Television movie 'The Day After' was first shown in the United States on 20 November 1983. The film, which depicted war breaking out between the NATO alliance (headed by the US) and the Warsaw Pact countries of the Soviet Union, drew an audience of over 100 million people. Coming as it did at a time of real tension between these two blocs, this fictionalised account of events leading up to an exchange of nuclear strikes and the consequences struck a chord with many, most notably including then-President Ronald Reagan.
The plot, in brief, chronicles a military build-up in (then Warsaw Pact-held) East Germany by the Soviet forces, who are aiming to drive the US, UK and French garrisons from West Berlin. When this does not succeed, tensions escalate with the Soviet Union blockading West Berlin and provoking NATO forces into East Germany in order to liberate their half of the divided city. Eventually it escalates into full-blown conflict, and nuclear missiles are launched from both sides (the film's producers intentionally left it ambiguous as to which side struck first).
The film's frank depiction of the aftermath of a nuclear attack on an ordinary American city hit home with viewers, since before the attack scenes the characters were introduced complete with back stories, families, leading lives that many could relate to.
Director Nicholas Meyer set out to show as honest a depiction of the disastrous effects of nuclear war as possible, and fought with censors from ABC television to get his wishes. In addition, he did not want to use any big-name stars in the movie, although actor Steve Guttenberg (who went on to star in the Police Academy series of movies) was cast. Following the film's transmission in the US, ABC aired a live studio debate including figures such as former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, scientist Carl Sagan and former Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara, as well as General Brent Scowcroft and a conservative political commentator (William F. Buckley, Jr). The film was also shown internationally, being broadcast in the UK on the ITV network soon after transmission in the US.
Also shown in early 1984 (filmed in 1983) was the BBC's own film 'Threads'; this was an even darker production which focused on two families in Sheffield, UK who were drawn together by the engagement of a son and daughter from either family. Their plans for a life together are at first underscored by news reports depicting a military build-up similar to that told in 'The Day After' then shattered altogether by a sudden escalation of hostilities, culminating in an attack on the UK and its (bleak) aftermath.
Both 'The Day After' and 'Threads' brought it home to the ordinary person in the street just what could happen at any time, and the period was a worrying time in late 20th century history. Ultimately the Soviet Union and Warsaw Pact collapsed at the end of the 1980s and so none of this came to pass, however the weapons remain and although many have grown up without the shadow of 'mutually assured destruction' hanging over them, threats from other nations remain.
Shown is a trailer for 'The Day After':
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