This phrase likely refers to the 1966 non-fiction work, The Last Battle, later adapted into a film titled Is Paris Burning?. The book and film chronicle the liberation of Paris in August 1944, focusing on the complex interplay between the Free French Forces, the Resistance, the Allied armies, and the German occupiers. The title originates from Hitler’s order to Dietrich von Choltitz, the military governor of Paris, to destroy the city rather than surrender it. The narrative explores the defiance of Choltitz, the efforts of the Resistance to minimize casualties and damage, and the Allied advance on the city.
The historical account provides valuable insights into a pivotal moment in World War II, offering perspectives from multiple participants, including French citizens, Resistance fighters, Allied commanders, and German officials. It highlights the tension and uncertainty surrounding the liberation, exploring themes of courage, betrayal, and the devastating consequences of war on civilian populations and cultural heritage. The work serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the desire for freedom under oppressive regimes.