Marooned (1969)

100% of critics liked it
(5 reviews)
39% of users liked it
(1,246 ratings)

In this tense and suspenseful science fiction thriller, Charles Keith (Gregory Peck) is the ground commander in Houston who monitors the space mission of three astronauts. Buzz (Gene Hackman), Jim (Richard Crenna) and Clayton (James Franciscus) have their lives put in jeopardy when the oxygen supply… More In this tense and suspenseful science fiction thriller, Charles Keith (Gregory Peck) is the ground commander in Houston who monitors the space mission of three astronauts. Buzz (Gene Hackman), Jim (Richard Crenna) and Clayton (James Franciscus) have their lives put in jeopardy when the oxygen supply in the space capsule drops. Ted Dougherty (David Janssen) is sent to try and rescue the doomed astronauts. When it becomes clear there is not enough oxygen, it is suggested that one of the men commit suicide to allow the other two to live. Jim, the unit commander, makes an excuse to spacewalk. Under the guise of making repairs, he cuts himself loose from the life line and drifts away into the cold darkness of space. Russian cosmonauts race against time to try and save their American counterparts. An Oscar-winner for "Best Special Visual Effects," the film also picked up nominations for "Best Cinematography" and "Best Sound." It was later retitled Space Travelers. ~ Dan Pavlides, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: G, 2 hr. 9 min.
Directed By: John Sturges
Written By: Mayo Simon
Genres: Action & Adventure, Science Fiction & Fantasy

In Theaters: Dec 11, 1969 Wide
On DVD: Nov 18, 2003

Critic Reviews

Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
... heavy on the technical details.

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Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

Yes, the story sounds interesting and the cast has some very famous people, but by the middle of the movie it gets incredibly boring and predictable, and it's slow too. I didn't like it, but it wasn't all bad either.
Daniel H

It unfolds slowly, with realistic but often no cinematic purpose. As the last quarter of the film approaches, it regains its cinematic credentials and regains a tense, anxious air. It truly shines when understood in its timeframe, between the Moon Landing and Apollo 13 incident. It… More
It unfolds slowly, with realistic but often no cinematic purpose. As the last quarter of the film approaches, it regains its cinematic credentials and regains a tense, anxious air. It truly shines when understood in its timeframe, between the Moon Landing and Apollo 13 incident. It covers the same ground that many later Space Race dramas would cover, and often covers them with better humanity and thoroughness. An excellent window into this tense stage of space-travel... and if it fails occasionally as a film, it can be excused for what it lets us watch with a sense of authenticity and honesty.
El Hombre I

In 1969, this was accepted as science fiction. A year later, the country would be hanging on their seats when a similar thing happened to the astronauts of Apollo 13. The visual effects are very good for their time. Like Stanley Kubrick, John Sturges realizes that the most effective… More
In 1969, this was accepted as science fiction. A year later, the country would be hanging on their seats when a similar thing happened to the astronauts of Apollo 13. The visual effects are very good for their time. Like Stanley Kubrick, John Sturges realizes that the most effective special effects are of the more subtle, artful variety. Marooned may be slow-paced at times, but it certainly is worth investing in and especially for those who are fans of science fiction who also want an intelligent, well made film
Anthony V

Taunt drama with great cast.
alan j

big stars, big letdown...seriously outdated, moves slowly and way too dry!