The Fifth Missile (TV 1986)

The crew of a Polaris submarine, on a training mission simulating an attack on Russia, is stricken by toxic poisoning. One of the poison's effects is to make its victims hallucinate, and ... See full summary »

Director:

Larry Peerce

Writers:

Eric Bercovici, Frank M. Robinson (novel),

Stars:

Robert Conrad, Sam Waterston, Richard Roundtree

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Robert Conrad	...	Cmdr. Mark Van Meer
Sam Waterston	...	Capt. Allard Renslow
Richard Roundtree	...	Cmdr. Frederick Bryce
Jonathan Banks	...	Ray Olson
Art LaFleur	...	'Animal' Meslinsky
Dennis Holahan	...	Warden
Sergio Fantoni	...	Pietro
Yvette Mimieux	...	Cheryl Leary
David Soul	...	Capt. Kevin Harris
Ed Bishop	...	Adm. Stewart Cullinane
Michael Aronin	...	Ernie Gradow
William Berger	...	Dr. Strickland
David Gilliam	...	Longstreet
Trevor Thomas	...	McCune
Donald Stewart	...	Adm. Howard

Storyline

The crew of a Polaris submarine, on a training mission simulating an attack on Russia, is stricken by toxic poisoning. One of the poison's effects is to make its victims hallucinate, and the sub's captain imagines that he has been given an order to actually attack Russia. He prepares to do exactly that.

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Plot Keywords:

submarine | psychiatrist | missile | water | u boat | 

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Genres:

Drama | Thriller

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Details

Country:

Italy USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

23 February 1986 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Gold Crew

Filming Locations:

Cinecittà Studios, Cinecittà, Rome, Lazio, Italy

Company Credits

Production Co:

Bercovici/St.Johns Productions, Cinecittà, MGM/UA Television

Technical Specs

Runtime:

150 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

User Reviews

Paint Sniffing Submarine Drama

"The Fifth Missile" is the story of a ballistic missile submarine that has been re-painted hastily, and as a result, its crew suffers from a toxic-induced neurosis. As a low-budget, made for TV movie, "The Fifth Missile" is reasonably interesting, and understandably cheesy. What saves "The Fifth Missile" from complete mediocrity is its all-star cast, which among others includes Robert Conrad, Richard Roundtree, and Sam Waterston.

The acting is top-notch, despite the limitations of plot, story, and budget. "The Fifth Missile" and its expressions of neurosis are particularly interesting, especially since the crew's reaction to wet, blue paint are similar to Star Trek: The Original Series' "Naked Now" episode. But in the final analysis, "The Fifth Missile" seems to be a relatively good effort on the part of the directors. Best if watched with an open mind.