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.
as Generaloberst v. Moltke
as Oberstleutnant Tappen
as Oberstleutnant Hentsch
as Kaiser Wilhelm II.
as Reichskanzler v. Bethmann-Hollweg
as Generaloberst v. Kluck
as Generalmajor v. Kuhl
as Generaloberst v. Bülow
as Generalleutnant v. Lauenstein
as Generaloberst v. Hausen
as Divisionsgeneral Joffre
as Brigadegeneral Berthelot
as Oberst Alexandre
as Major Gamelin
as Divisionsgeneral Lanrezac
as Divisionsgeneral Galliéni
as Kriegsminister Messimy
as Kriegsminister Millerand
as Feldmarschall French
as Generalleutnant Murray
as Generalmajor Wilson
as Self - Host
