WORLD WAR III (1982)

Tensions between Russia and America are rising thanks to a grain embargo.  And because of the food shortage in Russia, things are getting out of control, so out of control, in fact, that a group of KGB-led soldiers are airdropped into the remote Alaskan wilderness with the intention of taking over a oil pipeline pumping station.  Unfortunately, there's a group of National Groundsmen training in the area...the Russians kill them.  So now, thanks to a massive weather front that's holding back reinforcements, the only thing between the Russians and the pumping station is a second group of poorly armed National Guardsmen lead by David Soul. At the same time, the President has imposed a media blackout and is in talks with the Russian President, but things are not going well.

WORLD WAR III was broadcast as a two-night miniseries back in January 1982, but other than that I really can't find any information about it.  Was it well received by critics?  Did a lot of people watch it?  I have no idea, but I enjoyed it a lot.  As I mentioned, the story is divided into to parts: the leaders trying to come to a diplomatic solution and the troops on the ground fighting it out.  The American president (played wonderfully by Rock Hudson) is predictably portrayed as a sensitive man with a heart of gold who just wants peace, damn it!  And the Russian leadership was, of course, selfish and quick to kill people in order to get what they want.  All of that is to be expected, but still the negotiations between the two are tense.  On the soldier side, you have David Soul as a war-hardened vet rallying his troops in an almost Alamo-like stand against a enemy force that not only outnumbers them but is also better trained and better armed.  I found it very exciting.

Of course, since this was a made for network television movie back in the early 80's, the violence is pretty tame, but still I found the whole thing to be well-written and the pacing to be really good.  It definitely didn't seem like it was 183 minutes long.  I'd gladly watch it again, but then again, I'm just a sucker for 70's/80's TV movies.  Would make a perfect double-feature with THREADS.

BEND OF THE RIVER (1952)

Anthony Mann and James Stewart's next western after their fantastic WINCHESTER '73 finds Stewart as a scout helping some settlers up Portland way.  Stewart has a past he's trying to outrun but it catches up with him when he comes upon some guys lynching a dude (Arthur Kennedy) out in the woods.  Ends up Kennedy has heard of Stewart and knows that he used to be a gunman for some raiders.  Fast-forward some and Stewart is having problems getting supplies up to the new settlement, so he takes the law into his own hands and just takes the supplies that rightfully belong to him.  Gunfire ensues along with an exciting chase across all kinds of inhospitable territory.  Even some starving gold miners get in on the action!

Beautiful scenery, awesome cast, great acting, fast pace, strong story and direction.  I really can't think of a single reason not to watch this if you're a western fan.  Check it out!

Mann - Stewart westerns:

WINCHESTER '73
THE NAKED SPUR
THE FAR COUNTRY
THE MAN FROM LARAMIE

Aunt Bee.