During the cold War between democracies and communists, suspicions breeded distrust, and distrust caused some to shoot first and ask questions later. The captain of the Bedford (Richard Widmark) is a loose cannon who could make a rash decision at any moment, especially since the presence of a nearby Russian submarine indicates that both water vessels are being stalked like wild animals waiting to see who's the strongest to pounce first.
This certainly has some great dangerous looking far northern sets, complete with icebergs in the endless mass of water. Sidney Poitier once again brings consciousness to the film as a photojournalist who questions Widmark's every move, citing recent incidents in Widmark's past as concern over what he might do. There's also Eric Portman as a German commodore aboard the ship, Martin Balsam as the doctor, and Wally Cox as the radio operator.
The excellent cast truly helps this subtle film where it needs it the most, as the film takes some time before it really becomes intense. Definitely, the second half is much more intriguing than the first, and that requires the viewer to be patient as everything builds up. Even though Widmark's character is ruthless, he shows the desperation building up in him that fleshes him out. Poitier is barely recognizable in one scene where he's in the shower covered with soap, and only his voice indicates who he is. I wouldn't put this on my list of 60's classics, but it's a must see for film historians.
This certainly has some great dangerous looking far northern sets, complete with icebergs in the endless mass of water. Sidney Poitier once again brings consciousness to the film as a photojournalist who questions Widmark's every move, citing recent incidents in Widmark's past as concern over what he might do. There's also Eric Portman as a German commodore aboard the ship, Martin Balsam as the doctor, and Wally Cox as the radio operator.
The excellent cast truly helps this subtle film where it needs it the most, as the film takes some time before it really becomes intense. Definitely, the second half is much more intriguing than the first, and that requires the viewer to be patient as everything builds up. Even though Widmark's character is ruthless, he shows the desperation building up in him that fleshes him out. Poitier is barely recognizable in one scene where he's in the shower covered with soap, and only his voice indicates who he is. I wouldn't put this on my list of 60's classics, but it's a must see for film historians.