Lust for Life (1956)

David Horne: Rev. Peeters

Quotes 

• Rev. Peeters : Your father is a minister, is he not?

  Vincent Van Gogh : I'm not trying to put myself on a level with my father, I only hoped i-i-in some way to, t-to follow in his footsteps.

  Rev. Peeters : Yet until a year ago you showed no inclination or desire to follow your father's calling.

  Vincent Van Gogh : Believe me this is something I *have* to do. I want to help the unfortunates. I want to bring them the word of God. Even if I'm not qualified there must be some way I can serve. Isn't there any place for me, somewhere no one else wants to go? I'll do anything, only use me. *Use me*!

• [first lines] 

  Commissioner De Smet : You are now qualified for evangelical work, under the auspices of The Belgian Committee of the Messengers of the Faith. May the lord guide you, and sustain you in all your ways.

  Dr. Gachet : [gets up from the table and dismisses the five aspiring clergymen from the room, then looks unenthused at Vincent Van Gogh waiting in the hallway before closing the door and sitting back down] 

  Dr. Peyron : Congratulations Dr. Gachet, a very creditable group of young men.

  Commissioner De Smet : Now about this other young man Dr. Gachet. Are you sure he's quite hopeless?

  Dr. Gachet : Gentlemen I have trained a great many students in evangelical work, but never in my life have I come across a case quite like this. He is completely unable to speak extemporay! He prepares long and obscure sermons which he's unable to memorize,

  [grabs paper to agitatedly assist his point] 

  Dr. Gachet : and has to *read* like a stumbling and inarticulate child. Now gentlemen, can we send that kind of man out into the field to represent our society?

  Rev. Peeters : Dr. Peeters I think that's conclusive.

  Rev. Peeters : Dr. Gachet, ask him to come in please.