Minute 082: Landing on the Moon Wasn’t Dramatic Enough

The engineers look at the equipment on the table. “Okay, let’s get it organized,” says an engineer. “Let’s build a filter,” says another engineer. “Better get some coffee going, too,” says another engineer. Back at the Lovell household, Marilyn Lovell is watching television. ABC Science reporter Jules Bergman is narrating stock footage of Lovell and Haise. “The Haise family lives in El Lago, Texas. His wife, Mary, is from Biloxi, Mississippi. When Fred Haise was growing up in Biloxi, he may have looked ahead to a fine family, but he never dreamt of – ” The stock footage fades to a Haise interview. “I’d never flown, really, until I went into the service,” says Haise. “and I only went into the flying business as a means to get a commission.” Marilyn is seated on a sofa, watching television. “Good morning,” says the Public Affairs Officer, entering from the front door. “Henry,” says Marilyn, “Don’t you ever sleep?” “I, uh, I have a request from the news people,” says Henry. “Uh-huh,” says Marilyn. “They’re out front here, and they want to put a transmitter on the lawn?” Henry points out the window. “Transmitter?” asks Marilyn, getting up from the couch and walking to the window. “Kind of a tower for live broadcasts,” replies Henry. Marilyn looks out the window. A dozen or more media people are walking over the Lovell front lawn, while a Sheriff’s deputy looks on. “I thought they didn’t care about this mission,” says Marilyn. “They didn’t even run Jim’s show.” “Well,” says Henry, “It’s more dramatic now. Suddenly, people are -” “Landing on the Moon wasn’t dramatic enough for them, why should not landing be?” asks Marilyn.   IN THIS MINUTE: Xander Berkeley as Henry Kathleen Quinlan as Marilyn Lovell