Time Limit (film)

Time Limit is a 1957 legal drama film directed by Karl Malden, his only directing credit. In his autobiography, Malden stated that he preferred being a good actor to being a fairly good director. Richard Widmark coproduced the film and stars. It is based on the Broadway play of the same name, written by Henry Denker and Ralph Berkey.

It seems to be an openandshut case, were it not for Cargills inexplicable refusal to defend himself. Arousing further suspicion is the fact that his collaboration immediately followed the deaths of two of his soldiers, and the units survivors all recite an identical, rehearsed account of those deaths. Edwards commander, General Connors Carl Benton Reid, has a strong personal interesthis son, Captain Joe Connors Yale Wexler, was one of those who diedand presses Edwards to recommend a courtmartial, but Edwards delves into the mystery, refusing to accept the facile explanations.In the end, the shocking truth comes out. Lieutenant George Miller Rip Torn reveals that after Lieutenant Harvey Manning Ross was killed trying to escape, the rest of the men discovered that, under torture, Captain Connors had betrayed him. Over Cargills strong objections, they decided to execute Connors. Drawing the short straw, Miller had to strangle him. Subsequently, their captor, Colonel Kim Khigh Dhiegh, gave Cargill an ultimatum give in, or all his men would be executed. He agreed to collaborate with the enemy to save their lives. ........

Source: Wikipedia