Schindler's List

SS officer: This storm is different. This is not the Romans. This storm is the SS. Jewish Woman: [to the Judenrat] They come into our house and tell us we don't live there anymore. It now belongs to a certain SS officer … aren't you supposed to be able to help? Mr. Lowenstein: The SS beat me up. They would have killed me, but I'm essential to the war effort, thanks to you. … I work hard for you. … I'll continue to work hard for you. … God bless you, sir. … You're a good man. … [to Stern] He saved my life. … God bless him. … [to Schindler] God bless you. Clerk: [to Schindler, about Stern] I'm sorry. You can't have him. He's on the list. If he were an essential worker, he would not be on the list … it makes no difference to us, you understand. This one, that one. It's the inconvenience to the list. It's the paperwork. SS Officer: [to Schindler, about relocating to Płaszów] Since your labor is housed onsite, it's available to you at all times. You can work them all night if you want. Your

Schindler's List, CC BY-SA 4.0

Schindler: There's a company you did the books for on Lipowa Street, made what – pots and pans? Stern: By law, I have to tell you, sir, I'm a Jew. Schindler: Well, I'm a German, so there we are. A good company, you think? Stern: Modestly successful. Schindler: I know nothing about enamelware, do you? Stern: I was just the accountant. Schindler: Simple engineering, though, wouldn't you think? Change the machines around, whatever you do, you could make other things, couldn't you? Field kits, mess kits, army contracts. Once the war ends, forget it, but for now it's great. You could make a fortune, don't you think? Stern: I think most people right now have other priorities. Schindler: Like what? Stern: I'm sure you'll do just fine once you get the contracts. In fact, the worse things get, the better you will do. Schindler: Oh, I can get the signatures I need – that's the easy part. Finding the money to buy the company, that's hard. Stern: You don't have any money? Schindler: No

Schindler's List, CC BY-SA 4.0

Pfefferberg: Do you have any idea how much a shirt like this costs? Schindler: Nice things cost money. Pfefferberg: How many? Schindler: I'm going to need some other things too as things come up … Pfefferberg: This won't be a problem. Schindler: … from time to time.

Schindler's List, CC BY-SA 4.0

Schindler: For each thousand you invest, I will repay you with two hundred kilos of enamelware a month, to begin in July and to continue for one year – after which time we're even. That's it. It's very simple. Investor: Not good enough … Schindler: Not good enough? Look where you're living. Look where you've been put. "Not good enough." A couple of months ago, you'd be right. Not anymore. Investor: Money's still money. Schindler: No, it is not. That's why we're here. Trade goods, that's the only currency that'll be worth anything in the ghetto. Things have changed, my friend. Did I call this meeting? You told Mr. Stern you wanted to speak to me. I'm here. I've made you a fair offer. Investor: Fair would be a percentage of the company. Schindler: [laughs] Forget the whole thing. Get out. Investor: How do we know that you will do what you say? Schindler: Because I said I would. Do you want a contract? To be upheld by what court? I said what I'll do, that's our contract.

Schindler's List, CC BY-SA 4.0

Stern: The standard SS rate for Jewish skilled labor is seven marks a day, five for unskilled and women. This is what you pay the Reich Economic Office, the Jews themselves receive nothing. Poles you pay wages. Generally, they get a little more. Are you listening? … The Jewish worker's salary – you pay it directly to the SS, not to the worker. He gets nothing. Schindler: But it's less. It's less than what I would pay a Pole … that's the point I'm trying to make. Poles cost more. Why should I hire Poles?

Schindler's List, CC BY-SA 4.0

Schindler: My father was fond of saying you need three things in life. A good doctor, a forgiving priest, and a clever accountant. The first two, I've never had much use for them. But the third … [Schindler raises his glass to recognize Stern, but the accountant doesn't respond] Just pretend, for Christ's sake. Stern: Is that all? Schindler: I'm trying to thank you. I'm saying I couldn't have done this without you. The usual thing would be to acknowledge my gratitude. It would also, by the way, be the courteous thing. Stern: You're welcome.

Schindler's List, CC BY-SA 4.0