MovieChat Forums > Cross of Iron (1977) Discussion > Did Brandt wanted to kill Steiner?

Did Brandt wanted to kill Steiner?


The scenes where Major Brandt deals with Steiner, are the most remarkable to me.
He seems to be in high regard of Steiner, but they have a harsh argument in the middle of the movie, which deals with Steiners anti-officers attitude. When Brandt gives out the retreat order, he remarks especially to Stransky, he have to command "Steiners platoon, too", to retreat. I always thought, it was a very subtle hint, to leave Steiner and his men behind and get them killed by the russians. Otherwise, Brandt seems to care a lot of his subordinates, which you see, when he sends antoher officer (the one played by David Warner) back home later.

reply

I don't think so. Brandt reminds Stransky to contact Steiner's platoon after Brandt has started his investigation into Stransky's conduct during the first battle. It is also, after Steiner wanted 3 days to think about his testimony and Stransky knew this from Triebig. I have always interpreted this as Brandt being extra concerned for their safety because he knows that Stransky has a motive to do the unthinkable. Unfortunately, Stransky can simply say that the lines were cut and Brandt would not have evidence to contradict him.

Later on in the film, when Brandt finds out that the platoon was stranded, he looked genuinely concerned when he said to Kiesel, 'Do you think they can make it?'.

Given Brandt's overall portrayal, along with his reaction late in the movie, I think he was concerned for the squad.

reply

I'd always thought that they had become so used to retreat after retreat with Steiner's platoon always left behind as rearguard that, Brandt felt the need to single out Steiner's platoon too just to emphasize the dire and hopeless nature of their situation.
Brandt is portrayed throughout as a father figure to Coburn's character and, although Steiner may be a wayward and troublesome child, Brandt in no way wants him to die a needless death. Especially one that would advance Stransky's career.

reply

No, Brandt doesn't want to kill Steiner, although he has responsibility for the whole battalion or regiment, not just Steiner's platoon and Steiner is only one of his responsibilities.
Stransky, on the other hand...

"Chicken soup - with a *beep* straw."

reply