| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Gregory Peck | ... | ||
| Ava Gardner | ... | ||
| Fred Astaire | ... | ||
| Anthony Perkins | ... | ||
| Donna Anderson | ... | ||
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John Tate | ... | |
| Harp McGuire | ... |
Lt. Sunderstrom
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Lola Brooks | ... | |
| Ken Wayne | ... |
Lt. Benson
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| Guy Doleman | ... |
Lt. Cmdr. Farrel
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Richard Meikle | ... |
Davis
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| John Meillon | ... |
Ralph Swain
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Joe McCormick | ... |
Ackerman
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Lou Vernon | ... |
Bill Davidson
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Kevin Brennan | ... |
Dr. King
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In 1964, atomic war wipes out humanity in the northern hemisphere; one American submarine finds temporary safe haven in Australia, where life-as-usual covers growing despair. In denial about the loss of his wife and children in the holocaust, American Captain Towers meets careworn but gorgeous Moira Davidson, who begins to fall for him. The sub returns after reconnaissance a month (or less) before the end; will Towers and Moira find comfort with each other? Written by Rod Crawford <puffinus@u.washington.edu>
The Cold War aspects of this movie may be a bit dated, but for those of us of a certain age it is a reminder of the fears we lived under at that time. In retrospect, it may be that Julian was wrong: it may have indeed been the very presence of these terrible weapons that prevented a third world war.
In any case, that aspect of the story never overshadows the movie's underlying theme, which is, rather, how each of us views the sum of our lives as our mortal end approaches. Are we alone? Have we connected with anyone? Have we failed? Have we loved? Have we been loved?
Color would have been all wrong for this essentially b&w story. Superb performances from Gregory Peck, Ava Gardner, Fred Astaire and the pre-Norman Bates Anthony Perkins. A fine bit as well by John Tate as the old admiral("to a blind, blind world").
A mere cold-war nuclear destruction movie would leave one merely frightened at the end. The fact that this movie leaves you with an almost unbearable feeling of terrible sadness is a testament to the human power of Nevil Shute's book, as well as to the fine script and Kramer's superb direction.
One of the most depressing movies ever made, but a truly great one.