Cross of Iron Page #5

Stransky offers a cigarette to Steiner.

STEINER:

No, thank you, Sir.

STRANSKY:

(lighting his cigarette)

After what you've been through,

you don't feel the need of a cigarette?

STEINER:

No at this particular moment -- sir.

STRANSKY:

I'm ready for your report.

He reaches into pocket, lays sheaf of crushed papers on the

table. Stransky looks at him in amazement.

STRANSKY:

I'd like to hear the gist of your

report.

STEINER:

Lots of

Russians. Lots of guns.

(grimly)

We should be hearing from them very

soon.

STRANSKY:

What about your platoon -- any

casualties?

STEINER:

Two killed. One missing.

STRANSKY:

Two killed. How?

STEINER:

(dryly)

Bullets.

STRANSKY:

(flushing angrily)

I deduced that. That missing man --

did you look for him, Steiner?

STEINER:

(shrugs impatiently)

We had no time to lose. It would

have been irresponsible to risk the

safety of the entire platoon for

the sake of one man.

STRANSKY:

There ought not to be a missing man

in Such a case.

STEINER:

(no expression)

Sorry, sir. I'll try to do better

next time.

STRANSKY:

(grimly; after a

moment)

I have the feeling, Sergeant, that

you somewhat overestimate your

importance.

STEINER:

(eyes darken; but no

change in voice)

At the moment, I am free of any

such illusions.

The two men look at each other; then Stransky's eyes fall

on the tommy gun Steiner holds in his hand.

STRANSKY:

That's not a German gun.

STEINER:

No, sir It's all in the report.

We surprised a Russian platoon --

and when they ran, they left

their guns.

STRANSKY:

Oh, captured material. Good.

Where is your gun?

STEINER:

We couldn't carry both, so we left

ours.

STRANSKY:

What! You left your guns for the

Russians!

STEINER:

(quietly)

Yes, sir. Our guns for the Russians.

STRANSKY:

That I cannot understand. You

must be aware that the quality of

our arms is far superior to that

of the Russians and --

He stops as Steiner shakes his head. Stransky raises his

eyebrows.

STRANSKY:

I beg your pardon?

STEINER:

...the Russian guns are better!

STRANSKY:

(sharply)

That is stupid, loose talk. You

have every reason to be grateful

for the fine equipment the Father

land puts into your hands at the

cost of countless sacrifices.

STEINER:

(cannot suppress a

mirthless grin)

I never asked then to put the stuff

in my hands,

Meyer looks toward heaven. Stransky takes a deep breath.

MEYER:

(hastily)

sir, Sergeant Steiner is greatly

in need of sleep. I'm positive

that When he --

Stransky cuts him short by turning his back in a gesture of

dismissal. Meyer motions for Steiner to follow him.

15. EXT. BUNKER THE MEN

jump to their feet as they see Steiner and Meyer.

MEYER:

Be careful

he's taken strong dislike

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