Col. Franz von Waldheim This is degenerate art, you know. As a loyal officer of the Third Reich, I should detest it. I've often wondered at the curious conceit that would attempt to determine tastes and ideas by decree.
Played by Paul Scofield 
The Train (1964) · 25 quotes
The Train (1964) · 25 quotes
2nd most-quoted character in The Train (1964): in 6 of its 25 quotes
A line from Col. Franz von Waldheim [last words]Labiche! Here's your prize, Labiche. Some of the greatest paintings in the world. Does it please you, Labiche? You feel a sense of excitement at just being near them? A painting means as much to you as a string of pearls to an ape. You won by sheer luck. You stopped me without knowing what you were doing or why. You are nothing, Labiche. A lump of flesh. The paintings are mine. They always will be. Beauty belongs to the man who can appreciate it. They will always belong to me, or a man like me. Now, this minute, you couldn't tell me why you did what you did.
More lines from Col. Franz von Waldheim
1 quote Col. Franz von Waldheim Scenes with Col. Franz von Waldheim
4 scenes
Miss Villard
I knew of books being burned, other things... I was terrified that these would be lost.
Colonel von Waldheim
A book is worth a few francs; we Germans can afford to destroy those. We all may not appreciate artistic merit, but cash value is another matter.
Miss Villard
You won't convince me that you're cynical. I know what these paintings mean to you.
Colonel von Waldheim
You are a perceptive woman.
Colonel von Waldheim
[Schmidt enters, with several other soldiers.]
We're removing the paintings. Pack them carefully.
Miss Villard
Where are you taking them?!
Colonel von Waldheim
To a safe place.
Miss Villard
But no place is as safe as Paris!
Colonel von Waldheim
Might it not be unwise to leave a billion gold reichsmarks in the Bank of France? Enough money to equip ten panzer divisions?
General Von Lubitz
Make your point, Colonel.
Colonel von Waldheim
Money is a weapon. The contents of that Train are as negotiable as gold and more valuable. I feel Berlin would prefer it in the hands of the Third Reich.
Colonel von Waldheim
Do you think there will be sabotage attempts on this train?
I'm a railroad man, not a prophet.
Colonel von Waldheim
Prophecy is not required, only determination. This train will get through to Germany.
Colonel von Waldheim
[the tracks are being cleared after the deliberate wreck]
I asked for two cranes.
Major Herren It took an order from staff headquarters to get this one. With von Runstedt falling back, the army has other uses for railway equipment.
Colonel von Waldheim
All von Runstedt can lose is men. This train is more valuable.
