| The film begins with a group of German assault engineers enjoying leave in Italy after returning from combat deployment in North Africa. An awards ceremony is announced by a band playing the song supposed to call soldiers to attention. Some soldiers are late from having to carry "Lupo", the Lieutenant wounded in North Africa, to the ceremony. The three main characters are introduced at the awards ceremony: Leutnant von Witzland, the inexperienced and idealistic platoon leader; Unteroffizier "Rollo" Rohleder, who is refused his decoration when he arrives on parade with an unbuttoned tunic collar, and Obergefreiter Fritz "Fritzi" Reiser, whose tendency to direct talk is made evident. Although this film contradicts what most people think of Nazi soldiers, Rollo fits this stereotype perfectly well- A fanatical, die-hard believer who is willing to fight to the death and is hungry for medals. As the parade ends, the main officer in charge gives a speech, telling them that they are the best, and never to forget that. The group is dismissed and advised their unit has been ordered to the Eastern Front... The train passes through the small Italian coastal town, where the soldiers wave to the people, and Fritz waves to "Viola", his Italian girlfriend. As it passes into the tunnel, the scene changes to the train being far in Russia, where the men are playing cards, talking, relaxing, and one is even eating while shaving. Leutnant Von Witland writes to "Clara", his wife. As the train ... |
