Cross of Iron

Class conflict, greed, and blackmail characterize this film about German troops on the eastern front during World War II, directed by Sam Peckinpash. Stransky (Maximilian Schell), an aristocratic officer newly transferred from occupied France, states his goal of winning the prestigious Iron Cross on the battlefield, but his inexperience and arrogance jeopardize his troops and make his enemies. Cpl. Steiner (James Coburn), a battle-hardened non-commissioned officer, challenges Stransky’s goal.