Munich: The Edge of War

In 1932, three friends, Hugh Legat, Paul von Hartmann, and Lena gather to celebrate their graduation from Oxford University. Hartmann expresses a strong desire to showcase the evolving landscape of Munich, hinting at the changes that are about to unfold in Germany.

Fast forward to 1938, Hugh Legat finds himself as the secretary to British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain. This transition occurs amid the escalating threat of war in Europe, demonstrating the increasing tensions on the continent as Germany prepares for its aggressive military maneuvers.

Neville Chamberlain is desperately seeking peace with Adolf Hitler, choosing to concede the Sudetenland from Czechoslovakia, a nation allied with Britain. His determination showcases the precarious balance of diplomacy and the broader implications for Europe during this time.

As negotiations appear to falter, Hitler devises plans to invade the Sudetenland the very next day, heightening the urgency for Chamberlain and his team. This moment marks a crucial turning point in the political landscape of Europe, foreshadowing the inevitable conflict.

Chamberlain reaches out to Benito Mussolini, pleading for intervention in hopes of avoiding war. Mussolini's influence leads to Hitler agreeing to attend a Munich conference with Chamberlain and Édouard Daladier, temporarily alleviating some of the mounting tensions.

Meanwhile, Paul von Hartmann, now a translator in the Foreign Office of Berlin, plots a coup with a Wehrmacht general. They prepare to arrest Hitler, knowing that the moment is delicate and success hinges upon the army's willingness to act decisively.

Hartmann receives vital intelligence from his lover, Helen Winter, revealing Hitler's intentions to expand his power in Europe. Recognizing the imminent threat, he and his conspirators realize they must inform Chamberlain before any agreements are finalized.

Legat is persuaded to assist in delivering the crucial document to Chamberlain in Munich. This mission is fraught with danger as memories of a heated argument with Hartmann about Nazism haunt him, yet he is determined to play his part in averting disaster.

Upon arriving in Munich, Legat and Hartmann reunite, navigating the complexities of their past while strategizing. They realize the importance of presenting the document's contents to Chamberlain, mindful of the potential consequences if they fail.

Despite their urgent warnings, Chamberlain dismisses the concerns raised by Hartmann and Legat. He signs the Munich Agreement, believing it will keep peace in Europe, while the two friends are left with a promise to continue their fight against the impending war.

Hartmann reveals the heartbreaking story of Lena, who suffered under the brutal Nazi regime after attending an anti-Nazi rally. This event solidifies Hartmann's viewpoint on the necessity of action against Hitler, igniting his determination for an assassination plot.

Hartmann's plans begin to unravel as Franz, an SS officer, ransacks Legat's hotel room, intensifying the atmosphere of paranoia and suspicion. This betrayal highlights the dangers they face from within and the desperate stakes involved in their conspiracy.

Joan Menzies, a typist, inadvertently becomes a crucial figure in their plan by safeguarding the important document from Sauer, the SS officer. Her role emphasizes the unexpected ways in which ordinary individuals can impact the course of history during tumultuous times.

Chamberlain returns from Munich, buoyed by public applause as he delivers his famous 'Peace for our time' speech. Unbeknownst to him, the appeasement will only hasten the approach of war, pushing Legat to leave his position and join the RAF.

Just a year after the Munich Agreement, World War II erupts, nullifying the fragile peace that Chamberlain sought. His resignation follows amidst criticism, and the intelligence gathered proves crucial for Britain's future efforts in the conflict.