Fail Safe (2000)
A landmark live television drama pitting human judgment against nuclear catastrophe during the Cold War.
Fail Safe - Movie Information
- Original Title: Fail Safe
- Release Year: 2000
- Directed by: Stephen Frears
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Thriller, TV Movie
- Runtime: 1h 26m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 9, 2000
- Alternative Titles: Point Limite (FR), A Prova di Errore (IT)
- Production Companies: Warner Bros. Television, Maysville Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
Fail Safe - Plot
Cold War tensions climb to a fever pitch when a U.S. bomber is accidentally ordered to drop a nuclear warhead on Moscow.
Fail Safe - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the tension of this live Cold War drama unfold:
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Fail Safe - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Stephen Frears
Main Cast
- Walter Cronkite
- Richard Dreyfuss
- Noah Wyle
- Brian Dennehy
- Sam Elliott
- James Cromwell
- John Diehl
- Hank Azaria
- Norman Lloyd
- Bill Smitrovich
Producers
- Tom Park
Fail Safe - FAQs
What is Fail Safe (2000) about?
Fail Safe follows a terrifying Cold War scenario in which a technical malfunction sends a U.S. bomber squadron on an irreversible course to drop a nuclear bomb on Moscow. The President must make an unthinkable decision to prevent all-out nuclear war, raising urgent questions about technology, human error, and moral responsibility.
Was Fail Safe (2000) broadcast live on television?
Yes — Fail Safe was broadcast live on CBS on April 9, 2000, making it one of the first live dramatic television productions in the United States in decades. Filmed entirely in black and white, the production was a deliberate homage to the golden age of live TV drama and the original 1964 film.
Where can you watch Fail Safe (2000)?
You can watch Fail Safe on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, or Fandango At Home. It's available to rent or buy on all three platforms, so you have a few easy options depending on your preferred service.
Who stars in Fail Safe (2000)?
The cast is genuinely remarkable. Richard Dreyfuss plays the President, with George Clooney as Col. Jack Grady and Harvey Keitel as Brig. Gen. Warren Black. Brian Dennehy, Sam Elliott, Hank Azaria, Noah Wyle, and James Cromwell round out an ensemble that reads like a Hollywood all-star lineup.
Is Fail Safe (2000) based on a book?
Yes, Fail Safe is adapted from the 1962 novel of the same name by Eugene Burdick and Harvey Wheeler. The book was a bestseller that sparked real public debate about nuclear deterrence and the dangers of automated military systems during the height of the Cold War.
How does Fail Safe (2000) differ from the 1964 film?
Both versions share the same source novel and core story, but the 2000 production was performed and broadcast live, adding a raw, theatrical tension that sets it apart. The black-and-white format and live staging were deliberate choices to evoke the era of the original while creating a uniquely immediate viewing experience.
Who directed Fail Safe (2000)?
Stephen Frears directed the production. Known for films like The Queen, Dangerous Liaisons, and High Fidelity, Frears brought a precise, character-driven sensibility to this live broadcast, navigating a large ensemble cast and the unique pressures of real-time television performance.
How was Fail Safe (2000) received by critics?
Critics responded warmly to Fail Safe, praising the audacity of the live broadcast format, the strong ensemble performances, and the film's unflinching moral weight. Many highlighted it as a bold creative achievement for television, with the black-and-white photography and stage-like intensity drawing particular admiration.
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