Based on Cyril Gély’s play, this fictitious encounter compresses the extraordinary yet true circumstances of late 1944.

Under Hitler’s orders, if Paris should fall to enemy hands then ‘only as a field of rubble’ General von Choltitz (Niels Arestrup) has mines planted and ready to detonate at the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre-Dame and on the bridges over the Seine.

On the night of 24th August, Swedish Consul General Nordling (André Dussollier) climbs the secret stairs to von Choltitz’s suite in the Meurice hotel. Summoning all his diplomatic skill he must persuade von Choltitz not to carry out his orders. (MPR)

Berlin International Film Festival 2014 

Director’s Note: Through a wonderful actors’ duel, Schlöndorff keeps up the suspense until the final scene, even if we all know how it ends.

Showing as part of the Carte Noire IFI French Film Festival 2014 (November 19th – 30th).