A scene from October Sky 1999
John
[John and Elsie Hickam debate over resolving the mine strike and help Homer at the Science Fair]

Elsie, I don't have the power to settle this strike.

Elsie

The bosses listen to you. They'll do what you tell them.

John

I'm not gonna crawl on my belly in front of those miserable union rats.

Elsie

Is that what this is about? Is this about your pride?

John

It's about what's best for Coalwood. If this mine doesn't produce, then the town dies. Think the union gives a damn about that? They're nothin' but a bunch of greedy sons of bitches...

Elsie

Shut up. Just shut up. [John is silent] Homer once said you love the mine more than your own family. I stuck up for you because I didn't want to believe it. Homer has gotten a lot of help from the people in this town. They've helped him build his rockets. They've watched him fly 'em. But not you, John. You never showed up, not even once. I'm not asking you to believe in it, but he's your son, for God's sake, John. And I am asking you to help him. If you don't, I'll leave you. I'll do whatever it takes to get away from here. I will work, if that's what it takes. I'll live in a tree to get away from you. Don't think I won't.

John

Where would you go?

Elsie

Myrtle Beach. [leaves room in tears]

October Sky (1999) poster
October Sky 1999 · 6 quotes · 1 character All October Sky quotes →
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