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By Dawn's Early Light

Play trailer Poster for By Dawn's Early Light TV-14 1990 1h 40m Mystery & Thriller Play Trailer Watchlist
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A nuclear warhead launched by Soviet insurgents protesting the waning Cold War destroys the Ukrainian city of Donetsk. The destruction sets off a race between American and Soviet politicians to prevent a nuclear holocaust. While the U.S. president (Martin Landau) feverishly works to keep the military and political machine from going into overdrive, various subordinates panic. When the president is believed to be killed in a helicopter crash, zealous advisers take over.
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By Dawn's Early Light

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Mark B Yes it is of a time but accurate for the time it takes place. TV movie production values but a great cast with great acting. Very watchable movie. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 08/19/24 Full Review Dystopian P The best nuclear war movie ever made. Strong performances by everyone, and the procedures and programs shown were fairly accurate at the time (although obsolete now). SIOP was the system at the time, it was retired many years ago. A close adaptation of a very good book. CEASE ALL HOSTILITIES. MAINTAIN ALERT STATUS. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/02/23 Full Review Audience Member Reminds me of the movie "Fail Safe". Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/03/23 Full Review aw m Good older movie. Really makes you think, especially with what's going on in the world today. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member As someone who was in the Air Force, this movie was absolute garbage. Except for the fact they had the Air Force flying the B-52 and not the navy, they got nothing right. The movie came out in 1990, but women weren't allowed to serve in military combat roles until the mid 90's. Yet, here is a bomber crew with a female co-pilot who won't do her job, listen, or follow any orders. This was an hour and forty minutes of pure garbage and likely why Rebecca De Mornay's best role was already behind her in Risky Business. Rated 1 out of 5 stars 02/01/23 Full Review Audience Member A classic, and something I enjoy watching once a year Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/15/23 Full Review Read all reviews
By Dawn's Early Light

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Cast & Crew

Movie Info

Synopsis A nuclear warhead launched by Soviet insurgents protesting the waning Cold War destroys the Ukrainian city of Donetsk. The destruction sets off a race between American and Soviet politicians to prevent a nuclear holocaust. While the U.S. president (Martin Landau) feverishly works to keep the military and political machine from going into overdrive, various subordinates panic. When the president is believed to be killed in a helicopter crash, zealous advisers take over.
Director
Jack Sholder
Producer
Thomas M. Hammel
Production Co
Home Box Office (HBO), Paravision International S.A.
Rating
TV-14
Genre
Mystery & Thriller
Original Language
English
Release Date (DVD)
Jun 1, 2004
Runtime
1h 40m
Sound Mix
Stereo
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