TWELVE OCLOCK HIGH INFORMATION FOR KEY SCENES (in chronological order)

Gately is brought in under arrest.

Again, several different styles of leadership are noticeable, some more important than others. Pay attention to Gatelys demeanor as Savage dresses him down. Pay attention for a moment to Gatelys right hand as a clue to Gatelys reaction to Savages speech.

Important background information:

A. This move by Savage is highly unusual for the circumstances. Although Gately has failed in his obligation to the 918th, and has gone AWOL (although since he was nominally in command of the 918th at the time of his absence, he may not have been AWOL), it is really not an offense he would normally be arrested for. He is a field grade officer, and for this type of offense, he would have normally been asked to report to Savage on his own recognizance, rather than being brought in under arrest in full public view. Remember, in the prior scene, Stovall was surprised by the order from Savage to have Gately arrested, Stovall asking Does the General mean under actual arrest?

Additionally Gately is correct. Savage is exceeding his lawful authority and would be sanctioned for this if Gately reported Savage to Savages superior.

B. The Leper Colony. Here, the Leper Colony serves two purposes. Savages use of this contains symbolism as well as a practical reason. At the time of the film, leprosy was an incurable disease, and was passed on primarily through human contact. It was a flesh-eating disease, where peoples extremities such as fingers, toes, noses, etc., would disintegrate. The only way to prevent its spread was to isolate those with the disease in what were termed leper colonies, facilities which prevented those with leprosy from mingling with others and spreading the disease. The island of Molokai, in the Hawaiian chain, at one time had been a leper colony.

Savage closes the bar.

Why does he tell Cobb to take off his hat? This is somewhat related to the earlier scene with the MP at the gate.

Why does Savage close the bar (good thing it wasnt a fraternity meeting, he would have to have called out the MPs)? What was its purpose?