By Dawn's Early Light (1990)
Four People. Three Minutes. Two Choices. One Chance For Survival.
Nuclear war - a nightmare that may become grim reality for the world in this riveting thriller. When a fanatical group opposed to friendly U.S./Soviet relations explodes a nuclear missile over a Russian city, it begins a chain reaction of accusations and actions that begin the groundwork for WWIII. As the clock ticks toward nuclear annihilation, the American President and the Soviet President race toward a solution, fighting within their own camps as well as with each other. Two Air Force pilots involved romantically as well as professionally, Cassidy (Powers Boothe) and Moreau (Rebecca De Mornay), are ordered to take their B-52 bomber into the air and await further instruction from the president (Martin Landau). But when it is reported that a bomb has killed the President, pilots Cassidy and Moreau are ordered to perform the "grand tour", the systematic bombing of the bunkers of all Russian leaders. Can these two follow through on a command that will mark the beginning of the end?
Member Reviews
Another take on a potential nuclear holocaust - Coconut_Willy
This HBO made for television film left me a bit unsatisfied. The storyline is not really original as numerous other movies have been made on the same subject but the angle is a bit different as instead of dealing with the action itself, it looks at the power struggle that might take place in such dire circumstances. The movie starts up real fast but it seemed to me that as the story goes on, the pace slows down quite a bit until the ending approaches. One thing worth mentioning here is the stellar cast present; numerous big names of both television and cinema. The acting job is a bit uneven though as some of these good actors end up with bad roles. The sets and locations are good, the soundtrack is way too discreet and the camera work is professional. Although the premise of the movie would justify the use of spectacular effects, there are very few present here. I believe it is entertaining enough but with all it had in its favour, I think this should have been a lot better.Intriguing - wallythom
I thought that "By Dawn's Early Light" was rivoting. I sat glued to it from beginning to end. James Earl Jones was spectacular in his role. The only thing that I felt was confusing was the ending where the pilot's of the two planes instructions were vague. Even though the movie was intriguing, I gather some focal points of the movie ended up on the cutting room floor. If you watch, you must watch withou intruptions.By Dawn's Early Light - brucemcl
This is a 90's update with the flavour of Dr. Strangelove, On the Beach, and especially Failsafe. It does not have the comedic flavor of Dr Strangelove, nor the very depressing ending of On the Beach, but it is played absolutely seriously and logically the way Failsafe was. I especially liked Martin Landu's performance as the President and his telephone interaction with the never seen Russian President. If you enjoyed any of the other films I recommend this and have enjoyed watching them all several times for their own merits.
Member Reviews
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Another take on a potential nuclear holocaust - Coconut_Willy
This HBO made for television film left me a bit unsatisfied. The storyline is not really original as numerous other movies have been made on the same subject but the angle is a bit different as instead of dealing with the action itself, it looks at the power ...Intriguing - wallythom
I thought that "By Dawn's Early Light" was rivoting. I sat glued to it from beginning to end. James Earl Jones was spectacular in his role. The only thing that I felt was confusing was the ending where the pilot's of the two planes instructions were vague. ...By Dawn's Early Light - brucemcl
This is a 90's update with the flavour of Dr. Strangelove, On the Beach, and especially Failsafe. It does not have the comedic flavor of Dr Strangelove, nor the very depressing ending of On the Beach, but it is played absolutely seriously and logically the ...