The Green Devils of Monte Cassino facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Green Devils of Monte Cassino |
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| Directed by | Harald Reinl |
| Produced by | Franz Seitz |
| Written by |
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| Starring |
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| Music by | Rolf A. Wilhelm |
| Cinematography | Ernst W. Kalinke |
| Editing by |
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| Studio | Franz Seitz Filmproduktion |
| Distributed by | Constantin Film |
| Release date(s) | 23 April 1958 |
| Running time | 94 minutes |
| Country | West Germany |
| Language | German |
The Green Devils of Monte Cassino (which in German is called Die grünen Teufel von Monte Cassino) is a 1958 war film. It was made in France and Germany. The movie was directed by Harald Reinl. It stars actors like Dieter Eppler, Joachim Fuchsberger, Antje Geerk, and Ewald Balser.
This film tells a made-up love story. It happens during real historical events. These events are about the Battle of Monte Cassino. They also cover the rescue of valuable art from the monastery. The movie's title refers to the "Green Devils." This was a nickname for the German paratroopers, called Fallschirmjäger. They were part of the German air force, the Luftwaffe.
Contents
What is the movie about?
A Soldier's Story and a New Love
The story begins in the summer of 1943. German paratroopers, from the 1st Fallschirmjägerdivision, arrive in Avignon. They are there to rest after tough fighting on the Eastern Front. During their parachute jump, some soldiers get hurt. One of them is Karl Christiansen. He is a soldier who dislikes war.
Karl meets a nurse named Inge at the hospital. They quickly fall in love. But another officer, Reiter, also likes Inge. This creates a bit of a love triangle.
Moving to Italy and a Special Mission
Soon, the paratroopers and Inge's hospital unit are sent to Italy. They are part of the Italian front. Their job is to take control of the area around Monte Cassino. This includes the nearby town of Cassino. However, they are told not to occupy the monastery itself. The monastery is meant to be a safe place. It shelters people from the town and holds important art treasures.
Saving Priceless Art
The Allies soon start attacking the German positions. Meanwhile, a German officer named Julius Schlegel learns about the art treasures. He is about to go home due to health issues. But he decides to save the valuable art. After some discussion, he convinces the abbot (the head of the monastery) to let him move the art. The plan is to take it to Rome and keep it safe at the Vatican.
However, Allied radio messages claim the Germans are stealing the art. This news spreads quickly. It reaches the people of Cassino and even the German high command. Despite the risk of getting into trouble, Schlegel's commander gives him permission. He also provides support for the art rescue mission.
Challenges and Choices
During this time, Karl and Reiter find out Inge is nearby. This makes Reiter even more jealous. Also, local resistance fighters become more active. They believe the Germans are stealing the art.
The last transport of art is planned for the next night. Karl is assigned to protect it. Inge goes along to get medical supplies. A resistance member named Fausto asks his friend Gina for a weapon. Gina's house is occupied by Reiter. Reiter catches Gina trying to get the weapon. He finds the gun and makes her tell him what she was doing.
Reiter and his unit then stop a resistance attack on the art convoy. Fausto is captured. Reiter orders Karl to deal with Fausto. But Karl lets Fausto go instead. Because of this, Fausto stops the resistance from attacking again. The art convoy safely delivers its precious cargo to the Vatican.
The Battle and Its Aftermath
In February of the next year, a big Allied attack begins. During this attack, the monastery is hit and destroyed by Allied bombs. Most of the people who survived leave the ruins. But Inge, some wounded, and children stay. The German paratroopers then use the monastery ruins as a strong defensive position.
Gina loses her life during an artillery attack. The next night, Reiter is killed while moving between units. The German defenders are eventually overwhelmed. Monte Cassino is captured by Allied troops after several more attacks. Karl and Inge both survive the war. After the war ends, they visit the graves of those who died. These graves are at the foot of the monastery, which has been fully rebuilt.
Who are the main actors?
- Dieter Eppler as Karl Christiansen
- Joachim Fuchsberger as Oberleutnant Reiter
- Antje Geerk as Inge
- Ewald Balser as Oberstleutnant Julius Schlegel
- Elma Karlowa as Gina
- Jan Hendriks as Fausto
- Agnès Laurent as Hélène
- Carl Wery as General Heidenreich
- Wolfgang Preiss as Oberstabsarzt Munkler
- Wolfgang Wahl as Greinert
- Wolfgang Neuss as Neumann
- Armin Dahlen as Pater Emmanuel
- Harald Juhnke as Hugo Lembke
- Leonard Steckel as The Abbott
- Albert Hehn as Major Zillert
- Siegfried Breuer Jr.
- Hans von Borsody
- Walter Gross
- Michl Lang
- Wolf Ackva
- Rolf Castell
- Hans Terofal as Friedrich
How was the movie made?
The film was shot at the Bavaria Studios in Munich, Germany. The movie's sets were designed by Arne Flekstad and Bruno Monden.
