The Desert Fox

Everything About Fiction You Never Wanted to Know.

The Desert Fox: The Story of Rommel is a 1951 film starring James Mason as Field Marshal Erwin Rommel. The film shows the downfall of his career between fall 1942 and October 1944, from the Second Battle of El Alamein to his involvement in the July 20 Plot, resulting in his suicide. Unusual for a film released only six years after World War II, the film is incredibly sympathetic to Rommel and other German officers, portraying them as professional soldiers who believe in their nation no matter who is in charge.

Tropes used in The Desert Fox include:
  • Adolf Hitler: Makes an appearance, one of the best performances of the role. Ironically, he's played by a Jewish actor, Luther Adler.
  • As Himself: Desmond Young, who wrote the book the film is based on, plays himself in the scene in which he is captured in North Africa and meets Rommel, along with the scenes of him interviewing Rommel's family, and former German and British soldiers.
  • Badass Grandpa: Field Marshal Gerd von Rundstedt. While too old to join in the July 20 plot, he has the audacity to say to Keitel over the phone "Make peace, you idiot!"
  • Child Soldiers: Halfway through the film, Rommel's teenage son Manfred joins the Luftwaffe.
    • In real life, Manfred (who was 15 when his father killed himself) was eager to join the Waffen-SS, but his father refused to allow him.
  • Driven to Suicide: Rommel himself, who initially opts to be tried in the People's Court but reconsiders because it could end badly for his wife and son.
  • Fat Bastard: While Goering does not appear, Hitler does make a fat joke about him.

Hitler: Where's Goering?
Officer: On his way now, sir.
Hitler: Oh, well, when you're fat, you don't move so fast.
[Officers laugh]

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