1 00:00:17,308 --> 00:00:19,605 The time is 1941... 2 00:00:19,709 --> 00:00:22,303 a month before Pearl Harbor. 3 00:00:22,412 --> 00:00:25,006 At 11:00 on a November night... 4 00:00:25,115 --> 00:00:27,675 a British submarine surfaced in the Mediterranean... 5 00:00:27,784 --> 00:00:30,446 off the coast of Libya in North Africa... 6 00:00:30,554 --> 00:00:32,579 behind the German lines. 7 00:00:37,328 --> 00:00:39,591 Are you sure the light carries that far? 8 00:00:39,695 --> 00:00:41,596 It should. 9 00:00:43,767 --> 00:00:45,996 There they are. 10 00:00:49,472 --> 00:00:52,805 - What's he saying? - He says they're all set, sir. 11 00:00:52,908 --> 00:00:55,309 Tell him we're coming in. 12 00:01:31,648 --> 00:01:34,138 These were British commandos... 13 00:01:34,250 --> 00:01:37,117 and the purpose of this carefully plotted raid... 14 00:01:37,219 --> 00:01:39,687 was the death of one man. 15 00:04:03,464 --> 00:04:05,728 Aaaah! 16 00:05:22,342 --> 00:05:24,242 Cover me. 17 00:06:02,816 --> 00:06:05,216 It's no use. Go on without me. 18 00:06:05,352 --> 00:06:08,184 - Get hold of my arm! - It's no use, I tell you. Get out of here! 19 00:06:27,307 --> 00:06:30,621 Did we... Did we get him? 20 00:06:30,657 --> 00:06:33,937 Are you serious, Englishman? 21 00:07:50,155 --> 00:07:52,988 Gentlemen, the following order from General Auchinleck... 22 00:07:53,092 --> 00:07:56,789 is to all commanders and chiefs of staff of the Middle East forces. 23 00:07:56,895 --> 00:07:59,864 "There exists a real danger that our friend Rommel... 24 00:07:59,965 --> 00:08:03,799 "is becoming a kind of magician or bogeyman to our troops... 25 00:08:03,902 --> 00:08:06,462 "who are talking far too much about him. 26 00:08:06,572 --> 00:08:08,733 "He is by no means a superman... 27 00:08:08,841 --> 00:08:12,038 "although he is undoubtedly very energetic and able. 28 00:08:12,144 --> 00:08:16,171 "Even if he were a superman, it would still be highly undesirable... 29 00:08:16,281 --> 00:08:19,910 "that our men should credit him with supernatural powers. 30 00:08:20,018 --> 00:08:23,317 "I wish you to dispel by all possible means... 31 00:08:23,422 --> 00:08:26,255 "the idea that Rommel represents something more... 32 00:08:26,358 --> 00:08:28,918 "than an ordinary German general. 33 00:08:29,027 --> 00:08:31,826 "Please ensure that this order is put into immediate effect... 34 00:08:31,930 --> 00:08:34,329 "and impress upon all commanders... 35 00:08:34,433 --> 00:08:36,924 "that from a psychological point of view... 36 00:08:37,035 --> 00:08:39,061 it is a matter of the highest importance. " 37 00:08:39,171 --> 00:08:41,833 Signed C.J. Auchinleck, General... 38 00:08:41,940 --> 00:08:45,067 Commander-in-Chief, M.E.F. 39 00:08:45,177 --> 00:08:49,510 This is the North African desert in June of 1942... 40 00:08:49,614 --> 00:08:53,277 and these are British soldiers taken prisoner the night before... 41 00:08:53,385 --> 00:08:56,080 by units of the German Afrika Korps. 42 00:09:12,170 --> 00:09:14,071 Run, you fool, run! 43 00:09:37,528 --> 00:09:40,190 You! Come on, get out of there! 44 00:09:42,867 --> 00:09:45,335 Get over with the other prisoners! 45 00:09:57,648 --> 00:10:00,139 Who is the senior officer here? 46 00:10:02,653 --> 00:10:04,985 - I am, I suppose. - Come with me. 47 00:10:14,031 --> 00:10:16,090 - What's your rank? - Lieutenant colonel. 48 00:10:16,200 --> 00:10:19,192 Colonel, I want you to go along with these two officers on a flag of truce. 49 00:10:19,303 --> 00:10:21,429 And tell that battery to stop firing. 50 00:10:21,539 --> 00:10:24,268 - Tell them they're... killing their own men. - I can't do that. 51 00:10:24,375 --> 00:10:27,241 Don't tell me what you can or can't do. I'm giving you an order. 52 00:10:27,344 --> 00:10:29,244 Here, tie this on that rifle. 53 00:10:29,346 --> 00:10:31,246 Listen, Major, I'm a prisoner of war. 54 00:10:31,348 --> 00:10:33,248 You can't give me any such order. 55 00:10:33,350 --> 00:10:35,250 You know that as well as I do. 56 00:10:35,352 --> 00:10:37,753 I'm not going to argue the point with you. 57 00:10:37,855 --> 00:10:41,291 Either you do as I tell you, or we'll soon find a way to make you. 58 00:10:41,392 --> 00:10:43,382 Are you going or not? 59 00:10:43,494 --> 00:10:46,894 Major! Major! 60 00:10:46,997 --> 00:10:48,897 What's the row? 61 00:11:15,692 --> 00:11:17,922 The field marshal said you're right. 62 00:11:18,061 --> 00:11:19,926 Field marshal? 63 00:11:23,534 --> 00:11:25,899 So this, then, was Rommel... 64 00:11:26,003 --> 00:11:29,130 Erwin Johannes Eugen Rommel... 65 00:11:29,272 --> 00:11:31,866 commander-in-chief of the enemy army... 66 00:11:32,009 --> 00:11:35,774 and the most celebrated German soldier since World War I. 67 00:11:38,548 --> 00:11:41,949 Already a legend in the desert, he was a fox... 68 00:11:42,052 --> 00:11:45,509 who had chased his hunters back and forth across North Africa... 69 00:11:45,655 --> 00:11:48,385 about as often as they had chased him... 70 00:11:48,525 --> 00:11:51,982 and his tricks and turns had made even the Tommies chuckle... 71 00:11:52,128 --> 00:11:56,929 which is scarcely the proper reflex to the enemy in time of war. 72 00:11:57,067 --> 00:12:00,695 In spite of which he was still, of course, my enemy... 73 00:12:00,837 --> 00:12:04,739 the enemy not only of my country and the army in which I served... 74 00:12:04,874 --> 00:12:07,275 but of all life as I knew it... 75 00:12:07,377 --> 00:12:10,938 not only of democracy as free men had fashioned it... 76 00:12:11,081 --> 00:12:13,845 but of civilization itself. 77 00:12:13,984 --> 00:12:16,953 My name is Desmond Young. 78 00:12:17,087 --> 00:12:20,988 At the time of my capture, I was a lieutenant colonel in the Indian army. 79 00:12:21,090 --> 00:12:23,423 This was my first and only sight... 80 00:12:23,525 --> 00:12:26,518 of the cool, hard, professional soldier... 81 00:12:26,663 --> 00:12:30,291 whose scrupulous regard for the rules of warfare had been exercised... 82 00:12:30,432 --> 00:12:33,596 in this instance, so fortunately for myself. 83 00:12:35,804 --> 00:12:38,204 Two years and four months later... 84 00:12:38,308 --> 00:12:42,209 while the British and Americans were fighting their way across Europe... 85 00:12:42,312 --> 00:12:44,610 Erwin Rommel was dead. 86 00:12:44,713 --> 00:12:47,580 He was dead, the Nazis reported... 87 00:12:47,684 --> 00:12:51,016 of wounds gallantly received on the field of honor. 88 00:12:51,120 --> 00:12:54,089 But the Nazis were great liars, of course. 89 00:12:54,223 --> 00:12:56,418 Many people wondered. 90 00:12:56,526 --> 00:13:00,656 For already there were mysterious rumors floating across the battle lines. 91 00:13:03,032 --> 00:13:07,059 So, when the war was over and my military life behind me... 92 00:13:07,202 --> 00:13:09,467 I gave myself a mission. 93 00:13:09,571 --> 00:13:13,200 I set out to discover what actually had happened to him. 94 00:13:13,342 --> 00:13:15,537 What was the truth about his death... 95 00:13:15,645 --> 00:13:18,842 and on what field of honor had he died? 96 00:13:18,948 --> 00:13:23,851 In a modest home in the tiny village of Herrlingen by Ulm in Wurttemberg, Germany... 97 00:13:23,953 --> 00:13:28,014 I talked long and often with Rommel's son and widow... 98 00:13:28,157 --> 00:13:31,991 and examined his letters, reports and other papers. 99 00:13:32,094 --> 00:13:34,824 In Germany, I talked to soldiers... 100 00:13:34,930 --> 00:13:38,331 who had served with him, over him and under him; 101 00:13:38,434 --> 00:13:41,835 In England, with men who had fought against him... 102 00:13:41,971 --> 00:13:44,462 from field marshals to desert rats. 103 00:13:44,606 --> 00:13:46,767 And in both countries, of course... 104 00:13:46,874 --> 00:13:49,309 I went to the official records. 105 00:13:49,445 --> 00:13:51,640 Based on these facts... 106 00:13:51,747 --> 00:13:56,446 what now follows is the true story of Erwin Rommel. 107 00:13:58,654 --> 00:14:01,885 The beginning of the end for this single-minded soldier... 108 00:14:01,990 --> 00:14:07,156 came at 9:30 on the evening of October 23, 1942... 109 00:14:07,261 --> 00:14:09,752 when at El Alamein six miles of British guns... 110 00:14:09,865 --> 00:14:11,765 Fire! 111 00:14:50,072 --> 00:14:52,631 I discovered that actually Rommel was not in Africa... 112 00:14:52,774 --> 00:14:55,038 when the storm of battle broke. 113 00:14:55,177 --> 00:14:57,872 Suffering from a chronic diphtheria of the nose... 114 00:14:58,013 --> 00:15:00,810 he had been relieved of his command a month before... 115 00:15:00,948 --> 00:15:03,383 and flown back to a hospital in Germany. 116 00:15:03,484 --> 00:15:06,920 But when the telephone rang at his bedside... 117 00:15:07,055 --> 00:15:10,547 and a familiar voice from Berlin called on him once more... 118 00:15:10,691 --> 00:15:14,684 he rose and was in a plane on the way back to the desert within hours. 119 00:15:40,922 --> 00:15:44,221 - Thank you, Bayerlein. Still a dandy, I see. - Just luck, sir. 120 00:15:44,325 --> 00:15:46,384 - Welcome back. - Good to see you, sir. 121 00:15:46,526 --> 00:15:49,325 - Shall we take a look at those maps? - Over here. 122 00:15:49,429 --> 00:15:52,831 - How've you been, Bayerlein? - Oh, very well, I suppose. 123 00:15:52,967 --> 00:15:55,458 - Did you see Frau Rommel? - Yes, she came to stay a week, she and Manfred. 124 00:15:55,603 --> 00:15:57,729 - Well, I hope... - How does it look today? 125 00:15:57,872 --> 00:16:00,602 Oh, looks like they've got too much for us. 126 00:16:00,708 --> 00:16:03,540 If they keep this up, I've no idea how we're going to get out of it. 127 00:16:03,643 --> 00:16:06,044 - Not with the amount of petrol we've got. - But we've got petrol? 128 00:16:06,147 --> 00:16:08,546 - Some, but not enough. - You mean it's still on the way. 129 00:16:08,648 --> 00:16:11,549 - Neither on the way nor any prospect of it. - Who told you that? 130 00:16:11,651 --> 00:16:16,088 I've talked to Rome three times. There's no petrol on the way nor any committed to us. 131 00:16:16,224 --> 00:16:19,057 Schultz. Aldinger. 132 00:16:25,198 --> 00:16:27,962 - What about the tanks? Did they come? - None. 133 00:16:28,069 --> 00:16:30,434 - None since I left? - No. None since August. 134 00:16:30,538 --> 00:16:32,733 - What about the guns? - Nothing, I tell you. 135 00:16:32,839 --> 00:16:34,808 - And no petrol at all? - Not a pint. 136 00:16:48,955 --> 00:16:51,116 This is correct from the hour. 137 00:16:51,224 --> 00:16:53,659 Get me a stool, will you? 138 00:16:58,365 --> 00:17:01,596 Here's where it's worst. 15th's in a bad way, barely hanging together. 139 00:17:01,701 --> 00:17:04,602 - What's this? - A trailer division. They came in here. 140 00:17:04,704 --> 00:17:07,674 - Yes, I see. How far's this armor? - No further. 141 00:17:07,807 --> 00:17:10,708 - They're doing pretty well there. - Where are my maps? 142 00:17:15,382 --> 00:17:18,283 Bring the 21st north through here. 143 00:17:18,385 --> 00:17:21,513 - Move the 90th forward here. - They'll hook up. 144 00:17:21,621 --> 00:17:23,520 That's right. Now tell me this. 145 00:17:23,623 --> 00:17:26,023 - Is Montgomery sending his infantry in first? - Naturally. 146 00:17:26,126 --> 00:17:30,028 Then let's give him a surprise. Let's send our tanks and blow a hole through that infantry. 147 00:17:30,130 --> 00:17:34,032 If it works, we'll be on top of his tanks before he knows what hit him. 148 00:17:34,166 --> 00:17:38,126 - Very good, sir. - If it doesn't work, we'll know better than to try it next time. 149 00:17:38,238 --> 00:17:41,799 - Come on, Aldinger. - You're not going up now, are you? 150 00:17:43,343 --> 00:17:45,903 Don't you think you oughta turn in for an hour or so? 151 00:17:46,012 --> 00:17:48,741 - After three weeks of being turned in? - We're away, sir? 152 00:17:48,848 --> 00:17:51,748 Let's head north and go in with the 21st. 153 00:17:58,190 --> 00:18:00,852 But there was now another fox in the desert... 154 00:18:00,961 --> 00:18:03,224 an even craftier one, perhaps. 155 00:18:03,330 --> 00:18:06,697 And if the battle boiled into confusion during the next few days... 156 00:18:06,800 --> 00:18:11,635 it was a confusion that was clearly more and more in Montgomery's favor. 157 00:19:55,840 --> 00:19:58,070 Have you found the field marshal yet? 158 00:19:58,177 --> 00:20:00,610 No, sir. He's out at the front again. 159 00:20:03,848 --> 00:20:06,078 I don't know how the men on line feel about it... 160 00:20:06,185 --> 00:20:09,244 but so far as the staff is concerned, I'd just as soon have a commander-in-chief... 161 00:20:09,355 --> 00:20:11,414 with a little bit of cowardice about him. 162 00:20:11,522 --> 00:20:14,423 Just enough to come back at headquarters every now and then. 163 00:20:14,525 --> 00:20:16,858 Keep after him, will you? 164 00:20:28,873 --> 00:20:31,103 By the tenth day of the battle... 165 00:20:31,210 --> 00:20:34,303 not even Rommel could have any doubt as to its outcome. 166 00:20:34,412 --> 00:20:36,880 There's a limit to this sort of thing. 167 00:20:36,981 --> 00:20:40,782 You can't just go on indefinitely until the last man's dead. 168 00:20:40,885 --> 00:20:43,980 It's all very gallant and all that, but it's also pretty idiotic. 169 00:20:44,088 --> 00:20:49,359 Von Thoma wants to pull back to Djerba. 170 00:20:49,394 --> 00:20:52,454 - What about M¨¹ller? - No answer as yet, sir. 171 00:20:55,400 --> 00:20:58,164 - Where're you from, son? - Goslar, sir. 172 00:20:58,269 --> 00:21:01,466 Really? I was stationed in Goslar once with a mountain battalion. 173 00:21:01,572 --> 00:21:04,564 - We did a lot of skiing there. Do you know that run? - Very well, sir. 174 00:21:04,675 --> 00:21:07,405 - Are you any good? - Well, sir, two years ago... 175 00:21:07,512 --> 00:21:10,481 - Are you sure you understood? - Yes. I had him repeat it back to me. 176 00:21:10,581 --> 00:21:13,015 - Are you keeping after M¨¹ller? - Yes, sir. 177 00:21:14,585 --> 00:21:17,076 - Have you tried Berlin? - Call if you can. 178 00:21:17,187 --> 00:21:20,486 - Nothing yet, though. - Nobody knows the situation. I sent him the whole story. 179 00:21:20,591 --> 00:21:23,492 - If there's anything he can do, he will. - No matter what you say... 180 00:21:23,594 --> 00:21:25,721 to Berlin we're only a side show and you know it. 181 00:21:32,736 --> 00:21:35,500 - Well, what? - M¨¹ller's in a bad way. 182 00:21:35,606 --> 00:21:37,506 - How bad? - Very, I'm afraid. 183 00:21:37,608 --> 00:21:40,508 If he doesn't pull back soon, he won't have anything to pull back. 184 00:21:40,611 --> 00:21:43,704 - Well, where is he? - His command car is gone. He's working in a carrier. 185 00:21:43,815 --> 00:21:46,841 And if he's got more than 40 tanks left, I'd be greatly surprised. 186 00:21:46,950 --> 00:21:50,716 - How about the Italians? - M¨¹ller thinks they've had as much as they can take. 187 00:21:50,822 --> 00:21:52,722 Rome calling, sir. 188 00:21:55,660 --> 00:21:58,822 - Well? - Field Marshal Kesselring regrets. 189 00:21:58,930 --> 00:22:01,864 Well, that eliminates any further speculation anyway. 190 00:22:04,401 --> 00:22:07,268 It's now a simple matter of mathematics. 191 00:22:07,370 --> 00:22:10,168 With the petrol we've got left, we have two choices: 192 00:22:10,273 --> 00:22:12,799 We can remain here and be destroyed... 193 00:22:12,909 --> 00:22:16,072 or we can pull out tonight and dig in somewhere for the next round. 194 00:22:16,179 --> 00:22:18,443 - You think we still can? - Pull out? Of course. Why not? 195 00:22:18,548 --> 00:22:20,448 Montgomery's got no petrol shortage. 196 00:22:20,550 --> 00:22:22,711 But Montgomery's a very deliberate fellow. 197 00:22:22,819 --> 00:22:25,720 He wouldn't dream of leaping after me the way I'd leap after him. 198 00:22:25,822 --> 00:22:28,655 - He'd have to think about it. - I don't see what else there is to be done. 199 00:22:28,758 --> 00:22:30,658 There's nothing else. Let's have plan "C." 200 00:22:30,760 --> 00:22:33,525 Notify all commanding officers to stand by for important orders. 201 00:22:33,630 --> 00:22:36,292 - If we can move quickly enough... - Berlin calling, sir. 202 00:22:36,399 --> 00:22:38,663 - Who in Berlin? - The f¨¹hrer. 203 00:22:55,652 --> 00:22:57,552 Signed Adolf Hitler. 204 00:22:57,654 --> 00:23:01,715 "The situation requires that the El Alamein position be held to the last man. 205 00:23:01,824 --> 00:23:06,262 There is to be no retreat, not so much as one millimeter. It must be victory or death. " 206 00:23:06,363 --> 00:23:08,763 - I can't believe it. - Have you still got Berlin? 207 00:23:08,865 --> 00:23:11,163 - Yes, sir. - Ask him to repeat that message. 208 00:23:11,268 --> 00:23:14,668 - Yes, sir. - I know, but it's not him. It's those hoodlums again... 209 00:23:14,771 --> 00:23:18,002 those thieves and crooks and murderers, those toy soldiers... 210 00:23:18,107 --> 00:23:22,568 those dummy generals with their books and charts and maps and pointers! 211 00:23:22,712 --> 00:23:24,976 How can he listen to such nonentities? 212 00:23:25,114 --> 00:23:27,549 How can he even stand the smell of such filth? 213 00:23:27,651 --> 00:23:30,346 - Why doesn't he use his own intelligence? - I have your repeat, sir. 214 00:23:30,453 --> 00:23:32,353 Well, go ahead, read it. 215 00:23:32,488 --> 00:23:36,550 "The situation requires that the El Alamein position be held to the last man. 216 00:23:36,692 --> 00:23:39,354 "There is to be no retreat, not so much as one millimeter. 217 00:23:39,495 --> 00:23:42,590 It must be victory or death. " Signed, Adolf Hitler. 218 00:23:44,301 --> 00:23:47,360 - It's incredible. - You're not going to pay attention to such nonsense? 219 00:23:47,503 --> 00:23:50,598 It's an order, Bayerlein, a military order from general headquarters... 220 00:23:50,740 --> 00:23:54,539 a clear, straight, stupid, criminal military order from general headquarters. 221 00:23:54,678 --> 00:23:58,272 And what are you going to do, double the insanity by obeying it? 222 00:23:58,414 --> 00:24:00,939 We've got the best soldiers in the German army here. 223 00:24:01,083 --> 00:24:04,314 They may be just hanging on now, but they're still a force, they're still fighting. 224 00:24:04,453 --> 00:24:07,150 If we take them out now, they can fight again tomorrow. 225 00:24:07,289 --> 00:24:10,281 But this... this is shear madness. It's out of the Middle Ages. 226 00:24:10,426 --> 00:24:14,329 Nobody has said "victory or death" since people fought with bows and arrows. 227 00:24:14,430 --> 00:24:17,092 Why, this is an order to throw away an entire army. 228 00:24:17,232 --> 00:24:21,134 If I may remind you, sir, here in the field these men are yours, not his. 229 00:24:21,236 --> 00:24:23,466 - I just can't understand it. - I can. He's insane. 230 00:24:23,607 --> 00:24:28,066 He's not insane. He's... But neither am I. 231 00:24:36,218 --> 00:24:40,120 Pull them out, Bayerlein. I'll argue with him about it later. 232 00:25:17,559 --> 00:25:21,120 The end came in Tunis when the Axis forces were caught... 233 00:25:21,263 --> 00:25:23,526 between the British, the Free French... 234 00:25:23,632 --> 00:25:25,622 and the Americans under Eisenhower... 235 00:25:25,767 --> 00:25:29,295 and surrendered unconditionally. 236 00:25:31,473 --> 00:25:35,169 But the Afrika Korps went into captivity without its leader. 237 00:25:35,276 --> 00:25:39,440 For, a month before the end, Rommel had again fallen ill... 238 00:25:39,547 --> 00:25:42,277 and been invalided back to the hospital in Germany. 239 00:25:51,559 --> 00:25:54,427 - Good morning, Sergeant. - Good morning, Frau Rommel, Manfred. 240 00:25:54,529 --> 00:25:57,988 - Morning. - Dr. Strolin. 241 00:25:58,099 --> 00:26:02,297 - Karl Strolin, Stuttgart. - Dr. Strolin is an old friend of the field marshal's. 242 00:26:02,403 --> 00:26:04,928 I understand you'll find him much better this morning. 243 00:26:05,039 --> 00:26:07,007 All he needed was a little rest. 244 00:26:14,916 --> 00:26:18,283 Frau Rommel... 245 00:26:18,386 --> 00:26:21,583 Manfred Rommel... 246 00:26:24,258 --> 00:26:27,819 and Dr. Karl Strolin. 247 00:26:27,929 --> 00:26:29,920 From Stuttgart? 248 00:26:30,031 --> 00:26:32,864 Not only from, but lord mayor of. 249 00:26:35,069 --> 00:26:37,537 Don't tell me he's on the list. 250 00:26:41,642 --> 00:26:44,611 "Dr. Karl Strolin, lord mayor of Stuttgart. " 251 00:26:46,480 --> 00:26:49,245 She says he's an old friend of the field marshal. 252 00:26:49,350 --> 00:26:51,250 Nevertheless, here he is. 253 00:26:51,352 --> 00:26:53,479 "To be kept under the closest observation... 254 00:26:53,588 --> 00:26:56,751 whenever discovered beyond the precincts of Stuttgart. " 255 00:26:58,993 --> 00:27:02,053 Not that it could really be described as an argument. 256 00:27:02,163 --> 00:27:04,927 It's impossible to have an argument with him... 257 00:27:05,032 --> 00:27:07,795 in the sense that you and I could have an argument. 258 00:27:07,902 --> 00:27:10,735 He raves, he screams, he goes into such hysterics... 259 00:27:10,838 --> 00:27:14,238 that it's like trying to make sense with a panic-stricken woman. 260 00:27:14,341 --> 00:27:16,832 He called him a coward. 261 00:27:16,944 --> 00:27:19,936 Did he really use that word to you? 262 00:27:20,047 --> 00:27:22,242 Not once, but several times. 263 00:27:22,349 --> 00:27:27,377 In Russia, he said, officers like me have been put against the wall and shot. 264 00:27:27,488 --> 00:27:30,218 Now must I think it couldn't happen to me too. 265 00:27:30,324 --> 00:27:35,022 That was his thanks, that was his gratitude for all that Erwin has done for him. 266 00:27:35,129 --> 00:27:38,029 On the other hand, you mustn't hold people too accountable... 267 00:27:38,132 --> 00:27:41,100 for everything they say when they're emotionally upset. 268 00:27:41,201 --> 00:27:45,297 The war is not going well, and he's naturally worried. 269 00:27:45,406 --> 00:27:47,737 But I'm afraid it will be a long time... 270 00:27:47,841 --> 00:27:50,742 before I forget what he did to the Afrika Korps. 271 00:27:50,844 --> 00:27:52,937 What was that? 272 00:27:53,046 --> 00:27:56,948 When the end was near and I asked him to get them out... 273 00:27:57,050 --> 00:28:00,850 he said he had no further interest or concern... 274 00:28:00,954 --> 00:28:02,785 in the Afrika Korps. 275 00:28:02,890 --> 00:28:05,585 And that was their thanks. 276 00:28:07,093 --> 00:28:11,257 Rommel... I should like to ask you a question. 277 00:28:11,365 --> 00:28:14,424 Of course, if you don't care to answer, I quite understand. 278 00:28:14,534 --> 00:28:18,061 But with your permission, I should like to ask it nevertheless. 279 00:28:18,171 --> 00:28:20,071 What is it? 280 00:28:20,173 --> 00:28:22,641 Do you really believe that we can win? 281 00:28:28,081 --> 00:28:31,107 - I'll tell you what he believes. - Yes? 282 00:28:32,986 --> 00:28:35,284 He doesn't think so. 283 00:28:35,388 --> 00:28:37,549 He told you that himself? 284 00:28:37,657 --> 00:28:39,557 He did. 285 00:28:39,659 --> 00:28:42,651 And he understands what that'll mean this time? 286 00:28:42,761 --> 00:28:44,662 Apparently. 287 00:28:44,763 --> 00:28:46,755 Then why do we go on? 288 00:28:46,866 --> 00:28:50,963 We have no choice, because no country we're fighting... 289 00:28:51,071 --> 00:28:54,972 England, America or Russia... will make peace with him. 290 00:28:55,074 --> 00:28:57,338 He admitted that? 291 00:28:57,444 --> 00:29:00,572 And it's the truth, of course. 292 00:29:00,680 --> 00:29:04,274 In other words, while he remains as leader of Germany... 293 00:29:04,384 --> 00:29:07,148 we must fight on until we're destroyed. 294 00:29:07,253 --> 00:29:10,121 Victory or death, as ever. 295 00:29:10,223 --> 00:29:15,126 I take it he didn't mention the obvious solution to the situation. 296 00:29:15,228 --> 00:29:18,720 - What do you mean? - Abdication. 297 00:29:21,134 --> 00:29:23,658 Now, my dear Strolin... 298 00:29:26,005 --> 00:29:28,998 - I'm afraid we must go, dear. - Must you already? 299 00:29:29,108 --> 00:29:31,702 - I have a train to catch. - We'll come back after supper. 300 00:29:31,810 --> 00:29:35,542 Let's have coffee together. Good-bye, Strolin. 'T was good to see you again. 301 00:29:35,648 --> 00:29:37,810 We won't let it be so long next time. 302 00:29:37,917 --> 00:29:40,681 - Do you think they really would, Father? - Would what, son? 303 00:29:40,786 --> 00:29:43,278 - Shoot you? - No, no, of course not. 304 00:29:43,389 --> 00:29:46,620 That's just his wild way of talking. You mustn't pay any attention to that. 305 00:29:46,726 --> 00:29:50,217 - Shoot his greatest general? - You shouldn't have said that in front of him. 306 00:29:50,329 --> 00:29:52,797 Come along and stop talking nonsense. 307 00:29:54,166 --> 00:29:57,294 - Until this evening, dear? - Come early, will you? 308 00:29:59,972 --> 00:30:02,600 He's a good-looking boy, isn't he? 309 00:30:02,708 --> 00:30:07,042 A very nice boy too. But were you entirely truthful with him? 310 00:30:07,146 --> 00:30:09,046 About what? 311 00:30:09,148 --> 00:30:12,879 - When you told him he would never put you up against a wall. - But of course. 312 00:30:12,985 --> 00:30:16,477 Has the possibility ever occurred to you that he might turn on you? 313 00:30:16,588 --> 00:30:19,490 - But why should he? - He's turned on others. 314 00:30:19,591 --> 00:30:21,956 He'll never turn on me. 315 00:30:22,061 --> 00:30:26,122 What about some of those fellows around him that don't like you? Himmler, Bormann and that crowd. 316 00:30:26,230 --> 00:30:29,427 - Don't they ever influence him? - Very often, indeed. 317 00:30:29,535 --> 00:30:33,096 You don't think it's possible they might influence him against you someday? 318 00:30:33,205 --> 00:30:37,642 It's possible, yes, but I don't see that it's very likely. 319 00:30:37,743 --> 00:30:40,940 But in the remote possibility that they did... 320 00:30:41,046 --> 00:30:44,981 have you ever considered what might become of Lucie and Manfred? 321 00:30:45,117 --> 00:30:49,519 I've never thought about it. But what on Earth are you getting at, anyway? 322 00:30:49,655 --> 00:30:52,623 I think you should, that's all. 323 00:30:52,758 --> 00:30:55,693 You haven't changed a bit, Doctor. 324 00:30:55,828 --> 00:30:58,592 You always were something of an odd fish. 325 00:30:58,730 --> 00:31:01,198 But there's no need for you to worry this time. 326 00:31:01,333 --> 00:31:03,301 We're in no danger, none of us. 327 00:31:03,434 --> 00:31:05,960 If you'll take a word of advice from an old friend... 328 00:31:06,104 --> 00:31:08,039 you'd better not talk like that to everybody. 329 00:31:08,172 --> 00:31:10,038 I don't. 330 00:31:10,174 --> 00:31:14,008 Only to those I know very well and am very fond of. 331 00:31:14,146 --> 00:31:17,343 - Good-bye, Rommel. - Good-bye, Strolin. 332 00:31:17,482 --> 00:31:20,383 - Come again if you can. - I'll try. 333 00:33:36,586 --> 00:33:39,214 An invasion of Hitler's European fortress... 334 00:33:39,322 --> 00:33:41,847 was now clearly but a matter of time. 335 00:33:41,958 --> 00:33:44,449 And in November of 1943... 336 00:33:44,561 --> 00:33:47,826 Rommel made a tour of inspection of the Atlantic defenses... 337 00:33:47,931 --> 00:33:51,298 preparatory of taking command of the Nazi forces... 338 00:33:51,402 --> 00:33:54,199 that were gathering to resist the assault. 339 00:35:02,372 --> 00:35:06,603 A month later, Rommel reported to Field Marshal von Rundstedt... 340 00:35:06,710 --> 00:35:09,941 supreme commander in the West, at the latter's headquarters... 341 00:35:10,045 --> 00:35:14,243 in the Pompadour's Palace at Fontainebleau outside Paris. 342 00:35:24,460 --> 00:35:27,588 Field Marshal von Rundstedt, gentlemen. 343 00:35:33,469 --> 00:35:35,699 - Ruge. - Field Marshal. 344 00:35:35,804 --> 00:35:37,738 Gentlemen. 345 00:35:43,412 --> 00:35:45,812 - Good to see you, Rommel. - Field Marshal. 346 00:35:45,914 --> 00:35:49,645 Well, now that you have had an opportunity to examine it closely... 347 00:35:49,752 --> 00:35:52,346 what do you think of our Atlantic wall? 348 00:35:52,454 --> 00:35:54,922 I'm afraid I haven't quite completed my report yet, but... 349 00:35:55,024 --> 00:35:57,458 We'll discuss it later, whenever you're ready. 350 00:35:57,559 --> 00:36:01,824 I don't imagine the mighty Eisenhower will be on us for another day or so. 351 00:36:01,930 --> 00:36:04,398 It wasn't too much a tax on your strength, I hope. 352 00:36:04,500 --> 00:36:06,991 Not in the least. I'm entirely recovered now. 353 00:36:07,102 --> 00:36:09,935 I'm delighted. You're being well taken care of, gentlemen? 354 00:36:10,039 --> 00:36:12,006 Yes, indeed, sir. 355 00:36:12,107 --> 00:36:14,439 Would you be so good as to divert our friends... 356 00:36:14,542 --> 00:36:17,808 while Field Marshal Rommel and I have a few moments of private meditation? 357 00:36:17,912 --> 00:36:19,813 Yes, sir. 358 00:36:47,308 --> 00:36:50,710 Appalling, wasn't it? 359 00:36:52,780 --> 00:36:55,306 I can't even see why it's called a wall. 360 00:36:55,451 --> 00:36:59,147 The big ports like Havre and Ostend and Cherbourg are protected well enough... 361 00:36:59,288 --> 00:37:01,915 but the enemy's not coming in on the Queen Mary. 362 00:37:02,056 --> 00:37:04,422 Nothing at all is being done about the beaches. 363 00:37:04,560 --> 00:37:07,995 Why, I saw 50 places where an army of children could come ashore. 364 00:37:08,129 --> 00:37:12,532 The trouble is labor. We have the plans for fortifications the devil himself couldn't breach... 365 00:37:12,633 --> 00:37:15,330 solid steel and concrete from Denmark to Spain... 366 00:37:15,470 --> 00:37:20,238 but I'm afraid our French friends aren't being as cooperative as they might be. 367 00:37:20,375 --> 00:37:23,276 Even when driven to the job, they move like snails. 368 00:37:23,378 --> 00:37:27,474 Either we break it up while they're still wading ashore or we're in trouble. 369 00:37:27,615 --> 00:37:30,482 - Is that the way you'd meet it? - Stop them on the beaches. 370 00:37:30,585 --> 00:37:33,145 Crowd the water with mines and traps and tricks... 371 00:37:33,287 --> 00:37:36,381 and hit 'em while they're busy trying to keep themselves from drowning. 372 00:37:36,524 --> 00:37:40,324 Here, down here... and here. 373 00:37:40,428 --> 00:37:42,794 I don't agree with you... 374 00:37:42,897 --> 00:37:46,264 but the difference of opinion will probably remain academic. 375 00:37:46,367 --> 00:37:51,270 As it happens, neither you nor I will determine the tactics in this operation. 376 00:37:51,372 --> 00:37:53,840 Not above the regimental level, anyway. 377 00:37:53,975 --> 00:37:56,136 You mean... Berlin? 378 00:37:56,276 --> 00:37:59,075 I mean the Bohemian corporal himself... 379 00:37:59,179 --> 00:38:02,616 is assuming sole and total command of this operation. 380 00:38:02,750 --> 00:38:07,652 You and I will function simply as instruments of his astrological inspirations. 381 00:38:07,755 --> 00:38:11,885 And in case you're afflicted with an understandable skepticism, this is official. 382 00:38:12,026 --> 00:38:14,585 But that's an utterly impossible situation. 383 00:38:14,729 --> 00:38:17,128 Then you should, by all means, explain that to him. 384 00:38:17,231 --> 00:38:19,221 You've made no protests yourself? 385 00:38:19,367 --> 00:38:21,766 After you've interfered a dozen times or so... 386 00:38:21,868 --> 00:38:25,930 with a man's rather enthusiastic determination to cut his own throat... 387 00:38:26,073 --> 00:38:28,906 there comes a moment when you're inclined to stand back... 388 00:38:29,010 --> 00:38:31,307 and view the whole matter with a certain detachment. 389 00:38:31,411 --> 00:38:34,643 - You've no objection to my... pointing this out to him? - On the contrary. 390 00:38:34,748 --> 00:38:37,808 I bestow my blessings on your courage and optimism. 391 00:38:48,261 --> 00:38:50,787 I'm told you once referred to me as a clown... 392 00:38:50,932 --> 00:38:53,331 the clown of Hitler's circus. 393 00:38:53,433 --> 00:38:55,333 Oh, did I? 394 00:38:55,435 --> 00:38:58,599 If so, I think you should know I've been a great deal more explicit about you. 395 00:38:58,705 --> 00:39:01,230 That's quite all right, Field Marshal. 396 00:39:01,374 --> 00:39:05,401 I find it almost impossible to keep my mind on anything harsh said about me. 397 00:39:05,545 --> 00:39:07,479 Did you say it? 398 00:39:07,582 --> 00:39:11,449 Whoever said it, you've given them ample reason to regret such a foolish remark. 399 00:39:13,553 --> 00:39:16,283 - Thank you, Field Marshal. - Not at all. 400 00:39:16,389 --> 00:39:18,380 Is there anything else? 401 00:39:18,525 --> 00:39:21,119 I don't believe so at the moment. 402 00:39:23,730 --> 00:39:25,630 One suggestion, perhaps... 403 00:39:25,732 --> 00:39:28,860 in view of our cordiality. 404 00:39:28,969 --> 00:39:32,302 If I were you, I wouldn't be altogether unguarded... 405 00:39:32,405 --> 00:39:35,602 about what I had to say about this new strategic arrangement. 406 00:39:35,709 --> 00:39:38,041 I think you should know that from now on... 407 00:39:38,144 --> 00:39:41,079 you'll be under more or less constant observation here. 408 00:39:41,180 --> 00:39:45,207 - From Berlin? - Friends of the management, I believe. 409 00:39:45,318 --> 00:39:48,719 Have you any information as to why I should be singled out for such attention? 410 00:39:48,821 --> 00:39:51,689 Oh, but you're not. We all are. 411 00:39:51,791 --> 00:39:54,555 Apparently you didn't have it in Africa... 412 00:39:54,660 --> 00:39:58,722 but here on the continent it's an honor that goes with staff rank. 413 00:39:58,831 --> 00:40:00,561 You too? 414 00:40:00,666 --> 00:40:04,433 My dear fellow, I'm the commander-in-chief. 415 00:40:13,579 --> 00:40:15,706 Two months after that... 416 00:40:15,815 --> 00:40:18,943 in February of 1944, during one of Rommel's... 417 00:40:19,051 --> 00:40:21,350 rare absences from the Atlantic frontier... 418 00:40:21,454 --> 00:40:25,787 his old friend Dr. Karl Strolin sought him out again. 419 00:40:39,772 --> 00:40:42,468 - Good afternoon, sir. - Good afternoon. 420 00:40:42,576 --> 00:40:45,373 Dr. Strolin to see the field marshal and Frau Rommel. 421 00:40:45,478 --> 00:40:47,377 Come in, sir. 422 00:40:58,757 --> 00:41:01,851 Eisenhower won't try it until spring, of course. 423 00:41:01,962 --> 00:41:04,293 I doubt if I'll get home again before then. 424 00:41:04,396 --> 00:41:06,296 Are we ready for him? 425 00:41:06,398 --> 00:41:08,559 We will be, I hope. 426 00:41:13,706 --> 00:41:15,799 To your very good health, Doctor. 427 00:41:15,908 --> 00:41:18,001 To yours, my dear Rommel. 428 00:41:20,812 --> 00:41:23,441 How do you know this room isn't wired? 429 00:41:23,549 --> 00:41:26,347 Wired? Why should it be wired? 430 00:41:26,452 --> 00:41:29,444 Does our friend Himmler have to have a reason for wiring a room? 431 00:41:29,554 --> 00:41:31,455 No, I don't suppose he does. 432 00:41:31,556 --> 00:41:34,458 But I don't think you have to worry about this one. 433 00:41:34,560 --> 00:41:36,460 Why? 434 00:41:47,406 --> 00:41:50,705 'Cause I want to talk to you without being overheard. 435 00:41:50,809 --> 00:41:53,778 - About what? - About the Hitler situation. 436 00:41:55,280 --> 00:41:58,510 If this is politics, Strolin, I don't want to hear it. 437 00:41:58,617 --> 00:42:00,812 Had you rather see Germany destroyed? 438 00:42:00,919 --> 00:42:03,716 It's not a matter I want to discuss, I tell you. 439 00:42:03,822 --> 00:42:07,052 And I'm surprised at you. That's a communist position. 440 00:42:07,158 --> 00:42:09,524 Oh? Is it? 441 00:42:09,628 --> 00:42:13,256 Defeat, against him, all that sort of thing. You know it is. 442 00:42:13,365 --> 00:42:15,663 Would you call General Beck a communist? 443 00:42:15,767 --> 00:42:19,464 - Of course not. - Or Karl Goerdeler, the lord mayor of Leipzig? 444 00:42:19,571 --> 00:42:22,472 - I've never heard that he was. - What about Falkenhausen? 445 00:42:22,574 --> 00:42:26,031 - No, but... - What about Heinrich von Stulpnagel? 446 00:42:26,144 --> 00:42:28,943 And von Urach and von Haslov? Are they communists? 447 00:42:29,048 --> 00:42:34,542 Are you trying to tell me seriously that men like that are questioning his leadership? 448 00:42:34,652 --> 00:42:39,089 Not just questioning it. They intend to end it. 449 00:42:39,190 --> 00:42:41,954 You mean, you've talked to those fellows yourself? 450 00:42:42,061 --> 00:42:44,551 To them and to many others. Not only soldiers, either. 451 00:42:44,662 --> 00:42:48,064 Church men, labor leaders, lawyers, doctors. 452 00:42:48,166 --> 00:42:53,035 Members of the government, even. Not too many of them, but sound men, every one. 453 00:42:53,137 --> 00:42:56,231 How long has this been going on? 454 00:42:56,340 --> 00:42:58,604 Since '38. 455 00:43:00,344 --> 00:43:02,938 And what exactly are you after? 456 00:43:03,047 --> 00:43:06,813 One, we want to get rid of Hitler and his gang. 457 00:43:06,918 --> 00:43:09,614 If we are to be defeated, then we prefer to be defeated... 458 00:43:09,722 --> 00:43:12,747 as human beings, not as barbarians. 459 00:43:12,857 --> 00:43:15,985 Two, whether we win or lose... 460 00:43:16,094 --> 00:43:20,155 we want to live again like decent people, without fear. 461 00:43:20,264 --> 00:43:24,633 Look, Strolin, I don't want to get mixed up in this thing. 462 00:43:24,736 --> 00:43:27,330 What they do in Berlin is their business, not mine. 463 00:43:27,438 --> 00:43:29,736 I'm a soldier, not a politician. 464 00:43:29,840 --> 00:43:32,241 You still think you're perfectly safe? 465 00:43:32,343 --> 00:43:34,538 Who knows who's safe and who's not? 466 00:43:34,645 --> 00:43:36,613 Under a sane man, you'd know. 467 00:43:36,714 --> 00:43:39,080 That's a lot of rubbish, and you know it. 468 00:43:39,183 --> 00:43:41,707 Well, I hope you're right, and perhaps you are. 469 00:43:41,819 --> 00:43:45,879 After all, you are his favorite, and I can think of no one who's ever questioned... 470 00:43:45,990 --> 00:43:50,552 the deep and enduring gratitude he's always shown to those who've served him well. 471 00:43:50,661 --> 00:43:54,994 - No one's in any danger here who does his job properly. - You have nothing to fear. 472 00:43:55,099 --> 00:43:58,431 And if something did happen unpredictably... 473 00:43:58,536 --> 00:44:01,528 you'd still have the comfort of knowing that the lives of Lucie and Manfred... 474 00:44:01,639 --> 00:44:04,767 would be safe and snug in the soft, gentle, tender hands... 475 00:44:04,875 --> 00:44:07,868 of that brave little band of patriots he's gathered around him. 476 00:44:07,978 --> 00:44:11,106 I'm afraid that kind of talk doesn't amuse me. 477 00:44:11,215 --> 00:44:16,083 I'm not trying to amuse you. I'm merely reflecting on your extraordinary good fortune. 478 00:44:16,186 --> 00:44:19,122 I wish you'd think about that too sometime... 479 00:44:19,223 --> 00:44:24,058 not the blood on his mouth, but what a godsend he is to you personally... 480 00:44:24,161 --> 00:44:27,392 not only in your home, but in the field as a soldier. 481 00:44:27,498 --> 00:44:30,933 How many other generals can boast the favor and support of a leader... 482 00:44:31,034 --> 00:44:33,696 so gifted in the arts of war? 483 00:44:33,804 --> 00:44:35,705 That's enough, Strolin. 484 00:44:35,806 --> 00:44:38,708 Surely you haven't forgotten how brilliantly he refused... 485 00:44:38,809 --> 00:44:43,109 to be seduced into an invasion of undefended England right after Dunkirk. 486 00:44:43,213 --> 00:44:45,444 Or how brave he was at Stalingrad... 487 00:44:45,549 --> 00:44:48,280 when von Forest wanted to withdraw from the trap. 488 00:44:48,385 --> 00:44:50,910 What other man on Earth would have had the courage... 489 00:44:51,021 --> 00:44:53,922 to send that brief, simple, thrilling command: 490 00:44:54,024 --> 00:44:57,323 "Don't retreat so much as a millimeter. Victory or death"? 491 00:44:57,427 --> 00:45:00,760 - Would Napoleon himself have dared... - That's enough, I tell you! 492 00:45:00,864 --> 00:45:03,526 Afraid even to think about it. 493 00:45:03,633 --> 00:45:06,898 Stop talking to me as if I were a child and you a schoolmaster! 494 00:45:07,003 --> 00:45:10,029 Don't you think I know what you mean? But what of it? 495 00:45:10,140 --> 00:45:13,007 Who asked me for my opinion? And suppose I told them... 496 00:45:13,109 --> 00:45:16,169 that what they're doing is stupid to the point of imbecility! 497 00:45:16,279 --> 00:45:18,577 - Who do you think would listen? - Have you ever tried? 498 00:45:18,682 --> 00:45:21,048 Of course! I've been told to mind my own business. 499 00:45:21,151 --> 00:45:23,278 And who's to say they're not right? 500 00:45:23,386 --> 00:45:25,853 Surely you aren't naive enough to think that a soldier... 501 00:45:25,956 --> 00:45:29,152 must approve of every detail of his government before he can fight for it. 502 00:45:29,259 --> 00:45:33,753 What army could exist like that, with every man free to decide what he will or won't do? 503 00:45:33,863 --> 00:45:38,927 The truth is that a soldier has but one function in life, one lone excuse for existence... 504 00:45:39,035 --> 00:45:42,232 and that is to carry out the order of his superiors. 505 00:45:42,338 --> 00:45:45,239 The rest, including government, is politics. 506 00:45:45,341 --> 00:45:49,335 And if I must remind you again, I'm a soldier, not a politician. 507 00:45:49,445 --> 00:45:53,347 - What the government does... - Oh, stop hiding behind that bloody uniform of yours! 508 00:45:53,449 --> 00:45:55,940 What do I care about your philosophy of the soldier? 509 00:45:56,052 --> 00:45:58,418 All it means to me is that you're terrified... 510 00:45:58,520 --> 00:46:01,888 hiding under a lot of rubbish about the functions of a robot. 511 00:46:01,991 --> 00:46:05,222 Have you forgotten that I've known you for 20 years? 512 00:46:05,328 --> 00:46:09,093 Why, I know exactly how you feel about that abomination in Berlin. 513 00:46:09,198 --> 00:46:12,031 What I can't understand is this chickenhearted willingness... 514 00:46:12,135 --> 00:46:15,969 to go marching right down into hell with a beast you loathe and despise. 515 00:46:16,072 --> 00:46:20,975 Where is all the sense and courage you have in the field? Haven't you any of it here? 516 00:46:21,077 --> 00:46:24,307 I think you'd better get out of this house, now. 517 00:46:26,782 --> 00:46:30,878 Not until you've shown an old friend the decency of honesty with him. 518 00:46:30,987 --> 00:46:34,547 If reason won't work, very well, I'm prepared to go further. 519 00:46:34,657 --> 00:46:39,060 I have no intention of stirring from this room until the truth has passed between us. 520 00:46:39,161 --> 00:46:42,858 - Had you rather I call the guard and charge you? - That you will never do. 521 00:46:42,965 --> 00:46:46,423 And may I ask why you know so well what I will or won't do? 522 00:46:46,535 --> 00:46:49,095 Because Lucie told me that you wouldn't. 523 00:46:50,906 --> 00:46:55,104 You... You've already talked to Lucie about this? 524 00:46:55,210 --> 00:46:58,509 - Of course. - And she sent you to me? 525 00:46:58,614 --> 00:47:00,514 Not at all. 526 00:47:00,616 --> 00:47:03,584 She merely told me how you really feel... 527 00:47:03,686 --> 00:47:08,885 about our sainted leader and his glorious reign over Germany. 528 00:47:18,934 --> 00:47:22,267 Father! Father, the car is here! 529 00:47:22,371 --> 00:47:25,362 We saw it. Will you please not shout? 530 00:47:25,474 --> 00:47:27,908 I've told you that a dozen times. 531 00:47:28,010 --> 00:47:31,172 - He's just excited. - I know, but I'm tired of telling him... 532 00:47:31,280 --> 00:47:35,410 He's all right. He's still only a boy, remember, in spite of that uniform. 533 00:47:35,516 --> 00:47:38,384 - Of course. - You take care of yourself, dear. 534 00:47:39,988 --> 00:47:42,219 You're not cross with me, are you? 535 00:47:42,324 --> 00:47:45,316 - For what? - For speaking to Dr. Strolin. 536 00:47:48,262 --> 00:47:50,389 No, of course not. 537 00:47:53,068 --> 00:47:55,365 Is he right? 538 00:47:57,472 --> 00:47:59,770 I don't know. 539 00:48:02,978 --> 00:48:05,708 I can't make up my mind. 540 00:48:05,813 --> 00:48:08,680 But that's a dreadful thing he proposes... 541 00:48:08,784 --> 00:48:11,719 a great, tremendous, dreadful thing. 542 00:48:11,819 --> 00:48:14,721 I don't know that I can go along that far with him. 543 00:48:14,822 --> 00:48:17,222 Then you shouldn't if you don't think he's right. 544 00:48:17,359 --> 00:48:20,794 I didn't say he wasn't right, but even so... 545 00:48:20,896 --> 00:48:25,798 is that the only way to handle it: Treason? 546 00:48:25,900 --> 00:48:29,301 That's what it comes down to, no matter how right you think you are. 547 00:48:29,437 --> 00:48:32,964 You think it will be better to let things go along as they are? 548 00:48:33,108 --> 00:48:37,043 No, no, I don't. But there must be some better way of handling it. 549 00:48:37,178 --> 00:48:42,081 I mean, if I could see him alone again and explain the situation to him. 550 00:48:42,183 --> 00:48:46,449 Can you tell me how a man can fight a war under such conditions? 551 00:48:46,587 --> 00:48:49,522 Isn't it enough that we're facing an invasion without... 552 00:48:49,657 --> 00:48:53,559 No, never mind now. You don't have to decide this minute. 553 00:48:53,661 --> 00:48:56,424 It'll come to you when it's time. 554 00:48:57,899 --> 00:49:00,367 What do you think, really? 555 00:49:00,500 --> 00:49:04,767 I can't tell you, dear. I don't know. 556 00:49:04,906 --> 00:49:08,865 But never mind now. When the time comes, something will tell you. 557 00:49:09,010 --> 00:49:11,341 You better go along now. You're late already. 558 00:49:15,348 --> 00:49:18,010 - Write to me every day, will you? - I will. 559 00:49:18,151 --> 00:49:21,485 - A little something for the journey. - Thank you, darling. 560 00:49:23,691 --> 00:49:26,592 Good-bye, sweetheart. Don't worry about me. 561 00:49:26,694 --> 00:49:28,787 I'll try not to. 562 00:49:46,213 --> 00:49:48,113 That's all, please. 563 00:49:53,120 --> 00:49:56,886 Good-bye, son. Take care of your mother and be a good soldier. 564 00:49:56,991 --> 00:49:58,891 Make me proud of you. 565 00:49:58,993 --> 00:50:02,587 I'll try, Father. Are you going to bring us back Montgomery? 566 00:50:02,730 --> 00:50:05,096 The minute he steps ashore. 567 00:50:06,199 --> 00:50:08,395 Good-bye, darling. 568 00:50:08,502 --> 00:50:10,402 Good-bye, darling. 569 00:50:22,482 --> 00:50:26,852 And then, finally, after four long years of preparation... 570 00:50:26,953 --> 00:50:29,421 it came... D day. 571 00:50:29,523 --> 00:50:32,390 And the greatest armada and the vastest movement... 572 00:50:32,492 --> 00:50:36,326 of men and arms in the history of the world, rose from England... 573 00:50:36,429 --> 00:50:39,557 and set out for the assault on the beaches of Normandy... 574 00:50:39,666 --> 00:50:42,567 and the German fortress of Europe. 575 00:53:45,751 --> 00:53:48,218 From the moment the Bohemian corporal... 576 00:53:48,353 --> 00:53:51,322 promoted himself to the supreme command of our forces... 577 00:53:51,456 --> 00:53:55,416 the German army has been the victim of a unique situation. 578 00:53:55,560 --> 00:53:58,256 Not only too many of the enemy... 579 00:53:58,397 --> 00:54:02,766 but one too many Germans. 580 00:54:02,867 --> 00:54:05,598 You don't think he's ready to give us the 15th Army yet? 581 00:54:05,703 --> 00:54:08,399 I don't see how he can, under the circumstances. 582 00:54:08,506 --> 00:54:11,339 His astrologers have informed him that this is only a feint... 583 00:54:11,442 --> 00:54:14,502 that the real invasion is yet to come, north of Calais. 584 00:54:14,645 --> 00:54:18,547 The 15th Army is sitting on those cold beaches up there... 585 00:54:18,683 --> 00:54:21,413 waiting for an invasion that has already taken place... 586 00:54:21,518 --> 00:54:24,579 is an excellent example of war by horoscope. 587 00:54:24,722 --> 00:54:27,156 We've got to have those troops. 588 00:54:27,258 --> 00:54:30,853 If we're not allowed to maneuver, we've got to support these positions. 589 00:54:30,995 --> 00:54:34,158 We've got to see him again about it. 590 00:54:34,264 --> 00:54:36,926 I tell you this in confidence, Rommel. 591 00:54:37,034 --> 00:54:41,437 I don't think anything we can do would be of the slightest use. 592 00:54:42,673 --> 00:54:46,074 The pattern for defeat has already been set. 593 00:54:46,176 --> 00:54:50,580 "Hold fast. Don't give up a millimeter of ground. 594 00:54:50,681 --> 00:54:54,013 Victory or death. " Wars simply can't be won... 595 00:54:54,118 --> 00:54:58,885 by men whose knowledge of tactics is based on copybook maxims. 596 00:54:58,990 --> 00:55:02,790 It may stir schoolchildren, but they don't stop troops. 597 00:55:02,894 --> 00:55:06,625 Give me a free hand for a few months, and I'd make them pay for it. 598 00:55:06,731 --> 00:55:09,359 I'd make them pay such a price in blood... 599 00:55:09,466 --> 00:55:12,265 they'd wish they'd never heard of Germany. 600 00:55:12,370 --> 00:55:16,066 I might not be able to stop them all, but they'd know they'd fought an army... 601 00:55:16,174 --> 00:55:20,770 not a series of stationary targets. 602 00:55:20,877 --> 00:55:22,812 And he'll never let us, of course. 603 00:55:22,946 --> 00:55:25,814 You know how firm corporals are. 604 00:55:53,510 --> 00:55:56,412 Do you happen to know Karl Strolin? 605 00:55:58,081 --> 00:56:01,482 - Strolin? - The lord mayor of Stuttgart. 606 00:56:03,553 --> 00:56:05,953 I remember that name from somewhere. 607 00:56:06,056 --> 00:56:10,220 Or Doctor Goerdeler of Leipzig? 608 00:56:11,828 --> 00:56:13,728 You too? 609 00:56:15,398 --> 00:56:18,663 Every day that passes, every minute of the day... 610 00:56:18,768 --> 00:56:23,000 convinces me more and more that theirs is the only possible solution. 611 00:56:23,106 --> 00:56:25,836 Your words, you must understand, mystify me. 612 00:56:25,942 --> 00:56:28,775 They propose to arrest him, take over the government... 613 00:56:28,879 --> 00:56:32,542 and move immediately to make peace with Eisenhower. 614 00:56:32,648 --> 00:56:35,880 I shall, of course, deny that this conversation ever took place. 615 00:56:35,986 --> 00:56:38,614 But that's a particularly childish idea. 616 00:56:38,722 --> 00:56:41,213 Eisenhower's not going to make a separate peace. 617 00:56:41,324 --> 00:56:44,292 And why should he, with things going as well as they are? 618 00:56:44,394 --> 00:56:46,862 That part of your plan is doomed from the start. 619 00:56:46,963 --> 00:56:50,398 But you don't disagree with the basic proposal. 620 00:56:50,500 --> 00:56:53,196 I'm sorry, but I don't believe I heard the question. 621 00:56:53,302 --> 00:56:55,793 In any case, if they came to you for counsel or advice... 622 00:56:55,906 --> 00:56:57,806 would you receive them? 623 00:56:57,908 --> 00:56:59,808 Oh, no. 624 00:56:59,910 --> 00:57:02,276 No. 625 00:57:02,379 --> 00:57:04,939 No, I'm afraid not, Rommel. 626 00:57:05,047 --> 00:57:09,177 It's too late... much too late. 627 00:57:09,286 --> 00:57:10,919 Even if they moved immediately? 628 00:57:10,953 --> 00:57:12,552 Even if they moved immediately? 629 00:57:12,656 --> 00:57:14,782 You misunderstand. 630 00:57:14,925 --> 00:57:17,018 Not too late for that. 631 00:57:18,395 --> 00:57:20,328 Too late for me. 632 00:57:21,430 --> 00:57:24,194 I'm 70 now. 633 00:57:24,301 --> 00:57:27,633 Too old to revolt. 634 00:57:27,736 --> 00:57:31,001 Too old to challenge authority... 635 00:57:31,106 --> 00:57:33,574 however evil. 636 00:57:43,586 --> 00:57:46,020 Berlin calling, sir. Marshal Keitel. 637 00:57:54,431 --> 00:57:57,262 - Keitel? - Von Rundstedt. 638 00:57:57,366 --> 00:58:00,199 - Here. - Is this true about Cherbourg? 639 00:58:00,302 --> 00:58:02,566 - I'm afraid so. - This is dreadful. 640 00:58:02,671 --> 00:58:05,037 How can I give such news to the f¨¹hrer? 641 00:58:05,140 --> 00:58:07,074 You've reported misfortune to him before. 642 00:58:07,176 --> 00:58:09,076 Why should this one present such a problem? 643 00:58:09,178 --> 00:58:12,978 But that's just it. We've had nothing but bad news for weeks. 644 00:58:13,082 --> 00:58:15,880 Isn't there any good news I can give him at the same time? 645 00:58:15,985 --> 00:58:18,044 Have you checked on the Russian Front this morning? 646 00:58:18,153 --> 00:58:20,348 We're not discussing the Russian Front. 647 00:58:20,455 --> 00:58:22,356 We're discussing yours. 648 00:58:22,457 --> 00:58:25,222 This situation in the West becomes worse with every report. 649 00:58:25,327 --> 00:58:29,730 L- I'm actually embarrassed to give him another disappointment like this. 650 00:58:29,831 --> 00:58:31,766 Can't you think of anything we can do about it? 651 00:58:31,867 --> 00:58:35,064 Certainly. Give us those 90 divisions of the 15th Army... 652 00:58:35,170 --> 00:58:37,104 who are sitting around Calais playing cards. 653 00:58:37,205 --> 00:58:39,106 You know that's impossible. 654 00:58:39,207 --> 00:58:41,938 The f¨¹hrer has already explained the necessity for leaving them there. 655 00:58:42,043 --> 00:58:44,705 Very well then. Give us permission to pull out of Normandy... 656 00:58:44,813 --> 00:58:46,871 and set up a line that we can defend properly. 657 00:58:46,982 --> 00:58:51,008 Your orders are to fight where you are, and that's what he expects you to do. 658 00:58:51,119 --> 00:58:53,281 Is it possible you have no better suggestion than that? 659 00:58:53,389 --> 00:58:56,983 One very much better, in fact. 660 00:58:57,092 --> 00:58:59,390 Make peace, you idiot. 661 00:59:21,015 --> 00:59:24,143 - Good-bye again, Rommel. - He'll never report that. 662 00:59:24,252 --> 00:59:26,720 This very instant, he's knocking at the corporal's door... 663 00:59:26,821 --> 00:59:28,813 whimpering with happiness. 664 00:59:28,923 --> 00:59:31,483 You must never forget this, my dear fellow. 665 00:59:31,592 --> 00:59:35,028 Victory has a hundred fathers. Defeat is an orphan. 666 00:59:36,264 --> 00:59:39,166 Within 24 hours, you'll be named my successor. 667 00:59:39,267 --> 00:59:41,532 And I extend to you my deepest sympathy. 668 00:59:41,636 --> 00:59:44,400 That's nonsense. He'll never let you go. 669 00:59:52,280 --> 00:59:54,874 But not too old, I might add... 670 00:59:54,982 --> 00:59:57,746 to wish your friends the best of luck... 671 00:59:57,852 --> 01:00:01,219 in their extremely interesting project. 672 01:00:04,926 --> 01:00:09,420 Meanwhile, with their beachheads irretrievably secured... 673 01:00:09,530 --> 01:00:13,489 Allied tanks and men had fanned out across France... 674 01:00:13,601 --> 01:00:16,263 and begun their race for the Rhine. 675 01:00:51,872 --> 01:00:53,999 Put these where you can get to them quickly. 676 01:00:54,108 --> 01:00:56,042 Also those files there. 677 01:00:56,143 --> 01:00:59,511 - Keep the key, and use your... own judgment about the rest. - Very good, sir. 678 01:01:01,081 --> 01:01:02,981 Field Marshal. 679 01:01:30,978 --> 01:01:33,912 - Where is he? - In the small room. 680 01:01:35,215 --> 01:01:37,740 - Aldinger. - Yes, sir. 681 01:01:46,326 --> 01:01:50,318 - Colonel. - I'll try to be as brief as possible. 682 01:01:50,430 --> 01:01:52,921 - Perhaps you'd better keep an eye on the corridor. - Yes, sir. 683 01:02:01,074 --> 01:02:05,033 - Well? - We are faced with an immediate decision, sir. 684 01:02:05,145 --> 01:02:07,578 Three of our men were arrested in Berlin yesterday. 685 01:02:07,680 --> 01:02:09,705 They'll been made to talk, of course. 686 01:02:09,816 --> 01:02:13,274 But fortunately their knowledge of the people involved is... limited. 687 01:02:13,386 --> 01:02:16,753 Nevertheless, in the opinion of everyone, there's no time to be lost. 688 01:02:16,856 --> 01:02:19,347 We must act at once. 689 01:02:19,459 --> 01:02:23,918 - And it's all set. Definitely. - So I understand, sir. 690 01:02:24,030 --> 01:02:26,396 The general's extremely anxious to know... 691 01:02:26,498 --> 01:02:29,194 if you're in a position to speak for the commanders you mentioned to him. 692 01:02:29,302 --> 01:02:32,965 At my word from this instant, they're prepared to follow my lead. 693 01:02:33,072 --> 01:02:36,269 Then I have the field marshal's permission to inform General Stulpnagel... 694 01:02:36,376 --> 01:02:39,607 we may now act at will and without further consultation? 695 01:02:43,515 --> 01:02:47,077 Wait here, Colonel. Come with me, Ruge. 696 01:02:50,423 --> 01:02:52,789 - Clear this room, Aldinger. - Yes, sir. 697 01:02:54,794 --> 01:02:58,161 Outside. Never mind about that. Outside. 698 01:03:00,099 --> 01:03:02,499 Field Marshal Rommel speaking. 699 01:03:02,602 --> 01:03:04,933 Put me through to Field Marshal Keitel. 700 01:03:07,373 --> 01:03:11,366 I've got to be certain, absolutely certain. 701 01:03:11,477 --> 01:03:14,344 We can't go through with this if there's even the remotest sign of sense there. 702 01:03:19,251 --> 01:03:22,482 - Keitel. - Rommel. 703 01:03:22,588 --> 01:03:24,488 Now listen very carefully, Keitel. 704 01:03:24,590 --> 01:03:26,888 I've got to see the f¨¹hrer at once. 705 01:03:26,992 --> 01:03:29,961 Somewhere in France. I can't explain on the telephone... 706 01:03:30,062 --> 01:03:33,554 but you must make him understand that it's a matter of the greatest urgency. 707 01:03:33,666 --> 01:03:36,100 I suggest tomorrow morning. 708 01:03:36,200 --> 01:03:38,328 On June 17... 709 01:03:38,437 --> 01:03:43,101 they met in Hitler's underground stronghold at Margival near Soissons. 710 01:03:43,208 --> 01:03:46,268 This is an extremely difficult duty, my f¨¹hrer. 711 01:03:46,378 --> 01:03:48,972 But circumstances leave me with no choice. 712 01:03:49,081 --> 01:03:52,380 We've reached a crisis that calls for a decision on the highest level. 713 01:03:52,483 --> 01:03:56,113 But you've said that! You've said that before! 714 01:03:56,220 --> 01:03:58,212 Every time I talk to you we're facing another crisis. 715 01:03:58,324 --> 01:04:02,556 When the enemy has overwhelming superiority on land, at sea and in the air... 716 01:04:02,661 --> 01:04:05,129 and continues to grow stronger with every hour... 717 01:04:05,229 --> 01:04:07,460 while we grow weaker at the same rate... 718 01:04:07,566 --> 01:04:09,329 that to me is a crisis by any standards that I understand. 719 01:04:09,401 --> 01:04:11,452 A crisis that should be examined promptly and realistically. 720 01:04:11,486 --> 01:04:13,504 A crisis that should be examined promptly and realistically. 721 01:04:13,639 --> 01:04:17,074 That's you! That's you! Like always! 722 01:04:17,209 --> 01:04:19,769 When everything's going well, you're willing enough. 723 01:04:19,912 --> 01:04:22,210 But at the first sign of a difficulty... 724 01:04:22,314 --> 01:04:24,214 you become a defeatist, a complete defeatist. 725 01:04:24,316 --> 01:04:28,218 Are you perhaps interested why you didn't succeed von Rundstedt? 726 01:04:28,353 --> 01:04:32,016 This is why! 727 01:04:32,156 --> 01:04:35,615 It maybe had been better if I'd replaced you altogether! 728 01:04:37,261 --> 01:04:40,254 Have you at least a little confidence in me? 729 01:04:40,398 --> 01:04:43,994 More it would seem than the f¨¹hrer has in me. May I continue? 730 01:04:44,136 --> 01:04:47,332 And what my V-bombs are doing to London, has no one told you? 731 01:04:47,472 --> 01:04:50,373 Yes, sir. But why not to the beachheads? 732 01:04:50,475 --> 01:04:53,001 Because that's not their purpose. They have not that accuracy. 733 01:04:53,144 --> 01:04:55,613 They need a whole city for a target. Then they cannot miss. 734 01:04:55,747 --> 01:04:59,649 Then why not the embarkation ports... Plymouth, Southampton. Portsmouth? 735 01:04:59,751 --> 01:05:02,721 No, no, no, no! That's... 736 01:05:02,854 --> 01:05:08,087 That's exactly what I mean when I say you're no good at thinking above the battlefield. 737 01:05:08,192 --> 01:05:10,683 The British don't care for those villages. 738 01:05:10,828 --> 01:05:12,762 It's their London that they love. 739 01:05:12,897 --> 01:05:15,991 They don't want to see it destroyed the way I'm going to destroy it. 740 01:05:16,134 --> 01:05:18,432 In two more weeks, remember my words. 741 01:05:18,536 --> 01:05:21,664 They'll be screaming for surrender. Just wait. You'll see. 742 01:05:21,773 --> 01:05:23,866 To continue, sir. 743 01:05:24,008 --> 01:05:26,704 The struggle is over on this front. 744 01:05:26,811 --> 01:05:29,803 Within these two weeks, you must be prepared to see the enemy... 745 01:05:29,947 --> 01:05:32,972 break through our lines and push out into the interior of France. 746 01:05:33,117 --> 01:05:35,051 Militarily, the end is already in sight. 747 01:05:35,186 --> 01:05:38,882 - We have nothing more to throw in. - Hmph. 748 01:05:38,990 --> 01:05:40,958 What is it you're proposing? 749 01:05:41,092 --> 01:05:44,721 - That we surrender? - I give you the facts, sir. 750 01:05:44,829 --> 01:05:47,457 I only ask that you draw the proper conclusions. 751 01:05:47,565 --> 01:05:50,830 Proper to whom? To you! 752 01:05:56,973 --> 01:06:01,104 I suggest to you, Rommel, that you confine your genius to fighting... 753 01:06:01,212 --> 01:06:05,443 and leave the conduct of the war to those who are responsible for it! 754 01:06:05,550 --> 01:06:07,484 My apologies, sir. 755 01:06:07,617 --> 01:06:10,314 Now, if the f¨¹hrer will honor me with his advice... 756 01:06:10,421 --> 01:06:13,788 The V-weapon, for your information, happens to be only the first... 757 01:06:13,890 --> 01:06:18,624 in a whole series of weapons that will completely revolutionize all warfare! 758 01:06:18,728 --> 01:06:22,220 I've a second a hundred times as powerful and a third in mind... 759 01:06:22,333 --> 01:06:24,460 a thousand times more destructive than the second! 760 01:06:24,568 --> 01:06:26,559 But the crisis is now, sir. 761 01:06:26,670 --> 01:06:30,903 I've a dozen others, all of them capable of turning the whole course of the war! 762 01:06:31,007 --> 01:06:34,171 But what about now, sir? What are we to do tomorrow morning? 763 01:06:34,277 --> 01:06:37,270 While you've been deciding that all is lost... 764 01:06:37,380 --> 01:06:39,871 we've been working, working miracles... 765 01:06:39,984 --> 01:06:43,181 determining the course of history for centuries to come! 766 01:06:43,286 --> 01:06:45,721 In the workshops, in the laboratories... 767 01:06:45,822 --> 01:06:48,222 we've been turning out machines of destruction such as... 768 01:06:48,325 --> 01:06:50,920 the enemy has never dreamed of! 769 01:06:51,027 --> 01:06:54,929 I have one in mind... I have a weapon in mind... 770 01:06:59,737 --> 01:07:03,604 Now, definitely committed to the plot to assassinate his f¨¹hrer... 771 01:07:03,707 --> 01:07:07,302 Rommel was still trying to whip fight into his crumbling front... 772 01:07:07,410 --> 01:07:11,312 when on June 17 on a country road near a village... 773 01:07:11,414 --> 01:07:15,077 with the ominous name of Montgomery... 774 01:07:16,120 --> 01:07:18,952 Aircraft. 775 01:08:06,001 --> 01:08:08,596 Three days later, on July 20... 776 01:08:08,705 --> 01:08:12,436 while Rommel still lay unconscious in a hospital in France... 777 01:08:12,541 --> 01:08:16,238 Adolf Hitler and his staff gathered for their fateful conference... 778 01:08:16,346 --> 01:08:20,715 in a fortified barracks at his headquarters in East Prussia. 779 01:09:04,326 --> 01:09:07,625 The f¨¹hrer, gentlemen. 780 01:09:09,632 --> 01:09:12,863 He handles his panzers like a cavalry officer. 781 01:09:12,968 --> 01:09:15,198 Thank you, gentlemen. 782 01:09:20,309 --> 01:09:22,869 - My f¨¹hrer. - Yes. 783 01:09:22,978 --> 01:09:24,912 - Stauffenberg, sir. - Yes! Yes, yes. 784 01:09:25,014 --> 01:09:27,710 - Stauffenberg, of course, from General Fromm. - Yes, sir. 785 01:09:27,816 --> 01:09:29,908 - Good to see you again. - Thank you, my f¨¹hrer. 786 01:09:30,019 --> 01:09:35,218 Uh... Gentlemen. Your attention, please. 787 01:09:35,324 --> 01:09:39,555 Excuse me, please. I have a report from General Fromm. 788 01:09:49,103 --> 01:09:52,664 - Where's Goering? - On his way now, sir. 789 01:09:52,775 --> 01:09:56,210 Well, when you are fat, you don't move so fast. 790 01:10:00,481 --> 01:10:02,506 - Colonel-Count von Stauffenberg? - Yes. 791 01:10:02,618 --> 01:10:04,518 - Telephone, sir. - Thank you. 792 01:10:09,824 --> 01:10:12,156 Excuse me. 793 01:10:29,577 --> 01:10:34,276 All right. Suppose we start with the Russian Front. 794 01:11:00,408 --> 01:11:04,072 F¨¹hrer. F¨¹hrer! 795 01:11:27,167 --> 01:11:30,000 Are you all right, my f¨¹hrer? 796 01:11:31,339 --> 01:11:35,206 Yeah. I'm all right. 797 01:11:37,512 --> 01:11:41,845 For that failure, 5,000 suspects paid with their lives... 798 01:11:41,949 --> 01:11:45,544 during the few days that Hitler spent in hospital. 799 01:11:45,652 --> 01:11:49,817 As for Rommel, recuperating at Herrlingen from injuries that would have destroyed... 800 01:11:49,923 --> 01:11:51,824 any but the toughest of men... 801 01:11:51,925 --> 01:11:55,020 all public mention of his name suddenly stopped... 802 01:11:55,128 --> 01:11:57,062 and the complete and official silence... 803 01:11:57,165 --> 01:12:00,760 settled over the subject of the nation's most-celebrated soldier. 804 01:12:00,867 --> 01:12:05,218 For three months, he remained in this sinister isolation... 805 01:12:05,253 --> 01:12:09,568 until the afternoon of October 13 in 1944. 806 01:12:09,676 --> 01:12:12,338 - Keitel? - How are you, Rommel? 807 01:12:12,446 --> 01:12:16,143 - Getting along, thank you. - Well enough yet to come up to Berlin? 808 01:12:16,249 --> 01:12:20,515 I'm afraid not yet. In another week or two, perhaps. Why? 809 01:12:20,620 --> 01:12:23,384 I could send a special train for you. 810 01:12:23,490 --> 01:12:27,052 That's very good of you, but I really don't feel up to it yet. 811 01:12:27,194 --> 01:12:29,355 Is there some particular urgency about it? 812 01:12:29,463 --> 01:12:32,364 How soon do you think you'll be ready for another command? 813 01:12:32,499 --> 01:12:36,333 Another two weeks, I suppose. Three at the most. 814 01:12:36,470 --> 01:12:40,600 If we send someone there, would you be able to discuss the situation with him? 815 01:12:40,740 --> 01:12:42,765 Of course. 816 01:12:42,909 --> 01:12:45,377 Very well, I'll send Burgdorf. You know him, don't you? 817 01:12:45,512 --> 01:12:49,573 - I've met him. - Suppose I have him drive down tomorrow morning? 818 01:12:49,716 --> 01:12:52,344 - Would that be convenient for you? - Perfectly. 819 01:12:52,486 --> 01:12:55,478 He'll have full information and instructions. 820 01:12:55,622 --> 01:12:58,682 - Will you give my best regards to Frau Rommel? - I will. 821 01:12:58,825 --> 01:13:01,554 - And thank you very much. - Good-bye, then. 822 01:13:01,695 --> 01:13:04,095 Good-bye. 823 01:13:22,014 --> 01:13:26,543 Keitel. He's talking about another command again. 824 01:13:26,686 --> 01:13:30,816 - When? - When I feel like it, I suppose. 825 01:13:46,672 --> 01:13:50,699 Eh, he sends his best regards to you. 826 01:14:38,757 --> 01:14:41,749 - We're here to see Field Marshal Rommel. - I'll tell him, sir. 827 01:14:41,894 --> 01:14:44,624 - Would you tell him that... - Come in, Burgdorf. 828 01:14:52,270 --> 01:14:56,401 - Field Marshal. - It's good to see you again. And you, General. 829 01:14:56,508 --> 01:14:59,705 - I don't believe you've met my wife. - I haven't had the pleasure, sir. 830 01:14:59,811 --> 01:15:02,178 My dear, will you allow me to present General Burgdorf and General... 831 01:15:02,280 --> 01:15:04,181 - Maisel, sir. - General Maisel. 832 01:15:04,282 --> 01:15:06,217 This is my son Manfred and Captain Aldinger. 833 01:15:06,318 --> 01:15:08,751 - I hope you're not too tired from your journey. - Not at all. 834 01:15:08,854 --> 01:15:11,448 - Thank you, Frau Rommel. - Have you time for a luncheon and a glass of wine? 835 01:15:11,556 --> 01:15:14,958 Thank you, sir. We're due back in Berlin as quickly as we can make it. 836 01:15:15,094 --> 01:15:17,756 Very well, then. If you'll excuse us, dear. This way, gentlemen. 837 01:15:17,862 --> 01:15:21,229 - Our apologies, Frau Rommel. - Of course, but I'm disappointed. 838 01:15:21,333 --> 01:15:23,698 - Another time, perhaps. - I hope so. 839 01:15:38,651 --> 01:15:41,710 I hope it's the Russian Front, don't you? 840 01:15:45,323 --> 01:15:47,689 Make yourselves comfortable. 841 01:15:47,792 --> 01:15:49,885 Smoke, if you wish. 842 01:15:49,994 --> 01:15:53,522 I'm not like Montgomery. Smoke doesn't make me unhappy. 843 01:15:57,168 --> 01:15:59,228 At your service, gentlemen. 844 01:16:00,738 --> 01:16:03,172 We come directly from the f¨¹hrer, Field Marshal. 845 01:16:03,308 --> 01:16:05,970 - Yes. - And what we have to say to you... 846 01:16:06,077 --> 01:16:08,342 comes directly from his lips. 847 01:16:08,446 --> 01:16:13,008 - Yes. - Our instructions are to tell you first... 848 01:16:13,117 --> 01:16:15,108 of his deep appreciation... 849 01:16:15,219 --> 01:16:19,280 of your many heroic services to the state. 850 01:16:20,324 --> 01:16:22,224 Go on. 851 01:16:22,326 --> 01:16:25,193 And his regrets over your unfortunate accident. 852 01:16:25,296 --> 01:16:29,630 I was sure his silence meant only that there were more important matters on his mind. 853 01:16:31,002 --> 01:16:33,902 It's a pity that after such a record... 854 01:16:34,005 --> 01:16:36,371 If you'll forgive me, may we skip your reflections... 855 01:16:36,474 --> 01:16:38,374 and get to the message you have for me? 856 01:16:38,476 --> 01:16:40,808 Of course, sir. 857 01:17:06,704 --> 01:17:09,035 You'll observe that the charges are supported... 858 01:17:09,140 --> 01:17:11,734 by an overwhelming body of testimony. 859 01:17:11,842 --> 01:17:14,175 I can read, thank you. 860 01:17:24,221 --> 01:17:27,918 You've been uncommonly fortunate in deathbed confessions. 861 01:17:28,025 --> 01:17:31,586 It's all perfectly legal, I assure you, sir. 862 01:17:43,874 --> 01:17:48,811 You may inform the f¨¹hrer that I look forward to answering these charges in court. 863 01:17:48,912 --> 01:17:52,006 You... You don't intend to deny them, do you? 864 01:17:52,115 --> 01:17:55,312 I said, you may inform the f¨¹hrer that I look forward... 865 01:17:55,419 --> 01:17:58,081 to answering the charges in court. 866 01:17:58,188 --> 01:18:01,646 The f¨¹hrer is extremely hopeful that this matter can be settled... 867 01:18:01,758 --> 01:18:05,489 without exposing it to the inevitable publicity of a court trial. 868 01:18:05,595 --> 01:18:08,894 Very well, then. Let him withdraw the charges. 869 01:18:08,999 --> 01:18:11,934 His view is that nothing but harm for everyone could come from a trial. 870 01:18:12,002 --> 01:18:14,702 My orders are to remind you in the strongest terms... 871 01:18:14,737 --> 01:18:17,402 My orders are to remind you in the strongest terms... 872 01:18:17,507 --> 01:18:21,967 of the damage testimony like this could do to your name and reputation. 873 01:18:22,078 --> 01:18:25,138 And what does he expect me to do? Plead guilty to you? 874 01:18:25,248 --> 01:18:28,081 Well, naturally, not that, of course. 875 01:18:28,184 --> 01:18:31,780 I know what he wants. He wants me to keep my mouth shut. 876 01:18:31,888 --> 01:18:35,153 He doesn't want me to tell what happened where it can be heard. 877 01:18:35,258 --> 01:18:38,716 Well, you may tell him for me that's very thoughtful of him... 878 01:18:38,828 --> 01:18:43,357 but that I'm quite capable of taking care of my own name and reputation in my own way... 879 01:18:43,466 --> 01:18:45,991 which will be in a proper court of law. 880 01:18:46,102 --> 01:18:48,070 But to what end, sir? 881 01:18:48,171 --> 01:18:50,537 The verdict is already indicated. 882 01:18:54,210 --> 01:18:56,804 He told you to tell me that too? 883 01:18:56,913 --> 01:18:58,813 The evidence is there. 884 01:18:58,915 --> 01:19:01,110 What defense is possible? 885 01:19:01,217 --> 01:19:05,746 Then, what does he suggest? 886 01:19:05,855 --> 01:19:08,882 Before we go further, the field marshal should be warned... 887 01:19:08,992 --> 01:19:11,323 that this house is entirely surrounded. 888 01:19:11,427 --> 01:19:13,691 My orders, sir. I'm sure you understand. 889 01:19:13,796 --> 01:19:17,459 - And the both of us are armed. - What does he want done? 890 01:19:19,268 --> 01:19:22,704 His belief is that it would be to the best interests of all concerned... 891 01:19:22,805 --> 01:19:26,867 if you should see fit to relieve the situation yourself... 892 01:19:26,976 --> 01:19:29,775 quietly and without delay. 893 01:19:29,879 --> 01:19:33,906 - Go on. - The advantages of a solution like that... 894 01:19:34,016 --> 01:19:37,316 over an ugly exchange of recriminations in an open court... 895 01:19:37,420 --> 01:19:40,877 are, in his opinion, several and obvious. 896 01:19:40,990 --> 01:19:43,550 Most important to him, of course... 897 01:19:43,659 --> 01:19:46,594 would be the preservation of your name and fame. 898 01:19:46,696 --> 01:19:49,459 And he would see to it himself not the slightest suspicion... 899 01:19:49,565 --> 01:19:51,533 would be attached to the way of your going. 900 01:19:51,634 --> 01:19:55,297 As far as the rest of the nation would know, you'd succumbed... 901 01:19:55,404 --> 01:19:57,805 finally to your war wounds. 902 01:19:57,907 --> 01:20:00,468 That would be the official announcement. 903 01:20:00,576 --> 01:20:05,070 And the state would then honor your memory and your family as well... 904 01:20:05,180 --> 01:20:07,341 with a generosity that would be historic. 905 01:20:07,450 --> 01:20:10,213 That was his word, "historic. " 906 01:20:10,319 --> 01:20:14,517 Your name would live on in the glory it once deserved... 907 01:20:14,623 --> 01:20:19,026 while your wife and son would never want for either safety or comfort... 908 01:20:19,128 --> 01:20:21,460 as long as they live. 909 01:20:23,265 --> 01:20:27,099 - I have a choice? - In a sense, yes. 910 01:20:28,202 --> 01:20:31,570 The choice to die now... or later. 911 01:20:32,775 --> 01:20:35,038 It amounts to that, I'm afraid. 912 01:20:36,577 --> 01:20:39,172 How long have I to make this choice? 913 01:20:39,281 --> 01:20:43,046 We're due back in Berlin as early this evening as we can make it. 914 01:20:43,152 --> 01:20:47,088 The penalty in this case, I'm told... 915 01:20:47,189 --> 01:20:50,646 would be the garrote... death by strangulation. 916 01:20:50,759 --> 01:20:55,458 The drug I've brought with me is effective in three seconds... 917 01:20:55,564 --> 01:20:58,032 and painless. 918 01:21:14,316 --> 01:21:16,840 Tell him for me... 919 01:21:16,952 --> 01:21:20,580 that in spite of the disadvantages you've been kind enough to point out... 920 01:21:20,689 --> 01:21:23,522 I'll take the trial. 921 01:21:23,624 --> 01:21:25,525 It may be, as you say, a futile defense... 922 01:21:25,626 --> 01:21:27,651 but I think it should be heard nevertheless. 923 01:21:27,762 --> 01:21:31,789 There might be some value in it for those who hear it. 924 01:21:31,899 --> 01:21:35,996 It might even move some to stop and think for a moment or two... 925 01:21:36,104 --> 01:21:38,834 as finally I did... 926 01:21:38,940 --> 01:21:41,704 though, unfortunately, too late. 927 01:21:41,810 --> 01:21:45,108 In any case, it's my life, and that's my choice. 928 01:21:46,581 --> 01:21:49,607 I confess my disappointment with your choice, sir. 929 01:21:49,718 --> 01:21:53,381 My heart, of course, bleeds for you. 930 01:21:53,488 --> 01:21:57,151 The unfortunate part of it is that if you insist on a trial... 931 01:21:57,258 --> 01:22:00,091 I have no authority to offer any guarantees... 932 01:22:00,194 --> 01:22:02,492 for the safety and comfort of your son... 933 01:22:02,597 --> 01:22:05,657 and widow. 934 01:22:19,013 --> 01:22:21,412 They're coming out now. 935 01:22:28,089 --> 01:22:31,421 - All over, sir? - I believe so. 936 01:22:34,594 --> 01:22:38,031 - We'll wait outside, sir. - I won't be long. 937 01:22:39,332 --> 01:22:41,800 Well, we hardly expected such a... 938 01:22:46,174 --> 01:22:48,437 - Over already? - Wait there, please. 939 01:22:48,542 --> 01:22:50,841 I'll be down in a few moments. 940 01:22:59,487 --> 01:23:01,750 What is it, Erwin? 941 01:23:01,856 --> 01:23:05,018 I want you to be strong, darling. 942 01:23:05,159 --> 01:23:09,061 I want you to be very strong and very brave. 943 01:23:09,163 --> 01:23:13,532 - Do you understand? - Yes. 944 01:23:13,633 --> 01:23:16,262 I've got to go away now... 945 01:23:16,369 --> 01:23:19,464 and I won't be back. 946 01:23:19,573 --> 01:23:22,041 Do you want me to tell you any more? 947 01:23:22,142 --> 01:23:24,077 There's no way out? 948 01:23:24,177 --> 01:23:27,977 No. But it won't be too terrible, uh... 949 01:23:28,082 --> 01:23:31,608 They're giving me a drug. It's painless and effective immediately. 950 01:23:31,719 --> 01:23:36,348 We're leaving now, and I'll do it as quickly as possible. 951 01:23:36,457 --> 01:23:39,119 We've got guns, sir. Can't we make a break for it? 952 01:23:39,226 --> 01:23:41,194 No, there's nothing that can be done. 953 01:23:41,294 --> 01:23:44,058 They've thought of everything. 954 01:23:47,067 --> 01:23:48,967 But at least we could get them. 955 01:23:49,069 --> 01:23:52,130 There's nothing to be done, I tell you. 956 01:23:52,239 --> 01:23:55,572 I've got to do exactly as they say. 957 01:23:57,944 --> 01:23:59,844 Yes, sir. 958 01:24:04,216 --> 01:24:08,586 - Are you going to be brave now? - I don't know. 959 01:24:08,688 --> 01:24:11,748 You and Manfred will be all right. They've assured me of that. 960 01:24:11,857 --> 01:24:15,123 And nobody's to know about this but us. 961 01:24:15,227 --> 01:24:20,996 - Are you sure there's no other way? - No other, darling. 962 01:24:22,469 --> 01:24:25,926 - Have you told Manfred yet? - I'll tell him when I go down. 963 01:24:26,039 --> 01:24:27,200 No. Let me tell him. 964 01:24:29,442 --> 01:24:31,535 I can tell him so much better. 965 01:24:33,480 --> 01:24:36,040 If you wish. 966 01:24:48,360 --> 01:24:50,726 I'll get my coat now. 967 01:24:50,864 --> 01:24:54,094 It's cold, and I don't want to shiver. 968 01:25:10,282 --> 01:25:13,149 The field marshal's coming out now. 969 01:25:24,296 --> 01:25:27,424 - You're going now? - Why not? 970 01:25:29,836 --> 01:25:31,736 But are you well enough? 971 01:25:31,838 --> 01:25:35,364 Of course, I've just been taking it easy on you and your mother. 972 01:25:35,475 --> 01:25:38,375 Is it Russia? 973 01:25:41,914 --> 01:25:45,577 Good-bye, Aldinger, old dear friend. 974 01:25:45,684 --> 01:25:48,084 Good-bye, sir. 975 01:25:48,187 --> 01:25:52,180 - Take care of them. - Yes, sir. 976 01:25:52,291 --> 01:25:54,759 Can't you tell me? 977 01:25:54,859 --> 01:25:56,851 Don't ask so many questions. 978 01:25:56,962 --> 01:25:59,226 You know better than to talk like that to a field marshal. 979 01:25:59,330 --> 01:26:01,561 But when will we know? 980 01:26:01,667 --> 01:26:04,397 Before very long. 981 01:26:05,938 --> 01:26:08,531 - Good-bye, son. Be a good boy. - Good-bye, Father. 982 01:26:08,641 --> 01:26:11,542 You'll stop them, won't you? 983 01:26:11,644 --> 01:26:13,634 We'll see. 984 01:26:26,158 --> 01:26:28,183 Good-bye, dear. 985 01:26:41,340 --> 01:26:43,433 During that last short ride... 986 01:26:43,541 --> 01:26:45,702 what may Rommel's thoughts have been? 987 01:26:45,811 --> 01:26:50,679 Were they bitter that he had learned too slowly and struck too late? 988 01:26:50,783 --> 01:26:54,150 Or did they go back to the desert, where his military genius... 989 01:26:54,253 --> 01:26:56,584 had first electrified the world? 990 01:26:56,688 --> 01:26:59,453 First, at Mikkeli. 991 01:27:02,094 --> 01:27:04,323 Then Tobruk. 992 01:27:06,564 --> 01:27:09,158 Yes, and even El Alamein. 993 01:27:13,071 --> 01:27:16,529 In any case, his life and fate have best been summed up... 994 01:27:16,642 --> 01:27:21,442 ironically enough, in the words of Nazi Germany's sternest enemy... 995 01:27:21,546 --> 01:27:24,413 the honorable Winston Churchill. 996 01:27:24,515 --> 01:27:29,885 His ardor and daring inflicted grievous disasters upon us... 997 01:27:29,987 --> 01:27:33,514 but he deserves the salute which I made him... 998 01:27:33,624 --> 01:27:38,687 in the House of Commons in January 1942. 999 01:27:38,796 --> 01:27:41,663 He also deserves our respect... 1000 01:27:41,766 --> 01:27:45,964 because, although a loyal German soldier... 1001 01:27:46,070 --> 01:27:49,767 he came to hate Hitler and all his works... 1002 01:27:49,873 --> 01:27:54,243 and took part in the conspiracy to rescue Germany... 1003 01:27:54,344 --> 01:27:59,339 by displacing the maniac and tyrant. 1004 01:27:59,450 --> 01:28:04,513 For this, he paid the forfeit of his life. 1005 01:28:04,621 --> 01:28:07,955 In the somber wars of modern democracy... 1006 01:28:08,059 --> 01:28:11,961 there is little place for chivalry.