Hitler's General Discussing Scene is a scene in Downfall that is commonly used in parodies. It shows Alfred Jodl and Wilhelm Keitel’s discontent at Hitler’s plans, Hermann Fegelein’s scheming and suggestions that the generals disobey, and Wilhelm Burgdorf’s scornful response.
In Downfall[]
Keitel remarks on how Hitler has lost all grip on reality. Jodl complains that Hitler moves around units that only exist on his map and that he tries to mobilize Felix Steiner's unit, which can barely defend itself, to fight. Fegelein asks him why he doesn't just tell Hitler the truth, but Keitel quickly cuts in saying that he doesn't listen. Fegelein says somebody should do something. Keitel confronts him, arguing that Hitler will just throw them out as he did with Gerd von Rundstedt and Heinz Guderian. Fegelein asks him what's the problem, and Jodl tells him that they, as soldiers, have taken an oath, to which Fegelein asks him if that stops them from thinking. Burgdorf, annoyed, questions what he just said, calling him an opportunist and a ruthless careerist to which Fegelein replies saying Wie bitte?.
In Downfall Parodies[]
The scene is commonly used by many Untergangers, usually being a continuation of the Hitler plans scene (which it actually is), while several parodies feature it as a standalone video. Other times it's meant to be Jodl talking about various things. The part where Burgdorf is angry on Fegelein is sometimes portrayed as Burgdorf being angry on whatever antic Fegelein just pulled. Sometimes Burgdorf calls Fegelein an opportunist.
The shot where the camera focuses on Fegelein is also very commonly used on its own. Most of the time, this scene is added to a parody to make it look like Fegelein is interacting with other characters, or just to show him gloating about his latest antic.
Transcript[]
German transcript and English translation | ||
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Speaker | German | English |
KEITEL | Der Führer hat jeglichen Sinn für die Realitäten verloren! | The Führer has lost all sense of reality! |
JODL | Er verschiebt Divisionen auf der Landkarte, die gar nicht mehr existieren! | He moves divisions on the map that no longer exist at all! |
Die Gruppe Steiner, ein versprengter Haufen, der sich mit Mühe verteidigen kann. | Steiner's group is a scattered bunch who can barely defend themselves. | |
Jetzt will er, dass Steiner angreift! | Now he wants Steiner to attack! | |
Es ist purer Wahnsinn! | It's pure madness! | |
FEGELEIN | Warum sagen Sie es ihm dann nicht? | Then why don't you tell him? |
KEITEL | Er ist keinen Argumenten zugänglich! | He never opens up to arguments! |
Das wissen Sie so gut wie ich. | You know that as well as I do. | |
FEGELEIN | Irgendwas muss getan werden. | Something has to be done. |
KEITEL | Sind Sie verrückt? | Are you crazy? |
Er würde uns einfach rausschmeißen wie Rundstedt, wie Guderian. | He would just kick us out like Rundstedt and Guderian. | |
FEGELEIN | Ja, und? | Yes, and? |
JODL | Wir sind Soldaten! | We are soldiers! |
Wir haben unseren Eid auf den Führer geleistet! | We've taken our oath to the Führer! | |
FEGELEIN | Soll der Eid uns daran hindern, selbstständig zu denken? | Should that oath prevent us from thinking independently? |
BURGDORF | Das sagen ausgerechnet Sie? | Said by you of all people? |
Ein Opportunist! | An opportunist! | |
Ein rücksichtsloser Karrierist! | A ruthless careerist! | |
FEGELEIN | Wie bitte? | I beg your pardon? |
Quotes[]
Jodl: Es ist purer Wahnsinn! (It's pure madness!)
Jodl: Wir Sind Soldaten! (We are Soldiers!)
Fegelein: Wie Bitte? (I beg your pardon?)
Trivia[]
- This scene follows right after the planning scene explaining why the generals are mad at Hitler.
- This is a very rare instance in which Jodl is angry.
- Hans Krebs' role is horribly reduced in this scene. He only appears in the background, standing against a wall, not saying a single word with a drink in his hand. He can be seen clearly when Jodl turns around in response to Fegelein.
- Memorable for showing Burgdorf drinking.
- Memorable for showing Fegelein taunting Burgdorf.
- One of the scenes which shows Burgdorf's addiction to alcohol.
- The generals appear in the same order Hitler told them to stay in the Original Bunker Scene: from left to right Keitel, Jodl, Krebs, Burgdorf.
Gallery[]
Previous Hitler Planning Scene |
Hitler's Generals Discussing Scene View Template Page |
Next Hitler congratulates the Hitler Youth |
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