“Fail Safe” (1964), directed by Sidney Lumet, is a Cold War-era thriller that delves into the terrifying possibilities of nuclear war and technological failure. The film follows a tense and harrowing scenario in which a mechanical glitch causes an American bomber squadron to mistakenly receive orders to drop a nuclear bomb on Moscow.

As the U.S. President (played by Henry Fonda) and his advisors scramble to prevent an all-out nuclear catastrophe, they face a series of moral and strategic dilemmas. Despite their efforts to recall the planes and communicate with the Soviet Union, the bombers cannot be stopped due to the fail-safe protocols designed to prevent enemy interference. In a chilling climax, the President is forced to make an unthinkable decision to avert global destruction, highlighting the fragility of human control over technology and the devastating consequences of Cold War tensions. “Fail Safe” is a gripping and thought-provoking exploration of power, responsibility, and the precarious balance of nuclear deterrence.

Time: 2:00-4:00 pm EST

Free!