Lee Marvin on death row for treason — but did he betray America or save it?
During the Korean War Sergeant Paul Ryker is accused of defecting to Communist China and then returning to his unit as a spy. He's court-martialed and sentenced to death but his attorney believes Ryker's innocent and asks for a new trial.
Acting
Marvin's controlled rage simmers beneath military stoicism.
Direction
Kulik wrings tension from flashback structure.
Director
Buzz Kulik
Lee Marvin
Sgt. Paul Ryker
Bradford Dillman
Capt. David Young
Peter Graves
Maj. Whitaker
Vera Miles
Ann Ryker
Lloyd Nolan
Gen. Amos Bailey
Murray Hamilton
Capt. Appleton
Norman Fell
Sgt. Max Winkler
Walter Brooke
Col. Arthur Merriam
Francis De Sales
President of the Court
Don Marshall
Cpl. Jenks
Charles Aidman
Maj. Kitchener - The Law Officer
George N. Neise
Thomas MacKnight
Stuart Nisbet
President of the Court
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This was actually a theatrical release of a two-part 1963 TV episode from 'Kraft Suspense Theatre,' padded with new footage for cinemas.
Released during Vietnam escalation, its Korean War setting let audiences question military justice without directly attacking current policy.
US
