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Fail-Safe
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Fail-Safe (1964) More at IMDbPro »

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Overview

User Rating:
8.0/10   7,241 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 59% in popularity this week. See rank & trends on IMDbPro.
Director:
Sidney Lumet
Writers:
Walter Bernstein (screenplay)
Eugene Burdick (novel) ...
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Contact:
View company contact information for Fail-Safe on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
7 October 1964 (USA) more
Genre:
Drama | Thriller more
Tagline:
It will have you sitting on the brink of eternity!
Plot:
American planes are sent to deliver a nuclear attack on Moscow, but it's a mistake due to an electrical malfunction. Can all-out war be averted? full summary | full synopsis
Awards:
3 nominations more
User Comments:
Superior Cold War drama more

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)
Dan O'Herlihy ... General Black

Walter Matthau ... Groeteschele

Frank Overton ... General Bogan
Ed Binns ... Colonel Grady
Fritz Weaver ... Colonel Cascio

Henry Fonda ... The President

Larry Hagman ... Buck
William Hansen ... Secretary Swenson
Russell Hardie ... General Stark
Russell Collins ... Knapp
Sorrell Booke ... Congressman Raskob
Nancy Berg ... Ilsa Wolfe

John Connell ... Thomas
Frank Simpson ... Sullivan
Hildy Parks ... Betty Black
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Additional Details

Runtime:
112 min
Country:
USA
Language:
English
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Mono (RCA Sound Recording)

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
The big screen in the control room at Omaha was entirely front-projection, and had to be very carefully contrasted to appear clearly on black and white film. This posed a problem for the crew, as the air in the room had to be totally clear of dust so as not to disrupt the image (and make the projection obvious). The screen in the war-room used the same film-stock but was rear-projection. more
Goofs:
Continuity: The end credits list General Black's wife as named Betty, but in the film he addresses her as Katie, and in a radio conversation, the President asks Black, "are Kathryn and the kids in New York?" more
Quotes:
Defense Secretary Swenson: The President says he may have to order our fighters to shoot down Group Six. He wants our opinion.
Prof. Groeteschele: I oppose it, sir, on the grounds that it's premature. Our planes have not yet reached Soviet territory, they're still hundreds of miles away.
Brigadier General Warren A. Black: We've got to do it, and fast! Right now before it's too late!
Gen. Stark: It might be too late anyway. Those fighters swung away from the bombers when they got the all-clear signal, they've been flying in opposite directions.
more
Movie Connections:
Referenced in "The Governor & J.J.: File Safe (#2.5)" (1970) more

FAQ

What is this movie's connection to Dr. Strangelove?
more
14 out of 14 people found the following comment useful:-
Superior Cold War drama, 10 February 2004
10/10
Author: perfectbond

I was thoroughly in suspense throughout this magnificent film. I almost felt as if I was watching World War III unfurl like the Gulf War did on CNN, it was that convincing. Fonda as the President and Matthau as the Professor, in truly memorable performances, are superb in their roles and indeed the entire cast is strongly competent. Besides the unforgettable ending, by way of the President's unthinkable concession, are the arguments and attitudes of the Professor and Colonel Cascio. At the time it must have been very tempting to many hawks in Cold War administrations to end the deadlock whenever a seemingly decisive opening presented itself. I strongly recommend this film for its believablity and realism and even the final credits! 10/10.

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Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Fail-Safe (1964)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
Prof. Groeteschele's Sexuality bhoover247
Would YOU sacrifice New York City ...? blubb06
Music!! The lack thereof!! hkrueger-1
Anyone else have this problem with the ending? djr2
so, what would happen next (spoiler) shepherd-26
not on the top 250 mroffman
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