Countdown (1967)

In the heart of the cold war, an unexpected mission is thrust upon NASA's astronauts Chiz, Rick, and Lee. The revelation that the Soviets are soaring in the moon's orbit and on the brink of a lunar landing urges NASA to shelve their ongoing simulated space flight. The race for lunar supremacy has escalated, and America must now scramble to send a man to the moon. Chiz, with his wealth of experience, is the obvious choice, but a Presidential decree shifts the scales in favor of the civilian Lee. The decision sparks a bitter rivalry, but Chiz reluctantly agrees to assist Lee through a gauntlet of grueling tests. Their friendship is stretched to its limits, particularly when Lee's life hangs in the balance during a near-fatal incident, only to be salvaged by flight surgeon Gus. As the countdown begins, the news of the imminent Russian landing on the moon sets aside the animosity between the astronauts. Chiz embraces the urgency of the mission, throwing his full support behind Lee for a hastily scheduled launch. Lee lands on the moon, engulfed in a desolate silence, only to discover he can't locate the shelter that's meant to be his lunar home for the year. In a shocking twist, he stumbles upon the lifeless bodies of the Russian crew. Amidst the solitude, Lee plants both nations' flags, standing as a symbol of unity in this desolate expanse. His salvation comes in the form of the blinking beacon of the shelter, leading him towards what will be his lunar residence until the Apollo mission can bring him home. Caught in the throes of the space race, "Countdown" (1967) is a thrilling tale of rivalry, friendship, and survival, set against the backdrop of the moon's stark and silent beauty. This gripping narrative invites viewers on a journey where the boundaries of human endurance and resilience are pushed to their absolute limits.

Countdown is a science fiction movie featuring James Caan.

It is possible to buy Countdown on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.