Countdown Poster

Countdown 1967

★ 5.859 votes101 min📅 1967-08-20

"The motion picture that puts a man on the moon and you follow him every terrifying second of the way."

Directed by Robert Altman, *Countdown (1967)* plunges viewers into the high-stakes world of the space race, where NASA's ambition to land a man on the moon collides with the unforeseen dangers of isolation and technological uncertainty.

Director: Robert Altman

Cast

James Caan
James Caan
Lee Stegler
Joanna Moore
Joanna Moore
Mickey Stegler
Robert Duvall
Robert Duvall
Chiz
Barbara Baxley
Barbara Baxley
Jean
Charles Aidman
Charles Aidman
Gus
Steve Ihnat
Steve Ihnat
Ross Duellan
Michael Murphy
Michael Murphy
Rick
Ted Knight
Ted Knight
Walter Larson
Stephen Coit
Ehrman
John Rayner
Dunc

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Countdown (1967) about?

Set against the backdrop of the space race, *Countdown* follows NASA's frantic effort to land a man on the moon before the Soviets. The film focuses on a lone astronaut preparing for a year-long stay in a lunar shelter, where isolation and unseen dangers test his resolve and sanity.

Who directed Countdown?

Robert Altman directed *Countdown*, bringing his signature blend of tension and realism to this gripping space thriller.

Who stars in Countdown?

The film features James Caan as the lead astronaut, alongside Robert Duvall as his commander, Joanna Moore as his love interest, and Barbara Baxley and Steve Ihnat in pivotal supporting roles.

Is Countdown (1967) worth watching?

While not as polished as later space films, *Countdown* offers a fascinating glimpse into the era's technological ambitions and human drama. Its tense atmosphere and Altman's direction make it a compelling watch for fans of vintage sci-fi thrillers.

How long is Countdown?

*Countdown* runs for 101 minutes, offering a tight, suspenseful experience that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

🎥 Trailer

About Countdown (1967) — A Race Against Time in the Space Age Thriller

Directed by Robert Altman, *Countdown (1967)* plunges viewers into the high-stakes world of the space race, where NASA's ambition to land a man on the moon collides with the unforeseen dangers of isolation and technological uncertainty. Starring James Caan as the determined astronaut and Robert Duvall as his grounded commander, the film blends gripping suspense with the eerie atmosphere of a lunar shelter mission gone awry. Set against the backdrop of Cold War tensions, *Countdown* explores themes of sacrifice, human frailty, and the relentless push against the unknown. Altman's sharp direction and the cast's intense performances create a tense, claustrophobic experience that lingers long after the final frame.

As NASA scrambles to beat the Soviets, the film captures the raw tension of a would-be spaceman facing a year alone in the lunar shelter—a mission fraught with psychological and technical peril. The stark, minimalist setting amplifies the isolation, while the story's relentless pacing mirrors the urgency of the era's technological race. *Countdown (1967)* is more than a historical curiosity; it's a gripping thriller that humanizes the space age's boldest gamble.