A Bridge Too Far

-Can l 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 l first be permitted to say, and l think l 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.

l'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.

l 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 l could have captured Holland alone.

Already the panic has stopped.

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

-War takes time. -Listen to the expert.

l was nine when they got here.

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

Father, the Allies will come.

But when?

Forgive me for returning, Field Marshal.

l must press for permission...

if it becomes necessary...

to blow up the bridges at Arnhem and Nijmegen.

This is out of the question.

Never. ls that clear?

We need them for our counterattack.

Counterattack? With what?