Fail-Safe

Warren Black, a Brigadier General in the US Air Force, experiences a recurring nightmare about a bullfight. The dream ends with a piercing shriek that haunts him, leading to deep doubts about his role in managing nuclear weapons.

Walter Groteschele, a civilian professor, offers controversial views on nuclear warfare. He challenges the widely held belief that any nuclear exchange would lead to global annihilation, providing a different perspective to the Defense Department.

Frank Bogan, the commanding general of Strategic Air Command, showcases the military's advanced technology during a short-notice tour for Congressman Hubert Raskob. This tour requires him to urgently pull Colonel Warren Cascio away from a family visit.

Colonel Jack Grady leads Group Six, a squadron of Vindicator nuclear bombers based in Anchorage, Alaska. As he and his wingman, Billy Flynn, discuss their fellow pilots, they notice a troubling difference between modern aviators and those from World War II.

A routine replacement of faulty control equipment at SAC headquarters leads to unforeseen consequences. The replacement momentarily freezes the mainframe, which inadvertently activates the Fail-Safe box aboard the bombers of Group Six.

Simultaneously with the computer issues, Group Six’s radios are jammed by Soviet forces. The crew, believing that nuclear war has commenced, receives the fail-safe signal and is compelled to follow their final orders to attack Soviet Russia.

The President of the United States, accompanied by translator Peter Buck, descends into the White House command bunker to address the escalating crisis. They prepare to communicate with the Soviet Premier to prevent catastrophic retaliation.

Despite the President's efforts to stop Group Six, the pilots remain steadfast in their orders due to the belief that outside communications may be disinformation. This disconnect escalates the threat of an imminent nuclear attack on Moscow.

When the President questions the Soviet Premier about the radio jamming, the initial response is a denial. This lack of communication further complicates attempts to dissuade Group Six, exacerbating the ticking clock toward disaster.

A direct communication line to Soviet air defense is established, prompting General Bogan to instruct a technical sergeant on how to detonate air-to-air missiles. This drastic measure is undertaken in a bid to eliminate the threat posed by Group Six's approaching bombers.

Faced with the grim likelihood of nuclear catastrophe, the President makes a shocking proposal to the Soviet Premier. This deal is so unexpected that it jolts the Premier into realizing the gravity of the situation, as both leaders strive to prevent omnicide.

The intense negotiations and desperate measures taken by both the United States and Soviet leaders reflect the high stakes of the moment. Their mutual recognition of the unintended nature of the crisis leads to a temporary resolution, averting disaster.