MAROONED

US, 1970, 134 minutes, Colour.
Gregory Peck, David Janssen, James Franciscus, Richard Crenna, Gene Hackman, Lee Grant, Mariette Hartley, Nancy Kovack.
Directed by John Sturges.

Marooned is a well made space adventure (not a space odyssey) which should satisfy most fans of straightforward action movies. The theme is taken from the 1960's exploration, and echoes, at times alarmingly, some of the difficulties in particular projects over the years. However, this is one of those morale boosting American epics, in which one presumes that all will end on the whole well, because Gregory Peck is in charge and will bring everything to a safe conclusion.

The film, in its dialogue specifically as well as some of its situations, raises some very important questions about space exploration and men's lives, the expenditure of money by America and where it ought to be spent. The film also has a desperate situation for decision ? not enough oxygen for the three men to stay alive until rescued, but enough for two.

Peck is his impeccable self. Gene Hackman does another kind of role. David Janssen gives one of his usual performances.

1. Did you enjoy this film? Why?

2. Did the film seem authentic to you in its picture of the
realities as well as the dangers of space exploration?

3. Does a film like this create admiration for man's space projects? Pithy ?

4. Does the film raise questions about so much effort, thought, engineering money into such projects when so much is needed here on earth? Keith, in the film, answers 'yes'. Do you agree? Why?

5. How interesting was the programme in which the three astronauts were involved? What benefit was it? Why did they begin to slow down after some months? Was the decision right to bring them down before time? Why?

6. How frightening is human error and mechanical failure in such incidents as the failure of the capsule to achieve retrofire? Why? Are astronauts adequately prepared for the worst?

7. Comment on the characters of the three astronauts, their relationships with one another, their dedication to and understanding of their jobs, their response to the crisis. How could the situation have been bettered? Why did one man lose his nerve? Did Keith have the right to suggest that one of them die?

8. Why did Pruett choose to die? Why did he do it the way he did? What was the effect on the others, on you? Can a man do this for others? Why?

9. How did the introduction of the wives and their conversations with their husbands add to the film? The effect of Keith telephoning the news to Mrs Pruett? Could this have been handled better?

10. Keith as a person? The fact that stalwart Gregory Peck played the part? How did Keith handle the situation? Was he too cautious or did he take all factors into consideration? His response to the President? His talking to the three astronauts, to their wives; his responsibilities of life and death, of millions of dollars, to the team at Huston and Cape Kennedy? (The significance of his being chased by the police?).

11. Dougherty ? as a character? Was he wise? Was his impulse to arrange the rescue sound?

12. Was the rescue worth everything ? cost, energies, planning? Were the lives worth this? How important was the morale angle, the political angle?

13. How disappointed were you when the hurricane prevented blastoff? How pleased about the eye of the hurricane?

14. The reporters and their questions ? especially the critical ones? Keith's handling of the questions?

15. The significance of the Russian co-operation?

16. The relief that the men were saved?

17. Is this film rightly optimistic? Why? Was it a pro American propaganda film or a genuine American contemporary adventure?