Valkyrie (2008) Movie Script
The promises of the Fhrer about
peace and prosperity have been destroyed
and left nothing but destruction.
The atrocities committed by Hitlers SS
are a disgrace for the honour of the German army.
In the officers corps
there is widespread disgust
about the crimes committed by the Nazis.
The killing of civilians,
The torture and starving
of prisoners.
The mass execution of Jews.
My duty as an officer,
is no longer to save my country,
but to save human lives.
I can not find one general, in a position to confront Hitler,
with the courage to do it.
Colonel Stauffenberg, sir.
The General'll be here in four hours.
Thank you. I need to see him when he arrives.
I found myself surrounded by men unwilling
or unable to face the truth.
Hiltler is not only the arch-enemy
of the entire world,
but the arch-enemy of Germany.
Change must be made.
The British are moving up from the south,
Patton is closing in on the coast,
You know we should have left two days ago.
- No, Colonel, we keep fighting.
Until the final victory.
Most of Africa's lost and you gonna need these men a year from now to .
We can serve Germany,
or the Fher, not both.
It's just that sort of talk that had you sent here, Colonel.
What I said was much worse.
General.
I'm just trying to get these men out of here alive.
What would you have me do?
You tell commander we have to re-route the and the 21st panzer.
At least then we'd have a chance.
And records will show we didn't have enough water
to reach Sidi Mansour?
I can guarantee it.
See that it's done.
General.
Sit.
Hitler's leaving.
- Yeah, the fuse.
Colonel Brandt.
Our regards to Colonel Stieff.
Cointreau,
Let's hope I don't get thirsty on the flight.
He's landed.
This is General Tresckow,
connect me with operations, Colonel Brandt.
Colonel, Tresckow.
I'm glad you arrived safely.
I hate to trouble you but it seems you have the wrong bottles for Colonel Stieff.
You do still have the package?
I've been called to Berlin unexpectedly, I can be at
your office first thing tomorrow morning to pick it up.
Sorry for the inconvenience Colonel.
Yes, thank you.
Do you think he knows?
There is only one way,
to find out.
We've been discovered.
- What makes you think that?
Oster's been arrested.
the Gestapo came for him last night.
The Gestapo could have arrested him for anything.
What do you think went wrong?
- We don't know.
The fuse, the temperature, the point is the damned thing didn't go off.
General Tresckow to see Colonel Brandt.
The Colonel's expecting you, sir.
At ease.
You'll forgive me General, this little round-up is having me writing reports all day.
Round-up?
Dissenters. Another plot against the Fhrer.
Who are these people?
You'd be surprised.
Is this what you've come for?
Perhaps we should open it.
I beg your pardon?
Well, you've come a long way,
you must be thirsty.
I wonder how the Fhrer, who does not , would feel about a soldier who did so on duty.
Colonel Brandt.
I took you for an unsort, General.
And I you
We're still in business.
Find a replacement for Oster.
There is no-one we can trust,
not in Berlin.
Then stop looking in Berlin.
Frau von Stauffenberg.
Perhaps, before you go in, we could have a word together in my office.
I will see my husband now.
The right hand has been amputated above the wrist.
He's missing the fourth and fifth fingers
on the left hand.
We couldn't save the left eye.
Colonel.
Are you ready, sir?
I'm a soldier, I serve my country.
But this is my country.
I was lying out there,
bleeding to death, thinking
if I die now,
I leave nothing to my children but shame.
I know now there is only one way
to serve Germany.
And doing so I'll be a traitor
I accept that.
Just tell me,
Can these men see it through?
We need to reorganize,
reconsider our strategy.
Recruit new men.
That's why we want you.
You understand what will happen to my wife and children,
if these men can't see it through?
Come and hear what they have to say.
You know where to find us.
Enough, enough. I am not gonna listen to another word of this.
You had your chance, you failed.
Your so-called central solution didn't work.
Our only option now is to confront Hitler openly
This is a military operation.
It is not a military operation,
it is a political organization.
And one that has given it's military arm too much control.
In any military exercise you have to expect a certain measure of deviation.
A measure?
What about total, complete, utter failure?
Gentlemen, i think it's time we faced the fact
The allies are coming come sooner or later.
I say we sit back and let them wipe out the Nazis.
And ask every living soul in Europe to pay the price. Use your head.
Carl, please.
- I'm sorry Ludwig, I've held my tongue too long.
We must now confront Hitler now.
Force him out.
And then what?
I beg your pardon?
When Hitler's gone, then what?
I'm sorry, who is this man?
Colonel Stauffenberg is Oster's replacement.
He's been transferred to my office,
at the War Ministry.
How is your uncle?
- He is well sir, he sends his regards.
He speaks very highly of you.
- And of you, General.
One of the things that made Oster such a great organizer,
Was that he kept his opinions to himself.
I am simply asking what you intend to do
when Hitler is gone.
You don't really believe you can just walk into the Reich chancellary
And command the army to end the war?
Yes, we do.
You are in the presence of men
who would have been Hitler's inner circle.
Instead we refused, Colonel.
The people know we put our principles above personal gain.
We have the respect of the people
And the army.
Then you don't need me.
Gentlemen.
Those men are confusing respect with popularity
The army swore an oath.
An oath that won't just die with Hitler.
How are we gonna deal with Goebbels,
Himmler and the SS?
They will wipe you out.
-It doesn't matter.
It only matters that we act, now.
Before we lose the war.
Otherwise, this will always be Hitler's Germany.
And we have to show the world...
that not all of us were like him.
That is not enough for me.
There has to be a chance of success.
Then find a way.
Papa is home.
I thought we agreed I'd come see you in Bamberg.
The children couldn't wait.
The children?
Valkyrie.
We've already considered Valkyrie,
it isn't suitable.
Not as it's currently written. But the Colonel has an idea,
i think we should consider.
Excuse me, what is Valkyrie?
- Operation Valkyrie.
The reserve army has thousands of men all over Berlin.
Valkyrie is Hitler's contingency plan, to mobilize those men
during a national emergency.
The sole purpose of the order is to protect Hitler's government if he's cut off or killed.
And what use is this to us?
Valkyrie is designed to contain civil unrest.
But what if the SS were staging a coup?
State security is trying to overthrow Hitler,
how would high command respond?
We would have no choice,
we would declare a military state of emergency.
Exactly, and initiate Valkyrie.
- Hitler's own reserve army using Hitler's own plan.
We'll have no choice but to seize power in Berlin
To prevent the SS take-over.
They'll think they're fightin for Hitler's government, not against it.
While we quietly put a new government in place.
But only if he's dead.
That's what you're saying, isn't it?
How else are you gonna convince people
the SS are trying to seize power?
We have to kill Hitler.
- I'm disappointed in you, Colonel.
I thought a man of your background,
would suggest a more honorable approach.
Your plan has a few minor obstacles, Colonel.
First, Valkyrie would have to be re-written,
to exclude the SS.
And I'll need your help to get a copy.
Rewriting an order is one thing.
Distributing it is another.
In this case we'd be wilfully circulating written evidence of high-treason.
Evidence requiring Hitler's signature.
Well, we can all draw straws for the job.
And what about Fromm?
- Fromm, who is Fromm?
He's the commander of the reserve army.
I can put the reserve troops on alert,
but only Fromm can initiate Valkyrie.
Can you get to him?
We're running out of time,
can you get to Fromm?
He's a carreerist pig.
But one who's gone as far as he could go in Hitler's army.
It's no secret he's not happy about it.
Offer him a key position in the new regime.
Make him see the light.
Colonel Stauffenberg,
for General Fromm.
Colonel Stauffenberg, sir. Welcome back.
It's an honor, sir.
I 'd send you to the front, but i think you'd surrender just to be Montgomery's whore.
The General will see you now.
What is it you want?
I wanted to introduce our new man,
Colonel Stauffenberg.
Ah, from Africa.
I'd offer you my hand,
but I might not get it back.
I'd say the General has lost more important things this morning.
It's about time they put somebody with balls into this office.
Please sit down, Colonel.
And you, Olbricht, if you must.
They tell me you're critical of the war, Colonel.
Not that you don't seem to have good reason.
I am critical of indecision, General.
In the field?
- In Berlin.
So that's why you're here, i take it ...
- To make decisions.
- I have already made my decision.
I'm here to help others make theirs.
They say when there's no clear option,
the best thing is to do nothing.
We're at war, we must act.
Sometimes rational.
And what rash action did you have in mind, Colonel?
That would be a decision for the supreme military commander, sir.
The supreme commander?
Second only to the Chancellor.
If I were that man ...
Tis war would be going quite differently.
Well, we were thinking the same, really.
I don't need to remind you
that we've all sworn an oath to the Fhrer.
Having said that, I'm going to forget this conversation ever took place.
In the strict understanding that such talk
never occurs again under this roof.
Is that clear?
You can tell your friends, Colonel, that i
I always come down on the right side.
And as long as the Fhrer is alive
you know what side that is.
Do you realize how close i am to Hitler?
With one word i can make you disappear.
My associates don't know we've been talking, if that's what you are afraid of.
When the SS catch you they will pull you apart like warm bread.
It would be a crime just to have known you then.
I warn you, don't try to contact me again.
You won't report me. Maybe if you had when I first approached you, you might have been keeping your oath.
Now you're just as guilty as the rest of us.
- And i guess that makes me a sympathizer?
Give a man a choice to betray his fellow officers or his Fhrer
And you think his actions will show you his heart.
- It is not that simple.
- Yes..yes it is.
For the last time, don't push me to make a decision.
I don't have a choice, it's clear now.
Without you, there is no hope of success.
You're nothing but rats,
jumping from a sinking ship.
What makes you think you'll be any different?
What makes you think
you're stronger than the people?
The Reich, the very momentum of history?
- This is going to happen, action is inevitable
As are the consequences.
When they come for me I'll do everything I can to hide what you are doing, but don't delude yourself
You were involved in a crime against your country long before you met me.
And there may still be time to redeem yourself.
Only God can judge us now.
Hitler had operation Valkyrie designed
to completely secure his government in six hours.
I'm rewriting the orders so we can seize control of the government in three.
As written the orders spreads reserve troops across all of Germany's 19 military districts.
Including occupied cities like Paris, Vienna and Prague.
This is a waste of resources since all of these districts
Follow orders from Berlin without question.
If you take Berlin you take Germany.
I'm rewriting Valkyrie to direct the majority of our strongest units to focus entirely on Berlin.
We'll surround the government quarter, occupy all
S.S. and police barracks.
Once we have control of the government
we'll shut down all concentration camps.
Any officers who resist will be arrested.
I've been transferred to the front.
Anyway, it doesn't matter.
You know these orders better than anyone.
That's why I am putting you in charge of the military wing of the operation.
Beck agrees.
- Why not Olbricht?
No, it is your plan.
It's you.
You need to be absolutely certain no conflicting
order get out after the flash.
It is not enough to kill Hitler.
You need to isolate his chain of command
and cut them off from the outside world immediately.
I already considered that.
- I think I have just the man who can help.
- Who is he?
Perhaps it's better I don't say.
God promised Abraham he would not destroy Sodom
If he could find ten righteous men.
I have a feeling that, for Germany, it may come down to one.
Let's begin.
The Fhrer, Adolf Hitler,
Is dead.
Heil Hiltler, General.
Would you excuse us?
You play the part of bureaucrat beautifully.
- I see it's my turn to relax.
You've been promoted chief of staff for the reserve army.
Excuse me?
- Congratulations.
I am busy with other things.
Unfortunately, your nocturnal activities don't count as service to the 'Reich'.
I'll refuse the promotion.
- You'll do no such thing.
Tresckow may have left you in charge of the operation
but in this world I still outrank you.
You will accept the promotion.
You'll have real access to Hitler,
his advisers, his schedule.
We need this.
I've looked through your changes to Valkyrie.
I approve.
I need you to get Hitler to sign it.
Now, there's a man here to interview as your adjudant.
He comes highly recommended.
Close the door.
Be seated.
Do you know how this world
will end, Lieutenant?
The portrait will be unhung,
and that man will be hung.
I'm engaged in high treason with all means available to me.
Can I count you in?
For anything, sir.
Anything at all.
Come.
Colonel Brandt, operations.
Colonel Stauffenberg, I'd like to review
your presentation to the Fhrer.
Strictly routine.
Sir, the contents of the Colonel's bag are for the Fhrer eyes only.
I am the Fhrer's eyes, Lieutenant.
The Colonel is a member of my staff at the War Ministry.
He doesn't answer to you.
They're waiting.
This way.
My Fhrer, may I present Colonel Stauffenberg,
our new chief of staff to the reserve army.
Heil, my Fhrer.
What an honor it is to meet an officer
who has sacrifieced so much for Germany.
And if only more of my men were like you.
Let this man stand as an example to all of you here.
He is the ideal of German officer.
My Fhrer ...
Colonel Stauffenberg was asked to come
here today to brief us on mobilizing ...
Troops of the reserve army to repell the invasion.
Invasion?
Normandy, my Fhrer.
Oh, yes.
Normandy.
That will not be necessary.
Reichsmarshall Gring assures me
that everything is completely under control.
Thank you, Colonel.
My Fhrer, if I may. I have an ammended copy
of Operation Valkyrie, for your approval.
You know your Wagner, Colonel?
The Valkyrie, handmaidens of the gods.
Choosing who will live and who will die.
Sparing the most heroic from an agonizing death.
One can not understand National-Socialism
I one does not understand Wagner.
I'm sure whatever changes you've made are for the best.
You' re dismissed.
Send your man home. And Fromm ...
Have some fresh tea brought in, will you?
I don't know what you're brewing now.
And I don't want to know.
But when the music stops, I'd be obliged
if Keitel found himself without a chair.
Any problem on earth can be solved
With the careful application of high-explosives.
The trick is not te be around when they go off.
Two 975 gram packs of plastic explosives.
Enough explosive to cripple a Panzer.
Your detonators, your fuses.
British time pencils.
This acid capsule is your tirgger.
When you're ready to arm attach the detonator
to the bottom of the time pencil.
Like s.
Insert the entire device into either end of the plastic w.
Crush the acid capsule.
And you're live.
When the acid eats through the wire holding back the firing pin, you'll want to be very far away.
For you
- How much time do we have?
Theoretically there's a 30 minute delay, but with the kind of heat ...
You can expect at the Wolf 's Lair,
I give you 10, 15 minutes, tops.
That's hardly precise.
This is state-of-the-art.
You can have small or precise, not both.
Might this just be a little too small?
Hitler bunker will magnify the blast.
It is constructed of reinforced concrete,
with steel doors, no windows.
The air-pressure generated by just one
of these explosives in a space like that ...
Will kill everyone, instantly.
The second charge will be entirely redundant.
If, by some miracle, Hiltler does survive, what then?
We sitll initiate Valkyrie.
At that point there'll be no turning back.
But we'll have an advantage.
We have an inside man at the Wolf's Lair.
After the flash he'll cut off communication with the outside world.
While Hitler's inner-circle is struggling to regroup ...
We'll have the momentum we need
to seize control in Berlin.
Himmler is expected to be at the meeting as well.
Don't proceed ...
Unless you can get them both.
Don't proceed unless you're confident
you can get both Himmler and Hitler.
This is Goerdeler, isn't it?
Yeah, I'll hold off.
If the decision is unanimous.
But I want another man on the committee.
- Not a politician.
- Who?
Him.
Fine.
But remember, this is a military operation.
Nothing ever goes according to plan.
I'll take the children to Bamberg.
If I fail ...
They'll come for you.
All of you.
I know.
Gentlemen, good morning.
Hitler has scheduled a military briefing
for today, at one o'clock.
Stauffenberg will start once everyone is present.
- They're here.
Before arming the explosives,
Stauffenberg will call for authorization to proceed.
After the flash, his inside man wil sever all communication.
Assuming Fromm refuses to join us,
Olbricht will take command ...
Of the reserve army and initiate Valkyrie.
Then you'll notify all district commanders
that the SS is attempting to seize power.
The reserve army will arrest all SS, Gestapo and Nazi officials.
By then Stauffenberg will have returned to Berlin
and taken command of the reserve army.
Witzleben and I will assume the role of commander of the armed forces,
And head of state.
With Berlin secured, Dr. Goerdeler will address the nation as our new Chancellor.
Then, God willing, we can negotiate a truce with the allies.
Save Europe from total destruction.
Thiswill identify you as a member of the operation,
Nobody goes in or out of the parimeter without one.
Gentlemen.
This is the most important day of your lives.
Long live sacred Germany.
- What is it?
- An order from General Olbricht's office.
He is calling the reserve army for some sort of standby action
in all the military districts, including Berlin.
Looks like a drill of some kind.
Send it through, Sergeant.
- Standby action, what the hell for?
- The order doesn't say.
Assemble the men.
This better not be a drill.
The men are assembled and awaiting further orders.
What do you suppose this is really all about?
You may pass.
Your man?
He is now.
Colonel.
Attention.
Gentlemen, for our first order of business ...
General Fromm will present his plans for the re-allocation of troops ...
From the reserve army on the Eastern front.
But as you know, last night the Russians launched a new offensive against army group North Ukrain.
In the south Poland sector.
General Harpel was brought in to replace Model and bring a swift end to this confrontation.
Himmler's not here.
- ... could tranfer three divisions,
To fortify General Harpels troops.
Now these divisions will stick to a mobile defense plan.
... rather than holding any one particular ...
Connect me to the War Ministry, General Olbrichts office.
- General Olbrichts office.
- Himmler's not at the briefing,
Awaiting word on permission to proceed.
Hold the line.
Stauffenberg says Himmler's not at the briefing,
he wants to proceed.
Call Beck.
Himmler's not at the briefing.
They say no.
What do you say?
I say do it.
Whatever it was, Colonel, I hope it was important.
Colonel, your bag.
This has been a drill, you're dismissed.
How dare you put the reserve army on standby without my knowledge?
Damn near cost me my comission.
And what in God's name made you think you even had the authority?
It was only a drill, an exercise.
- Don 't lie to me Olbright, not to me.
We both know it wasn't a drill.
- General, if I may ...
No, you may not. Colonel, you may not do anything.
Because not only have you proved to me you can't deliver,
you've painted a target on my back.
If I so much as sense you're trying to move the reserve army again ...
I will personally have you both arrested.
Do I make myself abundantly clear?
I'll hear you say it, Colonel.
The point of replacing Hitler is to negotiate a truce with the allies.
The allies, I suspect, would be more amenable to a truce ...
If we offered it to them before they get to fucking Berlin.
There's no point in killing Hitler unless you kill Himmler too.
Why remove a madman just to have a lunatic take his place.
Todays failure had nothing to do with Himmler, and you know it.
This is a military operation in the hands of a politician, nothing more.
What are you suggesting?
- I'm not suggesting anything.
I'm stating the facts as I see them.
You don't have the courage to kill Hitler,
so you're making the task impossible.
Nothing seems to stop you and your henchmen ...
- From trying it on your own.
- What I regret is that I waited for you to find your backbone.
I don't think I am alone when I say your judgement is in question.
I'd like to call a vote.
I propose that we relieve Colonel Stauffenberg.
Carl, can I have a word with you in private?
- If you got something to say, say it.
Very well.
I heard from the chief of police this evening ...
that Himmler has issued a warrant for your arrest.
You have to leave Germany tonight.
When we succeed with the central solution you'll return as Chancellor.
Disappearing Carl.
Avoid contact with anyone.
Good luck, Colonel.
Nno more indecision.
From now on Stauffenberg has full discretion.
I can't issue the alert again unless we follow through.
I'll do my job. You just take Berlin.
- Hold on. sir. I have the connection right now.
- Thank you.
I'm sorry, sir. There's bombing in Emmingen.
We've been disconnected.
Emmingen is a long way from Bamberg.
I'm sure your family is safe.
- Welcome, Colonel.
- Do you have a place where I can change, Major?
Please follow me.
- Please, put the reserve army on standby alert.
- Not until I've heard from Stauffenberg.
Not until I'm sure.
- That's not what he would...
Noted, Colonel.
Thank you.
The meeting has been moved out to 12.30.
Mussolini's arriving on the afternoon train.
The Fher wants to have luncheon.
Will Mussolini be joining us in the briefing, sir?
Only wish he were. Then some ambitious officer ...
Might take the opportunity to shoot that deigo bastard.
Excuse me, General. I'm expecting an important call.
Could you please have someone come and get me?
Even if I'm with the Fhrer.
- Ofcourse, Colonel.
- Thank you sir.
Colonel.
Major Freyend speaking.
Colonel.
They insist you hurry.
- The briefing's about to begin.
- One moment please, Major.
Ten minutes: two for the welcome, one for the checkpoint,
one for the bunker, six to get out.
Plenty of time.
Excuse me, Colonel.
Sir, the Fhrer's at the briefing.
The Colonel is changing, Major.
- Well, you understand this can be difficult.
- Ofcourse.
Plenty of time.
Get the car.
I've everything I need.
Get the car.
I can manage this.
- Where're they going?
- It is too hot.
The briefing has been moved to the conference hut.
Major, my injuries have left me hard of hearing.
Would you place me as close to the Fhrer as possible.
I'll see what I can do.
Not only have they been advancing from the east, but they're coming down on the northern and the southern fronts as well.
As you can see, my Fhrer ...
If the enemy continues at this rate the situation
in the east Prussian sector is critical.
Lack of supplies is continuing to weaken our main units.
And reserves are severely depleted.
My Fhrer, you remember Colonel Stauffenberg?
As you're all aware in the past two days alone,
the 10th Army has given up .
And the 14th Division has been pushed out of the .
Army Group Center has already lost 28 of their 40 divisions.
That is a total of almost 350.000 men.
Since the Red Army first attacked nearly a month ago ...
Our troops have already been pushed back to the Polish border.
... with the loss of the 4th Army in Minsk ...
Yes sir.
... from Army Group North Ukraine as well as the Romanian.
... prevent further losses.
Unless we can quickly dispatch new brocking divisions,
at vital points along the German right.
Army Group will be swallowed by the enemies in less than a fortnight.
And we run the risk of losing all the ground
we have managed to gain in the last three years.
General Fellgiebel, sir. He said it's urgent.
Yes General, this is Stauffenberg.
Russian air activity has proven
just as impregnable as their ground force.
... Some areas they outnumber ...
... along the Italian front, I further ...
One thing is certain, the Red Army will continue an agressive push west.
Even at the expense ...
In order to rebuild ...
... already southwest of Lneburg
and closing on Army Group ...
It will be a catastrophe.
Get in.
Drive.
I've orders from the Fhrer.
Drive, drive.
Back to work.
Give me the War Ministry, General Olbricht, it's urgent.
- General Olbrichts office.
- calling from the ... lair ... General Olbright ... Fhrer.
Sever all communications.
- Sir?
Just do it.
- Well, what did he say?
- I can't be sure.
Well, get him back on the line.
Sir, the bomb did go off, that much was clear.
Fellgiebel's next step will be to sever all communications.
- Sorry, Colonel. No-one gets in or out.
- We have an order from the Fhrer.
We have to get to the airfield immediately.
Open the gate.
I'm very sorry sir. But my orders are to keep you ...
- I just gave you an order, Sergeant.
Excuse me.
Colonel Stauffenberg for Fieldmarshall Keitel.
Colonel Stauffenberg was explicit.
We initiate Valyrie, regardless ...
Only Fromm can initiate ...
- Then tell him Hitler's dead or arrest him. But do it now.
You have to give the order to initiate Valkyrie. This is our only ...
I am not doing anything until I hear from Fellgiebel.
Get him back on the phone now.
Every second we stand here arguing is a second lost.
The risk is too great.
What about Stauffenberg?
What about his risk?
He did his part, and now you are abandonning him.
Fieldmarshall, sir. Stauffenberg here, a Sergeant ...
Kolbe, sir.
Kolbe won't let me past the main gate.
Yes sir, I explained that.
Perhaps you can make him understand, sir.
Everything is fine now,sir.
Thank you.
Open the gate.
- Please put the reserve army on alert.
- When Stauffenberg returns ...
When he gives me confirmation that Hitler is dead.
Then we'll proceed .
- Where are you going?
- The same place as you are ...
Lunch.
Another standby alert.
Send it through and keep me informed.
Sir, another standby order.
In ancient Greece you would've been killed for this.
Lucky for you we've evolved.
Assemble the men.
Quiet, isn't it?
I'll see where our driver is.
The Colonel and I are at the airfield.
There is no car, there's no-one here.
You mean to tell me the alert's only just gone out?
This is Stauffenberg, give me General Olbricht.
What's this?
Explain this!
- We did something, while you ...
We do not know that Hitler is not alive.
- This is about Germany, for God's sake, not you.
General Olbricht's office.
Colonel Stauffenberg. For you, sir.
It's been three hours Olbricht.
What the hell have you been doing?
We've had no confirmation that Hitler was dead.
Damned, I saw the explosion myself.
- We are committed.
- Dear god.
Now where is Fromm?
Is he with us?
No-one has spoken to him yet.
Listen to me. Never mind Germany, never mind Europe.
Your life is at stake now. And if you want to live
through the night, you'll do exactly as I say.
The second you hang up the phone
initiate Valkyrie in Fromm's name.
Give him the choice to join us
or place him under immediate arrest, you understand?
I'll be at Fromm's office in 50 minutes.
Be there when I arrive.
Call Beck and others.
Tell them it's time.
Put me through to communications.
This is General Olbricht.
Calling on behalf of General Fromm ...
Commander of the reserve army.
The Fhrer, Adolf Hitler, is dead.
A group of radicals in the SS are attempting to seize control of the government.
Initiate operation Valkyrie.
You have your orders. Pass them along.
Battalion.
Attention.
Our Fhrer, Adolf Hitler ...
Is dead.
Who told you the Fhrer was dead?
General Fellgiebel, at the Wolf's Lair.
There's no use calling. All communication lines are down.
Get me the Wolf's Lair.
Yes, General Fromm for Fieldmarshall Keitel, urgent.
I am sorry to disturb you, sir.
But I wonder if you could tell me what's happening?
- The most incredible rumours are circulating in Berlin.
- I don't know what you mean.
There's talk that the Fhrer has been assassinated.
Another failed attempt.
The Fhrer was never in danger.
By the way, where is your man, Stauffenberg?
Stauffenberg? On his way back to Berlin, I would think.
Let me know when he arrives. I'd like a word with him.
- The Fhrer's fine.
- That is a lie.
Adolf Hitler is dead. Operation Valkyrie is in effect.
- Only I can initiate Valkyrie.
- You did.
This is treason.
Right now the reserve army is assuming control of Berlin.
- Are you with us or not?
- Do you realise what you've done?
The Fhrer is alive.
I delivered the bomb myself, i saw the blast.
He is dead.
- Are you with us?
- I don't believe this is happening. This is some kind of ...
Are you with us or not?
Colonel, if what you say is true
you should shoot yourself immediately.
- The rest of you are under arrest.
- No General, you are.
I don't know where you think this is going.
Get me operations.
This is Colonel Stauffenberg, seal of the War Ministery
per operation Valkyrie.
No-one gets in or out without authorization from General Olbricht's office.
General Beck.
You're not wearing your uniform, sir.
This should be seen as a movement of the people.
Colonel Stauffenberg.
The chief has guaranteed the full support of the Berlin police.
You will have no interference from my men.
You have my word.
Thank you.
Colonel Stauffenberg, sir.
We're reporting for duty.
Thank you for coming.
Gentlemen.
In three hours I wantconfirmation ...
That we in government quarter's ours
and SS command has been cleared of every living soul.
You all know what must be done.
By nightfall I want to know
that Hitler's Germany has seen its last sunrise.
Feldmarschall Witzleben has been appointed commander in chief of the armed forces.
That's exactly why he's been appointed. If he was a member of the Party he'd be locked up as a suspect.
- Yes sir, I understand. This is an emergency.
- Commanding officer of the 11th district ...
I need a decision, Major.
- Tell your men that acts of vengeance will not be tolerated.
Connect me to the commanding officer in Hannover ...
- We represent a different form of government.
I'd be careful who you said that to.
Loyalty to the Party isn't what it used to be.
Yes, Paris, France.
Heads of state murdered the Fhrer.
Thank you, you made the right decision.
District 13 is ours.
You're under arrest for crimes against the state.
This is Stauffenberg, I'm trying to connect with Major-General Todt.
... 413 battalion, you have no trouble getting ...
... This is Colonel Stauffenberg .... will explain everything ...
... Excellent.
My wife is at Bamberg with my children, would you please try to reach them with the phone?
Thank you.
General Scheidler has issued the Valkyrie orders and has sealed off headquarters.
Check on the radio stations every 20 minutes until we have confirmation they're ours.
With all due respect, sir.
You can't believe everything you hear.
That is SS propaganda, he's dead. The commander
of the home army is authorized to give orders.
General.
Our men in the transport office have secured the railways communications network.
... repeat to stations ...
He's with us.
Call Potzte, tell him all units are under our control.
You have your men, now get control ...
We have control of the government quarter.
We don't have Berlin yet.
- What is it now, Sergeant?
- Arrest orders, sir.
One from Colonel Stauffenberg in the War Ministry.
To arrest Reichsminister Goebbels.
The other is from the Wolfs Lair
to arrest Colonel Stauffenberg.
Send them both through.
Our job is not to interpret orders.
Our job is to pass them along, regardless ...
That will be all, Sergeant.
New arrest orders, sir.
For Stauffenberg and Goebbels.
Do we arrest them both.
I would hate to find out I am being taken advantage of.
You really think it's a coup?
I'm afraid so.
All I can say which side we're on.
Come with me.
I've just spoken to Colonel .
They've arrested 1200 SS and Gestapo officials in Paris.
Not a single shot fired.
Early reports from Vienna are good.
I'm waiting on word from Prague.
I am ready to be connected.
Minister Goebbels?
What can I do for you, Major?
My battalion has an order to block and place you under arrest.
Are you a dedicated National-Socialist, Major?
Major Remer here.
Do you recognize my voice?
- Yes, my Fhrer.
- Then listen to me very carefully.
I want these traitors taken alive.
- Yes, my Fhrer.
You heard what he said.
The Fhrer wants the traitors taken alive.
Yes sir.
It is a coup alright.
We can't afford to remain neutral any longer.
You have to make a decision.
When it's over we better land on the right side.
Send through all communication from the Wolf's Lair
Stop all communications from Stauffenberg.
Release these men.
Sir, they're part of the coup.
I've just been on the phone with Hitler himself.
We've been duped.
We've lost contact with district 11.
The switchboard is overloaded.
Give it ten minutes, then try again.
Give me General Vieler, district 11.
- We still need our ...
- Keep trying.
Where is General Fromm?
General Fromm is no longer in command, I am.
- Beck, what are you doing here? What is going on?
- The Fhrer is dead.
The SS are staging a coup, we've initiated operation Valkyrie ...
To crush the uprising and save Hitler's Germany.
You'll present the order to your troops.
I will do no such thing until I speak to General Fromm.
You'll follow your orders or you are arrested.
This is treason.
I will take no part.
The Fhrer is not dead.
Listen to me, you are all making a terrible mistake.
The Fhrer is not dead.
Please try my wife again.
I can't get through to General . Run down to his office and get him here.
Yes, this is Stauffenberg, I was speaking wih the General about five minutes ago. He told me he'd return my call.
I trust everything in your district is under control.
And the General knows I'm waiting?
I'm ordering you to put him on the phone immediately.
.. Alreday gave their oath to a liar, Hans ...
Hans, listen to me.
This operation has been terminated.
Today an attempt was made on the Fhrer's life.
The Fhrer himself suffered no major injuries beyond light burns and bruises ...
He resumed his work immediately.
Those seriously wounded include General Schmundt, Colonel Brandt ...
Send the following orders to all reserve army commanders.
"Broadcast incorrect, Fhrer is dead."
Operation Valkyrie still in effect.
I saw the blast.
I saw the blast.
Today an attempt was made on the Fhrer's life.
The Fhrer himself suffered no major injuries beyond light burns and bruises ...
- My family?
- Our lines have been cut.
I'm sorry.
Go.
It's alright. Go.
General, sir.
We have to get you out of here.
- Stop.
- Stand down.
- I said stop.
- I said stand down.
Hold your fire.
Colonel Stauffenberg.
By orders of the Fhrer, you are under arrest.
If you have any last messages to your wives and children,
I will hear them now.
Very well, a court martial convened by me ...
in the Fhrer's absence,
will pronounce sentence.
Beck, you are under arrest.
Colonel Mertz von Quirnheim, General Olbricht, Lieutenant Haeften ...
And the Colonel, whose name I will not mention,
are condemned to death.
General, my orders are to take these men alive.
Noted, Major.
I'd like a pistol, please.
For personal reasons.
- Get on with it.
- With all respect, sir.
That will be all, Major.
Killing us won't hide your involvement.
My involvement? I don't know what you're talking about?
- You knew and did nothing.
- You're as guilty as any of us.
-Spare me Lieutenant.
- No-one will be spared.
I'm thinking of earlier times.
This is an outrage.
It has never before been perpetrated here.
A Fieldmarshal and a General declare that they could do things better than he ...
Who is the Fher of us all.
You'll confess to having said this?
My fellow Germans.
I speak to you tonight for two reasons.
First, so that you can hear my voice
and know that I am unhurt.
Second, so that you can know the details of a crime ...
without parallel in German history.
A small clique of ambitious, dishonorable officers had conspired to eliminate me.
Except for a few bruises and burns ...
I was completely untouched.
I see in this the hand of Providence ...
Directing me to complete my work.
Look them in the eye.
They'll remember you.
For we have to show the world that not all of us were like him.
Fire.
People know we put our principles above personal gains.
translation by .::dutch::.
Aim.
Safe. Stand.
You may hand us over to the executioner,
but in three months time...
The disgusted and tired people will bring you to book.
- And drag you alive through the dirt in the streets.
- Take him away.
Men, ready.
Aim.
- Long live sacred Germany!
- Fire.
peace and prosperity have been destroyed
and left nothing but destruction.
The atrocities committed by Hitlers SS
are a disgrace for the honour of the German army.
In the officers corps
there is widespread disgust
about the crimes committed by the Nazis.
The killing of civilians,
The torture and starving
of prisoners.
The mass execution of Jews.
My duty as an officer,
is no longer to save my country,
but to save human lives.
I can not find one general, in a position to confront Hitler,
with the courage to do it.
Colonel Stauffenberg, sir.
The General'll be here in four hours.
Thank you. I need to see him when he arrives.
I found myself surrounded by men unwilling
or unable to face the truth.
Hiltler is not only the arch-enemy
of the entire world,
but the arch-enemy of Germany.
Change must be made.
The British are moving up from the south,
Patton is closing in on the coast,
You know we should have left two days ago.
- No, Colonel, we keep fighting.
Until the final victory.
Most of Africa's lost and you gonna need these men a year from now to .
We can serve Germany,
or the Fher, not both.
It's just that sort of talk that had you sent here, Colonel.
What I said was much worse.
General.
I'm just trying to get these men out of here alive.
What would you have me do?
You tell commander we have to re-route the and the 21st panzer.
At least then we'd have a chance.
And records will show we didn't have enough water
to reach Sidi Mansour?
I can guarantee it.
See that it's done.
General.
Sit.
Hitler's leaving.
- Yeah, the fuse.
Colonel Brandt.
Our regards to Colonel Stieff.
Cointreau,
Let's hope I don't get thirsty on the flight.
He's landed.
This is General Tresckow,
connect me with operations, Colonel Brandt.
Colonel, Tresckow.
I'm glad you arrived safely.
I hate to trouble you but it seems you have the wrong bottles for Colonel Stieff.
You do still have the package?
I've been called to Berlin unexpectedly, I can be at
your office first thing tomorrow morning to pick it up.
Sorry for the inconvenience Colonel.
Yes, thank you.
Do you think he knows?
There is only one way,
to find out.
We've been discovered.
- What makes you think that?
Oster's been arrested.
the Gestapo came for him last night.
The Gestapo could have arrested him for anything.
What do you think went wrong?
- We don't know.
The fuse, the temperature, the point is the damned thing didn't go off.
General Tresckow to see Colonel Brandt.
The Colonel's expecting you, sir.
At ease.
You'll forgive me General, this little round-up is having me writing reports all day.
Round-up?
Dissenters. Another plot against the Fhrer.
Who are these people?
You'd be surprised.
Is this what you've come for?
Perhaps we should open it.
I beg your pardon?
Well, you've come a long way,
you must be thirsty.
I wonder how the Fhrer, who does not , would feel about a soldier who did so on duty.
Colonel Brandt.
I took you for an unsort, General.
And I you
We're still in business.
Find a replacement for Oster.
There is no-one we can trust,
not in Berlin.
Then stop looking in Berlin.
Frau von Stauffenberg.
Perhaps, before you go in, we could have a word together in my office.
I will see my husband now.
The right hand has been amputated above the wrist.
He's missing the fourth and fifth fingers
on the left hand.
We couldn't save the left eye.
Colonel.
Are you ready, sir?
I'm a soldier, I serve my country.
But this is my country.
I was lying out there,
bleeding to death, thinking
if I die now,
I leave nothing to my children but shame.
I know now there is only one way
to serve Germany.
And doing so I'll be a traitor
I accept that.
Just tell me,
Can these men see it through?
We need to reorganize,
reconsider our strategy.
Recruit new men.
That's why we want you.
You understand what will happen to my wife and children,
if these men can't see it through?
Come and hear what they have to say.
You know where to find us.
Enough, enough. I am not gonna listen to another word of this.
You had your chance, you failed.
Your so-called central solution didn't work.
Our only option now is to confront Hitler openly
This is a military operation.
It is not a military operation,
it is a political organization.
And one that has given it's military arm too much control.
In any military exercise you have to expect a certain measure of deviation.
A measure?
What about total, complete, utter failure?
Gentlemen, i think it's time we faced the fact
The allies are coming come sooner or later.
I say we sit back and let them wipe out the Nazis.
And ask every living soul in Europe to pay the price. Use your head.
Carl, please.
- I'm sorry Ludwig, I've held my tongue too long.
We must now confront Hitler now.
Force him out.
And then what?
I beg your pardon?
When Hitler's gone, then what?
I'm sorry, who is this man?
Colonel Stauffenberg is Oster's replacement.
He's been transferred to my office,
at the War Ministry.
How is your uncle?
- He is well sir, he sends his regards.
He speaks very highly of you.
- And of you, General.
One of the things that made Oster such a great organizer,
Was that he kept his opinions to himself.
I am simply asking what you intend to do
when Hitler is gone.
You don't really believe you can just walk into the Reich chancellary
And command the army to end the war?
Yes, we do.
You are in the presence of men
who would have been Hitler's inner circle.
Instead we refused, Colonel.
The people know we put our principles above personal gain.
We have the respect of the people
And the army.
Then you don't need me.
Gentlemen.
Those men are confusing respect with popularity
The army swore an oath.
An oath that won't just die with Hitler.
How are we gonna deal with Goebbels,
Himmler and the SS?
They will wipe you out.
-It doesn't matter.
It only matters that we act, now.
Before we lose the war.
Otherwise, this will always be Hitler's Germany.
And we have to show the world...
that not all of us were like him.
That is not enough for me.
There has to be a chance of success.
Then find a way.
Papa is home.
I thought we agreed I'd come see you in Bamberg.
The children couldn't wait.
The children?
Valkyrie.
We've already considered Valkyrie,
it isn't suitable.
Not as it's currently written. But the Colonel has an idea,
i think we should consider.
Excuse me, what is Valkyrie?
- Operation Valkyrie.
The reserve army has thousands of men all over Berlin.
Valkyrie is Hitler's contingency plan, to mobilize those men
during a national emergency.
The sole purpose of the order is to protect Hitler's government if he's cut off or killed.
And what use is this to us?
Valkyrie is designed to contain civil unrest.
But what if the SS were staging a coup?
State security is trying to overthrow Hitler,
how would high command respond?
We would have no choice,
we would declare a military state of emergency.
Exactly, and initiate Valkyrie.
- Hitler's own reserve army using Hitler's own plan.
We'll have no choice but to seize power in Berlin
To prevent the SS take-over.
They'll think they're fightin for Hitler's government, not against it.
While we quietly put a new government in place.
But only if he's dead.
That's what you're saying, isn't it?
How else are you gonna convince people
the SS are trying to seize power?
We have to kill Hitler.
- I'm disappointed in you, Colonel.
I thought a man of your background,
would suggest a more honorable approach.
Your plan has a few minor obstacles, Colonel.
First, Valkyrie would have to be re-written,
to exclude the SS.
And I'll need your help to get a copy.
Rewriting an order is one thing.
Distributing it is another.
In this case we'd be wilfully circulating written evidence of high-treason.
Evidence requiring Hitler's signature.
Well, we can all draw straws for the job.
And what about Fromm?
- Fromm, who is Fromm?
He's the commander of the reserve army.
I can put the reserve troops on alert,
but only Fromm can initiate Valkyrie.
Can you get to him?
We're running out of time,
can you get to Fromm?
He's a carreerist pig.
But one who's gone as far as he could go in Hitler's army.
It's no secret he's not happy about it.
Offer him a key position in the new regime.
Make him see the light.
Colonel Stauffenberg,
for General Fromm.
Colonel Stauffenberg, sir. Welcome back.
It's an honor, sir.
I 'd send you to the front, but i think you'd surrender just to be Montgomery's whore.
The General will see you now.
What is it you want?
I wanted to introduce our new man,
Colonel Stauffenberg.
Ah, from Africa.
I'd offer you my hand,
but I might not get it back.
I'd say the General has lost more important things this morning.
It's about time they put somebody with balls into this office.
Please sit down, Colonel.
And you, Olbricht, if you must.
They tell me you're critical of the war, Colonel.
Not that you don't seem to have good reason.
I am critical of indecision, General.
In the field?
- In Berlin.
So that's why you're here, i take it ...
- To make decisions.
- I have already made my decision.
I'm here to help others make theirs.
They say when there's no clear option,
the best thing is to do nothing.
We're at war, we must act.
Sometimes rational.
And what rash action did you have in mind, Colonel?
That would be a decision for the supreme military commander, sir.
The supreme commander?
Second only to the Chancellor.
If I were that man ...
Tis war would be going quite differently.
Well, we were thinking the same, really.
I don't need to remind you
that we've all sworn an oath to the Fhrer.
Having said that, I'm going to forget this conversation ever took place.
In the strict understanding that such talk
never occurs again under this roof.
Is that clear?
You can tell your friends, Colonel, that i
I always come down on the right side.
And as long as the Fhrer is alive
you know what side that is.
Do you realize how close i am to Hitler?
With one word i can make you disappear.
My associates don't know we've been talking, if that's what you are afraid of.
When the SS catch you they will pull you apart like warm bread.
It would be a crime just to have known you then.
I warn you, don't try to contact me again.
You won't report me. Maybe if you had when I first approached you, you might have been keeping your oath.
Now you're just as guilty as the rest of us.
- And i guess that makes me a sympathizer?
Give a man a choice to betray his fellow officers or his Fhrer
And you think his actions will show you his heart.
- It is not that simple.
- Yes..yes it is.
For the last time, don't push me to make a decision.
I don't have a choice, it's clear now.
Without you, there is no hope of success.
You're nothing but rats,
jumping from a sinking ship.
What makes you think you'll be any different?
What makes you think
you're stronger than the people?
The Reich, the very momentum of history?
- This is going to happen, action is inevitable
As are the consequences.
When they come for me I'll do everything I can to hide what you are doing, but don't delude yourself
You were involved in a crime against your country long before you met me.
And there may still be time to redeem yourself.
Only God can judge us now.
Hitler had operation Valkyrie designed
to completely secure his government in six hours.
I'm rewriting the orders so we can seize control of the government in three.
As written the orders spreads reserve troops across all of Germany's 19 military districts.
Including occupied cities like Paris, Vienna and Prague.
This is a waste of resources since all of these districts
Follow orders from Berlin without question.
If you take Berlin you take Germany.
I'm rewriting Valkyrie to direct the majority of our strongest units to focus entirely on Berlin.
We'll surround the government quarter, occupy all
S.S. and police barracks.
Once we have control of the government
we'll shut down all concentration camps.
Any officers who resist will be arrested.
I've been transferred to the front.
Anyway, it doesn't matter.
You know these orders better than anyone.
That's why I am putting you in charge of the military wing of the operation.
Beck agrees.
- Why not Olbricht?
No, it is your plan.
It's you.
You need to be absolutely certain no conflicting
order get out after the flash.
It is not enough to kill Hitler.
You need to isolate his chain of command
and cut them off from the outside world immediately.
I already considered that.
- I think I have just the man who can help.
- Who is he?
Perhaps it's better I don't say.
God promised Abraham he would not destroy Sodom
If he could find ten righteous men.
I have a feeling that, for Germany, it may come down to one.
Let's begin.
The Fhrer, Adolf Hitler,
Is dead.
Heil Hiltler, General.
Would you excuse us?
You play the part of bureaucrat beautifully.
- I see it's my turn to relax.
You've been promoted chief of staff for the reserve army.
Excuse me?
- Congratulations.
I am busy with other things.
Unfortunately, your nocturnal activities don't count as service to the 'Reich'.
I'll refuse the promotion.
- You'll do no such thing.
Tresckow may have left you in charge of the operation
but in this world I still outrank you.
You will accept the promotion.
You'll have real access to Hitler,
his advisers, his schedule.
We need this.
I've looked through your changes to Valkyrie.
I approve.
I need you to get Hitler to sign it.
Now, there's a man here to interview as your adjudant.
He comes highly recommended.
Close the door.
Be seated.
Do you know how this world
will end, Lieutenant?
The portrait will be unhung,
and that man will be hung.
I'm engaged in high treason with all means available to me.
Can I count you in?
For anything, sir.
Anything at all.
Come.
Colonel Brandt, operations.
Colonel Stauffenberg, I'd like to review
your presentation to the Fhrer.
Strictly routine.
Sir, the contents of the Colonel's bag are for the Fhrer eyes only.
I am the Fhrer's eyes, Lieutenant.
The Colonel is a member of my staff at the War Ministry.
He doesn't answer to you.
They're waiting.
This way.
My Fhrer, may I present Colonel Stauffenberg,
our new chief of staff to the reserve army.
Heil, my Fhrer.
What an honor it is to meet an officer
who has sacrifieced so much for Germany.
And if only more of my men were like you.
Let this man stand as an example to all of you here.
He is the ideal of German officer.
My Fhrer ...
Colonel Stauffenberg was asked to come
here today to brief us on mobilizing ...
Troops of the reserve army to repell the invasion.
Invasion?
Normandy, my Fhrer.
Oh, yes.
Normandy.
That will not be necessary.
Reichsmarshall Gring assures me
that everything is completely under control.
Thank you, Colonel.
My Fhrer, if I may. I have an ammended copy
of Operation Valkyrie, for your approval.
You know your Wagner, Colonel?
The Valkyrie, handmaidens of the gods.
Choosing who will live and who will die.
Sparing the most heroic from an agonizing death.
One can not understand National-Socialism
I one does not understand Wagner.
I'm sure whatever changes you've made are for the best.
You' re dismissed.
Send your man home. And Fromm ...
Have some fresh tea brought in, will you?
I don't know what you're brewing now.
And I don't want to know.
But when the music stops, I'd be obliged
if Keitel found himself without a chair.
Any problem on earth can be solved
With the careful application of high-explosives.
The trick is not te be around when they go off.
Two 975 gram packs of plastic explosives.
Enough explosive to cripple a Panzer.
Your detonators, your fuses.
British time pencils.
This acid capsule is your tirgger.
When you're ready to arm attach the detonator
to the bottom of the time pencil.
Like s.
Insert the entire device into either end of the plastic w.
Crush the acid capsule.
And you're live.
When the acid eats through the wire holding back the firing pin, you'll want to be very far away.
For you
- How much time do we have?
Theoretically there's a 30 minute delay, but with the kind of heat ...
You can expect at the Wolf 's Lair,
I give you 10, 15 minutes, tops.
That's hardly precise.
This is state-of-the-art.
You can have small or precise, not both.
Might this just be a little too small?
Hitler bunker will magnify the blast.
It is constructed of reinforced concrete,
with steel doors, no windows.
The air-pressure generated by just one
of these explosives in a space like that ...
Will kill everyone, instantly.
The second charge will be entirely redundant.
If, by some miracle, Hiltler does survive, what then?
We sitll initiate Valkyrie.
At that point there'll be no turning back.
But we'll have an advantage.
We have an inside man at the Wolf's Lair.
After the flash he'll cut off communication with the outside world.
While Hitler's inner-circle is struggling to regroup ...
We'll have the momentum we need
to seize control in Berlin.
Himmler is expected to be at the meeting as well.
Don't proceed ...
Unless you can get them both.
Don't proceed unless you're confident
you can get both Himmler and Hitler.
This is Goerdeler, isn't it?
Yeah, I'll hold off.
If the decision is unanimous.
But I want another man on the committee.
- Not a politician.
- Who?
Him.
Fine.
But remember, this is a military operation.
Nothing ever goes according to plan.
I'll take the children to Bamberg.
If I fail ...
They'll come for you.
All of you.
I know.
Gentlemen, good morning.
Hitler has scheduled a military briefing
for today, at one o'clock.
Stauffenberg will start once everyone is present.
- They're here.
Before arming the explosives,
Stauffenberg will call for authorization to proceed.
After the flash, his inside man wil sever all communication.
Assuming Fromm refuses to join us,
Olbricht will take command ...
Of the reserve army and initiate Valkyrie.
Then you'll notify all district commanders
that the SS is attempting to seize power.
The reserve army will arrest all SS, Gestapo and Nazi officials.
By then Stauffenberg will have returned to Berlin
and taken command of the reserve army.
Witzleben and I will assume the role of commander of the armed forces,
And head of state.
With Berlin secured, Dr. Goerdeler will address the nation as our new Chancellor.
Then, God willing, we can negotiate a truce with the allies.
Save Europe from total destruction.
Thiswill identify you as a member of the operation,
Nobody goes in or out of the parimeter without one.
Gentlemen.
This is the most important day of your lives.
Long live sacred Germany.
- What is it?
- An order from General Olbricht's office.
He is calling the reserve army for some sort of standby action
in all the military districts, including Berlin.
Looks like a drill of some kind.
Send it through, Sergeant.
- Standby action, what the hell for?
- The order doesn't say.
Assemble the men.
This better not be a drill.
The men are assembled and awaiting further orders.
What do you suppose this is really all about?
You may pass.
Your man?
He is now.
Colonel.
Attention.
Gentlemen, for our first order of business ...
General Fromm will present his plans for the re-allocation of troops ...
From the reserve army on the Eastern front.
But as you know, last night the Russians launched a new offensive against army group North Ukrain.
In the south Poland sector.
General Harpel was brought in to replace Model and bring a swift end to this confrontation.
Himmler's not here.
- ... could tranfer three divisions,
To fortify General Harpels troops.
Now these divisions will stick to a mobile defense plan.
... rather than holding any one particular ...
Connect me to the War Ministry, General Olbrichts office.
- General Olbrichts office.
- Himmler's not at the briefing,
Awaiting word on permission to proceed.
Hold the line.
Stauffenberg says Himmler's not at the briefing,
he wants to proceed.
Call Beck.
Himmler's not at the briefing.
They say no.
What do you say?
I say do it.
Whatever it was, Colonel, I hope it was important.
Colonel, your bag.
This has been a drill, you're dismissed.
How dare you put the reserve army on standby without my knowledge?
Damn near cost me my comission.
And what in God's name made you think you even had the authority?
It was only a drill, an exercise.
- Don 't lie to me Olbright, not to me.
We both know it wasn't a drill.
- General, if I may ...
No, you may not. Colonel, you may not do anything.
Because not only have you proved to me you can't deliver,
you've painted a target on my back.
If I so much as sense you're trying to move the reserve army again ...
I will personally have you both arrested.
Do I make myself abundantly clear?
I'll hear you say it, Colonel.
The point of replacing Hitler is to negotiate a truce with the allies.
The allies, I suspect, would be more amenable to a truce ...
If we offered it to them before they get to fucking Berlin.
There's no point in killing Hitler unless you kill Himmler too.
Why remove a madman just to have a lunatic take his place.
Todays failure had nothing to do with Himmler, and you know it.
This is a military operation in the hands of a politician, nothing more.
What are you suggesting?
- I'm not suggesting anything.
I'm stating the facts as I see them.
You don't have the courage to kill Hitler,
so you're making the task impossible.
Nothing seems to stop you and your henchmen ...
- From trying it on your own.
- What I regret is that I waited for you to find your backbone.
I don't think I am alone when I say your judgement is in question.
I'd like to call a vote.
I propose that we relieve Colonel Stauffenberg.
Carl, can I have a word with you in private?
- If you got something to say, say it.
Very well.
I heard from the chief of police this evening ...
that Himmler has issued a warrant for your arrest.
You have to leave Germany tonight.
When we succeed with the central solution you'll return as Chancellor.
Disappearing Carl.
Avoid contact with anyone.
Good luck, Colonel.
Nno more indecision.
From now on Stauffenberg has full discretion.
I can't issue the alert again unless we follow through.
I'll do my job. You just take Berlin.
- Hold on. sir. I have the connection right now.
- Thank you.
I'm sorry, sir. There's bombing in Emmingen.
We've been disconnected.
Emmingen is a long way from Bamberg.
I'm sure your family is safe.
- Welcome, Colonel.
- Do you have a place where I can change, Major?
Please follow me.
- Please, put the reserve army on standby alert.
- Not until I've heard from Stauffenberg.
Not until I'm sure.
- That's not what he would...
Noted, Colonel.
Thank you.
The meeting has been moved out to 12.30.
Mussolini's arriving on the afternoon train.
The Fher wants to have luncheon.
Will Mussolini be joining us in the briefing, sir?
Only wish he were. Then some ambitious officer ...
Might take the opportunity to shoot that deigo bastard.
Excuse me, General. I'm expecting an important call.
Could you please have someone come and get me?
Even if I'm with the Fhrer.
- Ofcourse, Colonel.
- Thank you sir.
Colonel.
Major Freyend speaking.
Colonel.
They insist you hurry.
- The briefing's about to begin.
- One moment please, Major.
Ten minutes: two for the welcome, one for the checkpoint,
one for the bunker, six to get out.
Plenty of time.
Excuse me, Colonel.
Sir, the Fhrer's at the briefing.
The Colonel is changing, Major.
- Well, you understand this can be difficult.
- Ofcourse.
Plenty of time.
Get the car.
I've everything I need.
Get the car.
I can manage this.
- Where're they going?
- It is too hot.
The briefing has been moved to the conference hut.
Major, my injuries have left me hard of hearing.
Would you place me as close to the Fhrer as possible.
I'll see what I can do.
Not only have they been advancing from the east, but they're coming down on the northern and the southern fronts as well.
As you can see, my Fhrer ...
If the enemy continues at this rate the situation
in the east Prussian sector is critical.
Lack of supplies is continuing to weaken our main units.
And reserves are severely depleted.
My Fhrer, you remember Colonel Stauffenberg?
As you're all aware in the past two days alone,
the 10th Army has given up .
And the 14th Division has been pushed out of the .
Army Group Center has already lost 28 of their 40 divisions.
That is a total of almost 350.000 men.
Since the Red Army first attacked nearly a month ago ...
Our troops have already been pushed back to the Polish border.
... with the loss of the 4th Army in Minsk ...
Yes sir.
... from Army Group North Ukraine as well as the Romanian.
... prevent further losses.
Unless we can quickly dispatch new brocking divisions,
at vital points along the German right.
Army Group will be swallowed by the enemies in less than a fortnight.
And we run the risk of losing all the ground
we have managed to gain in the last three years.
General Fellgiebel, sir. He said it's urgent.
Yes General, this is Stauffenberg.
Russian air activity has proven
just as impregnable as their ground force.
... Some areas they outnumber ...
... along the Italian front, I further ...
One thing is certain, the Red Army will continue an agressive push west.
Even at the expense ...
In order to rebuild ...
... already southwest of Lneburg
and closing on Army Group ...
It will be a catastrophe.
Get in.
Drive.
I've orders from the Fhrer.
Drive, drive.
Back to work.
Give me the War Ministry, General Olbricht, it's urgent.
- General Olbrichts office.
- calling from the ... lair ... General Olbright ... Fhrer.
Sever all communications.
- Sir?
Just do it.
- Well, what did he say?
- I can't be sure.
Well, get him back on the line.
Sir, the bomb did go off, that much was clear.
Fellgiebel's next step will be to sever all communications.
- Sorry, Colonel. No-one gets in or out.
- We have an order from the Fhrer.
We have to get to the airfield immediately.
Open the gate.
I'm very sorry sir. But my orders are to keep you ...
- I just gave you an order, Sergeant.
Excuse me.
Colonel Stauffenberg for Fieldmarshall Keitel.
Colonel Stauffenberg was explicit.
We initiate Valyrie, regardless ...
Only Fromm can initiate ...
- Then tell him Hitler's dead or arrest him. But do it now.
You have to give the order to initiate Valkyrie. This is our only ...
I am not doing anything until I hear from Fellgiebel.
Get him back on the phone now.
Every second we stand here arguing is a second lost.
The risk is too great.
What about Stauffenberg?
What about his risk?
He did his part, and now you are abandonning him.
Fieldmarshall, sir. Stauffenberg here, a Sergeant ...
Kolbe, sir.
Kolbe won't let me past the main gate.
Yes sir, I explained that.
Perhaps you can make him understand, sir.
Everything is fine now,sir.
Thank you.
Open the gate.
- Please put the reserve army on alert.
- When Stauffenberg returns ...
When he gives me confirmation that Hitler is dead.
Then we'll proceed .
- Where are you going?
- The same place as you are ...
Lunch.
Another standby alert.
Send it through and keep me informed.
Sir, another standby order.
In ancient Greece you would've been killed for this.
Lucky for you we've evolved.
Assemble the men.
Quiet, isn't it?
I'll see where our driver is.
The Colonel and I are at the airfield.
There is no car, there's no-one here.
You mean to tell me the alert's only just gone out?
This is Stauffenberg, give me General Olbricht.
What's this?
Explain this!
- We did something, while you ...
We do not know that Hitler is not alive.
- This is about Germany, for God's sake, not you.
General Olbricht's office.
Colonel Stauffenberg. For you, sir.
It's been three hours Olbricht.
What the hell have you been doing?
We've had no confirmation that Hitler was dead.
Damned, I saw the explosion myself.
- We are committed.
- Dear god.
Now where is Fromm?
Is he with us?
No-one has spoken to him yet.
Listen to me. Never mind Germany, never mind Europe.
Your life is at stake now. And if you want to live
through the night, you'll do exactly as I say.
The second you hang up the phone
initiate Valkyrie in Fromm's name.
Give him the choice to join us
or place him under immediate arrest, you understand?
I'll be at Fromm's office in 50 minutes.
Be there when I arrive.
Call Beck and others.
Tell them it's time.
Put me through to communications.
This is General Olbricht.
Calling on behalf of General Fromm ...
Commander of the reserve army.
The Fhrer, Adolf Hitler, is dead.
A group of radicals in the SS are attempting to seize control of the government.
Initiate operation Valkyrie.
You have your orders. Pass them along.
Battalion.
Attention.
Our Fhrer, Adolf Hitler ...
Is dead.
Who told you the Fhrer was dead?
General Fellgiebel, at the Wolf's Lair.
There's no use calling. All communication lines are down.
Get me the Wolf's Lair.
Yes, General Fromm for Fieldmarshall Keitel, urgent.
I am sorry to disturb you, sir.
But I wonder if you could tell me what's happening?
- The most incredible rumours are circulating in Berlin.
- I don't know what you mean.
There's talk that the Fhrer has been assassinated.
Another failed attempt.
The Fhrer was never in danger.
By the way, where is your man, Stauffenberg?
Stauffenberg? On his way back to Berlin, I would think.
Let me know when he arrives. I'd like a word with him.
- The Fhrer's fine.
- That is a lie.
Adolf Hitler is dead. Operation Valkyrie is in effect.
- Only I can initiate Valkyrie.
- You did.
This is treason.
Right now the reserve army is assuming control of Berlin.
- Are you with us or not?
- Do you realise what you've done?
The Fhrer is alive.
I delivered the bomb myself, i saw the blast.
He is dead.
- Are you with us?
- I don't believe this is happening. This is some kind of ...
Are you with us or not?
Colonel, if what you say is true
you should shoot yourself immediately.
- The rest of you are under arrest.
- No General, you are.
I don't know where you think this is going.
Get me operations.
This is Colonel Stauffenberg, seal of the War Ministery
per operation Valkyrie.
No-one gets in or out without authorization from General Olbricht's office.
General Beck.
You're not wearing your uniform, sir.
This should be seen as a movement of the people.
Colonel Stauffenberg.
The chief has guaranteed the full support of the Berlin police.
You will have no interference from my men.
You have my word.
Thank you.
Colonel Stauffenberg, sir.
We're reporting for duty.
Thank you for coming.
Gentlemen.
In three hours I wantconfirmation ...
That we in government quarter's ours
and SS command has been cleared of every living soul.
You all know what must be done.
By nightfall I want to know
that Hitler's Germany has seen its last sunrise.
Feldmarschall Witzleben has been appointed commander in chief of the armed forces.
That's exactly why he's been appointed. If he was a member of the Party he'd be locked up as a suspect.
- Yes sir, I understand. This is an emergency.
- Commanding officer of the 11th district ...
I need a decision, Major.
- Tell your men that acts of vengeance will not be tolerated.
Connect me to the commanding officer in Hannover ...
- We represent a different form of government.
I'd be careful who you said that to.
Loyalty to the Party isn't what it used to be.
Yes, Paris, France.
Heads of state murdered the Fhrer.
Thank you, you made the right decision.
District 13 is ours.
You're under arrest for crimes against the state.
This is Stauffenberg, I'm trying to connect with Major-General Todt.
... 413 battalion, you have no trouble getting ...
... This is Colonel Stauffenberg .... will explain everything ...
... Excellent.
My wife is at Bamberg with my children, would you please try to reach them with the phone?
Thank you.
General Scheidler has issued the Valkyrie orders and has sealed off headquarters.
Check on the radio stations every 20 minutes until we have confirmation they're ours.
With all due respect, sir.
You can't believe everything you hear.
That is SS propaganda, he's dead. The commander
of the home army is authorized to give orders.
General.
Our men in the transport office have secured the railways communications network.
... repeat to stations ...
He's with us.
Call Potzte, tell him all units are under our control.
You have your men, now get control ...
We have control of the government quarter.
We don't have Berlin yet.
- What is it now, Sergeant?
- Arrest orders, sir.
One from Colonel Stauffenberg in the War Ministry.
To arrest Reichsminister Goebbels.
The other is from the Wolfs Lair
to arrest Colonel Stauffenberg.
Send them both through.
Our job is not to interpret orders.
Our job is to pass them along, regardless ...
That will be all, Sergeant.
New arrest orders, sir.
For Stauffenberg and Goebbels.
Do we arrest them both.
I would hate to find out I am being taken advantage of.
You really think it's a coup?
I'm afraid so.
All I can say which side we're on.
Come with me.
I've just spoken to Colonel .
They've arrested 1200 SS and Gestapo officials in Paris.
Not a single shot fired.
Early reports from Vienna are good.
I'm waiting on word from Prague.
I am ready to be connected.
Minister Goebbels?
What can I do for you, Major?
My battalion has an order to block and place you under arrest.
Are you a dedicated National-Socialist, Major?
Major Remer here.
Do you recognize my voice?
- Yes, my Fhrer.
- Then listen to me very carefully.
I want these traitors taken alive.
- Yes, my Fhrer.
You heard what he said.
The Fhrer wants the traitors taken alive.
Yes sir.
It is a coup alright.
We can't afford to remain neutral any longer.
You have to make a decision.
When it's over we better land on the right side.
Send through all communication from the Wolf's Lair
Stop all communications from Stauffenberg.
Release these men.
Sir, they're part of the coup.
I've just been on the phone with Hitler himself.
We've been duped.
We've lost contact with district 11.
The switchboard is overloaded.
Give it ten minutes, then try again.
Give me General Vieler, district 11.
- We still need our ...
- Keep trying.
Where is General Fromm?
General Fromm is no longer in command, I am.
- Beck, what are you doing here? What is going on?
- The Fhrer is dead.
The SS are staging a coup, we've initiated operation Valkyrie ...
To crush the uprising and save Hitler's Germany.
You'll present the order to your troops.
I will do no such thing until I speak to General Fromm.
You'll follow your orders or you are arrested.
This is treason.
I will take no part.
The Fhrer is not dead.
Listen to me, you are all making a terrible mistake.
The Fhrer is not dead.
Please try my wife again.
I can't get through to General . Run down to his office and get him here.
Yes, this is Stauffenberg, I was speaking wih the General about five minutes ago. He told me he'd return my call.
I trust everything in your district is under control.
And the General knows I'm waiting?
I'm ordering you to put him on the phone immediately.
.. Alreday gave their oath to a liar, Hans ...
Hans, listen to me.
This operation has been terminated.
Today an attempt was made on the Fhrer's life.
The Fhrer himself suffered no major injuries beyond light burns and bruises ...
He resumed his work immediately.
Those seriously wounded include General Schmundt, Colonel Brandt ...
Send the following orders to all reserve army commanders.
"Broadcast incorrect, Fhrer is dead."
Operation Valkyrie still in effect.
I saw the blast.
I saw the blast.
Today an attempt was made on the Fhrer's life.
The Fhrer himself suffered no major injuries beyond light burns and bruises ...
- My family?
- Our lines have been cut.
I'm sorry.
Go.
It's alright. Go.
General, sir.
We have to get you out of here.
- Stop.
- Stand down.
- I said stop.
- I said stand down.
Hold your fire.
Colonel Stauffenberg.
By orders of the Fhrer, you are under arrest.
If you have any last messages to your wives and children,
I will hear them now.
Very well, a court martial convened by me ...
in the Fhrer's absence,
will pronounce sentence.
Beck, you are under arrest.
Colonel Mertz von Quirnheim, General Olbricht, Lieutenant Haeften ...
And the Colonel, whose name I will not mention,
are condemned to death.
General, my orders are to take these men alive.
Noted, Major.
I'd like a pistol, please.
For personal reasons.
- Get on with it.
- With all respect, sir.
That will be all, Major.
Killing us won't hide your involvement.
My involvement? I don't know what you're talking about?
- You knew and did nothing.
- You're as guilty as any of us.
-Spare me Lieutenant.
- No-one will be spared.
I'm thinking of earlier times.
This is an outrage.
It has never before been perpetrated here.
A Fieldmarshal and a General declare that they could do things better than he ...
Who is the Fher of us all.
You'll confess to having said this?
My fellow Germans.
I speak to you tonight for two reasons.
First, so that you can hear my voice
and know that I am unhurt.
Second, so that you can know the details of a crime ...
without parallel in German history.
A small clique of ambitious, dishonorable officers had conspired to eliminate me.
Except for a few bruises and burns ...
I was completely untouched.
I see in this the hand of Providence ...
Directing me to complete my work.
Look them in the eye.
They'll remember you.
For we have to show the world that not all of us were like him.
Fire.
People know we put our principles above personal gains.
translation by .::dutch::.
Aim.
Safe. Stand.
You may hand us over to the executioner,
but in three months time...
The disgusted and tired people will bring you to book.
- And drag you alive through the dirt in the streets.
- Take him away.
Men, ready.
Aim.
- Long live sacred Germany!
- Fire.