"The Bedford Incident" is a 1965 thriller centered on a tense standoff between a U.S. Navy destroyer, the USS Bedford, commanded by Captain Eric Finlander, and a Soviet submarine in the North Atlantic. As Finlander's obsession with engaging the Soviet vessel intensifies, he disregards the dangers of escalating conflict. The film explores themes of military ethics and the consequences of aggression. A tragic climax unfolds as the captain’s determination leads to a catastrophic confrontation, highlighting the perils of Cold War tensions.

"The Bedford Incident" was primarily filmed in and around the coastal waters of New England, specifically in locations such as the Boston area and the Atlantic Ocean. The film captures the essence of naval operations and the harsh realities of maritime life, contributing to its tense atmosphere. The choice of location enhances the story's themes of military tension and human conflict at sea.

At the end of "The Bedford Incident," the tension escalates between the American destroyer USS Bedford and a Soviet submarine. Captain Eric Finlander, played by Sidney Poitier, becomes increasingly obsessed with capturing the submarine. In a final confrontation, he gives the order to fire a missile at the submarine, but it leads to disastrous consequences. The missile strikes the submarine, resulting in its destruction. The film ends with the tragic realization of the futility of war and the loss of life, highlighting the dangers of military confrontation during the Cold War.