First Elder Quotes in Superman (1978)

Military Officer: The power input to Jor-El's quarters is now in excess. Our data indicates the loss is due to a mis-use of energy.

First Elder: Investigate.

2nd Elder: And if our suspicions prove correct?

First Elder: He knew the penalty he faced, even as a member of this Council. The law will be upheld.

First Elder: [following the trial and sentencing of General Zod and Company] An unpleasant duty has been masterly performed, Jor-El. They have received the fate they deserve: isolation in the Phantom Zone, an eternal living death.

Jor-El: A chance for survival, nonetheless... as opposed to ourselves, if we continue to ignore these facts. It's suicide! No, it's worse. It's GENOCIDE!

First Elder: Be warned, Jor-El. The Council has already evaluated this outlandish theory of yours.

Jor-El: My friends, you know me to be neither rash nor impulsive. I'm not given to wild, unsupported statements. And I tell you that we must evacuate this planet immediately!

First Elder: Jor-El, you are one of Krypton's greatest scientists.

2nd Elder: Yes, but so is Vond-Ah.

Vond-Ah: It isn't that we question your data. The facts you speak of are undeniable. It's only your conclusions which we find unsupportable.

Jor-El: This planet, and its red sun with it, will destabilize and burst within 30 days... very likely, within seven.

Vond-Ah: I tell you, Krypton is merely shifting its orbit.

2nd Elder: Jor-El, be REASONABLE.

Jor-El: My dear friend, I've never been otherwise. This madness is yours.

First Elder: [after the Council of Elders has voted unanimously against Jor-El's desperate proposal] Any attempt by you to create a climate of fear and panic among the populace must be deemed by us an act of insurrection.

Jor-El: You would accuse me of insurrection? Has it now become a crime to cherish life?

First Elder: You would be banished to endless imprisonment in the Phantom Zone, the eternal void which you yourself discovered.