Marta Dorf:
[reading the notification of Erik's death] Be assured, dear Frau Dorf, that your husband, Major Erik Dorf, died a hero in the service of the Reich. We who are his comrades will honor his memory and keep alive the great tradition he personified. It's unsigned.
Uncle Kurt Dorf:
It is also untrue.
Marta Dorf:
Untrue?
Uncle Kurt Dorf:
Marta, Erik took his own life. The Americans had him in custody as a war criminal. In all likelihood he would have been executed or given a long term in prison.
Marta Dorf:
You're lying! You always hated Erik.
Uncle Kurt Dorf:
No, not always. And I can no longer hate him. I was too involved in his dreadful business myself to pass judgment.
Peter Dorf - teen:
You get out of here! My father was a hero!
Uncle Kurt Dorf:
Peter, you must face the truth. You and your mother and Laura...
Peter Dorf - teen:
Shut up!
Uncle Kurt Dorf:
Your father was a murderer. He and his colleagues, those strutting men in black uniforms were mechanical killers. Oh, a heroic career - the shooting and gassing and torture of innocents.
Peter Dorf - teen:
Mom, make him stop!
Marta Dorf:
Kurt! Leave us! We never want to see you again. How dare you defame Erik's name! You should be praying for his soul.
Uncle Kurt Dorf:
Somebody else will have to furnish those prayers. I watched and did nothing, and believed the lies. We've got to face up to what we are and what we've done. I won't be silent. Goodbye, Marta. Goodbye, children. [Kurt leaves]
Marta Dorf:
Children, we must light a candle to your father.
