Kesselschlacht (film)

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Movie
German title Cauldron battle
Original title Battleground
Country of production United States
original language English
Publishing year 1949
length 113 minutes
Age rating FSK 12
Rod
Director William A. Wellman
script Robert Pirosh
production Dore Schary
music Lennie Hayton
camera Paul C. Vogel
cut John D. Dunning
occupation

Kesselschlacht (original title Battleground ) is an American war film by William A. Wellman from 1949. It is about an episode of the Battle of the Bulge : The Siege of Bastogne . The film was released in German cinemas on April 11, 1958.

action

Shortly before Christmas 1944, American soldiers await their promised trip to Paris in a camp in France . But their hopes for a leave from the front are dashed when they are ordered to Bastogne in Belgium . You should the XXXXVII. Fight back the armored corps of the German Wehrmacht that broke through the Allied lines. The unit's soldiers include small-town journalist Jarvess, Latino Rodrigues, newcomer Leyton, philanderer Holley, and platoon leader Kinnie.

When they arrive in Bastogne, they meet the attractive Denise who promises them accommodation. In the foggy and cold forests near the city they come under heavy fire again and again. While on patrol, they realize too late that the Germans have surrounded them. The men are drawn into a violent fight in which Rodrigues is wounded. The wounded man cannot be carried back, so they hide him under a wrecked jeep and promise to bring him back soon. When Holley returns with a rescue team, he finds Rodrigues dead.

The fighting in the woods is getting more intense and American losses are increasing. When a German surprise attack is repulsed that night, the Americans are able to free several Allied prisoners. A German officer tries to convince the Americans to surrender, but General McAuliffe refuses. The situation seems increasingly hopeless. A chaplain gives the soldiers a sermon in which he explains to them the importance of keeping Bastogne.

Finally the fog is clearing, Allied bombers and fighters can rise. The men of the train find new hope, especially when reinforcements arrive. Assured of having defended Bastogne, the men of the train leave the city.

criticism

"Semi-documentary staged feature film that exposes the horrors of war without heroic pathos."

- Lexicon of international film

Awards

Academy Awards 1950

Golden Globe 1950

Further

background

MGM's production grossed around five million US dollars in the United States.

Screenwriter Robert Pirosh fought as an infantryman in the Battle of the Bulge and was able to incorporate his experience. In addition, 20 veterans who had fought in Bastogne were hired to train the actors.

The native Mexican Ricardo Montalban can be seen here in his fifth film role in Hollywood. Richard Jaeckel is also starring in a movie for the fifth time. James Whitmore won his Golden Globe for his second film role. James Arness (Marshall Dillon from Smoking Colts ) can be seen in his third feature film in a supporting role as Garby . The later director Jerry Paris has an appearance as a German NCO.

Award-winning Cedric Gibbons (eleven Oscars in his career) and Edwin B. Willis (8 Oscars) provided the equipment for the film . Douglas Shearer (seven Oscars) was responsible for the sound . The film's military adviser was Lieutenant Colonel HWO Kinnard.

The film contains a historical flaw: within Bastogne there were no Germans who disguised themselves as Americans. This operation, the so-called Operation Greif , took place in front of the 6th Panzer Army far away from Bastogne.

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Cauldron Battle. In: Lexicon of International Films . Film service , accessed March 2, 2017 .Template: LdiF / Maintenance / Access used 
  2. ↑ Overview of the prices
  3. ↑ box office results