The Exploits of a German platoon caught behind enemy lines on the Russian Front.

Rating: 10/10 (13 September 1999)

This film is one of the few (along with Remarke's All Quiet On the Western Front)that puts a face on the average German soldier. James Coburn's SGT Steiner exemplifies the great asset strong non-commissioned officer (NCO) leadership was to the Wehrmacht and why it is indispensable to armies of all nations. The conflict between Steiner, the unassuming hero and the cowardly major, played by Maximillian Schell colours Steiner's relations with the grateful Colonel whose life Steiner saved at an earlier time. The colonel, played by James Mason, unsuccessfully tries to mentor the sergeant, but Steiner's mistrust of officers and politicians remains a barrier. At one point, Steiner explains that he fights, not for ideology or political goals, rather so he may finish and go home. The combat seems real and Yugoslavian T34 Tanks add to authenticity of combat scenes. The book is a MUST READ, this film is a MUST SEE!