Chariots of Fire (1981)

Nigel Davenport: Lord Birkenhead

Quotes 

• Duke of Sutherland : A sticky moment, George.

  Lord Birkenhead : Thank God for Lindsay. I thought the lad had us beaten.

  Duke of Sutherland : He did have us beaten, and thank God he did.

  Lord Birkenhead : I don't quite follow you.

  Duke of Sutherland : The "lad", as you call him, is a true man of principles and a true athlete. His speed is a mere extension of his life, its force. We sought to sever his running from himself.

  Lord Birkenhead : For his country's sake, yes.

  Lord Birkenhead : No sake is worth that, least of all a guilty national pride.

• Lord Birkenhead : Liddell, he is your future king, are you refusing to shake his hand? Does your arrogance extend that far?

  Eric Liddell : My arrogance, sir, extends just as far as my conscience demands.

  Lord Birkenhead : Fine, then let's hope that is wise enough to give you room to maneuver.

• Lord Cadogan : That's a matter for the committee!

  Lord Birkenhead : We *are* the committee.

• Lord Birkenhead : Ah, Liddell! I was afraid you weren't here.

  Eric Liddell : I'm afraid I am, sir.