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The screenplay gives a very accurate portrayal of the Germans and their concerns prior to the Ardennes Offensive. One of the preoccupations of the German generals was the need to secure oil. They were very concerned that the offensive could grind to a halt because of a shortage of oil for their tanks and trucks. It also shows many of the generals did not believe that the offensive could achieve the goals set by Hitler. Publicly they agreed with the offensive, but in private they knew that it was doomed, except for some hard line and fanatical SS generals. There was only a narrow window of opportunity for the Germans to inflict a decisive defeat on the allies and this is shown in one of the more memorable scenes.
Colonel Joachim Peiper is briefed by his commanding officer, who states that Germany had only 50-hour to win the battle because they lacked resources such as men and oil. The reliance of the Germans on their ‘wonder weapons’ is also very well shown in the movie. Hitler believed that the massive Tiger Tanks and the V1 and V2 rockets could turn the tide of the war in Nazi Germany’s favor.<ref> Parker, Danny S, The Battle of the Bulge, <i>The German View: Perspectives from Hitler's High Command </i> (London, Pelican, 1999), p. 13</ref>. This Hitler's confidence was proved to be once again misplaced and this was evident in the outcome of the Battle of the Bulge, a resounding American victory.
====The Setting of the Battle====
