Colonel Brandt quotes from Cross of Iron (1977)

Colonel Brandt

For many of us Germans, the exterminator is long overdue. But I have decided that you are worth saving. [...] You're a brave man. Braver than you think you are. One of these days there will be a need for brave civilians, had you thought of that? In the new Germany, if such a thing is allowed to exist, there will be a need for builders, for thinkers, for poets. I begin to see now what your job is to be. I will make this my final order to you. You will search out and contact all of these... "better people", you call them? And together you'll take on the responsibility that goes with survival.
(As he orders Kiesel to evacute)

Why do you want it so badly? It's just a piece of worthless metal.

Colonel Brandt

The cattle cars or whatever they're sending are due to arrive at 1200 hours, provided, of course, that the Russian sappers have not blown up the track. Any questions?

No, sir.

Colonel Brandt

Dismissed. [the officers leave] Carry on probing and aggressive actions all along the front! [the officers ignore him]

Colonel Brandt

What will we do when we lose the war?

Captain Kiesel

Prepare for the next one.

Colonel Brandt

Why the Hell wasn't I told of Steiner's return to the battalion?

Captain Stransky

My apologies for that, sir. There were more important things to do.

Colonel Brandt

I want him here at once, about a predicament of which I am sure you don't need to be reminded. Clear, Stransky?

Captain Stransky

Quite clear, sir. [Brandt hangs up the phone; Stransky approaches Lt. Triebig] I don't like the tone of his voice. I'm fed up with the whole situation. Well, it doesn't matter anymore. I know from reliable sources that headquarters have already written off the Kuban bridgehead. And soon the whole Crimea will be a cul-de-sac. Report to Brandt. If you have the choice, Triebig, between Biarritz and Siberia, what would you choose? [Triebig leaves]