]

@@hoosieryank6731 thanks!

[@Matthew.Pequegnat]

@@hoosieryank6731 Ukrainian Serge Andolenko in 1926, at 19, became a Sous--lieutenant in the 1st Foreign Regiment (1er RE), he became a French citizen in 1928 and would retire a Général de brigade of the Legion in 1963. Lieutenant Christian Selchauhansen, a Danish officer of the French Foreign Legion was know as the hero of the Battle of El-Moungar in 1903, posthumously decorated with the Legion of Honor. Prince Aage of Denmark served as a Captain in 1922 with the 2e REI in Morocco, the same unit that Lieutenant Selchauhansen had served with, he would serve the rest of his life with the Legion dying in 1940 as a Commandant and head of the 1st Battalion, 3e REI. His remains are buried at Puyloubier France, at the Foreign Legion cemetery. There are dozen of such foreign born FFL officers that date from the founding of the Legion.

[@hoosieryank6731]

@@Matthew.Pequegnat You are quite correct. That said, all my other sources say that the Legion's officers were seconded from the main French Army. Perhaps the Legion made an exception for them due to superb skill or bravery? EIther that or they were granted French citizenship due to service or wounds that allowed them to be officers. That said, I have been wrong before. My apologies if I was wrong.

[@davemillwall5420]

The FFL wore khaki in WW1 not the line infantry blue and red.

[@ajferet]

@ TwofastnWV: When I was an Army cadet in college... Kentucky... we had a Haitian born Lieutenant and another who was German... The Legion is unique in that it accepts large numbers of foreigners... not that it accepts them

[@andrewa9694]

All the enlisted men in the legion are foreigners. All the officers are French.

[@ajferet]

@@andrewa9694 this isn't correct, around 25 percent of legionnaires are French citizens, until recently, they were given false identities as French speaking Canadians, senegalese or Swiss, and there are also a handful of foreigners promoted from the ranks and have been for many years

[@andrewa9694]

@@ajferet My knowledge is outdated then. Thanks for bringing me up to date.

[@ajferet]

@@andrewa9694 no worries.. the history b of the LE is fascinating

[@ajferet]

I swear the guy @ 3:10 is a cameo & 3:36 who takes his hat off is a very famous actor in a cameo... does anyone know who he is?

[@MacHeath699]

Great film!

[@Charliecomet82]

What?! Jerry Bruckheimer made a real movie once upon a time?!

[@lorenzomanuelmartinez4209]

La legión es una de las mejores fuerzas porque allí todos son hermano.....no ahi político..ni religión solo se sirve ala partirá honor y gloriá.....

[@carlosomar57]

Respeto mucho a Los Franceses y sus Himno , asu pueblo a su cultura todo pero lo que no me puedo explicar es como siendo un pais con tanto psado ecitodos guerrero y de grandes batallas en la 2da guerra mundial cayó como.una mansa paloma ante los Alemanes , que pasó? He leido mucjos y solo saco concluision q los agarró en un momento cmo en cridis algo asi , que opinan Uds amigos escriban

[@jacksonwhite4255]

A moment in space and time

[@Zarakoretta]

dieses lied ist so endlos schön =)

[@dominiqueperrot6329]

What is that Train Station? Gare St Lazare??

[@jeangabrielkahane2961]

It is supposed to be the Gare de l'Est , but I recognize the now-defunct Gare Montparnasse (1977 was the year the old Gare Montparnasse was decomissionned and a newer station was built 1km further south)

[@destroyernapalm]

Donde puedo ver esa pelicula en castellano? o latino??

[@nicolaassisi4615]

Grandissimo film e bravissimi attori degni rappresentanti dei legionari sempre ammirati

[@CrossoverGeekDA]

Just for my own edification... Who is better light infantry/commando? "French Foreign Legion" or "Kaibiles"?

[@zahaladino]

it depends. a kaibil is specialized in jungle warfare, and just that. they are tough

[@CrossoverGeekDA]

The legion's 3REI are lacated in Kouru French Guyane and they train in jungle areas

[@zahaladino]

yes, they do, but i think that in those aspects, the kaibil are better. now, i am full aware that this gonna degenerate in bad stuff, so, lets just finisht in that.

[@killerclone1786]

I can agree with everyone on that but you also going to remember the legionnaires were built for desert warfare they fought in North Africa in the 1800s their empire died in the 1950s and 60s the legionnaires trained they fought they died they fought through both world wars on both sides the legionnaires are one of the most respected units in the world because they take in anyone except for murderers or rapists and they turn them into a elite troops that can fight and die for their country some of them have been rejected from their country some of them could not find enough action when their countries were not at war so they join the French foreign legion there were many cases after world war I that German troops actually joined because there was no work for them when they got home and German pows commonly actually joined the ranks of the legion because they knew that they could have a home but they knew that it would take a long time for them to gain citizenship it takes 6years for legionary to get his citizenship for France

[@richardyoung784]

@@killerclone1786 They also fought in Vietnam before the Americans!

[@yryama]

Did you guys know that there's also a Spanish Foreign Legion? It's true, and funny enough Nacho Vidal was in it, google him, you'll see the funny part

[@NSYresearch]

The Spainish Legion was a very different thing from the FFL .

[@piderci]

@twofastnWV that was in the old days. when the FFL was created you had to be a criminal to join up(those men got a second chance). after both World wars there were allot of german soldiers and officers that joined the FFL and also those got a second chance. BUT the FFL of today isn't like that anymore. If you have done something and the police force of your country is looking for you and you wanna join the legion then they will give you to interpol. that simple

[@DavidMcdonald-yt4gb]

One of the best anti war scenes in film

[@erikk123]

After 10 year in the legion you automaticlly grow a mustache, which is unremovable.

[@piderci]

@JerryFWI thats crap. When you join the legion as soon as you sign your actually contract for your 5 years duty you become a frenchmen. With french pasport. After your 5 years duty you can choose to take your original or you can stay french.

[@NSYresearch]

I thought it was offered only if you left after 5 years with a good character? I think its a great thing, if only the British army did the same for Ghurkas.

[@Briselance]

The commander of the Legionnaires, I assume ?

[@mz2950]

Honneur et fidélité à la France legio patria nostra more majorum.

[@SouthwestRanger]

Featuring Ian Holm (ALIEN) and Jack O'Halloran from SUPERMAN

[@mOnK27640]

@twofastnWV i like the way u said sentence it not like ur force to join ffs

[@Kitiwake]

Gene Hackman knows how to wear a uniform.

[@robertfogelberg7538]

w la legio. So well done

[@ajferet]

@piderci One author calls it a "giant international mousetrap," however, if you've done your time and it wasn't a crime of the blood (murder, rape or child molestation), you are good to go. I think drug charges might be an exception too

[@joplum3348]

Not the opening scene.... the first scene is at the dig site. Arab drops bags of food to commissary who yells at man to open the bag he's carrying off. It's full of knives. pisks one up and kills the commissary. Lt. comes back from horse ride, and as he passes sentries. the arabs are killing the sentries notices the arabs taking out the sentries . Lt. goes to the commanding officers tent and says. Sir, we're under attack. Officer steps out of his tent and is immediately shot...The two civilians who are working the dig are taken prisoner....Lt. survives the slaughter... then comes the railway scene.....

[@piderci]

@ajferet only the pioneers are growing there beard. in combat units its not recomended to have facial hair but ofc its not forbiden.

[@seangordon4866]

i am a jamaican age 37 yrs. . am i too old to join? please tell me

[@seangordon4866]

.... And how

[@BloxEzio3]

i've heard that legionnaires march slowly, and i wonder why? do they want to avoid tiring? :D

[@arcticchod5370]

It appears to be a myth that they march slowly because of their "long desert walks" in the past. It's more likely that it is taken from old regimental marching as a passed down tradition.

[@theuglyfriend]

It’s actually a Swiss march I forget how to spell the name of what it’s called Hollerezer maybe. The first units of the legion were made up of these Swiss soldiers who fought for Napoleon. The slow pace was to show no fear of your enemy while advancing on them.

[@NSYresearch]

The slow march reflects back to the Napoleonic armies. This was the pace, the Legion was initially made up of old soldiers from all over Europe who were being a problem for the government.

[@joplum3348]

Much earlier.a Two foot step slow march, so that the shortest kept pace with the taller soldiers. that slow march kept the unit together so there was no straggling of soldiers especially on long march's 1700's@@NSYresearch

[@arthurbarber7546]

Most decorated french unit in WWI was RICM

[@Airborneready]

Then, why did I work with one Italian, and one German officer who both were Legionnaires?

[@sonson4548]

there were no nationality for Legionairs only massanery

[@gilmarmenegassodeoliveira2499]

Cena show de bola! Emocionante!

[@dickthebutcher5804]

the francs and the teutons must never be allowed to unite. ah damn the eu

[@Mrmontgommeryburns]

Pourquoi n'ont-ils pas leur képis blancs ?

[@arcticchod5370]

Leurs chapeaux bleues etait portent de toute l'armee francaise pour la 1er Guerre Mondiale, je pense. Ou un chapeau comme ca.

[@ajferet]

Does anyone know if all Pioneers or just Legionnaires wear full beards as well?

[@jeangabrielkahane2961]

"Pioneer " is now a temporary position. 1 or 2 monthss before a ceremony or a parade, corporals that the command wants to distinguish are requested to grow a beard. They will subsequently march first with axes on their shoulders and leather aprons around their waists.

[@RC-fm6bj]

sergeants in pioneer platoons - also carry an axe on parade

[@jlewisda]

@BloxEzio3 It's hot in the desert. You want to take it easy.

[@dennisholiday1868]

Are those Americans at the station United States Marines? They are the only Army they respect as equals to them and treats them with respect. Another thing never try to mug and beat up a legionale that is by himself because if they found out you did it all of them will get together and they will beat the hell out of you!

[@snowie113]

damn

[@martingenerous1678]

This is a great scene in an otherwise mediocre film. Which is odd because it has such a great cast; Gene Hackman, Catharine Deneuve, Max von Sydow and even Ian Holm (who they have dressed up as an Arab rebel leader - that’s another issue) I watched this as a kid in the 70s and then again recently when it was available Netflix. I hadn’t realized back then how bad it was. Once they get out into the desert the plot just kinda flounders.

[@chrisbuesnell3428]

Plus Terence hill I think

[@leondus2000]

Spanish Flu cough cough

[@SunsetMada]

you can ask for french nationality if you get wounded in action,it's automatically done!!

[@dantankunfiveancestorsfist]

Terence Hill is the man.

[@janpawlak5391]

Bardzo dobra scena jak dowódca pomaga rannemu który nie może isc

[@oldcorker7513]

accurate uniforms

[@NSYresearch]

Not for 1918

[@paulcrawley442]

the only legal mercenary army in the world , sorry not meant as an insult but it's true they have more none French than are French making them a mercenary army

[@canicheenrage]

Only french officers, some french soldiers, and in any case french army rules and responsabilities. Tell that to blackwater or how the hell they call themselves now, and other mercenaries widely used by other countries.

[@Goatboysminion]

angry bunny I believe the fight for France. But die, for The Legion.

[@mitchellline4242]

The legions motto is "the legion is our father land". Not France

[@CMKeeenT]

Paul Crawley Most officers in the legion are foreign born legionnaires too. They have to acquire the French nationality before being promoted to an officer.

[@patricklamshear6662]

The legion are not meceneries,but true soldiers of France,there loyaltyy is to the legion,and nobody else.

[@piderci]

@perico700 Legio Patria Nostra

[@leductv8645]

La légion ....

[@MrRobo13cop]

Great movie the French army isnt that great but the Legion there best unit is manned by people who are not even French there........... Tre Magnifique

[@liptondi1088]

Well its not the best unit, it could even hardly be considered an "elite" unit, its just a more effective standard unit, like the marines for the US, its just more famous because it has become romanticized over the years, and its comprised of 30% French.

[@angloaust1575]

Rather a sad scene later on When a soldier can't walk due to Tight boots The officer instead of letting the soldier ride on his horse Says in a sarcastic way walk without Them and throws the boots away

[@derekbeech6709]

March or Die

[@GSXRI300]

Edith

[@Mrmontgommeryburns]

Pourquoi n'ont-ils pas leur képis blancs

[@didierpaya9069]

képi blanc à partir de 1923

[@tüyometeoroloji]

John alcott

[@piderci]

@dantankun Then you have to be disappointed with the russian and American, brittish army as well. Vietnam lost by the usa. Afghanistan lost by the russian army. Also in Afghanistan the American and British army's didn't do so good. The FFL is over there but you never see them in papers or News BUT they are there and they doiing a very good job.

[@marclayne9261]

Ernst Junger, volunteered....but had better work to do...

[@jeanmartox3570]

vive la France!!! ni voile ni kippa!!! le glaive et la croix!!!!

[@suspicioususer]

Funny how the best unit in the French army isn't even French

[@lapinmalin8626]

les Français peuvent s'engager dans la légion étrangère et c'est pas la meilleur unité de l'armée Française la légion c'est une troupe de choc ceux qui sont en première ligne mais si tu regarde les entrainement du GIGN ou des commando marin Français c'est au dessus des entrainement de la légion car faut pas oublier que les légionnaires ne sont pas tous des troupes d'élites certe mieux entrainé que les autres régiments mais ce ne sont pas des troupes d'élite ça fait partie de l'armée régulière hormis les REP qui eux sont des troupes d'élite de la légion et sont du même niveau que les autres troupes d'élites

[@tibsky1396]

On the one hand, the Legion represents ONE of the best elites of the French Army, and on the other hand it is funny how Americans only know how to win wars by throwing nuclear bombs on civilians.

[@silviaparra9902]

Aquí, no va ningún francés.....ja,ja,ja La legión extranjera, es universal no francesa

[@brouve30]

Quelle connerie la guerre....Prévert a raison. Le poète a toujours raison!

[@jeanglazer8237]

they should have taken a military adviser. when the Legion disembarks it is always dressed, clean, clean shaven. nothing to do with this collection of so-called soldiers.

[@francescoinzaina9412]

Ou.tu.marche.ou.tu.creve.

[@elgus1147]

Tiens, voila le boudin ....!!!

[@amotaba]

Filme de macho

[@Septimanien]

14 fois reconstituée.....

[@dantankunfiveancestorsfist]

I'm a little disappointed with the Legionnaires because they lost in Algiers and Vietnam and lately France has not been very active or successful in Aghanistan.

[@jean-louispirottin4144]

Les légionnaires ont gagné la guerre militaire en Algérie ! Mais politiquement, De Gaulle ( à tort ou à raison ) a préféré que la France 🇫🇷 se retire d'Algérie.

[@nessperu]

lucharon pidiendo la libertad de Francia y Francia tenia esclavizados a Africa. qué gran país, lastima que no hayan ganado los alemanes¡¡¡¡

[@jean-louispirottin4144]

Désinformation !!!!!