By Dawn's Early Light (1990)

Nuclear war-- a nightmare that may become grim reality for the world in this riveting thriller. When a fanatical group opposed to friendly U.S./Soviet relations explodes a nuclear missile over a Russian city it begins a chain reaction of accusations and actions that begin the groundwork for WWIII. As the clock ticks toward total nuclear annihilation the American presidentand the Soviet president race toward a solution fighting with their own camps as well as with each other. Two air force pilots involved romantically as well as professionally Cassidy (Powers Boothe) and Moreau (Rebecca de Mornay) are ordered to take their B-52 bomber into the air and await further instruction from the president (Martin Landau). But when it is reported that a bomb has killed the President pilots Cassidy and Moreau are ordered to perform the "grand tour" the systematic bombing of th ebunkers of all Russian leaders. Can these two follow through on a command that will mark the beginning of the end?Running Time: 101 min.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: DRAMA UPC: 026359044021 Manufacturer No: 90440 Product Description

By dawn's early light.

This is one of my all-time favorite movies! The senario is so hauntingly real that if you've ever served on nuclear alert(as I have), and had to sit for long hours inside a cramped B-52 just waiting........you understand. Of course the Director took liberties, sitting around waiting to go doesn't make for exciting cienma.I am proud of the role I had to end the Cold War and this portrayal is about as good as it get! April 4, 2008

Good movie for the price.

My friend gave me "The Day After" as a gift, and after watching that movie I was interested in seeing other Cold War era movies. This movie was cheaper than "Fail Safe" and from the reviews, it sounded okay, so I bought it. I'm glad I did.

As noted in other reviews, "The Dawns Early Light" revolves around a nuclear exchange between the U.S. and the former Soviet Union. Thinking that they were attacked by NATO, the Soviets launch a limited nuclear attack on the U.S., then the Soviet Premier FAXes/e-mails the President and tell him that it was a big mistake (I guess there was no direct line red phone).

The U.S. armed forces go on alert and launch in response, even as their bases are being bombed. Later, the U.S. President talks with the Soviet Premier to discuss options of limiting the overall damage, having decided that the attack was a mistake. But, while the attack on the U.S. was said to be a mis-understanding, Soviet fighters kept attacking the bombers and U.S. ships were being torpedoed.

References are made about China attacking the U.S.S.R., but it seemed a little odd that the U.S. President didn't have direct communication with the leaders of other NATO countries, or any reports of what was happening outside of the U.S. The U.S. President may be able to stop the U.S. attack, but what about China?

I noted what I thought was a vailed reference to "Star Trek" when the General, played by James Earl Jones, tells the pilot of his aircraft "Smitty" that he needs full power out of his engines, to catch another plane within five minutes.

This movie would be a good addition to a Cold War era collection.
February 24, 2008

A Few Good Soilders

I love this movie. It's World War III. And it's up to a few good men and women to try and stop this thing. You'll be paying attention every moment. Enjoy. June 29, 2007

A classic for any collection .....

I saw this quite impressive movie years ago on television and bought it to add to my movie collection mostly for nostalgia's sake. The main reason I enjoyed it years ago and continue to enjoy it is its casting of Powers Boothe as the quintessential military man doing his darnedest to follow orders.

I like Powers Boothe. I like every movie he appears in. Powers Boothe adds *presence* to movies.

That said, for me this story revolves around Mr. Boothe's pilot character and his battle with an obstinate and very un-military-like female co-pilot. He wishes to follow orders and drop his bombs. She wimps out and argues against it. Somehow beyond my comprehension, the wimpy co-pilot convinces the pilot to disregard direct orders and turn around.

Despite this decision falling into line with the theme of the movie overall, I still find myself wishing the man had stuck to his guns against the childish ravings of the woman in the seat beside him. Tsk, tsk, tsk.

(I'm a woman, btw, for those of you reading this review who wish to attempt a grasp of my logic here!)

An excellent drama and one worth seeing ... even to pass on for the edification of younger generations! :-)
June 13, 2007

Scary wake up call

I remember watching this for the first time by accident while I was channel surfing and was drawn into it. It is a very powerful look at what could have happened during the cold war, and could happen today. A lot of people have said if there is another World War it would be caused by accidental circumstances or rouge elements. I really liked this movie, decent actors, good plot. It was a scary look a potential events. April 10, 2007

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