Breakthrough(1979) Apr 2026

Set in 1944 during the German retreat from the Eastern Front, the story follows Sergeant Steiner as he is transferred to the Western Front just as the Allies launch the D-Day invasion. The film explores several key narrative threads:

Steiner becomes peripheral to a conspiracy among high-ranking German officers to assassinate Adolf Hitler to end the war.

(1979) is a West German-British war film directed by Andrew V. McLaglen. Often referred to by its German title Steiner - Das Eiserne Kreuz, 2. Teil (Steiner - The Iron Cross, Part 2), it serves as a sequel to Sam Peckinpah’s 1977 cult classic Cross of Iron . Production & Cast Breakthrough(1979)

Unlike its predecessor, Breakthrough was generally poorly received by critics and audiences.

Despite being a sequel, the film features a significantly different cast from the original. takes over the role of Sergeant Rolf Steiner (previously played by James Coburn), while Helmut Griem replaces Maximilian Schell as Steiner's antagonist, Major von Stransky. The film also features major Hollywood stars such as Robert Mitchum , Rod Steiger , and Curd Jürgens . Plot Overview Set in 1944 during the German retreat from

Reviews often describe the film as fragmented and lacking the visceral impact and directorial flair of Sam Peckinpah’s original work.

Watch scenes and the trailer for the 1979 war film Breakthrough: McLaglen

Critics noted that the high-profile cast often appeared "bored" or "disconnected," with performances feeling isolated rather than unified.