The Longest Day (1962)
Paul Hartmann: Field Marshal Gerd von Rundstedt
Photos
Quotes
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[Blumentritt has just gotten off the phone with General Max Pemsel on Allied airborne landings behind Normandy]
Major General Gunther Blumentritt : Pemsel is convinced this is the invasion.
Field Marshal Gerd von Rundstedt : No no no, I do not agree with him. This is my conclusion.
[Von Rundstedt points to the main map]
Field Marshal Gerd von Rundstedt : Normandy is the site of a diversion. A diversion, Blumentritt! That is not where the main landings will take place, that will come at Pas-de-Calais, where it was always expected!
[Von Rundstedt then realizes what he has just said]
Field Marshal Gerd von Rundstedt : [to himself] Where we always expected it.
Field Marshal Gerd von Rundstedt : [to Blumentritt] We can't take any chances. I want the reserve panzers moved forward.
Major General Gunther Blumentritt : But we need permission from the Fuhrer's headquarters.
Field Marshal Gerd von Rundstedt : They won't dare refuse me! Call the Fuhrer's headquarters and insist. Insist, Blumentritt! Insist the panzers be released to me.
[as Blumentritt leaves the office to call Berlin, Von Rundstedt returns to the main map]
Field Marshal Gerd von Rundstedt : A landing at Normandy would be against military logic. It would be against ALL logic.
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Field Marshal Gerd von Rundstedt : This is madness... madness... sheer madness!
Major General Gunther Blumentritt : I just talked to General Jodl... the Fuhrer is awake.
Field Marshal Gerd von Rundstedt : I don't care if he's awake or not! What about the reserve panzers?
Major General Gunther Blumentritt : The Fuhrer went into one of his tantrums... and no one dared bring up the subject.
Field Marshal Gerd von Rundstedt : They're still held in reserve!
Major General Gunther Blumentritt : Sir, if you would call the Fuhrer yourself I am convinced he would respect your views.
Field Marshal Gerd von Rundstedt : Call that Bohemian corporal? Crawl on my knees to him? No! It is out of the question!
