The Purple Plain

Bill Forrester becomes distraught after losing his wife in the London Blitz. His reckless conduct in the cockpit worries his commanding officers and endangers his flight crews. The base flight surgeon and leadership begin to consider grounding him to prevent further incidents.

A reluctant base surgeon agrees to examine Forrester, acknowledging his decorated service but recognizing his fragility. He persuades him to visit a nearby village, hoping a change of scenery will help him recover. There, Forrester meets Anna, a Burmese woman who will shape his future.

In the village, Forrester opens up about losing his wife and his wish to die in action. Anna listens with empathy and offers quiet support, giving him a new reason to live. Their bond strengthens as he begins to find hope in the relationship.

Despite his inner turmoil, Forrester is cleared to fly a ferry mission with navigator Carrington in a Mosquito, riding in the bomb bay. They are assigned to transport Flight Lieutenant Blore to Meiktila, starting a perilous journey. The mission tests his resolve like never before.

An engine fire forces the Mosquito to crash-land in a remote arid area controlled by the Japanese, where the soil and hills glow with a purple hue. Carrington is badly burned, and the survivors must face a survival ordeal with scarce water and supplies. The harsh terrain becomes their brutal backdrop.

With Carrington unable to walk, Forrester decides their best chance is to trek roughly 30 miles to the nearest river for water. Blore argues to stay with the plane and wait for rescue, but Forrester explains that air search is unlikely to spot them in the terrain. The choice sets the stage for a grueling journey.

They fashion a bamboo stretcher for Carrington and begin a night march, resting by day to conserve energy. Forrester's will to live and leadership keep them moving through exhaustion, thirst, and fear. The journey tests their endurance but also forges a fragile dependence on each other.

Blore slides down a rocky slope, breaking his collarbone and becoming unable to assist with the stretcher. With water running out, Forrester sends Blore to fetch water, but Blore chooses to abandon the group and return to the plane. The decision marks a turning point in the ordeal.

Before Forrester reaches him, Blore disappears and ultimately commits suicide; he leaves behind his wallet and a photo of his wife and children. Forrester and Carrington press on despite the loss, clinging to the hope of rescue. The tragedy underscores the toll of war on men under extraordinary strain.

Forrester continues to carry Carrington on his back, pushing through exhaustion until he collapses from sheer effort. Carrington compels him to keep going, insisting that reaching the river is their only hope. The will to live becomes the only thing keeping them alive.

Forrester spots a river beyond a hill and drags himself and Carrington to it, where they drink and regain strength. They are eventually rescued by a search party, ending their grueling march. The river represents both salvation and renewal for the two men.

A base doctor examines Forrester and clears him for transport back to the waiting Anna. He is driven by jeep to her home, finding her asleep; he lies down beside her and finally sleeps, the weight of their journey easing at last. The experience rekindles his will to live through the support of love.