This Land Is Mine (1943)

Albert D'Arno: German Soldier

Quotes 

• Albert Lory : I'm afraid this is my last class. I don't know how much time I have. If this must be a short lesson, I think I've found the best book. It was given to me by Professor Sorel. The only reason it wasn't burned with the others is because I hid it away in my bedroom. I'm going to read you something that was written by great men. Written in a night of enthusiasm a long time ago. 150 years ago. These men came from all classes, rich people, poor people, businessmen, men of religion. And they didn't fight with each other. They all agreed on that wonderful night. Now, other men have tried to destroy this book. Maybe this copy will be burned. But, they can't burn it out of your memories. You'll have to rewrite it someday. That's why you young people are so important. You're the new nation! "A Declaration of the Rights of Man!" Article I - All men are born and remain free and equal in rights. Article II - The purpose of all political parties is the safeguarding of the natural and inalienable rights of man. These rights are liberty, property security, and resistance to tyranny. Article III - The principle of all government resides in the Nation itself. No group, no individual can exercise any authority that does not expressly emanate from the people. Article IV - Liberty consists in freedom to do all that does not harm others. Article V - The law has the right to forbid only -

  [German soldiers arrive in the classroom] 

  Albert Lory : Just one moment, gentlemen, please. The law has the right to forbid only those things that are harmful to society. Well, I must go. I must go, not because I'm harmful to society - which is you - but, I am harmful to tyranny.

  German Soldier : Come on!

  Albert Lory : [hugs Louise]  Goodbye, Louise. Don't move. Don't move, Louise. And don't cry. I'm happy!

  German Soldier : That's enough! Come on!

  Albert Lory : Goodbye, citizens!