| Director | Samuel Fuller |
|---|---|
| Box office | $1.4 million |
During the first winter of the Korean War, a 48-man U.S. Army platoon is ordered to hold a mountain chokepoint to cover the withdrawal of the larger unit across an exposed bridge. The men contend with subzero temperatures and frostbite as well as enemy fire.
As part of the rear-guard action, the platoon lays a minefield but struggles to keep track of the mine placements. When Sgt. Lonergan is wounded and trapped in the mined area, a rescue attempt results in another soldier’s death. Corporal Denno manages to bring Lonergan out, but the sergeant soon dies of his wounds.
Sgt. Rock, the platoon’s steadying presence, is later killed by a ricochet. With the chain of command collapsing, Denno—reluctant and inwardly focused—must assume leadership as the surviving soldiers attempt to complete their mission and reach the bridge.