The Final Countdown (1980)

Charles Durning: Sen. Samuel Chapman

Photos 

Quotes 

• Lasky : [a captured Japanese prisoner is holding a captive and is demanding access to a radio]  Why don't you tell him what's going on here, Commander? You're an expert on what's gonna happen tomorrow; tell him about it, for God's sakes. Go on, tell him! We got nothing to lose!

  Captain Yelland : [Owens looks at Yelland, who nods]  Go ahead, tell him.

  Commander Richard Owens : [hesitates, then looks directly at the Japanese prisoner]  26 November, six carriers left the Kuril Isles north of Japan. The carriers were the Akagi, Kaga, Shokaku, Zuikaku, Hiryu, Soryu. Tomorrow at dawn, these carriers will send 353 planes to attack Pearl Harbor.

  Senator Chapman : [staring, stunned]  How in the hell do you know all that?

  Commander Richard Owens : Your code is "Climb Mount Niitaka." Niitakayama nobore!

  [the Japanese prisoner, looking horrified, slowly lowers the gun and is shot to death by security crew] 

• [Trying to warn Pearl Harbor of the impending Japanese attack] 

  Senator Chapman : This is, uh, Senator Samuel S. Chapman, of the United States Senate on board the aircraft carrier Nimitz. Captain Yelland is here with me.

  Pearl Harbor Radio Operator : You're on a what?

  Senator Chapman : I repeat. I am Senator Samuel S. Chapman onboard the U.S.S. Nimitz.

  Pearl Harbor Radio Operator : Alright, whoever the hell you are. Use of military frequencies by unauthorized personnel is a felony.

  Senator Chapman : Now listen here, sir!

  Pearl Harbor Radio Operator : As we have no aircraft carrier Nimitz and no Captain Yelland I suggest, asshole, that you stop impersonating some other asshole and get off the air! You're wasting our time!

  Senator Chapman : How dare you talk to me that way!

• Senator Chapman : [Arthur leers at Laurel]  Arthur! will you leave the girl enough clothes on not to catch cold? She's too valuable to me right now.

  Arthur : Have you slept with her yet?

  Senator Chapman : What kind of question is that to ask a married man?

  Arthur : Ha-ha! You son-of-a-gun!

  Senator Chapman : Think I'd better go check what she's doing.

  Arthur : Oh, sure!

  Senator Chapman : Arthur, have another drink and stop thinking about how much everyone else is getting. See you later.

• Senator Chapman : If this wasn't happening to me, I wouldn't believe it.