INT. VON MANSTEIN’S TEMPORARY RESIDENCE – BERLIN – DAY
Von Manstein picks up the phone and dials the Führerbunker. Hitler’s secretary, Traudl Junge, answers.
VON MANSTEIN Miss Junge, this is Field Marshal Erich von Manstein. I’d like to request an audience with the Führer.
TRAUDL JUNGE (voice over the phone) I’m sorry, Field Marshal, but the Führer is extremely busy and cannot see you.
Von Manstein, undeterred, presses on.
VON MANSTEIN Please, remind the Führer of my successful “backhand blow” counteroffensive at Kharkov. Our current situation is strikingly similar. I believe I can offer a viable strategy.
TRAUDL JUNGE (voice over the phone) I will convey your message, Field Marshal. Goodbye.
INT. VON MANSTEIN’S TEMPORARY RESIDENCE – BERLIN – DAY
The following day, von Manstein receives a call back from the Führerbunker. Hitler has agreed to see him. He promptly leaves for the meeting, feeling optimistic.
INT. FÜHRERBUNKER – DAY
Hitler greets von Manstein warmly.
HITLER Field Marshal, I appreciate your coming. I have recently met with Stalin, and he is determined to take Berlin. I’m willing to listen to your strategy.
Von Manstein, encouraged by Hitler’s openness, begins to outline his plan.
VON MANSTEIN My Führer, our current situation requires a bold, flexible strategy. We must prioritize the defense of the German heartland, especially against the Red Army. To achieve this, we must evacuate troops from Courtland, withdraw occupying forces from irrelevant territories, and reorganize our military resources. We should also employ an elastic defense, temporarily ceding ground to the enemy and then striking back with decisive counterattacks.
As von Manstein passionately describes his plan, Hitler interrupts him.
HITLER (angry) I want a plan for the Eastern Front alone, using the resources already there! I will not give up a single meter of territory!
Von Manstein stands his ground.
VON MANSTEIN My Führer, such a narrow plan is impossible. We must use all available resources and defend Germany intelligently, rather than wasting lives on pointless stands.
Hitler’s rage grows.
HITLER (shouting) My policy is clear! No Retreat! Fight to the last bullet! Hold Fortress Towns!
The two men engage in a heated shouting match, with Hitler spouting ideology while von Manstein insists on military logic. Everyone in the room is stunned into silence.
Finally, Hitler delivers a crushing blow.
HITLER (enraged) Manstein, I’ve had enough! You’re too old for the battlefield! I don’t regret replacing you with Model last spring. Now, leave and go home to your grandchildren!
Von Manstein, bearing an attitude that no one has ever seen before, leaves the Führerbunker, his heart heavy with the knowledge that his plan to save Germany has been rejected.