Titanic (1943)
Otto Wernicke: Captain Edward J. Smith
Quotes
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1st Officer Petersen : [First Officer Peterson addresses President Ismay and Captain Smith about the dangerous course the ship is on] There are warnings about drift ice, and even reports of icebergs.
Captain Edward J. Smith : What measures have you taken?
1st Officer Petersen : I've changed course and reduced our speed.
Sir Bruce Ismay : Why? You'll certainly recognize an iceberg in plenty of time.
1st Officer Petersen : Pardon me, but you're mistaken. Some icebergs are miles long, and 7/8 of them are underwater. There is the danger of colliding with the underwater mass.
Sir Bruce Ismay : Danger? That's ridiculous. The 'Titanic' is unsinkable.
1st Officer Petersen : Proof of that has not yet been provided.
Sir Bruce Ismay : [Getting impatient, he turns to address Capt. Smith] I demand you maintain direct course and full speed, Captain.
Captain Edward J. Smith : That is a great responsibility for me.
1st Officer Petersen : If I may be permitted to comment... such a responsibility is intolerable for any seaman.
Sir Bruce Ismay : [Annoyed] What is that supposed to mean?
1st Officer Petersen : Staying the course at full speed would endanger over 2,000 lives. In the event of tragedy, there isn't nearly enough room in the lifeboats for even a small portion of the passengers.
Sir Bruce Ismay : [Clearly getting impatient with the First Officer] Enough of your pessimism.
1st Officer Petersen : It's not pessimism. It's our duty to consider every possibility.
Sir Bruce Ismay : That's *intentional* pessimism!
1st Officer Petersen : What do you mean by that?
Captain Edward J. Smith : Please, Herr Peterson...
Sir Bruce Ismay : What I mean is that, as the only German officer on board, you have no interest in the 'Titanic' winning the Blue Ribbon.
1st Officer Petersen : You will account for that remark at the appropriate time.
1st Officer Petersen : [Turning to Capt. Smith] Captain, we await your orders on the bridge.
Sir Bruce Ismay : Captain, you know what the White Star Line expects of you.
Captain Edward J. Smith : I know very well, Mr. President.