Countdown (1968, dir. Robert Altman)

With the Soviets poised to reach the moon first, the US scrambles to respond by sending a Gemini astronaut into space. Talky and somewhat passive Cold War-era basic training/mission flick enlivened by NASA access, and by getting earlier to material explored by later, better films. No classic, despite interesting credits.

Here’s the trailer.

Author: Eamonn

Writes. Latest: 2019: East of England - a noir thriller. Other books: Benches of Louth (2018); Juggernaut: a sequel to Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde (2017); Torc, (2016); The Prospect of This City (2015). Twitter: @eamonngriffin View all posts by Eamonn