Atlas Shrugged: Part I (2011) - full transcript
It was great to be alive, once, but the world was perishing. Factories were shutting down, transportation was grinding to a halt, granaries were empty--and key people who had once kept it running were disappearing all over the country. As the lights winked out and the cities went cold, nothing was left to anyone but misery. No one knew how to stop it, no one understood why it was happening - except one woman, the operating executive of a once mighty transcontinental railroad, who suspects the answer may rest with a remarkable invention and the man who created it - a man who once said he would stop the motor of the world. Everything now depends on finding him and discovering the answer to the question on the lips of everyone as they whisper it in fear: Who *is* John Galt?
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The Dow Jones stock average
dipped under 4000 points today.
You see it in the market's
volatllity. Violent wea th loss.
If it's bad for the
rich people, can you
imagine how bad it
is for me and you?
Good evening, America,
I'm Jay Knight.
Our nation is slipping
deeper and deeper
into a crisis
never seen before.
Oil and gas shortages
have crippled
manufacturing and
transportation costs...
While conflicts
in the Mldeast...
...have virtually cut
off all oil imports
to the Unlted States.
Well, what are you saying?
Are you saying that
the American people
aren't taking care
of thelr own country?
Global States
Oil Corporation...
...suffered yet another major
spill off the Gulf Coast.
We're seeing an
unprecedented...
As a result, rail
travel has reemerged
as the only affordable
means of frelght...
...and
passengertransportatlon.
Mr. Speaker, we would
like to propose a bill...
...to make it Illegal to flre
employees from profitable corporations.
Our government has put a
moratorium on all wage increases...
...and recently passed
the Fair Prlce Bill...
...restricting Increases in the
price of most goods and servlces.
Thls is your wake-up
call, America.
Another government relief
shlp was hijacked...
...by pirate
Ragnar Danneskjold.
Violence and crime are
skyrocketing throughout the nation.
Shifting to manual.
Good evening, and we come
to The Jay Knight Hour.
My guests tonight
are James Taggart,
CEO of Taggart
Transcontinental Railroad...
...Wesley Mouch, a noted
Washington lobbyist...
...from the Ph ade phia law
firm Young, Stephens and Sachs...
...and Ellis Wyatt, the
o and gas entrepreneur...
...who is responsible for the
current economic boom in Colorado.
My first question
is to Mr. Taggart.
Sir, your company is one of
the few managing to survive...
...ln our current
economic downturn.
Yet, there have been
dozens of derailments
on your lines in
the last year alone.
How do you explain that?
With any growth there
can be growing pains.
People shouldn't have
to worry about how
they're gonna get
where they need to go.
We must act to benefit
society as a who e.
People aren't gonna be
going anywhere without oll.
That means the railroads
like Mr. Taggart's
need to be flxing
their railways here...
Can I get you something?
A cup of coffee.
He makes a very good
point, Mr. Taggart.
Do you have any money?
I got plenty of money.
Taggart Transcontinental is
committed to sharing the burden...
Hey, what happened to you?
Who's John Galt? We don't
need more rail lines.
We just need the ones
we have to be rellable.
Well, prices are too high.
We have a nation in crsis.
Every business must lend
a help ng hand, Mr. Wyatt.
Gasol ne prices
are 37.50 a gallon.
The Mideast has imploded,
creating a worldwide o shortage.
We have plenty of oil
right here In the U.S.
Hello, Joy.
But because of political
shenanigans and back room deals...
One slice of cherry
pie. As usual.
Punctual, as always.
Thank you, dear.
And Taggart
Transcontinental is providlng
Wyatt Oil excellent
rall transportation...
...ln orderto get
his oll to the people.
Your Rio Norte Line
is so incompetent...
...that I've had to switch
to the Phoenlx/Durango.
After years of excellent
service from us. From yourfather.
Slnce you've taken the reins,
that company's gone downhill.
Oil prices have caused consumers
to be less reliant on trucks...
Stay dry now. See you
tomorrow, Mr. Mull gan.
They've gone to the railroads for
the benefits that they provide.
People can't count on companies llke
Taggart Transcontinental to dellver.
Midas Mul gan?
Who's asking?
Someone who knows what it's
ike to work for himself...
...and not let others feed
off the profits of h s energy.
That's funny.
Exact y what I've
been thinking.
We're a ike, you and I.
Who are you?
Eddie.
What? No. Uh...
Hold on. Hold on.
The Dow Jones stock average
dipped under 4000 points today.
This is the deepest
one-day drop...
No, not yet. I'm
trying another channel.
Simply one of the worst railroad
accidents in recent history.
A Taggart Transcontinental
freight train has crashed...
...and derailed in Colorado's
Rocky Mountain reglon.
Early reports put
much of the blame...
...on the poor conditlon of
the 100-year-old railroad llne.
This rail disaster
could delay eastbound
oil shipments by
at least two weeks.
The accldent is yet another downturn
for Taggart Transcontlnental...
...the largest rallroad
remainlng in the U.S.
I'm on my way in.
I already know about the derailment
on the R o Norte Line, Eddie.
Cance lations. People are
giving up trying to use the line.
Their bus ness is going
to the Phoenix/Durango.
I have new steel rails coming
from... That order is 13 months old.
The Phoen x/Durango has cut
deep y into our bus ness.
They expect to have Wyatt
as their main account.
He needs us just as
much as we need h m.
Ellis Wyatt has put Taggart
Transcontinental on notice.
He'd rather back og w th any
competitor than ship anything...
Wyatt's a greedy bastard.
We've been serving
the Colorado Reg on...
...since my great-great grandfather ran
this company. What happened to loyalty?
Perhaps the problem is we
haven't updated that branch...
...since your father
ran the company.
Are you accusing me
of not do ng my job?
Careful, Eddie, it's one th
ng I learned from my father...
...everyone's expendable.
Let me be very clear, James.
Colorado s our last hope.
If we don't do someth ng about it,
there's not gonna be a railroad.
I'm still the president,
regardless of my s ster...
Morning.
Eddie, can you
give us a minute?
I need to have a
conversation with my brother.
A meeting without
your right-hand man?
Must be real important.
I've ordered the replacement
rails from Rearden Steel.
I have a contract with Orren Boyle.
You had a contract with Orren Boyle.
Canceled. You've no authority.
As much authority as you had to do
a backdoor deal with Orren Boyle.
There are consequences
to this accident, Jim.
We have to service Ell s Wyatt.
He is this company's main priorty.
You just ove to keep
feeding the monopolies.
You keep pissing off the
heart of this operation...
...Wyatt s gonna
stop providing the
blood we need to keep
this company alive.
You understand that?
Why Rearden Steel?
There are companies
that need the money.
It's his new meta. That
metal's complete y untested.
The consensus of the best metallurgical
authorities are h ghly skept ca.
I'm not interested
in their opinions.
Then who's do
you go by? My own.
And what on earth do you
know about Rearden Metal?
It is tougher, cheaper,
lighter than stee...
...and will outlast
any metal in ex stence.
Says who?
I studied engineering
in college, Jim.
When see things, I see
them. What'd you see?
Rearden's p ans,
research he's done.
This is the greatest
metal on the market.
Dagny, nobody's used
Rearden Metal. We will.
Why do we have to be the first?
Do you wanna save Colorado or not?
I'm not taking respons
bility for any of this.
You don't have to take
responsibility, J m. I will.
Just know that this is the
consequence of your policies.
Which policies?
Your 13-month experiment
with Orren Boyle, for one.
The Mexican
catastrophe, for another.
The bottom ine is that...
...we are going to fix the Rio
Norte Line with Rearden Meta.
I'm going to Philadelphia tonight to
f nalize the dea with Hank Rearden.
You're lucky. What?
Other people are human.
They're sensitive.
They can't just dedicate their
whole lives to metals and engines.
You've never had any feelings.
I don't think you've
everfe t a thing.
No, Jim.
I guess I've never
felt anything at all.
Allpassengers for Traln 1210.
Taggart
Transcontinental... Thanks.
It's here.
And it's very n ce.
Gwen, it's beaut ful.
You have more
messages, Mr. Rearden.
National Council
of Metal Industries.
File it.
The State Science
Institute. File it.
Your ast appointment
of the day is here.
Miss Taggart?
He'll see you now.
Mr. Rearden?
Miss Taggart.
If you're here
for your rails...
...they won't be tempered
and cooled for a few days.
I'm just here to
discuss our deal.
Please, sit.
So, what's the premium
to rush thesee rails?
Forty thousand dollars a ton.
That's the best
price you can g ve me?
I could charge you
double and you'd pay.
You could.
And I wou d.
But you won't. Why won't I?
You need to have the Rio Norte
rerailed with your new metal.
It will be its first showcase.
And I'm gambling your new metal
can do what you say it can.
I'm staking my business on it.
I know what you mean.
Like I said, we
need each other.
So if you can have the Rio Norte
complete y rera ed in nine months...
...I w give you $20,000 a ton.
Deal.
I'm curious.
Is t all right with you...
...that I'm squeezing every penny
of profit I can from your emergency?
I have to get the Rio Norte
complete y rera ed in nine months...
...or Taggart
Transcontinental w I crash.
Doing their best to
make it harder for you.
Yes, but it's useless to
get angry wth people...
...ike my brother and
his friends in Washington.
I don't have time for it. I
have to undo what they've done.
And after?
After, they won't
matter anyway.
I was just heading out myself.
Can I wa k you to your car?
Do you need a ride?
No, thank you. I
walk home most nights.
It gives me a chance to think.
Well, I hope that
doesn't catch on.
It would put me
out of business.
If your new metal works, have
you thought of the implications?
Yeah. Their uses
are almost endless.
Naval ships, armor
plating, even spacecraft.
Can you imagine a commercial jet
twice the size with half the weight?
Commercial airlines.
You real y do wanna put
me out of business, huh?
Remember, there was 20
peop e... I love this.
I can't be ieve I
did this. And then...
Well, look who's finally home.
Henry, Paul's been
waiting here for hours.
Hello, Henry. Hey, Pau.
I know. I'm late.
Could have called.
Henry, do you mind hold ng the
10th of December open for me?
That's three months away.
I don't know what
I'm doing next week.
We started a major new
pour today. Oh, cheers.
It's our wedding anniversary,
Henry. December 10th?
Henry isn't nterested in anything
that doesn't tie in to his work.
I know that you
are very busy...
...but I would very much
ike for ycu to be there.
Of course, Lillian. I'll
be there. Thank you, dear.
I want it to be spec al.
Everyone will be there.
Have you had any
dinner, Henry?
No, I was busy working,
but I'm not hungry anyway.
That's the trouble w th
you. You work too hard.
Mm.
Ooh. What is this?
I had it made from the
first pour of Rearden Metal.
You're giving me
a ra road spike?
It's wonderful. T is.
It's original.
I'll be the toast of the town wear
ng a p ece of the same metal...
...used to bu d railroads and bridges
and sewer pipes and oi tanks and...
You are so self sh, Henry.
Oh. Phillip, it is not the
gift, it's the inteention.
The intention's pure
selfishness, it seeems to mee.
I mean, another man wou d have
given h s wfe a diamond bracelet...
...if he wanted to g ve her a
gift for her pleasure, not his.
No. The, uh, chain
is approprate.
I think it's the chain by
which he holds us al in bondage.
Henry's poured his metal today
and I have the first trophy.
It's sweet.
It's pathetic, Lilly.
Thank you.
I hope you didn't
come here for anyth ng.
Henry. Ph ip.
What are you doing with
yourself these days?
I'm working for Frends
of Global Awareness.
I know them.
What do you want? Money.
Doesn't everyone?
Call my office first
thing in the morning.
I'll authorize a
hundred grand for you.
You don't care about he
ping the underprvileged.
No, Phill p, I don't, but
it will make you happy.
It's not for me, Hank.
It's for the benefit
of the less privileged.
Do you think I can have the
money w red to my account?
A wire? Why?
Well, the th ng is it's
a progress ve group.
They wouldn't appreciate
your name on a check.
You're k dd ng me.
No. T wou d embarrass us to have
you on the ist of our contributors.
You shouldn't have
given Phlllip that money.
By the way, I don't care
what the industry says, Henry.
Rearden Metal, it's terrfic.
I just hope you don't
run into any trouble.
What trouble?
Well, you're not
very popu ar, Hank.
I haven't had any comp
aints from my customers.
Yeah? That's not what I mean.
You know what you should do?
You ought to get yourself a good
press agent to sell you to the public.
It's my metal I'm sell
ng. Not me. Thank you.
But you don't want
the pub ic against you.
Public opinion, you
know, can mean a lot.
As far as I can tell, it doesn't
mean a damn thing, one way or another.
The press is against you.
They have time
to waste. I don't.
Well, they say you're
intractable, you're ruthless.
Your only goal
is to make money.
My only goa is to make money.
Yeah, but you
shouldn't say it.
Hank, I'm on your side.
How's your man in Washington?
Wesley Mouch?
Well, he's fine,
I suppose. Good.
It's important that your
man in Washington is fine.
What are you try
ng to imply, Paul?
Is there something going
on that I shou d know about?
No. It's nothing.
It's just you don't know
who's loyal these days.
What is wrong with
the word, Paul?
Why ask useless questions?
How deep is the ocean?
How high s the sky?
Who is John Galt?
Henry Rearden claims
that his steel is
lighter than even
the cheapest brands...
...but it's 10 times stronger.
This is physically mpossible, Jim.
You're nv ting disaster if
you use t. Dagny is, not me.
Well, something
has to be done.
Agreed.
I be ieve you know Wesley Mouch,
Rearden's man in Washington.
You know what I like
about you, Wesley?
You're a one-word man. True.
All right, something has got to be
done about the iron ore shortage.
It threatens the very
existence of the stee industry.
I don't think it's fair that
one company has its own supply.
Rearden Steel. Exact y.
It's not n the public interest to let
one man destroy an ent re industry.
If we're gonna bring Rearden down
we shou d do it from the inside.
Under my guidance, of course.
The Nat onal Council of Metal
Industries has completed a report...
...that draws public opinion
against Rearden Metal.
Excuse me. I just wanna make
sure that Hank doesn't get hurt.
Paul, it's his own fault.
He's not exactly
open to compet tion.
A monopo y. To be exact.
We are work ng on a bill.
It's ca ed The
Equalization of Opportun ty.
It proposes to limit the
number of businesses...
...that any one person
owns to one business.
However, we're gonna
need your help, Jimmy.
We need you to grease the
palms of your politicians...
...in order to get legislation
we're spearheading passed.
What will Taggart
Transcontinental get in return?
I can see to it that
the exclus ve grip...
...that Dan Conway's Phoenix/Durango
railroad has in Co orado...
...can come to a halt.
Paul, th s is not personal.
Everybody needs to share
the burdens we facee.
Espec ally Rearden.
Isn't that Francisco
D'Anconia? That's him.
Francsco. Throwing
away his daddy's money.
Did you get in on that
ore mine deal in Meex co?
We all did.
He may be a slacker, but he makes
business investments that pay off.
Well, that's it for me,
gentlemen. I have to go too.
Um, Mr. Taggart. Orren.
Uh, Pau, uh, maybe you'd
like a lift in my I mo?
Of course. Thank you.
Please. This way. Gentlemen.
Good night, Paul. Orren.
Wesley.
Jim? What is it?
Well, if he's such
a great bus nessman...
...then why hasn't a single train
filled with ore left Mexico yet?
Isn't that what
we invested in?
D'Ancon a has invested b lions
developing their infrastructure.
But he also bought in himself.
He must know something.
What are you thinking? I
think t's the ore reserves.
I think they must be huge.
Well, the success
of my Mexican
expansion depends on
those m nes, Orren.
Uh, sure.
This t me next year,
Phoenix/Durango needs to be a memory.
Thank you, Mr. McNamara. I ook
forward to working with you as well.
McNAMARA: Frankly, I appreciate
working directly with you.
My pleasure. Goodbye.
McNAMARA: Goodbye.
Who was that?
I found an excellent
contractor to takeover
the rebuilding of
the Rio Norte Line.
That was quick.
You'd be surprised
how quickly things
get done when you do
some actual work...
...and don't re y
on political favors.
Is this accurate? Just one passenger
tra n per day on the Mexican ine?
And one freight every
other n ght? Yes.
How are the Mex cans
gonna deve op the area...
...with a s ngle
passenger train once a day?
They're not, J m.
You should know I moved everything
of va ue out of Mexico a month ago.
There's nothing for looters
once the Mexicans nat onalize.
That Mexican line was helping those
destitute people get back in the game.
And it was great
PR for this company.
I would have happily put
a rai road in Mexico...
...f there was a reason
to build up the region...
...but I d dn't see one.
You can't just take everyth ng
away from people who need our help.
Move. Okay.
Miss Taggart? Oh. Hello,
Owen, please, have a seat.
Thank you.
Um...
I've have come to give you my
resignation. Effective immediate y.
Why? For a personal reason.
Are you dissatisf ed here? No.
Have you received
a better offer? No.
I'm sorry, I don't
understand, are you II? No.
Are you leaving the city? No.
But you no longer wish to work
for Taggart Transcontinenta?
Miss Taggart, I assure you...
...um, no person, matter or
event connected to my job...
...has anything to do
with my decision to leave.
I actually ca ed you in here
today to offer you a promotion.
I wanted you to manage
the Rio Norte Line.
That's very kind of
you, M ss Taggart...
...but, um, my dec
sion has been made.
I' double what any other
railroad is offering.
I won't be working
for any railroad.
But you will be
working? Yes, um...
Look, I came to tell
you I'm leaving...
...because I promised you once that
I would and I wanna keep my word.
Write your own ticket, Owen.
Name your prce.
I want you to stay.
I'm sorry, g?ice Taggart.
So there's nothing
I can offer you?
Noth ng, nothing on Earth.
I'm sorry, Owen, I have to
ask and I'd I ke the truth.
Why are you leaving?
Who is John Galt?
All done then?
Where are you going?
I have some work to do.
Fix me a drink? Of course.
Miss Taggart?
Am I calling too ate?
Not at all. What's go ng on?
Nothing.
Well, um...
...something.
I don't know why I
thought of calling you.
It's flne, Dagny.
What happened?
One of my best
employees quit today.
Owen Kellogg.
I was actually grooming him
for a management position...
...and he just up and left.
He cou dn't even tell me why.
He just sa d:
Why are so many great
men disappearing?
It's going to be okay, Dagny.
You know, when you say
that, I actually believe it.
Dagny, what we're doing...
...my metal, your railway...
It's us who move the world...
...and It's us who
will pull It through.
I know.
Goodnight.
Goodnight.
Richard McNamara?
I'm McNamara.
Are you here from
Taggart Transcontinental?
No, I'm not.
What are you selling, pal?
Nothing, I'm simply offering a society
that cult vates individua ach evement.
I know where such
a p ace exists.
And then we do what?
We say its purpose
is to prevent
destruct ve competition
between ra Iroads.
We build public opinion...
...against encroachment on
existing train routes then...
And then the Nat onal Alliance
of Ra Iroads proposes a rule.
The Anti
Dog-Eat-Dog rule.
Every member must
subordinate...
...his own nterests for the
collective needs of the industry.
But, in fact, we're squeezing
Dan Conway out of Colorado.
You are think ng like
a po itician, Jimmy.
Mexican authorities seized land
throughout the country today.
Most affected were the
San Sebastian Mlnes...
...where international
playboy Francisco D'Anconia...
...and other investors, including
Taggart Transcontinental...
...and Associated Steel have
reportedly lost billions.
The San Sebast an Line has been
seized by the Mexican government.
It's been national
zed as Dagny predicted.
An emergency board
meeting has been ca ed.
I can assure you that
there is no need for panic.
And have fu I confidence
that our government...
...will negotiate an equitable
settlement with Mexico.
I foresaw the poss bility
of this type of event...
...and took every
precaution to protect
the interests of
Taggart Transcont nental.
Severa months ago, ordered
Operations to cut the schedulee...
...on the San Sebastian Line
down to a s ngle train a day...
...and to remove everyth
ng of value from Mexico.
Now, because of my actions...
...b I ions of company
dollars have been saved.
No, this is no trick. I
checked it al out, Jimmy.
D'Ancon a used h s own cash and now
he has lost t all in those mines.
He is too smart for that. He
must have something up his sleeve.
Well, let's hope so. What do
your friends n Washington think?
They don't know anything.
Well, he knows something.
And we need to find out what
it is and get in on t too.
Ruth Anne, why haven't you gotten
me a meeting with D'Anconia yet?
I wasn't able to get
a meeting. Why not?
Senor D'Anconia says that
you bore him, Mr. Taggart.
Yeah, okay, yeah. There's
someth ng e se, Dagny.
There was a call just now from
the Rio Norte branch in Colorado.
Richard McNamara never
showed up for work.
Well, go f nd h m.
Well, we've looked
and we found a note.
What did it say? It
said, "'Who s John Ga t?"
What does that mean?
Was explained once.
"Don't ask quest ons
nobody can answer."
Can you get Hank Rearden for
me? He actually called earlier.
He's in town and he wants
to know if you're availab e.
And what did you say?
He's meeting you at 4:30.
Thanks, Eddie.
We need to talk. You guys
carry on, I'll catch up.
You think I've
ruined this company.
Do you and Orren
Boyle have a plan for
making up for the
Mexican line's losses?
Yes, I do. The Anti
Dog-Eat-Dog rule.
Wyatt will have to use
Taggart Transcontinental...
...because we will be
the only railroad in town.
The Phoenix/Durango
is a good line, Jim.
Conway put h s lifeblood
into its success.
You have to take radica steps
to surv ve. What does that mean?
Go see your o d
boyfriend, Francisco...
...find out why he screwed
us out of b ions of dollars?
It will never happen.
You'll never open
those old wounds.
Get me Dan Conway.
I'm El s Wyatt.
How can I help you?
I'll make this qu ck.
I came here today because,
well, I met your brother...
...and I was hoping someone in
this business still had a brain.
If you and your brother
try to undermine me...
...or go to the
government like you did
to destroy my best
friend, Dan Conway...
Maybe you should
let me explain...
Maybe you should let
me f nish speaking!
Okay. Dagny?
Okay.
Now that you have
effectively closed
down the Phoenix/Durango
railroad line...
...because of this new
Anti Dog-Eat-Dog bullshit...
...I have no choice but to get back
into business with you Taggarts aga n.
I had nothing to do with
the creation of that bill.
I will not lower my business standards
to your ousy level of incompetence.
Shall I explain what
I intend to do n... No.
Now that I'm forced
to use your ra road...
...all I want from you is
dependable transportation.
You will get the transportation
you need, Mr. Wyatt.
I prom se you that.
We' see.
Is everything
all right, Dagny?
I don't know.
Eddie? Yes, Dagny?
Can you get me a dinner appointment
with Francisco D'Anconia?
What about Henry Rearden?
I guess I have two
dinner dates then.
In the end, he's rght.
If Wyatt fails,
Taggart Transcontinental
and everyone else
around h m goes down.
I have 50 miles of my new rail
tempered and ready to roll.
With your new rail,
I can triple my load
capacity but I need
more diese engines.
I barely have enough parts to
keep the ones I have work ng now.
Hmm. Engine parts are
hard to come by these days.
I have engines I ordered two years
ago and still have not received.
There was a company that made
terrif c engines years ago...
...uh, in Wiscons n, I think.
It closed suddenly,
but they might have
machine tools and
parts that you can use.
I can look into it f you like.
Theree s so much at stake.
We have to make it.
Did you get L I ian's invitation
to our anniversary party?
I did, thank you.
I can't speak for James,
but I will be there.
Good.
Did you hear about R
chard McNamara? I did.
Can you imagine what will
happen if this trend continues?
Who w I be left to
keep things running?
Your brother and his friends
in Washington, people like that.
That's depressing.
I have to go.
Ha, ha. Whoo!
That was refreshing.
If you came here in order to
rem nd me how lovely you are...
...well done.
San Sebastian, you did it
cold-bloodedly and with full intention.
W ne, please? No.
Yes.
What s it that I d
d with full ntention?
You knew those
mines were worthless.
Why d d I invest? Can
you think of a motive?
You knew they were gonna se
ze those mines, d dn't you?
What you were after were
your American stockholders.
That's part of the truth.
What s the rest of the truth?
It's for you to figure
out. And here you are, sir.
I came here because
I want you to know
I'm beginning to
understand your motives.
If you did, you wou dn't come.
You get a thrill from swindling
people in order to watch them squirm.
They provided a spectacle on a
grand scale, especially your brother.
He trusted your
name and your honor.
They did, they did.
I'm aware of that.
Do you find this
amusing? Not at all.
Your brother and h s friends know
nothing of the copper min ng industry.
They consider knowledge
to be superf uous.
So you did betray them intentionally?
That's for you to decide.
They rode on my brain and on the
premise that I wanted to make money.
What happened to you, Francisco?
Where is the man I used to love?
You'll figure it out n time.
Just answer the
quest on, please.
Who is John Galt?
Plans for a rainy
day, national...
Happy anniversary.
I know you're famous for skulking
in corners, but be sociable ton ght.
For once, please, for me.
The Equalization of
Opportunity Bill is
set to appear before
Congress next week.
The blll, In an effort to control
big business monopolies, proposes...
...to limit the number of businesses
any one person can own to one.
Lawmakers feel the
bill wlll help...
Wes ey Mouch,
please. Hank Rearden.
Police have no leads on the
disappearance of Midas Mulligan.
He's not? A banker
by trade, Michael...
No, have him call me back.
Changed his name to Midas...
Can I have one n ght?
Thls week, gas prices
reached a historic hlgh.
And here you are, Mr. Rearden.
Thank you. You're
quite welcome.
Oh, darling, thank you.
Where are you going?
Pardon us, Phillip.
Henry, dear...
...try to have fun.
How could I possibly have
more fun than this, L Ilian?
You're really a wretched
liar, aren't you?
Behavee.
Mother?
You look beautiful, Mother.
Hello, Lillian.
Congratulations.
Pardon me one moment.
Hello.
James Taggart. Lillian.
A litt e ate and
a ot gorgeous.
And Dagny. Mrs.
Rearden, how are you?
I'm wonderful. Tell
me, who are you wearing?
Oh, Lennon Couture.
I have ofteen said...
...he is someone who should come
back into fashion and here you are.
That is a beautiful
bracelet. Yeah.
Well, you know, Henry had that
made for me from his new meta.
He tries, poor thing.
Now, come.
There's some gentleman who
wants desperately to meet you.
Here he is, as
promised, James Taggart.
Hank.
Dagny.
Oh, excuse me.
To a successful business
partnersh p. I'll drink to that.
Glad you could make it.
Pardon me.
Honey, uh, there's
someone I want you to meet.
Excuse us.
You have to pose
for photos later. No.
You promised. You will
do it, I own you tonight.
I'm having a magnificent
time. Good, I'm so glad.
Are you glad? Here...
Okay, what the hell
is he doing here?
Well, you can't
have a party without
inviting Senor
D'Anconia if he's around.
You keep him away
from me. I mean it.
Grow up, Henry.
Francisco. L ian.
Pardon me.
How are you? You rogue.
Good to see you.
Two, please.
Did you hear? Balph
Eubank is here.
Good.
He sa d, "Happiness is a delusion of
those whose emot ons are superf cia."
The guy is a gen us.
Who are you?
I'm Phillip Rearden.
Thank you.
Well, congratulations
on your 10th anniversary.
Cheers.
Hit it.
Thank you.
Thanks for coming.
Try the cake, Ph I ip.
Well, what's great about it?
Okay, Paul?
Well said.
I picked it out because I
know that you love banana...
...and I like chocolate and
Mother I kes the butter cream.
Mr. Rearden, allow me
to introduce myself.
Your reputation precedes
you, Senor D'Anconia.
I'm not a fan.
Then I'll be brief.
I came here tonight
just to meet you.
And what d d you wanna meet
me for? Help me lose money?
I don't wanna sell
anything to you.
Matter of fact, I
didn't try to sell the
mine to James Taggart
either, he came to me.
You wouldn't have. Exactly.
So, what do you want?
I want to learn
to understand you.
What for?
If it wasn't for you, most of
these people would be left help ess.
Why are you willing
to carry them?
Because they'ree a bunch
of miserable children...
...trying to stay alive
desperate y and very badly.
Have you told them?
To d them what?
You're working for your
sake, not the rs. They know.
Yes, they do. But they
don't think you do.
And what do I care
what they think?
Because it's a battle.
A battle in wh ch one must
make onee's stand clear.
What battle? Don't
f ght the disarmed.
Oh, they have a
weapon against you.
It's their on y weapon,
but it's a terrible one.
Ask yourself what
it is sometime.
There's a reason you're
as unhappy as you are.
What exactly s
your motive here?
Let us say...
...to give you the words you need
for the time when you'll need them.
It was a pleasure
meeting you, Mr. Rearden.
Good evening.
Are you having a
good time, Dagny?
I am. Good.
And I really do
ove that bracelet.
I would throw it into
the fire if t would burn.
Perhaps, I can take
t off your hands?
Are you serious? Was plann ng on g
ving t to the maid for her birthday.
Maybe the maid wou
d I ke this instead.
That's enough, Lillian.
Dagny is just being kind. For
God's sake, Henry, be quiet.
Dagny and I are having
a negotiation, it seems.
You were saying?
A simple trade.
That bracelet
for this necklace.
And it's yours.
Sorry, Hank, I had to.
No, you didn't. Yes, I did.
And we both know why.
It's nothing. It's just
a useless hunk of metal.
Nice try.
I had a lovely time.
That party took a
lot out of me, Henry.
Don't worry. I didn't
come in heree for sex.
Thank you, dear.
Why are you here?
The next time you decide to throw a
party, can you stick to your own crowd?
Don't bother inviting people
you think are my friends.
But, Henry, you don't
have any friends.
And in Colorado
thls morning...
...work commenced to
replace 100-year-old
track on the Rio Norte Llne...
Some sections of this rail line,
one of Taggart's most important...
...have fallen into disrepair
over the last decades.
The ralls of the Rlo Norte Line have
not been replaced in over 100 years.
This marks the first tlme Rearden
Steel has been used this extensively...
...in a major railroad
construction project in the country.
Going slow and
safe, slow and safe.
Get two men on that side.
Pull the pin.
Your speech at this dinner
tonight better inspire conf dence.
The Nat onal Council
of Meta Industries...
...s quest oning the structural
ntegrity of Rearden Meetal.
I just hope you can defend Rearden
Metal against Bertram Scudder.
Scudder?
You didn't tell me there
would be other speakers.
Wee want to be
objective, hear all sides.
Especially in
front of the med a.
Objective?
Did you read the hatchet job he
did on Hank Rearden in his magazine?
And why is there media
at a prvate dinner?
You're gonna debate Scudder on the
safety concerns of Rearden Metal.
Driver?
Pull over.
What are you doing?
I don't need to defend my
dec sion to use Rearden Metal.
But, apparent y, you do.
Good luck.
How s it gonna look when we're not
there to defend our own proposa?
Taggart construction crews reached
the foot of The Rockies this morning.
Over 125 miles of track have been
replaced in little over a month...
...with still almost
200 miles more to go.
This is Tawny Johnson
reportlng from Granby, Colorado.
Ease off on that, big bro.
The State Science Inst tute...
...is simply requesting
that you stop product on...
...until the economy
can stabilize.
The answer s no.
At a time of desperate
stee shortages...
...we can't afford
to allow the expans
on of a company which
produces too much...
...and might rep ace companies
which produce too little.
That is how you create
an unbalanced economy.
Oh. Well, I tel you what.
If you can answer me one
simple question truthfully...
...l'll consider your request.
Is Rearden Metal good or not?
I'm authorized by the government
to pay you a very generous sum...
...for the rghts
to Rearden Metal.
What would seem fair to you?
Tel me if Rearden Metal is good or
not and I'll sell you the rights.
I think that's a very
selfish question to
ask at a time of great
economic uncertainty.
Is Rearden Metal good or not?
Answer the quest on, doctor.
The question of Rearden Metal
being good or not is rrelevant.
If Rearden Metal is not good, it's
a physical danger to the public.
If it is good...
...t's a social danger.
If you have any proof that Rearden
Metal poses a physical threat...
...show it to me.
Otherwise, we're done here.
Why is it so mportant
for you to struggle
for years squeezing
out meager gains...
...rather than accept a
fortune for Rearden Metal?
Because it's mine.
Do you understand
that concept?
M ne.
Why are you taking such
a hard-line position?
I don't understand.
I don't think you'll
ever understand, doctor.
And Rearden Metal is good.
I can't risk mak ng
more sw tches for ycu...
...out of that unproven metal.
Too many people
think it's unsafe.
What peop e?
I just don't want any
trouble. Herbert, look.
You've been work ng with Rearden
Metal for four months now.
You know it is the best materal
available. What's go ng on?
I got a fam y. I
need to make money.
I'm trying to survive
here. And you will.
Continue manufacturing
my main ne switches.
There have been threats.
Who is threatening you?
The State Science Inst tute
has issued a statement...
...warning people against
the use of Rearden Metal.
And what are they
say ng, exactly?
It's what they're mplying.
It was ssued under your name.
Make it a habit of letting
the Institute speak for you...
...even if the words
it uses are false?
Miss Taggart, it is publ c opinion
that Rearden Metal is unsafe.
What about the truth?
That Rearden Metal is the best
materal ava lab e on the market today.
It's strong, it is
safe. You know that.
Please, have a seat.
Please. Cons der my
s de, g?ice Taggart.
I work for the ast center
of science left on Earth.
We do rely on public funding.
Which do I sacrifice?
An excellent piece of sme ting
or the future of this institute?
Miss Taggart.
Please sit down.
I had threee
brilliant students...
...that I shared with another
Ph osophy professor, Hugh Akston.
Doctor Stadler, I don't
understand what this has to do...
We eeven had a bet.
Who would win over their
hearts and minds first?
One of them became
a depraved playboy.
His name was Francisco
D'Anconia. I know who he s.
The second, Ragnar Danneskjo
d, became a pirate...
...stealing to
g ve to the rich.
And the third?
The third one simply vanished.
We were expecting such a
magnificent future for them.
I do wish you best of
luck, g?ice Taggart.
Sorry, I'm late.
Please, continue.
Today, the Rio Norte Line...
...completed 211 miles of replaced
track using the new Rearden Steel.
According to
studies, Rearden's new
steel, mined with
the latest standard...
Thls extensively In a major rallroad
constructlon project in the country.
Hello, Dagny.
Mr. Wyatt. He o.
There was a big-rig p
eup a couple of weeks ago.
Landslide closed down the supp
y line for workers and the rail.
I thought we'd be down
for a couple of weeks.
We were back up and
running in 24 hours.
I figured someone knew how
to manage a crsis up here.
Nice job.
Can't afford to fall behind.
We have to geet those rai s in
place before the first snows come.
I underestimated you.
Hey, Dagny?
If you ever want a job...
I'll keep that in mind.
It comes from the reservoir.
Make sure it's clean.
I was watching you
with the workers there.
You look as at home there as
you do in that office of yours.
I'm needed here.
This is important.
Yeah, go ahead.
What you need is to
replace that brdge.
Not a chance.
I have to be ready
in six months. Plenty.
What f I told you I could
have it made in three months...
...and that it would
last for ceenturies?
Let me check my budget.
I can make it happen.
Now, I'm staying
in town ton ght.
I was wondering if you'd
like join me for dinner.
I can't. I have to
get back to New York.
But walk with me.
Do you think it
can be stopped?
This new line or us? Both.
What's going on, Edd e?
Ben Nea y's quit.
Kel ogg, McNamara, now Nealy.
That's not all, Dagny.
Taggart Transcontinental
stocks have plummeted...
...because the State Science Inst
tute has denounced Rearden Metal.
Your family's railroad
is in rea trouble.
Eddie.
I think it's time
to stand on our own.
In order to save my
family's business...
...l'm gonna have
to abandon it.
Good morning, g?ice Taggart.
Taggart
Transcontinental is done.
What are you ta king
about? We're f nished.
We can't stop and
we can't go on.
In weeks. Our stock
won't be trading anymore.
You're paranoid. Orren Boy e has
assured me there is pending...
Here's what we are gonna do.
And, J m, this
is not a proposal.
Just listen and accept.
I'm gonna take a leave from
Taggart Transcontinental.
Start my own company.
You're leaving?
Shut up. You and the board are gonna
transfer the Rio Norte L ne over to me.
Our stock will go back up.
I w I act as my
own contractor.
I wi I get my own financing
and finish the line on t me.
And where are you gonna get financing?
That is not for you to worry about.
Once we see how
the rails perform...
...I will transfer the ine back
over to Taggart Transcontinental...
...and return to my job.
Okay. And what are you gonna call
this new I ne of yours, Dagny?
You're not dragging the
family name through this.
I won't allow it.
The John Galt Line.
Now we know why you've
gone off the rails.
That's the name.
It's your disaster.
And what's the
plan if you fail?
I go down alone.
Taggart Transcontinental
remains in your contro.
Two last things. What?
First, I'm taking Eddie
W I ers. Oh, no, no.
I need him here. Tough.
You're gonna have
to do your own work.
Second, keep your cron es
in Washington off my back.
Make sure I get a my permissions,
grants, authorizations...
...and any other
political crap I need from
those sons of b tches,
otherwise, no deal.
I'll see what I can do. And
one last warning, brother dear.
I have never done anything to hurt
a ving creature in my entire life.
But if you double-cross
me in any way...
...I w destroy you.
The money would
mean nothing to you.
You've wasted that
on sense ess parties.
You've wasted more in
the San Sebastian mines.
I'm afraid I can't.
Money's tight.
I've got too many
expenses. Okay.
So, what do you want me to do,
Frisco? Do you want me to beg?
Because now 'm begging. Ha.
You don't know how.
I thought that you of all
people would understand.
Then is it me that you want?
Don't ask me such
a thing, Dagny.
If I ever meant
anything to you...
...loan me the
money that I need.
I can't.
What s this savior
I ne gonna be ca led?
The John Galt Line.
What? Because I am tired
of hearing that name.
It means quitt ng, giving up.
And am not giving up.
I am not going to quit.
I'm going to win.
I'm sorry, g?ice Taggart.
So, what do you think?
Just one ast thing.
I'll make sets for you.
No.
Okay.
So maybe you can see
about an opportunity...
Dagny? Ken Danagger.
I have some good news.
Mr. Rearden,
g?ice Taggart is...
As president of the
John Galt Line...
...I would like to commiss on a
Rearden Metal brdge for Wyatt Junction.
Excellent. I'll start
roll ng the metal.
Aren't you curious as to
how I'm able to finance this?
Okay, I'll bite.
Ellis Wyatt, Ted Nie sen,
Lawrence Hammond, Kenneth Danagger.
I'm not at 100 percent bonds
sold yet, but I am close.
Hmm.
There. I just made
up the d fference.
I would never ask anyone to take
a risk I wasn't will ng to take.
You're a good
man, Hank Rearden.
Can I show you something?
Mr. Rearden's office.
No, he's in a meeting. May
I give you his vo cemail?
Thank you.
Looks ike an engine. Not like
any engine I've ever seen.
Where did you f nd this?
Remember that motor company I was
telling you about in Wisconsin?
I did a ittle digging
around and I found these.
Twent eth Century
Motor Corporation.
It's a prototype
for a new engine.
It never went nto production.
I'm not even sure the th ng works.
Well, it's worth a look.
Once the John Galt line is comp ete,
I'd like to look into th s further.
Care to help? Let
me see what I can do.
Abso utely.
I'm sorry to interrupt, Mr. Rearden.
There's an urgent call on line two.
Hank Rearden.
What?
Find Mouch.
What is it?
The leg slature passed the Equa
ization of Opportunity Bill.
So quickly? How is
that even poss ble?
I don't know. You
know what this means?
Nobody can own more
than one company.
We'll f x this.
I'll sign away my other companies,
but they are not getting my metal.
What about Wyatt's bridge?
I gave my word.
It will be done on
time and on budget.
This is just a
technicality. Hank. Okay.
I'll always consider the
ore mine as yours. No.
I either own the
property or I don't.
You can trust me.
You know you'll always have
as much ore as you need.
I don't know.
I've never g ven you any
reason to mistrust me.
The mine is yours.
If you intend to keep
your word, then keep t.
If you wanna give me f rst
call on the ore produced, f ne.
If you intend to
double-cross me...
...so be it.
It's not fair, Hank.
It wasn't me who
passed the aw.
That s correct.
The first train on the John
Galt Line will run July 22nd.
Great news. Thank you,
Dagny. My pleasure, thank you.
Dagny, this is, uh,
Mr. Brady, a delegate
from the Union of
Locomotive Eng neers.
You're busy. I'I be brief.
We're not gonna allow
you to run that train.
Get out of here.
You do not come and tell me what
you wi I or will not allow me to do.
What I meant to say was
a committee decided...
...that allow ng men to run your
train on that untested metal...
...would violate
their human rights.
Are you serious, Mr. Brady?
You can't force men to go
out and get killed for profit.
Put that in writing.
That you want to stop your men
from working and earning a wage.
Miss Taggart, you
don't understand...
Oh, no, no, no. I
understand perfectly.
You want me to
provide the jobs...
...and you wanna make it mpossib e
for me to have any jobs to provide.
You can do whatever
you want with your men.
But that tra n will run
if I have to drive myself.
Because, Mr. Brady, if
that bridge collapses...
...there won't be any
railroad eft in existence.
But if it does not co lapse...
...no member of your union
will ever get a job...
...on the John Ga t Line.
Now are you going to forb d
your men to run that train?
I neveer used the word forb d.
I'm on y stating that you cannot
force anyone to take that run.
I would never force
a man to do anything.
I'll ask for volunteers.
Then it will be my
problem, not yours.
I'll advise them to refuse.
Do what you want, Mr. Brady.
But leave them the choicee.
We have breaklng news
from Cheyenne, Wyoming...
...where the maiden run of the John
Galt Line Is about to commence...
...despite numerous warnings
from the State Science Institute.
Two hundred ffty miles
per hour a I the way.
The John Galt Line's the
future of rail travel.
We're gonna prove it today.
Miss Taggart,
who is John Galt?
We are.
One hundred.
One ffty.
One seventy-f ve.
Two fifty.
That's faster than any train
has ever gone in th s country.
There she is.
We did it.
Today in Colorado, the John Galt
Line made a successful run...
...over its new
Rearden Metal bridge.
The controversial metal
bridge held up perfectly...
...despite strong warnlngs from
the State Science Institute.
Three hundred miles in
less than 90 minutes.
Was there ever any doubt?
No, because there was no doubt I
prepared a meal for the two of you.
Orren Boyle is on the line.
Did you see?
I'm watching it now.
If the John Galt Line succeeds,
it's gonna make Wyatt unstoppable.
Now, what can be
done? Don't you see?
It's his own success that provides
us the tools to bring him down.
He's not only given us the
rope, he's tied the knot.
All we have to do is
slip it over h s head.
This might work
to our advantage.
I love it. Here we go.
Oh, yeah, you want that. So?
And he said. "It smells
like museo de las pooplas."
I want to tell both of you something.
Do you know the Buena Esperanza Pass?
Well, yeah, the Buena Esperanza Pass.
That area has been dry for years.
Ah. To conventional
drilling, yes.
There is an untapped reservoir
of oil in those rocks...
...which is larger than any known
reserve in the Saud Peninsu a.
And underneath is an
ocean of natural gas.
Soon everyone will be wanting
to get on the bandwagon.
And, my frends,
we are the band.
I will drink to
that. Hear, hear.
To Co orado and
the New Renaissance.
And forget about the
Stone Age and the Iron Age.
Let's have a toast to
the Age of Rearden Metal.
And the John Galt Line.
Ahem. Well, I can see that the
market has opened in Hong Kong.
I have some phone
calls to make.
You have been charming company,
but I must excuse myself.
There are guest rooms
upstairs. Help yourse f.
Thank you for everything.
My pleasure, partner.
S r. Sir.
My, uh, casa es
su casa, and so on.
Good n ght. Good n ght.
Good n ght.
It's good to know there are
men I ke Wyatt left n the world.
I wish I could hold
myself in the same esteem.
I have a w fe.
And somewhere I have a company
that's being pulled apart.
Yet here we aree.
And al I wanna do
right now is kiss you.
What's stopping you?
Ellis Wyatt?
Yes?
Could I have a
moment of your t me?
At this hour? Who
the hell are you?
My name is familiar to you.
Good morn ng. Where's Wyatt?
Morning.
You're up early.
I didn't want to wake you.
Look at this.
He thanked us and he's looking forward
to the Second Renaissance. That's it.
Odd. Mm-hm.
So I was thinking.
I thought we might take
a trip, a ittle getaway.
How scandalous.
You're a married man.
There you go, s r.
Where are we going?
You remember that folder
with the strange engine?
Yeah.
I thought we might vis t the Twentieth
Century Motor Company in W sconsin.
It's a real mystery why the Twent
eth Century Motor Company failed.
It's no mystery. Bad
ideas brought it down.
Ideeas?
As I understand it, the company
flattened the wage scale...
...and stil paid everyone
according to their needs...
...not according to
their contribut ons.
Why all these stup d altruistic urges?
T's not being charitable or fair.
What s it with people today?
So after a short
while, no surprise...
...the smartest managers and the
better workers left the company.
But hundreds of remaining
staff couldn't handle it alone.
Service dropped...
...quality in their once-great
products was gone, and that was that.
The Twentieth Century
Motor Company went under.
That's depressing.
Looks ike they
just wa ked away.
Not much heere.
It's too bad.
I'd really ike to figure
out what happened here.
Dagny.
This is it. This is where
they made the engine.
Do you th nk it's here?
Why would they leave
all this stuff here?
Some of this is incred
bly sophisticated.
It's unbel evab e.
Hank?
Atmospherc vacuum. What?
This motor uses
the Casimir effect.
It's this small
particle accelerator.
It throws sma helium particles
into heavier particles.
And this must be a
secondary cooling system.
Probab y designed to el minate excess
heat generated during the process.
Exact y, and this creates a magnetic
fie d in place long enough...
...for the collapsing vacuum
pressure to be captured.
An engine that uses atmospheric
vacuum to create stat c electricity.
Now, does it say anywhere on this
document who designed this thing?
I don't see any names.
We could get a list of
the bu ding employees.
We'd go to the town
hall of records.
Find the ast owner of the factory.
We'd track it back from there.
Dagny, this could
change the world.
That factory has
had a ong line of
owners and the records
are not complete.
I'm sorry. Thank you.
Okay. So I guess this
s our start ng point.
I bought it n a
bankruptcy sale.
From a guy named
Eugene Lawson.
Do you got any idea how we
might contact Mr. Lawson?
He's in Washington now.
At the Bureau of Economic Planning
and Nationa Resources, I think.
My goa is socia progress,
un versal prosperity.
Welfare of the nation is
my pr mary consideration...
...to which I wou dn't hes tate
to sacrif ce anyone's profit.
Well, Mr. Rearden, you must be
awfully proud of your man Mouch.
He's doing big things in
Colorado to help the nat on.
I no onger have
interest in Mr. Mouch.
Oh.
I see.
Well, that's, uh...
That's too bad.
Jed Starnes.
Excuse me? Jed Starnes.
He was an eng neer at the
Twentieth Century Motor Company.
I hope that he ps.
My father was an evil man.
But surely, he must have
mentioned something about work?
A motor perhaps?
The chief engineer
was W iam Hastings.
He quit the day after
we introduced the plan.
You'll find him in
Brandon, Wyoming.
My husband died five
years ago, g?ice Taggart.
Did he eveer mention
a motor he created?
It was h s young assistant.
William always said he
was, oh. Ahead of his time.
Called him a genius.
Do you know where we might be
able to find that man today?
Oh, I have no idea.
He did keep in touch
with a professor that
he had at the Patrick
Henry Univers ty.
Hugh Akston was his
name. I know that name.
Do you know where he is?
Well, Mr. Akston was rumored to have
opened a roads de diner near Cheyenne.
I gotta get back to my mills.
Now? I have a business to run.
We can't quit now,
Hank. You're so c ose.
Imagine what will happen f we find
the inventor and get it up and running.
Okay, give me a few days.
I'll meet you in Colorado.
Hi, Dagny. Hank.
I'm back. I just want
to see how you're doing.
I'm great. I'm heading
up to Akston's d ner now.
Eddie on the other line, I'll call
you back. Hey, Eddie, what's up?
The Union of Locomot ve
Engineers is demanding...
...that all trains
on the John Galt Line
be reduced from 100
to 60 miles an hour.
If we don't comply,
as of right now...
...Wyom ng, New Mex
co, Arizona and Utah
are not allowing any
trains into Colorado.
This is madness.
That's not all, Dagny.
Orren Boyle is
campaigning for a b...
...that would limit the
production of Rearden Metal.
Is that my sister on the
phone? Let me talk to her.
Where the hell are you?
Do you have any idea
what's happening here?
Jim, this s your
battle. I've fought mine.
They're your frends.
You stop them.
Dr. Akston, I was wondering if
you remember a young engineer...
...who worked at the Twent eth Century
Motor Corporation about 10 years ago.
He worked w th a man
named W I iam Hastings.
Could you tell me
where to find him?
Does this car get good m eage?
Is he still alive?
Is there anything
that you can tell me?
I've traveled a very
long way to be here.
Yeah.
You got a long way to go too.
Excuse me. I have
to be heading home.
Dr. Akston? One more question.
I need the name of your student who
worked at Twentieth Century Motor...
I know why you're here,
g?ice Taggart. Do you?
The secret you're try ng
to solve, it's greater...
...and I mean much
greater than an engine
that runs on
atmospheric electricity.
Good luck.
I'm not gonna give up trying to
find the nventor of that motor.
Oh, don't worry, g?ice
Taggart. He' I find you.
You all set? Yeah.
Okay.
The Equallzatlon
of Opportunity Laws.
Coffee? Yes.
Anything else?
We got rhubarb
pie. Made it myself.
No, I'm good. Thanks.
Agaln, I thlnk it's slgnificant
In helping the broad spectrum...
Cou d you turn
that up, please?
Government is
overstepping its bounds?
Colorado is a rich state.
It's quite unique.
It's in a position where
it can help lts
neighborhood needier states.
So I think it's
a good thing, yes.
And It's fair to penallze
one state? Please.
You're not penallzing another
state. You're helping another state.
Like a Robln Hood of taking
from the rich, feeding the poor.
I mean, rich people are gettlng
rlcher. Poor people are gettlng poorer.
I heard about what Orren
Boyle is up to. Call me.
Breaklng news out of
Wyatt Junction, Colorado.
A major fire has erupted
at the Wyatt Oil Field.
Reports are coming In that several
explosions have rocked the hillslde.
Our news team has captured this
unedited footage on the scene.
As you can see, the hlllside behlnd
me is completely engulfed in flames.
Fire crews have been brought In
from as far away as Denver County...
...to help battle the
blaze, as many as 40 acres...
And zero contalnment
at the moment.
My fellow Americans,
Mr. Wesley Mouch.
Thank you. Thank you.
As the new coordinator...
...of the Bureau of
Economic P anning...
...and National Resources...
...I have issueed
a set of directives.
I am placing a morator
um on a I railroad lines.
Add tional y, under
my direct on...
...all stee mills must produce
steel at the same level and output...
...and distr bute it accord
ng to the needs of the people.
Furthermore, big compan es
will no onger be permitted...
...to abandon their present states and
move to wealthier states like Colorado.
Finally, a federal tax will be
applied to the state of Colorado...
...in order to equa ize
the national economy.
Thank you. He
gave a good speech.
Thank you very much.
Thank you.
Welcome to my town, James.
Move it.
Lady, stop. You
can't go in there.
Ellis.
Ellis.
Ellis.
Ellis Wyatt?
Who the hell are you?
My name is John Galt.
I live In a place
we call Atlantis.
And I think you'd
fit in there.
It's a place
where heroes live.
And where those who
want to be heroes llve.
The government
we have there...
...respects each of us as
indivlduals and as producers.
Actually, beyond
a few courthouses,
there's not much of
a government at all.
Bottom llne, Mr. Wyatt...
...lf you're weary of a government
that refuses to limlt power over you...
...and If you're ready to clalm
the moral right to your own life...
...then we should leave.
And I'll take you there.
I'll take you to Atlantis.
No!
This is Ellis Wyatt. I'm gone.
Don't try to find
me. You won't.
I am on strike.
---
The Dow Jones stock average
dipped under 4000 points today.
You see it in the market's
volatllity. Violent wea th loss.
If it's bad for the
rich people, can you
imagine how bad it
is for me and you?
Good evening, America,
I'm Jay Knight.
Our nation is slipping
deeper and deeper
into a crisis
never seen before.
Oil and gas shortages
have crippled
manufacturing and
transportation costs...
While conflicts
in the Mldeast...
...have virtually cut
off all oil imports
to the Unlted States.
Well, what are you saying?
Are you saying that
the American people
aren't taking care
of thelr own country?
Global States
Oil Corporation...
...suffered yet another major
spill off the Gulf Coast.
We're seeing an
unprecedented...
As a result, rail
travel has reemerged
as the only affordable
means of frelght...
...and
passengertransportatlon.
Mr. Speaker, we would
like to propose a bill...
...to make it Illegal to flre
employees from profitable corporations.
Our government has put a
moratorium on all wage increases...
...and recently passed
the Fair Prlce Bill...
...restricting Increases in the
price of most goods and servlces.
Thls is your wake-up
call, America.
Another government relief
shlp was hijacked...
...by pirate
Ragnar Danneskjold.
Violence and crime are
skyrocketing throughout the nation.
Shifting to manual.
Good evening, and we come
to The Jay Knight Hour.
My guests tonight
are James Taggart,
CEO of Taggart
Transcontinental Railroad...
...Wesley Mouch, a noted
Washington lobbyist...
...from the Ph ade phia law
firm Young, Stephens and Sachs...
...and Ellis Wyatt, the
o and gas entrepreneur...
...who is responsible for the
current economic boom in Colorado.
My first question
is to Mr. Taggart.
Sir, your company is one of
the few managing to survive...
...ln our current
economic downturn.
Yet, there have been
dozens of derailments
on your lines in
the last year alone.
How do you explain that?
With any growth there
can be growing pains.
People shouldn't have
to worry about how
they're gonna get
where they need to go.
We must act to benefit
society as a who e.
People aren't gonna be
going anywhere without oll.
That means the railroads
like Mr. Taggart's
need to be flxing
their railways here...
Can I get you something?
A cup of coffee.
He makes a very good
point, Mr. Taggart.
Do you have any money?
I got plenty of money.
Taggart Transcontinental is
committed to sharing the burden...
Hey, what happened to you?
Who's John Galt? We don't
need more rail lines.
We just need the ones
we have to be rellable.
Well, prices are too high.
We have a nation in crsis.
Every business must lend
a help ng hand, Mr. Wyatt.
Gasol ne prices
are 37.50 a gallon.
The Mideast has imploded,
creating a worldwide o shortage.
We have plenty of oil
right here In the U.S.
Hello, Joy.
But because of political
shenanigans and back room deals...
One slice of cherry
pie. As usual.
Punctual, as always.
Thank you, dear.
And Taggart
Transcontinental is providlng
Wyatt Oil excellent
rall transportation...
...ln orderto get
his oll to the people.
Your Rio Norte Line
is so incompetent...
...that I've had to switch
to the Phoenlx/Durango.
After years of excellent
service from us. From yourfather.
Slnce you've taken the reins,
that company's gone downhill.
Oil prices have caused consumers
to be less reliant on trucks...
Stay dry now. See you
tomorrow, Mr. Mull gan.
They've gone to the railroads for
the benefits that they provide.
People can't count on companies llke
Taggart Transcontinental to dellver.
Midas Mul gan?
Who's asking?
Someone who knows what it's
ike to work for himself...
...and not let others feed
off the profits of h s energy.
That's funny.
Exact y what I've
been thinking.
We're a ike, you and I.
Who are you?
Eddie.
What? No. Uh...
Hold on. Hold on.
The Dow Jones stock average
dipped under 4000 points today.
This is the deepest
one-day drop...
No, not yet. I'm
trying another channel.
Simply one of the worst railroad
accidents in recent history.
A Taggart Transcontinental
freight train has crashed...
...and derailed in Colorado's
Rocky Mountain reglon.
Early reports put
much of the blame...
...on the poor conditlon of
the 100-year-old railroad llne.
This rail disaster
could delay eastbound
oil shipments by
at least two weeks.
The accldent is yet another downturn
for Taggart Transcontlnental...
...the largest rallroad
remainlng in the U.S.
I'm on my way in.
I already know about the derailment
on the R o Norte Line, Eddie.
Cance lations. People are
giving up trying to use the line.
Their bus ness is going
to the Phoenix/Durango.
I have new steel rails coming
from... That order is 13 months old.
The Phoen x/Durango has cut
deep y into our bus ness.
They expect to have Wyatt
as their main account.
He needs us just as
much as we need h m.
Ellis Wyatt has put Taggart
Transcontinental on notice.
He'd rather back og w th any
competitor than ship anything...
Wyatt's a greedy bastard.
We've been serving
the Colorado Reg on...
...since my great-great grandfather ran
this company. What happened to loyalty?
Perhaps the problem is we
haven't updated that branch...
...since your father
ran the company.
Are you accusing me
of not do ng my job?
Careful, Eddie, it's one th
ng I learned from my father...
...everyone's expendable.
Let me be very clear, James.
Colorado s our last hope.
If we don't do someth ng about it,
there's not gonna be a railroad.
I'm still the president,
regardless of my s ster...
Morning.
Eddie, can you
give us a minute?
I need to have a
conversation with my brother.
A meeting without
your right-hand man?
Must be real important.
I've ordered the replacement
rails from Rearden Steel.
I have a contract with Orren Boyle.
You had a contract with Orren Boyle.
Canceled. You've no authority.
As much authority as you had to do
a backdoor deal with Orren Boyle.
There are consequences
to this accident, Jim.
We have to service Ell s Wyatt.
He is this company's main priorty.
You just ove to keep
feeding the monopolies.
You keep pissing off the
heart of this operation...
...Wyatt s gonna
stop providing the
blood we need to keep
this company alive.
You understand that?
Why Rearden Steel?
There are companies
that need the money.
It's his new meta. That
metal's complete y untested.
The consensus of the best metallurgical
authorities are h ghly skept ca.
I'm not interested
in their opinions.
Then who's do
you go by? My own.
And what on earth do you
know about Rearden Metal?
It is tougher, cheaper,
lighter than stee...
...and will outlast
any metal in ex stence.
Says who?
I studied engineering
in college, Jim.
When see things, I see
them. What'd you see?
Rearden's p ans,
research he's done.
This is the greatest
metal on the market.
Dagny, nobody's used
Rearden Metal. We will.
Why do we have to be the first?
Do you wanna save Colorado or not?
I'm not taking respons
bility for any of this.
You don't have to take
responsibility, J m. I will.
Just know that this is the
consequence of your policies.
Which policies?
Your 13-month experiment
with Orren Boyle, for one.
The Mexican
catastrophe, for another.
The bottom ine is that...
...we are going to fix the Rio
Norte Line with Rearden Meta.
I'm going to Philadelphia tonight to
f nalize the dea with Hank Rearden.
You're lucky. What?
Other people are human.
They're sensitive.
They can't just dedicate their
whole lives to metals and engines.
You've never had any feelings.
I don't think you've
everfe t a thing.
No, Jim.
I guess I've never
felt anything at all.
Allpassengers for Traln 1210.
Taggart
Transcontinental... Thanks.
It's here.
And it's very n ce.
Gwen, it's beaut ful.
You have more
messages, Mr. Rearden.
National Council
of Metal Industries.
File it.
The State Science
Institute. File it.
Your ast appointment
of the day is here.
Miss Taggart?
He'll see you now.
Mr. Rearden?
Miss Taggart.
If you're here
for your rails...
...they won't be tempered
and cooled for a few days.
I'm just here to
discuss our deal.
Please, sit.
So, what's the premium
to rush thesee rails?
Forty thousand dollars a ton.
That's the best
price you can g ve me?
I could charge you
double and you'd pay.
You could.
And I wou d.
But you won't. Why won't I?
You need to have the Rio Norte
rerailed with your new metal.
It will be its first showcase.
And I'm gambling your new metal
can do what you say it can.
I'm staking my business on it.
I know what you mean.
Like I said, we
need each other.
So if you can have the Rio Norte
complete y rera ed in nine months...
...I w give you $20,000 a ton.
Deal.
I'm curious.
Is t all right with you...
...that I'm squeezing every penny
of profit I can from your emergency?
I have to get the Rio Norte
complete y rera ed in nine months...
...or Taggart
Transcontinental w I crash.
Doing their best to
make it harder for you.
Yes, but it's useless to
get angry wth people...
...ike my brother and
his friends in Washington.
I don't have time for it. I
have to undo what they've done.
And after?
After, they won't
matter anyway.
I was just heading out myself.
Can I wa k you to your car?
Do you need a ride?
No, thank you. I
walk home most nights.
It gives me a chance to think.
Well, I hope that
doesn't catch on.
It would put me
out of business.
If your new metal works, have
you thought of the implications?
Yeah. Their uses
are almost endless.
Naval ships, armor
plating, even spacecraft.
Can you imagine a commercial jet
twice the size with half the weight?
Commercial airlines.
You real y do wanna put
me out of business, huh?
Remember, there was 20
peop e... I love this.
I can't be ieve I
did this. And then...
Well, look who's finally home.
Henry, Paul's been
waiting here for hours.
Hello, Henry. Hey, Pau.
I know. I'm late.
Could have called.
Henry, do you mind hold ng the
10th of December open for me?
That's three months away.
I don't know what
I'm doing next week.
We started a major new
pour today. Oh, cheers.
It's our wedding anniversary,
Henry. December 10th?
Henry isn't nterested in anything
that doesn't tie in to his work.
I know that you
are very busy...
...but I would very much
ike for ycu to be there.
Of course, Lillian. I'll
be there. Thank you, dear.
I want it to be spec al.
Everyone will be there.
Have you had any
dinner, Henry?
No, I was busy working,
but I'm not hungry anyway.
That's the trouble w th
you. You work too hard.
Mm.
Ooh. What is this?
I had it made from the
first pour of Rearden Metal.
You're giving me
a ra road spike?
It's wonderful. T is.
It's original.
I'll be the toast of the town wear
ng a p ece of the same metal...
...used to bu d railroads and bridges
and sewer pipes and oi tanks and...
You are so self sh, Henry.
Oh. Phillip, it is not the
gift, it's the inteention.
The intention's pure
selfishness, it seeems to mee.
I mean, another man wou d have
given h s wfe a diamond bracelet...
...if he wanted to g ve her a
gift for her pleasure, not his.
No. The, uh, chain
is approprate.
I think it's the chain by
which he holds us al in bondage.
Henry's poured his metal today
and I have the first trophy.
It's sweet.
It's pathetic, Lilly.
Thank you.
I hope you didn't
come here for anyth ng.
Henry. Ph ip.
What are you doing with
yourself these days?
I'm working for Frends
of Global Awareness.
I know them.
What do you want? Money.
Doesn't everyone?
Call my office first
thing in the morning.
I'll authorize a
hundred grand for you.
You don't care about he
ping the underprvileged.
No, Phill p, I don't, but
it will make you happy.
It's not for me, Hank.
It's for the benefit
of the less privileged.
Do you think I can have the
money w red to my account?
A wire? Why?
Well, the th ng is it's
a progress ve group.
They wouldn't appreciate
your name on a check.
You're k dd ng me.
No. T wou d embarrass us to have
you on the ist of our contributors.
You shouldn't have
given Phlllip that money.
By the way, I don't care
what the industry says, Henry.
Rearden Metal, it's terrfic.
I just hope you don't
run into any trouble.
What trouble?
Well, you're not
very popu ar, Hank.
I haven't had any comp
aints from my customers.
Yeah? That's not what I mean.
You know what you should do?
You ought to get yourself a good
press agent to sell you to the public.
It's my metal I'm sell
ng. Not me. Thank you.
But you don't want
the pub ic against you.
Public opinion, you
know, can mean a lot.
As far as I can tell, it doesn't
mean a damn thing, one way or another.
The press is against you.
They have time
to waste. I don't.
Well, they say you're
intractable, you're ruthless.
Your only goal
is to make money.
My only goa is to make money.
Yeah, but you
shouldn't say it.
Hank, I'm on your side.
How's your man in Washington?
Wesley Mouch?
Well, he's fine,
I suppose. Good.
It's important that your
man in Washington is fine.
What are you try
ng to imply, Paul?
Is there something going
on that I shou d know about?
No. It's nothing.
It's just you don't know
who's loyal these days.
What is wrong with
the word, Paul?
Why ask useless questions?
How deep is the ocean?
How high s the sky?
Who is John Galt?
Henry Rearden claims
that his steel is
lighter than even
the cheapest brands...
...but it's 10 times stronger.
This is physically mpossible, Jim.
You're nv ting disaster if
you use t. Dagny is, not me.
Well, something
has to be done.
Agreed.
I be ieve you know Wesley Mouch,
Rearden's man in Washington.
You know what I like
about you, Wesley?
You're a one-word man. True.
All right, something has got to be
done about the iron ore shortage.
It threatens the very
existence of the stee industry.
I don't think it's fair that
one company has its own supply.
Rearden Steel. Exact y.
It's not n the public interest to let
one man destroy an ent re industry.
If we're gonna bring Rearden down
we shou d do it from the inside.
Under my guidance, of course.
The Nat onal Council of Metal
Industries has completed a report...
...that draws public opinion
against Rearden Metal.
Excuse me. I just wanna make
sure that Hank doesn't get hurt.
Paul, it's his own fault.
He's not exactly
open to compet tion.
A monopo y. To be exact.
We are work ng on a bill.
It's ca ed The
Equalization of Opportun ty.
It proposes to limit the
number of businesses...
...that any one person
owns to one business.
However, we're gonna
need your help, Jimmy.
We need you to grease the
palms of your politicians...
...in order to get legislation
we're spearheading passed.
What will Taggart
Transcontinental get in return?
I can see to it that
the exclus ve grip...
...that Dan Conway's Phoenix/Durango
railroad has in Co orado...
...can come to a halt.
Paul, th s is not personal.
Everybody needs to share
the burdens we facee.
Espec ally Rearden.
Isn't that Francisco
D'Anconia? That's him.
Francsco. Throwing
away his daddy's money.
Did you get in on that
ore mine deal in Meex co?
We all did.
He may be a slacker, but he makes
business investments that pay off.
Well, that's it for me,
gentlemen. I have to go too.
Um, Mr. Taggart. Orren.
Uh, Pau, uh, maybe you'd
like a lift in my I mo?
Of course. Thank you.
Please. This way. Gentlemen.
Good night, Paul. Orren.
Wesley.
Jim? What is it?
Well, if he's such
a great bus nessman...
...then why hasn't a single train
filled with ore left Mexico yet?
Isn't that what
we invested in?
D'Ancon a has invested b lions
developing their infrastructure.
But he also bought in himself.
He must know something.
What are you thinking? I
think t's the ore reserves.
I think they must be huge.
Well, the success
of my Mexican
expansion depends on
those m nes, Orren.
Uh, sure.
This t me next year,
Phoenix/Durango needs to be a memory.
Thank you, Mr. McNamara. I ook
forward to working with you as well.
McNAMARA: Frankly, I appreciate
working directly with you.
My pleasure. Goodbye.
McNAMARA: Goodbye.
Who was that?
I found an excellent
contractor to takeover
the rebuilding of
the Rio Norte Line.
That was quick.
You'd be surprised
how quickly things
get done when you do
some actual work...
...and don't re y
on political favors.
Is this accurate? Just one passenger
tra n per day on the Mexican ine?
And one freight every
other n ght? Yes.
How are the Mex cans
gonna deve op the area...
...with a s ngle
passenger train once a day?
They're not, J m.
You should know I moved everything
of va ue out of Mexico a month ago.
There's nothing for looters
once the Mexicans nat onalize.
That Mexican line was helping those
destitute people get back in the game.
And it was great
PR for this company.
I would have happily put
a rai road in Mexico...
...f there was a reason
to build up the region...
...but I d dn't see one.
You can't just take everyth ng
away from people who need our help.
Move. Okay.
Miss Taggart? Oh. Hello,
Owen, please, have a seat.
Thank you.
Um...
I've have come to give you my
resignation. Effective immediate y.
Why? For a personal reason.
Are you dissatisf ed here? No.
Have you received
a better offer? No.
I'm sorry, I don't
understand, are you II? No.
Are you leaving the city? No.
But you no longer wish to work
for Taggart Transcontinenta?
Miss Taggart, I assure you...
...um, no person, matter or
event connected to my job...
...has anything to do
with my decision to leave.
I actually ca ed you in here
today to offer you a promotion.
I wanted you to manage
the Rio Norte Line.
That's very kind of
you, M ss Taggart...
...but, um, my dec
sion has been made.
I' double what any other
railroad is offering.
I won't be working
for any railroad.
But you will be
working? Yes, um...
Look, I came to tell
you I'm leaving...
...because I promised you once that
I would and I wanna keep my word.
Write your own ticket, Owen.
Name your prce.
I want you to stay.
I'm sorry, g?ice Taggart.
So there's nothing
I can offer you?
Noth ng, nothing on Earth.
I'm sorry, Owen, I have to
ask and I'd I ke the truth.
Why are you leaving?
Who is John Galt?
All done then?
Where are you going?
I have some work to do.
Fix me a drink? Of course.
Miss Taggart?
Am I calling too ate?
Not at all. What's go ng on?
Nothing.
Well, um...
...something.
I don't know why I
thought of calling you.
It's flne, Dagny.
What happened?
One of my best
employees quit today.
Owen Kellogg.
I was actually grooming him
for a management position...
...and he just up and left.
He cou dn't even tell me why.
He just sa d:
Why are so many great
men disappearing?
It's going to be okay, Dagny.
You know, when you say
that, I actually believe it.
Dagny, what we're doing...
...my metal, your railway...
It's us who move the world...
...and It's us who
will pull It through.
I know.
Goodnight.
Goodnight.
Richard McNamara?
I'm McNamara.
Are you here from
Taggart Transcontinental?
No, I'm not.
What are you selling, pal?
Nothing, I'm simply offering a society
that cult vates individua ach evement.
I know where such
a p ace exists.
And then we do what?
We say its purpose
is to prevent
destruct ve competition
between ra Iroads.
We build public opinion...
...against encroachment on
existing train routes then...
And then the Nat onal Alliance
of Ra Iroads proposes a rule.
The Anti
Dog-Eat-Dog rule.
Every member must
subordinate...
...his own nterests for the
collective needs of the industry.
But, in fact, we're squeezing
Dan Conway out of Colorado.
You are think ng like
a po itician, Jimmy.
Mexican authorities seized land
throughout the country today.
Most affected were the
San Sebastian Mlnes...
...where international
playboy Francisco D'Anconia...
...and other investors, including
Taggart Transcontinental...
...and Associated Steel have
reportedly lost billions.
The San Sebast an Line has been
seized by the Mexican government.
It's been national
zed as Dagny predicted.
An emergency board
meeting has been ca ed.
I can assure you that
there is no need for panic.
And have fu I confidence
that our government...
...will negotiate an equitable
settlement with Mexico.
I foresaw the poss bility
of this type of event...
...and took every
precaution to protect
the interests of
Taggart Transcont nental.
Severa months ago, ordered
Operations to cut the schedulee...
...on the San Sebastian Line
down to a s ngle train a day...
...and to remove everyth
ng of value from Mexico.
Now, because of my actions...
...b I ions of company
dollars have been saved.
No, this is no trick. I
checked it al out, Jimmy.
D'Ancon a used h s own cash and now
he has lost t all in those mines.
He is too smart for that. He
must have something up his sleeve.
Well, let's hope so. What do
your friends n Washington think?
They don't know anything.
Well, he knows something.
And we need to find out what
it is and get in on t too.
Ruth Anne, why haven't you gotten
me a meeting with D'Anconia yet?
I wasn't able to get
a meeting. Why not?
Senor D'Anconia says that
you bore him, Mr. Taggart.
Yeah, okay, yeah. There's
someth ng e se, Dagny.
There was a call just now from
the Rio Norte branch in Colorado.
Richard McNamara never
showed up for work.
Well, go f nd h m.
Well, we've looked
and we found a note.
What did it say? It
said, "'Who s John Ga t?"
What does that mean?
Was explained once.
"Don't ask quest ons
nobody can answer."
Can you get Hank Rearden for
me? He actually called earlier.
He's in town and he wants
to know if you're availab e.
And what did you say?
He's meeting you at 4:30.
Thanks, Eddie.
We need to talk. You guys
carry on, I'll catch up.
You think I've
ruined this company.
Do you and Orren
Boyle have a plan for
making up for the
Mexican line's losses?
Yes, I do. The Anti
Dog-Eat-Dog rule.
Wyatt will have to use
Taggart Transcontinental...
...because we will be
the only railroad in town.
The Phoenix/Durango
is a good line, Jim.
Conway put h s lifeblood
into its success.
You have to take radica steps
to surv ve. What does that mean?
Go see your o d
boyfriend, Francisco...
...find out why he screwed
us out of b ions of dollars?
It will never happen.
You'll never open
those old wounds.
Get me Dan Conway.
I'm El s Wyatt.
How can I help you?
I'll make this qu ck.
I came here today because,
well, I met your brother...
...and I was hoping someone in
this business still had a brain.
If you and your brother
try to undermine me...
...or go to the
government like you did
to destroy my best
friend, Dan Conway...
Maybe you should
let me explain...
Maybe you should let
me f nish speaking!
Okay. Dagny?
Okay.
Now that you have
effectively closed
down the Phoenix/Durango
railroad line...
...because of this new
Anti Dog-Eat-Dog bullshit...
...I have no choice but to get back
into business with you Taggarts aga n.
I had nothing to do with
the creation of that bill.
I will not lower my business standards
to your ousy level of incompetence.
Shall I explain what
I intend to do n... No.
Now that I'm forced
to use your ra road...
...all I want from you is
dependable transportation.
You will get the transportation
you need, Mr. Wyatt.
I prom se you that.
We' see.
Is everything
all right, Dagny?
I don't know.
Eddie? Yes, Dagny?
Can you get me a dinner appointment
with Francisco D'Anconia?
What about Henry Rearden?
I guess I have two
dinner dates then.
In the end, he's rght.
If Wyatt fails,
Taggart Transcontinental
and everyone else
around h m goes down.
I have 50 miles of my new rail
tempered and ready to roll.
With your new rail,
I can triple my load
capacity but I need
more diese engines.
I barely have enough parts to
keep the ones I have work ng now.
Hmm. Engine parts are
hard to come by these days.
I have engines I ordered two years
ago and still have not received.
There was a company that made
terrif c engines years ago...
...uh, in Wiscons n, I think.
It closed suddenly,
but they might have
machine tools and
parts that you can use.
I can look into it f you like.
Theree s so much at stake.
We have to make it.
Did you get L I ian's invitation
to our anniversary party?
I did, thank you.
I can't speak for James,
but I will be there.
Good.
Did you hear about R
chard McNamara? I did.
Can you imagine what will
happen if this trend continues?
Who w I be left to
keep things running?
Your brother and his friends
in Washington, people like that.
That's depressing.
I have to go.
Ha, ha. Whoo!
That was refreshing.
If you came here in order to
rem nd me how lovely you are...
...well done.
San Sebastian, you did it
cold-bloodedly and with full intention.
W ne, please? No.
Yes.
What s it that I d
d with full ntention?
You knew those
mines were worthless.
Why d d I invest? Can
you think of a motive?
You knew they were gonna se
ze those mines, d dn't you?
What you were after were
your American stockholders.
That's part of the truth.
What s the rest of the truth?
It's for you to figure
out. And here you are, sir.
I came here because
I want you to know
I'm beginning to
understand your motives.
If you did, you wou dn't come.
You get a thrill from swindling
people in order to watch them squirm.
They provided a spectacle on a
grand scale, especially your brother.
He trusted your
name and your honor.
They did, they did.
I'm aware of that.
Do you find this
amusing? Not at all.
Your brother and h s friends know
nothing of the copper min ng industry.
They consider knowledge
to be superf uous.
So you did betray them intentionally?
That's for you to decide.
They rode on my brain and on the
premise that I wanted to make money.
What happened to you, Francisco?
Where is the man I used to love?
You'll figure it out n time.
Just answer the
quest on, please.
Who is John Galt?
Plans for a rainy
day, national...
Happy anniversary.
I know you're famous for skulking
in corners, but be sociable ton ght.
For once, please, for me.
The Equalization of
Opportunity Bill is
set to appear before
Congress next week.
The blll, In an effort to control
big business monopolies, proposes...
...to limit the number of businesses
any one person can own to one.
Lawmakers feel the
bill wlll help...
Wes ey Mouch,
please. Hank Rearden.
Police have no leads on the
disappearance of Midas Mulligan.
He's not? A banker
by trade, Michael...
No, have him call me back.
Changed his name to Midas...
Can I have one n ght?
Thls week, gas prices
reached a historic hlgh.
And here you are, Mr. Rearden.
Thank you. You're
quite welcome.
Oh, darling, thank you.
Where are you going?
Pardon us, Phillip.
Henry, dear...
...try to have fun.
How could I possibly have
more fun than this, L Ilian?
You're really a wretched
liar, aren't you?
Behavee.
Mother?
You look beautiful, Mother.
Hello, Lillian.
Congratulations.
Pardon me one moment.
Hello.
James Taggart. Lillian.
A litt e ate and
a ot gorgeous.
And Dagny. Mrs.
Rearden, how are you?
I'm wonderful. Tell
me, who are you wearing?
Oh, Lennon Couture.
I have ofteen said...
...he is someone who should come
back into fashion and here you are.
That is a beautiful
bracelet. Yeah.
Well, you know, Henry had that
made for me from his new meta.
He tries, poor thing.
Now, come.
There's some gentleman who
wants desperately to meet you.
Here he is, as
promised, James Taggart.
Hank.
Dagny.
Oh, excuse me.
To a successful business
partnersh p. I'll drink to that.
Glad you could make it.
Pardon me.
Honey, uh, there's
someone I want you to meet.
Excuse us.
You have to pose
for photos later. No.
You promised. You will
do it, I own you tonight.
I'm having a magnificent
time. Good, I'm so glad.
Are you glad? Here...
Okay, what the hell
is he doing here?
Well, you can't
have a party without
inviting Senor
D'Anconia if he's around.
You keep him away
from me. I mean it.
Grow up, Henry.
Francisco. L ian.
Pardon me.
How are you? You rogue.
Good to see you.
Two, please.
Did you hear? Balph
Eubank is here.
Good.
He sa d, "Happiness is a delusion of
those whose emot ons are superf cia."
The guy is a gen us.
Who are you?
I'm Phillip Rearden.
Thank you.
Well, congratulations
on your 10th anniversary.
Cheers.
Hit it.
Thank you.
Thanks for coming.
Try the cake, Ph I ip.
Well, what's great about it?
Okay, Paul?
Well said.
I picked it out because I
know that you love banana...
...and I like chocolate and
Mother I kes the butter cream.
Mr. Rearden, allow me
to introduce myself.
Your reputation precedes
you, Senor D'Anconia.
I'm not a fan.
Then I'll be brief.
I came here tonight
just to meet you.
And what d d you wanna meet
me for? Help me lose money?
I don't wanna sell
anything to you.
Matter of fact, I
didn't try to sell the
mine to James Taggart
either, he came to me.
You wouldn't have. Exactly.
So, what do you want?
I want to learn
to understand you.
What for?
If it wasn't for you, most of
these people would be left help ess.
Why are you willing
to carry them?
Because they'ree a bunch
of miserable children...
...trying to stay alive
desperate y and very badly.
Have you told them?
To d them what?
You're working for your
sake, not the rs. They know.
Yes, they do. But they
don't think you do.
And what do I care
what they think?
Because it's a battle.
A battle in wh ch one must
make onee's stand clear.
What battle? Don't
f ght the disarmed.
Oh, they have a
weapon against you.
It's their on y weapon,
but it's a terrible one.
Ask yourself what
it is sometime.
There's a reason you're
as unhappy as you are.
What exactly s
your motive here?
Let us say...
...to give you the words you need
for the time when you'll need them.
It was a pleasure
meeting you, Mr. Rearden.
Good evening.
Are you having a
good time, Dagny?
I am. Good.
And I really do
ove that bracelet.
I would throw it into
the fire if t would burn.
Perhaps, I can take
t off your hands?
Are you serious? Was plann ng on g
ving t to the maid for her birthday.
Maybe the maid wou
d I ke this instead.
That's enough, Lillian.
Dagny is just being kind. For
God's sake, Henry, be quiet.
Dagny and I are having
a negotiation, it seems.
You were saying?
A simple trade.
That bracelet
for this necklace.
And it's yours.
Sorry, Hank, I had to.
No, you didn't. Yes, I did.
And we both know why.
It's nothing. It's just
a useless hunk of metal.
Nice try.
I had a lovely time.
That party took a
lot out of me, Henry.
Don't worry. I didn't
come in heree for sex.
Thank you, dear.
Why are you here?
The next time you decide to throw a
party, can you stick to your own crowd?
Don't bother inviting people
you think are my friends.
But, Henry, you don't
have any friends.
And in Colorado
thls morning...
...work commenced to
replace 100-year-old
track on the Rio Norte Llne...
Some sections of this rail line,
one of Taggart's most important...
...have fallen into disrepair
over the last decades.
The ralls of the Rlo Norte Line have
not been replaced in over 100 years.
This marks the first tlme Rearden
Steel has been used this extensively...
...in a major railroad
construction project in the country.
Going slow and
safe, slow and safe.
Get two men on that side.
Pull the pin.
Your speech at this dinner
tonight better inspire conf dence.
The Nat onal Council
of Meta Industries...
...s quest oning the structural
ntegrity of Rearden Meetal.
I just hope you can defend Rearden
Metal against Bertram Scudder.
Scudder?
You didn't tell me there
would be other speakers.
Wee want to be
objective, hear all sides.
Especially in
front of the med a.
Objective?
Did you read the hatchet job he
did on Hank Rearden in his magazine?
And why is there media
at a prvate dinner?
You're gonna debate Scudder on the
safety concerns of Rearden Metal.
Driver?
Pull over.
What are you doing?
I don't need to defend my
dec sion to use Rearden Metal.
But, apparent y, you do.
Good luck.
How s it gonna look when we're not
there to defend our own proposa?
Taggart construction crews reached
the foot of The Rockies this morning.
Over 125 miles of track have been
replaced in little over a month...
...with still almost
200 miles more to go.
This is Tawny Johnson
reportlng from Granby, Colorado.
Ease off on that, big bro.
The State Science Inst tute...
...is simply requesting
that you stop product on...
...until the economy
can stabilize.
The answer s no.
At a time of desperate
stee shortages...
...we can't afford
to allow the expans
on of a company which
produces too much...
...and might rep ace companies
which produce too little.
That is how you create
an unbalanced economy.
Oh. Well, I tel you what.
If you can answer me one
simple question truthfully...
...l'll consider your request.
Is Rearden Metal good or not?
I'm authorized by the government
to pay you a very generous sum...
...for the rghts
to Rearden Metal.
What would seem fair to you?
Tel me if Rearden Metal is good or
not and I'll sell you the rights.
I think that's a very
selfish question to
ask at a time of great
economic uncertainty.
Is Rearden Metal good or not?
Answer the quest on, doctor.
The question of Rearden Metal
being good or not is rrelevant.
If Rearden Metal is not good, it's
a physical danger to the public.
If it is good...
...t's a social danger.
If you have any proof that Rearden
Metal poses a physical threat...
...show it to me.
Otherwise, we're done here.
Why is it so mportant
for you to struggle
for years squeezing
out meager gains...
...rather than accept a
fortune for Rearden Metal?
Because it's mine.
Do you understand
that concept?
M ne.
Why are you taking such
a hard-line position?
I don't understand.
I don't think you'll
ever understand, doctor.
And Rearden Metal is good.
I can't risk mak ng
more sw tches for ycu...
...out of that unproven metal.
Too many people
think it's unsafe.
What peop e?
I just don't want any
trouble. Herbert, look.
You've been work ng with Rearden
Metal for four months now.
You know it is the best materal
available. What's go ng on?
I got a fam y. I
need to make money.
I'm trying to survive
here. And you will.
Continue manufacturing
my main ne switches.
There have been threats.
Who is threatening you?
The State Science Inst tute
has issued a statement...
...warning people against
the use of Rearden Metal.
And what are they
say ng, exactly?
It's what they're mplying.
It was ssued under your name.
Make it a habit of letting
the Institute speak for you...
...even if the words
it uses are false?
Miss Taggart, it is publ c opinion
that Rearden Metal is unsafe.
What about the truth?
That Rearden Metal is the best
materal ava lab e on the market today.
It's strong, it is
safe. You know that.
Please, have a seat.
Please. Cons der my
s de, g?ice Taggart.
I work for the ast center
of science left on Earth.
We do rely on public funding.
Which do I sacrifice?
An excellent piece of sme ting
or the future of this institute?
Miss Taggart.
Please sit down.
I had threee
brilliant students...
...that I shared with another
Ph osophy professor, Hugh Akston.
Doctor Stadler, I don't
understand what this has to do...
We eeven had a bet.
Who would win over their
hearts and minds first?
One of them became
a depraved playboy.
His name was Francisco
D'Anconia. I know who he s.
The second, Ragnar Danneskjo
d, became a pirate...
...stealing to
g ve to the rich.
And the third?
The third one simply vanished.
We were expecting such a
magnificent future for them.
I do wish you best of
luck, g?ice Taggart.
Sorry, I'm late.
Please, continue.
Today, the Rio Norte Line...
...completed 211 miles of replaced
track using the new Rearden Steel.
According to
studies, Rearden's new
steel, mined with
the latest standard...
Thls extensively In a major rallroad
constructlon project in the country.
Hello, Dagny.
Mr. Wyatt. He o.
There was a big-rig p
eup a couple of weeks ago.
Landslide closed down the supp
y line for workers and the rail.
I thought we'd be down
for a couple of weeks.
We were back up and
running in 24 hours.
I figured someone knew how
to manage a crsis up here.
Nice job.
Can't afford to fall behind.
We have to geet those rai s in
place before the first snows come.
I underestimated you.
Hey, Dagny?
If you ever want a job...
I'll keep that in mind.
It comes from the reservoir.
Make sure it's clean.
I was watching you
with the workers there.
You look as at home there as
you do in that office of yours.
I'm needed here.
This is important.
Yeah, go ahead.
What you need is to
replace that brdge.
Not a chance.
I have to be ready
in six months. Plenty.
What f I told you I could
have it made in three months...
...and that it would
last for ceenturies?
Let me check my budget.
I can make it happen.
Now, I'm staying
in town ton ght.
I was wondering if you'd
like join me for dinner.
I can't. I have to
get back to New York.
But walk with me.
Do you think it
can be stopped?
This new line or us? Both.
What's going on, Edd e?
Ben Nea y's quit.
Kel ogg, McNamara, now Nealy.
That's not all, Dagny.
Taggart Transcontinental
stocks have plummeted...
...because the State Science Inst
tute has denounced Rearden Metal.
Your family's railroad
is in rea trouble.
Eddie.
I think it's time
to stand on our own.
In order to save my
family's business...
...l'm gonna have
to abandon it.
Good morning, g?ice Taggart.
Taggart
Transcontinental is done.
What are you ta king
about? We're f nished.
We can't stop and
we can't go on.
In weeks. Our stock
won't be trading anymore.
You're paranoid. Orren Boy e has
assured me there is pending...
Here's what we are gonna do.
And, J m, this
is not a proposal.
Just listen and accept.
I'm gonna take a leave from
Taggart Transcontinental.
Start my own company.
You're leaving?
Shut up. You and the board are gonna
transfer the Rio Norte L ne over to me.
Our stock will go back up.
I w I act as my
own contractor.
I wi I get my own financing
and finish the line on t me.
And where are you gonna get financing?
That is not for you to worry about.
Once we see how
the rails perform...
...I will transfer the ine back
over to Taggart Transcontinental...
...and return to my job.
Okay. And what are you gonna call
this new I ne of yours, Dagny?
You're not dragging the
family name through this.
I won't allow it.
The John Galt Line.
Now we know why you've
gone off the rails.
That's the name.
It's your disaster.
And what's the
plan if you fail?
I go down alone.
Taggart Transcontinental
remains in your contro.
Two last things. What?
First, I'm taking Eddie
W I ers. Oh, no, no.
I need him here. Tough.
You're gonna have
to do your own work.
Second, keep your cron es
in Washington off my back.
Make sure I get a my permissions,
grants, authorizations...
...and any other
political crap I need from
those sons of b tches,
otherwise, no deal.
I'll see what I can do. And
one last warning, brother dear.
I have never done anything to hurt
a ving creature in my entire life.
But if you double-cross
me in any way...
...I w destroy you.
The money would
mean nothing to you.
You've wasted that
on sense ess parties.
You've wasted more in
the San Sebastian mines.
I'm afraid I can't.
Money's tight.
I've got too many
expenses. Okay.
So, what do you want me to do,
Frisco? Do you want me to beg?
Because now 'm begging. Ha.
You don't know how.
I thought that you of all
people would understand.
Then is it me that you want?
Don't ask me such
a thing, Dagny.
If I ever meant
anything to you...
...loan me the
money that I need.
I can't.
What s this savior
I ne gonna be ca led?
The John Galt Line.
What? Because I am tired
of hearing that name.
It means quitt ng, giving up.
And am not giving up.
I am not going to quit.
I'm going to win.
I'm sorry, g?ice Taggart.
So, what do you think?
Just one ast thing.
I'll make sets for you.
No.
Okay.
So maybe you can see
about an opportunity...
Dagny? Ken Danagger.
I have some good news.
Mr. Rearden,
g?ice Taggart is...
As president of the
John Galt Line...
...I would like to commiss on a
Rearden Metal brdge for Wyatt Junction.
Excellent. I'll start
roll ng the metal.
Aren't you curious as to
how I'm able to finance this?
Okay, I'll bite.
Ellis Wyatt, Ted Nie sen,
Lawrence Hammond, Kenneth Danagger.
I'm not at 100 percent bonds
sold yet, but I am close.
Hmm.
There. I just made
up the d fference.
I would never ask anyone to take
a risk I wasn't will ng to take.
You're a good
man, Hank Rearden.
Can I show you something?
Mr. Rearden's office.
No, he's in a meeting. May
I give you his vo cemail?
Thank you.
Looks ike an engine. Not like
any engine I've ever seen.
Where did you f nd this?
Remember that motor company I was
telling you about in Wisconsin?
I did a ittle digging
around and I found these.
Twent eth Century
Motor Corporation.
It's a prototype
for a new engine.
It never went nto production.
I'm not even sure the th ng works.
Well, it's worth a look.
Once the John Galt line is comp ete,
I'd like to look into th s further.
Care to help? Let
me see what I can do.
Abso utely.
I'm sorry to interrupt, Mr. Rearden.
There's an urgent call on line two.
Hank Rearden.
What?
Find Mouch.
What is it?
The leg slature passed the Equa
ization of Opportunity Bill.
So quickly? How is
that even poss ble?
I don't know. You
know what this means?
Nobody can own more
than one company.
We'll f x this.
I'll sign away my other companies,
but they are not getting my metal.
What about Wyatt's bridge?
I gave my word.
It will be done on
time and on budget.
This is just a
technicality. Hank. Okay.
I'll always consider the
ore mine as yours. No.
I either own the
property or I don't.
You can trust me.
You know you'll always have
as much ore as you need.
I don't know.
I've never g ven you any
reason to mistrust me.
The mine is yours.
If you intend to keep
your word, then keep t.
If you wanna give me f rst
call on the ore produced, f ne.
If you intend to
double-cross me...
...so be it.
It's not fair, Hank.
It wasn't me who
passed the aw.
That s correct.
The first train on the John
Galt Line will run July 22nd.
Great news. Thank you,
Dagny. My pleasure, thank you.
Dagny, this is, uh,
Mr. Brady, a delegate
from the Union of
Locomotive Eng neers.
You're busy. I'I be brief.
We're not gonna allow
you to run that train.
Get out of here.
You do not come and tell me what
you wi I or will not allow me to do.
What I meant to say was
a committee decided...
...that allow ng men to run your
train on that untested metal...
...would violate
their human rights.
Are you serious, Mr. Brady?
You can't force men to go
out and get killed for profit.
Put that in writing.
That you want to stop your men
from working and earning a wage.
Miss Taggart, you
don't understand...
Oh, no, no, no. I
understand perfectly.
You want me to
provide the jobs...
...and you wanna make it mpossib e
for me to have any jobs to provide.
You can do whatever
you want with your men.
But that tra n will run
if I have to drive myself.
Because, Mr. Brady, if
that bridge collapses...
...there won't be any
railroad eft in existence.
But if it does not co lapse...
...no member of your union
will ever get a job...
...on the John Ga t Line.
Now are you going to forb d
your men to run that train?
I neveer used the word forb d.
I'm on y stating that you cannot
force anyone to take that run.
I would never force
a man to do anything.
I'll ask for volunteers.
Then it will be my
problem, not yours.
I'll advise them to refuse.
Do what you want, Mr. Brady.
But leave them the choicee.
We have breaklng news
from Cheyenne, Wyoming...
...where the maiden run of the John
Galt Line Is about to commence...
...despite numerous warnings
from the State Science Institute.
Two hundred ffty miles
per hour a I the way.
The John Galt Line's the
future of rail travel.
We're gonna prove it today.
Miss Taggart,
who is John Galt?
We are.
One hundred.
One ffty.
One seventy-f ve.
Two fifty.
That's faster than any train
has ever gone in th s country.
There she is.
We did it.
Today in Colorado, the John Galt
Line made a successful run...
...over its new
Rearden Metal bridge.
The controversial metal
bridge held up perfectly...
...despite strong warnlngs from
the State Science Institute.
Three hundred miles in
less than 90 minutes.
Was there ever any doubt?
No, because there was no doubt I
prepared a meal for the two of you.
Orren Boyle is on the line.
Did you see?
I'm watching it now.
If the John Galt Line succeeds,
it's gonna make Wyatt unstoppable.
Now, what can be
done? Don't you see?
It's his own success that provides
us the tools to bring him down.
He's not only given us the
rope, he's tied the knot.
All we have to do is
slip it over h s head.
This might work
to our advantage.
I love it. Here we go.
Oh, yeah, you want that. So?
And he said. "It smells
like museo de las pooplas."
I want to tell both of you something.
Do you know the Buena Esperanza Pass?
Well, yeah, the Buena Esperanza Pass.
That area has been dry for years.
Ah. To conventional
drilling, yes.
There is an untapped reservoir
of oil in those rocks...
...which is larger than any known
reserve in the Saud Peninsu a.
And underneath is an
ocean of natural gas.
Soon everyone will be wanting
to get on the bandwagon.
And, my frends,
we are the band.
I will drink to
that. Hear, hear.
To Co orado and
the New Renaissance.
And forget about the
Stone Age and the Iron Age.
Let's have a toast to
the Age of Rearden Metal.
And the John Galt Line.
Ahem. Well, I can see that the
market has opened in Hong Kong.
I have some phone
calls to make.
You have been charming company,
but I must excuse myself.
There are guest rooms
upstairs. Help yourse f.
Thank you for everything.
My pleasure, partner.
S r. Sir.
My, uh, casa es
su casa, and so on.
Good n ght. Good n ght.
Good n ght.
It's good to know there are
men I ke Wyatt left n the world.
I wish I could hold
myself in the same esteem.
I have a w fe.
And somewhere I have a company
that's being pulled apart.
Yet here we aree.
And al I wanna do
right now is kiss you.
What's stopping you?
Ellis Wyatt?
Yes?
Could I have a
moment of your t me?
At this hour? Who
the hell are you?
My name is familiar to you.
Good morn ng. Where's Wyatt?
Morning.
You're up early.
I didn't want to wake you.
Look at this.
He thanked us and he's looking forward
to the Second Renaissance. That's it.
Odd. Mm-hm.
So I was thinking.
I thought we might take
a trip, a ittle getaway.
How scandalous.
You're a married man.
There you go, s r.
Where are we going?
You remember that folder
with the strange engine?
Yeah.
I thought we might vis t the Twentieth
Century Motor Company in W sconsin.
It's a real mystery why the Twent
eth Century Motor Company failed.
It's no mystery. Bad
ideas brought it down.
Ideeas?
As I understand it, the company
flattened the wage scale...
...and stil paid everyone
according to their needs...
...not according to
their contribut ons.
Why all these stup d altruistic urges?
T's not being charitable or fair.
What s it with people today?
So after a short
while, no surprise...
...the smartest managers and the
better workers left the company.
But hundreds of remaining
staff couldn't handle it alone.
Service dropped...
...quality in their once-great
products was gone, and that was that.
The Twentieth Century
Motor Company went under.
That's depressing.
Looks ike they
just wa ked away.
Not much heere.
It's too bad.
I'd really ike to figure
out what happened here.
Dagny.
This is it. This is where
they made the engine.
Do you th nk it's here?
Why would they leave
all this stuff here?
Some of this is incred
bly sophisticated.
It's unbel evab e.
Hank?
Atmospherc vacuum. What?
This motor uses
the Casimir effect.
It's this small
particle accelerator.
It throws sma helium particles
into heavier particles.
And this must be a
secondary cooling system.
Probab y designed to el minate excess
heat generated during the process.
Exact y, and this creates a magnetic
fie d in place long enough...
...for the collapsing vacuum
pressure to be captured.
An engine that uses atmospheric
vacuum to create stat c electricity.
Now, does it say anywhere on this
document who designed this thing?
I don't see any names.
We could get a list of
the bu ding employees.
We'd go to the town
hall of records.
Find the ast owner of the factory.
We'd track it back from there.
Dagny, this could
change the world.
That factory has
had a ong line of
owners and the records
are not complete.
I'm sorry. Thank you.
Okay. So I guess this
s our start ng point.
I bought it n a
bankruptcy sale.
From a guy named
Eugene Lawson.
Do you got any idea how we
might contact Mr. Lawson?
He's in Washington now.
At the Bureau of Economic Planning
and Nationa Resources, I think.
My goa is socia progress,
un versal prosperity.
Welfare of the nation is
my pr mary consideration...
...to which I wou dn't hes tate
to sacrif ce anyone's profit.
Well, Mr. Rearden, you must be
awfully proud of your man Mouch.
He's doing big things in
Colorado to help the nat on.
I no onger have
interest in Mr. Mouch.
Oh.
I see.
Well, that's, uh...
That's too bad.
Jed Starnes.
Excuse me? Jed Starnes.
He was an eng neer at the
Twentieth Century Motor Company.
I hope that he ps.
My father was an evil man.
But surely, he must have
mentioned something about work?
A motor perhaps?
The chief engineer
was W iam Hastings.
He quit the day after
we introduced the plan.
You'll find him in
Brandon, Wyoming.
My husband died five
years ago, g?ice Taggart.
Did he eveer mention
a motor he created?
It was h s young assistant.
William always said he
was, oh. Ahead of his time.
Called him a genius.
Do you know where we might be
able to find that man today?
Oh, I have no idea.
He did keep in touch
with a professor that
he had at the Patrick
Henry Univers ty.
Hugh Akston was his
name. I know that name.
Do you know where he is?
Well, Mr. Akston was rumored to have
opened a roads de diner near Cheyenne.
I gotta get back to my mills.
Now? I have a business to run.
We can't quit now,
Hank. You're so c ose.
Imagine what will happen f we find
the inventor and get it up and running.
Okay, give me a few days.
I'll meet you in Colorado.
Hi, Dagny. Hank.
I'm back. I just want
to see how you're doing.
I'm great. I'm heading
up to Akston's d ner now.
Eddie on the other line, I'll call
you back. Hey, Eddie, what's up?
The Union of Locomot ve
Engineers is demanding...
...that all trains
on the John Galt Line
be reduced from 100
to 60 miles an hour.
If we don't comply,
as of right now...
...Wyom ng, New Mex
co, Arizona and Utah
are not allowing any
trains into Colorado.
This is madness.
That's not all, Dagny.
Orren Boyle is
campaigning for a b...
...that would limit the
production of Rearden Metal.
Is that my sister on the
phone? Let me talk to her.
Where the hell are you?
Do you have any idea
what's happening here?
Jim, this s your
battle. I've fought mine.
They're your frends.
You stop them.
Dr. Akston, I was wondering if
you remember a young engineer...
...who worked at the Twent eth Century
Motor Corporation about 10 years ago.
He worked w th a man
named W I iam Hastings.
Could you tell me
where to find him?
Does this car get good m eage?
Is he still alive?
Is there anything
that you can tell me?
I've traveled a very
long way to be here.
Yeah.
You got a long way to go too.
Excuse me. I have
to be heading home.
Dr. Akston? One more question.
I need the name of your student who
worked at Twentieth Century Motor...
I know why you're here,
g?ice Taggart. Do you?
The secret you're try ng
to solve, it's greater...
...and I mean much
greater than an engine
that runs on
atmospheric electricity.
Good luck.
I'm not gonna give up trying to
find the nventor of that motor.
Oh, don't worry, g?ice
Taggart. He' I find you.
You all set? Yeah.
Okay.
The Equallzatlon
of Opportunity Laws.
Coffee? Yes.
Anything else?
We got rhubarb
pie. Made it myself.
No, I'm good. Thanks.
Agaln, I thlnk it's slgnificant
In helping the broad spectrum...
Cou d you turn
that up, please?
Government is
overstepping its bounds?
Colorado is a rich state.
It's quite unique.
It's in a position where
it can help lts
neighborhood needier states.
So I think it's
a good thing, yes.
And It's fair to penallze
one state? Please.
You're not penallzing another
state. You're helping another state.
Like a Robln Hood of taking
from the rich, feeding the poor.
I mean, rich people are gettlng
rlcher. Poor people are gettlng poorer.
I heard about what Orren
Boyle is up to. Call me.
Breaklng news out of
Wyatt Junction, Colorado.
A major fire has erupted
at the Wyatt Oil Field.
Reports are coming In that several
explosions have rocked the hillslde.
Our news team has captured this
unedited footage on the scene.
As you can see, the hlllside behlnd
me is completely engulfed in flames.
Fire crews have been brought In
from as far away as Denver County...
...to help battle the
blaze, as many as 40 acres...
And zero contalnment
at the moment.
My fellow Americans,
Mr. Wesley Mouch.
Thank you. Thank you.
As the new coordinator...
...of the Bureau of
Economic P anning...
...and National Resources...
...I have issueed
a set of directives.
I am placing a morator
um on a I railroad lines.
Add tional y, under
my direct on...
...all stee mills must produce
steel at the same level and output...
...and distr bute it accord
ng to the needs of the people.
Furthermore, big compan es
will no onger be permitted...
...to abandon their present states and
move to wealthier states like Colorado.
Finally, a federal tax will be
applied to the state of Colorado...
...in order to equa ize
the national economy.
Thank you. He
gave a good speech.
Thank you very much.
Thank you.
Welcome to my town, James.
Move it.
Lady, stop. You
can't go in there.
Ellis.
Ellis.
Ellis.
Ellis Wyatt?
Who the hell are you?
My name is John Galt.
I live In a place
we call Atlantis.
And I think you'd
fit in there.
It's a place
where heroes live.
And where those who
want to be heroes llve.
The government
we have there...
...respects each of us as
indivlduals and as producers.
Actually, beyond
a few courthouses,
there's not much of
a government at all.
Bottom llne, Mr. Wyatt...
...lf you're weary of a government
that refuses to limlt power over you...
...and If you're ready to clalm
the moral right to your own life...
...then we should leave.
And I'll take you there.
I'll take you to Atlantis.
No!
This is Ellis Wyatt. I'm gone.
Don't try to find
me. You won't.
I am on strike.