Lift-off. We have a lift-off.
That's one small step for man..
One giant leap for mankind.
Good morning Sunshine.
- Is your sister awake? - I don't know where she is.
You look like you had a wild night.
- Well good morning, Your Majesty. - Good morning.
This time no circles on my pancakes.
Here we go. You guys are loopy in the morning.
- Good morning ladies. - Good morning.
I don't know about all this free-range stuff.
I had a calf headed for California.
- There's circles on my pancake. - Eat your breakfast please.
- I don't like Jupiter. - Well I'm sorry honey,
it started out as Venus and it.. grew.
- I'm not gonna eat it. - I'm not gonna eat it.
Girls.
You see, the planets are just not aligned.
- Is Shepard up yet? - No I think he's still sleeping.
- Morning sleepyhead. - Dad.
You got an e-mail from that weirdo at FuelFourU.
Alright, I think we may have our fuel.
What do you think about this sweater for my dad?
- I'd divorce you. - Is it the colour?
Why don't you buy him a new arc welder?
You want me to wrap that up or should I just give it to you?
What makes you think your dad would wear a pink turtleneck?
The colour is salmon.
That's the colour on the inside of a salmon.
I don't even think a fish would wear that colour on the outside.
Arc welder.
Here we are.
So is my favourite customer coming in?
Well you gonna loan me a cup of coffee?
Depends on how you're gonna pay me back.
Oh, how's rocket man?
- Fine, Frank, fine. - We're taking bets.
Really? What are the odds?
The bet is, your husband will never do it,
or, he's gonna blow himself up.
Nice.
Yeah we're all gonna become rich, on Farmer's failure.
What bet you wanna cover?
Why don't you cover this Frank?
Now this space suit will allow me to control
the climate and the pressure that you need to be in space.
It's kind of like having your own personal weather inside here,
because in space, it's very, very cold.
Is any questions?
Whoa. Well why don't you just put your hands down, and I'll just.. we'll just kind of wing it...
- Start here in the front, how about you. - Did you buy it at Target?
No.. didn't buy it at Target.
Where did you get it?
Ah actually someone was throwing it away, and I just picked it up.
Have you been to space?
No. Not yet.
Stanley has been telling everyone about their daddy the astronaut.
We need more parents, willing to play dress-up,
to encourage the kids to activate their imaginations.
Yes ma'am.
So many parents just resort to dressin' up as clowns.
You've set a high standard with this costume.
Well I appreciate that.
You have a good day.
FuelFourU?
Apollo 13?
You never know with this online screen names.
I really appreciate you coming out here.
Breakdown for you here.
Ten thousand pounds of fuel, is this correct?
Yeah.
- You planning on launching a rocket? - Yeah.
- You're shitting me right? - No.
- Something the matter? - Well...
..ten pounds, 20 pounds, maybe even a hundred, that's not a problem.
Ten thousand pounds, ten thousand problems.
- When do you need it? - What's the damage?
Fifty grand.
Cash.
You're delinquent on six mortgage payments already?
I don't know if you understand how close you are, to a foreclosure.
And I don't think you understand how close I am to launching.
Do you know how many times I've heard that?
Arnie, it's an emergency okay?
Oh do I know it's an emergen...
We probably have 15 emergencies written down right here.
Ah twenty. Twenty credit extensions, who on earth gets 20?
I assumed more than half that debt from my dad.
And the bank assumes that you're gonna pay it back.
Can I give you some advice?
I have no money to pay for that advice Arnie.
Now I don't wanna tell you how to run your business.
- Well then don't. - But I have to..
because, I'm your friend first, and a banker second, alright?
Now folks around here they think you're crazy.
I happen to think you're a genius.
You got bad credit but er.. you got great character and ah..
that rocket ship of yours is amazing.
But as a friend, I have to look you in the eye and say that..
I think it's time you give it a rest.
Alright Arnold.
I need a payment Farmer!
Okay.
Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention please?
I'm going to the moon, and I'm bringing a balloon.
I'm going to the moon, and I'm bringing an oxygen tank.
- I believe you're going to the moon. - I'm going to the moon,
- and I'm bringing Mr. Grump. - No, but not on the table.
- You cannot bring your hamster to the moon. - Yes I can.
Yes she can, I believe she's going to the moon.
I'm going to the moon and I'm gonna bring, sugar.
Hey sweetie, the objective is is to connect a common theme
based on what daddy's bringing.
So I'm sorry you can't go to the moon.
I never get to go.
Okay my turn.
I'm going to the moon and I'm bringing.. Sunshine.
Well since she holds air, I believe we're all going to the moon.
- What is that button for daddy? - Oh that button?
You girls better hang on 'cause it's gonna be a bumpy ride.
We're taking off! We're taking off!
Oh here we are, we're in space.
Isn't it beautiful out there?
Okay what's that button for?
- That one? - Yeah.
That's a very special button too.
That's the one that brings daddy home.
We have to have that one, because if daddy didn't have that button,
I'd be up there for a long, long time.
Stanley, Sunshine. Time for bed.
- Give me a hug my angels. - Good night.
Good night. Good night sweetheart.
See you in a little bit.
- Hey. - Hey honey.
- How's it going? - Pretty good.
I just don't know if these gadgets are gonna work 'til I launch, you know.
You don't believe I'm gonna launch it, do you?
I always believe you're gonna launch the rocket.
- Someday. - Well someday's coming fast.
- Charlie it's so late. - Been working baby.
Charles you didn't even take a shower. You smell like the rocket.
- You could've washed your hands. - I did. I washed my hands.
Look at this.
Look at that.
Honey where's your w...?
Where's your wedding ring?
It's in the capsule, somewhere.
- Oh man, in the capsule somewhere. - Well honey, it...
Well it came off, I'll get it, don't worry about it.
No that's not a star, that's a shooting star.
How come you guys only eat the marshmallows?
- You don't like the cereal? - Tastes like wood.
Lookee here, get a whole spoonful of marshmallows.
- Yeah but one piece of a cereal. - Huh?
Oh there's one piece of a cereal. Okay we gotta get that, oh...
You know what you guys started me on?
I don't put milk on my cereal anymore, and it's your fault.
- I don't put milk on my cereal. - Oh hey honey.
Hey look who's here.
Hey whoa whoa whoa whoa easy easy, take it easy.
- I love you Grandpa. - Go ahead sweetie.
- Go say hi. - What are you feeding them?
- Hi, Grandpa. - Girls, my little tiny people.
Hey Hal. How you feeling?
I'm actually feeling fine.
- Come sit down, Hal. Come on. - Here, Grandpa will walk you over, okay?
Boy, you've made real progress.
Yep.
It's gonna take a hell of a lot more than gunpowder
to get this particular aircraft, in the air.
Yep.
I never knew it was this big.
Well you got yourself, some mighty pricey metal here bud.
Yeah well you gotta have the good stuff.
I'd have more than a carpet burn on my ass if I didn't protect it.
Farmer?
Hey Karl. How you doing, man?
I'm gonna need your autograph for this letter.
Goddamn, it certainly gets my attention.
- Appreciate it. I'll see you later, buddy. - See you.
What...?
- Farmer! - You want my house
- I'll give it to you brick by brick. - It was procedure Farmer.
I didn't have a choice.
The bank wouldn't stand for it a day longer, and you know what neither would I
because you are way too overextended.
At the end of the day Arnie you're just a banker. Because a friend wouldn't do what you did.
- You know what if I didn't care about you, I wouldn't have sent it in.
- Really? - You got 30 days.
So you gotta open your eyes. Look at this as a wake-up call because the dream is over.
It's gotta stop now before you lose everything, you!
Farmer.
What's up Chopper? How's your daddy?
Waitin' for ya. Want a ride?
No it's alright, follow me.
What'd you do Arnie?
How much he owe the bank Arnold?
- Over 600,000 dollars. - 600,000 dollars?
He's dangerous, he threw a brick at me.
That's enough Arnold, that's enough. Will the bank take an apology?
- Well? - I guess, er..
Farmer, give the bank an apology.
Say you're sorry.
- Arnold, I'm sorry. - Great.
Now Arnold er.. I'm going to, administer Farmer's spanking in private.
Chopper could you see Arnold out for me?
Assume the position.
You're not really gonna whack me with that thing, are ya?
Come on. Known you all your life.
But I do see you putting your family, and yourself at serious risk.
One day it's a brick, the next day it's a bullet.
Men have been known to do some desperate things
when they're losing their ranches.
I'm gonna ask you to get a..
psychiatric evaluation.
Before Arnold and me are comfortable with you in society you gotta see a shrink.
Go over to the school, see Nurse Goode over there and, talk to her.
Bring it back to me.
What'd they get you for?
Sleeping in class.
How about you?
I broke a window.
So what do you wanna be when you get out of here?
I don't know.
- What do you mean you don't know? - I don't know.
Well let me tell you somethin',
you better know what you wanna do before somebody knows it for ya.
Trust me.
Farmer. Nurse Goode can see you now.
Okay.
Well, good luck.
Charlie Farmer.
Hey Beth. I was supposed to give you this, the judge said.
Thank you. Okay. Huh..
Don't you think that ah.. they're a little late in labelling you crazy?
Jumpin' off a bridge is crazy.
- Oh, and building a rocket isn't. - I threw a brick through a window
that's why I'm here okay?
Well how would you like it if we discussed your desire to leave the planet?
- Not particularly. - Oh Charlie.
I don't expect you to open up and.. and start talking in our very first session.
Session? There's sessions?
We're all onions, Charlie.
We have many, many, many layers to get through.
See what I'm sayin'? And and just like ah..
well when you peel an onion, there may be tears as we come..
Beth please stop it okay?
Listen, my daddy never told me that he loved me.
And, you know I'm pretty sure that your daddy never did either.
The resentment that you feel towards your parents
is not going to fuel your rocket.
- Are you done? - Well you're not gettin' it.
The rocket, is not going to bring you a happy childhood.
We all just have to grow up and.. and just take responsibility.
Remember during our high school prom, I asked you go to the moon with me?
Well, shoot Charlie, that was just about gettin' laid.
Well I'm still going.
We're not done, Charlie.
Is this considered another session?
Have you ever thought of goin' into teaching?
What the hell would I teach? What not to do?
No. Charlie, you could inspire some young kid to do what you can't.
But I can and I will Beth.
I hate to be the one breakin' it to you, but you are not an astronaut Charlie.
It didn't happen and, that's okay.
You know the military's not for everyone, ah..
but we all just still love you, and you didn't fail
- and don't look at it that way. - Oh I don't.
- Oh, my God do you need help. - Yes you're right I do need help.
I need to find Shepard because I gotta launch in 30 days.
Charlie you have to find a way to channel your anger,
or else it will manifest itself into something ah..
like, well you know, like a rocket ship.
Charlie Farmer.
Ms. Graham, I'm here to inspire a kid.
I could use an engineer such as yourself at the house.
So why don't you get your things and let's go.
Excuse me but um.. we're in the middle of a history lesson.
I apologize Miss Graham, but ah.. you're just teaching him how to read history
and I'm gonna show him how to make it. You have a good day, hon.
- Where are we going? - Home.
Home? Do we see the...?
Where's the house? I don't see it...
Well it's a long ways to home.
Every one of you is now part of the Farmer space program.
If anyone feels that he or she is not fit, to be in the Farmer space program,
then you should say your piece now.
Does that mean we don't have to go to school?
Correct.
But, every morning, we're gonna hold class,
and we're gonna study your regular subjects,
so when you return to school, you won't be behind.
- Yes sir. - Any questions?
- Is that all? - No honey not yet.
How big is it?
- It's big. - Big?
- So you've seen it? - Of course I have.
And you think that he'll let me see it?
- Depends. - Depends? On what?
It's not like I'm gonna go running all over town, "Oooh I've seen it."
Tellin', you told.
Hey Carrot Cake. You and Phyllis been out playin'?
What's goin' on?
- Why aren't the children in school? - Ahh...
I'll address your issues after the briefing. We're not quite finished.
- No Charles, you need to answer my question. What's going on? - Ahh-um...
Oh hey, Hal. You wanna be part of the program?
- Sir? - The space program.
- Charles. Bye Phyllis. - You guys are released, okay?
I want you here tomorrow morning at 0500. Sharp, okay?
Now you can go go back to the house, alright.
They're going back to school tomorrow.
It's 3 weeks minimum, 5 weeks maximum, and they're back at school, I promise you.
Listen sweetie, you know as well as I know that they're never gonna get the kind of education at school
that they can get right here.
They don't even teach science in these schools anymore.
You know what Shepard's science teacher said to him? Get this.
She said "Science isn't sexy".
I mean, do you want your girls to grow up only knowing when Mercury's in retrograde?
- You know? - What the hell happened to you?
It's it's five weeks maximum, and then they're back in school, I promise. Okay?
Unit 4-0 Central, ah..
Do we know how many entrances there are to this ah, property?
I believe there are four entrances to the property. Four entrances.
I don't know if they're gated or not.
Suspect has been trying to secure rocket fuel, over.
Roger, we copy. Miller is about 100 yards out.
You should be able to see him now. He's coming down the hill, over.
Be aware there are seven suspects. We have on visual suspect, one Jesus Garcia.
Well we copy that.
Killbourne, Mathis, currently securing the barn.
Can I help you?
- Charles Farmer? - Yeah.
We're with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Sir we have been made aware, through electronic documents
that you have been searching for a high-grade fuel commonly used to er..
launch rockets.
Are you aware that you have an illegal alien working on your premises?
Pepe Garcia. Jesus Garcia.
If you cooperate, we could see to it
that Mr. Garcia could stay here with your family.
We're going to the moon.
- That's really rotten. - It's rather generous of us.
And where is that man going?
It's very simple Mr. Farmer.
It's illegal to try to obtain such a high-grade fuel, for private use.
Anyone trying to acquire this kind of fuel has to be considered a threat.
This is the real deal.
- Well I'm no threat. - Now, how do we know
- you're not building a warhead? - Because I'm not at war.
We just wanna let you know your little rocket ain't gonna fly
as long as we're doing this investigation.
Yeah.
I filled out the FAA application, sent it in over six months ago,
sent all my flight plans, illustrations of the vessel..
Never heard anything back saying I couldn't launch.
They didn't think you were serious so they didn't pay any attention.
- Well how can they stop me now? - Jeez, Farmer.
With this Patriot Act the way they've twisted the laws up so much,
they can do whatever they damn well please
as long as they feel you're a threat to homeland security.
What do you want me to do?
- Well twist it some more, ain't that what lawyers are good at? - Uhhh...
Alright. Did they say they were gonna press any charges?
Well no not exactly, they said I'm under investigation.
That means they're gonna be watching your every move.
Yeah.
I got a buddy, in Manhattan.
He's a partner in one of these big firms, that specializes in cases like this.
- Give it a try. - Maybe he can,
shed some light on the situation.
He owes me a favour. It won't cost you a nickel.
Set it up. Grab the boom.
Going into space doesn't take NASA anymore.
Friends we are here at the entrance, of the space cowboy's ranch.
We are told that behind me, in this barn, is a rocket,
a rocket that Charles Farmer wants to launch into outer space.
After graduating from Meriwether Lewis High School
he continued his education at the University of Texas,
where he received a degree, in aerospace engineering.
Soon after Charles Farmer enlisted in the Air Force,
where he developed his skills as a pilot, flying such planes as the F-4 Phantom.
The rocketeer Charles Farmer was in fact training to be an astronaut,
before he was discharged from the military.
- Hello. - Hey what's up?
Holy cow Munchak. You didn't tell me your friend was CNN.
This is what he said. He said embrace the media Farmer.
Invite 'em in, they're for your protection.
You want them on your side Farmer.
Alright.
He built the rocket, I'm sure he built a retractable roof.
- Really? - Yeah I don't think this nut's gonna build a rocket
forget about the roof.
- Unless he never plans on launching it.. heh. - Then why are we here?
Because if we aren't here and he launches,
we're gonna look like asses.
And if he does and we are here?
We still look like asses.
- There he is! - Mr. Farmer!
Mr. Farmer, quick question.
Listen, if.. if you guys settle down and ask your questions one at a time,
I'll try to answer them to the best of my ability.
Is it important to you that people know the importance of space travel?
Well I'll put it to you this way, ah.. There are a lot of people in this world
that think Michael Jackson had the first moonwalk.
Mr. Farmer, when do you plan on launching your rocket?
- Soon. - Mr. Farmer, why are you doing this?
It's always been my dream.
The rocket is huge. It's really big.
He's more of an astro-nut, if you ask me..
- What is it? - My wife.
She wants an autograph.
You hear about this? There's a guy in Texas building his own rocket in his back yard.
This guy is planning on launching himself into orbit.
Here's my question. Wouldn't it be easier just to say:
"Honey, I want a divorce"? Okay, wouldn't that be...?
That's not very funny.
Looks like a really beautiful day today.
Afternoon high of 65, down to 35 tonight.
- Morning, Hal. - And if you're launching a rocket,
the weather looks really good over most of the country.
This is what's known as, the rocket graveyard.
Charles Farmer gathered most of what he needed from places like this.
If you're looking to build a rocket, this is the place to start.
Farmer's rocket is housed in the barn that you're seeing below.
Due to the overwhelming amount of interest, he has opened his barn to the public
allowing them to view the rocket for themselves,
only hoping to alleviate some of this congestion.
Can he do it? Well, sure he can.
Now will he do it? That's to be seen.
There are lots of FAA regulations
that keep people from turning the sky into a.. a playground.
But the astronaut's plans for space travel
first have to be approved by the FAA. A hearing has been scheduled.
How long will the government not allow you to launch your rocket?
- They're not stopping me. - Is it true
that Elton John is planning to re-release "Rocket Man" to help raise money?
This is exactly what we didn't want to happen.
Let's get what we can on this guy. Find.. something.
We gotta get this space cowboy's head out of the clouds.
Pack up, boys. We're goin' to Texas.
Well, the man deserves a second chance.
Alright, more presents.
Ohhh.. that's the last of it.
Hey Stanley.
Why don't you change your hamster cage, honey? Use paper...
Now wait a minute, I'd like to see that. Come on, let me have a look.
Don't believe everything you read, honey, it's just...
- Well, I still wanna read it. - I wish she had your paper Pepe.
She can't read Spanish.
Your dad's right.
- You should change your hamster cage. - Okay.
- They called us a cult. They said we were like a branch of the Moonies or something. - I know.
They think our family's a bunch of space cadets.
I know, I know.
- Well how can they do that? - Because they can.
We are a normal family. We need to go, tell everyone that it isn't true.
Well honey we just need to show 'em, okay?
Hey we got a winner here, it's a winner!
Hey here you go, bud.
That's what I get?
Don't you worry about them.
Just forget about them, Charles.
- Thank you. - For what baby?
For this.
Excuse me. I wanna.. talk to you about the ride.
Two tickets.
No sir, I mean, if I wanted to buy this ride from you, how much would it cost me?
Well you rent it for 500 a week.
- Can we talk some business? - Sure.
- Yeah? - Absolutely. You gonna be around?
Yeah I'll be here.
Colonel Masterson.
Up there in space, you get a.. totally different perspective.
Different every time.
Different perspective of the Earth. Different perspective of yourself.
Every time's completely different.
It's just...
It's just beautiful, is what it is.
Beautiful.
You see the world, and you realize, how small we all are.
Life-changing.
Definitely life-changing.
This is good chicken, Audrey.
- Thank you. - You're about to make me start crying.
My.. last mission was on the.. the Endeavour.
I don't know who they are.
It's the.. name of the space shuttle Colonel Masterson flew on.
We don't have a name for our rocket.
You don't?
You don't have a name for your rocket, Farmer?
Well we just hadn't got to that part yet, ha-ha..
We're gonna have to think of some names, aren't we?
Sunshine?
- Liquorice. - Liquorice?
Okay, who's for Liquorice?
O-kay.
Now Stanley submitted the name of The Rockin' Rocket.
- Who wants Rockin' Rocket? - I like that.
Uncle Eddie has voted for everything we've said so far.
- I'm taking this as seriously as you are my friend. - Okay.
Now Shepard has decided, as you told me before
- you wanna change your name? - Yeah yeah I'm changing my name.
I was gonna think about it a little more, I'm not sure what I want.
Okay. Pepe.
What does that mean?
Well it ain't gonna be the name of the rocket, so don't worry about it.
But what does it mean though, because if we're all going to vote on it...
It means um.. it means "The Other Woman" honey.
No. You are not voting for that name.
I think we should go out and see "The Other Woman".
Son of a bitch Farmer.
- You built this thing? - Bolt by bolt.
That is some serious engineering.
You don't think they'd have brought you down here
if it was a bottle rocket, do you?
Good grief.
- You're serious about this. - Absolutely.
Lookie here, you.
What happens..
if the rocket doesn't launch?
I know it's not the company line here, I know.
But I'm a dad, baby.
Well that's why he needs our support.. regardless of the outcome.
It's not mandatory.
No. It's love.
What do you think?
I think that it is gonna be one, sad-ass day up here in Farmerville
when they haul all your hard work off to the junkyard.
I think that. What do you think?
You think they're gonna let you go up into outer space?
A civilian?
They don't let civilians go up into outer space.
Astronauts go into outer space.
Professional astronauts who have been trained
to withstand the pressures and the strain
and the emotional stress, of leaving your family behind.
Ed you know my dad died, that's why I left.
- Of course I know your dad. - My family needed me.
But.. if that was a test.. you failed.
What do you think NASA was thinkin'?
This boy's gonna go into outer space. His dad dies and he wants, wants to go home.
I thought there's one person on the face of this earth that might understand, that's that's you.
I really.. I really didn't expect this.
What if I told you I could get you a seat on the shuttle?
I'd say I don't wanna hitch a ride on the bus.
Forget that, forget about hitchin' a ride on the bus, okay?
Forget the rocket. You forget the rocket that you put a lot of hard work into.
You get these people off your back, get these idiots with the cameras out here,
then you go up into outer space, the right way.
The safe way.
- You don't think I can do it, do you? - Forget that.
This is about money. Not even millions of dollars anymore.
Billions of dollars. 16.2 billion dollars in this year's budget alone.
- For what? - For what, who cares for what.
For whatever they want.
They're not gonna let you go up in your John Deere riding lawnmower
up into outer space and try and come on back down..
and make 'em look stoopid. Do you think that's really gonna happen?
Don't answer me now. I don't want your answer right now.
But I want you to think about it.
Nice rocket, though.
Will Charles Farmer be allowed to launch his rocket?
That's why we're here today.
The FAA, FBI, CIA, the Department of Energy, and members of the military.
- They're all here folks. - What do you really think about all this?
Looks like we got home-field advantage, don't it?
They're not allowing cameras or the media inside during the hearing.
We are assembled here to review an application,
for the launching of a spacecraft.
We'll be asking a series of questions. Answer please to the best of your knowledge.
Yes sir.
Let's begin with your flight plan, that you've submitted.
Your plan is to do one complete orbit of the Earth.
Once completed, the capsule will re-enter the atmosphere.
Sounds easy. Simple.
- Yes sir. - Well it's not.
I would submit that's the gentleman's opinion, it's not a statement of fact.
You are aware this is not a court of law.
I am, but I'm not gonna sit here like a potted plant.
I hope not.
I believe as the head of the FAA, my opinion might have some credence
- on the subject of space flight. - Yes sir.
You based your design on the, Atlas rocket, yes?
- Yes sir. - Were you aware that the Atlas
comes from the design of a ballistic missile?
- Yes sir. - So basically
- you've built a missile in your barn. - That's incorrect.
Will Beacon, Central Intelligence Agency.
How do we know that you're not constructing, a WMD?
Well because if I was building a weapon of mass destruction,
you wouldn't be able to find it.
- Very funny, Mr. Farmer. - That's just the truth.
Here we are. Thanks for waiting.
Hi thanks for waiting. Can I take your order?
- Audie Farmer? The astronaut's wife? - Yes ma'am. What can I get for you?
Gretchen Boyd, from Child Protective Services.
Would you please sit down?
- No thank you. - Mrs. Farmer,
it has come to our attention,
that your children, as well as yourself, may be in harm's way.
How so?
Your husband has literally brainwashed you and your children.
He's taken them out of school...
..and he has isolated his entire family from any other outside influence.
It's time you took control of your family, before someone else does it for you.
- Who's your personnel at Mission Control? - Shepard Farmer, my son.
- Does he have any experience? - Sure does. Fifteen years.
Is this a joke to you, Mr. Farmer?
A 15-year-old will be the head of your mission control?
He's perfectly capable of launching his dad into space.
- Don't underestimate what my child can do. - Come on. He's 15 years old.
We also have an evaluation that was done recently by a Dr. Beth Goode.
Nurse Goode?
These are alarming comments made by the doctor.
She said that Mr. Farmer is angry...
..unstable...
..delusional...
..and that his overall mental health is in question.
Charlie, your father took his own life is that correct?
Don't go there, colonel.
I can tell you right now, what you have built here,
is a one-way ticket to the afterlife.
A facility in which Mr. Farmer could get himself into space.
The U.S. government has a space program, Mr. Farmer.
Why don't you just leave this to the professionals?
In 1960 they started a space race.
By 1969 we were on the moon.
Now in that short period of time, look what we accomplished.
And in my opinion I believe that if if some other country
wanted to go to the moon and live there,
we'd get in a war with 'em, because we think the moon is ours.
Well it's not.
Just like it's not your right, to tell me whether or not I can launch into space.
Mr. Farmer we have laws.
I know we have laws. We got all kind of laws.
We got more laws to tell us what we can't do than anything else.
We got laws to protect us from other laws.
- Comments like that do not help. - Listen, I I.. you've been talking all morning,
let me talk for a minute.
Okay?
I won't take long.
You see when I was a kid, they used to tell me that I could be anything I wanted to be.
No matter what.
And maybe I am insane, I don't know, but I still believe that.
I believe with all my heart.
Somewhere along the line..
we stopped believing that we could do anything.
And if we don't have our dreams, we have nothing.
You'll be informed of our decision.
I'm gonna save your life.
I'm gonna tell you something that no one else in there will tell you.
Right now the U.S. military has enough firepower pointed at your ranch
that if you, decide to launch,
within seconds, your remains will be spread over five states.
- Is that a threat? - No.
You're the threat.
Don't believe a word he says, Farmer.
Nobody's gonna fire any missiles at you.
They have no law to stop you so they're just trying to intimidate you.
I don't know.
Actually, I think they're pretty good at assassinating people who have dreams.
Where's your helmet?
Now I think that's it, Mrs. Farmer.
Thank you.
- So is it true? - What?
Got a million dollars for your story?
No Vanessa, it's not true.
I won't tell anyone really, I read about it in..
Vanessa, it's not true.
Your total is 86.05.
Sorry. Here.
Watch your fingers.
I'm sorry Mrs. Farmer but your card was declined.
Would you like to try another one?
Can you just keep all this here and,
and we'll come back in just a little while, okay?
Come on girls, come on.
I'm going to the moon..
and I'm bringing this brick.
Kids your mom and I need a private moment.
No. This has been private long enough.
Now you can lie to me as much as you want Charles, but don't lie to them.
Tell them.
Tell them we might not have a house in a few weeks.
- Knock it off Audie okay please? - No you knock it off.
- Please, knock it off. - And what was your plan, what were you planning on doing?
Blasting off this Earth,
and leaving us here to deal with the consequences, with no money,
- nothing, no money for food? - Oh really? Is that right?
I'm sorry.
So we don't have any food? That's what you think?
Kids, you don't have anything to worry about
because we got plenty of food, okay?
Here's food.
You want macaroni and cheese? You want salmon with white sauce?
- You want rice pilaf? - Stop it!
- We got all kinds of food! - Shepard take the children out of here right now
What, do you wanna throw that? You gonna throw sumthin' at me, Audie?
- Is that what you wanna do? Go ahead! - You wanna see flying saucers?
Don't you ever accuse me of that again in front of the kids. You understand me?
You're not taking care of us when we don't have a home!
You have to keep us safe!
This dream that we all share feeds one person and that's you!
You're gonna lose everything Charles, including your family.
Now I need to clean up this kitchen.
I'm I'm sorry I did this.
Audie.
I love you and those kids more than anything in this world.
But if I don't do what I believe in..
then, I haven't done 'em any good at all.
I have always believed.
I just don't know anymore.
Okay. Here we go.
- Hold mommy's purse. - Okay Mummy. - Audie?
Audie honey, you don't have to leave.
It's Sunday, we're going to church.
I'm hoping they'll learn something about forgiveness because they're gonna need it.
- Come on Audie, don't do that. - No Charles they worship you.
And so that I don't get bitter and..
call you an ass for lying to us.
I'm gonna have to figure out a way to forgive you.
And so will they.
I tell you one thing.
You are one, fabulous father.
And you know why Farmer?
This man couldn't even get his family to eat dinner together.
But you, have got your family,
dreaming together.
That is big stuff sir.
Really big stuff.
Boy they gotta burn a lot of fuel to run them cars, you know it?
Gotta wonder if all them cars would be goin' around in circles like that
if they didn't have all that advertising.
The fact of the matter is Doug if you advertise on my rocket,
it's gonna raise your sales.
It just stands to reason. Plus you'll you'll be getting attention
that you normally wouldn't get from conventional methods you know.
Now I've got a letter out to the CEO of Coca-Cola.
I expect to hear back from them pretty soon,
if they come onboard, they'll be right here.
But, before they come on, and paint the whole thing red, you got your choice.
I mean look at this.
Can you imagine? Huh?
Dunkin' Donuts, blasting off into space.
What if your mission's aborted,
or or your success doesn't measure to what you have here in this final statement?
What are you implying?
The risk factor is high Farmer.
But it's an educated risk.
Did you read the case study on Tang?
The profits they made off putting that orange dust up onboard.
I've made a graph, did you look at it?
Oh yeah, Tang. I raised three kids on that stuff.
Well it's full of vitamins.
What's that little old cheesy deal y'all got now?
I mean tell me what happens if your whole mission goes to shit.
- I mean I can't deal with much more of it. - You mean like if I die?
If something were to happen to you, Farmer..
candy sprinkles, M&M's, Oreo cookies,
there's no amount of topping..
that would cover the amount of guilt that I would have.
Look if you die..
the book deal, Good Morning America, that TV movie, Jay Leno,
all that vanishes.
Hell without a successful mission, I don't even see the profits breaking into the red.
Hell I might as well go put my money in Kleenex stock..
because all you're gonna be producing is a ton of tears.
If you circle the world..
you land back over in your back yard like your mission plan says..
you're a man-made American hero.
Now if I could only launch a rocket with jelly doughnuts.
Sunshine why don't you go give your grandpa one, okay?
He loves the sprinkles. Take Grandpa a doughnut, think of the Sunshine.
Just have two, okay?
Just two.
- Do you want one? - No honey, I've already had three or four..
with like seven cups of coffee and..
Grandpe here's the doughnut.
- Grandpa no wake up. - What sweetie?
Grandpa no wake up.
Dad?
Oh dad.
There are no stop signs up there.
There's no defining space.
We have always defined our space.
A wall here, a room there.
A hallway, a road.
We have this way of dividing our space until it equals a direction.
We even created a space for the dead.
Space is a difficult thing to grasp.
Man Farmer..
you have the most abstract thoughts.
They don't make any sense at all.
I'm just waiting for the other thoughts to string all this mess together.
Hey who's that out there?
Maybe one of Hal's long-lost friends.
How you doing?
How many head of cattle do you run out here?
Enough to suit me.
You are the property owner?
Yeah.
- Charles Farmer. - Correct.
I'm appraising your land for First National Bank
who's actively seeking a foreclosure.
What was your name?
Sir?
- What was your name again? - Robert Wilson.
Robert, nice to meet you.
You know, I own 352 acres.
Did you ever try to find a body on that much land?
I'm not the bad guy here mister.
Well you're not the good guy either.
Shep look here, I think I've figured out another way to make our fuel.
We combine kerosene with hydrazine.
Are you sure dad?
Well, son I don't know another way to do it unless we completely modify the engine.
Plus we got all the stuff right here in the barn.
The fuel still be pumped in at a high pressure
and it'll burn, in a confined chamber,
create the same exhaust gases as the high-grade rocket fuel.
That should provide enough thrust to send me into orbit.
Make sense?
Yeah, yeah.
Farmer?
- Yeah I'm down here in the engine room. - Hey.
- They made a ruling yet? - Why do you think I'm here?
The committee wants 60 days to make a ruling.
But I don't have 60 days. The bank's gonna foreclose in a week.
I'm aware of that.
- I just don't have that kind of time. - That's their plan.
Do you think they want you to launch this?
They're gonna stall, stall, stall.
And then there'll be appeals, this'll go on forever.
- Yeah. - Are you ready for that?
I'm sorry about the ruling Farmer.
Yeah.
You know my father loved ranching.
He loved it with all his heart.
It was his dream.
Then when it got tough and..
he knew they were gonna try to take it away from him..
he put a gun to his head..
before they could.
And that bullet's still traveling.
It just keeps on going.
And now it's headed straight for my dream.
Just promise me you're not gonna do somethin' stupid.
- Like what? Build a rocket? - No.
You know better than that.
I've walked away before..
and I can't walk away again.
Charles?
I can't just keep failing.
I hope you understand that.
I promise you everything will be okay.
No.
Shepard!
Come on.
Damn!
Charlie.
Charlie can you hear me?
No don't move. Don't move your body. Don't move it sweetie.
Oh my God.
Don't you dare leave this family. And stay with me!
Six broken ribs. Broken left wrist.
Compound fracture to the fibula.
Severe head trauma. Multiple lacerations to the face.
Is there any good news?
He's alive.
Hang-on hang-on hang-on.
You gotta be strong for your daddy now, okay?
Now, he wants to hear how much we love him, okay? It's really important.
You okay?
Yeah? 'bout you, you alright sweetheart?
Stanley?
Come here sweetheart.
Why don't we go get something to drink okay?
Will you stay with him honey?
Stanley? Stanley. Honey.
Dad?
It it's Shep dad.
I I was looking in the barn today an..
we can build another one just like it. I I swear we can
we have everything right in there in the barn
we could build everything.
I swear, I swear we can build another one just like it we just need you back.
You can't give up. You can't give up.
And children, when they say "Don't try this at home", they mean it.
Okay go ahead, yeah what? Okay.
Ask 'em how long they want us to stay here. Ask 'em.
Okay. Yeah. Alright.
Ah they told us to hang tight.
Grab a couple of these mugs, they make good souvenirs.
There's no logo on 'em.
The blending of high-test rocket fuel is clearly not a project for amateurs.
This is why we have such strict rules and regulations in place.
Space flight is a serious endeavour, not to be taken lightly.
We can only hope, that through this near-fatal tragedy,
other space enthusiasts get the real
message displayed by Mr. Farmer here, and not the one hyped up by the media.
No further questions.
How stupid I am.
This a lecture that you want me to hear?
No.
You're alive stupid.
They gotta get me some cereal.
I'm going to the moon and I'm bringing..
Oh sweetie. Let's not play that game tonight okay?
But why?
Because she said so.
Please honey.
It's okay.
Shepard. You gotta give him some time.
Daddy's real tired you know? He needs to, he needs to get some rest.
Albeit handwritten your dad's will is pretty straightforward.
Three trust funds for the kids.
After that, 200,000 in assets. Another 100,000 in cash.
Some stocks and bonds.
It's all yours.
Troubles with the bank are over, anyway.
Thank you.
- Look I found one! - Look I found one!
That's good baby.
- Look I found one again! - Look I found one again!
Have 'em come get that rocket and take it to the junkyard.
- Charles. - Audie, it's already hurt them enough.
I don't want it to hurt this family anymore.
Well, everything is now current and up-to-date.
I have stopped foreclosure. No worries.
Thanks Arnie.
You did the right thing.
Oh boy.
Didn't Farmer have us all believin' he was goin' off into outer space.
How stupid do we look?
What?
Y'know when we took our vows
we promised to love each other in sickness and in health.
Did that mean mental health? Because you are crazy.
I mean, when you first said you wanted to go into space I thought:
"Well, what man doesn't say he wants his space?"
The difference is now,
we have a family.
A beautiful family.
And I see how the girls look at you.
They adore you.
They love their daddy who wants to go into space.
I don't wanna be responsible for killing that hope in their eyes.
And what kind of message would you be sending to Shepard?
I want his dad, to show him how it's done.
Now look.
There's enough money in there, for you to do whatever you need to do.
Without the rocket..
we're just a dysfunctional family.
We'll rebuild the rocket to the exact specifications as the original.
I've inventoried all materials on hand. Awaiting delivery on...
Three spherical oxygen bottles.
- Three thousand linear feet of 20-gauge... - Unlike the first launch
this fuel will burn evenly
giving us the right amount of thrust needed to launch the spacecraft..
- Twenty MCM submodule components. - Lithium hydroxide canisters, we'll need...
- There are plenty of alternative fuels... - We have to find them legitimately.
The altitude would be 100 miles and the speed would be 25,000..
Fire-protective fabric.
- Test. - Testing.
The rocket will be launched from the barn, heading 72.51 degrees...
Five thousand linear feet 30-gauge...
Two hundred linear feet...
Oxygen could last three times longer than needed,
but let's not put that to the test.
You know when you're a kid, you wanna be just like your dad.
Then when you're a teenager,
you don't wanna have anything to do with him.
Then when you grow up you end up just like him.
My dad showed me one thing when he died.
He wasn't dying, he was giving up.
No matter what happens to me today, my children will see that I didn't give up.
And I can die knowing that.
Yeah.
Man.
We have been out here way too long.
Okay. Yeah, okay, okay.
- What? - Headquarters. Rocket Man's buying fuel.
Suspect Charles Farmer, male Caucasian,
approximately 5'10" 170 pounds.
Last seen in a brown Ford pickup bearing east on Route 9.
This launch is gonna take all the strength
and all the focus this family has.
You're my crew, my teammates.
Well thank you honey. I can use these you know.
- If daddy don't come back? - Yeah I'm coming back.
Don't you worry.
- I love you honey. - I love you too.
It'll be okay. Don't you worry.
I love you guys.
Now Shepard.
If anything's gonna go wrong, it'll go wrong in the first 10 minutes.
- After that I'll be airborne. - Dad...
It's it's okay. I'm not worried about you.
- You can do it. - Alright.
Audie..
it's gonna be okay.
Please don't break my heart.
I won't.
Step away from the vehicle! Show me your hands!
Put your hands up! Let me see 'em!
- Right there, right there. - Let me see those hands.
Turn around slowly.
I expect you home for dinner.
Dad you copy?
Now we look like asses.
Control Booth.
Preparation for launch underway. Local temperature, 65 degrees.
Wind speed, four knots. Opening canopy doors.
Cabin pressure holding 5.8.
Fuel and oxygen are steady. Power still looks good.
Status is good.
Canopy doors cleared for launch.
All remaining units report to the Farmer residence.
- Ready for system check. - Roger.
Hydraulics okay. Fuel pressure's okay. All systems go.
- Roger. - Vessel restraints unlocked.
Ignition system armed.
Abort system on standby. Cleared for launch at zero hour, 9 a.m.
Roger.
Ten..
nine..
eight..
seven, six..
five, four..
three..
two, one.
Fuel is go.
- Go dad go! - Go dad!
That is so huge.
Charlie Farmer.
Oxygen in the cabin is good.
Pressure's holding. The isolated battery's okay.
Everything's okay. Son of a bitch.
It's gettin' a little smoother. A little smoother.
Cut off tower. Jettison green. Disarm.
Charles Farmer launched!
No he didn't.
Capsule separation green. Okay.
We did it Shepard!
We did it!
We made it mom.
This is where the dreams live.
I'm up here.
Africa.
- Hi daddy. - Hi daddy.
God I wish you were with me.
I wish you guys were here so bad.
Hey, heard about this guy, Charlie Farmer, who built his own rocket?
Shepard.
Shepard, can you hear me?
Shepard.
- Shepard? - Dad.
Shepard.
Shepard can you hear me?
Come on.
- Where is he? - Dad please come in.
Dad are you there, dad?
Control Booth to Dreamer, Control Booth to Dreamer, are you there?
It's okay.
As you no doubt have heard, there have been unsubstantiated rumours
of an alleged launch, from somewhere in Texas.
And for whatever reason, this seems to be attributed to, our old friend Mr. Farmer.
We here at the FAA categorically deny the existence of any launch.
As far as we know, Mr. Farmer is resting comfortably,
probably watching this press conference on television.
Once again, no launch has taken place.
Your daddy's gonna come home soon.
So dad launched at 0922.
So right now he's been in orbit for eight hours, 56 minutes and 15 seconds.
Distance travelled so far is 152,042 miles.
Well when will he come back?
He he may do 12 or 13 orbits before he re-enters the Earth's atmosphere.
And if you figure that then it..
What?
Well he could end up running out of oxygen.
I still can't locate him mom.
Why don't you get some rest?
- I can't mom, dad needs me. - That's an order.
Proud of you.
Say something Farmer.
Shepard.
Come in Shepard.
Shepard.
Shepard! Can you hear me?
Shepard!
Come on.
Hello?
This is the Astronaut Farmer.
- Come in Mission Control. - Dad it's Shep!
Daddy! Daddy!
I think I'm gonna miss the back yard.
Don't worry. I'm sending up coordinates for orbit 9 to 10.
You don't wanna ... this window for re-entry.
If readings are correct, you're ... 20 percent.
- Preparing for re-entry. - Re-entry is go.
Good luck. We'll be watching for you, dad.
Where can we take you?
Home.
- Hey dad. - I made it! I made it!
Good job, son.
- I love you. - My helmet.
I want that.
- And I want the rocket. - I want this.
Go to a restaurant to have pizza.
Okay. We could go there too.
My next guest has an amazing story.
He's the only private citizen ever to build his own rocket,
orbit the Earth, and and return safely.
As you know, he orbited nine times.
Please welcome Charlie Farmer. Charlie come on out here.
How're you, pal? Good to see ya.
Have a seat.
Let me ask you somethin'.
How does this go over with the wife and the kids?
You know most guys I know can't get a Harley out of the wife, okay?
How do you.. you know what I'm sayin'? How do you.. how do you get the rocket?
I I know it might sound like baloney, but ah...
my wife and kids were real supportive of the whole thing, all the way around.
How do you know you're physically up to this? It's been a while since you..
I did some tests on myself.
Look I know they have that big... What is that, the cyclotron?
What do you do, run around a tree with a rope? What do you do?
See what I'm saying?
I didn't really have the equipment ah.. that NASA might require.
So I just had to make up my own tests, but ah...
You think they will clamp down on people? Will people be allowed to do this after you did it?
You know I was fine ah.. when I was building.. building the rocket, ah..
It's when I ordered the 10,000 pounds of rocket fuel
-that the FBI... - Well yeah, that'd do it.
- The FBI came around to say hello to me. - Oh yeah yeah yeah.
I know initially all the government people, the NASA people, they were against you.
Did you find once this thing looked like it was gonna happen
were they pulling for you or still feeling resistance?
Well I'll put it this way.
To be up there, ah.. and look back down here at us,
- it makes it all worth it. - Well you did it and ah,
Godspeed to you Charlie, great job.
Charlie Farmer! Be right back right after this.