Fail Safe

1964 • 112 minutes

About this movie

A squadron of SAC bombers head for Moscow to drop nuclear bombs due to faulty orders which cannot be reversed. When the bombers fly beyond FAIL-SAFE, the President is alerted and tries to convince Russian leaders that it's all a terrible blunder. Realizing that nothing can stop the bombing of Moscow, the President orders an A-bomb to be dropped on NYC to show the Russians that the US strike was accidental. (Original Title - Fail Safe (1964)) © 1963, renewed 1991 Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Ratings and reviews

This is a remarkable film, but one that makes for difficult viewing. It follows a horrifying series of events, and the tension is overwhelming, but I found the stoicism of the central characters the most compelling part of the film. The majority of the film is from the points of view of people isolated from the unfolding events in claustrophobic conference rooms, and placing the global events on such a personal scale makes them more immediate, and all the more harrowing. I would definitely recommend watching this film - although it's emotionally exhausting, it is worth sticking it out to the end. It doesn't currently have closed captions available, and there are a few instances of cross talk where the speech is briefly indistinct (but nothing crucial to understanding). Also be advised that there are loud, high-pitched sounds at both the beginning and ending of the film.

This is superb. Just adding my review to echo the previous responses, I agree wholeheartedly, there's not much left to say it's all been said. Suffice to say do not miss this wonderful example of a bygone age when the art of film making was at it's very best!!

Superbly acted by all, but to see comedy actors in these rolls makes for a very profound experience. Walter Mathau, incredible, Fonda too, but the list goes on...every world leader should be made to watch this before taking office and then annually! Responsibility thats the message!