1
Is it much further?
A few miles.
Do you have
enough gas?
Heh, I got plenty.
All this ocean and sand,
I feel as
if I were in another world.
Oh, you won't mind it.
Wait and see.
Look, men,
we gotta stick together.
Tell you mother it's going to be
swell living at the ocean.
Sure, Mom.
Dad's gonna buy me some flippers
And I'll let you wear them.
Hey, Mom, listen.
Listen to what?
Dad, don't you hear it?
Hear what, son?
What in the world?
I warned you.
Honey, I got more than
half a tank left!
The electrical system
isn't working.
Dad, listen.
Not now.
I gotta figure this out.
There's something
wrong here.
Mom, look up there.
Yes, dear.
That's funny.
I don't understand.
It's working now.
But Dad, up there!
It's just a jet, Bud.
It's not.
It wasn't a jet!
It wasn't anything like a jet!
Children,
will you stop chattering?
Dave Brewster,
Oakland Electronic Company,
San Francisco. I'm assigned to
Colonel Manley.
Brewster, Dave,
family of three.
Is this the last
of the bunch?
Yes, that's all.
Here, let them through.
Okay, go ahead.
Oh, where is Unit 3?
- We're gonna live there.
- Yes, ma'am.
Keep going
right over the rise.
You'll find Unit 3
on your left.
Thanks.
Thank you.
Well, this is it, honey.
Try to make
the best of it.
Yes.
Come on, kids,
let's get out.
Well, I put away
most of the clothes.
There's good closet space
anyhow.
It's not so bad.
Sure, if you like
living on the beach.
It's only temporary,
honey.
Doesn't matter.
The sand's going to drift in
And ruin everything anyhow.
Look, honey,
I've driven over
500 miles today.
Tomorrow I start a new job,
an important job.
I'm a little tired
myself.
Of course. I'm sorry.
I guess I'm just homesick
for San Francisco.
Well, where is it?
The launching platform.
Is it on the beach?
Probably somewhere
on the beach.
When's the first test?
I don't know.
Soon. Maybe this week.
Will it work?
It's got to.
It's gotta do a job
better than theirs
So if they start anything...
Dave, what you said
about its accuracy?
We just got in, honey.
I don't know any answers.
But you, your company.
You worked on it for months.
I worked on one part
out of 35,000 parts.
It's much more
complicated
Than just
an intercontinental missile.
Is ours the only one?
We don't think so.
It's almost funny,
isn't it?
I mean, the children living
in the middle of all this.
Would you have wanted me
to say no
When the company insisted
I come here?
Of course not.
I'm just tired.
Let's go out
and find Bud and Ken.
Okay. I could use some air.
Just wait until this project's
a few weeks old.
You won't recognize
the place.
A little grass,
it'll be like a vacation spot.
It's just the bleakness
of it at first.
It's your fault
for marrying a city girl.
I wish the children
hadn't wandered off.
You think it's dangerous
down there on the rocks?
No. Besides, you know
how the boys love the beach.
The ocean, rocks,
everything makes me feel
So unimportant myself.
Well, you'll like it here.
Wait till you meet the others.
I guess we'd better get back
and straighten things out.
Mr. Brewster?
Hi.
I'm Mr. James, Security Officer
for the Command.
I just heard from the gate
you'd arrived.
This is my wife.
How do you do?
I hope you'll be comfortable
here, Mrs. Brewster.
Thank you.
I'm glad I caught you.
I hope it won't be
inconvenient,
But you're
the last member to arrive
And the Colonel's giving
a briefing
And I think
he'd like you to attend.
If you don't mind,
Mrs. Brewster.
No, of course not. You'll come
back as soon as you can?
Sure, I will.
Hello.
I'm Frieda Johnson.
I live in the next trailer.
Oh, I'm Anne Brewster.
How do you do?
We just arrived.
Everything certainly is strange
and different here.
I know just how you feel.
I thought I'd die
the first few weeks
Away from my folks
and friends.
It's the feeling
of living so close
To the end of the world,
maybe.
After a while
you don't think of it like that.
Do you have any children?
Mm-hm.
Two boys.
They're on the beach somewhere.
How old are they?
12 and 10.
Oh, that'll be great
for Eadie. She's 11.
Well, I'd better
get my laundry on the line.
Oh, by the way,
we're having a weenie roast
Out here tonight.
Why don't you come?
It's really for the kids.
That'll be very nice.
Thank you so much.
Good. Then we'll see you later.
Mm-hm.
Here, catch!
Just a minute.
Come on, run.
Hey, Bud, come here.
Gee, Bud.
I bet it's a real cave.
Yeah.
Gee, do you think
we discovered this cave?
Maybe.
What a day. First that thing
in the sky and now this place.
Are you scared
of what you saw?
You?
No.
Do you think
it'll come back?
I hope so.
So do I.
You bet.
Then we can show it to Dad
And prove
we weren't making things up.
Kind of spooky, huh?
Yeah. It's awful
dark back there.
Maybe it leads
to another cave.
You better stay here, Ken.
Hi.
You scared me.
Hi.
Hello.
So you found our cave.
We didn't know anyone
knew about it.
We have
secret club meetings here.
My name's Eadie Johnson.
I saw you move in
next door to us.
Who are you?
I'm Bud Brewster.
This is my kid brother, Ken.
Hi.
This is Buster, Tim,
George, and Helen.
Hi.
Your father
going to work here?
Yeah. He's what you call
a technician.
He knows everything about orbits
and satellites and hydrogen
And missiles and warheads.
So does mine.
Have you seen it yet,
the Thunderer?
It's the biggest one
in the world!
It's a six stage rocket.
It takes a satellite
with a hydrogen warhead
And the satellite will be
hundreds of miles up in the air,
And when it gets above
any city you want
All you gotta do
is press a button and bang.
Wow.
Gee.
Let's show it to them.
Yeah, come on.
There it is.
Wow!
Man!
Isn't it terrific?
Yeah, it sure is.
All right,
beat it, kids.
You know
you don't belong here.
Okay, okay.
I was only showing them
the Thunderer.
Come on, let's move.
All right.
Gentlemen, we've been charged
with a heavy responsibility
In this technological race.
We've all worked long and hard,
and it's paid off
With the development
of the new propellant
And other
extraordinary advances.
We have reason to be
proud of the Thunderer.
Because of this weapon
we're prepared 24 hours a day
To retaliate instantly
in case of enemy attack.
The Thunderer
is no stranger to you.
You've all worked on it
in one way or another.
You all know
what the Thunderer can do,
Send a satellite equipped
with a hydrogen warhead
Into the ocean of space,
where for years,
If you wish, it can circle
on a path known only to us.
A satellite containing
the means to bring retaliation
By the pressing of a button.
Here, throw it to me!
Catch it.
Hey, look up there!
Come on!
With pinpoint accuracy...
Let's just wait a minute,
gentlemen.
The lights will be
on in a minute.
Probably a fuse.
Check them, please.
There. That's better.
Sorry for the interruption,
gentlemen.
It's nice to know
we're no longer in the dark.
Getting back to the launching
of the Thunderer...
How's the fishing, Colonel?
Dr. Wahrman.
Any luck?
Ha, ha, not a bite.
Wonderful day.
The sky looks so innocent.
Doctor,
will we succeed tomorrow?
I see no reason
why not.
Hmm, how time flies.
Seems like yesterday
The first satellite orbited
through space.
Yes.
Now we launch my godchild.
I suppose people will get used
to the Thunderer,
Its implications.
Hey, Dad!
Hello, son.
Hi, Dad.
Hi, Phyllis.
How's fishing, Dad?
Not very good.
Catch anything?
Probably the sniffles.
Water cold?
A little.
Come on, Phyllis,
let's get dressed, huh?
- See you, kids.
- So long.
Life's a wonderful thing,
doctor.
Let's hope
we can preserve it for them.
Hey, Bud! Ken!
Hey, watch it, kids, huh?
Come and get them
while they're hot, boys.
Plenty more
where these came from.
Oh, honey,
just put them on the table.
We're up to here with hot dogs.
Okay.
Here you are.
Thank you.
Well, at this
parent-teachers meeting
They put me on the spot.
They kept saying,
"When is it gonna end?
"Year after year of racing,
racing, trying to find something
Bigger and better to blow
ourselves off the planet."
When they ask me
these questions,
What do I tell them?
You just say to them
that down there
Stands the Thunderer,
And what are we
waiting for?
Hank, dear,
Let's not be serious
tonight, hmm?
It's your first day here, Dave.
What's your viewpoint?
Same as my wife's.
In all its history our country
has never started a war.
The Thunderer
is to prevent war.
I still say that when
that satellite gets up there
With the Thunderer and it gets
into its orbit, we should...
We should take a vacation.
That's what you need, Hank,
a nice vacation.
Dave, why don't you and Hank
take a swim, huh?
Come on, let's take
a dip with the kids.
What do you say?
That's a good idea.
Eadie.
Yes, Daddy?
Wanna go for a swim with me,
honey?
Sure, Daddy, I'll go, I...
I think I had
too many hot dogs, Daddy.
I'd better not go
for a swim.
How about the rest of you kids?
Anybody want to go for a dip?
Bud? Ken?
No, thanks.
No, thanks, Dad.
Eadie, I'll race you
to the cliff.
Sure.
Our daughter sure
got over her stomach ache
In a hurry, didn't she?
She sure did.
You ready for the big plunge?
Yeah, sure.
Hello, Joe, Peg.
Hi.
Hi.
Hi, Frieda.
Oh, hi. This is Peg
and Joe Gamble, Anne Brewster.
Hi.
Nice to know you, Anne.
Well, we're a little late,
but, uh, then of course,
Nobody invited us.
Joe! We were invited.
You fell asleep,
don't you remember?
Joe, stop carrying that chip
on your shoulder.
Well, he isn't feeling
very well tonight, Frieda.
My wife is just trying to
be polite.
She means I'm tight.
Did you get that job, Joe?
No, I flunked the test.
Peg will have to go
on bringing in the bank roll.
Please, Joe.
Where's Tim?
He's with the other children.
He's always running off without
telling us where he's going.
If I were
that kid's real father, I...
But you're not his father
And I'm not your wife,
So I can afford
to tell you a few things
That have been on my mind,
Joe Gamble!
He's a spoiled brat!
Tim!
Tim!
Tim!
Where do we go?
Up this way.
You knew it would be here.
Did it tell you?
Yes.
You're going to be
the leader.
You'll have to do
what I tell you to.
I'm getting out of here.
I... I can't move.
You can now.
Try.
From now on
when I ask you to do something,
We'll do it together.
Yes, Bud.
Yes, Bud.
Sure.
Hank, is Eadie back yet?
Just this minute?
Good, yeah. Yeah.
Oh, it's all right.
Thank you very much.
They just came in.
Where have you been?
Sorry, Mother.
I ought to wallop
the both of you,
Worrying your mother,
staying out till almost 9!
We were
just on the beach.
You knew
this was our first day here,
Yet you made me walk up
and down the beach
Hunting for you
and your brother!
Dave, stop hounding at them.
Go get undressed.
Tell 'em, Bud.
Tell 'em!
Tell us what?
We can tell 'em, can't we, Bud?
Yes. I know.
What's the matter?
What are you talking
to yourself for?
Are you sick?
No, I'm all right.
Weren't you gonna
tell them, Bud?
We found something
that fell out of the sky
This afternoon.
We know where it is.
The sky?
Bud's telling the truth.
I saw it too.
It fell out of the sky.
Well, you've gotta
believe him!
How long did it take you
to dream up that yarn?
I didn't dream it up.
You think a lie like that's
going to make it all right,
Staying out until all hours?
It's not a lie.
Something's wrong.
I know it is.
Something is wrong.
You're upsetting your mother.
Let's go to bed. Come on.
Dad, you've gotta believe me!
Believe what?
Some crazy story you made up
for an excuse!
Listen, for two cents,
I'd...
I can't move my arm.
It's not a lie, Dad.
Please sit down
and listen to me.
You too, Mom.
We were coming back
from the rocket site
And all of a sudden we heard
this strange sound.
What are you doing here?
I'm ready.
She knows, Dad.
Come on.
Where do you think you're going?
I asked you a question!
I was just going out
for a walk.
You're a liar.
You're up to something.
Please, Joe, let me go.
I'll be back soon.
You're going
nowhere except to bed.
I've got to go!
You little sneak!
Come back here!
Come back here!
Come back here!
Hey, Bud, Ken, wait for me!
Come back here!
I'll break your neck!
Hey, Bud, wait for me!
Come back here!
Come back here!
I'll break your neck!
Come back here, you!
Come back here!
I'll teach you
to run away from me!
Good night, Bud.
Good night.
So long.
Goodbye.
So long, Tim.
Oh, Timmy.
Don't cry, Mom.
I'm not crying,
Tim.
Eadie!
Hi, Daddy.
Brewster, what's this all about?
Where have you all been?
You see, Mr. Johnson, I thought
I heard something on the beach
And Eadie saw me...
I couldn't sleep so I...
I don't know how you raise
your kids, Brewster, but I...
What's that
you're holding there?
Just an interesting
rock formation I found.
I don't like my kids
staying up
Until all hours of the night.
I'm sorry.
Hank!
What is it, Peg?
Hank, it's Joe.
He's dead.
Dead?
Yes, please come.
Get in the trailer, Eadie.
Don't go, Dad.
You don't have to go,
Mr. Brewster.
Go home, kids.
It's all right, Mom.
We got it.
We walked and got it.
And Joe Gamble
was killed.
Killed?
Joe tried to hurt Timmy.
It didn't want Timmy
to be hurt.
Yes?
There.
I don't want this thing here.
Take it back.
Get rid of it,
do you understand?
Get rid of it this minute!
I don't care!
It's the ambulance
for Joe Gamble.
We'll have to wait.
Get it out now.
Don't be worried, Mother.
We can't take it
out of the house tonight.
It won't let us.
If there's anything
we can do, Peg, let us know.
Thanks, Hank, you've
just been wonderful.
Take good care
of your mother, Tim.
Good night.
I'm sorry,
Mrs. Gamble.
There was nothing
that could be done.
He must have died instantly
in his chair.
I warned him if he kept on
living in this way...
I know, Doctor,
thanks a lot.
Good night.
Dave.
Good morning.
Hi, folks.
It's grown,
hasn't it?
We've had a night
to think about it.
What are we to do?
Don't let anyone in, Mother.
Don't let anyone in.
Yes, Frieda.
Oh, there you are.
The way kids drink milk,
I'm all out of it.
Do you have any?
I'm sorry, Frieda, the boys
just drank the last drop.
Is something
the matter?
I'm not feeling
very well.
That's why
I didn't invite you in.
I'm afraid I wouldn't be
very good company.
Oh, of course, dear.
Did you hear about Joe Gamble?
Yes.
Amazing. To be sitting
in a chair reading
And to go like that.
He was still so young.
I wish I could say
I was heartbroken, but I'm not.
He treated Peg
and the boy miserably.
Well, thanks, anyway.
All right, listen, I want
answers, do you understand?
I must have answers.
Don't be worried,
Mother, please.
What is this thing
that's come into our lives?
Will you answer me?
Why did it come here?
What does it
intend to do?
What have you kids
got to do with it?
We have to keep it safe
and warm until tonight.
We've got to do what it
wants us to do until tonight.
Why tonight?
Do you hear your father?
Why tonight?
Look, I'm trying
to be patient.
I'm trying to understand,
but I'm scared.
Do you understand?
Your mother's scared.
Don't be scared, Mother.
How does it tell you,
and why?
I don't think
you'd understand.
Hello?
Please, don't be upset.
We have to hide it.
- Come on.
- Oh, yes, major.
I was just on my way
to the laboratory.
What? Yes, sir.
Yes, I see. Right away.
That was the major
alerting me.
They're launching
the Thunderer.
And do you know when?
Tonight.
Tonight?
Then what
the children meant...?
Yeah.
Where are they?
They just left.
Brewster. Hey, Brewster.
Do want a lift down to the lab?
Did you see the kids?
Yeah, I thought
that being your first day,
I'd drive you down
to the lab,
Show you around, introduce you...
Where'd the kids go?
They went over the embankment.
Hey, what's the matter?
Bud! Ken!
Bud! Ken! Wait!
I just heard about the launching
Of the Thunderer tonight.
You knew before
I did, didn't you?
Yes.
Yes.
What time?
Yes, I understand.
Thank you very much.
That was the depot.
Propellant for the sixth stage
is on its way.
Truck should be here
this afternoon.
Good. Tonight,
we push this button.
The most powerful
sky horse of all
Joins the celestial
merry-go-round.
Let's hope we get that brass
ring, Dr. Wahrman.
Hmm. There's a very interesting
report,
Came in from the engineering
department.
I'd like you to go over it
with me.
It correlates all the figures
I had...
Colonel. One of the technicians
wants to see you.
A fellow named Dave Brewster.
What about him?
He's waiting outside.
He insists on talking to you.
Not now, major,
the press is on its way.
Brewster says it's urgent.
A matter for security.
He seems pretty upset.
All right, I'll see him.
Now, who's Brewster?
Sent him down
from San Francisco.
Oh. Oh, about this report.
Look at these figures here.
See column 7?
Hello, Brewster.
What's on your mind?
You can talk freely in
front of Dr. Wahrman.
Oh, yes. Yes, go on.
I'm not sure you'll believe
what I tell you.
Try us.
It's about tonight
and the Thunderer.
The launching?
Yes, Dr. Wahrman.
- Tonight...
- Colonel.
You know, Wicks from the news,
and Lloyd of the Sentinel.
Of course. Hello, Dan.
Colonel.
Richard.
Colonel.
Good morning, doctor.
About tonight, sir.
Uh, what's the story?
Fire away.
The doctor and I will try
to answer your questions.
Will the new type of warhead be
inside the satellite
When it's launched?
Yes.
You see without such
a specialized kind of warhead,
We'd be merely launching
one more satellite in space.
There are already a dozen,
as you know.
How high will the orbit be?
Approximately 1000 miles.
Can you tell us
how many stages
The rocket will have?
Yeah. Six.
As it nears the orbit,
The last stage will be
the dropping of the nose cone.
Dr. Wahrman, do you believe that
another country
Has already launched a satellite
containing a warhead?
Well, we don't know.
You see, in this race,
We may be only a few hours ahead
of another country.
What if the test is a dud?
Heh, we're not planning on it.
What if any enemy launches
its own satellite
With a warhead
and it isn't a test?
Well, let us hope no country
in the world
Would be paranoid enough
to do what you suggest.
There are constant rumors.
Not a newspaper
in the country this week
That hasn't had
dozens of telephone calls.
After all, you can understand,
Colonel.
Years and years
of cold war nerves.
Of course I understand.
But isn't it your job,
gentlemen,
To quiet rumors of that kind?
It isn't easy.
Not when every hour
is a zero hour.
Let us hope
that the Thunderer
Will be launched in time
to discourage anyone
From attacking our country
or our allies.
That's all gentlemen,
I have a busy schedule.
Thanks, colonel.
Dan.
Good day, gentlemen.
Thank you, sir.
I'm sorry, Brewster.
Now, what was it?
Oh, yeah.
Something about the Thunderer.
Yes, sir. I'm glad you're here,
Dr. Wahrman.
What I'm about to say...
It needs explanation
from someone
With a greater scientific mind
than mine.
Well, go on, Brewster.
What is it?
I believe the Thunderer
Will never
get off the ground.
What?
That's a wild statement to make.
Unless you know something
we don't know.
Have you proof of sabotage?
Whatever either of you
is thinking, you're wrong.
It's beyond understanding.
Last night, my two children,
small boys...
Last night,
down on the beach,
They found something w...
How the devil
did you get in here?
Top security for everyone
but children, eh?
Hello, Dad.
So that's your boy?
So there you are.
Sorry, colonel,
I don't know how he got past us.
Neither do I. Take him out.
Goodbye, Dad.
Your boy will be outside.
You can take him home
in a minute.
Now, what were you saying?
That... That...
What's the matter,
Brewster?
You'll be all right,
Mr. Brewster.
We'll get you to bed
right away.
Here, sit right down here.
No.
I can't.
I've got...
I've got to get to the cave.
The cave? What cave?
The children.
You'd better sit down.
No.
Dave.
Darling.
How is he?
He'll be all right.
All he needs is some rest.
We'll take good care of him.
Would you mind waiting outside
for a moment, please?
All right, doctor.
Come on, children.
What's the matter?
There's something wrong
With the steering wheel.
Stop it.
I can't stop it.
There's no brakes!
Get the brake on her...
They're gone!
The steering wheel's gone!
Stop!
We're going off the road!
Watch out!
No control at all!
What happened?
Beats me.
Heh, almost ran into the ocean,
didn't you?
Now, where's
the nearest phone, kid?
There's a gas station
down the road about a mile.
Steering rod's split wide open,
and the brake's gone.
Anything I can do to help?
I have my bike.
No, thanks.
What's in the truck?
Look, kid, we're in a jam.
Now please don't annoy us,
will you?
I was just asking.
Well, don't ask.
Look, I better stay here. Uh, go
phone the depot,
Tell them to get another truck
here as soon as they can.
And phone Eagle Point.
Tell them what happened.
Right.
Hello? Hello?
Operator? Operator?
Hello?
Yes, this is Sergeant Cooper,
speaking.
Hello?
Hello?
Operator? Operator?
Hi.
Eadie!
Eadie!
I guess she's still down
on the beach.
Oh, I'll find her, hon.
Eadie!
Eadie!
Eadie!
Eadie!
Eadie!
Hi, Daddy.
You had me scared, honey.
I didn't know where you were.
I found your jacket
and a towel back at the beach.
Come on, Daddy.
Let's go for a swim.
I haven't been all day.
Wait a minute, honey.
What were you doing in there
all alone?
Just playing, Daddy.
It's so nice out.
I bet the water's warm.
Come on, let's go for a swim.
Now, what's the matter
with you, honey?
What are you looking back
in there for?
Nothing, Daddy.
I'm not looking
at anything, honest.
Eadie, honey.
What's in there?
Nothing, Daddy.
Just an old cave.
Come on,
let's get out of here.
I will, honey. As soon as I
find out what this is all about.
Don't Daddy! Please! Please!
Daddy!
Daddy, you all right?
Hello, dear.
Did you find Eadie?
Eadie?
What's the matter, Hank?
What's happened?
Nothing, I went swimming.
We have to go now.
Already?
Yes, it's time.
The other children
have already started.
Come on.
3:45...
Phone out
Of order.
4:30...
Johnson
In hospital.
Now, I pride myself
in knowing a little bit
About permutations
and combinations.
As you say,
this may all be coincidence.
I've studied these reports
again and again,
And I agree, there seems
to be no connection
Between any of these events.
That's what makes it
so incredible.
Except there's one
brightly-colored thread
That runs throughout the day,
tying all these events together.
I couldn't find any link.
Now, listen, Alan.
"In the presence
of his little boy,"
Technician Brewster
collapses.
A few hours later, according
to this truck driver,
As a child watches
from his bicycle,
The truck runs off the road.
Two children watch a sentry
try to phone for help and fail.
Johnson goes searching for his
little daughter on the beach,
Collapses,
and can't remember anything.
I know all that.
You're just saying
what we already know.
Now, just a second. Can't you
see?
A child or children
was present
At each
of these events today.
Well, what if that's so.
What are you driving at?
I don't know.
That's all here
in black and white.
Children, children,
children.
What can the children
have to do with it?
Has Brewster
left the dispensary?
No, doctor wants him
to stay overnight.
Why?
Well, on the surface,
everything seems calm.
Yet, all day,
the unexpected.
Like pebbles
dropping one by one,
Ruffling the surface.
Well, within an hour,
the Thunderer will be launched.
I better get going.
I'll see you at the Blockhouse.
All right.
Guard?
Why, yes, sir?
Why did you let those children
inside here?
Dr. Wahrman, what children?
At least half a dozen children
just walked out of that gate.
Oh, no, sir.
No, there haven't been
any children around here.
Besides, the gate's locked.
See?
I thought the doctor told you
to stay overnight.
I wanted to be
at the launching.
Did you wanna see me
about something?
What did you tell the doctor
about, this morning?
The truth, that I fainted.
The matter of your voice?
I didn't tell him about that.
Why should I?
It wasn't important.
Total paralysis of the throat
muscle is not important?
Brewster.
You see, a man of science
Is like a deep-sea diver.
He mustn't be afraid
to walk down
Where it's dark
and frightening,
In the hopes of scooping up
a handful of truth.
Brewster, this morning,
What did you want to tell us
about the children?
I've made the obvious
deductions.
They don't seem to add up.
I remember very well
what you said this morning.
What did I say?
There may be trouble
launching the Thunderer.
Obvious deduction,
a spy in our midst.
But a few minutes ago,
in front of the powerhouse,
I saw the incredible.
The unbelievable.
Spies do not work
in unbelievable ways.
Always through
counter-intelligence
Can be drawn
logical conclusions.
But what I saw a group
of children do a few minutes ago
Is something
for which there is no name,
Unless you can name it.
I can't tell you anything.
I see.
Do you mean, your voice
would become paralyzed again
If you should tell me
that some force,
Still unknown to man,
has been able, through children,
To shatter a steering rod,
To take away a man's mind,
Another man's voice,
To allow a boy to walk
through a locked gate?
I don't understand.
Nothing's happening to you
when you tell me this.
Well, that's
because I'm talking to someone
Who also knows the truth.
Now, I wonder what
would happen
If I would try
to tell someone else?
Just to satisfy
my scientific curiosity.
Mm-hm.
Hello? Hello? Hello?
Just as I thought. Dead.
Where is it now, Brewster?
In a cave.
And what does it look like?
I can't describe it.
The hideous part
is it's making the children obey
Its every command.
The children are completely
in its power.
Then we're in the power
of the children.
I'm warning you, doctor.
I can't be held accountable
for what might happen
If you go in there.
I'm ready if you are.
All right.
My life
is more than half over.
The worst you can do to me
is to kill me.
I'm willing to face that,
if I can just know
Why you're here.
Why you've taken
our children
And made them do your work.
I've spent a lifetime
in the search
For truth and knowledge,
Trying to make this world
a better place.
A world
where the very children
You're controlling can live
in peace instead of fear.
I'm their friend.
I beg of you, tell me
what you want of them,
What you're making them do.
Is there no man
on this Earth,
Who has the wisdom and innocence
of a child?
Dave. Better hurry
to the launching.
Number 1 stage.
Primary fuel valve is locked.
Number 2 stage.
Primary fuel valve is locked.
Number 3 stage.
Primary fuel valve, locked.
Are you sure Dr. Wahrman
hasn't called in?
I'm positive.
I've called everywhere.
Transmission, Band A.
Motor reception, ten by ten.
Transmission Band B.
Motor reception, ten by ten.
How did you kids get in here?
We're leaving now.
Who opened that lock?
Well, we don't know.
I don't know how you managed
to get past me,
But I'll give you just
two seconds to get out of here.
And fast!
Colonel,
will you initial this?
I'm afraid we can't wait
for Dr. Wahrman.
Okay.
How's it look?
Everything's checked out.
You're positive?
Absolutely.
Hey, kids.
Yeah?
How'd you get in here?
Oh, we just walked in.
When?
I didn't see you sneak past.
I know you didn't.
Come on now, get out of
here, on the double.
And don't come back now,
you understand?
Bye.
Check procedures,
terminated.
Five minutes, standby.
Five minutes, standby.
Five minutes, standby.
Five minutes, standby.
Five minutes, standby.
Clear the site.
Clear the site.
Clear the site.
Clear the site.
Area security check.
Right.
Gate A, locked.
Gate A, locked.
Gate A, locked.
Hey, wait a minute.
Gate A, locked.
Radar report.
On target.
Optimal tracking report.
On target.
Clear for countdown.
You're just in time,
Dr. Wahrman.
Dr. Wahrman,
where have you been?
You had me worried.
It's all right.
I can't explain now.
Has everything checked out?
Everything looks good.
Clear the area.
Clear the area.
Clear area.
Clear area.
Clear area.
Clear area.
Start the timer.
Sixty seconds to firing.
Standby to fire. Standby.
Fifty.
Forty.
Thirty.
Twenty.
Ten, nine, eight, seven.
Six, five.
Four, three, two, one.
Fire!
Get a close shot
of that, quick!
Check all firing
and report instantly.
What could've happened?
The children have won.
The children?
You better come along
with us right now.
Wait there.
All right, children,
get away.
Don't come any closer.
Hello, Dad.
Why did you bring them?
We didn't want them here.
Don't you understand?
Something has to be done.
Now, look. Those men
are going inside that cave.
Not yet.
There's no use trying
to reason with them.
They don't understand.
Ken!
Helen!
What are you doing here?
Don't get excited.
What are the kids doing here?
Is that thing in there?
Bud. Ken. For my sake.
Don't worry, Mother.
Eadie. Eadie, please,
get away from there. I beg you.
I can't, Mother. Not yet.
Why are you siding
with it against us?
We're your parents.
We love you.
Tim, please, for my sake.
Children,
I'm your friend.
And I wouldn't ask you
to do anything
That I didn't feel
was necessary.
Think of your parents,
the people at the project.
Your country may be
in terrible danger.
The Thunderer is useless.
I don't believe you know
what you've done.
We know.
Children, listen.
Colonel Manley
has a daughter of his own.
I have a son.
We wouldn't ask you
to do any more
Than we'd
ask our own children.
So please get away
from that cave
And let Colonel Manley
and his men go in.
All right, men,
move them out of there.
Get those kids
out of there!
I don't understand.
Why did it
destroy the Thunderer?
Why? Why?
It had to, because the world
wasn't ready to do it.
The world?
What do you mean, the world?
The children
all over the world.
They did what we did
in every country.
You mean the warheads in Moscow
and Prague and London?
They're all useless?
Yes.
Bud. Do you know
if it'll ever come back again?
I don't know.
I don't know.
The world
is having a second chance.