Eric Koertner (played by Jack Palance) is a protagonist in Ten Seconds to Hell.
The reluctant leader of a German bomb disposal unit in post-war Berlin. Originally a promising architect, he was forced into demolitions work due to his anti-Nazi stance. He is responsible, cares deeply for his team, falls in love with Margot Hofer, and ultimately dies when Karl Wirtz sabotages a bomb they are defusing together. Karl Wirtz (played by Jeff Chandler) is a protagonist in Ten Seconds to Hell.
A cocky and ambitious member of the bomb disposal unit who initially bets Eric he will outlive him. He lives at the boarding house, struggles with his attraction to Margot, and frequently clashes with Eric. His jealousy and ruthlessness lead him to sabotage a bomb, resulting in his own death. Franz Loeffler (played by Robert Cornthwaite) appears in Ten Seconds to Hell.
A member of the bomb disposal unit who participates in discussions about distributing the survival bet money to a fallen comrade's family. He dies when attempting to defuse a bomb in a canal after his air line is accidentally cut. Peter Tillig (played by Dave Willock) appears in Ten Seconds to Hell.
A member of the bomb disposal unit who is trapped under rubble by a building collapse while defusing a bomb. He is rescued by Eric and Karl, but the structure subsequently collapses, killing him and a attending doctor. Wolfgang Sulke (played by Wesley Addy) appears in Ten Seconds to Hell.
A member of the bomb disposal unit who is killed in the line of duty while attempting to defuse a 1000-pound unexploded bomb. His death prompts discussions about distributing the survival bet money to his family. Hans Globke (played by Jim Goodwin) appears in Ten Seconds to Hell.
Frau Bauer (played by Virginia Baker) appears in Ten Seconds to Hell.
Appointed by Major Haven to serve as the liaison between the bomb disposal unit and the British military headquarters. She facilitates communication and coordination for the team's operations.
Ten Seconds to Hell (1959) character relationship network mapped with AI analysis. Explore the connections, alliances, and conflicts between characters.
Characters
Eric Koertner
(played by Jack Palance) — protagonist
The reluctant leader of a German bomb disposal unit in post-war Berlin. Originally a promising architect, he was forced into demolitions work due to his anti-Nazi stance. He is responsible, cares deep...
Karl Wirtz
(played by Jeff Chandler) — protagonist
A cocky and ambitious member of the bomb disposal unit who initially bets Eric he will outlive him. He lives at the boarding house, struggles with his attraction to Margot, and frequently clashes with...
Franz Loeffler
(played by Robert Cornthwaite) — supporting
A member of the bomb disposal unit who participates in discussions about distributing the survival bet money to a fallen comrade's family. He dies when attempting to defuse a bomb in a canal after his...
Peter Tillig
(played by Dave Willock) — supporting
A member of the bomb disposal unit who is trapped under rubble by a building collapse while defusing a bomb. He is rescued by Eric and Karl, but the structure subsequently collapses, killing him and a...
Wolfgang Sulke
(played by Wesley Addy) — supporting
A member of the bomb disposal unit who is killed in the line of duty while attempting to defuse a 1000-pound unexploded bomb. His death prompts discussions about distributing the survival bet money to...
Hans Globke
(played by Jim Goodwin) — minor
Frau Bauer
(played by Virginia Baker) — supporting
Appointed by Major Haven to serve as the liaison between the bomb disposal unit and the British military headquarters. She facilitates communication and coordination for the team's operations.
Key Relationships
Eric Koertner → Frau Bauer
(Professional Liaison)
Karl Wirtz → Hans Globke
(Alliance Teammate)
Karl Wirtz → Wolfgang Sulke
(Alliance Teammate)
Karl Wirtz → Franz Loeffler
(Conflict Ideological Opponent)
Karl Wirtz → Peter Tillig
(Alliance Teammate)
Eric Koertner → Franz Loeffler
(Alliance Teammate)
Eric Koertner → Wolfgang Sulke
(Alliance Teammate)
Eric Koertner → Peter Tillig
(Alliance Teammate)
Eric Koertner → Hans Globke
(Alliance Teammate)
Eric Koertner → Karl Wirtz
(Conflict Rival)
Story Analysis
A team of German bomb disposal experts navigates survival, betrayal, and past trauma while clearing post-war Berlin.
Plot Progression
The Wager of Survival
Cracks in the Unit
Shadows of the Past
The Final Defusal
Directed by Robert Aldrich
Ten Seconds to Hell (1959) · 6.2/10 · action, drama, war
