An interesting film that differs slightly from the book. You recall the scientist character played by Fred Astaire. In the film he kills himself by running his race car in the garage and inhaling the fumes. The book has him putting it on blocks and leaving the wheels off. This is so the when they go flat the weight of the car won't ruin them. Then he takes out the plugs and pours oil into the heads so it will not seize. The bodywork is given 3 coats of wax which is not removed. In other words he preserves the car so that who or whatever might find it, will be able to enjoy it. Only then does he take a pill to end his life. The hope of hope in this action adds so much more the the poignancy of the situation.
May I also recommend "A Town like Alice" (Also by Nevil Shute) Made into a film with Peter Finch and Virginia McKenna in 1951. This is abridged (although they did a mini series in 1981 which was more complete). It has a great hero, strong, courageous and caring but it is the female heroine that is the most interesting. A forerunner of feminism. It is her strength that he falls for.