Original subtitles

Thank you.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is Paul Cunningham, Capricorn Control.

The time is 3 minutes after 6 Eastern Daylight Time.

We're coming up on T-minus 32 minutes, 21 seconds.

Mark. To facilitate the broadcast media, we will precede each announcement with a

5-second tone followed by a 1-second pause.

Anyone who has not been furnished with a press kit can pick one up at the

information trailer.

At the present time, all systems are go. All lights are green.

To review the morning for you at... T-minus 8 hours, 5 minutes.

Launch complex 39 was cleared and we began to load liquid propellant into the

launch vehicle.

At T-minus 4 hours, 30 minutes, Colonel Charles Brubaker, the command pilot,

Lieutenant Colonel Peter Willis, and Commander John Walker were awakened by

Dr. Roger Burroughs, the flight surgeon.

They were given a final physical examination and pronounced all fit.

The crew then had a breakfast consisting of half a grapefruit, a 10-ounce steak,

12 ounces of orange juice, two eggs and toast the crew is now in the gantry

access arm where they're preparing to enter the spacecraft we're at t minus 30

minutes and counting and this is capricorn control morning gentlemen

morning are we late traffic is terrible i see you're all in good spirits have

you done the eds test they're almost completed

you want us to enter in a

moment what's up I'm not very good at things like this.

I've known you, especially Colonel Brubaker, for some time.

What you're about to do today, I've spent my life.

I'd just like you to know that I feel that all I've ever worked for has

meaning today, and I'm very proud.

Proud of the program, proud of what I've been able to contribute in some small

way, and proud of you.

I'd like for you to take this Bible with you.

From me. From all of us.

Why, Horace, I don't know what to say.

Well, try saying nothing, would you?

Horace.

Thank you.

We'd be honored to take this with us.

Well, gentlemen, let's go to Mars.

This is Paul Cunningham, Capricorn Control.

T-minus 21 minutes and counting.

Wives of the flight crew are here at the gate and will be flown back to Houston

following launch.

Good morning, Congressman Peeker. We've reserved three of the best seats for you

and for General Enders right next to the vice president.

Is he here yet? No, sir. He's due any moment.

Asshole probably thinks they'll delay the launch for him.

Someone should tell him this is not a bridge opening.

I hope you and Mrs. Peeker will be very comfortable.

The agency would like you to have these commemorative binoculars to help you

watch the launch and to remember this day.

Ah, that's very nice. Look, Emily. Mm-hmm. I have the date, Capricorn, 1M,

1M. Oh, very nice odds.

I'm glad you like them.

We'll need another pair for my wife.

I beg your pardon, sir? Oh, don't make a fuss. I said we'll need another pair for

my wife.

It's really not necessary.

Here, Emily, take mine. I really won't need them.

Congressman Peeker.

There's only a limited amount. I'm sorry, I didn't quite hear what you

said. Would you mind repeating it, please?

Oh, there's no problem. I'll get another pair right away.

Very thoughtful.

This is Capricorn Control. We're at T-minus 15 minutes and still counting.

All systems are go. All lights are green.

Mission Control has reported the spacecraft is now on full external power

and the launch vehicle will transfer to full internal power at T-minus 50

seconds. Both Ascension and Canary tracking stations report clear

reception.

The prime recovery ship in the event of a terminated flight will be the USS

Kitty Hawk, which is located 350 nautical miles south-southeast of

Bermuda. This is Capricorn Control.

Hello, Emily. How are you?

Phyllis. Hello, Hollis. Nice to see you. Glad to see you. Hollis, how are you?

Very well, Mr. Vice President.

How is the president today?

Oh, just fine. Thank you, Hollis. And he asked me to personally express his

regrets of being unable to attend this launch. However, there were some very

pressing matters that needed his attention in Washington.

Like getting re-elected.

Mr. Vice President, I hope you and Mrs. Price will be very comfortable. The

agency would like you to have these commemorative binoculars to help you

watch the launch and to remember this day. Thank you. Thank you very much.

Very nice.

What is your name, sir? Hughes, sir. Mark Hughes.

You learn pretty quick.

You'll do all right. Thank you, sir.

We're T-minus 10 minutes and counting.

Stage one is green. Stage two is green.

Stage two is green.

Now function detect system on second panel.

Roger. MDS on second panel.

Capricorn One, we confirm T-A-R-S and MDS. You are free to unfold.

Gentlemen, we're ready to close the hatch.

Anybody want to get out? This is your last chance.

AR, is this Mars the red one or the green one? I forgot.

$24 billion to put crazy people into space. Keep this off the streets.

Colonel Brubaker has reaffirmed the completion of the EDS test checks.

Mission control reports all systems are go, all lights are green.

Dr. James Kelleway, director of the manned space program, is in Houston at

this moment. He is in full voice contact with the flight crew.

Landing module OI shutdown.

OI shutdown complete.

Capcom 1, you should have full CM internal power.

Roger, Houston. We have internal power.

Vehicle final status check.

Begin status check.

TLR pressure reading is 45.2.

Roger, Houston.

Roger.

Rue,

would you and your men please follow me? Jerry, what the hell is this? There's no

time to explain. Please follow me. Are you nuts?

I said there's no time to explain. This is an emergency.

Please follow me. Now!

All the space vehicle final checks have been completed. The access arms are

swinging in the final retract position.

The destruct systems are now fully armed.

TLR pressure reading is 45.2.

Roger, Houston, 45.2. The flight crew has completed the final launch vehicle

range safety checks.

At T-minus 50 seconds, the launch vehicle will be on full internal power.

That begins the actual launch sequence.

The weather's reported good. Scattered clouds at 10,000 feet.

All systems are go. All lights are green. We're at T-minus 3 minutes, 6

seconds. Mark.

The launch officer is given a go to begin the firing command automatic

sequence. Now until T-minus 50 seconds, that system is preset.

Initial stage thruster check is normal.

Roger. We're coming up on T-minus 1 minute, 30 seconds. The final range

safety checks are completed.

The launch safety officer reports all systems are nominal and we are go at

this time.

The launch escape tower is now fully armed.

In the event of an abort, the tower will carry the command module away from the

launch vehicle.

It will activate a system of drogue chutes at 10,000 feet.

The flight crew reports all guidance and navigation systems functioning properly.

The range safety officer reports all tracking stations are operational.

This is Capricorn Control.

It's that big, tall, white thing over there.

Can't miss it.

This is Paul Cunningham, Capricorn Control. We're at T-minus one minute,

still counting.

All systems are go, all lights are green.

We should have launch vehicle power transfer right about now.

Roger, Houston.

We read down all ALCX. Roger, Captain. We're at T-minus 30 seconds. At the

present time, all systems are go, all lights are green.

They're going to be a little while. You and your men might be more comfortable

with these.

We are T minus 18 seconds from liftoff.

We're T minus 15 seconds.

T minus 10 seconds.

9, 8. We have ignition.

6, 5. We have outboard engines.

3. We have inboard engines. 1.

Zero. We have a launch commit.

We have a liftoff at 35 minutes after the hour.

Engine roll program complete. The vehicle is on target, running smoothly.

Looking good, Capricorn. We are coming up on T-plus 40 seconds.

Staging should be in the next 30 seconds.

Outboard cutoff should be in 10 seconds.

Obico, Capricorn.

Roger, Houston. We have outboard...

We're go for staging. You are go for staging, Capricorn.

Roger, Houston.

Five, four, three, two, one.

We read staging.

We copy.

We have separation.

It's confirmed. We have separation at T plus two minutes, 43 seconds. S2

ignition. We have S2. We have second stage ignition. S2 ignition at T plus

two minutes, 46 seconds. The vehicle is 47 miles downrange.

Altitude... 443 miles, velocity 6,100 miles per hour.

Mr. Vice President, please give my regards to the President. Oh, yes, I'll

be very happy to do that, Hollis.

I hope that whatever problems he found so important not to be here today, I

hope he has considerable success with them. Well, that's really very sporting

of you, Hollis. I'm sure the President will be very pleased to learn of your

support. The President would get considerable more of my humble support

if he...

would only be a little more helpful with this program here. Now, Hollis, you know

the president is most interested in this program.

I am most interested in a lot of things, including my wife's bridge game.

That is not the same as supporting something.

Hollis, there are a number of people who feel that we have problems right here on

Earth that merit our attention before we spend billions of dollars on outer

space.

There are a number of people who feel that there are no more pressing problems

in our declining position in world leadership.

It was wonderful seeing you again, Hollis.

The pleasure was all mine, Mr. Vice President.

This is Paul Cunningham, Capricorn Control.

We are at T-plus two hours, 16 minutes into the flight.

The spacecraft is now in elliptical orbit with an apogee of 141 nautical

miles and a perigee of 122 nautical miles. Mission Control reports full

voice contact with the flight crew.

This is Capricorn Control.

Welcome, Colonel Brubaker. Could you please come with us? I'm not going

anywhere until somebody tells us what the hell's going on.

Everything will be explained to you. Bullshit. I want to know right now.

Colonel, I know this sounds strange, but we are all working for the same thing.

We are not your enemy.

Please wait here.

I suppose you're wondering why I called you all here.

Good morning.

Hi there. Dr. Calloway. Nice to see you a funny thing happened on the way to

Mars Why

don't you all sit down

Okay,

here it is

I have to start by saying that if there was any other way, if there was even the

slight chance of another alternative, I would give anything not to be here with

you now. Anything.

Brew, how long have we known each other?

Sixteen years.

That's how long.

Sixteen years.

You should have seen yourself then. You looked like you just walked out of a

Wheaties box.

And me, all sweaty-palmed and deadly serious.

I told everybody about this dream I had of conquering the new frontier, and they

all looked at me like I was nuts.

You looked at me and said yes.

I remember when you told me Kay was pregnant. We went out and got crocked.

I remember when Charles was born. We went out and got crocked again. The two

of us, Captain Terrific and the Mad Doctor.

talking about reaching the stars, and the bartender telling us maybe we'd had

enough.

Sixteen years.

And then Armstrong... stepped out on the moon, and we cried.

We were so proud.

Willis, you and Walker, you came in about then, both bright and talented

wise-asses, looked at me in my wash-and-wear shirt, carrying on this

hot love affair with my slide rule, and even you were caught up in what we'd

done.

I remember when Glenn made his first orbit in Mercury.

They put up television sets in Grand Central Station, and tens of thousands

of people missed their trains to watch.

You know, when Apollo 17 landed on the moon, people were calling up the

networks and bitching because reruns of I Love Lucy were canceled.

Reruns, for Christ's sake. I can understand if it was a new Lucy show. I

mean, what the hell is a walk on the moon? But reruns.

Oh, jeez.

And then suddenly everybody started talking about how much everything cost.

Was it really worth 20 billion to go to another planet?

What about cancer? What about the slums? How much does it cost?

How much does any dream cost, for Christ's sake?

Since when is there an accountant for ideas?

You know who was at the launch today?

Not the president.

The vice president, that's who.

The vice president and his plump wife.

The president was busy.

He's not busy.

He's just a little bit scared.

He sat there two months ago and put his feet up on Woodrow Wilson's desk.

And he said, Jim, make it good.

Congress is on my back.

They're looking for a reason to cancel the program.

We can't afford another screw-up.

Make it good. You have my every good wish.

His every good wish. I got his sanctimonious vice president. That's

what I got.

And so there we are. After all those hopes and all that dreaming, he sits

there with those...

flags behind his chair and tells me we can't afford a screw-up. And guess what?

We had a screw-up. A first-class, bona fide, made-in-America screw-up.

The good people from Con Amalgamate delivered a life support system cheap

enough so they could make a profit on the deal.

Works out fine for everybody.

Con Amalgamate makes money. We have our life support system.

Everything's peachy.

Except they made a little bit too much profit.

We found out two months ago, it won't work.

You guys would all be dead in three weeks.

It's as simple as that.

So all I have to do is report that and scrub the mission.

Congress has its excuse.

The president still has his desk, and we have no more program.

What's 16 years, your actual drop in the bucket?

All right, that's the end of the speech. Now we're getting to what they call the

moment of truth.

Come with me.

Come on, I'll show you something.

Roger, Houston.

TMI burn time will be five minutes, 45 seconds.

Roger, Captain.

Delta V burn time, 3.3 seconds.

There's a door here. I'm gonna open it and walk into another area.

If you follow me, you'll see a bit more.

I'll answer some questions and...

You're going to... Why don't you just follow me?

You don't really think you're gonna get away with this?

Well, I don't know. It's a chance.

Maybe it's not a very good one, but it's a chance.

Who knows about this?

Almost nobody.

Houston is monitoring the actual flight.

All the telemetry is coming from the command module. So are your voices and

the medical data. We recorded everything from the practice simulations.

They don't know.

All we need from you is the actual television transmissions during the

flight and the Mars landing. That's all.

Just the television transmissions.

That's all.

Just the television transmissions.

We inserted a change in the onboard computer so the spacecraft will land 200

miles off target when it returns to Earth.

You'll be flown to an island near that point.

From there, you'll be transferred to a helicopter. The helicopter will fly you

to the space capsule, and you'll be put inside.

It'll take the recovery forces a minimum of an hour and a half to reach the

splashdown site.

By then, you'll be inside the capsule.

When the prime recovery carrier arrives, they'll find you inside the capsule and

take you out of the spacecraft.

You thought of everything.

I don't know. I hope so.

Of course, you're sure we'll go along, right?

No, I'm not.

What if we say no?

I don't know.

Don't say no.

When does Alan Funt come running in and tell us we're all on candid camera?

Oh, Jesus. You think I like this?

You think I really believe I'm standing here in this craziness telling you about

patching and tape recordings and telemetry and an island 200 miles from

the target zone?

I don't know what the hell I'm doing either.

I just care so goddamn much.

I think it's worth it.

I'm not even sure of that.

I just think it.

I think I'm going to throw up.

Well, that'll solve everything.

What's this all going to solve?

It'll keep something alive that shouldn't die.

Before you all begin to moralize, you take a look around.

You look at what we've done and how much more we can do.

You look at what we've meant to this country.

Nobody gives a crap about anything anymore.

People close their garages and triple-lock their doors to hide under

their beds. They're even afraid to turn on their television sets for fear of

what they might find out in the evening news.

There's nothing more to believe in.

Now, you want to blow this whole thing wide open?

God knows what it might do to everybody.

I'm sorry. I'm so goddamn sorry. I just don't know what else to do. I'm hanging

on by my fingernails, just like everybody else.

Go on. You want to be the ones.

who give everyone another reason to give up, go on.

This is really wonderful.

We go along with you and lie our asses off in a world of truth and ideals

that's protective.

But we don't want to take part in some giant rip-off of yours and somehow or

other we're managing to ruin the country. You're pretty good, Jim. I'll

give you that.

No, no, no. You're twisting my words.

Don't sell yourself short. Don't sell the program short.

Don't oversell it. I'm not so sure that canceling a flight or cutting off

appropriations means America folds up.

It's not as simple as that, and you know it. I don't know it.

If the only way to keep something alive is to become everything I hate, I don't

know if it's worth keeping it alive.

Please, Brew, don't talk like that. What the hell's the matter with you? Please,

Brew, don't talk like that. I don't think this is right.

All the rest is bullshit.

You have to help. What do you mean, I have to?

You have to help.

What if I don't?

Please, don't put me in a corner.

You're crazy.

You know that? You know that? You're crazy. You've got us in the middle of

this nut house, and you don't want to be put in a corner?

You're families.

What about our families?

Please, you have to help. What about our families? You have to help. Shit, this

thing is out of my hands.

You think it's all a couple of loony scientists.

It's not. It's bigger.

There are people out there, forces out there, who have a lot to lose.

They're grown-ups.

It's gotten too big. It's in the hands of grown-ups. What about our families?

They're flying back from the Cape to Houston. They're all together on the

plane.

No, you're not serious.

Please, Brew, don't make me. You son of a bitch, tell me. They're on the plane

together, goddammit. You want it in writing?

There's a device. It's on the plane, too.

There's some people. If I don't give them the all-clear signal, they'll

explode it.

Don't you understand?

It doesn't have to be like this. You have to help.

It's gotten out of control. It's too big.

You wouldn't.

Tell me you wouldn't.

I can't tell you that, Bruce.

This is Paul Cunningham, Capricorn Control. We're at T-plus two days, four

hours, 31 minutes into the flight. In 60 seconds, Lieutenant Colonel Willis will

activate the onboard camera and begin the first television transmission of the

flight. We will see Colonel Brubaker perform a docking maneuver between the

command module and the landing module. This is Capricorn Control.

Capricorn One, this is Houston.

We have hash.

Roger, Capricorn. We have transmission.

We have a pretty good picture now.

Roger, Houston.

How do we look, Houston?

Pretty clear, Capricorn.

CSM on nominal asthma.

We're ready for CMS S4B separation.

We read you, Capricorn. You are go for separation.

I will fire separation thrusters.

Separation thrusters are on.

We have them now.

We are reading.

Show separation.

Roger Capricorn, you have separation.

120 feet.

120 feet.

Begin pitch program.

Houston, we have ohms on.

Roger Capricorn, you have ohms.

Houston, we see the LM.

Ohms off.

We show ohms off.

Houston, we're turning the camera out the window from the dock.

170 feet 160 feet 160 feet 150 feet

150 feet 140 feet 140 feet 130

feet 130 feet 120 feet 120 feet

110 feet 110 feet 100 feet 100 feet

90 feet 90 feet

70 feet.

60 feet.

50 feet.

40 feet.

30 feet.

20 feet.

10 feet.

9, 8.

7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1,

0.

We have docking. Roger, Capricorn. We show docking.

APS burn is nominal.

We dock.

Capricorn, you are go for LM inspection.

Roger, Houston.

TMI was at 101.04.

55 minutes is correct. That is five minutes better than nominal. I have CM

visual contact through the port window.

Roger, Capricorn. We copy.

CM-LM separation was nominal.

TDR is 9.3. Roger, I have 9.3.

Delta V burn time 3.3 seconds.

Roger, Capricorn.

I see the undercarriage. We copy.

We are starting DOI.

Houston, we have PDI.

Roger, Capricorn.

I have a 22 degrees starboard.

Roger, Capricorn. It looks good here. The flight director advises you are go

for landing.

I'm on my way back. Inspection complete.

Inspection complete.

You may return.

Well done, Capricorn.

Dr. Bergen.

Yes, Elliot.

I wonder if I could talk to you for a moment. What is it?

Well, there's something... I have a problem, sir.

Oh, are you feeling all right?

Oh, yes, sir. It's the readout.

What about the readout?

Well, I just can't figure something out. Well, perhaps I can be of some help.

I hope so. See, I ran a check on the transmission on my own, on the signals.

On your own? Yes, sir. I like your dedication.

The readout.

The television signals are coming in ahead of the spacecraft signals. It's

like they're closer or something, much closer.

No, that's not possible. There must be some malfunction in your equipment.

Well, I don't think so, Dr. Bergen. You see, I double-checked that console.

Which console are you on?

36, sir. Well, that's the answer.

We've been having some problems with the circuitry on 36.

We've had trouble with it before.

I'll make sure it's repaired, and thank you for bringing the problem to my

attention. You show initiative.

I like that.

This coffee is horrible.

It's not that bad.

It is. It's that bad.

Don't drink it.

I'm always unwrapping things.

I wake up and take the cellophane off the drinking glass, the soaps in a

Holiday Inn wrapper.

Even the toilet has a paper band on it with a nice little note from the hotel

saying they put the band on the toilet for my protection.

I'm always afraid that if I stay in bed too long, the maid's going to walk in

the room and put a paper band around me and the bedspread.

I don't mind. You wait. After a while, you won't know what city you're in. I

defy anyone to tell me the difference between the Holiday Inn in Houston and

the Holiday Inn in Cincinnati.

The rooms are the same. The music in the elevators is the same. Even the ladies

with too much makeup in the coffee shop are the same.

You never know where you are until after breakfast when you read the paper.

I don't mind it.

Well, I don't mind it that much either. It's just that I would like it all to be

with someone I care for.

Someone I could share it with.

Bullshit. You're so damn cynical.

I'm not cynical. It's just that your act could use a little polish. What do you

mean by that? Well, Liz Haller, for starters. It was the California primary.

I believe you used the one about both of you being witnesses to the unfolding of

history. You have to admit that's a little better than soap wrappers.

You think all I want to do is jump you?

Yes.

You would know sincerity if it ran over you.

Not if you were driving it. I'm glad I'm not like you.

I have better legs.

Okay, I give up.

Don't give up so easily.

Just change your approach.

What approach would you like?

How about something like, I would like to jump you.

Think that would work?

Stands a better chance than wanting to share a meaningful life together.

I would like to jump you. Go jump yourself.

I'm sorry that you have to wait outside the house all day like this.

There's not much that I can say except that I'm very excited and proud.

Everything seems to be going smoothly.

Dr. Kelleway called to say that Drew and the crew were in excellent spirits.

How has all this disrupted your family routine?

Terrific question.

Shove it. Well, the children will continue to go to school and we'll try

to maintain a normal existence.

Um, I suppose that's all that I have to say.

Thank you all for coming. I just came out to say hello and go back inside now.

Thank you.

This is Paul Cunningham, Capricorn Control. We are at T-plus 131 days, 4

hours, 15 minutes into the flight, 5 minutes from landing.

The wives of the flight crew arrived at Mission Control at 2.31 Eastern Daylight

Time. In just a few minutes, we should be receiving a signal from the

spacecraft.

It's important to know that it takes 21 minutes for the signal from Mars to

reach Earth. We have no way of communicating with Capricorn One, and

what we will see actually happened 21 minutes ago. This is Capricorn Control.

We're getting something now.

We are changing to a secondary frequency.

Houston, this is Capricorn One. C-M-L-M separation was novel.

I have C-M visual contact.

Delta V burn time 3.3 seconds.

3.3 seconds burn is correct.

We should be hearing from the C-M soon.

Let's wait.

Five minutes after the landing, that asshole Price will be calling to tell me

how pleased the president is.

If our data is correct, their altitude is 2.2 miles, pitch angle 20 degrees,

critical descent 44.6 feet per second.

We have pass located.

Altitude 950 feet.

Looking good.

15 seconds. 15 seconds.

10 seconds.

10 seconds.

Yes? Vice President Price on the line.

Hello?

Hello, Mr. Vice President.

Yes, it's wonderful, isn't it?

Proud moment for all Americans.

You can tell the President that's very gracious of him.

I appreciate it. I really do.

Thank you.

And my very best to your lovely wife.

Yeah. Goodbye.

Asshole.

Dr.

Kelleway, I wonder if I could speak to you for a moment. Certainly, Elliot.

What seems to be the problem?

Well, I just can't figure something out, sir.

What is that?

Well, I'm not exactly sure.

but it's in the readout. I spoke to Dr. Bergen about it a long time ago, and he

said it was in the console.

I'd like you to take a look at it.

What console do you want?

Telemetry's the 36.

Oh, yes, Dr. Bergen told me about that. We had that console repaired.

I know, sir. It's just I keep on having the same readouts.

What readout?

Well, sir, I ran a program on my own just to check something, and the

readout's different.

You ran your own program?

Uh, yes, sir.

And, uh, I don't think it's the console.

Well, we'll have it shut down, and I'll see that it's serviced. Thank you,

Elliot, for bringing the matter to my attention.

You're welcome, sir.

Capricorn Control.

Flight Director advises that the LM crew has been given a go for the first EVA on

the Martian surface.

Because the time delay would make a conversation impossible, the crew has

taken a pre-recorded message from the President of the United States along

with them. This is Capricorn Control.

Houston, we are activating the camera. Roger, Captain.

Houston, you should have a picture now.

We have a pretty good picture now.

Houston, I am out of the...

Houston, the suit is functional.

The ladder is steady. I am three steps from the bottom.

I'm two steps from the bottom.

Houston, I'm on the bottom step.

Houston, I am going to set foot on the surface.

Ready slow-mo.

I take this step in the journey of peace.

Houston, I am on the surface.

Roger, Capricorn. We copy.

I'm starting to walk now.

Houston, the surface is solid.

Visibility is good.

I'm walking toward the camera.

The footing is solid.

The surface seems powdery.

I'm picking up the camera now.

I have the camera.

The picture will get shaky for a while.

The footing is good.

Houston, I am setting the camera down now.

The rocks seem very porous.

Houston, I am outside the hatch.

Houston, I am on the ladder.

Ready slow-mo.

Houston, I'm stepping onto the surface.

Take slow-mo.

Houston, I'm on the surface.

We are going to set the flag on the surface.

We do not claim this planet in the name of America. We claim it in the name of

all the people of the planet Earth. We hope that our visit will increase the

understanding... Of the human race. Walker should be activating the tape

soon with the pre-recorded message from the president.

Houston, I am starting the tape.

To the men of Capricorn One, I bring you greetings from your fellow Americans and

all of the citizens of the world.

You are so far away.

It takes light more than 20 minutes to reach you from here.

One could say not only light, one could say time.

You are in another... time from us the future we will never be the same

for this moment more than any moment in our history has made all of the people

in the world realize that we are part of a planet that is part of a system that

is part of a universe we are a small energetic species capable of

pettiness yet capable of brilliance

We know how bad we can be.

Now you, the men of Capricorn One, have shown us how wonderful we can be

by showing us how high we can reach.

You have crossed the last great frontier and you have shown us what we are.

People of different colors and religions and ideologies.

However, a single people.

You are the basic truth in us.

You are the reality.

We will never let you down.

And we will always be grateful.

I have decided after careful deliberation and painful soul

searching to give you an opportunity to win your $50 back. I don't feel like

playing.

Eight ball, five dollars a game.

I don't feel like it. Ten dollars a game.

Serious. So am I. I'll even let you break. How much more serious can a

person be? You drunk?

I knew there was a reason I was feeling this good.

I need a drink.

Underneath that wash-and-wear shirt, you have some heart. It may be sanforized,

but it's a heart.

Morning.

You said I break.

I must have been drunk.

Hard day at the office, Steve? I want to talk about it.

Did you break your slide rule?

I'm not really sure.

I ran a check on my own on the transmission sickness. The numbers came

up screwy, so I told Dr. Bergen about it. It was like he was pissed at me for

running a check. He said it must be a console malfunctioning, so I told Dr.

Callaway about it. He said the same thing.

Big deal. What did you expect, a merit badge?

I guess so.

They must know what they're doing.

Those numbers couldn't have been right anyway. No way.

Well, if you know the numbers couldn't have been right, why the hell are you so

upset? Well, the way they reacted. No double check or anything.

They looked at me like I was a kid and offered me a cookie. What were the

numbers? I have to admit, it is ridiculous.

Good. Let's play pool.

Those signals couldn't have come from 300 miles.

Which signals?

The television transmissions.

I think they're just sobered up. Would you tell me what you just told me again?

Hey, Caulfield.

Telephone.

Hello.

Yes, this is Caulfield.

What?

I'm sorry. You'll have to speak more clearly. I think we have a bad

connection or something. I can't hear you.

Who?

I don't understand what you want.

Look, if you call the assignment desk, they'll be glad to send someone over to

cover that for you.

Yes, ask for the assignment desk.

Assignment, that's right.

You're welcome.

Anybody hungry?

No.

Oh, the marvels of American science.

Here we are, millions of miles from Earth.

We can still send out for pizza.

I'm not going to do it.

Not going to do what?

Tomorrow, I'm not going to sit in this thing and talk to my wife and tell her

everything's going fine.

I'm not going to do it.

I tried.

I get two little kids with big bright eyes.

And I used to tell them their daddy was going to make them proud of him.

Like he was of them.

And now I got to go home.

I got to kiss them and I got to look in their eyes and tell them I really did

this.

I don't know. Maybe that's better than going home and telling them I really did

it.

I wish I knew what was right. I really don't.

We've been sitting around here for months, telling their lies to them.

And I don't want to do it anymore.

Okay, so we're going to blow the whole thing tomorrow on national TV.

Then what have we done?

We'd screw up a lot of people's dinner. We've already screwed ourselves.

Okay, so what do we accomplish by screwing everybody else?

He's got a point there, you know. We went along with this because of you.

You and our family.

Now you want to go out for some terrific blaze of glory and we get pulverized in

the process.

And our families.

What about our families?

I know.

Get me Dr. Kelleway.

Why all of a sudden are we standing up for the bad guys and you're on the side

of truth and justice?

We may have a problem with Brubaker tomorrow.

I wish I had the words.

Damn, the words!

These people, they're capable of anything.

And we got our families out there.

Now, we're in this thing, and I think we have too deep to stop now.

No one of us is gonna decide.

It's got to be all of us.

Operator, I'm trying a number now for over an hour and it's busy. Would you

kindly check to see if it's out of order?

I know you don't do that.

Yes, it's an emergency.

Thank you.

873-3657.

No, 3657. Mr. Elliot Witter.

Out of order?

Thank you very much, operator.

This is Paul Cunningham, Capricorn Control.

We're at T plus 223 days, 6 hours, 32 minutes.

All systems are go, all lights are green.

We're awaiting the start of the final television transmissions from the

command module on its return to Earth. This transmission is specifically a

conversation between the crew and their wives.

This is the first time the crew has been close enough to Earth to make normal

conversation feasible.

This is Capricorn Control.

Capricorn 1, this is Houston.

Capricorn 1, this is Houston.

Houston, this is Capricorn.

Houston, do you have a picture?

Roger, Capricorn, we have a picture. We have three anxious ladies here who would

like to talk to you.

Roger, Houston.

We'd sure like to talk to them.

Okay, go ahead, but keep it short. Remember, this is long distance.

Jack?

Jack, it's Betty.

Hey, Betty. How are you?

You look fine.

Thank you.

I miss you.

So do the kids.

Thank you. I miss them, too, more than you all know.

Peter?

It's Sharon.

I told you never to call me here.

Are you feeling well?

I'm feeling very well.

How's Sandy?

She's got the part of Wendy in her school play.

They're doing Peter Pan.

That's terrific.

You sound so close.

It's hard to believe you... really are that far away in space.

It's hard for me to believe it, too.

Brew? Hello, Kate.

We're all so proud of you.

Can you hear me, Brew?

Yeah.

I'm not sure, Brubaker. Keep watching.

Brew, I have a surprise for you.

What?

I said I have a surprise for you.

Charles wrote a composition in school, and he won an award.

May I read it to you?

Brew, can you hear me?

Yes, Bob.

Please read it to me.

It doesn't look good. Do you want me to cut the transmission?

Not until I tell you.

My father... My Charles Brewbaker, Jr.

My father is far away from me now.

He is flying to Mars.

I miss him very much.

I always miss him when he goes away.

I'm not sad, though.

I used to be sad when he went away.

One day he told me something. He said that people can't live only for

themselves.

He said that he was trying to do something that would be good for

everybody.

So even though he is far away, he is thinking about me and I am with him.

That is why I'm not sad.

That is why I'm so proud of my dad.

I love him so much.

Kate?

What is it?

There's something I... I want to say.

I know this hasn't been easy for you and the kids.

I want you to know... I love you.

Oh, Charles.

Thanks for the composition.

Please. I will.

But when I get back... I'm gonna take him to Yosemite again.

Like last summer.

I will.

And I want you to know that I love you.

Very much.

Time's up, gentlemen.

Roger, Houston.

Next time we see you, you'll be on the way home.

Roger. Well done, Capricorn.

Is Witter in? Tell him it's Caulfield.

Who? Witter. Elliot Witter.

There's no one here by that name. You must have the wrong apartment.

Well, this is apartment 228, isn't it?

Yeah. Oh, you probably have the wrong building.

You know, they all sort of look alike.

Yeah, that's right. This is 4311 Claridge, isn't it?

Yeah, it is.

Elliot Witter lives at 4311 Claridge in apartment 228.

Is this a joke?

Look, I've been here a million times. Elliot's a friend of mine, and he lives

in this apartment.

Look, Mr.

Whoever you are, I'm cleaning an oven.

It's my oven.

It's in my kitchen, in my apartment.

Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to get back to it. Wait a minute. Just wait.

Look, I'm not a crazy person, and I'm not a mugger. I'm looking for my friend,

and he lives in this apartment. I swear it. Would you get your foot out of my

door, or I'm gonna call the police. Now, I don't think this is funny anymore.

Wait. I can prove I've been here before. I know this apartment.

Now will you get out of here, or do I have to call the police?

hours, 12 minutes into the flight, all systems are nominal, all lights are

green. The prime recovery ship for the USS Oriskany is in position.

An on-target landing should result in recovery time of 18 minutes from

splashdown at the opening of the hatch.

After the crew delivers its speech on the Oriskany deck and is welcomed aboard

by Captain Earl Maurer, they'll be taken below deck for a medical debriefing.

Tonight at 8 o'clock Pacific Daylight Time, the crew will attend a victory

banquet topped by a special dessert.

A 40-foot red cake depicting the Martian surface.

We are 23 minutes, 12 seconds from the beginning of the reentry phase. This is

Capricorn Control.

We have a chopper waiting on the island to take you to the spacecraft when it

splashes down.

It'll take the Arisconi about an hour and a half to reach you, so there won't

be any rush.

All lights are green.

Roger. All green.

Separation thruster checklist.

Inboard thrusters on.

Inboard thrusters.

How we doing?

We might have a slight problem, sir.

What is it?

They're a little bit off target.

How far off?

As much as 200 miles.

That far?

Could take up to an hour and a half for the recovery fortress to reach them.

Roger.

Keep me posted. Yes, sir.

Six, five, four, three, two...

Capricorn One, this is Houston.

Capricorn One, we show red on the heat shield.

Capricorn One, this is Houston. We show red on the heat shield. Do you read?

Capricorn One, this is Houston. We show red on the heat shield. Do you copy?

Capricorn One, this is Houston.

Capricorn One, we show red on the heat shield. Do you copy?

Capricorn One, this is Houston.

Capricorn One, this is Houston. Do you read?

Capricorn One, this is Houston.

Capricorn One, we show red on the heat shield. Do you copy?

Capricorn One, this is Houston.

Capricorn One, this is Houston.

Capricorn One, this is Houston.

Capricorn One, this is Houston.

Capricorn, we show a red light on the heat shield. Do you copy?

Capricorn One, this is Houston.

This is Paul Cunningham, Capricorn.

We're advised that there appears to be a malfunction.

We do not know what the problem is. We will keep you advised. This is Capricorn

Control. Charles, take Sandy and go inside.

Charles, go inside now.

Charles, I said right now!

Ladies and gentlemen, I have a brief statement, and then I will answer your

questions.

It must have been re-entry.

Something went wrong during re-entry.

Why haven't they told us anything?

They don't want us to know what went wrong. What went wrong?

Where the hell is Calloway?

Where the hell are we?

At T plus 259 days, 15 hours, 11 minutes in the flight of Capricorn One.

which is two minutes, 18 seconds after interface, the heat shield warning light

on the mission control monitoring panel turned red.

We are dead.

What? We're dead.

Shit, I was such a terrific guy.

We tried to establish radio contact with the spacecraft.

and we were unsuccessful.

It landed off course. Why haven't they said anything to us?

And if it never landed, either the heat shield separated or the chutes never

opened. Either way, we are dead.

The heat shield evidently separated from the command module, and as you know, the

heat shield is the only protection the module has against the heat buildup on

reentering the Earth's atmosphere.

the spacecraft disintegrated within 12 seconds after the loss of the heat

shield. Right now, Kelleway is making a speech about what brave, wonderful guys

we were.

I cannot adequately describe how we feel.

These men were an integral part of the family here in the program.

Anybody ever sees us again, the whole thing falls apart.

Simple as that. They can't afford to have us around.

That is the end of my statement.

Have you spoken to the families?

Yes. I don't know how we have a lot of choice in this matter.

I say we get the hell out of here. Anybody disagree?

When was the last time the heat shield was checked?

All during the reentry phase, there were a series of status checks.

All of them gave us every indication the shield was in place.

No, I have not spoken to the president yet, but I'm sure I will very soon.

I'd like to say that the president has been a constant source of encouragement

to all of us in the program.

This mission meant as much to him as it did to us.

You think this will end the manned space program?

I don't know.

You can't reach that far without stumbling somewhere along the way.

That doesn't mean that your goal isn't worthwhile.

So many people have given so much.

In 1867, we had the Apollo 1 fire.

We didn't just...

give up even though we were crushed

it

went on as they would have wanted

us to

Now these three remarkable men have given their lives in an effort to widen

the horizons of their species

They

died

striving for gold

You tell me.

I ask you, I ask all of you here, you be the ones to tell me, how could we best

serve these men?

By giving up on their dream?

By saying that it was all for nothing?

You give me the answer.

That was the left gear we lost.

See if you can retract the other one.

Have you any idea where we are? No.

Which direction are we headed?

West. Once we hit the coast, we'll go north.

All we've got to do is get to any city, any place there are people.

A newspaper, a television station, any place we can show up and be seen that

it's over.

I'm not sure it's exactly over.

Our families, our kids, they think we're dead.

I wonder, when we show up, when everybody finds out, I wonder if they'll

be happy.

Maybe it'd be better for them if we were dead.

Oh, Christ.

Fuel? There's no goddamn fuel.

I told you never to take a trip without checking the tank.

What about reserve?

We're on reserve.

That's great.

I'll start to circle, see if you can find a level area.

There.

Over there, beyond those cliffs.

Are you sure you know how to land this thing?

Full flaps.

Bye.

I think we're on Mars.

We got about 20 minutes head start on him.

It's not gonna be hard to spot this plane from the air.

We got two choices.

Either we stick together or we split up and go in different directions.

Hey, I just found a survival kit in here.

A can of water each.

John, you take the flint. Peter and I'll split up the matches.

Anybody want the gun?

I'd shoot my foot.

I'd shoot his foot.

You take the knife.

Remember, if any of us gets caught or he can't make it, shoot off a flare.

So the others will know.

I'll continue west, John, you go north, Peter, you go south.

We came from the east, so we know that's the wrong way.

There's not a lot of time.

There's too much to say, so let's go.

If any of us makes it.

Well... Did I ever tell you the one about the guy who had a job giving

enemas to elephants?

You ever hear it?

You can tell me about it when we get home.

Right there.

Run it again.

Look, sir.

Look, sir.

Mr. Knox, sir, let's do tricks with bricks and blocks, sir.

Let's do tricks with chicks and clocks, sir.

Blocks? Look, blocks. Right.

There are the blocks, and those are the... Clocks.

Right. First I'll make a quick trick, brick stack.

Then I'll make a quick trick, block stack.

You can make a quick trick, chick stack.

You can make a quick trick, clock stack.

Chicks. And?

Clocks.

And here's a new trick, Mr. Knox.

Socks on chicks and chicks on fox.

Fox on clocks on bricks and blocks.

Bricks and blocks on fox and box.

Now we come to ticks and talks, sir.

Try to say this, Mr.

Knox, sir.

Clocks.

Clocks on thick stick.

Clocks on Knox talk.

Clocks.

Right, Sandy. Very good.

Six. Sick.

Rex.

Yes? I'd like to see Mrs. Brubaker.

My name is Caulfield.

Mrs. Brubaker isn't seeing anyone at the moment.

I telephoned this morning. I believe I'm expected.

What was that name again?

Caulfield. Robert Caulfield. Oh, yes. Mrs. Brubaker is expecting you.

She's out on the patio.

It's right through there. Thank you.

Mrs. Brubaker.

Mr. Caulfield.

Sit down, please.

Mrs. Brubaker, first of all, I'd like to say I'm really sorry.

Everyone is so... I know, and I appreciate it.

Please don't be too uncomfortable with me. I don't know that I could put up

with that right now.

I understand that you think you're interrupting me, and you are, but I

welcome the interruption.

You called and said it was something important.

What is it?

Mrs. Brubaker, it may not be important to you. I'm looking for something that

may be important to me. It's personal.

You're a reporter, aren't you?

Yes. As I told you, I'm not looking for an interview.

I would like to ask you a few questions about the last time you spoke with your

husband after the landing.

What about it?

Well, this may sound strange, Mrs. Brubaker. Please don't be upset with me.

Just before the conversation ended, Colonel Brubaker said to you something

about going on a vacation.

And your reaction was, it was like you didn't understand what he was saying.

Why would you want to know about that?

As I told you, it's something personal.

It's personal to me, too.

Please, I'm not trying to embarrass you or anyone else.

Why would any of this be your business?

Please, trust me.

Why?

You ask really good questions.

Well, it's all so silly.

It wasn't anything that dramatic.

Brew just forgot something, that's all.

I don't see the purpose in broadcasting that my husband made a mistake about a

vacation when he had so many other things to think about. No, no, no, I'm

not looking for anything to broadcast.

What are you looking for?

It has to do with a friend of mine.

Is there something I should know?

If there was anything, I would tell you.

Oh, it's nothing.

Bruce said that he wanted to go back to Yosemite like last year.

Last year we went to Flat Rock, not Yosemite.

I don't think there's any cosmic significance in that.

Mrs. Brubaker, I truly thank you. I'm sure you had better things to do than

put up with a bunch of stupid questions.

No, I didn't.

Have I been any help to you at all?

I don't know. May I call you again sometime?

Yes There's no one inside are you sure?

Get more personnel they can't go too far on foot

Piece of cake.

Thank you.

Charles, cut it out. You know you're bothering her.

I know you're bothering her, and she knows you're bothering her.

If you want to stay in the pool, cut it out.

Hi, Uncle Jim. Hello there, Charles.

Hello, Jane.

Jim.

You look just fine.

Thank you.

Can I offer you something to drink?

No, thank you.

How are the children? Fine.

Charles is strong.

It's very much to himself, but he's strong.

Sandy doesn't know.

There's going to be a memorial service on Tuesday right here in Houston.

The president will be here.

He's going to speak. That's nice.

Will I get a folded flag?

I would like you to be there.

Please.

I know how difficult everything is for you just now.

I feel like Jack the Ripper even asking. It's just that it would be good for

everyone if you could go with me to the service.

It's a horrible way to die.

Oh, absolutely not.

When the heat shield separated, it was over in less than five seconds.

I know that sounds grisly, but you just have to know that he never suffered.

He died doing what he wanted to do.

Something he felt was important enough to die for. I know, I know.

I don't think it was important enough for him to die for.

I'm sorry,

I'm so sorry. I have no...

Right to intrude on you like this. I'll call you tomorrow

Jim

I'll go

You're a very special woman

he was a very special man, thank you

Yeah

Yes. Yes, he did.

Dehydrate.

Dehydrate.

Science.

Manus this.

Look for science.

Water, and it says science for water.

Giant river bed.

Sides. Bend and river.

Lower side.

Bend and river.

That's it.

The water.

The river bend. The bottom.

Alright, you ready?

Elizabeth,

there's no water.

There's no water.

I don't want to die.

Yes.

He was alone.

Which direction was he heading from the airplane?

Look south and west only.

Call everybody off north and east.

The other two are south and west.

Hello again.

Hello again.

Can I offer you something to drink?

Yes, thank you. What would you like?

Some scotch, straight.

Please.

You haven't found what you're looking for. You're embarrassed about bothering

me again. However, there are one or two questions more you'd like to ask me.

It's something personal, and you won't bother me anymore.

I haven't found what I'm looking for.

I feel embarrassed about bothering you again.

However, there are one or two more questions I'd like to ask you.

Something personal, and I won't bother you anymore.

You're up to something. You want my help, and you won't tell me what it is.

Why?

You're a very smart lady, you know that.

Yes?

I drink too much.

I get in trouble a lot because I talk too much.

Sometimes I have an imagination that's a bit too vivid.

Something's wrong, and I don't know what it is.

Believe me, I would never do anything to harm you or your husband. I swear I

wouldn't.

What are you after?

I'm taking a terrible risk telling you this. You may throw me out of here, and

I do not want to be thrown out.

I don't think your husband is the kind of man who makes mistakes, no matter how

far away he may be.

I think he was trying to tell you something.

What? What did you do at Flat Rock?

Nothing much.

We came home after one day because Charles got sick.

What'd you do that one day?

I don't remember.

We took a tour of the town. They had those tours.

And I... I don't remember.

We took some home movies.

Do you have them?

Yes. May I see them?

Yes.

They were making a movie the day we were there.

Brew got a big kick out of it.

He never knew it took so much time to just do one simple scene.

Charles loved that one.

He wasn't in the greatest mood, though. He didn't know it, but he was sick.

Brew was fascinated with the detail.

He couldn't get over how something so fake...

could look so real.

He kept on saying that with that kind of technology, you could convince people of

almost anything.

There's this guy, you see.

He takes a trip to Europe.

It's his first vacation in a long time.

He sees the sights, you know.

He has a real good time.

Anyway, after a while, he decides to call home.

He gets his brother on the phone, and the guy says to his brother, how's

everything at home?

And his brother says...

You...

You're a cat.

And the guy says to his brother, you shouldn't tell me bad news like that.

You should... You know...

Like...

You should say something like...

The cat crawled out on the roof and...

Chasing the squirrels.

And... Got stuck.

We had to call the fire department.

And when they finally got there, the fireman crawled up.

He grabbed the cat.

But on the way down, he slipped and the cat fell to the ground.

They tried to save the cat.

Even our brains are on the cat.

But it was too late.

They couldn't save the cat.

That's how you should be.

So the guy says to his brother...

How's Mom?

And the brother says...

She's on the roof!

She's on the road

Yes.

Which one?

What direction was he going?

Brubaker is going west.

Put everybody west.

Caulfield. Right now?

Okay.

How nice of you to join us here.

Listen, I think I got something.

You need a dermatologist?

Don't tell me, I'll get it.

George Raft, right? Where the hell have you been?

I have to talk to you. I think I'm on to something. It could be your actual

ballgame. I mean it. Golly, gee, Scoop, that sounds very interesting.

Something's wrong, something big. They know I'm onto it and they try to kill

me. Who's they?

I can't tell you. Why not? You wouldn't believe me. You don't think so?

Okay, listen to me. I got a tip from a friend, a good friend. Then he

disappeared. Disappeared?

Like he never existed.

There's some lady living in his apartment. His apartment is all

different. She said she's been living there for more than a year.

I checked the building rental office. They have receipts from her for more

than a year. I checked NASA personnel. They have no record that my friend ever

worked there. They say they never even heard of him. So this friend of yours

who works at NASA gives you a tip, and then he disappears.

And it turns out that he never lived in his apartment. He never worked at NASA.

And this is the guy that gave you the tip on your cosmic scoop, and you think

I won't believe you? My car. Someone tampered with my car.

The one you decided to go swimming with? They did something to it. I couldn't

stop it. Can you prove that?

The police said, uh... They said that nothing was wrong.

And you think I won't believe you? Somebody took a shot at me. When?

Yesterday. Thank God I've got an alibi.

I'm telling you the truth!

Listen to me.

And listen good.

I don't like you, Caulfield.

You're ambitious.

You think the way to get ahead is to come up with the scoop of the century.

Woodward and Bernstein were good reporters. That's how they did it.

Not by telling me they've located Patty Hearst three times like you did, or that

brilliant piece of investigative journalism you pulled off by finding an

eyewitness to the second gunman in the Kennedy assassination.

The small fact that the man had been in a mental institution at the time never

deterred you, not Scoop Caulfield.

Well, most reporters are like me. They are plotters. They spend a lot of their

time checking little things, like facts.

They cover mundane stories, like wars.

and trials and hearings.

You never seem to have enough time in your busy schedule to stoop so low as to

cover a story.

You occupy your time with tips from people who never existed, driving your

car into water and then claiming it wasn't your fault, getting shot at by

unseen gunmen.

Now, I really hate to interrupt your meteoric career with something so

pervading as a legitimate story.

However...

A trainload of propane gas had the bad taste to derail near Galveston, and

there's a whole town that just might blow up.

So it would be just really peachy of you if you would join your film crew that's

waiting for you on the plane at this very moment while we speak.

That was some speech. I thought so.

I cannot go to Galveston right now. I don't think I heard you.

Look.

A reporter tells his assignment editor that he thinks he may be on to something

that could be really big.

The assignment editor's supposed to say, you got 48 hours, kids, and you better

come up with something good or it's gonna be your neck. That's what he's

supposed to say. I saw it in a movie. Get your ass on that plane.

I can't. I have to follow this.

And you can't tell me what this earth-shattering story is? It sounds too

crazy. If I told you, I'd be in more trouble.

You're not crazy. I'm crazy. I'm crazy for listening. And I'm crazy for saying

what I'm about to say.

I'll give you 24 hours to come up with something. Not 48.

I saw the movie, too. It was 24.

I'm not moving an inch.

Robert Caulfield? Yeah, who the hell are you? Federal agents.

We have a warrant to search your apartment.

You have a warrant? What for?

Just don't move.

I promise. Just tell me what this is all about.

Hey, come here. Look at this.

Could you come with me, please, Mr. Caulfield?

Mr. Caulfield, I'm sorry.

However, you're under arrest for possession of cocaine.

I don't believe it.

I don't believe it. You guys put it there. You know you did.

You have the right to remain silent.

You have the right to an attorney.

I don't believe it. You put it there. Anything you say may be held against you

in a court of law.

You're part of all this. You mothers.

Ow, that hurts.

You don't have to put handcuffs on me. Please, Mr. Caulfield, these are serious

charges against you. Don't answer them by resisting arrest.

I don't believe... That hurts!

I don't believe this.

Well, hello there, Caulfield. So nice to see you.

It's at this point that Alan Hill says to Richard Conte...

Jimmy Stewart. Oh, yeah, Jimmy Stewart. Thank you. Look, Scoop, I can't keep

bailing you out of trouble. The front office is on my neck. I don't know how

much longer I can keep them off. Right?

Right. Wrong. I got you out of there so as not to embarrass the network. I mean,

you are a schmuck. I can't trust you to cover a fire. You'd probably fall down

and get burned. You probably would be the cause of it.

Company car, you're fired.

Oh, I love how that sounds. I love that so much, I'm going to say it again.

You're fired. You're through.

Oh, I love it. It's not what it looks like, really.

Frankly, Scarlett, I don't give a damn.

You see, I told you. You tell me about the lonely plight of a dedicated

journalist, I tell you to stuff it. You tell me about a meaningful relationship,

I tell you to stuff it.

You tell me you're in trouble, you're out on bail, you just got fired, I tell

you I'll be right over. My head hurts. You look awful.

Thank you very much. You're quite welcome. Did you find out what I asked?

One o'clock in the morning, I got a call from an unemployed junkie to find out

all of the military installations in a 300-mile radius around Houston, Texas.

You certainly have a way with words. Did you find out? Yes, and it wasn't easy.

It took exhaustive research.

Well, I'm proud of you. How many?

One. White Bluff. It's a SAC base. My father used to be stationed there.

That's exhaustive research?

At one o'clock in the morning, you call your father, that's exhaustive.

White bluff, that's too big. Too big for what? Too big for what I want. What do

you want?

I'm thinking of enlisting.

They'll never take you. That's why I'm thinking of enlisting. You're on a

story, aren't you? I was fired.

You're on a story, and I'm helping you. This can't be happening. I really

appreciate that. The only reason I'm doing it, considering your track record,

whatever story you're on will turn out to be garbage.

You shouldn't mince words.

I'll pitch you some coffee, then you can jump me.

There's no other one besides White Bluff?

No.

Except one abandoned base they used for training during World War II.

Jackson. There's nothing there now. Don't you want to jump me? Of course I

do. Where's Jackson?

About 300 miles directly west. I think I'm going to get angry with you.

Do you have any money on you?

You want me to pay you?

How much?

About 100.

Why don't I just leave it on the dresser in the morning? Give it to me now.

In advance. That's the height of conceit. Please, and your car keys.

You're really being terrific.

Why?

You're not obnoxious when you're helpless.

Thank you very much.

You're quite welcome.

Also, Liz Haller said you were super.

Well, when I get back, we'll jump each other.

Maybe.

I'll get arrested again.

It's a deal.

Morning. Morning. You in charge here?

See that sign there?

Yes. Well, read it.

I did. Out loud.

A&A Crop Dusting Service.

You want to know who I am?

I bet you're one of the A's.

But which one? I bet you can't answer that question, smartass.

First one.

Wrong! Can I have one more guess?

You got it.

The second one.

Wrong!

I'm both of them. A and A. My name is Albain.

Now, I got a son.

You know, the other A was for him. But he don't like to fly. He became a

lawyer. I think he's a pervert, so I took the A away from him. You want to

speak to somebody in charge, you're speaking to both of them. My name is

Caulfield. Hey, I can't help that.

Mr. Albain, how much do you charge to dust a field?

$25. I'd like to hire your plane.

That'd be $100.

You said you charge $25.

$25 to dust the field, but you ain't got no field because you ain't no farmer,

which means you ain't poor, and I think you're a pervert.

Okay, 100.

125. What?

Because you said yes to 100 too quick, which means you can afford 125.

And where do you want to go, smartass? I'm not sure. I'm looking for someone

who's lost.

Your money.

Put your goddamn head down so I can see.

Why didn't you sit in front?

You know how to fly?

No. Then I gotta sit in back and you gotta put your goddamn head down. On it.

What the hell is your friend doing out here? He's lost.

You rob a bank or something?

No.

Well, I get a third. What?

We find him, I get a third of the loot.

Now keep your goddamn head down.

Hey. What?

Over there. Where?

Helicopters. I seen them fly around here last couple of days.

Let's follow them.

I would if I could see them.

Take that gun, sonny!

You said you wanted a third of the loot!

Thank you.

um um

Remember.

We'll not leave it down by your feet when I tell you, sonny!

Ladies and gentlemen, Mrs. Brubaker, Mrs. Willis, Mrs. Walker, my fellow

Americans, I come here today to talk of unfinished hopes and of unfulfilled

dreams.

Charles Brubaker, Peter Willis, and John Walker left this earth for their dream a

little more than eight months ago.

They were never able to return to us.

Their dream was able to grow and flourish because of the support of

millions of citizens all across America.

At a time when cynicism was a national epidemic, they gave us something to take

pride in.

It is a dream that should not be allowed to die.

A nation is built on the spirit of its people.

The test of greatness of any nation is how that nation pulls together in a time

of crisis.

The only limits on what we can achieve are the limits we place on our hopes.

These three men reminded us of the limitlessness of our hopes.

There was a moment these past few days when we were all one people.

We were all hoping.

We were all a little bit taller.

a little bit prouder.

We were all feeling the same fears and the same exhilaration.

These three men brought us together.

We knew together that there are no goals we cannot reach if we just reach for

them together.

There is no adequate way in which we can express our gratitude to the men

themselves because they are no longer among us.

However, we can serve their memory.

Thank you.