From the initial credits, we see that this film will have something to do with satellites, the Soviets, and the U.S.
Looks like an accident has happened at the North Pole (Ice Station Zebra). The U.S., with Britain and the soviets, is rushing to the rescue. Both are hampered by a snowstorm. The U.S. has sent a submarine to the rescue. However, it looks like something covert is afoot. The submarine is being packed with marines and an unscrupulous character.
What is the secret? Will the sub even make it to the pole?
And if so, what will they find?
Why are the Soviets so keen on helping?
Because critical scenes take place in the snow, our characters are color-coded:
Brown furry top with brown trousers = David Jones (Patrick McGoohan)
All blue = Cmdr. Ferriday (Rock Hudson)
Brown practically furless with black and white bands = Boris Vaslov (Ernest Borgnine)
Orange and yellow = sub crew
All white with M16s = Marines
All white with AK's = soviets
* You may have guessed that it is a man's movie with all men *
This story, as adapted for the movies, however, it could make a pretty good stage play, as the real action is the bantering and the posturing during a face-to-face confrontation. Another movie adaptation from the author (Alistair MacLean) is "The Guns of Navarone" (1961).
The original music for this film also stands on its own; you may want to buy the soundtrack.
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