Marooned 1969

As the camera pans over serene landscapes, the narrative swiftly shifts to a spectacular space launch, where three astronauts - Jim Pruett (Richard Crenna), Clayton Stone (James Franciscus), and Buzz Lloyd (Gene Hackman) - board a rocket, embarking on an eight-month journey into the unknown. Back at mission control, Charles Keith (Gregory Peck) ponders the possibility of the astronauts’ ability to perform even the most basic manual tasks upon their return. In orbit, the astronauts shed their helmets, only to encounter an unexpected setback: losing critical backup systems. This development prompts Keith to initiate a plan to bring them back down to Earth.

Meanwhile, journalist Vincent Van Lynn provides insight into the retro-fire process and the astronauts’ impending return. Mission Director George Gaynes then decides to use primary thrust instead of secondary, due to damage sustained by the latter. The communications officer (Tom Stewart) informs the astronauts of this decision, prompting them to utilize the retro-fire.

As the situation unfolds, a tropical storm brews, threatening to complicate rescue efforts further. Keith, faced with the grim reality of oxygen scarcity and limited options, decides to call off the mission, assigning an officer 48 hours to devise a plan for their rescue. However, this plan hinges on the availability of an untested aircraft and an inexperienced crew - a prospect that raises more questions than answers.

The rules dictate no rescue attempts should be made, but Keith is willing to bend the rules to ensure the astronauts’ safe return. He cautions them against attempting to repair the damaged engine, emphasizing the need for caution in their desperate situation.

As the three wives - Celia Pruett (Lee Grant), Teresa Stone (Nancy Novack), and Betty Lloyd (Mariette Hartley) - arrive to bid farewell to their loved ones, emotions run high. Celia finds it difficult to express her love openly, instead focusing on mundane concerns like insurance and property. The silence that follows is almost palpable.

Teresa speaks of her husband’s mission and a project she hopes to undertake. Betty tries to console Buzz, who becomes overcome with emotion. In an attempt to find solace, she begins reading a letter she has written to the President (John Forsythe), but he interrupts her, pointing out that everyone is blaming him for the crisis unfolding around them.

As the rescue mission launch is delayed due to the inclement weather, Keith addresses the media, fielding questions from journalists like Hardy (Mauritz Hugo) and Walter Brooke. An PR officer (Scott Brady) provides clarification on the situation, leaving no room for optimism.

As desperation sets in, a novel strategy is conceived by the team, with their computer technician (Bruce Rhodewalt) working tirelessly behind the scenes to bring it to fruition. Meanwhile, the astronauts are reeling from the gravity of their situation, struggling to come to terms with the harsh realities that surround them. The XRV has already launched into orbit, leaving them with a dire need to repair the engine and salvage what remains of their mission.

As tensions rise, a morbid suggestion begins to take shape: perhaps they should sacrifice one of their own to ensure the survival of the others. But before taking such drastic measures, they must first attempt to mend the damaged engine and buy themselves some much-needed time. The stakes are higher than ever, with the astronauts’ very lives hanging precariously in the balance.

Just as it seems like things can’t get any worse, Jim’s suit is torn asunder, and he succumbs to his injuries. Keith delivers the devastating news to Celia, who is left reeling from the shock. Meanwhile, a VIP (George R. Robertson) becomes increasingly agitated, his anxiety reaching a fever pitch.

As rescue draws near, Buzz and Clayton make the bold decision to open the hatch door, despite Huston’s protests. In a heart-stopping turn of events, Clayton pushes Buzz towards the exit, only to see him seemingly pass through it, leaving him dizzily stumbling back inside the rocket.

Ted Dougherty (David Janssen) finally arrives on the scene, rescuing Buzz from certain doom. Another astronaut springs into action, administering oxygen to the stricken Clayton and ensuring that he too survives this harrowing ordeal.