Woodyanders Review of Red Alert

Red Alert (1977 TV Movie)

A superior and suspenseful 70's made-for-TV disaster thriller

[9/10 · 2 February 2007]

This gripping and harrowing 70's made-for-TV disaster thriller tells the frightfully plausible story of a near total meltdown at a Minnesota nuclear power plant that's caused by a sudden explosion. Trying to avert a major catastrophe are cynical veteran investigator Frank Brolen (a top-notch performance by the always excellent William Devane) and his young eager beaver partner Carl Wyche (winningly played by Michael Brandon). Standing in Brolen's way is strict ramrod by-the-book nuke plant manager Henry Stone (a splendidly hateful Ralph Waite). Tautly directed by William Hale, with a smart, complex and provocative script by Sandor Stern and admirably complex characters, this supremely chilling and convincing picture provides plenty of nerve-wracking tension as its absorbing and scarily believable story unfolds. Popping up in sturdy supporting roles are Jim Siedow as Howard Ives, the embittered and disillusioned mad bomber who's responsible for the dire situation; Adrienne Barbeau as Wyche's wife Judy, and M. Emmet Walsh as the excitable Sheriff Sweeney. An engrossing, intelligent and overall impressive nail-biter that's well worth checking out.