Ice Station Zebra

Ice Station Zebra

Year: 1968

Runtime: 148 min

Language: English

Director: John Sturges

AdventureThriller

In the icy grip of the North Pole, a US submarine embarks on a perilous mission to retrieve a Soviet satellite bearing sensitive secrets about US military outposts. As tensions escalate in the Cold War backdrop, a Russian defector, a British agent, and an American marine captain must navigate treacherous alliances and sabotage before it's too late.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Ice Station Zebra (1968)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Ice Station Zebra (1968). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie unfolds during a tense period marked by Cold War tensions and espionage. This era is defined by the race between Western powers and the Soviet Union for technological supremacy and intelligence gathering. The narrative encapsulates the geopolitical struggles that dominated international relations during the mid-20th century.

Location

Arctic, Holy Loch, Scotland, Drift Ice Station Zebra

The Arctic serves as a harsh and unforgiving backdrop for the movie, characterized by its icy landscapes and treacherous conditions. Holy Loch, located in Scotland, is where the USS Tigerfish submarine docks, serving as a key military installation. Drift Ice Station Zebra, a British scientific weather station, becomes the focal point of the rescue mission, known for its critical research in an inhospitable environment.

🧊 Arctic 🇬🇧 Scotland 🏢 Research Station

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:15

Main Characters – Ice Station Zebra (1968)
Meet the key characters of Ice Station Zebra (1968), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Commander James Ferraday

Commander Ferraday is the determined captain of the USS Tigerfish, tasked with carrying out a complicated rescue mission under the guise of humanitarian intent. He is strategic and resourceful, exhibiting strong leadership skills while navigating the dangers of the Arctic and the complexities of espionage. Ferraday's character embodies bravery and the moral dilemmas faced during tumultuous times.

🚢 Submarine Captain 🎖️ Leader 🌊 Brave

Mr. Jones (Ted Hartley)

Mr. Jones, a British intelligence agent, is an integral part of the operation, bringing vital information and skills to the team. His dual role as a negotiator and interrogator illustrates his intelligence and adaptability in tense situations. Jones's revelations about the advanced British camera heighten the urgency and stakes of their mission.

🕵️‍♂️ Intelligence Agent 🔍 Interrogator 💡 Cunning

Boris Vaslov

Boris Vaslov is a Russian defector whose loyalty is uncertain throughout the movie. His character embodies the tension between allegiance and self-interest, proving to be a complex player in the narrative. Vaslov's actions reveal a duality that places every character's life in jeopardy as he maneuvers through alliances and betrayals.

🇷🇺 Defector 🔄 Double Agent 💣 Deceptive

Captain Anders

Captain Anders is a stern officer commanding the Marine platoon, providing structure to the military operations. He is a disciplined leader, dedicated to the mission but rigid in his approach. Anders's relationship with the other characters is marked by conflict and misunderstanding, illustrating the challenges of hierarchy and command in crisis situations.

🔫 Marine Officer ⚔️ Commanding 🔥 Stern

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:15

Major Themes – Ice Station Zebra (1968)
Explore the central themes of Ice Station Zebra (1968), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕵️‍♂️ Espionage

Espionage is a central theme, with characters engaged in covert operations amid a façade of a rescue mission. The characters navigate trust issues and betrayal, showcasing the complexities of loyalty during times of geopolitical tension. As the chase for the missing film capsule intensifies, it becomes clear that the stakes are not just about human lives but also national security.

💔 Betrayal

Betrayal weaves through the storyline as trust is tested among the crew members. Vaslov's revelation as a double agent demonstrates how personal motives can conflict with mission objectives. The tragic wounding of Captain Anders by Jones further underscores the devastating impacts of misplaced trust in high-stakes environments.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:15

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