Orion’s Belt

The film opens with Tom Jansen and Sverre leading tourists on a polar bear safari aboard Sandy Hook. A pub scene in Longyearbyen later introduces Tom's girlfriend Eva Jelseth and hints at the tense political backdrop of Svalbard. The setup establishes the crew's shady operation and the environment they operate in.

Lars presents the plan to freight a bulldozer to the mainland from Sarstangen. They intend to dump the vehicle as part of an insurance fraud scheme but secretly arrange to sell it in Greenland. The motive cements the dangerous venture that follows.

While docked, Tom is summoned to meet Governor Bache, who makes it clear the authorities will be watching them. The warning foreshadows the scrutiny and potential consequences of their operations. The tension between criminals and authorities is established here.

They successfully deliver the bulldozer to Greenland buyers and fake a storm that forced the change of plan. They report to Isfjord Radio about the storm and deviate on their return to avoid arriving too early. This decision sets them on a riskier course across uncertain weather.

A severe storm disrupts their voyage, forcing them to pull up at Kjerulføya north of Nordaustlandet. The crew braces for a layover as they wait for better conditions. The dangerous weather marks a turning point toward their extraction by force of circumstance.

The next day they go ashore in search of food and stumble upon an underwater cable. They follow the cable to a Soviet bearing station, unwittingly entering the Russians' domain. Tension surges as the discovery raises the stakes.

The Russians spot the intruders and open fire. The crew returns fire, killing a Russian while Sverre is wounded. The confrontation escalates into a dangerous chase through Arctic waters.

They slip into the fishing fleet for cover but are intercepted by a seemingly civilian helicopter. It proves to be heavily armed and bombs the ship, prompting a fierce defense. The trio retaliates and destroys the helicopter with a firebomb as they push on.

Sandy Hook anchors at Kapp Dufferin while Tom goes ashore for supplies. While he is away, a Soviet helicopter bombs the ship, killing Lars and Sverre. The loss leaves Tom to carry on alone toward safety.

Tom makes a long walk across the Arctic wilderness to reach Longyearbyen. He eventually reaches a closed mine and rides an aerial tramway to bring coal back toward civilization. The journey emphasizes his resilience and solitude.

Tom wakes in a hospital in the company of Governor Bache, but his account of the sinking is not believed. He is sent to Oslo for interrogation by a United States colonel and other American personnel. The scene underscores political pressure to control the narrative.

At the Holmenkollen Park Hotel, the Soviet ambassador and Norwegian minister discuss the consequences of public knowledge. Tom is offered a new identity and a job on a foreign trade vessel, signaling possible silencing or reinvention. The moment deepens the sense of geopolitical games at play.

On his way to the port, Tom slips away by blending into a carnival parade, evading capture. The disguise buys him time to vanish into the city and escapes future pursuit. The scene highlights the fragility of his freedom within a rigid security net.

Two endings were filmed, with the second adding a longer chase involving a rendezvous with Eva. In both endings, Tom is killed, and whether it was Soviet or American intelligence remains an open question. The conclusion underscores the era's political menace and unresolved fates.