---
title: "By Dawn's Early Light"
year: 1990
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/by-dawn-s-early-light-1990"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 20674
imdb_id: "tt0099197"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 101
community_rating: 6.5
vote_count: 72
content_rating: "PG"
---

# By Dawn's Early Light (1990) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/by-dawn-s-early-light-1990

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

By Dawn's Early Light is a television movie released in the United States on May 19, 1990, spanning genres including action, drama, and thriller with a runtime of one hour and forty-one minutes. The film features a cast that includes Powers Boothe, Rebecca De Mornay, James Earl Jones, and Martin Landau. The plot begins when a nuclear warhead, launched by Soviet insurgents who are protesting the waning Cold War, destroys the Ukrainian city of Donetsk. This catastrophic event sets off a race between Soviet and American politicians to prevent a nuclear holocaust. While the United States president feverishly works to keep the political and military machine from going into overdrive, various subordinates panic. Complications arise when the president is believed to have been killed in a helicopter crash, leading zealous advisers to take over the situation.

## The Hook & The Verdict

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | None | Amazon Video |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Jack Sholder
- **Networks / Studios**: Daniel L. Paulson Productions, HBO

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Powers Boothe** as *Cassidy*
- **Rebecca De Mornay** as *Moreau*
- **James Earl Jones** as *Alice*
- **Martin Landau** as *President*
- **Darren McGavin** as *Condor*
- **Rip Torn** as *Colonel Fargo*
- **Jeffrey DeMunn** as *Harpoon*
- **Peter MacNicol** as *Sedgwick*
- **Glenn Withrow** as *Tyler*
- **Ronald William Lawrence** as *Hooker*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Where can I stream or watch By Dawn's Early Light online?
By Dawn's Early Light is currently available to watch or stream on Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Amazon Video. Check our live regional availability tracker above for latest direct streaming, subscription, rent, or purchase options.

### Q: Is By Dawn's Early Light worth watching?
By Dawn's Early Light holds a community rating of 6.5/10 based on 72 verified viewer ratings. It offers engaging TV Movie, Action for fans of the genre.

### Q: How long is the movie By Dawn's Early Light and when was it released?
By Dawn's Early Light is a feature film with a runtime of 101 minutes. It was released in 1990. Release status: Released.

### Q: Who directed By Dawn's Early Light?
By Dawn's Early Light was directed by Jack Sholder.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [By Dawn's Early Light — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/20674)
- [By Dawn's Early Light (1990)](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/)
- [By Dawn's Early Light (1990)](https://www.themoviedb.org/)
- [By Dawn's Early Light (TV) (1990) - Filmaffinity](https://help.naver.com/service/5626/contents/24844?lang=ko&osType=COMMONOS)
- [By Dawn's Early Light Summary, Trailer, Cast, Where to Watch and More](https://screenrant.com/)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*