One Minute to Zero

One Minute to Zero is a 1952 American war drama film directed by Tay Garnett and starring Robert Mitchum, Ann Blyth, and William Talman. The film is set against the backdrop of the Korean War and follows the story of an American staff officer, Colonel Steve Corbett (Mitchum), who is tasked with leading a regiment of soldiers to defend a strategic bridge against the invading North Korean army.

As the film opens, we see the American troops retreating across a snowy landscape, leaving behind the wounded and dying. Colonel Corbett arrives on the scene and takes command of the remaining men. He immediately begins assessing the situation and devises a plan to defend the important bridge, which is the key to holding back the enemy's advance.

Meanwhile, we are introduced to a local Korean woman named Tanya (Blyth) who has been forced to work for the North Korean army as a nurse. Tanya despises the violence and aggression of the enemy soldiers and longs to be reunited with her husband, who is fighting for the South Koreans.

As Colonel Corbett and his men prepare for battle, the North Korean army stages a massive assault on the bridge. The two sides engage in a fierce, bloody battle that lasts through the night. We see small moments of humanity and tragedy amidst the larger chaos of war, including Colonel Corbett failing to rescue a soldier from drowning in the frozen river.

The film builds towards a dramatic conclusion, as the Americans are on the brink of defeat when a surprise attack by South Korean troops turns the tide of the battle. The North Koreans are driven back and the bridge is saved.

One Minute to Zero is a classic war film that portrays the horrors and heroism of conflict. Mitchum delivers a strong performance as the steely Colonel Corbett, while Blyth lends emotional depth to her portrayal of Tanya. The film's stark black-and-white cinematography adds to the sense of dread and impending danger that pervades the story.

Overall, One Minute to Zero is a gripping and compelling war film that explores the human cost of conflict and the power of courage and sacrifice.