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"WE ARE ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR OUR OBEDIENCE!" HANNAH ARENDT
THIS FILM COVERS THE FINAL SEVEN MONTHS OF FIELD MARSHAL ERWIN ROMMEL'S LIFE
Herrlingen near Ulm October 14th, 1944
I'll get it.
Heil Hitler!
We are to be announced. The Field Marshal is expecting us.
- Your coats? - We will not be staying long.
- Will you take us to the General Field Marshal? - Of course.
Heil Hitler.
- General. - Field Marshal.
Madam.
- I hope you will stay for lunch. - No, thank you.
This is an official visit.
Can I ask you to let us meet in private with the Field Marshal?
Come.
I'll call if we need anything.
Aldinger, unpack the files on Normandy.
Are you still looking for a scapegoat ...
for the collapse of the Western Front?
General-Field Marshal, you are accused of being involved with the assassination attempt on the Fuhrer.
What?
"THE GERMAN WEEKLY REVIEW"
The desert fox. The victor of El Agheila ...
the hero of Tobruk, and conqueror of North Africa.
General-Field Marshal Rommel is inspecting the Atlantic.
From the North Cape to the Pyrenees ...
runs the world's largest and most modern fortifications.
Numerous Wehrmacht divisions, with hundreds of thousands of hardened soldiers ...
on the Western Front stand by ...
to beat the expected invasion of the enemy.
These are the soldiers who are protecting the freedom and culture of Europe.
They have the latest weapons.
And this is their commander. Experienced by many battles ...
awaiting calmly, and confidently, for the big confrontation.
Thanks to Rommel, Germany can sleep peacefully.
Thank you, Marshal. We'll now come up for close-ups.
Very well, if you postpone the invasion for a week.
Field Marshal, the adjutant of the Fuhrer's.
I need your support.
German officers who were captured at Stalingrad ...
sent our command letters.
- They call for the fighting to stop. - That Stalin himself, has wrote.
Unfortunately not. It is certain that the letters are not forgeries.
- Have you also gotten them? - No, otherwise I would have torn them up.
Now as the battle hardens, we need to give the Fuhrer the assurance...
that this betrayal is an incident, and his field marshals are loyal to him.
- The Fuhrer knows I'm faithful to him. - Enemy planes!
Aldinger, give me those.
They have not seen us yet.
Daniel, drive to the forest.
They have detected us.
- Do you prefer standing? - Daniel, hit the gas.
Faster. Do you see what our problem is?
With no German planes in sight. We are easy prey.
Stop.
Over there. Forward. Forget it, you'll never hit him.
Over there, hurry!
Damn.
Anyone shot?
Obersalzberg - March 15th 1944.
We express on behalf of the entire armed forces ...
our unswerving loyalty to the Fuhrer...
and National Socialism.
We will do everything to ensure ...
that each soldier will fight fanatically ...
for the national-socialist future of our people.
My aide was impressed with the Atlantic Wall.
I am looking forward to your report.
These recordings were made two weeks ago in Plymouth.
The enemy is preparing for a major landing operation.
They bring to the English Channel coast at least fifty divisions altogether.
- This should only take a few more weeks. - If it continues.
They are doing a lot of training on air landings.
It stands to reason that the landings will take place.
I am even looking forward to it.
Where do you think they will try to land?
Probably here at Calais, or Normandy.
Both peninsulas are ideally suited for a beachhead.
And how will the enemy attack?
First they'll bombarded our positions.
Then attack boats and armored landing vehicles...
under the cover of ship artillery.
Paratroopers will be placed behind the front.
What is your counter-move?
The enemy must be destroyed immediately.
The beach is the battle line.
Empty talk, Herr Rommel.
How with a coastline of more than 2000 km to defend?
We lack forces.
We place all armored divisions to the coast. I'll show you.
Within three months, it will look like this everywhere on the Atlantic Wall.
Barriers for hindering the landing crafts.
Artillery shells them directly at the landing.
And where we have no artillery in place, our tanks fulfill that role.
If the enemy breaks through our lines at one point ...
the Reich is defenseless.
Then, the enemy will be marching to Berlin ...
Our tanks would only be able to follow.
Our tanks can destroy them within 48 hours on every conceivable landing.
Before they can get a chance ...
enemy planes will be blowing them apart.
My Fuhrer, I ask that the tanks be placed under my command.
Only then can we impede the invasion.
If we put them all on the front, we will have no more reserves.
I can not take that responsibility.
You are responsible for any deficiencies in the Atlantic Wall.
While Herr Rommel within a short time has achieved great successes.
The invasion must not succeed.
If the landing operation fails, they will not try to do it again.
Then, we can use the troops for the Eastern Front.
All 45 divisions.
The outcome of the war depends on you and your soldiers,
and thus the fate of the Reich, and the entire nation.
- Are you aware of that, Field Marshal? - Yes, my Fuhrer.
Can you not wait for Manfred? He will be so disappointed.
Greet him for me. Tell him we have very little time before the enemy attacks
There is still much to do.
- You will succeed. - I must.
The Fuhrer is expecting me to save the Reich.
It's nice he trusts you again.
France - April 15, 1944
Rommel's Headquarters
There you are at last, General. We were expecting you earlier.
We were attacked twice by enemy aircraft.
Yes, their air superiority is our biggest problem.
- Captain Aldinger, my adjutant. - Delighted.
- Take the general's baggage. - You will get to meet my staff, Speidel .
What is the situation in the East?
The Russian offensive can not be stopped.
The orders from the Fuhrer are a disaster.
They claim too many victims, and prevent sensible maneuvers.
We must retreat. Then negotiate with the enemy.
- Do you want a second Versailles? - Of course not.
We will prevent the invasion.
Only then can the Fuhrer negotiate with the British and Americans from a strong position.
Gentlemen, here is our new Chief of Staff, General Speidel.
Nice to meet you.
This is Countess La Rochefoucauld, this castle was her uncle's.
- Bonjour. - Comtesse. Bonjour.
Her German is excellent. She translates for us.
Is that your famous ancestor, the author?
(In French)- " La jeunesse est une Ivresse continuelle . "
"C'est la fievre de la raison ."
What did he say?
"Youth is a state of continuous intoxication, it is a fever of the mind."
To whom are you referring to, Speidel?
The only one here that is in her youth, is the Countess.
It just suddenly came to me.
You need to be a little more polite in the presence of the Countess.
- Are you sure? - Why, aren't you?
Messieurs, have a nice evening.
Did you have to be rude, Speidel?
On the coast of Calvados is... France, the Atlantic Wall - April 17th 1944
still a gap of 40 kilometers. France, the Atlantic Wall - April 17th 1944
Without the tanks I'm pessimistic about our chances. 84th Army Corps Coastal section
Fuhrer promised tanks. I trust him.
We must continue placing obstacles Marcks.
The Allies are now training at low tide.
But we will make the path to the beach a living hell.
How? I can not tire out the men with pick and shovel.
- I need to rest the soldiers. - That's the problem.
Your men are too rested after three years of beach vacations.
Speidel fought on the Eastern Front. Any complaints?
I lost my leg on the Eastern Front.
Therefore I tell you with all due respect, Your plan will take at least a year.
Whoever says otherwise doesn't know what he's talking about.
What do you suggest? I have orders from the Fuhrer.
And that order is- "Stop the invasion."
Being lazy and a grouch will not help me accomplish this.
Will you get to work?
At your service.
Perhaps I was a little too rough, but if I'm not, it doesn't get done.
- Marcks, wait a minute. - He knows that Marck's right.
Your men have worked hard the last two months. I'm sorry.
Paris - April 25th, 1944
German Military Administration
Something has changed.
Almost all the Parisian Jews have been deported.
More transports leave from Drancy and ...
Heil Hitler.
The SS hunts for Jewish children sheltered in institutions.
This is the latest mission of the SS here?
During air attacks against train stations, they skip opening the car doors.
To prevent them from fleeing, the Jews are being transported naked.
Come in.
This is Lieutenant Colonel Hofacker, a cousin of Count Stauffenberg.
- General. - Nice to meet you.
Berlin wants us to take action.
That's why I requested you, because I trust you.
- It's about Rommel. - Rommel?
Can you get him behind the overthrow?
He'll do anything to prevent the invasion.
You need to convince him.
- We can do it with Rommel's army. - And the people.
He is our most popular General.
It is a big leap from being the favorite of the Fuhrer ...
to being the figurehead of a coup d'etat.
- There is no one else. - I must speak to him.
Without the Gestapo getting wind of it. Can you arrange that?
Rommel's Headquarters - April 28, 1944
General Guderian will be making the decisions on the tanks.
You speak for the Fuhrer?
I will be inspecting the units and advising the Fuhrer.
I look forward to your report.
That would be the 2nd Armored Division, it's still here.
The enemy can quickly drop paratrooper divisions with anti-tank guns.
So our tanks would be useless if they are on the coast ...
and the enemy landed.
The enemy will hold them and set up its beachhead without resistance.
How do we protect our tanks against their naval artillery?
I'll have them dig in.
- Dig in? - Yes.
I thought tanks are protected by armor...
firepower, and mobility?
During the invasion in France you could not go fast enough ...
with your Ghost Division.
Did the Fuhrer agreed with my plans?
He has not decided. The panzer divisions are...
under the supreme commander in the west.
Then we can end this now.
In Africa, he failed. Now he wants to play a role per se.
Talk sense to him. You can not stop the invasion ...
with third-rate infantry that hides behind tanks.
- I think he knows what he's doing. - Really?
He's actually has never been more than a good division commander.
The Fuhrer agrees with him and thinks highly of him.
Let's take a walk.
Rundstedt is old and tired. He gave up a long time ago.
Guderian does not accept criticism, he is a "yes man".
Forget the consequences ...
- Take matters in hand. - What do you mean?
Demand the Supreme Command in the West.
Hand Hitler an ultimatum. He needs you. You are loved.
Do I need to force him? If you want to prevent the invasion.
You do not know the Fuhrer. That would be counterproductive.
If you resign, the people will also understand that the war is lost.
It's better to stay silent Speidel. I just want to be Chief of Staff.
Here.
- They generously allow us to live here. - You mean frivolously.
Rest assured the French nobility fears the Bolsheviks more than us.
The Count worships the Fuhrer. That young man there is her son.
The same age as my Manfred.
My son is in the Air Force in Ulm.
He came up with the idea to join the Waffen-SS.
I forbid him.
Now you may ask why,
but you know, I've heard horrible stories...
of mass executions.
About the massacre of the Jews in the occupied territories.
You've been on the Eastern Front. Can you confirm that?
The Jews are still being deported in France.
The SS are allowed to search for all the Jewish children in institutions.
How do you know?
There are people who do not like it at the military administration in Paris.
Now, Now, come on, boy. That is the kind of news you need to get use to as a soldier.
Our Manfred cried too when he was photographed.
Come Stulpnagel. Did I come here to soothe children?
No, Field Marshal.
A Mansion near Paris - May 14th, 1944
In this extreme case, we have to remove Hitler by force.
What do you mean by force?
Arrest and prosecute him for the crimes he has committed ...
in the name of the German people.
That would be military coup, Herr Stulpnagel.
Do you think there's a General willing to do such a thing?
There is already a group formed of prominent men at our disposal .
There are already plans for a coup.
Some who are willing to give their lives to liberate us from Hitler.
Give their lives?
- You are referring to an attack? - In an extreme case.
You knew about this?
Only Berlin knows the details.
- What you're asking of me is treason. - Hitler has betrayed Germany.
If we do not make peace with the British and Americans ...
Russians will be in Berlin in the Fall.
Don't forget that you've sworn an oath.
Now, it will get back to the Fuhrer.
How long have you known about these plans?
For some time.
You know what is required of me as a obedient soldier?
Do what you have to do.
Damn.
Give it here. It can be repaired.
France, the Channel Coast - May 20th, 1944
Go!
Watch out! They're coming, they're coming. It begins.
Missed! Damn.
Speidel, what's going on? Have the English 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 the chain of command.
SS Headquarters in Paris - May 21st, 1944
They tried to blow up a coastal battery.
Good work, Lieutenant General.
We'll take him. Rommel wants to talk to him.
You know the Command's order. He must be executed ...
- after he talks. - He hasn't talked yet.
Leave him here, then you will know within 12 hours, when and where the invasion occurs.
No doubt, but we have our own methods.
I hope you tell me about your methods someday.
I'd love to. Take him away .
Watch out.
- Here is the British lieutenant. - Take off his handcuffs.
How's my friend Montgomery? Translate.
He understands you just fine.
- So the British now want to fight? - This won't be like Africa.
That will be a skirmish in comparison to what we can expect now.
Sit down.
Do you know, Lieutenant ...
we really have the same enemy?
And that is Russia.
- Why do not we fight side by side? - That would difficult.
We Brits think that certain things you Germans do is disgusting.
What do you mean?
The way you treat the Jews.
This is politics. As soldiers, we have nothing to do with politics.
That your Fuhrer is exterminating an entire people...
is just politics?
- We can change that. - It's too late for that.
- Countess. - What will happen to him?
He'll be sent to a camp for British officers.
And what about the command order, then?
- How did you know about that? - One hears things.
Nothing will happen to him. That I guarantee.
- Can you? - Yes, I am the commander in chief 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 these here in Paris?
- It's my wife's birthday soon. - You have good taste.
Your uncle hopes that we can hold off the enemy.
And you?
- What about you? - We are lost in any case.
Given our defenses, the morale of our troops ...
the new armament and the weapons we have been given, Normandy France - May 30th, 1944
we can wait calmly for what is about to happen.
We have no doubt the outcome will be successful.
And I do not believe that the English... 6 days before the invasion.
will attempt a second venture. 6 days before the invasion.
- Was it good? - Excellent, Field Marshal.
- Very convincing. - If you say so.
I heard that a British soldier was captured in Calais.
Do you think the invasion will be there?
The place where you least expect it?
Then they'll come this way.
They'll go to church on Sunday, will set sail on Monday ...
and will be here on Tuesday in Normandy.
- Why do you say that? - My birthday is on Tuesday.
- My wife's as well. - There you have it.
From the high command, Colonel General Jodl.
- Shit. - Bad news?
The Fuhrer gave me three armored divisions. The rest will stay in reserve.
In the event of an attack, I can call them.
Do I have to send a letter first when the invasion begins?
I have to see Hitler. He does not understand the situation.
The thugs are misinforming him.
- You really think so? - You and your friends see it differently.
But what do you expect from me? That I don't do anything about this chaos?
I don't want to go down in the books as a general ...
who led his soldiers to slaughter.
- There are other options. - That I do not agree with.
Put me through to the Fuhrer's headquarters. The Fuhrer's adjutant.
I can wait.
Do you like the shoes? A birthday present for my wife.
Very elegant. They will please her.
The Navy meteorological service reports that... Rommel's Headquarters - June 4th, 1944
it will be stormy till June 10th. Rommel's Headquarters - June 4th, 1944
So you can feel free to go.
- Have a good trip. - Take care of the store, Speidel.
- Monsieur le Comte. - Pour votre epouse.
- For your wife, a happy birthday. - Oh, merci.
- Au revoir. - Au revoir.
One thing is certain about the invasion, Rommel's home in Herrlingen - June 5th 1944
the enemy will have a decisive defeat... Rommel's home in Herrlingen - June 5th 1944
There you are, Manfred.
- Good day, Father. - Good day, my son.
- You look good in uniform. - May I still go?
He should be back tonight. He has permission to leave, but doesn't.
Very good. I'm proud of you.
Go to your room, we'll see you later.
He was sorry that you were against him joining the Waffen-SS.
I have not changed my mind.
I'm glad you could come.
I have to go to see the Fuhrer. Problems in France.
Sit down. You look so uncomfortable.
Lu, do you remember the things Strolin recently told us?
- That they were gassing the Jews? - Please stop.
Strolin is himself a Nazi and Lord Mayor of Stuttgart.
He has also deported Jews. Why does he says something like that?
It happens even in France, right before my eyes.
I thought they were isolated cases.
But those at the top are corrupt.
What do you mean by "those at the top"?
You know where we live, what was here before?
Yes.
A Jewish boarding school.
Then should we move?
Don't believe that.
We can't prevent him from speaking on the radio, Rommel's Headquarters - June 5th, 1944 21:30 Hrs.
he appeals to the masses. Rommel's Headquarters - June 5th, 1944 21:30 Hrs.
We must be as eloquent as Hitler.
As long as we can't, it wouldn't help to attack.
Yes, Colonel?
The radio monitoring service has the second half of a coded message.
Colonel General von Salmuth has set the whole army on alert in Calais.
Should I alert the Seventh in Normandy?
Call Rundstedt's staff. Let them decide.
So it has started?
It's probably just the usual hysteria.
Normandy - June 6th, 1944, 01:00 hrs.
There they are. I knew it.
Notify Rommel's staff that it has started.
What is the situation in Calais?
Rommel's Headquarters - 01:40 hrs.
. Rommel's Headquarters - 01:40 hrs.
Landings have taken place with gliders. Rommel's Headquarters - 01:40 hrs.
Landings have taken place with gliders.
Prisoners say there are still more to come.
We can send 21st Army to Normandy.
The Commander of the 21st doesn't respond.
- He is in Paris with his lover. - What?
General Speidel. Telephone.
Yes?
Understood. Oh, and happy birthday, General.
That was Marcks. The English are attacking with straw dolls.
But he thinks he can handle it on his own.
- Now what? -That is it? We go to bed.
Normandy - 06:00 hrs.
LIGHTS ALLOWED ONLY WHEN DOORS ARE CLOSED.
Command Post of 84th Army Corps
British naval artillery. A birthday greeting from Churchill.
Normandy, "Omaha Beach" - 06:30 hrs.
Rommel's home in Herrlingen - 09:00 hrs.
Command 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.
Phone call for the field marshal.
It must be the Fuhrer's headquarters.
Yes? Speidel? Say it again.
They've landed? Where?
How goes our counterattack?
Let those Divisions immediately attack and don't wait for reinforcement.
- I'm sorry. - It can't be helped.
- At least the wait is now over. - Yes.
Take care, Lu. Take care.
They do not fit, Karolina.
Rommel's Headquarters - 22:30 hrs.
Glad you're here. We're in the bunker.
- Meanwhile, any good news? - Unfortunately not.
The enemy has already some 150,000 men put ashore with heavy weapons.
They control 130 square kilometers.
The 6th British Airborne Division has occupied the bridges over the Orne at Caen.
They also crushed our artillery at Merville,
albeit with heavy losses.
Is that all?
We are getting sporadic information.
The enemy is disrupting telephone traffic.
French saboteurs are cutting telephone lines.
We must expect a second major offensive.
They have darkened the coast at Dover.
Just admit it, Speidel.
- What is that? - We have failed.
Fuhrer's Headquarters in Margival - June 17th, 1944
Field Marshals von Rundstedt and Rommel, my Fuhrer.
Thanks for coming.
I'm speechless.
Speechless about the failure of your local commanders.
The fact that the Wehrmacht was so surprised ...
says a lot about the readiness of your soldiers.
That is what the enemy propaganda is saying.
Call it what you want. But the landing was not hindered...
as you had assured me.
My Fuhrer, our troops were sacrificed. That the landing was not prevented ...
was due to the failure of the Air Force and the Navy.
The army has made a superhuman effort in this unequal battle.
The enemy prevails in the air and at sea.
That makes an organized counteroffensive nearly impossible.
It is regrettable that so far no one in the high command ...
is forming an accurate picture.
Instead, I believe the enemy's propaganda.
We need to hold Cherbourg, with its harbor.
Otherwise, the enemy can take Normandy and the rest of France.
Well, we only have the choice between holding Cherbourg ...
or prevent the breakthrough of the enemy. We can't do both.
Do you have the same opinion, Herr Von Rundstedt?
We must give up the rigid defense of the peninsulas ...
and embark on an orderly retreat to the port and fortress.
And at Caen, in front of Orne, we should avoid ...
There is no question of taking evasive action. We must stand or die.
Assign a highly skilled commander at Cherbourg to ...
and let the field marshals show the effect of our V-rockets.
Since yesterday, we have continually fired V-1 rockets against London.
each with a payload of one ton of explosives .
There have been numerous direct hits.
The English people are distraught and have turned against Churchill ...
Enemy bombers are approaching our airspace.
My Fuhrer, we'd better head for the shelter.
- What now? - I see a hopeless situation.
- He should know that it's hopeless. - You tell him.
You are the commander in chief in the West.
I only have enough power to let my guards exchange places.
My Fuhrer, you know I am your loyal servant.
- May I? - Have a seat .
Do you not think...
it's time to consider other options?
- What do you mean? - To negotiate.
They will no longer negotiate with me.
The enemy wants to destroy Germany.
We now only have our individual fanatical resistance.
Are you prepared to do this?
Are you prepared to do this, Rommel?
Yes.
"Where knowledge and ability ends, intuition takes over" -
"in a transcendental observation capability, coupled with insight ..."
"there is the leadership of the commander. Rommel possesses it. "
You certainly amuse yourself.
General-Field Marshal.
- Am I being praised? - Please.
The Fuhrer orders us to save Cherbourg
And stand west of the Orne.
Make the necessary preparations.
Can General Marcks create a diversion?
Marcks was killed during an air raid.
Do you want today's total loss figures?
No, it isn't necessary.
Gentlemen.
Normandy, German position near Caen June 20th, 1944
Once you have taken the hill, protect the road to Bayeux. Best of luck.
Thank you, General-Field Marshal.
- Forward, men. Give the Tommy's hell. - Yes, Field Marshal!
Good.
- Good luck, men. - Thank you, Field Marshal.
Back, Daniel. We must return.
This is madness. We must get out of here.
Well then. Daniel, get going.
Who's there?
Come forward. Hello?
Bonsoir.
Excuse me. I did not mean to scare you.
- What are you doing here, Countess? - I come here often. It is beautiful here.
Our soldiers may have mistaken you for a partisan,
Or an British agent. - Maybe I am.
Then I should watch out. I would make a fine trophy for the English.
Yes, the Desert Fox.
No longer. Now I am only the one who could not stop the invasion.
- Do you regret that? - I am a soldier, don't forget.
- I 'll tell the men that you are roaming around up here. - Thank you.
"Dear Lu, I'm doing well. I must not lose heart ...
"Although much hope has been dashed." [Knock on door] Yes?
General-Field Marshal, the Russians have broken through the lines of the Army's Center.
Seven divisions are surrounded. The front is about to collapse.
It's probably over in the east.
Yes.
It will be nice when next week is over.
Here, I have something.
- Where is that? -That was Oradour.
A town near Limoges.
The 2nd SS Panzer Division has leveled it to the ground.
All the residents were slain, including 450 women and children.
As retaliation for an abducted SS SturmbannFuhrer.
How do you know this?
Army management. Stulpnagel has already protested.
But Hitler has prohibited a lawsuit from being filed against the responsible officer.
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.
Colonel Finckh, the quartermaster- general, has arrived from Paris.
- He wants to present himself . - Good, I will see him soon.
- Field Marshal ... - What is it?
The Fuhrer asks if you can relieve the west flank...
by attacking back against the Americans in Cherbourg.
He wants the 7th Army, to advance on the west flank.
Explain that we are only able to keep our defense line in western Normandy.
An attack is impossible.
The brother of General Marcks called me this morning.
He wanted to know exactly to the minute when the general died.
- Why? - At eleven o'clock that day ...
at his house, a painting of the General, fell off the wall.
The General was hit a quarter to eleven, and died at eleven.
-Do you believe in miracles? - No, but Hitler does .
As far as the war is concerned then- "Don't speak about the bridgehead ...
except by mentioning the final result of France as occupied by the enemy. "
Cherbourg will fall within three days.
Within four weeks the enemy will head unhindered to the Reich border.
We can only pray that the Allies are faster than the Russians.
You are not the only one who thinks so.
I believe that everyone here at the table sees it that way.
Is that right, Dr. Speidel?
Hitler is in a sort of frenzy.
He can not draw any conclusions or make decisions.
I'm just saying that "holding out until the last man" would be a disaster.
The idea of attacking Cherbourg is idiotic.
You're the only German who
- can end this war. - There are others who still support it.
Then they must be shot if there is no other solution.
Good God, Speidel. You're a true warrior.
At the battle for Cherbourg ... Cherbourg - June 22nd, 1944
. Cherbourg - June 22nd, 1944
the enemy has devastated large parts of the city ... Cherbourg - June 22nd, 1944
yet at random factories and bases, stir groups of resistance.
Still in city streets with bitterness ...
wage hot, bloody battles
Rommel's Headquarters - June 25th, 1944
From General von Schlieben - "The final battle of Cherbourg has begun."
The enemy is attacking with tanks. Where is the air support?"
Reply with- "Air support impossible, the aid can not penetrate hostile roadblocks...
The Fuhrer orders you to fight to the last bullet. God be with you."
The order of the Fuhrer is "to the last man."
Man or bullet, what is the difference?
"Last bullet" means surrender and not death.
I hope the general chooses that interpretation of the orders.
In Cherbourg, the Wehrmacht ...
added a page to the heroic German history.
In a large bunker was a garrison ...
that had been bricked in and only had shot holes left open ...
and fought until the last bullet, and than blew up the bunker.
If a nation in the fifth year of the war ...
is capable of such acts ...
Are you sure he's going to Germany?
Hitler ordered him to Obersalzberg.
And how is it that you're so well informed, Princess?
I'm doing my job, you should do yours.
Your sure you want me to do that?
Thank you.
Headquarters is looking for a scapegoat for the fall of Cherbourg. Me or you.
I will tell the Fuhrer that the war must be ended.
The whole world is against us.
- What do you expect from me? - That you will support me.
You're right. We can both sign our own death warrants.
He'll agree with us soon. Just wait.
Obersalzberg - June 29th, 1944
It's six o'clock. They've kept us waiting.
Herr Von Kluge, you here?
How nice that you have recovered 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.
Officer: Attention on deck. Eyes Front.
Please, make your report.
My Fuhrer, I'm standing here as commander of Army Group B.
This is probably the last time ...
that I can report to you on the situation in the West.
I'll start with the political situation.
Limit yourself to the military situation.
In the interests of Germany, I can not so limit myself to that end.
I did not ask for your personal opinion about world politics.
Limit your report to the military situation.
You know how disappointed I am that you did not manage
a counter-attack on the Cotentin Peninsula.
Cherbourg never should have fall.
The side with the best supply routes always win the battles.
Montgomery's supply routes were more vulnerable than yours, Field Marshal.
But you lost the advantage because you were so hesitant.
Now we have to lock the British in Caen, by implementing a counterattack...
... and let the enemy bleed to death in Normandy.
Herr Reich Minister, did you get the generals' reports?
Question Hauser or Dietrich.
They know how hopeless the situation is.
My Fuhrer, I can't leave without having talked about Germany with you.
Can I talk to you in private?
It's probably best that you leave the room.
Should we stop at your home in Herrlingen?
... where we are. And we will not give up an inch without a fight.
And if we do that , we can turn them back now!
To our great fortune, we know since yesterday ...
our General Rommel and his...
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 - June 30th,1944
- Well, Speidel? - The front holds.
I am under no illusions, Speidel...
I am next.
- And Rundstedt? - Rundstedt...
just as weak as ever.
He'll follow orders, regardless of how stupid they are.
- The facts are undeniable. - But Hitler questions everything.
... the enemy's superiority in the air and the devastating naval guns...
even our supply problems.
He does not believe us, but we should believe him.
This just leaves us the V-1.
Veldmaarschalk...
leave your command. It will alert the people.
You're still our most popular soldier.
Those at the top will not allow it.
They're expecting me to die a heroic death... at the front.
I can lend a hand to help.
My family is prepared for it.
About him, you need to take care.
He is a soldier's dog. He will never be more civil.
There you have it.
Understood. Thank you for that information.
Rundstedt received the Knight's Cross and has left his office.
And you?
- I'll stay here. - As Rundstedt's substitute?
No, General-Field Marshal Kluge has been given the supreme command in the west.
Rommel's Headquarters - July 3rd, 1944
- How are you, Speidel? - Good. And you?
Here the British attacked with great force. It will take a lot of manpower to hold out .
Our forces are needed to stop the Americans at Saint Lo.
We can't abandon neither Caen or the bridgehead.
We do not give an inch without a fight. The Fuhrer's orders are clear.
The Fuhrer doesn't know the situation. The order to hold out will devastate us.
From now on, get used to following commands like everyone else.
What do you mean?
You tend to ignore your superiors ...
... and run to the Fuhrer instead.
Gentlemen, let me be alone with Field Marshal awhile, please.
You seem to have forgotten I am Field Marshal.
I want all the reports from your commanders at the front.
I would also like a statistics of the range and ammunition ...
- of the enemies naval guns. - If you drive yourself to the front.
...then you can see for yourself the enemy's artillery.
It is obvious that you never have led more than one Division.
And you've never fought against the British.
We've placed our tanks and artillery ...
beyond the range of the enemies naval guns.
The artillery is at Cagny and Emieville...
... behind the tanks.
In fixed positions, to keep the enemy occupied.
- How long can we hold on? - The best scenario, three weeks.
Until they break through. So we have three weeks.
For what?
To find another solution.
- Field Marshal. - What is it? I'm dog-tired.
Do you remember Colonel von Hofacker? He was on Stulpnagel's staff.
He wants to see you. Preferably tomorrow. - About what?
I've come on behalf of my cousin, Count Stauffenberg. July 9th, 1944
He is now chief of staff in the reserve army, under General Fromm.
Has he recovered from his injuries?
As much as possible, yes.
He wants your assessment of the war situation in the West.
That they may also be informed at the reserve army.
For how much longer?
Three weeks, six max. Unless a miracle happens.
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 already work for Germany.
I mean a different Germany. Under a different government.
Put your hands up.
- Halt! Stay there. - Put your hands up! Do not move.
"THE GERMAN WEEKLY REVIEW"
Tanks are advancing.
On the fertile lands of Normandy... Kluge's Headquarters in Paris - July 11th, 1944
is a harvest of death and destruction. Kluge's Headquarters in Paris - July 11th, 1944
The German tank munitions penetrates through 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, field marshal.
And?
Will you accept my apologies?
I will inform the Fuhrer that I, like you, see a serious problem.
That the Americans will soon break through.
In some areas, all the men are dead.
The cost is too high.
What do you suggest?
The Fuhrer should negotiate for peace.
Otherwise, our front will be open.
- Would you give Hitler an ultimatum? - Call it what you want.
It's his last chance. If he does not grab it, I will act.
Can I count on you?
Do you think you have a chance? Hitler will not be impressed.
Nevertheless, we must act.
Will you agree on allowing my chief of staff to prepare a letter to Hitler?
First, we should consult with the commanders, especially SS Generals.
- Without them you can't. - I will inform you of my plans.
Does he, or does he not know?
What?
That in Berlin a coup is being planned?
- How do you know? - General Speidel informed me.
He made some allusions. Also, your name was mentioned in this context.
I know nothing.
The situation at the front is increasingly difficult.
97,000 men have been killed.
Also, there is an unusual amount of supplies that have been lost ...
which can hardly be replaced.
2360 ... including officers.
Average... 2500 to 3000 compared to 10,000 men standing ...
... compared to the material superiority of the enemy ...
even the bravest units are one by one being crushed ...
leading to loss of people, weapons, and ...
We have a problem, Field Marshal.
Heil Hitler, Obersturmbannfuehrer.
Heil Hitler. To what do I owe this honor?
- A French saboteur is hiding here. - In my headquarters?
The Countess, the niece of the Count.
The family is under my protection.
We grabbed a British agent yesterday. He has unequivocally admitted to her guilt.
- You must be kidding. - I understand that news shocks you.
You should be grateful. They had planned to assassinate you.
StandartenFuhrer, this will interest you.
This is certainly is not the radio room of the army group.
SS has seized the people of the village.
- Was the countess there? - No.
Where were we?
"The troops are fighting heroically all over."
However, this unequal fight nears its end.
I think we need to accept the political consequences of this situation.
"I think we need to accept the political consequences of this situation."
- Do you really want to send this? - No, it's too risky.
I'll talk to him.
"Political consequences" means peace talks.
"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 now?
What did Prince Hofacker tell you?
- What do you mean? - Has he initiated his plans?
He asked if I wanted to work under new leadership.
-What plans? - I don't know.
No?
Only a small circle know how the coup's going to be executed.
I'm with you if you bring Hitler to justice. But I support no attacks.
There I have not changed my mind, General.
Paris - July 16th, 1944
Hofacker has told him nothing about an attack.
He believes that we should prosecute Hitler.
Hofacker told us that Rommel was available for peace negotiations.
For peace negotiations. Not for an attack.
He surely understands that violence will be necessary.
No violent attack will hold.
Please, gentlemen...
We may not be trained for it, but it must be done. With or without Rommel.
- Hitler is faced with an ultimatum. - What?!
Either Hitler agrees to peace negotiations ...
or Rommel and Kluge will stop fighting.
Hitler may depose Rommel when he gets that ultimatum or worst.
The success of Valkyrie is at stake. - "Valkyrie"?
Stauffenberg's people have a plan ...
if a national emergency is imposed...
The Reserve Army takes over power of the Interior.
The condition is an attempt on Hitler.
The identity of the plotters will not come to light?
No. It will look like a coup of party members and the SS.
The plan enables all departments, though they are not involved.
They'll follow the procedures that Hitler himself ...
drafted in case of unrest.
We just need a reason to enable it.
- Ingenious. - The front is the only uncertainty.
That's why we approached Rommel.
- The soldiers respect him enormously. - Is he purely a propaganda tool?
Goebbels has made Rommel a folk hero.
We can use that now.
Now he has the chance to really provide the people a great service.
I think he understands that.
[Knock at door] - Yes?
- Field Marshal. - What's up, Speidel?
Aldinger says that you go to see ObergruppenFuhrer Dietrich today.
- Should you discuss our plans with him? - Of course.
He is an spineless National Socialist. He'll tell the SS.
I know who he is, but we have no choice.
Else the coup will be stopped by the Waffen-SS.
Why not inform Himmler and Goebbels?
Dietrich is an experienced front-line soldier with a sense of reality.
The Armored Division of Count Schwerin is ready to disarm the SS.
- Will I still be in charge here?! - Of course .
Don't forget the enemy is still in the West.
Normandy, the road to Livarot July 17th, 1944
Did you see how these people looked? How is that?
- Respectful? - No, afraid.
- They do not know what to expect. - And what do you think?
Hopefully we'll be a British colony and not a Soviet republic.
- Enemy fighters. Eight planes. - Give me that.
Do you see the road? Try to reach that forest. Go! Go!
Hurry up! Gas it!
Field Marshal!
Field Marshal.
Help me! Hurry up!
Hurry up! Come on!
Kluge's Headquarters in Paris
Blumentritt speaking.
Just a moment. Field Marshal?
- Yes? - General Speidel.
Yes, Kluge here.
Yes, understood.
No, I will inform the supreme command.
Blumentritt?
Rommel's car was attacked. They do not know if he survived.
- Now this! - Call the command.
Blumentritt...
What happened to Rommel's letter? Have you sent it to the Fuhrer yet?
No, you wanted to add more.
Put it away for now.
He has a fractured skull. It's a miracle he's still alive.
The Fuhrer has given me 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 in the castle.
Where I can reach the front faster.
Blumentritt will represent me in Paris.
That's all for now.
The enemy has been attacking Caen since this morning .
. Air Force hospital in Normandy - July 18th, 1944
During heavy bombing ... Air Force hospital in Normandy - July 18th, 1944
the 16th-Luftwaffen Field division and 272 Infantry Division ...
...which was along the front, was totally obliterated .
- Are we stand standing? - Yeah, so far.
How is Daniel?
He's dead.
He succumbed to his injuries last night.
You have a telegram from the Fuhrer.
"Field Marshal, best wishes for your continued recovery."
"Signed, Adolf Hitler."
- Is that all? - Yes, Field Marshal.
Stauffenberg remains determined to act.
He flies tomorrow to see the Fuhrer.
Kluge has moved the 106th Panzer division... The Hotel Raphael in Paris - July 19th, 1944
to the front. The Hotel Raphael in Paris - July 19th, 1944
Now, we can no longer stop the SS.
We had put our hope on Kluge.
Has the Supreme Command responded to the ultimatum?
Rommel was injured. There was no ultimatum.
- He didn't send it? - No.
Kluge knows about it. He has had the conspirators met on several occasions.
I do not think he is ready to make peace negotiations with the Allies.
- There will be no negotiations, General. - Why not?
According to the British ambassador in Madrid ...
the British want a simultaneous surrender in the West and East.
What's the point then?
The fact that we show the world that we dare revolt against these criminals.
General.
Countess?
What are you doing here?
My colleagues are interested in the Hotel Raphael.
And one of them spotted Rommel's staff car there.
How is the field marshal?
You are taking a risk of having me betray you.
SS has taken hostages in the village. I should surrender myself.
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 surrender myself. - Don't do that.
- Things are changing fast. - You really think so?
One should never give up hope.
. Rommel's Headquarters - July 20th 1944
On the night of 18 July 19 ... Rommel's Headquarters - July 20th 1944
night fighters above France shot down 30 British bombers.
artillery at the channel coast fired on a destroyer...
that exploded and sank.
In Normandy, the enemy continued his attacks on Caen ...
with the support of armored artillery and bombers,
without a breakthrough.
Paris - 09:10 hrs.
-This is Finckh. - From the Zossens ministry.
- Is everything set for the exercise? - Yes.
Saint-Lo in Normandy - 14:00 hrs.
The enemy attacks to the south ...
and attacks from the Americans in the Northwest...
failed with great losses.
Fighter planes gave support to the ground troops ...
and destroyed ten enemy tanks.
16 enemy aircraft shot down in aerial combat. The night of Thurs ...
- It is Finckh . The exercise is completed.
Right.
General, the Gestapo has carried out a coup in Berlin.
And attacked the Fuhrer. The Fuhrer is dead.
Generals Witzleben and Beck has formed an interim government.
- How did you get this news? - General Van Stulpnagel.
The SS and Gestapo carried out a coup in Berlin.
The Fuhrer is dead.
. Paris, German Command - 18:15 hrs
All of the security in Paris and the leaders... Paris, German Command - 18:15 hrs
of the SS must be arrested. Paris, German Command - 18:15 hrs
These are the most recent addresses of the SS, and the SD.
- Any questions? Both- No!
Hofacker. Just a moment .
General Speidel for you.
Field Marshal von Kluge wants to meet you at the command center at 20:00.
It's an important meeting. Thank you.
- What did he say? - That he will be there.
- What is it? - Telex out of the Fuhrer's headquarters ...
from General-Field Marshal Keitel.
- What does he say? - That Hitler is still alive.
Find out the truth. I must go.
Certainly.
Say, Speidel.
Did you and Rommel know about this?
No.
Next, a repeat of an important message
which was aired this afternoon.
Aldinger. -Yes, Field Marshal?
Turn the radio down.
Today, a bomb attack was committed against the Fuhrer.
Yes, field marshal.
SS Headquarters in Paris - 20:30 hrs.
- What now, sir ? - We are here to arrest you.
- At the command of General Stulpnagel. - What?
Come on, out. Out with you!
Your gun, GruppenFuhrer.
You will regret this.
Rommel's Headquarters - 20:40 hrs.
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 telephoned General Stieff.
He is at the Mauersee and has talked to some officers
who came from the Wolf's Lair today.
Who said that Hitler survived the bombing.
What is happening in Berlin is not conclusive.
Much more important is what is being decided here in France.
For Germany's future sake, abandon Hitler...
by taking charge of the liberation in the west.
Do what Rommel would have done.
Stop the killing in order to prevent an even more terrible end. [Phone begins ringing]
Prevent the biggest disaster in German history.
Yes?
One moment, I'll connect you through.
General Warlimont, from the Fuhrer's headquarters.
Kluge here.
Understood.
I'm very relieved.
General Warlimont says that nothing is wrong with the Fuhrer.
Then the attack failed.
But, I thought you knew.
No ... I had no idea.
Gentlemen, dinner is served.
Yes. Please, gentlemen.
- Field Marshal, I need to talk to you. - Are we ready?
What?!
Blumentritt, the whole SD including GruppenFuhrer Oberg was arrested.
On Stulpnagels orders.
He did it without consulting or informing their commander in chief.
Such arbitrary conduct is unprecedented!
Have his command immediately withdrawn.
The facts speak for themselves.
Your credibility and your honor are at stake.
The honor of the armed forces and the fate of millions are in your hands.
Yes, if that bastard was dead ...
If I were you, I would try to escape as an civilian.
Try to defect.
A small clique of ambitious, unscrupulous ...
stupid and criminal officers ...
forged a plot to eliminate me
and the leadership of the armed forces.
The bomb, planted by Count von Stauffenberg ...
exploded two meters to my right.
Some of my most loyal staff are seriously injured, and one is dead.
myself, I am completely unharmed, except for a shaking hand, and a few scratches...
A road near Verdun - July 21st, 1944
I'm just stretching my legs. Wait for me at the next intersection.
Cigarette?
[Gunshot]
Where were you, Rommel?
Where have you been?
. SS Headquarters in Paris - July 23rd, 1944
There are names being mentioned. SS Headquarters in Paris - July 23rd, 1944
. SS Headquarters in Paris - July 23rd, 1944
Even that of "Rommel".
Thank you for coming, sir. But the matter is already been settled.
I'll take full responsibility for revolt here in Paris.
Only Stulpnagel and I were involved...
All the others were unaware.
I apologize for it. But I regret nothing.
. In a sanatorium near Paris - August 1st, 1944
There are names bearing mentioned, even yours. In a sanatorium near Paris - August 1st, 1944
It was about a discussion that you had with Hofacker on July 9th.
I don't remember it.
It may not be about anything incriminating.
You were asked how you assessed the war, and you gave an honest answer.
How does it look on the front line?
The Americans broke through yesterday at Avranches.
I would not like to be in your shoes.
Fuhrer's Headquarters - August 1st, 1944
Heil, my Fuhrer.
Read this, Keitel.
It's what Hofacker said about Rommel.
He discussed the attack with him.
If that's true, Keitel ...
it would be for me one of the bitterest disappointments.
But I can't hurt the people who idolizes him so highly, by prosecuting him.
Rommel's home in Herrlingen - August 8th 1944
- Field Marshal. - Loistl, good to see you.
Jesus ...
As long as your head is attached to your body, it's OK.
Come on.
France - August 17th, 1944
Come, if your coming.
I have a letter from the Fuhrer for you.
You are asked to come to Berlin and make a report.
To report?
The Americans have already crossed the Seine with two divisions.
Yes, Speidel ...
This is it for me.
Good to see you, Colonel. How are you?
I need to talk to you in private.
Go find your mother and tell her we have guests.
- What is it, Colonel? - Field Marshal Kluge is dead.
He ingested poison after Hitler had summoned him.
General Speidel thought you ought to know.
Yes. Thank you.
Do we know why?
We assumed that Hitler blamed him for the collapse of the front.
Everything is fleeing us.
Aren't you ashamed, you bastard... The People's Court in Berlin - August 30th, 1944
you've betrayed the Fuhrer in such despicable manner?
I regret only that I did not perform the attack.
Because I would have succeeded.
- You are still a Culprit. - Be quiet, Mr. Freissler .
Today, it's my head.
In a year, it's going to be your head.
- What was behind it? - Nothing at all. It came totally unexpected.
It comes out of the blue.
I have to go to Germany and await my orders.
- Who will replace you in the army group? - General Krebs.
Blumentritt is also relieved. He must report to Berlin.
This is nothing unusual, Speidel.
They seek scapegoats for the failure at the front.
The conspirators from Paris were sentenced a week ago.
Terrible. Even Stulpnagel.
Hofacker has apparently not been executed yet.
Maybe they still need him.
Have you got any anything to fear, Speidel?
Freudenstadt - September 7th, 1944
Good morning, Frau Speidel. Is your husband home?
Security Ministry in Berlin September 20th, 1944
- Good morning, General.
- Lieutenant Colonel. -That, he no longer is.
Herr von Hofacker has just his pathetic life left.
Well, Herr von Hofacker...
tell him what you've told us Dr. Speidel.
That you've talked to him about the attack plans.
And that even Field Marshal Rommel was informed about them.
No, the field marshal, nor the lieutenant-general knew.
Should I have said that...
I must have been confused.
Herrlingen, October 1. Dear Frau Speidel ...
the fate of your husband touches me very much.
Especially since you have not heard anything from him for over three weeks ...
... worries me a lot.
I consider your husband ...
as an excellent, hard-working General.
I'll write to the Fuhrer today and put in a good word for him.
" You, my Fuhrer, know that I have been committed...
"since France in 1940, during the campaigns in Africa from 1941 to 1943...
... "In Italy in 1943 and on the western front in 1944.
"I have always and only wanted to fight for your new Germany.
"Heil, my Fuhrer. E. Rommel. "
- But he did not participate actively. - Knowledge is still betrayal.
If he knew about it, he is a traitor.
"According to Lieutenant General Speidel he,
by an officer of General Stulpnagel, namely Hofacker ... Berlin - October 4th
had been informed of the plan for the attack of July 20, 1944.
He then informed Field Marshal Rommel.
That if he had not passed on, he would not have known."
I believe the General Lieutenant's testimony to be unlikely.
It was his duty to warn for the attack itself.
Certainly there is no mention of it made to Rommel or he would have said something.
The Fuhrer is of the opinion ...
that Speidels account can not be doubted.
Gentlemen. If General Speidel claims...
that he has informed Rommel of the attack...
then we must prove the opposite.
This is an attempt to exonerate Dr Speidel.
Even if it is true ...
The matter was so serious that Speidel should not have relied on the marshal.
What can a soldier rely on, if anything ...
if he can't rely on the sense of duty of his superior?
I hope you realize what this means for Rommel?
Herrlingen - October 14th, 1944
You are accused of being involved with the assassination attempt on the Fuhrer.
- Who says that? - We have testimonials ...
from General Stulpnagel, Lieutenant-Colonel von Hofacker ...
and General Speidel.
Speidel?
He states that he had informed you about the attack plans.
I don't believe you.
Well ...
I wasn't myself.
I will take the consequences.
Would you give us a few minutes?
In recognition of your great service to the Reich ...
your betrayal will be withheld from the people.
If you are ready.
- I don't trust using a gun. - I have something that works fast.
- And my family? - They are not arrested.
There is a state funeral is being prepared.
Your wife will get a full pension as the widow of a Field Marshal.
Thank you.
- May I say goodbye to my family? - Of course.
What is it?
In about fifteen minutes I'll be dead.
Come, my son.
Aldinger...
this is the end. - Field Marshal?
I'm innocent.
I was not involved in the attack.
I have always served my country.
And done my best.
Salute comrades. Especially my beloved Afrika Korps.
Manfred, they did not spare Speidel either.
Take care of Frau Speidel also.
Good luck, son.
At a state funeral, the nation says goodbye to one of it's bravest generals.
With him, reports the Fuhrer ...
one of our best generals is gone.
His name is written in our current struggle ...
as a symbol of bravery and fearless fighting spirit.
This southern German city honors the great soldier on his last road.
THE OFFICIAL CAUSE OF DEATH WAS THAT ROMMEL DIED FROM HIS 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.