Empire of the Ants

Velma Thompson:
All we wanted was to enjoy what was left of our life. Is that bad?

Joe Morrison:
This turned out to be one hell of a free vacation.

Coreen Bradford:
Oh my God! They're herding us like cattle!

Dan Stokely:
I told you those things are vicious as hell!

Dan Stokely:
Hey! Don't shoot! We're peaceful! Honest to God, alright?

Voice:
[Opening voiceover, as an image of ants tearing apart an orchid flower on the ground is shown on screen] This is the ant. Treat it with respect, for it may very well be the next dominant life form of our planet. Sound incredible? Impossible? Have you ever taken a good, close look at what the ant is all about? Like these atta cephalotes - one of the 15,000 different species inhabiting our planet. This one cultivates crops of fungus for food. Others herd aphids, just as man herds cattle. And what about the warriors? The builders of bridges, roads, tunnels? Frightening, isn't it, that a creature as small as an ant is able to have a fair claim to rank next to man in the scale of intelligence? They have a sophisticated communication system. Specific messages are transmitted from one ant to another, through the use of a chemical substance called Pheromones. It causes an obligatory response. Did you hear that? Obligatory. Pheromones give an order that cannot be disobeyed. It's a mind-bending substance that forces obedience. But we don't have to worry about it. That's business better left to the ants.

Coreen Bradford:
[Paying the taxi driver] Here's a ten. Keep the change.

Taxi Driver:
[Looking a bit disgusted] But lady, the fare is $9.80.

Coreen Bradford:
[Looking nonchalant] Don't mention it!

Coreen Bradford:
You know, when I met you on the boat, I didn't like you very much.

Joe Morrison:
That's not exactly a surprise.

Coreen Bradford:
Well, I don't know, I guess I just thought you were one of those macho phony types, you know? The kind whose brains fall out every time he unzips his fly.

Joe Morrison:
I've got a job that pays $30,000 a year. I've got a two-bedroom condominium, I've got a $10,000 sports car, I've got a wife, and I've got a four year-old kid - thinks I'm God. How's that?

Coreen Bradford:
That's terrific. Fabulous. Look, I was just trying to tell you that I've changed my mind about not liking you. That's all.

Joe Morrison:
Hmph. Forget it. I'm a 'bad' investment.

Coreen Bradford:
And why do you say that?

Joe Morrison:
Because the, um... $30,000 a year job went in the toilet last year. And the sports car needs an overhaul. And my 'wife' is an ex-wife who is, uh, doing me for back support. My kid won't even talk to me on the phone.

Coreen Bradford:
What about your condominium?

Joe Morrison:
[Clinks his plastic drink cup with his fingernail] It's plastic. Just like everything else.

Dan Stokely:
[after Margaret has asked his opinion on the Florida real estate deal that's being promoted] If it was my money and I was gonna' buy this land, first I'd make sure they struck oil on it... and then I'd still think twice. Does that answer your question?