1 00:00:17,200 --> 00:00:21,700 The time is 1941, a month before Pearl Harbor. 2 00:00:22,700 --> 00:00:24,965 At eleven o'clock, on a November night... 3 00:00:25,000 --> 00:00:27,665 ...a British submarine surfaced in the Mediterranean. 4 00:00:27,700 --> 00:00:32,600 ...off the coast of Libya in North Africa, behind the German lines. 5 00:00:37,800 --> 00:00:40,800 - Are you sure the light carries that far? - It should. 6 00:00:44,600 --> 00:00:46,100 There they are. 7 00:00:50,000 --> 00:00:53,200 - What's he saying? - He says they're all set, sir. 8 00:00:53,235 --> 00:00:55,300 Tell him we're coming in. 9 00:01:31,700 --> 00:01:34,165 These were British commandos... 10 00:01:34,200 --> 00:01:39,700 ...and the purpose of this carefully plotted raid was the death of one man. 11 00:05:22,300 --> 00:05:24,400 Cover me. 12 00:06:03,900 --> 00:06:06,650 - It's no use. Go on. - Get hold of my arm. 13 00:06:06,685 --> 00:06:09,400 - It's no use, I tell you. Get out of here. 14 00:06:27,200 --> 00:06:29,800 Did we... Did we get him? 15 00:06:32,000 --> 00:06:34,100 Are you serious, Englishman? 16 00:07:50,200 --> 00:07:53,065 The following order from General Auchinleck. 17 00:07:53,100 --> 00:07:57,100 ...is to all commanders and chiefs of staff of the Middle East forces. 18 00:07:57,300 --> 00:07:59,965 "There exists a real danger that our friend Rommel. 19 00:08:00,000 --> 00:08:04,000 ...is becoming a kind of magician or bogeyman to our troops... 20 00:08:04,100 --> 00:08:06,800 ...who are talking far too much about him. " 21 00:08:06,835 --> 00:08:08,965 "He is by no means a superman... 22 00:08:09,000 --> 00:08:12,265 ...although he is undoubtedly very energetic and able. " 23 00:08:12,300 --> 00:08:16,600 "Even if he were a superman, it would still be highly undesirable. 24 00:08:16,635 --> 00:08:20,500 ...that our men should credit him with supernatural powers. " 25 00:08:20,535 --> 00:08:23,365 "I wish you to dispel by all possible means. 26 00:08:23,400 --> 00:08:28,200 ...the idea that Rommel represents something more than an ordinary German general. " 27 00:08:29,200 --> 00:08:32,100 "Ensure that this order is put into immediate effect... 28 00:08:32,135 --> 00:08:34,400 ...and impress upon all commanders. 29 00:08:34,600 --> 00:08:39,300 ...that, from a psychological point of view, it is a matter of the highest importance. " 30 00:08:39,335 --> 00:08:42,200 Signed: CJ Auchinleck, General... 31 00:08:42,235 --> 00:08:44,300 Commander-in-Chief, MEF. 32 00:08:45,500 --> 00:08:50,065 This is the North African desert in June of 1942... 33 00:08:50,100 --> 00:08:53,600 ...and these are British soldiers taken prisoner the night before. 34 00:08:53,635 --> 00:08:56,400 ...by units of the German Afrika Korps. 35 00:09:12,900 --> 00:09:15,200 Run, you fool! Run! 36 00:09:38,300 --> 00:09:40,400 You, come on! Get out of there! 37 00:09:43,000 --> 00:09:45,400 Get over with the other prisoners. 38 00:09:58,000 --> 00:10:00,500 Who is the senior officer here? 39 00:10:02,800 --> 00:10:05,400 - I am, I suppose. - Come with me. 40 00:10:14,700 --> 00:10:16,365 - Rank? - Lieutenant colonel. 41 00:10:16,400 --> 00:10:19,565 I want you to go with these two officers, under a flag of truce... 42 00:10:19,600 --> 00:10:23,600 ...and tell that battery to stop firing. Tell them they're killing their own men. 43 00:10:23,635 --> 00:10:27,100 - Sorry, I can't do that. - I'm giving you an order. 44 00:10:27,135 --> 00:10:29,065 Here, tie this on that rifle. 45 00:10:29,100 --> 00:10:33,100 Listen, Major, I'm a prisoner of war. You can't give me any such order. 46 00:10:33,300 --> 00:10:37,350 - You know that as well as I do. - I won't argue the point with you. 47 00:10:37,385 --> 00:10:41,400 Either you do as I tell you or we'll soon find a way to make you. 48 00:10:41,435 --> 00:10:45,400 - Are you going or not? - Major! Major! 49 00:10:47,000 --> 00:10:49,100 What's the row? 50 00:11:16,000 --> 00:11:19,500 - The field marshal said you're right. - Field marshal? 51 00:11:23,900 --> 00:11:26,365 So this, then, was Rommel. 52 00:11:26,400 --> 00:11:32,100 Erwin Johannes Eugen Rommel, commander in chief of the enemy army... 53 00:11:32,135 --> 00:11:35,900 ...and the most celebrated German soldier since World War I. 54 00:11:39,100 --> 00:11:41,465 Already a legend in the desert... 55 00:11:41,500 --> 00:11:45,500 ...he was a fox who had chased his hunters back and forth across North Africa. 56 00:11:46,000 --> 00:11:48,565 ...about as often as they had chased him... 57 00:11:48,600 --> 00:11:52,265 ...and his tricks and turns had made even the tommies chuckle... 58 00:11:52,300 --> 00:11:57,400 ...which is scarcely the proper reflex to the enemy in time of war. 59 00:11:57,435 --> 00:12:01,065 In spite of which, he was still, of course, my enemy. 60 00:12:01,100 --> 00:12:05,100 The enemy not only of my country and the army in which I served... 61 00:12:05,200 --> 00:12:07,865 ...but of all life as I knew it. 62 00:12:07,900 --> 00:12:11,200 Not only of democracy as free men had fashioned it... 63 00:12:11,235 --> 00:12:13,300 ...but of civilisation itself. 64 00:12:14,700 --> 00:12:17,265 My name is Desmond Young. 65 00:12:17,300 --> 00:12:21,300 At the time of my capture I was a lieutenant colonel in the Indian Army. 66 00:12:21,800 --> 00:12:26,765 This was my first and only sight of the cool, hard professional soldier. 67 00:12:26,800 --> 00:12:31,900 ...whose scrupulous regard for the rules of warfare had been exercised, in this instance... 68 00:12:31,935 --> 00:12:34,000 ...so fortunately for myself. 69 00:12:35,900 --> 00:12:38,465 Two years and four months later... 70 00:12:38,500 --> 00:12:42,500 ...while the British and Americans were still fighting their way across Europe... 71 00:12:42,535 --> 00:12:44,600 Erwin Rommel was dead. 72 00:12:45,500 --> 00:12:51,700 He was dead, the Nazis reported, of wounds gallantly received on the field of honour. 73 00:12:51,735 --> 00:12:56,565 But the Nazis were great liars, of course, and many people wondered. 74 00:12:56,600 --> 00:13:01,200 For already there were mysterious rumours floating across the battle lines. 75 00:13:03,200 --> 00:13:07,500 So when the war was over and my military life behind me... 76 00:13:07,535 --> 00:13:09,865 I gave myself a mission. 77 00:13:09,900 --> 00:13:13,465 I set out to discover what actually had happened to him. 78 00:13:13,500 --> 00:13:18,200 ...what was the truth about his death, and on what field of honour had he died? 79 00:13:19,300 --> 00:13:24,500 In a modest home in the tiny village of Herrlingen by Ulm, in W�rttemberg, Germany... 80 00:13:24,700 --> 00:13:28,400 I talked long and often with Rommel's son and widow... 81 00:13:28,435 --> 00:13:32,100 ...and examined his letters, reports and other papers. 82 00:13:32,900 --> 00:13:38,700 In Germany I talked to soldiers who had served with him, over him and under him... 83 00:13:38,735 --> 00:13:42,100 ...in England, with men who had fought against him... 84 00:13:42,135 --> 00:13:45,065 ...from field marshals to desert rats. 85 00:13:45,100 --> 00:13:49,100 And in both countries, of course, I went to the official records. 86 00:13:49,900 --> 00:13:55,700 Based on these facts, what now follows is the true story of Erwin Rommel. 87 00:13:58,900 --> 00:14:02,200 The beginning of the end for this single-minded soldier. 88 00:14:02,235 --> 00:14:06,417 ...came at 9.30 on the evening of October 23, 1942... 89 00:14:06,452 --> 00:14:10,600 ...when, at El Alamein, six miles of British guns... 90 00:14:10,635 --> 00:14:12,600 Fire! 91 00:14:50,200 --> 00:14:55,200 I discovered that, actually, Rommel was not in Africa when the storm of battle broke. 92 00:14:55,235 --> 00:14:58,067 Suffering from a chronic diphtheria of the nose... 93 00:14:58,102 --> 00:15:00,900 ...he had been relieved of his command a month before. 94 00:15:00,935 --> 00:15:04,017 ...and flown back to a hospital in Germany. 95 00:15:04,052 --> 00:15:07,065 But, when the telephone rang at his bedside. 96 00:15:07,100 --> 00:15:10,765 ...and a familiar voice from Berlin called on him once more... 97 00:15:10,800 --> 00:15:14,800 ...he rose and was in a plane on the way back to the desert within hours. 98 00:15:41,100 --> 00:15:44,400 - Thank you. Still the dandy, I see. - Just luck, sir. 99 00:15:44,435 --> 00:15:45,865 Welcome back, sir. 100 00:15:45,900 --> 00:15:49,000 - Shall we look at those maps? - Over here. 101 00:15:50,600 --> 00:15:53,700 - How are you, Bayerlein? - Very well. Did you see Frau Rommel? 102 00:15:53,735 --> 00:15:56,565 Yes, she came and stayed a week, she and Manfred. 103 00:15:56,600 --> 00:16:00,465 - How does it look today? - They've simply got too much for us. 104 00:16:00,500 --> 00:16:04,400 I've no idea how we'll get out of it. Not with the amount of petrol we've got. 105 00:16:04,435 --> 00:16:06,065 - We have petrol. - Not enough. 106 00:16:06,100 --> 00:16:09,050 - It's still on the way? - No, nor any prospect of it. 107 00:16:09,085 --> 00:16:11,965 - Who told you that? - I've talked to Rome three times. 108 00:16:12,000 --> 00:16:16,000 There's no petrol on the way nor any committed to us, as of ten o'clock last night. 109 00:16:16,400 --> 00:16:18,800 Schultz. Aldinger. 110 00:16:25,900 --> 00:16:28,165 - The tanks, did they come? - None. 111 00:16:28,200 --> 00:16:30,700 - None since I left? - No. None since August. 112 00:16:30,735 --> 00:16:32,867 - What about the guns? - Nothing. 113 00:16:32,902 --> 00:16:35,000 - And no petrol at all? - Not a pint. 114 00:16:49,200 --> 00:16:51,400 This is correct within the hour. 115 00:16:51,435 --> 00:16:53,500 Get me a stool, will you? 116 00:16:58,400 --> 00:17:02,200 Here's where it's worst. The 15th's in a bad way. They drove... 117 00:17:02,235 --> 00:17:04,665 - What's this? - The Trento Division. 118 00:17:04,700 --> 00:17:07,700 - Yes, I see. How far's this armour? - No further. 119 00:17:07,735 --> 00:17:09,800 Where are my maps? 120 00:17:15,600 --> 00:17:18,565 Bring the 21st and Ariete north through here. 121 00:17:18,600 --> 00:17:21,900 - Move the 90th and Trento forward here. - So they'll hook up. 122 00:17:21,935 --> 00:17:25,165 - Is Montgomery sending his infantry in first? - Naturally. 123 00:17:25,200 --> 00:17:29,850 Then the armour? Let's send our tanks in first and blow a hole through that infantry. 124 00:17:29,885 --> 00:17:34,500 If it works, we'll be on top of his tanks, with our infantry pouring in to polish it off. 125 00:17:34,535 --> 00:17:38,300 - Very good, sir. - If it doesn't work we'll know better next time. 126 00:17:38,335 --> 00:17:40,300 You're not going up now, are you? 127 00:17:44,100 --> 00:17:47,600 - Oughtn't you to turn in? - After three weeks of being turned in? 128 00:17:47,635 --> 00:17:51,100 - We're away, sir. - Let's head north and go in with the 21st. 129 00:17:58,700 --> 00:18:03,500 But there was now another fox in the desert, an even craftier one, perhaps. 130 00:18:03,535 --> 00:18:07,165 And if the battle boiled into confusion during the next few days... 131 00:18:07,200 --> 00:18:11,800 ...it was a confusion that was clearly more and more in Montgomery's favour. 132 00:19:56,900 --> 00:20:01,600 - Have you found the field marshal yet? - No, sir. He's out at the front again. 133 00:20:04,200 --> 00:20:08,000 I don't know how the men in the line feel, but I'd just as soon have. 134 00:20:08,035 --> 00:20:10,965 ...a commander in chief with a touch of cowardice about him. 135 00:20:11,000 --> 00:20:15,600 Just enough to have him back at headquarters now and then. Keep after him. 136 00:20:29,000 --> 00:20:31,065 By the tenth day of the battle... 137 00:20:31,100 --> 00:20:35,065 ...not even Rommel could have any doubt as to its outcome. 138 00:20:35,100 --> 00:20:40,800 There's a limit to this sort of thing. You can't go on indefinitely until the last man's dead. 139 00:20:40,835 --> 00:20:43,700 It's all very gallant, but it's also pretty idiotic. 140 00:20:43,735 --> 00:20:46,000 Von Thoma wants to pull back to Daba. 141 00:20:49,600 --> 00:20:52,500 - What about M�ller? - No answer as yet, sir. 142 00:20:56,300 --> 00:20:58,265 - Where are you from? - Goslar, sir. 143 00:20:58,300 --> 00:21:02,000 Really? I was stationed in Goslar once with a mountain battalion. 144 00:21:02,035 --> 00:21:04,800 - We skied there. Do you know that run? - Very well, sir. 145 00:21:04,835 --> 00:21:07,265 - Are you any good? - Well, two years ago... 146 00:21:07,300 --> 00:21:10,400 - He understood I need an immediate answer? - Yes, sir. 147 00:21:10,435 --> 00:21:13,000 - Are you keeping after M�ller? - Yes, sir. 148 00:21:14,900 --> 00:21:17,165 - Did you try Berlin? - He'll call if he can. 149 00:21:17,200 --> 00:21:20,365 - Nothing yet, though. - No, but he knows the situation. 150 00:21:20,400 --> 00:21:25,800 - If there's anything he can do, he will. - To Berlin, we're a sideshow and you know it. 151 00:21:33,000 --> 00:21:34,265 Well, what? 152 00:21:34,300 --> 00:21:36,065 - M�ller's in a bad way. - How bad? 153 00:21:36,100 --> 00:21:39,865 Very. If he doesn't pull back soon, he won't have anything to pull back. 154 00:21:39,900 --> 00:21:43,900 - Why can't we get an answer from him? - His command car's gone. He's in a carrier. 155 00:21:44,400 --> 00:21:47,165 If he's got more than 40 tanks left, I'd be surprised. 156 00:21:47,200 --> 00:21:50,800 - How about the Italians? - They've had as much as they can take. 157 00:21:50,835 --> 00:21:52,900 Rome calling, sir. 158 00:21:55,800 --> 00:21:59,165 - Well? - Field Marshal Kesselring regrets. 159 00:21:59,200 --> 00:22:02,800 Well, that eliminates any further speculation anyway. 160 00:22:05,000 --> 00:22:07,965 It's now a simple matter of mathematics. 161 00:22:08,000 --> 00:22:12,900 With the petrol we've got left, we have two choices. We can remain here, be destroyed. 162 00:22:12,935 --> 00:22:15,800 Or we can pull out tonight and dig in for the next round. 163 00:22:15,835 --> 00:22:18,165 - You think we still can? - Pull out? Why not? 164 00:22:18,200 --> 00:22:22,200 - Montgomery's got no petrol shortage. - Montgomery's a very deliberate fellow. 165 00:22:22,600 --> 00:22:26,600 He wouldn't leap after me the way I'd leap after him. He'd think about it first. 166 00:22:26,635 --> 00:22:30,165 - I don't see what else there is to be done. - Let's have Plan C. 167 00:22:30,200 --> 00:22:34,200 Notify all commanding officers to stand by for important orders. If we move... 168 00:22:34,300 --> 00:22:36,165 Berlin calling, sir. 169 00:22:36,200 --> 00:22:38,400 - Who in Berlin? - The F�hrer. 170 00:22:56,100 --> 00:22:57,665 Signed: Adolf Hitler. 171 00:22:57,700 --> 00:23:01,965 "The situation requires that the El Alamein position be held to the last man. " 172 00:23:02,000 --> 00:23:07,000 "There is to be no retreat, not so much as one millimetre. It must be victory or death. " 173 00:23:07,035 --> 00:23:10,867 - I can't believe it. - Still got Berlin? Ask him to repeat that. 174 00:23:10,902 --> 00:23:14,700 I know. But it's not him, I tell you. It's those hoodlums again. 175 00:23:14,735 --> 00:23:18,465 Those thieves and crooks and murderers. Those toy soldiers. 176 00:23:18,500 --> 00:23:22,500 Those dummy generals, with their books and charts and maps and pointers. 177 00:23:22,800 --> 00:23:26,800 How can he listen to such nonentities? How can he stand the smell of such filth? 178 00:23:26,900 --> 00:23:29,800 Why doesn't he slaughter them and use his intelligence? 179 00:23:29,835 --> 00:23:32,165 - I have your repeat. - Go ahead, read it. 180 00:23:32,200 --> 00:23:36,200 "The situation requires that the El Alamein position be held to the last man. " 181 00:23:36,700 --> 00:23:39,600 "There is to be no retreat, not so much as one millimetre. " 182 00:23:39,635 --> 00:23:43,500 "It must be victory or death. " Signed: Adolf Hitler. 183 00:23:44,600 --> 00:23:47,700 - Incredible! - You won't pay attention to such nonsense? 184 00:23:47,735 --> 00:23:50,565 It's a military order from general headquarters. 185 00:23:50,600 --> 00:23:54,600 A clear, straight, stupid, criminal military order from general headquarters. 186 00:23:54,900 --> 00:23:58,500 And what are you going to do? Double the insanity by obeying it? 187 00:23:58,535 --> 00:24:00,865 We've got the best soldiers in the army. 188 00:24:00,900 --> 00:24:04,665 They may be just hanging on now, but they're still fighting. 189 00:24:04,700 --> 00:24:09,200 If we take them out now, they can fight again tomorrow. But this? This is sheer madness. 190 00:24:09,235 --> 00:24:14,500 Nobody has said "Victory or death" since people fought with bows and arrows. 191 00:24:14,535 --> 00:24:16,865 This is an order to throw away an entire army. 192 00:24:16,900 --> 00:24:20,900 If I may remind you, sir, here in the field these men are yours, not his. 193 00:24:20,935 --> 00:24:23,200 - I just can't understand it. - He's insane. 194 00:24:23,235 --> 00:24:25,800 He's not insane. He's... 195 00:24:27,400 --> 00:24:29,500 But neither am I. 196 00:24:36,600 --> 00:24:40,200 Pull 'em out, Bayerlein. I'll argue with him about it later. 197 00:25:17,800 --> 00:25:19,965 The end came in Tunis... 198 00:25:20,000 --> 00:25:24,400 ...when the Axis forces were caught between the British, the Free French. 199 00:25:24,435 --> 00:25:28,800 ...and the Americans under Eisenhower, and surrendered unconditionally. 200 00:25:31,800 --> 00:25:35,700 But the Afrika Korps went into captivity without its leader. 201 00:25:35,735 --> 00:25:38,465 For, a month before the end... 202 00:25:38,500 --> 00:25:42,500 Rommel had again fallen ill and been invalided back to the hospital in Germany. 203 00:25:52,000 --> 00:25:55,000 - Morning, Sergeant. - Morning, Frau Rommel. Manfred. 204 00:25:55,035 --> 00:25:56,500 Morning. 205 00:25:57,600 --> 00:26:00,465 - Dr Strolin. - Karl Strolin, Lord Mayor of Stuttgart. 206 00:26:00,500 --> 00:26:04,800 - An old friend of the field marshal's. - You'll find him much better this morning. 207 00:26:04,835 --> 00:26:07,300 All he needed was a little rest. 208 00:26:15,200 --> 00:26:17,300 Frau Rommel... 209 00:26:19,600 --> 00:26:21,700 Manfred Rommel... 210 00:26:24,600 --> 00:26:28,300 ...and Dr Karl Strolin. 211 00:26:28,335 --> 00:26:30,365 From Stuttgart? 212 00:26:30,400 --> 00:26:32,900 Not only from, but lord mayor of. 213 00:26:35,300 --> 00:26:37,900 And don't tell me he's on the list. 214 00:26:42,000 --> 00:26:44,700 Dr Karl Strolin, Lord Mayor of Stuttgart. 215 00:26:46,800 --> 00:26:49,400 She says he's an old friend of the field marshal. 216 00:26:49,435 --> 00:26:51,465 Nevertheless, here he is. 217 00:26:51,500 --> 00:26:56,500 "To be kept under the closest observation whenever discovered outside Stuttgart. " 218 00:26:59,200 --> 00:27:02,465 Not that it could really be described as an argument. 219 00:27:02,500 --> 00:27:07,700 It's impossible to have an argument with him in the sense that you and I could have one. 220 00:27:07,735 --> 00:27:09,665 He raves. He screams. 221 00:27:09,700 --> 00:27:14,400 He goes into such hysterics it's like trying to make sense with a panic-stricken woman. 222 00:27:14,435 --> 00:27:16,800 He called him a coward. 223 00:27:17,900 --> 00:27:20,800 Did he really use that word to you? 224 00:27:20,835 --> 00:27:22,865 Not once, but several times. 225 00:27:22,900 --> 00:27:28,500 In Russia, he said, officers like me have been put against the wall and shot. 226 00:27:28,535 --> 00:27:30,865 Nor must I think it couldn't happen to me. 227 00:27:30,900 --> 00:27:36,150 And that was his thanks. That was his gratitude for all that Erwin has done for him. 228 00:27:36,185 --> 00:27:41,400 But you mustn't hold people accountable for everything they say when emotionally upset. 229 00:27:41,435 --> 00:27:44,900 The war's not going well and he's naturally worried. 230 00:27:46,100 --> 00:27:51,100 But I'm afraid it'll be a long time before I forget what he did to the Afrika Korps. 231 00:27:51,900 --> 00:27:53,965 What was that? 232 00:27:54,000 --> 00:27:58,000 When the end was near, and I asked him to get them out... 233 00:27:58,100 --> 00:28:02,900 ...he said he had no further interest or concern in the Afrika Korps. 234 00:28:02,935 --> 00:28:04,900 And that was their thanks. 235 00:28:07,500 --> 00:28:10,850 Rommel, I should like to ask you a question. 236 00:28:10,885 --> 00:28:14,165 If you don't care to answer, I understand... 237 00:28:14,200 --> 00:28:18,200 ...but, with your permission, I should like to ask it nevertheless. 238 00:28:18,235 --> 00:28:20,165 What is it? 239 00:28:20,200 --> 00:28:23,100 Do you really believe that we can win? 240 00:28:28,500 --> 00:28:31,400 - I'll tell you what he believes. - Yes? 241 00:28:33,400 --> 00:28:35,665 He doesn't think so. 242 00:28:35,700 --> 00:28:38,000 He told you that himself? 243 00:28:38,035 --> 00:28:40,265 He did. 244 00:28:40,300 --> 00:28:43,200 And he understands what that'll mean this time? 245 00:28:43,235 --> 00:28:45,065 Apparently. 246 00:28:45,100 --> 00:28:47,365 Then why do we go on? 247 00:28:47,400 --> 00:28:49,665 Because we have no choice. 248 00:28:49,700 --> 00:28:55,800 Because no country we're fighting - England, America, Russia - will make peace with him. 249 00:28:55,835 --> 00:28:58,265 He admitted that? 250 00:28:58,300 --> 00:29:01,165 And it's the truth, of course. 251 00:29:01,200 --> 00:29:04,600 In other words, while he remains as leader of Germany. 252 00:29:04,635 --> 00:29:07,200 ...we must fight on until we're destroyed. 253 00:29:07,235 --> 00:29:09,600 Victory or death, as ever. 254 00:29:11,600 --> 00:29:15,600 I take it that he didn't mention the obvious solution to the situation. 255 00:29:16,000 --> 00:29:19,000 - What do you mean? - Abdication. 256 00:29:21,500 --> 00:29:23,900 Now, my dear Strolin... 257 00:29:26,200 --> 00:29:28,565 I'm afraid we must go, dear. 258 00:29:28,600 --> 00:29:30,565 - Already? - I have a train to catch. 259 00:29:30,600 --> 00:29:33,250 - We'll come back later. - Let's have coffee. 260 00:29:33,285 --> 00:29:35,865 Goodbye. Good to see you after all these years. 261 00:29:35,900 --> 00:29:39,400 - We won't let it be so long next time. - Do you think they really would? 262 00:29:39,435 --> 00:29:41,865 - Would what, son? - Shoot you. 263 00:29:41,900 --> 00:29:46,200 No, no. That's just his wild way of talking. You mustn't pay any attention to that. 264 00:29:46,235 --> 00:29:50,500 - Shoot his greatest general? - You shouldn't have said that in front of him. 265 00:29:50,535 --> 00:29:53,000 Come along and stop talking nonsense. 266 00:29:54,700 --> 00:29:57,800 - Until this evening, dear. - Come early, will you? 267 00:30:01,000 --> 00:30:05,000 - He's a good-looking boy, isn't he? - And a very nice boy, too. 268 00:30:05,400 --> 00:30:09,265 - But were you entirely truthful with him? - About what? 269 00:30:09,300 --> 00:30:12,300 When you told him that he would never put you up against a wall. 270 00:30:12,335 --> 00:30:13,465 Of course. 271 00:30:13,500 --> 00:30:16,800 Has it ever occurred to you that he might turn on you? 272 00:30:16,835 --> 00:30:20,000 - Why should he? - He's turned on others. 273 00:30:20,035 --> 00:30:21,765 He'll never turn on me. 274 00:30:21,800 --> 00:30:26,900 What about those round him that don't like you - Himmler, Bormann and that crowd? 275 00:30:26,935 --> 00:30:30,267 - Don't they ever influence him? - Very often, indeed. 276 00:30:30,302 --> 00:30:33,565 You don't think they might influence him against you? 277 00:30:33,600 --> 00:30:37,600 It's possible, yes, but... I don't see that it's very likely. 278 00:30:37,700 --> 00:30:41,465 But in the remote possibility that they did... 279 00:30:41,500 --> 00:30:45,500 ...have you ever considered what might become of Lucy and Manfred? 280 00:30:45,900 --> 00:30:49,900 I've never thought about it. But what on earth are you getting at anyway? 281 00:30:50,200 --> 00:30:53,200 I think you should, that's all. 282 00:30:53,800 --> 00:30:58,800 You haven't changed a bit, Doctor. You always were something of an odd fish. 283 00:30:59,600 --> 00:31:03,565 But there's no need to worry this time. We're in no danger, none of us. 284 00:31:03,600 --> 00:31:08,500 And if you'd take some advice from a friend, you'd better not talk like that to everybody. 285 00:31:08,535 --> 00:31:10,265 I don't. 286 00:31:10,300 --> 00:31:13,800 Only to those I know very well and am very fond of. 287 00:31:15,100 --> 00:31:19,100 - Goodbye, Rommel. - Goodbye, Strolin. Come again if you can. 288 00:31:19,200 --> 00:31:21,200 I'll try. 289 00:33:36,800 --> 00:33:42,165 An invasion of Hitler's European fortress was now clearly but a matter of time. 290 00:33:42,200 --> 00:33:48,200 And in November of 1943, Rommel made a tour of inspection of the Atlantic defences... 291 00:33:48,235 --> 00:33:51,200 ...preparatory to taking command of the Nazi forces. 292 00:33:51,235 --> 00:33:54,200 ...that were gathering to resist the assault. 293 00:35:02,800 --> 00:35:06,800 A month later, Rommel reported to Field Marshal von Rundstedt... 294 00:35:07,000 --> 00:35:10,650 ...supreme commander in the west, at the latter's headquarters. 295 00:35:10,685 --> 00:35:14,300 ...in the Pompadour's Palace at Fontainebleau outside Paris. 296 00:35:25,500 --> 00:35:28,300 Field Marshal von Rundstedt, gentlemen. 297 00:35:33,800 --> 00:35:36,400 - Ruge. - Field Marshal. 298 00:35:36,435 --> 00:35:38,500 Gentlemen. 299 00:35:43,700 --> 00:35:46,000 - Good to see you, Rommel. - Field Marshal. 300 00:35:46,800 --> 00:35:52,200 Well, now that you've examined it closely, what do you think of our Atlantic Wall? 301 00:35:52,235 --> 00:35:55,300 I'm afraid I haven't quite completed my report yet, but... 302 00:35:55,335 --> 00:35:57,865 Then we'll discuss it whenever you're ready. 303 00:35:57,900 --> 00:36:02,550 I don't imagine the mighty Eisenhower will be on us for another day or so anyway. 304 00:36:02,585 --> 00:36:07,200 - Wasn't too much a tax on you, I hope. - Not in the least. I'm entirely recovered. 305 00:36:07,235 --> 00:36:11,200 - I'm delighted. You're well taken care of? - Yes, sir. 306 00:36:11,600 --> 00:36:14,165 Bauer, would you divert our friends. 307 00:36:14,200 --> 00:36:17,700 ...while Field Marshal Rommel and I have a few moments of privacy? 308 00:36:17,735 --> 00:36:19,800 Yes, sir. 309 00:36:48,500 --> 00:36:50,600 Appalling, wasn't it? 310 00:36:52,900 --> 00:36:55,565 I can't even see why it's called a wall. 311 00:36:55,600 --> 00:36:59,200 The big ports like Havre and Ostend and Cherbourg are protected... 312 00:36:59,235 --> 00:37:01,900 ...but the enemy's not coming in on the Queen Mary. 313 00:37:01,935 --> 00:37:04,265 Nothing's been done about the beaches. 314 00:37:04,300 --> 00:37:07,465 I saw 50 places where an army of children could come ashore. 315 00:37:07,500 --> 00:37:12,600 The trouble is labour. We have the plans for fortifications the devil couldn't breach - 316 00:37:12,635 --> 00:37:16,165 ...solid steel and concrete from Denmark to Spain. 317 00:37:16,200 --> 00:37:20,200 But I'm afraid our French friends aren't being as cooperative as they might be. 318 00:37:20,600 --> 00:37:23,265 Even when driven to the job, they move like snails. 319 00:37:23,300 --> 00:37:28,000 Either we break it up while they're still wading ashore or we're in trouble. 320 00:37:28,035 --> 00:37:30,417 - Is that how you'd meet it? - On the beaches. 321 00:37:30,452 --> 00:37:32,765 Crowd the water with mines and traps and tricks. 322 00:37:32,800 --> 00:37:36,400 ...and hit 'em while they're trying to keep themselves from drowning. 323 00:37:36,435 --> 00:37:39,200 Here. Down here. 324 00:37:39,235 --> 00:37:40,765 And here. 325 00:37:40,800 --> 00:37:42,800 I don't agree with you. 326 00:37:47,300 --> 00:37:52,100 As it happens, neither you nor I will determine the tactics in this operation. 327 00:37:52,135 --> 00:37:54,200 Not above the regimental level anyway. 328 00:37:54,235 --> 00:37:56,400 You mean Berlin? 329 00:37:57,300 --> 00:38:02,200 I mean the Bohemian corporal himself is assuming sole command of this operation. 330 00:38:02,900 --> 00:38:08,600 You and I will function simply as instruments of his astrological inspirations. 331 00:38:08,635 --> 00:38:12,265 And in case you're afflicted with scepticism, this is official. 332 00:38:12,300 --> 00:38:16,300 - But that's an impossible situation. - Then you should explain that to him. 333 00:38:16,400 --> 00:38:18,965 You've made no protest yourself? 334 00:38:19,000 --> 00:38:24,400 After you've interfered a dozen times or so with a man's enthusiastic determination. 335 00:38:24,435 --> 00:38:28,400 ...to cut his own throat, there comes a moment when you're inclined to stand back. 336 00:38:28,900 --> 00:38:31,265 ...and view it with a certain detachment. 337 00:38:31,300 --> 00:38:33,665 No objection to my pointing this out to him? 338 00:38:33,700 --> 00:38:37,700 On the contrary. I bestow my blessings on your courage and optimism. 339 00:38:48,400 --> 00:38:53,600 I'm told you once referred to me as a clown, a clown of Hitler's circus. 340 00:38:53,635 --> 00:38:55,265 Oh, did I? 341 00:38:55,300 --> 00:38:59,200 If so, I think you should know I've been more explicit about you many times. 342 00:38:59,235 --> 00:39:01,565 That's quite all right, Field Marshal. 343 00:39:01,600 --> 00:39:06,500 I find it almost impossible to keep my mind on anything harsh said about me. 344 00:39:06,535 --> 00:39:08,265 Did you say it? 345 00:39:08,300 --> 00:39:13,800 Whoever said it, you've given him ample reason to regret such a foolish remark. 346 00:39:13,835 --> 00:39:16,400 - Thank you, Field Marshal. - Not at all. 347 00:39:17,400 --> 00:39:21,000 - Is there anything else? - I don't believe so, at the moment. 348 00:39:24,000 --> 00:39:25,800 One suggestion, perhaps... 349 00:39:26,600 --> 00:39:29,665 ...in view of our cordiality. 350 00:39:29,700 --> 00:39:32,765 If I were you, I wouldn't be altogether unguarded. 351 00:39:32,800 --> 00:39:36,065 ...about what I had to say about this new strategic arrangement. 352 00:39:36,100 --> 00:39:41,800 You should know that from now on you'll be under more or less constant observation. 353 00:39:41,835 --> 00:39:45,465 - From Berlin? - Friends of the management, I believe. 354 00:39:45,500 --> 00:39:49,000 Have you any information as to why I should be singled out? 355 00:39:49,035 --> 00:39:51,900 Oh, but you're not. We all are. 356 00:39:52,600 --> 00:39:55,465 Apparently, you didn't have it in Africa... 357 00:39:55,500 --> 00:39:59,500 ...but here on the Continent it's an honour that goes with staff rank. 358 00:39:59,900 --> 00:40:04,600 - You, too? - My dear fellow, I'm the commander in chief. 359 00:40:13,700 --> 00:40:18,365 Two months after that, in February of 1944... 360 00:40:18,400 --> 00:40:22,200 ...during one of Rommel's rare absences from the Atlantic frontier... 361 00:40:22,235 --> 00:40:26,200 ...his old friend Dr Karl Strolin sought him out again. 362 00:40:40,300 --> 00:40:43,065 - Good afternoon, sir. - Good afternoon. 363 00:40:43,100 --> 00:40:46,100 Dr Strolin to see the field marshal and Frau Rommel. 364 00:40:46,135 --> 00:40:48,200 Come in, sir. 365 00:40:58,800 --> 00:41:01,865 Eisenhower won't try it until spring, of course. 366 00:41:01,900 --> 00:41:06,200 - I doubt if I'll get home again before then. - Are we ready for it? 367 00:41:06,235 --> 00:41:08,300 We will be, I hope. 368 00:41:13,700 --> 00:41:17,700 - To your very good health, Doctor. 369 00:41:20,700 --> 00:41:23,300 How do you know this room isn't wired? 370 00:41:23,335 --> 00:41:26,265 Wired? Why should it be wired? 371 00:41:26,300 --> 00:41:29,200 Does Himmler have to have a reason for wiring a room? 372 00:41:29,235 --> 00:41:31,765 No, I don't suppose he does. 373 00:41:31,800 --> 00:41:35,400 But I don't think you have to worry about this one. Why? 374 00:41:47,400 --> 00:41:50,800 Cos I want to talk to you without being overheard. 375 00:41:50,835 --> 00:41:54,000 - About what? - About the Hitler situation. 376 00:41:55,200 --> 00:41:58,800 If this is politics, Strolin, I don't want to hear it. 377 00:41:58,835 --> 00:42:01,065 You'd rather see Germany destroyed? 378 00:42:01,100 --> 00:42:03,665 It's not a matter I want to discuss, I tell you. 379 00:42:03,700 --> 00:42:07,200 And I'm surprised at you. That's a communist position. 380 00:42:07,900 --> 00:42:09,965 Oh? Is it? 381 00:42:10,000 --> 00:42:13,800 Defeat, against him, all that sort of thing. You know it is. 382 00:42:13,835 --> 00:42:16,365 Would you call General Beck a communist? 383 00:42:16,400 --> 00:42:19,450 - Of course not. - Or Carl Goerdeler, Lord Mayor of Leipzig? 384 00:42:19,485 --> 00:42:22,500 - I've never heard that he was. - What about Falkenhausen? 385 00:42:22,535 --> 00:42:25,900 - No, but... - What about Heinrich von Stulpnagel? 386 00:42:25,935 --> 00:42:29,565 Von Neurath, von Hassel, are they communists? 387 00:42:29,600 --> 00:42:35,500 Are you trying to tell me seriously that men like that are questioning his leadership? 388 00:42:35,535 --> 00:42:39,265 Not just questioning it. They intend to end it. 389 00:42:39,300 --> 00:42:44,700 - You mean you've talked to those fellows? - To them and many others. Not only soldiers. 390 00:42:44,735 --> 00:42:48,265 Churchmen, labour leaders, lawyers, doctors. 391 00:42:48,300 --> 00:42:53,200 Members of the government, even. Not too many of them, but sound men every one. 392 00:42:54,200 --> 00:42:56,900 How long has this been going on? 393 00:42:56,935 --> 00:42:58,900 Since '38. 394 00:43:00,500 --> 00:43:02,965 And what exactly are you after? 395 00:43:03,000 --> 00:43:07,000 One: We want to get rid of Hitler and his gang. 396 00:43:07,100 --> 00:43:13,000 If we are to be defeated, then we prefer to be defeated as human beings, not as barbarians. 397 00:43:13,035 --> 00:43:16,265 Two: Whether we win or lose... 398 00:43:16,300 --> 00:43:20,300 ...we want to live again like decent people, without fear. 399 00:43:20,400 --> 00:43:23,900 Look, Strolin, I don't want to get mixed up in this thing. 400 00:43:24,800 --> 00:43:29,500 What they do in Berlin is their business, not mine. I'm a soldier, not a politician. 401 00:43:29,535 --> 00:43:33,917 - You still think you're perfectly safe? - Who knows who's safe and who's not? 402 00:43:33,952 --> 00:43:38,300 - Under a sane man you'd know. - That's a lot of rubbish. And you know it. 403 00:43:38,335 --> 00:43:41,965 Well, I hope you're right. And perhaps you are. 404 00:43:42,000 --> 00:43:45,365 After all, you are his favourite, and no one's ever questioned. 405 00:43:45,400 --> 00:43:50,500 ...the deep and enduring gratitude he's always shown to those who have served him well. 406 00:43:50,535 --> 00:43:52,865 No one's in danger who does his job properly. 407 00:43:52,900 --> 00:43:58,500 Of course, you have nothing to fear. And if something did happen, unpredictably... 408 00:43:58,535 --> 00:44:01,665 ...you'd still know that the lives of Lucy and Manfred. 409 00:44:01,700 --> 00:44:05,065 ...would be safe and snug in the soft, gentle, tender hands. 410 00:44:05,100 --> 00:44:08,865 ...of that brave little band of patriots he's gathered round him. 411 00:44:08,900 --> 00:44:12,900 - That kind of talk doesn't amuse me. - I'm not trying to amuse you. 412 00:44:13,300 --> 00:44:17,165 I'm merely reflecting on your extraordinary good fortune. 413 00:44:17,200 --> 00:44:21,200 I wish you'd think about that, too, sometime. Not the blood on his mouth... 414 00:44:21,235 --> 00:44:24,265 ...but what a godsend he is to you personally... 415 00:44:24,300 --> 00:44:27,465 ...not only in your home, but in the field as a soldier. 416 00:44:27,500 --> 00:44:31,500 How many other generals can boast the favour and support of a leader. 417 00:44:31,535 --> 00:44:34,500 ...so gifted in the arts of war? 418 00:44:34,700 --> 00:44:35,865 That's enough. 419 00:44:35,900 --> 00:44:40,200 You haven't forgotten how brilliantly he refused to be seduced into an invasion. 420 00:44:40,235 --> 00:44:43,100 ...of undefended England right after Dunkirk? 421 00:44:43,135 --> 00:44:45,365 Or how brave he was at Stalingrad... 422 00:44:45,400 --> 00:44:48,265 ...when von Paulus wanted to withdraw from the trap? 423 00:44:48,300 --> 00:44:53,700 What other man on earth would have had the courage to send that brief, thrilling command. 424 00:44:53,735 --> 00:44:59,100 "Don't retreat so much as a millimetre. Victory or death. " Would Napoleon himself... 425 00:44:59,135 --> 00:45:03,167 - That's enough, I tell you! - Afraid even to think about it. 426 00:45:03,202 --> 00:45:07,200 Stop talking to me as if I were a child and you a schoolmaster! 427 00:45:07,235 --> 00:45:09,867 Don't you think I know what you mean? But what of it? 428 00:45:09,902 --> 00:45:12,465 Who asked me? And suppose I told them what I thought - 429 00:45:12,500 --> 00:45:17,500 ...that what they're doing, beyond anything else, is stupid - who would listen to me? 430 00:45:17,535 --> 00:45:21,167 - Have you ever tried? - Yes! Been told to mind my own business. 431 00:45:21,202 --> 00:45:24,765 And who's to say they're not right? You aren't naive enough to think. 432 00:45:24,800 --> 00:45:28,800 ...that a soldier must approve of his government before he can fight for it. 433 00:45:29,000 --> 00:45:34,100 What army could exist like that, with every man free to decide what he will or won't do? 434 00:45:34,135 --> 00:45:37,865 The truth is that a soldier has but one function in life... 435 00:45:37,900 --> 00:45:42,700 ...one lone excuse for existence, and that is to carry out the order of his superiors. 436 00:45:42,735 --> 00:45:45,465 The rest, including government, is politics. 437 00:45:45,500 --> 00:45:50,600 And if I must remind you again, I'm a soldier, not a politician. What the government does... 438 00:45:50,635 --> 00:45:53,267 Stop hiding behind that bloody uniform of yours! 439 00:45:53,302 --> 00:45:55,900 What do I care about your philosophy of the soldier? 440 00:45:55,935 --> 00:45:58,165 All it means to me is that you're terrified... 441 00:45:58,200 --> 00:46:02,200 ...and hiding under a lot of rubbish about the functions of a robot. 442 00:46:02,400 --> 00:46:05,865 Have you forgotten that I've known you for 20 years? 443 00:46:05,900 --> 00:46:09,300 I know exactly how you feel about that abomination in Berlin. 444 00:46:09,335 --> 00:46:11,865 What I can't understand is this willingness. 445 00:46:11,900 --> 00:46:15,900 ...to go marching right down into hell with a beast you loathe and despise. 446 00:46:16,500 --> 00:46:21,100 Where's all the sense and courage you have in the field? Haven't you any of it here? 447 00:46:21,135 --> 00:46:24,500 I think you'd better get out of this house. Now. 448 00:46:27,000 --> 00:46:30,950 Not until you've shown an old friend the decency of honesty with him. 449 00:46:30,985 --> 00:46:34,942 If reason won't work - very well, then, I'm prepared to go further. 450 00:46:34,977 --> 00:46:38,900 I won't stir from this room until the truth has passed between us. 451 00:46:39,100 --> 00:46:41,665 Or had you rather I call the guard and charge you? 452 00:46:41,700 --> 00:46:46,600 - That you will never do. - And may I ask why you know what I will do? 453 00:46:46,635 --> 00:46:49,300 Because Lucy told me that you wouldn't. 454 00:46:51,000 --> 00:46:55,000 You... You've already talked to Lucy about this? 455 00:46:55,500 --> 00:46:57,365 Of course. 456 00:46:57,400 --> 00:47:00,300 - And she sent you to me? - Not at all. 457 00:47:01,100 --> 00:47:05,900 She merely told me how you really feel about our sainted leader. 458 00:47:05,935 --> 00:47:08,700 ...and his glorious reign over Germany. 459 00:47:19,800 --> 00:47:22,500 Father! Father, the car's here. 460 00:47:23,200 --> 00:47:27,700 We saw it. Will you please not shout? I've told you that a dozen times. 461 00:47:29,000 --> 00:47:31,365 - He's just excited. - I know, but... 462 00:47:31,400 --> 00:47:35,400 He's all right. He's still only a boy, remember, in spite of that uniform. 463 00:47:35,700 --> 00:47:37,565 Of course. 464 00:47:37,600 --> 00:47:40,165 Take care of yourself, dear. 465 00:47:40,200 --> 00:47:43,900 - You're not cross with me, are you? - For what? 466 00:47:43,935 --> 00:47:46,700 For speaking to Dr Strolin. 467 00:47:48,600 --> 00:47:50,700 No, of course not. 468 00:47:53,400 --> 00:47:55,400 Is he right? 469 00:47:57,800 --> 00:47:59,800 I don't know. 470 00:48:03,300 --> 00:48:06,365 I can't make up my mind. 471 00:48:06,400 --> 00:48:09,065 But that's a dreadful thing he proposes. 472 00:48:09,100 --> 00:48:14,600 A great, tremendous, dreadful thing. I don't know that I can go along that far with him. 473 00:48:14,635 --> 00:48:19,700 - Then don't, if you don't think he's right. - I didn't say he wasn't right, but... 474 00:48:19,735 --> 00:48:23,400 Even so, is that the only way to handle it? 475 00:48:24,100 --> 00:48:26,465 Treason? 476 00:48:26,500 --> 00:48:30,300 That's what it comes down to, no matter how right you think you are. 477 00:48:30,335 --> 00:48:32,965 You think it's better to keep things as they are? 478 00:48:33,000 --> 00:48:36,765 No, no, I don't. But there must be some better way of handling it. 479 00:48:36,800 --> 00:48:42,200 I mean, if I could see him alone again and explain the situation to him. 480 00:48:43,700 --> 00:48:47,000 Can you tell me how a man can fight a war under such conditions? 481 00:48:47,035 --> 00:48:49,600 Isn't it enough that we face an invasion... 482 00:48:49,635 --> 00:48:51,465 No. Never mind now. 483 00:48:51,500 --> 00:48:56,000 You don't have to decide this minute. It'll come to you when it's time. 484 00:48:58,300 --> 00:49:01,350 What do you think, really? 485 00:49:01,385 --> 00:49:04,400 I can't tell you, dear. I don't know. 486 00:49:05,600 --> 00:49:09,500 But never mind now. When the time comes, something'll tell you. 487 00:49:09,535 --> 00:49:12,600 You'd better go along now. You're late already. 488 00:49:15,700 --> 00:49:18,265 - Write to me every day, will you? - I will. 489 00:49:18,300 --> 00:49:22,300 - This is a little something for the journey. - Thank you, darling. 490 00:49:24,100 --> 00:49:27,500 Goodbye, sweetheart. And don't worry about me. 491 00:49:27,535 --> 00:49:29,500 I'll try not to. 492 00:49:46,500 --> 00:49:48,600 That's all, please. 493 00:49:53,600 --> 00:49:56,350 Goodbye, son. Take care of your mother. 494 00:49:56,385 --> 00:49:59,065 Be a good soldier. Make me proud of you. 495 00:49:59,100 --> 00:50:03,000 I'll try, Father. Are you going to bring us back Montgomery? 496 00:50:03,035 --> 00:50:04,900 The minute he steps ashore. 497 00:50:06,900 --> 00:50:10,900 Goodbye, darling. 498 00:50:22,800 --> 00:50:26,800 And then, finally, after four long years of preparation... 499 00:50:27,300 --> 00:50:30,065 ...it came: D-day. 500 00:50:30,100 --> 00:50:34,000 And the greatest armada and the vastest movement of men and arms. 501 00:50:34,035 --> 00:50:37,165 ...in the history of the world rose from England. 502 00:50:37,200 --> 00:50:40,200 ...and set out for the assault on the beaches of Normandy. 503 00:50:40,235 --> 00:50:42,700 ...and the German fortress of Europe. 504 00:53:46,600 --> 00:53:51,700 From the moment the Bohemian corporal promoted himself to the supreme command... 505 00:53:51,735 --> 00:53:55,300 ...the German Army has been the victim of a unique situation. 506 00:53:56,100 --> 00:54:01,300 Not only too many of the enemy, but one too many Germans. 507 00:54:03,100 --> 00:54:06,100 You don't think he's ready to give us the 15th Army yet? 508 00:54:06,135 --> 00:54:08,665 I don't see how he can under the circumstances. 509 00:54:08,700 --> 00:54:11,900 His astrologers have informed him that this is only a feint... 510 00:54:11,935 --> 00:54:15,417 ...that the real invasion is yet to come, north of Calais. 511 00:54:15,452 --> 00:54:18,865 The 15th Army is sitting on those cold beaches up there. 512 00:54:18,900 --> 00:54:25,100 Waiting for an invasion that has taken place is an excellent example of war by horoscope. 513 00:54:25,135 --> 00:54:27,465 We've got to have those troops. 514 00:54:27,500 --> 00:54:32,200 If we're not allowed to manoeuvre, we've got to be able to support these positions. 515 00:54:32,235 --> 00:54:34,867 We've got to see him again about it. 516 00:54:34,902 --> 00:54:37,465 I tell you this in confidence, Rommel. 517 00:54:37,500 --> 00:54:41,500 I don't think anything we can do would be of the slightest use. 518 00:54:42,800 --> 00:54:45,700 The pattern for defeat has already been set. 519 00:54:46,600 --> 00:54:49,900 "Hold fast. Don't give up a millimetre of ground. " 520 00:54:50,900 --> 00:54:52,865 "Victory or death. " 521 00:54:52,900 --> 00:54:58,100 Wars can't be won by men whose knowledge of tactics is based on copybook maxims. 522 00:54:59,100 --> 00:55:03,065 They may stir schoolchildren, but they don't stop troops. 523 00:55:03,100 --> 00:55:07,100 But give me a free hand for a few months and I'd make them pay for it. 524 00:55:07,500 --> 00:55:12,600 I'd make them pay such a price in blood they'd wish they'd never heard of Germany. 525 00:55:12,635 --> 00:55:14,865 I might not be able to stop them all... 526 00:55:14,900 --> 00:55:19,600 ...but they'd know they'd fought an army, not a series of stationary targets. 527 00:55:21,200 --> 00:55:26,100 He'll never let us, of course. You know how firm corporals are. 528 00:55:54,200 --> 00:55:56,700 Do you happen to know Karl Strolin? 529 00:55:58,300 --> 00:56:01,400 - Strolin? - The Lord Mayor of Stuttgart. 530 00:56:03,900 --> 00:56:06,200 I remember that name from somewhere. 531 00:56:06,235 --> 00:56:08,800 Or Dr Goerdeler of Leipzig? 532 00:56:12,800 --> 00:56:15,665 You too? 533 00:56:15,700 --> 00:56:18,765 Every day that passes, every minute of the day... 534 00:56:18,800 --> 00:56:23,400 ...convinces me more and more that theirs is the only possible solution. 535 00:56:23,435 --> 00:56:26,165 Your words, you must understand, mystify me. 536 00:56:26,200 --> 00:56:29,500 They propose to arrest him, take over the government. 537 00:56:29,535 --> 00:56:32,800 ...and move immediately to make peace with Eisenhower. 538 00:56:32,900 --> 00:56:36,165 I shall, of course, deny that this conversation ever took place. 539 00:56:36,200 --> 00:56:41,500 But that's a particularly childish idea. Eisenhower won't make a separate peace. 540 00:56:41,535 --> 00:56:44,700 And why should he, with things going so well as they are? 541 00:56:44,735 --> 00:56:47,667 That part of your plan is doomed from the start. 542 00:56:47,702 --> 00:56:50,565 But you don't disagree with the basic proposal? 543 00:56:50,600 --> 00:56:53,365 I'm sorry, but I don't believe I heard the question. 544 00:56:53,400 --> 00:56:58,100 In any case, if they came to you for counsel or advice, would you receive them? 545 00:56:58,135 --> 00:57:00,367 Oh, no. 546 00:57:00,402 --> 00:57:02,565 No. 547 00:57:02,600 --> 00:57:06,100 No, I'm afraid not, Rommel. 548 00:57:06,135 --> 00:57:09,167 It's too late. Much too late. 549 00:57:09,202 --> 00:57:12,200 Even if they moved immediately? 550 00:57:13,000 --> 00:57:15,800 You misunderstand. 551 00:57:15,835 --> 00:57:18,600 Not too late for that. 552 00:57:18,635 --> 00:57:20,700 Too late for me. 553 00:57:21,900 --> 00:57:23,900 I'm 70 now... 554 00:57:25,100 --> 00:57:27,200 ...too old to revolt... 555 00:57:28,000 --> 00:57:32,700 ...too old to challenge authority... however evil. 556 00:57:44,200 --> 00:57:46,800 Berlin calling, sir. Marshal Keitel. 557 00:57:55,100 --> 00:57:56,065 Keitel? 558 00:57:56,100 --> 00:57:58,465 - Von Rundstedt? - Here. 559 00:57:58,500 --> 00:58:01,865 - Is this true about Cherbourg? - I'm afraid so. 560 00:58:01,900 --> 00:58:05,465 But this is dreadful. How can I give such news to the F�hrer? 561 00:58:05,500 --> 00:58:09,500 You've reported misfortune to him before. Why should this be such a problem? 562 00:58:09,600 --> 00:58:12,950 But that's just it. We've had nothing but bad news for weeks. 563 00:58:12,985 --> 00:58:16,300 Isn't there any good news I can give him at the same time? 564 00:58:16,335 --> 00:58:18,665 Have you checked on the Russian front? 565 00:58:18,700 --> 00:58:22,465 We're not discussing the Russian front. We're discussing yours. 566 00:58:22,500 --> 00:58:26,400 This situation in the west becomes worse with every report. 567 00:58:26,435 --> 00:58:30,300 I'm actually embarrassed to have to give him another disappointment like this. 568 00:58:30,335 --> 00:58:32,165 Can't you think of anything we can do? 569 00:58:32,200 --> 00:58:37,600 Certainly. Give us those 90 divisions of the 15th Army who are in Calais playing cards. 570 00:58:37,635 --> 00:58:42,365 That's impossible. The F�hrer has explained the necessity for leaving them there. 571 00:58:42,400 --> 00:58:47,300 Very well. Give us permission to pull out of Normandy and set up a line we can defend. 572 00:58:47,335 --> 00:58:51,300 Your orders are to fight where you are. That's what he expects you to do. 573 00:58:51,400 --> 00:58:53,800 You have no better suggestion than that? 574 00:58:53,835 --> 00:58:55,800 One very much better, in fact. 575 00:58:57,200 --> 00:58:59,800 Make peace, you idiot! 576 00:59:21,600 --> 00:59:24,565 - Goodbye again, Rommel. - He'll never report that. 577 00:59:24,600 --> 00:59:29,500 This very instant he's knocking at the corporal's door, whimpering with happiness. 578 00:59:29,535 --> 00:59:32,065 You must never forget this, my dear fellow. 579 00:59:32,100 --> 00:59:35,700 Victory has a hundred fathers: Defeat is an orphan. 580 00:59:36,700 --> 00:59:41,900 Within 24 hours you'll be named my successor. I extend my deepest sympathy. 581 00:59:41,935 --> 00:59:44,500 That's nonsense. He'll never let you go. 582 00:59:53,300 --> 00:59:55,865 But not too old, I might add... 583 00:59:55,900 --> 01:00:00,900 ...to wish your friends the best of luck in their extremely interesting project. 584 01:00:05,400 --> 01:00:09,400 Meanwhile, with their beachheads irretrievably secured... 585 01:00:09,600 --> 01:00:15,200 Allied tanks and men had fanned out across France and begun their race for the Rhine. 586 01:00:52,600 --> 01:00:56,350 Put these where you can get to them quickly. Also those files there. 587 01:00:56,385 --> 01:01:00,100 Keep the key yourself and use your own judgement about the rest. 588 01:01:01,300 --> 01:01:03,300 Field Marshal. 589 01:01:31,500 --> 01:01:34,100 - Where is he? - In the small room. 590 01:01:35,700 --> 01:01:37,800 - Aldinger. - Yes, sir. 591 01:01:46,500 --> 01:01:48,065 Colonel. 592 01:01:48,100 --> 01:01:51,000 I'll try to be as brief as possible, Field Marshal. 593 01:01:51,035 --> 01:01:53,900 - You'd better keep an eye on the corridor. - Yes, sir. 594 01:02:01,900 --> 01:02:05,265 - Well? - We are faced with an immediate decision. 595 01:02:05,300 --> 01:02:09,900 Three of our men were arrested in Berlin yesterday. They'll be made to talk, of course. 596 01:02:09,935 --> 01:02:13,565 But, fortunately, their knowledge of the people involved is limited. 597 01:02:13,600 --> 01:02:17,400 But in the opinion of everyone concerned, there's no more time to be lost. 598 01:02:17,435 --> 01:02:19,765 We must act at once. 599 01:02:19,800 --> 01:02:22,600 And it's all set, definitely? 600 01:02:22,635 --> 01:02:24,900 So I understand, sir. 601 01:02:29,900 --> 01:02:33,700 At my word, from this instant, they are prepared to follow my lead. 602 01:02:33,735 --> 01:02:37,217 Then I have your permission to inform General Stulpnagel. 603 01:02:37,252 --> 01:02:40,700 ...we may now act at will and without further consultation? 604 01:02:44,100 --> 01:02:46,700 Wait here, Colonel. Come with me, Ruge. 605 01:02:51,000 --> 01:02:53,600 - Clear this room, Aldinger. - Yes, sir. 606 01:02:55,300 --> 01:02:58,300 Outside. Never mind about that. Outside. 607 01:03:00,900 --> 01:03:05,300 Field Marshal Rommel speaking. Put me through to Field Marshal Keitel. 608 01:03:08,100 --> 01:03:11,565 I've got to be certain, absolutely certain. 609 01:03:11,600 --> 01:03:14,700 We can't go through with this if there's a remote sign of sense. 610 01:03:19,800 --> 01:03:21,365 Keitel? 611 01:03:21,400 --> 01:03:25,250 - Rommel. - Now listen very carefully, Keitel. 612 01:03:25,285 --> 01:03:29,065 I've got to see the F�hrer at once, somewhere in France. 613 01:03:29,100 --> 01:03:34,100 I can't explain now, but you must make him understand that it's a matter of great urgency. 614 01:03:34,135 --> 01:03:36,317 I suggest tomorrow morning. 615 01:03:36,352 --> 01:03:38,465 On June 17... 616 01:03:38,500 --> 01:03:43,200 ...they met in Hitler's underground stronghold at Margival, near Soissons. 617 01:03:43,700 --> 01:03:49,300 This is an extremely difficult duty, my F�hrer, but circumstances leave me with no choice. 618 01:03:49,335 --> 01:03:52,900 We've reached a crisis on this front that calls for a decision. 619 01:03:52,935 --> 01:03:55,867 But you've said that. You've said that before. 620 01:03:55,902 --> 01:03:58,765 Every time we talk, we're facing another crisis. 621 01:03:58,800 --> 01:04:02,800 When the enemy has overwhelming superiority on land, at sea and in the air... 622 01:04:03,300 --> 01:04:07,300 ...and continues to grow stronger with every hour while we grow weaker at the same rate... 623 01:04:07,800 --> 01:04:11,365 ...that to me is a crisis by any standards that I understand. 624 01:04:11,400 --> 01:04:16,900 - A crisis that should be examined promptly. - That's you! That's you, like always. 625 01:04:17,600 --> 01:04:20,165 When everything's going well, you're willing. 626 01:04:20,200 --> 01:04:25,200 But at the first sign of a difficulty, you become a defeatist, complete defeatist. 627 01:04:25,235 --> 01:04:30,600 Are you perhaps interested why you didn't succeed von Rundstedt? This is why! 628 01:04:32,500 --> 01:04:36,200 Maybe I'd have been better if I had replaced you altogether. 629 01:04:37,600 --> 01:04:40,565 Have you, perhaps, a little confidence in me? 630 01:04:40,600 --> 01:04:44,150 More, it would seem, than the F�hrer has in me. May I continue? 631 01:04:44,185 --> 01:04:47,700 And what my V bombs are doing to London, has no one told you? 632 01:04:47,735 --> 01:04:50,865 Yes, sir. But why not to the beachheads? 633 01:04:50,900 --> 01:04:56,300 Because that's not their purpose. They need a whole city for a target, then they cannot miss. 634 01:04:56,335 --> 01:05:00,200 Then why not the embarkation ports? Plymouth, Southampton, Portsmouth? 635 01:05:00,235 --> 01:05:01,965 No, no, no, no, no! 636 01:05:02,000 --> 01:05:07,400 That's exactly what I mean when I say you're no good at thinking above the battlefield. 637 01:05:08,900 --> 01:05:12,900 The British don't care for those villages. It's their London that they love. 638 01:05:13,000 --> 01:05:16,265 They don't want to see it destroyed the way I'll destroy it. 639 01:05:16,300 --> 01:05:22,000 In two more weeks, remember my words, they'll be screaming for surrender. You'll see. 640 01:05:22,035 --> 01:05:26,017 To continue, sir. The struggle is over on this front. 641 01:05:26,052 --> 01:05:29,965 Within two weeks, you must prepare to see the enemy. 642 01:05:30,000 --> 01:05:33,565 ...break through our lines and push out into the interior of France. 643 01:05:33,600 --> 01:05:38,300 Militarily, the end is already in sight. We have nothing more to throw in. 644 01:05:39,200 --> 01:05:43,165 What is it you are proposing? That we surrender? 645 01:05:43,200 --> 01:05:47,900 I give you the facts, sir. I only ask that you draw the proper conclusions. 646 01:05:47,935 --> 01:05:50,300 Proper to whom? To you! 647 01:05:57,800 --> 01:06:01,800 I suggest, Rommel, that you confine your genius to fighting. 648 01:06:01,900 --> 01:06:06,300 Leave the conduct of the war to those who are responsible for it! 649 01:06:06,335 --> 01:06:10,665 My apologies, sir. Now, if the F�hrer will honour me with his advice. 650 01:06:10,700 --> 01:06:15,900 The V weapon, for your information, happens to be only the first in a series of weapons. 651 01:06:15,935 --> 01:06:19,065 ...that will completely revolutionise all warfare. 652 01:06:19,100 --> 01:06:24,900 I've a second more powerful, and a third in mind a thousand times more destructive. 653 01:06:24,935 --> 01:06:27,165 But the crisis under discussion is now. 654 01:06:27,200 --> 01:06:31,200 I've a dozen others, all of them capable of turning the whole course of the war. 655 01:06:31,400 --> 01:06:34,865 But what about now, sir? What are we to do tomorrow morning? 656 01:06:34,900 --> 01:06:41,000 While you've been deciding that all is lost, we've been working, working miracles... 657 01:06:41,035 --> 01:06:44,265 ...determining the course of history for centuries to come! 658 01:06:44,300 --> 01:06:48,200 In the workshops and laboratories, we've made machines of destruction. 659 01:06:48,235 --> 01:06:51,165 ...such as the enemy has never dreamed of! 660 01:06:51,200 --> 01:06:55,200 I have one in mind! I have a weapon in mind! 661 01:07:00,500 --> 01:07:04,200 Now definitely committed to the plot to assassinate his F�hrer... 662 01:07:04,235 --> 01:07:07,865 Rommel was still trying to whip fight into his crumbling front... 663 01:07:07,900 --> 01:07:13,400 ...when, on June 17, on a road near a village with the ominous name of Montgomery... 664 01:07:17,600 --> 01:07:19,600 Aircraft. 665 01:08:06,400 --> 01:08:13,100 Three days later, while Rommel still lay unconscious in a hospital in France... 666 01:08:13,135 --> 01:08:16,967 Adolf Hitler and his staff gathered for their fateful conference. 667 01:08:17,002 --> 01:08:20,800 ...in a fortified barracks at his headquarters in East Prussia. 668 01:09:05,100 --> 01:09:07,100 The F�hrer, gentlemen. 669 01:09:10,100 --> 01:09:13,200 He handles his panzers like a cavalry officer. 670 01:09:13,800 --> 01:09:15,900 Thank you, gentlemen. 671 01:09:21,100 --> 01:09:23,365 - My F�hrer. - Yes? 672 01:09:23,400 --> 01:09:25,265 - Stauffenberg, sir. - Yes, yes. 673 01:09:25,300 --> 01:09:28,400 - Stauffenberg. From General Fromm. - Yes, sir. 674 01:09:28,435 --> 01:09:31,500 - Good to see you again. - Thank you, my F�hrer. 675 01:09:31,535 --> 01:09:33,800 Gentlemen, your attention, please. 676 01:09:35,900 --> 01:09:39,300 Excuse me, please. I have a report from General Fromm. 677 01:09:49,600 --> 01:09:52,765 - Where's G�ring? - On his way now, sir. 678 01:09:52,800 --> 01:09:56,600 Well, when you are fat, you don't move so fast, huh? 679 01:10:01,200 --> 01:10:03,900 Colonel Count von Stauffenberg? Telephone, sir. 680 01:10:03,935 --> 01:10:05,900 Thank you. 681 01:10:10,100 --> 01:10:12,200 Excuse me. 682 01:10:30,200 --> 01:10:34,200 All right, suppose we start with the Russian front. 683 01:11:00,700 --> 01:11:02,100 F�hrer? 684 01:11:02,900 --> 01:11:04,800 The F�hrer! 685 01:11:28,000 --> 01:11:30,100 Are you all right, my F�hrer? 686 01:11:31,600 --> 01:11:34,000 Yeah. I'm all right. 687 01:11:37,800 --> 01:11:41,900 For that failure, 5000 suspects paid with their lives. 688 01:11:41,935 --> 01:11:45,617 ...during the few days that Hitler spent in hospital. 689 01:11:45,652 --> 01:11:49,300 As for Rommel, recuperating at Herrlingen from injuries. 690 01:11:49,500 --> 01:11:52,500 ...that would have destroyed any but the toughest of men... 691 01:11:52,535 --> 01:11:55,465 ...all public mention of his name suddenly stopped... 692 01:11:55,500 --> 01:11:58,600 ...and a complete and official silence settled over the subject. 693 01:11:58,635 --> 01:12:01,865 ...of the nation's most celebrated soldier. 694 01:12:01,900 --> 01:12:05,300 For three months he remained in this sinister isolation. 695 01:12:05,335 --> 01:12:09,300 ...until the afternoon of October 13 in 1944. 696 01:12:10,200 --> 01:12:12,665 - Keitel? - How are you, Rommel? 697 01:12:12,700 --> 01:12:16,700 - Getting along, thank you. - Well enough yet to come up to Berlin? 698 01:12:16,735 --> 01:12:21,000 I'm afraid not yet. In another week or two, perhaps. Why? 699 01:12:21,035 --> 01:12:23,765 I could send a special train for you. 700 01:12:23,800 --> 01:12:27,400 That's very good of you, but I really don't feel up to it yet. 701 01:12:27,435 --> 01:12:29,965 Is there some particular urgency about it? 702 01:12:30,000 --> 01:12:32,800 How soon will you be ready for another command? 703 01:12:32,835 --> 01:12:36,600 Another two weeks, I suppose. Three at the most. 704 01:12:37,300 --> 01:12:41,300 If we send someone there, would you be able to discuss the situation with him? 705 01:12:41,700 --> 01:12:45,700 - Of course. - Very well. I'll send Burgdorf. You know him? 706 01:12:46,300 --> 01:12:47,700 I've met him. 707 01:12:47,900 --> 01:12:51,900 Suppose I have him drive down tomorrow morning, would that be convenient? 708 01:12:52,000 --> 01:12:55,865 - Perfectly. - He'll have full information and instructions. 709 01:12:55,900 --> 01:13:00,900 - Give my best regards to Frau Rommel. - I will. And thank you very much. 710 01:13:00,935 --> 01:13:03,000 - Goodbye, then. - Goodbye. 711 01:13:22,400 --> 01:13:26,100 Keitel. He's talking about another command again. 712 01:13:27,200 --> 01:13:30,700 - When? - When I feel like it, I suppose. 713 01:13:47,000 --> 01:13:49,900 Uh, he sends his best regards to you. 714 01:14:39,100 --> 01:14:42,700 - We're here to see Field Marshal Rommel. - I'll tell him, sir. 715 01:14:42,735 --> 01:14:44,900 - Would you tell him... - Come in, Burgdorf. 716 01:14:53,300 --> 01:14:57,300 - Field Marshal. - It's good to see you again. And you, General. 717 01:14:57,500 --> 01:15:00,100 - I don't believe you've met my wife. - No, sir. 718 01:15:00,135 --> 01:15:02,700 May I present General Burgdorf and General?... 719 01:15:02,735 --> 01:15:04,265 - Maisel. - General Maisel. 720 01:15:04,300 --> 01:15:08,300 - My son Manfred and Captain Aldinger. - I hope you're not too tired. 721 01:15:08,400 --> 01:15:11,900 - Not at all, thank you. - Have you time for luncheon first? 722 01:15:11,935 --> 01:15:15,400 Thank you, but we're due back as quickly as we can make it. 723 01:15:15,435 --> 01:15:18,365 Very well, then. If you'll excuse us, dear. This way. 724 01:15:18,400 --> 01:15:21,800 - Our apologies. - Of course, but I'm terribly disappointed. 725 01:15:21,835 --> 01:15:24,300 - Another time, perhaps. - I hope so. 726 01:15:39,100 --> 01:15:41,700 I hope it's the Russian front, don't you? 727 01:15:45,900 --> 01:15:48,465 Make yourselves comfortable. 728 01:15:48,500 --> 01:15:53,800 Smoke, if you wish. I'm not like Montgomery - smoke doesn't make me unhappy. 729 01:15:58,300 --> 01:16:01,165 At your service, gentlemen. 730 01:16:01,200 --> 01:16:05,165 - We come directly from the F�hrer. - Yes. 731 01:16:05,200 --> 01:16:08,900 And what we have to say to you comes directly from his lips. 732 01:16:08,935 --> 01:16:10,365 Yes? 733 01:16:10,400 --> 01:16:13,365 Our instructions are to tell you, first... 734 01:16:13,400 --> 01:16:19,200 ...of his deep appreciation of your many heroic services to the state. 735 01:16:21,100 --> 01:16:22,665 Go on. 736 01:16:22,700 --> 01:16:25,865 And his regrets over your unfortunate accident. 737 01:16:25,900 --> 01:16:31,000 I was sure his silence meant only that there were more important matters on his mind. 738 01:16:31,700 --> 01:16:34,565 It's a pity that after such a record... 739 01:16:34,600 --> 01:16:39,800 If you'll forgive me, may we skip your reflections and get to the message you have? 740 01:16:39,835 --> 01:16:41,800 Of course, sir. 741 01:17:07,400 --> 01:17:12,400 You'll observe that the charges are supported by an overwhelming body of testimony. 742 01:17:12,435 --> 01:17:14,900 I can read, thank you. 743 01:17:24,800 --> 01:17:28,500 You've been uncommonly fortunate, I see, in deathbed confessions. 744 01:17:28,535 --> 01:17:32,000 It's all perfectly legal, I assure you, sir. 745 01:17:44,100 --> 01:17:49,400 You may inform the F�hrer that I look forward to answering these charges in court. 746 01:17:49,435 --> 01:17:52,465 You don't intend to deny them, do you? 747 01:17:52,500 --> 01:17:57,800 I said you may inform the F�hrer that I look forward to answering the charges in court. 748 01:17:58,500 --> 01:18:02,400 The F�hrer is extremely hopeful that this matter can be settled. 749 01:18:02,435 --> 01:18:06,300 ...without exposing it to the inevitable publicity of a court trial. 750 01:18:06,335 --> 01:18:09,165 Very well, then. Let him withdraw the charges. 751 01:18:09,200 --> 01:18:13,200 His view is that nothing but harm for everyone could come from a trial. 752 01:18:14,200 --> 01:18:17,565 My orders are to remind you, in the strongest terms possible... 753 01:18:17,600 --> 01:18:22,200 ...of the damage that testimony like this could do to your name and reputation. 754 01:18:22,235 --> 01:18:25,600 What does he expect me to do? Plead guilty? To you? 755 01:18:26,300 --> 01:18:28,565 Well, naturally not that, of course. 756 01:18:28,600 --> 01:18:32,600 I know what he wants. He wants me to keep my mouth shut. 757 01:18:32,700 --> 01:18:35,565 He doesn't want me to speak out where it can be heard. 758 01:18:35,600 --> 01:18:39,200 Well, you may tell him for me that that's very thoughtful of him... 759 01:18:43,800 --> 01:18:46,365 ...which will be in a proper court of law. 760 01:18:46,400 --> 01:18:51,000 But to what end, sir? The verdict is already indicated. 761 01:18:54,800 --> 01:18:57,300 He told you to tell me that, too? 762 01:18:58,000 --> 01:19:01,500 The evidence is there. What defence is possible? 763 01:19:02,500 --> 01:19:05,600 Then... what does he suggest? 764 01:19:06,200 --> 01:19:07,965 Before we go any further... 765 01:19:08,000 --> 01:19:11,765 ...the field marshal should be warned that this house is surrounded. 766 01:19:11,800 --> 01:19:16,800 - My orders, sir. I'm sure you understand. - And both of us are armed. 767 01:19:16,835 --> 01:19:19,565 What does he want done? 768 01:19:19,600 --> 01:19:23,065 His belief is that it would be to the best interests of all. 769 01:19:23,100 --> 01:19:29,200 ...if you should see fit to relieve the situation yourself, quietly and without delay. 770 01:19:30,200 --> 01:19:32,265 Go on. 771 01:19:32,300 --> 01:19:37,700 The advantages of a solution like that over an exchange of recriminations in an open court. 772 01:19:37,735 --> 01:19:40,700 ...are, in his opinion, several and obvious. 773 01:19:41,900 --> 01:19:46,950 Most important to him, of course, would be the preservation of your name and fame. 774 01:19:46,985 --> 01:19:52,000 And he would see to it that no suspicion would be attached to the way of your going. 775 01:19:53,000 --> 01:19:58,200 As far as the rest of the nation would know, you succumbed finally to your war wounds. 776 01:19:58,235 --> 01:20:00,865 That would be the official announcement. 777 01:20:00,900 --> 01:20:05,700 And the state would then honour your memory and your family as well... 778 01:20:05,735 --> 01:20:08,200 ...with a generosity that would be historic. 779 01:20:08,235 --> 01:20:11,165 That was his word - "historic". 780 01:20:11,200 --> 01:20:15,200 Your name would live on in the glory it once deserved... 781 01:20:15,300 --> 01:20:21,100 ...while your wife and son would never want for either safety or comfort as long as they live. 782 01:20:23,700 --> 01:20:26,800 - I have a choice? - In a sense, yes. 783 01:20:28,700 --> 01:20:32,000 The choice to die now or later. 784 01:20:33,400 --> 01:20:35,500 It amounts to that, I'm afraid. 785 01:20:37,000 --> 01:20:39,865 How long have I to make this choice? 786 01:20:39,900 --> 01:20:43,400 We're due back in Berlin as early this evening as we can make it. 787 01:20:49,400 --> 01:20:52,265 Death by strangulation. 788 01:20:52,300 --> 01:20:57,500 The drug I have brought with me is effective in three seconds and painless. 789 01:21:15,100 --> 01:21:17,365 Tell him for me. 790 01:21:17,400 --> 01:21:21,400 ...that in spite of the disadvantages you've been kind enough to point out... 791 01:21:21,900 --> 01:21:23,965 I'll take the trial. 792 01:21:24,000 --> 01:21:29,100 It may be, as you say, a futile defence, but I think it should be heard nevertheless. 793 01:21:29,135 --> 01:21:32,465 There might be some value in it for those who hear it. 794 01:21:32,500 --> 01:21:38,300 It might even move some to stop and think for a moment or two, as finally I did... 795 01:21:39,400 --> 01:21:41,800 ...though unfortunately too late. 796 01:21:42,600 --> 01:21:45,400 In any case, it's my life, and that's my choice. 797 01:21:46,800 --> 01:21:50,000 I confess my disappointment with your choice, sir. 798 01:21:50,800 --> 01:21:53,765 My heart, of course, bleeds for you. 799 01:21:53,800 --> 01:21:57,565 The unfortunate part of it is that if you insist on a trial... 800 01:21:57,600 --> 01:22:03,000 I have no authority to offer any guarantees for the safety and comfort of your son... 801 01:22:04,100 --> 01:22:06,100 ...and widow. 802 01:22:19,600 --> 01:22:21,700 They're coming out now. 803 01:22:28,800 --> 01:22:31,800 - All over, sir? - I believe so. 804 01:22:35,400 --> 01:22:38,300 - We'll wait outside, sir. - I won't be long. 805 01:22:39,800 --> 01:22:42,200 Well, we hardly expected such a... 806 01:22:46,800 --> 01:22:50,200 - Over already? - Wait there. I'll be down in a few moments. 807 01:23:00,400 --> 01:23:02,565 What is it, Erwin? 808 01:23:02,600 --> 01:23:05,365 I want you to be strong, darling. 809 01:23:05,400 --> 01:23:08,500 I want you to be very strong and very brave. 810 01:23:09,900 --> 01:23:12,400 Do you understand? 811 01:23:12,435 --> 01:23:14,265 Yes. 812 01:23:14,300 --> 01:23:18,100 I've got to go away now, and I won't be back. 813 01:23:19,900 --> 01:23:22,500 Do you want me to tell you any more? 814 01:23:22,535 --> 01:23:24,565 There's no way out? 815 01:23:24,600 --> 01:23:27,665 No. But it won't be too terrible. 816 01:23:27,700 --> 01:23:31,700 They're giving me a drug. It's painless and effective immediately. 817 01:23:32,900 --> 01:23:36,900 We're leaving now and I'll do it as quickly as possible. 818 01:23:37,000 --> 01:23:39,465 We've got guns. Can't we make a break for it? 819 01:23:39,500 --> 01:23:43,500 No. There's nothing that can be done. They've thought of everything. 820 01:23:48,400 --> 01:23:50,565 Well, at least we could get them. 821 01:23:50,600 --> 01:23:55,200 There's nothing to be done, I tell you. I've got to do exactly as they say. 822 01:23:58,600 --> 01:24:00,700 Yes, sir. 823 01:24:05,300 --> 01:24:07,500 Are you going to be brave now? 824 01:24:07,535 --> 01:24:09,565 I don't know. 825 01:24:09,600 --> 01:24:13,400 You and Manfred will be all right. They've assured me of that. 826 01:24:13,435 --> 01:24:16,300 And nobody's to know about this but us. 827 01:24:16,335 --> 01:24:19,400 Are you sure there's no other way? 828 01:24:19,435 --> 01:24:21,400 No other, darling. 829 01:24:23,000 --> 01:24:26,700 - Have you told Manfred yet? - I'll tell him when I go down. 830 01:24:26,735 --> 01:24:29,200 No. Let me tell him. 831 01:24:30,300 --> 01:24:33,200 I can tell him so much better. 832 01:24:34,300 --> 01:24:36,400 If you wish. 833 01:24:48,600 --> 01:24:53,500 I'll get my coat now. It's cold and I don't want to shiver. 834 01:25:11,100 --> 01:25:13,500 The field marshal's coming out now. 835 01:25:25,100 --> 01:25:27,400 - You're going now? - Why not? 836 01:25:30,300 --> 01:25:32,365 But are you well enough? 837 01:25:32,400 --> 01:25:36,100 Of course. I've just been taking it easy on you and your mother. 838 01:25:36,135 --> 01:25:38,200 Is it Russia? 839 01:25:42,800 --> 01:25:46,000 Goodbye, Aldinger, old dear friend. 840 01:25:46,600 --> 01:25:48,565 Goodbye, sir. 841 01:25:48,600 --> 01:25:50,600 Take care of them. 842 01:25:50,635 --> 01:25:52,500 Yes, sir. 843 01:25:54,000 --> 01:25:55,765 Can't you tell me? 844 01:25:55,800 --> 01:25:59,700 Don't ask so many questions. You know better than to talk like that. 845 01:25:59,735 --> 01:26:03,100 - But when will we know? - Before very long. 846 01:26:06,300 --> 01:26:09,300 - Goodbye, son. Be a good boy. - Goodbye, Father. 847 01:26:09,335 --> 01:26:12,100 You'll stop them, won't you? 848 01:26:12,135 --> 01:26:14,200 We'll see. 849 01:26:23,300 --> 01:26:25,600 Goodbye, darling. 850 01:26:26,600 --> 01:26:28,600 Goodbye, dear. 851 01:26:41,800 --> 01:26:46,550 During that last short ride, what may Rommel's thoughts have been? 852 01:26:46,585 --> 01:26:51,265 ...were they bitter - That he had learned too slowly and struck too late? 853 01:26:51,300 --> 01:26:56,600 Or did they go back to the desert, where his military genius had first electrified the world? 854 01:26:57,300 --> 01:26:59,600 First at Mechili. 855 01:27:02,800 --> 01:27:04,800 Then Tobruk. 856 01:27:07,400 --> 01:27:09,900 Yes, and even El Alamein. 857 01:27:13,600 --> 01:27:18,600 In any case, his life and fate have best been summed up, ironically enough... 858 01:27:18,635 --> 01:27:22,200 ...in the words of Nazi Germany's sternest enemy... 859 01:27:22,235 --> 01:27:24,865 ...the Honourable Winston Churchill. 860 01:27:24,900 --> 01:27:30,465 His ardour and daring inflicted grievous disasters upon us... 861 01:27:30,500 --> 01:27:35,800 ...but he deserves the salute which I made him in the House of Commons. 862 01:27:35,835 --> 01:27:38,700 ...in January 1942. 863 01:27:39,500 --> 01:27:46,500 He also deserves our respect because, although a loyal German soldier... 864 01:27:46,535 --> 01:27:50,000 ...he came to hate Hitler and all his works... 865 01:27:50,700 --> 01:27:54,700 ...and took part in the conspiracy to rescue Germany. 866 01:27:55,200 --> 01:27:58,900 ...by displacing the maniac and tyrant. 867 01:27:59,800 --> 01:28:03,800 For this, he paid the forfeit of his life. 868 01:28:04,800 --> 01:28:08,250 In the sombre wars of modern democracy... 869 01:28:08,285 --> 01:28:11,700 ...there is little place for chivalry.