Airport '77 (1977) Movie Script

1
- How are you, Mr. Stevens?
- How are you?
Good to see you again.
You better save some of
that film for the official opening.
It's gonna be a real wing-ding.
When was the house built, Mr. Stevens?
My father started it in 1916.
Took four years to complete it.
And whose idea was it to
turn the estate into a museum?
That's mine. I've always
wanted to have a place
where people'd come, and visit,
and rest awhile,
and look at beautiful things.
How long have you been collecting?
Well, let's see.
I guess I've been
collecting all my life.
I started out as a boy collecting
stamps. Then I sold them off.
Then I started collecting bicycles.
Then bicycles led to old cars.
Then one day I
saw this painting.
It was a Renoir.
I guess that did it.
That led to another, and
then to another, and to another,
and then, after all these years,
I felt it was time for
me to share my collection
with anybody
that might enjoy it.
Give it to the people.
Do you believe that your
prototype executive aircraft
will revolutionize both the private
and commercial aircraft industry?
I certainly hope so.
Mr. Stevens, will we be
receiving a list of the guests
who you've invited
down for the opening?
Yeah, you'll all get a
press kit before you leave.
What about the plane that's
bringing your guests down here, sir?
We're very curious about that.
You'll see the
airplane when it arrives.
I think you'll all agree that we
brought these guests down in style.
Dulles Tower,
this is 2-3-Sierra-Heavy.
We're out of
3,000 VFR for landing.
Emergency lights?
Off.
Beacon light off. Radios?
- Off.
- Okay.
All righty, gents,
she's all set for tonight.
Sorry I was late on
those boost pumps, Don.
Don't worry about it.
See you guys later.
Why'd you mention it?
He didn't notice.
Are you kidding?
Why the hell do you
think Stevens hires
a guy like him?
He notices everything.
Well?
How did it check out?
Beautiful, just beautiful.
She behaved perfectly, Stan.
She damn well better.
I spent the best part
of a year
ramrodding this project.
Well, now that Stevens
has got his dream machine,
you can go back to
that nice executive life
with the two-hour lunches,
a little golf in the afternoon.
I don't play golf!
No?
Besides, the job won't be finished
until we deliver this baby
down to Palm Beach tonight.
That's true.
You're not gonna light that thing, are you?
What? No, no.
I've quit smoking.
I'm quitting.
TWA flight 34 now
departing at gate 26.
Passenger Dupree,
please pick up the white courtesy phone.
All passengers holding tickets
on Pan American flight 10
should be on board.
TWA flight 36 now
arriving at gate seven.
Passenger Troutman,
please come
to the American
Airlines ticket office.
All passengers holding tickets
on American Airlines flight 12
should be on board.
How's it going?
Okay. You?
Okay, thank you very much.
Thank you.
I wonder which is worth more,
the cargo or the plane.
Well, at this point, it's a toss-up.
I'll bet...
that together they're equal
to the gross
national product of Texas.
Lafite Rothschild '45. I didn't
know there was any of that stuff left.
After tonight,
there won't be, Captain.
...tickets on
Pan American flight four
may proceed to
the boarding area.
- Julie, where's Eve? Do you know, love?
- She's in the office.
Thank you.
- See you later.
- Yeah.
My problem is a fear
of flying. What's yours?
What makes you
think I have a problem?
Well, we've been
living together longer
than most people
are unhappily married.
You think I don't know
when you have a problem?
I don't think you can
help me with this one.
I can't help you with it? I?
You forget that I am a pilot,
the symbol of strength and security.
Lightning may flash,
and thunder may roar around my plane,
but when the biggie
walks through the cabin,
and little old ladies
stop fingering their beads,
and sweaty palms
miraculously dry up,
because Gallagher
is at the controls.
No harm can come to anybody.
You tell me I can't help you.
Why don't you stop
talking and hold me?
I'm not sure I can
do two things at once.
- Will you try?
- I'll try. Yes.
- Listen...
- Yes.
Wouldn't it just be sensational
if, after the festivities tonight,
we announced that we
were getting married?
Mr. Stevens has asked me
to take over the Geneva office.
For a year or longer.
And I think I might like to try that.
Well, I could just get the job flying
the route from New York
to Paris to Geneva.
That'll be fine. I'll see you
once or maybe twice a week.
Yeah, I can't think of a more
solid basis for a happy marriage.
I've been through one divorce.
That doesn't make you unique.
Why can't we just
keep it the way it is?
No, no.
No, no, no, no.
Because I want a wife and children.
Not necessarily in
that order, but...
Well, until you make up your mind,
why don't you buy me lunch?
Yeah. You make more than I do.
We'll go dutch.
They've gone.
Good. Let's get moving.
We're behind schedule.
Thanks, Julie. Lisa,
I'm so glad you're here.
I didn't think you
were coming. Hello.
Me neither.
Benjy,
you remember Eve, don't you?
- Hi.
- Hello, Benjy.
You father's gonna be
so pleased to see you.
I wish the feeling were mutual.
I'm doing it for Benjy.
He wanted to see his grandfather.
Thanks a lot.
- You're just like your father.
- What do you mean?
- Stubborn! Stubborn woman.
- Oh, Eve.
Have you got everything, Dorothy?
- Yes, we have everything.
- Good.
Get these stowed away.
Hey, help me get these things
stowed away for takeoff.
Mrs. Livingston,
you look wonderful.
Tell me, is this plane as fantastic
as the newspapers say it is?
Come and see for yourself.
Well, what do you think?
It's magnificent.
Excuse me.
Dorothy, get comfortable.
And try to relax.
Have a drink.
It'll do you good.
Emily.
I hoped you'd be flying with us.
You're missing a fourth, Ralph.
She just arrived.
Come and sit down and join us.
Dr. Herbert Williams.
- How do you do?
- How do you do?
Gerald Lucas.
How do you do?
I'm delighted to meet you. I admire
your sponsorship of young artists.
Well, unfortunately, I don't
admire your printed attacks on them.
My reviews are
never meant personally.
Only a politician could
have said that better.
Don't worry, gentlemen.
I declare a truce on all art critics,
but only for
the duration of the flight.
Right now, the name
of the game is poker.
Five-card stud, $10 ante,
no ceiling on raises,
and nothing's wild.
Any objections, boys?
That's one of the nicest
pictures I've ever seen.
Did you hear that, Mommy?
Bonnie's class wrote to
Mr. Stevens about their painting,
and he asked them to pick
someone to bring it to him.
And they chose me.
Well, they couldn't have
made a better choice.
Flight service,
this is 2-3-Sierra-Heavy.
Any weather update since we filed?
Center advises heavy frontal
activity off the Gulf Coast,
continuing to build. Better keep
a pretty tight schedule, Captain.
Roger and out.
Ladies and gentlemen, may
I have your attention, please?
I'd just like to take
a moment of your time
to acquaint you
with our airplane.
You are now located
in the main lounge.
Aft of our main lounge area, we
have the communications center,
bedrooms, and the library
with conference facilities.
Below, down the center stairs,
we have our crew seating area,
cargo storage fore and aft,
and a complete galley capable of
preparing the most exotic of dishes.
Up the forward stairs,
we have a small office,
and, of course,
the flight deck.
If there are any questions,
please feel free to ask. Thank you.
Cessna 157.
2-3-Sierra, proceed to
runway one-niner right,
and hold for clearance.
Roger, Tower.
Stand by, 2-3-Sierra.
You're next for takeoff clearance.
Roger, Tower. Thank you.
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.
I'm glad you could join us
in the inaugural flight of the
Stevens Corporation's new airplane.
I wish I could be with you,
but as you know...
Who's that?
That's your grandpa.
Have I ever met him?
Mmm-hmm. Once when you were a little boy.
How little?
Oh, about like that.
In the meantime,
have fun and enjoy the flight.
Good evening,
ladies and gentlemen.
This is your pilot,
Captain Gallagher.
Mr. Stevens thought you might
like a plane's eye view of the takeoff.
We'll be getting
clearance momentarily,
So just sit back and enjoy
yourselves. Thank you.
2-3-Sierra, you're cleared for takeoff.
Roger, Tower. I understand.
Cleared for takeoff.
We're rolling.
How fast can this plane go, Mommy?
Fast enough.
Grandpa sure has a neat plane,
doesn't he, Mom?
Your grandfather has a lot
of expensive toys, Benjy.
Who's light?
Beauty is in
the eyes of the beholder
And that's what I want to do
Hold you in my life forever
And just keep on loving you
Beauty is in
the eyes of the beholder
So take
a special look and see
And just possibly
You'll see the beauty
That's in me
Come on! Come on!
Come on!
I won! I won!
I guess you're just
too good for me, Benjy.
My turn. I want to
play with Dorothy now.
Are they getting
the best of you, Dorothy?
I'm outclassed, that's all.
Come on, Bonnie.
Let's see if I can beat you.
It's already prefabricated.
It's ready to be sunk.
This will be the last to go.
Right.
It's more complicated.
And the crew's quarters?
Yes, because you're talking
about a 10-story structure
that's got to take the currents
and the stress of the sea.
The ocean currents and stresses...
I'll have to show you
the notes I made
in the last
meeting with the architect.
You men are so lucky.
I wish I had a hobby like yours.
A plan that can
harvest the seas for food
and save millions of
people from starvation
can hardly be called a hobby.
I'm terribly sorry.
I didn't mean to offend.
I can't imagine what made
me say a thing like that.
Oh, Martin, I do hope
you'll let me apologize.
For I do, I do, you know
that I do. I'm terribly sorry.
- Mrs. Wallace?
- Yes?
How's the party?
Party? What party?
Oh, oh. I found
a hobby of my own.
Philip Stevens collects art.
I have now become the
foremost collector of toy booze.
Wait till you see this.
I have a mini margarita
and a teeny Martini.
Aren't they cute?
This is just about your size, Martin.
Come on. Drink with me.
Thank you, but I'll leave
you to your collection.
- That was very good work, Frank.
- Thank you.
Very good.
I'll put it in with the rest of
the presentation. Excuse me.
Excuse me.
Excuse me!
Why do you
treat him that way?
He loves it.
You know how
concerned he is about you?
I'm concerned about him.
I'm more concerned
about him than you are.
You're the one who
seduced his wife, you know.
Yes, I know.
I'm lonely.
I need someone to be
nice to me this week.
Can you be nice
to me this week?
No, I don't think so.
What do you think that Martin
would say if he knew about us?
I really don't
think he'd mind. Do you?
Do you? I'm gonna ask him.
- Karen!
- What?
You're blackmailing me.
Well, who else have
I got to blackmail?
I don't get to
fool around that much.
See you on the ground.
No, we're right on schedule, sir.
I don't think the weather
will be a problem at all.
Oh, Eve Clayton just walked in.
I think she has
a message for you.
Just a second.
It's Mr. Stevens.
Hello, Philip?
Eve, how are things going?
Everything is fine.
Lisa and Benjy are here.
They're there?
Well, that's wonderful!
I don't know how you did it, Eve,
but I thank you a million times.
Oh, you don't have to thank me.
She decided all by herself.
Isn't that wonderful?
I'll see you at the airport.
- Bye.
- Good Bye.
Robert, get the car ready.
We're going to the airport.
And how about this?
Lisa and Benjy are
coming home with me.
How about that?
- By the way, Captain.
- Hmm?
I been thinking
about what you said.
Ah, so have I.
Well, can we arrange to meet
and talk about it in Palm Beach tonight?
Oh, I think that could
be arranged. Yeah.
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
We're right on schedule,
but we're gonna have to do something
about that
security guard downstairs.
Don't worry. When the time
comes, I'll take care of him.
Champagne on the rocks?
I haven't had that in years.
How did you know?
"Mr. Nicholas St.
Downs III. London 1936."
I don't believe it.
It is Nicky!
I don't believe it!
After all these years,
and you turn up here.
Where have you been?
London, mostly.
And you know Philip?
It's hard to work
in the world of art
and the world of
money and not know him.
And which world is yours?
Some of both.
I arrange financing
for a number of museums,
and I've acquired
a modest collection of my own.
Would you care to see the
present I'm taking to the museum?
I certainly would.
I don't know what I'd do
if you'd said no.
- There.
- Oh, how beautiful.
Nicky, it is good to see you.
Captain?
We have a low reading
for the middle cargo hold.
It is low.
Tag it. Maybe one of
the sensors is out.
I'll have Buchek
take a look at it.
Yeah?
Mr. Buchek? It's for you
Yeah. Yeah.
I hear this is a very
special day for you, Eddie.
You know what the doctor said?
It's gonna be twins.
Yeah, I'll check it
out right away. Eddie.
Twins! You must be nervous.
No. Terrified.
It's the first time.
I see. Have you seen
Mr. Stevens' daughter?
She was upstairs in the office.
I sent her a drink.
- Oh. Thanks, Eddie.
- Listen.
You mind if I use
the phone to call my wife?
- Please do.
- Thank you.
Larry, would you take over for me?
Sure thing.
That's okay.
You shouldn't be down here, son.
That's all right, Hunter.
Hi, Benjy, how are you?
Listen, close that hatch.
Why don't we check
the pressure on this one?
What was that?
My ears popped.
That's air pressure, Benjy.
See, each one of these holds
is airtight when it's sealed.
How come?
Well, so we can carry all kinds
of different things in the cargos.
This ship's special.
Captain Gallagher.
Yeah, it was the dumb
indicator light. It was stuck.
How's it reading now?
Good. Thanks, Stan.
Yeah, yeah.
Are you a real policeman, Mr. Hunter?
Sort of.
Have you caught a lot of crooks?
A few. But none lately.
If I come back later,
will you tell me about them?
Sure, Benjy. Any time.
Okay, Benjy...
Hup, hup, hup!
Lisa, Lisa. What's wrong?
It's the same old story.
My father calls, and I come running.
I think it's wonderful that you came.
He's missed you.
Two years is a long time.
I know that.
And in that time,
I've made a life for myself and Benjy.
I'm finally someone other
than Philip Stevens' daughter.
Well, I think all he ever really
wanted to do was to try to help you.
Eve, I know that.
My father's a very powerful man.
I don't think he realizes it,
but he tends to dominate
everybody around him.
Especially me.
But I'm going to tell him
that I'm finally living
my own life once and for all.
This is a very
important time for him.
Don't upset him, please?
I don't intend to upset him,
but I have to tell him how I feel,
whether it upsets him or not.
Lisa, I don't think you should.
Your father's very ill.
The doctors say he has a few months,
maybe a little longer.
That's impossible.
No, it's true.
I'm sorry, darling.
Oh, my God, Eve.
It's about time for me
to stretch my legs, Captain.
Right.
Did you try the caviar?
We've got 10 minutes.
The important thing is
to get Gallagher out of the cockpit.
Leave it to me.
It's the diving that's
the best part of it really.
You can't imagine it
if you haven't experienced it.
It's like exploring
a world that's been hidden
from man since the beginning of time.
It's beautiful, really beautiful.
I couldn't do that.
Water terrifies me.
It shouldn't.
It's wonderful down there.
In fact, it's about the only
time I ever really feel free.
Excuse me.
I don't mean to intrude,
but could you move your ass, dear?
Thank you.
That was very cruel, Karen.
If I weren't cruel, Martin,
how would people know how kind you are?
If I weren't such a sinner
how could you look like such a saint?
Isn't that why we're together?
If it isn't, tell me.
I'll stop acting like such an idiot.
Why should I, my dear?
You're so proficient at it.
- Forget it.
- What?
You hit him too hard. He's dead.
Come on.
Let's get him out of here.
Captain Gallagher.
Captain, this is the flight steward.
I'm in the bedroom.
You'd, uh...
You'd better come back here.
What's your problem?
It's one of the passengers, sir.
He seems very ill.
I'll be right there.
One of the passengers
is not feeling well.
Nicky?
There's no time for that.
Get down to the cargo hold.
How are we doing?
Fine. But get him out of here.
Time for us to duck under
the radar scan and vanish.
Flight 2-3-Sierra's about to
disappear into the Bermuda Triangle.
Something's wrong.
Here, you handle that.
You having problems with that repeater?
No, he's just not here.
I've lost contact with 2-3-Sierra.
Hang on a second.
They're in the Bermuda Triangle.
I'll try to contact them by radio.
2-3-Sierra, this is Palm Beach approach.
Do you read?
We can lose these now.
2-3-Sierra,
we have lost radar contact.
We're home free.
Another 20 minutes,
we'll be on St. George Island.
Any problem on that end?
No, why should there be?
The island's deserted.
The airstrip
hasn't been used since World War II.
We'll have to make the transfer quick
before any of those people wake up.
Relax. They'll wake up and find
themselves sitting on an empty 747,
wondering what happened to them.
2-3-Sierra...
We'll be halfway to South America.
Yes, I'll speak to Mr. Stevens.
Phil, Herb Corrigan.
This is the situation.
We have aircraft and ships heading
to the point where the 747 disappeared.
We should have some reports soon.
I'll be waiting right here.
You're welcome to join
us down here if you'd like.
We're monitoring the Coast
Guard's search as well as our own.
I'll get out there as quick as I can.
Thanks, Herb.
Navy Search Base,
this is Navy Search Three.
On station. Over.
Navy Search Three, this is
Navy Search Base. Roger, out.
Navy Search Base,
this is Coast Guard
Cutter Venture on
course to search area.
Navy Search One,
this is Navy Search Two.
Proceeding to sector Charlie. Over.
This is Navy Search Four
proceeding to sector Delta.
Negative sightings
in Alpha sector. Out.
Any chance of them spotting us?
Not a chance.
They're looking for us
where we're supposed to be,
and we're headed away from
them at 600 miles an hour.
I better help Banker.
East. Hear about thunder
shower activity in the east.
Thank you.
This weather front's going to limit
the air operation's effectiveness.
We need more ships in this area.
Get me CINCLANT Fleet Operations.
Aye, aye, sir.
Stays.
Oh, yeah.
What is it? What is it?
What the hell happened?
Jesus Christ.
Bonnie? Bonnie? Bonnie!
Bonnie! Bonnie, come on.
Oh, my God!
Face the rear of the plane!
What's happening?
Get anything solid behind your back!
You get down!
Get her down now!
Get down!
Back inside.
My God.
Jesus Christ,
give me a hand here.
Move it.
Get out of this. Move it!
Is it broken?
Yeah, I think it's broken.
Hey, kid, take it easy.
- Mommy!
- All right, honey.
Oh, my God, Bonnie! My baby!
Don't move her!
Don't move her!
Keep her still.
Oh, my God.
Oh, my God.
Look!
Look!
Look.
Look!
Oh, my God! Oh, my God!
Hold on!
Look out!
Don't panic.
The emergency lights
come on automatically.
Don't panic.
- Get the life jackets!
- No!
Forget the life jackets!
We can't open that door
without flooding the plane!
We're gonna drown in here.
Nobody is going to drown.
The plane is pressurized.
Have you radioed for help?
Radios don't work underwater.
But our course has been tracked on radar,
and they know
exactly where we went down.
What'll we do?
We're gonna run out of air before...
I said, "Calm down!"
Everybody.
Now, listen to me. People are
seriously injured, and they need our help.
Julie, you and the stewardesses
get pillows, blankets, sheets,
anything that will help the injured,
make them more comfortable.
- Where's that doctor... Williams.
- Williams.
Here, Captain.
Doc, when you get a chance, there's
a little girl back there
that's pretty bad off.
- Can you put a tourniquet on this man's arm?
- Yes.
You two, see if you can move that
piano over there. Give me your belt.
Goddamn it! How could you
let a thing like this happen?
How could you?
Stan, give me your belt.
- Don?
- What?
What in hell happened?
I don't know what happened.
But I'm damn well gonna find out.
You check the damage. Sir!
Would you hold this tight?
Every five minutes,
let it go and then do it again.
- Yes.
- Thank you.
Excuse me, sir.
I'm gonna need a little help.
Can you come with me?
Will you be all right here?
Of course.
Go with him, Nicky.
Thank you.
The children,
are they all right?
Yes, yes, they're fine.
Now, you just lie back
and let me take care of you.
Jesus, no! Where's Benjy?
- Oh, God!
- He's down below in the main cabin.
He is all right.
My God!
What's going on here?
- Look, Eve, we crashed.
- We crashed.
Yes, we crashed.
Now listen to me.
There's people down below,
and they're seriously injured,
and we've got to help them.
Help them? I'm too frightened.
Who the hell isn't frightened?
We're all frightened,
but we can't show it,
or we're gonna have
a panic on our hands.
Now, you listen to me.
Those people down below need your help.
So do I.
I'll try.
You'll do it.
Come on.
Go on down.
You'll be all right.
Oh, my God.
Okay.
Need any help?
Yeah. Help me get this
bastard into the office.
How badly is she hurt, Doctor?
She has internal injuries.
How extensive, I'm not sure.
Let's put her over here.
No leaks so far.
This ship is plenty strong,
but it was never built to withstand
this much outside pressure.
How long will it last?
Who knows?
Till the rescue units get here?
I hope.
Somebody help me.
Christ, Mr. Buchek,
I'm glad to see you.
My God.
Give you a hand with that.
It's gonna hurt a little, Eddie.
Hang on.
Easy!
I thought you said it was
only gonna hurt a little.
- You got a knife?
- Yeah, I got a knife. Here.
Take it easy, Eddie.
Take it easy.
Eddie, hold still.
This won't hurt.
I'm only gonna cut your trouser leg.
Hold still, please.
- Have you got it?
- There.
Oh, Jesus!
Oh, boy, oh, boy.
That ain't good.
Eddie, just lie as still as you can.
We need some help.
I'll try and get somebody up
here to help you right away.
See if you can find that doctor.
His pupil dilation's fine.
It's probably a concussion.
He should come around.
Mr. Crawford,
you keep an eye on him.
When he comes to, he's got a
hell of a lot of explaining to do.
Doc, you come with me.
What's the condition of the fuselage?
Doc, Eddie, the bartender,
he's back in the communications room.
His leg is all smashed to hell.
See if you can
help him out, will ya?
It's not good. I don't know how
long this thing will hold together.
Why don't we put on a life jacket?
How is he?
Okay.
I'm gonna need your help.
Will you come with me?
- Sure.
- Let's see if we can find a bottle of whiskey.
Karen, it's going to be all right.
I promise you,
it's going to be all right.
Don't leave me.
Just for a minute.
Just for a minute.
Just don't leave me alone.
But, Karen, there are injured
people here who need help.
Well, you're
supposed to take care of me.
I mean, what's going
to happen to me?
I'm sorry, my dear,
but the doctor needs me.
No, it's back aft there.
- There.
- Yeah.
There we go. Right here.
Let's see what
we got here now.
- Electric storage cell.
- No. Here we...
"Interrupt the service."
Here we are. CM-1, CM-2.
CD-1, that's it.
Okay.
Oh, my God.
Oh, boy, oh, boy, oh, boy.
Look at this.
It's cold all the way
to the top of the bulkhead.
It's completely flooded.
Better check the rear cargo holds.
Do you want some more water?
Yeah, please.
Okay.
Julie?
Yes?
I love you, Julie.
Here.
Steve.
Steve.
It doesn't seem to be flooded.
"Seem."
Let's hope you're right.
Looks dry.
Yeah, for now.
How long do you think she
can stand the water pressure?
Who the hell knows?
I just hope to Christ it
doesn't slide down any deeper.
Any increase in
pressure will crush
this fuselage like
an empty beer can.
And the lack of
a fresh air supply, oxygen,
it can become a very big factor.
Captain, the copilot's
regained consciousness.
Mama?
Yes, darling?
Is Bonnie gonna die?
No, love. No.
She looks real sick.
I know, but she's
gonna be all right.
You'll see. Come here.
Is that all of it?
Just about.
Just about.
Coastal Radar did have a fix on
us before the crash, didn't they?
No. We were too low
for radar interception.
It's very fortunate that you are
injured, you miserable son of a bitch!
I'd take you apart...
Get him down below
where we can
keep an eye on him.
Come on.
Son of a bitch.
What did you mean
about the radar?
Chambers flew us a couple
of hundred miles off course.
The search planes will never look here.
There's no chance they'll find us?
We're on our own.
And that is the total
situation as of this moment.
I'm glad you came down here.
I'll act as liaison between
my company and the Navy.
I'll bring Mr. Stevens up to date.
Phil, let's take a walk
and get some fresh air.
Do you think there's a chance, Joe?
The Admiral tells me that between
the Navy and the Coast Guard,
there are 20 planes
and six ships out there.
The area where they think the
plane went down has been covered.
Now, the search is
expanding outward.
So far, they've come up with nothing.
Phil, if there are survivors,
they're gonna find them.
My daughter and my grandson
are on that plane. You know that?
Here, I have a picture of her.
She's a beautiful girl.
She is.
I only hope that
there'll be a miracle,
and I'll have
a chance to see her again.
Just keep searching, Phil.
They'll keep searching.
Okay, go ahead.
Okay, I'm through.
Would you move, please?
Please move.
Hold on.
Julie, dear,
would you move, please?
Come on.
All right, I got him. Let go.
Take it easy on his leg.
How is he?
It's a bad fracture,
but I think he'll be okay.
You don't sound too sure.
Although there are
certain similarities,
this isn't my usual line of work.
You see, I'm a doctor
of veterinary medicine.
I look after the horses of
Mr. Stevens' racing stables.
Maybe we ought to keep that
to ourselves, Anne.
Whatever you say, Doctor.
This one. Where is it?
Here, right here.
Ah. Now, where's the E-15 circuit?
The E-15 circuit breaks right
through the bulkhead. Right here.
Oh, God.
I'll be right back.
- It's started.
- How bad?
Bad. Bad.
How're we doing here?
Take a look at 57W.
What's the matter?
Listen. Did you hear that?
No. I don't hear anything.
Everyone,
be quiet for a second.
Listen.
What's that sound?
Quiet. Quiet. Listen.
It sounds like a ship.
They're coming for us.
Oh, thank God,
they're coming for us!
It's gone.
It can't be.
It just can't be.
How could they leave us like this?
How could they?
I don't know. I don't know.
Lisa.
I know. Because
they never even saw us.
It was just a passing ship.
- They didn't even know that we were here.
- That's enough.
Nobody does.
I said, "That's enough!"
More than enough, Mr. Gallagher.
Goddamn mess we're in.
- Stan, I think it's time we took a crack at this.
- I got it, yeah.
Is she any better?
Her temperature's gone even higher.
Isn't there something we could do?
E-15. Here.
Let's see.
Yeah, that's E-15 all right.
Can that circuit be jumped?
Yeah, sure it can be jumped.
But that's not what worries me.
What worries me is
whether that bulkhead
back there can
withstand the pressure.
Stan, we have no choice.
If we don't try to get that door open
and a man up to the surface
to send a mayday signal,
they'll never find us.
Yeah, you're right.
Some choice we got.
Either we all drown,
or we all suffocate.
Come on.
Okay, everybody, quickly.
Please,
just settle down and
listen very closely.
I want you to know
what's gonna happen.
This is a self-inflating life raft.
It's got a small, built-in radio
that automatically activates itself
when the raft hits
the surface of the water.
It's gonna send a distress signal
to all of the units
that are searching for us.
On the surface of the water?
A lot of good that does us down here.
Well, you're right,
aren't you now, Mrs. Wallace?
I guess that's why we have to
get the raft out of the plane, isn't it?
There is one door that opens in.
That's in the rear cargo section.
We think we can
open it electrically.
Won't that flood the plane?
No, it won't flood the plane,
because there's a sealed door
between the cargo hold and here.
If the bulkheads don't give way,
then that's the only place
that's gonna be flooded.
I'll be in the hull with this oxygen
equipment, and if I can get the raft out,
get that damn thing up and inflated,
then the search parties will hear it.
That's about it. Let's go.
Captain.
- I think I should go with you.
- No.
Captain,
I'm an experienced scuba diver.
Two men have a better
chance of making it than one.
He's right, Don.
Okay, Mr. Wallace.
Go up in the cockpit,
and get another one
of these rigs and join us.
It's in the starboard locker up there.
You, get a couple of life jackets.
- Now, put that wire on the blue terminal.
- Okay.
How much more?
Not much. Just one more wire.
Nothing I say will
make any difference. Why?
Why?
Let the pilot go.
Why are you taking a chance like this?
I'm not doing this for the pilot, Karen.
I'm doing it for all of us.
We're us! We're us!
They're a bunch of strangers.
That's your problem.
You think everybody is us.
Can't you forget about other people
for once and think about yourself?
Other people thinking
about themselves has
got us here in the first place, Karen.
You've got a lot of brains, Martin,
but you're not a smart man.
Help me off with this?
Yeah.
Careful with that one.
You've got it.
Okay. Now...
I touch those two together,
and that should do it, right?
Yeah, that ought to do it.
Then we do it now.
Here.
Now, look, we have
a date tonight in Palm Beach,
so you take care of yourself.
I promise.
There really isn't much
more to say, is there?
Yeah, there's a hell
of a lot more to say.
There just isn't
time enough to say it.
You all set?
Get up against this bulkhead.
Stay as flat as you can,
because when that damn door opens,
you're gonna think
the gates of hell came open.
We've only got two minutes of air.
Here we go.
What's wrong?
There must be a short
in one of those damn wires.
Don't get too close to the door!
No.
Mrs. Wallace, come away from the window.
Come away from the window.
Close the window.
Lay her back.
Get her something to drink.
Frank, get something to drink.
Oh, look. He's made it.
Have some more.
Easy. Have another. Here.
Come on, drink it.
Take it easy.
Are you all right?
Okay, okay. Frank.
Okay, Frank.
Easy now, easy now.
Okay. Easy, Mrs. Wallace.
We have a beeper!
Navy Search Five,
this is Navy Search Base.
We have an emergency beeper
at coordinates 27 degrees north,
65 degrees west.
Proceed and investigate.
This is Navy Search Five.
Wilco, out.
Two hundred miles off course?
That's incredible.
What ships are in that area?
Agerholm and Cayuga.
But they're not part
of our operation, sir.
They are now.
Get me Admiral
James at CINCLANT Fleet.
And check the Coast Guard.
Aye, aye, sir.
Buchek, isn't there something
I can do to help?
How's your breast stroke?
- Mrs. Wallace.
- I have to leave.
Why? You don't have to leave.
If you open that door,
you'll be hurting a lot of people.
Please, don't...
Don't do that! My God!
Oh! Stop it!
Just get your hand off that door!
Mrs. Wallace, listen to me!
Stop it!
Someone help them!
Oh, my God! Oh! Oh!
Look at that.
Look, there it is!
Hey, looks like we got
a survivor in a raft.
Come on, baby.
Come on! Yes!
Yeah! Here! Here!
Give me a wag! Atta way!
Navy Search Base,
this is Navy Search Five. Over.
This is Navy Search Base.
Go ahead, Navy Search Five.
Have located aircraft at coordinates given.
One man in a life raft.
No other survivors sighted.
Aircraft is completely submerged.
Is the fuselage still intact?
Roger. Appears to be.
All right, I want this
to be a first stage alert.
Get me helos, scuba teams,
compressors, air hose packages, the works.
I want this treated exactly like
an emergency sub salvage operation.
- Aye, aye, Admiral.
- Get the Captain of the Cayuga
on a voice circuit
and patch it into here.
Aye, aye, sir.
Admiral, this is Captain Guay.
Captain, I'm sure
you know why I'm calling you.
Yes, sir. We've been monitoring
the emergency frequency.
We're prepared to
take that man on board.
Fortunately, we have
a UDT team embarked.
They're getting
ready for diving ops,
but we'll need additional
equipment and more divers.
What is your ETA at the scene?
Less than half an hour, sir.
Captain, I would like to
embark the aircraft owner,
Mr. Stevens, on Cayuga.
Do you concur?
Yes, sir, we'll be
happy to have him aboard.
Thank you, Captain.
Phil, we can get you out there
by helo immediately.
You too, Joe.
No. I'll be of more use here, Admiral.
They're gonna need the specs
on that plane's stress points.
Get Mr. Patroni
a direct line to his company.
After that, he'll need to be in
constant contact with Cayuga.
Aye, aye, sir.
This way, Mr. Patroni.
Don't worry, Phil. We'll get
that plane up. And in one piece.
Buchek!
We'd better move Dorothy.
We're going to have to move her.
Get her out of here. Get her to
the back of the plane quick. Move it.
Here, here, I got it.
Okay.
Hurry it up! Come on!
Easy, easy. Take it easy.
Sir. I have contact out there, sir.
Okay.
Lookout reports we have a
life raft off the starboard bow.
Come right. Prepare to
put a boat in the water.
Have a corpsman standing by
along with the frogmen.
Aye, aye, sir.
Right full rudder.
Right full rudder. Aye, sir.
Lower the stern ramp.
Ah! That's it.
Thanks.
Am I glad to see you guys.
Hang on. Here we go.
Get a line.
Raise the stern ramp.
Don't let it slip.
- Throw a blanket around him.
- Yes, sir.
- Stand by.
- Let's go.
Hustle, hustle.
Let's get down there.
Captain,
this is Mr. Gallagher, the pilot.
- Are you all right?
- Yes, sir, I'm fine.
What's the situation there?
Most of the passengers are still alive.
There's some wounded.
But that fuselage is gonna give way.
- Air?
- No good. They've been down there too long.
All right, we'll get
this rescue operation going.
Zamora, get him some dry clothes.
- Thank you.
- Captain.
Eve, Powers, come here.
Right.
Distribute those to the passengers.
One at a time.
They slip right on over the head.
Make sure they're secured tightly.
Here, Eddie.
As far as the other stress points go,
the factory says to watch out
for sections 5B and 9L.
- They can't take much torque.
- Right.
We're keeping
the line open at this end.
And, Don, I don't need
to tell you the risk factor
of getting the plane up in one piece.
It could split
wide open at any time.
Take care and good luck.
Thanks, Joe.
- My daughter and grandson...
- They weren't injured, sir.
We're gonna raise the plane with
salvage pontoons, Mr. Stevens.
It. Norris will lead the UDteam that will place them.
I'll go with them.
- You a diver?
- Amateur.
I'm not sure I can permit that.
Captain, your men don't know
the stress points of a 747. I do.
You attach one of
those salvage pontoons in
the wrong place,
that ship'll crack wide open.
Now, God damn it,
you need me down there!
Get this man into some scuba gear.
Aye, aye, sir.
Right this way.
- Grab the stern line.
- All right, I got it.
Stand clear of the air line.
Give me your hand.
Play it out easy.
Here you go, Bobby.
Here, hook it up.
Easy does it.
The main fuselage damage is
in the forward cargo hold.
We'll check that out first.
Can we get air to the passengers?
It's too risky.
You can't cut through that thin aluminum.
God knows what'll happen.
Okay, let's take off.
The captain's gotta be kidding.
He thinks we're gonna tie
some air balloons to that 747,
and it's gonna float
right up to the surface.
It's gonna blow up into a million
pieces like a bomb going off.
But they gotta try
something and quick.
Those people are gonna die
from lack of oxygen.
Don't bet on their chances
with this balloon routine.
All set, sir?
I'm ready.
All right, let's go.
Over the side.
There's divers out there.
They're coming for us.
What did he say?
Where? I can't see them.
Move over.
There they are.
They're gonna try
and raise the plane.
When they do, it's gonna be
like a tidal wave came through here.
Grab ahold of anything solid
you can get your hands on.
You in the back there,
grab ahold of that companionway rail.
Use your belts.
Strap yourselves in.
Doctor, get that child up here
by the pong table.
Move it. Come on.
Here, grab this. There.
Here's number one line.
Number two. Got it?
Okay, take it on down.
Captain Guay.
Go ahead, Norris.
The plane's leaking like a sieve.
Gallagher says it's now or never.
What about the weight distribution?
The plane's tail-heavy.
It's gonna come up at a steep angle.
Well, is there any way
to equalize the load?
No, sir.
All right,
then let's get those boats
out of the way, and let's do it.
We're gonna have to chance it.
Let's go.
Hold onto me, Dorothy.
Hold onto me.
It'll be all right.
It'll be all right.
The boats have pulled back
a safe distance. We can start.
Start the compressor.
This is the Captain.
Reduce the air pressure.
We can't afford to
lose another one of those.
Someone! Someone help me!
Benjy! Hold on! Benjy!
Oh, my God!
Benjy! Benjy!
Somebody help him!
I got him! I got him!
It's all right. Hold onto me!
Increase the pressure.
My God, look at that.
Get ready!
We made it.
We're gonna be all right.
Let's go!
They better get those people
out of there fast.
That plane can go down
as quick as it came up.
We're saved. You're going
to be all right, Dorothy.
Dorothy. Dorothy?
Let's go.
Take your shoes off!
We'll disembark in
the following manner.
The injured first, then the children,
women, then finally, the men.
Gimme the girl.
I'll help with the child.
I'll take the kid.
Watch out! Watch out!
Inflate your life jackets
before getting onto the wing.
Wait for the boats!
- Hurry!
- Over here!
Watch her head!
Okay!
Take it easy!
My leg!
I'm fine. I'm fine!
Put her over there!
Come on.
My leg!
Be careful. Be careful!
Sir.
Okay.
Let's go!
Get that man a life jacket!
Go!
Take that one off!
Hi, Frank.
Chambers is dead.
Get him!
Eve!
Eve!
Eve!
Eve!
The cockpit! Come on!
Cockpit!
I can't!
Stay there.
Come on!
Jump!
Grab!
Watch her head now.
Be careful.
Go on. Go on.
Benjy?
I'm your grandpa.
She's gonna be all right.
Thank you. Thank you!
Here, come on. Yeah.
Easy, Eddie, now.
Come on, Eddie.
Cold?
I'm warming up.
You better. You got a date
with me tonight, remember?
I love you.
I love you.