Stalingrad: Dogs, Do You Want to Live Forever?

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.

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.