8.0/10
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Fail-Safe (1964)

Not Rated | | Drama, Thriller | 25 February 1965 (France)
Fail-Safe Poster
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?

Director:

Writers:

(screenplay), (from the novel by) | 1 more credit »

Stars:

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3 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
... Gen. Black
... Dr. Groeteschele
... Gen. Bogan
... Col. Grady (as Ed Binns)
... Col. Cascio
... The President
... Buck
William Hansen ... Secretary Swenson
... Gen. Stark (as Russell Hardy)
... Knapp
... Congressman Raskob
Nancy Berg ... Ilsa Wolfe
... Thomas
Frank Simpson ... Sullivan
... Betty Black
See full cast »
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Storyline

A series of human and computer errors sends a squadron of American 'Vindicator' bombers to nuke Moscow. The President, in order to convince the Soviets that this is a mistake, orders the Strategic Air Command to help the Soviets stop them. Written by KC Hunt <khunt@eng.morgan.edu>

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

nuclear attack | nightmare | american president | bomber | strategic air command | See All (88) »

Taglines:

The screen zeros in on the most suspenseful adventure drama of our age! See more »

Genres:

Drama | Thriller

Certificate:

Not Rated | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

25 February 1965 (France)  »

Also Known As:

Fail Safe  »

Filming Locations:

 »

Company Credits

Production Co:

 »
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Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

(RCA)

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

With one exception (see goofs entry), all shots of US Air Force "Vindicator" bombers are views of the same Convair B-58 Hustler, taken from a stock piece of film after the Department of Defense declined to cooperate with the filmmakers. See more »

Goofs

The Air Force master sergeant supervisor and a few other airmen in the command post are wearing their "U.S." collar insignia incorrectly. In addition, many of the airmen also wear Strategic Air Command shoulder patches on their tan Type 505 or 1505 shirts. In actuality, shoulder patches were not worn with that type of uniform. See more »

Quotes

Prof. Groeteschele: [after recommending an unprovoked attack by the U.S. on Moscow] And the Lord said, gentlemen, "He who is without sin, let him cast the first stone."
See more »

Crazy Credits

[FINAL CREDIT]: The producers of this film wish to stress that it is the stated position of the Department of Defense and the United States Air Force that a rigidly enforced system of safeguards and controls insure that occurrences such as those depicted in this story cannot happen See more »

Connections

Referenced in The Sum of All Fears (2002) See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is this movie's connection to Dr. Strangelove?
See more »

User Reviews

 
Superior Cold War drama
10 February 2004 | by – See all my reviews

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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