by Eleanor Mannikka
synopsis
Only slightly murky around the edges of character delineation, this wartime drama by George Seaton focuses on three American soldiers on board a neutral Finnish vessel during the Korean War. Seasoned veteran Sgt. P.J. Briscoe (Kirk Douglas) has had no more than the normal difficulties when being forced to kill the enemy during combat. But now he and Pvts. Dennison (Robert Walker) and Hackett (Nick Adams) have been given orders to execute a prisoner they have on board. Killing outside of active combat is something else, and the men vacillate as they try come to grips with their reluctance. Meanwhile, a few shady aspects of their past come to light.
characteristics
- War
- Responsibility
- Sea
- Radio
- Prison
- POW (Prisoner Of War)
- Shoot-out
- Morals
- Struggle
- Wounded
- Wound [injury]
- Troops
- Threat
- Morality
- Symbol
