Hell And High Water (1954) Synopsis / Plot A privately-financed scientist and his colleagues hire an ex-Navy officer (Widmark) to conduct an Alaskan submarine expedition in order to prevent a Red Chinese anti-American plot that may lead to World War III. Mixes deviously plotted schoolboy fiction with submarine spectacle and cold war heroics. Awards 1954: Nominated for Oscar: Best Special Effects 1954: Directors Guild of America (DGA): Nominated for Best Director 1953: Golden Globes: Most Promising Newcomer - Female (Bella Darvi)