The Bedford Incident

The Bedford Incident is a gripping Cold War thriller from 1965 that starring Richard Widmark as a stern, unbending U.S. Naval Captain, and Sidney Poitier, a Pulitzer-prize winning civilian journalist. Other key characters include James MacArthur as the ship's ensign, Michael Dunn as the ship's doctor, and Martin Balsam as a former U-boat commander now serving as a NATO observer.

Directed by James B. Harris, the film is adapted from Mark Rascovich's novel and exposes the tensions and anxieties of the Cold War era. Instead of turning to sensationalism or spectacle, The Bedford Incident paints a human story against the backdrop of political chess played out on the high seas.

The film revolves around the USS Bedford, an American destroyer, led by the grizzled Captain Eric Finlander, played impressively by Widmark. Widmark's portrayal of Captain Finlander is chilling and strokes the viewer’s apprehension. A decorated naval officer, Finlander is deeply committed to his duty and holds a deeply ingrained hostility toward the Soviet Union.

Enter Sidney Poitier's character, Ben Munceford, a journalist used to covering wars and atrocities, who seeks to document the real-life experiences of the men aboard the Bedford. Poitier, one of the most brilliant actors of his generation, imbues Munceford with a sense of intellectual curiosity, tenacity, and moral compass which provide some of the film's dramatic high points. His charm amalgamates with Widmark’s rigidness, coalescing into a superb display of emotive tension that is palpable throughout the film.

But the Bedford finds more than benign icebergs in the chilly Arctic. It stumbles upon a Russian submarine, potentially armed with nuclear weapons, lurking in the Danish territorial waters in violation of international law. It is at this juncture where the tensions build dramatically, as Captain Finlander, with an undying sense of duty, chooses to engage the submarine rather than radio for additional support. The film realistically portrays the tactical maneuvers of the American destroyer and the elusive Soviet submarine, crafting a suspenseful cat-and-mouse game at sea, pushing the narrative tension to its limit.

Adding to the potent mix of characters is another subplot in the form of ship's ensign Ralston, played by James MacArthur. Ralston's character plays an essential but disturbing role in the plot; his naivety starkly contrasting with the seasoned crew and the realities of war. His predicaments underline the irony of war and pose significant questions about responsibility and real cost.

Equally compelling is the character of Commodore Wolfgang Schrepke played by Martin Balsam. As a former U-boat commander, he is well-versed with the terrors of underwater warfare. As a voice of reason, he provides much-needed reservations against Captain Finlander's relentless pursuit of the Russian submarine – offering a contrast to the obsessive tendencies of the American captain.

Finally, Dr. Potter, portrayed by Michael Dunn, becomes another crucial character, being the carrier of the humanitarian perspective, providing an inside look into the harsh mindsets on the USS Bedford. His dialogues often showcase the inner moral dilemma that conflicts with the external, antagonistic atmosphere surrounding him.

A significant feature of the movie is its black-and-white imagery which adds to the dehumanizing environment of cold warfare. Cinematographer Gilbert Taylor does an excellent job, using the starkness of black & white cinematography to establish a claustrophobic atmosphere aboard the Bedford and to portray the bleak, icy Arctic environments. It brilliantly sets the overall tone of the movie, complementing its tense narrative and grim subject matter.

What makes The Bedford Incident a great film is its sober and realistic portrayal of the Cold War mindset. Dud or detonation, the crewmen are depicted as mere pawns in a broader geopolitical game. It underscores the brutality of relentless dedication to duty, and the potential catastrophe that could be the real-life consequence of a single misstep in the face of nuclear warfare. It unfolds the multifaceted aspects of war machinery, peeling back layers to reveal the human condition and the insanity that lurks beneath the surface of discipline and duty.

In conclusion, The Bedford Incident is a riveting, tense, and thought-provoking film that's recommended for fans of Cold War cinema, historical dramas, and those interested in a sobering exploration of the tangible fears and issues of the nuclear age. It effectively utilizes its talented cast and maintains an atmosphere of rising tension throughout, resulting in a movie that's not only suspenseful but also imbued with deeper commentary and relevant themes.