Lee Stegler ( James Caan ) is chosen over the more experienced Chiz Stewart ( Robert Duvall ) because Lee is a civilian, highlighting the mission's "peaceful" intent. Production and Realism
The crushing pressure of being a "pawn" in a global race. Countdown(1967)
Countdown (1967) is a space-race thriller directed by , starring James Caan and Robert Duvall . Set during the height of the Cold War, the film depicts a desperate NASA mission to land an American on the Moon before the Soviet Union. It is based on the 1964 novel The Pilgrim Project by Hank Searls . Plot Overview Lee Stegler ( James Caan ) is chosen