The film depicts (Case White), the Axis attempt to crush the Partisans in Western Bosnia. A central plot point is the tactical demolition and rapid reconstruction of the Jablanica railway bridge , a ruse that allowed the Partisans to evacuate 4,500 wounded soldiers across the Neretva River. The Battle of Neretva (1969) - IMDb
: The Yugoslav People's Army (JNA) provided 10,000 soldiers as extras. Real Soviet T-34 tanks and Soko 522 planes were used to represent German and Luftwaffe forces. The Battle of Neretva(1969)
: The production featured global stars such as Yul Brynner , Orson Welles , Franco Nero , Hardy Krüger , and Sergei Bondarchuk . The film depicts (Case White), the Axis attempt
: The English-language version features a score by the legendary Bernard Herrmann , known for his work with Alfred Hitchcock. Historical and Cinematic Significance Real Soviet T-34 tanks and Soko 522 planes
: The film's promotional poster was famously designed by Pablo Picasso , who reportedly refused payment, asking only for a case of Yugoslav wine in return.