A Bridge Too Far

-Can I look out? -No, they might shoot us.

The Germans have collapsed.

Then the war is over?

Soon.

But what is that noise?

Panic.

You may begin.

May I first be permitted to say, and I think I speak for all of us...

how pleased we are, Field Marshal Von Rundstedt...

that you have been reappointed commander of our forces in the West.

Speeches are for victory celebrations.

Let's get to the point. Air power?

Air power, Field Marshal?

Briefly, please.

-Air power is minimal. -Ammunition?

Also minimal.

Tanks...troops... replacements?

-Minimal. -Morale?

Nonexistent.

What do you think we should do?

End the war, you fools.

-Why in the world are you laughing? -Excuse us.

We have such confidence in you.

Everyone knows you never lost a battle.

I'm still young. Give me time.

The first thing we must do...

is to turn this rabble into something like an army.

Anything at all on when they plan to invade Holland?

They seem to have paused in Belgium.

Most likely supply problems.

Otherwise we can't imagine why.

I think it's because we're retreating...

faster than they can advance.

How many vehicles in the past hour?

Fifty-four.

And for the same hour yesterday?

Ninety-eight.

Last week your mother and I could have captured Holland alone.

Already the panic has stopped.

It isn't over yet, and those idiots don't realize it.

-War takes time. -Listen to the expert.

I was nine when they got here.

Next month I'll be 14. I ought to know something.

Father, the Allies will come.

But when?

From which direction will their attack come, and who will command?

Montgomery or Patton?

-Model, what do you think? -Patton.

He is their best.

Patton will lead the assault.

I would prefer Montgomery...

but even Eisenhower isn't that stupid.

Bittrich's Panzer troops need some rest...

if they're to stop Patton.

We should pull them back somewhere safe.

Safe, quiet, out of the way. But where?

Arnhem?

Arnhem.

Go back!

Go back!

Do as I say!

But my friend lives down the road.

It's my birthday and she has a present for me.

Please let me through.

All right. Be quick.

Are your sure about the colors?

I'm sure, Father. Believe me.

Model?

A field marshal in Arnhem? Why?

The British will have an explanation.

Did you pass on the message about the tanks?

Of course. But Model is something more important.

You're a good boy and a wonderful spy.

Now go and help your mother with supper.

General Bittrich!

I'm in here, Matthias.

Fantastic, isn't it?

Just once to have such power in my hands.

Excuse the interruption, Field Marshall, but...

British paratroopers have landed...

three kilometers from here.

Why should they do that?

There is nothing important here.

Me! I am important.

They must all be coming just to capture me.

Call my chauffeur and car.

Evacuate the headquarters.

And don't forget my cigars.

Then keep trying.

There must be someone there!

My apologies. I can get no sense from anybody.

They say thousands of troops are dropping all over Holland.

-Yes, west of Arnhem. -Right on top of Field Marshal Model.

I can't get through to his headquarters.