An American destroyer Captain is determined to confront a Soviet submarine caught violating territorial waters. Perhaps too determined.An American destroyer Captain is determined to confront a Soviet submarine caught violating territorial waters. Perhaps too determined.An American destroyer Captain is determined to confront a Soviet submarine caught violating territorial waters. Perhaps too determined.
- Nominated for 1 BAFTA Award
- 1 nomination total
James MacArthur
- Ens. Ralston
- (as James Macarthur)
Mike Lennox
- Lt. Krindlemeyer U.S.N. - Bridge
- (as Michael Graham)
Stephen Schreiber
- Seaman 2nd Class - Bridge
- (as Stephen Von Schreiber)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaAlthough by this point Sidney Poitier had been making films for 15 years, this was the first film he made in which his race was neither mentioned nor relevant.
- GoofsWhile at General Quarters (battle stations), some officers of the USS Bedford are shown wearing dress blue uniforms. In the mid-1960s, both officers and chiefs wore khaki uniforms while at sea.
- Quotes
[after Finlander orders an anti-submarine rocket armed]
Commodore Schrepke: This is insane!
Captain Finlander: Now don't worry, Commodore. The Bedford'll never fire first. But if he fires one, I'll fire one.
Ensign Ralston: [launching the rocket] Fire One!
- Alternate versionsReportedly, there are two versions with different endings. One version ends with a missile being fired and a torpedo being released from the sub seconds before. In another version the sub is destroyed, and later that evening the German commodore is found aiming a .45 at the nose cone of a live missile. The captain asks why, the commodore gives some reply and pulls the trigger. Mr. Munceford is blown over the side, but survives.
- ConnectionsFeatured in WatchMojo: Top 10 Cold War Movies (2014)
Featured review
" If He Fires One . . . . . I'll Fire One "
The Cold War is one of the world's most frightening conflicts ever as it nearly extinguished humanity. During this time, suspicious nations rattled atomic sabers at one another and secret agencies scurried about disseminating Ideological propaganda and psychological warfare, but for the most part the only thing accomplished was that Americans spent billions threatening a distant enemy who ultimately became our friend. One exceptional film which appear during this era, was " The Bedford Incident." It is the story of an American reporter Ben Munceford (Sidney Poitier) who seeks out a controversial naval officer, because he believes him to be a rare individual. That particular man is Captain Eric Finlander. (Richard Widmark) a no-nonsense commander who is determined to do his duty, even if it means destroying a stray Russian Submarine, armed with nuclear missiles. While Munceford is trying to fathom the Captain, he notices everyone under Finlander's command is being subjected to increasing pressure, enormous stress and intolerable strain to remain on high alert as if war could be initiated at any time. From an audience point of view, the tension on board the Bedford, mirrors the terrifying state of fear in the world. Helping the audience analyze the situation is Lieut. Cmdr. Chester Potter (Martin Balsam) a naval Doctor who warns the Captain of mounting psychological dangers of his crew. One such officer is Ensign Ralston (James MacArthur) who the doctor warns is wound 'too tight' to be on duty. Another is Seaman Merlin Queffle (Wally Cox) who believes he controls the ship. This is a remarkable film, for it's characters, it's drama and eventually it's inevitable ending. It's a reminder, the fears we create are as real as our nightmares. ****
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- thinker1691
- Aug 29, 2007
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Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Languages
- Also known as
- Zwischenfall im Atlantik
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime1 hour 42 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1
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