Marianne!
Marianne, come on!
We got to go right now!
We can't leave!
Honey, we got to go right this
second. We can't leave! Not yet.
Look at these readings!
Let's stick around.
Forget the readings!
Juan, Chico,
get what you can quickly!
Where are
the seismic records?
We can't wait.
Come on, Marianne!
Come quick! Come on!
See you at the fort!
Chico, stay close behind us, okay?
Come on, get in!
I hope they'll be okay.
I can't even
see the road.
Are you okay?
If we make it
through this...
We'll have
some stories to tell.
Oh, shit, honey.
Shit!
We're going to get out.
Don't worry.
Marianne?
Oh, no!
Harry Dalton here.
Leave a message.
Harry, are you there?
Come on, pick up.
Come on,
I know you're there.
We're picking up something
in the Northern Cascades.
I need your opinion on it.
Listen, get down here as
soon as you get this message.
You better pack
for a couple of days.
Harry, are you sure
you're not there?
Take a big step.
Come on.
What are you
doing here?
You're supposed to be
on vacation.
Paul called. There's something
going on in the Northern Cascades.
You can't leave work alone,
can you?
Harry, going on vacation
isn't going to kill you.
I appreciate that.
Thanks.
Good morning.
What's going on
in the Cascades?
I am sorry I had to
drag you in like this,
but we are picking up some
activity around Dante's Peak.
This is a joke, right?
Dante's Peak?
What do you think the odds
are against an eruption?
1,000-to-1?
More like 10,000-to-1.
What's the depth?
10 to 20 kilometers.
You're number seven.
It's on the corner there.
Good man.
Any idea where
I'll find Mayor Wando?
She should be right around the
corner, accepting some award.
Dante's Peak was
just named the best...
Second-best place to live
in the United States.
Population under 20,000.
Good for you.
What was number one?
I don't know. Some piece of crap
town out in Montana. Who cares?
I'll be seeing you.
Okay.
I'd like to thank Karen
from Money Magazine
for this wonderful award.
What is it?
Lauren,
is it Karen or Kathy?
It's Karen, Mom.
For the tenth time: Karen.
You're going to be late.
Seen my good jacket?
You don't have one.
The blue one?
Oh, that one.
It's on the back of
the chair in the kitchen.
Graham, it's time to go.
Where is your brother?
He'll meet us there.
There's your jacket.
Okay.
Let's go!
You'll be late!
I got to say something.
Folks, we're real sorry
for the delay.
We're going to get
started in one moment.
Any moment now.
Go find a place, okay?
Okay.
Hey, Bill.
Hey, Rachel.
Thank God.
Ladies and gentlemen,
I'd like to introduce
the mayor of Dante's Peak,
Rachel Wando.
It's about time.
Ladies and gentlemen,
this is a very special day
in Dante's Peak.
To kick off
the festivities,
I would like to introduce Karen
Narlington of Money Magazine.
Thank you.
Thank you very much, Les.
Mayor Wando,
it gives me great pleasure
to present to you
a Money Magazine award.
Dante's Peak,
the second most desirable place
to live in the United States
population under 20,000.
Congratulations.
Thank you.
Karen!
Thank you, Karen.
Thank you, Lauren.
This award means
a lot to us.
We've been proud of our
town for a long time.
It's beautiful, it's safe, it's a
wonderful place in which to raise a family.
Tell 'em, Mayor!
Now, with the prospect of a major
investment in our economic future
by Mr. Elliot Blair
of Blair Industries...
Will you stand up, Elliot?
Next year we're going to be
number one.
You'll love this.
Come on in.
It's great.
Is it really warm?
It's beautiful.
Yeah.
It's really hot.
I think that's why they
call it Twonset Hot Springs.
So, is this great
or what?
Sure beats the hell
out of L.A.
Yes, it does.
Maybe we should move here.
I don't think so.
I'd go nuts in a week.
It's nothing. Some animal
must have scared them.
Jerry?
What the hell was that?
Oh, my God!
So, everybody get out there, have a
great time, and enjoy this beautiful day.
Good job, Mom.
Where is your brother?
I don't know.
I know where.
Mayor Wando?
Harry Dalton with
the U.S. Geological Survey.
A wonderful speech, Rachel.
Excuse me, Mayor Wando,
gentlemen...
I'm sorry, you are?
Harry Dalton.
From Portland.
Yes, your boss called
and said you were coming.
Elliot, can I call you later? Sure.
I should show you around.
Right?
Is this a good time?
Yeah.
Just have
to make a quick stop.
Sure, that's okay.
What are we doing here?
This'll only
take a second.
So, you have any kids?
No, I don't.
You're lucky.
Right, Mom?
No, honey. Sometimes having
kids is just wonderful.
And sometimes...
Graham!
My brother, Graham,
he's in a lot of trouble.
Yes, I think he is.
Graham!
You get in trouble?
No.
Of course not.
Graham!
I'm coming.
Get in the car.
You boys, go home.
You should know better.
See you, guys.
I don't know
what's wrong with you.
Can we do this
another time?
The mine is dangerous.
It's off-limits.
Whatever.
Hey, Rachel!
Hey!
Hey, Jane.
I heard Mrs. Mackey
was sick.
You know,
just a touch of the flu.
And how are you?
Dr. Fox, this is Harry Dalton of
the United States Geological Survey.
Oh, hey.
How do you do?
Nice meeting you.
'Bye Jane.
'Bye.
Do you want to see it?
It looks like
black liquorice.
Can I see it?
You know what this is?
This is a smoky
quartz crystal.
I had one just like it
when I was your age.
Very lucky.
Do you know
about this stuff?
Just a little bit.
Dr. Dalton's a geologist.
Volcanologist, actually.
You mean like Dr. Spock?
Mr. Spock.
Kind of, but without the ears, you know?
Mom, drop me off
at Grandma's.
Yeah, me too.
You're not
tagging along.
Stop fighting. No!
No one's going.
Dr. Dalton has been
patient enough.
It's okay to drop the kids off
at your mother's. I don't mind.
She's not my mother.
She's my mother-in-law.
Or my ex-mother-in-law.
My, my.
This is beautiful.
Grandma!
Grandma!
Well, look who's here.
Hi, ace. How are you?
Good.
Keeping out of trouble?
Yeah.
Lauren, my ladybug.
Hello, Ruth.
Hi, Rachel.
Come on, Rough.
Are you Rachel's boyfriend?
No, Harry Dalton. United
States Geological Survey.
Just up here to check
on your mountain.
Bunch of you people came up here right
after Mount Saint Helens went nuts.
There was nothing
going on then.
There's nothing
going on now.
I need to take Dr. Dalton
up to the high lake
and wondered if the kids
could stay here.
Sure. But why don't we
all go? We can go swimming.
Mess around in the hot
springs on the way back?
We've our swim stuff.
I'll get mine.
Come on, Roughy,
come on.
Come on, girl, come on.
Okay, Roughy, come on.
What are you doing there?
Checking the acidity
in the water.
Like a pool man.
Yeah, exactly.
Just like a pool man.
We'll take these
pH readings
and check them against the ones
that we did about 15 years ago.
Where? From here?
And on Mount Saint Helens.
Those trees over there.
Any idea when they died?
No. Maybe from
the winter storms.
Why? You think
we've got a problem?
No. I don't think so.
I do about 25 to 30
of these a year.
Ninety-eight percent of the
time they're just false alarms.
And the other
two percent?
You wouldn't have to worry
about moving up on that
"best places to live" list.
Come on, girl.
You guys be careful.
Watch out for poison oak when
you put your swimsuits on.
They'll be fine.
Hey, wait up!
A man who stares at a rock
must have a lot on his mind.
Or nothing.
These old rocks here will give us some
idea of when this area was last active.
When was that?
About 7,000 years ago.
Give us a smile.
Beautiful.
Take it easy now, okay?
Don't touch it.
Roughy, no. Stop.
What?
What is it?
We found two
dead squirrels, Mom.
That's what this fuss
was all about?
Don't touch them.
It must be some sort of
squirrel epidemic.
They're dropping like that
all over the mountain.
Come on, let's go.
It stinks. I don't know if
I want to go in.
It smells like your room.
You go in there.
Hey, Grandma. Somebody
left their clothes here.
Sometimes couples sneak
up here for a hot dip
and some hot nookie.
Ruth, for God's sake.
Lauren, move.
Lauren, get out of the way.
Watch me, Mom.
Graham, no, no! No!
No. Stop.
Don't look, pal.
Paul, we should
monitor the entire area.
Get the whole
shooting match in here.
I don't know.
The acidity in the lake
is high enough to bother me.
There's enough carbon dioxide
coming out of the soil
to start killing
trees and wildlife...
Paul...
You sent me up here to
check. I'm doing that.
I think attention
should be paid.
All right.
I'll call you.
You guys okay?
Yeah.
Yeah.
'Bye, Mom.
I love you.
I love you, Mom.
I don't think
I'll be too late, Ruth.
'Bye.
'Bye.
You okay?
Yeah.
Any idea who they were?
No, never seen them before.
Backpackers, maybe.
What's going on here, Harry?
I don't know.
How big a problem
do you think we have?
It's too early to tell.
But I think you should call
a city council meeting.
Ready to roll?
Yeah.
I thought this was supposed
to be an extinct volcano.
Not extinct,
just dormant,
as in sleeping.
And your volcano
might just be waking up.
Mr. Dalton, you're talking about
the evacuation of 7,400 people.
You don't think
that's a little extreme?
I'm just saying to consider alerting the
town to the possibility of an evacuation.
What Mr. Dalton here
doesn't realize
is that if Elliot Blair gets the
idea that there's a problem here,
he'll take his $18 million, his 800 jobs,
and he's going to evacuate.
Les, two people
are dead and we...
This is the first
opportunity in 40 years...
Look, it's been
a very long day.
Let's try to treat
each other nicely.
Norman, why don't you pull out the
town's emergency evacuation plans?
We should at least
have a look at them.
If I can find them.
Look at this
nice little town
nestled all snug and cozy
right against the mountain.
Yeah, just like Pompeii.
Come on, let's unpack her.
The conference room should be
big enough to set up shop in.
Great, thanks.
Do you know where
I can find Harry Dalton?
He's over at the
city council chambers.
He and the mayor
called a meeting.
So, when is this mountain
likely to blow up?
I wish that predicting volcanic
eruptions were an exact science.
Unfortunately, we...
Perfect.
So, we put the town on notice,
and then nothing happens.
People, we're not the
only town in this state.
All right, so are we ready
to put it to vote?
I don't know if we've enough
information.
Paul.
Everybody, this is my boss,
Dr. Paul Dreyfus. Mayor Wando.
Hi. Rachel.
It's a pleasure indeed.
What's going on here?
I've recommended to
the council members
that they put this town
on alert.
They were just
about to vote on it.
Harry, can I have
a word with you outside?
Sure.
Excuse us.
Who the hell is this?
I sent you up here
to have a look around,
not to scare
the city council.
I know,
but two people are dead.
Recommending an alert was the
only responsible thing to do.
There are dozens of reasons that
would account for what happened.
Anything from a mild earthquake
to a slight seismic shift
and not one
of those reasons
means that the mountain will
blow up next week or next month
or the next 100 years.
They just think
they can walk in here...
Ladies and gentlemen
Dr. Dalton was only doing what he
thought was in the town's best interests.
However, I have learned
through bitter experience that
these decisions are
not to be made lightly.
Now, back in 1980,
I would've bet $1 million
that Mammoth Mountain
was about to go up.
We, at the U.S.G.S., began to talk about the
possibility of putting that town on alert.
Thank God the mountain
didn't go up,
but the damage
had already been done.
You see, the word leaked out that
the U.S.G.S. Had expressed concern
and so the tourists panicked
and stayed away
the real estate
values plummeted,
and the town
nearly went bankrupt.
Consequently,
I'm now a lot more cautious
when it comes to even talking
about putting a town on alert.
Now, folks,
understand something.
We'll be camped here
for as long as it takes
with seismometers
and tiltmeters
that will measure and monitor
every hiccup the mountain makes.
We'll be bouncing laser beams off
it to track any changes in size.
We'll be analyzing
gas emissions.
We've even got a robot to go up
there and take its temperature.
Now, believe me, I'm not trying
to make light of your concerns
but I want you
to understand that
if the time comes
to call for an alert...
If the time comes
it will be based
upon scientific evidence
and not upon
anyone's opinion.
For God's sake, this thing should've
been handled much more discreetly.
This meeting never
should've been called.
I just hope Mr. Blair
didn't get wind of this.
You're making
a big mistake, Paul.
This is an unstable system,
and this town
should be on alert.
You need a vacation.
I'll see you in two weeks.
Well, we got some serious
damage control to do.
If they get scared off,
Rachel,
you're the one
who's responsible.
Any questions? I'll be
happy to answer them.
How about
a nice adult beverage?
Excellent.
Good.
Sounds good to me.
Give me just
a minute here.
Thought you'd be off on
your fishing vacation by now.
I decided to
stick around.
I can see that.
The question is, "Why?"
Because this town's
in trouble.
I'm the best man
you've got.
Whiskey.
You are the best man
I've got.
Until you can understand that there
are delicate politics involved,
not to mention economics
you're only going to do these
people more harm than good.
I understand.
There you are.
Same again.
Tomorrow I'll hire a helicopter,
fly around the mountain,
take some COSPEC readings, see
how much sulfur dioxide is there.
Okay.
From now on,
everything comes from me.
Any more town meetings
to be called,
I'll be the one
to call them. Okay?
Okay.
Good morning.
Coffee?
Yes, please.
Cappuccino, espresso,
caffe latte?
Could I just have
a regular coffee?
Sure.
I heard you left town
last night.
Yes. Well,
I've decided to stay.
See what new trouble
I can get myself into.
So, what's good here?
Everything's good here.
Oh, my God!
I am so sorry.
It's okay.
It's all right.
I suppose I had that coming for
screwing up your re-election chances?
I didn't do it
on purpose.
I've always been better at figuring
out volcanoes than people and politics.
Anyway. I just
wanted to say I'm sorry
if I caused you any trouble.
I just wanted to help.
You like
eggplant Parmesan?
For breakfast?
For dinner.
I'm inviting you
over for dinner
to say thank you.
Thanking me for what?
For saving Graham's life,
and for caring.
It's a date.
Let's go down lower and head for
that rock formation over there.
If I fly during my lunch
break, I get overtime.
Just do it.
All right,
let's just hover here.
Okay, what you got back
there? How's it looking?
Minimal sulfur dioxide
emissions. Nothing to worry about.
We're green
across the board.
Harry, there's nothing to indicate
there's any kind of activity down here.
She's quiet.
Yeah
she's quiet.
Okay.
Which hand is
the domino in?
That one.
You've got it.
Here?
Yes.
Looks like a squished heart.
More like an appendix.
Neat.
Cool.
Can you do
any other tricks?
Maybe Harry's tired.
Just one more.
Here you go.
All right.
Look at that. No boogers.
But right down in here we have
a little sewing needle.
You see it?
It's magic.
And it needs a magic hair.
This won't hurt.
Yummy.
Okay, hold this, please.
Thank you.
Let me put my glasses on.
And we go
like this.
Thread it through.
Fine. You hold that.
Okay?
Look at that.
And there.
Much better.
And we go like this.
All right.
And go like that.
It really works.
It's magic.
I know it's just
a little town,
but I couldn't imagine
living anywhere else.
I grew up here.
I went to school here.
Got married here?
Yeah.
Brian.
We were just kids.
I haven't heard from him
in quite a while.
Quite a while.
Try six years.
I don't think
she'd admit it,
but I don't even think
Ruth knows where he is.
You seem to be doing okay.
Yeah.
It was hard at first.
Hard for the kids.
But we're okay.
How about you?
You ever been married?
No.
Never.
Why not?
For one thing,
I move around a lot.
Colombia, Guatemala,
the Philippines,
Mexico, New Zealand,
New Guinea.
Wherever there's a volcano
with an attitude.
It makes it hard
to settle down.
You ever come close?
Yes. Once.
Touchy subject.
Her name was Marianne.
We worked together.
She loved volcanoes.
Fascinated by them.
Loved the life.
Four years ago, a volcano
erupted in Colombia.
Marianne and I thought we
had enough time to get out.
Unfortunately,
we were wrong.
We got too close
to the show.
Marianne was killed.
If this thing blows
and if she does
a Mount Saint Helens
the blast will get here
within a minute.
I hope you're wrong
about our volcano.
But if not,
I'm glad you're here.
Hi, Harry.
Hello. Hello, Harry.
I've found five seismometers.
Where's the other three?
They're in the back
of the van.
Good morning.
Hi. Hello.
Hi. Hello, how are you?
Everyone, this is Rachel
Wando, the mayor of the town.
I thought you could use
some coffee.
Not knowing what you like,
I brought cappuccinos
except for regular
for you. Right?
That's perfect.
Thank you very much.
I am jonesing. I could
really use a good fix.
What kind of coffee
machine do you use?
Gaggia.
So?
You probably keep your
beans in the freezer.
Never keep your beans
in the freezer.
Takes all the oils out.
You know what, Harry? This
town just might be worth saving.
Good coffee.
That's good.
Nice woman, that Rachel.
Best looking mayor
I've ever seen.
She's got my vote.
Twice.
All right, here you go.
That ought to do it.
Okay, Harry.
Bingo.
If this mountain's going to rock and
roll, we're going to know about it.
So, how was dinner
last night, Harry?
Terry, why don't you just give it a
break and stop trying to fix me up?
I have great taste in women.
When did I ever steer you wrong?
Yeah?
What about Astrid?
What about her?
I thought you'd have
a lot in common.
She said
she was into rocks.
Crystals, Terry.
Crystals!
Not rocks.
Crystals.
Okay. One, two, three, go.
There you go.
Mind your foot.
Okay.
All right, good.
I'll get my breakfast.
You getting the hang
of this thing?
It's still kind of goosey but,
yeah, I think I'm getting it.
Yes! It's coffee time.
Coffee! Coffee,
coffee, coffee!
Cappuccino, java. Yes!
How are you?
Coffee. Thanks.
Decaf, non-fat, no sugar.
Yes.
Macchiato.
Thank you.
Double espresso.
Here.
Thank you, Rachel.
Thank you so much.
So, how's it looking?
We've been recording between
25 and 75 earthquakes per day.
You're kidding!
Don't worry, they're microquakes.
They happen all the time.
Well, good.
And what's this?
This little puppy's
called Spider Legs.
She goes in when it's
too dangerous for us.
Boldly goes,
I might add.
Actually, we'll take
gas readings up front.
Then, we'll send video
back here to home base.
Hopefully.
Good. Now try to keep
the weight on that one.
See what I'm saying? Keep
the weight on this one...
That's not me.
It's not in here.
The other one
isn't moving?
What's the problem now?
There's no problem.
If this keeps screwing up, I
don't want to take it up there.
Paul, the problem
is E. L. F.
I'm going to fix this once and
for all. Everybody, turn around.
Turn around.
Just be sure to put the thing
back on before NASA finds out.
It'll be our
little secret.
What do you say, big guy?
Ready to see the sights?
Big boy's definitely
ready to see the sights.
Yes, you are.
Yes, you are.
Come on, Terry.
Time for
your medication.
Thank you.
You guys see this?
You see this?
I expect apologies and
six-packs from each one of you.
Are you looking for a medal
because you got the thing to work?
Okay, Paul? Okay?
It's working beautifully.
It ought to be working better.
It lost 15 pounds of ugly fat.
Zoom in to the left.
Zooming in.
We got some minor geothermal activity
there on the edge of the crater.
Pan to the right
a little bit.
I want to have a look
at the lava dome.
Look at it.
Oops.
Terry's masterpiece
is a piece of junk.
Show me the leg
that isn't working.
Houston, we have a problem.
Yeah, we copy,
you have a problem.
I'll just throw rocks
at the goddamn thing.
I think I'll go down there and give it
the personal touch.
Here we go again.
Real easy, okay?
Always.
You got it?
You got me?
I got you.
Here we go.
No heroics now, okay?
Terry's going down.
Do you hear me?
You're coming in
crystal clear.
Easy.
This isn't a smart idea.
All right?
Yeah.
Listen...
Terry, why don't we just
forget Spider Legs for now
and get your backside
back up here, okay?
Not a chance. For the
$450,000 we put into this beast
it ought to be able to stand
on its head, split the atom
and fart
The Star-Spangled Banner.
Almost there.
Hello, you son of a bitch!
That's Terry's answer
to everything.
Kick it
if it doesn't work.
Get your ass
back up. Now.
Not a chance.
I'm going off rope.
No, Terry.
That's not a great idea.
It's okay, I can get around
the other side and get it going.
But I tell you,
I would swear
this thing's purposefully
trying to piss me off!
You know what, Harry?
It's working.
Paul, something's going on.
There's some
seismic activity.
All right, here we go.
What do you think, Stan?
Minor quakes, but they're
right in the middle of it.
We should tell them
to call it a day.
Harry, can you hear me?
Paul, I didn't get you.
Say it again.
Oh, my God!
Terry! Talk to me!
Terry! Terry,
can you hear us?
Terry!
I'm coming down!
Harry!
It's okay.
Where are you?
It's my leg.
Paul, come in.
We can hear you.
Go ahead.
Terry's down.
He's got a broken leg,
by the looks of it here.
We need the chopper down
here fast. Do you hear me?
We copy.
Terry broke his leg. We're
sending chopper right away.
Send in the chopper
right now.
I can't believe the camera's still
working after taking a hit like that.
Come on, answer the phone!
Come on!
What?
Look...
All right,
hang on a second, okay?
Paul, the son-of-a-bitch pilot
wants to renegotiate his rate.
Give him
whatever he wants.
This is rescue chopper. We're
coming up to the rim of the crater.
Do you have
a visual on us?
We're just below you, about 600
feet down off the south face.
All right, I see you.
We'll go around again
and try to drop you a cable
and then hoist you out
of there. You got that?
You all right?
We're very, very, very ready.
He looks in bad shape.
Bring her down.
Come on.
Come on, get it, get it.
Yes.
Way to go, Harry.
Hold on!
We're going home.
Okay.
You on?
Okay! Let it go!
All right, go, go, go!
Lift!
All right, move.
You got him?
Yeah, I got him good.
Great job, Harry.
I don't want to
talk out of turn,
but you should put
this town on alert.
There's a lot of
activity up there.
I know it was intense.
I don't want to cause a panic
over minor tectonic quakes.
Minor? The biggest one
we measured was a 2.9...
I don't give a damn
if it was...
Those quakes were shallow.
Damn shallow.
I was up there.
I felt them.
They weren't tectonic.
They were magmatic.
This thing is
going to blow.
I'm warning you. I'm not going
to have my people scaring everyone
because of guesswork
and hunches!
Another 48 hours will tell
the tale, and you get a grip.
That son of a bitch.
I'm okay.
My doc says I can leave as soon
as they make sure my head's okay.
Okay, see you
in 10 years, then.
Spider Legs was just
getting even with you
for all the kicks
in the butt you gave him.
We got
a problem here, guys.
I'll need your help to convince Paul
that this mountain means business.
I hate to agree with Paul,
but there's no real evidence
that anything weird is going on.
Just like Mount Baker
in the '70s.
There was no
eruption then.
My ninth grade science
teacher once told me
that if you put a frog in boiling
water, it'll jump right out.
But if you put it in cold
water and heat it up gradually
it'll just sit there
and slowly boil to death.
What's that, Harry,
your recipe for frog soup?
It's my recipe
for disaster.
If we got here today, we'd
know we were in hot water
and we'd put
this town on alert.
Take a look.
The seismic activity is nil.
Steady as a rock.
And take a look over here.
A whole lot of nothing.
It's been like that all week.
There is nothing happening.
There's been
no harmonic tremors.
The tiltmeters don't show any
change in the mountain's shape.
I think we've seen all
this big baby's going to do.
We got the mountain wired.
We got our equipment in place.
We can keep an eye on things
from home from now on.
Our work here
is finished.
We've seen lulls like this
in activity before.
If we're wise, we'll
give it a couple of days.
I promised you two days,
I gave it a week.
First thing in the morning,
we are out of here.
We still have
to have that dinner.
Keep the change.
Okay, Elliot.
Yes!
It's okay. All right.
What've we got here, $10?
That's $20.
$20.
$20.
Come again anytime.
Thanks, Harry.
Give us a beer there,
Charlie.
So, you ever get
to Portland?
No. I'm busy.
Busy? What do you do
for fun?
Fun? What is that, fun?
I know.
Fun is what you have when
you don't have two children,
a business,
and a town to run.
I got you.
Excuse me, Harry.
Before we took off
I just wanted to say thanks
for all the hospitality.
It was my pleasure.
That's awfully nice
of you to say that,
but I'm sure you're
not sorry to see us go.
Our presence here is bad
for business, right, Paul?
Okay, I'm going
to go back. See you.
Well, it's late and I have
to let my babysitter get home.
I'll walk you.
Let me get my jacket.
Hey, Harry,
it's your break.
It's your game, guys.
So, when do you
go tomorrow?
6:00 a. m.
I wish
you weren't leaving.
Well, don't worry,
Dreyfus was right.
I guess we don't
really have to be here.
We can watch this
mountain from Portland.
I still wish
you weren't leaving.
Hey, you two.
Jane Fox.
That'll give her something to
talk about for a couple of weeks.
Hi.
Hi.
Are they sleeping?
Yeah, they sure are.
I'll walk you out.
Okay.
Be right back.
Okay.
Good night.
Good night.
You free on Saturday?
Saturday's fine.
Good. I'll call you.
Okay, 'bye.
Thanks.
Well, maybe I should
make some coffee.
No, Rachel, no.
I don't want any coffee.
Thanks.
I really think I should
make us some coffee.
I don't know how
to tell you this
but I've never really
cared for your coffee.
I haven't been with
anybody in a long time.
Same here.
But you know
what they say.
It's like
riding a bicycle.
Once you've learned,
you never forget.
Mommy?
Mommy, is that you?
Yeah, Lauren,
what is it?
I'm thirsty.
Okay, honey.
I think she'll go
right back to sleep.
Please, dear God in heaven,
let her go back to sleep.
What's wrong
with the water?
What is it?
Must be a broken pipe?
Where's the town's
water supply?
Why?
Graham.
Wake up.
Go away.
It's right up there.
What's that smell?
It smells like sulfur. There.
Yeah. Sulfur dioxide.
I saw the same thing in the Philippines
on Mount Pinatubo before she blew.
This mountain is a ticking
bomb. Come on, let's go.
I've got that
scientific evidence you need.
Harry, what are you doing here?
I've just come from
the town's water supply.
It's the same.
Oh, my God.
The quakes are beginning
to swarm. Got a 2.4.
Gas readings are going up, too.
Not good.
Look at this one.
Sir, is that the best
you can do for us?
Yes, sir.
All right, thanks.
I appreciate it.
The National Guard can't
be here until tomorrow.
How much time do you think we've got?
Don't know.
It's too early to tell.
Call the mayor. Have her
put the town on alert.
I'll call the F.A.A.
Okay.
Here we go.
In response to the potential
volcanic threat to Dante's Peak
I am requesting that
all residents attend
a public meeting at
the high school at 6:00
to discuss the evacuation
of our town.
A representative of the United States
Geological Survey will be on hand
to explain the facts
to you in detail.
When is the mountain going
to blow? Tonight? Tomorrow?
Take it easy, now. There is
no need to be alarmed yet.
What's this meeting?
All they want to do
is be prepared...
I just put up a new sign.
I hope nothing happens.
Attention.
There will be a meeting held at the
high school gymnasium at 6:00 p. M
to discuss the evacuation
of Dante's Peak.
To repeat: All citizens are
urged to attend the meeting
that will be held at the
high school gymnasium...
Ruth, just listen to me
this one time.
Harry says the mountain
could blow any minute
and you've got
to come down.
Let me try.
Ruth? Hi.
Harry Dalton here.
This is a very serious
situation we've got.
You have to consider
your family.
I'm not leaving,
and that's that.
I understand how you feel, but this...
Hung up.
Stupid, stupid woman.
Come on, Ruth, pick up.
We got to go.
Pick up, Ruth.
She's not coming down,
is she?
Look, if Grandma
wants to stay up there,
there's nothing
we can do about it.
But, Mom...
No buts.
It's her decision.
I need you guys to pack
while we're gone.
One suitcase apiece, okay?
Be responsible.
We'll be back soon.
Let's try her again.
Come on, Grandma,
pick up.
She's not answering.
Give it to me.
Hello?
Do we have to wait? I mean,
if we want to leave now?
You don't have to wait.
You can leave
whenever you like.
Okay, listen, I know it's tough
to think about leaving our homes.
But, clearly, it's the most
responsible thing to do right now.
Quite likely
nothing will happen.
But it's better
to be safe than sorry.
I want you to remember,
no one should leave tonight
without a copy of the town's
emergency evacuation plan.
They will be handed out
at the door on your way out.
I'd like to turn the floor
over now to Dr. Harry Dalton.
Thank you. Ladies and
gentlemen, first of all...
It's all over, Les. I'm out of
here before it all hits the fan.
I'll try to be brief.
I would like to underline that these
are just precautionary measures.
We don't want
to start a panic.
Did anybody feel that?
Ladies and gentlemen, please
remain calm. Please just...
I felt that.
Don't push.
Please stay calm.
Do not rush.
Go toward the exits.
Don't panic. Do not push.
Lauren!
The mountain's blowing up!
Do not rush.
Please be calm!
Don't push!
Please.
It's okay. Please.
You okay?
You all right?
Harry, go this way!
All right.
Stan, look at this.
Why look at computers when
you can see the real thing?
My sticks.
Looks like it's about to blow its top.
This is not good.
You okay?
Oh, God.
Oh, my God.
Oh, no.
I've got to get
to the kids.
Let's go. Go. Go.
Watch out.
Paul, come in.
Paul? Can anybody
hear me? Paul?
Paul, come in.
Look at that.
Paul? Can anybody
hear me? Come in.
Harry, we hear you.
Where are you?
I'm heading up to get Rachel's
kids. Once I've done that
I'll come and help you
pack out of there.
Harry, listen.
For whatever it's worth,
you were right
and I was wrong.
I'm sorry.
It's okay.
I'll see you later.
She's blowing.
She's going.
Look ahead.
Where do we go?
It's blocked. Go left.
Go left.
I'm going.
Look out. Jesus.
Shit!
Make a right.
Go down the alley.
Come on, come on.
Harry, my truck's not there.
Graham.
Lauren.
Put on your seat belt.
You know how to do
all the gears?
Yeah.
They went up the mountain.
Come on, let's go.
Any other way
across that bridge?
No.
You're out of your mind.
Oh, you're out of your mind!
It's okay.
Harry.
Okay, hang on.
It's okay.
There's water coming in.
This rig can take it.
The engine's got a snorkel.
Look at those cars.
They're crazy.
They'll never make it.
We're stuck?
I know.
Harry?
See that car coming at us?
I see it.
Is he going to hit us?
Hold on. It's okay.
All right.
Jesus.
I can't see
through the ash.
Turn the lights on.
They are on.
Can you make the wipers
go faster?
I don't know how.
It's that thing there.
Don't touch things.
You'll mess something up.
Like what?
I don't know. Something.
Maybe this wasn't
such a good idea.
Wait! Wait for me!
Open it up!
Looks like our asshole pilot plans on
flying people out of here.
If he gets any of that ash sucked
up into his engine, he's had it.
Let's get this
thing off the ground.
He's getting $15,000,
cold cash.
Wait!
Wait, wait!
No, no. Wait! Wait!
Stop! Stop!
Can't this thing
go any faster?
Shit.
What's that red light?
What?
What's the damn light?
What the hell?
Where are we?
Rachel, where are we?
Top of Exeter.
Greg? Stan?
Come in. We're at the top
of Exeter Street.
There's a chopper down.
Send the fire services.
Jesus! Okay, Harry.
There's nothing we can do.
We got to go get your kids.
Okay.
Greg, come in.
It's Harry.
Rachel's kids have gone up the
mountain. We're going to get them.
He's crazy.
There's not enough time.
You don't have enough time.
Copy that?
We do not think
you have enough time.
Grandma. Grandma.
What are you
doing here?
We came to get you out.
What?
Get in the truck. Now!
You drove up
here by yourselves?
Grandma, we had to.
Your mama's
going to kill you.
Roughy.
We'll get her, Grandma.
Roughy. Come on, Roughy.
We got to go, Roughy.
Graham, get back here. Now!
God Almighty,
what were they thinking?
How are they going
to get through this?
Harry!
I got it.
Harry!
I got it. It's okay.
Oh, God. The road's gone.
It's gone.
Lauren! Graham!
Lauren!
Graham!
Lauren!
We're over here.
We're here.
I'm sorry, Mom.
Roughy ran away.
It wasn't just Graham's fault.
It was my idea, too.
I'm so mad at you.
Children, inside.
Out of the ashes.
Ruth, it's okay.
Stop looking at me
like it's my fault.
Just take the kids, get back
in your truck and go home.
We would if we could,
but a landslide has wiped
out the entire road behind us!
What?
Here, let me grab that.
We've had plenty of minor
eruptions. Maybe it's over the hump.
Yeah, I hope.
Get real, Beavis.
She's just
clearing her throat.
She hasn't
started to sing yet.
It's Harry.
Is anyone there?
We hear you.
Where are you?
We're at Mirror Lake
at the lodge.
The road's down,
but we're okay.
This is becoming
really catastrophic.
I'll send a helicopter
when the ash clouds clear.
Get out of there
before it's too late, okay?
Don't wait for us.
Harry, you're breaking up.
Say again.
Paul, don't wait...
Get out of there now,
please.
Harry, are you there?
Maybe his battery's dead.
I've decided I'll stay
as long as I can,
but I want you guys
to leave right now.
No way, we're not walking out
on God's big show, right?
Not a chance.
This mountain will never
hurt us, believe me.
You're such a fool, Ruth.
Come on.
Oh, God.
This was taken the summer
we built this place.
Brian was six months old.
There's no time for a trip
down memory lane, Ruth.
Rachel, Ruth, come on.
We've got to go.
Have you got everything?
Okay, children, let's go.
Come on, come on!
Mommy!
The boat!
In the water!
In the boat!
Go, children! Go!
Get in the boat.
Oh, my God.
Lauren.
Mommy?
Get in.
Roughy?
We can't leave Roughy!
Roughy!
Mom, the fish...
They're all dead.
Graham!
Don't touch the water.
Lauren, come sit
over here, sweetie.
That's it, sweetheart.
Everybody,
put your feet up.
Ruth, put your
feet up, please.
Volcanic activity has
turned the lake into acid.
Acid eats metal.
Is the boat
going to sink?
No, sugar.
No, it's not
going to sink.
Hey, if you're scared
you can have
my crystal.
I can have it?
Yeah.
Thank you.
Row, row, row your boat
Gently down the stream
Merrily, merrily, merrily,
merrily Life is but a dream
Row, row, row your boat
Gently down the stream
Merrily, merrily, merrily,
merrily Life is but a dream
Oh, shit.
We've lost the prop.
No.
We've lost the prop.
Okay, don't worry.
Go up there with Grandma.
There's a good girl.
Quickly as you can.
Careful.
Keep your feet up.
Come on, darling.
Keep your feet up.
We're very close.
Graham, move over there
and keep the boat balanced.
We're very close.
We're almost there.
We're very close,
everyone.
Is the boat sinking?
It's okay.
Keep trying.
The boat's sinking!
It won't sink.
No, it's not
going to sink, sweet.
We're very close.
Mom, we're sinking!
We're sinking!
The boat's sinking.
Mom, we're
not going to make it.
Grandma, we're sinking.
Grandma, the boat's sinking.
No, it won't, darling.
We're not
going to make it.
Sit right there
and hold on tight.
Children, stay put!
Ruth!
Ruth, get in!
Come on, Ruth.
Get up!
Come on, get up!
Ruth, get to shore!
Move! Get out!
You're okay.
You're okay.
Grandma?
Grandma.
She'll be okay.
Kids, just give us
some room here.
Grandma.
Take your sister.
There's a good boy.
There's a good boy.
Oh, God.
Look at her legs.
We're going to get you
down from here, okay?
Okay.
We'll get you down.
I want to help Grandma.
It's okay.
Let me just
talk to the children.
Please.
It's okay.
I don't want Grandma to die.
I know.
Is she going to die?
It's okay.
Oh, dear God.
Where's the lieutenant?
He's over here
in this vehicle.
You're a sight
for sore eyes.
Lieutenant, take your men and sweep
every building in town, top to bottom.
Everybody out! Go!
Get everyone on the truck and get
them out. This thing's going to blow.
Stop, please stop.
Please stop.
Here you go.
Hang on, Ruth.
You're going to be okay.
Here, Grandma,
have my crystal.
Ladybug, that's so nice
but keep it for
your luck, okay?
Okay.
I'm so sorry for what
I said to you up there.
I really didn't mean it.
I just...
You were right,
what you said.
I am a fool.
No, you're not.
My son's the biggest
fool of all.
He never should have run off
and hurt you all like that.
If anybody's a fool, Ruth,
it's me
because I don't think I ever
really gave you a chance.
Hang on, Grandma. It's just
two miles to the ranger station.
I don't think I have another
two miles left in me, ace.
Yes, Grandma, please.
It's okay.
No, Grandma.
I get to stay
on my mountain.
No...
Grandma.
Ruth...
I got the van.
You go with these fellows.
Harry, I don't know whether
you can hear me. It's Paul.
The bridge
is about to go.
We got everybody out.
Take care, Harry.
Take great care.
Okay, there you go.
There's no keys.
There we go.
Dreyfus!
Paul!
Come on, come on.
Paul! Come on, get out!
Get out!
Jump!
You got to jump!
Paul!
Paul!
Come on.
We're running out of time. Let's go.
Greg!
What the...
Great. Just great.
Can we drive across?
I don't know.
I don't know.
Kids, why don't you
get in the back?
Okay.
Come on.
Go on, Lauren.
Go on, in the back.
Here we go.
It's okay.
Okay.
Here we go.
No, Mommy!
Harry, we're on fire.
The truck's on fire!
Mommy?
Hold on.
We're stuck
in the lava!
More lava is
coming down the hill!
Mommy!
It's okay.
Come on!
Yes, yes! Move, move!
There's Roughy!
Where?
Right there!
We have to help her!
I've got to go get her.
Go get her.
We're only going to
get one chance at this.
Come on, Roughy. Jump!
Yes!
She did it! Roughy!
Eight years it took us
to get this town on its feet.
You wouldn't believe
the struggle.
Look at it.
Our house is gone.
There's no
other way out of town.
We're live
from Dante's Peak,
where they're evacuating
the entire town.
She's got to go soon...
Oh, my God.
Wait.
Okay, we're out of here.
What do we need this for?
It might just
come in handy.
Mom, what is that?
What is that?
That is a pyroclastic cloud.
Mommy?
Yeah, baby.
Mom, it's coming!
Mom!
Oh, my God.
Don't look back, kids.
Sweet Jesus!
My God. Get down, kids!
Hold on tight!
Oh, my God!
Oh, my God.
So long, Harry.
Oh, no.
So long.
Watch your eyes, children.
Lauren!
Graham, talk to me.
Are you all right?
Graham? Talk to me.
We've got to get out of here,
all right? Can you do it?
You can do it.
Go.
Grab her!
I got her.
Out we go, sweetheart.
Stand right there.
Okay. All right.
Come on.
Mom!
Come on, Roughy!
Graham, you lead the way, all right?
Show us your hideout.
Okay.
Come on.
Come on, Mom.
Roughy!
Oh, boy.
Here are flashlights.
I have some chips and
crackers and drinks back here.
All right, let's check out the damage.
My head hurts.
I know, baby,
so does mine.
Oh, no, I forgot E. L. F.
I left it in the truck.
What do you
need that for?
It's a transmitter
designed by NASA.
We were testing it for them.
I was hoping it would send a signal so
people would realize we were down here.
I'm going to go get it.
Stay here.
I'll come.
Stay here, it's safer.
What if you get lost?
Graham, just stay here, okay?
Look after your sister and mother.
We're not going to
get out, are we?
Yes, we are, baby.
Come here.
Just sit down a second.
All right, listen.
Have you ever been
deep-sea fishing?
No.
Good. Neither have I.
So, when we get out of here
and we will
get out of here
what do you say we go down to
Florida, get ourselves a boat
we stock it with the nicest, yummiest
things we can get our hands on
and we go out there and catch
ourselves a big, old, fat fish?
Does that sound good?
It sounds good, Harry.
Yeah, Harry,
it sounds great.
Okay, stay here,
I'll be back in a flash.
Chins up. Okay.
Graham, you think you could find
some rope so we could tie up Roughy?
Yeah.
Let's fix you up, okay?
And maybe some water so
we can clean these cuts up.
Harry!
Be careful!
Get back!
Rachel!
Shit!
Shit.
Nancy, go ahead.
Thank you.
Frank?
Yeah?
How long has this light
been blinking?
I don't know.
A day or two.
Thank you, NASA.
Thank you, NASA!
Thank you, NASA!
All right, you can get out
now. You're all set. All right.
Just give me your hand.
Watch yourself.
Get the crutches!
I think they got him!
Harry!
We thought you were toast!
Are we glad to see you alive!
Rachel and the kids are
still there. Good to see you.
When that signal went off,
I nearly fell off my chair.
He started screaming,
"Thank you, NASA!"
The old tin box worked.
Sure did.
Rachel and the children are
still there. Where's Paul?
He didn't make it.
At least he got
to see the show.
All the way back up. I need
people with me. Let's go, move it!
Stand back.
Coming through.
Keep clear. Look out!
We have survivors back here.
Get out of the way!
Graham!
Mom, it's Harry!
He's alive!
It's good to see you.
Did you really mean what you
said about taking us fishing?
Sure did.
That's great.
You guys ready to go?
Let's go.