This television movie is much like a stage play, videotaped for TV. It is absolutely riveting. I was a child at the time it originally aired and I knew nothing of the Pueblo incident, but I soon learned the entire, harrowing story, thanks in part to this excellent drama.
Hal Holbrook, normally very good in any role he tackles, is superb as Commander Lloyd Bucher. The story involves the illegal capture of the American spy ship U.S.S. Pueblo off the North Korean coast in January of 1968. After the capture the U.S. Navy tried to use Bucher as a scapegoat for surrendering without firing a shot, but his actions resulted in saving the lives of all but one of his crewmen. Holbrook is excellent as the tortured Bucher (both emotionally and physically) who has to struggle to keep him men alive and his dignity intact. Holbrook (just like the real Bucher) manages to do both.
I do not know who directed this stage-play picture, but it was wonderfully done. The grim torture scenes are not too explicit but there's always a gloomy, ominous air of fear in the flashback scenes. It really affected me as a kid and it has always stuck with me.
Holbrook does a great job in the court-room scenes and the viewer gets a tremendous feeling of empathy for him as he battles his injuries, his emotional hatred of the North Koreans and his own superior officers who are looking anywhere but at themselves for the blame.
There's a fine supporting cast including the always-reliable Ronny Cox.
Anyone who appreciates fine drama should see this. This harrowing story is even more poignant because it is true. We should not forget the heroes of the U.S.S. Pueblo... this film allows us the chance to always remember.
