Watch Ice Station Zebra

Ice Station Zebra is a suspenseful thriller from 1968, directed by John Sturges and starring Rock Hudson, Ernest Borgnine, and Patrick McGoohan. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Alistair MacLean and follows a group of American and British agents who must race against time to retrieve sensitive information from an Arctic research station.

The plot begins with a US Navy submarine navigating through the treacherous waters of the Arctic Circle. The submarine is on a mission to travel to a remote research station, known as Ice Station Zebra, where a group of scientists requires medical attention.

However, the mission quickly takes a turn, and the submarine crew discovers that they were not sent solely on a humanitarian mission. They learn that there are other, more secretive motives at play, and tensions start to arise among the crew members.

Among the crew members is Captain James Ferraday (played by Rock Hudson), who is a seasoned veteran and a master of his craft. Ferraday is tasked with leading the mission and retrieving sensitive information that the US government has reason to believe is in the possession of the scientists at Ice Station Zebra. However, the captain faces several obstacles along the way, including other nations' agents who are also vying for the same information.

Complicating matters further is that some of the crew members may have ulterior motives of their own, and trust is not easily established among the team. Throughout the remainder of the film, the captain and his crew face seemingly insurmountable challenges as they race against time to retrieve the information.

The film is beautifully shot, and the stunning Arctic backdrop provides a unique setting for the story. The combination of the claustrophobic submarine interior with the vast and cold Arctic landscape creates a sense of tension that permeates the entire movie.

The film's excellent cast also plays a significant role in the success of Ice Station Zebra. Rock Hudson delivers a standout performance as Captain Ferraday, effectively conveying the character's stoicism and resourcefulness. Ernest Borgnine also shines as the submarine's executive officer, who provides much-needed comic relief throughout the film.

Patrick McGoohan, who plays British spy David Jones, is equally impressive, portraying a man with his own agenda and motivations that are not always clear. Together, the cast creates a dynamic that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish.

The movie's score, composed by Michel Legrand, is equally notable. It highlights the tension and drama of the story, and its haunting vocalizations create an almost ethereal atmosphere that adds to the overall feel of the film.

While Ice Station Zebra may be nearly 50 years old, it still holds up as a solid thriller. The film combines a gripping storyline with incredible performances, stunning scenery, and an exceptional score to create an unforgettable experience. Anyone who enjoys suspenseful dramas or classic Hollywood movies should make a point to watch this film.

Ice Station Zebra is a 1968 action movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 29 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 49.