Unsinkable (2024) Movie Script
1
William, it's awfully late.
Women and children first.
At this time, we require
only women and children.
Secure your lifebelts
we're boarding now.
Come on.
You can do it.
Keep going.
Come on.
Tell Titanic,
we're making toward her.
So cold.
You'll be okay miss.
Good morning, sir.
Miss Malloy.
How bad is it?
It says here they're
towing her to Halifax.
Uh, Naval intelligence reports
of a private transmission
from the White Star Line.
She hit an ice field
in the North Atlantic
and sank within hours.
Survivors?
It's believed to
be less than a third.
There were over 2,000 on board.
Cancel your trip
to New York, sir?
No.
We'll prepare a resolution
authorizing an investigation,
and I will recommend
myself as the chairman
of the subcommittee.
I'll accompany you to New York.
You'll require my assistance.
Are you traveling
with anybody else?
Miss Malloy is
bringing the paperwork.
Are you sure that's appropriate
for the future president?
Does it bother you?
Of course, not.
People will talk.
Let them.
When can I expect you to return?
I have no idea, my dear.
The only thing I know
for sure is that people
need to know what happened.
The ship hit an iceberg.
Oh, I shudder to think what
those poor souls went through.
But, surely, it
was an act of God.
In my experience, there
are very few acts of God.
This is the man I
wish to speak to.
Sheriff?
Miss Malloy, meet Joe Bayliss,
Sheriff of Chippewa County.
Would that be upstate?
No, ma'am.
Oh.
Edith.
It's been almost a week
since I gave you that story.
And you come in here,
smelling like a chamber pot,
expecting payment.
I have it.
I have the story.
It's stale.
It's worthless.
What do you want
from me, Alaine?
You said $1 and a quarter.
I'll give you 90-cents for the
hooker story, but that's it.
I can't even use it.
What's this?
This is the ship that sank
with a bunch of rich people
that died?
Most of them were
poor immigrants.
What's the angle?
I don't know, Alaine.
Why don't you find it?
And write it in my name?
This isn't the time.
No, no, no, no, no, officer.
That's Senator Smith
in this motor vehicle,
so you're the one who's
going to have to back off.
We have to park here.
Off you go.
Thank you.
Now, please, tell me we
have the President's blessing.
Of course, we do.
Mr. Taft even sent gunboats
to escort the rescue ship.
Titanic's Chairman Mr. Ismay
sent messages asking for a ship
to return the officers
and crew to Europe.
I don't think they had plans
of even stepping ashore
in America, not even the docks.
You, sir, sir, sir, I'm
looking for a list. A list.
Mister Moss...
Samuel Moss. Can you help me?
Excuse me, excuse me.
...have to come through
Ellis Island.
No, sir.
I need to pass through.
No, no, not till
everyone's ashore.
Ah! Oh!
Watch your step.
Let me get that for you.
So sorry!
Musn't fall behind, ma'am.
Thank you.
OK.
Mr. Bruce Ismay?
For business with
the White Star Line,
speak to my agent, Mr. Franklin.
What's this all about?
Mr. Ismay, you've just
been served with a subpoena.
You're required to appear
before a special subcommittee
of the United States Senate.
No, sir, I'm not.
I'm a British citizen.
And I am William
Alden Smith, a United States
senator, chairman
of the committee
investigating the cause
of one of the greatest
maritime disasters in history.
The Titanic. Your ship, sir.
I must say, you
move very fast, senator.
Very well, you have
my cooperation.
I'll speak with you at my
very first opportunity.
10:00 tomorrow
morning, the East Room
at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel.
I'm sorry, Senator.
That's really not possible.
Mr. Ismay,
I have in my possession
copies of your
wireless telegrams
sent from this very ship.
It seems you were in a rush
to return your crew to Europe.
Excuse me?
"Titanic crew aboard Carpathia
should be returned home
earliest moment possible.
Stop."
"Suggest holding Cedric.
Sailing daylight Friday.
Returning in"...
I've done nothing illegal.
I think it most unwise to keep
titanic crew until Saturday
strongly urge sailing-
I have every right
to leave this country.
Very important
to hold Cedric for Titanic.
Enough!
Mr. Ismay, you and your
crew will remain here
until my inquiry is complete.
And you will give
the American people
an accounting of your actions.
I shall be contacting
the British ambassador.
You are welcome to
contact anyone you wish,
once you have stepped
ashore and placed yourself
and your crew at my disposal.
I will not be
treated like a child.
Perhaps if you were,
your seat on the lifeboat
would have been
more appropriate.
I find that remark
deeply offensive.
What is offensive is that
1,500 of your passengers
are dead.
Keine papiere, keine papiere.
I have no idea what he's saying.
Get back.
No, no, get back.
We're not finished with you yet.
I don't understand.
What have they done?
They have no papers.
Perhaps, they don't have any.
They're just lucky to be alive.
They could be steerage.
We can't let them
through with nothing.
You are correct.
They should be given food,
clothing, and a warm bed.
This is Senator
Smith, Chairman of the Senate
Investigative Committee.
We have our orders, Senator.
Yes, and they'll be
changing any minute now.
Find the Immigration
Commissioner
and have him get
this process moving.
Let these people in.
Good morning, gentlemen.
I'm Ambassador James Bryce
with the British embassy.
Lightoller, 2nd Officer.
A pleasure to
meet you, gentlemen.
I'm very sorry it is
under these circumstances.
Are we going home?
I'm afraid not at this time.
Mr. Lowe, is it?
Mm.
Gentlemen, please know,
this is not a trial.
This is merely an inquiry.
Yes, but it's being
held by the US government.
True, a senator from the
state of Michigan, to be exact.
Could it lead to a trial?
Trial for what?
We hit a bloody iceberg.
We are not Americans.
Explain how this is even legal.
To be honest, I'm not
exactly certain that they
have the right to detain you.
But Mr. JP Morgan is
concerned for his ships,
and the US Senate holds control
over all the American ports.
There is a frenzy of
interest out there,
and this man Smith is only
going to make it worse.
He's a political creature
with something to prove.
I understand.
But what exactly
does he want from us?
Accountability and
compensation for the victims.
Is that all?
Give them their compensation.
That's what I say.
Some of these poor devils
have lost everything,
and they had precious
little to begin with.
They'll only be compensated
if White Star and its employees
are found negligent.
Are you willing to admit
to negligence, gentlemen?
I'm sure you wish to protect
your own reputations.
Now the newspapers have not been
shy of touting your heroism.
As far as they're
concerned, your behavior
was all that could be asked
of men in your position.
In order to deem
compensation appropriate,
White Star would have to
be proven criminally liable
or at the very least reckless.
Is that not correct, Ambassador?
Indeed.
Yeah, indeed.
Therefore, we cannot simply
ignore our collective
interests, gentlemen.
I believe all we have to state
are the facts, of
which we have few.
Nothing more should
be expected of us.
I believe everyone
called for is present
for today's proceedings.
It is a formality that any
inquiry called on by the United
States Senate commence
with the reading
of a resolution particular
to the case before it.
Senator Newlands of the
great state of Nevada,
will you kindly do the honors?
"In the Senate of the United
States, April 17, 1912, that
the Committee on Commerce
or a Subcommittee
thereof is hereby
authorized and
directed to investigate
the causes leading to the
wreck of the White Star liner,
the RMS Titanic"...
"with a view to such legislation
as may be necessary
to prevent any
repetition of such a disaster."
"Resolved further that in
the report of said Committee,
it shall recommend such action
as it shall deem expedient."
Thank you, Senator Newlands.
Mr. Ismay, for the interest
of simplifying this hearing,
I'll ask you a few
preliminary questions.
First, state your
full name, please.
Joseph Bruce Ismay.
And your place of residence.
Liverpool, England.
And your age.
I shall be 50
on the 12th of December.
Are you an executive
of the White Star Line?
I am the managing director.
And as such executive, were you
officially designated to make
the trial trip of Titanic?
No.
Were you a voluntary passenger?
Yes.
Will you kindly tell the
committee the circumstances
surrounding your voyage
as succinctly as possible,
beginning with your boarding
of the vessel at Liverpool,
together with any
circumstances you feel would be
beneficial to this committee?
In the first place, I would like
to express my sincere grief at
this deplorable catastrophe.
I understand you
gentlemen have been
appointed to inquire
as to the circumstances
so far as we are concerned.
We welcome it.
We court the fullest inquiry.
We have nothing to
conceal, nothing to hide.
Please continue.
The ship was built in Belfast
by the Harland & Wolff Company.
Absolutely no expense was
spared in her construction.
You were saying.
I understand it has
been stated the ship
was traveling at full speed.
Titanic had never
been at full speed.
So far as I'm aware, she
never exceeded 75 revolutions.
She had not all her boilers on.
It was our intention
if we had fine weather
on Monday afternoon
and Tuesday, to drive
the ship at full speed.
That, owing to the unfortunate
catastrophe, never eventuated.
Can you describe what
you did immediately
following the impact?
I put my coat on,
made my way to the bridge,
where I found Captain Smith.
He said, "We have struck ice."
I asked him if he thought the
ship was seriously damaged.
He said, "I'm afraid she is."
I then went down
below, where I met
Mr. Bell, the chief engineer.
He was quite satisfied the
pumps would keep her afloat.
I went up to the top deck,
where I heard the orders
given to get the lifeboats out.
Ready the lifeboats.
Man your station.
Ready the lifeboats, young man.
Yes, sir.
I stood upon that deck
practically until
I left the ship
in the starboard
collapsible, which
was the last boat to leave
the ship, so far as I know.
You stated that it was a
voluntary trip on your part?
Yes, sir.
For the purpose of
viewing this ship in action
or did you have some
business in New York?
I had no business.
I simply came in the
natural course of events,
as one is apt to.
"As one is apt to"?
In the case of a new
ship, to see how she works
and with an idea of seeing
how we could improve on her.
Were there any other
executive officers
of the company on board?
No.
Was the inspector or
the builder on board?
There was a representative
of the builders,
a Mr. Thomas Andrews.
Was he among the survivors?
Unfortunately, no.
Mr. Ismay, as the only
executive aboard representing
your company, did
you have the occasion
to consult with the
Captain about the movements
of the ship?
Never!
Are you quite certain
of that, Mr. Ismay?
I... I do not know that is
quite a matter of consulting
him or if he's consulting me,
but we agreed there was nothing
to be gained by
arriving in New York
earlier than Wednesday morning.
But this was all arranged
before we even left Queenstown.
You spoke of the
revolutions on the early part
of the voyage.
Yes, sir.
These were increased as
the distance increased.
Bring out a new
ship like Titanic,
you naturally do not start
running at full speed.
Mr. Ismay, during
the voyage, did
you have any knowledge as to
your proximity to icebergs?
Did I know that we
were near icebergs?
That was the question, yes.
No, sir, I did not.
I know ice had been reported.
Ice had been reported.
Yes.
Did you personally
see any icebergs
or any large volume of ice?
No, not until
after the accident.
Not until after the wreck.
I had never seen an
iceberg in my life.
It was absolutely
out of my province.
I am not a navigator.
I was simply a passenger.
Are you aware of
a wireless message
received by Titanic from a troop
transport named the SS Amerika?
No, sir.
Saying that she
had encountered ice
in that exact same latitude?
No, sir.
Were you aware of
icebergs on Sunday?
On Sunday?
No, I did not know on Sunday.
I knew we would be in the ice
region that night some time.
That you would be
or that you were?
That we would be in the
ice region on Sunday night.
Did you consult with the
Captain about this matter?
Absolutely not.
Mr. Ismay, will you
describe in detail
the circumstances of your
departure from the ship?
The officer called out,
asking if there
were any more women,
and there was no response.
And none were left on deck.
As the boat was in the act of
being lowered away, I boarded.
As the Titanic was sinking?
Sinking, yes.
I'm sorry.
We're having trouble hearing.
She was sinking.
I must ask, were are all
the women and children saved?
I'm afraid not, sir.
What proportion were saved?
I have no idea.
I have not asked.
After a short recess, we will
be calling our next witness,
the Captain of the Carpathia,
to whom all the survivors
of the Titanic owe their lives.
Senator, I do hope my
testimony proved serviceable.
If I can be of
assistance in the future,
please do not hesitate
to contact my office.
Mr. Ismay, I wouldn't
advise making any plans
for the immediate future.
Mr. Smith, if you are determined
to continue with this
farce, I suppose there's
little I can do about it.
However, I shall be leaving now.
I'm not discounting the
gravity of this situation,
but I can assure you
my conscience is clear.
Do you know who that is?
Countess of Rothes,
first-class passenger.
This man
is a hero by all accounts.
I recommend this be
handled delicately.
He's a ship captain
with relevant experience,
and he was the first
one on the scene.
Please state your
name and title.
Arthur H. Rostron, Captain
of the RMS Carpathia.
I will start at the
heart of the matter.
I suppose you were
looking forward to sailing
to your original destination.
Thank you, Senator.
I hope I can be of assistance.
Will you
walk us through the events
leading up to receiving word
that Titanic was in trouble?
Of course.
It was Sunday around midnight.
We had fine, clear weather.
Everything was going on
without trouble of any kind.
Then at 12:35 AM, I was informed
of an urgent distress signal
from the Titanic, requiring
immediate assistance.
Informed by whom?
By a wireless operator
and the First Officer.
I'd only just turned in.
Please continue.
I asked the operator
if he was absolutely
sure it was a distress signal.
I asked him twice.
He assured me he was
certain of the message,
and I immediately set course.
I told the chief engineer to
call another watch of stokers
and make all possible
speed to the Titanic,
as she was in trouble.
I then sent for the
head of each department
and had them
brought to my cabin.
I ordered the rockets be fired
at 2:45 and every quarter
of an hour after to
reassure Titanic.
We would like you to
leave a copy of that order
with the committee, if you will.
Yes, sir, I shall
do it with pleasure.
Thank you, Captain.
You may go on.
At about that time, I saw
a flare off the port bow,
a half-point off the port bow.
I assumed correctly it
was Titanic herself.
I remarked that she
must still be afloat.
Between 2:45 and 4 o'clock
when I stopped my engines,
we were passing
icebergs on every side.
At 4 o'clock, I stopped.
And by 4:10, we had the
first lifeboat alongside.
You are picking
up these people now?
Yes.
Will you
describe that for us, please?
By the time
we had the first lifeboat,
it was breaking day.
And I could...
I could see the remaining
boats all around within an area
of about four miles.
I saw also that I was
surrounded by icebergs.
They were anywhere from...
150 to 200-feet
high and numerous smaller bergs.
I maneuvered the
ship and gradually
got all boats alongside and
all the people aboard by 8:30.
I was then very close
to where Titanic
must have gone down, as there
was a lot of hardly wreckage.
Then the Leyland Line
steamer Californian hove up.
We exchanged messages.
I told them the
Titanic had gone down,
that I had her passengers.
They asked if they
should search around,
and I said, yes, as we
weren't certain we could
account for all the boats.
It was then 10:50.
I'd like to go back again...
a little bit.
At 8:30, all the
people were on board.
I asked the purser to hold
a service, a short prayer
of thankfulness for those who
were saved, a short burial
service for those who lost.
Hallowed be Thy name.
Thy Kingdom come.
Thy will be done in
Earth as it is in heaven.
Floating, sir.
It was the only body we saw.
Was it male or female?
Male, member of
the crew, I believe.
Titanic's passengers were
still knocking about on deck,
and I didn't want to cause
any unnecessary excitement
or hysteria, so I steamed past.
Captain, can you tell
us how many lifeboats
you came across in total?
We had 15 lifeboats
alongside with passengers.
There was also a Berthon
Boat, which is collapsible.
It had been abandoned.
It was badly damaged.
It was in a sinking condition.
There was... there
was nobody in it.
It was empty.
How many people
could that have held?
60 to 75 comfortably.
Captain, have you
concluded that you did not
see the ill-fated ship at all?
We arrived an hour and a
half after she went down.
In your company, who was
the master of a ship at sea?
The Captain.
In absolute control?
Absolute control,
legal and otherwise.
No one can interfere.
And if that had not been so, you
would not have felt it proper
to have gone off your course
quite so far.
Correct.
Do you regard the
route the Titanic was
taking as entirely
practical and appropriate
at this time of year?
Quite so.
Even having the warning
that icebergs were
in the vicinity,
could he not under
the circumstances
have altered his course
somewhat to avoid them?
That's impossible
for me to tell.
All I can say is that
he was on the track
for the western-bound
steamer, his proper track
where he ought to have been.
At this time of year.
At this time of year.
So what would be a
safe reasonable speed
for a vessel of that
size on such a route
in the proximity of icebergs?
Well, of course, I
do not know the ship.
I know absolutely
nothing about her.
But how would
you have felt yourself about it?
Suppose you were taking
your ship on that route.
How fast would you have
thought it prudent to go
in such a situation?
All I can tell you
is this, gentlemen.
I knew there was ice about.
How did you know that?
From Titanic's message,
that she'd struck ice.
And, yet, you still
went full speed.
I did.
Captain Rostron,
how many lifeboats
do you carry on the Carpathia?
We carry 20.
In obedience
to certain regulations
of the British Board of Trade.
I think it's 20, yes.
The fact that,
under these regulations,
you are obliged to
carry 20 lifeboats
and the Titanic is only
obliged to carry 20
with three times the tonnage
suggests that these regulations
were prescribed long ago.
No, sir, it's
to do with the ship itself.
Uh, they're built nowadays
to be practically unsinkable,
and so each ship is supposed
to be a lifeboat in itself.
The lifeboats are put
on merely as a standby.
You say, Captain, that you
ran under a full head of steam
toward Titanic.
I... I can confess only this.
If I'd known at the time
there was so much ice about,
I should not.
But I was right in it then.
I also had to consider
what I was going for.
I'll tell you this.
Our wireless operator
was in his cabin,
not on official business at all.
He was simply listening
as he was undressing.
Another 10 minutes maybe,
he would have been in bed.
We would have
missed the message.
Remarkable coincidence.
Captain, if you take the case
of the Titanic, whose tonnage
was far more than that
of your ship, which had,
I believe, the same number of
lifeboats, in your opinion, how
many additional boats could
that vessel accommodate
without inconvenience?
I have not the faintest idea,
sir, what the Titanic was like.
I believe she's the sister ship
of the Olympic, which I once
saw at the end of our dock.
You think she could accommodate
considerably more, do you not?
If she could not
accommodate them,
she could be made
to accommodate them.
How do you account for the fact
that the Board of
Trade of England,
as the size of these
ships has increased,
has not compelled an increase
in the number of lifeboats?
The maximum, I believe,
is 20 boats, is it not?
Yes, I believe it is.
But they have compelled a
different design of the ship.
Captain Rostron, please confirm.
They consider the ship
itself as a lifeboat?
Yes, sir.
That expectation was certainly
not realized with Titanic.
I believe that is all, Captain.
I want to thank you
for your courtesy
in appearing before
this committee.
You're welcome, sir.
If there's anything further I
can do, I shall be very glad.
That's a good
first day, wasn't it?
Can I get you anything?
A drink, if you don't mind.
Outrageous!
That lifeboat was full of women.
I slid down that rope to
help them row to safety.
I felt it was my duty.
Major Peuchen, can you comment
on as to the recent activities
of Standard Chemical in Europe?
Oh, by the way, gentlemen,
anybody see my wallet?
Excuse me, excuse me.
Major!
Major!
Whiskey, please, Bushmills.
I'm sorry, ma'am.
This area is reserved
for gentlemen.
If you take a seat at
one of those tables,
I'd be happy to send someone
over to take care of you.
Would you prefer the Senator
come over so you could explain
why he's waiting for his drink?
Thank you.
Now one for the Senator.
DUCHESS ASCONTI Dear Senator,
I wish to applaud your effort.
Thank you.
However, if you want my opinion,
there are areas of
greater concern.
I'm sorry.
Have we been introduced?
Oh, forgive me, I am
Duchess Asconti Arese.
Mr. Senator, my concern is
with all those women being
let in without their husbands.
What is this law of the sea?
There were notable men on that
ship, worth more than a 100
of those immigrant women.
Why, Mr. Astor, for
example, are we not enjoying
his illustrious accommodations?
Hmm?
Senator, we all know these
people, how they arrive here
in America, unable to
speak the language,
illiterate as they are.
To ask some of the
fine men on that boat
to stand back while
those people are saved,
I think it's criminal.
What good will they be, a
burden to the state is all.
But who am I to say?
Who, indeed.
Good day, ladies.
Thank you.
I've had enough
opinions for the day.
Sir, it's about your
meeting with Mr. Ismay.
Media
coverage is to be expected.
Aboard the Carpathia.
Why would
Ismay want this in the paper?
I can't imagine.
This man, find him.
Excuse me.
Oh, watch your step.
Let me get that for you.
So sorry.
Musn't fall behind ma'am.
Give my regards to Mr. Morgan.
Harold S. Bride.
Mr. Phillips, the chief radio
operator, did not survive.
Mr. Bride, as the single
surviving radio operator
of the Titanic, were you aware
of any White Star officers
aboard the ship?
The Titanic was commanded
by White Star officers.
I understand.
But were you aware of
any general officers?
Any what, sir?
Any general officers
of the White Star Line?
We had heard Mr.
Ismay was on board.
But beyond that, I
do not know anything.
You knew of this man?
Yes, sir.
Did you see him
aboard the Titanic?
I do not think I did, sir.
Did he send or receive
any messages through you
during the voyage?
I believe there were messages
delivered from Mr. Ismay, sir.
Official messages?
They would have ranked
with us as official messages.
Did they have
to do with the direction
or speed of the ship?
Coming around from Belfast,
there were messages delivered
to Mr. Ismay regarding
the speed of the ship.
To whom were they
sent, do you remember?
The White Star offices at
Liverpool and Southampton.
And do you know what they said?
That the trials of
the speed of the ship
were very favorable.
Were there any other messages
for Mr. Ismay during that time?
I could not tell you.
We had too many to
remember them all.
If you received a
message for the managing
director of the
company, one might
think you would remember it.
Do you recall whether
the captain of the ship
received any messages
on Saturday or Sunday
from any White Star
official, regarding
the movement, direction,
or speed of the ship?
No, sir, he did not.
And how do you know he did not?
Because I
should have delivered it.
I saw the Captain's messages.
I was delivering
them for my superior,
the late Mr. Phillips.
But you were not on duty
the entire time during
those two days, were you?
No, sir.
So you cannot say with
any certainty that such
a message was not received.
Mr. Bride, were you
on duty when a message
was received from
the America warning
about the proximity of icebergs?
No, sir.
And did you talk to the Captain
about any messages
similar in nature?
There was a message
delivered to the Captain
in the afternoon,
sir, late in the afternoon.
Sunday, April 14th?
Yes, sir.
Regarding an ice field?
From whom, Mr. Bride?
From the Californian, sir.
I would like to know
just what that message said.
The Californian called
me with an ice report.
I was rather busy, just for the
minute, and I didn't take it.
She then transmitted the
ice report to the Baltic,
and I took it down.
So unable to reach your ship,
they attempted the Baltic.
It was about
half an hour after that.
They transmitted...
Why were they
unable to reach you?
I was doing some
writing at the time,
sir, the accounts of the day.
And the earphones
did not remain on your head
at the time?
No, sir.
So you continue your
work on the accounts,
if I understand you correctly.
Yes, sir.
And do not respond to
the Californian's call
for 30 minutes approximately.
It would have been somewhere
between 20 and 30 minutes.
I cannot say definitely.
Please
tell us the exact language
of that message.
It stated the Californian
had passed three large icebergs
and gave their
latitude and longitude.
They had passed
three large icebergs.
And did the Captain ultimately
receive this message?
Yes, sir.
And at no time did
the Captain go overboard
before when the ship sank?
No, sir.
He went down with the ship?
Practically speaking, yes, sir.
Mr. Bride, let's discuss
your communication with
another ship, the SS Frankfurt.
Do you know whether
her radio operator
spoke the English language?
There was no necessity
that he should understand
the English language, sir.
CQD is an international call.
And CQD means the same
in German and French
and the English language?
Yes, sir.
And is the international
code signal of distress.
Yes, sir.
It is recognizable by
all ship operators.
Mr. Bride, I want this report
to be as complete as possible.
So I need to know
why, having received
a message from the Frankfurt,
saying, "What is the matter?"
You did not respond,
"We are sinking."
You see...
"And our passengers and
our crew are in danger."
You see, it takes a
certain amount of time
to transmit all that
information, sir.
If he had understood
properly, as he ought to have,
CQD would have been
sufficient, sir.
That does not seem
to have moved him.
Well, he did not
know his business.
That is a rather
hollow point considering
how things turned out.
2nd Officer Lightoller, during
the voyage of the Titanic,
were there any tests taken of
the temperature of the water?
Tests are taken every two hours,
from the time the ship leaves
until she returns to port.
And do you know whether
these tests were made?
They were.
Did you make them?
Oh, no, sir.
Were they made
under your direction?
No, sir.
Then how do you
know they were made?
It's the routine
of the ship, sir.
So you assumed they were made.
Yes, sir.
But you cannot, of your own
knowledge, say that they were.
Not of my own actual
seeing, no, sir.
And these
tests are taken to ascertain
the proximity of icebergs?
No, sir.
So for what purpose
were the tests made?
It's the routine of the ship.
It's customary in the White Star
Line to do so every two hours.
And the information was
not communicated to you
directly after each test?
Not unless I ask for it.
And you didn't
think it necessary to ask
for it that night? No, sir.
You knew you were
in the vicinity
of icebergs, did you not?
Well, a temperature
is absolutely
no guide to icebergs, sir.
I did not ask
you that, Mr. Lightoller.
Did you know you were in
the vicinity of icebergs?
No, sir.
Did you know of a wireless
message from the SS America
to Titanic warning
you that you were
in the vicinity of icebergs?
Whether I knew it or
not, I was in no position
to alter our course, sir.
Mr. Lightoller, you must
have been painfully aware
of the fact that
there were not enough
lifeboats to care for that
large of a passenger list,
were you not?
Yes, sir.
And from what you've said,
you discriminated entirely
in the interest
of the passengers,
first the women and children,
in filling those lifeboats.
Yes, sir.
Why did you do that?
Captain's orders or
the rule of the sea?
Rule of human nature.
And there was no
studied purpose, as far
as you know, to save the crew?
Absolutely not.
And did you witness the
attempt to get women to enter
the lifeboats who would not go?
Yes, sir.
They were asking
their husbands to join them.
They all did.
No!
Stop it!
There's no room!
We can't.
It'll overturn the boat.
Why are you leaving us?
Looked like that
when I found her.
Who is this?
Richard Allen.
Alaine Ricard, Senator.
Pleased to meet you.
Would you see to
it that the witnesses
are made aware the inquiry
is moving to Washington?
No one goes home.
So, Alaine Richard, Richard
Allen, whoever you are,
I believe you know my
assistant, Miss Malloy.
I don't think we've
been formally introduced.
My question is,
what do you hope to accomplish
with this type of journalism.
I don't follow.
Does selling newspapers
outweigh morality?
Based on your appearance,
it is clear there
are others who take exception.
Were those not your words, sir?
That was a private conversation.
When you were reciting
Mr. Ismay's private telegrams?
Listen carefully.
Everything that I did
was perfectly legal.
I stand...
Good evening, Senator Smith.
Do you mind if I sit?
Allow me to introduce myself.
I'm Lucille, the
Countess of Rothes.
Good evening, Countess.
It's a pleasure to see
you again, Miss Malloy.
And who is this rather
battered young woman?
I'm Alaine Ricard, journalist.
Nice to meet you, ma'am.
It's
nice to meet you, Miss Ricard.
Senator Smith, I
understand you received
a visit from the
Duchess of Delitta...
What an awful woman.
We had trouble enough
without her ideas
as to the value of immigrants.
Indeed.
From what I hear,
the emigres aren't the only
ones being given a hard time.
Madame, we're just
searching for the truth.
If this had been an act of
God, then it would simply
have been a great tragedy.
But it was not an act of God.
I do understand, Senator.
But for those of us aboard the
ship, there is only one truth.
We had 10 minutes,
sir, 10 minutes.
Women and children first.
At this time, we require
only women and children.
Man your stations.
Where will we go?
Why are we being separated?
I won't leave without my family.
Ma'am, please remain calm.
If you're to stay on
the boat, you must
behave in an orderly manner.
This boat is for the women.
The men have their own boat.
To your lifeboat.
We're boarding now.
Mummy, why are we leaving?
Why is father not
coming with us?
Remain calm.
I won't need this anymore,
my dear.
I've spent my whole
life with that man.
I am not going to change now.
Mrs. Straus,
please, remain seated.
We'll be lowering shortly.
Where you go, I go.
The older couple, do
you know their names?
Straus, Ida and Isidor Straus.
I believe they have a department
store here in New York.
Macy's, 34th and Broadway.
Those are only a few
of the stories, Senator.
It matters less as to
who or what was at fault.
The crew was valiant.
Many more would
have been lost if it
weren't for their selflessness.
I do hope that is
being considered.
I would like to hear
more of these stories.
I only know my own.
However, I imagine anyone
who survived that night would
have quite a story to tell.
I know where they are.
I could take you.
I said this was not to happen.
They
are here on their own free will.
This is where the aid
remains, immigrant women who
lost their husbands,
in most cases,
the sole breadwinner
of the family.
Lily! Lilly!
You've been here.
Aboard Carpathia, we
had nothing but time.
As it turns out,
I'm not entirely
hopeless with needle and yarn.
I didn't know what
became of you.
Anyway, the other rescue
ship should be here soon.
Her husband, she's waiting.
We will return to
Washington and inform
Mr. Bayliss that his services
are no longer needed.
Oh!
Mm.
Oh!
I've kept up with
all of the papers.
It's going well?
Not as I'd hoped.
Come with me.
From an admiring public.
We were told not
even God can sink that ship.
Quartermaster Fleet,
stationed in the crow's nest,
was there anyone at a
higher point aboard Titanic?
No, sir.
You were the lookout,
the eyes of the ship?
Yes, sir.
And did you keep
a sharp lookout?
Mr. Fleet,
with your former employer,
the Oceanic, you were
supplied with binoculars
or field glasses, were you not?
Yes, sir.
And did you request
such from Titanic?
In Southampton, they said
there was none intended for us.
We could have seen
it a bit sooner.
How much sooner?
Well, I have had experience
with all manner of ships
afloat, sir, from the
schooner to the square-rigged
sailing vessel to the steamship,
all manner of ships afloat,
sir.
Major Peuchen, I fail
to see why you were so expansive
when you talked to the press
and so reluctant when you
appear before this committee.
Senator Smith, I have
told you everything I can.
If you care, you
can see my records.
They're complete.
Captain Lord, what was
the location of your ship,
the Californian, on
the 14th of April last,
the date of the Titanic sinking?
At what time?
At 6 o'clock
in the morning of that day.
We have not got
it down here, sir.
I can give it to you
at 9:40 and at noon.
Give it to me at 9:40.
42.47.
A little more
specifically, please.
42 North and 47 West.
Are you reading from the
log of the Californian?
The ship's log, yes.
What other entries
do you have in that log
as to your position
on that date?
At 6:30.
6:30 PM?
Yes, sir.
We had 42 degrees 5 and 49.10,
as having passed
two large icebergs.
And what is the next entry?
There is no position
given here, sir.
The next entry is 7:15 PM.
"Passed one large iceberg
and two more in sight
to the southward."
And where were you at that time?
There is no position
given here, sir.
Captain Lord, did you
attempt to communicate with
the vessel Titanic that Sunday?
Yes, sir.
At what time of day?
10 minutes to 11:00 PM.
And what was that communication?
We told them we were
stopped and surrounded by ice.
And did the Titanic
respond to that message?
Yes, sir.
I believe Titanic told our
operator they had read it
and to "shut up" or
"stand by" or something,
that they were busy.
That was Titanic's reply.
First-class were paying them
to send messages back home.
Instead of heeding
an ice warning?
In the lifeboats,
4th Officer Boxhall
and Quartermaster
Hitchins both said they
were rowing towards a light.
"On those living in the
land of the shadow of death,
a light has dawned."
Matthew 4:16.
Sir, I've read articles
where passengers
also spoke of a light, an
actual light, off the horizon.
It was the Californian.
The ice warnings from
Captain Stanley Lord
stated that they, too,
were surrounded by ice,
those very same ice fields.
There was a light within
15 miles of those people.
I understand that's the
type of story your readers
would love to hear.
But the negligence
aboard one ship
did not cause the
sinking of another.
I brought you this.
Are you reading from the log
of the Californian?
At the time you boarded
what would be your lifeboat,
did you say anything to the
Captain about entering it?
I never saw the Captain.
Then who, if
anyone, told you to enter it?
No one.
Why did you?
Because there was room.
She was being lowered away.
I thought the ship was going
down, and I got into the boat.
Sir Bruce, I don't
imagine history
will be very kind to you.
"I, Harold Godfrey Lowe,
5th Officer of the
late steamship,
Titanic, stated
that I fired shots
to prevent Italian immigrants
from jumping into my lifeboat.
I do thereby cancel
the word "Italian"
and substitute the
word immigrants
"belonging to the Latin races."
Major Peuchen,
I'm Alaine Ricard.
I'm curious, sir, as to
why you had so little
to say during your testimony.
Don't worry, sir.
I'm with the press.
You said your name was?
Alaine Ricard, Chelsea Courier.
Ma'am, I think we
all know the press
will well outlive this inquiry.
That's true, sir.
But you had quite a bit to
say prior to your testimony
and then, well, sir, nothing.
Understand, it was
simply formality.
It won't serve America
to persecute its allies.
How do you mean?
Bankrupting the White Star
or the ship's builder,
along with other fallout,
could cripple the
economy of Great Britain.
60,000 unemployed to
start, plus JP Morgan
has an agreement with
the British military
that would be nullified if the
bank were to seize his ships.
What agreement
with the military?
War, Miss Ricard, war.
Let's just say, I don't
believe America would
care to be stuck with the bill.
Or lose the political support
of the richest man in the world.
Mr. President, how are you, sir?
WILLIAM TAFOh, I can't complain.
But it seems Mr. Roosevelt
is enjoying a bit of a surge.
Massachusetts and New York
are still in your favor.
So far.
I understand you're
continuing with your hearings.
I am, sir.
I think that's enough, Smith.
We have to move on from
this Titanic circus.
You found all the truth
you're going to find,
and now you're doing
more harm than good.
There's no one to blame.
The dead are not complaining.
That's a bit insensitive.
WILLIAM TAFDon't you dare, Senator.
I had a close
associate on that ship
whose body was never recovered.
The President's military
strategist sightseeing
in Europe.
WILLIAM TAFT (ON
PHONE): Mr. Senator,
your words before the
Senate will determine
all the days that follow.
I recommend you
choose very carefully.
Ah, I was just trying to swim.
There was a man.
There was a lot of
them floating around.
And he got me by the neck like
that and pressed me under, eh,
trying to get on top of me.
I said to him, let go.
Of course, he was not paying
any attention to that.
But I got away from him.
God bless you.
Give me your hand.
Hello!
Someone, please, please,
give me your hand.
I cannot swim.
I'm going to die if you
do not take my hand.
Listen to me!
Please, I cannot live.
Please let me have your hand.
Listen to me!
Listen to me!
I need your help.
If you pull on this
boat, it will capsize,
and we will all die.
Calm down.
Do you understand?
Listen to my voice.
I need you... look at me...
to stay calm.
Do you understand?
I understand.
We are overloaded.
All right, all right.
But, please, I cannot live long.
I will not live long.
Some of them were
trying to get under feet,
and some fall into
the water again.
And some were frozen.
Two were dead and had
to be sent overboard.
Sir, sir, please, sir.
Give me your hand.
"Mr.
President, my associates and I
return the Commission handed
to us on the 18th day of April
last, directing an
immediate inquiry
into the causes leading
to the destruction
"of the steamship Titanic."
I know what I have to say,
but I hesitate to say it.
I never much liked the idea
of living in the White House.
Just tell the truth.
People don't want the truth.
They want someone to blame,
preferably someone alive.
All I have on Ismay is that
he wasn't gentleman enough
to go down with the ship.
Unfortunately,
being a coward is not a crime.
William.
The upper class were
loaded into those lifeboats
so carefully.
"Watch your step, ma'am.
Are you warm enough?
Comfortable?"
The less privileged
watched from the rail,
patiently waiting
their turn, terrified,
I'm sure, until they
were told that there
would be no more boats.
Imagine having to explain
that to your child.
"You will die
because we couldn't
provide a better ticket."
There was never a
general alarm sounded.
We know that there
weren't enough lifeboats.
And even those there
were, some of them
were sent away half-empty.
The lookout man wasn't provided
with the proper equipment.
The ship was moving too fast.
Luxury took precedence over
safety in every instance.
Even the radio
operators were too busy
sending messages for their
rich, well-tipping customers
to receive the
incoming warnings.
And when all was said
and done, a nearby vessel
slept through the screams.
There was one man who received
those warnings, Titanic
Captain Edward John Smith.
As he rubbed shoulders
with the rich and famous,
ships all around him were
stopped, surrounded by ice.
And he didn't even slow down.
The White Star's society captain
had been told that his ship was
unsinkable, and he believed it.
And, of course, our archaic
laws will do nothing
more than protect the corporate
interests at the expense
of those left in the water.
Is that what you'll
tell the Senate?
Very comfortable.
It's a good thing.
I heard this is
over an hour long.
Sorry.
NEWS ANNOUNCER (ON
FILM): Wilbur Wright
of the famed Wright
Brothers passed away
this week at the age of 45.
After tinkering with printing
presses, bicycles, motors,
and other machinery, he
and his brother Orville
successfully developed their
patented flying machine,
the first controlled,
sustained flight
of a powered
heavier-than-air aircraft
on a dry windswept
afternoon, four miles south
of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
Wilbur will be laid to rest
near his childhood home
in Montgomery County, Ohio.
The inquiry into the
sinking of Titanic
ended last week, with lawmakers
scrambling to overhaul
international maritime law.
"An attendant loss of life
so shocking to the civilized
"world," says Senator William
Alden Smith, the chairman
of the investigation.
"The goal is that
humanity may never
again have to experience
a senseless tragedy
of this level."
"Whether it be current
or future areas of travel
by sea, rail, or
perhaps even the skies,
the United States government
has done its duty,"
writes famed journalist
Alaine Ricard,
"and now lies in the
hands of the free press."
She goes on to say, "The
truth, no matter how difficult,
is how we move forward."
Through the work
of Senator Smith
and the brave rescuers and
survivors of the Titanic,
the event will now
live on forever
in the public consciousness.
Only a year and a half from
the creation of the Boy Scouts
of America...
I'm going to take a minute.
NEWS ANNOUNCER
have announced the formation
of the Girls Guide group.
Young girls from
around the country...
I hope you don't mind.
Miss Malloy told me
where you might be.
"Famed journalist
Alaine Ricard."
At your service, sir.
So what's next?
To Europe.
I believe that's
where the story lies.
Not sure the
British Board of Trade
is going to do much
to indict themselves.
You can count on that.
War is on our doorstep.
We uncovered that most of all.
They'll need you.
Thank you, Senator.
I should, um, get back.
WILLIAM SMITH
As the ship was sinking,
strains of music
wafted across her deck.
It was not the note of any
martial anthem that had,
in days gone by, led embattled
legions on to victory.
It was a more inspiring stanza
than that, a loftier and holier
melody, amid the anguish
and sublime pathos
of that awful hour that swept
through the compartments
of the sinking ship.
It was a rallying cry for
the living and the dying,
to rally them not for life
but for their awaiting death.
While almost face to
face with their Creator,
amid the chaos of that
supreme and solemn moment,
with inspiring notes, the unison
resounded through the ship.
It told the victims of
the wreck that there
was another world
beyond the seas,
free from the agony of pain.
And though with somber
tones, it cheered
them on to their untimely fate.
As the oceans closed
over the heroic dead,
let us feel that the
heavens opened for the lives
that were prepared to enter.
Father of the universe, what
an admonition to the nation.
The sounds of that
awe-inspiring requiem
that vibrated over
the ocean are drowned
in the waters of the deep.
The instruments that gave
them birth are silenced.
Why are you leaving us?
WILLIAM SMITH
As the harps were silenced
on the willow tree, if the
melody that was rehearsed
could only reverberate through
this land, "Nearer, My God",
"to Thee," and its echoes heard
in these halls of legislation
and at every home and fireside,
from the mansions of the rich...
to the huts and
hovels of the poor.
If we could be made
to feel that there
is a divine law of obedience
and of adjustment, end
of compensation, that
demands our allegiance
far above the laws that we
formulate in this presence...
Then from the gloom
of these fearful hours,
we shall pass into the
dawn of a higher service
and of a better day.
And then, Mr.
President, the lives
that went down on
this fated night
will not have gone down in vain.
William, it's awfully late.
Women and children first.
At this time, we require
only women and children.
Secure your lifebelts
we're boarding now.
Come on.
You can do it.
Keep going.
Come on.
Tell Titanic,
we're making toward her.
So cold.
You'll be okay miss.
Good morning, sir.
Miss Malloy.
How bad is it?
It says here they're
towing her to Halifax.
Uh, Naval intelligence reports
of a private transmission
from the White Star Line.
She hit an ice field
in the North Atlantic
and sank within hours.
Survivors?
It's believed to
be less than a third.
There were over 2,000 on board.
Cancel your trip
to New York, sir?
No.
We'll prepare a resolution
authorizing an investigation,
and I will recommend
myself as the chairman
of the subcommittee.
I'll accompany you to New York.
You'll require my assistance.
Are you traveling
with anybody else?
Miss Malloy is
bringing the paperwork.
Are you sure that's appropriate
for the future president?
Does it bother you?
Of course, not.
People will talk.
Let them.
When can I expect you to return?
I have no idea, my dear.
The only thing I know
for sure is that people
need to know what happened.
The ship hit an iceberg.
Oh, I shudder to think what
those poor souls went through.
But, surely, it
was an act of God.
In my experience, there
are very few acts of God.
This is the man I
wish to speak to.
Sheriff?
Miss Malloy, meet Joe Bayliss,
Sheriff of Chippewa County.
Would that be upstate?
No, ma'am.
Oh.
Edith.
It's been almost a week
since I gave you that story.
And you come in here,
smelling like a chamber pot,
expecting payment.
I have it.
I have the story.
It's stale.
It's worthless.
What do you want
from me, Alaine?
You said $1 and a quarter.
I'll give you 90-cents for the
hooker story, but that's it.
I can't even use it.
What's this?
This is the ship that sank
with a bunch of rich people
that died?
Most of them were
poor immigrants.
What's the angle?
I don't know, Alaine.
Why don't you find it?
And write it in my name?
This isn't the time.
No, no, no, no, no, officer.
That's Senator Smith
in this motor vehicle,
so you're the one who's
going to have to back off.
We have to park here.
Off you go.
Thank you.
Now, please, tell me we
have the President's blessing.
Of course, we do.
Mr. Taft even sent gunboats
to escort the rescue ship.
Titanic's Chairman Mr. Ismay
sent messages asking for a ship
to return the officers
and crew to Europe.
I don't think they had plans
of even stepping ashore
in America, not even the docks.
You, sir, sir, sir, I'm
looking for a list. A list.
Mister Moss...
Samuel Moss. Can you help me?
Excuse me, excuse me.
...have to come through
Ellis Island.
No, sir.
I need to pass through.
No, no, not till
everyone's ashore.
Ah! Oh!
Watch your step.
Let me get that for you.
So sorry!
Musn't fall behind, ma'am.
Thank you.
OK.
Mr. Bruce Ismay?
For business with
the White Star Line,
speak to my agent, Mr. Franklin.
What's this all about?
Mr. Ismay, you've just
been served with a subpoena.
You're required to appear
before a special subcommittee
of the United States Senate.
No, sir, I'm not.
I'm a British citizen.
And I am William
Alden Smith, a United States
senator, chairman
of the committee
investigating the cause
of one of the greatest
maritime disasters in history.
The Titanic. Your ship, sir.
I must say, you
move very fast, senator.
Very well, you have
my cooperation.
I'll speak with you at my
very first opportunity.
10:00 tomorrow
morning, the East Room
at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel.
I'm sorry, Senator.
That's really not possible.
Mr. Ismay,
I have in my possession
copies of your
wireless telegrams
sent from this very ship.
It seems you were in a rush
to return your crew to Europe.
Excuse me?
"Titanic crew aboard Carpathia
should be returned home
earliest moment possible.
Stop."
"Suggest holding Cedric.
Sailing daylight Friday.
Returning in"...
I've done nothing illegal.
I think it most unwise to keep
titanic crew until Saturday
strongly urge sailing-
I have every right
to leave this country.
Very important
to hold Cedric for Titanic.
Enough!
Mr. Ismay, you and your
crew will remain here
until my inquiry is complete.
And you will give
the American people
an accounting of your actions.
I shall be contacting
the British ambassador.
You are welcome to
contact anyone you wish,
once you have stepped
ashore and placed yourself
and your crew at my disposal.
I will not be
treated like a child.
Perhaps if you were,
your seat on the lifeboat
would have been
more appropriate.
I find that remark
deeply offensive.
What is offensive is that
1,500 of your passengers
are dead.
Keine papiere, keine papiere.
I have no idea what he's saying.
Get back.
No, no, get back.
We're not finished with you yet.
I don't understand.
What have they done?
They have no papers.
Perhaps, they don't have any.
They're just lucky to be alive.
They could be steerage.
We can't let them
through with nothing.
You are correct.
They should be given food,
clothing, and a warm bed.
This is Senator
Smith, Chairman of the Senate
Investigative Committee.
We have our orders, Senator.
Yes, and they'll be
changing any minute now.
Find the Immigration
Commissioner
and have him get
this process moving.
Let these people in.
Good morning, gentlemen.
I'm Ambassador James Bryce
with the British embassy.
Lightoller, 2nd Officer.
A pleasure to
meet you, gentlemen.
I'm very sorry it is
under these circumstances.
Are we going home?
I'm afraid not at this time.
Mr. Lowe, is it?
Mm.
Gentlemen, please know,
this is not a trial.
This is merely an inquiry.
Yes, but it's being
held by the US government.
True, a senator from the
state of Michigan, to be exact.
Could it lead to a trial?
Trial for what?
We hit a bloody iceberg.
We are not Americans.
Explain how this is even legal.
To be honest, I'm not
exactly certain that they
have the right to detain you.
But Mr. JP Morgan is
concerned for his ships,
and the US Senate holds control
over all the American ports.
There is a frenzy of
interest out there,
and this man Smith is only
going to make it worse.
He's a political creature
with something to prove.
I understand.
But what exactly
does he want from us?
Accountability and
compensation for the victims.
Is that all?
Give them their compensation.
That's what I say.
Some of these poor devils
have lost everything,
and they had precious
little to begin with.
They'll only be compensated
if White Star and its employees
are found negligent.
Are you willing to admit
to negligence, gentlemen?
I'm sure you wish to protect
your own reputations.
Now the newspapers have not been
shy of touting your heroism.
As far as they're
concerned, your behavior
was all that could be asked
of men in your position.
In order to deem
compensation appropriate,
White Star would have to
be proven criminally liable
or at the very least reckless.
Is that not correct, Ambassador?
Indeed.
Yeah, indeed.
Therefore, we cannot simply
ignore our collective
interests, gentlemen.
I believe all we have to state
are the facts, of
which we have few.
Nothing more should
be expected of us.
I believe everyone
called for is present
for today's proceedings.
It is a formality that any
inquiry called on by the United
States Senate commence
with the reading
of a resolution particular
to the case before it.
Senator Newlands of the
great state of Nevada,
will you kindly do the honors?
"In the Senate of the United
States, April 17, 1912, that
the Committee on Commerce
or a Subcommittee
thereof is hereby
authorized and
directed to investigate
the causes leading to the
wreck of the White Star liner,
the RMS Titanic"...
"with a view to such legislation
as may be necessary
to prevent any
repetition of such a disaster."
"Resolved further that in
the report of said Committee,
it shall recommend such action
as it shall deem expedient."
Thank you, Senator Newlands.
Mr. Ismay, for the interest
of simplifying this hearing,
I'll ask you a few
preliminary questions.
First, state your
full name, please.
Joseph Bruce Ismay.
And your place of residence.
Liverpool, England.
And your age.
I shall be 50
on the 12th of December.
Are you an executive
of the White Star Line?
I am the managing director.
And as such executive, were you
officially designated to make
the trial trip of Titanic?
No.
Were you a voluntary passenger?
Yes.
Will you kindly tell the
committee the circumstances
surrounding your voyage
as succinctly as possible,
beginning with your boarding
of the vessel at Liverpool,
together with any
circumstances you feel would be
beneficial to this committee?
In the first place, I would like
to express my sincere grief at
this deplorable catastrophe.
I understand you
gentlemen have been
appointed to inquire
as to the circumstances
so far as we are concerned.
We welcome it.
We court the fullest inquiry.
We have nothing to
conceal, nothing to hide.
Please continue.
The ship was built in Belfast
by the Harland & Wolff Company.
Absolutely no expense was
spared in her construction.
You were saying.
I understand it has
been stated the ship
was traveling at full speed.
Titanic had never
been at full speed.
So far as I'm aware, she
never exceeded 75 revolutions.
She had not all her boilers on.
It was our intention
if we had fine weather
on Monday afternoon
and Tuesday, to drive
the ship at full speed.
That, owing to the unfortunate
catastrophe, never eventuated.
Can you describe what
you did immediately
following the impact?
I put my coat on,
made my way to the bridge,
where I found Captain Smith.
He said, "We have struck ice."
I asked him if he thought the
ship was seriously damaged.
He said, "I'm afraid she is."
I then went down
below, where I met
Mr. Bell, the chief engineer.
He was quite satisfied the
pumps would keep her afloat.
I went up to the top deck,
where I heard the orders
given to get the lifeboats out.
Ready the lifeboats.
Man your station.
Ready the lifeboats, young man.
Yes, sir.
I stood upon that deck
practically until
I left the ship
in the starboard
collapsible, which
was the last boat to leave
the ship, so far as I know.
You stated that it was a
voluntary trip on your part?
Yes, sir.
For the purpose of
viewing this ship in action
or did you have some
business in New York?
I had no business.
I simply came in the
natural course of events,
as one is apt to.
"As one is apt to"?
In the case of a new
ship, to see how she works
and with an idea of seeing
how we could improve on her.
Were there any other
executive officers
of the company on board?
No.
Was the inspector or
the builder on board?
There was a representative
of the builders,
a Mr. Thomas Andrews.
Was he among the survivors?
Unfortunately, no.
Mr. Ismay, as the only
executive aboard representing
your company, did
you have the occasion
to consult with the
Captain about the movements
of the ship?
Never!
Are you quite certain
of that, Mr. Ismay?
I... I do not know that is
quite a matter of consulting
him or if he's consulting me,
but we agreed there was nothing
to be gained by
arriving in New York
earlier than Wednesday morning.
But this was all arranged
before we even left Queenstown.
You spoke of the
revolutions on the early part
of the voyage.
Yes, sir.
These were increased as
the distance increased.
Bring out a new
ship like Titanic,
you naturally do not start
running at full speed.
Mr. Ismay, during
the voyage, did
you have any knowledge as to
your proximity to icebergs?
Did I know that we
were near icebergs?
That was the question, yes.
No, sir, I did not.
I know ice had been reported.
Ice had been reported.
Yes.
Did you personally
see any icebergs
or any large volume of ice?
No, not until
after the accident.
Not until after the wreck.
I had never seen an
iceberg in my life.
It was absolutely
out of my province.
I am not a navigator.
I was simply a passenger.
Are you aware of
a wireless message
received by Titanic from a troop
transport named the SS Amerika?
No, sir.
Saying that she
had encountered ice
in that exact same latitude?
No, sir.
Were you aware of
icebergs on Sunday?
On Sunday?
No, I did not know on Sunday.
I knew we would be in the ice
region that night some time.
That you would be
or that you were?
That we would be in the
ice region on Sunday night.
Did you consult with the
Captain about this matter?
Absolutely not.
Mr. Ismay, will you
describe in detail
the circumstances of your
departure from the ship?
The officer called out,
asking if there
were any more women,
and there was no response.
And none were left on deck.
As the boat was in the act of
being lowered away, I boarded.
As the Titanic was sinking?
Sinking, yes.
I'm sorry.
We're having trouble hearing.
She was sinking.
I must ask, were are all
the women and children saved?
I'm afraid not, sir.
What proportion were saved?
I have no idea.
I have not asked.
After a short recess, we will
be calling our next witness,
the Captain of the Carpathia,
to whom all the survivors
of the Titanic owe their lives.
Senator, I do hope my
testimony proved serviceable.
If I can be of
assistance in the future,
please do not hesitate
to contact my office.
Mr. Ismay, I wouldn't
advise making any plans
for the immediate future.
Mr. Smith, if you are determined
to continue with this
farce, I suppose there's
little I can do about it.
However, I shall be leaving now.
I'm not discounting the
gravity of this situation,
but I can assure you
my conscience is clear.
Do you know who that is?
Countess of Rothes,
first-class passenger.
This man
is a hero by all accounts.
I recommend this be
handled delicately.
He's a ship captain
with relevant experience,
and he was the first
one on the scene.
Please state your
name and title.
Arthur H. Rostron, Captain
of the RMS Carpathia.
I will start at the
heart of the matter.
I suppose you were
looking forward to sailing
to your original destination.
Thank you, Senator.
I hope I can be of assistance.
Will you
walk us through the events
leading up to receiving word
that Titanic was in trouble?
Of course.
It was Sunday around midnight.
We had fine, clear weather.
Everything was going on
without trouble of any kind.
Then at 12:35 AM, I was informed
of an urgent distress signal
from the Titanic, requiring
immediate assistance.
Informed by whom?
By a wireless operator
and the First Officer.
I'd only just turned in.
Please continue.
I asked the operator
if he was absolutely
sure it was a distress signal.
I asked him twice.
He assured me he was
certain of the message,
and I immediately set course.
I told the chief engineer to
call another watch of stokers
and make all possible
speed to the Titanic,
as she was in trouble.
I then sent for the
head of each department
and had them
brought to my cabin.
I ordered the rockets be fired
at 2:45 and every quarter
of an hour after to
reassure Titanic.
We would like you to
leave a copy of that order
with the committee, if you will.
Yes, sir, I shall
do it with pleasure.
Thank you, Captain.
You may go on.
At about that time, I saw
a flare off the port bow,
a half-point off the port bow.
I assumed correctly it
was Titanic herself.
I remarked that she
must still be afloat.
Between 2:45 and 4 o'clock
when I stopped my engines,
we were passing
icebergs on every side.
At 4 o'clock, I stopped.
And by 4:10, we had the
first lifeboat alongside.
You are picking
up these people now?
Yes.
Will you
describe that for us, please?
By the time
we had the first lifeboat,
it was breaking day.
And I could...
I could see the remaining
boats all around within an area
of about four miles.
I saw also that I was
surrounded by icebergs.
They were anywhere from...
150 to 200-feet
high and numerous smaller bergs.
I maneuvered the
ship and gradually
got all boats alongside and
all the people aboard by 8:30.
I was then very close
to where Titanic
must have gone down, as there
was a lot of hardly wreckage.
Then the Leyland Line
steamer Californian hove up.
We exchanged messages.
I told them the
Titanic had gone down,
that I had her passengers.
They asked if they
should search around,
and I said, yes, as we
weren't certain we could
account for all the boats.
It was then 10:50.
I'd like to go back again...
a little bit.
At 8:30, all the
people were on board.
I asked the purser to hold
a service, a short prayer
of thankfulness for those who
were saved, a short burial
service for those who lost.
Hallowed be Thy name.
Thy Kingdom come.
Thy will be done in
Earth as it is in heaven.
Floating, sir.
It was the only body we saw.
Was it male or female?
Male, member of
the crew, I believe.
Titanic's passengers were
still knocking about on deck,
and I didn't want to cause
any unnecessary excitement
or hysteria, so I steamed past.
Captain, can you tell
us how many lifeboats
you came across in total?
We had 15 lifeboats
alongside with passengers.
There was also a Berthon
Boat, which is collapsible.
It had been abandoned.
It was badly damaged.
It was in a sinking condition.
There was... there
was nobody in it.
It was empty.
How many people
could that have held?
60 to 75 comfortably.
Captain, have you
concluded that you did not
see the ill-fated ship at all?
We arrived an hour and a
half after she went down.
In your company, who was
the master of a ship at sea?
The Captain.
In absolute control?
Absolute control,
legal and otherwise.
No one can interfere.
And if that had not been so, you
would not have felt it proper
to have gone off your course
quite so far.
Correct.
Do you regard the
route the Titanic was
taking as entirely
practical and appropriate
at this time of year?
Quite so.
Even having the warning
that icebergs were
in the vicinity,
could he not under
the circumstances
have altered his course
somewhat to avoid them?
That's impossible
for me to tell.
All I can say is that
he was on the track
for the western-bound
steamer, his proper track
where he ought to have been.
At this time of year.
At this time of year.
So what would be a
safe reasonable speed
for a vessel of that
size on such a route
in the proximity of icebergs?
Well, of course, I
do not know the ship.
I know absolutely
nothing about her.
But how would
you have felt yourself about it?
Suppose you were taking
your ship on that route.
How fast would you have
thought it prudent to go
in such a situation?
All I can tell you
is this, gentlemen.
I knew there was ice about.
How did you know that?
From Titanic's message,
that she'd struck ice.
And, yet, you still
went full speed.
I did.
Captain Rostron,
how many lifeboats
do you carry on the Carpathia?
We carry 20.
In obedience
to certain regulations
of the British Board of Trade.
I think it's 20, yes.
The fact that,
under these regulations,
you are obliged to
carry 20 lifeboats
and the Titanic is only
obliged to carry 20
with three times the tonnage
suggests that these regulations
were prescribed long ago.
No, sir, it's
to do with the ship itself.
Uh, they're built nowadays
to be practically unsinkable,
and so each ship is supposed
to be a lifeboat in itself.
The lifeboats are put
on merely as a standby.
You say, Captain, that you
ran under a full head of steam
toward Titanic.
I... I can confess only this.
If I'd known at the time
there was so much ice about,
I should not.
But I was right in it then.
I also had to consider
what I was going for.
I'll tell you this.
Our wireless operator
was in his cabin,
not on official business at all.
He was simply listening
as he was undressing.
Another 10 minutes maybe,
he would have been in bed.
We would have
missed the message.
Remarkable coincidence.
Captain, if you take the case
of the Titanic, whose tonnage
was far more than that
of your ship, which had,
I believe, the same number of
lifeboats, in your opinion, how
many additional boats could
that vessel accommodate
without inconvenience?
I have not the faintest idea,
sir, what the Titanic was like.
I believe she's the sister ship
of the Olympic, which I once
saw at the end of our dock.
You think she could accommodate
considerably more, do you not?
If she could not
accommodate them,
she could be made
to accommodate them.
How do you account for the fact
that the Board of
Trade of England,
as the size of these
ships has increased,
has not compelled an increase
in the number of lifeboats?
The maximum, I believe,
is 20 boats, is it not?
Yes, I believe it is.
But they have compelled a
different design of the ship.
Captain Rostron, please confirm.
They consider the ship
itself as a lifeboat?
Yes, sir.
That expectation was certainly
not realized with Titanic.
I believe that is all, Captain.
I want to thank you
for your courtesy
in appearing before
this committee.
You're welcome, sir.
If there's anything further I
can do, I shall be very glad.
That's a good
first day, wasn't it?
Can I get you anything?
A drink, if you don't mind.
Outrageous!
That lifeboat was full of women.
I slid down that rope to
help them row to safety.
I felt it was my duty.
Major Peuchen, can you comment
on as to the recent activities
of Standard Chemical in Europe?
Oh, by the way, gentlemen,
anybody see my wallet?
Excuse me, excuse me.
Major!
Major!
Whiskey, please, Bushmills.
I'm sorry, ma'am.
This area is reserved
for gentlemen.
If you take a seat at
one of those tables,
I'd be happy to send someone
over to take care of you.
Would you prefer the Senator
come over so you could explain
why he's waiting for his drink?
Thank you.
Now one for the Senator.
DUCHESS ASCONTI Dear Senator,
I wish to applaud your effort.
Thank you.
However, if you want my opinion,
there are areas of
greater concern.
I'm sorry.
Have we been introduced?
Oh, forgive me, I am
Duchess Asconti Arese.
Mr. Senator, my concern is
with all those women being
let in without their husbands.
What is this law of the sea?
There were notable men on that
ship, worth more than a 100
of those immigrant women.
Why, Mr. Astor, for
example, are we not enjoying
his illustrious accommodations?
Hmm?
Senator, we all know these
people, how they arrive here
in America, unable to
speak the language,
illiterate as they are.
To ask some of the
fine men on that boat
to stand back while
those people are saved,
I think it's criminal.
What good will they be, a
burden to the state is all.
But who am I to say?
Who, indeed.
Good day, ladies.
Thank you.
I've had enough
opinions for the day.
Sir, it's about your
meeting with Mr. Ismay.
Media
coverage is to be expected.
Aboard the Carpathia.
Why would
Ismay want this in the paper?
I can't imagine.
This man, find him.
Excuse me.
Oh, watch your step.
Let me get that for you.
So sorry.
Musn't fall behind ma'am.
Give my regards to Mr. Morgan.
Harold S. Bride.
Mr. Phillips, the chief radio
operator, did not survive.
Mr. Bride, as the single
surviving radio operator
of the Titanic, were you aware
of any White Star officers
aboard the ship?
The Titanic was commanded
by White Star officers.
I understand.
But were you aware of
any general officers?
Any what, sir?
Any general officers
of the White Star Line?
We had heard Mr.
Ismay was on board.
But beyond that, I
do not know anything.
You knew of this man?
Yes, sir.
Did you see him
aboard the Titanic?
I do not think I did, sir.
Did he send or receive
any messages through you
during the voyage?
I believe there were messages
delivered from Mr. Ismay, sir.
Official messages?
They would have ranked
with us as official messages.
Did they have
to do with the direction
or speed of the ship?
Coming around from Belfast,
there were messages delivered
to Mr. Ismay regarding
the speed of the ship.
To whom were they
sent, do you remember?
The White Star offices at
Liverpool and Southampton.
And do you know what they said?
That the trials of
the speed of the ship
were very favorable.
Were there any other messages
for Mr. Ismay during that time?
I could not tell you.
We had too many to
remember them all.
If you received a
message for the managing
director of the
company, one might
think you would remember it.
Do you recall whether
the captain of the ship
received any messages
on Saturday or Sunday
from any White Star
official, regarding
the movement, direction,
or speed of the ship?
No, sir, he did not.
And how do you know he did not?
Because I
should have delivered it.
I saw the Captain's messages.
I was delivering
them for my superior,
the late Mr. Phillips.
But you were not on duty
the entire time during
those two days, were you?
No, sir.
So you cannot say with
any certainty that such
a message was not received.
Mr. Bride, were you
on duty when a message
was received from
the America warning
about the proximity of icebergs?
No, sir.
And did you talk to the Captain
about any messages
similar in nature?
There was a message
delivered to the Captain
in the afternoon,
sir, late in the afternoon.
Sunday, April 14th?
Yes, sir.
Regarding an ice field?
From whom, Mr. Bride?
From the Californian, sir.
I would like to know
just what that message said.
The Californian called
me with an ice report.
I was rather busy, just for the
minute, and I didn't take it.
She then transmitted the
ice report to the Baltic,
and I took it down.
So unable to reach your ship,
they attempted the Baltic.
It was about
half an hour after that.
They transmitted...
Why were they
unable to reach you?
I was doing some
writing at the time,
sir, the accounts of the day.
And the earphones
did not remain on your head
at the time?
No, sir.
So you continue your
work on the accounts,
if I understand you correctly.
Yes, sir.
And do not respond to
the Californian's call
for 30 minutes approximately.
It would have been somewhere
between 20 and 30 minutes.
I cannot say definitely.
Please
tell us the exact language
of that message.
It stated the Californian
had passed three large icebergs
and gave their
latitude and longitude.
They had passed
three large icebergs.
And did the Captain ultimately
receive this message?
Yes, sir.
And at no time did
the Captain go overboard
before when the ship sank?
No, sir.
He went down with the ship?
Practically speaking, yes, sir.
Mr. Bride, let's discuss
your communication with
another ship, the SS Frankfurt.
Do you know whether
her radio operator
spoke the English language?
There was no necessity
that he should understand
the English language, sir.
CQD is an international call.
And CQD means the same
in German and French
and the English language?
Yes, sir.
And is the international
code signal of distress.
Yes, sir.
It is recognizable by
all ship operators.
Mr. Bride, I want this report
to be as complete as possible.
So I need to know
why, having received
a message from the Frankfurt,
saying, "What is the matter?"
You did not respond,
"We are sinking."
You see...
"And our passengers and
our crew are in danger."
You see, it takes a
certain amount of time
to transmit all that
information, sir.
If he had understood
properly, as he ought to have,
CQD would have been
sufficient, sir.
That does not seem
to have moved him.
Well, he did not
know his business.
That is a rather
hollow point considering
how things turned out.
2nd Officer Lightoller, during
the voyage of the Titanic,
were there any tests taken of
the temperature of the water?
Tests are taken every two hours,
from the time the ship leaves
until she returns to port.
And do you know whether
these tests were made?
They were.
Did you make them?
Oh, no, sir.
Were they made
under your direction?
No, sir.
Then how do you
know they were made?
It's the routine
of the ship, sir.
So you assumed they were made.
Yes, sir.
But you cannot, of your own
knowledge, say that they were.
Not of my own actual
seeing, no, sir.
And these
tests are taken to ascertain
the proximity of icebergs?
No, sir.
So for what purpose
were the tests made?
It's the routine of the ship.
It's customary in the White Star
Line to do so every two hours.
And the information was
not communicated to you
directly after each test?
Not unless I ask for it.
And you didn't
think it necessary to ask
for it that night? No, sir.
You knew you were
in the vicinity
of icebergs, did you not?
Well, a temperature
is absolutely
no guide to icebergs, sir.
I did not ask
you that, Mr. Lightoller.
Did you know you were in
the vicinity of icebergs?
No, sir.
Did you know of a wireless
message from the SS America
to Titanic warning
you that you were
in the vicinity of icebergs?
Whether I knew it or
not, I was in no position
to alter our course, sir.
Mr. Lightoller, you must
have been painfully aware
of the fact that
there were not enough
lifeboats to care for that
large of a passenger list,
were you not?
Yes, sir.
And from what you've said,
you discriminated entirely
in the interest
of the passengers,
first the women and children,
in filling those lifeboats.
Yes, sir.
Why did you do that?
Captain's orders or
the rule of the sea?
Rule of human nature.
And there was no
studied purpose, as far
as you know, to save the crew?
Absolutely not.
And did you witness the
attempt to get women to enter
the lifeboats who would not go?
Yes, sir.
They were asking
their husbands to join them.
They all did.
No!
Stop it!
There's no room!
We can't.
It'll overturn the boat.
Why are you leaving us?
Looked like that
when I found her.
Who is this?
Richard Allen.
Alaine Ricard, Senator.
Pleased to meet you.
Would you see to
it that the witnesses
are made aware the inquiry
is moving to Washington?
No one goes home.
So, Alaine Richard, Richard
Allen, whoever you are,
I believe you know my
assistant, Miss Malloy.
I don't think we've
been formally introduced.
My question is,
what do you hope to accomplish
with this type of journalism.
I don't follow.
Does selling newspapers
outweigh morality?
Based on your appearance,
it is clear there
are others who take exception.
Were those not your words, sir?
That was a private conversation.
When you were reciting
Mr. Ismay's private telegrams?
Listen carefully.
Everything that I did
was perfectly legal.
I stand...
Good evening, Senator Smith.
Do you mind if I sit?
Allow me to introduce myself.
I'm Lucille, the
Countess of Rothes.
Good evening, Countess.
It's a pleasure to see
you again, Miss Malloy.
And who is this rather
battered young woman?
I'm Alaine Ricard, journalist.
Nice to meet you, ma'am.
It's
nice to meet you, Miss Ricard.
Senator Smith, I
understand you received
a visit from the
Duchess of Delitta...
What an awful woman.
We had trouble enough
without her ideas
as to the value of immigrants.
Indeed.
From what I hear,
the emigres aren't the only
ones being given a hard time.
Madame, we're just
searching for the truth.
If this had been an act of
God, then it would simply
have been a great tragedy.
But it was not an act of God.
I do understand, Senator.
But for those of us aboard the
ship, there is only one truth.
We had 10 minutes,
sir, 10 minutes.
Women and children first.
At this time, we require
only women and children.
Man your stations.
Where will we go?
Why are we being separated?
I won't leave without my family.
Ma'am, please remain calm.
If you're to stay on
the boat, you must
behave in an orderly manner.
This boat is for the women.
The men have their own boat.
To your lifeboat.
We're boarding now.
Mummy, why are we leaving?
Why is father not
coming with us?
Remain calm.
I won't need this anymore,
my dear.
I've spent my whole
life with that man.
I am not going to change now.
Mrs. Straus,
please, remain seated.
We'll be lowering shortly.
Where you go, I go.
The older couple, do
you know their names?
Straus, Ida and Isidor Straus.
I believe they have a department
store here in New York.
Macy's, 34th and Broadway.
Those are only a few
of the stories, Senator.
It matters less as to
who or what was at fault.
The crew was valiant.
Many more would
have been lost if it
weren't for their selflessness.
I do hope that is
being considered.
I would like to hear
more of these stories.
I only know my own.
However, I imagine anyone
who survived that night would
have quite a story to tell.
I know where they are.
I could take you.
I said this was not to happen.
They
are here on their own free will.
This is where the aid
remains, immigrant women who
lost their husbands,
in most cases,
the sole breadwinner
of the family.
Lily! Lilly!
You've been here.
Aboard Carpathia, we
had nothing but time.
As it turns out,
I'm not entirely
hopeless with needle and yarn.
I didn't know what
became of you.
Anyway, the other rescue
ship should be here soon.
Her husband, she's waiting.
We will return to
Washington and inform
Mr. Bayliss that his services
are no longer needed.
Oh!
Mm.
Oh!
I've kept up with
all of the papers.
It's going well?
Not as I'd hoped.
Come with me.
From an admiring public.
We were told not
even God can sink that ship.
Quartermaster Fleet,
stationed in the crow's nest,
was there anyone at a
higher point aboard Titanic?
No, sir.
You were the lookout,
the eyes of the ship?
Yes, sir.
And did you keep
a sharp lookout?
Mr. Fleet,
with your former employer,
the Oceanic, you were
supplied with binoculars
or field glasses, were you not?
Yes, sir.
And did you request
such from Titanic?
In Southampton, they said
there was none intended for us.
We could have seen
it a bit sooner.
How much sooner?
Well, I have had experience
with all manner of ships
afloat, sir, from the
schooner to the square-rigged
sailing vessel to the steamship,
all manner of ships afloat,
sir.
Major Peuchen, I fail
to see why you were so expansive
when you talked to the press
and so reluctant when you
appear before this committee.
Senator Smith, I have
told you everything I can.
If you care, you
can see my records.
They're complete.
Captain Lord, what was
the location of your ship,
the Californian, on
the 14th of April last,
the date of the Titanic sinking?
At what time?
At 6 o'clock
in the morning of that day.
We have not got
it down here, sir.
I can give it to you
at 9:40 and at noon.
Give it to me at 9:40.
42.47.
A little more
specifically, please.
42 North and 47 West.
Are you reading from the
log of the Californian?
The ship's log, yes.
What other entries
do you have in that log
as to your position
on that date?
At 6:30.
6:30 PM?
Yes, sir.
We had 42 degrees 5 and 49.10,
as having passed
two large icebergs.
And what is the next entry?
There is no position
given here, sir.
The next entry is 7:15 PM.
"Passed one large iceberg
and two more in sight
to the southward."
And where were you at that time?
There is no position
given here, sir.
Captain Lord, did you
attempt to communicate with
the vessel Titanic that Sunday?
Yes, sir.
At what time of day?
10 minutes to 11:00 PM.
And what was that communication?
We told them we were
stopped and surrounded by ice.
And did the Titanic
respond to that message?
Yes, sir.
I believe Titanic told our
operator they had read it
and to "shut up" or
"stand by" or something,
that they were busy.
That was Titanic's reply.
First-class were paying them
to send messages back home.
Instead of heeding
an ice warning?
In the lifeboats,
4th Officer Boxhall
and Quartermaster
Hitchins both said they
were rowing towards a light.
"On those living in the
land of the shadow of death,
a light has dawned."
Matthew 4:16.
Sir, I've read articles
where passengers
also spoke of a light, an
actual light, off the horizon.
It was the Californian.
The ice warnings from
Captain Stanley Lord
stated that they, too,
were surrounded by ice,
those very same ice fields.
There was a light within
15 miles of those people.
I understand that's the
type of story your readers
would love to hear.
But the negligence
aboard one ship
did not cause the
sinking of another.
I brought you this.
Are you reading from the log
of the Californian?
At the time you boarded
what would be your lifeboat,
did you say anything to the
Captain about entering it?
I never saw the Captain.
Then who, if
anyone, told you to enter it?
No one.
Why did you?
Because there was room.
She was being lowered away.
I thought the ship was going
down, and I got into the boat.
Sir Bruce, I don't
imagine history
will be very kind to you.
"I, Harold Godfrey Lowe,
5th Officer of the
late steamship,
Titanic, stated
that I fired shots
to prevent Italian immigrants
from jumping into my lifeboat.
I do thereby cancel
the word "Italian"
and substitute the
word immigrants
"belonging to the Latin races."
Major Peuchen,
I'm Alaine Ricard.
I'm curious, sir, as to
why you had so little
to say during your testimony.
Don't worry, sir.
I'm with the press.
You said your name was?
Alaine Ricard, Chelsea Courier.
Ma'am, I think we
all know the press
will well outlive this inquiry.
That's true, sir.
But you had quite a bit to
say prior to your testimony
and then, well, sir, nothing.
Understand, it was
simply formality.
It won't serve America
to persecute its allies.
How do you mean?
Bankrupting the White Star
or the ship's builder,
along with other fallout,
could cripple the
economy of Great Britain.
60,000 unemployed to
start, plus JP Morgan
has an agreement with
the British military
that would be nullified if the
bank were to seize his ships.
What agreement
with the military?
War, Miss Ricard, war.
Let's just say, I don't
believe America would
care to be stuck with the bill.
Or lose the political support
of the richest man in the world.
Mr. President, how are you, sir?
WILLIAM TAFOh, I can't complain.
But it seems Mr. Roosevelt
is enjoying a bit of a surge.
Massachusetts and New York
are still in your favor.
So far.
I understand you're
continuing with your hearings.
I am, sir.
I think that's enough, Smith.
We have to move on from
this Titanic circus.
You found all the truth
you're going to find,
and now you're doing
more harm than good.
There's no one to blame.
The dead are not complaining.
That's a bit insensitive.
WILLIAM TAFDon't you dare, Senator.
I had a close
associate on that ship
whose body was never recovered.
The President's military
strategist sightseeing
in Europe.
WILLIAM TAFT (ON
PHONE): Mr. Senator,
your words before the
Senate will determine
all the days that follow.
I recommend you
choose very carefully.
Ah, I was just trying to swim.
There was a man.
There was a lot of
them floating around.
And he got me by the neck like
that and pressed me under, eh,
trying to get on top of me.
I said to him, let go.
Of course, he was not paying
any attention to that.
But I got away from him.
God bless you.
Give me your hand.
Hello!
Someone, please, please,
give me your hand.
I cannot swim.
I'm going to die if you
do not take my hand.
Listen to me!
Please, I cannot live.
Please let me have your hand.
Listen to me!
Listen to me!
I need your help.
If you pull on this
boat, it will capsize,
and we will all die.
Calm down.
Do you understand?
Listen to my voice.
I need you... look at me...
to stay calm.
Do you understand?
I understand.
We are overloaded.
All right, all right.
But, please, I cannot live long.
I will not live long.
Some of them were
trying to get under feet,
and some fall into
the water again.
And some were frozen.
Two were dead and had
to be sent overboard.
Sir, sir, please, sir.
Give me your hand.
"Mr.
President, my associates and I
return the Commission handed
to us on the 18th day of April
last, directing an
immediate inquiry
into the causes leading
to the destruction
"of the steamship Titanic."
I know what I have to say,
but I hesitate to say it.
I never much liked the idea
of living in the White House.
Just tell the truth.
People don't want the truth.
They want someone to blame,
preferably someone alive.
All I have on Ismay is that
he wasn't gentleman enough
to go down with the ship.
Unfortunately,
being a coward is not a crime.
William.
The upper class were
loaded into those lifeboats
so carefully.
"Watch your step, ma'am.
Are you warm enough?
Comfortable?"
The less privileged
watched from the rail,
patiently waiting
their turn, terrified,
I'm sure, until they
were told that there
would be no more boats.
Imagine having to explain
that to your child.
"You will die
because we couldn't
provide a better ticket."
There was never a
general alarm sounded.
We know that there
weren't enough lifeboats.
And even those there
were, some of them
were sent away half-empty.
The lookout man wasn't provided
with the proper equipment.
The ship was moving too fast.
Luxury took precedence over
safety in every instance.
Even the radio
operators were too busy
sending messages for their
rich, well-tipping customers
to receive the
incoming warnings.
And when all was said
and done, a nearby vessel
slept through the screams.
There was one man who received
those warnings, Titanic
Captain Edward John Smith.
As he rubbed shoulders
with the rich and famous,
ships all around him were
stopped, surrounded by ice.
And he didn't even slow down.
The White Star's society captain
had been told that his ship was
unsinkable, and he believed it.
And, of course, our archaic
laws will do nothing
more than protect the corporate
interests at the expense
of those left in the water.
Is that what you'll
tell the Senate?
Very comfortable.
It's a good thing.
I heard this is
over an hour long.
Sorry.
NEWS ANNOUNCER (ON
FILM): Wilbur Wright
of the famed Wright
Brothers passed away
this week at the age of 45.
After tinkering with printing
presses, bicycles, motors,
and other machinery, he
and his brother Orville
successfully developed their
patented flying machine,
the first controlled,
sustained flight
of a powered
heavier-than-air aircraft
on a dry windswept
afternoon, four miles south
of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
Wilbur will be laid to rest
near his childhood home
in Montgomery County, Ohio.
The inquiry into the
sinking of Titanic
ended last week, with lawmakers
scrambling to overhaul
international maritime law.
"An attendant loss of life
so shocking to the civilized
"world," says Senator William
Alden Smith, the chairman
of the investigation.
"The goal is that
humanity may never
again have to experience
a senseless tragedy
of this level."
"Whether it be current
or future areas of travel
by sea, rail, or
perhaps even the skies,
the United States government
has done its duty,"
writes famed journalist
Alaine Ricard,
"and now lies in the
hands of the free press."
She goes on to say, "The
truth, no matter how difficult,
is how we move forward."
Through the work
of Senator Smith
and the brave rescuers and
survivors of the Titanic,
the event will now
live on forever
in the public consciousness.
Only a year and a half from
the creation of the Boy Scouts
of America...
I'm going to take a minute.
NEWS ANNOUNCER
have announced the formation
of the Girls Guide group.
Young girls from
around the country...
I hope you don't mind.
Miss Malloy told me
where you might be.
"Famed journalist
Alaine Ricard."
At your service, sir.
So what's next?
To Europe.
I believe that's
where the story lies.
Not sure the
British Board of Trade
is going to do much
to indict themselves.
You can count on that.
War is on our doorstep.
We uncovered that most of all.
They'll need you.
Thank you, Senator.
I should, um, get back.
WILLIAM SMITH
As the ship was sinking,
strains of music
wafted across her deck.
It was not the note of any
martial anthem that had,
in days gone by, led embattled
legions on to victory.
It was a more inspiring stanza
than that, a loftier and holier
melody, amid the anguish
and sublime pathos
of that awful hour that swept
through the compartments
of the sinking ship.
It was a rallying cry for
the living and the dying,
to rally them not for life
but for their awaiting death.
While almost face to
face with their Creator,
amid the chaos of that
supreme and solemn moment,
with inspiring notes, the unison
resounded through the ship.
It told the victims of
the wreck that there
was another world
beyond the seas,
free from the agony of pain.
And though with somber
tones, it cheered
them on to their untimely fate.
As the oceans closed
over the heroic dead,
let us feel that the
heavens opened for the lives
that were prepared to enter.
Father of the universe, what
an admonition to the nation.
The sounds of that
awe-inspiring requiem
that vibrated over
the ocean are drowned
in the waters of the deep.
The instruments that gave
them birth are silenced.
Why are you leaving us?
WILLIAM SMITH
As the harps were silenced
on the willow tree, if the
melody that was rehearsed
could only reverberate through
this land, "Nearer, My God",
"to Thee," and its echoes heard
in these halls of legislation
and at every home and fireside,
from the mansions of the rich...
to the huts and
hovels of the poor.
If we could be made
to feel that there
is a divine law of obedience
and of adjustment, end
of compensation, that
demands our allegiance
far above the laws that we
formulate in this presence...
Then from the gloom
of these fearful hours,
we shall pass into the
dawn of a higher service
and of a better day.
And then, Mr.
President, the lives
that went down on
this fated night
will not have gone down in vain.