Fail Safe
Seen it?1964 | 112 min | Thriller, Drama
Saturday SpecialWhy it’s a Saturday Special
Critics loved it (93% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it's still drawing plenty of interest. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who likes to be kept guessing. If you loved No Way Out or Zero Dark Thirty, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Tense.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 52 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1964: an older pace and style.
Because of a technical defect an American bomber team mistakenly orders the destruction of Moscow. The President of the United States has but little time to prevent an atomic catastrophe from occurring.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
93% on Rotten Tomatoes, 75 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.8 out of 10
- AwardsWeak
0 wins and 1 nomination from smaller awards and festivals
- Reach & staying powerSolid
Streaming release that reached a modest audience; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 140K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
No Way Out Saturday SpecialAnother thriller.
Unthinkable
Sunday Safe BetAnother drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Zero Dark Thirty
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed thriller.
UNABOMBER
Weeknight WatchAnother thriller, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Sudden Death Weeknight WatchAnother drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Sidney Lumet
- Henry FondaThe President
- Walter MatthauProf. Groeteschele
- Fritz WeaverCol. Cascio
- Larry HagmanBuck
- Frank OvertonGen. Bogan
- Edward BinnsCol. Jack Grady
- Dan O'HerlihyBrig. Gen. Warren A. Black
- William HansenDefense Secretary Swenson
- Russell HardieGen. Stark
- Janet WardHelen Grady