Minute 087: I’d Rather Freeze

Guest Host: Dr. Ed Krupp

Dr. Edwin Krupp is an astronomer, researcher, author, and popularizer of science. He is an internationally recognized expert in the field of archaeoastronomy, the study of how ancient cultures viewed the sky and how those views affected their cultures. He has taught at the college level, as a planetarium lecturer, and in various documentary films. Dr. Krupp has been the director of the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles since first taking over the position in 1974. His writings include science papers and journal articles, astronomy magazine articles, books on astronomy and archaeoastronomy for adults, and books explaining sky phenomena and astronomy to children.

Summary

Howard Hughes’s model of what would become the Hercules “Spruce Goose” sails off into the night.

Meanwhile, at the Griffith Park Observatory, three cement figures of Herschel, Newton, and Kepler stare out from the Astronomers’ Monument in the observatory plaza. A Rolls Royce Phantom II LHD Newport Town Car pulls up to the front entrance of the observatory.

Eddie Valentine, wearing a Homburg and a tuxedo, watches the car pull up. Eddie’s gang are clustered in a circle behind him.

Lothar climbs out of the open front cab as the town car slows. He opens the back door and retrieves Jenny from the back seat. Neville exits from the other side of the car and walks around to stand next to Jenny.

Neville attempts to put a coat on Jenny. “Here,” he says, “Put this on.”

Jenny shakes the coat away. “I’d rather freeze!” she responds.

“You’re right,” says Sinclair, glancing at Jenny’s evening gown, “I prefer you like that.”  Jenny grabs the offered coat and puts it on. Sinclair laughs. Leaving Jenny with Lothar, Sinclair walks toward Valentine.

“Oh, cheer up, Eddie!” says Sinclair, “You’re about to make yourself a fortune.”

“Yeah, well that’s good,” replies Valentine, glumly. “Because I’ve got a club to repair and an ulcer to plug.”

“Hey, boss!” yells Spanish Johnny, “Here he comes!” Spanish Johnny points to a spot in the sky above the Astronomers’ Monument. A bright orange flicker in the night sky grows closer.

Neville takes a step closer to the landing site and smiles.

In This Minute

Bill Campbell as Cliff Secord
Timothy Dalton as Neville Sinclair
Jennifer Connelly as Jenny Blake
Paul Sorvino as Eddie Valentine
Tiny Ron as Lothar
Robert Miranda as Spanish Johnny
Joseph D’Angerio as Stevie