INT. FÜHRERBUNKER – DAY
Hitler, still reeling from the recent confrontations, sits alone in his room. He’s startled when Heinz Guderian, Wilhelm Keitel, and Alfred Jodl enter unannounced. They’ve come to urge Hitler to change his approach to the war.
GUDERIAN (determined) Mein Führer, we must speak with you about the state of the war. Our people are suffering, and our military is stretched thin.
KEITEL (resolute) We need you to trust the experienced military leaders to make strategic decisions. It is the only way to ensure Germany’s survival.
JODL (holding out a document) Mein Führer, this is Field Marshal von Manstein’s strategy for the Eastern Front. It may have been rejected before, but we believe it is our best chance.
Hitler looks at the document, a reminder of his previous encounter with von Manstein. He ponders, caught between his stubbornness and the reality presented to him.
HITLER (softening) Very well. I will allow more control to be given to our military leaders, but I will retain political power. And… reinstate von Manstein as commander-in-chief of the Eastern Front.
GUDERIAN (relieved) Thank you, Mein Führer. We will do everything in our power to turn the tide of the war.
INT. FIELD MARSHAL VON MANSTEIN’S OFFICE – DAY
Von Manstein, now reinstated, strides into his new office. He immediately begins implementing the strategy he had outlined during his meeting with Hitler.
VON MANSTEIN (to his aides) We must act swiftly. Reinforce the Western Front under Model’s command with troops from elsewhere in Europe. We must coordinate our efforts on both fronts.
AIDE (nodding) Yes, Field Marshal. We will begin the process immediately.
With renewed determination, Von Manstein and his staff set to work on implementing the new strategy, hoping to stave off defeat and salvage what remains of the Reich. The stage is set for a desperate struggle as the war reaches its climax.