"We are also responsible for our obedience!" Hannah Arendt
The film depicts the final seven months of Field marshal Erwin Rommel's life.
HERRLINGEN, NEAR ULM
Warning Halt
I'll take it.
Heil Hitler. The Field marshal is expecting us.
- Your coats? - Not necessary. We are not staying long.
- Will you take us to the General Field marshal? - Of course.
- Heil Hitler. - General.
General Field marshal.
Madam.
- I hope you will eat with us? - No, thank you. We are here on urgent business.
May I ask you to leave us alone with the General Field marshal?
Come on.
I will say if we need anything.
Aldinger, grab the files concerning the Normandy developments.
You still looking for a scapegoat to blame for the collapse of the Western Front?
You are accused of having been involved in the assassination of the Fuhrer.
What?
WEEKLY GERMAN NEWS
The Desert Fox, The victor at El Agheila,
The hero of Tobruk and conqueror of North Africa...
... General Field marshal Rommel inspects the Atlantic Wall.
From the North Cape to the Pyrenees - it's the world's largest and most modern fortification.
Numerous Wehrmacht divisions, with hundreds of thousands of hardened soldiers,
now drawn together at the westerly line of defence,
to repel the enemy in the anticipated invasion.
Here are the soldiers who stand ready to defend the freedom of Europe and culture.
They are equipped with the most modern weapons.
And this is their commander. Experienced in many battles,
he waits calmly and confidently for the big confrontation.
With Rommel in the Western Front, Germany can sleep safely.
Thank you. Great. Stay there Field marshal; we now come in for the close-ups.
Do what you want, as long as you delay invasion by a week.
- The Fuhrer's adjutant is here. - Thank you, Aldinger.
I need your support. The German officers at Stalingrad that the Russians captured
have sent letters to our commander urging them to stop the war.
They're dictated by Stalin himself.
Unfortunately not. There is clear evidence that the letters are not forged.
- Do you also have one? - No. Otherwise I would have ripped it up.
Now the battle hardens, the Fuhrer must be reassured
that these betrayals are a one-off and that the Field marshal is loyal.
- The Fuhrer knows I am loyal. - Enemy fighters!
Give to me, Aldinger.
They have not seen us yet. - Daniel, try to reach the forest.
- They've found us! - Maybe you should sit down.
Daniel - throttle! - Do you see the problem we have here?
Not a German plane in sight. The allies are chasing us like hares.
Stop!
In here. Forward! - This way. In there!
Aha, you still cannot hit us!
In there. Quick!
Shit!
Did everyone survive?
"We declare on behalf of the entire armed forces"
"our allegiance to the Fuhrer and National Socialism."
"We will do everything in order that each soldier"
"will fight fanatically to ensure National Socialism's future."
"Berchtesgarden, March 15, 1944".
My adjutant was very impressed with his visit to the Atlantic Wall.
I look forward to your report.
These recordings were made two weeks ago off Plymouth.
The enemy appears prepared to begin a a large landing operation.
They have gathered at least 50 divisions in the English Channel.
- They will be here then in a few weeks. - If it continues.
They have practised airdrops before.
It goes without saying that the Allied landings will occur.
I'm even looking forward to it.
Where do you think they will try it?
Probably here at Calais. Or in Normandy.
The two peninsulas offer ideal opportunities for a beachhead.
How will the enemy act?
First they'll bombard our positions.
Then deploy armoured landing vehicles
under cover of naval artillery and bombers, simultaneously making airdrops behind our lines.
And what is your counter-move?
The enemy must be destroyed immediately upon landing. The battle is decided on the beach.
Empty talk, Mr. Rommel. How are you going to defend over 2,000km of coastline?
We lack the resources.
We'll place all our armoured divisions along the coast. I'll show you.
Within three months, it'll look like this everywhere on the Atlantic Wall.
Barriers hindering the landing craft.
Our artillery shells them directly at the landing.
And where we have no artillery in place, our tanks will take over.
If the enemy breaks through at any point on the defence line, ...
... the Reich is defenceless.
Should the Allies march to Berlin, Our tanks can only follow.
Our tanks can destroy all who disembark within 48 hours.
But the enemy planes will bomb them to pieces before they get the chance!
Mein Fuhrer... I ask you to give me command of the armed forces.
Only then can we prevent the enemy invasion.
Then we put all our eggs in one basket and we have no reserves left.
As Commander-in-chief in the West I could not do that! It's simply irresponsible!
But for three years, you have been responsible for the shortcomings in the Atlantic Wall...
... while Rommel in a short time has done exemplary work.
An invasion must be strictly avoided. For one thing is certain...
... if the landing fails, they won't try again.
Then we can redirect forces where we need them - in the East.
All 45 divisions!
The outcome of the war depends on you and your soldiers.
And thus the Reich and the fate of the entire nation.
- Do you realise that, Field marshal? - Yes, Mein Fuhrer.
Can you at least wait for Manfred? He will be disappointed.
Tell him. We have very little time before the enemy is coming, and much to do.
- You can do it. - I must.
The Fuhrer expects me to save the Reich.
How nice that he trusts you again.
FRANCE
ROMMEL'S HEADQUARTERS
There you are. We were expecting you earlier, General.
We were chased by enemy aircraft.
Their superiority in the air is our biggest problem. My adjutant, Captain Aldinger.
Take the general's luggage. - You will get to meet my staff, Speidel.
- How about in the East? - The Russian offensive cannot be stopped.
The Fuhrer's orders are catastrophic.
They involve too many casualties, and prevent meaningful manoeuvers of the Front.
- Move the Front? - We must withdraw if possible,
or the enemy will not negotiate with us. - You want a second Versailles humiliation?
- Of course not. - Then we have to prevent the invasion.
Only then can the Fuhrer be in a strong bargaining position with the British and Americans.
Gentlemen, our new Chief of staff, General Speidel.
Excellent.
Countess La Rochefoucauld, the castle owner's niece.
- Bonjour. - Comtesse, bonjour.
She speaks excellent German. She interprets for us.
- Ah, the famous ancestor, the author? - Yes.
"La jeunesse est une ivresse continuelle."
"C'est la fièvre de la raison."
- That's him? - Yes.
"Youth is constant drunkenness. A fever of the mind."
Who did you mean, Speidel? There's only one youthful creature here: the Countess.
- It just came to me. - The Countess knows what is proper.
- Are you sure? - Aren't you?
- Messieurs, good evening. - Bonsoir.
You might turn out to be a rascal. Eh, Speidel?
Here on the coast of Calvados we still have a gap of 40 kilometres.
With no tanks it looks pretty gloomy.
The Fuhrer's promised me tanks. Rely on it.
We must erect these obstacles, Marcks.
The Allies are now practising landing at low tide.
So it appears. But we have to make it a long way for them to get to the beach.
How? I can't tire out the men with picks and shovels.
I have rested the soldiers.
That's the problem. Your men are too rested after three years of beach vacations.
See Dr Speidel? He was on the Eastern Front, but does he complain?
I lost my leg on the Eastern Front...
And with all due respect, I tell you
your plan requires a minimum of one year. Anyone who says otherwise...
... hides the truth or does not know. - What do you imagine?
The Fuhrer has given me orders to prevent the Allied landing.
And a slacker like you should not hinder me.
Now make sure to get the job done.
Yes.
Maybe I was a little rough, but otherwise nothing happens here, believe me.
Wait, Marcks.
- He knows Marcks is absolutely right. - Your men have worked hard the last two months. Sorry.
PARIS
GERMAN MILITARY ADMINISTRATION
It has happened to some here, Hans.
Nearly all Parisian Jews have been sent to the East, but deportations continue...
The SS chase even the Jewish children that residents are hiding in their homes.
The last idea of the SS?
When air attacks bomb the stations the Resistance prises open the wagon doors.
In order to prevent escape, the Jews are now transported naked.
Come on.
This is Lieutenant colonel Hofacker, Count Stauffenberg's cousin.
- General. - Nice to meet you.
Berlin is about to take action. So, they have asked me to confide in you.
- It's about Rommel. - Rommel?
Do you think you can get him on side?
He will do anything to succeed in the West. He wants to prevent the invasion.
Convince him. With Rommel in agreement, we get the support of the army.
And of the people. Do not forget he is our most popular general.
It's a long way from being a favourite of the Fuhrer to the figurehead of a coup.
- But there is nobody else. - I must see him...
... preferably without the Gestapo knowing. Can you arrange that?
ROMMEL'S HEADQUARTERS
- General Guderian is deciding on the tanks. - Not the Fuhrer?
The Fuhrer asked me to inspect them and submit a recommendation. What do you think?
It should be the 2nd Panzer Division, Geyr, but he is still vacillating.
The enemy can very quickly disembark its airborne divisions with anti-tank guns.
That's why the tanks are useless along the coast, with the enemy landing at the back.
The enemy will stop the tanks reaching the coast and will build their beachhead.
How do you protect our tanks from their artillery?
We bury them.
- Bury them? - Yes.
I thought their strength was a combination of armour, firepower and... mobility?
During the invasion of France the 2nd Division was not fast enough to keep up with the Ghost Division.
The Fuhrer has expressly approved my plans.
He has not decided yet.
Until then the armoured divisions are under the Supreme Commander in the West.
Then we can put an end to this now.
It did not go so well in Africa. Now he wants to play a role here.
Talk sense to him.
You do not stop the invasion with third-rate infantry hiding behind tanks.
- The Field marshal knows what he's doing. - Really?
Actually, he has never been much more than a good division commander.
It's always the case with the Fuhrer. The last who meets him is always right.
Let's go once round, Speidel.
Rundstedt is old and tired. He gave up a long time ago.
And Guderian has become a yes-man.
Use the consequences, then.
Take matters into your own hands. - What do you mean?
Request to be Commander-in-Chief in the West. Give Hitler an ultimatum.
- He needs you. You are well-liked. - Should I threaten the Fuhrer?
- If you want to prevent the invasion. - You don't know the Fuhrer. It's counterproductive.
The people and the Fuhrer must recognise that the war cannot be won.
Quiet, Speidel. I want you here as Chief of staff a while.
- How generous to let them stay here. - Thoughtless, you mean?
The French aristocracy fear the Bolsheviks more than we do.
The Count worships the Fuhrer. That young man there is his son.
As old as our Manfred.
Our son is in the Luftwaffe at Ulm.
Recently, he wanted to join the Waffen-SS.
I forbade him to do so.
That may surprise you, but...
... you know, I've heard terrible stories, ...
... of the mass executions and massacres of Jews in the occupied territories.
You were on the Eastern Front. Can you confirm this?
It's also taking place in France. They are still deporting Jews.
The SS is searching everywhere for hidden Jewish children.
- How do you know? - There are, in the military administration,
Parisians who do not go along with it.
Now, now boy. You have to get used to the lightning and thunder to be a soldier.
Our Manfred cried too when he was photographed.
Stülpnagel. Speidel should'nt have had me come here to calm screaming babies! - No, Field marshal.
A MANSION NEAR PARIS
In the case of extreme emergency we must force Hitler to yield.
- What do you mean by "force"? - To arrest him.
And bring him to justice for the crimes he has committed in the name of the people.
Herr von Stülpnagel, what you are proposing is a military coup.
Do you think you can find a single general ready for that?
A group of prominent men are already at our disposal.
There have been plans for coups even earlier.
Some wanted to give their lives to liberate Germany from Hitler.
Give their lives?
- An attack, then? - Not if it can be avoided.
Who knows about this?
- Only Berlin knows the details. - What you ask of me... is high treason.
Hitler has long betrayed Germany.
We are not at peace with the Allies and now the Russians will take Berlin in the autumn.
Although you have sworn an oath. Do not forget it.
Now he runs to the Fuhrer.
How long have you known of these plans?
For some time.
You know what is required of me as an obedient soldier.
Do what you must do.
Damn it!
Give it here. It can be mended.
FRANCE, THE CHANNEL COAST
Look out! They're coming, they're coming! Here we go! It's started!
Missed! Damn them!
Speidel, dammit! What is happening?
Have the Englishmen landed?
- A British raid has been averted near Calais. - On the Channel coast?
A British military officer was arrested. He was handed over to the Gestapo.
- In Paris? - You know how it works.
PARIS - SS HEADQUARTERS
His squad wanted to blow up a coastal battery.
Good, Lieutenant general. We'll take him.
- What? - Rommel wants to talk with him.
You know the the orders. He will be executed as soon as he has talked.
- He certainly has not spoken yet. - Leave him with us. Within 12 hours you'll know...
... where and when the invasion occurs. - Certainly. But we have our own methods.
You'll have to tell me sometime ... about your methods.
I'd love to. Take him away.
Watch out!
- Here is the British lieutenant. - Take off his handcuffs.
How is my old friend Montgomery? - Translate.
- He understands you. - So the British want a fight now?
- What did you think it was in Africa? - A skirmish. Compared to what awaits.
Have a seat.
Well, Lieutenant...
In fact, we have the same enemy.
And he's in Russia.
- Why don't we fight side by side? - That would be difficult.
We British think that certain things you Germans do are disgusting.
- What do you mean? - The way you treat Jews.
It's politics. We are soldiers. We have nothing to do with politics.
That your Fuhrer exterminates an entire people - is that just politics?
- It could change. - It's too late, Field marshal.
- Countess. - What will happen to him?
He'll be sent to a British prisoner-of-war camp.
And what about the order, then?
- What do you know about it? - One hears things.
- I'll make sure nothing happens to him. - But can you?
- Yes, I'm in command here. - There are many commanders in France.
And then there's the SS.
Countess, wait a minute.
Excuse me... but can you get hold of those here in Paris?
For my wife's birthday. - You have good taste.
Your uncle hopes that we can beat back the enemy.
And you?
Who are you? - We are lost, whatever we do.
Given our defences, the morale of our troops
and the new weapons made available
We can look forward to what is coming with great calm.
And...
... don't worry about the outcome. It'll be fine.
Furthermore, I do not believe the British will make a second attempt.
Was it good? - Excellent. Very convincing.
Good. If you say so.
I heard that a British soldier was captured in Calais.
Do you believe that the invasion will happen there? - The English are always where you least expect them.
- Then they'll learn to come to me.
They go to church on Sunday, will set sail on Monday and will be here in Normandy on Tuesday.
- Why do you think that? - My birthday is on Tuesday.
- My wife's too. - There you are.
From Supreme Command, General Jodl.
- Shit! - Bad news?
The Fuhrer has given me three armoured divisions. In an attack I can ask for the rest.
Should I send a written request the moment the enemy lands?
I have to meet with Hitler. He doesn't understand the situation.
Those criminals around him are giving him the wrong information.
- Do you really believe that? - You and your friends don't believe it.
But what do you expect from me? That I passively watch this chaos unfold?
I will not go into the books as a general who led his soldiers to slaughter.
- There are other options. - I do not believe in them.
Put me through to the Fuhrer's Headquarters. To his adjutant. Yes, I'll wait.
Do you like shoes? They are a birthday present for my wife.
Very elegant. She'll be happy enough.
It will be stormy and very cloudy until 10 June.
So it's safe for you to go.
- Have a good trip. - Take care of the store, Speidel.
- Monsieur, le Comte. - Pour votre épouse.
- A birthday gift for your wife. - Oh, merci.
- Au revoir. - Au revoir.
One thing is certain. The invasion is set to bring the enemy a crushing defeat.
There you are at last, Manfred.
- Good day, father. - Good day, my son.
- You look good in uniform. - You'll let me wear this one?
He must be back tonight. He could have got leave, but didn't take it.
Very good. I'm so proud of you. Go to your room. We'll see you later.
He is sorry that you were against him joining the Waffen-SS.
I have not changed my mind.
So glad you could come.
I'm going to see the Fuhrer. Problems in France.
Do sit down. You seem a little irritable.
Lu, do you remember the things Strölin recently told us?
That they gassed Jews in the East? - Please stop...
... Strölin, a Nazi, and now the Lord Mayor of Stuttgart...
... says he sent Jews to the East. Why say something like that? What is all this?
It's happening even in France, right before my eyes.
I thought they were isolated cases.
But those at the top are not decent men.
What do you mean by "those at the top"?
Do you know what our house used to be?
Yes.
A Jewish boarding school. - Then if it is wrong, we should move.
But I do not believe that.
We cannot prevent him speaking on the radio. He gets across to the masses.
Then we must be as eloquent as Hitler.
As long as we are not, it does not help to attack him.
- Yes, Colonel? - A radio bulletin has come in.
Only the last half of the coded message has been collected.
Colonel General von Salmuth has put the whole army on alert in Calais.
Should I alert the 7th Army in Normandy?
Call Rundstedt's staff. Let them decide.
So here we go...
It's probably just the usual hysteria.
NORMANDY
There they are. I knew it!
Notify Rommel's staff it's starting now.
- What is the situation in Calais? - There has been action there, too.
Landings of cargo gliders. The two prisoners taken say there will be more to come.
We can send the 21st Army to Normandy.
The Commander of the 21st is unresponsive. He's in his beloved Paris with his Chief of staff.
- What? - General Speidel. Phone.
Yes?
Roger that. Very good. Thank you. And Happy Birthday, sir.
That was Marcks. The British are attacking with straw dolls.
But he thinks he can handle it on his own.
- What do we do now? - That was it. We go to bed.
NORMANDY, 06:00
LIGHTS ON ONLY WHEN DOORS CLOSED
British naval artillery. A birthday greeting from Churchill.
NORMANDY, 06:30
ROMMEL'S HOME - HERRLINGEN, 09:00
The Armed Forces ordered me to deliver these flowers to your wife.
With heartfelt congratulations from the Fuhrer.
Take good care of them, Karolina. They are from the Fuhrer.
Commander Loistl, Army Group B.
Sure. Just a moment.
You have a telephone call, Field marshal.
It must be the Fuhrer's Headquarters.
Yes? Speidel? What gives?
Have they landed? Where? How was our counterattack?
Let the division attack immediately. Do not wait for reinforcements.
I'm sorry. - It can't be helped.
Now, the waiting's over. - Yes.
Take care, Lu. Take care.
They do not fit, Karolina.
ROMMEL'S HEADQUARTERS, 22:30
Glad you're here. We are in the bunker.
I hope the news is better now. - Unfortunately not.
The enemy has already landed with 150,000 heavily-armed soldiers.
They control 130 square kilometres. The British 6th Airborne Division
have taken the bridge over the Orne.
They've also crushed our artillery at Merville, albeit with heavy losses.
- Is that all? - The information is scarce.
Radio traffic is disturbed by the enemy.
The French have sabotaged telephone lines and blown up roads.
We must expect a second major offensive.
Dover has been a smokescreen.
Say it bluntly, Speidel. You have failed.
MARGIVAL - FUHRER'S HEADQUARTERS
Field marshal Erna von Rundstedt and Rommel.
Thanks for coming. Go ahead and sit down, please.
I must say I am speechless over your local commander's failures.
The armed forces were taken by surprise with their pants down.
That says a lot about the condition of your soldiers.
That we were asleep is just enemy propaganda.
Call it what you want. But the landing was not prevented
as you assured me it would be. Our troops were sacrificed.
Mein Fuhrer, we did not prevent the invasion but it is the fault of the Luftwaffe and the Navy.
The Army made a superhuman effort in an unequal battle.
But the enemy's superiority in the air and their fleet being able to work undisturbed
made it impossible to fight the enemy as planned.
It is regrettable that so far no-one at the command has formed a proper picture.
Instead they have swallowed the enemy's propaganda.
It is crucial to maintain Cherbourg with its port. If not, the enemy takes Normandy
and maybe all of France.
We must choose between keeping Cherbourg... or preventing the enemy breaking through.
We cannot do both.
Are you of the same opinion, von Rundstedt?
We must give up the rigid system specifying the peninsulas
and embark on an orderly retreat to the port and fortress.
And at Caen, in front of the Orne, we should avoid...
We will not avoid anything! It is enough to stand up, hold on and die!
Designate a highly-skilled commander to Cherbourg.
and show the Field marshals how devastating the effect of the V-weapons will be on the enemy.
Since yesterday we have been continually firing V-1 missiles over London,
each with a bursting charge of one ton of explosives.
There have been numerous direct hits.
According to our agents the English people are distraught and distrust Churchill.
Enemy bombers are approaching our airspace.
Mein Fuhrer, we should probably go to the shelter.
- What now? - I see it as gloomy.
- We need to tell him it's hopeless. - You should. You have his ear. - You are the Commander-in-Chief.
My power is just enough to move my guards from left to right.
Mein Fuhrer, you know I am your most faithful servant.
May I? - Have a seat.
Don't you think...
... it's time to consider other options?
- What do you mean? - To negotiate.
I'll negotiate with no-one.
The enemy wants to obliterate Germany.
It's come down to the fanatical resistance of each individual.
Are you prepared for that?
Are you prepared for it, Rommel?
Yes.
"Where knowledge and ability ends and intuition takes over;"
"acute perception; ability coupled with insight."
"This is a general's leadership. And Rommel possesses it."
I see you are having fun with me.
- General Field marshal. - Is it fair criticism?
Please.
The Fuhrer commands us to keep Cherbourg.
And stand west of the Orne.
Make the necessary preparations, Speidel.
Can General Marcks make a diversion?
General Marcks was killed in an air strike.
Do you want today's total loss figures?
No, it's not necessary.
Gentlemen.
GERMAN POSITION NEAR CAEN
Advance. Once you have taken the hill, protect the road to Bayeux. Best of luck.
Thank you, Field marshal.
- Give the Tommies a fiery welcome! - Yes, Field marshal!
Well done!
- Good luck. - Thank you, Field marshal.
- Back, Daniel. We must return. - It is madness. We must get out of here!
Oh well...
Well, Daniel. Run.
Who's there? Come forward. Hello?
Bonsoir.
Sorry. I didn't intend to scare you.
- What are you doing here, Countess? - I come here often. It's beautiful here.
Our soldiers may think you are a partisan, or a British agent.
- Maybe I am. - Then I should be careful.
I would make a great trophy for the English. - Yes. The Desert Fox.
That's over. I'm only the man who could not stop the invasion.
- You regret that? - I am a soldier. Do not forget it.
I'll tell the men that you are walking around up here.
Dear Lu. I'm fine.
I must not lose heart. Although much hope has been dashed.
Yes?
The Russians have broken through the lines of the middle Army Group.
Seven German divisions have surrendered. the Front is about to collapse.
That's how it is in the East.
Yes.
I will be glad when next week is over.
There was one more thing.
- Where is that? - That was Småstaden Oradour, near Limoges.
The 2nd SS Panzer Division leveled it to the ground.
All residents were killed including 450 women and children.
- Revenge for the abducted SS officer. - How do you know this?
From the military administation. Stülpnagel has already protested.
But Hitler has prohibited bringing the officer responsible to justice.
Really?
Good night.
Poor bastards. Mom said I should thank God that I ended up with you.
- Why? - With you, nothing can happen to me.
Field marshal, Colonel Finckh, the new quartermaster, has arrived from Paris.
- He wants to introduce himself. - Good, I will see him soon.
- Field marshal... - What is it?
The Fuhrer wants you to make an attack on the Americans in Cherbourg.
He wants the 7th Army to advance on the west flank.
Explain that we are only able to keep our defence line in Western Normandy.
The Front is inappropriate for an attack.
General Marcks' brother called me this morning.
He wanted to know exactly to the minute when the General died.
Why?
At 11 o'clock that day a painting of the General fell off the wall.
- And? - The General was hit at ten forty-five.
- At exactly 11 he died. Unbelievable, huh? - Do you believe in miracles?
A belief in miracles explains Hitler. At least, the course of this war.
"Do not say bridgehead, but the last part of France the enemy is still occupying!"
Cherbourg will fall within three days.
Within four weeks the enemy will break through and storm the Reich border.
We can only pray that the Allies are faster than the Russians.
- You are not alone in thinking so. - I think everyone here at the table agrees.
Right, Dr Speidel?
Hitler is in a sort of daze. He can no longer draw correct conclusions or make decisions.
His repeating: "Stand to the last man, and give nothing" is disastrous.
The idea of an attack on Cherbourg is pure idiocy.
- You're the only one who can save Germany. - For what?
- Germany must end the war. - There are others still urging war.
- Then it is they who must be shot. If there is no other solution.
Good God, Speidel. You're a true warrior.
The Battle of Cherbourg,
- the enemy has devastated large parts of the city...
from a few factories and coastal batteries fluttering banners of resistance still hold out.
and wage hot, bloody battles on the city streets.
ROMMEL'S HEADQUARTERS
From General von Schlieben: "The final battle of Cherbourg."
"We are being attacked with tanks. Where is our air support?"
Answer with: "Air support impossible due to hostile enemy flak."
"The Fuhrer's orders are: you shall fight to the last bullet. May God be with you."
The Fuhrer's orders were to the last man. Should you really ignore that?
- Last man or bullet, what is the difference? - Last bullet means surrender not destruction.
I hope that's the general interpretation.
In Cherbourg, the Wehrmacht has added a page to heroic German history,
and made itself immortal.
In a large bunker, there were men
who had been bricked in, and defended themselves through portholes.
They ran out of bullets only to blow themselves up in the bunker.
If a nation at war five years,
can perform such acts...
Are you sure he's going to Germany?
Yes. Hitler ordered him to Obersalzberg.
And how is it that you're so... well-informed, Princess?
I do my job. You should do yours.
Are you sure you want me to do that?
Thank you.
You realise headquarters is seeking a scapegoat for the fall of Cherbourg?
You or me? - I will tell the Fuhrer the war must end.
The whole world is against us.
- What do you expect of me? - Not to remain silent. Stay with me.
You are right. We must both make a sacrifice.
He will give way again. Just wait.
OBERSALZBERG
It's six o'clock. They let us wait.
You are here von Kluge? How nice that you recovered you so quickly after the accident.
Thank you. The Fuhrer asked me to assess the situation in the East.
Excuse me, but my plane to Berlin is waiting.
Attention on deck. Look ahead.
Please. Make your statement.
Mein Fuhrer, I'm here as commander of Army Group B.
It's probably the last chance I have
to describe the situation on the Western Front for those of you responsible to the people.
- I'll start with the political situation. - Your responsibility is military affairs. Stick to it.
In the interest of Germany I cannot limit myself to do so.
Spare me your comments on world politics.
Please adhere solely to the military situation.
You know how disappointed I am that despite my call, you did not manage
to attack the Cotentin Peninsula. Cherbourg did not have to fall.
The side with the best maintained roads always wins the battles.
Montgomery's pathway to you was much longer than yours.
But you lost the advantage because you were so hesitant.
Now we have to lock the British in Caen, to implement a counterattack...
... and let the enemy bleed to death in Normandy.
Herr Reich Minister, do you still receive the Generals' reports?
Ask Hauser or Dietrich. They know how hopeless the situation is.
Mein Fuhrer, I cannot go from here without having talked about Germany with you.
Can we talk privately?
It's probably best that you leave the room.
General Field marshal. Are we stopping at your house in Herrlingen?
... we know where we are. And we do not give an inch without a fight.
And if we do that, we turn back now!
We are so happy to know all this since yesterday - thanks to
our Colonel general Rommel...
General Field marshal? Should we stay at your home in Herrlingen?
Will I see you again?
Take care of your mother, Manfred.
ROMMEL'S HEADQUARTERS
- Well, Speidel? - the Front remains.
For a while, yes.
I am under no illusions, Speidel. I'm next.
And Rundstedt?
Just as weak as ever.
He'll follow orders, regardless of how they are corked.
- All the facts are clear. - Hitler doesn't care for facts.
He doubts the enemy's superiority in the air and devastating naval artillery,
as well as our supply problems.
He does not believe us, but we have to believe him.
What remains is the V-1.
Field marshal...
Leave your command. It will have an effect on the people.
You're still our most popular soldier. - Those at the top do not allow it.
They probably expect me to die an heroic death... at the Front.
But I can help a little.
My family is prepared for it.
You must take care of him. He is a soldier's dog. He will never be a civilian.
It is certainly them.
Rommel. Yes?
I see. Thank you for informing me.
Rundstedt is to receive the Knight's Cross and leave office.
And you?
- I remain. - As Rundstedt's substitute?
No, Field marshal Kluge becomes the new Commander-in-chief in the West.
Right on!
ROMMEL'S HEADQUARTERS
- How are you, Speidel? - Good, and you?
The British are attacking with great force. It'll take a lot of manpower to hold out.
Our forces are needed at Saint -Lô, to stop the Americans breaking through.
We must abandon neither Caen or the bridgehead.
We do not give an inch without a fight. The Fuhrer's orders are clear.
The Fuhrer is being wilfully unaware. The order to hold out leads only to disaster.
From now on, you, and everyone else, must get used to executing orders.
- What do you mean? - You tend to ignore your superiors...
... and run to the Fuhrer instead.
Gentlemen, leave me alone with the Field marshal awhile.
You have apparently forgotten my rank.
I want reports from all the commanders on the Front
and statistics on the enemy naval range artillery and ammunition.
Go to the Front! Then you can see for yourself the damage the naval guns inflict.
It is noticeable that the most you have led is a division.
And you have not fought against the British.
We place our heavy weapons, armour and artillery...
... beyond the range of the enemy naval guns.
The artillery we put here, in the hills above Cagny and Miéville. And behind those tanks.
In fixed positions, to keep the enemy occupied.
- How long? - In the best case, three weeks.
Until they break through. So we have three weeks.
- For what? - To find other solutions.
- Field marshal. - What is it? I'm dog-tired.
Do you remember Colonel von Hofacker? One of Stülpnagel's staff.
He wants to talk to you. Preferably tomorrow. - About what?
I am here on my cousin's behalf; Count von Stauffenberg.
You might know that he now manages the Reserve Army?
Yes. Has he recovered from his injuries?
As much as possible, yes.
He wants your assessment of the war situation in the West.
Right. It should also be made known to the Reserve Army.
How long?
Three weeks. Maximum six. Unless miracles happen.
Do you think that the war is lost?
What do you want from me Herr von Hofacker?
- Would you like to work for Germany? - I have been doing so.
I mean work for a different Germany. Under another government.
Hands up!
- Halt! Stay there. - Put your hands up! Do not move.
WEEKLY GERMAN NEWS
Tanks advancing.
In the fertile lands of Normandy is sown death and destruction.
The German tank ammunition pierces the hardest steel.
Around Caen and Bayeux rages a heavy battle.
The decisive battle for Europe has begun...
General Field marshal Rommel!
I have read your report.
- And? - Accept my apologies.
I will tell the Fuhrer that it looks as serious as you state.
The Americans will soon break through. In some areas, all our men are dead or wounded,
just communicating this is no longer enough. - What do you suggest?
The Fuhrer must negotiate peace. Otherwise, we break on the Front.
- You're giving Hitler an ultimatum? - Call it what you want.
It's his last chance. If he does not intervene, I will act.
Can I count on you? - Don't hold out hope.
Hitler will not be impressed. - Nevertheless, we have an obligation to act.
Do you agree that my Chief of staff should write this letter to Hitler?
First, we should consult with the commanders, especially the SS Generals.
Without them you cannot go ahead. - I will inform them of my intentions.
- Does he know or does he not? - What?
That in Berlin a coup d'etat is being prepared.
- How do you know? - General Speidel said.
He made some allusions. Also, your name was mentioned.
I know nothing.
The position on the Front worsens by the day. 97,000 men have been killed...
Also, the material losses are unusually high,
and have only partially been replaced.
... including 2,360 officers.
That means, on average, 2500 to 3000 men are to...
... stand against 10,000 men.
As the fighting has shown, with the material imbalance -
- even the bravest of units is being crushed piece by piece -
- leading to loss of men, weapons and...
We have a problem.
- Heil Hitler, ObersturmbannFuhrer! - Heil Hitler!
- Heil Hitler General Field marshal. - To what do I owe this honour?
- A French saboteur is hiding here. - Here? In my headquarters?
The Countess. The Earl's niece.
The Count's family has my protection. Who maintains this?
We grabbed a British agent yesterday. He has unequivocally pointed to her.
You must be kidding! - I understand that news shocks you.
But you should be grateful.
They had planned to assassinate you.
This should interest you.
My guess is it is probably not one of our army's radio rooms.
- The SS has arrested people in the village. - The Countess?
No.
Where were we?
"The troops are fighting heroically all over."
... but this unequal struggle is, however, approaching its end...
According to me it is necessary... to draw political conclusions from the situation.
"According to me it is necessary to draw political conclusions from the situation."
- Do you really want to send it like that? - You are right. It's too risky.
I'll talk to him.
We want to have peace negotiations.
"Politics" is a loaded word for Hitler. He believes that Providence will rescue him.
- Delete the word "political". - Good. I'll send it to Kluge today.
- Field marshal... - What is it now?
How much has von Hofacker told you?
- What do you mean? - Did he set out his plans?
He asked if I wanted to work under a new leadership. What plans?
I do not know. Only a small circle knows how the coup will take place.
If you prosecute Hitler, I'm with you. But I support no attacks.
There. I have not changed my mind, General.
PARIS
He knows nothing about the attack. Hofacker has said nothing to him about it.
He believes that Hitler should be tried.
Hofacker told us Rommel was available for peace negotiations.
For peace negotiations. Not for an attack.
He must realise that it will be violent.
He will not stoop to murder.
Please, gentlemen...
We may not be fully cut out for this, but it must be done. With or without Rommel.
- Hitler is to face an ultimatum. - What?
Either he agrees to peace negotiations, or Rommel and Kluge step down.
When Hitler hears this he will immediately castigate Rommel. Or worse.
We risk the success of Valkyrie. - "Valkyrie"?
Stauffenberg's people have a plan, if a national emergency can be imposed.
The Reserve Army takes over power from the Interior.
The circumstances will then be ripe for an attempt on Hitler's life.
The plotters will not seem, then, to be behind it?
No. It will appear to be a coup of party members and the SS.
The plan puts all departments in motion, though they are not actually involved.
They will be acting according to the emergency plan Hitler himself has blessed.
We just need a reason to enable it.
- Ingenious. - The Front is the only uncertainty.
Therefore we approached Rommel. The soldiers respect him enormously.
- Is it purely a propaganda tool, then? - The Rommel factor.
- Goebbels made him a folk hero. - And we can use that now.
He now has a unique opportunity to perform a great service to the people.
I think the Field marshal is aware of that.
Yes?
- General Field marshal. - Good morning. Something new?
According to Aldinger you are going to see Dietrich today.
- Yes, to the Front in Caen. - To discuss your plans with him?
Of course.
That man is an committed National Socialist. He will tell the SS.
I know who he is, but we have no choice.
- Otherwise, the Waffen-SS will continue the war. - Why not tell Himmler and Goebbels?
Dietrich is an experienced frontline soldier. He understands.
General Shwerin's Panzer division is ready to disarm the SS.
- Don't you understand I am still in service? - Of course.
The enemy is still in the West, do not forget it.
NORMANDY, THE ROAD TO LIVAROT
- Did you see what they did? What was it? - Respect?
No, fear. They do not know what to expect.
- What do you think? - Hopefully, we become a British colony...
... and not a part of Stalin's Bolshevism. - Enemy planes! Eight o'clock!
Give it here.
Do you see that road? Try to reach the forest. Quick!
Hurry up! Hit the gas!
Field marshal!
Field marshal.
Help me! Hurry up!
Hurry up! Come.
PARIS - KLUGE'S HEADQUARTERS
Blumentritt.
Just a moment. - Field marshal?
- Yes? - General Speidel.
Yes, Kluge here.
Yes. Roger that.
No, no, I'll tell the High Command.
Blumentritt.
Rommel is badly wounded. They do not know if he will survive.
- This too! - Call the Command.
What happened to Rommel's letter? Have we sent it to the Fuhrer, then?
- No, you wanted to add to it. - Well, yes...
Archive it for later.
He has a skull fracture. It's a miracle he survived the night.
The Fuhrer has given me the command here, until Rommel has recovered.
- Can I count on your support, Speidel? - Of course, Field marshal.
I'll set up my command post here at the castle.
So I can reach the Front faster.
- Blumentritt will replace me in Paris. - Of course.
Yes, that's all for now.
Yes, right... Since this morning the enemy has been attacking our positions in Caen.
The 16th Luftwaffe Field Division and the 272nd Infantry Division
have been completely obliterated.
- The Front still stands? - So far.
What about Daniel?
He's dead.
He did not survive. He died in the night.
You have received a telegram from the Fuhrer. - Well...
"My best wishes for a speedy recovery."
Signed by Adolf Hitler. - That's it?
Yes, Field marshal.
Stauffenberg remains determined to take action. He flies to the Fuhrer tomorrow.
Kluge has moved Schwerin's 106th Panzer division to the Front.
- Now we can no longer stop the SS. - Our hope is Kluge.
How about the ultimatum to Hitler? Has the High Command responded?
- It doesn't refer to the ultimatum. - So it has not been sent yet?
Kluge has been informed. He has met with the conspirators.
I do not think he is ready for peace negotiations with the Allies.
- There will be no negotiations, General. - Why is that?
The British ambassador in Madrid says the Allies will only accept surrender both in the West and East.
What's the point of all this then?
The fact that we show the world we dare revolt against these criminals.
General!
Countess? What are you doing here?
The hotel interests my colleagues. And I noticed Rommel's staff car outside.
How is the Field marshal?
I can betray you.
The SS has taken hostages in the village. I should surrender.
Some of them are children. Can you do something?
- Unfortunately, I have no influence. - I understand. Best of luck.
What will you do?
- I will give myself up. - Don't do it.
Things are changing faster than you think. - Really?
One should never give up hope.
... the night of 19th July fighters over northern France shot down
30 British bombers.
artillery at the Channel coast fired on a destroyer that sank after heavy explosions.
In Normandy the enemy has attacked Caen from the east and southeast,
with the support of armoured artillery and bombers,
but without achieving the desired breakthrough.
It's Finckh. - Zossen's office.
Is everything ready for the exercise? - Yes.
Saint -Lô - NORMANDY, 14:00
Hostile thrusts in the south,
and fierce U.S. attacks in the northwest
have failed with heavy losses as a result.
Warplanes are supporting the ground troops
and have destroyed ten enemy tanks.
16 enemy aircraft shot down in aerial combat. The night of Thurs...
It's Finckh. - The exercise is completed.
Right.
Herr General, in Berlin the Gestapo have staged a coup.
An attack on the Fuhrer! The Fuhrer is dead.
Witzleben and Beck have formed an interim government.
Finckh, who told you that?
Our military commander, General Stülpnagel.
The SS and Gestapo have carried out a coup in Berlin.
The Fuhrer is dead.
All of the security in Paris and the leaders of the SS must be arrested.
Here are the plans and sketches detailing all their offices.
All clear? - Yes!
Hofacker. Just a moment.
- General Speidel for you. - Stülpnagel.
Field marshal von Kluge wants to meet you at the battle command centre at 20:00.
An important meeting. Thank you.
- What did he say? - That he will come.
Yes! What is it?
A telex message from Field marshal Keitel.
- What does he write? - That Hitler is alive.
Find out what is true and what is false.
Certainly.
Tell me, Speidel... Did you and Rommel know about this?
No.
Next, a repeat of an important message
which aired this afternoon.
Aldinger... lower the sound on the radio.
Today, a bomb attack was carried out on the Fuhrer.
PARIS - SS HEADQUARTERS, 20:30
- What now, sir? - We are here to arrest you...
... on General Stülpnagel's orders. - Excuse me?
Come on, out. Out with you!
- GruppenFuhrer. Your gun, please. - You will regret this.
ROMMEL'S HEADQUARTERS
Now that the Fuhrer is dead, we must make decisions. What will you do?
Settle down, gentlemen.
Gentlemen, we have received conflicting information.
Half an hour ago I spoke on the phone with General Stief.
He is currently at Mamry,
and I have talked to some officers who left the Wolf's Lair today.
They say Hitler survived the bomb attack.
What is taking place in Berlin is not conclusive.
Much more important is what is decided here in France.
For the sake of Germany's future, abandon Hitler and accept the liberation in the West.
Do what Field marshal Rommel would have done - put an end to the terrible killings!
Do not make the end even worse. Prevent the worst disaster in Germany's history.
Yes? Just a moment. I'll put you through.
General Warlimont, the Fuhrer's Headquarters.
Yes, Kluge.
Roger that. I am very relieved.
General Warlimont states that the Fuhrer is in the best of health.
The attack obviously failed.
- But, Field marshal, I thought you knew. - No... I had no idea.
Gentlemen, dinner is served.
Yes. Please gentlemen.
- Field marshal, can I talk to you in private? - What is it?
What?
Blumentritt, the entire security department and Gruppenfuhrer Oberg have been arrested!
All have been arrested on General von Stülpnagel's orders.
He did it without consulting anyone or informing his Commander-in-chief.
It's unprecedented self-righteous conduct!
Have those orders immediately withdrawn.
The facts speak for themselves.
Your credibility and your honour is at stake.
The honour of the Armed Forces and the fate of millions is in your hands.
Yes, well... if the pig had died...
If I were you, I would try to escape on a flight in plainclothes.
Try to walk on...
A small clique of ambitious, unscrupulous and criminal officers,
forged a plot to eliminate me and the leadership of the Wehrmacht.
The bomb was placed by Count von Stauffenberg and exploded two metres away from me.
injuring many of my most loyal co-workers, and one has died.
I myself am completely unharmed, except a bruise or two, a few scratches...
A ROAD NEAR VERDUN
I'll walk along the lake. I must stretch my legs. Wait for me at the next intersection.
- Cigarette? - Yes, thank you.
Where were you, Rommel? Where have you been?
There are names mentioned.
The name Rommel was among them.
Thank you for coming, sir. But everything is already settled.
I take full responsibility for the revolt here in Paris.
Only Stülpnagel and I were involved.
All the others were unaware.
I apologise. But I have no regrets.
Names mentioned. Even yours.
It's a discussion that you had with Hofacker July 9.
I do not remember.
It may not be incriminating.
You were asked about your assessment of state matters, and you gave an honest answer.
How does it look on the Front?
The 3rd Army broke through at Avranches yesterday.
I would not want to be in your shoes, Kluge.
Heil, mein Fuhrer.
Read this, Keitel.
That's what Hofacker said to Rommel.
He talked to him... about the attack.
WEEKLY GERMAN NEWS it is true, Keitel...
it is for me one of the biggest disappointments ever.
But I cannot hurt the people who worship him so highly by prosecuting him.
ROMMEL'S HOME - HERRLINGEN
- General Field marshal. - Loistl. How nice.
My God!
As long as your head is on your body, it's not so bad. Come on.
FRANCE
- Please. - A private letter to you from the Fuhrer.
You are asked to come to Berlin and report.
To report?
The Americans have already crossed the Seine with two divisions.
Yes, Speidel...
That's all from me.
- Nice to meet you, Colonel. How are you? - Thank you.
I must speak to you in private.
Go in and tell your mom we have guests.
- What's the matter? - Field marshal Kluge's is dead.
He was called to Berlin by Hitler, but took poison.
General Speidel thought you ought to know that.
Yes. Thank you.
Do we know why?
We must assume that Hitler blamed him for the collapse of the Front.
Everything is running away from us, Field marshal.
Are not you ashamed, you wretch,
that you, in the most miserable manner, have betrayed the Fuhrer?
I regret only that I did not perform the attack...
... because then it would not have failed.
Silence, Mr. Freissler. - Today, it is my head.
In a year, it will be yours.
- What was it based on? - Nothing at all. It came totally unexpected.
I will await further orders in Germany.
- Who will replace you? - General Krebs.
Blumentritt is replaced, though, and must report to Berlin.
There is nothing unusual about it, Speidel.
They are looking for scapegoats for the fiasco on the Front.
The conspirators from Paris were sentenced a week ago.
Yes, yes, horrible. Even Stülpnagel.
Hofacker has apparently not yet been executed. - So?
- They might still need him. - Do you have anything to fear?
FREUDENSTADT
Good morning, Frau Speidel. Is your husband at home?
BERLIN - SECURITY MINISTRY
- Good day, General. - Lieutenant Colonel.
He is not that anymore.
Herr von Hofacker has only his own skin left.
Please, Herr von Hofacker.
Tell Dr Speidel what you have told us.
That you've talked to him about your attack plans.
And that even Field marshal Rommel was informed about them.
No. Neither the Field marshal nor the Lieutenant general was informed.
If I've said it, ...
... it must have been... a temporary confusion of memory.
Herrlingen, October 1. Dear Frau Speidel,
Your husband's fate touches me deeply.
Especially since you have not heard anything from him for over three weeks...
... it worries me a lot. I put a high value on your husband...
... an excellent, skilled and ambitious Chief of staff.
... I'll write to the Fuhrer today and put in a good word for him.
"Mein Fuhrer, you know that I used all the power and ability at my disposal..."
"... in the Battle of France in 1940, in Africa 1941-1943..."
"... in Italy in 1943 and on the Western Front in 1944."
"My only goal is to fight for your new Germany and win."
"Heil, mein Fuhrer. E. Rommel."
Maybe he was informed, yes.
But he did not actively participate. - Knowledge of this is treason!
"Speidel explained that he was..."
"... notified of the planned attack on 20 July, 1944..."
"... by an officer of General von Stülpnagel, namely Hofacker."
"He duly informed Field marshal Rommel..."
"... and he could not have known that it was not going to be passed on."
I believe the Lieutenant general's story to be very unlikely.
It was his duty to report the attack plan himself,
especially since Rommel must have told him that he did not intend to report it.
The Fuhrer is of the opinion that Speidel's loyalty cannot be doubted.
Gentlemen. If General Speidel claims
that he informed Rommel of the attack,
the prosecution must disprove it.
This is an attempt using sophistry to try to acquit Dr Speidel.
And even then...
... the matter was so serious that Speidel should not have relied on the Field marshal.
If there is anything a soldier should be able to rely on, ...
... it is that his superiors will do their duty.
I hope you realise what this means for Rommel.
HERRLINGEN
WARNING HALT
You are accused of having been involved in the attempted assassination of the Fuhrer.
- Who maintains it? - We have testimonials...
... from General von Stülpnagel... Colonel von Hofacker...
-... and General Speidel. - Speidel?
He testified that he had informed you of the attack plans.
I do not believe that.
Well...
I was not myself. I'll take the consequences.
Would you leave us alone for a few minutes?
In recognition of your great efforts... for the Reich...
... your betrayal... shall be withheld from the people.
When you're ready...
I do not trust a gun.
I've brought you something that acts within three seconds.
- What will happen to my family? - They will not be arrested.
A state funeral will be prepared.
Your wife will get the full pension of the widow of a Field marshal.
Thank you.
May I now say goodbye to my wife and son?
Naturally.
What's the matter?
In about 15 minutes I shall be dead.
Come, my boy.
Aldinger, this is the end. - Yes, Field marshal.
I am innocent.
I was not involved in the attack.
I have served my country all my life.
And done my best.
Good health to my peers. Especially my beloved Africa Corps.
Manfred, they will not spare Speidel either.
Take care of Frau Speidel also.
Good luck, son.
At a state funeral, the people say goodbye to a very valiant general.
In his daily orders our Fuhrer said that one of our best army officers has died.
His name is with the people's struggle for their destiny and has become synonymous
with outstanding bravery and undaunted courage.
Residents of a southern German town line the great soldier's last route.
The official cause of death was that Rommel died from his severe injuries.
His wife and son did not reveal that he was forced to take poison.
Speidel survived in prison.
He was liberated in April 1945 by the French army.
Twelve years later, he became NATO's first German army officer.