- George Tabori: In Hungary, we had our own Nazis, but they were much shabbier than those in Germany. Look here: the shirts weren't properly ironed, the collars were stained. Look, this Mr. Usicky: he wears a brown boot and a black one. That would have been inconceivable with the Germans.
- [On Elsa's ad-libbed story about a letter of free conduct.]
- Hungarian Nazi: Anyone could say that.
- SS Officer: She isn't just anyone, this lady.
- [to Elsa]
- SS Officer: No one is just anyone, right? Every man is someone... You wouldn't lie to me, would you?
- Elsa Tabori: No.
- SS Officer: You do know what they have to do with you in case you would lie to me?
- Elsa Tabori: Yes.
- SS Officer: Well, then...
- [to his aide]
- SS Officer: She is going back to Budapest. Take the lady to my compartment.
- [to the Hungarian Nazi]
- SS Officer: And you, put away your weapon.