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What was that Steiner said to the Russian Boy?


Before Steiner set the Russian Boy soldier free(and the attacking Soviet shock troops shoot him dead), he said to him something that I just didn't understand. Something about an 'accident of hands', which didn't make a lot of sense to me. I'm sure the scriptwriters were floundering around for something 'profound' but the statement doesn't compute, unless it's a translation of some kind.





Why can't you wretched prey creatures understand that the Universe doesn't owe you anything!?

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I just remember, that he also says, "Underneath every uniform there is another one", when he takes away his jacket that he gave to the boy earlier.

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I took it to mean it was an accident they were there, on opposite sides, in the middle of Russia.
I thought it was a little clumsily written. Steiner's banter with Schnurrbart before this scene, quoting Clausewitz and Bernhardi, was better done.

"Chicken soup - with a *beep* straw."

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