Pueblo

This story deserves to be told to our kids and grandchildren. Why no video release that would cost a pittance. Once upon a time in America we had programs about history and heroes. We seldom talk openly about American heroes anymore, and prefer to elevate celebrities. Here is a real story, about real men, placed in a very difficult situation. The Captain, Lloyd M. Bucher was a true hero who saved the lives of those under his command.

This movie was originally broadcast on television and I watched it as a young person. It is riveting and I remember the intense interactions of the Captain, the board trying him and his captors. Recently I watched this again and it was even better the second time I saw it.

Staged in Acts like a stage play "Pueblo" is riveting in its portrayal of men under duress, and the pressures they faced at the hands of an enemy, and then their own superiors when they did return home. This story deserves to be heard and seen by new generations of Americans.

This made for TV film is done semi-documentary style with certain parts resembling a stage play. The story is the important part. North Korean forces capture an American Naval vessel and the crew is imprisoned for nearly a year. Their captivity at the hands of the North Koreans is depicted through flashback sequences. Recently Arthur Kent hosted a documentary on the History Channel about the Pueblo incident that was superb.

This television movie is much like a stage play, videotaped for TV. It is absolutely riveting. I was a child at the time it originally aired and I knew nothing of the Pueblo incident, but I soon learned the entire, harrowing story, thanks in part to this excellent drama.

Hal Holbrook, normally very good in any role he tackles, is superb as Commander Lloyd Bucher. The story involves the illegal capture of the American spy ship U.S.S. Pueblo off the North Korean coast in January of 1968. After the capture the U.S. Navy tried to use Bucher as a scapegoat for surrendering without firing a shot, but his actions resulted in saving the lives of all but one of his crewmen. Holbrook is excellent as the tortured Bucher (both emotionally and physically) who has to struggle to keep him men alive and his dignity intact. Holbrook (just like the real Bucher) manages to do both.

I do not know who directed this stage-play picture, but it was wonderfully done. The grim torture scenes are not too explicit but there's always a gloomy, ominous air of fear in the flashback scenes. It really affected me as a kid and it has always stuck with me.

Holbrook does a great job in the court-room scenes and the viewer gets a tremendous feeling of empathy for him as he battles his injuries, his emotional hatred of the North Koreans and his own superior officers who are looking anywhere but at themselves for the blame.

There's a fine supporting cast including the always-reliable Ronny Cox.

Anyone who appreciates fine drama should see this. This harrowing story is even more poignant because it is true. We should not forget the heroes of the U.S.S. Pueblo... this film allows us the chance to always remember.