Fail-safe (1964)

Ugh. Wish I'd stopped watching at the start. Waste of 2 hours.

Yikes. Rubbish. This movie was very disjointed. Didn't flow well together. Walther Matthau was poor (didn't seem to fit the role and his acting seemed to be rather wooden and uninspired). I'd DEFINITELY recommend you check out this DVD from your local library system before buying it. I'm glad I didn't shell out any money to see it. January 6, 2009

Amazingly true,

Script is tight, handling is correct and the story taut.
Who would have known that a B&W movie would be so good.
There are no extravaganza stuff, no HUGE entourage for a president, etc.
Human emotions, and stuff.
And the ending is natural. Not some crappy heroic stuff where Bruce Willis saves the world. October 24, 2008

THIS FILM WILL NOT FAIL YOU

This movie stars Henry Fonda and Walter Matthau, with a fine performance by several other well known actors and actresses, including no less than Larry Hagman in what had to be one of his first movie appearances. Superbly acted all around.

If you can get past the black and white film, this movie is a classic in all respects. Very realistic in it's portrayal of Cold War nuclear threat and the game theory associated with it, the movie takes place largely in Omaha at the Strategic Air Command Headquarters.

The action really heats up when an inadvertent nuclear strike on Moscow is initiated. The film is well worth your time and money, regardless of whether or not you grew up during the Cold War period. It illustrates the horrors and potential pitfalls of the situations that could occur under the nuclear weapons defense system. The strategy known as "MAD" --Mutually Assured Destruction, was just that: insane. It also shows the dangers of allowing machines and computers too much control of our lives.

October 6, 2008

Quality product, awesome movie!!!

Amazon.com was amazing!! I ordered two copies of this movie, one for me and one gift wrapped for my wife's brother-in-law in Pennsylvania. They were both delivered within 2 days and were perfect. I have loved this movie since I first saw it. It is amazing that it has so many stars, and deals with such a deep subject, and yet nobody knows about this movie. From the look of the movie, to the way shots were framed and the camera angles, to the excellent performances, this is a must see!! September 10, 2008

Fail-Safe

Classic cold war thriller. Fairly reasonable plot, well acted, attention-holding. You should see this to get a flavor of the 1950' and 60's, when a commie was behind every door. September 9, 2008

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