[Saurreg]

I wonder what would have made Jackson script that the Gondorians would be so complacent in the face of an enemy strongly entrenched on the Eastern banks and intend on river crossing? I always had the impression that the Gondorians in the book anticipated the Witch King's intentions correctly but were out numbered and out maneuvered.

True, history recorded that the most astute commanders avoid pitched battles directly in the face of the enemy by crossing up or down river in the still of the night (Alexander at the Hydapseus comes to mind), but would any defender be willing to gamble that and place all his eggs in a basket?

Of course that is nothing compared to what is to come later. It is in times like these that I'm grateful Jackson did not direct King of Heaven and Scott did.

EDIT: Funny you should mention about the Overlord landings and question the wisdom of not stopping the enemy when they were still in the waters. Feldmarshall Von Rundstedt wanted to wait till the allies have all landed on the shore before attacking them while Rommel wanted to pick them off before they came close to the shore. Ultimately I think it depends on the numbers of the defenders and their resolve. The first solution will turn a meeting engagement general abet with slim advantages for a strong defender while the second conserves the strength of the defenders. Provided they are not over-stretched that is.