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AbstractHistoryArchive Description
The story opens with a Dakota, whose crew is engaged on a meteorological survey, flying over the Arctic. Suddenly the wreckage of a plane and a moving human figure are spotted on the ice below. Rupert Royce, the meteorologist on board, volunteers to parachute down to investigate while the Dakota returns to base to organise a rescue expedition. He lands safely to find that there is one survivor of what proves to be a Russian plane. But, unknown to Royce, the Dakota crashes on its return journey and the whole crew is killed. As a result, his whereabouts are completely unknown to the outside world; all the authorities know is that his body is not found in the Dakota's wreckage. (Source: 1962 Hamish Hamilton Edition)
Adaptations
-
form
y
A Captive in the Land
( dir. John Berry
)
Russia
United Kingdom (UK)
:
Gorky Film Studio
Ask Soviet-American Films
Gloria Productions
,
1991
Z1547650
1991
single work
film/TV
An American meteorologist is on a flight mission over the Artic wasteland with the Royal Air Force when the crew spot a wrecked Russian plane. A lone survivor is visible from the air. While the crew are unable to stop to rescue him, the American volunteers to parachute into the site with supplies and tend to the wounded man until help can arrive. As the days wear on and no-one comes to their rescue, the pair set out on an arduous journey, the American saddled with most of the work and their relationship reflecting the continued misunderstanding and mistrust between the U.S. and the U.S.S.R.
Notes
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Epigraph: A captive in the land, / A stranger and a youth, / He heard the king's command, / He saw that writing's truth. / Lord Byron / 'Vision of Belshazzar' / Hebrew Melodies
Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of
Related Works
-
y
The Statesman's Game
London
:
Hamish Hamilton
,
1966
Z36080
1966
single work
novel
— Appears in: Plennik chuzhoi strany [and] Opasnai a igra : romany 1969;'Though he had once rejected his wealth, Rupert Royce now accepts his responsibilities and takes a commanding role in the shipping company his family owns. A possible deal with the Soviets would bring great profits but might also weaken the British Naval power in the long run.'
Source: Spy Guys and Gals (http://spyguysandgals.com/sgShowChar.aspx?id=669#bk_2582) (Sighted: 6/8/2018)
Works about this Work
-
James Aldridge
1963
single work
review
— Appears in: Realist Writer , August no. 12 1963; (p. 18)
— Review of A Captive in the Land 1962 single work novel
-
James Aldridge
1963
single work
review
— Appears in: Realist Writer , August no. 12 1963; (p. 18)
— Review of A Captive in the Land 1962 single work novel
Last amended 17 Mar 2009 08:57:03
Settings:
- 1960s
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