All language subtitles for Hunde, wollt ihr ewig leben (Frank Wisbar, 1959).english

Parades are a magnificent show.

Polished boots strike the road
to the notes of rousing music.

Eyes are sparking.

The march goes forward...

and ends only when shrouds
flutter in the snow and wind...

trying to cover what started
so gloriously and sure of success.

A dead soldier does not care...

who won or lost the war.

In 1942, when many Germans
still believed in final victory...

there were increasing signs
in the East of a turn...

for the worse ahead
for the German armies.

That the Russians had lined up
for a counter-attack.

1,000 Panzers at the Volga.

From our agents' reports,
aerial photos and enemy reports...

we are aware that the Russians
are deploying large forces...

in the Volga area
and the arch of the Don.

End of Summer: The Sixth Army
reached Stalingrad as ordered.

Thus the front line
sprang forward...

and cannot resist a pincer assault
by the enemy.

But Hitler called these warnings
idiotic pessimism...

and ordered the 6th Army,
under Gen. Paulus' command...

to conquer Stalingrad for him.

This became the order of execution
for the Sixth Army.

These are their tombs
on Mount Calvary in Stalingrad.

These are their crypts - tractors,
machine rooms in Stalingrad.

These are the pylons that burned
at the bomb...

of the unknown German soldier...
in Stalingrad.

Only few came back...

to tell of the life and death
of the Sixth Army.

And to erect a memorial
without gilding it.

STALINGRAD: DOGS,
DO YOU WANT TO LIVE FOREVER?

The base city of Charkow,
250 kms behind the front line...

knows no worries yet
when a German Artillery...

Lieutenant Colonel starts
on his way to the Volga front.

I've got nothing to do with it.
This is a different department.

Wait until you are called.

Well, Sergeant,
what about my marching orders?

They are being drawn up, sir.

Why are you in such a hurry?
Charkow is quite amusing.

They've doctored me long enough
at the military hospital.

I can't stand the smell
of carbonic acid any more.

- Next! Well, whose turn is it?
- Yes, me.

- What's wrong with these people?
- What do you expect? Worries...

No work, hunger, no food
and politically... understand?

Of course.
First we have to put things in order.

Well, go, go, go! Next!

But I want to say...

Don't know what to do.
Someone must help.

I told you, we don't need
a translator here any more.

You act as if this
were a day care center.

Quick! Get Out!
An order is an order. Next!

Get my stuff ready.
I'll be back in a minute.

Yes, sir.

- Please, wait!
- What do you want?

You're crying! What's the matter?

If I can't prove by tomorrow
that I've got a job...

I'll be deported to Germany.
Transported by force.

So, that's it!
And they did not have a job for you?

Your countrymen treat us
like dirt.

Easy, easy. What can you do?

- I mean, did you learn anything...
- I'm a student...

but you closed down
the University as well.

Your German is good. How come?

My father insisted that I learn.

He had a weakness
for the Germans... before.

I think I've got an idea.
Maybe I can do something for you.

- Why would you want to help me?
- What do you mean, help...

I simply cannot see
a pretty girl crying.

Hi, son of the Muses,
how's business?

Thanks for asking.
My arm is OK again.

The doctor gave me permission
to give a concert tonight.

- Wonderful!
- I can't take you to the station.

Well, that's not important.

I've got a favor to ask you.
I need help.

- There's this girl...
- As usual.

They want to deport her.

She's a student,
speaks good German...

they simply cannot deport
someone like that.

Can't you give her a job?
In the Army social services?

Yes, perhaps in the library.
That's a good idea. We'll see.

Here's her address.
Damn it, I must leave!

- Hello, Reverend Busch.
- Good evening, Lt. Colonel.

- How was your leave?
- Good, thanks, but too short.

- Do we have the same destination?
- Yes, I think so. Stalingrad.

Well, come in with me.

Koepcke, the large suitcase.

It's heavy.

Hold my dog. Allow me, sir...

Damnit, it weighs a ton!

Are you surprised? 30 kilos of grub
sent by mother.

Well, scram, Sir.
You may have time for a kiss.

I'll be back in a second.
What is it, Katja?

Everything's OK.
I've got a job in the library.

Lieutenant Fuhrmann came for me.

Well, wonderful. Thank God.
Now at least you can stay here.

That's why I came, to thank you.

Lieutenant Fuhrmann said
I would find you here.

I didn't even get your name.

Gerd, Gerd Wisse.

Gerd Wisse.
I don't believe it.

We only met this morning,
I distrusted you so much.

Fuhrmann will take care of you.
Have him write to me.

For sure.

This makes me puke!

Göbbels celebrates our victory
and we don't have Stalingrad yet.

But sir, it can only be
a matter of days.

Do you think so, after failing
to conquer it for three months?

The Führer said the Russians
are defeated and won't recover.

Then I must be in the wrong war.

In my battle area in Stalingrad,
the Russians look healthy.

They hold the best positions,
while we are bleeding to death...

Before going on leave,
I saw 5 sapper battalions turn to

cannon fodder to capture
a few ruins - only to lose them.

You've lived with it
a long time, Reverend?

Yes.

It's madness.

Where are you going, sir?

I am being sent to the Rumanians
as liaison officer.

I don't envy you.

Why not?

What's the matter?

The partisans blew up the rails.

- The repairs will take all night.
- Where are we?

- Some 40 km from Kalatsch.
- I must reach my men tomorrow.

- Is there a phone here?
- Opposite, the engineers.

Thanks. I'll phone for a car.

I'll take you with me, Reverend.
We're going to the same place.

May I join you, sir?

I might be able to reach
my liaison staff.

Yes, come on. They'll bring us
our baggage later.

What was the name again?
Sergeant Böse? Yes.

- Your tea.
- Thank you.

- Matka, any tea left for us?
- Yes, sure.

Send me the car
as soon as possible.

Gentlemen, I've got an idea.
First let's get a proper meal.

Matka, have you got some eggs?

One.

- Only one?
- Yes.

Reverend, you cut the potatoes
into the pan.

Gladly, if you think
I can handle that.

I do it.

How many are we?

- 1, 2, 3, 4...
- 4!

5, 6, 7, 8, 9 mouths counting the dog.
Lieutenant-Colonel...

you get 2 sausages
from my backpack.

- Yes, sir.
- You've got a big family.

- Many children.
- And your husband? The father?

Dead, war.

Who helps you now?

Helps?

Thank you Batuschka, thanks.
Thank you very much.

I thought Moscow had done away
with that already.

Didn't they try in Germany too?
They had no success.

In spite of Military Academies
and Hitler Youth.

Everything passes, Mr. Wisse,
but not this. Rely on that.

I was brought up
in a Military Academy.

We learned to rely on ourselves -
and this set us on the right track.

Until you blow a tire.

See, I'm something like
a jack of all trades.

For organizing and all that.

And besides, I specialize in engines.
You understand?

You'll end up by smashing the car,
you specialist!

Oh, no, it is used to a lot.

What happened to your hand?

Nothing too bad.
A small splinter...

but unfortunately not enough
to get a discharge.

Sentries!

Attention!

Sgt. Böse. Two men,
intelligence liaison, one radio operator.

Thanks. Hope we work well together.

At ease.

Lance-Corporal Sander.

Radio operator Klausch.

Come, please, sir.

Thanks.
Krämer, take care of the dog.

Yes, sir. Come here, girl.

Tell me, what do we have here?

In this ravine is the staff
of the Rumanian Division.

This is Gen... Kutriano's bunker,
and this is your new home.

There are rat holes.
Captain Scherer's expecting you.

Thank you.

Lieutenant-Colonel Wisse
reporting for duty!

I'm glad you're here. Welcome.
Have a seat.

Excuse my informality,
but as you see, I'm packing.

What took you so long?

The partisans blew up the rails
at Kalatsch.

It's already starting in Kalatsch
as well. Well, no wonder.

You did well phoning immediately.
I'm in a rush.

I must reach Kalatsch at noon,
or I'll lose my connecting train.

This is quite comfortable.
A nice cave for hibernating.

You'll hardly get to do that.
There are rumors, reports

and assumptions. The Russkies
are cooking something up. Nasty.

- Really?
- Böse will tell you everything.

I've already notified Kutriano
that you're coming.

He's a nice, old warhorse.

In general, Rumanians are good
and decent soldiers.

Obedient to the death.
One second.

- Krämer, is the car tank full?
- Nearly, sir.

Hurry up, man!

Here you've got first-class men,
whom you can trust.

I also wanted to tell you...

there's a German Major
from the Army Corps

acting as tactical coordinator
with the Rumanians. Linkmann.

He's a handful.
But you're not subordinate to him...

...not under his discipline.
I think I've got everything.

Come on.

Well Böse, I leave Lieut.-Col. Wisse
to your tender mercies.

This sergeant is the soul
of our business. All the best.

All the best to you, Captain.

Don't take things too lightly here,
Wisse.

Farewell.

Have a good trip, Captain.

And don't forget to report
to the Army Corps.

What're you waiting for, Krämer?

We're leaving, Captain.

Was he in a hurry!

He's right, we'd all wish
to go with him.

Don't exaggerate, Böse.

You've got it easy, here.

It's deceiving. We intelligence people
hear the grass grow.

Do you know what order
will be issued tonight?

- Well?
- No more leaves.

Now I understand
why he was in such a hurry!

Where's Major Linkmann's bunker?

- Down there. I'll take you there.
- Thanks.

Lieut.-Col. Wisse, new Head
of the Intelligence Liaison Staff.

Linkmann.

You look too damn young
for such a difficult position.

Three years experience
at the front counts double, Sir.

Well, we shall see.

I hope you'll be smarter
than Scherer.

I'm glad to be rid
of that pessimist.

He made a Russian Army
out of every patrol report.

It seems to me he was near
a nervous breakdown.

That's unavoidable
when one only sees ghosts.

We belong to the Fifty First
Army Corps of Gen. Von Steiglitz.

First-class men.

What we need here,
is to be smart.

Keep your distance
from the Rumanians.

Bad soldiers. Bad training.
Officers not much better.

In brief, a bunch of no-good,
hysterical men.

The important thing is -
don't fall for it, keep your cool.

- Nerves of steel.
- I've got them. Thanks.

And as for us two...

I've already heard of you
at the Army Corps.

Excellent career.
Military Academy, etc.

I myself have been in this
for a long time.

Yes, it's not easy here.
We must stick together.

- Of course, sir.
- Well, until tonight, then.

We always eat with the General.
I'll introduce you.

Thank you, sir.

My division
is in an extremely difficult position.

We're holding a 19-km. area
instead of 5 or 6, as usual.

Thank you. Since the Summer advance,
we fight without pause.

We have no heavy weapons,
no tanks, no anti-tank weapons.

Not even mines,
and no reserves at all.

For weeks we've known that the Russians
are deploying full force.

For weeks I've asked Scherer
to ask for help.

He did his best,
but had no success.

I'll see what I can do,
immediately General.

Thank you,
but I think it's already too late.

As usual,
Major Linkmann smiles superciliously.

He doesn't believe in a Russian attack.
Even knowing the situation.

I don't deny
the possibility of an attack.

I think more of our capacity
to drive back the enemy than you.

Tanks cannot be squashed
with bare hands. I need weapons.

The High Command
is fully aware of the situation.

And why is nothing done?

I'm not privy
to the Führer's plans.

Thank you, gentlemen.

The ill-starred night
of November 11, 1942 has set in.

Silence lies over the land.

Only the voice from Moscow
hammers monotonously, unwavering...

out of the radio: every seven seconds
a German soldier dies.

Stalingrad - a mass grave.

Every seven seconds
a German soldier dies.

Stalingrad - a mass grave.

Klausch, switch the bloody thing off!

I can't.

Why not?

Half an hour ago they issued an order,
to keep on receiving.

The Moscow interference emitter
is on the same wavelength.

I feel as if I'm being beaten up.

The General!

Please connect me with your
Corps. General Von Steidlitz.

Go on, Klausch.

Here Mars, urgently,
General Von Seidlitz...

for General Kutriano.
Yes, it's a personal call.

Switch that thing off!

I'm giving over.

Kutriano. General,
I've consulted with my superiors...

and I have an important message
for you.

A few minutes ago
we deciphered a radio signal.

It's Stalin's Order of the Day.

The Russian full-scale attack
has been set for today at 6 a.m.

Of course, we don't know
where the main thrust will take place.

But if it's in my area,
I cannot guarantee anything.

As you know,
I have no heavy weapons.

May I ask you for your backup
in case of emergency?

Thanks, General. We're waiting
for further orders. Over and out.

It's on. The General promised me help
in case of emergency.

In any case,
we won't give in easily.

- Of course, General.
- He won't leave us in the lurch.

Synchronize your watches.

One O-five.

Lieut. Col. Kesselbach, sir.

Take your tanks
to the Rumanians.

It's started.

- What time is it?
- 2:30.

Has anything happened?

We just got a report. The Russians
will attack at 6 a.m. today.

Come on, Wisse, the Russians...

Now let us think quietly.

It's obvious that the Russians
will attack. Well...

Why do you think the Rumanians
have got no heavy weapons?

They are not reliable, see.

I've got a theory. The Führer
will use them as cannon-fodder.

- What?
- Yes, yes.

But that, of course,
doesn't include us.

No, so there's only one thing
for us to do.

Let's keep our eyes and ears open,
and keep calm...

and it things go wrong,
we take the jalopy and leave.

Do you understand?

Paulus.

Of course we've reported
the imminent attack to the troops.

What? Repeat.

Over and out.

Ground fog forecast.
They cannot send the Air Force.

No air-support?
That's exactly what we needed!

I wonder, Schmidt, have we done
everything humanly possible?

Everything humanly possible,
General.

The question is,
will it be enough?

That's impossible, Schmund.

The Führer must talk to me.

It's important.

He must release
the stand-by tank corps for battle.

It must leave without delay.

Make it as urgent as possible.

We cannot watch this
with folded arms.

Over and out.

How can he win the war
demoting his General Staff to privates!

He calls us plumbers.
I've got nothing against that...

but he should let us do our work
when a water pipe bursts!

The Chief of Staff phoned again,
mein Führer.

May I ask for a decision.

Let him line up the tank corps.
Further orders will be given.

Yes, mein Führer.

Klausch, report this to the Army Corps.

After 3 hours of bombardment,
the Russians attack...

- with heavy tanks, a wide front.
- Yes, sir.

- Böse, take charge of the base.
- Yes, sir.

Pack our stuff so that we're ready
if we must leave.

Krämer, stay ready on the hill.
I'm at the Division command post.

The Russians are approaching
our artillery shelters.

3rd and 4th battery
are defending them bitterly.

The sappers are surrounded
and resisting.

There it is -
The Russians got through!

Attention, tank!
Send them a heavy charge!

Stay, stay! Stay here!

Keep calm!
There are only a few scattered tanks!

Go! Your turn!

Lieut.-Col. of the Fifty First
Army Corps arriving!

You're late, but thanks anyhow.

Keep the Russian tanks off,
so I can save what still can be.

Hello, young Knight, well done!
I saw you.

You're good at that.

Are you nuts, running around outside
instead of staying here!

I went to the divisional command post.

Your sergeant refused me the car
to drive to the Corps.

We did agree
that I'd get the car.

It's a misunderstanding.
I understood you differently.

What are you insinuating?

I made myself perfectly clear.

I'll report you, just you wait!

He only obeys my orders.
I'm responsible.

Don't be so arrogant!
Your responsibility!

They just ordered me
to withdraw my division.

Take the necessary steps.
Report to your service post...

Thanks for help, Kesselbach came
with tanks, covers our retreat.

- Yes, sir.
- I didn't see you this morning.

- I didn't have a car.
- The others also came by foot.

Someone had to keep in contact
with the Corps.

Your duty as tactical officer
was to remain with me.

- Wisse was not here either.
- Thanks to his personal...

intervention, he saved us
from a dangerous situation.

We thank you, son.

A strange retreat has begun,
not westward...

to the saving German Front,
but eastward, deeper into Russia.

Pushed, harassed
by the enemy tanks...

that have cut their connection
to their own lines.

I could really blow my cool
with these Army bureaucrats.

I got only two cans of gas
out of them and...

the depot is chock full of rags
and grub for the whole division.

So?

I thought we could organize something.

Since we've lost everything.

But they won't give us anything.
They want to burn it all up.

What? They're nuts!

Let's have another look.
This is stupid.

I've got orders to burn
the depot in half an hour...

so that nothing falls
in enemy hands.

- So, you can't clear the depot?
- Of course not.

Be reasonable!

Do you want to blow up
all this stuff?

Out there are hungry and freezing men
who've fought the whole day.

- I've got my orders.
- I don't give a shit.

Krämer, leave that
and wait till you get instructions.

What do you intend to do?

I'll tell you.

Since there's no higher ranking officer
around...

I'll take charge of clearing the depot,
and burn the rest.

How dare you!
Anybody could say this.

If you're dying to fire,
you'll get your wish very soon.

The Russians won't waste
much time on you...

Well, I give in to violence.

But under protest.
And you will sign a protocol.

Krämer!

Here you are.
Russian winter just arrived.

And inside there, he's got furs.

What are we waiting for?
Let's take a few with us.

Sergeant, here, please.

Are you nuts?

The Russians are at our heels
and you're playing Christmas?

Yes, sir. The depot cop
wanted to burn everything...

The men should take
all they can carry.

Alright. But now leave.

My tanks can't keep the Russians off
for more than 15 minutes.

Yes, sir. Give me the fuel.

The scope of the Russian breach
exceeds my worst fears.

With strong armored forces,
the Russians...

have broken through southward
and are behind the Sixth Army.

South of Stalingrad they thrust
to the West and Northwest...

and broke through
the Rumanian front.

Both arms of the pincers
met at Kalatsch.

My Führer, the 6th Army
with one tank corps and 4 army corps

and twenty-two divisions,
is surrounded.

Even worse, the Russian winter is early,
and unusually harsh.

Warm winter clothes
failed to reach the troops.

Go on.

We have to make a decision,
immediately.

Almost 250,000 German soldiers
are surrounded.

Of these, 25,000 are injured.

Food and ammunition supplies
will soon be so scarce...

that a catastrophe looms over
the Sixth Army...

unless you order them
to break ranks.

Can you give me a 100% guarantee
that the 6th Army will be saved?

No, my Führer.

I can give you a 100% guarantee
that the 6th Army will be lost...

unless you order them
to break ranks.

We've been waiting for days
for the order to break ranks...

but the Führer is hesitating,
and Paulus is hesitating.

Everything has been discussed!

It's not the first time
an Army is surrounded.

I've seen this once already.

This can only be broken through
with an iron hand!

But it must be done quickly.

Come on, Seidlitz,
give me the weather report.

Heavy frost, ground frozen hard.

Rivers and streams frozen -
can support guns.

That's enough for me.
Over and out.

In such a weather
one wouldn't turn out a dog.

You're wrong, Klausius.
We have to do something, immediately.

- Yes, sir!
- I'm fed up with waiting!

I'll force them to see
that we have to act...

and start things rolling.

Then, all the rest will follow.

Order my divisions to take only weapons,
ammunition...

food and fuel.
Destroy all the rest.

Your high-handedness
has caused a dangerous situation.

Breaking ranks
had been decided upon.

But the senior staff
decided otherwise.

They forbid us to break ranks.
Help will come from outside.

We stay put and dig in.

It's madness!

- It's an order from the Führer.
- It's a disaster.

My men are lying in the open steppe,
without shelters...

unprotected against this murderous cold.

It's your rashness which caused
this situation. You're to blame.

I had to shorten the front.

We have to break ranks...

even against the orders
given by the Führer.

We don't know
the overall situation.

There's nothing we can do,
but obey.

The defeated Rumanian Div.
Set up temporary quarters in a ravine.

The German Intelligence Staff
is also quartered there.

Condemned to inactivity,
as the whole 6th Army.

Listen, Kurt, phone again.

My brother-in-law
at the Army Corps is packing.

They have to retreat.
They can't hold their position.

There's a lot of trouble
at Headquarters.

I'm telling you,
this time everything is going wrong.

Yes, our beloved Führer is nuts.

Now his wisdom
has come to an end.

I take exception to such statements,
Krämer.

Lieut.-Col. Krämer doesn't mean it.

But we're all getting nervous.

You yourself
were at the Army Corps today.

Come on, don't take it so hard.

Everything will be OK.
Keep your stiff upper lip.

That's just words.

We would like a proper answer.
How will this go on?

To tell you the truth, guys,
I myself don't know.

We're surrounded and must wait.
What for, no one knows.

Rations are to be cut again...

they'll try to supply us by air,

provided we can hold
the airfields.

Yeah, that's it, more or less.

Get warm, sir.

Thanks, Krämer.

What's going on here?
Council of war?

Yes, sir. We were discussing
the situation.

- Well, is my car ready?
- Yes, sir.

- So you're leaving us today?
- Yes.

I'm taking over an artillery unit
in Stalingrad.

At long last,
a proper assignment.

It is absolutely forbidden
to chat with the men.

The truth cannot hurt them.

It undermines their trust
in the superiors.

You seem to have forgotten
all you've been taught.

I'd like to have you under my command -
I'd get you in shape.

I don't believe
you'll have the pleasure, Major.

- You think so?
- Yes.

Your days are counted too.
Let's go, Krämer!

Thank God he's gone.

I'll never forgive him
for wanting to escape.

And I think he'll never forgive you,
should he know...

that you've noticed it.

In order to survive,

the Sixth Army had requested
daily supplies of 750 tons...

of food, ammunition
and medical supplies.

Hitler and Göring
authorized them.

But they did not keep
their promise.

At first, 20% of the required tonnage
reached the pocket...

then only 10% and later...

when they lost the main airfields,
nothing more got in.

I can't do it.
You must understand!

Why are you so stingy?

I repair your radios
and you won't give me anything.

We can give you cigarettes,
Krämer. Tobacco.

Tobacco. My jalopy can't run
on tobacco.

There's nothing I can do.
The old man has become unbearable.

Sticking his nose everywhere
and controlling the supplies.

OK. OK. Go to hell.

There he is.

What are you doing here?

This time you were unsuccessful,
weren't you?

Unfortunately I was, sir.

Come here, all of you.
Yes, you too...

or don't you want to be out of
this shitty pocket by Christmas?

Who doesn't!
A beautiful dream, sir.

A beautiful dream?
You'd be surprised!

Come here, and give me
a piece of chalk.

Pay attention. I've come
from a meeting at the division...

they're preparing
something super.

Well...

This is us here,
surrounded and encircled.

As you know, the Sixth Army...

is completely isolated,
for this is the new German front line.

Now, a completely new armored army
is coming from the South...

under the command
of Colonel Hooth.

He's advanced from a distance
of 400 kilometers...

and broken through,
and is 150 kilometers away from us.

As soon as he's sufficiently near...

- Where is General Hooth?
- There, by the tank.

- Well? What's happening?
- We can finally go on.

We lost another 2 tanks.
The Russkies are getting stronger.

However, with our 200 tanks
we finished 1,000 Russian tanks.

But new ones spring up like mushrooms -
It's uncanny.

Don't be so pessimistic.
We must break through.

Another 100 km.
The surrounded men are waiting for us.

Keep telling the men
they'll be out by Christmas.

Yes.

Come on, guys, let's go.

Damn it, a report.
We've waited long enough for it.

Thanks, over and out.

Guys, Hooth is 50 kilometers away.

Any time now
we'll get a break-ranks order.

Throw away
whatever you cannot use.

Krämer, organize a few more
cans of fuel for the jalopy.

Right, even if I have to steal them.

Böse, when you get the order,
blow up the radio patrol car.

- I'll get it ready.
- Now speak against the Führer.

Quick, quick, decipher the bullshit.

I thought you had learned
how to do it.

Only a second, sir.
At Milerovo...

That's far away,
I'm not interested.

It's the front
of the Eighth Italian Army.

So what?

The Russians broke through.

- What!
- That's what it says, sir.

Damn it!
Now they can attack our flanks.

- We're getting into hell.
- Worse than that.

Wait, we're 48 kilometers
from the pocket. We've got a chance.

Paulus must line up immediately
and come towards me.

We can make it,
but he must hurry.

That's impossible.

Hooth's 48 kilometers away
and I only have fuel for 30 km.

But there's only 18 kilometers
in between. We could make it.

When Hitler knew of our explosives,
he forbid us...

from breaking ranks,
even though we had arranged it.

I'm now adopting
his own approach...

without enough fuel,
we'd be left helpless in the steppe.

We should attempt it anyhow.

Give the army a chance, General.

Our men know what's going on.

You can expect them to fight
twice as hard.

An unsuccessful escape
could mean the end of my army.

Therefore, I cannot risk it.

That's all I wanted to tell you.

Thank you, gentlemen.

- Friedrich.
- What?

You must break ranks
and get to Hooth.

- You know what my orders are.
- They are irrational.

- Why do you obey them?
- We swore allegiance to Hitler.

We have a higher responsibility
than tradition and honor.

We are responsible
to the people and our soldiers.

Empty words.
We're carrying out a mission here.

- We tie up Russian forces.
- Perhaps today...

but tomorrow the Russians
can and will do whatever they want.

- My hands are tied by orders.
- Disobey them.

I'm not a rebel.

Just imagine the consequences
of such disobedience.

Anarchy, revolt. My army
would endanger the whole Eastern front.

People and Army
would never condone the ensuing chaos.

It would be the act of a rebel hero,
like Jorg Von Wartenburg.

He saved Prussia
by refusing to obey the king's orders.

I'm no Jorg Von Wartenburg.

And this is a completely
different situation.

I know how we are.
I'd stand alone...

no one would support me.
I'm not changing my mind.

We're not breaking ranks.

You're passing the death sentence
on the Sixth Army.

A bitter Christmas present
for our soldiers.

No need for you
to continue burning.

What does that mean?

The rescue operation
of General Hooth went wrong.

We're not deploying.
We're not breaking ranks.

Well, then, Merry Christmas.

We should march South
to break ranks.

The Russian tanks
have squashed us.

Give him a drink and something to eat.
Quick.

There's no need. He's dead.

Do you hear, Krämer?

It's amazing.

What is it?

Wanna hear something, sir?

Klausch is receiving.
Let's go to him.

OK. Come on.

Lost German soldiers
wander through the Christmas night...

without knowing where they belong.

I found them
in the snow covered heights...

under the frozen hollows...

and so I found you here today.
And I stopped you...

to bring you the Christmas message
of peace on earth.

Which seems to be
in the wrong place here.

But believe me
when I tell you...

that beyond the storm
and the roaring of guns...

God's voice comes through
to us and tells us...

that when all doors
are closed...

His door is always open.

And now, let me bless you...

"May the Lord bless you
and keep you..."

"May the Lord shine His face
upon you and be gracious..."

"May the Lord shine
his countenance upon you..."

"And give you peace.
Amen."

Why, we know each other.

Yes, in the Russian farmhouse...

with Lieutenant-Colonel Kesselbach.

Sure, you're the young First Lieutenant,
Military Academy...

with good prescriptions
for all situations.

I'm not so sure any more,
Reverend.

Here everything
is hard to understand.

You question the meaning of it all.

There's no reasonable answer.

The only thing left
is our belief in God...

but for you that is probably
no consolation.

How could it? I lost my parents
very young and you know...

that those who raised me
denied God.

Follow your instincts
through all the hardships...

you're suffering here.

I'm telling you, sometimes God
only reveals himself in Hell.

I've summoned you to tell you...

that my division has now been
subordinated to the Sixth Army.

Thus, your mission here
has come to an end.

I have to inform you, dear Wisse,
that you're being...

transferred as battery commander
to Stalingrad.

You'll go with Sergeant Böse
and private Krämer.

They'll tell you all the rest
at the Army Corps.

For your heroic action,
my Supreme Command grants you...

the Rumanian Order of Courage.

- Congratulations.
- Thank you, General.

To all of you, my heartfelt appreciation
and all the best.

Thank you, General.

Dismiss them.

Dismissed!

Potomnik, Goroditsche.

And now, a joke.
Berlin, 2,431 kilometers.

Now let's agonize
over our choice.

Yeah, Berlin was nice.
I met a brunette, a sugar-baby.

We know Berlin, now we're going
to Stalingrad via Goroditsche.

I'm curious to know
what that resort is like.

My new regimental commander's
waiting there. I'm curious...

In civilian life I'm a scientist.
A botanist.

A man who studies flowers,
plants and their growth.

It was fate's bitter irony
that took me to the Volga.

There's no growth here...

only death, rot.

I don't believe in the success
of Operation Stalingrad.

I don't want to make you sad,
but you must know the truth.

You were recommended as a good officer.
I'm glad you're here.

Your obedient servant, sir.

You'll take over
the Third battery.

Report to your unit commander,
Linkmann. He'll instruct you.

May I ask if Linkmann
was responsible for my transfer?

He was very interested in you.

We did not always work
together in harmony.

As you see, he's not vindictive.
Until tomorrow.

Take my scarf. With my fat neck,
I don't need one.

- No way.
- Take it and shut up.

Your cough
is getting on my nerves.

- I'm your superior officer.
- These are health reasons.

What is it, sir?

This beats me. This promises
to be a nice health resort.

And do you know who manages
the resort? Major Linkmann.

Good God!

I told you,
we should have gone to Berlin!

This won't be a joke.

We'll see.

Yes, that's my last word.
I'm not allowing a single shot.

Let the infantry see
what it does without artillery. Over.

Lt. Col. Wisse,
transferred as commander, Third battery.

Why, what a surprise!

Not for you, Major.

No, you're right there.

I had you already earmarked
for my unit.

I hear that you were
already granted a medal.

Yes, sir.
The Rumanian Order of Courage.

Well, Rumanians have different
yardsticks - no spite intended.

Here in Stalingrad
you can prove what a guy you are.

- I'll give you a chance.
- That's nice of you, sir.

I demand high performance.

Just now we're faced
with a crisis, but it's temporary.

But the Führer needs men of iron
to overcome problems.

So, don't go soft on me...

in spite of the hunger,
the cold and other hardships.

I have two other men from intelligence
with me.

Who are they?

Sergeant Böse
and Private Krämer.

Böse, my, my.
I had my eye on him already.

He's so devoid of military character.

I'll find some use for him
here with me.

As for Krämer, you better take him
to the front with you.

At the battery position
you'll need whoever you can get.

Third battery: one officer, four NCO's,
thirty-eight men, 4 guns.

One constable and two forward observers
in Stalingrad.

Damn it, Fuhrmann, in this lousy pocket
we all meet again.

- How long have you been here?
- They sent me 2 days after you.

And that was the end
of beautiful Charkow.

Tell me, there was that Russian girl,
Katja.

Katja? Oh, yes. The job was eliminated.
End of a dream.

- What happened to her?
- I don't know.

She was sent to Germany
or went underground with her own people.

I see. How are things here?

Here we are 1,400 meters
from Stalingrad.

We only have to back up
the infantry

My God, this is Stalingrad.

And under this debris
lie ten thousand corpses.

There are 2,000 guns
of every caliber, all worthless...

because we haven't received
ammunition for weeks.

Linkmann has to authorize
every shot.

We still have twelve rounds per gun.
That's it.

What were they thinking of?

That's what we always wonder.

You're cold. Doesn't the Battery
have winter clothes?

Nothing arrived.
It's the Russians or the cold.

Fuhrmann, take my fur coat.

I can't take it.

Bullshit, you can and you will.
I've got another one.

We looted a storage depot.

And now, let's have a look
at the forward observation post.

By day you won't reach it alive.

Every square meter
is covered by Russian fire.

But when darkness sets in,
I'll be glad to take you.

Let's go!

- Stop! Password!
- Stop.

- Sommerschmidt?
- Yes, sir.

Hello, sir.

Konowsky and two forward observers.
No special events.

- Thank you, Konowsky.
- Our new commander, Wisse.

- Good evening, Konowsky.
- Hello, sir.

- Private Krämer.
- Hello.

I'm just distributing rations.

This looks pathetic.

The Russians gunned down our food.
Not a sausage got through.

Did the gentlemen
bring something to eat?

- Unfortunately, not.
- Have a cigarette, constable.

Super! Thank you.

They noticed we have guests.
But the roof will hold.

What's the situation here?

Right and left, the infantry.
They control the crossroads.

In the upper floor
of the opposite house, the Russians.

In the cellar are our men
as tenants, or vice versa.

In the same house?
That's impossible!

In Stalingrad
everything's possible, sir.

Sometimes the front line
divides the houses vertically.

We had a toilet where I went
every morning for 15 minutes...

to think out our problems.
One morning I arrive...

and there's this Russian.
In my poor Russian...

I tell him: "Come on, boy, scram!"
He left, saying

"The Prussians
won't even let you shit in peace!"

I think you're telling tales,
Konowsky.

My word, sir.
As sure as I'm standing here.

- Can I see the forward post?
- Yeah, I'll take the lead.

Fuhrmann, you stay here.

B2 Konowsky.
Yes, we've noticed it too.

Sure, we're in the same boat.
Will do.

Sir, a question.
Do you have any food? No?

That's a pity. Over and out.

The infantry lieutenant.

The Russians lined up two tanks
and one anti-aircraft gun.

So?

This is a key position.
It controls the crossroads.

It must be held at all costs.
And a few houses down...

are Paulus' new quarters.

- That's news to me.
- Well, a nice cellar hole.

With water running...
down the walls.

Call the battery
and tell them...

that we're staying here tonight.
I want to see what's going on.

Yes, sir.

The Russians are attacking.

Konowsky, get me Major Linkmann
on the phone.

He must authorize some rounds
for our battery.

I've already spoken to the unit.

He refused point blank.
Not even a single grenade.

They say not to be
so pompous about it.

Damn it, a direct hit
into our cellar.

- I'll go check.
- Stay here, sir.

- It's full of sharpshooters.
- I'll take care.

Damn it, Gerd, were we lucky!

Russian tanks and infantry.
Go forward with a MG, Schmidt.

Fuhrmann and Krämer,
secure the rear. Come with me.

Yes.

OK. Further to the right,
Schmidt.

Eh, Krämer.

There, Krämer.

We'll get them.

Well, go on.

That could have easily
gone wrong.

Linkmann is a shit,
he could have authorized a round.

Without the gun,
we would've been a sorry sight.

I got me a pal.
He's slightly beaten.

We don't take prisoners.
No side takes them.

Not with me, Konowsky.

Let him go. Fuhrmann,
tell him to go back to his people.

Wait! At least he should leave
his satchel.

Come here.

Scram, go!

Look what the Russians
get for food!

Look at that!

A smoked herring and bread...

lard and millet.

These are delicacies!
And what do we get? An empty stomach.

What are we doing
on this side of the world?

I understand that the Russians
want to throw us out.

Even the workers,
women and children fight for it.

We haven't lost anything here.

Sir, a negotiator
with a white flag.

The Russian major
wants to thank you...

for sending the prisoner back.

He let me go in exchange.

He proposes
a thirty minute cease fire...

so that both sides
can collect their wounded.

Good idea.

I'm going with him
to see the infantry commander. Come.

During these wretched
thirty minutes...

an episode took place,
which the Germans...

as well as the Russians
reported and vouched for.

Time out.

Come, Fuhrmann,
the show is over.

On January 10, 1943,
the Russians attack full force

to blow up the pocket
after Hitler refuses

to surrender, and orders
to fight to the last bullet.

The Sixth Army
offers desperate resistance.

Of course I'm retreating
the front line.

Yes, even going against orders.

The Russians breached 3 points
in the pocket, don't you see?

Is there no one
capable of taking over?

An Army is being senselessly used
as cannon fodder!

Admit it, the Russians
could cut the pocket to pieces.

They even took over
the last large airfield at Potomnik.

I know. We still have Gomrak
and Stalingradsky.

- They're worthless.
- Shut up!

This is pure defeatism.
The Führer knows what he does.

He cannot prevent all hell
from breaking loose!

Go to the front
and see what's going on.

Out of 16, only 4 guns are left.
No ammunition, no food.

They took away 30 more men
for the battle troops.

It's more important for us
to get ready for infantry warfare.

That'll do. We are gunners,
and will stay by our guns.

Of course we need
ammunition and food.

The airfield at Gomrak
has enough of that stuff.

Go and organize
whatever you need.

And don't come back
empty handed!

- And where will I find you, sir?
- Here, of course.

What do you mean?

You sent our last four guns
to Stalingrad.

Lieutenant Fuhrmann
is the only officer there.

- So what?
- Wouldn't it be better if we...

both go to Stalingrad
and send someone else to Gomrak?

Kindly stop giving idiotic advice.
I'm in charge here.

Get lost! Go to Gomrak!

Look at this!

How many calories
does an adult need?

In times of peace, 3,500.

A few ounces of bread
and a sliver of sausage?

How can I make it
through minus 30 degrees on that!

Don't rail like that!
We are in the same shit.

Man, I'm not putting up
with this shit any more... shit!

Konowsky, are you nuts?
Listen...

I'll keep this for you
and you'll eat it later.

- What's the matter?
- He's crazed with hunger again.

OK. OK.

We're going to Gomrak,
to get food and ammunition.

Well, at long last, sir.

To eat properly once,
to fill our bellies.

Hello, Böse.

What did the doctor say?

Pneumonia.
There's nothing he can do.

May I come back?
I have to go back with the fighting men.

With pneumonia? Are you crazy?
Stay where you are!

- Then I'll starve.
- What?

I've just got orders,
as of today...

food is only distributed
to fighting men.

Sir, Reverend Busch
says he has an appointment.

Right. Bring him in.

Yes, General.

Come in, Reverend.

You said on the phone
that it was urgent. What is it?

General, it has to do
with the order...

to distribute food
only to fighting troops.

Yes.

That means approximately
50,000 wounded men...

are condemned to starve to death
in the cellars of Stalingrad.

Why do you come to me?

I don't know of such an order
and wouldn't have signed it.

I've gone to every position,
and no one deals with it.

But someone must be responsible
for such an inhuman order!

I don't know who issued it.

But let me tell you
something else.

There are no humane wars.

But we are soldiers.
You, too, wear an uniform.

I cannot go on watching
such suffering!

I'm surprised at you, Reverend.

The Church prays
for our Army's victory.

But if victory
inexorably demands victims, you say...

This is impossible.
Where's the rationale?

The Church prays for peace and justice,
but this is not a just war.

Be careful with your words!
It could be high treason!

The men die for nothing.
Their sacrifice is senseless.

Reverend Busch...

only time will tell
who of us is right.

Our sacrifice for Stalingrad
is a military necessity.

How could I live,
unless I was convinced of that?

Wouldn't it be a tragedy
if your conviction was wrong?

Go with God, General.

- What do you want?
- Food and ammunition.

Funny. You're nuts.
You want ammunition?

It's weeks since they brought any.
We only have...

prayer books, sacks full of pepper,
2,000 Hitler portraits...

OK. OK. What about food?

You're being ridiculous.
This is the asshole of the world.

And there goes the last way out
of this damn pocket.

In one hour the Russians will be here!
We're finished.

What, there's nothing to eat?
Look at this body.

This machine weighs 200 lbs.

In order to work,
it must be lubed.

Lubed with bread,
butter, eggs...

meat. Lots of meat, potatoes.

Now he's going to crack up.

You're stupid if you think
one can do without. Stupid.

Stay here.

Let me through. Eh, wait, wait!

Stay here.

I'm leaving here,
let me through, let me through!

I want to go with them. Stop!

Konowsky, behave!

Let me go through.
Man, I'm leaving here.

Konowsky, don't do anything stupid!

Back off. Stay there.
Stay there.

It's only for the seriously wounded.
We are overloaded.

I'm wounded.
I'm seriously wounded, pal.

Don't come forward. Stay put.
Get lost, man.

How do we get home?
Open the door.

What did I do to you, pigs?

Konowsky.

I saw it.
The tail broke his neck.

Come on, quick!

Where have you been so long?

In Gomrak. As you should know.

Konowsky is dead.

Did you carry out my orders?

For your information,
it's hopeless.

There is no ammunition,
nor food.

What? My God,
you're quite a failure!

While you went to Gomrak
for a stroll, all hell broke lose.

Guns lost, operators gone,
and we're moving to Stalingrad-Center.

Good Lord, what about Fuhrmann?

I've no idea. Dead, missing...
I don't know.

We've been ordered
to form battle troops.

- You'll be responsible for it.
- Where do I get the men?

I don't care.
Wherever you can find them.

From the hospital,
look for the shirkers and cowards.

If there are any,
the military police should do it.

Stop blabbering. You're on your own.
Go on, that's an order...

and take Krämer with you,
and Böse too.

- He's just sitting around here.
- He's sick. He has pneumonia.

Böse goes with you.

I won't discuss it any longer,
this is not a kindergarten.

And don't come back
with stupid excuses, either.

It's about time
you proved yourself to me.

Is it still important?

That night, Stalingrad burned
from end to end.

That night Göring celebrates
the Reich's 10th anniversary.

He also refers to Stalingrad.

On the 10th anniversary
of our take over...

...the Führer cannot be with us...

Hey, what are you doing here?

I've been ordered
to look for shirkers.

So, shirkers. Well, look around.

There's a crisis
and he is dealing with it personally.

What do you want here?
Are you wounded?

Or are you bringing food?
Medical supplies?

I'm sorry, we have nothing.

But I've got a patient with me.
Perhaps you could...

Don't be ridiculous.
Have a look around here and in...

800 other cellars in Stalingrad.
Without help, they'll die.

We are helpless!

This is murder.

A leader has carried it out,
who will go into history...

as the greatest German of all times.

With his might he held
the Eastern front by himself...

They talk, and we die.

Shut your trap.
I've got my orders.

If anyone weakens,
think of Stalingrad...

Eh, give us a drag.

Where they have fought
with the same heroism...

Me too.

as in ancient Greece.

You don't need it,
you're dying anyhow.

At Thermopilae, where Leonidas
and his 300 Spartans...

without flinching
till the last of them was dead.

As it's written:
"If you come to Sparta, traveler..."

- Fuhrmann!
- Major Linkmann...

I told, the cannons,
you must...

You have to take them off.

Old boy.

You, oh. It's you Gerd,
now I'll be going home soon.

So today we speak...

At long last I'll play,
give concerts...

...to German soldiers...

Music.

...who've proven
true heroism.

They have proven their loyalty
to the Führer by dying.

- Switch that thing off.
- It's Göring. It's our duty to hear it.

From now on they'll say
"If you come to Germany..."

traveler, tell how you saw us
lying in Stalingrad...

as the law ordered it...

Yes, soldiers are meant to die...

and if he doesn't,
he can only say...

I've been lucky once again.

Good Lord, how long will he blabber?
Switch it off!

In 1,000 years, Stalingrad
will be pronounced with pride...

For the last time, Sargent,
switch the box off.

I've been ordered
to make them hear Göring's speech.

Get out!

I'll report this.

Sure, and tell Göring
to save his eulogies till we're dead.

I'm sorry, even priests can crack up.

We're only human.

Did you find
what you were looking for?

There are no shirkers here.

Now, Krämer.

Laugh, I've told a joke.

Come.

Open the door, and run straight on.
There are Germans there.

- Katja.
- Don't say a word.

Don't do that.

We cannot be friends.
We must be enemies.

What did this war turn us into?

Now go, it'll be too late
any minute. Go.

Thank you.

Don't fire, Krämer.

Thank God it's you, sir.
We thought you were dead.

Did you come back safe and sound?

I came back alone.
Böse is dead.

Böse.

- Is Linkmann in his cellar?
- Yes.

He didn't stick his nose out
even once.

Is that a way to come in here?

Or are you already out of breath?
What is it?

Böse, too, is dead.

So what?
I hope he did his duty.

No, he didn't.

He forgot to spit in your face
before he died.

Are you crazy?
How dare you talk to me like that?

You also washed your hands
of Fuhrmann.

Linkmann,
you're not a superior officer.

You're a coward and a pig.

Another word
and I'll shoot you!

Do, by all means!

Shoot me with all those slogans
I myself believed in once!

For the last time, stop it!

If you've got the guts,
come out and fight with our men.

And die a miserable death,
like they do.

Listen, Wisse,
you've gone crazy.

Be reasonable.
We must stick together, we must...

Yes, we must climb
into the jalopy and flee.

Isn't that what you mean?
But this time it's too late.

Three houses away
there are Russians.

No, I'm not going to die.

GERMAN SOLDIERS! CROSS THE FRONT LINE
WITH THIS DOCUMENT

THOSE WHO JOIN THE RED ARMY
WILL SEE

THEIR RETURN HOME GUARANTEED
AFTER THE WAR

I'm going to sleep.
I can't keep on my feet any more.

Yes, sir.

- What is it?
- Something's happening there.

The Russians have reached
the house on the corner.

Yes, a change of position is due.

Look at that, I don't believe my eyes!

Our major with a white flag.

He's not our major any more,
but a turncoat and a traitor.

Our Army disintegrates fast.
We cannot stop it.

They fought hard but now...

complete units surrender
headed by their commanders.

Many officers
chose to shoot themselves.

Our orders reach no one.

So, it's the end.

Yes. What is it?

- This radio message just came.
- From Headquarters.

Your promotion to Field Marshal.

Thanks for being so tactful
and not congratulating me.

We both know Hitler
is asking me to commit suicide.

But I won't humor him.

I won't subscribe to the legend
of guilty General Paulus.

That should be borne by others,
too.

I firmly believed in their promises
of help for my Army...

and they lied to us, Schmidt...

But we can only face ourselves
when we are convinced...

that our battle
was of use to our leaders.

That's what I thought too.
But at this time...

I don't know
what I should believe any more.

I can't help thinking
that enormous errors were made...

by each and everyone.
Us, too.

But it's too late
for insight and realization.

Get in touch with the Russians.
I'm not fighting any more.

Yes, General Field Marshal.

Come here, all of you.

Fighting is over.

Our division has surrendered.

Our regimental commander,
Col. Von Marquart, shot himself.

I'm taking you now
to the assembly point.

Throw away your weapons,
you've done your duty.

And more than that.

I don't know if anyone
will ever thank you for it.

But that's not important.

Come, Krämer.

10,000 assemble,
and another 10,000 are coming.

They are tired, exhausted,
distraught...

burned out like the houses
around them.

Well, gentlemen, here we are.
Stay here for the time being.

Come, Krämer,
let's see what happens now.

Hello, Lieut. Col. Wisse.

For God's sake, General!

Yes, yes, I too got it!

We'll take care of you.

Thanks, Wisse, but don't bother.

We'll give it a try.
Krämer, we'll organize something.

We'll come for you, General.

No, gentlemen, believe me,
the one to blame is Paulus.

Yesterday the military ideal,
today he's to blame.

Let's not pretend.

Whoever could have prevented
this mess and didn't, is guilty.

But you, senior officers,
you kept your trap shut.

We obeyed and demanded obedience.
That's the real reason.

That was the last car.

You could take care
of your own men.

In Stalingrad fighting is over.

The city is covered
by fog and red haze.

Field Marshal Paulus
surrendered to the Russians.

He, 26 generals and more than
90,000 men were taken prisoners.

The Sixth Army is dead,
my Führer.

Forget the pathos, Zeisler.
It's only an army.

Recruit a new one.

Almost as cozy as a peasant hut.
We only need some sausage.

At the time you foresaw
that the tire would blow.

And so it happened.
With great noise and a bang.

You must have thought
I was very stupid.

Only young...

What will happen, Reverend?

I don't know, but we'll have
enough time to find out.

- Maybe we'll learn something...
- Or maybe not...