---
title: "Fail Safe"
year: 1964
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/fail-safe-1964"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 502
imdb_id: null
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 112
community_rating: 7.8
vote_count: 0
content_rating: "NR"
---

# Fail Safe (1964) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/fail-safe-1964

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Fail Safe is a film first released in 1964. Catalogued under Thriller, Drama, War. Produced and broadcast by Columbia Pictures. Current status: Released.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A technical glitch puts the world on the brink of nuclear disaster."

### Why Watch
- Ensemble cast featuring Henry Fonda and Walter Matthau
- Taut Cold War thriller
- Sharp, concise runtime

### Caveats & Content Note
- Period production may feel dated to modern viewers
- Tone & Suitability: The film deals with nuclear war threats and intense political tension, suitable for mature audiences.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: tense, claustrophobic, political, cold-war, suspenseful

## Streaming Availability Matrix

Direct streaming licensing updates dynamically. Consult the live tracking interface at https://www.archytele.com/show/fail-safe-1964#watch.

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Sidney Lumet
- **Networks / Studios**: Columbia Pictures

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Henry Fonda** as *The President*
- **Walter Matthau** as *Prof. Groeteschele*
- **Fritz Weaver** as *Col. Cascio*
- **Larry Hagman** as *Buck*
- **Frank Overton** as *Gen. Bogan*
- **Edward Binns** as *Col. Jack Grady*
- **Dan O'Herlihy** as *Brig. Gen. Warren A. Black*
- **William Hansen** as *Defense Secretary Swenson*
- **Russell Hardie** as *Gen. Stark*
- **Janet Ward** as *Helen Grady*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: What genre is Fail Safe?
It is classified as a thriller, drama, and war film.

### Q: When was Fail Safe released?
The film premiered in 1964.

### Q: Who are some of the main actors?
The ensemble includes Henry Fonda, Dan O'Herlihy, Walter Matthau, among others.

### Q: What is the central premise of the story?
A technical defect causes an American bomber crew to receive a mistaken order to attack Moscow, prompting the President to act quickly to avert catastrophe.

### Q: How long is the movie?
The runtime is about 1 hour 52 minutes.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Fail Safe — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/502)
- [Fail Safe (1964 film) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fail_Safe_(1964_film))
- [Fail Safe (1964) - Herci a tvůrci - FDb.cz](https://www.fdb.cz/film/52781-fail-safe/herci-tvurci)

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