Original subtitles

I'm General Kirby. I recognise you, sir.

I want to go directly to the command post.

Don't tell anyone we're here. But, sir! I'll vouch for these men.

I'm General Kirby. SAC Inspector General.

This is an ORI. A no-notice operational readiness inspection.

In seven minutes you will receive a message from Strategic Air Command

to carry out a simulated emergency war order.

Proceed exactly as you would in a war-time situation.

Sir, Colonel Farr, Vice Commander.

May I contact Colonel Brooks? Not until the order comes in.

Until then, no-one must be notified.

Carry on.

Sorry, can't talk to you now. Call back in ten minutes.

'This is Jumble, with a Silver Flash message for Moonbeam in six parts. '

'Break-break. '

'Authentication time is 12/0545 Zulu. '

Colonel Brooks.

Do you wanna act on this? No, not now. Later.

Its known ETA is 2030 Zulu.

It's General Kirby. I want to talk to General Hewitt, SAC HQ, Omah.

It's Kirby, sir. Head company.

Doesn't look too good so far.

Do you have the bombing scores? Uh-huh.

Uh-huh.

How many aborts?

No, that's not good. I'll get back to you.

Command Post? Yes, sir?

When Colonel Caldwell finishes the briefing, send him to me. Yes, sir

Gentlemen, if you'll go right through there, please.

If we ever received an order to go,

the first step would be to make sure the order was authentic.

That it does come from the Presidemt.

The code which tells us that is inside this red box.

The box is never locked. There isn't time to scramble around for a key.

However we've taken precautions. Colonel Moore?

Thank you.

You'll notice I called my duty controller before I opened the box.

Did Gen Hewitt explain our two-man policy? Yes. That's the way it is all the way down the line.

The men on duty here wear sidearms.

If one man attempted to open that box alone... he wouldn't get very far.

Gentlemen, follow me, please.

Right around here.

This is our primary alerting system

for transmitting the order down throughout Gen Hewitt's command.

Let's assume the order is to go to war.

When I pick up this red phone

I'll be in contact with every SAC base in the world. Colonel?

This is Jumble with the communications check.

The time is 1750 Zulu. Acknowledge on my count of five. One, two,

three, four, five.

That's how long it would take all combat units

to receive the execution order.

They would have 30 seconds to decode and prove the order was authentic.

In 15 minutes or less,

bombers would be on their way to control points outside enemy radar.

They would not continue on to their targets without a coded message

which corresponds to codes carried in the aircraft.

When v arious crew members

have decoded the message, and arrive at the same answer,

then, and only then, would they proceed.

Gentlemen, over here, please. Right over there.

A certain percentage of our aircraft

are always in the air on alert training.

They could also be ordered on to their targets immediately.

Lord Beresford, select one of the plames from our status board, please.

Er, Bozo 23. Bozo 23.

You picked a B-52 flying off the coast of North Africa

approximately 5,000 miles away.

Bozo 23, this is Jumbo. Give me your re-check on your fuel reserve.

"Roger, Jumbo. Bozo 23. Adequate fuel for destination and alternate. "

Roger, listening, out.

As soom as he authemticated the order he'd be on his way.

Any questions? This has been most impressive.

"Roger, control, affirmative. "

How are you doing down the hall, Caldwell?

Fine, sir. I'm soaking up a lot of knowledge. Good. Siddown. Thank you.

Do you know George Brooks, Wing Commander at Carmody?

I instructed him on B-52s. Is he a good officer?

Yes, sir, one of the best. That's why I made him a wing commander.

But it's the toughest job in SAC and he didn't have what it takes.

I yanked you out of the London embassy for a job here in HQ.

I know you haven't been here long,

but nothing anyone does in SAC means a thing

unless every one of our wings is combat-ready. Yes, sir.

You want the wing commander's job?

I certainly do, sir. From your past performance in SAC, you can do it.

You'll get your orders today.

Thank you, sir. Good luck. Thank you.

Go ahead.

Is this the London operator?

I'm trying to get through to Mrs James Caldwell.

Good. Thank you.

Jiml Oh, how wonderful to hear your voice.

Is everything alright?

Everything's great. In fact - Jim, the spinet has finally arrived.

It took so long because it was shipped from Zurich in April,

eight months after we bought it. Then on to Oslo

and it arrived two days after you were transferred back to London.

Victoria, listen. I've got a wing.

Oh, Jim, how wonderfull I'm so happy for you.

You remember Hollis Farr, my co-pilot in Korea.

He's Vice Commamder, my right hamd. How's that for luck?

That's marvellous! I'll be on my way as soon as I can sublet the flat.

By the way, where is this wing? Omaha?

No. Near San Francisco. San Francisco?

Most of the things we own are on their way to Omaha.

I can get along without them.

I just can't find anyone beautiful enough to send out the laundry.

Well, you don't look half bad for an old man who's been living it up on champagne and caviar.

There's nothing like a tour of duty in Europe

to broaden a man's education.

You haven't changed a bit. I'll summon the staff to your palatial new office.

Better know what I'm talking about first. OK. We'll go to your house.

I'd rather stay at the BOQ till Victoria gets here. Alrighty.

Col Farr. I have the Wimg Commamder with me. We're on our way to BOQ.

Get a red-phone hooked up there right away. Thank you.

Well, now, tell me about Victoria.

I struck gold, Hollis. Pure gold.

It took four long years. They'll have to blast me out of SAC this time.

Hollis, what happened to George Brooks?

George got clobbered by an operational readiness inspection.

The ORI. I thought he was doing just fine till then.

Too rough for him, eh?

It's not quite the same as when the inspector went around in white gloves looking for dust.

You don't get any notice. A plane lands and out steps Happy Jack Kirby and his inspection team, 30 of 'em.

Before you know it you get a simulated war order from Omaha.

Then night and day for a week they watch every move you make.

If the Wing don't have a perfect showing,

the Wing Commander ends up as an air attache in the Galapagos Islands.

51 other wing commanders can hack it. Why not George?

You've gotta be ruthless. George didn't have enough heel in him.

I wonder if you do. Maybe I have more in me than you think.

Col Farr. Going to the alert facility with Col Caldwell.

Here we are, Jim. Tankers, bombers, cocked

and all set to take off.

The alert crews live in here day and night.

How long are they kept on alert? Three days and three nights.

It was seven days, but it created a morale problem,

isolating them from their families for so long, you know. Mmm-hmm.

Attention!

What's your job, Sgt Kemler?

Tanker crew 04, sir. Boom operator. You're on alert? Yes, sir.

If the whistle blows, does the crew wait while you get your boots on?

Sir, I keep my boots in the aircraft.

Sounds like a pretty good system.

I got enough heel in me, but maybe not enough brains.

They've been identified topside. Let them in. Roger, sir.

When George took over, how much did he know about missiles?

Oh, about as much as you do.

I'd better start boning up.

Great. That means you need about 48 hours a day in your new job.

Here comes the pitch. They're still sharp and they'll stay that way if I get the support I need.

He'd toss base personnel out of their houses, move his troops in.

Let's get their barracks in shape.

Tackle Bill Fowler on priorities, transportation. You can't ask for a better base commander than Fowler.

He still thinks everything that flies needs a rudder and a pilot.

Let's get into this before the battle staff meeting. Put it off till tomorrow so I can get my bearings.

Quite a bird, isn't it? Yeah.

I just hope to God it never has to fly.

Col Fowler, are the missile complexes getting all the support you can give them?

I'm reappraising priorities. I'd like a detailed report.

I'll get on it. In the next 24 hours. Col Josten?

Yes, sir? I've had a look at personnel records.

How long would it take you to process discharges on these men?

Oh, two or three days, sir.

I want 'em out of here today. By sundown.

I don't want you to get the impression

that I'm coming in with a hatchet looking for heads to chop off,

but I expect an immediate improvement in all areas.

That's all for now, thank you.

Col Garcia, weren't you a project officer on the B-47?

Yes, sir. I knew I recognised you. Good to have you here.

Thank you, sir. I'll buy you a cup of coffee.

The men whose records I gave Josten, why weren't they fired before?

We're waiting for replacements. You don't wait, you go and get 'em.

What's your honest opinion of Josten?

He's a damn good man. They're all good men.

Best battle staff I ever worked with.

George Brooks is a good man too.

But the wing flunked the ORI.

Have you seen the official report? Uh-uh.

Came in this morning.

Take a look at it before you start chopping off heads.

They score you on everything -

disaster control, oral exams, written exams, security tests.

Two of the men had flu, some of the aircraft were being modified,

and we'd just gone operational on the Titan complexes.

Happy Jack gives us 15 minutes to get airborne and fly a perfect mission. And we damn near did it.

A wing commander with an outstanding record for 22 years gets the chop.

- This is Jumbo with a Green Flash message for Moonbeam in six parts. -

- Part one... Victor, Quebec, Sierra. -

"Part two... Sierra, Alpha, Kilo. "

- Part three... Juliet, Mike... -

Col Farr with Col Caldwell going to the alert pad.

This could be the real thing. You never know.

This could be the real thing. You never know.

Starting roll call.

Ranger 11. "Roger. 11 ready to taxi. "

"Ranger 23." "Roger. 23 ready to taxi. "

"Ranger 19." "Roger. 19 ready to taxi. "

"Ranger 26." "Roger. 26 ready to taxi. "

"Ranger 15." "Roger. 15 ready to taxi. "

"Roger. 24 ready to taxi. "

"This is Ranger control with a Green Flash message. "

"Break break for alert force -

this is a practice quick reaction exercise. "

"Repeat. This is a practice quick reaction exercise. "

Three minutes, 20 seconds since the message and they're ready to roll.

How long did it take in the ORI?

3.25.

Well, at least you got off to a good start.

Happy Jack didn't think so, pal.

Gen Hewitt wants it done in three minutes flat.

Jim?

Jim?

Isn't he here? No.

I'll go see if I can pry him loose. Oh, thanks.

You must come and dine with us. Any time you say.

Thanks, Victoria. Thank you so very much.

Welcome to Carmody, Mrs Caldwell.

Evelyn Fowler, the Base Commander's wife.

Pleased to meet you, Mrs Fowler.

Oramge marmalade for your breakfast.

Did you do all this? If I forgot anything, be sure to tell me.

Have you seen the bedroom? Not yet.

The curtains are the best I could scrounge. Victoria?

We're just next door if there's anything you want. Thanks so much.

Jim! Oh, Jim, darling.

You finally made it.

Col Caldwell, in quarters.

That's the red telephone I've read so much about.

Mm-hm. And it's mine. That's ours.

Please don't ring. Please. It wouldn't dare.

I love the house, don't you? I certainly like this room.

What's wrong with the others? I haven't seen them. Oh?

Roaming around in an empty house without you in it...

I missed you enough as it was.

You probably want to unpack. Mm-hm.

Are you going to help me? Mm-hm.

You don't think I'd let you out of my sight, do you?

Bring the phone.

The red one. You have to stay that close to it?

Close enough to answer in six rings.

What if you didn't answer it till the seventh? I'd need a good excuse.

Ramrod 67, ranger 19.

Stabilised in the observation position, ready for contact.

Roger. Tanker ready for contact.

You're looking good, sir. Forward 10. Up 5.

Got your flying boots on, Kemler?

Yes, sir. All set to walk home in case anything goes wrong.

Stand by for contact.

Tanker contact. Contact made.

You're in the green, sir. You have fuel flow.

Fuel panel check. 20,000 pounds to go, Colonel.

Seepage in the refuelling line.

How bad is it?

The line broke!

Breakaway! Breakaway!

Ranger 19, this is Ramrod 67. What is your problem?

One spark and we've had it.

Pilot to crew, shut down all electrical equipment.

Broken fuel line. 100% oxygen. Prepare for possible bail-out.

"Ranger 19, this is Ramrod 67, what -"

Pilot, am unable to contact receiver and have lost him visually.

"Ranger control, this is Ramrod 67."

"Ranger 19 has just initiated emergency breakaway. "

"We have lost radio and visual contact. "

This is Col Farr.

Did you encounter any problem refuelling prior to breakaway?

"Negative. We have no knowledge of their difficulty. "

Try to re-establish contact. "Roger. "

What's his flight plan? He's due over the base in 20 minutes.

Col Farr in the command post. Do you have Ranger 19 on radar?

Ranger 19 is 130 miles southeast of base

on a track of 315 degrees. I'll be in touch with you.

I'm going out in the chase plane. Right, sir.

I'm going out in the chase plane. Right, sir.

We don't know. Get somebody to take your place and get to his wife.

Don't tell her anything, Evelyn, but stay with her.

Those fumes are just as heavy below, sir. One spark and this plane blows.

We stand a helluv a chance of getting one if we lower the gear.

This is gunsight. Ranger 19 is now at your ten o'clock position.

Turn left 30 degrees. Roger.

You're closing nicely. You should have him visually.

Roger, Gunsight.

Notify the crew, we're lowering the landing gear.

The Colonel's going to drop the gear.

Oh, brother! He better not get a spark when he does. I'll tell him!

Hold it! T-Bird moving in. Too close.

He'd go right up with us.

I can't see anything to indicate the nature of the emergency.

He still hasn't extended his gear. That could be part of the problem.

Alright, lower the gear.

Well, we got our wheels.

I hope we're as lucky with the flaps.

We've stretched our luck far emough. We'll go in without them.

Our landing speed will be critical.

Brakes'll be hot, and a spark may explode the fuel.

We could blow our tyres at any time.

Tell the crew when I stop to get the hell out and run.

Looks like he's coming in for a flaps-up landing.

Your air speed's still too high. The best I can do without flaps.

4,000ft marker coming up.

3,000ft.

2,000ft.

1,000ft.

Get out before the tyres blowl

Evelyn, you can go home now. Tell the kids I'll be a little late.

I'm buying that crew a drink.

What happened, pal? Couldn't find your radio switch?

Wouldn't this be a perfect time to get hit by an alert?

Next time, stay close that phone where you belong!

The way she stood by me when you were in the air.

Not a hint that you were in trouble.

Nattering on until she heard you were safe.

Gemeral, may I presemt my wife? Gem Aymes, our Air Division Commander.

How do you do? Welcome to Carmody. Forgive me for being late.

Jim told me how hard it would be for you to get away.

Thank you for coming.

May I borrow your husband for a minute? Of course not.

Thank you.

Hollis tells me you still haven't found out what caused the fuel leak.

We will, sir. A maintenance crew is working on it now.

There you go.

Now, where were we, the ORI? The FSP. What is it?

Family Services Program. Very useful organisation.

An airman's flying and his wife has to see the doctor

and there's no-one to stay with the children.

Do they drive or baby-sit?

I alternate. Drive to San Francisco one week, baby-sit the next.

How do you find time for anything else? There are so many children.

SAC has about the highest birthrate in the whole world, including China.

Isn't that wonderful?

Miraculous, considering how little time the men get with their wives.

Colonel.

I'll just be a few minutes. Yes, sir.

You act like you were never chewed out before.

I never was by you.

You know I was right.

Come on.

Come on where?

You're due for a refuelling. I'm fine. Jim? No, thanks.

You did a great job of bringing in that B-52, Jim.

Lucky. We're proud of you.

I'll be just a few minutes.

Jim? Lipstick.

Oh.

Col Garcia?

We've made every check in the book, sir. No defects.

I located a spare refuelling receptacle.

She'll be OK for scheduled takeoff.

Good. What happened with the leak in the old receptacle?

I don't know, but I'll find out.

Col Garcia?

Excuse me, sir.

Wrong sized bolt on the refuelling receptacle.

In the mating plans.

That's what did it. Rubbed against the drain boss and wore it down.

Why wasn't that spotted in the last inspection?

We can't check every nut and bolt after every flight. There's no time.

We can't jeopardise crews because maintenance has a time problem.

I want the receptacle of every B-52 pulled out and inspected.

Sir, my men average over 70 hours a week.

I hate to crank any more into their schedule. So do I.

Good work, Sgt Banning.

Thank you, sir.

See you in the morning.

I hope your men don't have any plans for tomorrow night, like sleeping or anything like that.

I'll straighten them out, sir.

Bomber crews showed an improvement on your last written tests.

But nothing short of perfection is acceptable.

There's a limit on the time you can spend on this in a three-day cycle.

For that reasom, amd because of other advantages in training efficiency,

the 904th is going back on a seven-day alert as of now.

Revised schedules will be distributed this afternoon. That will be all.

Get rid of that.

Jim, this isn't the answer.

When we were on a seven-day alert, morale hit a new low.

With a losing team, the way to handle morale problems is to start wimmimg.

Have you thought about a five-day alert? Yes...

and this morale-booster you sent.

These men recommended for promotion - disapproved.

They're way overdue. If I recommemd promotion I'm saying I'm satisfied with the efficiency of this wing.

I won't be till we pass the ORI. If we don't, take it up with the new Wing Commander.

Jim? Jim, it's time to go, dear.

Come on.

Off the launching pad.

Missiles.

Er... Jim, the seven-day alert came up at the meeting today.

There's a strong feeling of resentment. That's just too bad.

Sorry I didn't have a chance to talk it over with them in advance.

Look, you red-headed monster, I don't want any trouble out of you tonight.

Vic, I know what the seven-day alert does to families and I'm sorry.

But I can't consider their feelings right now. There's too much at stake.

OK? OK.

Hello! Hi.

Hi. Can I help? You can be advisor.

The forecast is 40% chance of rain. Do we stay inside or risk it?

Decisions, decisions. Risk it.

I'm outranked. Let's stay outside.

Hello. Run along now, girls. And do not stay for the second show.

But they say it's one of the best movies... Come back after the show.

Yes, ma'am. Oh, Mother!

Daddy... Do not stay for the second show. It's not in my service record,

but at college I majored in Martinis. I can vouch for these.

Bill and I jumped the gun. This is a celebration.

Bill Junior was just elected president of staff at Stanford. How wonderful! Congratulations!

Can you imagine a slip of a girl like this having a son at college?

Bill! Sorry, darling.

I, um, just majored in mixing them, not pouring them.

Shall we drink to the young president?

Bill Junior! To Bill.

Morning. Morning, Bill.

Morning. Morning.

Remember whem we used to take 'em off 30 seconds apart? Yeah.

Wait till you see these monsters. 15 seconds apart.

First one should be rolling in 15. He will be.

Tell me about Bill Fowler. He slowed down any? Pressure too much for him?

No. I haven't seen any signs of it.

Officers can be carried when they're hanging on for retirement day.

Here he comes.

Bill's a pretty heavy drinker. I've never seen him drunk.

Some have. And I checked his liquor bills at the club.

That's the first one off. Check.

14 seconds. Check.

He's starting to wobble.

16 seconds. Check.

There he goes again. I believe it.

16 seconds. Check.

They veer off. They veer off to the side. Perfect.

Here he comes. 14 seconds. Check.

They gotta fan out. That was a perfect takeoff.

Excellent pattern.

Well, you wanted 15-second interv als, plus or minus one.

OK?

Look, Hollis, I don't want this wing falling on its face

because my base commander isn't pulling his weight.

How about working off that hostility with a fast game of handball?

I got a briefing. You want a fast game, look up Sgt Banning.

Is he any good? He'll give you a work-out.

20 to 4, Soergoeant.

Have you ever played Col Farr? A couple of games.

That was enough for him, eh? Well, not for me. Ready?

I've just got time for a quick steam.

We've got a disaster control drill. Oh. Alright.

That hardnosed new wing commander's sure pouring it on, isn't he?

Do you feel we're getting the most out of our men?

Sir, in my opinion,

Col Garcia is the finest maintenance officer in the Air Force.

Mmm-hmm. I agree with you.

How do your men feel about the freeze in promotions?

Three of them are looking for jobs on the outside.

Key men? No, sir, the walkers.

Walkers? The kind you don't mind losing.

Get one of those beasts off the ground. The men who run their legs off are the ones to hang on to.

It's amazing we have as many... runners as we do.

More money on the outside. Easier life.

Why did you stay in, Sergeant?

Well, sir, I used to be... a pretty slow walker myself.

You had to build a fire under my tail to get me to move.

Then one day Gen Hewitt dropped in to have a little talk with us.

And he built one helluva fire.

Only this one wasn't under my tail.

He built a fire inside of me.

Sergeant, if I'm reading you right,

you think I'm building the wrong kind of fires around here.

Sir, I'm sure you can judge that better than I can.

Stop sparring and level with me.

I don't know all the answers.

If I can't make a man like you see what I'm driving at,

the rest of them will never understand

and this wing will never get off its back.

I need your help, Banning. How about it?

Excuse me, sir. I'm... I'm late now.

Thanks for the work-out, Colonel. Yeah.

Hello, Bill.

I ought to be an exhibit somewhere in a glass case.

Nobody ever had a cold like this one.

Heard you wanted to see me, Jim. I just came back from that Chamber of Commerce lunch.

They're gonna raise the money for that swimming pool next to the -

This just came through.

To all key personnel with more than 20 years' service.

Any superlatives you like to sprinkle in my case -

I can't do it, Bill. I won't recommend keeping you on.

What? I can't, even though your past ratings have been excellent.

Excellent. Or superior for more than 24 years.

Jim, do you know what this means? Involuntary retirement. I'm through.

I know. SAC has changed, Bill. It's changed so fast...

And you think I haven't, you mean? Yes.

Alright, give me one example.

Missiles. I've been studying them for three years, night and day.

Surely there must be some other reason... Oh.

You, um... think I've been drinking too much, is that it?

That's it. Did it interfere with my efficiency? Am I ever drunk on duty?

You mentioned drinking.

Have I ever let you dowm? You might, Bill. At just the wrong time.

What am I gonna do?

I've been in the Air Force all my life.

The Air Force is my life.

Jim, you could have me transferred. In a few years I'd be able to draw full retirement pay.

Bill, I can't give you a phony rating and pass you on to another commander.

Jim...

I've just been with Evelyn.

Jim, how could they do that to Bill after 24 years?

I know. It's rough. He couldn't adjust to it, that's all.

How will he adjust to civilian life? He'll find a job.

At his age, to start all over. And if Bill Jnr has to leave college...

It had to be done.

Did it have to be done in that way?

To rip a man's life to pieces in one stroke. Five lives.

Jim, couldn't you do something?

Couldn't you put a word in for him, speak to Gen Aymes? Vic...

I'm the one who said he had to go.

You? Yes. I had no choice.

You smash a man's life without one word of warning?

You don't get any warning in this business.

My job is to have this wing ready for amy emergemcy. Is the job everything?

Don't people matter at all? Doesn't warmth and friendship?

Jim, what's happened to you? I'm not running a rehabilitation centre!

I didn't know you could be so callous. Drop it.

There are enough people questioning my every move, without you starting.

Good morning.

Good morning, sir. Just wanted to borrow the chair.

Good morning, Colonel. Mind if I sit down?

I wish you would, Sergeant. Thank you.

The cook must've walked through the potatoes. They taste good today.

Yes, sir.

You sure you've got a ride back to the base? Positive.

My sister is picking me up.

Thanks so much, Mrs Caldwell.

Oh, konichiwa, Victoria-san.

Konichiwa?

What does that mean? Where's the tea house?

Let's skip the translation. What are you doing for lunch?

There's a great restaurant on Fisherman's Wharf. I was going back.

I'll toss in a free tour of Chinatown. I'd love to, but...

And a ride on the cable car.

OK. OK.

Hollis, have you seen the Fowlers?

No.

They found a great apartment. View of the bay. Just what they wanted.

That was a rough one for Jim, Vicky.

It's not the first time a wing commander's had to fire a friend.

But you have to respect a man strong enough to set aside his feelings.

Was Jim always like this and I just didn't see it?

Or is he forcing himself to live up to his image of a wing commander?

It's not just his image.

You've known him a long time. Is it Jim or the job?

It's the job. There wasn't a pilot in Korea who wouldn't welcome a chance to serve in Jim's squadron.

Not that he was a soft touch. He was as hard as nails when he had to be.

But when the pressure was off...

But when you're a wing commander the pressure's never off.

I didn't think he had that kind of... toughness.

It's a side of him I've never seen before.

Col Caldwell in quarters.

Sorry, Vic. It wasn't my fault.

It was Robert H Goddard's. Who's he?

He invented ballistic missiles in World War I.

But for him they wouldn't have the Titan,

and I'd have been here two hours sooner. Do I have time for a drink?

Let's celebrate the earliest you've ever been late.

Where did that come from?

That? That's from your absentee husband.

Jim!

How did you find time?

Oh, I saw an ad in a magazine.

It's quite a, er, figleaf, isn't it?

It's absolutely gorgeous.

I love it.

It's so sheer.

I believe in protecting my property without obstructing the view.

I'll save it for a really special occasion.

OK. Here.

The Russian Ballet!

Any four-alarm fires? No, sir. It's been real quiet.

Gen Aymes wants you to call. Get him, please.

Jim? This just came in from SAC headquarters.

They want a detailed report. Thank you.

Tell Col Farr I want to see him. Yes, sir.

Col Caldwell in quarters.

Do you like it?

You know I do.

No, the coiffeur. It took me all afternoon. It's wonderful, Vic

Ann told me about a marvellous after-theatre place,

in case you hadn't time to research San Francisco nightspots.

Or did you? Don't answer that.

I can't leave the base tonight, Vic. I've a report to get in by midnight.

Don't explain. L- I'm sure it couldn't be helped.

It won't always be like this.

It's bound to level off. Then we can... Yes, I know.

I spoke to Hollis. He's free tonight, and I thought you...

What's it gonna be, Ann Morses' place or The Top Of The Mountain?

I really think it's too late. Do you mind? No. Not at all.

Evelyn!

Hello, Victoria.

I've missed you. I've missed you too.

How's Bill? He's fine. Except a cold kept him home on a night we were looking forward to for months.

Hollis. Evelyn, how are you?

How nice to see you. Bill! Col Farr.

Bill, this is Mrs Caldwell. How do you do?

I've heard so much about you, Bill.

How are you getting on at Stanford?

I don't go there any more. He's going back next year.

He thought a year of practical chemistry work...

This wonderful opportunity came along, a job in a lab, here in town... I'll get the car.

I'll go with you. See you soon, Victoria.

We must get together.

Bye. Bye. Bye.

OK?

Col Caldwell.

Bill Fowler shot himself.

They say it was an accident. He was cleaning a gun.

Well, how bad is he?

I don't know. I'm going to be with Evelyn.

I'll be right over and drive you.

I don't think that would be a very good idea. I'll call you later.

He's got a fighting chance.

He's going to be alright. He's got so much to live for.

I thought I knew him so well.

But this...

...just doesn't seem possible.

I can only believe it was an accident.

Things have been building up in Bill for years.

Yuu se...

he was a great combat leader.

Ask any of the older men.

He was once the youngest command pilot in the Air Force.

Then everything changed.

Missiles... the red phone...

The constant pressure day in, day out.

It was just too much for him.

But for years he's been at the top of the promotion list.

And everyone but Bill knew he'd never get his first star.

He should've retired years ago.

Instead, he...

...he majored in Martinis.

Don't ruin your life or Jim's by blaming him.

It was bound to happen.

If it hadn't been Jim... it would've been something else.

How is he? No change.

Did I guess right with the scrambled eggs? They're fine.

Milk? No, thank you.

I think we ought to talk this out, Vic. So do I.

Jim, I'm sorry that I felt that you were callous. It was unfair of me.

I know it's the job, and I know how important the job is.

But why you? There are people better-suited.

It wouldn't go against the grain with them. It doesn't with me.

It does. I don't care how much you deny it. It does. Listen, Vic,

if I thought I was the wrong man for the job I'd step out right now.

But I don't think so, and it's up to me to give it all I've got.

Bill Fowler gave it all he had.

He just didn't know when to stop pushing himself. Will you know?

Yes. If that time ever comes, I'll know before anyone else, and won't have to be told what to do about it.

In other words, you don't want to discuss it. I do!

Jim, I want you to put in for another assignment. There are jobs in SAC just as important.

Well, at least give me a chance to have a fair crack at this one.

It's tough on both of us.

Whem this wimg gets back om its feet it'll be entirely different.

So will you. You've changed so much already I hardly know you.

Jim, I wish you'd put in for another assignment. Will you?

Yeah. I'll think about it.

Thank you.

Has Hollis ever told you why he never got married?

Well... no. No, he hasn't. Because he's a coward.

It takes a brave man to look his wife in the eye night after night and say,

"Sweetheart, I got a call from the command post and I have to leave. "

Carry on, my love. I'll muddle through.

One day, I'm gonna say,

"Honey, let's go to Lake Tahoe for the weekend. " How'd you like that?

I'd adore it. Good. We'll do it.

The Jostems have offered to take you home. Or I could drop you off now.

Which would you prefer?

Well, if you don't mind, I'll stay on. OK. I'll come back if I can.

I like your hair that way.

Banning. Colonel. How are you?

Don't you ever go home?

Why? All I got at home is a wife and five kids!

Least it was five last time I counted.

Excuse me, sir. What's the problem?

Oh, it's nothing serious. Well, what's Col Garcia doing here?

He was up all night last night on a check flight.

I know, sir. We send orders whenever there's a problem, big or small.

No sweat, Colonel. Spotted the trouble just after I called you.

Looks OK to me.

Evening, Colonel. Joe.

I think I've found one reason why maintenance has a time problem.

What is it? You.

You're here as an executive not a mechanic. You're supposed to train airmen and officers to do their job.

You're trying to pitch, catch and play first base at the same time.

It's slowing them down! You belong in the command post or in your office unless there's a major emergency.

And in your bed when you're out on your feet the way you are now.

Now, sir, if I can't run my department the way -

Go on home and get some sleep.

We'll talk about it in the morning.

Alright. Right. Bye-bye.

Hi. Hi.

Garcia told me about the chewimg out you gave him last night.

I wouldn't exactly call it a chewing out.

You don't know old Smoky Joe.

He wants a transfer to B-58s. Oh, come on!

Smooth his ruffled feathers and talk him out of it.

I don't wanna talk him out of it unless he develops a back-up system.

Suppose he gets sick or has an accident.

Maimtemamce would be bogged dowm. If an ORI hits...

This is where I came in. I got that speech from Brooks.

What happened? Convince him he was wrong?

I pointed out he'd have a king-sized morale if he replaced Garcia.

His men think the world of him.

So do I. But he can't do everything himself.

You'd go a long way before you'd find anybody as good.

He'd be a more effective if he could delegate authorityl He will.

What about this transfer request?

I never saw it.

Come on. You stall around on this, all he'll do is go to the inspector general. Why go out on a limb?

Out on a limb?!

How do you think I've been living since I took this job? What's wrong with going out on a limb?

I didn't mean it that way. I'd like to know what you did mean.

You should be careful the way you handle it.

Leave it to me. If somebody saws off the limb it'll be my neck, not yoursl

"Ranger control, this is Boxcar 30, over. "

I'd like to see your flight orders and tomorrow's crews. Yes, sir.

"... break break, silver-toned hotel... Break break. " Thank you.

"Authentication time is 06/0130."

"Roger. Copied your traffic. Boxcar 30, out. "

Who authorised that leave?

Col Farr.

Gen Aymes come back from the Titan Complex yet?

Yes, sir, he's at the missile assembly building.

"Runway temperature is 85 degrees Fahrenheit. "

Gen Aymes, there's something I'd like to discuss with you before you leave.

I'm just about set to take off. What is it, Jim?

Can we use your office? Of course.

I wanna replace Hollis Farr.

Why? What's happened?

Are we in shape in the electronic squadron to give Commander a leave?

I wouldn't say so, no.

Hollis Farr gave him a leave.

You're going to fire him for that?

No, not just for that.

General, you're on top of three wings.

You don't have time to take off the cowling and look at nuts and bolts.

That's my job in the 904th. And I've finally found the monkey wrench.

Why was maintenance below par in the last ORI?

And low-level bombing, alert crew exams, air refuelling?

Because Hollis Farr was winning friends and losing efficiency

with a relaxed training programme, an eight to five work day, a policy geared to normal times.

I inherited the most popular vice commander in SAC,

but one who will not assume responsibility.

Friend or no friend, he's out, John. Unless you override me.

You have a replacement in mind?

Mike Stamley, at the Air War College. Up for reassignment next month. OK, it's your wing.

I'll move Hollis out as soon as Stanley can take over.

Of course, you know what this'll do to his career.

Maybe a good swift kick like this is exactly what he needs.

Might straighten him out.

I wonder if your timing is good.

Because of the ORI?

No. Because it might look as if you have personal reasons.

There's been talk, Jim, about Hollis and Victoria.

The grapevine around here is below par.

I can't run a wing on what people think. I want him out of here.

OK, Jim.

Alright, the low-level bombing on this mission was red-hot.

One after the other.

As far as air refuelling, if those tankers were giving out trading stamps, you'd all have a few books.

Now - I'd like to say a few words.

I don't share Col Farr's enthusiasm about this mission.

Based on weight and weather, your B-52 performance charts

called for a take-off roll of 8,000ft. Not 9,000,

which three of yours took.

You're using improper technique

and you're slow in getting up. It's burning up time, which is our enemy.

What the hell good is bombing accuracy if enemy missiles can knock the bombers out before they take off?

Major Jarvis? Yes, sir?

You're a lone man on this mission, was there any problem with the plane?

No, sir.

From now on, any crew that fails to measure up, goes back om traimimg

until they can demonstrate desire proficiency. Are there any questions?

That'll be all. Dismissed.

What the hell got into you? You chopped my legs out from under me!

How do you expect to have authority? I don't. You're fired.

I'm what? I talked to Gen Aymes. I'm replacing you.

Are you gonna tell me why I've been fired or is that asking too much?

I must get this wing on its feet, anything that - Get to the point!

I intend to. It's been one big happy family, hasn't it?

Division's good. Tell Hollis Farr, he'll OK a leave.

You don't like the seven-day alert, tell Hollis Farr, he aims to please.

He's not out on a limb. Let the wing commander stick his neck out.

Be vice commander until something cushier turns up.

And don't ever get in the spot where they can turn the heat on you.

It's about time somebody did. If a man can't stand heat, stay out of the kitchen.

You know, I said you didn't have enough in you to be wing commander,

you got enough for the entire air force.

What time are the Josten's due?

I cancelled dinner tonight. I said I had a headache.

Good. I'm afraid I wouldn't be very good company anyway.

Col Caldwell in quarters.

I see the spinet finally arrived.

Looks good over here, doesn't it?

Yes.

Well, when are you going to ask me?

Ask you what?

If there's any truth in the rumours about Hollis and me.

I thimk you kmow me better tham that.

No. I don't really know you at all any more.

It's like... like living with a stranger.

I don't fit into this life, I've got to get away and think things out.

Where would you go?

I'm not sure.

Home, London. There's a boat leaving on the 20th.

Are you sure that's what you wanna do?

Yes. I'll get you something to eat.

First we'll review the latest safety procedures in the Hound-dog.

Prior to our scheduled drop,

the positive locking device will not be unlocked till the aircraft is over the range on the run.

If the release it not accomplished,

the release systems will be locked prior to departure...

The broken arrow exercise at 4B went off very well, General.

Sorry I couldn't get there. I went to see Bill Fowler. Any improvement?

Physically, but the fight's drained out of him. Winston Aircraft offered him a good job, he's not interested.

Yes, I know, we've all dropped in to see him.

If something doesn't happen to snap him out of this, he's licked.

Come in.

Hello, Bill.

How you doing?

I thought I'd drop in,

see how you're getting along.

Nice room.

I, er...

I've been meaning to read this book. Any good?

Well...

If there's anything I can do...

let me know.

I hear you've been using the hatchet again. Chopping off more dead wood.

Who's next after Hollis?

Do you have it worked out im advamce or do you play it by ear?

That's one hell of a system.

Next division commander, then 15th air force headquarters in Omaha.

You might just chop your way right to the top. The youngest four-star general in air force history.

I tell you what's wrong with your system, men do their best for leaders who inspire them,

not for hatchet men. That's why Gen Hewitt stood out and the others.

They chop when they know it's dead wood cos they know how to judge men. You can't even judge yourself!

What makes you think you know who's got it and who hasn't?

I sure as hell had you pegged. You couldn't even do a good job of blowing your brains out!

Just a minute!

Do you think I'm washed up, huh?

I've got a job waiting for me.

A good job. Before I'm through I'm gonna make you choke on every word of this. Get out of here.

Who's he visiting?

Are you Col Caldwell? Yes.

There's a call for you.

Col Caldwell.

Col Josten. Tower has unidentified KC135 on final approach.

No emergency declared.

Smells like an ORI.

Notify all members of the battle staff.

I'll be there in 20 minutes.

Col Farr.

You sure it's Kirby?

I don't know but you'd better get over here. You're the store keeper till the boss gets back.

I'm on my way.

This is an ORI. An no-notice Operational Readiness Inspection.

In 9 minutes, headquarters SAC will despatch a fast-reaction message

to test your readiness to launch aircraft and missiles in a maximum of 15 minutes.

And to check your effectiveness in carrying out a simulated emergency war order. No-one is to be notified

until the order comes in from SAC. Carry on with what you were doing.

"This is Jumbo with a silver-flash message for Moonbeam in six parts. "

"Break break. Part one...

Papa, Kilo, Zulu... "

"Part two, Sierra, Tango, Hotel. "

"Part three... "

Command post.

This is Col Caldwell. Is it Kirby?

Stand by, one. This is Col Farr.

"Bravo, break break. "

"Authentication time is 23/0655 Zulu. "

Affirmative. It's the ORI.

Keep me posted. I'll be there as soon as I can.

"Prepare a simulated launch on all missiles. "

"Attention all personnel, prepared a simulated launch on all missiles. "

This is Ranger control to all alert aircraft. Starting roll call.

Ranger 11. "11, ready to taxi. "

Ranger 23. "23, ready to taxi. "

Ranger 19. "Roger. 19, ready to taxi. "

"Ranger 25." "25, ready to taxi. "

- Ranger 13.- "Roger. 13, ready to taxi. "

- Ranger 18. "Roger. 18, ready to taxi. "

Ranger control. Ranger 11, ready to roll.

11, you're cleared for take off.

"Full power coming up, five seconds. Four, three, two, one. "

"Ranger 15."

"Ranger 24."

14 seconds, so far so good.

"Ranger 27."

"Ranger 25."

Ready to raise launcher number one on my mark. Ready? Mark.

"Ranger 21 cannot get full power on number six engine. Ranger 21

cannot get full power on number six engine. "

Maintenance control, get over to 21 right away.

That's all the power you're gonna get on number six, 80%.

That'll knock us out of the box. Ground abort.

It wouldn't even add 1,000 feet to the take-off roll.

They'll flunk us on the whole ORI.

Any improvement? No, sir. 80%.

Give me the command post.

Col Farr, the command post is in contact with Col Caldwell.

Anything you wanna talk about?

Negative.

Ranger control. Ranger 21, negative.

We're simulating war-time conditions. Linke, go.

Ranger control, ranger 21 ready to roll.

Roger, 21. You're clear to go.

Keep a close check on number six.

If it drops below 80% at the decision point, we'll abort the mission and clear the runway.

8,000 foot marker coming up.

Number six engine, 80%.

7,000 foot marker coming up.

Speed 112 knots. Decision point coming up.

Now. We're committed.

We're losing power in number six. Shall I shut it down? Negative! Past the refusal point.

3,000 foot marker coming up. No improvement on number six.

Speed 150 knots.

Lift-off point now.

"Ranger control, that is affirmative. You have six more aircraft to go. "

Command post. This is Col Caldwell. I'm on my way to the flight line.

Ranger 18's at the end of the runway with engine trouble. Roger.

We got less than three minutes to get him off!

Easy does it, Sergeant. Thank you, Colonel.

"18, you'll be the last to take off. One minute 55 seconds to roll. "

How does it look? They found it? "We're working on it. "

I got one minute and 50 seconds before they score me as an abort.

- Try it now. -

- Try it again. -

18, 50 seconds. How you looking?

"We're OK. Lock her up,

That's what I call cutting it close.

Just so we cut it, that's all that counts.

I sent a plane with 80% power on one engine.

The B-52? Yes. 21.

I know it's against peace-time regulations but I decided there was no risk involved.

Operation's normal so far in 21?

Yes, sir.

Alright, say it. Say I was wrong. I don't know how Kirby'll score it.

But at least you finally stuck your neck out.

"This is Ranger 15. Our radar is inoperative. Repeat. Our radar is inoperative. "

This is Col Caldwell, have you checked everything in the dash one?

"Yes, sir, we have. And in the maintenance manual. "

"Our radar's completely out, request further instruction. "

Keep trying. "We've tried all in the book. "

"It's impossible to repair it in flight. "

Who's his radar operator? Truebeck. He's the best there is.

Alright, proceed on course, then fly the rest of the route as briefed.

"Roger. 15."

Well, that's one abort. Yeah, and two flunksters. "

Let's not hit the wake yet.

Jorsten, let me have a look at the flight plan. Yes, sir.

- Ranger control, 21.- "Roger, 21. Go ahead.

"Refuellimg completed as scheduled. Encountered light to moderate turbulence. It's in the green. "

Roger, 21. Have a good flight.

"Ranger control, this is Ranger 27, over. "

This is Ranger control. Go. "Ranger 27,

in the refuelling area. Encountering extremely heavy turbulence. "

Disconnect, we'll try it again.

"I've had several disconnects. I do not think I can get my full fuel load in the required time. "

How much fuel have you taken on? Almost half the load.

Have nine minutes left to take on the rest.

Ranger 27, this is Col Caldwell.

If you feel the risk is excessive, you're clear to return to the base. "

There goes the ball game.

I think I can hack it, sir.

I'd like to try once more.

OK, but play it safe.

Remember, this is a peace-time exercise.

101, do you mind, Mrs Caldwell? Oh, no, not at all.

An appendectomy. He came out of it just fine.

His wife has been notified if that's what he wants to know. His name is Sgt Kemler.

Cam you make a call for me, please? Your wife's been notified.

What? Oh! The call I want is to, er, air refuelling operations.

Would you ask them how Ramrod 67 did in the ORI?

Would you, ma'am? I'd be glad to.

Extension 1021.

Hello, I'm speaking for Sgt Kemler from the base hospital.

No, he's fine. No complications. He was anxious to know how his plane -

Tell him the whole damn squadron made it, Mrs Kemler.

Oh, sorry, Mrs Caldwell.

All bombers received maximum on-load in the specified time.

I'll tell him. Bye.

What did he say? The whole damn squadron made it.

Wonderful. I'm Mrs Kemler. May I go and tell him?

Just exactly what the patient needs. Room 101. Thank you.

"This is 26. I'm the last one down at 34 after the hour. "

"Roger, 26."

Morse. Any aborts?

One. And one that can go either way.

Want some coffee?

Thanks, but in moderation. Not more than 20 cups a day.

There's one guy I never thought I'd be rooting for.

He's getting the bomb scores.

Yep. Thanks.

General.

There's nothing we can do about it now.

Good morning, sir. Morning. Get any sleep?

No, sir. I got in a couple of naps.

That does it for me. A 10 or 15-minute nap and I'm OK.

It's remarkable how little sleep a man can get along with if he has to. It certainly is, sir.

Your crews did better than ever on the positive control.

I'm glad to hear that, sir.

You're aware of the peace-time rule against sending up an aircraft without full power? Yes, sir.

Sir, we were simulating war-time conditions.

I would've made the same decision.

So would I.

And I'm not gonna score it as an abort.

We're in.

He didn't even mention the bombing scores.

I guarantee they're the grade. He smiled at you.

When Happy Jack smiles at a wing commander it's like giving him the Airman of the Year award.

You could've contacted me last night before you sent that plane up.

Yes, I could've. How did you like it out there on that limb?

Gets, er, kinda breezy, doesn't it?

It sure does.

You stay with it... pal.

You might even get to like it after a while.

I think I'll go get some sleep.

Good morning.

I hear it's going very well. Yes, it is.

I'm glad. I was worried when I heard that you weren't here at the start.

My first trip to San Francisco, wouldn't you know?

How is Bill? Bill's going to be just fine.

Col Caldwell in quarters.

It's a good thing they don't score you on your home life.

I'd fall flat on my face.

It isn't just you, it's everyone in SAC.

There was an airman at the hospital.

Do you know the first thing he asked about when he came round? His wife? His children?

No, he wanted to know how his plane did in the ORI.

I know it doesn't make sense to you but if you spend a lifetime in SAC -

But he hasn't.

He's still in his 20s.

I met his wife too. She doesn't think he's... different or callous.

She understands.

I wish I had.

Gosh, you're ugly.

Col Caldwell's quarters.

It's for me.

Yes. Yes, of course.

No, it won't take a moment to get there, General Kirby.

Goodbye.

He wants to see me about the family services program.

I'll be back as soon as I can, dear.

You'll have to learn to live with these things in SAC.