Cold Sweat

Cold Sweat is a gripping 1970 American thriller film directed by Jack Starrett, set against the backdrop of the Korean War and its aftermath. The movie revolves around Joe Moran, a former soldier who has grown disillusioned with the injustices of the military system. The story begins during the Korean War, where Joe Moran (played by Bruce Dern) finds himself at odds with a stern colonel. In a heated exchange, Joe Moran resorts to physical violence, striking the colonel, and is subsequently court-martialed and imprisoned in a German military stockade. While in confinement, Joe Moran is shocked to discover his former army company commander, Captain Ross (played by Robert Webber), among the prisoners. However, Ross' presence in prison is not due to a military offense but rather for black marketeering activities. Recognizing an opportunity, Ross enlists the services of Joe Moran and a few trusted cohorts to aid in an escape attempt. The quartet agrees to work together, and on the fateful night of their escape, they successfully breach the prison walls, with Joe Moran initially joining the group. However, during a chaotic scene, a misunderstanding unfolds when Ross' accomplices take an unnecessary risk, resulting in the tragic loss of an innocent life at the hands of a German policeman. Enraged and appalled by the violence he has just witnessed, Joe Moran turns on his cohorts and decides to abandon them, fearing that he will likely be the next one to be caught and punished. As Joe Moran flees on foot, the pursuing police finally recapture the escapees. Years following the traumatic escape experience, Joe Moran has seemingly started a new life for himself in a tranquil setting. He now runs a successful boat rental business, operating from the picturesque coastline of the United States. Life appears serene and peaceful for Joe Moran, with the occasional visit from old acquaintance and occasional client, a sailor named Captain Ross. However, the past begins to catch up on Joe Moran when Captain Ross reappears in his life, no longer the charming sailor he once was. Ross is now a notorious wanted individual for smuggling narcotics. Ross approaches Joe Moran with a plan to utilize the boat rental business as a front for his narcotics smuggling operation. To ensure Joe Moran's cooperation, Ross resorts to a desperate measure – kidnapping Joe Moran's wife, Ellen, and daughter. Ross intends to hold the family hostage, using them as leverage to coerce Joe Moran into assisting with his illicit activities. The kidnapping serves as the catalyst for the intense, suspenseful narrative of Cold Sweat. With the safety and well-being of his loved ones hanging precariously in the balance, Joe Moran finds himself torn between his own self-preservation and his love for his family. As he is drawn back into the dark world of Captain Ross, Joe Moran must confront the moral complexities of helping a notorious smuggler, even under the dire circumstances.