Nice, likable fable about a race to land the first person on the Moon.  The Russians and the Americans are locked in battle again to be the first nation to get a person on the Moon.  The Americans opt for a barely space worthy civilian to represent the US in an effort to match a similarly progandistic move dreamed up by the Russians.  A last second flurry of preparation sends James Caan rocketing to the Moon with Robert Duval acting as his more experienced coach.  The whole thing is drenched in melodrama but don’t let that deter you.  You will likely become engrossed.  This is an early effort from eventually important director Robert Altman.  He apparently acted as a director for hire during this production and had to follow studio orders which did not sit well with him.  A few years later, he would take an overall more controlling grip in the creation of his films.  “Countdown” moves along briskly well and there are a few suspenseful moments on the trip.  The 1960’s era technology on display is eye opening and somewhat dated at the same time.  Watch this film at least once.