Where Eagles Dare

The unofficial homepage

Lieutenant Morris Schaffer

If he has to, Schaffer wouldn't hesitate to kill, although his acts of violence is hihgly exaggerated in the motion picture. In the novel he is described as a pleasant and respectful being. All the way through the mission, Schaffer thinks Smith is out of his mind, and he never gets a thing. Eventually, Schaffer falls in love with Heidi during the operation, and in the end of the novel, they kiss each other for the first time.

Overview

  • Name Morris Schaffer
  • Rank Lieutenant
  • Nationality American
  • Role description Major role
  • First appearance 00:02:56 (In the airplane)
  • Actor Clint Eastwood

Background

Morris Schaffer is of the American Office of Strategic Services (OSS), and Smith's second-in-command at this mission. His military knowledge is impressive and Smith's descripition of Schaffer as a full-blood murderer isn't wrong. Although from Montana, Schaffer detests horses, and doesn't want anything to be mentioned about the disastrous beasts.

Comments

The difference between Clint Eastwood's impression of Lieutenant Schaffer and the later character Dirty Harry is not big: he kills alot, speaks little and is generally acting tough. But Eastwood also makes something more out of this character. Schaffer is cool and he is fun to watch. He gives the impression of someone pulled into the jam by mistake, but decides it's better to fight and do it good than complain about it. But Eastwood's Schaffer also lacks the heart and sensitivity of the Schaffer in the novel, and that is one thing we miss a little.

Favourite scene

German soldiers moving through the corridor toward the heroes, with Schaffer waiting around the corner.

During their escape, Schaffer confronts a number of Germans, and eventually realizes that he can shoot at them from behind the corner without exposing himself...

Favourite line

Schaffer picking up his submachine gun and aiming it at the table, looking determinedly at Smith.

Lieutenant Morris Schaffer: Second rate punk, ha?

Major John Smith: All I could think of from the spur of moment.

Lieutenant Morris Schaffer: Thanks! That even makes it worse.

Major John Smith: Sorry.

More Characters

Random stills

Von Hapen aiming his pistol at the table, ordering Kramer to sit down.
Von Hapen’s command shifts the room’s dynamic.