As The Bridge on the River Kwai opens, the audience sees a train with gunmen aboard arriving at the end of the railroad where hundreds of men are working. The men are prisoners of war who are then led in long lines through the jungle. At the camp, two of the prisoners, Major Clipton and Shears, beg the captain to give them the day in the hospital. Shears tries to convince the captain to accept a lighter as a gift, and they are put on the sick list. They finish burying a corporal as they discuss how they plan to escape before they face the same fate. Then Shears gives an elegant speech for the man.

Viewers see the flag of Japan flying high as a servant moves a fan over the captain and colonel. After they finish talking, the colonel hears whistling from...