The Bridge at Remagen

(rumbling)

(artillery fire)

Why? How could it happen?

Another 100 metres

and the Americans would have

captured the Oberkassel Bridge.

It was the only escape route

for our units in that sector.

Escape route?

No. A highway for the American Army

into the heart of Germany.

In any case, the Fhrer is determined

we shall not take such a risk again.

(artillery fire)

Not very likely.

There's only one bridge left.

And already it is threatened

by the American forces.

One breakthrough, a few hours,

and it too can be lost.

General von Brock,

you must prepare to destroy the Remagen

Bridge at the earliest possible moment.

Destroy?

We have 75,000 men who would be

trapped on the other side of the Rhine.

And if the bridge falls to the enemy,

are you prepared for the consequences?

These men are all that's left

of the 15th Army.

Their only hope of salvation is that bridge.

The 15th Army will stand or die.

The Fhrer has ordered

that not one foot of our sacred soil

will be yielded to the enemy.

Herr Feldmarschall,

if orders won wars, we wouldn't now be

fighting with our backs against the Rhine.

We'd be dancing at the London Savoy.

I suggest you speak more carefully,

Herr General.

You might be misunderstood.

These are your written orders.

In the present conditions

I must require your countersignature.

Quite clear, Herr Feldmarschall.

I'm to destroy Remagen Bridge

at the earliest possible moment.

Good night, gentlemen.

I am sorry the war

has disturbed your sleep.

What a brilliant plan to shorten the war.

Do just what the enemy wants.

Just got word from G2.

At least 50,000 Germans are still here,

on this side of the Rhine,

starting to move toward the bridge

at Remagen, but we're gonna cut 'em off.

- Who's out front now, Colonel Dent?

- 27th Armoured Infantry, sir.

- You again, eh, Barnes?

- Somebody has to be up there, sir.

All right, now, listen to me.

I want those Germans.

I want an armoured recon outfit

to make an all-out run for the river,

see what kind of resistance

we're gonna find.

That's Indian country out there.

Loose German units everywhere.

But I don't want any tippytoe tactics.

We've gotta move fast.

Sir, the men are dead on their feet.

So are the Germans, sir.

If you don't mind my saying so, sir.

- Do you think you can do it?

- I know we can, sir.

It's our only chance to grab the 15th Army

before it reaches the Remagen Bridge

and hightails it across the Rhine.

Be nice if that bridge'd be

in one piece when we got there.

Forget bridges. If the Germans haven't

blown them, our airforce will. Get going.

You're spearhead.

Strike for Stadt Meckenheim tonight.

If you hit trouble, holler. With luck,

we may reach the Rhine tomorrow.

Yes, sir.

We're spearhead again, Johnny.

- Jesus.

- Well, it's orders.

Got a light, Major?

You don't want the Russkies

to beat us to Berlin, do you?

Think I should care?

Our mission is to get to the river.

Next stop Stadt Meckenheim by tonight.

So, give 'em hell, do you hear?

Keep sharp. You're the cuttin' edge.

- Hey, Pattison, come here!

- Hold it.

- We're on the move. Where's Hartman?

- Still up ahead, sir. Riding point.

OK. Let's go.

You know something, Angel? You're a pig.

I love you too... sir.

Everybody makes a profit out of the war.

Why shouldn't I?

Know your trouble, Lieutenant?

You got no ambition.

I'm goin' out of this war rich.

Or dead, Angel.

You may be dead.

If I do get it, I got a present for you.

Might help you get into heaven.

Who'd you steal that off?

- My mother.

- You're a pig.

Why don't you get off my back?

(jeep approaches)

- Hello, John.

- Any casualties, Phil?

We hit 'em too fast.

Look, we've got a new mission.

Stadt Meckenheim by nightfall.

Barnes volunteering us for action again?

Look, will you forget Barnes?

Brass gives the orders.

And Barnes jumps in and picks 'em up

like some dog picks up a bone.

"Sir, there's nothin'

my boys like better..."

Just knock it off, Phil.

OK, John.

- Angel!

- Yes, sir.

- Pack up. We're movin' out.

- Where to?

Toward the enemy.

We're movin' out!

John...

Look, you gonna ride point,

or do you want me to take it?

I am.

Move it!

- There you go.

- 38 bucks.

27 jewels. Swiss movement.

Best German watch you can buy.

- Payday, Angel?

- Payday, hell. Now.

Christ, Angel, I'm gonna be here.

What are you askin'

for the ten-dollar watch?

Hey, Lieutenant, I hear

we're gettin' a three-day pass.

Not funny, Slavek.

- I thought I'd take up photog...

- Clean it.

You snafu like that again,

Bissell, your ass is mine.

Let's go, Grebs.

Mount up.

- Get that truck into line there.

- We're movin' out!

Major Kreuger. This way, please.

One moment, please.

Herr Major.

Paul, I'm glad you could come. Sit down.

- You're looking well.

- Feeling much better.

- I had no idea you were in the hospital.

- That is unimportant.

- No, thank you.

- I signed my own discharge.

Why such a hurry? No pretty nurses?

Oh, yes. Yes.

But there was too much bad news.

You've had your share.

It was a blow to learn

General von Kreuger was killed in action.

He was a great soldier, your father.

Have you been home?

Not yet.

At this time, I think it's better

that one should be doing something.

- I hear the Russians are at the Elbe.

- Yes.

- And here?

- Worse. Utter confusion.

Every day I get orders to attack

with divisions that no longer exist.

Hitler still thinks he's winning the war.

The army helped bring Hitler into power.

Are you saying we made a mistake?

I'll show you something.

Here, the 15th Army, or what's left of it.

75,000 men trapped.

Here, Remagen Bridge -

the only way to get them out.

And what are my orders? Blow it up.

What in God's name can I do?

One can only do one's duty.

What's that?

Delay. Try and save the army.

Hold the bridge as long as possible.

Are you suggesting I disobey an order?

If I put you in command of that bridge,

would you hold it open

as long as possible?

What are the defences?

One regular company,

a reserve company, 600 volunteers,

200 Hitler Youth, an anti-aircraft unit.

About 1600 men, all told, fully equipped.

That is good. Where are the Americans?

Around Bonn.

What if they threaten Remagen?

I managed to hold

two panzer battalions in reserve.

When shall I take command?

Be at the bridge by morning.

You understand that in the circumstances

I cannot give you a written order.

But I do promise you my full support.

From you, sir, that's quite enough.

What's wrong? Why'd you stop?

It's too easy. No mines. No roadblocks.

They don't have time. They're pullin' out.

The whole German Army's on the run.

Maybe they're not pulling out here.

You're gonna stop

at every lousy bend in the road?

I don't know.

I'll tell you when I come to them.

Why the hell don't you admit it?

You don't like riding point.

I don't like riding point.

All right, I'm gonna ride point.

Just you keep up tight behind me.

Depends how fast you're going.

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