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Decision Before Dawn (1951)
Of all the questions
left unanswered by the last war- and probably any war- one comes back constantly to my mind- - Why does a spy risk his life- for what possible reasons? If the spy wins, he's ignored. lfhe loses, he's shot. But a man stays alive as long as he's remembered and is killed only by forgetfulness. Let the names of men like this remain unknown... but let the memories of some of them serve as keys to the meanings of treason. On the 8th of December, 1944, six months after a piece of enemy shrapnel... cut short my career with the Second Assault and Signal Company on Omaha Beach... I was reassigned by headquarters, Com. "Z", E. T. O... and ordered to report to a new outfit- G2, S.S.S., Seventh Army. That's what it was called. There'd been no snow and a lot of Krauts when I left France. And now the Krauts were backed up against the Rhine, and the snow was everywhere. Otherwise, the war hadn't changed much- crowded in the rear areas... and lonely as you got nearer and nearer the front... with nothing but a map to tell you where the enemy was supposed to be. But you soon discovered if your map was accurate enough. - Hey, what's that? - It's a German half-track. That's what it is. I don't get it. That wasn't here when I came by this morning. - Well, let's turn around here and find out where we are. - Yes, sir. - Stop right here. - Yes, sir. I'm sorry, sir. I keep tellin' 'em back at headquarters... I got no sense of direction, but they just won't listen to me. A soldier's not much good if he can't find his way back to his own outfit. - It's like not bein' able to find your way home. - My home? My home's in Boise. For cryin' out- We've come 20 miles out of the way. - Now we'll probably have to fight our way through a whole Kraut- Come on. Get outta there! Give it up, you rats. Come on! Move it on! Keep your hands up. - Over this way. Move.! - Come on. Get the lead out. Move over there. That's close enough. Right there. You frisk 'em. I'll keep 'em covered. Hey, you. I said, keep your hands up. That's what I meant. Come on! Stand still. - Watch those hands, soldier. - He was hit by shrapnel, sir. - You're in the Luftwaffe. What are you doin' around here? - I'm with a flak group. - We're attached to an infantry division. - Yeah? Which one? I'm sorry, sir, but I can't tell you anything that isn't in my Soldbuch. - Want me to refresh his memory, Lieutenant? - Ah, leave him alone. Where's your C.P.? - I don't know. We got lost. - They're not the only ones. "Richter, Paul. Unteroffizier." He's weak, sir. We haven't eaten for three days. Not half as weak as he's gonna be if you don't keep those hands up. - Here. You look like you could use a shot yourself. - No, thank you. All right. Climb aboard. All right. Out, soldiers. - Where'd you pick 'em up, Lieutenant? - About five miles from here. Over here, you two. Hey, I'm supposed to report to a town called Marmoutier. You know where that is? Stay on this road till you get to a town called Saverne. - Before you get into town, take the first fork left. You can't miss it. - Okay. Thanks. Hey, here's their Soldbuchs. - Hey, you want the pistol, Lieutenant? - Yeah. Gimme that. - Pistol. - In there, you two. Come on. I want to thank you, sir, for treating us with kindness. Come on, Kraut-heads. Get movin'. You're holdin' up the war. Well, we finally made it. Strange as it seemed to me then... - this was the headquarters to which I was assigned. Just a moment, sir. Sister Teresa's coming. - Bonjour, MonsieurJean. - How was the hunting this morning? No good, Sister Beatrice. There wasn't a chicken on the road. - This is it, sir. Sorry about getting lost. - Oh, forget it. - I just hope this is the right place. - Through here, sir. The adjutant's office is right in the courtyard. I'll get the bags to your room. Hey, bud, how do I get to the adjutant? Around the corner to your left, sir. Hey, Monique, will you show the lieutenant the way? - You wish to see le capitaine? - Yeah, I guess so. This way, please. - The children are from the orphanage here. - Oh. Of course. - Here you are, sir. - Thank you. - Monsieur Watkins, the officer wants to see Capitaine Siebert. - What can I do for you? - This the headquarters of G2, S.S.S.? - That's right. I've got orders to report here. Oh. You're the new communications officer. Colonel Devlin will sure be glad to see you. If you'll follow me, please. Mm! Could I see your A.G.O. card? Sorry. Security regulations. Thanks. - Morning, Sister Genevieve. How are you today? The sisters certainly take good care of us. They've adopted us just like their orphans. Yeah. It's quite a place. We had a hard time finding one until Captain Siebert located this. We don't like to be too close to the army. Sometimes they don't understand our procedure. I can see their point. After five years, they're fixing the place up again. Our guys are tryin' to help. - Up here? - Yes, sir. - Watkins, sir. - What is it, Watkins? - This is our new communications officer. Here's his orders, sir. - Lt. Rennick, reporting for duty. Glad you finally got here. Sit down. I'll be with you in a minute. Where was I? - "That the intelligence penetration"- - Oh, yes. That the intelligence penetration of Germany by French or Alsatian agents... or by any non-German personnel is practically an impossibility. Okay, Simonson? - Yes, sir. - Now for the rough part. I ask that you reconsider our request with the use of German prisoners of war in our work. We've already located many promising candidates in several P.W. camps. How about the men down at the Sarrebourg cage? - They said they'd hold 'em another day or two, sir. - All right. These men, I believe, if properly trained and used, can help save American lives. - We intend to take only volunteers, and in that case- Pinpoint Forward. Captain Siebert speaking. Yes, he's here. Just a minute. G2 Seventh Army, sir. Devlin speaking. Yes, sir. Then we can go ahead as discussed? Well, I'm sure you won't regret it. Thank you, sir. Bye. Forget the memo. The old boy came through. Army says, try it out. - That's very gracious of them. - This calls for a drink, don't you think, Colonel? - Right. Break out the Quetch, Harold. - Aye, aye, sir. Oh, I'm sorry. I forgot to introduce you. - This is Gevers, Recruiting. - Hi. - Major Richards, our exec. - Welcome to our club. - Vincent, Documents. - Hello, Lieutenant. Siebert-Where is he? Oh. Siebert, Security. - Glad to meet you, Lieutenant. - Sergeant Simonson... - best red tape specialist, both sides of the Atlantic. - Thank you, sir. - This is Lieutenant, uh- What was your name again? - Rennick. That's right. Lieutenant Rennick. Our new communications officer. Richards, we'll want transportation first thing in the morning for Sarrebourg. Well, we're finally gonna pay a visit to your German friends, Pete. Pardon me, but if I may, I'd like to talk with you about my duties. Well, it can wait till morning, can't it? How about coming to Sarrebourg? lt'll give you an idea of what it's all about. - Votre sant, messieurs- or should I say, prost. - Prost.! No, sir. Not me. When a man gets his life handed back to him like I just did... he'd be a fool to put it up for sale again. - I'll do any kind of work you want, but- - Next man. I have never been interested in politics. They forced me to join the party. It was the only way I could get a promotion. All right. Next man. Sergeant Rudolph Barth reporting, sir. At ease, Sergeant. Sit down. - You smoke? - Yes, sir. I do. Dick? - Thank you. - Uh, not now. What unit were you with when captured? Twenty-fourth Infantry- or what was left of it. - Did you desert? - No, sir. I was caught by one of your patrols while, uh- while visiting the wife of an Alsatian farmer. She was a very lonely woman, sir. How long have you been in the Wehrmacht, Barth? - Since '41, unfortunately. - And before that? I worked in a Panzer factory in Hamburg, and before that I was with the circus. Yes, sir. I took care of two tigers and a lion- a lioness to be exact. - I lost my job when the old woman died. - Have you ever been in jail? - Yes sir, in '36 in Dsseldorf and in '42 in Norway. - And what were the charges? In civilian life, theft, and in the army- how shall I say- uh, insubordination. I hope it won't count against me. - And what are your political convictions? - My political convictions? - Never been able to afford any. - Then why do you want to work for us? Because you are winning the war. Isn't that a good enough reason? Well, good or bad, I suppose it's a valid one. In other words, you don't mind the general disaster, as long as you come out ahead. If you want to put it that way. I guess a few years ago, for the same reason, you were shouting, "Sieg heil." No. Not that. That was one swindle I never fell for. They were too much like my cats to suit me- dangerous to turn your back on. Would you work for us even if it meant risking your life? I didn't expect the job to be safe or pleasant. Why should you take Germans for safe work when your own people are in danger? - All right, Sergeant. We'll think about it. - Next. This next guy's supposed to be an experienced radioman. - Pardon me. May I ask you a question now, sir? - What is it? How much do you pay? Thanks a lot, Sergeant. Don't forget to keep our guys separated from the others. I know what you mean, sir. I'll take care of it. This way, sir. - Look. - I wonder what he's doing here. Don't you know? They look for volunteers who will work for them. - Have they found any? - Yes. But there are men here who will remember their names. And someday, when we've won, they'll be taken care of. "When we've won"? You still believe in that? Here they come- the volunteers. Look at them. They are ready to do anything just to save their own hides. - Like most of us. - What did you say? Yes, we are no different from them. We didn't care what happened to others as long as they didn't bother any of us. We just closed our eyes and went along until we found ourselves forced to fight the wrong enemy. You sound as if you're all set to join the Americans yourself. I don't know. That takes courage. The trouble with me is I want to stay alive. Like most of us, I talk but I do nothing. Paul? Paul, are you asleep? No. What is it? Did you see their faces this morning out in the yard? Yes. For some of them, nothing is changed- even now. Richter, the Amis want you for questioning. - The Americans want me now? - Yes. Come with me. Sergeant Paul Richter... you are facing a court-martial of the Wehrmacht. You are accused of treason against your fhrer and your fatherland. Have you anything to say in your defense? - What are you doing here? - Eavesdropping, eh? Get it over with. Quick! - What happened? - One of the P. W.'s fell out of the window. Let's get him inside before there's more trouble. - Hey, you fellas, come over with that light. - All right. - Break it up, guys. - Come on. There's nothing to look at. Break it up, I said. Get back to your bunks. - Which room did the guy fall from? - Fall? Are you kidding? He was pushed. Better keep your mouth shut, Junge. All right. Let's go. Well, what about you? Let's go. - Monsieur Rennick. Monsieur Rennick. - Yeah? Sergeant Watkins asked me to tell you, there is a German to see you downstairs. A soldier. - Morning, Griffin. - Morning, sir. You wanted to see me? What's it all about? I remembered you from the morning I was captured, sir. I thought maybe you can help me. - The morning you were captured? - Don't you remember those Krauts we picked up in Hagenau woods? Oh, yeah. How's your friend doin'? He was killed, sir, ten days ago. He was killed? By whom? - He was murdered by some of the other prisoners. - Yeah, I heard about that. - He was pushed out of a window, wasn't he? - Yes. - Coffee, Dick? - No, thanks. - Is that why you came here? - No, sir. It is-Well... I want to work for you, and I thought you might be able to help me. - You know what you're gettin' into? - It doesn't matter. Even if it means fighting against your own people? I believe fighting against them now is fighting for them. You sure it isn't the murder of your friend that's prompting you to do this? No, sir. That was only the last thing that happened. - Sit down. - Thank you. Look, it's none of my business, but the job you'll have to do here... isn't as clean and simple as you may think. I don't feel there's any difference between one way of fighting or another. Isn't the important thing to believe in what you're fighting for? Well, what do you believe in? Do you know? Or does it change when your crowd's taking a beating? Pete, got a cigarette? Sit down, Corporal. Don't let me interrupt. - Thank you, sir. - Go ahead. What do you believe in? I don't quite know how to say it... but I believe in a life in which one is not always afraid... in a life in which people are free and honest with each other. And I know we won't have this in Germany... until- until we have lost. That sounds great. What makes you so sure you'll be able to stick to these convictions? Things will change. You'll be facing your own people. It may become hard for you then to hold on to your beliefs. No, not any harder than it has been. Not any harder than fighting for something I knew was wrong. You were a medic. You didn't really fight. To be there is to fight. There's something in what you say, Corporal. Griffin. Griffin! - Yes, sir? - Tell Major Richards I want to keep this man here a few days. - Yes, sir. - We'll let you know. This way. Seems like a decent kid. What do you think, Pete? Yeah, quite unusual in this racket. As a matter of fact, he looks like one of the few Krauts we can trust. How about you, Rennick? I'm a signal officer, sir. I'm sorry, I... really have no opinion about any of them. That didn't seem to be the case a moment ago. The way you talked to this kid sounded as if you had a pretty definite point of view. - What is it? - Well, if you want to know, sir, l- I think they're all a bunch of lice. If I had to make a choice, I'd go along with this guy from the circus. He's a crook... but at least he doesn't kid himself about why he's workin' for us. I think you're wrong about the boy, Rennick. There are all kinds of traitors. I have no more sympathy with 'em than you. But our personal feelings are unimportant as long as these men are serving our cause. That's why from now on, when you're on the job, you'll have only one opinion- and that's the right one for the job. - Everything set for tonight? - Yes. 0200 hours. Tiger and Freddy. Be sure and check their briefing before you take them through. It's their first time. Oh, and Pete, I want Lieutenant Rennick to go along. It may do you some good. That's all. See you later. 0200 hours. Apiece of no-man's-land... was indicated by Division G2 as a spot where two of our agents, known as Tiger and Freddy... were to be smuggled through enemy lines. They were to secure information on S.S. and elite troops in this sector. It was... a so-called "tourist"mission. - Minefield. Wait here. - Minefield. Wait. - Mines. Remember, the most important thing is exact map coordinates for your report. No report at all is better than one in which you're not 100% sure. - That's simple. What I want to know is- - Just let me do the talkin'. Tiger, what I was tryin' to say is sometimes, out of ambition... you're apt to exaggerate- report things you haven't seen. - Me? I never lie. - That's exactly what I meant. You may not lie, but you certainly exaggerate. - Okay. We can go now. Single file. - Come on. Single file. The captain said he'd give us a short artillery barrage just for cover. It should start at any moment now. That's it. Better get them ready, Lieutenant. - Okay? - Freddy, you first. Don't forget, your danger signal's a group of five "D's." Time of transmission- 2400. - I want to ask a question. - What is it? - Who is the captain of the team? Who is in command? - Quiet! - You are, Tiger. And you're responsible for your teammate. - All right. As long as I know. - Okay. Good luck to both of you. - Go ahead. I'll follow you. Okay. But remember, from now on I'm giving orders. Let's go. North. Just keep to your left. We'll stop 'em in just a moment. The German lines are about 300 yards over there. One, two, three, four. One, two, three, four. One, two, three, four. - Dede, take over. - Hey, Lang, here's a new guest for your hotel. Yeah. I know all about him. Over here. Ready? Exercise. One, two, three, four. One, two- Monique. Hey, Monique. This is the man we got the file on this morning. Code name's "Happy." Yes, sir. I'll- I'll put him in with Tiger and Fritz. - Well, lotsa luck. You're in good hands now. - Follow me, please. The cot near the window. You make your own bed here. All personal belongings will be turned over to me, and you will get a receipt for them. And what about my wallet? They took it away from me. I had a couple of photographs of my mother and father. I would like to keep them if possible. All your personal documents will be kept in the headquarters' safe until the war is over. - You have been told your code name is "Happy"? - Yes. As you will see by this list of regulations, under no circumstances... will you reveal your true name or identity to anyone. Remember that. All right now, Happy. Ho-o-old it. Good. - Father's name? - Friedrich Maurer. - Profession? - A doctor. He's a surgeon. - When did you last see him? - Uh, about a year ago in Berlin. He was in charge of the hospital there. I thought in America only criminals were fingerprinted. Come on, boys. Come on. Come on. Over here. Over here. Come on. Let's go. Hurry up. Here is an example of the Wehrmacht blacklist. It's the greatest single danger that confronts an agent in the Reich. It carries the names of all suspects. It's brought up to date by a weekly supplement... which carries the number of the week on its cover. - Hey, what's the matter, Happy? - Move it out. Come on. Stay on your feet. Don't let that chute drag you. No. Pull hard on the bottom line. - Rennick! Rennick- - Yes, sir. - Rennick! Rennick- - Yes, sir. - When was our last radio contact with Freddy? - About four nights ago. - Did he send his danger signal? - No. He came in on schedule- stayed on the air for about 20 minutes, from midnight on. According to your notes, wasn't that the evening he said he last saw him? Yes, sir- at approximately 9:00. What do you want me to assume- Lieutenant Rennick is lying and you're telling the truth? - I don't know I... may have made a mistake. I'm sorry. - You may have made a mistake. We warned you before you left that you were responsible for the safety of your teammate. You show up with a story. He was picked up by the Wehrmacht and shipped to the eastern front. I'm telling the truth. I warned him not to go out at night, but he wouldn't listen. - How do you know they shipped him to the eastern front? - I had friends in Mannheim. - One of them checked on it. - Wait a minute. Didn't you say before... you couldn't get along with Freddy- you had some kind of an argument? - Were you lyin' then or now? - I am not lying, sir. Yes, we had an argument. I got mad and hit him. And he- he ran out in the street. - Why didn't you tell us that before? - I did. I just didn't say it was the same night. I... was frightened, that's all. You know as well as I do, before summer is over we'll be in Germany, in every city and town. If you've betrayed us, double agent or plain crook you'll wind up in front of a firing squad. I have nothing to worry about. I haven't been disloyal, sir. I haven't- - Get him out of here. Watkins. - Yes, sir. Come on.! - Give me a chance to prove what I've said is true. - Get out! Got a cigarette, Rennick? - Not the best liar I've heard, but certainly the biggest. - Wonder how much Krauts paid him. Pete, I want him sent back to theJoe house and treated as if nothing had happened. - Siebert, get C.I.C. on it right away, and tell 'em it's urgent. - Yes, sir. Hello. Get me Captain Hendrickson, 708 Cadet Forward, please. I know it sounds crazy, but he may be telling the truth. He's too smart a liar to lie that badly. Well, what's new in Company "D"? Say, you know what the "D" stands for? "The damned." That's what we are. Here, Moniquechen. If anyone deserves a second helping tonight, I do. I don't have to tell you, the food on the other side of our glorious Rhine stinks. What's the matter with all of you? I go out and do a job while the rest of you sit here by the fire... and when I come back you look at me as if- - Well, for heaven's sake, say something. - What happened to Freddy? - He was your teammate, wasn't he? - Sure he was, and he got caught. So what? That's a chance everyone of us takes. Anyway, I remember none of you were this upset about Red when he got lost. - Red? That was different. - How do you know it was? - What do any of you know about it, huh? Nothing. - Listen to him talk. Freddy got caught because he wasn't smart enough. He was dumb, thick-headed- like the rest of you! Silence, Tiger! And knock it off, all of ya's. All right. Forget it. Here. You haven't forgotten the old song, "Will This All Be Remembered"? Well, they are playing it all over again. - Um, may I have a cup of coffee, please? - Sure. - Who was Red? - A boy who missed his pinpoint. He didn't jump when the green light went on. He landed 20 miles off his target outside an S.S. barracks... with his parachute tangled in a tree. It doesn't happen often. You don't have to be afraid. I'm not- not of the jump, anyway. Then what are you afraid of? I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be inquisitive. Oh, that's all right. I don't mind. You know, once I was doing the same job, and I, too, was afraid the first time I jumped. Maybe in a different way, but that's why I think I know what's bothering you. You do? What is it? You are afraid of having to face your own people, aren't you? Come in. - Officer messenger, sir, with a dispatch. - Yes? - Colonel Devlin? - That's right. This is from Colonel Williamson, sir. Top secret. Come on. Hurry it up. Bringin' you guys together is getting tougher every day. - What's it all about, anyway? - Shh. Quiet. All right, gentlemen, here's the dope. GeneralJaeger, commanding the Fourth Corps here along the east bank of the Rhine... sent emissaries to Switzerland informing us he's willing to surrender his entire corps... as soon as he can establish contact with our troops. He's also requested that we put in a radio mission hidden here in Mannheim... to act as a communications link between his headquarters and us. Is that clear? - Sure. - Well, looks as if the Krauts have finally wised up. G2 has approved Jaeger's request and asked that we put in a tourist mission... about 250 miles behind this sector here in the vicinity of Munich to find out how much... mobile strength the Germans can bring up to close in the gap in case the surrender comes off. G2 also suspects that elements of the 11 th Panzer Corps... are being held back here as a mobile reserve to be thrown in wherever needed. Now the Mannheim job will require a team of one radio operator... and a first-class agent who really knows the town and has contacts there he can depend on. - Who've you got in mind, Colonel? - Now don't all jump on me. - The only man who can do it is our friend Barth, the Tiger. Here's the C.I.C. report that came in yesterday on the Tiger's first mission. They checked his story, and it seems that everything he said was true. Furthermore G2 has given his intelligence mission an "A" rating. - Besides that, he was- - Was born and raised in Mannheim. Right. That's why no matter how we feel about him, at the moment he's the logical choice. What about his teammate, the radioman? I'd like to talk about that later. First let's take up the tourist mission. I want to send Happy. Any objections? No, sir. But, so help me, I don't get sending the Tiger. - Richards, is Monique here? - Yes, sir. She's waiting outside. Ask her to come in. Hold your horses, Pete. He's not on the plane yet. - Okay, Bob? - Yeah. Okay. Come in, honey. Sit down, Monique. Would you care for a cup of coffee or a cigarette? Cigarette's okay, sir. Tell us about the Tiger, Monique. Have you noticed anything recently that we should hear about? No, sir. He hasn't changed. As usual, he doesn't get along with the others, and he's difficult, but that's all. - How would you feel about sending him out again? - I would send him, sir. - I'm all for that, if it's just to get rid of him. - Okay. How about Happy? - I think that, in many ways, he's the best of them all. - Why? Because-Well, because he's the first German... I've known who really believes in what he's doing. Do you think he's ready to go? What's the matter, Monique? There is only one thing that might make it difficult for him... maybe because he's young and honest. He may begin to doubt himself once he's back in his own country. If this mission is difficult, I think it would be better to wait. Come here a minute, Monique. Their first service since the Germans left. Look, we've known each other for quite a while. The deal I made with you in Algiers... before you jumped into France was that you'd always be on the level with me. - Right? - Yes. Then I wanna ask you something. I know what you said about Happy is true... but I feel there's something you didn't tell me. - What? - Are you in love with him? He's a Boche, sir, like all the others. We have too much to forget before we can love any of them. - May I go now? - Yeah. Sure. Go ahead. Thank you, sir. - Richards. - Yes, sir? I want Monique transferred. Do we have another job for her? - I'll see what I can do. Would Station "K" be all right? - Sure. Sure, that's fine. Now about the radioman for the Mannheim mission- the Germans have requested that one member of the mission be an American officer. Army agrees. They feel it'll show we mean business. Therefore, it's clear in this case that the American will have to be the radioman. - Go ahead, Colonel. - You're with me, Rennick. I can't order you to do this, and under the circumstances... I'm sure none of us would blame you if you said no. Can't we get an officer from the Army Communications Center? We could train him in a few days. You couldn't train him even in a few weeks. If you're worried about Tiger, I can handle him. He'd have a hard time pushin' me around. I don't get you. A few weeks ago... - you didn't seem to like this job very much. - Well, he changed his mind. No. I haven't. I still don't like it, but we have no choice. Besides, you said it was important, didn't you, Colonel? - Anybody got a cigarette? - Yeah. Sure. You know I don't smoke. Well, it fits you fine, sir. Well, let's check your gear. - Your shovel- that goes here. - Mm-hmm. Your landing gun, chute pack, helmet, gloves- the rucksack's for your radio. - You better put it in yourself so you know it's all right. - Good. - Everything okay, Rennick? - No complaints so far, sir. - Did you pack the chute yourself, Willows? - Yes. I packed them this morning. I see you've got all your medals on, Barth- maybe even a couple of extras. No, sir. They are all my own. Iron Cross in Norway, Sturmabzeichen in France... and winter campaign, '41 in the east. - I wonder how many of our guys he knocked off to get them. - None, sir. I got them all in my own special way. At your orders, Herr Oberst. - Don't fall in love with that. You have to bury your gear once you land. - Yes, sir. - You can go draw your personal supplies now. Martin. - Yes, sir? - Take him over to the prop shop. - Yes, sir. - What's the takeoff time? - 0100 hours, sir. That's if the weather holds. - Good. When they're through here, bring 'em to the briefing room. - Yes, sir. - Got your check-off list? - Yes. Here, honey. Check this guy out. One compass, German cigarettes- three packages... Wehrmacht ration stamps, Benzedrines- five tablets. They're stimulants. Don't take more than one a day. German razor blades- six- and one razor... German maps- Sheet Y3, Y4, Y5. Let's see. That's all. - Good luck to you. - Thank you, Monique. Okay, Happy. Here you are, Monique, two more customers. If there's anything else you can think of, sir, just let me know. If you're all through, Happy, the colonel wants you in the briefing room. Yes, sir. These are his papers, sir. His Soldbuch with his health record inside and his orders. Money and his Wehrmacht travel certificates are in this envelope. All right, Happy. Let's go over it once more. What name are you traveling under? Steiner, Karl, a Luftwaffe medic- number L43587. We took his age, place ofbirth, etc., out ofhis own Soldbuch. Well, at least you didn't have to memorize that. What's your cover? I'm on sick leave, returning from Base Hospital 12 at Bad Reichenhall. - What was the doctor's name who signed your orders? - Foerster. I had pneumonia. - We marked it on the health record with Code number 7. - Good. Now show me your pinpoint. It's here, east of Mnchen, near Fridolfing. After I bury my chute and my gear, I go to Mnchen by way of Wasserburg Highway. - I am to make my way back to my outfit near Mannheim. - And your route? It's Mnchen, Augsburg, Stuttgart, and then Mannheim. - And what's your objective? - To locate the 11 th Panzer Corps. Their headquarters are believed to be in this area somewhere northwest of Mnchen. - Suppose you change your route? - For that I have an extra set of travel orders and a date stamp. Right. Here they are- extra set of orders, date stamp, official Wehrmacht seal. - Mark your map so that no one except you can interpret it. - I know, sir. Pardon me, sir. Rennick and the Tiger are ready for you. We haven't got much time. Bring them in. Get back here, Happy. Even if you haven't done it all... - you've gotta be back here in five days. - I will, sir. Okay, Happy. - Well, how does it feel to be a civilian again? - Fine. Just tell the pilot to drop me in Cleveland, Ohio. If you want to get back to Cleveland, better concentrate on this. Where's your pinpoint? It's a meadow about five kilometers south of Beerfelden, sir. - You know exactly where that is? - I've only been starin' at it on a map for three solid days. In case you're separated on landing, what's the address of the safe house in Mannheim? - Eighteen Neckarstrasse, second floor, rear. - Eighteen? You're sure? Not 28? - Eighteen. - Knock off the kidding, Pete. How about you, Barth? Are you certain your people in Mannheim will let the lieutenant in? Yes. He must knock four times with an interval after the first two. - When they open, he has only to say, "Greetings from the Tiger." - Okay. We told GeneralJaeger's people where they can contact you. Now is there anything else? Yeah- one little thing. While we're all talking here together as friends... I'd just like to say that what happened to Freddy is not gonna happen to me. If I get caught, it won't be my fault. Is that clear? - What do you mean? - He means just what he said. Lieutenant Rennick is not likely to want to take a walk around Mannheim just for the fun of it. Furthermore, in any disagreement that might come, no matter what, Rennick will always be right. Get that through your head, Barth. Lieutenant Rennick will always be right. - I don't know. Sometimes I'd rather go than stay behind. - Don't kid yourself, brother. Get ready. We're approaching the first target. Action stations! The address! I forgot the address in Mannheim. - What? - I forgot the address! - Eighteen Neckarstrasse. Eighteen! - Target! Eighteen Neckarstrasse. Eighteen.! Eighteen Neckarstrasse. Eighteen. Well, bud, how does it feel to be going home? Home? Fine, I hope. - Well, if you're hungry, Amigo here'll give you a sandwich. - No, thank you. Well, hasta luego, muchachos. I'll let you know a few minutes before we approach. - Are you an American? - Why? Don't I look like one? - I'm sorry. I didn't mean it that way. - You didn't, huh? I just hope that before this is over, I can get a crack at a couple of squareheads like you. - You hate us, don't you? - Call it anything you like. I haven't yet felt sorry... when I've seen a string of 100-pounders leave that bomb rack. - Here's some coffee. - Thank you. The pilot wants you to know you may be a mile or two off the pinpoint. Come on. Stand by.! Target! Next stop, Mnchen, center of town. All men proceeding further than Mnchen will stamp their orders... at the Frontleitstelle in the main station. Extra! Extra! Mnchener Post. Say, have you got 10 pfennigs? Too bad, but I have no change. Just a- - Here. Here's a mark. - Thank you. Here, Mutter. Keep the change. - What are you looking for? - Uh, the Frontleitstelle, please. - Right over there. - Thank you. I'm returning to my unit from the hospital in Bad Reichenhall. Who took this week's security list? - Number nine hasn't come in yet. Here's last week's list. - Thank you. Steiner, Steiner, Steiner- Steiner. All right. To Mannheim by the way of Augsburg, Ulm, Stuttgart. You get your train information from the Wehrmacht Kontroller outside on the platform. Next. Uh, please, I have a friend in the 11 th Panzer Corps. - Do you know where their headquarters are? - Eleventh Panzer Corps? - I heard they were around here somewhere. - Weren't they in Frth? - Yes, it's just outside of Nuremberg. - Thanks. - To Freiburg. - Please don't crowd. One at a time. - Anything wrong with my ticket? - Wait a moment. I'll just check with the Unteroffizier. - Uh, when is the next train to Nuremberg, Frulein? - Your orders? I don't know if the track to Nuremberg is repaired. Wait a minute. - Sure it is. There's a train at 9:30. - Trudy, Nuremberg all right? - Yes. They just finished working on the track. - Guess you were right. I usually am, Frulein. Come on. Track seven. The night is shorter when you have someone to talk to. Say, I hope you don't mind, but, uh, I've been meaning to ask you. Where did you get all your money? - What money? - That fat roll you carry in your pocket. I just got back pay for three months. Besides, it isn't very much. Well, I really don't care how much it is, as long as you'll kindly agree to... Ioan me- let's say- half of it? - Now let me explain it to you. I'm simply in need of cash... and I'm perfectly willing to let you profit by it. Here. Take your choice. Where else in our country could you get a better deal? Paper for gold. The fat stomach this used to go around, I assure you, is much thinner now. But maybe this. This is a better investment for a young man like you. It comes from a good marriage. I think they had been together- yeah- 25 years. How about it? No thanks. I don't plan to get married. Well, that's up to you. But if you change your mind, remember, you'll be helping a friend. Who knows? Maybe someday you'll need one. I think we better get some sleep now. You know, sometimes I envy you fellows at the front. At least you can save your money. Me, I spend all mine here- on trains or busses or, at best, on my motorcycle. I'm Scholtz, special courier of the Waffen S.S. Some title, eh? But money? No. Well- happy dreams, Corporal. Your main objective is to locate the 11 th Panzer Corps. Weren't they in Frth? Are you sure you'll stick to your convictions? You'll be facing your own people. The fat stomach this used to go around, I assure you... is much thinner now. It may become hard for you then to hold on to your beliefs. Halt.! Hey.! Halt.! Everybody out.! Halt.! Halt! Halt! Come on. Keep moving. We have to clear the track. Other trains are coming. Come on. Hey! What's going on? Is this Nuremberg? That's right. They hit us for three hours this morning. Keep in line. - Keep in line. - You'll all be rerouted at the Frontleitstelle. Attention. Left face. March. Hut. Hut. Would you know if the 11 th Panzer Corps is still in Frth? Eleventh Panzer Corps? No, I don't. How do I get to Frth, please? Can't you read? Over there. Don't crowd, please. Don't crowd. Keep moving, please. - My sister was bombed out last night- - Oh, excuse me. - for the third time. - How long can it go on? - How long can they expect us to live like this? - Shh! Don't talk like that. Yes. And then he kept complaining about the food. "You get it all at the front," I told him. He laughed like he was crazy. Fritz, my own son. Karl.! Karl.! Herr Maurer. Excuse me. Excuse me, please. You're Karl Maurer, aren't you? Don't you remember me? I'm Paula Schneider. I worked for your father in Berlin. Sure, I remember. You were the head nurse at his clinic. I suppose it's the uniform. It does make us all look different. - How long have you been in the Luftwaffe? - I was called in '43. Look at you. I remember when you first started school. You were still living across from the clinic. That was a long time ago, wasn't it? Nuremburg west, control point. All passengers out. I saw your father yesterday at the base hospital in Wrzburg. - You saw my father? - Yes. Did you know he was stationed there? Oh, yes. I heard he was transferred from Berlin. He's better off in Wrzburg. Safer, I hope. Are you going to see him? I'm trying to get permission to stop there. Well, they'll give it to you. Just tell them you haven't seen your father for a long time. - Name and rank? - Schneider, Paula. F.P.N. 347. All right, go ahead. Name and rank? Uh, I'm afraid I didn't have my orders stamped today. You'll have to see the Feldwebel. He's at the main control point. Excuse me. Maybe I can help. I know the corporal very well. His father is chief surgeon at the Wrzburg base hospital. If you want, I can vouch for- Don't worry, Frulein Schneider. It's just a formality. Go ahead. - Well, when you see your father, please give him my best. - I will. Thank you. - Auf Wiedersehen. Heil Hitler. - Heil Hitler. Hey, where you going? It's up there on your left next to the monument. This is the control point, not the Kommandatur. I can't help you if your papers aren't in order. Come on, get moving. I know. I know. Not you. I can't let you through. - Corporal Steiner reporting, sir. - Yes? I didn't have a chance to get my orders stamped in Nuremburg. I'm looking for H.Q., 11 th Corps. Eleventh Corps? They moved a couple of days ago to Crailsheim. I see you've been in the army two years. Don't you know you should have your orders stamped? Say, look who's coming. Hey, Heinz. What happened to you? I haven't seen you and your tin horse for quite a while. Just back from a trip east. But as you see... it didn't take long for them to get me on the road again. I'm on my way to Wrzburg now. Well, if it isn't the corporal. - Do you know him? - Know him? Why, he's a good friend of mine. - Anything wrong? - No, nothing serious. I'll let you through this time. - This man with Corporal Scholtz can pass. - Okay. Thanks. I'll be back tomorrow. See, sometimes it's good to have a friend. Where are you going? I'm trying to get to Crailsheim by tonight. Well, if you don't mind a little detour, I'll give you a ride. Come on. I'll be right back. Just have to make a pickup at the Kommandatur. Frau Karen? Frau Karen, can I have 10 liters? Certainly, sir. There's always some for you. - Good day, sir. - Badly hit here in Wrzburg, weren't you? Yes. Last fall. But it's coming back to life again. They moved a big chemical plant into town last month from East Prussia. Uh, there is a base hospital here, isn't there? Yes, up there on the Berg. Most of the casualties from the west come through here. - It's next to the factory. - Uh, do you have a phone? Inside. It's an army line. It's to your right. - Yes? - The base hospital, please. - Hello. - Uh, base hospital? - Yes. - Can I talk to Dr. Maurer? Dr. Friedrich Maurer? Hold the line, please. I'll connect you with him. Hello? Hello. This is Dr. Maurer. - Operator, did you ring me? - Yes, sir. The party's still on the line. I can't hear them. Hello. Hello! Are you calling Dr. Maurer? Hello. Operator, this must be a mistake. Got some friends here? I thought I had. Well, I know a good place where we can spend the night, right near Crailsheim. It's a little out of the way, but it's worth it. - Heil Hitler, Frau Karen. - Heil Hitler. There's no more room tonight. Everything's taken. I know. I know. I tell you there's no more room. - Is Frau Kollwitz across the alley? - There's nothing she can do- Come on. One of the few places left in Germany... where a soldier can get a clean bed and a bottle of wine. - That is, if he has money. - Or if he has a friend who will pay for him. That's right. - Hey, is Fritzi around? - Fritzi? Yeah, I just saw her. - Say, don't I know you? - You? I can't quite remember. - Liar. Is Fritzi in the office? - Uh, yeah, there. Take care of my friend here. I'll be right back. There's still some wine left for special guests. Want it? - Is this place legal? - It's as much a part of the Wehrmacht as your Luftwaffe. Only the dancing is illegal. But then again, it all depends on how you look at it. - Want the change? - No, never mind. Oh, thanks. I would never have asked before, but now I would starve if I didn't. We're only open two days a week. - Isn't the 11 th Panzer Corps stationed somewhere around here? - Two beer. They were in Crailsheim, right near here, but they've gone. A few clerks are all that's left. And once in a while we get some transients, like you. - Want to dance? - No, thank you. I thought you weren't supposed to nowadays. We're not supposed to have wine either, but that doesn't seem to bother you. You must know your way around here. How about getting me a glass? Well, go ahead. I'm not thirsty. Well, thank you, sir. We interrupt this broadcast to bring you the latest news. On the western front, in the vicinity of Mannheim- Hey! Turn it off. - Come on Kurt. - Come on Kurt. We want music. - Yeah, let's have some music. - How about waltz? ...heavy enemy pressure near Koblenz. - Still interested in that? - Does it bother you? - No. Just bores me. Who wants to know nowadays? Our grenadiers are heroically holding their positions. Holding their positions. It never changes. Until one morning, you'll open the window and they'll be there, the Amis. - Hilde, will you please tell him to stop it. - What's the matter? I can't help it. But he makes me cry. This is an official announcement of the Mnchen Kommandatur. The enemy parachutist reported yesterday near Altenmarkt is still at large. He's believed to be wearing Luftwaffe boots... as his footprints near the buried parachute have disclosed. - Anything important? - Uh, no, nothing important. Well, Hilde, I haven't seen you since Leipzig. They certainly move you people around. Fritzi, this is Corporal- Say, what is your name? - Steiner. Karl Steiner. - My name is Scholtz. And this is Fritzi Kollwitz. Everything's fine. We have a room across the street... and thanks to Fritzi, plenty of food. And now, what's most important. How about something decent to drink? It's not that easy anymore, Heinz, huh? But I'll see what I can do. We were lucky to run into each other, weren't we, Karl? You've got money, and I know how to spend it. Pardon me, but if you still like to dance? Oh. You're not as slow as I thought. I hope you don't think you are doing me a favor. I only changed my mind. That's all. But you better hurry up or there won't be much left. - Where'd you learn to dance? - In a school, in Potsdam. Haven't you danced since? Come on, Corporal, I won't break. - Is that better? - Well, isn't it? - Coming, Hilde? - I'll be right there. Pretty, huh? Lost her leg a year ago in Breslau. - Are you with a show? - Yes. Soldaten Variete. Well, it's still better than the labor front, not much better. Maybe I'm not what you're looking for? Maybe a sweet young man like you would rather have someone your own age? - Aren't you? - Now don't be generous. If you'd seen me a couple of years ago- Why in '42 in the summer, there was an Italian major in Milano. He wanted to marry me. Here. Fritzi has found something special, a real Steinhager. Eighty percent. Just try it, Hilde. Don't let anybody touch that. - How about you? - No, thank you. What? Enjoy yourself while you can, soldier. It may not happen to us again. We may all go, all at once, fast. May I have one of your cigarettes? Well, even if we do, we've had a good time, haven't we? We've given the world 12 years it will never forget. And no matter what they do, they'll never get us out of their system. And now there'll be a little song which was composed by our soldiers... when they were stationed in Paris. We're the Boche again now. But I remember Paris in '41, that first summer. Do you know Paris, Karl? - No. The only part of France I've seen was Alsace. - Alsace? Yes. I was there with my outfit a few months ago. No true German thinks of Alsace as a part of France. It's as German as the Rhineland or the Saar. I only thought of it as France because I remember we took it from the French. We didn't take it. We took it back. We took what belonged to us and maybe more. - Well, we did it, and we'll do it again! - Heinz. Heinz, please. You're right, Fritzi. You're right. You see what a good influence women are on men? Hmm, sometimes, not always. I think I'd better get some sleep. I have to get up very early. Sure, go ahead, Corporal. The woman at the desk will show you to your room. Not only did you forget to say good-bye to me, Corporal... but you also forgot these things downstairs. And, uh, and you left these on the table. Thank you. You know, we haven't seen this kind for quite a while. A doctor gave them to me... - in a hospital. - Want one? No. I'd like to get some sleep. You want me to get out, is that it? Yes, I do. You don't like me. Why don't you say so? That has nothing to do with it. It's just that I feel sorry for you. Sorry for me? Who do you think you are? I've known better men than you and they didn't turn their noses up at me. But then I suppose they weren't brought up like you. Oh, I know your type. The little German Brger, pure and honest. You've been taught to keep your distance, to keep your hands clean. Well, you are as dirty as the rest of us now. Come on. Get out of here. And let me tell you something. I was in love once with a man who to me was as decent as you think you are. And what's more, he was in love with me. But he was killed in Norway. And when I bore his child, his family turned away from me as- as is if I were a stranger. I got a job. Nothing to be proud of, but it kept us alive. And then one day my child was killed. There was a raid. And when I came home after work that night... there was nothing left of the street where I lived. I couldn't find her. I never did. From then on, I didn't care what happened. I just hated- hated everybody. But probably myself most of all. Why? You want to know why? Because I was hungry. Hungry for a little kindness and- and love and- I don't know. Maybe it was all my fault. Anyway here I am- dirty, miserable and alone. There are thousands and thousands like me. Well, now you know me. Are you satisfied? Here. Drink this. Go ahead. I'm sorry. l- I just couldn't help it. What's the matter, dear? Anything wrong? Get out. Get out, I said. I thought you said you were tired. There are thousands and thousand like me. We've given the world 12 years it will never forget. Do you know what you're getting into? Hello. Are you calling Dr. Maurer? Hello? Your father is at the base hospital in Wrzburg now. Up on the Berg. The hospital is next to the factory. Your main objective is to locate the 11 th Panzer Corps. Say, Corporal Steiner. Here is a message about your transportation. You've got to report to the Marktplatz. Thank you. Could you help me, Corporal? I have to talk to you. It's shorter this way. Will you follow me? Look, it isn't any of my business who you are or- or what you've done, but- What are you talking about? I know its hard to make you believe I'm telling the truth. But you must trust me. You must. - What is it? - Last night, you know who sent me to your room? It was Scholtz. He ordered me to watch you. Look out. Thank you, Corporal, for helping me. I can carry it myself. Hey, Steiner, I'm afraid I have to get back to Nuremburg. But the truck over there is going your way. It's all fixed. The driver knows all about you. Sorry about last night. I had a couple too many. Have a good trip. All right. Here, pass it around. - Didn't you say it was Scholtz who ordered you to watch me? - Yes, it was. Well, if he did, why did you tell me about it? I'm not quite sure why. But last night, for the first time, you made me realize what was happening to me. - That I can't go on like this. That there is some reason- - All right. Let's suppose you are telling the truth, that Scholtz is suspicious of me. That still doesn't prove he's right. I don't care if he is right or not. All I know is they're after you. Look, Karl, I know these people. I know them too well. If you need money, here, I have this ring. You can sell it. Hilde, the Corporal here said this may help keep you warm. No, thank you. Do you know that man over there? - Which one? - In the corner with the glasses on. - Halt! - No, I don't. - Halt.! - What's the matter, sir? Everybody off. Oh, I mean except the ladies. Karl, be careful. I didn't lie to you. You think you can still see what you're shooting at? Yes, at your orders, Herr Oberleutnant. - All right, Sergeant, take them away. - Left face. Forward, march. Take the women to the village and have the truck inspected by our ordinance. Yes, sir. All right, let's go. Detail, halt.! Left face! - Eighteen more. - Get all your papers out and stand by. Twenty-seven all together, Herr Oberleutnant. All right, men. You are about to be processed to see which one of you will fulfill our needs here. This is an emergency measure taken by order of the commanding general, 11 th Panzer Corps. Those of you who will not be selected will be allowed to proceed to your regular units. At ease. Carry on, Klinger. Say, isn't that a medic back there? I'm talking to you, lancer. Come on. You heard the lieutenant. Move out. Soldbuch. Come on. - What unit are you going to? - The 20th Flak, sir. Attached to the 16th Infantry Division. - All right. Get him to the colonel's quarters right away. - Yes, sir. - What about my unit, sir? - They'll have to get along without you, I guess. Come on. Follow me. Leutnant Bulow said this man is to report to Oberst Von Ecker. - Oh, yes. Gutterman. - Yes, sir. Take this man upstairs to Major Hartmann. He knows all about it. Yes, sir. - Hartmann, give me his file. - Here it is, sir. The court-martial convened upon my orders yesterday... has found you guilty of willful desertion... and has therefore recommended that the extreme penalty be imposed... that you be hanged by the neck until dead. I can't see any reason why their sentence shouldn't be carried out. I beg you, sir. My wife and children were bombed out. I had to find a place for them to keep them alive. So you took it upon yourself to stay with them and neglect your duty. But that was my only mistake, sir, after 20 years service. Today, it's more than a mistake. It's a crime. You, Leerback, should know that better than any of the others. Yes, sir. But you can't let them kill me for that. I beg you, sir. Not just for myself, but for my family, my children. I'm sorry. In these times, the discipline of our troops... is more important than our personal destinies. - That's all, Leerback. - Sir, I beg you to reconsider. - I'll do anything. Anything you ask. - Stop it. You're supposed to be a soldier. Act like one. Take him away. Come with me. Take your coat off. - The medic is here, sir. - All right. The Luftwaffe is about the only uniform we haven't collected here as yet. At ease. Your name and unit? Corporal Steiner, sir, 20th Flak. I was on my way to Mannheim to rejoin my unit. There's a tray on the table next to my bed. Bring it here, please. Yes, sir. - Will you read the labels aloud? - Yes, sir. "Five ampules of digifolin, one c.c. in case of emergency. "Nitroglycerin tablets, 1/10 of a gram. Alcohol." That's all, sir. - You are a medic. Do you know what this is for? - Yes, sir. It's used in case of a severe attack of angina pectoris. A heart disease, sir. Pretty good. Well, then you know what's wrong with me. Unfortunately, I had to send my orderly to Darmstadt to get more of this stuff. As you see by the prescription, it's important that in case of an attack... the dose be exactly one c.c. and be given immediately. - An overdose or a delay can be fatal. - Yes, sir. I can see that. Well, that will be all for the moment. You better make yourself comfortable. You will be here for a while. Would Herr Oberst like me to serve his dinner now? I had hoped you wouldn't remind me of it. But I suppose a man has to eat, even when he has no appetite. - Put some blankets on the windows. - Yes, sir. Hartmann. And there's a candle on my desk. Bring it here, please. - At your orders, Herr Oberst. - About our forward echelon, have they left? Two battalions of the 21 st started for Mannheim an hour ago, sir. - The Fifth will be starting in the morning. - Fine. Will you be sure to remind the commanding officers... that despite their being in GeneralJaeger's area... - they are still under my direct command. - Yes, sir. And that they will not take orders from anyone but me. Yes, sir. I'm sorry to bother you, sir, but about the deserter. Have you signed the order for his execution? No, I have not. Thank you, Hartmann. - There's a bottle of Niersteiner in the locker. - Yes, sir. And there must be another glass around here. There by the window. I don't enjoy drinking wine by myself. I don't care for any, unless Herr Oberst insists. I do insist. Furthermore, you needn't stand at attention all the time. And for heaven's sake, stop addressing me in the third person. Yes, sir. Go ahead. Don't make me repeat things. Not bad. Does Herr Oberst- Uh, do you wish anything else, sir? Nothing. There's an extra blanket on my bed. You can go to sleep as soon as you have cleared the table. Yes, sir. Corporal? - Yes, sir? - I want to be awakened at 6:00. Yes, sir. Shall I clean your pistol before I put it back into your holster, sir? No, you put it next to my bed. - I want it here. - Yes, sir. And, uh, by the way... don't forget to remind me in the morning to sign the order of the execution. - Yes, sir. - Here. I said you can take these blankets. Thank you, sir. - Shall I turn the lamp off? - Just turn it down a little. Are you there, Corporal? Yes, sir. I'm here. Good night. Good night, sir. Two battalions of the 21 st to Mannheim. The Fifth starts in the morning. You will be here for a while. Get back here, Happy. Get back here in five days. In case of an attack... an overdose or a delay can be fatal. Please. I beg you. l- Please. Please. - Is Herr Oberst awake? - No, sir. I don't think so. - Shh. - Is he up? No, sir. He had a very bad night. - What is it? - It's me, sir. Hartmann. - I have the morning report for you, sir. - Give it to the corporal. - I'll be ready for you in half an hour. - Yes, sir. What time is it? - A few minutes past 6:00, sir. - Help me. Hm. You know, I had a dream. I dreamt you were the deserter I sentenced and that you wanted to shoot me. I had forgotten that people like that are too weak. They would never have the courage to kill... even if it is to save themselves. Sometimes it takes more courage not to kill. I would have preferred you I had not answered me in that way. But you just saved my life, whatever that's worth. And so, instead of punishing you, I would like to do something for you. I would suggest that Herr Oberst remain quiet and not exert himself, sir. - The third person again, Corporal. - I'm sorry, sir. How about a week's leave at home, hmm? Would that suit you? Thank you, sir. I have my duty at the front. - There's only one thing, however. - Yes. What is it? Maybe it's foolish of me... but if you would have mercy on the deserter and put him in prison instead. Corporal, your profession is to save lives, even the unworthy. Well, mine is to take it, even the worthy. I know that it is insane to claim that we can throw back the enemy that surround us. But in one hour, in front of the officers of my division, I will claim just that. I'll do so because it is my belief... that at all costs we must fight to the bitter end. That is the reason why, now more than ever... I must maintain the discipline of my division. And that is the reason why this man must die. Adjutant. Give me some wine. Those pills, they always make me thirsty. - Shall I bring you a glass of water, sir? - I hate water. This is Von Ecker. The medic you sent me yesterday, Corporal- Uh, what's your name again? - Corporal Steiner, sir. - Steiner. Corporal Steiner. I want him forwarded on to his unit by the first available transportation. That's what you wanted, isn't it? - Yes. Thank you, sir. - All right. To our country. - Bridge is out. - Get the men off the trucks, quick.! Yes, sir. Everybody off the trucks! The bridge is out! You'll have to cross on foot! Come on! Everybody out! Line up in column of threes! - Hurry up.! - Everybody out.! We'll cross on foot.! Everybody off the trucks! The bridge is out! - We'll have to cross on foot! - Come on! Everybody out! Line up in column of threes! Hurry up! Everybody out.! We cross on foot.! Everybody out of the trucks.! Drivers start as soon as you've unloaded.! My glasses. I've lost my glasses. l- I can't see without them. - Get over there. - Here they are. Ah. It was very kind of you to help me. Huh. My name is Brandenbacher. Ernst Brandenbacher. Most people call me Ernst. It's easier. - We'd better get going. - We'll reload on the other side. - Come on.! Hurry up.! - Everybody remember the number of the truck.! - Reload on the other side.! - Enemy planes.! The Amis are coming.! Take cover.! Quickly.! Cover.! Help me, please! Somebody! Help! Ah. They got me! But you won't get away, Steiner. By now they know all about you everywhere. We could have taken you a long time ago, but I hoped that you would lead me to the others. I hoped to get all of you. The rest of the bridges, were blown up this morning. This seems to be the last one in Mannheim. I'll bet it won't be long before this one goes too. - I heard the Americans are in Landau. - So what? Are you afraid? Better get your papers out. Here comes another spot check. Spot check. They better call it "grave registration." Today they take your name. Tomorrow they notify your mother. - Oh, keep quiet. - Gunther, Alois- Gefreiter. - All right. - Schaus, Herbert- Obergefreiter. - Go ahead. - Bachschmidt, Hans- Kanonier. - Mm-hmm. - Schmidt, Albert- Unteroffizier. - All right. - Rothmann, Klaus- Obergefreiter. - Go on. - Lachner, Gert-Schtze. Myer, Billie- Sturmfhrer. Schindler, Johannes- Pionier. - All right. - Soldbuch and travel orders. I lost them in an air attack this morning. I'm on my way to my unit in Neustadt. You lost them and not a scratch on you, huh? Take him back to the checkpoint. - They'll find out what happened to his papers. - Yes, sir. Come on. Call the Mannheim side. Ask them if we should stop the traffic. Next. Come on. Keep going. Wait here. You said they found an American leaflet on you? Yes. You'd think I committed a crime, that I was- - No talking! - Here's the man. - What's your name? - Maurer, Karl. - I was told you lost your papers, huh? - Yes, sir. - You said your name is Karl Maurer? - Yes, but that's just- I know. I know. Get over there. Keep an eye on him. Come on. Get back. Stop.! Cut him off from the other side of the railroad bridge. The Mannheim Central Kommandatur has just received information... that a man suspected of being a dangerous enemy saboteur... escaped a few hours ago from the Wehrmacht control point at the main Rhine bridge. He is wearing the uniform of a corporal in the Luftwaffe. He is about 20 years of age. His appearance is slender, average height, blonde, fair complexion. As last seen, he wore a Red Cross arm band on his left arm, a pistol belt and boots. - He identifies himself as- - Hey, soldier.! What are you doing there? Hey, we are talking to you. - What's the matter, are you deaf or something? - Come on, let's see your papers. - Halt! - Halt! Come on. Over here. This way. Where are the others? They went around the front of the building. - Anyone there? - He must be here somewhere. Yes, I'm sure I saw him running this way. Lucky they didn't hit this place during a show. How about it? He's not here. - Go on! Keep looking! - Hey, we better get out before the whole place collapses. Watch it. The floor's full ofholes. - Hey, look what I found. - Where? - What is it? - What happened? - What are you doing there? - Fritz found a string of pearls. Looks like real stuff. Remember, this used to be a theater. He's probably found Aida's necklace or something. - Here they come again. - Let's get out of here, quick! Well, go on. It's starting again. Neckarstrasse. Neckarstrasse. Fraulein. I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't be out, but my child got hurt by flying glass. I have to get some iodine. Don't turn me in, please. Here, I have money. Here, some iodine and bandages. You better get off the street now. Believe me, it's only because of my child. You're not going to turn me in, please. You promise? I promise. Don't be afraid. Go ahead now. God bless you. Uh, just a moment. I'm looking for Neckarstrasse 18. - It's the second street to the right. - Thank you. - Tiger. - What are you doing here? I had to come. They're after me. They're after you? And you lead them here, you idiot? Nobody followed me, I promise you. - There is a message that we must send right away. - What is it? - I found the location of the 11 th Panzer Corps. They are- - Where are they? I want to see Lieutenant Rennick. I'm not important enough for you, huh? Come on, let's hear it, Junge. I said talk. - Who is it, Tiger? - We have a guest, Lieutenant. Go ahead. - I know I'm not supposed to come here, but I spent last night- - Get inside. - Where did you get this address? - I heard Tiger give it to you on the plane. I was trying to get across the Rhine when they nearly caught me. - My name is on the blacklist. - That helps a lot. - Now why'd you come here? - I have some very important information to send. - I knew you had the radio. That's why I came. - I'm afraid you're too late. We had a near miss. The concussion damaged the transmitter. - I haven't been able to make contact since. - We will have to do something. - You know what will happen if he falls into their hands. He's all right. What's the word from GeneralJaeger? GeneralJaeger and two members of his staff were gravely wounded this morning... while on a routine inspection tour of the front. Here. You can read it yourself. We tried to contact the general at the hospital in Heidelberg where he is... or is supposed to be. - It was impossible. - Impossible? Why? The hospital is under heavy S.S. guards. No one is allowed to enter without special permission. You mean to imply the whole story may be a fake? We have often encountered worse fakes than this. Well, what do you propose to do? What about yourself and all the other officers? You plan to carry out the agreement? I am afraid without the general we have no power over the troops. It's too much of a risk. A great many lives are at stake, Germans as well as Americans. Isn't it worth taking the risk? I'm sorry, but I can't. And I'm sure the others feel as I do. The lives of our families and our friends are involved. Besides, now it's all too late. - We should have acted a long time ago. - Yeah, but then it was too early. You always wanted to get rid of them, but were never willing to take a chance or responsibility. Why? Because you wanted to hang on to your ranks, your titles, your jobs. And today, when you could still save the most important thing of all-your souls- you haven't got the guts to do it. They're right to call you traitors, because you've betrayed yourselves. There is only one way I can answer you, Lieutenant. It's all very easy for you to say, but you were never in our shoes. That's true. And I hope we never will be. Okay. What are you going to do, Lieutenant? Get out of here fast, before one of the gentlemen starts to talk. - I guess it's all right. Nobody followed him. Was the surrender planned for this sector, Lieutenant? Yeah. Why? I spent last night at the headquarters of the 11 th Panzer Corps. Two of their regiments moved into position this morning- here... on both flanks of GeneralJaeger's troops. Looks like we're walkin' right into a trap. We gotta get back, Tiger, as quick as we can. But how can we make it, sir? You heard him. He nearly got caught himself. It must be the Rhine bridge. - I saw them placing the charges. - There goes our last chance. - Is there any other way to get across? - Sure, if you want to swim. All right. What's the best place to try it? Swim? You're not serious. Every inch of the shore is fortified. Even if you get past Zement- past your own artillery fire- we'd freeze in the icy water. Well, we can try. One of us is sure to get through. Well, if you're so brave, why didn't you do it before? Besides, how do we know he didn't make the whole thing up? How do we know he's telling the truth? Maybe he's just trying- Shut up. Get the extra travel orders out and the date stamp. Now go ahead, Happy. I want you to brief us on every place you've been, everything you've seen. I have a sister-in-law who lives on the third floor. - From there we can get a good view of the river. - Okay. Go ahead. This is it. - My mother isn't here. - That's all right. We'll wait for her. Go ahead. - You're Uncle Rudolph, aren't you? - That's right. My mother said she'd be back in an hour. But if you can't wait, it's all right to go to Gottfried's house. Thanks, Kurt. If you are soldiers, why aren't you at the front? We just came from there, Junge. We're on leave. - Why doesn't my father get leave? He hasn't been home for a year. - We will talk about that later. Right now I want you to wait in there until your mother comes back. This way. What was that about Gottfried? He's a friend of mine. Lives about a mile from here. I made arrangements with him in case we need a place to stay over. I thought we came here to decide on the best spot to cross the river. - I have made up my mind. I am not going. - What? Sure. It's all right for you to take that kind of a chance. But me and him? When it's all over, our own people will spit in our faces. And you? You will say thank you and fly home. Then why did you take this job? Why did you join them in the first place? Because I wanted to live a little better, not to get killed. And if you will be honest with yourself, you did it for the same reason. I did it because I wanted to help my country. - Ah. - And now, more than ever, I'm sure that what I did was right. Well, isn't it noble ofhim? Who are you fooling? Do you think anybody will believe you? It doesn't matter. I don't expect them to. Besides, it isn't important. - The important thing is what we believe in. - Knock it off, both of ya. I don't care why you did it. You're in this now, and neither of you is backing out. You better get that through your head, Tiger. You know too much to be left behind. I didn't mean it that way. He must have heard everything, the little brat. You look downstairs. I'll see if he's hiding here. You watch for him below. I'll look around on this floor. - You little swine! - Ow! Let me- Ow! Let me- - Let me go! - Let him go.! - Little swine! You'll kill him! Let him go. Stop it! Don't you see he's only a kid? Let him go, I said. Are you crazy? You'll- Happy! Stop him, quick! Too late! He's reporting us. Hey, come on. To the left. Didn't you see them? They've gone in that direction. They're comin' around on this side. Take cover over here! Quick! This way, sir. Hey, Berger, Fritz, take two men- The rest come with me. I saw them sir. I'm sure they must be here. Three of them. All right. All right, Junge. Hey, Berger, take four men around the back. We'll cover it from this side. - And now you must stay here. - But I want to go with you. Stay here, I said. - You men, over here. Fritz, take a look at that tunnel there. - Right away, sir. You can hardly see anything. Get all the ones on your left, behind those bricks. - There's nothing in the courtyard, sir. There's a staircase going down to the cellar. Over here, Fritz. - What's the matter with you? - Nothing. Nothing. He probably made the whole thing up, Max, right from the start. I suppose you're right. - Call your men. We'd better get out of here. - Yes, sir. - All right, then. Everybody out this way. - Hey, Berger, let's get going! - Hey, Gerhardt, get your men together. - All men report to the vehicles. Come on, Fritz. Let's get out ofhere. Hey, Richter, tell them we can go. All right. All right. Keep goin'! I said, keep goin'! See if you can get over the side here. Tiger, you'll go first. Happy, you follow. If it's too tough to get all the way across, we make for the island. What's the matter with you, Tiger? Get ready! Let's get outta here, quick! Hey, what was that? I saw something. Hey, there's a man lying down here. Run! My legs- I can't move them. My le- Hang on to me. We'll try to make it to the island. Get down. - I had a cramp. I will be all right. - Okay. It looks like only couple of hundred feet to the other shore. - Think-Think you can make it? - I will try. I'm sure I can- All right. Just take it easy for a minute. In case something happens to me, have you got everything straight? I've got it all. Don't worry. Do you remember the Wrzburg target, sir? - That... chemical plant they moved in from East Prussia? Is that very important? - Do you think they will bomb it? - Well, I hope so. Why? I found out that my father was transferred... - from the hospital in Berlin, and-just- - And what? He's stationed in Wrzburg now. The hospital is next to the factory. - Think you can make it now? - I think I can. Ready? Come on! Hey, Krohner, take the second and third platoon... - and spread them out ten meters apart along this side. - Yes, sir. - Victor, take over the first platoon. - Yes, sir. You will remain over here. Everyone watch out for any men or enemy crossing. - As you ordered, sir. - Hans, get the first platoon ready. Quick. - Right away, sir. - All men of second and third platoon come with me. We'll have to wait. They'll put down one more strand. If the cramp starts again, hang on to my shirt. - Halt.! Halt.! Who's there? - Come on.! Come on.! - Who's there? Come out at once, or we'll fire. - Go ahead, Lieutenant. I can't make it anyhow. Stop firing! - Stop firing.! - Hold it! Hold it! - Get him! Get him, quick! - Hey, you, over there.! Stop him. Don't let him get away.! Who are you? What are you doing here? Are you going to talk or not? - Ten seconds to make up your mind. Hey, there's someone moving out there. Knock it off, you jerks! Knock it off! - Hold your fire. Sounds like one of our guys. - What's he doin' out there? Beats me. Just keep him covered. Twenty-first and Fifth Panzer. That's right. They moved into Mannheim yesterday. One regiment along the southern boundary near Neckaran... other about three kilometers north of there. WM-1967 on the Darmstadt-Mannheim sheet. Okay? Yes, I'll send a detailed report over within an hour. What? Well, they must have been asleep at the switch up there. Well, anyway, it's good news. All right. Bye. First Army beat us to it again. They found a bridge the Germans forgot... to blow at Remagen, and they're pouring into Germany like an Army Day parade. I'd be happy to give Berlin to the First, if it'd get me home sooner. - Good news, huh, Rennick? - Hmm? - Oh. Fine, sir. - Got a cigarette, Pete? Look, I know how you feel. There isn't much you can do about it. A kid like Happy, even if he came through it alive... a traitor's always a traitor, no matter what his reasons are. We didn't hesitate about using him. In a war, to save lives, you use whoever you can. Trouble is, you always lose the best ones, 'cause the best ones are willing to take a chance. You better get some rest. It'll do ya good. - Siebert, get me Cadet Forward. - Yes, sir. Come on, hero, straighten up. You oughta be grateful you're alive. Don't worry. I am. - Cadet Forward? Hold on just a minute, please. Griffin- - Yes, sir? - You're staying on with the old man. Take Lt. Rennick to the convent. All kidding aside, Dick, take it easy for a while. - I will, Pete. - I'll see you later. - Sure glad to have you back, Lieutenant. - Thanks. Hey, you better put this on. You're pretty lucky, sir. Too bad about the kid. - Huh? - I mean Happy. - Yeah. - Well, I guess it's no good thinkin' about it. After all, he was just another Kraut. A man stays alive as long as he's remembered... and is killed only by forgetfulness. So long, Happy. Let your real name remain unknown... but let the memory of your sacrifice serve as a key to the meanings of treason. It was to me. |
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