How we cite our quotes: All quotations are from Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb.
Quote #1
RIPPER: You don't think I'd ask if you recognized my voice unless it was pretty damned important do you, Mandrake?
From the very first moment that Gen. Ripper starts talking to Mandrake, the General is asserting his power over him. He's one of those male characters in the movie who confuses bullying with power. The rest of this scene shows what a psycho clown Ripper really is.
Quote #2
VOICEOVER: Each B-52 can deliver a nuclear bomb load of 50 megatons, equal to 16 times the total explosive force of all the bombs and shells used by all the armies in World War Two.
Just take a sec to really think about the amount of destructive power we're talking about here. On the other hand, don't. We're gonna go cry in a corner.
Quote #3
MANDRAKE: Sir, as an officer in Her Majesty's Air Force, it is my clear duty, under the present circumstances, to issue the recall code, upon my own authority, and bring back the wing. If you'll excuse me sir.
We have to hand it to Mandrake; he stands up to Gen. Ripper pretty quickly, pulling rank on his commanding officer as soon as he figures out Ripper's gone nuts. Of course, Mandrake's power play doesn't last too long after Ripper locks him in the room and pulls a gun on him.