Minute 030: Gonna Give These Guys a Beautiful Ride

Marilyn Lovell has just lost her wedding ring down a hotel shower drain.

“Oh, God no!” she whispers, frantically tugging at the drain cover.  She gives up, and leans back against the shower wall. “Oh, no,” she says.

Meanwhile, Jim Lovell pushes his head through the opening at the top of his spacesuit, as the crew suits up for the flight. Swigert does the same, then Haise.  Zippers are closed, oxygen lines are connected. Lovell has his Snoopy cap put on by a technician. Fred Haise’s Omega watch is strapped onto the sleeve of his suit, followed by the installation of his left glove. His helmet is ready to be attached.

“Fred,” says the technician.

“What?” asks Haise.

“Gum,” replies the technician.

“Oh, sorry,” says Haise. He looks for a place to spit the gum, finally settling on the technicians open hand. “Thanks,” he says, as he spits out the gum.

“I’m gonna give these guys a beautiful ride,” says Swigert, just before the technicians attach his helmet.

“We’re sure you will, Jack,” says the technician. He places the helmet over Swigert’s head.

Lovell has his helmet attached, as well. The technician locks Lovell’s helmet in place.

Swigert receives the same treatment with the helmet latch. After closing the latch, the technician signals to Swigert with two raised thumbs. Swigert repeats the gesture.

IN THIS MINUTE:

Jim Lovell: Tom Hanks

Jack Swigert: Kevin Bacon

Fred Haise: Bill Paxton

Suit Room Assistant: Mark McKeel

Marilyn Lovell: Kathleen Quinlan