A character in Lorenzo's Oil (1992)

Professor Nikolais quotes from Lorenzo's Oil (1992)

Peter Ustinov

Tied for 4th most-quoted character in Lorenzo's Oil (1992): in 3 of its 18 quotes

A line from Professor Nikolais

Do you know how many children die every year from choking on french fries? Many more than from Adrenoleukodystrophy. You see, ours is what is known as an orphan disease, too small to be noticed, too small to be funded, especially with the iron hand of "Reaganomics".

Scenes with Professor Nikolais

2 scenes

Dr. Nikolais, what about the other boys, what results are you seeing in them?

Professor Nikolais

As with Lorenzo, it's too early to tell. We need the study to run for the full six months.

And that would tell you what is obvious right now? That avoiding apple skins and pizza has no effect on this brutal disease?

The life of one boy is not enough reward for you to risk the reputation of the institution and the esteem of your peers.

Professor Nikolais

That was uncalled for. Your responsibility is merely towards your own child. My responsibility is towards all the boys that suffer from this disease, now and in the future. Of course I anguish for the suffering of your boy. And of course I applaud you for the efforts you make on his behalf. But I will have nothing to do with this oil.

We are not asking, Doctor, for your anguish or your applause. We are asking merely for a little courage.

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