Minute 031: Thirty Days ‘Til This Blasts Off

Swigert has his helmet on and is suited up. “Do yo need more air?” asks the technician. Swigert shakes his head. At the VIP viewing area, several cameramen position a group of cameras mounted on a swivel platform. “Marilyn, hey!” says Mary Haise, as Marilyn Lovell maneuvers her way between children on the viewing platform. “Mary!” replies Marilyn. They hug. “Oh, I hate this already,” says Mary. Marilyn touches Mary’s very pregnant belly. “You’re not just about ready to pop, are you?” “No,” says Mary, grunting as she sits down, “I’ve got thirty days ’til this blasts off.” In the gantry elevator, Lovell glances at the other astronauts. Everyone seems lost in thought. The elevator passes the many service arms of the Launch Umbilical Tower. The Saturn V sheds frost as the elevator rises. People in the VIP stands applaud. The gantry elevator door opens, and the crew steps out, Lovell leading the way. IN THIS MINUTE: Jim Lovell: Tom Hanks Jack Swigert: Kevin Bacon Fred Haise: Bill Paxton Suit Room Assistant: Mark McKeel Marilyn Lovell: Kathleen Quinlan Mary Haise: Tracy Reiner