1 00:00:15,015 --> 00:00:17,100 Previously on The Right Stuff. 2 00:00:17,518 --> 00:00:20,604 You've seen us all up there on that machine. What have you noticed? 3 00:00:20,687 --> 00:00:24,566 You're the slowest to react, and you take the longest to recover. 4 00:00:25,984 --> 00:00:30,322 I wanna go into space, and I'd like your husband to help. 5 00:00:31,073 --> 00:00:35,118 Jerrie Cobb is grooming a group of women to be astronauts, 6 00:00:35,494 --> 00:00:37,287 and she asked me try out. 7 00:00:39,122 --> 00:00:42,668 - Al? - I was with a girl. I saw a flash. 8 00:00:42,834 --> 00:00:44,378 A camera. 9 00:00:44,461 --> 00:00:45,960 I'm gonna take care of this. 10 00:00:46,380 --> 00:00:48,924 - Shorty, it's John. - So, NASA knows about all this? 11 00:00:49,132 --> 00:00:50,509 This is about being first. 12 00:00:50,630 --> 00:00:54,231 I've saved your butt, Al! I've saved you! I've saved all of you, damn it! 13 00:00:54,752 --> 00:00:56,640 So, this will be a peer vote. 14 00:00:57,301 --> 00:01:00,477 If you could not make the flight yourself, who would you choose? 15 00:01:03,272 --> 00:01:06,316 Al Shepard doesn't deserve this. I mean, he's selfish. He can't be trusted. 16 00:01:06,442 --> 00:01:07,943 People need to know that. People who can do something 17 00:01:08,068 --> 00:01:09,486 about it. 18 00:01:10,435 --> 00:01:12,359 - How many more are there, John? - I was only... 19 00:01:12,434 --> 00:01:16,535 You do realize the Manned Space Program is hanging by a thread. 20 00:01:16,702 --> 00:01:17,996 Bob, I am trying to help you. 21 00:01:18,071 --> 00:01:20,122 I'm trying to keep you from makin' a horrible mistake. 22 00:01:20,205 --> 00:01:24,960 - Al Shepard is unfit to serve. - John, right now... 23 00:01:26,336 --> 00:01:28,964 you're the one who seems unfit. 24 00:01:33,135 --> 00:01:37,431 It's the Russians. I'm sorry, guys. They put a man in orbit. 25 00:01:38,390 --> 00:01:39,391 Damn it. 26 00:01:41,643 --> 00:01:43,103 Premier, Nikita Khrushchev, 27 00:01:43,186 --> 00:01:44,646 declared Russia's support today, 28 00:01:45,105 --> 00:01:48,775 for Communist leader, Fidel Castro, promising to lend the Cuban people, 29 00:01:48,942 --> 00:01:52,529 all necessary assistance in beating back rebel forces 30 00:01:52,613 --> 00:01:56,867 that have landed on a beach, known as The Bay of Pigs. As... 31 00:01:56,992 --> 00:02:00,037 - Well, that's World War III. - What is Kennedy doing? 32 00:02:00,299 --> 00:02:01,705 First Gagarin, and now this. 33 00:02:01,830 --> 00:02:03,797 Been one hell of a damn week. 34 00:02:04,905 --> 00:02:07,044 ...delegates from across the globe, 35 00:02:07,502 --> 00:02:11,548 declaring that the United States has committed no aggression against Cuba, 36 00:02:11,673 --> 00:02:14,051 and no offensive has been launched from Florida 37 00:02:14,134 --> 00:02:17,203 or any other part of the United States. 38 00:02:17,386 --> 00:02:20,057 Al, I'm real sorry you're not the first man in space. 39 00:02:24,978 --> 00:02:29,441 No, you're not. 40 00:02:31,725 --> 00:02:35,155 To be frank, to have a disaster of this size occur, 41 00:02:35,255 --> 00:02:37,549 this early in this president's administration, 42 00:02:37,658 --> 00:02:41,536 I'm not sure how he recovers. But one thing is for certain, 43 00:02:41,995 --> 00:02:43,409 it's gonna have to be something... 44 00:02:43,484 --> 00:02:44,539 ...extremely impressive... 45 00:02:44,748 --> 00:02:46,627 ...nearly 6,000 46 00:02:46,717 --> 00:02:48,608 anti-Castro demonstrators... 47 00:02:48,708 --> 00:02:50,129 ...braved fierce debating... 48 00:02:55,676 --> 00:02:57,552 Get dressed and meet me downstairs. 49 00:02:58,470 --> 00:02:59,471 We got work to do. 50 00:03:00,972 --> 00:03:02,349 - Now? - Now. 51 00:03:07,312 --> 00:03:10,440 The situation in Cuba is bad, and it's getting worse every day. 52 00:03:11,152 --> 00:03:13,568 There's a lot of rumors out there about the extent of our role, 53 00:03:13,652 --> 00:03:16,111 and whether it goes beyond what the president's admitting, and... 54 00:03:16,586 --> 00:03:17,739 those rumors are true. 55 00:03:18,486 --> 00:03:20,928 The Cuban rebels, they were armed and trained by our government. 56 00:03:21,003 --> 00:03:22,536 This is all gonna come out soon enough. 57 00:03:22,786 --> 00:03:25,956 The move against Castro was an Eisenhower program. 58 00:03:26,248 --> 00:03:27,416 Kennedy didn't support it, 59 00:03:27,499 --> 00:03:29,386 but he also didn't have the guts to pull the plug. 60 00:03:30,168 --> 00:03:32,713 - Sound familiar? - He tried to play the middle, 61 00:03:33,380 --> 00:03:35,436 and he ended up with egg on his face in Cuba. 62 00:03:36,091 --> 00:03:39,010 Same as he did with Gagarin and the Russians beating us into space. 63 00:03:41,597 --> 00:03:43,266 You woke us up at four in the morning 64 00:03:43,366 --> 00:03:45,434 just to tell us that the president is a coward? 65 00:03:46,476 --> 00:03:48,979 We woke you up to tell you that he needs a win. 66 00:03:49,896 --> 00:03:52,941 And he has decided that we are going to be that win. 67 00:03:53,389 --> 00:03:56,037 Gentlemen, he's willing to do whatever it takes 68 00:03:56,111 --> 00:03:57,446 to make this launch a success. 69 00:04:00,490 --> 00:04:03,118 Now, the administration has not decided when they're gonna announce 70 00:04:03,201 --> 00:04:05,954 the flight to the public, but chances are, it won't be until afterwards, 71 00:04:06,325 --> 00:04:08,373 once they know that Al has landed safely. 72 00:04:09,494 --> 00:04:12,753 Kennedy might have grown a pair, but they don't get big overnight. 73 00:04:13,670 --> 00:04:16,298 And, John, it's been decided that you're the backup for this mission. 74 00:04:17,001 --> 00:04:18,008 When do I go up? 75 00:04:18,800 --> 00:04:21,178 Your mugs, gentlemen. 76 00:04:28,852 --> 00:04:29,853 Two weeks. 77 00:04:44,201 --> 00:04:45,202 Oxygen? 78 00:04:45,494 --> 00:04:46,745 Eleven hundred. Go. 79 00:04:46,828 --> 00:04:48,205 Oxygen. Power? 80 00:04:48,530 --> 00:04:51,241 - Power. - Handle unlock. 81 00:04:51,833 --> 00:04:53,335 Capsule separated. 82 00:04:53,585 --> 00:04:56,755 Rate control. Pilot on manual. 83 00:04:56,995 --> 00:04:58,507 Yawing to the right. 84 00:04:58,799 --> 00:05:02,302 Roger that. You are go for retro sequence. Thirty seconds on my mark. 85 00:05:02,386 --> 00:05:03,439 Thirty seconds... 86 00:05:03,514 --> 00:05:04,721 Understand. Go. 87 00:05:06,014 --> 00:05:07,766 I have a red fire retro light. 88 00:05:07,850 --> 00:05:08,959 Do you copy? 89 00:05:09,100 --> 00:05:11,812 Can you confirm that you've got ASCS in fly-by-wire? 90 00:05:11,895 --> 00:05:14,606 I'm showing the spacecraft is tumbling. 91 00:05:14,683 --> 00:05:17,609 Should I be in retro attitude bypass? 92 00:05:17,734 --> 00:05:19,861 How long has that been on? 93 00:05:20,195 --> 00:05:21,780 Scott. 94 00:05:22,364 --> 00:05:23,949 - Scott. - Uh, just give us a second, Al. 95 00:05:24,074 --> 00:05:25,700 Thirty seconds down. 96 00:05:25,826 --> 00:05:29,538 Should I be in retro attitude bypass? 97 00:05:30,539 --> 00:05:31,706 Scott. 98 00:05:32,197 --> 00:05:33,552 Carpenter. 99 00:05:39,798 --> 00:05:40,829 Yeah. 100 00:05:41,174 --> 00:05:42,634 Were you in retro fire position? 101 00:05:43,760 --> 00:05:47,430 What the hell just happened? 102 00:05:48,139 --> 00:05:50,100 You weren't in retro attitude when we fired the... 103 00:05:50,183 --> 00:05:51,518 Then why the hell did you fire it? 104 00:05:52,215 --> 00:05:54,312 What is the point of having manual controls 105 00:05:54,396 --> 00:05:56,731 if the ground fires the damn rocket without me knowing? 106 00:05:57,352 --> 00:05:59,526 Well, Al, I thought we checked the attitude, 107 00:05:59,609 --> 00:06:00,652 but I guess we didn't... 108 00:06:00,777 --> 00:06:02,529 so, I'm going back through to check it... 109 00:06:14,541 --> 00:06:15,542 Shut it down. 110 00:06:21,199 --> 00:06:23,018 Why'd you stop it? 111 00:06:23,174 --> 00:06:26,469 Because you've been on it longer than anyone else, ever. 112 00:06:32,392 --> 00:06:33,560 What? 113 00:06:38,759 --> 00:06:39,858 I wanna show you somethin'. 114 00:06:44,237 --> 00:06:45,238 This is Jerrie Cobb. 115 00:06:46,791 --> 00:06:49,720 She's a famous pilot. She's one of the best in the world. 116 00:06:50,327 --> 00:06:54,039 And she's putting together a group of other pilots, all women... 117 00:06:55,071 --> 00:06:56,541 to train for going to space. 118 00:06:58,349 --> 00:07:00,545 And one of the other pilots is your mom. 119 00:07:02,255 --> 00:07:04,633 Wait, you're gonna be an astronaut? 120 00:07:06,085 --> 00:07:07,094 I hope so. 121 00:07:09,262 --> 00:07:10,597 Just like Dad? 122 00:07:12,766 --> 00:07:15,393 - What do you think about that? - You're really gonna do it? 123 00:07:39,000 --> 00:07:40,627 Lady astronauts. 124 00:07:40,961 --> 00:07:46,257 Astronauts. Ass-tronauts, if you will. 125 00:07:46,466 --> 00:07:50,971 They're recruiting a whole team of them. 126 00:07:51,112 --> 00:07:52,987 You know what? It might not be the worst idea. 127 00:07:53,273 --> 00:07:55,726 Why couldn't a woman go to space? 128 00:07:58,436 --> 00:08:00,438 Um, well... 129 00:08:00,730 --> 00:08:03,191 - Uh... - Menstruation, for one thing. 130 00:08:03,650 --> 00:08:06,778 I won't even let Margie drive the station wagon if I'm around. 131 00:08:07,153 --> 00:08:09,948 You should've seen what she did to the neighbor's mailbox last month. 132 00:08:10,031 --> 00:08:11,866 Imagine if that had been a Skyray. 133 00:08:12,450 --> 00:08:13,535 Boys. 134 00:08:13,618 --> 00:08:15,412 - Two scotches, neat. - Coming right up. 135 00:08:15,495 --> 00:08:16,746 - Send 'em down. - Yes, sir. 136 00:08:18,081 --> 00:08:21,376 - We need to talk. - Hi, Al. 137 00:08:23,920 --> 00:08:25,338 He never confirmed the attitude. 138 00:08:26,673 --> 00:08:27,966 You could have done it yourself. 139 00:08:28,341 --> 00:08:30,218 If you want me taking my cues from the ground, 140 00:08:30,301 --> 00:08:33,138 we both could use a man we trust on CAPCOM. Now... 141 00:08:35,098 --> 00:08:37,350 I have nothing against Scott, personally. 142 00:08:38,226 --> 00:08:39,978 But this is not his first screw-up. 143 00:08:41,312 --> 00:08:43,857 He's not ready, and you know it. 144 00:08:43,940 --> 00:08:46,484 Yeah... 145 00:08:46,568 --> 00:08:47,777 It's not my call. 146 00:08:50,739 --> 00:08:53,700 I'll run it up the flagpole. That's the best that I can do. 147 00:08:54,034 --> 00:08:58,621 Chris. 148 00:09:01,666 --> 00:09:03,126 There's something else we need to talk about. 149 00:09:11,051 --> 00:09:12,260 Where did you get this? 150 00:09:13,928 --> 00:09:16,389 John Glenn is not the only one who knows important people. 151 00:09:18,183 --> 00:09:19,184 He's been warned. 152 00:09:20,310 --> 00:09:21,561 He knows to stand down. 153 00:09:22,270 --> 00:09:23,313 Let it go. 154 00:09:24,814 --> 00:09:27,817 Chris... John is talented. 155 00:09:28,777 --> 00:09:30,195 He belongs in the program. 156 00:09:31,654 --> 00:09:34,365 But put yourself in my shoes. He's my backup. 157 00:09:35,575 --> 00:09:40,538 He'll be the one checking the straps on my seat as I load into that capsule. 158 00:09:40,980 --> 00:09:42,874 And now, I find out that he's been going around 159 00:09:42,957 --> 00:09:44,555 trying to stab me in the damn back? 160 00:09:46,377 --> 00:09:47,378 We took your side. 161 00:09:48,665 --> 00:09:49,673 You won. 162 00:09:51,132 --> 00:09:52,258 You're going to space. 163 00:10:02,811 --> 00:10:07,273 I'm a travelin' man I've made a lot of stops... 164 00:10:07,482 --> 00:10:12,821 ...All over the world, and in every part 165 00:10:12,946 --> 00:10:14,656 I own the heart... 166 00:10:14,739 --> 00:10:17,367 - ...Of at least one lovely girl... - Scotty? 167 00:10:19,045 --> 00:10:20,078 What's wrong with you? 168 00:10:21,191 --> 00:10:22,703 It looks like someone shot your puppy. 169 00:10:24,165 --> 00:10:25,166 I need your help. 170 00:10:27,043 --> 00:10:28,586 Al got me taken off CAPCOM. 171 00:10:29,504 --> 00:10:31,631 Demoted to flying chase. 172 00:10:34,968 --> 00:10:37,137 Well, I'm real sorry, Scott. 173 00:10:38,138 --> 00:10:40,348 John... you're connected. 174 00:10:41,056 --> 00:10:44,654 Everyone respects you. Gilruth, Kraft, James Webb, they'll listen to you. 175 00:10:44,727 --> 00:10:45,728 Shepard's right. 176 00:10:48,148 --> 00:10:49,399 You weren't prepared. 177 00:10:49,983 --> 00:10:51,693 Shepard's an arrogant asshole. 178 00:10:51,818 --> 00:10:53,444 - You, of all people, know that. - Maybe. 179 00:10:54,962 --> 00:10:56,614 But he is putting his life on the line here. 180 00:10:57,282 --> 00:11:02,996 ...When we walked in the sands Of the Waikiki and I held you, oh, so... 181 00:11:03,079 --> 00:11:04,247 I think you're a good man. 182 00:11:07,750 --> 00:11:10,253 Better than the rest of these guys. 183 00:11:13,840 --> 00:11:14,841 And, yeah... 184 00:11:15,930 --> 00:11:17,051 I think that matters. 185 00:11:18,678 --> 00:11:19,679 Or at least it ought to. 186 00:11:25,143 --> 00:11:28,313 - I told Rene how important it was... - ...being CAPCOM. 187 00:11:30,273 --> 00:11:31,774 She was proud of me. 188 00:11:32,400 --> 00:11:33,902 She's coming down here for the flight. 189 00:11:37,443 --> 00:11:38,968 I don't know what to tell her now. 190 00:11:42,118 --> 00:11:43,620 It wasn't just Annie for me. 191 00:11:46,706 --> 00:11:50,835 Whole world thought I'd go first. Still thinks, as a matter of fact. 192 00:11:51,753 --> 00:11:53,755 You know they're still taking bets in Vegas, right? 193 00:11:54,672 --> 00:11:55,757 Oh, yeah. 194 00:11:56,883 --> 00:11:59,135 I'm a two-to-one favorite, Scotty. 195 00:11:59,510 --> 00:12:00,511 Think about that. 196 00:12:06,142 --> 00:12:08,144 Can't just sit around crying, though, can we? 197 00:12:09,657 --> 00:12:12,756 And you definitely can't go grousin' up the chain of command. 198 00:12:19,322 --> 00:12:20,448 You're a Navy man... 199 00:12:22,659 --> 00:12:24,244 and I'm a United States Marine. 200 00:12:27,251 --> 00:12:29,582 So, what do you say we get our heads up and start acting like it? 201 00:12:33,211 --> 00:12:34,212 Yeah. 202 00:12:45,556 --> 00:12:48,018 Thirty-five hours! 203 00:12:48,309 --> 00:12:52,772 I got a rock and roll gal And she rock and rolls all the time... 204 00:12:55,066 --> 00:12:57,026 ...I got a rock and roll gal... 205 00:12:57,110 --> 00:12:58,945 - Did you get something? - I got one, thanks. 206 00:12:59,028 --> 00:13:00,029 Certainly. 207 00:13:01,614 --> 00:13:03,825 Evening, Major... Mrs. Glenn. 208 00:13:04,823 --> 00:13:05,827 Hello, Eunice. 209 00:13:06,869 --> 00:13:08,496 Hope you don't mind. I got you something. 210 00:13:10,748 --> 00:13:13,918 Saint Christopher... patron saint of travelers. 211 00:13:15,517 --> 00:13:17,755 Thank you, Eunice, that's... 212 00:13:18,464 --> 00:13:19,966 ...that is very thoughtful. 213 00:13:20,714 --> 00:13:22,218 We all know it's you, John. 214 00:13:23,469 --> 00:13:26,389 You'll be closer to the Lord than any believing man's ever been. 215 00:13:28,516 --> 00:13:29,851 Get Him to bless this, will you? 216 00:13:30,435 --> 00:13:31,436 Yes, ma'am. 217 00:13:37,191 --> 00:13:42,280 She's a nice girl. She, uh... invited me to a service at her church, so, uh... 218 00:13:47,201 --> 00:13:48,578 I know it's been hard for you... 219 00:13:49,996 --> 00:13:51,873 having to pretend. 220 00:13:53,791 --> 00:13:56,085 It'll get easier once everyone knows. 221 00:13:57,378 --> 00:13:58,379 I'm fine. 222 00:13:59,881 --> 00:14:01,132 It's really not so bad. 223 00:14:03,052 --> 00:14:05,734 But I do think I'm gonna go for a little walk. 224 00:14:08,765 --> 00:14:09,807 Love you. 225 00:14:10,975 --> 00:14:15,772 ...Took the rocket that dark, cold night The marquees read... 226 00:14:15,907 --> 00:14:17,231 I wonder what that's about. 227 00:14:18,599 --> 00:14:22,487 I know John puts on a brave face, but I think he's been hurt pretty bad 228 00:14:22,570 --> 00:14:23,571 since Al got picked. 229 00:14:24,322 --> 00:14:26,157 - Just like you? - Well... 230 00:14:26,699 --> 00:14:29,535 I know how disappointed you were, but you've handled it well, 231 00:14:29,619 --> 00:14:31,245 and that's why they picked you for CAPCOM. 232 00:14:33,539 --> 00:14:38,211 - Yeah. You should have a seat. Um... - What happened? 233 00:14:40,463 --> 00:14:44,884 I got a rock and roll gal And she rock and rolls all the time. 234 00:14:47,011 --> 00:14:52,683 And if she keep on rockin' I know she gonna lose her mind. 235 00:15:00,078 --> 00:15:02,110 Just got a stack of requests for press credentials. 236 00:15:02,649 --> 00:15:03,736 Three hundred of 'em. 237 00:15:04,070 --> 00:15:06,114 Kennedy's putting the launch on national TV live. 238 00:15:07,949 --> 00:15:10,952 - What? - Live TV? No shit. 239 00:15:11,035 --> 00:15:12,954 Has everybody in D.C. lost their goddamn minds? 240 00:15:13,037 --> 00:15:14,831 Hey! Take a breath. 241 00:15:15,998 --> 00:15:18,584 - You think this is the right choice? - It's the only choice. 242 00:15:19,460 --> 00:15:21,712 We live in an open society with a free press. 243 00:15:21,796 --> 00:15:24,029 We have to walk that walk now more than ever. 244 00:15:24,966 --> 00:15:29,303 This fight with the Soviets is about more than just science and bombs. 245 00:15:29,387 --> 00:15:31,207 - It's about... - A war of ideas. Sure. 246 00:15:31,389 --> 00:15:34,308 Here's an idea for you. We have no clue how many cosmonauts 247 00:15:34,419 --> 00:15:36,603 the Russians killed before they sent Gagarin back alive. 248 00:15:36,686 --> 00:15:39,397 You're right. I don't know how many tries it took the Soviets, 249 00:15:39,492 --> 00:15:41,372 but I know how many it's going to take us. 250 00:15:42,150 --> 00:15:43,568 Because I know our team. 251 00:15:44,003 --> 00:15:46,446 And I know we're better than whoever the hell the Russians have. 252 00:15:47,400 --> 00:15:48,669 And I know we're ready. 253 00:15:49,449 --> 00:15:52,201 I sure as hell hope you're right, 'cause if not, 254 00:15:52,326 --> 00:15:54,120 we're about throw Al the most expensive funeral 255 00:15:54,203 --> 00:15:55,288 in the history of TV. 256 00:16:06,132 --> 00:16:09,177 Well, I guess Kennedy's nuts are growing pretty damn fast after all. 257 00:16:10,261 --> 00:16:12,555 Let's just hope they don't get too big for his britches. 258 00:16:14,140 --> 00:16:15,141 - Yeah. - Can you tell us 259 00:16:15,397 --> 00:16:16,786 - who's goin' up? - Come on, boys, 260 00:16:16,861 --> 00:16:18,530 you know I'm not allowed to spill the beans. 261 00:16:19,223 --> 00:16:22,148 And you'll see him when he walks out of that hangar and gets in the capsule. 262 00:16:22,232 --> 00:16:23,609 - That's Daddy. - So, then what... 263 00:16:23,802 --> 00:16:24,984 what else can I tell you about me? 264 00:16:25,235 --> 00:16:27,079 It's been recently reported that a group of women 265 00:16:27,153 --> 00:16:28,279 will train to go to space. 266 00:16:28,696 --> 00:16:31,407 Well, what do you men think about the idea of female astronauts? 267 00:16:32,992 --> 00:16:37,163 Gordo has some strong opinions on this one, don't you now, Gordo? 268 00:16:46,130 --> 00:16:48,633 We sent up a chimp, didn't we? 269 00:16:48,841 --> 00:16:54,680 May as well send up a lady someday. 270 00:16:54,847 --> 00:16:57,558 The only problem is that the spacesuit makes you look kind of plump, 271 00:16:57,642 --> 00:16:59,143 and we know the gals aren't gonna like that. 272 00:17:14,534 --> 00:17:16,058 One more, please. 273 00:17:16,786 --> 00:17:18,350 Thank you very much. 274 00:17:18,425 --> 00:17:20,153 Uh, I'll catch up with you all, I just gotta... 275 00:18:06,502 --> 00:18:08,129 Clouds are getting lower in the west. 276 00:18:09,088 --> 00:18:10,340 It's a bad sign. 277 00:18:11,882 --> 00:18:15,511 - You're a weatherman now? - Pilots know clouds. 278 00:18:15,886 --> 00:18:17,763 Pilots think they know everything. 279 00:18:21,559 --> 00:18:23,978 You better show me some respect, Mrs. Shepard. 280 00:18:24,051 --> 00:18:25,656 I'm about to be a national hero. 281 00:18:27,940 --> 00:18:30,526 Once you're announced, 282 00:18:30,610 --> 00:18:32,903 I'll have to share you with the whole world. 283 00:18:34,530 --> 00:18:36,699 Does that bother you? 284 00:18:37,992 --> 00:18:41,621 I was thinking about when you asked me to that dance in college. 285 00:18:43,164 --> 00:18:47,293 - When you turned me down? - No. I mean... 286 00:18:48,252 --> 00:18:49,754 when you showed up anyway. 287 00:18:50,296 --> 00:18:53,007 You just... 288 00:18:53,550 --> 00:18:57,345 you just walked straight up to me, and started talking like you were my date, 289 00:18:57,435 --> 00:18:59,930 and I wasn't standing there next to poor old George Dietz. 290 00:19:00,014 --> 00:19:01,557 Oh, God. 291 00:19:01,641 --> 00:19:06,062 Well, old George might have minded, but you sure didn't seem to. 292 00:19:06,354 --> 00:19:08,189 Well, I did mind. It was rude. 293 00:19:11,067 --> 00:19:13,486 But I had never had anyone pay attention to me like that. 294 00:19:14,728 --> 00:19:15,821 I knew what I wanted. 295 00:19:19,492 --> 00:19:20,701 But you didn't have it yet. 296 00:19:22,244 --> 00:19:23,287 Just like right now. 297 00:19:24,705 --> 00:19:29,585 And that is when you are at your best. So, don't lose your focus. 298 00:19:30,294 --> 00:19:34,215 You're not in that capsule yet. 299 00:19:43,766 --> 00:19:45,494 Regarding the traffic in Cocoa Beach, 300 00:19:45,569 --> 00:19:48,114 which is already backed up as far as Merritt Island, 301 00:19:48,187 --> 00:19:51,232 and the sheriff's department expects it to get worse tomorrow. 302 00:19:51,440 --> 00:19:53,693 Crowds are already lining up for the launch, 303 00:19:53,818 --> 00:19:55,111 which is expected to... 304 00:20:09,625 --> 00:20:10,960 Now, why'd your folks decide 305 00:20:11,127 --> 00:20:12,128 to drive you all that way, Michael? 306 00:20:12,211 --> 00:20:13,413 Because I had a dream. 307 00:20:13,646 --> 00:20:14,963 What happened in this dream? 308 00:20:15,214 --> 00:20:16,757 Jesus Christ came back to earth. 309 00:20:16,882 --> 00:20:19,051 He was flying in a space capsule... 310 00:20:19,135 --> 00:20:20,778 That is a remarkable dream, Michael. 311 00:20:20,828 --> 00:20:25,057 Thank you. And that was Michael from Duluth, Minnesota, waiting for his... 312 00:20:27,393 --> 00:20:31,063 A little gift in anticipation of your great success. 313 00:20:31,335 --> 00:20:33,482 Courtesy of the Florida Growers Association. 314 00:20:33,858 --> 00:20:35,025 Thank you. Oh. 315 00:20:35,901 --> 00:20:39,071 Our hopes will be with you, Mr. Gilruth. You know, all of us. 316 00:20:39,530 --> 00:20:42,450 - The entire free world. - That's very nice of you. 317 00:20:57,173 --> 00:20:59,884 Yeah. Got it. 318 00:21:05,306 --> 00:21:07,933 - We've got storms up and down the coast. - How far? 319 00:21:08,309 --> 00:21:11,103 We've got one off the coast of Myrtle Beach, about 400 miles. 320 00:21:12,730 --> 00:21:15,133 - What do you think? - I think it's Florida. 321 00:21:15,733 --> 00:21:17,193 No one can predict the damn weather. 322 00:21:18,360 --> 00:21:20,946 We go tomorrow on schedule. 323 00:21:24,029 --> 00:21:25,338 At Cape Canaveral, 324 00:21:25,409 --> 00:21:27,828 the countdown began early this morning. 325 00:21:28,788 --> 00:21:31,874 Even if this experiment is a spectacular success, 326 00:21:32,124 --> 00:21:35,586 it will still leave the United States second to Russia. 327 00:21:36,045 --> 00:21:39,799 And if it's a catastrophic failure, there will be deep gloom 328 00:21:40,007 --> 00:21:43,677 compounded by the tragic loss, perhaps, of human life. 329 00:21:44,303 --> 00:21:47,890 We're told by President Kennedy and others who have all the facts, 330 00:21:48,307 --> 00:21:49,892 that we may well fail... 331 00:21:50,017 --> 00:21:52,770 - Oh. Hi, Rene. - Louise. 332 00:21:54,467 --> 00:21:56,899 You know Scott worked hard to get that job as CAPCOM. 333 00:21:57,569 --> 00:22:00,486 If NASA wanted to make a change, that would be one thing, 334 00:22:00,569 --> 00:22:02,988 but this was just Al throwing his weight around. 335 00:22:04,240 --> 00:22:07,910 Well, NASA isn't the one going up in that rocket, Al is. 336 00:22:08,273 --> 00:22:10,736 He doesn't miss a chance to lord it over everyone. 337 00:22:12,248 --> 00:22:14,959 But no one from NASA tried to stand in his way. 338 00:22:15,042 --> 00:22:18,295 - Why do you think that is? - Because they know Al's a prima donna. 339 00:22:21,215 --> 00:22:22,424 Scott wasn't ready. 340 00:22:22,842 --> 00:22:25,845 Maybe he left that out when he told you what happened. 341 00:22:26,262 --> 00:22:29,306 The truth is, he's never been ready for any of this. 342 00:22:33,394 --> 00:22:34,395 Look at you. 343 00:22:35,419 --> 00:22:37,986 You think you're so much better than the rest of us. 344 00:22:38,061 --> 00:22:40,651 But my husband, he's a good man. 345 00:22:41,443 --> 00:22:44,446 He wasn't the one that got caught with some tart in Tijuana. 346 00:22:49,608 --> 00:22:50,911 There were photos, Louise. 347 00:22:52,788 --> 00:22:54,957 And they would have been splashed all over the newspapers 348 00:22:55,124 --> 00:22:57,543 if John Glenn hadn't stepped in and cleaned up his mess. 349 00:22:57,626 --> 00:23:00,671 Al had to go crawling to him, begging. 350 00:23:04,800 --> 00:23:08,721 So, my guess is, my husband's not the only one leaving things out. 351 00:23:16,020 --> 00:23:20,024 You'll have to excuse me. I need to help my husband pack. 352 00:23:20,149 --> 00:23:21,442 He's going to space tomorrow. 353 00:23:48,145 --> 00:23:49,214 You proud of me, Lou? 354 00:23:54,058 --> 00:23:55,059 You know I am. 355 00:24:34,682 --> 00:24:35,683 Don't worry. 356 00:24:37,434 --> 00:24:38,435 He'll be fine... 357 00:24:42,022 --> 00:24:43,357 unless John kills him. 358 00:24:50,280 --> 00:24:52,658 Tomorrow morning, the first American 359 00:24:52,741 --> 00:24:56,912 will be launched into space, and the world still doesn't know who it is. 360 00:24:57,194 --> 00:24:59,540 The potential astronauts are traveling together 361 00:24:59,623 --> 00:25:01,542 to prevent a leak to the press. 362 00:25:02,167 --> 00:25:04,420 Will this end in America's finest hour... 363 00:25:05,504 --> 00:25:06,922 or tragedy? 364 00:25:11,552 --> 00:25:14,555 "Rescue units on the scene report that Astronaut Alan B. Shepard" 365 00:25:14,680 --> 00:25:16,890 "has perished today in the service of his country." 366 00:25:17,433 --> 00:25:19,935 "Like Christopher Columbus and the men with whom he sailed." 367 00:25:20,102 --> 00:25:24,398 "Astronaut Shepard undertook his mission knowing full well he might not return." 368 00:25:24,773 --> 00:25:28,027 "His sacrifice will live on as an example to his fellow Americans" 369 00:25:28,110 --> 00:25:29,903 "and free people the world over." 370 00:25:31,321 --> 00:25:32,322 Hmm. 371 00:25:33,699 --> 00:25:35,659 How about "heroic sacrifice"? 372 00:25:36,326 --> 00:25:38,245 Cute. But I'm not LIFE Magazine. 373 00:25:38,479 --> 00:25:40,622 This is strictly protocol, so just give me a yes or no. 374 00:25:43,375 --> 00:25:45,210 "Like Christopher Columbus." 375 00:25:47,659 --> 00:25:49,173 It's got a pretty nice ring to it. 376 00:25:50,517 --> 00:25:51,550 It does. 377 00:26:30,631 --> 00:26:34,176 Tough life, huh? Filet mignon for breakfast. 378 00:26:37,846 --> 00:26:38,847 This is a big deal. 379 00:26:40,516 --> 00:26:41,600 A day like today... 380 00:26:43,435 --> 00:26:45,646 a man's gotta think about what's he's gonna say, you know? 381 00:26:46,438 --> 00:26:49,525 You gotta have somethin' good, somethin'... memorable. 382 00:27:01,537 --> 00:27:03,372 There he is. How'd you sleep? 383 00:27:03,463 --> 00:27:04,498 Like a baby. 384 00:27:04,957 --> 00:27:07,251 Excellent. That's what I like to hear. 385 00:27:07,459 --> 00:27:09,372 This is just routine, Al. 386 00:27:09,628 --> 00:27:12,506 Unless we find anything abnormal, your launch will go as planned. 387 00:27:21,890 --> 00:27:23,600 Do you consider yourself a hero? 388 00:27:24,393 --> 00:27:29,189 No, I'm just a man who's ready to fly his mission, Doc. 389 00:27:30,149 --> 00:27:31,150 And your wife? 390 00:27:31,680 --> 00:27:34,153 She'll be watching today. Are you worried for her? 391 00:27:36,321 --> 00:27:38,657 Sixteen years as a test pilot's wife... 392 00:27:39,575 --> 00:27:41,076 Louise can handle just about anything. 393 00:27:57,426 --> 00:27:58,594 Good. 394 00:28:00,220 --> 00:28:01,680 Any intrusive thoughts? 395 00:28:06,268 --> 00:28:10,147 No, sir. Just a desire to leave this planet as quickly as possible 396 00:28:10,772 --> 00:28:11,773 and come right back. 397 00:28:26,175 --> 00:28:28,707 Every inch of the world has been picked over. 398 00:28:32,127 --> 00:28:35,214 This is my chance to be the first at something memorable. 399 00:28:37,174 --> 00:28:38,717 And I want it more than anyone, Annie. 400 00:28:45,515 --> 00:28:48,310 Shepard passed his physical. You're done for now, John. 401 00:29:33,438 --> 00:29:34,439 Well... 402 00:29:35,482 --> 00:29:36,858 beautiful night to launch a rocket. 403 00:29:41,780 --> 00:29:42,781 Cheers. 404 00:29:49,621 --> 00:29:51,040 - Got it? - Yeah. I got it. 405 00:29:57,921 --> 00:29:59,173 Feels about right. 406 00:30:00,202 --> 00:30:02,676 Yep. 407 00:30:06,513 --> 00:30:09,349 - How do they sound in Bermuda? - Testing now. 408 00:30:09,766 --> 00:30:11,810 Sequencing A1 recorders to minute speed. 409 00:30:13,937 --> 00:30:17,274 - Minute speed confirmed. - Flight copies. TC, this is flight. 410 00:30:17,681 --> 00:30:19,234 Standing by for your next item. 411 00:30:19,318 --> 00:30:20,777 - Tube. - Tube. 412 00:30:22,738 --> 00:30:24,323 Better? 413 00:30:25,032 --> 00:30:26,158 Yeah. 414 00:30:33,457 --> 00:30:34,458 Good. 415 00:30:55,145 --> 00:30:56,938 It just keeps comin', doesn't it? 416 00:30:58,690 --> 00:31:01,276 What idiot decided to put this outfit in Florida? 417 00:31:04,112 --> 00:31:07,491 We have two more storm fronts making their way along our coast. 418 00:31:08,241 --> 00:31:09,451 - But, Bob? - Hmm. 419 00:31:11,917 --> 00:31:15,290 We got a real solid shot at 30 good minutes right in between 'em. 420 00:31:16,458 --> 00:31:17,459 0800. 421 00:31:42,234 --> 00:31:43,777 You know the problem with oranges? 422 00:31:46,321 --> 00:31:48,240 They're delicate. 423 00:31:49,491 --> 00:31:51,243 One frost kills the whole crop. 424 00:31:53,453 --> 00:31:56,665 Scrub this flight. We go again in two days. 425 00:31:56,748 --> 00:32:01,378 But, Chris, if we get this wrong, the program is finished for good. 426 00:32:03,861 --> 00:32:06,177 You know the problem with playing it safe, Bob? 427 00:32:08,733 --> 00:32:10,095 You never know if you got it right. 428 00:32:13,710 --> 00:32:15,100 No, I'm not gonna be one of the seven. 429 00:32:16,184 --> 00:32:19,187 - No? - I'm gonna be the first man in space. 430 00:32:20,147 --> 00:32:21,484 Okay. 431 00:32:21,815 --> 00:32:24,568 To the space program. 432 00:32:24,869 --> 00:32:26,111 Time to go. 433 00:32:27,070 --> 00:32:28,947 - Here we go, boys. - Break a leg. 434 00:32:33,567 --> 00:32:36,079 The Russians are flying clear to the moon. You guys can't even get 435 00:32:36,163 --> 00:32:37,539 a rocket off the ground. 436 00:32:38,123 --> 00:32:40,000 And for this, you gave up your Navy career. 437 00:32:45,255 --> 00:32:49,301 Three, two, one, zero. 438 00:32:56,349 --> 00:32:57,350 Bad news, Al. 439 00:33:21,063 --> 00:33:22,777 I can't believe they scrubbed the launch. 440 00:33:22,877 --> 00:33:24,442 I think they scrubbed the whole thing. 441 00:33:24,792 --> 00:33:26,844 - Look, boys, the door's open. - The door's open! 442 00:33:27,923 --> 00:33:30,062 Hey, hey, hey, come on. 443 00:33:30,162 --> 00:33:31,792 Come on! Come on, let's go! 444 00:33:39,849 --> 00:33:41,874 - There he is! - This way. Guys, come on! 445 00:33:43,438 --> 00:33:45,649 - Quick, he's over here. - He went this way. Come on. 446 00:33:56,117 --> 00:33:57,118 John? 447 00:34:00,330 --> 00:34:03,959 - Hey. You're not supposed to be back here. - Secret's out. 448 00:34:04,545 --> 00:34:06,847 Some of the boys spotted Al in his flight gear. 449 00:34:10,479 --> 00:34:12,092 Sorry I didn't tell you, Loudon. 450 00:34:14,511 --> 00:34:16,471 Brass wanted me to keep it hush-hush. 451 00:34:17,415 --> 00:34:18,598 Well, I'm sorry, John. 452 00:34:22,143 --> 00:34:23,478 It really should have been you. 453 00:34:26,731 --> 00:34:27,816 Yeah. Well... 454 00:34:30,868 --> 00:34:32,737 I hope you didn't lose too much money on me. 455 00:34:49,921 --> 00:34:55,802 Some people say a man is made out of mud. 456 00:34:56,136 --> 00:34:59,514 A poor man's made outta muscle and blood. 457 00:35:00,056 --> 00:35:03,560 - Muscle and blood and skin and bone. - Muscle and blood and skin and bone. 458 00:35:03,852 --> 00:35:05,437 - A mind that's weak. - A mind that's weak. 459 00:35:05,520 --> 00:35:07,063 - And a back that's strong. - And a back that's strong. 460 00:35:07,147 --> 00:35:09,399 - You load sixteen tons. - You load sixteen tons. 461 00:35:09,482 --> 00:35:11,192 - And what do you get. - And what do you get. 462 00:35:11,260 --> 00:35:13,987 - Another day older and deeper in debt. - Another day older and deeper in debt. 463 00:35:14,362 --> 00:35:16,197 - Saint Peter don't you call me. - Saint Peter don't you call me 464 00:35:16,281 --> 00:35:17,991 - 'Cause I can't go. - 'Cause I can't go 465 00:35:18,206 --> 00:35:22,047 - I owe my soul to the company store. - I owe my soul to the company store 466 00:35:28,668 --> 00:35:29,878 Excuse us. 467 00:35:30,045 --> 00:35:32,380 Mrs. Shepard. 468 00:35:44,476 --> 00:35:45,477 I'm... 469 00:35:46,269 --> 00:35:47,437 I'm so sorry, Alan. 470 00:35:49,230 --> 00:35:52,233 If they could've just held their nerve... 471 00:35:53,693 --> 00:35:55,362 ...I'd be out in Grand Bahama right now. 472 00:35:57,864 --> 00:35:59,324 It's gonna take two full days... 473 00:35:59,407 --> 00:36:00,700 ...to recycle the fuel. 474 00:36:01,159 --> 00:36:02,911 There's not a cloud in the sky. 475 00:36:03,078 --> 00:36:05,872 And they're keeping me restricted to base now that everyone knows I'm the guy. 476 00:36:07,332 --> 00:36:11,086 I have a flight back to Virginia today. 477 00:36:13,296 --> 00:36:14,673 Did you hear what I just said? 478 00:36:15,423 --> 00:36:16,424 Can't leave. 479 00:36:17,394 --> 00:36:19,219 The press caught me. My name is out. 480 00:36:20,198 --> 00:36:21,638 I mean, how would it look if you weren't here? 481 00:36:23,515 --> 00:36:25,600 Now you're worried about how things would look? 482 00:36:31,147 --> 00:36:35,735 I don't ever wanna hear about your indiscretions from anyone. 483 00:36:38,655 --> 00:36:39,656 Do you understand? 484 00:36:42,992 --> 00:36:45,620 Weezy... 485 00:36:47,163 --> 00:36:49,416 Lou, come on. 486 00:36:49,624 --> 00:36:50,667 - Just... - No. 487 00:36:53,169 --> 00:36:55,922 I mean, there were photos, Alan? 488 00:36:59,146 --> 00:37:02,439 Is it true that they would have been in the papers 489 00:37:02,929 --> 00:37:04,764 if John hadn't fixed it? 490 00:37:06,349 --> 00:37:07,517 Oh, my God. 491 00:37:10,979 --> 00:37:13,189 What if our girls had seen that? 492 00:37:21,781 --> 00:37:24,367 I love you, Alan. 493 00:37:25,193 --> 00:37:26,995 I'm not gonna go through this again. 494 00:37:29,289 --> 00:37:33,209 I can't just sit back and... smile, 495 00:37:33,418 --> 00:37:35,670 and pretend to be your perfect little wife. 496 00:37:38,965 --> 00:37:40,091 I'm going back home. 497 00:38:14,819 --> 00:38:16,127 I know it's a drag, Al. 498 00:38:17,504 --> 00:38:18,588 I'd be mad, too. 499 00:38:24,147 --> 00:38:25,487 - Where are you going? - Out. 500 00:38:27,673 --> 00:38:28,682 We're supposed to lay low. 501 00:38:34,687 --> 00:38:36,856 - I need some air. - We're supposed to stay together. 502 00:38:37,649 --> 00:38:40,819 I don't like it any more than you do, but those are our marching orders. 503 00:38:40,902 --> 00:38:42,487 Al, I am your backup. 504 00:38:45,240 --> 00:38:47,659 There's a thousand reporters out there. Where would we even go? 505 00:39:03,854 --> 00:39:05,677 Well, it's peaceful up here. I'll give you that. 506 00:39:10,936 --> 00:39:13,161 You know, when I was a kid, we had a grain elevator 507 00:39:13,265 --> 00:39:14,978 next to the tracks in our town. 508 00:39:16,437 --> 00:39:19,023 It was the tallest thing around for miles, and I used to, uh... 509 00:39:19,941 --> 00:39:22,161 I used to go up there sometimes when I needed to think. 510 00:39:23,336 --> 00:39:24,612 You know, everything looked so... 511 00:39:26,258 --> 00:39:28,074 orderly from that height, you know? 512 00:39:28,825 --> 00:39:29,826 It all made sense. 513 00:39:33,371 --> 00:39:34,831 And whenever I'm feeling put out... 514 00:39:36,666 --> 00:39:37,959 I just have to remember that... 515 00:39:39,794 --> 00:39:40,920 it's just God's plan. 516 00:39:42,922 --> 00:39:43,923 All of it. 517 00:39:46,033 --> 00:39:47,969 You just weren't meant to go up today, that's all. 518 00:39:52,323 --> 00:39:54,392 What do you think, John? You think it was God's plan 519 00:39:54,475 --> 00:39:55,657 for you to send those letters? 520 00:40:03,318 --> 00:40:04,777 You know, you're a great pilot, Al. 521 00:40:07,484 --> 00:40:09,829 But I didn't write a thing in those letters that isn't true. 522 00:40:13,036 --> 00:40:14,537 You're not the right man for this job. 523 00:40:16,331 --> 00:40:18,124 And you wouldn't even be wearing that spacesuit 524 00:40:18,207 --> 00:40:20,444 if I hadn't saved your bacon in San Diego. 525 00:40:21,609 --> 00:40:23,546 Yeah, but that wasn't enough for you, was it, John? 526 00:40:24,464 --> 00:40:25,465 To help me. 527 00:40:26,591 --> 00:40:28,509 No, you had to make sure everyone knew about it. 528 00:40:28,826 --> 00:40:31,051 That is exactly why no one likes you, John. 529 00:40:31,377 --> 00:40:34,724 You're a miserable, sanctimonious ass, and it came back to bite you. 530 00:40:35,350 --> 00:40:37,602 That's why I'm going up and you're not. 531 00:40:40,772 --> 00:40:42,732 You really think anybody likes you, Al? 532 00:40:46,736 --> 00:40:48,529 I mean, sure, you won that vote, but... 533 00:40:49,989 --> 00:40:51,491 it had nothing to do with affection. 534 00:40:54,577 --> 00:40:58,206 People may not like me, John... but they do wanna be me. 535 00:40:59,720 --> 00:41:00,820 I don't wanna be you. 536 00:41:03,436 --> 00:41:05,054 You can't even admit it to yourself. 537 00:41:05,797 --> 00:41:06,798 But I know. 538 00:41:07,715 --> 00:41:08,716 You wanna hurt me. 539 00:41:09,842 --> 00:41:11,636 You want something bad to happen to me. 540 00:41:14,826 --> 00:41:17,824 And I bet you'd love it if I just stepped on over the edge there, wouldn't you? 541 00:41:18,351 --> 00:41:21,104 Took a little swan dive onto the cement? Of course, you would. 542 00:41:21,567 --> 00:41:22,647 'Cause then you'd be first, 543 00:41:22,730 --> 00:41:24,482 and that's all that really matters to you, John, 544 00:41:24,559 --> 00:41:26,693 no matter how much you praise the flag or you thump the Bible... 545 00:41:26,776 --> 00:41:28,111 - You're wrong. - Am I? 546 00:41:29,904 --> 00:41:32,949 This right here is the difference between you and me. 547 00:41:33,032 --> 00:41:35,368 I say what I want, and I do it. 548 00:41:35,458 --> 00:41:37,708 But you, John, you sneak around people's backs 549 00:41:37,808 --> 00:41:39,163 like a lying snake. 550 00:41:39,455 --> 00:41:40,581 - Al. - Have you got what it takes 551 00:41:40,665 --> 00:41:41,916 - to stand on the edge? - Al, step back. 552 00:41:42,000 --> 00:41:43,626 To be the goddamn hero that you keep talking about? 553 00:41:43,710 --> 00:41:45,169 - Al, get away from... - Hey! 554 00:41:48,047 --> 00:41:49,048 Have some guts. 555 00:41:49,882 --> 00:41:51,050 Admit what you want. 556 00:42:01,535 --> 00:42:03,938 I can find love for you in my heart, Al. 557 00:42:09,191 --> 00:42:10,319 I want you to know that.