Assault on the Wayne

It must have been nice for Leonard Nimoy to lose the ears and not play Spock in this made for TV movie. He's the commander of a submarine with enemy agents on board,fighting both sabotage and ill health,this is a neat little suspense story which rattles along entertainingly to the end.

And it's to Nimoy's acting ability that after a while you stop thinking of him as Spock and just see him as the sub's commander.

Surrounded by other familiar faces from TV films/series, it's good ensemble work from all concerned. Just wish today's film makers could learn that brevity can be a plus and not a minus and not every film has to be over three hours!!

Average TV-thriller takes place aboard the nuclear submarine USS Anthony Wayne. It's commander (a sturdy Leonard Nimoy) is leading the Wayne to an unknown destination for a top secret mission, but on their way his recurring headaches and seemingly ill health (and psyche) worries the crew. At the same time some major plot involving sabotage is under way... As a product of television, not bad, but it offers nothing new except maybe the enjoyement of seeing Keenan Wynn as a real good-natured hero!

The cast in "Assault on the Wayne" is very impressive for a made for TV movie. It stars Leonard Nimoy and he's supported by the likes of William Wyndom, Sam Elliott, Malachi Throne, Keenan Wynn as well as Joseph Cotten in a small role. And, to save money, the sets and some of the footage from "Ice Station Zebra" were used.

Nimoy is the Commander of a nuclear submarine. He has some sort of top secret orders and he's running an extremely tight ship. However, it soon is apparent that something is going on...and there are some spies aboard the ship waiting to do something really evil. But what, exactly, is going to happen? See the film and find out for yourself...suffice to say, it AIN'T good!!

The plot for this film is exceptionally good...and very taut and original. My only problem is that twice, folks are fighting with evil saboteurs...and NEVER call out for help!! It happens with both Keenan Wynn AND Leonard Nimoy's characters. This is a very commonly used movie cliché...so I won't fault the film too much. Otherwise, a terrific film...far better than I'd expected. I'd say more but I don't want to spoil the suspense!!

Many recent moviemakers should study some of the TV-movies that were made for American television back in the 1970´s. This one is, like many other of its kind, only about 72 minutes long, which means that the story has to pick up speed straight from the beginning.

There is no time for longeurs and too many subplots, which means that the film is very effective and straightforward in its storytelling.

"Assault..." is an exciting and well-made little suspensor, with plot twists and a couple of famous actors, which makes it satisfying entertainment.