Willi von Klugermann Quotes in The Blue Max (1966)

Willi von Klugermann: By the way, Stachel... there's an impression around that... you care more about your unconfirmed kill than you do about Fabian's death.

[long pause]

Bruno Stachel: Perhaps it's force of habit. In the trenches, we couldn't even bury the dead; there were too many of them. I've never had the time... to discuss them over a glass of champagne.

[Funeral for an enemy pilot]

Willi von Klugermann: Well, aren't you coming? It's an order.

Bruno Stachel: Why?

Willi von Klugermann: Because our commanding officer has made it one. He believes in chivalry, Stachel.

Bruno Stachel: [poring himself a drink] Chivalry? To kill a man, then make a ritual out of saluting him - that's hypocrisy. They kill me, I don't want anyone to salute.

Willi von Klugermann: [Stachel slams down his glass] They probably won't.

General Count von Klugermann: I'm afraid it's rather a small medal, Willi, but it's the highest Germany can give.

Willi von Klugermann: Thank you... Uncle

Willi von Klugermann: [When Willi picks wounded Stachel at the aid station] Does it hurt?

Bruno Stachel: ...Yes.

Willi von Klugermann: Tell me... ah... never having suffered it personally, what does it feel like... to be shot down?

Bruno Stachel: Well... well, I'd rather you found that out for yourself.

[about von Klugerman's kills]

Bruno Stachel: You've got 18, haven't you?

Willi von Klugermann: Squadron Rule #1, Stachel: Gentlemen never parade their military achievements.

Bruno Stachel: Any rule against... saying how long it took you?

Willi von Klugermann: I would say that was covered by the same rule, wouldn't you?

Bruno Stachel: No. I wouldn't. How many rules are there?

Willi von Klugermann: I don't know: none of them have been written down.

Willi von Klugermann: [after picking up Stachel from the aid station] You know, I was quite pleased at first when you posted missing.

Bruno Stachel: Thank you

[sarcastically]

Willi von Klugermann: It was just that, the war seemed, a bit more, peaceful. And then, this is the odd thing, I had a sense of loss.

Bruno Stachel: I'm touched

Willi von Klugermann: No, no, seriously, I've had things in my life too easy. I'm inclined to be lazy. I need a challenge. Some one around me who is hard to beat. And you fulfill that role.

Willi von Klugermann: [Willi finds out about Stachel and Kaeti in Berlin] We've tolerated you here because we've had to! One day, Stachel - or should I call you Bruno? One day, I'm going to shake you up considerably. I wonder if you're as good as you think you are... in or out of bed.

Bruno Stachel: [looking at a picture of von Richtofen wearing a Ble Max] Two more kills and you'll have one of those.

Willi von Klugermann: Hmm, a pretty medal, The Blue Max.

Bruno Stachel: It's the only one worth having. People respect it.

Willi von Klugermann: Tell me, uh, never having suffered it personally... what does it feel like to be shot down?

Bruno Stachel: I'd rather have you find that out for yourself.