The Hunt for Red October - 1990

Paramount Films, Nina Saxon Film Design, Mace Neufeld Productions

Directed by John McTiernan

Cast:

• Captain Marko Ramius – Sean Connery
• Jack Ryan – Alec Baldwin
• Captain Bart Mancuso – Scott Glenn
• Captain Vasili Borodin – Sam Neill
• Admiral Greer – James Earl Jones
• Andrei Lysenko – Joss Ackland
• Jeffrey Pelt – Richard Jordan
• Ivan Putin – Peter Firth
• Dr. Yevgeniy Petrov – Tim Curry
• Sonarman Jones – Courtney B. Vance
• Captain Viktor Tupelov – Stellan Skarsgård
• Skip Tyler – Jeffrey Jones
• Admiral Painter – Fred Dalton Thompson

Story: A CIA analyst is trying to figure out what some out of place hatches might be in a new Soviet Submarine. Meanwhile, the commander of that submarine intends to defect with it. The new submarine, named Red October, is a nuclear missile boat with a silent propulsion system that will render it invisible to sonar. In the days of the Cold War, such a threat to the US and NATO would be unacceptable. “Damn thing was built to start a war.” remarks one general at a briefing by the CIA. Upon hearing that the Soviets have announced a renegade submarine commander has taken the boat and intends to launch missiles at the US, the CIA analyst, Jack Ryan, raises the theory that the commander is actually trying to defect with the boat and the Soviets have issued the alert so we will attempt to sink him first. Ryan is sent to investigate his theory, but he is fighting time and the disbelief of his superiors as he attempts to contact the Soviet submarine before it approaches the US. Based on the novel by Tom Clancy, this movie combines action with suspense and adventure, and three out of three ain't bad.

Review: Tom Clancy's stories are the stuff of military legend. This was his first, and it was an amazing introduction for a former insurance broker and graduate of Loyola university who never served in the military. The film offers enough technical information about the equipment of the US Navy that you have to wonder how he got his hands on it. But no matter, however he accomplished it, the film stands out as the best of the genre. Sean Connery and Sam Neill play well together as Captain Ramius and Captain Borodin, and the feeling of the day to day routine of a well-trained submarine crew is consistent throughout the film. Alec Baldwin excels as Jack Ryan, and you have to wonder why he was not chosen for the role in the next two films. His passionate flair for the role convinces you that Ryan is a dedicated man with far more to offer than simply sitting behind a desk analyzing data and writing books. Scott Glenn is exceptional as Bart Mancuso, the commander of a US Fast Attack Submarine in pursuit of the Red October. His professional demeanor never pauses, his bearing is correct for the “Skipper” of a crew at sea, and his commands are precise and clear. Courtney B. Vance adds a dimension as the seasoned sonar operator who persuades his captain that the submarine can be tracked. Fred Dalton Thompson gives a stunning performance as the admiral of a battle group, trying to keep his men from getting killed. The sets are perfect, the photography nothing short of amazing, and the film keeps you riveted to the edge of your seat. With the exception of a few excited phrases and a gunfight at the end, the film is suitable for the entire family. I highly recommend this film for your collection.