Marooned (1969)

Three astronauts (Richard Crenna, Gene Hackman, James Franciscus) are the first crew of an experimental space station. After a couple of months, one of the astronauts (Hackman) begins behaving erratically so the mission is scrubbed and they are ordered to return to Earth. But the spacecraft doesn't have enough fuel to initiate atmospheric entry and they are running out of precious oxygen. So a plan is hastily put together to rescue them. Based on the novel by Martin Caidin and directed by John Sturges (GUNFIGHT AT THE O.K. CORRAL). Originally intended for Frank Capra to direct (thank heaven that was nipped in the bud), Sturges focuses on the human component rather than the scientific elements. His methodical approach prevents it from the tension of an APOLLO 13 (though the film gave Apollo 13's Jim Lovell's wife nightmares) but while others may find it too dry (or boring), I liked Sturges' take. Enough attention is paid to the characters which allows some good performances, notably Gene Hackman, Richard Crenna and Lee Grant (she has no dialog when told her husband is dead but her body language is eloquent) with only James Franciscus as a weak link. The film has no underscore, just sound effects. With Gregory Peck, David Janssen, Nancy Kovack, Mariette Hartley and Scott Brady.