Fail Safe (1964)

1964 • 112 minutes
4.7
75 reviews
93%
Tomatometer
Eligible
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About this movie

One of the greatest anti-war thrillers ever, FAIL-SAFE stars Henry Fonda, Walter Mathau, Dan O'Herlihy, Larry Hagman and Fritz Weaver (in his film debut) as a group of military men on the verge of World War III. When a military computer error deploys a squadron of SAC bombers to destroy Moscow, theAmerican President (Fonda) tries to call them back. But their sophisticated fail-safe system prevents him from aborting the attack, so he must convince the Soviets not to retaliate. In desperation, the President offers to sacrifice an American city if his pilots succeed in their deadly mission overMoscow. A four-star techno-thriller that builds tension and suspense with every tick of the nuclearclock. (Original Title - Fail Safe (1964)) © 1963, renewed 1991 Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Ratings and reviews

4.7
75 reviews
SOCIALIST DISTANCING
July 22, 2017
I first seen this movie at 12 years old in the 70s. I thought it was cool, but I really didn't get what they were driving at. Watching it again 35 years later, the movie took on a whole new meaning and somewhat disturbing observations. It's much deeper than the basic plot. "The economy depends on it" Let's see if you can pick up on the importance of that statement by Walter mathau. Enjoy!!
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Skip Doyle
December 21, 2020
Preachy, predictable, long-winded movie. I can see the book as a novel summertime read, but it does not translate to a screenplay.
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Abe Cabrera
April 19, 2020
I watched this as a kid and it still gives me a cold sweat at the end when the phone, you know is melting you can see it in your minds eye." The matador the matador is me"!!
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