Hearts in Bondage (1936)

[bunniefuu]

[bell ringing]

[music playing]

[music playing]

[MUSIC - "BATTLE HYMN OF THE

REPUBLIC"]

Join the Seventh Militia, sir.

New York's best.

[music playing]

Join the seventh

militia, gentlemen.

New York's best.

[laughing]

No luck there, soldier.

No, sir.

And w*r with the Rebels

any day now, sir.

I should suggest a more persuasive

tone or a more persuasive tune.

Why remind the gentlemen that John

Brown's molding in the bay?

Right you are, lieutenant.

He's always right.

Come on.

Something lively.

[lively music plays]

That's better.

BOTH: [SINGING] And

soft the girls of Italy.

And Spanish eyes are thrilling.

Still, though I bask

beneath their smiles,

their charms never bind me.

And I promise never to gainsay

the girl I left behind me.

[laughing]

Well, here's where

I leave you sailor.

My respect to your uncle.

And mine to your father.

My sister Constance?

That Raymond, is a matter I

shall attend to personally.

There'll be a moon in

Central Park tonight.

And Julie?

And Constance?

Aye, aye, sir.

Aye, aye.

[knocking]

Go away I tell you.

[knocking]

How many times must... Kenneth.

[laughing]

Roast a fatted calf, Uncle John.

I'm home on leave.

Don't worry.

I roast you plenty.

But how was the trip?

Oh, it was a grand trip, sir.

The Merrimac's mighty seaworthy.

Yeah.

So was Noah's ark.

Here.

What are you standing there for?

Take the bellows.

The fire is dying down.

So you... you like

the Merrimac, eh?

Why, Uncle.

She's the greatest ship afloat.

There never was or

ever will be a ship

of w*r that can stand up to it.

Quiet.

We don't talk now.

We pour.

Wooden ships.

Bah.

You talk like one of those empty

office admirals in Washington.

Here.

Look.

A plan of my new ironclad.

Simple.

I will explain like ABCs.

Here is a cross section

of a submerged...

Uncle, we're going to

spend a great deal of time

together on this leave.

But right now...

You just came, and

you want to run away.

You've got something

more important?

Well, if you don't

mind, the Commodore...

Oh.

I'm not to mind the Commodore.

But you mind the

Commodore's daughter, eh.

Well, her brother's on leave

too, and we have something...

More interesting than ships.

Well.

Have a good time.

But tomorrow, you

don't get away so easy.

Right.

Goodbye.

[inaudible].

Is my skating so bad?

It's far too good.

I've been waiting for

something romantic to happen.

Like?

Like your falling down.

Kenneth.

Just so that I could

hold you in my arms.

I'm going to sit comfortably

here until Raymond comes along.

Raymond will keep on

in the other direction.

Acting under orders.

Strictly.

I'm his superior

officer, you know.

And he adores you.

That, my dear, is something

you should consider.

He's talked of nothing

but you since he got home.

You must have Kenneth

tell you this.

You must have Kenneth

tell you that.

That he loves you.

No.

He didn't say that.

He should.

Why?

Orders.

Well, he's on leave.

And so am I at the moment.

Connie!

Wait a minute.

Darling.

[laughing]

Well, you did it.

You fell down.

I'm afraid I did.

Well, aren't you

going to help me up?

No.

I'm going to sit comfortably

here until Raymond comes along.

On the ice?

Why not?

The thaw won't set until spring.

Well, then, I'll... Darling...

You two better get up.

You'll have pneumonia.

Well, all I can say is

that this may be warm.

But where they're going to

have [inaudible] something else

again.

Julie, I think that's terrible,

eavesdropping like that.

We weren't eavesdropping, Connie.

We were just watching.

Well, then, I guess

I better explain.

You see...

You're engaged right here

in the middle of the lake.

Well, that is...

Why, congratulations, sir.

She couldn't have picked

a better man than you.

She had us kind of worried

being 23, unhitched,

and still hanging

around the house.

I don't know how

you do it, Connie.

I've been falling

down all evening.

Only to find that

some folks can get

engaged the minute

they hit the ice.

I advise you, sir, to

make immediate report

to the Commodore.

I certainly am excited.

This is so thrilling.

It's left me speechless.

Positively, speechless.

Julie, I'm just trying

to tell you that Connie

hasn't accepted me yet.

Oh.

Then, you're not engaged.

Well, no, you see...

Yes, we are.

[laughing]

Father, I want to tell you...

I'm sorry, dear.

But Captain Buchanan and I have

an urgent call to Washington.

Ooh, daddy.

Has something happened?

I haven't time to talk now, honey.

But everything is

going to be all right.

Raymond, take charge

of things here.

I wouldn't worry, darling.

It may not be anything serious.

Gentlemen, this is

serious business.

Delegates from six cotton states

have met in Montgomery, Alabama

and formed the Confederate

States of America.

Virginia has called

a state convention

to decide whether or

not she will succeed.

Among you gentlemen there are

two native born Virginians.

It is imperative that the

affairs of the Navy department

be undertaken with no

division of loyalty.

I must, therefore, ask these

two gentlemen to declare

their intentions should their

native state follow the course

of her southern sisters.

Captain Buchanan?

The question raised

by Mr. Secretary

has been weighing heavily

upon me these past few months.

I was born in Virginia,

the son of Virginians.

Birth has determined my decision.

As my state goes, so must

I. It is with regret that I

am compelled to

tender my resignation

from the United States Navy.

Goodnight, gentlemen.

And you, Commodore Jordan?

I have seen 47 years

service in the Navy.

Until I was assigned

to duty in the North,

Captain Buchanan was my neighbor.

Our children grew up together.

I hope he will ever be my friend.

I too have a kindred feeling

for my home state, Virginia.

But any section of

the land over which

Old Glory waves is my home.

I gather from your

words, sir, the sentiments

of Stephen Decatur.

"My country may she ever be right.

But right or wrong, my country."

Mr. President.

I'm at your service.

Julie, it won't be long.

Mr. Lincoln doesn't want w*r.

I'm afraid your Mr. Lincoln

has practically declared w*r.

Raymond and Julie only

have a few minutes left.

Goodbye, Julie.

Regardless of what's

decided for us,

we're still friends, aren't we?

Goodbye, dear.

Try to remember that wars

were made by men, not women.

Nothing can hurt our

friendship and our love.

Oh, Connie.

Excuse me, child.

It's mighty close to starting.

We'll wait in the carriage.

Julie, I...

I reckon you hate me now.

Don't you?

Honey, I couldn't hate

you, because I love you.

It's best we say goodbye here.

Aren't you going to let

me put you on the train?

Julie, what's happened to you?

Don't you put your arms

around me wearing that uniform.

Once, you were proud of

my wearing this uniform.

I haven't changed.

You have.

You'll be fighting

against my father.

You can't love me and

aim to k*ll those I love.

Come, Julie.

It's time.

[whimper]

Now, now.

No tears.

Goodbye, young man.

Bye, sir.

Didn't you take her to the train?

She wouldn't let me.

She wouldn't let me touch her.

That's what it means, hate.

Hate for those we love.

She's just a little girl.

She doesn't understand.

Neither do I.

Well, we better go, Raymond.

The Commodore wants to see us.

As the situation

stands, we pray for peace

while we prepare for w*r.

All leave has been cancelled.

You'll return to your

ship immediately.

Yes, sir.

Ports, arsenals, and

other government property

are being seized in the name

of the Southern Confederacy.

We must make every...

Just a moment, sir.

Before divulging further

confidential matters.

Please hear what I have to say.

This is a breach of conduct, sir.

I'm giving orders.

Sorry, sir.

- I'm not taking them.

- Raymond!

Sir.

Because I'm resigning from

the United States Navy.

Raymond, you don't

know what you're doing.

I know that everything I

hold dear belongs to Virginia.

And so do I.

You have sworn to

defend the Constitution

of the United States.

I'll renounce that vow to

fulfill a more sacred duty.

You realize that your decision

places us on opposing sides?

I'll regret that deeply, sir.

Ken, thanks for all

you've taught me.

I hope I'll make

a worthy opponent.

Goodbye, father.

Goodbye, son.

Report with these to

Captain Gilman in command

of Gosport Navy Yard, Norfolk.

In the absence of Captain

Batterman and Captain Pierson,

you will be placed in temporary

command of USS Merrimac.

Yes, sir.

You realize the necessity

of preserving for the Union

the ship's armament and

ammunition stored there?

I do, sir.

Then, I needn't further

stress the importance

of this assignment.

Good luck.

Thank you, sir.

First, Raymond.

And now, you.

Well, Raymond has his

duty, and so have I.

What a strange idea of

duty, to rush out and k*ll.

Oh.

It isn't that.

Raymond thinks it's his duty

to take up arms against father,

and you love me.

And yet, you think it's your duty

to fight against my brother.

Connie, there isn't any w*r yet.

And if it happens,

it won't last long.

That'll be small comfort to

the families who are destroyed.

It's time for me to go now.

You won't let me see you cry.

Will you?

Then, don't let me see you leave.

I'll turn around and talk

to you about the night...

the night we were skating

and you placed a rustic bench

beneath the leaf of the tree.

And I laughed.

Skated away, and I fell down.

But don't you realize, Captain

Buchanan, every moment we delay

may prove more

costly than we know?

That's right.

With Norfolk Navy

Yard in federal hands

our city can be shelled

and destroyed in 24 hours.

You young men are fired with

excitement and eagerness.

The fact is w*r has

not yet been declared.

Not in so many words.

But w*r is here, sir.

It was actually begun when South

Carolina fired on Fort Sumter.

[arguing]

Well, you hear that.

It's w*r.

Sure enough.

Raymond knows.

Virginia's state

militia is ready to act.

I say let's seize the navy yard.

Gentlemen, you must not take

violent action at this time.

Now is the time for action.

We want no more delays.

[bickering]

The time is not yet here.

How can you say

that, sir, when you

know the North have declared

a blockade on southern ports?

And that means we'll be

starved out in six months.

You all going to wait for that?

ALL: No!

All right then.

We'll take Norfolk

Navy Yard tonight.

Are you with us, men?

ALL: Yes!

[cheering]

[music playing]

Oh, and speaking of love.

There's real love for you.

Well, there you

are, Molly old girl.

You're no prettier,

but you're cleaner.

Lieutenant.

At ease, Paddy.

This isn't official.

Well, sir.

It's glad we all are

to see you back here.

- Thank you.

- Look it.

Even Molly recognizes you.

See the sparkle of her.

It's no use, Molly.

The lieutenant's engaged.

Although I still can't believe it.

Why not?

I always thought you were

in love with The Merrimac.

This old tub is mighty

close to my heart.

Halt. Who goes there?

Lieutenant Cosgrove, with a

dispatch for Captain Gilman.

Pass.

Are you sure, Cosgrove?

There are three regiments?

- Yes, sir.

- Fully armed?

Yes, sir.

Their advance guard will

reach here at any moment.

Three regiments.

We'll never be able to hold

out against such a force.

Evans, Perkins, Schmidt, each

of you are to take a detail.

We must destroy the yard.

Captain Gilman, did you

say destroy the yard, sir?

I did.

This navy yard is

invaluable to the Union.

The loss in arms,

equipment, and ammunition

alone would be tremendous.

Is it wise, sir, to destroy it?

It is rather than to have it

fall into Confederate hands.

And when I wish for your advice,

lieutenant, I shall ask for it.

Yes, sir.

Now, remember.

Not a single musket must be left

to be salvaged by the enemy.

Now, hurry.

Hurry.

[expl*si*n]

All right, men.

Stand clear.

[expl*si*n]

Halt. The Merrimac.

Double time.

Hark.

Enemy forces advancing.

Orders are to destroy the boat.

Let's find your ship at once.

Burn The Merrimac?

That's insane.

I can take her out of the harbor.

- Don't be a fool, lieutenant.

- I'm not.

With our g*ns trained on the city,

we can keep them off until

reinforcements arrive.

You will obey Captain

Gilman's orders.

My orders are to protect

government property,

not destroy it.

Sound general quarters.

Prepare to get under way.

We're taking her to sea.

Careful, Reynolds.

After all, this is

Gilman's responsibility.

This ship is my responsibility.

Yes, sir.

That's open mutiny, sir.

Captain Gilman ordered that you

fire your ship without delay.

Have you those orders

in writing, sir?

There wasn't time for writing.

Then, as commanding

officer of this ship

I refuse to execute

such verbal orders.

All right, men.

Fire the ship.

Stand back.

I'm going to sink it.

What?

We'll at least save our hull

and engines from the fire.

Stand them off.

Yes, sir.

The only ones to

get by will be dead.

Here.

One of help me.

Help me.

Give me a hand.

Will ya.

Here.

Help me, someone.

Help me.

Let that g*n go.

Get off before you

burnt to a cinder.

I'll budge no budge without Molly.

The man's mad.

Lieutenant Reynolds, I call

you to account for your actions.

I'll answer to the

board of inquiry.

In your panic, you

had us set a fire.

I flooded her to save

the hull and engines.

Saved her for the enemy to

be raised as good as new.

I charge you with conduct

unbecoming an officer,

with insubordination, and mutiny.

Place him under arrest.

In view of the fact

that a state of w*r

did not exist at the

time such mutinous acts

were committed, sentences

as prescribed in articles

for the government of the United

States Navy in time of peace.

Therefore, it is the sentence

of this court martial

that the defendant be dismissed

from the United States Naval

Service with a

dishonorable discharge.

[boom]

[boom]

And I've learned other dishes too.

You'll find me a very fine cook.

[booming in the distance]

Kenneth, have you been listening?

Yes.

Oh, yes.

There's fighting going

on somewhere over there.

Oh, please try to

think of something else.

I'll try.

What were you saying?

I was trying to tell you

that I'm so very happy.

I'm glad.

It's... it's over there somewhere.

Kenneth, you've got to

bring yourself out of it.

You must forget the w*r.

You're out of it.

There's so much ahead if...

if you'll only face it.

You seem to forget that

I'm now without citizenship,

without honor.

You're not without honor to me.

There's far too many

who think otherwise.

But it doesn't matter

what others think.

And deep down within

me I... I'm pleased.

Oh, with w*r all

around, maybe it's

unpatriotic to feel as I do.

Maybe it's selfish to

want you safe and near me.

But I won't be safely near you.

What do you mean?

Regardless of the

findings of my superiors,

I still have my self-respect.

Well, of course, you have, dear.

Connie, I can't marry you.

Not now.

But darling, I told you I

don't care what others think.

Do you hear that?

Out there men are dying while

I... Connie, can't you see?

I must do something.

You will.

There's a world, you

know, outside the Navy.

And people live in

it and are happy.

Need any men?

Why ain't you in the army?

We ain't hiring nobody

of military age.

[parade music playing]

This is sure a great day for us.

What?

Well, joining the

United States Navy.

Maybe.

Say.

Ain't you patriotic?

Yeah.

Strangely patriotic.

SOLDIER: Hey, you, mister.

Stephens.

Ed Stephens.

All right.

Get along.

Introduce yourself inside.

I wouldn't go in there

if I were you, Reynolds.

It wouldn't be much use.

Funny talking fella that.

The Navy's getting [inaudible]

particular [inaudible].

Did they turn you down too?

Not us.

We uh... we got a berth.

You're lucky.

It shouldn't be hard

for a seafaring gent

like you to get one.

Well, it has been.

Maybe you ain't tried

the right places.

Good sailors is hard to get.

Huh.

Maybe I'm not a good sailor.

We understand you

are, one of the best.

Say we could use a fella like

you, one who knows the waters

around Hampton Roads.

What's the ship?

Well, we ain't saying,

but we can put you

in the way of making

$200 a trip for yourself,

besides getting even

with a lot of blokes.

Just what blokes do you mean?

Well, they call them Yankees

down around the harbor

where they're

raising The Merrimac.

Raising The Merrimac?

Are you sure?

Oh, stow it, Lieutenant Reynolds.

You helped sink her, didn't you?

So the South could raise

and make an ironclad.

Am I right?

That's what they say.

We'll they got to

have iron, you see.

With your help we

can run it through.

Blockade running, eh.

Well, you've got the wrong man.

Wrong man, huh.

That's funny coming from you.

Why, everybody knows you were

a traitor to the North, a spy.

Riot!

Help!

Help!

Riot!

Hey.

Hey.

What's going on here?

Hey, what's the matter?

What's going on?

Listen, officer, these men...

Help me, officer.

Help.

We was walking along minding

our own business when

this renegade here tries to get us

to join up in blockade running.

That's what he does.

Easy there.

That's a serious charge.

That's a lie.

Are you sure, Reynolds?

Do you know this man?

Yes.

He's Kenneth Reynolds.

Ah, he's the man who

sank The Merrimac, huh.

Yeah.

It would be a bad day for

the Navy if he joined up.

- He's a spy.

- He's a traitor.

That's what he is.

[protesting]

No more riots, or

I'll arrest all of you.

Inciting a riot.

Sedition.

This is a mistake I tell you.

Sedition.

It's a great mistake.

- You'll find that out.

- Look, sergeant.

I don't care what you do with me.

But I just heard they're

raising The Merrimac

- and making an ironclad of it.

- Are they now?

And we ought to notify the

Navy department at once.

Maybe you'd like to have

us send you to tell them.

Huh?

Take him away.

Come on.

How much powder you using?

50 pounds, sir.

50 pounds?

Think the g*n will stand it.

If she don't, the joke's on us.

If that armor plate can

stand up to the charge,

the joke will be on the Yankees.

[laughing]

Loaded, sir.

Fire when ready.

Stand clear.

[booming]

It's only a dent!

With this The Merrimac

can whip anything.

Mrs. Davis, that's

a goodly donation.

Almost all the iron I had.

Though it's just a

few odds and ends.

Mighty precious odds and ends.

You ready?

Yes, 'um.

Thank you, ma'am.

Miss Julie, I be trying to figure

what Master Raymond going to

do with all of this here iron.

Is for their big boat, Sam.

The one all the

way down at the bay.

The Merrimac.

But Miss Julie, what they

going to do with the iron?

Make an iron ship out of her.

An iron ship?

How they all going

to make an iron ship?

Miss Julie, anybody

knows iron don't float.

[laughs]

Well, Mr. Raymond says it will.

[metal clanging]

Whoa.

Whoa.

More precious metal.

Quite a raid.

Good work, honey.

We went to every

plantation for miles around.

Master Raymond, this

here is my own donation.

Why, that's uncommon

patriotic of you, Mamie.

I always figured on keeping

this old skillet in memory

of poor dear [inaudible].

A present from him?

No, Master Raymond.

He showed it to me

just before he died.

Thank you, ma'am.

Better unload this

stuff at the smelter.

Raymond, are you sure that

you can float an iron ship?

I've never been

more sure in my life.

Why with The Merrimac

dressed up in iron,

we'll smashed that Yankee blockade

and end this w*r by fall.

Oh, I'm so proud of you.

BOY: Hey, fella.

Here's a partner for you.

Don't let me discompose

you, young fella.

I'll just squat down

here for a spell.

That's all right.

You won't bother me.

Not for more than 30 days I won't.

Hey, ain't you

Lieutenant Reynolds?

No.

No?

I must be looking

through the wrong eye.

Might have got my patch displaced

in that saloon skirmish.

Can't see a thing.

Yep.

Good eye all right.

Of course, I know how you feel.

I remember the time I

served with Farragut.

If you don't mind,

I'd rather not talk.

I guess you don't.

There ain't much

better you can say

after letting The Merrimac

fall into Confederate hands.

Hey,

BOY: Freckles.

Hey, fellas.

Now, let me see you knock it off.

[inaudible] sure got the North

running around like chickens

with their heads cut off.

What are you talking about?

Ooh.

The governments asking

for bids on iron

gunboats to fight off

The Merrimac before she

busts the whole blockade.

How do you know all this?

Hey, don't you

ever read the paper?

Oh.

I suppose you wouldn't here.

BOY: Hey, freckles.

Look at your boat now.

What in tarnation you looking at?

That's it.

That'll do it.

Hey, what's come over you, man?

That's it.

That will do it.

Jailer!

Jailer!

What's the matter here?

I must get word to John Ericsson.

Understand?

John Ericsson.

The inventor?

Yes.

I must get word to him.

Outrageous stupidity.

That's what it is.

And you will pay for it.

I'll have him out of here

in the twinkling of an eye.

Oh, my boy.

I'm glad you've come.

So I hunt for you

high and low, and all

the time you're safe in jail.

Never mind me now.

Have you submitted the plans

for your Monitor to Washington.

I've got other things

to do than waste my time.

Who do I see to get

him out of here?

But they're looking

frantically for an ironclad.

Let them look.

I told them what would happen,

but they wouldn't listen to me.

Now, where are they?

Come.

Come.

Who do I see?

There's only one thing

that will stop The Merrimac,

Ericcson's Monitor.

- You better see the chief of...

- Quiet.

Quiet.

We're talking business.

The Merrimac carries

ten heavy g*ns.

The Monitor only two.

That's enough if you put

them on a revolving turret.

A revolving turret?

Yes.

Here.

Without having to

maneuver the ship about,

The Monitor can keep

those two g*ns constantly

trained on The Merrimac.

And that will more than

equal The Merrimac's heavier

but stationary armament.

Say, that sounds like a good idea.

It is a good idea.

By golly.

I think maybe it will work.

- It will work.

- Then, what are we waiting for?

Just a minute.

He's going to build a battleship.

Is that so?

Well, he'll have a little trouble

getting it out of his cell.

Sir, do you know who I am?

John Ericsson.

I'll bring pressure to bear.

I'll take this to a higher court.

I'll see President Lincoln.

Oh, I'll get you out.

Wait right here.

Hello, Miss Adams.

Hello, Miss Jordan.

Don't bother to announce me.

I'll go right down.

If I may say so,

miss, it's like putting

your head in a noose.

Still hard at it, huh.

Night and day.

They don't sleep.

They won't eat.

I fear going out, ma'am.

Maybe this will tempt them.

MRS. JORDAN: Good luck.

Oh, I'm not frightened.

[knocking]

JOHN ERICSSON: Go away.

Steady.

Steady.

Too late to make mistakes now.

[coughing]

Can I work in such a bedlam?

Constance.

You told me to come today.

That it would be finished.

And finished it is.

Don't you look until

she get her tough nut on.

Behold The Monitor.

There it is.

I've never seen

anything quite like it.

You're right.

There never has been

anything quite like it.

Oh, I am happy.

Also, very hungry.

Mm.

One.

I am very happy.

Oh, that's to

christen The Monitor.

Fine.

You can break it over the

bow and let the wine flow.

I'd rather such good

wine flows this way.

Are you going to

take it to Washington?

At once.

Father says Mr.

Bushnell is submitting

plans for an ironclad too.

Bushnell?

He's the biggest ship

builder in all the land.

But I'm the best.

And besides, ships

don't go on land.

The Monitor.

The Monitor.

The Monitor.

I will not bother

to introduce myself,

because you all know who I am.

Mr. Secretary of the

Navy, we have met before.

And Senator Pillsbury, I have had

the misfortune to deal with.

However, we have no time.

My model.

Mr. Ericsson, we've

examined your plans,

but I fail to see how the g*ns

can be fired from your ship.

Why don't you study

how to read plans?

From the drawings you will find

it is from the revolving turret

that we do the firing,

through the metal ports.

One good shot against that turret,

and there wouldn't be any firing.

So?

I show you.

No shot can stop it.

No matter how hard you

hit the turret, it turns.

That's quite all

right, Captain Ericsson.

I'm sure your turret will work.

But we've already awarded

the contract to Bushnell.

You have already awarded.

Why you...

SECRETARY OF THE

NAVY: The committee

has just approved the contract.

Then, you have made a mistake.

A very bad mistake.

Possibly.

I shall be glad to resubmit

your plans to the board.

If Mr. Bushnell and his

associates should fail us.

Don't worry.

He will.

About warships he knows even

less than your committee.

KENNETH: Waiter.

JOHN ERICSSON: Waiter.

Another.

SOLDIER: I know your

capacity, Uncle John,

but don't you think...

What else is there for me to do

but drink in a town like this.

You keep me here surrounded by

politicians and gold braiders.

Why don't we go back to New

York, where we can work.

But the Union needs

your "Monitor,"

and sooner or later,

they'll realize it.

They realize nothing.

I tell you I won't

stay here another day.

Not another... put that

down. [inaudible].

Has everybody in Washington

got wooden heads?

Mint julep please.

What did you say, sir?

I asked for a mint julep,

and unless I'm mistaken,

you heard me ask for a mint julep.

I presume you realize, sir,

you asked for a southern drink.

I beg your pardon, but my name

is Errol Shultz, vice president

of the Union Loyalty League.

And I'll have you know...

Pardon me.

My name is Commodore

David G. Farragut

of the United States Navy.

Oh.

I beg your pardon.

I'll grant it if you'll let

me stand a round of mint julep.

Sure.

Why not?

That's fine.

After all, it's

the men of the South

we're fighting, not their liquor.

That's a good one.

Would you gentlemen

care to join us?

Oh.

Captain Ericsson, I'm

right glad to see you, sir.

Well, I'm glad

somebody's glad to see me.

How are you, Commodore?

My nephew, Kenneth Reynolds.

Oh, how do you do, sir?

How do you do?

I'd deem it most friendly

if you'd join me at the bar.

This is my good

friend Mr. Bushnell.

I know Captain Ericsson.

And I know him.

Ah.

What are you doing in Washington?

Nothing.

All the great work

has already been done.

Captain Ericsson submitted

a model of his Monitor

to the Navy department.

Oh.

The Monitor.

I sure would like to see it.

Would you, sir?

It's right up in the room.

We can take you up

there if you like.

This should interest

you, Bushnell.

It should, but it won't.

My Monitor is not on exhibition.

But this may be the chance to...

This is final.

Nobody sees my Monitor.

Bartender, another

round of mint juleps.

And so you see, how

without maneuvering around,

we keep on firing.

Boom.

Boom.

Boom.

Genius, my dear friend.

Sheer genius.

You hear that, Kenneth?

From the finest ship

builder in the country.

You honor me, sir.

Oh.

It's I who am honored.

[laughing]

It just goes to prove

what I've always said.

Commodore Farragut

is an amazing man.

Oh, he's a magnificent man.

And the mint juleps,

were they his idea?

KENNETH: Naturally.

How many did it take?

Surprisingly few.

Uncle John started to

mellow after the seventh.

And would you believe...

Oh, do sit down.

You're getting far too excited.

I have reason to be.

I have work to do.

I am finally going

to be of some use.

And what's Mr. Bushnell like?

He's a man of great generosity.

He willingly sacrificed his plans

and took us in on the contract.

Oh, I'm so happy.

That's the best news of all.

And do you start work immediately?

Full speed ahead.

Oh, there I go.

Let me wind.

I can't sit still.

We'll build the greatest

warship that ever fired a salvo.

I'll think of it only

as building a great ship.

Let's celebrate.

How?

Would you consider

dining sumptuously

with me at the Beauvard House?

I've a new dress

that's just aching

to see the Beauvard House.

Then, I'll call for

you in a coach at 4:00.

Of course, we'll take

Uncle John along.

And on second thought,

the Commodore.

Oh, can't we dine alone?

You see, darling, we take Uncle

John for financial reasons.

And father?

He has the coach.

[laughing]

But only one horse.

Come here.

[clears throat]

Hereafter, I'll require a

salute of at least 21 g*ns

before entering a conservatory.

Commodore, you're... you're

just the man I want to see.

Will you bring your coach... uh,

uh, will you bring your horse?

Uh.

You tell him.

I can't.

I'll go home and dress.

You better get into

your Sunday uniform.

We're dining out.

What's the matter, dear?

Oh nothing.

Nothing.

I am a bit tired.

Well, cheer up, darling.

We're going out to celebrate

Kenneth's good fortune.

Kenneth's good fortune?

What's disturbing you, dear?

Is it bad news?

Is it Raymond?

Tell me.

Raymond has been

appointed third in command

aboard The Merrimac.

It's a promotion, isn't it?

Going aboard The Merrimac.

Yes.

The ship we have to destroy.

With The Monitor.

Ericsson's Monitor.

MAN: All together, men.

Ram her home.

[music playing]

I'm afraid Ericsson's Monitor

didn't do so well in the trial.

The steering gear jammed,

but it's been fixed.

You think it will work now?

I do, sir.

Many of our naval

experts, as you know,

report the ship unseaworthy and

impracticable for combat duty.

I don't agree with

them, Mr. Secretary.

Good.

The president, sir.

Good morning, gentlemen.

Be seated.

Lieutenant Worden.

The Secretary tells me

that you volunteered

to command The Monitor.

Yes, Mr. President.

My compliments.

Thank you, sir.

Although I share your

confidence in The Monitor,

I should never permit it to go out

just yet were it not that our

cause is in desperate straits.

I understand, sir.

Do not assign a crew.

It should be manned

solely by volunteers.

In view of the many criticisms

already heaped upon her, that

is very wise, Mr. President.

See that each

volunteer before signing

is warned of the

dangers of the adventure

and the odds against it.

WORDEN: Yes, sir.

Assure them however

that the government

will take care of their families

should they not survive.

And now, good luck and Godspeed.

Take these men to

Lieutenant Green aboard ship.

Well, that gives us

nine officers and 37 men.

It's been more difficult

getting volunteers

- than we expected.

- Yeah.

The appearance

hasn't helped us any.

Paddy.

Mack.

We got your word, sir.

We're reporting for duty.

Oh, I knew I could count on you.

- How've you been?

- Fine, sir.

Excepting Paddy here

has never been quite

the same since he lost Molly.

Lieutenant Worden, this

is MacPherson and Callahan.

They served with

me on The Merrimac.

Both good men.

Glad to have them aboard.

Meaning no offense, sir, but how

does an able-bodied seaman get

aboard such a looking object?

Use your head, man.

The lieutenant helped build it.

He'll know how to get on it.

We'll watch him and do likewise.

But I'm not going.

Oh, then you're not so

daft as I thought you were.

I'm sorry, sir.

We'd go to sea in

a tin can with him.

But if he's not going, well,

we're not going either.

But they need you boys.

I'd give anything

to go, but Paddy,

you know that's impossible.

I'm no longer in the Navy.

Oh, so they don't think you're

good enough to sail on it?

Oh, it isn't that.

Reynolds, you know

the ship pretty well.

- Don't you?

- I ought to.

How would you like

to come along with us?

How would I like to come along?

Thanks very much, sir.

But that's impossible.

Why?

Well, I've been dis... dismissed.

I know all about that.

But I've been given the right

to pick a volunteer crew.

Pack your bags and

report for duty.

Aye, aye, sir.

Begging your pardon, sir.

If you please.

Report aboard to Lieutenant Green.

We sail tonight after dark.

It's relieved, I am.

You know I wouldn't like

any of my friends to see me

aboard that in broad daylight.

Aye.

These plans you should

have in your head.

I don't really need them.

Well, take them along

anyway for reference maybe.

I wish you were coming

along too, Captain.

What?

Me?

You've hit his weakness,

Lieutenant Worden.

He builds ships, but...

I don't ride on them.

I get seasick.

Congratulations, Captain Ericsson.

You've done splendidly.

Nothing unusual.

What did you expect?

We of the committee are here to

make a final tour of inspection

before The Monitor sails.

All right.

Everything is fixed.

The Monitor is ready.

And nothing you can say

will even make me mad.

You better get aboard, Reynolds.

May I have a moment

to say goodbye, sir?

Goodbye?

Why, yes.

Just a moment.

Reynolds' work on The

Monitor is finished.

What do you know about it?

He's reporting for duty, sir.

On what authority?

I've been given the right

to select a volunteer crew.

Reynolds was dishonorably

discharged from the Navy.

Captain Gilman, I

helped build The Monitor.

I know every rivet

and seam in her.

Lieutenant Worden

needs me, wants me,

and has accepted me for duty.

I think his achievement in

helping to construct the ship

in record time should more

than outweigh whatever

has happened in the past.

Absolutely right.

If he had carried out

my orders at Norfolk,

there'd be no Merrimac

threatening us today.

I agree with Captain Gilman.

This ship's mission

is too secretive

to include among its officers

a man guilty of mutiny.

Lieutenant Worden is

subject to our orders.

This is a case for us to decide.

For you to decide?

No, I, John Ericsson decides.

He goes.

You forget yourself, sir.

I... I forget not.

I don't forget this

ship is not paid for.

And until then, she is mine.

If Reynolds don't

go, The Monitor stays

right here tied to the dock.

And you go fight The

Merrimac with your speeches.

I think that settles

it, gentlemen.

Ha.

We go.

Maybe you find

something wrong, eh.

Then, you don't feel so bad.

Darling, our first victory.

I'm going after all.

Aren't you glad?

Should I be?

Well, well, I... I thought for my...

Why do you insist upon going?

Your work on The

Monitor is completed.

They don't even want you.

But darling, this

is my one chance.

I hardly dared hoped

for it, and it's come.

Don't you see?

This is a chance to

vindicate myself.

No.

There was a time when I

didn't even want you to go on

with the work, but then I realized

that with or without your help

The Monitor would be built.

But I've got to see it through.

You don't realize how vital it

is that The Monitor succeeds.

Its success will spell

failure for you and me.

My brother is an

officer on The Merrimac.

Raymond?

Raymond.

That's why I stood here,

hoping that those men

wouldn't let you go.

There's nothing left

but to beg you not to.

Nothing I can say to you now will

ever make you see this as I do.

Ken, there's work to do

out on the West Coast.

They're building

harbors and ships.

Why do you stand

there staring at me?

I know that you're going.

I can't forgive it.

I never will.

Don't let me leave you like this.

There's no other way.

[fog horn blows]

What's Ericsson's idea,

having us wait up here?

Might as well.

He'll never grant us an

interview any other place.

I've seen some freaks, but that

boat certainly takes the prize.

Crazy Ericsson.

Remember when those

g*ns exploded and k*lled

six men on The Princeton?

REPORTER 1: Yeah.

REPORTER 2: They say

there's a storm coming up.

20 to 1, none of that

crew ever come back.

[fog horn blows]

There she goes.

The Iron Coffin, a

good name for her.

[trumpet blowing]

Gentlemen, Commodore

Buchanan will address you.

Our mission is to clear this

harbor of enemy craft, of which

The Cumberland, The

Congress, and The Minnesota

now ride before us.

Their fire cannot hurt

us, so disregard it.

And remember, what

you do today will

be the history of tomorrow.

Our homes, our wives, our children

shall be free if we succeed.

That is all.

ALL: Hooray!

Hooray!

Lieutenant, get

under way immediately.

You must first attack

The Cumberland.

Aye, aye, sir.

Sound general quarters.

[trumpet blowing]

Standby.

[cannons booming]

Thank you, Yankees.

What is it?

A stronger sub.

Barely hit.

Had no effect.

We'll give them a bump.

[cannons booming]

Standby to ram.

Hold on!

Ready.

Up, men.

Over the side.

The Cumberland is sinking.

Attack The Congress.

Aye, aye, sir.

[cannons booming]

Fire!

[cannons booming]

Quick.

Help me get the commodore below.

It's nothing serious.

Hold to your course.

Keep firing.

[cannons booming]

Tide's going out.

Chance of running aground

in this smoke, sir.

I had hoped to

attack The Minnesota.

But let's take no risk.

We can finish the rest tomorrow.

Well, Mr. Secretary?

Sir, The Merrimac is sweeping

the Union fleet before her.

She will besiege

the Northern cities

and levy tribute from of them.

Why, even the capital will

be at the mercy of the g*ns

from The Merrimac.

What of The Monitor?

The Monitor, if

she ever does reach

Hampton Roads, which

I doubt, The Merrimac

will blow her out of the water.

She's falling off her course, sir.

Engine room.

Engine room.

We're losing headway.

Keep turning over.

Aye, aye, sir.

Men, we've got to

keep the pressure up.

Aye, aye.

Any more news of The Monitor?

Lost.

Unreported after 72 hours.

It's not true.

I don't believe it.

We just had word from

the Secretary of the Navy.

Washington's steeped in gloom.

There's no hope that she

could have survived the storm.

This is the end of John Ericsson.

First The Princeton

and now The Monitor.

You think of nothing

but your ships.

What of those men?

What of Kenneth?

Oh, I don't forget those men.

I don't forget that boy ever.

Gentlemen, you'll be pleased

to hear that Commodore

Buchanan is doing very nicely.

Unfortunately, however, he is

unable to be with us today.

Lieutenant Jones assumes command.

We will complete the

mission started yesterday.

By nightfall, I'm confident

that there will not be a Union

vessel left in Hampton Roads.

ALL: Hooray.

We will first

attack The Minnesota.

Aye, aye, sir.

Sound general quarters.

[trumpet blowing]

Sound general quarters.

[trumpet blowing]

Don't open fire.

We're going to ram.

Aye, sir.

Jordan.

Jordan, look.

What in tarnation is it?

I don't know, but

[laughing] it looks to me

like a cheese box on a raft.

So that's The Monitor.

That cute little thing.

Hey, let's take it aboard

and keep it for a pet.

[laughing]

Mind your range.

Aye, aye, sir.

One g*n.

Stand ready to fire.

Give it a whirl, sir.

There you are, young lady.

And if you do a good job, I

will learn to like you too.

Fire.

[cannons booming]

Standby for broadside.

Standby for broadside.

[cannons booming]

Are you hurt, sir?

They got her.

Nothing could stand

a fire like that.

But you're wrong, sir.

Look.

[cheering]

Lieutenant Worden is

badly wounded, sir.

He orders you to take command.

Lieutenant Ulrich, take

charge of the turret.

Aye, aye, sir.

Reynolds, you're in command

of the number two g*n.

Aye, aye, sir.

Take over.

Aye, aye, sir.

How does she stand?

[inaudible].

Powder up.

Ready.

Fire.

[cannons booming]

Our broadside doesn't seem

to have done any damage.

Never mind The Monitor.

We'll steer around her

and finish The Minnesota.

Aye, aye, sir.

It's making for The Minnesota.

Head it off.

Aye, aye, sir.

[cannons booming]

[cheering]

[telegraph clicking]

Three hours of hammer and

tongs, and they're still at it.

The man who said Ericsson

was crazy is crazy.

This Monitor is miraculous.

[cannons booming]

Hold it.

She's full.

Paddy, come on.

Come on, boys.

You too.

Duck!

Duck!

That was [inaudible].

Paddy.

Paddy.

Paddy.

She's... she's a great g*n.

Oh, Paddy.

Take him below.

Carry on.

Keep both g*ns going.

Aye, aye, sir.

[inaudible]

Step lively.

The tide is very low, sir.

If we don't return now,

we'll go aground on a sandbar

and be at their mercy.

Pardon me, sir.

May I suggest a boarding party?

It's a long chance.

But we can try.

Pull alongside The Monitor.

Good luck.

If we fail to capture

her, we'll turn back.

We're going to lay

alongside The Monitor.

Who will volunteer

to help me take her?

ALL: I.

RAYMOND: Then, come on.

They're aiming to board us.

What's your order?

Fire!

[cannons booming]

She ceased fire.

Looks like she's turning back.

[cheering]

We done it!

[inaudible]

ALL: Hooray!

Don't grieve so, honey child.

It don't do no good.

And I kept telling him

how proud I was of him.

He did look mighty fine

in that grey uniform.

What does it matter, blue or grey?

If only no one would

ever wear any uniform.

[clock chiming]

[wind gusting]

[knocking]

Yes.

It's Master Kenneth.

He done come to

see Miss Constance.

What do I tell him, sir?

Tell him to come in.

BUTLER: Yes, sir.

Kenneth, I'm glad you've come.

That's very generous of you, sir.

I've been reading a letter

from Commodore Buchanan.

He writes that Raymond

died gallantly.

And I k*lled him.

Not you... w*r.

I grieve for my son, but I'm

proud he died for the ideals

he held.

Ideals.

What costly things.

What must be is not for us to say.

You'll find Constance on

that path along the Potomac.

I can't go to her.

You came to see her, didn't you?

Yes.

Then go.

Constance.

Please, Kenneth.

I know there isn't much I can say.

What is there to say?

Raymond died gallantly.

You were only doing your duty.

There's nothing else.

Except to keep on loving you.

Long ago, I said that all

the wars in all the world

couldn't stop me from doing that.

I should hate you, but I can't.

There's no hate left in me.

No feeling.

Nothing.

Good morning, Miss Jordan.

Why, Mr. Lincoln.

I walk here often.

It's the trees.

They're above the

bickerings of men.

Oh, uh, may I?

This is Kenneth Reynolds.

Kenneth Reynolds of The Monitor.

Yes, sir.

My humble thanks.

Tomorrow, a grateful government

will publicly acknowledge

the wrongs done to you.

Mr. President, may

I speak plainly?

By all means.

It isn't honor nor

reinstatement I seek.

I've seen destruction.

Men died.

I saw my best friend die.

I see them too as

I walk this path.

If I could only remain

forever in the dark

away from the rising sun that

brings to light their numbers

increased by thousands.

But there's no turning back.

We must finish the work we're

in lest those who have already

gone will have died in vain.

You're both young.

Yours will be the good

fortune to survive.

Let's hope that from you will come

a generation with

vision broad enough

to realize the futility of w*r.

I'll never forget this talk, sir.

And I shall remember

you always, Mr. Lincoln.

That's uncommon

kind of you, ma'am.

Thank you.