Fridericus (1937)

The Prussian army is at the end of its strength, completely exhausted and surrounded by the Austrians in its encampment. The soldiers begin slowly to resign themselves to their hopeless fate, when the king discovers a gap on a reconnaissance ride through which the Prussians can escape the encirclement. He leaves behind only a small regiment of hussars under the command of Captain von Bonin, so that the Austrians will think the Prussians are still in the camp. When the Austrians under Field Marshal von Daun realize they have been guarding nothing but empty tents, the Prussian army is already on its way to Schweidnitz. Furious at the news that Friedrich has still not been brought to his knees, Empress Maria Theresa puts an end to all festivities at court. Count Wallis then brings her news from Paris that the French are sending 50,000 reinforcements. Wallis is sent to the Austrian camp under Marshal Daun for a consultation. After his subjects alert him to the famine and the Austrians’ plundering, Friedrich sets off for Hubertuslust Castle, where he intends to spend the night as Baron Warkotsch’s guest. Baron Warkotsch and Count Wallis are planning to kidnap the king that night. Their plan is thwarted in advance by Captain Bonin, who overhears the two men. Soon afterward, Berlin is occupied by the Russian army. When Friedrich hears of this, he is devastated. The generals are already asking to be discharged, but Friedrich will not allow it. He pulls himself together and restores the courage of his soldiers and generals. They set off for the next battle. After several attacks against the outnumbering Austrian forces bog down, he wins the battle with the help of General Zieten and his hussars.