Saving Private Ryan
written by Robert Rodat

(His men are fighting amongst themselves and they're all very frustrated. Captain Miller interupts them, bringing up the bet regarding what he did for a living when he was a civilian)
Captain Miller: Mike, what's the pool on me up to right now? What's it up to? What is it, 300 dollars? Is that it? 300? I'm a schoolteacher. (pause) I teach English composition...in this little town called Addley, Pennsylvania. The last eleven years I've been at Thomas Alva Edison High School. I was a coach of the baseball team in the springtime. (pause) Back home, I tell people what I do for a living and they think, well, ah now that figures...but over here, it's, uh, a big, a big mystery. So I guess I've changed some. Sometimes I wonder if I've changed so much, my wife is even gonna recognize me whenever it is I get back to her... and how I'll ever be able to... tell her about days like today. Ahh, Ryan... I don't know anything about Ryan, I don't care. The man means nothing to me, he's just a name. But if, you know, if going to Ramelle, and finding him so he can go home, if that earns me the right to get back to my wife, well then...then that's my mission.

Kudos and much thanks go to Colin T. for additions to this monologue, it is very much appreciated.

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