Fail Safe

How this film uses it

The bombers are already in the air, and the film counts down their approach to Moscow. Recall orders fail, interceptors run out of fuel, and each failed attempt tightens the clock.

Where to see it

Group 6 launches: A computer fault sends valid-looking attack orders to a bomber flight. Colonel Grady obeys and flies toward Moscow while attempts to recall him fail.

How this film uses it

A score was written but not used, and the finished film plays with no music. You hear only voices, phones and machines, which keeps the film cold and procedural.

Where to see it

The call to Moscow: The President opens communication with the Soviet Premier, and with US help the Soviets harmlessly trigger the bombers' defense missiles.

How this film uses it

Each step to avoid war costs more than the last. The President ends up offering New York in exchange for the damage done to Moscow, and every compromise leads to a worse one.

Where to see it

The President's offer: Citing the Bible, the President proposes an eye for an eye to the Soviet Premier by sacrificing New York City to prevent a retaliatory attack.

How this film uses it

The last images show New Yorkers going about their day, as a run of frozen pictures before the detonation. The stillness turns ordinary people into the film's final argument.

Where to see it

The final minutes: Glimpses of New Yorkers in everyday life appear just before the atomic bomb detonates and incinerates the city.