François Marneau Quotes in March or Die (1977)

François Marneau: Your Excellency, I have devoted my life to enhancing France's prestige as the cultural center of the world - not only for our pleasure and education, but also for the vast sums of money these treasures create.

Minister: Monsieur Marneau, exactly what was there at Erfoud?

François Marneau: A city, which has been covered by the desert sands for almost three thousand years. Where the Berber "Joan of Arc" is buried. They call her "The Angel of the Desert." And legend has it, that entombed with her is an incalculable fortune in gold and jewels, which is most certainly worth far more than what France just spent to win the war.

François Marneau: Major Foster is a hero of the War.

Maj. William Sherman Foster: I'm afraid there are no heroes in war - only survivors.

Mollard: Come now, Major. You needn't be modest with us.

Maj. William Sherman Foster: [Testily] "Modest"? I took 8,000 men with me. I came back with 200. I think I've earned my modesty.

Ship's captain: You are going to excavate in Morocco, is that correct?

François Marneau: Yes.

Maj. William Sherman Foster: [Butting in] Grave-robbing, actually. That's what I call it where I'm from.

Maj. William Sherman Foster: [Now turning to look at Murneau] We are in the grave business, aren't we? I mean, you dig them up, and I fill them in.

François Marneau: [Remaining composed] What you call "grave-robbing," Major, is the search for our classical heritage - that is, the secrets of our forefathers.