However, Sam is informed by his superior that the Chinese have entered the war, so they will have to conduct a "fighting withdrawal".

That night, the Chinese attack in battalion strength and almost overrun the company, but artillery fire drives them back.

Finally, the men are too tired to go on, so Sam uses his bottle of scotch ... as incentive for once they rejoin their side.

The film was shot with the cooperation of the United States Marine Corps at the Mountain Warfare Training Center at Pickel Meadows, California that recreated the events of the Battle of Chosin Reservoir.

Allied Artists originally approached the Marine Corps for assistance after the book's initial release.