{410}{465}[Man Narrating]|The time is 1941...
{467}{530}a month before Pearl Harbor.
{532}{595}At 11:00 on a November night...
{597}{659}a British submarine surfaced|in the Mediterranean...
{661}{725}off the coast of Libya in North Africa...
{727}{777}behind the German lines.
{890}{945}Are you sure the light carries that far?
{946}{993}It should.
{1044}{1098}There they are.
{1181}{1261}- What's he saying?|- He says they're all set, sir.
{1263}{1322}Tell him we're coming in.
{2192}{2253}[Narrator]|These were British commandos...
{2254}{2324}and the purpose of this|carefully plotted raid...
{2326}{2385}was the death of one man.
{5832}{5887}Aaaah!
{6196}{6258}[Gunfire Continues]
{7060}{7118}[Gunfire Continues]
{7723}{7770}Cover me.
{8694}{8752}It's no use.|Go on without me.
{8754}{8823}- Get hold of my arm!|- It's no use, I tell you.|Get out of here!
{8825}{8871}[Gunfire]
{9027}{9074}[Gunfire]
{9280}{9343}Did we... Did we get him?
{9393}{9444}Are you serious, Englishman?
{11273}{11341}Gentlemen, the following order|from General Auchinleck...
{11343}{11433}is to all commanders and chiefs of staff|of the Middle East forces.
{11434}{11506}"There exists a real danger|that our friend Rommel...
{11508}{11601}"is becoming a kind of magician|or bogeyman to our troops...
{11602}{11664}"who are talking far too much about him.
{11666}{11719}"He is by no means a superman...
{11721}{11798}"although he is undoubtedly|very energetic and able.
{11800}{11897}"Even if he were a superman,|it would still be highly undesirable...
{11899}{11987}"that our men should credit him|with supernatural powers.
{11989}{12069}"I wish you to dispel|by all possible means...
{12070}{12139}"the idea that Rommel|represents something more...
{12141}{12203}"than an ordinary German general.
{12205}{12273}"Please ensure that this order|is put into immediate effect...
{12274}{12333}"and impress upon all commanders...
{12334}{12395}"that from a psychological|point of view...
{12397}{12446}it is a matter|of the highest importance."
{12448}{12512}Signed C.J. Auchinleck, General...
{12514}{12590}Commander-in-Chief, M.E.F.
{12592}{12697}[Narrator]|This is the North African|desert in. June of 1942...
{12698}{12787}and these are British soldiers|taken prisoner the night before...
{12789}{12854}by units of the German Afrika Korps.
{13239}{13285}Run, you fool, run!
{13847}{13912}You! Come on, get out of there!
{13975}{14035}Get over with the other prisoners!
{14329}{14390}Who is the senior officer here?
{14449}{14506}- I am, I suppose.|- Come with me.
{14722}{14772}- What's your rank?|- Lieutenant colonel.
{14774}{14847}Colonel, I want you to go along with|these two officers on a flag of truce.
{14849}{14900}And tell that battery to stop firing.
{14902}{14969}- Tell them they're...|killing their own men.|- I can't do that.
{14970}{15040}Don't tell me what you can or can't do.|I'm giving you an order.
{15041}{15088}Here, tie this on that rifle.
{15089}{15136}Listen, Major, I'm a prisoner of war.
{15137}{15184}You can't give me any such order.
{15185}{15232}You know that as well as I do.
{15233}{15292}I'm not going to argue|the point with you.
{15293}{15376}Either you do as I tell you,|or we'll soon find a way to make you.
{15378}{15427}Are you going or not?
{15429}{15511}Major! Major!
{15513}{15559}What's the row?
{15601}{15672}[Bombing Continues In Distance]
{16201}{16255}The field marshal said you're right.
{16257}{16303}Field marshal?
{16388}{16446}[Narrator]|So this, then, was Rommel...
{16448}{16524}Erwin. Johannes Eugen Rommel...
{16525}{16589}commander-in-chief of the enemy army...
{16591}{16683}and the most celebrated|German soldier since World War I.
{16748}{16830}Already a legend in the desert,|he was a fox...
{16832}{16916}who had chased his hunters back|and forth across North Africa...
{16918}{16985}about as often as they had chased him...
{16987}{17072}and his tricks and turns|had made even the Tommies chuckle...
{17073}{17190}which is scarcely the proper|reflex to the enemy in time of war.
{17192}{17281}In spite of which he was still,|of course, my enemy...
{17282}{17377}the enemy not only of my country|and the army in which I served...
{17379}{17437}but of all life as I knew it...
{17439}{17526}not only of democracy|as free men had fashioned it...
{17528}{17596}but of civilization itself.
{17597}{17670}My name is Desmond Young.
{17672}{17766}At the time of my capture, I was|a lieutenant colonel in the Indian army.
{17768}{17825}This was my first and only sight...
{17826}{17900}of the cool, hard,|professional soldier...
{17901}{17990}whose scrupulous regard for the rules|of warfare had been exercised...
{17992}{18069}in this instance,|so fortunately for myself.
{18121}{18179}Two years and four months later...
{18181}{18275}while the British and Americans|were fighting their way across Europe...
{18277}{18333}Erwin Rommel was dead.
{18334}{18404}He was dead, the Nazis reported...
{18405}{18486}of wounds gallantly received|on the field ofhonor.
{18488}{18560}But the Nazis were great liars,|of course.
{18562}{18616}Many people wondered.
{18617}{18718}For already there were mysterious|rumors floating across the battle lines.
{18773}{18872}So, when the war was over|and my military life behind me...
{18873}{18929}I gave myself a mission.
{18930}{19019}I set out to discover|what actually had happened to him.
{19021}{19074}What was the truth about his death...
{19076}{19153}and on what field ofhonor had he died?
{19155}{19273}In a modest home in the tiny|village of Herrlingen by Ulm|in Wurttemberg, Germany...
{19275}{19374}I talked long and often|with Rommel's son and widow...
{19376}{19469}and examined his letters,|reports and other papers.
{19470}{19537}In Germany,|I talked to soldiers...
{19538}{19621}who had served with him,|over him and under him, :
{19622}{19705}In England,|with men who had fought against him...
{19707}{19768}from field marshals to desert rats.
{19770}{19823}And in both countries, of course...
{19825}{19884}I went to the official records.
{19886}{19940}Based on these facts...
{19941}{20058}what now follows|is the true story of Erwin Rommel.
{20110}{20188}The beginning of the end|for this single-minded soldier...
{20190}{20315}came at 9:30 on the evening|of October 23, 1942...
{20316}{20377}when at El Alamein|six miles of British guns...
{20379}{20425}Fire!
{21342}{21405}I discovered that actually|Rommel was not in Africa...
{21407}{21463}when the storm ofbattle broke.
{21464}{21531}Suffering from|a chronic diphtheria of the nose...
{21532}{21601}he had been relieved ofhis command|a month before...
{21603}{21662}and flown back to a hospital in Germany.
{21664}{21747}But when the telephone rang|at his bedside...
{21749}{21835}and a familiar voice from Berlin|called on him once more...
{21837}{21934}he rose and was in a plane|on the way back to the desert|within hours.
{22105}{22152}[Coughing]
{22561}{22641}- Thank you, Bayerlein.|Still a dandy, I see.|- Just luck, sir.
{22643}{22694}- Welcome back.|- Good to see you, sir.
{22696}{22764}- Shall we take a look at those maps?|- Over here.
{22765}{22848}- How've you been, Bayerlein?|- Oh, very well, I suppose.
{22850}{22911}- Did you see Frau Rommel?|- Yes, she came to stay a week,|she and Manfred.
{22913}{22966}- Well, I hope...|- How does it look today?
{22968}{23034}Oh, looks like|they've got too much for us.
{23036}{23104}If they keep this up, I've no idea|how we're going to get out of it.
{23106}{23164}- Not with the amount|of petrol we've got.|- But we've got petrol?
{23166}{23224}- Some, but not enough.|- You mean it's still on the way.
{23226}{23296}- Neither on the way|nor any prospect of it.|- Who told you that?
{23298}{23406}I've talked to Rome three times.|There's no petrol on the way|nor any committed to us.
{23408}{23476}Schultz. Aldinger.
{23623}{23690}- What about the tanks? Did they come?|- None.
{23692}{23749}- None since I left?|- No. None since August.
{23751}{23804}- What about the guns?|- Nothing, I tell you.
{23806}{23855}- And no petrol at all?|- Not a pint.
{23906}{23964}[Sighs]
{24192}{24245}This is correct from the hour.
{24247}{24307}Get me a stool, will you?
{24418}{24496}Here's where it's worst.|15th's in a bad way,|barely hanging together.
{24498}{24568}- What's this?|- A trailer division. They came in here.
{24570}{24643}- Yes, I see. How far's this armor?|- No further.
{24644}{24715}- They're doing pretty well there.|- Where are my maps?
{24826}{24896}Bring the 21 st north through here.
{24898}{24974}- Move the 90th forward here.|- They'll hook up.
{24976}{25022}That's right.|Now tell me this.
{25024}{25082}- Is Montgomery sending|his infantry in first?|- Naturally.
{25084}{25178}Then let's give him a surprise.|Let's send our tanks and blow|a hole through that infantry.
{25180}{25275}If it works,|we'll be on top of his tanks|before he knows what hit him.
{25276}{25372}- Very good, sir.|- If it doesn't work, we'll know|better than to try it next time.
{25374}{25460}- Come on, Aldinger.|- You're not going up now, are you?
{25496}{25559}Don't you think you oughta|turn in for an hour or so?
{25560}{25627}- After three weeks of being turned in?|- We're away, sir?
{25628}{25699}Let's head north|and go in with the 21 st.
{25852}{25917}[Young Narrating]|But there was now another fox|in the desert...
{25919}{25974}an even craftier one, perhaps.
{25976}{26057}And if the battle boiled into confusion|during the next few days...
{26059}{26176}it was a confusion that was clearly|more and more in Montgomery's favor.
{28673}{28728}Have you found the field marshal yet?
{28729}{28788}No, sir.|He's out at the front again.
{28865}{28920}I don't know how the men|on line feel about it...
{28921}{28995}but so far as the staff|is concerned, I'd just as soon|have a commander-in-chief...
{28997}{29047}with a little bit|of cowardice about him.
{29049}{29120}Just enough to come back at headquarters|every now and then.
{29121}{29178}Keep after him, will you?
{29465}{29520}[Young Narrating]|By the tenth day of the battle...
{29521}{29596}not even Rommel could have|any doubt as to its outcome.
{29598}{29658}There's a limit to this sort of thing.
{29660}{29752}You can't just go on indefinitely|until the last man's dead.
{29753}{29828}It's all very gallant and all that,|but it's also pretty idiotic.
{29830}{29905}Von Thoma wants to pull back to Djerba.
{29961}{30035}- What about Muller?|- No answer as yet, sir.
{30105}{30172}- Where're you from, son?|- Goslar, sir.
{30173}{30251}Really? I was stationed in Goslar once|with a mountain battalion.
{30253}{30325}- We did a lot of skiing there.|Do you know that run?|- Very well, sir.
{30327}{30393}- Are you any good?|- Well, sir, two years ago...
{30395}{30467}- Are you sure you understood?|- Yes. I had him repeat it back to me.
{30469}{30528}- Are you keeping after Muller?|- Yes, sir.
{30565}{30625}- Have you tried Berlin?|- Call if you can.
{30627}{30707}- Nothing yet, though.|- Nobody knows the situation.|I sent him the whole story.
{30709}{30779}- Lf there's anything he can do, he will.|- No matter what you say...
{30781}{30832}to Berlin we're only a side show|and you know it.
{31000}{31067}- Well, what?|- Muller's in a bad way.
{31069}{31115}- How bad?|- Very, I'm afraid.
{31117}{31187}If he doesn't pull back soon,|he won't have anything to pull back.
{31189}{31264}- Well, where is he?|- His command car is gone.|He's working in a carrier.
{31265}{31339}And if he's got more than 40 tanks left,|I'd be greatly surprised.
{31341}{31432}- How about the Italians?|- Muller thinks they've had|as much as they can take.
{31433}{31480}Rome calling, sir.
{31549}{31626}- Well?|- Field Marshal Kesselring regrets.
{31628}{31699}Well, that eliminates|any further speculation anyway.
{31759}{31828}It's now a simple matter|of mathematics.
{31830}{31898}With the petrol we've got left,|we have two choices:
{31900}{31961}We can remain here|and be destroyed...
{31963}{32040}or we can pull out tonight and|dig in somewhere for the next round.
{32041}{32096}- You think we still can?|- Pull out? Of course. Why not?
{32098}{32145}Montgomery's got no petrol shortage.
{32146}{32199}But Montgomery's|a very deliberate fellow.
{32201}{32271}He wouldn't dream of leaping after me|the way I'd leap after him.
{32273}{32341}- He'd have to think about it.|- I don't see what else there is|to be done.
{32343}{32389}There's nothing else.|Let's have plan "C."
{32391}{32458}Notify all commanding officers|to stand by for important orders.
{32460}{32524}- If we can move quickly enough...|- Berlin calling, sir.
{32526}{32581}- Who in Berlin?|- The fuhrer.
{32988}{33034}Signed Adolf Hitler.
{33036}{33134}"The situation requires|that the El Alamein position|be held to the last man.
{33136}{33243}There is to be no retreat,|not so much as one millimeter.|It must be victory or death."
{33245}{33303}- I can't believe it.|- Have you still got Berlin?
{33305}{33360}- Yes, sir.|- Ask him to repeat that message.
{33362}{33445}- Yes, sir.|- I know, but it's not him.|It's those hoodlums again...
{33446}{33524}those thieves and crooks and murderers,|those toy soldiers...
{33526}{33634}those dummy generals with their books|and charts and maps and pointers!
{33636}{33692}How can he listen to such nonentities?
{33693}{33753}How can he even stand|the smell of such filth?
{33755}{33820}- Why doesn't he use|his own intelligence?|- I have your repeat, sir.
{33822}{33869}Well, go ahead, read it.
{33870}{33969}"The situation requires|that the El Alamein position|be held to the last man.
{33971}{34036}"There is to be no retreat,|not so much as one millimeter.
{34038}{34114}It must be victory or death."|Signed, Adolf Hitler.
{34153}{34228}- It's incredible.|- You're not going to pay attention|to such nonsense?
{34230}{34306}It's an order,|Bayerlein, a military order|from general headquarters...
{34308}{34401}a clear, straight,|stupid, criminal military order|from general headquarters.
{34402}{34490}And what are you going to do,|double the insanity by obeying it?
{34492}{34554}We've got the best soldiers|in the German army here.
{34556}{34635}They may be just hanging on now,|but they're still a force,|they're still fighting.
{34637}{34703}If we take them out now,|they can fight again tomorrow.
{34705}{34778}But this... this is shear madness.|It's out of the Middle Ages.
{34780}{34874}Nobody has said "victory or death" since|people fought with bows and arrows.
{34876}{34941}Why, this is an order|to throw away an entire army.
{34943}{35037}If I may remind you, sir,|here in the field these men|are yours, not his.
{35039}{35094}- I just can't understand it.|- I can. He's insane.
{35096}{35204}He's not insane. He's...|But neither am I.
{35398}{35493}Pull them out, Bayerlein.|I'll argue with him about it later.
{35853}{35935}[Bombing, Gunfire]
{36389}{36476}[Young Narrating]|The end came in Tunis when|the Axis forces were caught...
{36478}{36533}between the British, the Free French...
{36535}{36584}and the Americans under Eisenhower...
{36586}{36673}and surrendered unconditionally.
{36725}{36815}But the Afrika Korps|went into captivity without its leader.
{36817}{36917}For, a month before the end,|Rommel had again fallen ill...
{36919}{36985}and been invalided back|to the hospital in Germany.
{37207}{37276}- Good morning, Sergeant.|- Good morning, Frau Rommel, Manfred.
{37278}{37362}- Morning.|- Dr. Strolin.
{37364}{37465}- Karl Strolin, Stuttgart.|- Dr. Strolin is an old friend|of the field marshal's.
{37467}{37528}I understand you'll find him|much better this morning.
{37530}{37578}All he needed was a little rest.
{37767}{37848}Frau Rommel...
{37850}{37928}Manfred Rommel...
{37991}{38077}and Dr. Karl Strolin.
{38079}{38127}From Stuttgart?
{38129}{38198}Not only from,|but lord mayor of.
{38250}{38310}Don't tell me he's on the list.
{38408}{38479}"Dr. Karl Strolin,|lord mayor of Stuttgart."
{38524}{38591}She says he's an old friend|of the field marshal.
{38593}{38639}Nevertheless, here he is.
{38641}{38692}"To be kept under|the closest observation...
{38694}{38771}whenever discovered|beyond the precincts of Stuttgart."
{38824}{38898}Not that it could really|be described as an argument.
{38900}{38967}It's impossible to have|an argument with him...
{38969}{39036}in the sense that you and I|could have an argument.
{39037}{39106}He raves, he screams,|he goes into such hysterics...
{39108}{39190}that it's like trying to make sense|with a panic-stricken woman.
{39192}{39252}He called him a coward.
{39254}{39327}Did he really use that word to you?
{39329}{39382}Not once, but several times.
{39384}{39505}In Russia, he said, officers like me|have been put against the wall and shot.
{39507}{39573}Now must I think it couldn't|happen to me too.
{39575}{39688}That was his thanks,|that was his gratitude for all|that Erwin has done for him.
{39690}{39761}On the other hand, you mustn't|hold people too accountable...
{39762}{39834}for everything they say|when they're emotionally upset.
{39836}{39935}The war is not going well,|and he's naturally worried.
{39937}{39993}But I'm afraid it will be a long time...
{39995}{40065}before I forget what he did|to the Afrika Korps.
{40067}{40118}What was that?
{40120}{40214}When the end was near|and I asked him to get them out...
{40216}{40308}he said he had no further|interest or concern...
{40309}{40354}in the Afrika Korps.
{40356}{40421}And that was their thanks.
{40457}{40557}Rommel...|I should like to ask you a question.
{40559}{40633}Of course, if you don't care to answer,|I quite understand.
{40635}{40720}But with your permission,|I should like to ask it nevertheless.
{40722}{40769}What is it?
{40770}{40830}Do you really believe that we can win?
{40960}{41033}- I'll tell you what he believes.|- Yes?
{41077}{41133}He doesn't think so.
{41135}{41188}He told you that himself?
{41189}{41236}He did.
{41237}{41310}And he understands|what that'll mean this time?
{41312}{41358}Apparently.
{41360}{41408}Then why do we go on?
{41410}{41509}We have no choice,|because no country we're fighting...
{41511}{41605}England, America or Russia...|will make peace with him.
{41607}{41662}He admitted that?
{41664}{41740}And it's the truth, of course.
{41741}{41828}In other words,|while he remains as leader of Germany...
{41830}{41897}we must fight on until we're destroyed.
{41899}{41969}Victory or death, as ever.
{41970}{42089}I take it he didn't mention|the obvious solution to the situation.
{42090}{42175}- What do you mean?|- Abdication.
{42232}{42293}Now, my dear Strolin...
{42349}{42421}- I'm afraid we must go, dear.|- Must you already?
{42423}{42486}- I have a train to catch.|- We'll come back after supper.
{42488}{42578}Let's have coffee together.|Good-bye, Strolin.|'Twas good to see you again.
{42580}{42632}We won't let it be so long next time.
{42634}{42701}- Do you think they really would, Father?|- Would what, son?
{42703}{42763}- Shoot you?|- No, no, of course not.
{42765}{42844}That's just his wild way of talking.|You mustn't pay any attention to that.
{42845}{42930}- Shoot his greatest general?|- You shouldn't have said|that in front of him.
{42932}{42991}Come along|and stop talking nonsense.
{43024}{43100}- Intil this evening, dear?|- Come early, will you?
{43163}{43227}He's a good-looking boy, isn't he?
{43229}{43333}A very nice boy too.|But were you entirely truthful with him?
{43335}{43381}About what?
{43383}{43473}- When you told him he would|never put you up against a wall.|- But of course.
{43475}{43560}Has the possibility ever occurred to you|that he might turn on you?
{43561}{43632}- But why should he?|- He's turned on others.
{43633}{43691}He'll never turn on me.
{43693}{43791}What about some of those fellows|around him that don't like you?|Himmler, Bormann and that crowd.
{43793}{43870}- Don't they ever influence him?|- Very often, indeed.
{43872}{43958}You don't think it's possible they might|influence him against you someday?
{43960}{44067}It's possible, yes,|but I don't see that it's very likely.
{44069}{44146}But in the remote possibility|that they did...
{44148}{44243}have you ever considered what might|become of Lucie and Manfred?
{44245}{44351}I've never thought about it.|But what on Earth are you|getting at, anyway?
{44353}{44426}I think you should, that's all.
{44428}{44499}You haven't changed a bit, Doctor.
{44501}{44569}You always were|something of an odd fish.
{44571}{44631}But there's no need|for you to worry this time.
{44633}{44682}We're in no danger, none of us.
{44684}{44746}If you'll take a word of advice|from an old friend...
{44748}{44795}you'd better not talk like that|to everybody.
{44797}{44844}I don't.
{44845}{44939}Only to those I know very well|and am very fond of.
{44941}{45019}- Good-bye, Rommel.|- Good-bye, Strolin.
{45021}{45091}- Come again if you can.|- I'll try.
{45201}{45256}[Door Closes]
{47096}{47142}[Conductor Whistles]
{47144}{47195}[Train Whistle Blows]
{48360}{48424}[Young Narrating]|An invasion of Hitler's|European fortress...
{48425}{48487}was now clearly but a matter of time.
{48489}{48549}And in November of 1943...
{48551}{48630}Rommel made a tour of inspection|of the Atlantic defenses...
{48632}{48713}preparatory of taking command|of the Nazi forces...
{48715}{48783}that were gathering|to resist the assault.
{49794}{49864}[Bell Buzzing]
{50417}{50519}A month later, Rommel reported|to Field Marshal von Rundstedt...
{50521}{50599}supreme commander in the West,|at the latter's headquarters...
{50601}{50702}in the Pompadour's Palace|at Fontainbleau outside Paris.
{50946}{51022}Field Marshal von Rundstedt,|gentlemen.
{51162}{51216}- Ruge.|- Field Marshal.
{51218}{51265}Gentlemen.
{51401}{51459}- Good to see you, Rommel.|- Field Marshal.
{51461}{51551}Well, now that you have had|an opportunity to examine it closely...
{51553}{51616}what do you think of our Atlantic wall?
{51617}{51677}I'm afraid I haven't quite|completed my report yet, but...
{51679}{51738}We'll discuss it later,|whenever you're ready.
{51740}{51843}I don't imagine the mighty Eisenhower|will be on us for another day or so.
{51845}{51904}It wasn't too much a tax|on your strength, I hope.
{51906}{51967}Not in the least.|I'm entirely recovered now.
{51969}{52037}I'm delighted. You're being|well taken care of, gentlemen?
{52039}{52087}[Together]|Yes, indeed, sir.
{52089}{52145}Would you be so good|as to divert our friends...
{52147}{52226}while Field Marshal Rommel|and I have a few moments|of private meditation?
{52228}{52274}Yes, sir.
{52932}{53015}[Sighs]|Appalling, wasn't it?
{53063}{53125}I can't even see why it's called a wall.
{53127}{53217}The big ports like Havre and Ostend and|Cherbourg are protected well enough...
{53219}{53284}but the enemy's not coming in|on the Queen Mary.
{53285}{53344}Nothing at all|is being done about the beaches.
{53345}{53429}Why, I saw 50 places where|an army of children could come ashore.
{53431}{53537}The trouble is labor.|We have the plans for fortifications|the devil himself couldn't breach...
{53539}{53605}solid steel and concrete|from Denmark to Spain...
{53607}{53723}but I'm afraid our French friends aren't|being as cooperative as they might be.
{53725}{53795}Even when driven to the job,|they move like snails.
{53797}{53896}Either we break it up while they're|still wading ashore or we're in trouble.
{53898}{53968}- Is that the way you'd meet it?|- Stop them on the beaches.
{53969}{54032}Crowd the water with mines|and traps and tricks...
{54034}{54110}and hit 'em while they're busy|trying to keep themselves from drowning.
{54112}{54204}Here, down here... and here.
{54205}{54263}I don't agree with you...
{54265}{54346}but the difference of opinion|will probably remain academic.
{54348}{54466}As it happens, neither you nor I will|determine the tactics in this operation.
{54468}{54528}Not above the regimental level, anyway.
{54530}{54584}You mean... Berlin?
{54585}{54653}I mean the Bohemian corporal himself...
{54655}{54739}is assuming sole and total command|of this operation.
{54741}{54859}You and I will function|simply as instruments of his|astrological inspirations.
{54861}{54961}And in case you're afflicted with|an understandable skepticism,|this is official.
{54963}{55026}But that's an utterly|impossible situation.
{55028}{55086}Then you should, by all means,|explain that to him.
{55088}{55137}You've made no protests yourself?
{55139}{55197}After you've interfered|a dozen times or so...
{55199}{55298}with a man's rather enthusiastic|determination to cut his own throat...
{55300}{55368}there comes a moment|when you're inclined to stand back...
{55370}{55426}and view the whole matter|with a certain detachment.
{55428}{55506}- You've no objection to my...|pointing this out to him?|- On the contrary.
{55508}{55583}I bestow my blessings|on your courage and optimism.
{55832}{55894}I'm told you once|referred to me as a clown...
{55896}{55954}the clown|of Hitler's circus.
{55956}{56002}Oh, did I?
{56004}{56080}If so, I think you should know|I've been a great deal more explicit|about you.
{56082}{56144}That's quite all right, Field Marshal.
{56146}{56244}I find it almost impossible|to keep my mind on anything|harsh said about me.
{56246}{56293}Did you say it?
{56295}{56388}Whoever said it,|you've given them ample reason|to regret such a foolish remark.
{56438}{56504}- Thank you, Field Marshal.|- Not at all.
{56506}{56555}Is there anything else?
{56557}{56620}I don't believe so at the moment.
{56682}{56728}One suggestion, perhaps...
{56730}{56806}in view of our cordiality.
{56808}{56888}If I were you,|I wouldn't be altogether unguarded...
{56890}{56968}about what I had to say about|this new strategic arrangement.
{56969}{57026}I think you should know|that from now on...
{57028}{57099}you'll be under more or less|constant observation here.
{57101}{57198}- From Berlin?|- Friends of the management, I believe.
{57200}{57282}Have you any information|as to why I should be singled out|for such attention?
{57284}{57353}Oh, but you're not.|We all are.
{57355}{57422}Apparently|you didn't have it in Africa...
{57424}{57522}but here on the continent|it's an honor that goes with staff rank.
{57524}{57566}You too?
{57568}{57659}My dear fellow,|I'm the commander-in-chief.
{57877}{57929}[Young Narrating]|Two months after that...
{57931}{58007}in February of 1944,|during one of Rommel's...
{58009}{58064}rare absences|from the Atlantic frontier...
{58066}{58171}his old friend Dr. Karl Strolin|sought him out again.
{58244}{58297}[Doorbell Buzzing]
{58508}{58574}- Good afternoon, sir.|- Good afternoon.
{58576}{58644}Dr. Strolin to see the field marshal|and Frau Rommel.
{58645}{58692}Come in, sir.
{58964}{59039}Eisenhower won't try it|until spring, of course.
{59040}{59097}I doubt if I'll get home again|before then.
{59099}{59145}Are we ready for him?
{59147}{59199}We will be, I hope.
{59322}{59373}To your very good health, Doctor.
{59375}{59426}To yours, my dear Rommel.
{59492}{59556}How do you know this room isn't wired?
{59558}{59626}Wired?|Why should it be wired?
{59628}{59700}Does our friend Himmler|have to have a reason for wiring a room?
{59702}{59748}No, I don't suppose he does.
{59750}{59820}But I don't think you have|to worry about this one.
{59822}{59868}Why?
{60130}{60210}'Cause I want to talk to you|without being overheard.
{60212}{60283}- About what?|- About the Hitler situation.
{60319}{60397}If this is politics, Strolin,|I don't want to hear it.
{60399}{60452}Had you rather see Germany destroyed?
{60454}{60522}It's not a matter I want to discuss,|I tell you.
{60524}{60602}And I'm surprised at you.|That's a communist position.
{60604}{60661}Oh? Is it?
{60663}{60751}Defeat, against him,|all that sort of thing.|You know it is.
{60752}{60808}Would you call General Beck|a communist?
{60810}{60899}- Of course not.|- Or Karl Goerdeler,|the lord mayor of Leipzig?
{60901}{60972}- I've never heard that he was.|- What about Falkenhausen?
{60973}{61057}- No, but...|- What about Heinrich von Stulpnagel?
{61059}{61127}And von Irach and von Haslov?|Are they communists?
{61128}{61261}Are you trying to|tell me seriously that men like that|are questioning his leadership?
{61263}{61370}Not just questioning it.|They intend to end it.
{61372}{61439}You mean, you've talked|to those fellows yourself?
{61440}{61501}To them and to many others.|Not only soldiers, either.
{61503}{61585}Church men, labor leaders,|lawyers, doctors.
{61587}{61704}Members of the government, even.|Not too many of them,|but sound men, every one.
{61706}{61781}How long has this been going on?
{61783}{61838}Since '38.
{61879}{61942}And what exactly are you after?
{61944}{62035}One, we want to get rid of Hitler|and his gang.
{62036}{62102}If we are to be defeated,|then we prefer to be defeated...
{62104}{62177}as human beings, not as barbarians.
{62179}{62255}Two, whether we win or lose...
{62256}{62355}we want to live again|like decent people, without fear.
{62356}{62462}Look, Strolin, I don't want to|get mixed up in this thing.
{62464}{62527}What they do in Berlin|is their business, not mine.
{62528}{62584}I'm a soldier, not a politician.
{62586}{62644}You still think you're perfectly safe?
{62646}{62699}Who knows who's safe|and who's not?
{62701}{62749}Inder a sane man, you'd know.
{62751}{62808}That's a lot of rubbish,|and you know it.
{62810}{62871}Well, I hope you're right,|and perhaps you are.
{62873}{62971}After all, you are his favorite,|and I can think of no one|who's ever questioned...
{62973}{63083}the deep and enduring gratitude|he's always shown to those|who've served him well.
{63085}{63190}- No one's in any danger here|who does his job properly.|- You have nothing to fear.
{63192}{63272}And if something did happen|unpredictably...
{63274}{63347}you'd still have the comfort of knowing|that the lives of Lucie and Manfred...
{63348}{63424}would be safe and snug|in the soft, gentle, tender hands...
{63426}{63499}of that brave little band of patriots|he's gathered around him.
{63500}{63576}I'm afraid that kind of talk|doesn't amuse me.
{63578}{63696}I'm not trying to amuse you.|I'm merely reflecting on your|extraordinary good fortune.
{63697}{63768}I wish you'd think|about that too sometime...
{63770}{63887}not the blood on his mouth,|but what a godsend he is|to you personally...
{63888}{63967}not only in your home,|but in the field as a soldier.
{63968}{64051}How many other generals can boast|the favor and support of a leader...
{64053}{64118}so gifted in the arts of war?
{64120}{64166}That's enough, Strolin.
{64168}{64238}Surely you haven't forgotten|how brilliantly he refused...
{64240}{64344}to be seduced into an invasion of|undefended England right after Dunkirk.
{64345}{64400}Or how brave he was at Stalingrad...
{64401}{64467}when von Forest|wanted to withdraw from the trap.
{64469}{64531}What other man on Earth|would have had the courage...
{64532}{64603}to send that brief, simple,|thrilling command:
{64604}{64684}"Don't retreat so much as a millimeter.|Victory or death"?
{64686}{64767}- Would Napoleon himselfhave dared...|- That's enough, I tell you!
{64768}{64833}Afraid even to think about it.
{64835}{64914}Stop talking to me as if I were a child|and you a schoolmaster!
{64916}{64989}Don't you think I know what you mean?|But what of it?
{64991}{65060}Who asked me for my opinion?|And suppose I told them...
{65062}{65136}that what they're doing is stupid|to the point of imbecility!
{65138}{65194}- Who do you think would listen?|- Have you ever tried?
{65196}{65253}Of course! I've been told|to mind my own business.
{65255}{65307}And who's to say they're not right?
{65308}{65368}Surely you aren't naive enough|to think that a soldier...
{65370}{65447}must approve of every|detail of his government|before he can fight for it.
{65449}{65558}What army could exist like that,|with every man free to decide|what he will or won't do?
{65560}{65682}The truth is that a soldier|has but one function in life,|one lone excuse for existence...
{65684}{65761}and that is to carry out|the order of his superiors.
{65763}{65833}The rest, including government,|is politics.
{65835}{65931}And if I must remind you again,|I'm a soldier, not a politician.
{65933}{66028}- What the government does...|- Oh, stop hiding behind|that bloody uniform of yours!
{66029}{66090}What do I care about|your philosophy of the soldier?
{66092}{66149}All it means to me|is that you're terrified...
{66151}{66232}hiding under a lot of rubbish|about the functions of a robot.
{66234}{66312}Have you forgotten|that I've known you for 20 years?
{66314}{66405}Why, I know exactly how you feel|about that abomination in Berlin.
{66407}{66476}What I can't understand|is this chickenhearted willingness...
{66477}{66570}to go marching right down into hell|with a beast you loathe and despise.
{66572}{66690}Where is all the sense|and courage you have in the field?|Haven't you any of it here?
{66692}{66770}I think you'd better|get out of this house, now.
{66828}{66927}Not until you've shown an old friend|the decency of honesty with him.
{66929}{67015}If reason won't work,|very well, I'm prepared to go further.
{67017}{67124}I have no intention|of stirring from this room until|the truth has passed between us.
{67125}{67215}- Had you rather|I call the guard and charge you?|- That you will never do.
{67216}{67300}And may I ask why you know so well|what I will or won't do?
{67302}{67364}Because Lucie told me that you wouldn't.
{67407}{67508}You... You've already|talked to Lucie about this?
{67510}{67590}- Of course.|- And she sent you to me?
{67592}{67638}Not at all.
{67640}{67711}She merely told me|how you really feel...
{67713}{67839}about our sainted leader|and his glorious reign over Germany.
{68080}{68160}Father!|Father, the car is here!
{68162}{68235}We saw it.|Will you please not shout?
{68236}{68296}I've told you that a dozen times.
{68297}{68374}- He's just excited.|- I know, but I'm tired of telling him...
{68376}{68475}He's all right. He's still only a boy,|remember, in spite of that uniform.
{68477}{68547}- Of course.|- You take care of yourself, dear.
{68584}{68639}You're not cross with me, are you?
{68640}{68713}- For what?|- For speaking to Dr. Strolin.
{68783}{68835}No, of course not.
{68898}{68954}Is he right?
{69004}{69060}I don't know.
{69136}{69202}I can't make up my mind.
{69204}{69273}But that's a dreadful thing|he proposes...
{69275}{69346}a great, tremendous, dreadful thing.
{69348}{69418}I don't know that I can|go along that far with him.
{69420}{69478}Then you shouldn't|if you don't think he's right.
{69480}{69563}I didn't say he wasn't right,|but even so...
{69565}{69684}is that the only way to handle it:|Treason?
{69685}{69768}That's what it comes down to,|no matter how right you think you are.
{69769}{69855}You think it will be better|to let things go along as they are?
{69857}{69953}No, no, I don't. But there must be|some better way of handling it.
{69955}{70073}I mean, if I could see him alone again|and explain the situation to him.
{70075}{70179}Can you tell me how a man can|fight a war under such conditions?
{70180}{70252}Isn't it enough|that we're facing an invasion without...
{70254}{70348}No, never mind now.|You don't have to decide this minute.
{70350}{70418}It'll come to you when it's time.
{70452}{70512}What do you think, really?
{70514}{70618}I can't tell you, dear.|I don't know.
{70620}{70716}But never mind now.|When the time comes,|something will tell you.
{70718}{70776}You better go along now.|You're late already.
{70870}{70935}- Write to me every day, will you?|- I will.
{70937}{71018}- A little something for the journey.|- Thank you, darling.
{71070}{71140}Good-bye, sweetheart.|Don't worry about me.
{71142}{71194}I'll try not to.
{71610}{71656}That's all, please.
{71776}{71867}Good-bye, son.|Take care of your mother|and be a good soldier.
{71868}{71915}Make me proud of you.
{71916}{72004}I'll try, Father. Are you going to|bring us back Montgomery?
{72006}{72064}The minute he steps ashore.
{72089}{72143}[Whispering]|Good-bye, darling.
{72144}{72191}Good-bye, darling.
{72484}{72589}[Young Narrating]|And then, finally, after|four long years of preparation...
{72591}{72651}it came... D day.
{72653}{72722}And the greatest armada|and the vastest movement...
{72724}{72817}of men and arms|in the history of the world,|rose from England...
{72818}{72894}and set out for the assault|on the beaches of Normandy...
{72896}{72966}and the German fortress of Europe.
{77357}{77417}From the moment|the Bohemian corporal...
{77419}{77492}promoted himself|to the supreme command of our forces...
{77493}{77590}the German army has been the victim|of a unique situation.
{77592}{77658}Not only too many of the enemy...
{77660}{77765}but one too many Germans.
{77767}{77833}You don't think he's ready|to give us the 15th Army yet?
{77835}{77900}I don't see how he can,|under the circumstances.
{77902}{77971}His astrologers have informed him|that this is only a feint...
{77973}{78048}that the real invasion is yet to come,|north of Calais.
{78049}{78144}The 15th Army is sitting|on those cold beaches up there...
{78146}{78212}waiting for an invasion|that has already taken place...
{78214}{78289}is an excellent example|of war by horoscope.
{78291}{78350}We've got to have those troops.
{78352}{78440}If we're not allowed to maneuver,|we've got to support these positions.
{78441}{78518}We've got to see him again about it.
{78520}{78584}I tell you this in confidence, Rommel.
{78586}{78693}I don't think anything we can do|would be of the slightest use.
{78721}{78804}The pattern for defeat|has already been set.
{78805}{78912}"Hold fast.|Don't give up a millimeter of ground.
{78913}{78994}Victory or death."|Wars simply can't be won...
{78996}{79111}by men whose knowledge of tactics|is based on copybook maxims.
{79113}{79204}It may stir schoolchildren,|but they don't stop troops.
{79206}{79296}Give me a free hand for a few months,|and I'd make them pay for it.
{79298}{79362}I'd make them pay|such a price in blood...
{79364}{79432}they'd wish|they'd never heard of Germany.
{79433}{79523}I might not be able to stop them all,|but they'd know they'd fought an army...
{79525}{79636}not a series of stationary targets.
{79637}{79685}And he'll never let us, of course.
{79687}{79756}You know how firm corporals are.
{80036}{80100}[Clattering]
{80420}{80490}Do you happen to know Karl Strolin?
{80529}{80612}- Strolin?|- The lord mayor of Stuttgart.
{80661}{80719}I remember that name from somewhere.
{80721}{80821}Or Doctor Goerdeler of Leipzig?
{80859}{80905}You too?
{80945}{81024}Every day that passes,|every minute of the day...
{81025}{81128}convinces me more and more that|theirs is the only possible solution.
{81129}{81196}Your words, you must understand,|mystify me.
{81197}{81266}They propose to arrest him,|take over the government...
{81268}{81356}and move immediately|to make peace with Eisenhower.
{81358}{81436}I shall, of course, deny|that this conversation ever took place.
{81438}{81502}But that's a particularly childish idea.
{81504}{81564}Eisenhower's not going to|make a separate peace.
{81566}{81638}And why should he,|with things going as well as they are?
{81640}{81699}That part of your plan|is doomed from the start.
{81701}{81784}But you don't disagree|with the basic proposal.
{81786}{81852}I'm sorry, but I don't believe|I heard the question.
{81853}{81914}In any case, if they came to you|for counsel or advice...
{81916}{81962}would you receive them?
{81964}{82010}Oh, no.
{82012}{82069}No.
{82071}{82133}No, I'm afraid not, Rommel.
{82135}{82235}It's too late...|much too late.
{82237}{82274}Even if they moved immediately?
{82274}{82320}Even if they moved immediately?
{82322}{82374}You misunderstand.
{82376}{82428}Not too late for that.
{82459}{82507}Too late for me.
{82532}{82599}I'm 70 now.
{82601}{82681}Too old to revolt.
{82683}{82762}Too old to challenge authority...
{82764}{82825}- however evil.|- [Tapping]
{83063}{83123}Berlin calling, sir.|Marshal Keitel.
{83323}{83392}- Keitel?|- Von Rundstedt.
{83394}{83462}- Here.|- Is this true about Cherbourg?
{83464}{83519}- I'm afraid so.|- This is dreadful.
{83521}{83578}How can I give such news to the fuhrer?
{83580}{83627}You've reported misfortune|to him before.
{83629}{83675}Why should this one|present such a problem?
{83677}{83769}But that's just it. We've had nothing|but bad news for weeks.
{83770}{83838}Isn't there any good news|I can give him at the same time?
{83840}{83890}Have you checked on the Russian Front|this morning?
{83892}{83945}We're not discussing|the Russian Front.
{83947}{83994}We're discussing yours.
{83995}{84062}This situation in the West|becomes worse with every report.
{84064}{84170}L-I'm actually embarrassed to give him|another disappointment like this.
{84172}{84219}Can't you think of anything|we can do about it?
{84221}{84298}Certainly. Give us those 90 divisions|of the 15th Army...
{84300}{84347}who are sitting around|Calais playing cards.
{84349}{84395}You know that's impossible.
{84397}{84463}The fuhrer has already explained|the necessity for leaving them there.
{84465}{84529}Very well then. Give us permission|to pull out of Normandy...
{84531}{84581}and set up a line|that we can defend properly.
{84583}{84681}Your orders are to fight where you are,|and that's what he expects you to do.
{84682}{84735}Is it possible you have no better|suggestion than that?
{84737}{84824}One very much better, in fact.
{84826}{84881}Make peace, you idiot.
{85399}{85475}- Good-bye again, Rommel.|- He'll never report that.
{85477}{85537}This very instant,|he's knocking at the corporal's door...
{85538}{85587}whimpering with happiness.
{85589}{85651}You must never forget this,|my dear fellow.
{85653}{85736}Victory has a hundred fathers.|Defeat is an orphan.
{85765}{85835}Within 24 hours,|you'll be named my successor.
{85837}{85892}And I extend to you my deepest sympathy.
{85894}{85961}That's nonsense.|He'll never let you go.
{86149}{86212}But not too old, I might add...
{86214}{86281}to wish your friends the best of luck...
{86282}{86364}in their extremely interesting project.
{86452}{86561}[Young Narrating]|Meanwhile, with their beachheads|irretrievably secured...
{86562}{86658}Allied tanks and men|had fanned out across France...
{86660}{86725}and begun their race for the Rhine.
{87578}{87629}Put these where|you can get to them quickly.
{87631}{87678}Also those files there.
{87680}{87762}- Keep the key, and use your...|own judgment about the rest.|- Very good, sir.
{87798}{87845}Field Marshal.
{88515}{88586}- Where is he?|- In the small room.
{88617}{88678}- Aldinger.|- Yes, sir.
{88883}{88980}- Colonel.|- I'll try to be as brief as possible.
{88982}{89042}- Perhaps you'd better keep|an eye on the corridor.|- Yes, sir.
{89237}{89333}- Well?|- We are faced with|an immediate decision, sir.
{89334}{89394}Three of our men|were arrested in Berlin yesterday.
{89395}{89445}They'll been made to talk, of course.
{89446}{89530}But fortunately their knowledge|of the people involved is... limited.
{89532}{89614}Nevertheless,|in the opinion of everyone,|there's no time to be lost.
{89615}{89676}We must act at once.
{89678}{89785}- And it's all set. Definitely.|- So I understand, sir.
{89787}{89845}The general's extremely anxious|to know...
{89846}{89912}if you're in a position to speak for|the commanders you mentioned to him.
{89914}{90002}At my word from this instant,|they're prepared to follow my lead.
{90004}{90081}Then I have|the field marshal's permission|to inform General Stulpnagel...
{90083}{90161}we may now act at will|and without further consultation?
{90254}{90341}Wait here, Colonel.|Come with me, Ruge.
{90420}{90478}- Clear this room, Aldinger.|- Yes, sir.
{90525}{90606}Outside. Never mind about that.|Outside.
{90652}{90710}Field Marshal Rommel speaking.
{90712}{90769}Put me through to Field Marshal Keitel.
{90826}{90923}I've got to be certain,|absolutely certain.
{90925}{90994}We can't go through with this|if there's even the remotest|sign of sense there.
{90996}{91047}[Ringing]
{91111}{91189}- Keitel.|- Rommel.
{91191}{91238}Now listen very carefully,|Keitel.
{91239}{91295}I've got to see the fuhrer at once.
{91297}{91369}Somewhere in France.|I can't explain on the telephone...
{91370}{91455}but you must make him understand that|it's a matter of the greatest urgency.
{91457}{91516}I suggest tomorrow morning.
{91518}{91569}[Young Narrating]|On. June 17...
{91571}{91684}they met in Hitler's|underground stronghold|at Margival near Soissons.
{91686}{91760}This is an extremely difficult duty,|my fuhrer.
{91762}{91825}But circumstances|leave me with no choice.
{91826}{91906}We've reached a crisis that calls for|a decision on the highest level.
{91908}{91996}But you've said that!|You've said that before!
{91998}{92046}Every time I talk to you|we're facing another crisis.
{92048}{92150}When the enemy|has overwhelming superiority|on land, at sea and in the air...
{92152}{92212}and continues to grow stronger|with every hour...
{92214}{92268}while we grow weaker|at the same rate...
{92270}{92313}that to me is a crisis|by any standards that I understand.
{92314}{92344}A crisis that should be examined|promptly and realistically.
{92344}{92416}A crisis that should be examined|promptly and realistically.
{92418}{92501}That's you!|That's you! Like always!
{92503}{92566}When everything's going well,|you're willing enough.
{92568}{92624}But at the first sign of a difficulty...
{92626}{92672}you become a defeatist,|a complete defeatist.
{92674}{92769}Are you perhaps interested|why you didn't succeed von Rundstedt?
{92770}{92860}This is why!
{92862}{92946}It maybe had been better|if I'd replaced you altogether!
{92984}{93057}Have you at least|a little confidence in me?
{93059}{93147}More it would seem|than the fuhrer has in me.|May I continue?
{93149}{93227}And what my V-bombs are doing|to London, has no one told you?
{93229}{93299}Yes, sir. But why not|to the beachheads?
{93301}{93363}Because that's not their purpose.|They have not that accuracy.
{93365}{93425}They need a whole city for a target.|Then they cannot miss.
{93427}{93522}Then why not|the embarkation ports... Plymouth,|Southampton. Portsmouth?
{93523}{93596}No, no, no, no!|That's...
{93598}{93724}That's exactly what I mean|when I say you're no good at|thinking above the battlefield.
{93726}{93787}The British don't care|for those villages.
{93789}{93837}It's their London that they love.
{93838}{93914}They don't want to see it destroyed|the way I'm going to destroy it.
{93916}{93972}In two more weeks,|remember my words.
{93974}{94049}They'll be screaming for surrender.|Just wait. You'll see.
{94051}{94103}To continue, sir.
{94105}{94170}The struggle is over on this front.
{94172}{94245}Within these two weeks,|you must be prepared to see the enemy...
{94247}{94321}break through our lines and|push out into the interior of France.
{94323}{94371}Militarily, the end is already in sight.
{94373}{94462}- We have nothing more to throw in.|- Hmph.
{94464}{94513}What is it you're proposing?
{94514}{94602}- That we surrender?|- I give you the facts, sir.
{94604}{94668}I only ask that you|draw the proper conclusions.
{94670}{94749}Proper to whom?|To you!
{94895}{94995}I suggest to you, Rommel, that you|confine your genius to fighting...
{94997}{95099}and leave the conduct of the war|to those who are responsible for it!
{95101}{95149}My apologies, sir.
{95150}{95216}Now, if the fuhrer|will honor me with his advice...
{95218}{95299}The V-weapon, for your information,|happens to be only the first...
{95301}{95415}in a whole series of weapons that will|completely revolutionize all warfare!
{95417}{95501}I've a second a hundred times|as powerful and a third in mind...
{95503}{95555}a thousand times|more destructive than the second!
{95557}{95605}But the crisis is now, sir.
{95607}{95710}I've a dozen others,|all of them capable of turning|the whole course of the war!
{95711}{95788}But what about now, sir?|What are we to do tomorrow morning?
{95790}{95862}While you've been deciding|that all is lost...
{95864}{95925}we've been working,|working miracles...
{95926}{96004}determining the course of history|for centuries to come!
{96006}{96065}In the workshops,|in the laboratories...
{96066}{96125}we've been turning out|machines of destruction such as...
{96126}{96189}the enemy has never dreamed of!
{96191}{96286}I have one in mind...|I have a weapon in mind...
{96400}{96494}[Young Narrating]|Now, definitely committed to|the plot to assassinate his fuhrer...
{96495}{96582}Rommel was still trying to|whip fight into his crumbling front...
{96584}{96678}when on. June 17|on a country road near a village...
{96680}{96769}with the ominous name|of Montgomery...
{96793}{96862}- [Plane Diving]|- Aircraft.
{97150}{97213}[Machine Gun Firing]
{97251}{97313}[Tires Screeching]
{97989}{98052}Three days later, on. July 20...
{98054}{98144}while Rommel still lay unconscious|in a hospital in France...
{98146}{98235}Adolf Hitler and his staff|gathered for their fateful conference...
{98237}{98342}in a fortified barracks|at his headquarters in East Prussia.
{99386}{99467}The fuhrer, gentlemen.
{99514}{99593}He handles his panzers|like a cavalry officer.
{99594}{99649}Thank you, gentlemen.
{99770}{99833}- My fuhrer.|- Yes.
{99834}{99882}- Stauffenberg, sir.|- Yes! Yes, yes.
{99883}{99949}- Stauffenberg, of course,|from General Fromm.|- Yes, sir.
{99950}{100001}- Good to see you again.|- Thank you, my fuhrer.
{100003}{100129}Lh... Gentlemen.|Your attention, please.
{100130}{100233}Excuse me, please.|I have a report from General Fromm.
{100461}{100547}- Where's Goering?|- On his way now, sir.
{100549}{100632}- Well, when you are fat,|you don't move so fast.|- [Laughing]
{100734}{100783}- Colonel-Count von Stauffenberg?|- Yes.
{100785}{100831}- Telephone, sir.|- Thank you.
{100958}{101014}Excuse me.
{101431}{101545}[Hitler]|All right. Suppose we start|with the Russian Front.
{102170}{102259}Fuhrer. Fuhrer!
{102713}{102762}[Coughing]
{102812}{102881}Are you all right, my fuhrer?
{102912}{103001}Yeah. I'm all right.
{103063}{103168}[Young Narrating]|For that failure, 5,000 suspects|paid with their lives...
{103170}{103257}during the few days|that Hitler spent in hospital.
{103258}{103359}As for Rommel, recuperating|at Herrlingen from injuries|that would have destroyed...
{103361}{103407}any but the toughest of men...
{103409}{103484}all public mention|ofhis name suddenly stopped...
{103486}{103533}and the complete and official silence...
{103534}{103621}settled over the subject|of the nation's most-celebrated soldier.
{103623}{103709}For three months, he remained|in this sinister isolation...
{103710}{103833}- [Ringing]|- Until the afternoon|of October 13 in 1944.
{103834}{103899}- Keitel?|- How are you, Rommel?
{103901}{103990}- Getting along, thank you.|- Well enough yet to come up to Berlin?
{103992}{104095}I'm afraid not yet.|In another week or two, perhaps. Why?
{104097}{104164}I could send a special train for you.
{104166}{104252}That's very good of you,|but I really don't|feel up to it yet.
{104254}{104307}Is there some particular urgency|about it?
{104309}{104379}How soon do you think|you'll be ready for another command?
{104381}{104474}Another two weeks, I suppose.|Three at the most.
{104476}{104577}If we send someone there,|would you be able to discuss|the situation with him?
{104578}{104629}Of course.
{104630}{104691}Very well, I'll send Burgdorf.|You know him, don't you?
{104693}{104792}- I've met him.|- Suppose I have him drive|down tomorrow morning?
{104794}{104858}- Would that be convenient for you?|- Perfectly.
{104860}{104933}He'll have full information|and instructions.
{104935}{105010}- Will you give my best regards|to Frau Rommel?|- I will.
{105012}{105079}- And thank you very much.|- Good-bye, then.
{105081}{105139}Good-bye.
{105568}{105678}Keitel. He's talking about|another command again.
{105680}{105781}- When?|- When I feel like it, I suppose.
{106159}{106257}Eh, he sends his best regards to you.
{107224}{107281}[Rings Doorbell]
{107408}{107481}- We're here to see Field Marshal Rommel.|- I'll tell him, sir.
{107483}{107549}- Would you tell him that...|- Come in, Burgdorf.
{107732}{107832}- Field Marshal.|- It's good to see you again.|And you, General.
{107834}{107911}- I don't believe you've met my wife.|- I haven't had the pleasure, sir.
{107913}{107970}My dear, will you allow me to present|General Burgdorf and General...
{107972}{108018}- Maisel, sir.|- General Maisel.
{108020}{108067}This is my son Manfred|and Captain Aldinger.
{108069}{108128}- I hope you're not too tired|from your journey.|- Not at all.
{108130}{108193}- Thank you, Frau Rommel.|- Have you time for a luncheon|and a glass of wine?
{108194}{108277}Thank you, sir. We're due back in Berlin|as quickly as we can make it.
{108279}{108344}Very well, then.|If you'll excuse us, dear.|This way, gentlemen.
{108346}{108427}- Our apologies, Frau Rommel.|- Of course, but I'm disappointed.
{108429}{108486}- Another time, perhaps.|- I hope so.
{108844}{108918}I hope it's the Russian Front,|don't you?
{109004}{109061}Make yourselves comfortable.
{109063}{109114}Smoke, if you wish.
{109116}{109201}I'm not like Montgomery.|Smoke doesn't make me unhappy.
{109288}{109338}At your service, gentlemen.
{109374}{109433}We come directly from the fuhrer,|Field Marshal.
{109435}{109500}- Yes.|- And what we have to say to you...
{109502}{109557}comes directly from his lips.
{109558}{109669}- Yes.|- Our instructions are|to tell you first...
{109670}{109719}of his deep appreciation...
{109721}{109819}of your many heroic services|to the state.
{109843}{109890}Go on.
{109891}{109961}And his regrets over|your unfortunate accident.
{109962}{110067}I was sure his silence|meant only that there were more|important matters on his mind.
{110099}{110170}It's a pity that after such a record...
{110171}{110229}If you'll forgive me,|may we skip your reflections...
{110230}{110277}and get to the message|you have for me?
{110278}{110335}Of course, sir.
{110955}{111012}You'll observe|that the charges are supported...
{111014}{111077}by an overwhelming body of testimony.
{111078}{111135}I can read, thank you.
{111375}{111465}You've been uncommonly fortunate|in deathbed confessions.
{111466}{111553}It's all perfectly legal,|I assure you, sir.
{111846}{111965}You may inform the fuhrer|that I look forward to answering|these charges in court.
{111967}{112042}You... You don't intend|to deny them, do you?
{112044}{112121}I said, you may inform the fuhrer|that I look forward...
{112123}{112188}to answering the charges in court.
{112190}{112273}The fuhrer is extremely hopeful|that this matter can be settled...
{112275}{112365}without exposing it to the inevitable|publicity of a court trial.
{112367}{112447}Very well, then.|Let him withdraw the charges.
{112449}{112520}His view is that nothing but harm|for everyone could come from a trial.
{112521}{112551}My orders are to remind you|in the strongest terms...
{112551}{112654}My orders are to remind you|in the strongest terms...
{112656}{112764}of the damage testimony like this|could do to your name and reputation.
{112766}{112840}And what does he expect me to do?|Plead guilty to you?
{112842}{112911}Well, naturally, not that, of course.
{112912}{112999}I know what he wants.|He wants me to keep my mouth shut.
{113001}{113080}He doesn't want me to tell what happened|where it can be heard.
{113082}{113165}Well, you may tell him for me|that's very thoughtful of him...
{113167}{113277}but that I'm quite capable|of taking care of my own name|and reputation in my own way...
{113279}{113340}which will be in a proper court of law.
{113342}{113390}But to what end, sir?
{113391}{113449}The verdict is already indicated.
{113536}{113599}He told you to tell me that too?
{113601}{113647}The evidence is there.
{113649}{113702}What defense is possible?
{113704}{113814}Then, what does he suggest?
{113815}{113889}Before we go further,|the field marshal should be warned...
{113891}{113947}that this house is entirely surrounded.
{113949}{114004}My orders, sir.|I'm sure you understand.
{114006}{114094}- And the both of us are armed.|- What does he want done?
{114137}{114220}His belief is that it would|be to the best interests|of all concerned...
{114222}{114320}if you should see fit|to relieve the situation yourself...
{114322}{114390}quietly and without delay.
{114391}{114489}- Go on.|- The advantages of|a solution like that...
{114491}{114570}over an ugly exchange|of recriminations in an open court...
{114572}{114656}are, in his opinion,|several and obvious.
{114658}{114720}Most important to him,|of course...
{114722}{114793}would be the preservation|of your name and fame.
{114795}{114862}And he would see to it himself|not the slightest suspicion...
{114863}{114911}would be attached|to the way of your going.
{114913}{115002}As far as the rest|of the nation would know,|you'd succumbed...
{115003}{115062}finally to your war wounds.
{115063}{115126}That would be|the official announcement.
{115127}{115236}And the state would|then honor your memory|and your family as well...
{115238}{115290}with a generosity|that would be historic.
{115292}{115359}That was his word, "historic."
{115361}{115462}Your name would live on|in the glory it once deserved...
{115464}{115571}while your wife and son would never|want for either safety or comfort...
{115572}{115629}as long as they live.
{115671}{115764}- I have a choice?|- In a sense, yes.
{115790}{115871}The choice to die now...|or later.
{115899}{115954}It amounts to that, I'm afraid.
{115991}{116054}How long have I|to make this choice?
{116055}{116146}We're due back in Berlin|as early this evening as we can make it.
{116148}{116243}The penalty in this case, I'm told...
{116245}{116329}would be the garrote...|death by strangulation.
{116331}{116444}The drug I've brought with me|is effective in three seconds...
{116446}{116505}and painless.
{116895}{116957}Tell him for me...
{116959}{117046}that in spite of the disadvantages|you've been kind enough to point out...
{117048}{117117}I'll take the trial.
{117119}{117165}It may be, as you say,|a futile defense...
{117167}{117216}but I think it should be heard|nevertheless.
{117218}{117315}There might be some value|in it for those who hear it.
{117317}{117416}It might even move some to stop|and think for a moment or two...
{117418}{117484}as finally I did...
{117486}{117553}though, unfortunately, too late.
{117555}{117634}In any case, it's my life,|and that's my choice.
{117669}{117742}I confess my disappointment|with your choice, sir.
{117744}{117833}My heart, of course, bleeds for you.
{117835}{117923}The unfortunate part of it|is that if you insist on a trial...
{117925}{117994}I have no authority|to offer any guarantees...
{117995}{118051}for the safety and comfort|of your son...
{118053}{118127}and widow.
{118258}{118287}[Door Opening]
{118287}{118307}[Door Opening]
{118447}{118505}They're coming out now.
{118664}{118745}- All over, sir?|- I believe so.
{118820}{118903}- We'll wait outside, sir.|- I won't be long.
{118934}{118993}Well, we hardly expected such a...
{119098}{119153}- Over already?|- Wait there, please.
{119155}{119210}I'll be down in a few moments.
{119417}{119472}What is it, Erwin?
{119474}{119550}I want you to be strong, darling.
{119552}{119647}I want you to be very strong|and very brave.
{119649}{119755}- Do you understand?|- Yes.
{119756}{119820}I've got to go away now...
{119822}{119897}and I won't be back.
{119899}{119958}Do you want me to tell you any more?
{119960}{120007}There's no way out?
{120009}{120101}No. But it won't be too terrible, uh...
{120103}{120188}They're giving me a drug.|It's painless and effective immediately.
{120190}{120302}We're leaving now,|and I'll do it as quickly as possible.
{120303}{120368}We've got guns, sir.|Can't we make a break for it?
{120370}{120417}No, there's nothing|that can be done.
{120419}{120486}They've thought of everything.
{120558}{120604}But at least we could get them.
{120606}{120680}There's nothing to be done, I tell you.
{120682}{120762}I've got to do exactly as they say.
{120819}{120865}Yes, sir.
{120969}{121075}- Are you going to be brave now?|- I don't know.
{121076}{121150}You and Manfred will be all right.|They've assured me of that.
{121152}{121231}And nobody's to know about this but us.
{121233}{121372}- Are you sure there's no other way?|- No other, darling.
{121407}{121490}- Have you told Manfred yet?|- I'll tell him when I go down.
{121492}{121545}No. Let me tell him.
{121573}{121625}I can tell him so much better.
{121670}{121733}If you wish.
{122027}{122085}I'll get my coat now.
{122087}{122166}It's cold, and I don't want to shiver.
{122555}{122625}The field marshal's coming out now.
{122891}{122967}- You're going now?|- Why not?
{123024}{123071}But are you well enough?
{123072}{123158}Of course, I've just been taking it easy|on you and your mother.
{123159}{123230}Is it Russia?
{123314}{123402}Good-bye, Aldinger,|old dear friend.
{123404}{123463}Good-bye, sir.
{123464}{123561}- Take care of them.|- Yes, sir.
{123563}{123622}Can't you tell me?
{123624}{123673}Don't ask so many questions.
{123675}{123730}You know better than to talk like that|to a field marshal.
{123731}{123786}But when will we know?
{123787}{123854}Before very long.
{123890}{123953}- Good-bye, son. Be a good boy.|- Good-bye, Father.
{123955}{124025}You'll stop them, won't you?
{124027}{124075}We'll see.
{124287}{124334}[Mouths Words]
{124375}{124424}Good-bye, dear.
{124459}{124515}[Engine Starting]
{124739}{124790}[Young Narrating]|During that last short ride...
{124791}{124844}what may Rommel's thoughts have been?
{124846}{124963}Were they bitter that he had|learned too slowly and struck too late?
{124965}{125046}Or did they go back to the desert,|where his military genius...
{125048}{125105}had first electrified the world?
{125107}{125174}First, at Mikkeli.
{125236}{125290}Then Tobruk.
{125343}{125406}Yes, and even El Alamein.
{125499}{125583}In any case, his life and fate|have best been summed up...
{125585}{125701}ironically enough, in the words|of Nazi Germany's sternest enemy...
{125703}{125772}the honorable Winston Churchill.
{125774}{125903}[Churchill]|His ardor and daring inflicted|grievous disasters upon us...
{125905}{125990}but he deserves the salute|which I made him...
{125992}{126114}in the House of Commons|in. January 1942.
{126116}{126186}He also deserves our respect...
{126187}{126289}because, although|a loyal German soldier...
{126291}{126380}he came to hate Hitler|and all his works...
{126382}{126487}and took part|in the conspiracy to rescue Germany...
{126489}{126610}by displacing|the maniac and tyrant.
{126611}{126734}For this,|he paid the forfeit ofhis life.
{126735}{126816}In the somber wars|of modern democracy...
{126818}{126912}there is little place for chivalry.
{126937}{127062}Odwiedź www.NAPiSY.info