Conquest of Space (1955)

Eric Fleming: Capt. Barney Merritt

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Quotes 

• General Samuel T. Merritt : According to the Bible, Man was created on the Earth. Nothing is ever mentioned of his going to other planets. Not one blessed word.

  Captain Barney Merritt : Well, at the time the Bible was written, it wouldn't have made much sense, would it?

  General Samuel T. Merritt : Does it now? The Biblical limitations of Man's wanderings are set down as being the four corners of the Earth. Not Mars, or Jupiter, or infinity. The question is, Barney, what are we -- explorers or invaders?

  Captain Barney Merritt : Invaders? Of what, sir?

  General Samuel T. Merritt : The sacred domain of God. His heavens. To Man, God gave the Earth, nothing else. This taking of... of other planets... it's almost like an act of blasphemy.

  Captain Barney Merritt : But why? They belong to no one else.

  General Samuel T. Merritt : We don't know that.

  Captain Barney Merritt : But look, sir, it couldn't be just an accident that at the very time when Man's resources on Earth are reaching an end, Man develops the ability to leave his own world and seek replenishment on other planets. The timing is what fascinates me: it's too perfect to be accidental.

  General Samuel T. Merritt : Those other planets might already be tenanted.

  Captain Barney Merritt : Oh, I don't think so... the universe was put here for Man to conquer.

• General Samuel T. Merritt : Merritt speaking. Here's the report. Lost course for several days due to near-collision with asteroid, but we can still reach destination as planned... which may be Mars, or Hell. This voyage is a cursed abomination! If it were possible I'd come back now, return the ship to Earth and blow it up--

  Captain Barney Merritt : General, please!

  General Samuel T. Merritt : --together with all plans in existence for building another! We're committing Man's greatest sacrilege, and we can't stop.