The Russians Are Coming the Russians Are Coming

In September, the Soviet Navy submarine Sprut accidentally runs aground on a sandbar near Gloucester Island while its captain curiously explores North America. The incident becomes a potential diplomatic crisis as the captain decides against requesting help to avoid embarrassment.

To handle the situation discreetly, the submarine's captain sends a nine-man landing party, led by Lieutenant Yuri Rozanov, to search for assistance. This sets the stage for an unexpected encounter between the crew and the island's inhabitants.

The Soviet landing party arrives at the home of Walt Whittaker, a playwright on vacation with his family. Walt is initially skeptical about the armed Russians' presence, as his son Pete alerts him to the danger lurking nearby.

Tensions rise when Rozanov confronts Walt and reveals their military intent, brandishing a weapon while assuring the family they mean no harm. Walt and his family are coerced into cooperating, surrendering their station wagon to the Soviets.

After obtaining the station wagon, the Russians encounter a major setback when it runs out of gas. This predicament forces them to abandon the car and move on foot, complicating their mission further.

The Russians then commandeer an old sedan from Muriel Everett, the local postmistress, exacerbating the locals' panic. This act triggers rumors of an impending air attack, leading the residents into a frenzy.

With chaos escalating, Police Chief Link Mattocks and his deputy Norman Jonas scramble to restore order as a citizen militia, led by Fendall Hawkins, rises in response to the perceived threat. The island's tranquility is quickly disrupted.

Walt, Elspeth, and Pete manage to overpower Alexei, another Soviet officer, aided by Alison Palmer, a neighbor babysitting their daughter. This surprising turn allows them a chance to escape from the Russians.

Walt finds himself captured again at the local telephone exchange after subduing Mrs. Foss. In a twist of fate, they become tied up together while the Russian crew, now in civilian clothes, heads towards their submarine.

As the situation unfolds, Alexei and Alison share a romantic moment, hinting at a budding relationship amidst the turmoil. Their connection provides a softer subplot that contrasts with the ongoing conflict.

Once freed, Walt and Mrs. Foss regroup with Elspeth and Pete, determined to clear up the misunderstandings with the Russian crew. The situation remains tense as Walt narrowly avoids harming Rozanov, complicating matters even further.

The Sprut, having floated free from its sandy trap, begins to head towards the island's main harbor. This move triggers a standoff as the locals confront the submarine crew, fearing for their safety.

In a heart-stopping moment, two boys climb the church steeple, leading to one of them nearly falling. The islanders and Russian submariners unite, forming a human pyramid to save the child amidst the tension.

With Rozanov acting as a translator, the Russian captain threatens to take action unless his missing sailors are returned. The situation hovers on the brink of conflict, but a fragile peace begins to emerge.

As the submarine prepares to leave, Alexei bids a heartfelt farewell to Alison. The Sprut departs from the harbor with villagers escorting it in boats, just as two Air Force jets approach, hinting at the looming threat.