Generale - Anatomie der Marneschlacht

The movie depicts the events from July until September of 1914 which led to the defeat of the German troops at the Marne. While Sebastian Haffner explains and comments on operations and decisions on the basis of situation maps, key scenes are depicted by actors. A main focus is thereby placed by Haffner onto the controversial mission of lieutenant-colonel Richard Hentsch who is said to have, during a war patrol to the various army high commands, contributed to the abortion of the operations significantly.

Directed by Franz Peter Wirth, Generale - Anatomie der Marneschlacht leans on a strong ensemble — Otto Kurth, Friedrich Gröndahl, Alexander Hegarth — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about war titles of 1977.