Destination Moon (1950)

Warner Anderson: Dr. Charles Cargraves

Photos 

Quotes 

• [after stepping onto the Moon's surface] 

  Jim Barnes : Claim it, Doc! I'm your witness - claim it officially.

  Dr. Charles Cargraves : By the grace of God, and the name of the United States of America, I take possession of this planet on behalf of, and for the benefit of, all mankind.

• Jim Barnes : Say, Doc, the ship's about ready to take off, isn't she?

  Dr. Charles Cargraves : Except for tests and minor adjustments.

  Jim Barnes : Well, what's the next favorable time?

  Dr. Charles Cargraves : About a month from now.

  Jim Barnes : No, I don't mean that. What's the next favorable time this month?

  Dr. Charles Cargraves : [checking the calendar]  The only favorable time this month is about 17 hours from now.

  Jim Barnes : All right, that's it then. We take off in 17 hours.

  General Thayer : Are you out of your mind?

  Jim Barnes : I will be, if we run into any more red tape! Now look, there's no law against taking off a spaceship: it's never been done, so they haven't got around to prohibiting it. If we ask for permission, they'll find a way to block us. So we go now, as soon as we can!

  General Thayer : In an untested ship?

  Jim Barnes : How do you test a thing of this kind? It either works or it doesn't.

• Dr. Charles Cargraves : You can't buck public opinion; I've tried. Have you seen this?

  [Newspaper headline: MASS MEETING PROTESTS RADIOACTIVE ROCKET] 

  General Thayer : That isn't public opinion - it's a job of propaganda!

  Jim Barnes : You're almighty right it is. Manufactured and organized - with money and brains. Somebody's out to get us.